QUICKREADS

Business-friendly green clearances must be eliminated: Citizens write to environment ministry
Residents of Pune have expressed concerns to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in response to suggestions/objections called by the ministry over the Forest Conservation Amendment Bill 2023. The citizens demanded that MoEFCC must eliminate business-friendly forest clearance, to safeguard the forest area in the country.

Chandigarh: Police arrest two aides of Happy Passia with explosives
Chandigarh police arrested two associates of gangster Happy Passia, seizing explosives and firearms near Ziri Mandi Chowk. The suspects are being interrogated about a potential bomb attack, with evidence sent for forensic analysis.

BSF fortifies grid at forward posts along LoC in north Kashmir
BSF strengthens defenses along LoC in north Kashmir amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, following the Pahalgam terror attack. Additional troops, checkpoints, and heightened surveillance are deployed to prevent potential infiltration and respond to ceasefire violations.

Delhi CM Gupta reviews quick response firefighting vehicles
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reviewed quick response vehicles (QRVs) designed for firefighting in narrow streets, emphasizing their importance in congested areas. Equipped with advanced fire suppression and rescue tools, 100 QRVs will soon be deployed. Gupta announced a Rs 504 crore budget for fire services, aiming to modernize Delhi's firefighting capabilities with new technology and resources.

Human right panel seeks status report of integrated complexes by Aug 20
Haryana Human Rights Commission summons officials to report on integrated complexes' progress, highlighting delays in land identification and construction across districts, with specific focus on Gurugram's unresolved land issue for a children's complex.

PDA kept away from education, jobs: Akhilesh
Akhilesh Yadav criticizes UP government, claiming PDA communities are excluded from education and jobs. He predicts 2027 elections as 'Yogi vs Pratiyogi' and accuses BJP of privatization, corruption, and hindering youth opportunities.

Last rites of Lance Naik, who died in Poonch shelling, performed in Palwal
Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, 32, killed in Poonch sector shelling, was cremated with military honors in Palwal. Survived by pregnant wife, two children, and two army-serving brothers, he was remembered as a brave soldier by grieving family and officials.

Kendriya Hindi Sansthan granted deemed university status
Kendriya Hindi Sansthan gains deemed university status, enabling expanded educational opportunities, research focus, and Hindi language promotion under the ministry of education's recent notification from May 5, 2025.

Rural families in U.P. to get potable water sans financial strain
Uttar Pradesh government will cover community contribution for the Har Ghar Nal scheme, eliminating upfront costs for rural households. Villagers receive tap water connections without financial burden, paying only Rs 50 monthly for maintenance.

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.