Noida: Teen boy killed by two minors over money dispute; 1 detained

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly killing a 13-year-old over a monetary dispute in Noida’s Sector 54. Investigators revealed the victim was smothered, and the body was found four days prior. Police initiated a murder case after the boy’s mother identified the decomposed body. Authorities are searching for another suspect linked to the crime.

Dera chief Ram Rahim out on 21-day furlough

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the chief of Dera Sacha Sauda, was granted a 21-day furlough from Rohtak’s Sunaria jail, marking his 17th temporary release since 2020. Currently serving a 20-year sentence for raping two disciples, he remains a controversial figure. His frequent paroles raise concerns about justice equity, as many ordinary inmates face challenges securing similar reliefs.

Noida: Parthala Chowk set to get six-lane underpass

The Noida authority has announced plans for a six-lane underpass at Parthala Chowk on the FNG corridor, aimed at alleviating severe traffic congestion for ₹80 crore, with completion projected in 18 months. This 710-metre structure will enhance connectivity for nearby residents, utilizing advanced construction technology to ensure stability. A flyover was also built earlier this year to improve traffic flow.

Gautam Budh Nagar admin steps up vigil as H1N1 surges

The Gautam Budh Nagar administration is intensifying monitoring and awareness efforts amid rising H1N1 cases, with 15 confirmed this year but no severe symptoms reported. Health officials stress that preventative measures like hygiene and avoiding crowded places are crucial. Background on the situation indicates this seasonal occurrence typically resolves without complications for most.

Karnal: UP man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder

A Kurukshetra court sentenced Prem Singh from Uttar Pradesh to life imprisonment for murdering Sukhram, a brick kiln worker. The conviction followed a detailed investigation prompted by a call from Sukhram’s son, who reported his father’s death after a drinking incident. The court imposed a ₹30,000 fine and additional sentences for related charges.

HC directs forest dept to expedite NOC for road to Hamirpur school

The Allahabad High Court has mandated the forest department expedite the issuance of a no-objection certificate (NOC) for constructing a 1.6-km road to a school in Hamirpur, benefiting over 200 children. The state has allocated ₹1.81 crore for the project, which has faced delays. The court emphasized the urgent need for the NOC following a protest by parents and children.

Five arrested over ₹24L higway robbery in Ghaziabad; six absconding

In Ghaziabad, police arrested five suspects linked to a ₹24.85 lakh robbery from a Meerut man on August 21, confiscating ₹10 lakh in cash. The suspects, including a neighbor and a former driver, had planned the crime for months. The robbery occurred when masked men, posing as searchers, held the victim at gunpoint. An FIR was filed the next day.

Residents seek closure of pond in Noida Sector 51 park over mosquito menace

Residents of Sector 51 are raising alarms about a surge in mosquito populations, reporting no fogging in nearly a month and alleging the presence of a stagnant water body in Children’s Park as a breeding ground for malaria and dengue. The local RWA demands immediate fogging and the water’s closure, citing increasing fever and dengue cases. District officials acknowledge the concerns.

Ex-CDS hints Pakistan may have leaked Op Sindoor ceasefire details to US

US President Trump's claims of mediating the May 2025 ceasefire between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor have been disputed by Indian military officials, who assert that the agreement was reached solely between the two nations’ Directors General of Military Operations. India contends no third-party involvement, while Pakistan acknowledges a supportive US role. The conflict, sparked by a terrorist attack, escalated into military hostilities before the ceasefire.

Notices, fines fail to stop sewage flow into Sirhind Choe, Punjab tells NGT

The Punjab government has acknowledged ongoing untreated sewage and toxic pollutants discharging into Hansla River, despite multiple interventions by the National Green Tribunal and regulatory agencies. An affidavit reveals the blame is shifted to local authorities, although pollution persists. The government suggests stricter penalties and improvements, including new sewage treatment plants for better management.

