Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to expedite relief efforts following recent storms, ensure treatment for the injured, and assess crop loss and waterlogging for prompt government response.

CM Yogi Adityanath orders swift relief for storm-affected areas in Uttar Pradesh

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Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has directed swift relief efforts after rain and lightning left three dead and damaged crops. The IMD warns of more thunderstorms ahead.
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With rain-related incidents leaving three people dead and causing damage to crops in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday directed officials to carry out relief and rescue operations with full urgency.
He directed district officials to visit affected areas, assess damage to crops and livestock, and ensure that relief is distributed immediately to those affected by lightning strikes, rain-related mishaps, or storm damage.
Adityanath also ordered a detailed crop damage assessment and instructed officials to submit their reports to the state government promptly so that further steps could be taken for compensation. In urban and low-lying areas facing waterlogging, he asked officials to prioritise drainage efforts.
At least three people, including a 17-year-old girl, were killed and several injured in separate incidents when lightning struck large parts of the state on Friday morning.
The dead include two labourers working on a road project under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Firozabad. A family trying to cover a haystack with a tarpaulin sheet to protect it from rain was also hit. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and thunderstorms in several parts of the state over the next two days.
According to the IMD, west Uttar Pradesh is likely to witness rain and thundershowers at a few places on May 3 and 4, accompanied by strong surface winds of 25-35 km/hr and gusty winds reaching 40-50 km/hr at isolated locations.
In east Uttar Pradesh, isolated rains are expected on May 3 and more widespread showers on May 4. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-50 km/hr) are also likely during this period.
The IMD has advised residents to stay alert and take precautions in view of the expected weather disturbances.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami marked the Kedarnath Dham opening with prayers, bhandara, and floral showers, assuring safe Char Dham Yatra for devotees.

CM Dhami welcomes devotees as Kedarnath Dham opens with prayers and bhandara

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami marked the Kedarnath Dham opening with prayers, bhandara, and floral showers, assuring safe Char Dham Yatra for devotees.

The sacred portals of Shri Kedarnath Dham were thrown open to devotees on Friday, two days after the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was present at the shrine to welcome pilgrims and oversee the arrangements.
Addressing the gathering at the shrine, CM Dhami said the Char Dham Yatra began on April 30 and that the doors of Badrinath Dham would open on May 2. &ldquo;Char Dham Yatra has started on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on 30th April... Two days from today, the doors of Lord Badrinath Vishal will also open, and the yatra will start in full swing. We have tried to ensure that the journey of the devotees is safe and they do not face any kind of trouble during the journey, and for this, we have made appropriate arrangements,&rdquo; he said.
The spiritual atmosphere was further elevated as flower petals were showered on devotees from a helicopter, and the Indian Army Band played devotional music for the pilgrims.
Speaking on the nation&rsquo;s current challenges, CM Dhami said prayers were also offered in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking divine strength to combat terrorism and separatism.
&ldquo;Today, we have also done puja here in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today, issues like terrorism and separatism, which are in front of us, Baba will give strength to our Prime Minister and the enemies, demons who did such an incident in Pahalgam will be finished,&rdquo; he said.
Meanwhile, the Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath arrived at the temple on Thursday. Echoes of &lsquo;Jai Baba Kedar&rsquo; filled the Kedar Valley as the idol made its way to the temple from Gaurikund.
Sharing the moment on social media, the chief minister posted, &ldquo;Today, after the ritualistic worship at Gaurikund, the Panchmukhi idol of Baba Kedarnath reached the holy Shri Kedar Dham. When the Doli reached the temple premises, there was an atmosphere of devotion among the devotees, the entire Dham echoed with the chanting of 'Jai Baba Kedar'.&rdquo;
The state government has made extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience for thousands of devotees expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

AAP protests BBMB's decision to reroute Punjab's water to Haryana, calling it unconstitutional and threatening state resources.

AAP Faces Off Against Water Decision of BBMB

AAP contests BBMB's allocation of Punjab's water to Haryana, citing constitutional concerns and potential impact on local resources.

