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CDSCO identifies one spurious and 220 substandard drugs in August exercise

The CDSCO reported finding one spurious and 220 non-standard quality (NSQ) drugs during August surveillance. The spurious drug was linked to unauthorized manufacturers in Delhi. CDSCO conducts routine checks, displaying NSQ drug lists monthly to ensure market safety. The agency emphasizes responsible antibiotic and NSAID use, advising monitoring to prevent health risks. Regulatory actions are ongoing.

Punjab Police on Tuesday termed the purported advisory asking its personnel to avoid wearing uniform while travelling to or returning from duty as “fake”, even as they are yet to register an FIR in the matter. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image)

‘Avoid uniforms outside stations’: Punjab Police term advisory fake but yet to register FIR

Punjab Police rejected a purported advisory advising officers to avoid uniforms while commuting, labeling it “fake.” The clarification followed social media claims connected to the recent murder of assistant sub-inspector Harjit Singh. Opposition leaders raised security concerns, yet police urged reliance on official sources. An investigation into the video's circulation is ongoing, with no FIR filed yet.

Mehron was deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in April this year. (HT)

Bathinda: Influencer’s murder trial deferred to Nov as witnesses skip hearing

A Bathinda sessions court postponed the murder trial of digital content creator Kanchan Kumari, alias Kanchan Bhabhi, to November after key witnesses failed to appear. The case involves alleged mastermind Amritpal Singh Mehron, deported from the UAE in April. Kanchan was found dead on June 11, 2022; her killing stemmed from "immoral content." The court will reconvene on November 19.

India News

India joins EU, Brazil, Canada and Australia to back multilateralism

India joined a coalition of nations, including the EU, Australia, and Brazil, launching the Partners for Multilateralism (P4M) initiative at the UN General Assembly to promote multilateralism and global cooperation amid geopolitical tensions. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar emphasized reforming international institutions for effectiveness. Leaders committed to enhancing collaboration on global challenges, fostering inclusive economic cooperation.

A meeting was held between chief minister Yogi Adityanath and World Bank officials on Tuesday, during which various proposed components of the project, including sending the preliminary project report (PPR) to the Government of India, were discussed, the state government said in a statement. (Sourced)

2,500-cr UP-EDGE project: World Bank backs economic push in Purvanchal

The Uttar Pradesh government announced the launch of the UP-EDGE project, aimed at transforming local resources in 28 Purvanchal districts into investment and employment opportunities. Supported by the World Bank with a ₹2,500-crore budget over five years, the initiative addresses local economic imbalances and promotes district-specific action plans, enhancing opportunities in agriculture and manufacturing. This meeting highlighted Purvanchal's potential, as it houses 40% of the state's population but contributes only 27.6% to its GDP.

SC reprieve for Raut, allows her to continue as corporator for now

SC reprieve for Raut, allows her to continue as corporator for now

Former mayor Vishakha Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) received a Supreme Court reprieve, allowing her to remain a corporator while appealing her disqualification linked to an invalidated caste certificate. The court emphasized Raut's rights under existing laws, as rival Priya Sarvankar challenges her seat. The state has initiated measures to manage caste certificate appeals amid rising disqualifications.

Maharashtra is among the states with the largest drought-affected areas, at 83.5%, according to the monitor.

Weak rains leave a trail of wilted crops, dry plots

The southwest monsoon has left a 15% rainfall deficit across India, impacting farmers like Lal Singh Thakur in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region. Thakur's soybean crop failed after inadequate rain, resulting in a loss of his ₹40,000 investment. Up to 52.5% of India is now classified as drought-affected, with significant regional disparities in crop impacts reflecting historical rainfall patterns.

With 15 days still remaining for the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise to conclude, Punjab has cleared nearly 99% of the 22.69 lakh electors whose enumeration forms were flagged for “logical discrepancies” for inclusion in the state’s final electoral rolls. (Representational image)

SIR: Punjab clears 99% of ‘logical discrepancy’ cases for final roll

Punjab has resolved nearly 99% of flagged electoral records ahead of final rolls publication on October 12, addressing discrepancies identified by the Electoral Commission of India in enumeration forms. Of 22.69 lakh flagged cases, 22.41 lakh have been cleared. The initiative, controversial in some regions, is nearing completion with minimal pending cases in select constituencies, including Amritsar Central.

Wife booked for abetting husband’s suicide

Wife booked for abetting husband’s suicide

A chartered accountant's WhatsApp messages alleging his wife's infidelity have led to her being charged with abetment of suicide following his death by train tracks. Found dead after leaving home for work, police revealed he expressed fears for his family's safety. The man's father reported ongoing marital conflicts, prompting the investigation by Borivali GRP.

The defence also cited his prolonged custody and the delay in trial. (HT)

Terror plot case: NIA court dismisses bail plea of Tarn Taran man

A special NIA court in Mohali has denied bail to Jajbir Singh, 40, from Tarn Taran, accused of burying two hand grenades for a terror plot in Punjab. The grenades, linked to the Khalistan Liberation Force, were discovered in 2019. The court cited substantial evidence against Singh under relevant laws, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.