Punjab: HC declines to order inquiry into ‘discrepancy’ in NEET exam result

The Punjab and Haryana high court has rejected a student’s plea for an investigation into discrepancies in her NEET results, which are crucial for medical college admissions. The court found the original OMR sheet from the National Testing Agency to be legitimate, dismissing the student’s claims of forged documents, and upholding the integrity of the examination process.

Bhagwanpuria gang aide, wanted in Punjab firing case, held in Gujarat

Sukhpinder Singh, linked to gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, was arrested by the Gujarat ATS for attempted murder following a July firing incident in Gurdaspur. Found in Palanpur on August 22, he admitted involvement in the crime with associates. A career criminal, he previously served nine months in a Dubai jail. Punjab police are coordinating his transfer.

Hathras case: HC orders UP govt to relocate victim’s family to Ghaziabad or Noida

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to relocate the family of a 19-year-old Dalit woman, murdered in Hathras in 2020, to Ghaziabad or Noida within three months. The court criticized the government for failing to address the family's request for relocation and mandated compliance reporting, underscoring ongoing concerns about the treatment of the case since its 2020 incidences.

Paddy procurement: Punjab rice millers flag storage crunch

The Punjab Rice Industry Association met with state ministers to address urgent concerns over storage shortages and delays in milling ahead of the October 1 paddy procurement. Association president Bharat Bhushan Binta pointed to incomplete milling in several districts and ongoing damage to paddy, urging government action for new warehouses. The government acknowledged the issues and is seeking solutions.

Drug inspector recruitment cancelled over paper leak claims

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has canceled the drug inspector recruitment due to allegations of a question paper leak during the March screening exam. Following complaints and a preliminary inquiry revealing evidence of misconduct, the MPSC plans to conduct a fresh examination, with previously eligible candidates exempt from reapplying. Details on the new exam date are forthcoming.

Haryana: Two held for demanding ₹1-cr extortion from Jind doctor

Jind police arrested Sachin Kumar and Saurabh Singh for allegedly demanding ₹1 crore from a local doctor via WhatsApp. The duo, friends from Instagram, conspired online without meeting in person. Motivated by quick wealth, they threatened consequences if their demand was unmet. Sachin faces prior charges under the Arms Act, while a case is ongoing against both for extortion.

High court flags ‘disturbing circumstances’ in basic education department

The Allahabad High Court expressed concern over "disturbing circumstances" in Uttar Pradesh’s basic education department, highlighting ongoing allegations of corruption and illegal gratification. While considering a nearly six-year-old petition related to an assistant teacher's salary, the court refused to accept the withdrawal request without evidence of resolved grievances. The court directed the Prayagraj BSA for further clarification.

2020 disciplinary action: HC sets aside KGMU prof’s termination, orders reinstatement with arrears

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad high court has overturned the 2020 termination of Dr Neetu Singh from KGMU, ruling the inquiry violated legal standards. The court mandated her reinstatement with full benefits and permitted a new inquiry to commence, ensuring adherence to proper legal procedures. Four charges against Singh, including plagiarism, were deemed improperly assessed.

Punjab: ED summons IAS officer Anurag Verma on Aug 31 in ₹348-crore CLU money-laundering probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned 1993-batch IAS officer Anurag Verma for questioning in a money-laundering investigation involving fraudulent land use approvals for real estate projects in Punjab, particularly the Suntec City project. This follows earlier questioning of another officer. The ED is probing alleged misconduct linked to the issuance of fraudulent CLUs, resulting in ₹348 crore in illicit proceeds.

Seven firms blacklisted, 6 FIRs filed, two civic contractors arrested in Kanpur tender row

Seven firms have been blacklisted, and six FIRs filed amid alleged tendering irregularities and intimidation within the Kanpur Municipal Corporation. Two contractors were arrested, and police seek alleged mastermind Govind Sharma. Following orders from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a specialized task force will investigate. The scandal involves 427 firms, with inquiries focusing on contract legitimacy and contractor duress.

‘Halt Kukrail night safari work until fresh approvals’: Petitioners to SC-appointed CEC

The Kukrail night safari project in Lucknow faces renewed scrutiny as petitioners urge the Central Empowered Committee to halt work, citing that project changes invalidate prior approvals. They demand new clearances and express concerns over environmental impacts and financial aspects. The petition follows a Supreme Court order allowing the project under specific conditions, emphasizing compliance with regulatory guidelines.