AAP challenges BBMB's allocation of Punjab's water to Haryana, labeling it unconstitutional and threatening local resources.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly opposed the Bhakra Beas Management Board&rsquo;s (BBMB) decision to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of Punjab&rsquo;s water to Haryana. AAP MP Kang said that this decision, taken under pressure from the BJP-led Central Government, is unconstitutional and an outright assault on Punjab&rsquo;s rights.
AAP MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, has called this move a grave injustice that jeopardizes Punjab&rsquo;s farmers, its water security, and the state&rsquo;s future generations. In a letter to BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, Kang lambasted the BJP government for orchestrating this "daylight robbery" of Punjab&rsquo;s rightful resources while accusing Bittu of maintaining a shameful silence on the matter. &nbsp; &ldquo;The BBMB decision is not just an administrative order&mdash;it is a direct attack on Punjab&rsquo;s lifeline. Despite Haryana having already overdrawn its share of water, BJP has forced BBMB to hand over Punjab&rsquo;s precious water to Haryana, leaving our farmers and citizens at risk of severe water scarcity. This is an insult to Punjab&rsquo;s 3.5 crore people,&rdquo; said Kang.
The BBMB annually distributes water between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan from May 21 to the following May 20. However, Kang revealed that Haryana, after exhausting its full share by March 31, 2025, demanded an additional 4,000 cusecs daily from Punjab. Punjab, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, was allowed on humanitarian grounds to meet Haryana&rsquo;s basic drinking water needs. However, BJP has now arm-twisted BBMB into granting Haryana an additional 8,500 cusecs&mdash;an action that AAP calls unlawful and unacceptable.
&ldquo;Our reservoirs&mdash;Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams&mdash;are already at dangerously low levels. With groundwater levels depleting across the state, every drop of water is vital for Punjab&rsquo;s farmers. Yet, BJP is sacrificing Punjab&rsquo;s needs to appease Haryana. This is nothing short of bulldozing Punjab&rsquo;s rights,&rdquo; Kang stated.
Kang expressed disappointment at BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu's silence, accusing him of prioritizing his party&rsquo;s political alliances over Punjab&rsquo;s welfare. &ldquo;Bittu&rsquo;s inaction raises serious questions about whether he stands with Punjab or has surrendered to BJP&rsquo;s unconstitutional diktats. The people of Punjab deserve answers,&rdquo; Kang asserted.
AAP, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has taken a firm stand to expose BJP&rsquo;s unconstitutional actions. Highlighting Haryana CM&rsquo;s misleading statements that Punjab had agreed to this water diversion, the AAP government clarified that Haryana has already consumed 103% of its allocated share while Punjab has used only 89%. Despite this, Punjab extended support to Haryana, but BJP&rsquo;s latest decision crossed all limits.
Kang reiterated that Punjab&rsquo;s farmers and people will not tolerate this injustice. &ldquo;Punjab&rsquo;s history is filled with struggles to protect its resources and rights. Today, we face a similar challenge. AAP and the people of Punjab will resist BJP&rsquo;s blatant disregard for Punjab&rsquo;s welfare,&rdquo; he affirmed.
In his letter to Bittu, Kang posed some serious questions to Bittu: "Are you with Punjab, or complicit in the BJP's exploitation of the state's resources? Why haven&rsquo;t you raised the issue of BBMB&rsquo;s illegal decisions in Parliament? Why are you silent on the alarming depletion of water levels in Punjab&rsquo;s dams? Your inability to address these pressing questions raises serious doubts about your commitment to Punjab&rsquo;s rights. The youth, intellectuals, and people from all walks of life are closely observing this anti-Punjab stance. It is time for you to either stand firmly for Punjab&rsquo;s interests or relinquish the position you hold, which was secured in Punjab&rsquo;s name but appears to serve BJP&rsquo;s agenda."
AAP demands immediate reversal of BBMB&rsquo;s decision and calls on all political parties in Punjab to unite and defend the state&rsquo;s interests. The party also urges BJP leaders like Ravneet Singh Bittu to take a clear stand and oppose this unconstitutional decision in Parliament.
Taking to social media, Kang wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "The @BJP4India-led Central Government has crossed all limits by forcing BBMB to release 8,500 cusecs of Punjab&rsquo;s water to Haryana. This is nothing short of an unconstitutional act of daylight robbery."
Kang assured the people of Punjab that the AAP Government will continue to fight for their rights and protect the state&rsquo;s resources. Kang concluded that Punjab&rsquo;s future cannot and will not be compromised for political gains.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attends the opening of Kedarnath Dham, distributes Mukhya Sevak Bhandara to pilgrims, and ensures a safe Char Dham Yatra journey.

CM Dhami distributes bhandara as Kedarnath Dham welcomes devotees

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attends the opening of Kedarnath Dham, distributes Mukhya Sevak Bhandara to pilgrims, and ensures a safe Char Dham Yatra journey.

The doors of Kedarnath Dham were officially opened on Friday, marking the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra.&nbsp;
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the auspicious occasion and later distributed a special bhandara among the devotees. This year, the Kedarnath Dham has introduced a Mukhya Sevak Bhandara for the pilgrims, further enhancing the spiritual experience for those visiting the sacred site.
While addressing the gathering, CM Dhami informed the devotees that the Char Dham Yatra began on April 30 and that the doors of Lord Badrinath Dham would open two days after May 2. He assured the pilgrims that the state government had made comprehensive arrangements to ensure their journey remains safe and hassle-free.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Char Dham Yatra has started on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on 30th April... Two days from today, the doors of Lord Badrinath Vishal will also open, and the yatra will start in full swing. We have tried to ensure that the journey of the devotees is safe and they do not face any kind of trouble during the journey, and for this, we have made appropriate arrangements,&rdquo; CM Dhami stated.
In a special ceremony, a helicopter showered blessings on the devotees while an Indian Army Band played devotional tunes. Addressing the challenges the country faces, CM Dhami also prayed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging strength for the leader to combat terrorism and separatism.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Today, we have also done puja here in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today, issues like terrorism and separatism, which are in front of us, Baba will give strength to our Prime Minister and the enemies, demons who did such an incident in Pahalgam will be finished,&rdquo; he added.
Meanwhile, the Panchmukhi Doli of Lord Kedarnath made its arrival at Kedarnath Dham on Thursday, greeted by the chanting of &lsquo;Jai Baba Kedar&rsquo; that resonated throughout the Kedar Valley, setting the spiritual tone for the yatra.

