Friday, May 09, 2025 ਪੰਜਾਬੀ हिंदी

Regional

Seven Gujarat airports closed to civil flights amid rising tensions

Civil flight operations have been closed at seven key airports across Gujarat, after India-Pakistan tension escalated.

The temporary shutdown comes under the latest series of Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) aimed at bolstering national defence readiness.

The affected airports - Jamnagar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj, and Mundra (Adani) - are among 24 Indian airports currently under NOTAM directives, which restrict airspace use for civilian flights.

The order is expected to remain in force until 11.59 p.m. today, unless extended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or defence authorities. The NOTAM measures follow a wave of aerial incursions from across the border.

High alert in Rajasthan: Leaves of police, medical staff cancelled; blackouts in border areas

 Amid high alert across Rajasthan in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the state government has cancelled the leaves of all officers and employees of various government departments, including the police, doctors, and paramedical staff. Guidelines have been issued to all border districts to ensure preparedness and public safety in light of the situation.

In several regions, daily blackouts have been enforced.

Barmer and Jaisalmer will observe blackouts from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., while Jodhpur will enforce the same from 9.30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Earlier, the blackout time was set for 12.30 a.m., but it was advanced by three hours as a precautionary measure in Jodhpur. Similar blackout measures were implemented in Pali, Nal (Bikaner), and Mount Abu, the state's only hill station.

Six flights cancelled from Patna amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions

Six flights from Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna have been cancelled until Sunday as tensions escalate between India and Pakistan.

According to airport officials, the cancelled flights include routes to Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, and Hindon (Ghaziabad).

These include four Indigo Airlines flights (Bhubaneswar-Patna) and Patna-Bhubaneswar, (Chandigarh-Patna) and Patna-Chandigarh and two Air India Express services (Hindon-Patna) and Patna-Hindon.

In the last two days, the footfall at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport has been reduced by 1,000 passengers.

While Patna airport remains operational, the cancellations are due to heightened airspace restrictions and security protocols following the Indian Armed Forces' precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday.

Airlines have notified affected passengers and are offering alternative arrangements.

Seven terrorists killed as BSF foils infiltration bid from Pak in J&K's Samba

Seven terrorists were killed on Friday by troops of the Border Security Force (BSF) during a foiled infiltration bid on the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district.

BSF sources said a heavily armed group of terrorists, aided by fire cover by Pakistan rangers, tried to infiltrate into the Indian side of the International Border in Samba district.

“Seven terrorists have been killed during this foiled infiltration bid. The operation is still going on in the area,” sources said.

After its drones and low-range missiles fired at target defence installations were neutralised by the alert troops in Jammu, Samba, R.S. Pura and other places, terrorists aided by Pakistan troops made an unsuccessful infiltration attempt in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on the border.

A BSF spokesman said a major infiltration bid from across the International Border was foiled around 11 p.m. on Thursday evening. The intruding terrorists were forced to withdraw back into the Pakistan side of the border.

Chandigarh administration issues air warning alert, sounds sirens

The Chandigarh administration on Friday issued an air warning of a possible attack, following which sirens were sounded.

"This is a precautionary measure in view of an air warning received from the Air Force Station. Citizens are advised to stay calm, remain inside their homes, and await further instructions from official sources,” said a statement from the DC’s office.

In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, authorities declared the closure of all educational institutions till Saturday.

A barrage of coordinated disinformation has been carried out by certain social media handles in general and mainstream media in particular in Pakistan with the sole objective to instil fear among the Indian masses, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said on Friday.

Death toll in Bikaner gas cylinder blast rises to eight

The death toll in the Bikaner gas cylinder blast has risen to eight after five more bodies were recovered from the rubble on Thursday.

The explosion, which occurred on Wednesday at Madan Market, was caused by a gas cylinder.

According to officials and locals, at the market, known for its jewellery-making shops, shopkeepers reportedly stored large LPG cylinders and refilled smaller ones from them - a dangerous practice that is believed to have led to the blast.

A shopkeeper said the explosion was loud like an air strike. Many shops were severely damaged, and gold worth lakhs of rupees remains buried under the debris.

Jeweller Vikas Soni, who narrowly escaped the blast, said he was running late to meet a client - a delay that ultimately saved his life.

Kashmir's Gulmarg resort shuts for tourists due to proximity to LoC

Amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan, authorities on Thursday suspended the ‘Gandola’ cable car service in Gulmarg, and also declared the resort out of bounds for tourists because of its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 13 people have been killed and 59 injured in the Pakistani mortar shelling across the LoC during the last two days.

The MEA statement said all the 13 people killed in Pakistan shelling were killed in Poonch district, while 44 out of 59 injured people also belong to Poonch district.

