Screening exam forms integral part of final selection: Allahabad HC

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court ruled that meritorious reserved-category candidates scoring above the unreserved category cut-off must be treated as unreserved applicants from the screening stage. The court directed the state to clarify its policy within three months, emphasizing the screening exam's importance in the final selection for Swasthya Shiksha Adhikari recruitment. Background includes challenges against recruitment conditions established by the UP Public Service Commission.

Feeding strays outside designated spots to invite action, says Shimla mayor

The Shimla Municipal Corporation meeting on Tuesday highlighted the rising issues of monkeys and stray dogs, prompting Mayor Surender Chauhan to enforce rules against feeding dogs outside designated areas. An ₹18 lakh upgrade for the Tutikandi dog shelter was announced, increasing capacity to 300 dogs, alongside planned anti-rabies and sterilization drives. Pet dog registration will be mandatory.

Grenade found near house triggers panic in Nalagarh

A grenade was discovered in Deoli village, Nalagarh, causing local panic as police, led by SP Vinod Dhiman, evacuated nearby homes. The object was linked to a dispute in Majra village, prompting cross-FIRs. The bomb disposal squad was called to assess the grenade's status. Authorities urged restraint in sharing unverified information. This follows a recent IED blast under NIA investigation.

Lobbying, caste and regional equations: BJP brainstorms possible RS picks in UP

The BJP is finalizing candidates for 10 Rajya Sabha seats amid key lobbying and political calculations, considering around 20 prospective names, including Smriti Irani and Harish Dwivedi. The nomination process began on Tuesday, with voting set for October 16. The party aims to select members reflecting caste dynamics and enhance organizational needs before the 2027 assembly polls.

EC row: Congress ‘trying to create atmosphere of anarchy’, says Jai Ram Thakur

Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur accused Congress of fostering an "atmosphere of anarchy" by attacking the Election Commission after failing politically. He defended the EC's integrity and clarified a controversial letter pertained to administrative functions, not policy decisions. Congress leader Vinay Kumar countered, claiming the BJP's dictatorial practices deprived voters of their rights. Historically, Thakur has criticized Congress's political maneuvers.

STF arrests Rajasthan man in Chinese hawala network case

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) arrested Ganpat Lal Rajpurohit, 30, for allegedly facilitating the transfer of over ₹11 crore to China via hawala channels. Arrested in Delhi, he collected cash linked to under-invoicing by Chinese national Liao Longhui's companies. The STF previously apprehended Liao and associates. Investigations into shell companies and money trails continue.

Bus hits bike at Ashram; 1 killed

A 22-year-old woman, Hrishita Lahon, was killed in southeast Delhi when a speeding bus allegedly hit the ride-sharing motorcycle she was on. The bus driver remains unarrested. Lahon, a social media intern and master's student, was declared dead at Apollo Hospital. The police are investigating and seeking to trace the bus driver.

DTC strike prohibited for 6 months under HESMA

The Delhi government has declared DTC and Cluster Bus services essential under the Haryana Essential Services Maintenance Act (HESMA), banning strikes for six months amid ongoing protests by contractual drivers over wages. This decision aims to restore disrupted bus services, crucial for public transit. Violations may incur criminal penalties, while over 500 drivers face termination.

The pieces came together: Jennifer Bailey on why Apple Pay lands in India now

Apple Pay launches in India after a decade, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch users to make contactless payments using Axis Bank credit cards. The service leverages biometric authentication for security. With India’s growing credit card usage, Apple aims to compete against existing mobile payment solutions. The successful rollout depends on seamless user experience and collaboration with partners.

SIR row: No police nod so far for Oct 2 protest in Delhi

Delhi Police has denied permission for an October 2 protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing restrictions on gatherings. Opposition parties demand Kumar's resignation over concerns about the electoral rolls. Activists have voiced criticisms of the government's actions, while reports highlight internal Election Commission disputes. Barricades are now in place around the protest site.

