Haryana to promote bajra as nutri-cereal

Haryana government will promote bajra as a 'nutri-cereal' under the national food security mission in 2023, which the United Nations has declared as the international year of 'nutri-cereals'. In Haryana, bajra is cultivated on about 10 to 12 lakh acres, while crop production is about 8 quintals per acre, chief secretary Sanjeev Kaushal said in a meeting of the state food security mission.

NIA arrests rights activist Khurram Parvez in NGO terror-funding case

The NIA arrested Khurram Parvez, program coordinator of Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Societies (JKCCS) and chairperson of Philippines-based NGO Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD), in a terror-funding case. He was chargesheeted in May last year for collecting funds from abroad to fund terror activities in Kashmir and propagating secessionist agenda. The case relates to the terror funding of proscribed terrorist organisations, such as LeT and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, by certain NGOs, trusts and societies based in the Valley.

Three held for making extortion calls in Haryana’s Kaithal

Three people were arrested in Kaithal, Haryana on charges of extortion over social media. Acting on a complaint, police managed to trace the accused and recovered a mobile phone. Rajya Sabha member Deepender Hooda flagged off five buses in Jind district to help girls from humble backgrounds pursue education. A Haryana police constable committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan in his quarter at Haryana Police Academy, citing depression after losing ?17 lakh in online gambling.

Delhi girl raped, murdered in Haryana’s Jhajjar, one held

Police in Jhajjar, India, have arrested one man in connection with the abduction, rape and murder of a girl from Delhi who had gone missing since February 15. The accused's statement led to the exhumation of the victim's decomposed body, which will be sent to PGIMS Rohtak for a post-mortem. Further investigations are underway.

Earthquake brings back memories of deadly 2005 tremors in Kashmir

Yesterday, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake shook northern parts of India, causing widespread panic among the people of the region due to the recent earthquake in Turkey. Experts fear that the region, located in seismic Zone IV and V, could experience a major earthquake anytime in the future. Reports of three deaths in Tanghdar were later found to be false. People are urged to focus on safety measures and building resilience to minimise potential losses.

Haryana sarpanches to protest at Jantar Mantar on April 3

Haryana Sarpanch Association has announced a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on April 3 to demand the withdrawal of e-tendering, the right to re-recall act, and the implementation of Panchayati Raj Act. The association will visit villages to inform people about the wrong policies of the BJP-JJP government and will protest against ruling party MLAs and MPs.

Editors Guild of India condemns Kashmir journalist Irfan Mehraj’s arrest by NIA

Prominent media bodies, including the Editors Guild of India and Reporters Without Borders, condemned the arrest of freelance Kashmir journalist Irfan Mehraj by the National Investigation Agency on Tuesday. They urged the government to stop the "harassment of journalists in the name of national security", and called for special laws intended to combat terrorism not to be used to "suppress the activities" of journalists.

Yamunanagar: FIR registered after injured man dies at PGIMER

Police registered a murder case after 37-year-old Vijay Kumar, an alcoholic accused in theft cases, died from injuries found in an open plot in Yamunanagar. His brother suspects one person, identified as Ajay alias Manga, who was seen near Vijay and an autopsy is being performed to investigate the case.

New Metro line launch in Bengaluru for electoral gains: Congress

Karnataka Congress has accused the BJP of launching the KR Puram-Whitefield Metro line in Bengaluru for electoral benefit. Experts, however, welcome the move as it would address traffic congestion in the IT hub. The Congress alleges incomplete construction and safety issues, while experts say the full potential of the line will be seen when the stretch between KR Puram and Byappanahalli is completed. PM Modi is set to inaugurate the metro line on March 25.

Blacklisting of contractors discriminatory: Sajjad Lone

Sajjad Lone lambasted the UT administration for blacklisting contractors based on reports from covert agencies, calling it "discriminatory" and "inherently biased". He termed the blacklisting as "scripting of disaster" and said that contractors have already approached court.

Residents of Dombivli project protest over lack of promised amenities

At least 200 residents of the Runwal My City housing complex in Dombivli protested against the developer on Wednesday, alleging they had been cheated on promises made at the time of flat purchases. Residents complained of lack of basic facilities like roads, water, club house, boundary wall and unpaid property tax. The developer has agreed to a meeting with the residents to discuss the grievances.

U.P. govt moots telemedicine, upgradation of 21K rural health centres

The Ayushman Bharat campaign will upgrade 21,675 health facilities in rural areas to Health and Wellness Centres and equip them with telemedicine services. Patients can get health advice and free medicines from higher centres via telemedicine and won't need to travel long distances. This arrangement will reduce footfall at higher centres and ensure early start of treatment.

Despite new Metro lines, RTOs see 23% increase in vehicle registration on Gudi Padwa

Despite the two new metro lines in Mumbai, the number of vehicles registered at three RTOs on Gudi Padwa has increased by 23%. The two lines were intended to reduce vehicular traffic, but commuters prefer cars/motorbikes for comfort and commute time. The existing metro rails are not operating at full capacity, and there is scope for improvement.

Pakistan not responding to queries on film producer’s minor children: MEA to HC

Film producer Mushtaq Nadiadwala has claimed that his children went to Pakistan with their mother in 2020 and haven't returned. The Central Government has informed the Bombay High Court that despite repeated reminders to the Pakistani Ministry, they have not been able to ascertain the whereabouts of the children. The petition seeks direction to the ministry and police to facilitate the return of his family with the assistance of Interpol. The court has directed the ministry to file an affidavit on the steps taken to track and bring back the children.

BJP’s narrative over Tipu’s death backfired: Analysts

BJP's attempt to woo Vokkaliga voters in Karnataka with an unsubstantiated claim that two chieftains from the community killed Tipu Sultan has backfired. This has been rebutted by a prominent seer and local leaders, who have accused the party of insulting the community. The controversy has had a negative impact on BJP's chances in the region and its inability to make a minister or leader responsible for the region has further restricted its prospects.

Doda land subsidence: GSI report recommends avoiding habitation, no new construction on slope

A Geological Survey of India (GSI) report has attributed land subsidence at Doda's Nai Basti village to factors like excavation, poor drainage, steep slope and rainfall. It has recommended avoiding habitation on unstable slopes, diverting surface runoff, spot bolting and landslide zonation of the area. No action has been initiated on the GSI report so far, awaiting other reports.