Uttarakhand enforces a new land law banning the uncontrolled sale of agricultural and horticultural land, regulating land purchases by outsiders, and preserving the state’s cultural identity.

Uttarakhand implements strict land law to prevent uncontrolled land sale

Uttarakhand enforces a new land law banning the uncontrolled sale of agricultural and horticultural land, regulating land purchases by outsiders, and preserving the state&rsquo;s cultural identity.

A strict land law came into force in Uttarakhand on Thursday with Governor Lt. Gen Gurmeet Singh (retd.) giving his approval to the legislation, which bans the uncontrolled sale of agricultural and horticultural land.
The Uttarakhand (Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Destruction and Land Reforms Act, 1950) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed by the assembly during the budget session in February.
Taking to social media, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said with the implementation of the law, the uncontrolled sale of agricultural and horticultural land in Uttarakhand has been completely banned in accordance with public sentiment.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
देवभूमि में भूमि प्रबंधन तथा भू व्यवस्था एवं सुधार के लिए विधानसभा से पारित उत्तराखंड (उत्तर प्रदेश जमींदारी विनाश और भूमि व्यवस्था अधिनियम, 1950) (संशोधन) विधेयक, 2025 पर महामहिम राज्यपाल की मुहर लगने के साथ ही प्रदेश में सशक्त भू कानून लागू हो गया है। इसी के साथ प्रदेशवासियों&hellip;
&mdash; Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) <a href="https://twitter.com/pushkardhami/status/1917937652114002294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He said even for needs like residential, education, hospital, hotel, industry, people of other states will be able to buy land in Uttarakhand only after going through a prescribed process.
With the implementation of a strict land law, efforts to change the demography of the state can also be foiled, he said.
Dhami thanked the governor for approving the new land law which will strengthen the cultural and social identity of the state.
He also said continuous action is also being taken against those who violate the provisions of the previously implemented land act. He said a comprehensive campaign is being run and such lands are being vested in the state government.&nbsp;

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar lauds CM Yogi Adityanath for transforming Uttar Pradesh, highlighting major economic progress, improved infrastructure, Mahakumbh's global recognition, and strong governance.

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar hails Yogi Adityanath as 'UP’s Hero', praises state's rapid growth

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar lauds CM Yogi Adityanath for transforming Uttar Pradesh, highlighting major economic progress, improved infrastructure, Mahakumbh's global recognition, and strong governance.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday lauded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, referring to him as a "young Chief Minister" and the "hero of Uttar Pradesh" for his transformative leadership over the past eight years.
Speaking at the launch of UP Governor Anandiben Patel&rsquo;s autobiography Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai in Lucknow, the Vice President highlighted the state&rsquo;s significant progress under CM Yogi's governance. He humorously remarked that people older than the Chief Minister often call themselves young, underlining Yogi&rsquo;s energetic image and dynamic leadership.
He praised the Mahakumbh as one of the world&rsquo;s greatest events, commending the sheer scale of participation and organisation. &ldquo;The arrival of over 60 crore people at Mahakumbh will be remembered for centuries,&rdquo; he said. He credited CM Yogi as the driving force behind the event, asserting that no parallel exists anywhere else in the world.
Pointing to Uttar Pradesh&rsquo;s rapid economic advancement, the Vice President said, &ldquo;In just eight and a half years, without imposing any new taxes, the state&rsquo;s economy has grown from Rs 12.5 lakh crore to nearly Rs 30 lakh crore.&rdquo; He emphasized that such progress warrants academic study, given the scale and pace of development.
He noted that per capita income has risen sharply and praised the massive strides in infrastructure. The state now boasts 55% of India&rsquo;s expressways, six metro-enabled cities&mdash;the most in the country&mdash;and 16 airports, including four international ones. Mentioning the Jewar airport, he added, &ldquo;The world is waiting for it.&rdquo;
Commending CM Yogi&rsquo;s leadership style, Dhankhar said, &ldquo;Running away from challenges or showing indifference is a sign of cowardice, and there is no trace of cowardice in the Chief Minister&mdash;this doesn&rsquo;t need any medical test.&rdquo; He acknowledged the remarkable improvement in law and order, saying the state's image has significantly changed in the last eight years.
On governance, the Vice President called for greater respect towards constitutional roles. &ldquo;We must respect our constitutional institutions. Each of us has our own limits, and our Constitution expects coordination among us,&rdquo; he said. Emphasizing the dignity of offices like the President and Governor, he cautioned against casual remarks on such high positions.
Drawing from his experience in law, Dhankhar added, &ldquo;I deeply respect the judiciary&mdash;I have worked in this field for 40 years. Our judges are among the best, but I appeal that we must work together with cooperation and coordination.&rdquo;
Turning attention to Anandiben Patel&rsquo;s autobiography, he described Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hai as deeply inspiring. &ldquo;She likes challenges because she never tolerates injustice,&rdquo; he said. He appreciated her honesty in writing the book and lauded the choice of launch date and venue, which coincided with Gujarat Foundation Day and Labour Day at Abdul Kalam Technical University.
The Vice President also expressed admiration for Governor Patel&rsquo;s daughter, Anarben, quoting a famous line from Zanjeer, &ldquo;Anarben has a mother whose strength is no less.&rdquo; He also called Swami Chidanand Saraswati a cultural ambassador of India.
In his concluding remarks, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, &ldquo;He has turned challenges into opportunities,&rdquo; citing improvements in electricity, sanitation, drinking water, digital connectivity, and healthcare access across the country.
Touching upon India&rsquo;s rich philosophical roots, Dhankhar encouraged people to turn to ancient scriptures for guidance during tough times. He also highlighted UP&rsquo;s pioneering efforts in transportation, being home to India&rsquo;s first waterway and first rapid rail. &ldquo;Opportunities are rising like bubbles here,&rdquo; he said.
Reflecting on the Emergency era, he warned against forgetting history and urged citizens to uphold constitutional values to protect and strengthen Indian democracy.

Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission signs MoU with IIT Roorkee to provide global-level technical training, innovation opportunities, and startup support for state’s youth.

UP govt inks MoU with IIT Roorkee for imparting tech training to youths

Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission signs MoU with IIT Roorkee to provide global-level technical training, innovation opportunities, and startup support for state&rsquo;s youth.

The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, for technical cooperation to impart global-level technical skills to the state's youths.
The agreement was formalised at the IIT Roorkee campus in Uttarakhand, the UP government said in a statement on Thursday.
"As part of this collaboration, youths from the state will gain access to advanced technical training, innovation-driven learning, research opportunities, and startup support under the mentorship of experts from IIT Roorkee," it said.
"This initiative is expected to enhance the employability of the youth and equip them to compete effectively at both national and international levels," it added.
The MoU was signed by Additional Mission Director Priya Singh on behalf of UPSDM, along with authorised representatives from IIT Roorkee. UPSDM Joint Director Mayank Gangwar was also present on the occasion, the government said.

Over 12,000 pilgrims gathered for the grand opening of Kedarnath temple, adorned with 108 quintals of flowers. A new grand aarti near the confluence of Mandakini and Saraswati rivers is introduced for pilgrims this season.

Char Dham Yatra 2025: Holy Kedarnath shrine opens for devotees

Over 12,000 pilgrims gathered for the grand opening of Kedarnath temple, adorned with 108 quintals of flowers. A new grand aarti near the confluence of Mandakini and Saraswati rivers is introduced for pilgrims this season.

The portals of Himalayan temple Kedarnath were opened on Friday, with more than 12,000 pilgrims attending the ceremony.
The gates of the temple located at a height of more than 11,000 ft were opened at 7 am, Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) officials said.
The Himalayan temple was adorned with 108 quintals of flowers of 54 varieties, including roses and marigoldsm brought from different countries like Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Of the four Char Dham temples Kedarnath, which is also the 11th Jyotirlinga, pulls the largest crowd of devotees. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It is the third temple in the Char Dham circuit to be opened after the winter break. Gangotri and Yamunotri temples were opened on April 30 and Badrinath will open on May 4. The process of opening the gates of Kedarnath began at 5 am, BKTC media in-charge Harish Gaur said.
Rawal (Chief Priest) Bhimashankar Ling, priest Bagesh Ling, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal, Rudraprayag's District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar, BKTC Chief Executive Officer Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, Tirtha priest Srinivas Posti, religious leaders and Vedpathis entered the temple from the east gate and participated in the worship of the gate of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple before the portals were opened.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also attended the opening ceremony and was the first to perform a puja at the temple after the opening of its gates praying for the well-being and prosperity of all. The temple, which is visited every year by lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad, remains closed during the winter months.
A new feature for the pilgrims in Kedarnath this time would be a grand "aarti" on the lines of Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, Haridwar and Rishikesh to be performed at the confluence of the Mandakini and Saraswati rivers near the temple, BKTC CEO Vijay Thapliyal said.
All arrangements have been made for the aarti with ramps erected on three sides of the confluence for devotees to view the scene, he said.&nbsp;

Veteran Congress leader Girija Vyas, aged 79, died from burn injuries sustained during an aarti at home. Known for her significant contributions in politics and women's rights, her demise marks the loss of an influential public servant.

Girija Vyas Dies at 79 After Burn Injuries

Esteemed veteran Congress leader Girija Vyas passed away at 79 due to burn injuries incurred during a religious ritual. Renowned for her leadership roles in politics and women's advocacy, her loss is deeply felt.

Veteran Congress leader Girija Vyas, 79, passed following burn injuries while performing an aarti. She held key roles in the Congress and was a former National Commission for Women Chair.

Veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Girija Vyas, who suffered burn injuries on March 31 while performing aarti at her home here, has died at a hospital in Ahmedabad, her family said on Thursday. She was 79.
Vyas's brother, Gopal Sharma, said that she succumbed to burn injuries at the Ahmedabad hospital on Thursday evening.
The Congress leader was performing an aarti during which her dupatta caught fire from a burning lamp and suffered critical burn injuries. She was rushed to a private hospital in Udaipur, where she was referred to Ahmedabad.
Her funeral will be conducted in Udaipur on Friday, Sharma said.
Vyas was a prominent Congress leader who served as a minister in both the state and central governments. She was also the PCC chief.
She also served as the chairperson of the National Commission for Women.

Sikkim mandates traditional attire every Thursday for its Personnel Department to promote cultural pride and heritage.

Sikkim Implements Traditional Attire Policy

The Sikkim government requires weekly traditional attire for Personnel Department employees, enhancing cultural pride within public administration.