E Delhi: Man killed as walls collapse during renovation

A 45-year-old man, Satish Singh, died and two others were injured when walls of an under-construction house in northeast Delhi's Tahirpur collapsed while they were inside a bakery. The incident, reported around 3:55 PM, prompted a rescue operation involving three fire tenders. Police are investigating claims about the victims’ employment and have yet to register a case.

MCD House: Councillors flag gaps in air pollution control

Delhi's Municipal Corporation House focused on air pollution, with councillors questioning current measures amid the approval of over 31 policy proposals. Key issues raised included illegal dumping, waste management, and ineffective dust control. BJP's Ritu Goyal and Congress's Nazia Danish called for immediate action. The session also saw disruptions from AAP councillors protesting a minister's alleged assault.

Trio, including juvenile, held for murder during robbery at Kashmere Gate

In a shocking incident, police arrested a 21-year-old man and his 24-year-old accomplice, along with a juvenile, for allegedly killing cash collection agent Prabhat during a robbery in north Delhi's Kashmere Gate. The assailants ambushed Prabhat’s e-rickshaw, fatally stabbing him and injuring two others. Authorities recovered ₹2.29 lakh and linked the crime to Prabhat's cousin.

Delhi Cabinet approves real-time pollution source tracking, EV road sweepers

The Delhi government has approved two key measures to enhance year-round pollution control: developing a real-time system with IIT-Delhi to identify pollution sources and deploying 30 electric road-sweeping machines. These initiatives, aimed at tackling road dust and other pollutants comprehensively, are part of an effort to improve air quality and support ongoing pollution management strategies.

MCD announces property tax amnesty scheme to pay old dues

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched the ‘Sampattikar Niptaan Yojana (SUNIYO) 2.0’ scheme, enabling taxpayers to clear old property tax dues by paying the principal tax for the current and past seven financial years, from 2019-20 to 2025-26, offering relief from penalties. The scheme runs from September 29 to December 31, 2026, aiming to simplify tax payment processes.

Ludhiana: Factory discharge blamed for poor water quality

Residents of Jaspalon village protested Tuesday against a factory accused of discharging chemically contaminated water, impacting groundwater quality and health. Despite previous assurances from the factory, locals reported high total dissolved solids (TDS) levels and unsatisfactory PPCB responses. As tensions rose, officials collected water samples, and protesters threatened prolonged action if no adequate investigation occurred.

Delhi records 17-yr low in September temperature second time this month

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 21°C on Tuesday, marking its lowest for September since 2008, according to the IMD. The temperature was 2.3°C below normal, with cooler readings at other stations. While this cool spell is expected to ease, it has contributed to improved air quality, with a satisfactory AQI of 71. Weather forecasts predict clearer skies ahead.

Vasant Kunj: 2 die after truck runs over their bike; driver held

Two young men, Daksh (20) and Chirag Umredkar (21), were killed in a motorcycle accident involving a truck in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. The truck driver, Ankit Yadav, was arrested after fleeing the scene. The victims were returning home from a party, and police are investigating the incident, noting the area is known for accidents.

Friend aided killer of content creator locate house: Cops

A 350-page charge sheet reveals that Imran Khan, 27, planned and executed the murder of 21-year-old fashion content creator Muskan Sharma in her Delhi home, with a friend aiding his actions. The police report indicates a history of coercive behavior from Khan after Sharma rejected his advances, leading to her tragic stabbing on August 26.

Slap row: 3 AAP leaders booked for cop ‘assault’

Delhi Police filed a case against AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Jarnail Singh, and party worker Saheb Singh for allegedly assaulting a head constable during a protest in Tilak Nagar, captured on video. Bharadwaj claimed police provocation aimed to incite unrest. This follows an earlier incident involving PWD Minister Parvesh Verma and disputes over roadwork accountability.