Uri sector in Baramulla district and Karnah sector in Kupwara district of the Valley, in addition to Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu division, have been the worst affected by Pakistani mortar shelling on the civilian population during the last two days.

Heavy rain alert for several districts of Tamil Nadu until May 13

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a heavy rain alert for several districts of Tamil Nadu, following forecasts of an early onset of the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal.

The weather department has predicted heavy rainfall across the state until May 13. In Chennai, moderate rainfall is expected over the coming days, according to RMC officials.

Meanwhile, a heavy rain warning has been issued for pockets of Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Nilgiris, and the hilly regions of Coimbatore, Theni, and Dindigul.

The forecast also indicates light to moderate rain at isolated locations across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph until May 13.

Five killed, 2 injured as helicopter crashes near Uttarakhand's Gangnani

Five tourists were killed on the spot and two others injured as a helicopter, in which they were travelling, crashed near Gangnani in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi on Thursday.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. near Gangnani when the helicopter, belonging to a private company, was flying from Dehradun's Sahastradhara to Harshil.

Seven people were onboard the helicopter, including passengers Vinit Gupta, Arvind Agarwal, Vipin Agarwal, Pinki Agarwal, Rashmi and Kishore Jadhav, and pilot Robin Singh.

Four passengers hailed from Mumbai while two others from Andhra Pradesh.

After hearing about the accident, locals, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and 108 ambulance vehicles rushed to the spot.

ED raids nine locations in Jharkhand, Bengal in Rs 800 crore GST scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out a major crackdown on a massive Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud, conducting raids at nine locations across Jharkhand and West Bengal.

The operation is part of the agency’s investigation into an alleged scam involving fraudulent input tax credit (ITC) claims worth over Rs 800 crore.

According to sources, ED teams launched simultaneous searches at four locations in Jharkhand -- including three in the capital, Ranchi, and one in the industrial hub of Jamshedpur.

Five other locations were raided in neighbouring West Bengal. To ensure the safety of officials conducting the searches, personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed at the sites.

Rajasthan border with Pakistan sealed; armed forces on high alert

A day after India's Operation Sindoor, the 1,037 km-long border that Rajasthan shares with Pakistan has been sealed, and the security significantly tightened. The Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Air Force (IAF) are on maximum alert, conducting round-the-clock surveillance and combat patrols amid escalating regional tensions.

All Western Sector airbases, including Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Nal, Phalodi, and Uttarlai, are on high alert. Fighter jets, including Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs armed with advanced weaponry, are patrolling the skies from Sri Ganganagar to the Rann of Kutch.

On the ground, the BSF has intensified patrolling near the zero line. Additional troops have been deployed to sensitive sectors to ensure a swift response to any suspicious movement. Soldiers have been granted the authority to engage immediately, even at the slightest provocation.

Anti-drone systems have been activated and are operating 24/7 to prevent any aerial intrusion from across the border.

High alert sounded in Rajasthan border districts, leaves of govt employees cancelled

 A high alert has been issued in districts near the Rajasthan border following India's airstrikes on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. As a precautionary measure, all flight operations at Kishangarh and Jodhpur airports have been suspended until May 10.

Rajasthan shares a 1,037-km border with Pakistan, which has been sealed with the Border Security Force personnel maintaining high vigilance. The Indian Air Force is also on high alert.

All government and private schools, along with anganwadi centres in the border districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar have been declared closed until further notice.

The government employees in these areas have had their leaves cancelled and were instructed to remain at their headquarters.

Five killed as helicopter crashes in Uttarakhand

Five tourists were killed and another was injured as a helicopter, in which they were travelling, crashed near Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi on Thursday.

The incident occurred around 9 am near Gangnani when the private company helicopter was flying from Dehradun to Gangotri.

Those travelling on the plane were identified as Vinit Gupta, Arvind Agarwal, Vipin Agarwal, Pinki Agarwal, Rashmi, and Kishore Jadhav.

Police, Army Force, Disaster Management team, and ambulances have left for the spot near Uttarkashi.

The cause of the accident is yet to be identified.

After hearing about the accident, locals and police reached the spot and launched the rescue operation. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Quick response teams, 108 ambulance vehicles, and other officials have rushed to the spot.

IMD forecasts more rain in Gujarat over next 24 hours

Gujarat is bracing for intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds over the next 24 hours, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for several districts.

The warning follows the simultaneous activation of multiple weather systems influencing the region.

According to the latest IMD bulletin, districts under the red alert include Bhavnagar, Amreli, Ahmedabad, Anand, Valsad, Daman, and Dadra Nagar Haveli.

These areas are expected to experience severe thunderstorms, lightning, and surface winds reaching 60-70 kmph in gusts, along with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations.