Sikkim mandates its personnel department employees to wear traditional attire weekly, promoting cultural identity and pride.

The Sikkim government's personnel department has issued an order directing the employees of the department to wear traditional dress once a week, an official said on Thursday.
The move is aimed at promoting indigenous identity and reflecting the vibrant heritage of the state within the administrative framework, the official said.
"With a view to preserve and promote our cultural heritage and showcase our vibrant diversity, all officers and officials of the Department of Personnel are hereby directed to wear their full traditional attire once a week every Thursday," said the order issued by the Department of Personnel Secretary Rinzing Chewang Bhutia on April 29.

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The Maharashtra&nbsp;government has launched a separate&nbsp;probe against former Mumbai&nbsp;Police Commissioner&nbsp;Param&nbsp;Bir&nbsp;Singh, according to a report in the The Indian Express. The investigation will be conducted by IPS&nbsp;officer Sanjay Pandey&nbsp;and will focus on how officers like&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Waze&nbsp;who directly reported to Singh,&nbsp;went rogue while working under him.
The probe will also look at why did the former commissioner not share any detailed report with the state govt regarding the Ambani&nbsp;terror scare case at the earliest.
While the&nbsp;CBI&nbsp;is investigating Singh's&nbsp;allegations of corruption against Maharashtra's&nbsp;former home Minister Anil&nbsp;Deshmukh, reports say&nbsp;a departmental inquiry could be launched against Singh if anything is found incriminating and it may lead to his&nbsp;suspension.&nbsp;

Maharashtra govt orders probe against Param Bir Singh

Maharashtra&nbsp;govt to launch probe&nbsp;against former Mumbai&nbsp;Police Commissioner&nbsp;Param&nbsp;Bir&nbsp;Singh,find out how suspended assistant police inspector Sachin&nbsp;Waze&nbsp;went rogue while working under him.
&nbsp;

Maha&nbsp;govt orders probe against ex-police chief&nbsp;Param Bir Singh Probe to focus on how&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Waze&nbsp;went rogue under Singh CBI&nbsp;is investigating Singh's allegations against Anil&nbsp;Deshmukh

The Maharashtra&nbsp;government has launched a separate&nbsp;probe against former Mumbai&nbsp;Police Commissioner&nbsp;Param&nbsp;Bir&nbsp;Singh, according to a report in the The Indian Express. The investigation will be conducted by IPS&nbsp;officer Sanjay Pandey&nbsp;and will focus on how officers like&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Waze&nbsp;who directly reported to Singh,&nbsp;went rogue while working under him.
The probe will also look at why did the former commissioner not share any detailed report with the state govt regarding the Ambani&nbsp;terror scare case at the earliest.
While the&nbsp;CBI&nbsp;is investigating Singh's&nbsp;allegations of corruption against Maharashtra's&nbsp;former home Minister Anil&nbsp;Deshmukh, reports say&nbsp;a departmental inquiry could be launched against Singh if anything is found incriminating and it may lead to his&nbsp;suspension.&nbsp;

Punjab CM opposes BBMB's plan to release extra water to Haryana amidst Punjab's water scarcity, emphasizing Haryana's overuse and planning strategic state responses.

Punjab CM Criticizes BBMB Water Release

Punjab Chief Minister opposes BBMB's water release decision amidst state water concerns, highlighting overuse by Haryana and planning strategic responses to protect Punjab's interests.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann opposes BBMB's water release to Haryana, citing Punjab's water scarcity and Haryana's overuse. Plans are in motion to address and strategize water rights protection for the state.

