75% Delhi-NCR families report at least one member with pollution-related ailment, finds survey
The survey gathered responses from over 21,000 residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad of which 63 per cent of respondents were men and 37 per cent were women
DC Edit | Delhi-NCR air too toxic to breathe, but govts dither
Delhis air in winter is injurious to health. With an Air Quality Index nearing 500, even breathing in Delhi has become hazardous. In the old days, people visiting India would be advised, gratuitously of course, not to drink the water or breathe the air. Todays air over the region, including Gurugram, Noida and Faridabad, is smothered in a pea soup fog that hangs like a malevolent blanket, so much so people are being advised to stay indoors on days of poor AQI. Emergency responses have seen the closing of schools, people working from home and regulations imposed inhibiting normal life as the geographical and meteorological conditions of the winter season take over to affect the weather pattern with a foul fog because of which even trains struggle and flights get routinely rerouted. When there was a pressing need for action on a war footing to mitigate or try to stave off the crisis that grips New Delhi and many parts of north India every year starting in November, the governments of Delhi and the Centre and of many adjoining states have not been seen to be proactive. They have done little about helping people breathe air that is tolerable, and which can support life in people with medical conditions while not incommoding normal persons. The political blame game, however, creates only din of the kind that people have become inured to as netas point fingers at each other. Truth to tell, the burning of stubble is a national problem about which not enough has been done to find alternatives like changing cropping patterns. Some states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan may have contributed their share to exacerbate this problem by being blas about it while Punjab and Haryana have at least taken some measures to control it. The problem is, however, larger than crop burning which is only one contributing factor. Giving up construction and demolitions may be tough to do in a country that is an eternal work in progress, but rules must be adhered to if such activity is not to add to the existing dust and vehicle pollution from transporting people and goods. It will take years anyway to phase out the more polluting older vehicles, but leaders do swear by half-measures like odd and even number plates on alternate days. The Supreme Court was incensed at the lackadaisical attitude of governments towards handling this recurring crisis until the problem of severe air pollution peaks in November-December when crop burning adds to it because of the timing of harvests. The fact of the matter is that it wont go away until a national effort is coordinated by the Centre and the states follow a host of regulations lest they leave a sizeable population of the country gasping for air and millions risk dying prematurely. The people can contribute by taking public transportation or car-pooling and the Delhi government can help by not letting solid waste burn and regulating better the incineration of waste in unscientific manners through private industry. So long as blaming everyone but themselves and passing the buck are national pastimes of leaders, the state of the capital will be like this in its unbeautiful cloak of winter. Governments must act round the year to control the conditions that lead to foggy winters and people must wake up, too, and help.
Delhi's air quality reached a hazardous 'severe plus' level, prompting school closures and emergency measures. The Supreme Court intervened, ordering strict enforcement of anti-pollution measures as the city grapples with dangerously high levels of pollutants.
Schools in Delhi, Noida, Faridabad shift to online mode: Due to hazardous air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas, the Supreme Court has mandated the immediate implementation of GRAP Stage IV, including school closures and remote work. Delhi University and various schools in the NCR have shifted to online classes until November 23.
Punjab reports season's highest stubble burning cases as Haryana AQI touches 'severe' levels
CHANDIGARH: The highest number of stubble burning cases in this season, at 1,251 incidents, were reported in Punjab on Monday increasing the total number of reported cases this year to 9.655, according to data by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PCCB). The Air Quality Index (AQI) level in the state was in the 'Poor category, while in Haryana five towns were in the 'Severe category and six places in the 'Very Poor category. Of the total 1,251 incidents reported on Monday, 247 cases were in Muktsar district followed by 149 in Moga, 130 incidents of stubble-burning were in Ferozepur, 129 in Bathinda, 94 in Fazilka, 88 in Faridkot, 77 in Tarn Taran and 73 in Sangrur. Ludhiana had 52 cases, Barnala 42 incidents, 40 in Mansa and Amritsar had 36 reported cases and Marelkotla had 34. Meanwhile on Sunday, 404 stubble burning cases were reported across the state, of which 74 new cases were from Ferozepur and 70 in Bathinda. An environmental compensation of Rs 1.35 crore had been imposed for 3,943 cases till November 15. As per the central pollution control board, the AQI levels of both Amritsar and Jalandhar around 7.30 pm were 241 in the 'Poor' category. Khanna was 143 in the 'Moderate' category and Ludhiana, Patiala and Rupnagar all three were at 262 and Mandi Gobindgarh was 213 - all in the 'Poor' category. While the AQI level of Chandigarh was 270 at the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in Sector 22, the AQI at around 7.30 pm on Monday was at 250 and that at CAAQMS Sector 53 was recorded at 240 and at the Sector 25 station it was 270. Ambala residents report breathing issues due to fog, pollution. In Haryana the Air Quality Index at Gurugram was 494, Dharuhera was 447, Bahadurgarh was 443, Faridabad was 432 and Bhiwani 405, all in the 'Severe category. While Jind was 387, Fatehabad was 383, Kaithal was 354, Karnal was 348, Palwal was 327, Narnaul was 320 - in the 'Very Poor category. Kurukshetra's AQI was 298, Mandikhera was at 293, Hisar at 281, Charkhi Dadri at 226 - all in the 'Poor' category. Only two places - Ambala and Panchkula - were in the 'Moderate category. In response to worsening air pollution, the Nuh Administration has declared holidays for schools up to class 5 from November 18 to November 22, according to an official order. As per the order from the office of the District Elementary Education Officer of Nuh, the holiday has been declared in all government, semi-government, and private schools in the Nuh district of Haryana. Sources pointed out that the PPCB is under scrutiny and facing allegations of under-reporting of farm fire incidents. The scientists monitoring the farm fires claimed that many farmers were setting paddy residue on fire post afternoon, dodging the satellite. While the pollution control board claimed have brought down farm fires by 70 per cent than previous years, farmers could be seen evading the satellite by setting the paddy residue on fire post 3 pm.
ED seizes Rs 8.8 crore in money laundering case against 'lottery king' Santiago Martin
CHENNAI: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday seized Rs 8.8 crore in cash during searches in a money laundering case against Chennai-based 'lottery king' Santiago Martin, officials said. Martin was the single biggest donor to political parties with over Rs 1,300 crore in the now-scrapped electoral bonds. The searches that were launched on Thursday continued for the second day in multiple states. About Rs 8.8 crore in cash has been seized from the corporate office of Martin on Friday. The cash is mostly in the denomination of Rs 500, the official said. The location of the office was not known. The fresh ED searches came about after the Madras High Court recently allowed the federal agency to proceed against Martin as the Tamil Nadu Police had decided to close the predicate or primary FIR against him and a few others and a lower court accepted this police plea. ED searches Santiago Martins premises in Chennai, Coimbatore At least 20 premises linked to Martin and associates in Chennai and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Faridabad in Haryana, Ludhiana in Punjab and Kolkata in West Bengal were being searched as part of a comprehensive action against his business empire. A clutch of police FIRs have been taken into cognisance by the ED to initiate the latest action against Martin and his business network for lottery fraud and illegal sale of lottery. The agency had searched him earlier too. The federal agency last year attached assets worth about Rs 457 crore in a case against Martin linked to an alleged loss of over Rs 900 crore to the Sikkim government by fraudulent sale of the state lottery in Kerala. Future Gaming Solutions India Pvt.Ltd. is the master distributor of Sikkim lotteries and the ED has been investigating Martin, known as 'lottery king' in Tamil Nadu, since 2019. Martin recently made news after it came to light through Election Commission data that his company (Future Gaming) was the largest purchaser of now-scrapped electoral bonds worth more than Rs 1,300 crore, between 2019 and 2024, meant for donations to political parties. The Madras High Court last month allowed the ED case against Martin and his linked people to go on as it set aside a lower court order which had accepted a closure report filed by the Chennai Police crime branch in a case related to the seizure of unaccounted Rs 7.2 crore from his Chennai home. His other companies include Martin Builders Pvt.Ltd. and Daison Land and Development Pvt. Ltd. The ED had said earlier that these firms acquired immovable properties worth Rs 19. 59 crore from the loans and advances given by Martin and his family members.
grap-iii-in-place-how-delhi-struggles-to-control-worsening-air-pollution
Delhi continues to grapple with worsening air quality as authorities struggle to control damage by imposing restrictions under the third stage of GRAP, which will come into force on Friday at 8 am. Under the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), all inter-state buses from NCR states -- except electric vehicles, CNG vehicles and BS-VI diesel buses -- will be prohibited from entering Delhi. There is also a ban on construction and demolition activities and mining-related activities. Any violation will attract a fine of Rs 20,000. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said there is a strict ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel (four-wheelers) in the national capital and neighbouring Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar. Though less-polluting construction activities are permitted, those will be subjected to strict compliance with the C&D Waste Management Rules. GNCTD (Delhi government) will impose strict restrictions on plying of Delhi-registered diesel operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs), of BS-III standards or below, in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/providing essential services, the order stated. There will also be exemptions for construction works for railway and metro rail projects, airports and interstate bus terminals, national security or defence-related projects, healthcare facilities, hospitals, and public infrastructure projects like highway work. The Delhi government has also decided to switch to online classes for students until class 5. The government will also have to undertake more mechanised sweeping of roads, daily water sprinkling along with dust suppressants and proper disposal of collected dust in landfills. This comes as the city's 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 4 pm every day, stood at 424 on Thursday, up from 418 the previous day. On Friday morning, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Anand Vihar area dips into the 'Severe' category. AQI in Anand Vihar is at 441 Meanwhile, the decision has come as a blow to truck drivers, who cited the ban will affect their livelihood. We are going to face a lot of problems related to livelihood if our vehicles won't be allowed to enter Delhi. How are we going to bear the extra expenses? Each of us has EMIs to pay for our vehicles, a truck driver told ANI.
ED searches Santiago Martins premises in Chennai, Coimbatore
COIMBATORE: As part of a country-wide search at the offices and residences of lottery businessman Santiago Martin, Enforcement Directorate teams searched multiple locations in Chennai and Coimbatore on Thursday. Sources said at least 20 places linked to Martin, his son-in-law Aadhav Arjuna, who is also the deputy general secretary of VCK, and associates in Chennai and Coimbatore, Faridabad in Haryana, Ludhiana in Punjab, and Kolkata in West Bengal were being searched. In Chennai, searches were conducted at offices in Triplicane, Teynampet and Poes Garden under the security cover provided by the Central Reserve Police Force. Searches, which started at 6.30am at three locations in Coimbatore, continued till evening. According to sources, the searches were held at Martins office, his residence at Vellakinar near Thudiyalur, and Martin Homoeopathy Medical College on Mettupalayam Road in Coimbatore. The search operation comes two weeks after the Madras HC allowed ED to proceed with its probe against Martin after overturning a lower court order closing an FIR. Last year, the directorate had attached assets worth Rs 457 crore in a case against Martin linked to an alleged loss of over Rs 900 crore caused to the Sikkim government due to fraudulent sale of the state lottery in Kerala. Martins Future Gaming Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. is the master distributor of Sikkim lotteries in the country.
Delhi air pollution: Flights, trains delayed due to fog
New Delhi: With air pollution reaching alarming levels, the Central pollution watchdog has announced the enforcement of stringent curbs under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR from 8 am on Friday, November 15. Flights and train services, meanwhile, were also disrupted on Thursday as a thick blanket of fog covered parts of Delhi for the second consecutive day, with the air quality index still remaining in the severe category. Under GRAP-3, all inter-state buses from the NCR states except electric vehicles, CNG vehicles and BS-VI diesel buses will be prohibited from entering Delhi, alongside a stringent ban on construction and demolition activities, suspension of mining-related activities and daily water sprinkling on major roads. All schools have been told that classes up to Class 5 must switch from physical to online mode till further orders. While the third stage of the anti-pollution measure is in effect, there would also be restrictions on the plying of BS-lll petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in Delhi and the districts of Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar. On Thursday, about 400 flights, 257 departures and 139 arrivals, at Delhi airport experienced delays due to the low visibility. While the arrival n Turn to Page 4 delays averaged 17 minutes, departures reportedly faced a more substantial average delay of more than 50 minutes, as reported by a flight-tracking website. Delhi airport had also issued an advisory for passengers in the morning, alerting them of low visibility. Low visibility procedures in progress at Delhi Airport. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information, Delhi airport wrote in a post on X. Many long-distance trains heading to Delhi were delayed by several hours, causing considerable inconvenience to passengers. Departure time for these trains were also rescheduled. Local trains faced delays ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, further complicating the daily commute for office-goers in the city. Meanwhile, Delhi Metro also announced that it will be inducting 20 extra trips after GRAP- 3 restrictions. The GRAP for Delhi-NCR is divided into four stages of air quality: Stage 1 for poor AQI ranging between 201 and 300; Stage 2 for very poor AQI of 301-400; Stage 3 for severe AQI of 401-450; and Stage 4 for severe plus AQI (more than 450). The decision to implement GRAP-3 was taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management as Delhi's air quality remained in the severe category for the second consecutive day on Thursday with the AQI reaching 428 in the morning hours. Of 39 monitoring stations in Delhi, 32 recorded air quality in the severe category, with readings above 400. These stations include Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, IGI Airport, ITO, Mandir Marg, North Campus, Patparganj, Punjabi Bagh, and Pusa, among others. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court agreed to urgently list on November 18 a plea seeking enforcement of measures to check pollution in the national capital after it was told that Delhi should not become the most polluted city in the world. A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih agreed to list the matter after senior advocate Aprajita Singh, who has been appointed as amicus curiae, requested for urgent hearing looking at the prevailing situation in Delhi. Since yesterday we have been in severe mode. Just to avoid this situation, this court has asked them to take preemptive action. They have not done anything. We should not become the most polluted city in the world, Ms Singh told the bench. Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai had said during a press conference that GRAP-3 would not be imposed yet as the situation was expected to improve from Friday. But he stressed that the Delhi government would strictly implement GRAP-2 measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality. We will review all current action plans and campaigns and enhance enforcement efforts to prevent pollution levels from reaching emergency levels, he added. Mr Rai attributed the worsening conditions to a combination of calm winds and a drop in temperature. Citing studies, he said contributions from surrounding areas play a significant role in Delhi's pollution levels, with 30 per cent of the pollution originating from local sources and 34 per cent coming from the National Capital Region.
