20 aloo tikkis, ‘Rusty’ tales and growing old gently: Ruskin Bond is 92

India's beloved author Ruskin Bond celebrated his 92nd birthday in Dehradun, showcasing his enduring zest for storytelling despite health challenges. Known for over 500 published works, Bond shared anecdotes from his youth, emphasizing his deep love for India. His latest book, "All-Time Favourite Friendship Stories," celebrates the theme of friendship, highlighting Bond's lifelong connection to his homeland.

DMF case: EOW/ACB files 5,000-page supplementary chargesheet against ex-IAS officer

The Economic Offences Wing and Anti-Corruption Bureau has filed a nearly 5,000-page supplementary chargesheet against former IAS officer Anil Tuteja and businessman Satpal Singh Chhabra in the District Mineral Foundation case, alleging illegal commissions for contracts worth ₹60.75 crore. The investigation revealed misuse of DMF funds and ongoing inquiries into additional individuals and assets.

₹1 million ‘missing’ from Pahari Mandir accounts; ‘responsible’ official claims conspiracy

Financial irregularities at Ranchi Pahari Mandir reveal over ₹1.1 million in unverified disbursements linked to misconduct. An internal audit highlighted unauthorized payments to individuals, including ₹2,60,000 to a temple committee member. Protests demand inquiries amid claims of a conspiracy by former officials. Ongoing legal disputes complicate the temple's administration and financial oversight.

Seven cadres of banned outfits arrested across Manipur: Police

Security forces in Manipur arrested seven cadres from banned underground outfits for extortion and criminal activities, including three from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the Indo-Myanmar border. The arrested individuals, aged 19 to 30, were taken from various locations. This follows previous arrests of three cadres from different outfits in Imphal West and Thoubal districts.

Fake RPF officer kidnaps labourer from train in Thane, demands ₹10,000 ransom

A 27-year-old labourer in Thane, Maharashtra, was allegedly kidnapped by a man posing as a Railway Protection Force officer who demanded a ransom of Rs 10,000. The incident occurred on the Hatia Superfast Express. Police are investigating, and a search for the victim and kidnapper is ongoing. The complainant has not paid the ransom.

Bastar witnessed ‘real freedom’ only after end of Maoist violence: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the end of Left Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh as a new beginning for Bastar, inaugurating the region's first Jan Suvidha Kendra. This facility aims to provide various government services to the community. Shah emphasized the government's commitment to compensating for past losses and transforming Bastar through nearly 70 similar centres in the future.

Wanted murder accused arrested after shootout with Faridabad police team

A wanted criminal, accused of murdering 25-year-old Sachin Mehra, was arrested after a shootout with police in Bhupani, Faridabad. The suspect, who had been on the run since April 10, opened fire on officers but was shot in the leg during the exchange. He faces multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder, and is being treated at a hospital.

MCM floats ₹107 crore sanitation tender for Manesar infrastructure upgrade

The Municipal Corporation of Manesar has issued a ₹107-crore tender for a comprehensive sanitation project to enhance road cleaning and waste collection over the next five years, opening for bids on June 5. The initiative, prompted by rising complaints about sanitation issues, will involve over 600 workers and mechanised services to improve cleanliness across the area. Manesar's rapid growth has highlighted significant infrastructure gaps in waste management and sewage disposal.

GMDA seeks Haryana nod for elevated road between key Gurugram junctions

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has proposed a three-kilometre elevated road between Hero Honda Chowk and Umang Bhardwaj Chowk to alleviate congestion. The project, estimated at ₹181 crore, awaits Haryana government's approval before the National Highways Authority of India executes it. This plan, evolving over five years, aims to enhance connectivity between the Dwarka Expressway and Delhi-Jaipur Highway.

37-year-old falls to death while cleaning carpet on Gurugram terrace

A 37-year-old assistant manager from Jammu and Kashmir died after falling 15 floors into a shaft while cleaning a carpet on Sunday morning in Sector 52. The incident occurred when he lost balance while shaking the carpet on the terrace. Authorities confirmed the death as accidental, and an inquiry is underway. The victim lived with his wife and two children.

