QUICKREADS

Panel shortlists 2 candidates for UPERC chief post; govt to take final call
The selection committee for the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has recommended two candidates for the position of chairman. The committee, comprised of a retired judge, the chief secretary, and the UPERC chairman, has forwarded the names of Alok Kumar and Arvind Kumar to the government for final selection. The government is expected to issue a notification regarding the appointment in the coming days.

FIR against U.P. Cong chief over lemon-chilli remarks on Rafale jets
U.P. Congress chief Ajay Rai faces FIR for controversial remarks about Rafale jets, after displaying a toy plane with lemon-chilli, allegedly ridiculing the aircraft and demoralizing armed forces, as per a complaint filed by a local resident.

Meerut on high alert amid India-Pakistan standoff
Meerut district prepares for potential India-Pakistan border tensions by placing health services, transport, and public safety on high alert. Hospitals reserve emergency beds, transport readied for quick mobilization, and police intensify security checks. Nauchandi Fair may be postponed.

Man held for duping people on pretext of doubling money
Physiotherapist Sukhdev Singh arrested for allegedly scamming 2,934 people out of ₹80 crore by promising double investment returns through a fraudulent company, using 25 agents to lure victims.

World Bank president in Lucknow on May 9
World Bank president Ajay Banga visits Lucknow on May 9, meeting CM Yogi Adityanath, touring a ration plant and beekeeping center, and discussing Uttar Pradesh's economic transformation and development potential.

Two held for killing woman, stuffing body in trolley bag in Gurugram
Two men have been arrested in Gurugram for allegedly killing 33-year-old Parveen, whose body was found in a trolley bag on Faridabad road. The suspects, Dinesh Kumar and Viplav Vishwas, reportedly suffocated her during a dispute over money. The incident occurred on May 3, and police are continuing their investigation.

Delhi govt to launch 'Talent Hunt Scheme' to promote budding artists
The Delhi Government is launching a 'Talent Hunt Scheme' to support and promote emerging artists in the capital. Chaired by Art, Culture and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, the initiative aims to provide a platform for artists in various fields, offering guidance and international exposure. The scheme focuses on inclusivity, cultural diversity, and enhancing Delhi's creative landscape through workshops and mentorship.

UP leads municipal bond boom: VNN raises ₹50 cr through its first bond issue
Varanasi Nagar Nigam raises Rs 50 crore through its first municipal bond at 8.01% rate, becoming UP's fifth ULB to do so. Funds will develop a hotel complex and market complex, potentially generating Rs 8-9 crore annual revenue and creating 500 jobs.

Jan Aushadhi Kendra numbers set to increase in UP soon
Uttar Pradesh plans to establish Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras in all district hospitals and community health centers, aiming to increase affordable generic medicine outlets to over 1,100, ensuring wider access to low-cost drugs.

Major traffic reforms mulled to decongest Lucknow roads
City officials discussed comprehensive traffic reforms in Lucknow, targeting illegal roadside eateries, unauthorized e-rickshaws, and road encroachments. Plans include new bus terminals, anti-encroachment drives, road improvements, and addressing infrastructure issues to decongest city roads.

Tankers to the rescue as water supply complaints in Prayagraj surge amid rising mercury
As temperatures rise, Prayagraj water department deploys 95 tankers to address supply shortages. Control rooms handle 10-40 daily complaints, aiming to restore water within 60 minutes. City provides 400 MLD against 370 MLD demand, ensuring residents' water needs.

Bigger, juicier, sweeter: Expect an XL mango crop, say experts
Experts predict an excellent mango crop in Uttar Pradesh this season, with timely rains and favorable weather conditions promising larger, sweeter fruits. Farmers expect better yields and higher prices, with varieties like Dussehri anticipated to hit markets in early June.

U.P. braces for rising temps, light showers to linger
Temperatures in Uttar Pradesh set to rise gradually, with IMD predicting moderate heat and light showers primarily in southern districts. Maximum temperatures expected around 39°C, with partly cloudy skies and no imminent heatwave forecast.

Four cops among 5 killed in Aligarh road accident
Four policemen and an undertrial died in Aligarh when a police van hit a stationary container on Delhi-Kanpur highway. The accident occurred at 8:15 am, potentially due to driver fatigue. Authorities are investigating and have informed human rights bodies.

POCSO Act never meant to criminalise consensual relationships: Allahabad HC
Allahabad HC emphasized POCSO Act isn't meant to criminalize consensual teen relationships. Granting bail to an 18-year-old accused of raping a 16-year-old, the court noted the consensual nature and lack of medical evidence should be considered.

HYDRAA will check unauthorised constructions in Telangana capital: CM
Hyderabad Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced the formation of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) to combat unauthorized constructions and civic issues, aiming to prevent pollution and infrastructure decay. He emphasized the need for timely decisions to avoid problems faced by other major cities and defended HYDRAA against opposition claims of being anti-poor.