Delhi Air Pollution: GRAP 3 Measures To Be Imposed From Nov 15; What Are The Restrictions?
GRAP 3 air pollution control measures to be imposed in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad as AQI plummets even further in Delhi NCR.
Delhi-NCR engulfed in dense smog; AQI exceeds 400 mark
New Delhi: A thick blanket of smog enveloped Delhi and neighboring areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad on Wednesday morning, pushing air quality levels to the severe category and causing significant disruptions to air travel. The dense fog, which began to form around 5:30 am, led to poor visibility at Indira Gandhi International Airport, [] The post Delhi-NCR engulfed in dense smog; AQI exceeds 400 mark appeared first on Northlines .
Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad's AQI hit scary levels: Check figures here
Delhi and the NCR region are engulfed in a thick blanket of smog. The air quality has reached 'Very Poor' levels, posing health risks. Anand Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, and Ashok Vihar are among the worst-hit areas in Delhi. Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad are also experiencing unhealthy air quality. Residents are advised to take precautions and limit outdoor exposure.
Delhi-NCR Pollution News | Toxic Air Engulfs Delhi-NCR | Air Quality Index hits Alarming Levels
Delhi-NCR Pollution News | Toxic Air Engulfs Delhi-NCR | Air Quality Index hits Alarming LevelsA thick layer of smog engulfed Delhi and surrounding areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad on Wednesday morning.Delhi's air quality index was in the 'very poor' category, while that of Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad were in the 'Poor' category. Toxic Air Engulfs Delhi-NCR, Air Quality Index hits Alarming Levels
Thick Smog Blankets Delhi-NCR, Air Quality Index Crosses 400-Mark
A dense layer of smog enveloped Delhi and surrounding regions of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad on Wednesday morning.
Delhi-NCR grapples with pollution as air quality dips
New Delhi: Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with hazardous air quality levels, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining at 355, classified as very poor. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhis AQI at 7:30 A.M. on Tuesday was 355, while surrounding NCR cities also recorded high AQI levels: Haryanas Faridabad was at Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
New Highway Will Cut Travel Time To Faridabad, Palwal, Sohna By 2 Hours From Tomorrow
Traveling from Delhi, Noida, or Ghaziabad to Faridabad and Palwal usually means going through Mathura Road, where traffic jams turn a 30-minute trip into a two and a half hour ride
Soon, travel on fast lane from Gurugram to Greater Noida
NEW DELHI: The National Capital Region (NCR) is all set to witness a new Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), a semi-high speed rail corridor, stretching from Rajiv Chowk in Gurugram to Noida Sector-142 and Surajpur in Greater Noida, passing through Bata Chowk in Faridabad. The 60-kilometre corridor is projected to feature eight intermediate stations, with an estimated total project cost of around Rs 15,000 crore. Once completed, the RRTS corridor is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in NCR. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini recently met with Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal in Delhi to discuss the expansion of the metro and the construction of the RRTS corridor. They also explored options for extending RRTS connectivity between Sarai Kale Khan and Karnal, as well as extending the metro line from Gurugram to AIIMS in Badsa. Meanwhile, there is an ongoing assessment to connect IGIA with key NCR locations, including Gurugram, Faridabad and Jewar Airport, through the RRTS network. The plan proposes two distinct lines, starting from Palam Vihar in Gurugram, to improve connectivity across the region. Another proposed extension aims to connect Sarai Kale Khan to Dharuhera, Bawal, and Shahjahanpur in Rajasthan. For the proposed metro line extension from Gurugram Sector-56 to Panchgaon, the Haryana government will cover the expenses. Upon receiving the projects Detailed Project Report, the Centre is likely to approve it.
Assam: NHPC confersBest Project award to Subansiri Lower Dam
Guwahati:TheNHPC Limited Indias premier hydropower company and Navratna enterprise of the Central government celebrated its 50th Raising Day at its corporate office in Faridabad, and across all its regional offices, power stations and projects. The NHPC entered into its Golden Jubilee Year after its foundation in 1975. The celebrations began with the unfurling [] The post Assam: NHPC confersBest Project award to Subansiri Lower Dam appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Air quality 'poor' in large parts of Punjab, Haryana; Chandigarh 'very poor'
CHANDIGARH: The air quality in several parts of Punjab and Haryana was recorded in the 'poor' category on Saturday, while it was worst in the joint capital city of Chandigarh with an AQI of 322 which falls in the 'very poor' band. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's Sameer App, which provides hourly updates, Haryana's Bahadugarh recorded an Air Quality Index of 314 -- also in the 'very poor' category at 9 am. Among other places in Haryana, the AQI at Sonipat was 290, Hisar (285), Bhiwani (277), Jind (275), Charkhi Dadri (258), Gurugram (259), Faridabad (220), Yamunanagar (213), Rohtak (238), Kurukshetra (202), Kaithal (205), Fatehabad (198), Ambala (160), Sirsa (181), and Karnal (144). In Punjab, the AQI was registered at 264 in Mandi Gobindgarh, 258 in Amritsar, 257 in Rupnagar, 248 in Jalandhar, 197 in Ludhiana, 183 in Bathinda, 176 in Khanna, and 133 in Patiala. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'. The rise in air pollution levels in the two states and Delhi during this time of year is often blamed on farm fires. Punjab reported 730 farm fire incidents on Friday, taking the total count to 6,029 in the state this season. As the window for the Rabi crop -- wheat -- is very short after paddy harvest, some farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue for sowing of the next crop.
BJP Alleges Financial Irregularities in Power Discoms, Seeks CAG Audit
New Delhi: The BJP on Thursday demanded a CAG audit of the accounts of two discoms in which the Delhi government has stakes while alleging massive financial irregularities leading to operational losses.The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit back stating it was the BJP's pre-set agenda to gain power and hand over resources to their industrialist friends while making the common man pay the price. If they seize power in Delhi, they will make electricity as costly here as in every other state they rule, the AAP charged. The AAP government and the two discoms have created a situation that is bound to lead to rise in electricity rates in the city, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said in a press conference. There are three major power distribution companies in the city in which the private entities have 51 per cent stake while the Delhi government has 49 per cent share. It is a strange irony that all three power discoms sell electricity at the same rates, purchase it at the same rates and supply it through the same Transco network, yet one consistently makes a profit while the other two continue to operate at a loss, Sachdeva claimed. He questioned the AAP government why did not it revoke the license of the private entity that was consistently showing losses in both purchase and sale of electricity. The private company managing the operations of two discoms ensures full payment to the four power generation companies that could halt supply for non-payment but does not pay to two Delhi government companies on time or in full for the electricity it purchases from them, Sachdeva charged. New Delhi BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said that the two discoms facing losses showed mismanagement and bad intentions of the private company managing their operations, underscoring the need for investigation. How is it possible for the two discoms to show consistent losses without collusion from the AAP government which has allowed these losses to increase year after year? she asked. She also claimed that while the private company operated profitably, the discoms jointly owned by it with the Delhi government incurred losses in both selling and purchasing electricity. The private company treats its electricity supply losses as regulatory assets, now totaling over 21,000 crore rupees, she stated in a statement. The outstandings of the Delhi government power generation companies Pragati Power Corporation and Indraprastha Power Corporation now exceeds Rs 26,638 crore due to untimely payments, she said. The AAP said its government in Delhi is the only government in the entire country to give free electricity to all its residents round the clock. More than 22 lakh families receive zero electricity bills and 40.22 lakh domestic electricity consumers are getting the benefits of electricity subsidy from the Delhi government, it claimed. Even after 10 years, the AAP has ensured this unlike other BJP ruled states where electricity prices have been skyrocketing. The BJP has governments in 20 states and we challenge them to show one state where the BJP has given free or 24X7 electricity, the AAP asserted. In Delhi's neighbouring states where the BJP is in power... metropolitan cities like Faridabad, Noida and Gurgaon thrive on generators even during non-peak demand time. The BJP leaders, who are making these fake claims should rather speak to the chief ministers of those states to ensure non-stop power supply there, it added.
The family of a missing girl charged that the police did not help them despite repeated appeals made to them.
Air quality remains 'very poor' in several parts of Haryana, Punjab
CHANDIGARH: The air quality index at several places in Punjab and Haryanawas recorded in the 'very poor' and 'poor' categories on Sunday. According to Sameer app that provides hourly updates of the national AQI published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Punjab's Amritsar was recorded at 301,183 in Chandigarh, 119 in Bathinda, 214 in Jalandhar, 171 in Khanna, 153 in Ludhiana, 207 in Patiala, 184 in Mandi Gobindgarh and 141 in Rupnagar. Among several places in Haryana, the AQI was recorded at 293 in Bhiwani, 280 in Charkhi Dadri, 238 in Faridabad, 202 in Fatehabad, 266 in Gurugram, 266 in Hisar, 253 in Jind, 258 in Rohtak, 296 in Sonipat, 251 in Sirsa, 238 in Kurukshetra, 187 in Panipat, 142 in Yamunanagar and 112 in Ambala, the data showed. Spike in stubble burning on Diwali worsens Punjabs air quality The air quality index in Haryana's Bahadurgarh and Karnal were the worst hit with 313 and 316 respectively. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, 401 to 450 severe, and above 450 classified as 'severe plus.' Notably, Punjab recorded 379 farm fires on Saturday.
Elderly man killed, family attacked in Haryana over firecracker-related incidents during Diwali
A tragic incident unfolded in Faridabad, Haryana, where an elderly man was beaten to death after objecting to firecrackers being set off in his neighbourhood. According to a complaint filed by the victim's son, Vinod, three individualsRaju, Dheeraj, and Nanduwere setting off firecrackers in front of their residence in the Housing Board Colony, Sector 18, on Thursday evening. When the elderly man protested the noise disturbance, a heated argument ensued. Although the situation temporarily calmed, the three men reportedly returned around 1 am and resumed the noisy activity. As the elderly man stepped outside to object again, he was allegedly attacked by the trio. Despite attempts by Vinod and his wife to intervene, they too were assaulted. The elderly man succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Faridabad police have registered a case and launched a manhunt for the three accused. In a separate incident in Faridabad, a Hindu family was allegedly attacked with sticks and stones while bursting firecrackers on Diwali, police said on Friday. The incident occurred on Thursday in Subhash Colony. According to the police complaint, the family alleges that members of a Muslim family opposed the noise from the fireworks. When some women from the Hindu family went to the accused's house to discuss the matter, they were reportedly attacked with sticks and stones. The attackers then allegedly broke down the main door of the complainant's house and sexually harassed a girl from the family. Police have obtained CCTV footage of the incident, and a case has been registered as the investigation proceeds.
Man killed, mob attacks family over bursting crackers
Two incidents of violence over firecracker bursting on Diwali were reported from Haryana's Faridabad on Friday.
Elderly man beaten to death for objecting to firecrackers in Haryana
Faridabad: An elderly man was allegedly beaten to death in Haryanas Faridabad after he objected to people bursting firecrackers in his locality, police said on Friday, November 1. A case has been lodged on the basis of a complaint from the victims son. According to the complainant, Vinod, three men Raju, Dheeraj and Nandu Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Elderly man beaten to death for objecting to firecrackers being burst in Haryana's Faridabad: Police
According to the complainant, Vinod, three men Raju, Dheeraj and Nandu were bursting firecrackers in front of the victims residence in the Housing Board Colony in Faridabads Sector 18 on Thursday (October 31, 2024) evening
Elderly Man Beaten To Death Over Bursting Firecrackers In Haryana: Cops
An elderly man was allegedly beaten to death in Haryana's Faridabad after he objected to people bursting firecrackers in his locality, police said on Friday.
Locals Mourn Devender Rana, Voice of Jammu, as PM Modi, CM Abdullah Express Condolences
SRINAGAR, Nov 1: BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana, who passed away late Thursday night, was a prominent entrepreneur and influential politician often described as the voice of Jammu. Rana died at a hospital in Haryana's Faridabad after a brief illness. He was 59 years old. The legacy of Rana who is survived by his [] The post Locals Mourn Devender Rana, Voice of Jammu, as PM Modi, CM Abdullah Express Condolences appeared first on Northlines .
Devender Rana | Locals Mourn Voice Of Jammu; PM Modi, CM Abdullah Express Grief
Jammu, Nov 1: BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana, who passed away late Thursday night, was a prominent entrepreneur and influential politician often described as the voice of Jammu. Rana died at a hospital in Haryanas Faridabad after a brief illness. He was 59 years old. The legacy of Rana who is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son is marked by his remarkable journey from building a multi-crore automobile company to becoming a significant political figure [] The post Devender Rana | Locals Mourn Voice Of Jammu; PM Modi, CM Abdullah Express Grief appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
In Faridabad, Haryana, a Hindu family was attacked by a Muslim mob over the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations
J-K BJP MLA Devender Rana passes away at 59
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana, brother of Union minister Jitendra Singh, died on Thursday at a private hospital in Haryana's Faridabad. He was 59.