Reiterating that Punjab has no surplus water to share with anyone, the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Thursday unequivocally said that the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) cannot dictate terms to the state and release water to Haryana.&nbsp;
Interacting with the media persons here, the Chief Minister said that Haryana has already utilized 16000 cusec of additional water rather than its allotted share. However, he said that the Rajasthan and Haryana governments have joined hands to rob the waters of the state and BBMB has illegally decided to release 8500 cusec of water, which cannot be tolerated. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has a 60% share in BBMB, and this decision of the board is arbitrary, dictatorial, and undemocratic.
The Chief Minister said that BBMB has no right to release the water by ignoring Punjab and its interests, adding that this will not be allowed at any cost. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as a farmer protects his share of water every moment in the same manner, being a custodian of the state and its water, he is here to inspect the arrangements so that no one steals the waters of Punjab. He said that the state government will not allow anyone to rob the waters of the state, and elaborate arrangements have already been put in place in this regard.
The Chief Minister warned the Union government, the state governments of Haryana and Rajasthan, along with BBMB, that this policy of repression will not work in Punjab. He said that Punjab will vehemently oppose any such move that is aimed at snatching its water, as being an agrarian state, it is the lifeline of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that if the center does not stop hatching such conspiracies, then it should forget that Punjab will give paddy to the country for the Public Distribution System.
The Chief Minister unequivocally said that the states of Haryana and Rajasthan are allotted a share of water from the state from a cycle of May 21 to May 20 every year. However, he said that the state of Haryana has utilized all the water in its share in the month of March this year, due to which they are now trying to grab some more water by robbing Punjab of its water. Giving data, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that hitherto Haryana has used 103% of its allocated water, and now the BJP is pressurizing Punjab to release more water to Haryana.
The Chief Minister said that there is no question of succumbing to the pressure on this issue, as it is concerned with the farmers of the state. He said that instead of playing these unlawful games, the Union government should divert the waters of Chenab, Jhelum, Ujh, and other rivers to the state after cancelling the much-hyped Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the surplus water saved from this treaty can be supplied to the entire northern region for catering to the needs ahead of the paddy season.
The Chief Minister said that as the Haryana government had urged Punjab, they don&rsquo;t even have water to cater to the drinking needs of people. He said that as a humanitarian gesture, the Punjab government generously allotted 4000 cusecs of water daily to Haryana from April 6, 2025. Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that Punjab is already grappling with a shortage of water for agricultural purposes as the groundwater is receding across the state.
The Chief Minister said that the level of water in the dam has been recorded at an all time low, and the water level at Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam is 32 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet low, respectively, as compared to last year. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every single drop of water is precious for the state, and there is no question of sharing the water with any other state. He categorically said that BJP, through its government in Haryana and the center, is trying to suppress the state, and it is unfortunate that BBMB is passing new resolutions every day to snatch a share of Punjab&rsquo;s water.
The Chief Minister said that his government is contemplating convening an all-party meeting over this issue so that the interests of the state can be safeguarded. Likewise, he said that Punjab is also mulling calling a special session of the state assembly to discuss the issue fully. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to protecting the waters of the state, as the state does not have even a single drop of spare water to share with any other state.
The Chief Minister said that it is surprising that top BJP leaders, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, state BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar, and Manpreet Singh Badal, are mum over the entire issue. He said that this is the time when these leaders must prove their loyalty towards the state by raising this issue of injustice at the center. He said that either these leaders must resign or they should join the state government for protecting the waters of the state, adding that it is shameful that these leaders are maintaining stoic silence over the issue.
The Chief Minister quipped that it is ironic that another BJP leader and self-proclaimed protector of waters, Captain Amarinder Singh, is tight-lipped over the issue. He said that Captain Amarinder Singh was the savior of water only in papers, whereas in reality these leaders never did anything tangible for Punjab and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders used to release up to 25% of excess water to Haryana and other states for their vested political and personal interests.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and others were also present.

Punjab is boosting cattle breeding using advanced biotech to improve livestock quality. This initiative benefits local farmers with state-of-art agri-tech, leading to a sustainable agricultural future.

Enhancing Cattle Breeding in Punjab

Punjab's Agriculture Department uses biotechnologies to advance cattle breeding, improving livestock quality and productivity for regional benefits.

Punjab enhances cattle breeding with advanced biotech, improving livestock quality and productivity and benefiting local farmers.

To bolster Punjab's cattle breeding with cutting-edge reproductive biotechnologies, Punjab Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian visited Kerala Livestock Development Board's (KLDB) pioneering Frozen Semen Technology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Centre at Mattuppetty in Idukki district of Kerala. The facility, established in 1965, stands as the birthplace of bovine frozen semen technology in India and remains a leading center for advanced reproductive biotechnologies.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, along with Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry Mr. Rahul Bhandari and other officials, visited on the invitation of Kerala Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Smt. J. Chinchurani, aimed to explore opportunities for technical collaboration in comprehensive cattle breeding programs.
Following the visit, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said, &ldquo;The advanced genomic selection methods and assisted reproductive technologies at Mattuppetty offer immense potential for improving the genetic quality of our livestock in Punjab. The expertise in frozen semen production, in vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer programs could significantly boost the state government's cattle breeding initiatives.&rdquo;
S. Khudian also held discussions with his Kerala counterpart, Smt. J. Chinchurani, and Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Dr. K. Vasuki, IAS, via online mode. In-person discussions were also conducted with Dr. R. Rajeev, managing director of the KLD Board, at Mattuppetty.
The delegation was especially impressed by the KLDB's Centre of Excellence Laboratory for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Embryo Transfer (ET) programs, alongside the International Training Centre, which provides specialized training for veterinary professionals, para-veterinarians, and dairy farmers.
During the visit, several key areas for future collaboration were identified. The first area involves a germ-plasm exchange program. Punjab will support Kerala's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production by facilitating the procurement of high-quality Holstein Friesian (HF) calves, heifers, and cows from Punjab. These animals will be distributed to Kerala farmers and used as embryo/ovum donors for KLDB's IVF/ET programs, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated.
He also mentioned that the second area of collaboration focuses on the Elite Breeding Stock Exchange, exploring possibilities for exchanging quality bulls of different cattle and buffalo breeds, along with the renowned Beetal breed of goats from Punjab, with the KLD Board. The third area involves biotechnology knowledge transfer through collaboration on advanced biotechnology programs in animal breeding, including genomic technology, IVF and ET programs, and the production of high-quality frozen semen doses.
The fourth area centers on technical training exchange, with reciprocal training programs. Professionals from Punjab will attend specialized courses in IVF/ET, frozen semen technology, and bovine reproductive technologies at Mattuppetty, while Kerala will send trainees to Punjab to learn about advanced practices established in Punjab's Animal Husbandry Department.
The fifth area of collaboration focuses on specialized skill development, where Punjab officials will participate in KLDB's training programs on fodder production, fodder seed quality testing, genomic breeding value estimation, genetic disease screening, and karyotyping.
"This collaboration marks a significant step toward modernizing our livestock breeding programs through the integration of cutting-edge reproductive biotechnologies," added Animal Husbandry Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

PUNSUP's GM Ajit Pal Singh Saini arrested in a bribery sting operation by Punjab's VB, highlighting ongoing corruption and efforts for transparency.