Heat wave grips Gurugram; hospitals prepare for rise in heat illnesses

The district sweltered under a maximum temperature of 42°C on Monday, exceeding seasonal norms, with an active heat wave warning in effect until Friday. Temperatures are projected to rise further, potentially reaching 45°C. Hospitals are preparing for heat-related illnesses, while air quality remains moderate. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat exposure.

Jammu: Mistaken intake of wild plant behind Rajouri man’s death, indicates preliminary finding

An elderly man died and seven others fell ill in Modha Draj village, Rajouri district, after accidentally consuming a toxic wild plant resembling edible fiddlehead ferns. Symptoms included gastrointestinal distress and neurological issues. Experts suspect Dryopteris filix-mas as the culprit. Investigations are underway to determine the source and confirm toxic substances. Misidentification of ferns poses significant risks.

Couple critically injured after crash near uncovered drain in Gurugram

A woman and her husband were critically injured after their motorcycle was allegedly struck by a speeding Bolero in Sector 95, causing them to fall into an uncovered roadside drain. The drain had been left open for nearly a year, prompting local residents to raise concerns. Authorities have since covered the drain following the incident.

Sector 45 metro station picked for Gurugram’s first multimodal transit hub

The Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited (GMCBL) and Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) have selected Sector 45 metro station as a pilot site for multimodal integration, enhancing last-mile connectivity. GMCBL's CEO Vishwajeet Chaudhary highlighted plans for bus routes tailored to metro commuters. The city bus service, currently operating 150 CNG buses, anticipates adding 100 electric buses soon.

Civic body polls: Opposition protests outside Punjab minister’s residence, seeks case against PA

Opposition leaders from Congress, BJP, and SAD protested outside Punjab minister Dr. Baljit Kaur’s residence, alleging misconduct during civic body polls. The protest was triggered by claims that the minister's PA misbehaved with a Congress leader. Minister Kaur denied the allegations, asserting the opposition's fear of defeat led to their actions. The protest culminated in a call for further demonstrations.

Haryana names Sibash Kabiraj new Gurugram police commissioner

The Haryana government appointed senior IPS officer Sibash Kabiraj as the new commissioner of police in Gurugram, replacing Vikas Arora amid a significant administrative reshuffle involving over 20 officers. Kabiraj, a 1999-batch officer, faces challenges like cybercrime and urbanization. He has extensive experience across various districts and is keen to implement his plans for Gurugram.

Punjab Police being misused to influence civic polls: Majithia

Senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia accused the AAP government of misusing state machinery to influence civic body polls, alleging police misconduct towards his wife and women party workers, a claim denied by the police. He demanded the suspension of a DSP involved. AAP faces criticism for alleged intimidation and unfair practices as elections approach on May 26.

GMADA submits records to ED in CLU fraud probe

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) submitted records to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding a money-laundering investigation linked to land use fraud in Punjab's real estate sector. The probe focuses on irregularities involving Altus Space Builders and Suntec City. Complaints allege deceptive practices concerning Conditional Land Use approvals, resulting in significant financial losses for home buyers.

MoHUA team reviews pollution control, cleanliness measures in Gurugram

A team from the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs visited Gurugram to assess pollution mitigation and urban cleanliness efforts amidst rising air pollution in the NCR. They emphasized strengthening pollution-control activities and monitored road repairs and waste management initiatives. Gurugram is one of the first cities under this review, aiming to enhance compliance with environmental norms.

₹13-lakh graft case: Punjab Vigilance Bureau chief’s reader seeks pre-arrest bail

Punjab Vigilance Bureau chief director Sharad Satya Chauhan's reader OP Rana seeks anticipatory bail in a ₹13-lakh bribery case involving allegations of corruption related to a vigilance matter. The CBI has issued a notice, with further proceedings set for May 21. The case details a demand for ₹20 lakh and a mobile phone for settling a disproportionate assets case.