J-K MLA Devender Singh Rana's untimely demise shocking: PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed shock at the death of BJP MLA and veteran Jammu and Kashmir leader Devender Singh Rana. PM Modi said on X, Shri Devender Singh Rana Ji's untimely demise is shocking. He was a veteran leader, who worked diligently towards Jammu and Kashmir's progress. He had just won the Assembly polls and had also played a noteworthy role in making the BJP stronger in J-K. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti. Rana (59), Union Minister Jitendra Singh's brother, was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Haryana's Faridabad, where he passed away. Rana was a stalwart leader of the Jammu region and leading face of the National Conference, especially in the Jammu region, for decades before he joined the BJP in 2021. After the abrogation of Article 370, Rana became a vocal advocate for the Jammu Declaration, calling for statehood restoration specifically for the Jammu region. His stance clashed with the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, a coalition seeking the restoration of Article 370 and statehood for the entire Jammu and Kashmir region. He won the recent assembly polls from the Nagrota constituency with the highest margin in Jammu and Kashmir.
Smog blankets Delhi as residents defy firecracker ban, air quality drops to very poor
New Delhi: Relentless bursting of firecrackers blanketed Delhi in dense smoke on Thursday, causing severe noise pollution and reducing visibility, as people defied a ban on firecrackers to celebrate Diwali. The city's air quality dropped to the very poor category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 330 at 10 pm. Key areas, including Anand Vihar, saw the AQI plunge into the severe category while PM2.5 concentrations soared, creating hazardous conditions for respiratory health. In contrast to the clearer sky on Diwali last year, when favourable conditions kept the AQI at 218, this year's celebrations returned the city to its notorious pollution levels, a pattern worsened by unfavourable meteorological conditions, stubble burning and vehicular emissions. Although the city government had set up 377 enforcement teams and spread awareness through local associations to ensure compliance with the firecracker ban, neighbourhoods across east and west Delhi reported large-scale flouting of the restrictions. The city's 24-hour average AQI was recorded at 330, up from 307 the previous day. The smog-laden sky brought back memories of the severe pollution in 2020 as the PM2.5 and PM10 levels surged to 145.1 and 272 micrograms per cubic metre respectively at 9 pm. These fine particles, which easily penetrate the respiratory system, pose serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. In an effort to combat the spike in pollution, the Delhi government had enforced a comprehensive ban on firecrackers for the fifth consecutive year, prohibiting their manufacture, storage, sale and use. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai mobilised 377 enforcement teams, working closely with resident welfare associations, market committees and social organisations to ensure compliance. Police teams were deployed to monitor neighbourhoods, with officials warning that legal action would be taken against violators under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for defying government orders. However, reports indicated widespread defiance of the ban across east and west Delhi, with firecrackers lighting up the sky in areas such as Jaunapur, Punjabi Bagh, Burari and East of Kailash. Delhi's surrounding regions, including Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram, fared somewhat better, remaining in the poor AQI category, while Faridabad recorded a relatively moderate AQI of 181. Yet, unfavourable meteorological conditions, paired with emissions from vehicles, local pollution and stubble burning in neighbouring states, exacerbated the smog over Delhi-NCR, a phenomenon that peaks in winter. According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the highest pollution levels are anticipated in early November as incidents of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana are expected to rise. Over the years, Delhi has seen fluctuations in the air quality on Diwali, recording an AQI of 312 in 2022, 382 in 2021 and 414 in 2020. Despite repeated government efforts to curb the use of firecrackers, the city's air pollution continues to spike during the festival.
Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana, Union Minister Jitendra Singhs Brother, Passes Away
Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana, the brother of Union Minister Jitendra Singh, passed away at a hospital in Faridabad.
BJP Leader Devender Singh Rana Dies At 59
Senior BJP leader and Nagrota MLA Devender Singh Rana, brother of Union minister Jitendra Singh, died on Thursday at a private hospital in Haryana's Faridabad. He was 59.
28 IPS officers transferred in major reshuffle in Haryana
Chandigarh: In a major reshuffle, the Haryana government on Wednesday transferred 28 IPS officers with immediate effect. An IPS officer who is facing allegations of sexual harassment is also among those transferred, according to a government order.Haryana Police had on Sunday said they have launched an inquiry after a letter surfaced on social media platforms in which an IPS officer was accused of sexually harassing some female cops. The IPS officer has been shifted from the district where he was currently posted as Superintendent of Police. Meanwhile, SPs of a few other districts have also been shuffled, while the government also handed over additional charge to three IPS officers. According to a government order, Alok Kumar Roy, DG, Human Rights and Litigation, Haryana, Panchkula, has been posted as DG, Railways and Commando (headquarters), Panchkula. After his promotion to the DGP rank, O P Singh will continue as MD, Haryana Police Housing Corporation with additional charge of ADGP, Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau and as Director, Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Madhuban. Pankaj Nain, Special Officer (Community Policing and Outreach) in Chief Minister's Office will also be DIG, Security CID (headquarters) in addition to his present duties. Vikas Arora will continue in his current posting as Gurugram Police Commissioner after promotion to the rank of Additional DGP. Rakesh Kumar Arya, Inspector General of Police, Telecommunication (headquarters), Panchkula, has been posted as Commissioner of Police, Panchkula, in addition to his present duties. Yamunanagar SP Ganga Ram Punia will be the new SP of Karnal while Rajesh Kumar, SP, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Haryana, has been posted as SP, Jind. Mohit Handa, SP, Karnal has been posted as DCP (Crime), Gurugram and Hansi SP Maqsood Ahmed has been posted as DCP (Crime), Faridabad. Nitish Agarwal, DCP (Crime), Gurugram, has been posted as Bhiwani SP, and Pooja Vashishth, SP, Charkhi Dadri, has been posted as SP, Mahendragarh, while Jasleen Kaur, DCP (Central), Faridabad has been posted as DCP (Traffic), Faridabad.
In what is being called a revenge move, Haryana Police levied penalties on more than 50 Rajasthan buses operating on busy routes such as Gurugram and Faridabad shortly after the video went viral on social media.
PM Modi hits out at Delhi, WB government for not implementing Ayushman Bharat scheme
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the Delhi and West Bengal governments on Tuesday for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme due to political interests and said he was pained that the elderly in these places cannot avail of free treatment under the expanded program. The prime minister on Tuesday extended his government's flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. I apologise to all the elderly aged 70 and above in Delhi and West Bengal that I cannot serve them. I would get to know about your pains and sufferings but I won't be able to help you, Modi said. The reason is that the governments in Delhi and West Bengal are not joining the scheme due to their political interests, he stated, adding the tendency to be oppressive against the sick people of one's own state for political interests does not align with the idea of humanity. People aged above 70 will get free treatment in hospitals and they will be given 'the Ayushman Vaya Vandana' card, Modi said. I am able to serve the people of the country but the walls of the political profession are preventing me from serving the elderly people of Delhi and West Bengal, he said. Elections in Delhi are due in 2025 and in West Bengal in 2026. Modi who launched development projects worth over Rs 12,850 crore on the occasion of the ninth Ayurveda Day and the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine, said that during this year's general elections, he had promised that people aged 70 years and above would be brought under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme during the third term of his government. This guarantee is being fulfilled today, he said, adding he will not rest until the poor and middle class of the country are free from the burden of expensive treatment. Modi informed that nearly four crore poor people have availed the benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Had the scheme not been there, they would have had to shell out around Rs 1.25 lakh crore from their own pockets. I often interact with the beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat scheme and listen to their experience..., he said adding no such beneficial scheme existed in the past. Be it the poor or the middle class, the priority of the government has been to lessen the burden of medical expenditure, he said. Modi noted that more than 14,000 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras are operational across the country where medicines are available at an 80 per cent discount. He informed that due to these Janaushadhi Kendras, the poor and middle class have managed to save Rs 30,000 crore due to the availability of cheap medicines. Similarly, prices of devices like stents and knee implants have been reduced which led to savings of more than Rs 80,000 crore by the common citizens. He also mentioned that the free dialysis scheme and Mission Indradhanush campaign were preventing fatal diseases and saving the lives of pregnant women and newborn babies. I will not rest until the poor and middle class of the country are free from the burden of expensive treatment, he asserted. Modi emphasised the importance of timely diagnosis in reducing the risks and inconveniences associated with illnesses. He highlighted that over two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. He said that these Arogya Mandirs enable crores of citizens to easily check for diseases like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. He said that timely diagnosis leads to prompt treatment, ultimately saving costs for patients. Prime Minister Modi explained that the government is leveraging technology to enhance healthcare and save citizens' money under the e-Sanjeevani scheme where over 30 crore people have consulted doctors online. Free and accurate consultations from doctors have significantly reduced healthcare expenses, he added. Modi who announced the launch of the U-win platform said that it will provide India with a technologically advanced interface in the health sector. The world witnessed the success of our Co-win platform during the pandemic, and the success of the UPI payment system has become a global story, he said, adding that India aims to replicate this success in the healthcare sector through Digital Public Infrastructure. The prime minister highlighted the unprecedented progress made in India's healthcare sector over the past decade, contrasting it with the limited achievements in the previous six to seven decades. In the last 10 years, we have seen a record number of new AIIMS and medical colleges being established. Referring to Tuesday's event, the prime minister said that hospitals were inaugurated in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. He also mentioned the foundation stone laying for new medical colleges in Narsapur and Bommasandra in Karnataka, Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, Achitapuram in Andhra Pradesh, and Faridabad in Haryana. Additionally, work has begun on the new ESIC Hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and a new hospital was inaugurated in Indore, he added. Modi emphasised that the increasing number of hospitals reflects a proportional rise in medical seats. He affirmed that no poor child's dream of becoming a doctor would be shattered, and no middle-class student would be forced to study abroad due to a lack of options in India. He informed that nearly 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats have been added over the past 10 years and reiterated the commitment to announce another 75,000 seats in the next five years. The prime minister informed that 7.5 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners are already contributing to the nation's healthcare. He stressed on increasing this number further and highlighted the growing demand for medical and wellness tourism in India. He stressed the need for the youth and AYUSH practitioners to prepare for expanding fields such as preventive cardiology, Ayurvedic orthopaedics, and Ayurvedic rehabilitation centres, both in India and abroad. Immense opportunities are being created for AYUSH practitioners. Our youth will not only progress themselves through these opportunities but will also render a great service to humanity, he added. PM Modi noted the rapid progress in medicine during the 21st century, with breakthroughs in treatments for previously incurable diseases. He said, As the world places importance on wellness along with treatment, India has thousands of years of knowledge in this area. The Prime Minister announced the launch of the Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan aimed at designing ideal lifestyles and risk analysis for individuals using Ayurveda principles. Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of validating traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper through high-impact scientific studies. Lab validation of our traditional healthcare systems will not only increase the value of these herbs but also create a significant market, he remarked, pointing to the rising demand for Ashwagandha, which is projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by the end of this decade. Underlining that the success of AYUSH is transforming not only the health sector but also the economy, Prime Minister Modi informed that the AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown from USD 3 billion in 2014 to nearly USD 24 billion today, an eight-fold increase in just 10 years. Modi highlighted the global export of AYUSH products to 150 countries, benefiting Indian farmers by turning local herbs and superfoods into global commodities. He also pointed out initiatives like the Namami Gange project, which promotes natural farming and herb cultivation along the Ganga River.
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Heated exchange between Haryana cop, bus conductor sparks fines for buses
A video of a heated argument between a female police officer from Haryana and a conductor of a Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) bus had gone viral on social media. The incident occurred when the officer refused to pay the bus fare, prompting the conductor to ask her to deboard. Kalesh inside Bus b/w a Conductor and Woman Constable (When the conductor asked a woman constable of Haryana Police travelling in a Rajasthan Roadways bus to pay for the ticket, the constable refused to pay) pic.twitter.com/Wi9aqhGENQ Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) October 26, 2024 In the video, the conductor is heard requesting 50 for the ticket, but the officer, dressed in uniform and with her face covered, declines to pay. When the conductor insists that she needs to pay if she wishes to travel to Dharuhera in Haryana, she responds defiantly, You will not get it. The conductor then informs her, If you want to travel, you need to pay, and blows his whistle to signal the driver to stop the bus. However, the officer refuses to exit and continues to argue over the fare. Following the videos widespread circulation, Haryana Police imposed penalties on over 50 RSRTC buses operating on busy routes, including Gurugram and Faridabad. In retaliation, Rajasthan authorities fined 26 Haryana Roadways buses. Reports indicate that nine of these fines were issued at Jaipurs Sindhi Camp, while 17 others were given in various locations across the state.