PUNSUP GM Arrested in Bribery Sting in Punjab

General Manager of PUNSUP, Ajit Pal Singh Saini, arrested for a bribe, signaling Punjab's commitment to rooting out corruption in state agencies.

Punjab's VB arrests PUNSUP GM Ajit Pal Singh Saini for bribery, spotlighting corruption in state-run agencies amid anti-corruption initiatives.

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau, during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, arrested General Manager PUNSUP, Ajit Pal Singh Saini, who also holds charges of procurement, storage, commercial, construction, and Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs one lakh.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of Ferozpur district.
He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the aforementioned General Manager of PUNSUP has been demanding a bribe of 10% of the total embezzled amount of about Rs 1.25 crore, the price of 14090 paddy bags allegedly shown under bogus purchase, and has demanded Rs 2 lakh as a first installment. However, the deal was settled for Rs one lakh after negotiations.
The complainant is a commission agent at Mandis in Shahzdi and Mana Singh Wala, in Ferozepur. During the purchase of paddy by PUNSUP in the year 2024, a total of about 34,250 paddy bags were found less during physical inspection of stocks in the concerned rice mills.
The commission agent (Ahartiya) firm of the complainant was alleged to have been involved in reporting a bogus purchase of a total of about 34,250 paddy bags. Subsequently, he was directed to deposit the deficient amount of Rs 2.97 crores; subsequently, the complainant has deposited Rs 2.50 crores with PUNSUP as recovery.
Eventually, the complainant filed a representation with Managing Director PUNSUP that gate passes of about 19,040 paddy bags were deleted later from the online portal by District Manager Ferozepur and Inspectors of PUNSUP Ferozepur; as such, he was wrongly fined for these bags. Thereafter, accused Ajit Pal Saini, GM, approached the complainant through a common acquaintance, Kanwal Deep, and demanded a bribe for settling the matter in the favor of the complainant.
The complainant has recorded an audio conversation of the accused wherein he demanded Rs 200,000 as the first installment. Earlier, District Manager Ferozepur and 2 inspectors of PUNSUP Ferozepur were also suspended by the department in the same matter.
The spokesperson added that preliminary verification of allegations was conducted discreetly, and after finding the allegations prima facie to be true, a VB team from the flying squad laid a trap during which the aforementioned general manager was caught red-handed in the parking of Max Hospital, Phase 6, Mohali, while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard, a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at the VB police station, Flying Squad-1, Punjab, at Mohali.
The VB team has recovered Rs 100,000 in bribe money from his possession and the official car of the accused, in which he came on the spot to receive money, was also taken into possession. He would be produced in the competent court tomorrow, and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

AAP stages statewide protests in Punjab against the Centre's decision to allocate additional water to Haryana, asserting water rights.

AAP Protests Against Water Allocation to Haryana

AAP protests in Punjab against the Centre’s water allocation to Haryana, asserting Punjab's rights over its resources and labeling the move unconstitutional.

AAP launches protests across Punjab to oppose Centre's water allocation to Haryana, declaring it unconstitutional.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab staged widespread protests across the state against the BJP-led Central Government&rsquo;s decision to allocate additional water to Haryana through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). AAP leaders and workers held demonstrations, emphasizing Punjab&rsquo;s rightful claim over its water resources.
Highlighting the injustices faced by Punjab, cabinet ministers, MLAs, and senior party leaders led protests in various districts, urging Punjabis to unite and oppose this unconstitutional move. The protests witnessed effigy burnings and demonstrations against BJP leaders at multiple locations across Punjab.
Amritsar
Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, along with AAP leaders Dr. Ajay Gupta, Baldev Miadian, Gurdev Lakhna, Moti Lal Bhatia, Jaspreet Singh, Dr. Inderpal, Iqbal Singh Bhullar, and Manish Aggarwal, along with hundreds of workers, gheraoed the residence of BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh.&nbsp;
Pathankot
Minister Lalchand Kataruchakk, AAP leaders Amit Mintu and Vibhuti Sharma, along with AAP volunteers, staged a protest outside BJP leader Ashwani Sharma&rsquo;s residence in New Bank Colony, condemning the Central Government&rsquo;s anti-Punjab policies.&nbsp;
Ludhiana
AAP MLAs and leaders, including Pappi Prashar, Madan Lal Bagga, Daljit Grewal Bhola, Kulwant Sidhu, Jeevan Singh Sangowal, and Amandeep Mohie, organized a protest at Arora Palace Dana Mandi, challenging the BJP&rsquo;s unconstitutional decision.
Patiala
AAP leaders Dev Mann, Kulwant Bazigar, Kundal Gogia, Ranjit Hadana, Megh Chand Shermajra, and Tejinder Mehta protested outside Moti Mahal, the residence of former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, to demand justice for Punjab&rsquo;s water rights.
Roopnagar
Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains, MLA Dinesh Chadha, and leader Harminder Dahne led protests at Bela Chowk in Roopnagar, declaring that Punjab will not tolerate any further exploitation of its water resources.
Fazilka and Shri Muktsar Sahib
Narinder Pal Singh Sawna, Arun Narang, and Shaminder Singh Khinda led demonstrations in these districts, emphasizing that Punjab&rsquo;s water belongs solely to Punjab.
Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar protested with party leadership in Patti, burning an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to denounce the BJP&rsquo;s misuse of BBMB.&nbsp;
Minister Dr. Ravjot staged a protest in Sham Chaurasi, condemning the Central Government&rsquo;s attempt to divert Punjab&rsquo;s water, and also burned the effigy of the Prime Minister.
Speaking on the issue, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk stated, "The BJP-led Central Government&rsquo;s arbitrary actions to allocate Punjab&rsquo;s water to Haryana will not be tolerated. Punjabis are united in opposing this injustice."
AAP Punjab reiterated its commitment to protecting Punjab&rsquo;s water rights and urged all Punjabis to join the fight against this unconstitutional and unjust decision. The party vowed to continue its struggle on all fronts, including legal and public mobilization. Punjab&rsquo;s water is Punjab&rsquo;s right, and AAP will safeguard it at any cost.

