QUICKREADS

Pawar vs Pawar redux: Did uncle best the nephew again?
Ajit Pawar, the former deputy chief minister of Maharashtra and nephew of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, has denied rumours of an impending split in the party, saying he would remain in the NCP "until his last breath." The denial comes amid allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was making overtures to him. Sources say Sharad Pawar was aware of the parleys between Ajit Pawar and the BJP and about the outreach to his MLAs. However, no one in the NCP wants to openly challenge Sharad Pawar.

Restrained from releasing water to Haryana, BBMB chief tells HC
BBMB chairman Manoj Tripathi claims Punjab Police prevented his officials from releasing water to Haryana, despite court and home ministry orders. He was reportedly detained at a guest house by police after being surrounded by a mob at Nangal dam.

Irrigation dept raises concerns over ongoing riverfront development project
Irrigation department warns Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations about Riverfront Development project, citing concerns over river cross-section, biodiversity, and potential NOC violations during construction work along Mula-Mutha river.

HP govt cancels long leaves of all docs, med staff
Himachal Pradesh government cancels long leaves for doctors and medical staff, puts hospitals on high alert amid India-Pakistan tensions. All medical services will remain operational 24/7, with special preparations for potential emergency situations.

Ladakh admn bans flying of drones, UAVs
Ladakh administration bans drone and UAV flights in Leh and Kargil districts due to security concerns, warning of strict legal action against violators. Locals, tourists, and private persons are prohibited from flying drones near the Pakistan border.

Punjab: Hoarders warned of action, ban on firecrackers
Punjab authorities warn against hoarding essential goods and impose firecracker bans in border districts. Officials across multiple regions emphasize adequate supply of essentials and promise legal action against hoarders, ensuring public safety and preventing panic buying.

Ferozepur, Fazilka villages move to safer zones amid Pak attack
Punjab border villages near Pakistan are voluntarily evacuating, with 45-50% of families relocated. Around 15 most vulnerable villages in Ferozepur and Fazilka districts are moving women, children, and livestock to safer areas amid rising tensions and potential cross-border conflict.

Pak drones target army bases in Pathankot, Jalandhar; neutralised
Pakistan launched drone and rocket attacks on military facilities in Punjab's Pathankot and Jalandhar. Indian forces neutralized the threats, with no casualties reported. Blackouts were declared in 16 districts, and authorities urged calm while remaining vigilant.

Leaves of health staff cancelled in Punjab amid India-Pak tensions
Punjab government cancels health staff leaves amid India-Pakistan tensions, directing medical personnel to stay at stations, maintain emergency readiness, and ensure medical supplies are available. State transport and police are also on high alert for potential security challenges.

Amid rise in border tensions, Golden Temple footfall drops by 70%
Golden Temple experiences 70% drop in visitors due to India-Pakistan tensions, after missile debris discovery near Amritsar. Locals are anxious, with shrine premises unusually empty and devotees preferring to stay home amid escalating border concerns.

16 of 23 Punjab districts go dark amid Pak attack
Punjab imposes blackout in 16 districts following tensions with Pakistan. Authorities advise citizens to switch off lights and remain calm, with measures taken as a precautionary response to potential attacks, following air force and army directions.

BBMB row, repeal of Dam Safety Act: A hardening stance behind Punjab’s firm resolution
Punjab unanimously passed a resolution demanding repeal of the Dam Safety Act 2021, citing infringement on state water rights and tensions with BBMB over water distribution, arguing the central law undermines Punjab's sovereign control over rivers and dams.

Opposition slams Mann govt for failing to act on water rights issue
Opposition leaders criticize Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for inaction on water rights, accusing him of failing to challenge a high court ruling favoring the Bhakra Beas Management Board and potentially losing additional water to Haryana through legal negligence.

Will challenge HC order before top court: Mann
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will challenge the Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision on BBMB and water sharing in the Supreme Court, accusing the BJP of attempting to illegally divert Punjab's water and vowing to fight politically and legally.

Janardhan Reddy disqualified as Karnataka MLA after conviction in mining case
Karnataka MLA G Janardhan Reddy has been disqualified from the State Legislative Assembly following his conviction in a CBI case. The disqualification, effective May 6, is based on Article 191(1)(e) of the Constitution and Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Reddy will remain disqualified for six years post-release unless a court intervenes.

BBMB chairman’s ‘detention’: Bittu demands FIR against Mann, Bains
Union minister Ravneet Bittu demands FIR against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and education minister Harjot Bains for allegedly detaining the BBMB chairman while overseeing dam security, criticizing their political tactics and questioning their actions.