BJP's Harvinder Kalyan unanimously elected Speaker of Haryana Assembly
CHANDIGARH: BJP MLA Harvinder Kalyan was unanimously elected Speaker of Haryana Assembly here on Friday. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini moved a resolution in the House proposing Kalyan's name, while BJP MLA Ranbir Gangwa seconded the proposal. Kalyan is a three-time MLA from Gharaunda in Karnal district. Kalyan, who assumed the Chair, was congratulated by Saini and his party MLAs, Congress MLAs, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda, INLD MLAs Aditya Devi Lal and Arjun Chautala, and several other legislators. Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and other newly-elected MLAs were administered oath as member of the House of the 15th state Assembly. Pro-tem Speaker and senior Congress leader Raghuvir Singh Kadian administered oath to the newly elected MLAs. Saini, who was sworn in as the Haryana chief minister on October 17 in Panchkula, was the first one to be administered oath by the Protem Speaker. After Saini, his council of ministersseven-time MLA from Ambala Cantt Anil Vij, Israna MLA Krishan Lal Panwar, Badshahpur MLA Rao Narbir Singh, Panipat Rural MLA Mahipal Dhanda, Faridabad legislator Vipul Goel, Gohana MLA Arvind Sharma and Radaur MLA Shyam Singh Ranawere administered oaths by the Protem Speaker. Among ministers, Barwala MLA Ranbir Gangwa, Narwana MLA Krishan Kumar Bedi, Tosham legislator Shruti Choudhry, Ateli MLA Arti Singh Rao, Tigaon MLA Rajesh Nagar and Palwal legislator Gaurav Gautam were administered oath. Bedi took oath in Sanskrit, while Choudhry took oath in English. After the council of ministers, women MLAs were administered oath. Among them were BJP MLA Bimla Chaudhary, Congress MLA and former minister Geeta Bhukkal, BJP MLA Krishna Gahlawat, Congress MLA Manju Choudhary, Congress MLA Pooja, Independent MLA Savitri Jindal, BJP MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, Congress MLA Shakuntla Khatak and Congress MLA and Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Phogat, who was wearing a sports jersey, said 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Khiladi, Jai Naujawan and Jai Haryana' after taking oath. Taking oath by MLAs was still in progress. MLAs, including Nirmal Singh, Ghanshyam Saraf, Kapoor Singh, Satpal Sangwan, were also administered oaths. In the October 5 Haryana Assembly polls, the BJP returned to power for a third consecutive term by winning 48 seats, while the Congress won 37 seats. The INLD won two seats and three Independents were also elected.
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Haryana cabinet portfolios allocated: CM Saini keeps Home, Finance; Vij gets Transport
CHANDIGARH: The BJP-led Haryana Government which came to power for a record third consecutive term by defying an anti-incumbency of ten years, has finally allocated portfolios to the newly constituted council of ministers under the second term of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini . As per a notification issued by the state government late yesterday night, Saini is in charge of twelve departments include Home and Finance, and former Home Minister Anil Vij is now the Energy and Transport Minister. The portfolios were allocated to the Council of Ministers on Sunday night, three days after the swearing-in of a new government in the state. CM Saini will handle 12 portfolios including Home, Finance, Excise and Taxation, Town and Country Planning and Urban estates, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture, Criminal Investigation, Law and Legislative, and Housing for all departments. Seven-time MLA and the senior-most minister of the Saini government, Anil Vij, has been allotted Energy, Transport and Labour portfolios. Vij was the Home and Health Minister in the Khattar government. First-time MLA Artii Singh Rao will be the new state Health Minister and handle medical education and research and Ayush departments. Arti, a national-level shooter, is daughter of Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh. Four-time MLA and an Ahir leader, Rao Narbir Singh, has been given Industries and Commerce, Environment, Forests and Wildlife departments. Mahipal Dhanda, MLA from Panipat (Rural) and Jat face, has been allotted School Education department, Higher Education and Parliamentary Affairs. He is a third-time legislator. Vipul Goel, MLA from Faridabad, has been allotted Revenue and Disaster Management, Urban local bodies and Civil Aviation departments. He was formerly the Industries Minister in the first term of the Khattar government from 2014-19. Dr Arvind Sharma has been given the Jails and Cooperation portfolios. Shyam Singh Rana, MLA from Radaur and Rajput face, will be the new state Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development minister. Ranbir Gangwa, former Deputy Speaker of state assembly, has been allocated Public Health Engineering and Public Works (Roads and Bridges) departments. Krishan Kumar Bedi, a SC face, has given been Social Justice, Empowerment, and SCs and BCs welfare, Antyodaya (SEWA) and Hospitality departments. Another SC face Krishan Lal Panwar has been allocated Development and Panchayats, and Mines and Geology departments. Shruti Choudhry, daughter of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Kiran Choudhry and granddaughter of late chief minister Bansi Lal, along with her mother resigned from the Congress to join the BJP ahead of the assembly elections. She is the new Women and Child Development, and Irrigation and Water Resources Minister. A former MP from Bhiwani-Mahendergarh, she is a first-time MLA. Minister of State (Independent Charge), Rajesh Nagar, has been allocated Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. The other Minister of State (Independent Charge), Gaurav Gautam, has been given Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, and Sports Departments.
Haryana CM Nayab Saini Pledges Good Governance and Welfare Initiatives
Chandigarh: Hours after being sworn in, Haryana's newly elected Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, expressed his gratitude to the people of the state and promised to work with energy and enthusiasm for good governance, equality, and the welfare of the poor. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CM Saini thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve as the Chief Servant of Haryana. He said, First of all, my heartfelt gratitude to my 2.80 crore family members for the mandate that has continued the development and reconstruction of Haryana. I am thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving me, a worker from a common family, the opportunity to serve as the Chief Servant of Haryana. He further added, Prime Minister, your special affection for Haryana gives us limitless energy to work continuously. Under your inspirational leadership, Haryana is reaching new heights of development every day. This uninterrupted journey of progress will continue in the state. CM Saini reiterated the BJP governments commitment, stating, For the third time, with a full majority, the BJP government will work with full energy and enthusiasm for good governance, equality, and the welfare of the poor. Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second time under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government. The oath of office was administered by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya at a ceremony held at Dussehra Ground in Sector 5, Panchkula. Several prominent leaders attended the event, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, such as Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), and Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), were also present. Former Deputy Chief Minister Anil Vij, along with MLAs like Shruti Choudhary, were inducted as ministers in CM Saini's Cabinet. Other BJP MLAs, including Arti Singh Rao (Ateli), Rajesh Nagar (Tigaon), Gaurav Gautam (Palwal), Arvind Kumar Sharma (Gohana), Shyam Singh Rana (Radaur), Ranbir Singh Gangwa (Barwala), and Krishan Bedi (Narwana), also took their oaths as ministers in the Haryana government. Additional cabinet ministers sworn in included MLAs Krishan Lal Panwar (Israna), Rao Narbir Singh (Badshahpur), Mahipal Dhanda (Panipat), Vipul Goel (Faridabad), Shruti Choudhry (Toshan), and former Deputy CM Anil Vij (Ambala Cantt).The BJP is forming its third consecutive government in Haryana after winning 48 out of 90 seats in the assembly elections, while the Congress secured 37 seats. Woman Shot During Family Dispute in Delhi's Seelampur; Four Arrested Bihar's DGP Confirms 25 Deaths Due to Spurious Liquor; 12 Arrested in Siwan and Saran 'Salaar: Part-1' Starring Prabhas Breaks Records with 30-Million TV Viewers After 700-Cr Box-Office Success
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Police Bust Interstate Drug Trafficking Racket in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir; Three Arrested
Srinagar: The Anantnag police in Jammu and Kashmir arrested three individuals, successfully dismantling an interstate drug trafficking operation, according to a police statement on Saturday. The authorities seized 413 bottles of Codeine Phosphate (NRX), branded as Codril-T, which were hidden within the door panels of the suspects' vehicle. The arrested individuals have been identified as Monty Singh from Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh, Ashish Bardawaj, and Rahul from Chhatarpur, New Delhi. Police revealed that the consignment was meant for delivery in Sopore and Srinagar. The vehicle carrying the drugs was intercepted at Doonipora Sangam.Police had set up multiple checkpoints along the route from Delhi to Srinagar after receiving credible intelligence about the transportation of narcotic drugs. Further investigations led to several raids, including the detention of a local smuggler from Sopore for questioning. In collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in New Delhi, the police also raided a warehouse in Sector 135, Noida, where they recovered a significant quantity of Codeine. The primary individuals behind the operation, identified as Sachin Rana and Arun Rana from Faridabad, remain at large, with ongoing efforts to apprehend them. Earthquake of Magnitude 3.0 Hits Shimla; No Damage Reported PWD Issues Offer Letter for CM House to Atishi, Sets 8-Day Deadline for Acceptance BJP Prepares for Uttar Pradesh By-Elections: Key Leaders to Meet Amit Shah and JP Nadda
Haryana's new BJP government likely to be sworn-in on October 15 in Panchkula
The swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government in Haryana is likely to be held in Panchkula on October 15. Preparations are underway for the event in Panchkula, a senior official said on Friday. The official said a tentative date for the oath taking is October 15. We are preparing the venue for the event, Panchkula's Deputy Commissioner (DC), Dr Yash Garg, told PTI over the phone. Earlier, TNIE reported that the swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held after Dussehra, with PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, along with several other Union ministers and CMs of BJP-ruled states, expected to attend the event. A district-level committee has also been formed under the DC's chairmanship for making necessary arrangements for the oath ceremony. The BJP had indicated during the elections that Nayab Singh Saini, who replaced Manohar Lal Khattar as chief minister in March and hails from the Other Backward Classes, will be its choice for the top post if it wins. The party ended up with its best-ever haul of 48 seats, 11 more than the Congress. The JJP and the AAP were decimated and the INLD managed to win just two seats. (With inputs from PTI and ENS) Haryana polls: BJP expands footprint in GT Road belt, Ahirwal region, Faridabad, Pawal districts in Haryana election
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BJP leader Nayab Singh Saini will take oath as the chief minister of Haryana on October 15, according to local media. The ceremony will likely be held at Panchkula and will have Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending it. Earlier there were reports that the swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place after Dussehra. Nayab Singh Saini had met Modi and other senior BJP leaders in Delhi on Wednesday as part of Cabinet formation talks. Saini also met Union minister and the BJP's election in-charge for Haryana, Dharmendra Pradhan. So far, Saini is the only contender for the top post. However, other factors like caste and region equations may be considered while deciding the cabinet. Along with Saini, 10 to 11 ministers are also likely to take oath. Haryana can have a maximum of 14 ministers, including the chief minister. In line with the BJP's past choices, new faces may be given a chance in the new government. The fact that eight out of 10 ministers and the assembly speaker of the previous Saini government lost the elections may prompt the party to opt for fresh faces. The probable names include Shruti Chaudhary, granddaughter of late Bansi Lal, and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh's daughter Arti Singh Rao. Other women in the fray include senior leader Kiran Choudhry's daughter Shruti, a former MP, who won from Tosham assembly seat and Shakti Rani Sharma, who won from Kalka. Senior leaders Mahipal Dhanda and Mool Chand Sharma are also in the list. Dhanda, who won from Panipat Rural, belongs to the Jat community while Sharma, elected from Ballabhgarh seats, is the Brahmin face of the party. It could also give the Dalit community adequate representation in the Cabinet as the BJP won eight out of the 17 Scheduled Caste (SC) seats in Haryana. Dalit leaders in reckoning for the ministerial berths include senior leader Krishan Lal Panwar, who won from Israna seat, and Krishan Kumar, who won from Narwana. Om Prakash Yadav, who won from Narnaul, and senior leader Rao Narbir Singh, who won from Badshahpur, are also in the race. Independent candidate and Hisar MLA Savitri Jindal's name is also doing rounds besides BJP leaders Anil Vij (Ambala Cantt), Shyam Singh Rana (Radaur), Jagmohan Anand (Karnal), Harvinder Kalyan (Gharaunda), Krishan Lal Middha (Jind), Arvind Kumar Sharma (Gohana), Vipul Goel (Faridabad), Nikhil Madaan (Sonipat) and Ghanshyam Dass (Yamunanagar). Devender Attri, who won from Uchana Kalan, is also a probable.
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More Congress state unit leaders are raising their voices against former chief minister and senior leader Bhupinder Hooda for the party's dismal performance in the Haryana Assembly elections. The Congress held a review meeting on Thursday after which it decided to set up a fact-finding team to study the debacle. The team will speak to all its candidates to find the reason for the party's failure, despite widespread anticipation that it would storm into power. Interestingly, Thursday's meeting called by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge did not feature two major state leaders, Randeep Singh Surjewala and Kumari Selja. Though the reports state that they were not invited, just like Hooda, their absence reflects how discontent these leaders were with Hooda's dominance in the campaign and candidate selection process. Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan and CLP leader and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, or any other senior leaders from the state were also not called for the meeting. The meeting was attended by party MP Rahul Gandhi, and observers of the party like Ashok Gehlot, Ajay Maken and Pratap Singh Bajwa. AICC in-charge of Haryana Deepak Babaria joined the meeting online. On whether the infighting within the party had affected the Congress's prospects, Maken said, There are various reasons, from the Election Commission to internal differences, we have discussed all that will do so in future as well because such a big upset...we cannot discuss everything in one or one-and-a-half hour. Meanwhile, more leaders have voiced their protest against Hooda. Former Congres MLA Shamsher Singh Gogi on Thursday attacked the Hooda Congress for creating a communication gap in the party which ultimately led to the Congress party's loss. Gogi, who lost the Assandh seat to BJP leader Yoginder Singh Rana, told reporters that the blame for the defeat rests with Bapu-beta, indirectly criticising the father-son duo Bhupinder Hooda and Deepender Hooda. Gogi accused that the state leadership, including Hooda and son, was not happy with Rahul Gandhi's direct visit to Assandh. He said the polarisation happened towards the end. (Bhupinder Singh) Hooda didn't even take my name on stage. 'Hooda Congress' was contesting the election and they lost, they didn't take anyone into confidence. They created a communication gap inside the party. Had the election been contested properly, we would have won since the people wanted Congress govt this time. The responsibility (of the defeat) lies with 'Bapu-beta', Gogi told ANI. Besides Gogi, many other candidates who lost the polls came out against Hooda and his son for allegedly supporting Congress rebels, who were close to them. They accused that this support cut into the party's official candidates. Congress OBC wing chairman Capt Ajay Singh Yadav, whose son Chiranjeev Rao lost from Rewari, said his post had been reduced to little more than a toy. The Rewari seat was a Congress stronghold and Yadav made his displeasure known to the state leadership for South Haryana and OBC leaders not having enough representation in the Congress Working Committee, Congress Election Committee, or the PCC. The result is that we got wiped out in the districts of Gurgaon, Mahendragarh, Rewari and Faridabad. If you dont bring OBCs into the mainstream within the party, it sends the wrong message, The Indian Express quoted Yadav. He added that the party posters did not even have his pictures.