Happy Singh, a villager, said that they came to protest against the FIR registered against the sarpanch. (HT)

Suicide bid case: Sangrur villagers protest, seek withdrawal of FIR against sarpanch

Residents of Namol village protested outside Sangrur police lines on Tuesday, demanding the cancellation of an FIR against sarpanch Sukhbir Singh. The FIR followed a suicide attempt by a local claiming threats over exposing drug issues. Villagers argued the victim, a known drug seller, has multiple legal troubles, asserting that punishing the sarpanch discourages anti-drug activism.

Police registered six separate cases under Section 25 of the Arms Act at the Chheharta, Hakima, Sultanwind and D-Division police stations in Amritsar, the officials said. (HT)

Amritsar police bust six arms smuggling networks, 8 held

Police dismantled six illegal arms supply networks, arresting eight individuals and seizing 13 pistols and 23 live cartridges, according to Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. The suspects, linked to foreign-based smugglers, were found in various Amritsar villages. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover a broader trafficking network related to these illegal activities.

Dengue is spreading its tentacles across Punjab, with the state reporting 451 confirmed cases till September 21, according to health department data. The disease has already been detected in 21 of the state’s 23 districts. (HT)

Punjab logs 451 dengue cases, Ludhiana worst-hit

Dengue cases in Punjab have surged to 451, affecting 21 of 23 districts by September 21, with Ludhiana reporting the most cases (52), followed by Gurdaspur (50) and Patiala (38). However, health officials warn the official count may underestimate the true extent, as private labs face retesting requirements that deter accurate reporting, raising concerns amid rising transmission.

Two primary shooters injured in police crossfire after firing at the singer’s Barnala home on Sept 13. (HT)

6 held for firing at Punjabi singer Gulab Sidhu’s house; foreign extortion link suspected

Police arrested six suspects involved in the shooting at Punjabi singer Gulab Sidhu's house, which occurred on September 12-13, 2023, due to a motive of extortion linked to overseas gang handlers. The two primary shooters were captured after a shootout, while police recovered weapons and vehicles. Sidhu, previously associated with slain singer Sidhu Moose Wala, was not home during the attack.

The principal said the college had requested increased patrolling from Amar Colony police station in the lanes adjoining the college, particularly around the back gate and parks in the vicinity.

Delhi: LSR suspends physical classes, seeks more cops around campus

Lady Shri Ram College for Women has switched to online classes on Wednesday after a 17-year-old girl was gang-raped in Aastha Kunj park near its campus. Principal Kanika K Ahuja emphasized student safety, requesting increased police patrolling and urging faculty mentors to offer support. The students’ union called for location-specific safety audits around educational institutions. The college continues to coordinate with police for enhanced security measures.

Unlit stretch outside Gate Number one of Aastha Kunj Park in the evening. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

Inside Aastha Kunj Park: Few guards, no lights

A gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park in Delhi highlights severe security lapses, reminiscent of a previous attack last year. Despite claims of 27 guards, only two were present during critical hours. The expansive park, intended as a refuge, has become unsafe after dark, prompting fears among local residents about crime and inadequate safety measures.

The election office will also hold a special camp at all polling stations from 10am to 5pm on September 27. (Representative photo)

Delhi election officials make house visits to resolve SIR discrepancies

The Delhi election commission is intensifying efforts to address electoral roll discrepancies, involving house visits in New Delhi and additional registration officers. Special camps for various communities will occur from September 23 to 27. Despite notices sent to notable voters, officials clarified that receiving a notice does not imply removal from the rolls. Final rolls are due November 4.

The woman --a fourth-year student at a design institute in Okhla -- said that around midnight, two men on a bike began chasing her and passing remarks (Shutterstock)

Delhi: 2 bikers harass woman rider; FIR after 10 days

A 21-year-old woman was allegedly chased and pushed off her scooter in Kalkaji near Panchsheel Park Metro station on September 11, suffering serious injuries. Ten days later, the police filed a rash driving case against unknown persons. Initially, after her ordeal, no timely action was taken, but the case was eventually registered following her family's intervention.

The crime took place on Monday evening when the girl was allegedly gang-raped inside Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Temple on her 17th birthday (Sanchit Khanna/Hindustan Times)

Aastha Kunj case: ‘Minor noted nicknames, clothes, route of accused’

A 17-year-old girl's detailed account of her three alleged attackers led to their swift arrest by Delhi Police following a gang rape on her birthday. Despite trauma, she provided descriptions that guided investigators amid inadequate evidence from the crime scene. The accused, posing as police, were apprehended within hours, wearing the same clothes described by the survivor.

An overflowing dhalao in south Delhi. (HT Archive)

Delhi residents flag gaps in waste management amid new rules, user fee levy

Residents in New Delhi are voicing concerns over inadequate door-to-door waste collection and insufficient integration of informal waste collectors, amidst the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's plans for a two-tier user fee. Experts urge improved service delivery and integration of local collectors into the system to enhance waste management. Previous attempts to levy garbage fees faced significant opposition, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions.