Forensic evidence, 50 witness statements key part of charge sheet in rape of 16-yr-old in bus: Delhi Police in charge sheet

New Delhi police filed a comprehensive charge sheet against a bus driver and conductor accused of gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on August 4, including forensic evidence, biological samples, and witness statements. The document, totaling 400 pages, incorporates CCTV footage and witness accounts from various individuals. The incident occurred when the victim boarded the bus, misled by the conductor.

Long-awaited Barapullah Phase-III opens; Amit Shah launches key projects

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated significant infrastructure projects in Delhi, including the Barapullah Phase III corridor and Mukarba Chowk underpass, valued at ₹1,941 crore. These projects, part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, aim to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time. The Barapullah corridor connects key areas and incorporates pedestrian facilities, improving urban transit for residents.

Manchanda murder: ‘Probe role of surgeon, Ggm cops in evidence destruction’

A Delhi court has ordered an investigation into potential evidence tampering by Badshahpur police officials and a hospital autopsy surgeon in the murder case of real estate professional Yuvraj Singh Manchanda. Found dead after going missing on September 6, the court flagged serious procedural lapses that may have hindered evidence preservation. The case may implicate police negligence and procedural violations.

Delhi plans new parallel ₹7,240cr piped water link from Munak to Haiderpur

Delhi plans a new piped water conveyance system from Munak, Haryana, to Haiderpur, aiming to enhance water supply capacity with a design of 1,050 cusecs. IIT-Roorkee is analyzing options, favoring a cost-effective pressure-flow system. This project addresses existing canal limitations and prepares for upcoming dam enhancements, potentially reducing transmission losses in Delhi’s water supply.

Panel led by ex-CJI to oversee claims of homebuyers in Gurugram’s Greenopolis project

The Delhi High Court has formed a monitoring committee led by former CJI Sanjiv Khanna to manage claims from approximately 1,650 homebuyers impacted by the stalled Greenopolis housing project in Gurugram. The court aims to expedite relief despite complex competing claims linked to properties involved in an ED investigation dating back to a 2011 agreement gone awry.

Plot-wise land use map of Delhi ’47 master plan goes digital

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has launched a GIS-based interactive digital map, accessible on its website, providing citizens with plot-wise land use information under the Master Plan for Delhi 2047 (MPD-2047). Users can explore nine major land-use categories and various thematic layers to facilitate planning and analysis, enhancing transparency and reducing the need for physical inquiries. This initiative aligns with broader urban planning goals.

Delhi Jal Board identifies 43 points of sewage contaminating Def Col, Barapullah stormwater network

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has pinpointed 43 sites where sewage enters Defence Colony and Barapullah drains, aiming to curb untreated sewage. A task force has been established to oversee action plans, including restoring sewer lines and constructing treatment plants. Despite challenges like legal restrictions and policy gaps, efforts are underway to protect the Yamuna from sewage pollution.

‘Not a bystander’:court convicts man for attempt to murder in 2017

A Delhi court convicted Manish for attempted murder of 18-year-old Sonu in 2017, emphasizing his active role during the assault. The court found compelling evidence, including the victim’s consistent testimony, medical reports, and DNA matching. Manish's alibi was rejected as fabricated. The sentencing will be determined on September 30, 2023.

Ludhiana: Small units on edge as mixed land use policy expires today

Thousands of small industrial units in Ludhiana face uncertainty as the mixed land use (MLU) policy expires on September 30. Industrialists warn that without an extension, regulatory actions may lead to financial ruin when relocating. Background shows the MLU policy was originally intended to provide operational leeway, yet alternative industrial zones remain undeveloped.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says Prahaar is not ‘mere entertainment’

**Rajkummar Rao stars in *Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam*, a film inspired by the legacy of public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, known for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. Premiering on October 16, the movie's trailer was launched with praise from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, highlighting its important message about justice and sacrifice. Produced by Maddock Films and directed by Avinash Arun, it also features Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sikandar Kher.**