Infighting, rebels and over-reliance on sitting MLAs upset Congress' applecart in Haryana
CHANDIGARH: Infighting, over-reliance on sitting MLAs and rebel trouble appeared to be some of the contributing factors for the Congress failing to make a comeback in Haryana after a decade. The party appeared confident of dislodging the BJP dispensation, which was in power for 10 years and facing anti-incumbency. However, the BJP with 48 seats halted the Congress's comeback attempt and also proved several exit polls wrong , which had predicted a comfortable win for the grand old party in Haryana. The Congress managed to muster 37 seats in the 90-member assembly. Senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda Tuesday said the poll outcome was opposite to what the atmosphere in the state was. The results have left us 'achambhit' (stunned) and the BJP must also be 'achambhit' . These results are opposite to what the atmosphere was in the state, he said after the polls results. After wresting five seats from the ruling BJP in this year's Lok Sabha polls, the Congress was in an upbeat mood and built its poll campaign around various issues including unemployment, farmers' plight and the Agnipath scheme. But it failed to put up a united fight and its factionalism was exploited by the ruling BJP in their entire campaign which included taking potshots at the grand old party over not-so-good equations between Hooda and prominent Dalit face Kumari Selja. Also, unlike the BJP, which has a well-organised and strong organisational structure till the grass-roots level, the Congress failed to set up one in Haryana for past many years now. The party over relied on 28 of its sitting MLAs, renominating them all, but 15 of them lost. This was in contrast to BJP, which had denied tickets to several sitting legislators bringing in many fresh faces. INDIA bloc parties flex muscles after Congress' Haryana defeat, blame party for contesting solo Among the Congress MLAs who lost included Shamsher Singh Gogi, Pradeep Chaudhary, Mewa Singh, Surender Panwar, Dharam Singh Chhoker, Amit Sihag and Chiranjeev Rao. Losing more than half of its sitting legislators dealt a blow to Congress' comeback chances. Besides, the rebel factor also played out which also damaged the Congress' prospects. The rebels split the vote against the BJP going to saffron outfit's advantage, but causing damage to Congress on a few seats. Chitra Sarwara, a Congress rebel, jumped into contest from Ambala Cantt to take on BJP stalwart Anil Vij. She was denied ticket by the Congress. Vij defeated Sarwara by a margin of over 7,000 votes. While Vij secured 59,858 votes, Sarwara got 52,581 while Congress candidate Parvinder Pal Pari got 14,469 votes. There were a few more seats like Bahadurgarh, Kalka, Gohana and Ballabhgarh where the rebels upset the Congress applecart. From Ballabhgarh in Faridabad district, BJP's sitting MLA Mool Chand Sharma defeated her nearest rival Shardha Rathore. Rathore, who was an aspirant of Congress ticket, fought as an Independent after failing to get a ticket. Mool Chand secured 61,806 votes, Rathore got 44,076 votes while Congress' Parag Sharma ended up at fourth spot. In the Lok Sabha polls too, senior leader Hooda's choice prevailed in eight of the nine seats the Congress fought barring the Sirsa seat contested and won by Selja. It won five seats while its INDIA bloc ally AAP unsuccessfully fought the Kurukshetra seat. In the Assembly polls too, Hooda's choice prevailed in over 70 seats and somewhere it left leaders like Selja sulking. Selja had on Tuesday said the party high command should assess all reasons that led to the disappointing result and identify the people responsible. The Haryana poll results are disappointing and I am pained at the disappointment of the Congress workers in the state who have worked very hard and were looking forward to forming their government after 10 years, she had told reporters. It will not be business as usual in Haryana and I am sure the Congress high command would identify those who negated the efforts to bring the party to power after 10 years, Selja added. BJPs caste calculus strikes a chord in Haryana hurricane Analysing 'unexpected' results in Haryana, thanks to people of J&K: Rahul Gandhi in first reaction after poll defeat
CHANDIGARH: The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) won 48 of the 90 assembly seats to form the government in Haryana for the third consecutive time and performed well across the state. It not only won 18 out of the 29 seats in the Grand Trunk (GT) belt its stronghold, it also secured 7 out of 9 seats in Faridabad and Pawal districts, swept the Ahirwal region in southern Haryana winning 10 out of 11 assembly seats. This time saffron party won 18 out of 29 seats in the GT Road belt, which spans seven districts: Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonepat as this is a traditionally non-Jat dominated area. Last time it had won 14 seats and Congress won 13 seats. In 2014 BJP won 22 seats from this belt and Congress only six seats. The party candidates won all nine assembly segments in the parliamentary constituency of Karnal which is on the GT road belt and spans in two districts: Karnal and Panipat and is represented by Union Minister of Urban Development and Power and former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, thus his dominance continues. While in the 2019 elections, the BJP won in only five segments ( Karnal, Indri, Gharaunda, Panipat Urban and Panipat Rural) from this Lok Sabha seat. Also, BJP candidates won from Ladwa (CM Saini won), Sonepat, Gohana, Ambala Cantonment, Yamunanagar and Nilokheri. On the other hand the Congress could win from Panchkula, Naraingarh, Ambala City, Mullana, Sadhaura, Jagadhri, Shahabad, Thanesar, Pehowa, and Baroda. On this GT road belt Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Manohar Lal Khattar, party election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other leaders held rallies. The saffron party even won in a few Jat-dominated seats as the votes were divided it owns 18 out of the 35 seats where the Jat vote was more than 50,000. In Hoodas strongholds of Rohtak, Sonepat and Jhajjar, the BJP won six seats and Congress managed to win only eight of the 14 seats. In the Ahirwal belt in southern Haryana BJP won ten out of 11 seats despite a 10-year anti-incumbency, this region largely remained loyal to the party. It formed the government in 2014 and 2019 after it won seats from here. BJP leader Arti Rao daughter of Ahir stalwart union minister Rao Inderjit Singh has pulled off a close victory in Ateli with a margin of 3085 votes. In addition to these all nine candidates recommended for a ticket by Rao and supported by him have emerged victorious in the Ahirwal belt comprising of Gurugram, Rewari and Mahendargarh distrcts. The BJP also won 7 out of 9 seats in Faridabad and Pawal districts. On the other hand, Congress failed to gauge the anti-incumbency sentiment against its sitting MLAs as 17 of them lost and party won seven out of the 37 seats with margins below 5,000 votes and lost ten seats by margin below 5,000 votes. Former Hisar Member of Parliament Brijendra Singh who left BJP and joined back the grand old party lost from Uchana Kalan by 32 votes and Amit Sihag lost in Dabwali by 610 votes. The SC vote bank failed to consolidate behind the Congress.
Manav Rachna International School Sector 14 Becomes Faridabad's First IB Continuum School
Ritu Dubey, Head of School, MRIS, Sector 14 , shared, We are proud to offer a cohesive and comprehensive IB experience. This achievement demonstrates our dedication to providing students with world-class education that fosters critical thinking, global awareness, and a passion for learning .
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Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who beat anti-incumbency to ensure the BJP government got a third term in the state, will likely continue in the top post. Amid speculations that the new government will take oath on Saturday, there seem to be no strong contenders for the post, other than Saini. The BJP leadership too have heaped praise on Saini after the results came in, suggesting that Saini would continue in the post. While BJP president J P Nadda congratulated Saini for the victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too asserted that it was Saini's policies and administrative skill that earned the BJP a victory. Saini was picked to replace Manohar Lal Khattar around 200 days ahead of the election. Khattar too seemed to bat for Saini after the elections as he told reporters that the high command has announced Nayab Singh Saini as the Chief Minister, though the final decision will be taken by the parliamentary board. However, there are reports that senior BJP leader Anil Vij and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh too have expressed a desire for the post. Singh, during the election campaign, said the people wanted him to the Chief Minister. This is not just my personal wish but a desire expressed by the people, he said. With Saini's position more or less intact, the focus has shifted to who all would be inducted into the new Cabinet. The deliberations have already begun with BJP in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan and co-in-charge Biplab Kumar Deb holding meetings at the residence of Khattar. There are rumours that the Cabinet will feature some new faces, except for veteran leaders Anil Vijj and Moolchand Sharma, who is a member of the outgoing Cabinet. A cabinet minister in Manohar Lal's second term and Saini government's first term, Sharma's performance as a minister has been hailed. His presence could also earn the support of the Brahmin community. Two-time MLAs Vipul Goyal and Rajesh Nagar have joined the race for the ministerial post. Goyal who has been representing the Faridabad seat since 2014 has to his credit a huge public support, thanks to the development work he undertook in his constituency. As for Nagar, an MLA from Tigaon, his work within the party and grassroots support have earned him the praise of BJP leadership, according to local media. Mahipal Dhanda, who won again from Panipat Rural, is also on the list of probable ministers. The daughter of Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, Aarti Rao, is also being considered since she hails from the South Haryana region, where BJP won 10 out of 11 seats. She is also a young face. Former ministers Rao Narbir and Krishna Kumar Bedi are also being considered along with Ranbir Gangwa and Harvindra Kalyan.
Lieutenant Colonel (Dr.) Hemendra Bansal From Rajasthan Honoured By India Book Of Records
Jaipur : Lt Col (Dr.) Hemendra Bansal a serving Indian Army Officer was honoured in Faridabad during the annual International ... Read more
Assembly Election Results: Vote counting is underway for six assembly seats in Faridabad. BJP and Congress are in a tight race, with BJP's Rajesh Nagar leading in Tigaon and Congress's Neeraj Sharma leading in NIT. Results will determine the fate of 64 candidates with a decisive outcome expected by 1 pm today.
Tomato Price: Heres how and where to get tomatoes at Rs 65/kg in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad
The Indian government is selling tomatoes at Rs 65 per kg through mobile vans to control rising prices. Unseasonal rains in Maharashtra have damaged crops, leading to price hikes. A price stabilization fund is being used to manage costs. Farmers and traders report delayed sowing and increased pest issues affecting tomato supply.
BJP worker shot at outside Faridabad polling booth on day of voting
A 30-year-old BJP worker named Rajnish was shot at by two bike-borne men outside a polling booth in Faridabad, Haryana. Rajnish, associated with the RSS for 14 years, is stable but hospitalized with a waist injury. Police are investigating the incident.
Haryana CM Saini rejects exit polls, says BJP will form government alone
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday rejected exit poll predictions claiming the BJP will form the government in the state with full majority for a third time after the results are announced on October 8. Congress will blame the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for its defeat, he said. Overall, Haryana witnessed 67.90% voting in the assembly elections, with a lower voter turnout in the urban areas. The polling was lower compared to 68.2% in previous assembly polls. To a question about the exit polls predicting a Congress win, Saini said on October 8, the BJP was going to form the government. They forecast a Congress victory in Chhattisgarh and showed the party ahead in Uttarakhand as well. The exit polls have their own theory and system, but we work on the ground. The people of Haryana want BJP to come to power for a third time. Exit polls back Congress to return to power in Haryana, give edge to NC-INC in Jammu and Kashmir Asked how many seats the BJP will win in the 90-strong assembly, Saini said, I have said we will form the government with full majority. The BJP will form the government on the basis of works done in the state, he added. The Haryana assembly elections on Saturday saw a turnout of 67.90% , with several exit polls predicting a clear majority for the Congress, which is eyeing a comeback after a decade. The turnout was less compared to 68.2% recorded in the 2019 Assembly election. Besides, there was a lower voter turnout in the urban areas than in rural counterparts. Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal said 67.90% voting took place for the assembly polls. The highest 75.36% voting was recorded in Sirsa district and the lowest 56.49% was recorded in Faridabad district. The polling percentage in Gurugram district was 57.96%, 67.62% in Ambala while 65.23% voting was recorded in Panchkula, 65.67%in Karnal, 68.80% in Panipat and 66.08% in Sonipat. On the other hand, 74.77% voting took place in Fatehabad, Palwal saw 73.89%, Mewat 72.81%, and Hisar recorded 70.58%.