Severe rainfall and thunderstorms in Delhi led to a house collapse killing four, disrupted over 100 flights, and caused widespread traffic issues due to waterlogging and uprooted trees.

Heavy rain batters Delhi, 3 children among four dead; over 200 flights delayed

Severe rainfall and thunderstorms in Delhi led to a house collapse killing four, disrupted over 100 flights, and caused widespread traffic issues due to waterlogging and uprooted trees.

An intense storm with heavy early-morning rain hit the national capital on Friday, causing a house collapse that killed a woman and her three children and delaying more than 200 flights.
Many busy road stretches, including Minto Bridge and ITO, were waterlogged, causing heavy traffic jams in many areas.
The city received 77 mm rain in just three hours during the downpour which started around 5 am.
Visuals from several areas showed uprooted trees and people stuck in waterlogged roads. Videos surfaced on social media which showed half-submerged vehicles wading though Minto Road.
Major Somnath Marg in RK Puram, Minto Road and Khanpur were particularly affected in the rain.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, urging people to remain extremely vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Three children and a woman died after a a tree fell on their house following strong gusty winds that accompanied rains in the city, causing it to collapse.
"We received a call regarding a house collapse in Kharkari Nahar village in Najafgarh at 5.25 am. We deployed multiple teams on the spot and four people were rescued from the rubble," a Delhi Fire Services official said.
They were rushed to a nearby hospital where they were declared dead, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Jyoti (26) and her children --- Aryan (7), Rishabh (5) and Priyansh (7 months). Her husband Ajay (30) sustained minor injuries in his chest and wrist.
According to IMD data, in the last three hours, the Safdarjung weather station, the city's primary observatory, recorded 77 mm of rainfall. Lodhi road recorded 78 mm, Palam recorded 30 mm, Najafgarh 19.5 mm, and Pitampura 32 mm of rainfall.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inspected waterlogged road stretch at Majnu Ka Tila area while PWD minister Parvesh Verma reached the Minto bridge area to take stock of the situation.
"Waterlogging continues to be a concern across various parts of Delhi due to choked drains and pothole-ridden roads. Officials have been instructed to immediately identify all such vulnerable spots in the city that are prone to waterlogging," she said.
The chief minister described the pre-monsoon showers as a "warning sign" for the city's infrastructure, calling it the result of a decade-long backlog in development.
"If Delhi doesn't see planned development, such management issues will continue to arise. But today, the entire administration is on its toes to address these challenges," she added.
The Aam Aadmi Party lashed out at the BJP government with senior leader and former Delhi CM Atishi posting videos of waterlogging in Dhaula Kuan and ITO on X.
"Is this what the people of Delhi expected from the 4-engine BJP Govt?" she posted on X, referring to the BJP governments at the Centre, in Delhi, the municipal corporation and the local MP.
Three flights were diverted and over 200 flights were delayed at the IGI airport as thunderstorms and gusty winds disrupted operations.
An official said two flights that were to land at the Delhi airport were diverted to Jaipur and one to Ahmedabad.
More than 200 flights were delayed, according to data from flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates the airport, in a post on X at 5.20 am, said some flights were affected owing to inclement weather conditions.
Later in a post on X at 7.25 am, DIAL said the thunderstorm has passed but there is some impact on flight operations due to adverse weather conditions.
Delhi Fire Services received around 100 calls of rain-related incidents during the 3-4 hours of storm and heavy showers. Trees were uprooted in many parts of Delhi further affecting traffic on the roads.
The Public Works Department said it received 100 complaints of waterlogging by 12 pm and added that 150 quick response teams were deployed to clear waterlogging and other problems.
In the Lutyen's Delhi area, 25 tree fall cases and 12 complaints related to waterlogging were received.
Narendra Girsa, Councillor of Dwarka's Nasirpur area, said that an MCD school in the locality was flooded with water after rainfall.
Girsa said the school was built on a lower ground level while the surrounding areas are elevated, which caused rainwater to flow into the school premises.
The IMD has predicted moderate to heavy rain for Friday and Saturday, along with moderate to severe thunderstorms and wind speeds reaching 70-80 kmph in parts of Delhi-NCR.
Light rain is likely in some other areas of the region.&nbsp;

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