After marriage, ensure women remain on voter rolls: CEC urges BLOs

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the pivotal role of booth level officers (BLOs) in Indian democracy during a meeting in Uttar Pradesh, urging them to ensure the inclusion of eligible women and young voters in electoral rolls. He highlighted the completion of a special revision yielding 13.39 crore electors, backed by technology to maintain accuracy and transparency. Kumar stressed the necessity of updating voter information, particularly for women post-marriage, and warned against duplicate entries that could lead to legal consequences. He encouraged BLOs to assist in raising voter turnout for upcoming elections.

Heavy rain lashes UP, Azamgarh records 180mm; orange alert issued

Uttar Pradesh experienced significant rainfall, with Azamgarh receiving 180 mm in 24 hours, contributing to a 13% seasonal deficit as of Tuesday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts continued heavy rain until Thursday, issuing alerts for many districts. Overall, the state has recorded 483.7 mm against a normal of 556.2 mm since June 1, with varying deficits across regions.

BSP to go solo in Punjab, U’khand, UP, says Mayawati

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati declared on Tuesday that the party will independently contest the 2027 Punjab assembly elections, alongside Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, to strengthen its organizational base and avoid declining vote shares. This decision follows a poor performance in previous elections and aims to revive the party's influence, particularly in states significant for Scheduled Castes.

SC clears decks for razing of lawyers’ illegal chambers near Lucknow district court

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea from the Central Bar Association challenging demolition orders for unauthorized lawyers’ chambers on public land near the Lucknow district court. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation will proceed with demolitions after August 30. The high court had earlier noted the obstruction caused by these illegal structures, emphasizing the need to protect court premises from encroachment.

‘Hijab compulsory in Islam’: Clerics seek review of HC’s ‘not essential’ ruling

Muslim clerics in Lucknow have called for a review of the Allahabad High Court's ruling that the hijab is not an essential religious practice in Islam, asserting its significance based on Islamic scriptures. They contend that effective legal representation was lacking and may approach the Supreme Court if the review plea fails. The court's earlier decision came after a minor student sought to wear a hijab with her school uniform, citing a lack of religious evidence presented.

₹11,427cr water overhaul: Govt plans underground reservoirs, new pipelines

The Delhi government has unveiled an ₹11,427-crore water infrastructure overhaul plan for west and south-west Delhi, benefiting 3.64 million residents. The initiative seeks to enhance water availability through extensive network upgrades and smart monitoring. Additionally, two Wazirabad projects, supported by the Asian Development Bank, will modernize distribution networks. Past initiatives include STP upgrades and household connection expansions.

Delhi sees heaviest 24-hr rain in 2yrs; crosses seasonal avg with 36 days left

Delhi recorded 107.8mm of rain, bringing total monsoon rainfall to 653mm, surpassing the average of 640.4mm, disrupting traffic across the city. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is addressing waterlogging with long-term solutions, while Public Works Minister Parvesh Verma noted improvements in drainage. Severe water accumulation affects major areas, with ongoing weather predictions suggesting more rainfall upcoming.

Delhi govt to step in if onion prices rise further: Rekha Gupta

The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, will procure onions from NAFED to keep prices low amidst recent hikes, with retail prices reaching ₹55/kg. A review meeting confirmed no current shortages, and measures are in place to monitor supplies and prevent hoarding of both onions and sugar, as prices continue to rise.

4,000 Delhi Lakshmi Yojana beneficiaries set to get letters on Wednesday

The Delhi government is launching the Lakshmi Yojana on Wednesday, providing financial assistance of ₹2,500 to around 4,000 beneficiary women at Talkatora Stadium. With 913,495 registrations completed, officials confirmed a mechanism for disbursing funds, including options for digital currency and deposits. The scheme aims to assist 1.7 million women over three years, targeting those with annual incomes below ₹2.5 lakh.