Haryana Assembly polls record 67.90% voter turnout, inches closer to 2019
Haryana has recorded a voter turnout of 67.90 per cent with Ellenabad assembly seat in Sirsa district witnessing the highest polling percentage at over 80 per cent, according to the updated figures of the Election Commission on Sunday. The polling for the 90-member state assembly was held on Saturday. In the 2019 assembly polls, the state had recorded 68.31 per cent turnout while in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections for 10 seats, the percentage was 64.8. Poll panel data available at 11:55 pm Saturday showed the turnout was 66.96 per cent. Officials had said it would increase once all information comes in. There were more than 2.03 crore eligible voters in the state. Among the districts, the highest 75.36 per cent voting was recorded in Sirsa and the lowest 56.49 per cent in Faridabad district, Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal said on Sunday. The BJP, the Congress, the INLD-BSP and the JJP-Azad Samaj Party alliances, and the Aam Aadmi Party were the key poll contestants. However,
More than 61 per cent polling in peaceful Haryana election
CHANDIGARH: More than 61% polling was recorded in Haryana assembly polls on Saturday in which the ruling BJP is eyeing a third term and the Opposition Congress seeking a comeback after a decade. According to the data available at 5 pm, over 61% polling has been registered and it will further increase once all information comes in. Officials said that polling, which closed at 6 pm, went on smoothly barring clashes in Nuh between supporters of two candidates which left three persons injured. Among the top names in the fray are CM Nayab Singh Saini, BJPs Anil Vij and OP Dhankar, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Vinesh Phogat of Congress, INLDs Abhay Singh Chautala and JJPs Dushyant Chautala. Among the districts, according to the Election Commission data available at 5 pm, Yamunanagar had recorded a poll percentage of 67.93, Sirsa 65.37, Rohtak 60.56, Nuh 68.28, Palwal 67.69, Mahendragarh 65.76, Kurukshetra 65.55 and Jind 66.02. However, by 5 pm, districts like Gurugram recorded 49.92 poll percentage, Faridabad 51.28 while Panchkula registered 54.71%. Over 60% turnout in Haryana assembly polls; BJP seeks hattrick, Congress eyes comeback after 10 years
Haryana Assembly elections 2024: 49% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm
Haryana Assembly polls: The highest voter turnout was recorded in Mewat, while Gurugram and Faridabad recorded the lowest voter turnout till 3 pm
Haryana polls: AAP candidate from Nilokheri Assembly Amar Singh joins Congress to support Dharampal
Faridabad (Haryana) [India], October 3 (ANI): AAP candidate from Haryanas Nilokheri Assembly constituency, Amar Singh, and others on Wednesday joined Congress in the presence of Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa. Speaking to reporters Punjab Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa expressed gratitude to Amar Singh and his supporters for supporting the Congress candidate in the Nilokheri Assembly constituency. The BJP will get a huge benefit if the votes get divided in Haryana. I am thankful to Amar Singh and his supporters for extending support to the Congress candidate from the Nilokheri Assembly constituency. He has decided
The Jat factor in battle for 90 Haryana seats
CHANDIGARH: For many, Haryana has come to be known as the Jat land, underlining the predominance of the Jat community in the small state that broke its umbilical cord with Punjab in a three-way separation (1966), mostly on linguistic grounds. With Punjab at the core of the new entities, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana became its cousins. Since then the Jat factor has been the quintessence of Haryanas identity. But the community is not in the majority; it is second to OBCs. That explains why Devi Lal (late former deputy prime minister of Janata regime) remains a revered figure and why Chautalas are still a force to reckon with. The Jats remain the pivot of poll outcomes. Unless, they are split or are overwhelmed in caste calculations by OBCs and SC votes. Thats what the bipolar Haryana political fight involving the ruling BJP and opposition Congress is about. The Jat versus non-Jat divide is again visible. Cutting across caste lines and regions, issues like the Agnipath scheme, restoration of old pension scheme, unemployment, government jobs, old-age pension and monthly financial assistance to women, besides law and order are likely to play a key role. Persistent rage Then, the lingering anger among farmers. It started during the nationwide protests against the now withdrawn farm laws. The anger turned into frustration when the BJP government stopped the farmers at the Singhu border between Haryana and Delhi. Farmers from Punjab, too, are stopped at Shambu border between Punjab and Haryana border. The protests by the farmers continue to haunt BJP candidates in these elections also. Former Home Minister and Ambala Cantt candidate Anil Vij, Naraingarh candidate Pawan Saini, Mullana candidate Santosh Sarwan, Narwana candidate Krishan Bedi, Tohana candidate Devender Babli and Uklana candidate Anoop Dhanak have faced farmers wrath during campaigning. Equally significant is the wrestlers protest. Top grapplers like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia protested against the then the all-powerful Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brijbhushan Sharan Singh for the alleged sexual harassment. The small state sends a large number of youths to the Army. The Agniveer scheme has now become contentious despite the BJP government announcing that Agniveer youths would be given paramilitary and government jobs. Caste factor The Bharamin-SC-OBC combination and non-Jat vote bank could be a deciding factor, says a former sarpanch of a village in Jind. The BJP is focusing on the GT Road belt and southern Haryana, though it did not do that well during the Lok Sabha polls in these areas. The party hopes JJP-ASP and INLD-BSP alliances would make some dent in Congress vote bank. The party leaders believe the Jat vote will be split between Congress, INLD and Jannayak Janata Party. Southern Haryana holds immense political heft: it has 27 assembly segments in three Lok Sabha seats (Gurugram, Faridabad, and Bhiwani-Mahendragarh). The BJP won all three parliamentary seats in the recent Lok Sabha polls. The party is also focusing on consolidating OBC votes. The change in leadership in the BJP has further added intrigue. M L Khattar was replaced with an OBC face Nayab Singh Saini, a relatively unknown face but important for garnering support from the OBC community. On the other hand, the Congress aims to capitalise on the 10 years of anti-incumbency against BJP and hopes to consolidate Jat-SC-Muslim votes. Rebel trouble Both parties are facing troubles from rebel candidates in more than 20 assembly constituencies. The JJP-ASP and INLD-BSP alliances are hoping to change this bipolar contest into multi- cornered fight.
Modi: Congress Wants to Crush Patriotism
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Congress of indulging in politics of lies and said the Opposition party wants to crush patriotism and create a divide in the country based on caste and religion. Campaigning for the BJP in poll-bound Haryana, Modi asserted that there is a saffron wave in every village; everywhere one voice is heard Bharosa dil se, BJP phir se. Calling for unity ahead of the October 5 polls at a rally in Faridabads Palwal, Modi said, The Congress is trying to divide society on caste lines. The Congress did not let Ram Mandir be constructed. They did not let the Constitution of India be implemented completely in J&K. They kept the women deprived of reservation. They want to keep Pakistan happy. They devise plans to mislead the patriotic people. The Congress wants to crush patriotism in this country by propagating casteism, confronting one community against another. Lashing out at the Congress over corruption and the partys anti-reservations stand, the Prime Minister accused the Opposition party of making false promises for electoral gains. Today Congress is making tall claims over MSP, but it used to give MSP on 3-4 crops only, he said. We focus on hard work. We focus on results, and the Congress never does hard work. The Congress thinks that it has been 10 years and the people of Haryana will hand over power to them on a platter. The Congress had this misconception in Madhya Pradesh too and started to celebrate victory, but on the day of voting, the people showed them the mirror, he added. Continuing his attack on the Congress, Modi said: The Congress feels that the more there is a sense of unity, their victory gets more difficult. That is why Congress is doing new experiments to break the unity of patriots. Exuding confidence of a third consecutive term in the state, Modi said, It has been Haryanas track record that it goes with the party that rules at the Centre. In Delhi, you formed the BJP government for the third time. In Haryana as well, you have decided to form the BJP government for the third term in a row. I have observed the grassroots politics of Haryana for a long time as an ordinary worker. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit various regions of Haryana for election campaigns and to meet the public. Today, this is my final rally of the election in the state. You all have made this last rally even more special, Modi said at the rally. Modi also raised the issue of infighting within the Congress and said that those who are miffed with the party are Dalits, backwards and deprived communities. The people are also seeing the conflict that is going on within the Congress in Haryana. The angriest with Congress are from the Dalit, backwards and deprived communities. The Dalit community has also decided that they will not become pawns to fulfil the politics of the father and son (Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son Deepender Hooda), he alleged. The PMs remarks were in reference to reports of infighting within the Congress between Sirsa MP Kumari Selja and the Hoodas over the distribution of tickets. Haryana will vote on October 5. The results of the Assembly polls will be announced on October 8.
Faridabads own Shraddha Rangarh, a remarkable 20-year-old athlete, wins gold for India at the WAKO World Cup, Uzbekistan in Senior Female Musical Form Hard Style category. She has also bagged 3 silver in other categories. Renowned for her dedication and talent, Shraddha has made significant strides in martial arts, excelling in kickboxing, taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since childhood, Shraddha has faced numerous challenges, particularly as a young woman pursuing sports. Growing up in a traditional Pahadi family, she encountered skepticism about her passion, especially after shifting from cricket to martial arts. Yet her determination has propelled her to impressive achievements, including being a G-1 international taekwondo medallist and a national gold medallist with the School Games Federation of India. Reflecting on her journey, Shraddha shared, Its something I cant describe in words. Its every athletes dream to know how it feels to be a champion and hear their national anthem on a global stage. For me, its more than thatmy lifes sole purpose is to make my nation proud, and Im on it. Shraddhas rigorous training regimen consists of three daily sessions, starting at 4:30 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m. My morning session focuses on strength, agility, and endurance for three hours, she explained. In the midday session, I work on learning new skills. Currently, Im focusing on techniques like the illusion twist, touch down raiz, cheat gainer, and corkscrew. With four major events on the horizon, Shraddha emphasizes the importance of versatility in her training. It would be unjust to focus on just a few skills. Ive practiced various techniques for years. I used to struggle with the 720 kick, B-twist, and controlling my breath, but now I feel confident in those areas, she said. This year poses significant challenges for her, with the Asian Championship following closely after the World Cup. Both are prestigious events. Mental preparation is all about consistency. If youre consistent, youre confident enough to win, she noted, adding, Just like Michael Phelps, I also want to win multiple gold medals in my sport. Despite her successes, Shraddha has faced resistance from her own family. The challenges dont only come from society as a girl; they also come from our families. Initially, my parents wanted me to study hard like the other toppers in our family, but I wanted to become a fighter. I had to show them my results, and now they are supportive, she shared. Shraddha expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her journey. There are so many people to thank, but I am especially grateful to my taekwondo master, Mr. Syed Firoz. He structured my basics and ignited the spark inside me. Thanks to him, I have one of the best kicks in India. As she represents India at the WAKO World Cup, Shraddha remains focused on her goals. Its all in your mind. The mind plays a crucial role when we step into the ring. I visualize myself at the top, revising what Ive learned and understanding the movements, she concluded. With her unwavering dedication and resilience, Shraddha Rangarh stands as an inspiring figure in Indian sports, ready to take on the world stage.
Yatharth Hospital Plans To Acquire One Hospital A Year To Fuel Inorganic Growth
Yatharth Hospital and Trauma Care Services Ltd.s director, Yatharth Tyagi, has said the company is looking to acquire at least one hospital per year to fuel inorganic growth. The healthcare company acquired a Faridabad-based hospital in February. Tyagi told NDTV Profit they were hopeful of closing one more deal in FY25. The hospitals that we have identified have over 250-300 beds. There is a hospital we are eyeing that has around 400 beds in Delhi-NCR. There is another we have identified with a capacity of over 300 beds in the capital city of a nearby state, he said, adding talks were in advanced stages. Yatharth Hospitals expects to grow its topline by 30% over the next four years through acquisition, bed expansion and average revenue per occupied bed (ARPOB). Both our hospitals in Noida Extension and Greater Noida should be giving good growth with their occupancies in the next few years. Another key factor we are hoping for in the next few years is the growth in our average revenue per occupied bed (ARPOB), he said. Eyecare Co Dr. Agarwals Health Care Files DRHP To Raise Funds Via IPO Check Details The top executive noted that the company is going to double its occupancy in the next three years. This will be done through internal accruals, existing cash flow and, if needed, debt. To double our bed capacity, we do not require any external funding for these acquisitions, Tyagi said. First is that there is a strong cashflow already in the books, we have around Rs 180 crore. Plus, we will be generating good internal accruals now that the finance cost has reduced significantly after our IPO when we became debt-free. Third, there is always a room for more debt that we can still take, he added. Doubling bed capacity and, hence, growing occupancy will be a key driver in improving the companys topline, Tyagi explained. Plutus Wealth Exits Yatharth Hospital After Selling Entire Stake For Rs 101 Crore In the next three to four years, we expect annual growth of 30%. We expect occupancy to reach 75% in two years time. This will be the driver for the topline, he said. However, Ebitda margins will not increase during this period and will remain in the 26% range, Tyagi highlighted. This is because they might be dragged down by the new acquisitions the company plans to make over the next few years. Shares of Yatharth Hospital and Trauma Care Services Ltd. slipped over 2.5% to an intraday low of Rs 558.15 apiece on the BSE. Though the stock managed some consolidation during the day, it closed 1.2% in the red at Rs 566 a piece on BSE. Yatharth Hospital Expects To Double Bed Capacity | Watch Apollo Hospitals To Focus On Asset Utilisation, Cost Reduction To Boost FY25 Margins . Read more on Business News by NDTV Profit.
Setback to AAP as its Faridabad candidate joins BJP
Chandigarh: In a setback to the Aam Aadmi Party in Haryana, its Faridabad candidate Pravesh Mehta joined the ruling BJP on Saturday. Mehta, 69, joined the BJP in Faridabad in the presence of Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar, who is the BJP MP from Faridabad, and senior Haryana BJP leader Vipul Goel. Goel is BJPs Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Maulvi in Jammu greeted me with Ram Ram, impact of Art 370 abrogation: Adityanath
Chandigarh, Sep 28: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said he was surprised to hear a Maulvi' (Muslim cleric) in Jammu greeting him with Ram Ram, and termed it an impact of the abrogation of Article 370. Addressing an election rally in Haryana's Faridabad, he said he visited Jammu and Kashmir for two [] The post Maulvi in Jammu greeted me with Ram Ram, impact of Art 370 abrogation: Adityanath appeared first on Northlines .
Maulvi in J&K greeted me with Ram Ram, impact of Art 370 abrogation: Adityanath
Chandigarh: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said he was surprised to hear a Maulvi (Muslim cleric) in Jammu greeting him with Ram Ram, and termed it an impact of the abrogation of Article 370. Addressing an election rally in Haryanas Faridabad, he said he visited Jammu and Kashmir for two days this Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
In Gurugram Village, Photo-ops Raise Concern Over Massive Dumpsite
For residents of Haryana's Bandhwari village on the Gurugram-Faridabad border, home to one of the largest landfill sites in the country, elections mean politicians visiting the garbage hill for photo-ops and making mountains of promises.