MCG books 10 employees over alleged negligence in Census 2027 work

The Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) has filed FIRs against 10 employees for negligence in Census 2027 preparations, as they failed to perform their duties and obstructed government work. The employees, appointed as enumerators, did not make any entries in the required application and ignored training sessions. Legal action under the Census Act may lead to imprisonment and fines.

On NGT orders, PPCB fines Jalandhar resident ₹6 lakh for illegal soil mining

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has imposed a ₹6,01,692 penalty on Kamaljit Singh for illegal soil excavation in Momanpur village, following a National Green Tribunal directive. This action, stemming from environmental degradation caused by unauthorized brick earth excavation, mandates Singh to pay within 15 days or face legal measures. The case highlights a shift in accountability from Narinder Pal Singh to Singh.

Gurugram activists allege ‘ghost plantations’ in compensatory afforestation

Environmental activists in Gurugram have accused local authorities of falsely reporting thousands of nonexistent trees planted as part of compensatory afforestation efforts, leading to claims of “ghost compensatory plantations.” Despite tribunal orders for reports, agencies have not complied. Activists found no evidence of trees at claimed sites, raising serious accountability concerns. The case will be heard again on August 11.

HC puts Punjab election commissioner on contempt notice

The Punjab and Haryana high court has issued a contempt notice to Punjab SEC Raj Kumar Chaudhuri for failing to comply with court orders regarding future civic body elections. A plea from lawyer Nikhil Thamman highlighted the need for an online nomination system to prevent violence and chaos during elections, which the SEC neglected. The court will hear the case again on May 27.

Influencer’s murder: Victim’s 2 phones hidden in Dubai, says Bathinda police challan

Bathinda police are investigating the murder of influencer Kanchan Kumari, discovering her two mobile phones are in Dubai, hidden by main suspect Amritpal Singh Mehron. Arrested on April 10, Mehron and accomplices allegedly strangled Kanchan for her “immoral” content. Their actions are linked through forensic evidence, but one accomplice remains at large.

Haryana cabinet clears revised ₹10,266 crore Gurugram Metro project cost

The Haryana cabinet approved a revised cost of ₹10,266.54 crore for the Gurugram Metro Rail project, increasing from ₹5,452.72 crore, during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The escalation is due to inflation, GST changes, and infrastructure needs. The project aims to enhance urban mobility in Gurugram with a 28.50-kilometre metro corridor.

Mohali court declares Youth Akali Dal leader’s arrest in POCSO  case illegal

A local court ruled the arrest of Youth Shiromani Akali Dal leader Jaskaranjit Singh illegal in a POCSO case, ordering his immediate release. His defense argued he was arrested without proper legal grounds. Jaskaranjit faces serious allegations of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old girl, who reported threats and abuse. The case highlights the importance of legal procedures in criminal cases.

Bathinda singes at 47 degrees as heatwave sets in, no relief in sight

A severe heatwave is gripping Punjab and Haryana, with temperatures soaring up to 47°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has issued a yellow alert until May 24. The IMD attributes the rise to persistent hot winds and advises employers to protect outdoor workers. Urgent safety measures are mandated for laborers amidst the extreme heat.

Faridabad girl, 5, mauled by strays; neighbour booked over sheltering dogs

A five-year-old girl, Lavanya Kumari, was severely injured by a pack of stray dogs while playing outside her home in Faridabad on May 15. Her mother, Shasha Chaudhary, managed to chase the dogs away, but Lavanya suffered multiple deep bite wounds. A neighbor has been booked for housing the aggressive strays without authorization, amidst ongoing community concerns.

Disclose status of India’s fuel, gold reserves: Mann to Centre

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the Modi government for rising inflation and an "undeclared lockdown," alleging that the Centre is hiding economic realities and manipulating fuel prices. He demanded transparency regarding oil and gas reserves. Mann also addressed electoral integrity in Punjab, ensuring genuine voter protection amid concerns over fraudulent practices and condemned the BJP's political maneuvers.