The mobile units will provide on-the-spot registration and renewal, information on welfare schemes, assistance with documentation and access to digital services. (Arvind Yadav/Hindustan Times)

Delhi prepares 81 immersion ponds, rolls out Namo vans

The Delhi government has established 81 artificial ponds across the Capital for Ganesha idol immersion, which will also be used for Durga Puja and Chhath immersions, following prohibitions on idol immersions in water bodies. The ponds are located in parks and public areas, ensuring designated immersions. Additionally, mobile vans will bring welfare services to construction workers.

“Women’s safety is non-negotiable. Women must be safe on every street, at every hour,” said Sandhu. (@LokNiwasDelhi)

LG asks police to form goa-like women-centric patrol unit

Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, emphasized women's safety and ordered the formation of a women-centric patrol unit akin to Goa's "pink force" during a meeting with police officers. He urged focused anti-harassment operations and community engagement initiatives following a recent gang-rape incident. Sandhu advocated for enhanced police visibility and proactive traffic management to foster public trust and safety.

The regulations also provide for community patrollers and cleanliness committees to monitor compliance across the NDMC area. (HT archives)

NDMC doubles down on waste collection charges

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has introduced new waste management byelaws for Lutyens’ Delhi, mandating four-way segregation at source and increasing user charges and fines for sanitation violations. Community patrollers and cleanliness committees will oversee compliance, with collection vehicles redesigned for segregation. Higher fines aim to promote responsible waste management and discourage non-compliance. Background includes previous 2018 regulations.

Officials said the higher cost of CCS-4 and CCS-5 was also linked to the technology being used for the new buildings. (PTI)

Shastri, Krishi Bhawan to be vacated by Sept end to make way for new Kartavya Bhawan

The Central Public Works Department has ordered government departments to vacate Shastri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan by the end of September to facilitate the construction of Kartavya Bhawan (KB) 4 and 5 in central Delhi. These buildings, from the 1950s and 1960s, will be replaced in an ongoing Central Secretariat redevelopment effort costing ₹3,155.41 crore. Higher project expenses are linked to advanced construction technology and design modifications to maximize usable office space.

Mike Krzyzewski and his wife, Mickie, have been married since 1969.

Coach K's family: All about his wife Mickie, daughters and grandchildren

Chris Spatola, son-in-law of Coach Mike Krzyzewski, died unexpectedly at 47, prompting a heartfelt statement from the Krzyzewski family expressing their heartbreak and gratitude for support. Jamie, his wife and a dedicated educator, lives in Durham with their three children. This tragedy highlights the family's strong bonds, with all daughters and families residing nearby.

As per the institute’s Essential Drug List (EDL) for September 21, accessed by HT, 48 key medicines of 178 listed drugs were out of stock. (Representative photo)

Delhi cancer institute missing cancer drugs, doctor to prescribe them

Several crucial medicines, notably chemotherapy drugs, pain relief, and antibiotics, are unavailable at the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI), with 48 of 178 essential drugs out of stock. Hospital administration is exploring procurement options due to costs and faces a shortage of medical oncologists. DSCI has been criticized for unused medical equipment, prompting government investigation.

Sharjeel Imam in police custody in 2020. (HT Archive)

Delhi court grants Sharjeel Imam interim bail

A Delhi court granted interim bail to activist Sharjeel Imam from October 4 to October 10, allowing him to attend a family wedding amidst the 2020 northeast Delhi riots conspiracy case. Arrested in January 2020 under UAPA, Imam faces accusations of masterminding violence linked to protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, resulting in 53 deaths and hundreds injured.

A bench of justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav further held that an externment order is an extraordinary measure that curtails a citizen’s fundamental right to unrestricted movement, guaranteed under Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution of India. (Representative photo)

Delhi HC raps externment order on man for excise, gambling offences

The Delhi High Court ruled that externment orders based solely on minor excise or gambling charges violate personal liberty, as they lack evidence that the individual poses a "desperate and dangerous" threat. The court set aside an order mandating a man’s removal from Delhi for a year, emphasizing due process under the Constitution. Authorities failed to provide substantial justification for their actions.

Shruti Vohra will compete in the dressage event at the ongoing Asian Games later this week.

I don't believe in age, I believe in science: Shruti Vora

Equestrian Shruti Vora relocated to Yorkshire to train with Becky Moody, aiming to improve her performance despite winning three silver medals at the Asian Championships. Vora, 55, believes in scientific training over age and aspires for success at the Asian Games. With experience from her debut in 2014, she hopes the Indian team can surpass past achievements.

The court took up the matter in a related case, examining pan-India guidelines for framing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to track missing persons. (HT Archive)

SC queries Delhi, Gurugram police in Manchanda case, calls for Ggm top cop’s response

The Supreme Court has demanded responses from Haryana and Delhi police regarding the murder of Yuvraj Singh Manchanda and the cremation of his remains without entering details on the police portal for missing persons. The court emphasized the need for a standardized procedure to ensure timely reporting, while questioning prior adherence to protocols.