Haryana: Amit Shah calls Congress anti-SC
CHANDIGARH: Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday dubbed the Congress as an anti-Dalit party and accused it of insulting leaders like Kumari Selja and Ashok Tanwar. He also lashed out at Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on reservation and asserted that if there is anybody who can protect the quota, it is only PM Narendra Modi. At an election rally in Tohana, around 55 km from NCR Faridabad, Shah said: The Congress is an anti-SC (Scheduled Caste) party. The party always insulted SC leaders, be it Ashok Tanwar or Kumari Selja. The Congress has insulted everyone. On Rahul Gandhis remarks on reservations, Shah said, He spoke in America that there was no need for reservation after development. They (Congress) will remove reservation after development. Our Haryana is a fully developed state. Do you want reservation or not, Shah asked the gathering. If there is anybody who can protect the SC and OBC reservation, it is PM Modi, Shah asserted. I want to remind Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Rahul Gandhi about the 2005 Gohana incident. Who was responsible for this? It was the Congress. In Gohana, a few homes of SCs were set afire after an SC in the village was suspected of being involved in a murder. Shah also referred to the 2010 Mirchpur incident. On April 21, 2010, a group of villagers had allegedly torched more than a dozen houses belonging to Dalits. A teenage girl and her father were charred to death in the incident. Appealing to the Dalit voters, he said that Bharat Ratna was given to Dr B R Ambedkar when the Congress went out of power. Attacking the previous Congress governments, Shah said before the BJP came to power in the state, government jobs were not given without kharchi (corruption) or parchi (favouritism). It was the BJP government that provided jobs in a transparent manner, he added. Hitting out at Rahul for his remarks concerning the Sikh community, Shah asked him to apologise. The entire country is proud of Sikh Gurus. The tenth Sikh Guru (Gobind Singh) is respected in every home. Dalit vote bank Looking for Dalit support (the community counts more than 20% of Haryanas population) that the Congress asserts belongs to it, Shah remided Bhupinder Singh Hooda about Gohana incident
Haryana CM slams Cong over 'kharchi-parchi', assures jobs on meritocracy
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday attacked the Congress, saying some of its leaders are talking about the kharchi-parchi (corruption-favouritism) system in government jobs which was prevalent during its regime. He, however, asserted that his government's first and last priority is to provide jobs on merit basis. In a message for the state's youth which he posted on X, Saini wrote that for the past few days, Congress candidates and Bhupinder Singh Hooda supporters are trading your future in the name of parchi-kharchi. I feel sad and angry at their mentality, said Saini who was apparently referring to two purported audio clips of Congress' Neeraj Sharma and Shamsher Singh Gogi, legislators from Faridabad NIT and Assandh segments in the outgoing assembly. BJP MP Anurag Thakur, a few days ago, had played these two clips in a poll rally. In one clip, the Faridabad NIT MLA was heard saying that former chief minister Bhupinder Hooda (if Congress comes to power) w
RWAs oppose G.O. for stilt-plus-four construction, opposition guns for BJP
CHANDIGARH: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Haryana Government has landed itself into a catch-22 situation during the ongoing assembly elections as it has given go-ahead with stilt-plus-four construction in the residential areas of the state. Several Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are opposing this decision of the government and have decided to oppose the BJP candidates across the state. The RWAs have written to the Election Commission of Indian to suspend the government order which gave the go-ahead to the stilt-plus-four construction in the state. On the other hand, the opposition parties have got another issue against the government on the platter which they are now raising for their political benefits. This might affect the saffron party in the National Capital Region (NCR) especially Gurugram and Faridabad. Targeting the incumbent BJP government for allowing builders to exploit the stilt-plus-four-floor housing policy, RWAs have threatened to vote against the BJP candidates. The residents are of the view that the stilt-plus-four houses in their residential areas are being misused to create multiple apartments, thus burdening the existing civic infrastructure. The letter to the ECI stated that the notification regarding the construction will not only come in the way of a level playing field during elections and smacked of the governments vested interests. Haryana polls: BJP is anti-farmer, allege kisan unions Yashvir Malik, convener of Haryana State HUDA Sector Confederation of which 287 RWAs of the state are members, said, y allowing construction stilt-plus-four construction the BJP-led Government is trying to please the builder lobby. The RWAs will oppose the candidates of the BJP across the state and request not to vote for them. Malik added that while this decision affects the whole state, ten districts including Gurugram, Faridabad, Rewari, Panipat, Sonepat, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Panchkula, Hisar and Amabla are most affected. He also said that approximately 7.25 lakh plots or house owners are affected by this decision of the government in these cities as it calculated around 25 lakh voters in 15 to 20 assembly segments. We have sent an e-mail to the EC, stating that the removal of embargo on the construction of S+4 floors in residential areas be put on hold. This notification is beyond the powers of the current caretaker government in the state and is clearly a big allurement for voters. The policy needs to be properly reviewed, he said. State President All Sector Residents Welfare Association, Kuldeep Vats said that re-implementing the policy of constructing four-storey buildings with stilt parking in HSVP sectors without developing infrastructure facilities is completely wrong. The association will strongly oppose this. This will strain our sewage, power, water and parking infrastructure and leave us in a mess especially in old sectors. At present, the drinking water and sewerage system in the sectors is completely in shambles. This problem is especially severe in the old sectors. Even after many years of sector demarcation by HSVP, the old and dilapidated drinking water and sewerage lines have not been upgraded according to the population density, he said. He added that, with this decision, the residents of the sector will have to face a lot of trouble for basic facilities. Vats said that it is completely wrong to construct a stilt plus four storey building on a 10 meter road. The rule made on the common wall in the new policy will increase disputes among the people. Our demand is that, in view of the problems of public interest, this decision should be withdrawn. If the matter is not resolved soon, then the next strategy of the movement will be prepared by calling a state level meeting of the association, he said. Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that this is care-taker government and this decision cannot be taken, it is completely wrong. Echoing the same view former deputy chief minister and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala said that when his party was part of the government it did not approve of this and to allow S plus 4 in existing sectors is wrong. We will write to ECI, he said. Sources said that the construction had been allowed in a policy that was already there and this is not a new decision and it does not violate the poll code. We only told the court that we are lifting the self-imposed ban, said an officer. It is learnt that some 200 applications are pending in Gurugram alone, seeking permission to build the floors. The stilt-plus-four-floors policy was initially brought by the state government in 2017 by amending the Haryana Building Code of the same year, and registrations of the fourth floor as a separate dwelling unit started by 2018. Under the new policy, the state has allowed the construction of four floors with stilts in sectors where the layout plan allows for the building of four dwelling units per plot. Haryana assembly polls: Kin of key political families take poll plunge Power Games | Haryana Polls: Rahul cracks whip as Hooda-Selja rift widens
Watching and downloading child pornography are offences: SC
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday set aside a Madras High Court ruling that had said that mere downloading and watching child pornography was not an offence under the POCSO Act and the information technology law.A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said watching and downloading child pornography are offences under the POCSO Act and the information technology law. The bench also laid down certain guidelines on child pornography and its legal consequences. The top court delivered its verdict on a plea challenging the Madras High Court order. The apex court had earlier agreed to hear the plea challenging the high court ruling that had said mere downloading and watching child pornography was not an offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Information Technology (IT) Act. On January 11, the high court had quashed the criminal proceedings against a 28-year-old man charged with downloading pornographic content involving children on his mobile phone. The high court had also said children these days were grappling with the serious issue of watching pornography and instead of punishing them, the society must be mature enough to educate them. The Supreme Court had taken note of the submissions made in the matter by senior advocate H S Phoolka, who represented two petitioner organisations, that the high court verdict was contrary to the laws in this regard. The senior lawyer appeared in the court on behalf of NGOs Just Rights for Children Alliance, based in Faridabad, and the New Delhi-based Bachpan Bachao Andolan. The organisations work for the welfare of children.
Watching and downloading child pornography are offences under POCSO Act: Supreme Court
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday set aside a Madras High Court ruling that had said that mere downloading and watching child pornography was not an offence under the POCSO Act and the information technology law.A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said watching and downloading child pornography are offences under the POCSO Act and the information technology law. The bench also laid down certain guidelines on child pornography and its legal consequences. The top court delivered its verdict on a plea challenging the Madras High Court order. The apex court had earlier agreed to hear the plea challenging the high court ruling that had said mere downloading and watching child pornography was not an offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Information Technology (IT) Act. On January 11, the high court had quashed the criminal proceedings against a 28-year-old man charged with downloading pornographic content involving children on his mobile phone. The high court had also said children these days were grappling with the serious issue of watching pornography and instead of punishing them, the society must be mature enough to educate them. The Supreme Court had taken note of the submissions made in the matter by senior advocate H S Phoolka, who represented two petitioner organisations, that the high court verdict was contrary to the laws in this regard. The senior lawyer appeared in the court on behalf of NGOs Just Rights for Children Alliance, based in Faridabad, and the New Delhi-based Bachpan Bachao Andolan. The organisations work for the welfare of children.
Watching, downloading child pornography is offence under POCSO Act and IT law: Supreme Court
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday set aside a Madras High Court ruling that had said that mere downloading and watching child pornography was not an offence under the POCSO Act and the information technology law. A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said watching and downloading child pornography are offences under the POCSO Act and the information technology law. The bench also laid down certain guidelines on child pornography and its legal consequences. The top court delivered its verdict on a plea challenging the Madras High Court order. The apex court had earlier agreed to hear the plea challenging the high court ruling that had said mere downloading and watching child pornography was not an offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Information Technology (IT) Act. On January 11, the high court had quashed the criminal proceedings against a 28-year-old man charged with downloading pornographic content involving children on his mobile phone. The high court had also said children these days were grappling with the serious issue of watching pornography and instead of punishing them, the society must be mature enough to educate them. The Supreme Court had taken note of the submissions made in the matter by senior advocate H S Phoolka, who represented two petitioner organisations, that the high court verdict was contrary to the laws in this regard. The senior lawyer appeared in the court on behalf of NGOs Just Rights for Children Alliance, based in Faridabad, and the New Delhi-based Bachpan Bachao Andolan. The organisations work for the welfare of children.
Haryana assembly polls: Kin of key political families take poll plunge
CHANDIGARH: The dynastic politics remains strong in Haryana as over three dozen candidates across party lines, BJP, Congress, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) are contesting elections in the upcoming assembly polls. Besides, the three prominent political families of the Jat Land Chaudahry Devi Lal, Bansi Lal and Bhajan Lal there are other candidates who owe their standing to their influential political families. The ruling BJP, known for anti-dynasty rhetoric, is fielding kin of many political leaders. Arti Singh Rao, daughter of Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh, from Ateli; Pardeep Singh Sangwan, son of former MP Kishen Singh Sangwan, is fighting from Baroda; Devender Kaushik, brother of former MP Ramesh Kaushik, is contesting from Gannaur; Sunil Sangwan, son of former minister Satpal Sangwan, is contesting from Dadri; Manmohan Bhadana, son of former minister Kartar Bhadana, is contesting from Samalkha; Sanjay Singh, son of former minister Suraj Pal, is contesting from Nuh; Krishan Middha, son of former MLA Hari Chand Middha, is contesting from Jind and Savitri Jindal, mother of Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal is contesting from Hisar seat as an independent candidate against party candidate. The story is the same for Congress. Aditya Surjewala, son of senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala, is contesting from Kaithal; Vikas Saharan, son of Hisar MP Jai Prakash, is battling out from Kalayat; Pooja Chaudhary, wife of Ambala MP Varun Chaudhary, is vying for Mullana seat; Brijendra Singh, son of former Union minister Birender Singh, is contesting Uchana Kalan assembly seat; Chiranjeev Rao, son of former minister Capt Ajay Singh Yadav, is competing from Rewari; Mandeep Chatha, son of former minister Harmohinder Singh Chatha, is standing as a challenger from Pehowa; Vijay Pratap Singh, son of former minister Mahender Pratap, is contesting from Badkhal; Balram Dangi, son of former minister Anand Singh Dangi, is contesting for Meham seat; Neeraj Sharma, son of former minister Shiv Charan Lal Sharma, is trying his luck from Faridabad NIT seat; Gokul Setia, grandson of former minister Lachhman Das Arora, is contesting from Sirsa. While in the Indian National Lok Dal, Sapna Barshami, daughter-in-law of Sher Singh Barshami, a close aide of former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, is contesting from Ladwa; Tahir Hussain, son of former MLA Zakir Hussain, is contesting from Nuh. Some seven family members of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal are fighting these elections and some of them are pitched against each other. Arjun Chautala, great-grandson of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal and son of Abhay Chautala, is fighting on the INLD ticket and is pitted against former chief minister OP Chutalas brother Ranjit Singh Chautala, who is sitting MLA from Rania assembly segment and is fighting as independent. Digvijay Chautala of JJP, another great-grandson of Devi Lal and son of Ajay Chautala, is contesting against his uncles Aditya Devi Lal from INLD and Amit Sihag of Congress. Khattars nephew joins Congress Ramit Khattar, nephew of former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, and another senior leader of the party Gurvinder Singh Dhamija joined the Congress. Ramit joined the grand old party in the presence of Rohtak MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra. His defection is seen as a notable setback to the saffron party especially given his familial ties to Khattar.
