QUICKREADS

20 Pune charitable institutes in possession of state land under scanner for lease violations
Officials in Pune, India, have started an investigation into whether land allocated to charitable institutions for educational and social purposes is being used as intended. At least 20 of the 346 institutions in the district have violated terms and conditions, according to a report submitted to the state government. Officials say that action will be taken against those who have not renewed leases or used land for the intended purpose, with the options of taking back land or levying heavy fines. The land was leased at nominal rates by the state government through the district collector’s office.

Malad residents affected by road widening pin hopes on HC
Malad residents are challenging BMC's road widening project in Bombay High Court, claiming the work threatens building structures, parking spaces, and green cover. They allege the project unfairly benefits a developer and violates proper procedures.

Shivaji’s legacy in national curriculum
Maharashtra's education minister proposed including Chhatrapati Shivaji's history in national curriculum, which was accepted by the Union education minister. The move aims to educate students nationwide about the 17th-century Maratha warrior king's legacy and contributions.

Delhi cancels leaves of officials and doctors until further notice
Delhi government cancels leaves for officials and doctors due to heightened security tensions with Pakistan. Police increase night patrols and traffic regulation in the capital, maintaining vigilance across the city.

Bulldozer runs over six-year-old in Pune; driver held
In Pune, a bulldozer ran over a six-year-old boy near his mother's kiosk while she was away. The child was declared dead. The 26-year-old driver, Rahul Yadav, was arrested for rash and negligent driving.

HC seeks Centre’s response to firm’s plea to allow human trials of cancer vaccine
Bombay High Court issued notice to drug regulator over a Nashik-based cancer research firm's plea to conduct human trials for Per-C-Vax, challenging CDSCO's rejection of their vaccine trial application under clinical trial rules.

HC contemplates committee for conservation of Thane flamingo sanctuary
Bombay High Court considers forming a committee to monitor conservation of Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, focusing on expanding eco-sensitive zones, banning aquaculture, regulating activities, and protecting the habitat's ecological integrity.

Pune police custody of four in Mercedes accident case extended by 2 days
Four men arrested in a fatal Mercedes accident in Pune have their police custody extended by two days. The speeding car killed one youth and injured another on May 3, with all accused allegedly intoxicated during the incident.

Relief for residents as PMRDA to build its own STPs in its jurisdiction
PMRDA plans to build its own sewage treatment plants (STPs) in its jurisdiction, aiming to improve sanitation for residents. A project management consultant will assess population needs and guide STP placement in rapidly growing areas like Hinjewadi and Wagholi.

Over 50,000 housing projects registered with MahaRERA; highest in India
Maharashtra's MahaRERA registered 50,162 housing projects, the highest in India, representing 35% of national housing projects. The milestone reflects expanding real estate development across the state, particularly in regions like Konkan and Pune.

Discom SDO suspended for non-performance
Haryana energy minister Anil Vij recommended suspending Avneet Bhardwaj, SDO at DHBVNL Farrukhnagar, for non-performance. The suspension was immediate, with the officer required to report to Hisar office and receive subsistence allowance.

Two premium housing societies in Pune allegedly found polluting Ramnadi River
Two premium housing societies in Pune are accused of polluting Ramnadi River by releasing untreated sewage. MPCB initiated action, local gram panchayats issued notices, and residents demand accountability for environmental and health hazards.

Pune railway division earns ₹62 crore in revenue from ticket cancellations
The Pune division of Central Railway reported a revenue of ?62.7 crore from ticket cancellations in the financial year 2024-25, a 24% increase from ?50.48 crore in 2023-24. The rise is attributed to last-minute cancellations, with policies criticized for excessive fees. Passengers are urged to reconsider booking practices amid concerns over fairness in ticketing and refund policies.

Kartarpur Corridor shut from India’s side indefinitely, Pak keeps doors open
India has indefinitely closed the Kartarpur Corridor, halting Sikh pilgrimages to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, following heightened tensions after a recent terror attack. While India has ceased pilgrimages, Pakistan maintains the corridor is open, emphasizing its role as a symbol of peace. This corridor, inaugurated in 2019, allows visa-free access for Indian devotees.

BSF suspends Beating Retreat ceremony indefinitely
The Border Security Force (BSF) has suspended Beating Retreat ceremonies at Punjab's border checkposts with Pakistan due to safety concerns amid rising tensions. The daily flag-lowering will continue, but public access is restricted. This decision follows previous reductions in ceremonial displays after recent security incidents. The BSF aims to ensure the safety and security of visitors.

Pune: Summer rush throws train schedules off track; 48 services affected in April
In Pune, 48 trains faced delays or rescheduling in April due to summer holiday traffic, affecting thousands of travelers. Services like Jhelum Express and Azad Hind Express were notably impacted, with some trains arriving over two hours late. Railway officials cited increased congestion and limited track capacity as reasons for the disruptions, acknowledging the challenges during peak travel seasons.