Haryana: New excise policy spells out curbs for ahatas

Haryana's new excise policy imposes strict regulations on liquor shops and ahatas, including size limits, performance bans, reduced operating hours, increased fees, and visibility restrictions to curb aggressive marketing and unauthorized expansions while maintaining alcohol availability.

Blackout drill for 10 min at 7.30 pm on Wednesday in Chandigarh

Chandigarh will conduct a 10-minute blackout drill on Wednesday from 7:30 pm to 7:40 pm, as advised by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs amid rising tensions with Pakistan. Residents are urged to switch off all lights and appliances. The drill aims to prepare for potential threats, and hospitals will not be affected. Participation is voluntary.

Meghalaya pushes for expansion of Baljek Airport

Meghalaya seeks AAI takeover of Baljek Airport to enhance regional connectivity, aiming to operationalize 20-seater aircraft initially and later upgrade to ATR-72. The strategic airport promises economic development, improved accessibility, and potential military utility near the India-Bangladesh border.

Substance abuse rings alarm bells in dry Bihar

A social media influencer from Bihar fell into substance abuse after connecting with wrong people. The incident highlights a growing trend of drug addiction among youth, cutting across economic and social boundaries, with easy access to cheap drugs posing a significant challenge for families and society.

Court dismisses corruption complaint against CM Siddaramaiah, minister over ad revenue losses

A Bengaluru Special Court dismissed a conspiracy complaint against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others, alleging significant revenue losses for the BBMP from 2015 to 2017. The court found the claims speculative and lacking evidence, ruling that irregularities did not equate to corruption. The Karnataka Lokayukta had previously closed the case, and the court upheld those findings.

Mock drills in Karnataka: Three locations in the state to train civilians tomorrow. Full details

Karnataka will conduct security mock drills in Bengaluru, Raichur, and Karwar, focusing on strategic locations like ISRO, thermal power station, and nuclear facility. The nationwide exercise aims to enhance civilian preparedness and infrastructure protection amid heightened security concerns.

'If you riot, I will not back your cause': Mamata Banerjee warns Waqf protestors

Mamata Banerjee warns protesters against violence over Waqf Act, urging peace after communal clashes in Suti. She visited riot-affected areas, distributed compensation, and emphasized unity while criticizing BJP and external provocations.

How dare you hit me! Principal and librarian exchange slaps at MP school; suspended

In Madhya Pradesh's Khargone district, a physical altercation between a school principal and librarian escalated into a viral video, leading to their suspension. The fight, stemming from work-related disputes, saw both women exchanging slaps and hair-pulling. Authorities are investigating, and both have filed complaints against each other with local police.

Guest Column| Punjab on brink: From myths, misgovernance to reforms

Punjab faces a severe water crisis, with 117 of 150 administrative blocks over-exploited. Rivers run dry, groundwater depletes, and storage infrastructure is limited. The state lacks capacity to retain water, challenging narratives of intentional water wastage and highlighting complex hydrological and ecological constraints.

‘Don’t sacrifice public transport for private vehicles’: Tejasvi Surya writes to BBMP Chief on prime Bengaluru land

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya urges BBMP to allocate 45-acre Hebbal land entirely for metro infrastructure, opposing the state government's plan to use part of it for a tunnel road project, emphasizing the need for public transport solutions in congested Bengaluru.

Punjab: 3 workers die cleaning sewage plant in Bathinda refinery township

Three sanitation workers died from suffocation while cleaning a sewage treatment plant in Bathinda's refinery township. Another worker is hospitalized. The incident occurred after workers inhaled methane gas during the cleaning operation.

Rahul calls on Pahalgam terror attack victim Lt Vinay Narwal’s family in Karnal

Rahul Gandhi met Lt Vinay Narwal's family in Karnal, offering condolences after the Pahalgam terror attack. The navy officer was killed alongside 25 others, leaving behind his recently wedded wife. Haryana CM announced compensation and a government job for the family.

Five of family killed in car-truck collision near Karnataka's Hubballi while returning from family function

A tragic car-truck collision near Ingalhalli village in Dharwad district resulted in the deaths of five family members, including three women. The accident occurred on National Highway 218 while they were returning from an engagement in Sagar. The truck driver reported the car collided head-on with his vehicle. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Man accused of murder, robbery at Agra jwellery killed in encounter with police

Main murder and robbery suspect Aman was killed in a police encounter after attempting to snatch an officer's pistol. He was accused of shooting a jeweller near Kargil crossing in Agra. Two other suspects are arrested or being sought.

Odisha govt asks officials to complete fire safety inspection in hospitals in 15 days

The Odisha government has mandated a 15-day fire safety inspection of government healthcare facilities following recent fire incidents. Health Secretary Aswathy S instructed officials to prioritize high-risk areas and ensure proper generator connections. A budget of Rs 300 crore is allocated for fire safety improvements, and regular mock drills and inspections will be conducted to maintain safety standards.

Patiala turns fortress to deter Punjab farmers from reaching Shambhu police station

Punjab Police blockaded roads near Shambhu police station to prevent farmer protests, detaining key leaders and setting up checkpoints. Farmers demand compensation for missing items during a previous crackdown, while authorities vow to maintain law and order.