BJP Haryana Poll Manifesto Promises MSP for 24 Crops, Jobs for Agniveers
New Delhi/ Chandigarh: Facing anti-incumbency and a resurgent Congress, the BJP manifesto for the Haryana Assembly polls promises a monthly assistance of Rs/2,100 for women, two lakhs government jobs for the youth and guaranteed government jobs for Agniveers hailing from the state, among others. In a bid to woo the farmers in the state, the BJPs poll document released on Thursday also promised to purchase 24 crops at minimum support price (MSP). In power since 2014 in Haryana, the BJP is not just facing strong Opposition but also factionalism and anger among party leaders over ticket distribution. The polling scheduled for October 5 is expected to be a multi-corner contest, with most of the BJPs opponents vying for the dominant Jat vote-bank. Haryana is a Jat-dominated state where the BJP gave the first non-Jat chief minister in 2014 when it formed its first ever government a decade ago. On Thursday, BJP president J.P. Nadda released the party's sankalp patra in the presence of chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union ministers M.L. Khattar, Rao Inderjit Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar at Rohtak. Facing flak from the Opposition parties over Agnipath, which is for short-term military recruitment scheme, the BJP president said that there will be a guarantee of government jobs for every Agniveer hailing from Haryana. Among 20 main points in the manifesto, the BJP promised Rs.2,100 per month for all women under the Lado Lakshmi Yojna. The ruling party said two lakhs government jobs will be given to the youth without kharchi-parchi, a reference to the alleged corruption prevailing earlier under the Congress regime. The BJP also announced to give cooking gas cylinders at Rs.500 under the Har Ghar Grihni Yojna. Notably, the state government is already giving cooking gas cylinders at `500 under the Har Ghar Grihini scheme to BPL and antyodaya families in the state. After releasing the manifesto in Rohtak, Mr Nadda said Haryana has marched on the path of progress during the BJP-led government. You will clearly see Haryana has changed and the difference is visible, he said, referring to corruption and scams that allegedly took place during previous regimes. The BJP also promised 5-lakh houses in urban and rural areas if it is voted to power after the Assembly elections, besides a scooter for every college-going female student in a rural area under the Avwal Balika Yojna. Scholarships for Haryana students belonging to the OBC and SC communities in any government medical and engineering colleges in the country will be given, the BJP manifesto stated. Hitting out at the Congress, Mr Nadda accused the rival party of reducing poll manifestos to a diluted document. For them, the manifestos are mere formality, with which they deceive the public, he charged and added that Haryana under the Congress regime was known as the land of scams. Their real manifesto was land scams, taking land at the rate of peanuts, snatching land of farmers and changing its land use, Mr Nadda said and asked the gathering whether the government had a corrupt image or not 10 years ago. We have talked of on-stop Haryana, a state that is now marching on a path of progress under the BJP rule and the kharchi-parchi system prevalent under the Congress rule has ended. Among the other promises made by the saffron party are starting new Vande Bharat trains and setting up the KMP Orbital Rail corridor with the assistance of the Centre. The party further promised the start of intercity express Metro service between Faridabad and Gurugram. The BJP also promised to set up 10 industrial cities on the line of Industrial Model Township Kharkhoda and said industrialists will be given special incentives for giving 50,000 jobs to local youths in every city. Under the Chirayu-Ayushman scheme, each family will be given free medical treatment of up to Rs.10 lakhs and an elderly person above 70 years of age in each family will be provided free medical treatment of up to `5 lakhs. The poll document also promised employment opportunities for 5-lakh youths and a monthly stipend through the National Apprenticeship Promotion scheme. According to the manifesto, the party will set up welfare boards for backward classes and a sufficient budget for their welfare. Sports nurseries will come up in every district for the Olympic Games, the manifesto stated. To promote tourism, the BJP has promised an Aravalli Jungle Safari of international level in south Haryana.
Pebble Downtown Mall, located NH - 2, Sector - 12 in Faridabad, strategically located in the heart of the city, has reshaped the retail landscape of Faridabad by bringing a world-class shopping and entertainment experience to the region. Pebble Downtown Mall has direct connectivity via the metro station through an air bridge; this mall will be the hub point for residents and the neighbouring cities like Noida, Greater Noida, Gurgaon and many more cities due to Faridabad's great connectivity, providing access to an excellent mix of shoppers and delivering national and international brands to them. The architectural concept is designed to be high-tech and a completely green building adhering to their environmental responsibility. The mall ensures ample parking lots, and the spaces here have been most carefully thought out to create flawless visitor experiences. It is a place providing retail experience, hosting a multiplex cinema, family-friendly gaming zones, and an arcade, along with a wide variety of dine-in options and renowned food outlets. Pebble Downtown Mall has a first-mover advantage in Faridabad, marking a milestone in the citys retail and entertainment sector. The mall is setting new standards for a modern-day shopping experience. Pebble Downtown Mall is the first mall in Faridabad to introduce renowned brands such as Le Marche, Lifestyle, and Starbucks to the city. It not only fills a significant gap in the market but also establishes itself as the go-to destination for residents and visitors seeking diverse retail and entertainment options. Mr. Romi Garg, Director of Pebble Downtown Mall , says, Pebble Downtown Mall is more than a retail development; it is the vision for the future of Faridabad. We're proud to be the first-ever organized shopping and entertainment destination for this dynamic city. Our green building is our effort towards environmental initiatives to make it a space for entertainment without a cost to future generations. The Pebble Downtown Mall represents a new age and modern leisure experience under one roof and will be a benchmark for what is possible in Indias urban retail landscape . Besides being a shopping mall, the Pebble Downtown Mall helps the Faridabad economy by generating employment and increasing footfall while encouraging local businesses. As a flagship project, the mall is expected to contribute further to the growth of infrastructure and real estate, which will transform this city into an international commercial hub within the NCR. Pebble Downtown Mall has set a new standard of excellence with its innovative approach and premium offerings for urban retail and entertainment in India.
Video Shows How Rescuers Pulled Out Car Stuck In Flooded Faridabad Underpass
A bank manager and a cashier were killed after their car was submerged in water in a flooded underpass in Faridabad on Friday.
Faridabad Underpass Drowning: Driver Ignored Warning, Barricades, Claim Cops
The driver of a car that got stuck in the flooded Old Faridabad Railway underpass leading to the death of its two occupants had disregarded the barricades put up to prevent people from going to the inundated area, a police official has claimed.
Bank Manager, Cashier Die After SUV Gets Stuck In Flooded Underpass In Faridabad
Incessant rain on Friday led to the flooding of the underpass and warnings were issued to avoid entry
Two private bank employees drown in flooded underpass in Haryanas Faridabad
Faridabad Police PRO Yash Pal said the police had put barricades near the underpass and directing the vehicles to take alternative route due to heavy waterlogging, but the duo did not pay heed to the warnings
Two dead in flooded Faridabad underpass while returning from Gurugram
Two people lost their lives after their SUV got trapped in floodwaters at the Old Faridabad Railway underpass. Despite warnings, the vehicle entered the inundated area late Friday night. Passers-by managed to rescue them, but one died on the spot and the other was declared dead at the hospital.
Bank Manager, Cashier Die After SUV Gets Submerged In Faridabad Underpass
A bank manager and a cashier were killed after their SUV was submerged in water in a flooded underpass in Faridabad on Friday.
Congress contesting 89 seats in Haryana, gives one to ally CPM
CHANDIGARH: Congress is contesting on 89 seats out of a total 90 assembly segments in the Haryana assembly elections as it has left the Bhiwani seat for the INDIA bloc ally Communist Party of India (Marxist). The Congress party, late on Wednesday night, released its fourth list of five candidates. It fielded journalist Sarva Mitra Kamboj from Rania assembly segment in Sirsa, who had recently joined the party. Parimal Pari from Ambala Cantt, youth leader Sachin Kundu from Panipat Rural, Satbir Dublain from the Narwana (SC) seat and Rohit Nagar from Tigaon were the other candidates in the list. On Thursday morning, it released the fifth and the last list of two candidatesNaresh Selwal from Uklana (SC-reserved) and Jasbir Singh from the Narnaund seat. From Uklana, Member of Parliament Kumari Selja was keen to contest. In the final list, the party announced the candidature of Rohtash Khatana, who was previously associated with THE JJP, from Sohna and left the Bhiwani seat for the CPI(M). The party had engaged in seat-sharing talks with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the Haryana polls which hit a deadlock following hard bargaining from both sides. Since then, the AAP has released multiple lists of its candidates. Rebellion Hours after releasing its final list of candidates for the Haryana Assembly election, the Congress faced a rebellion on Thursday as some of its leaders decided to enter the poll fray as independents. These include former state minister Sampat Singh from Nalwa, former MLAs Lalit Nagar from Tigaon and Sharda Rathore from Ballabhgarh. Other aspirants who have entered the contest as independents include Chitra Sarwara (Ambala Cantonment) an Rohita Rewri (Panipat City). Former MLA Ram Kishan Fauji, a ticket aspirant from Bawani Khera, has also filed his nomination as an independent. After the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress too is facing resentment in Haryana from those who have been denied tickets. Some of the aspirants broke down after being denied tickets. A tearful Lalit Nagar said even though he had worked hard to strengthen the Congress in Haryana, he was stabbed in the back. Addressing a gathering of his supporters in Faridabads Tigaon, he said, I had invited all of you thinking that I will perform a havan and then go to file my nomination as a Congress candidate. But some of our enemies have conspired and attempted to commit my political murder.
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The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday released its sixth list of candidates for upcoming assembly polls in Haryana. The party has fielded senior leader Prem Garg from Panchkula and Manish Arora from Ellenabad. The party named its candidates for the Kalka, Ambala City, Mulana, Shahabad, Pehowa, Guhla, Panipat, Jind, Fatehabad, Ellenabad, Nalwa, Loharu, Badhra, Dadri, Bawani Khera, Kosli, Faridabad NIT and Badhkal seats on Thursday. As per the list, O.P. Gujjar will contest from Kalka, Wazir Singh Dhanda from Jind, Kamal Bisla from Fatehabad, Geeta Sheoran from Loharu, O.P. Verma from Badkhal and Himmat Yadav from Kosli, PTI reported. The AAP has so far announced names of 70 candidates for the assembly polls. The Arvind Kejriwal-led party released its first list on Monday, after alliance talks with Congress hit a roadblock. The AAP had reportedly demanded 10 seats as part of the alliance while Congress was ready to spare only five-six seats. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was reportedly keen on forming the alliance with AAP for the assembly polls. Earlier, AAPs Organisation Secretary Sandeep Pathak had said, We are prepared to fight the elections with full force on all the seats and those who underestimate us will themselves regret it in the future. The Congress and AAP contested the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year together in Delhi but separately in Punjab. AAP had contested unsuccessfully from one seat in Haryana during the polls as part of the alliance. The party contested in 46 seats during the 2019 assembly polls but failed to win even a single one.
AAP names 19 more candidates for Haryana Assembly polls
AAP named its candidates for the Kalka, Ambala City, Mulana, Shahabad, Pehowa, Guhla, Panipat, Jind, Fatehabad, Ellenabad, Nalwa, Loharu, Badhra, Dadri, Bawani Khera, Kosli, Faridabad NIT and Badhkal seats
Haryana polls: BJP releases final list of 3 candidates, senior leader Ram Bilas Sharma denied ticket
CHANDIGARH: The ruling BJP late Wednesday released its third and final list of candidates for the Haryana polls as it denied ticket to its senior leader Ram Bilas Sharma from Mahendragarh. According to the party list, BJP has fielded Kanwar Singh Yadav from Mahendragarh, even as Sharma, sensing that the party may deny him a ticket, filed his nomination papers from the constituency earlier in the day. From Sirsa, the party has fielded Rohtash Jangra while from Faridabad NIT, the BJP has named Satish Fagna as its candidate. Sirsa is currently represented by BJP's ally Gopal Kanda, who heads the Haryana Lokhit Party. With this, the BJP has named candidates for all the 90 assembly seats. Sharma is a prominent Brahmin face of the party, who was also a Minister in the government headed by M L Khattar between 2014 and 2019. However, Sharma lost the 2019 Assembly polls. He has also served as the BJP's Haryana unit president. The BJP has denied tickets to a few of its sitting MLAs, including a couple of ministers. Amid deepening schisms within the ruling BJP in Haryana over poll ticket distribution, party leader Karan Dev Kamboj on Wednesday indicated that the rebellion could have been prevented if Chief Minister Nayab Saini had a say in the allocation process. The BJP on Tuesday released its second list of candidates for the polls, denying tickets to two ministers and replacing its nominee for the Pehowa seat. In its first list of candidates announced on September 4, the BJP nominated Kamaljeet Singh Ajrana for the Pehowa seat but replaced him with Jai Bhagwan Sharma in the second list. Incumbent MLA of Pehowa and former minister Sandeep Singh has been denied re-nomination. The BJP also denied a ticket to Minister Banwari Lal, who represented Bawal in the outgoing Assembly, and fielded Krishna Kumar in his place. School Education Minister Seema Trikha, the incumbent MLA of Badhkal, too was denied re-nomination. Dhanesh Adlakha has been nominated for the seat. The BJP released its first list of 67 candidates for the 90-member Assembly on September 4, fielding Haryana chief minister Saini from the Ladwa seat and rewarding several recent entrants to the party with poll tickets. Shruti Choudhry, the grand-daughter of former chief minister Bansi Lal, who joined the ruling party recently, is contesting from the Tosham. After the BJP announced its first list of 67 candidates, it faced rebellion within its ranks with Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and MLA Lakshman Dass Napa quitting the party after being denied a ticket. A few other aspirants who were also denied tickets had raised a banner of revolt. The BJP is aiming for a hattrick in the Haryana Assembly polls to be held on October 5 but faces a tough challenge from a resurgent Congress which is looking to cash in on the anti-incumbency factor. Saini is the BJP's chief ministerial face for the assembly polls. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
Haryana elections: Complete list of BJP candidates on all 90 constituencies
Haryana elections: With its second list of 21 candidates, the BJP has named contenders on all seats of Haryana except three: Mahendragarh, NIT Faridabad and Sirsa