An orange alert has also been issued for a broader swathe of the state, encompassing Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Aravalli, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Mahisagar, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, Narmada, Bharuch, Surat, Dang, Navsari, and Tapi.

Rajasthan: Training sessions held in Jaipur on possible enemy attack

Superintendent of Police and Nodal Officer for Community Policing, Pankaj Chaudhary (IPS), on Wednesday, conducted a series of awareness and training sessions on a possible enemy attack preparedness across schools and slum areas in Jaipur.

The programme aimed to educate students, teachers, and local residents on emergency response measures such as air raid sirens and blackout procedures.

The first session was held at 9:30 AM at The Cambridge School, Mahesh Nagar, as part of a public awareness campaign. The event began with the National Anthem and was attended by the school staff, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, social workers, media personnel, and the Mahesh Nagar Police Station team.

SP Chaudhary addressed the gathering, explaining in detail the purpose and procedure of siren alerts and blackouts during wartime scenarios. He emphasised the importance of public readiness in facing emergency situations, especially in sensitive areas.

Mock drill in Haryana's 22 districts to begin, blackout for 10 minutes

Haryana is set to hold mock and blackout drills across all 20 districts this evening, as per the Home Ministry's guidelines on 'Operation Abhyas'.

The drill will begin with a siren sound and include exercises like evacuation, response coordination, followed by full blackout, officials said.

Residents have been urged to switch off all lights and remain indoors as part of the drive.

Under the 'Operation Abhyas', a large-scale drill will be carried out simulating air raid and blackout scenarios - thereby preparing people for exigencies during war-like situations.

During a high-level meeting on Wednesday, Haryana chief secretary Anurag Rastogi issued comprehensive instructions to all Deputy Commissioners and Police officers regarding operational aspects of the mock drill.

7 killed in Pakistan LoC shelling; J&K L-G orders evacuation of civilians from vulnerable areas

Seven civilians were killed and 38 others injured on Wednesday in indiscriminate mortar shelling by the Pakistan Army on the Line of Control (LoC) as Lt Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the evacuation of the civilian population from vulnerable areas to safer locations.

The L-G said on X, "Took stock of the situation in border districts of J&K UT with all the senior administrative, police & district officials including DCs of all the border districts. I'm closely monitoring the situation & govt is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality. I've also directed the DCs for shifting of villagers from vulnerable areas to safer locations and ensuring boarding, lodging, food, medicare and transportation. We will ensure safety of every citizen.”

Seven people, including a woman and two children, were killed and 38 others injured Wednesday as the Pakistan Army pounded dozens of forward villages with artillery and mortar shelling along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

One civilian killed, 9 injured as unidentified aircraft crashes in Punjab village

One civilian was killed and nine others injured on early Wednesday as an unidentified aircraft crashed and caught fire in Aklian Kalan village, some 20 km from the district headquarters in Punjab’s Bathinda.

District authorities refused to comment about the crash, saying any comment will be issued by the defence authorities. Defence personnel and police teams have cordoned off the crash site.

The dead has been identified as a farm labourer, Govind from Haryana. The crash occurred around 2 a.m. in wheat-harvested fields, close to the residential area.

Eyewitnesses said several farm labourers noticed an aircraft flying low that later crashed and fell into the fields.

As the local approached the wreckage, an explosion took place that killed one on the spot and injured nine others.

High alert in Rajasthan; two airports closed, schools shut in 3 border districts

A high alert has been sounded in all border areas of Rajasthan after India's airstrikes on Pakistan-based terror bases. Also, Bikaner and Jodhpur airports have been closed.

At the same time, a holiday has been declared in schools today in border cities, including Bikaner, Barmer and Jaisalmer, on the orders of the District Collector. In Bikaner, government employees' leaves have been cancelled, and they have been ordered not to leave the headquarters.

India has carried out airstrikes at nine places in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Bahawalpur, Pakistan, was attacked, where hideouts of the terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed are located.

Bahawalpur is about 100 km from the Rajasthan-Pakistan border.

Gujarat: 14 dead, 16 injured due to unseasonal heavy rains

At least 14 people lost their lives while 16 others were injured as unseasonal rain, fierce winds, and dust storms battered parts of Gujarat, disrupting daily life at the height of the summer season.

As per the official data recorded between May 4 and 6, the worst-hit region was Kheda district, where two people were crushed under fallen trees and two others died when a building and a temporary roof collapsed.

An official said that in Vadodara, three fatalities were reported, two from electrocution and one caused by a falling hoarding.

“Two deaths each were reported from Ahmedabad, Aravalli, and Dahod. Lightning strikes were responsible for both fatalities in Aravalli, while in Dahod, victims died due to uprooted trees,” the official said.

4 killed, 42 injured in J&K road accident

Four people were killed while 42 others were injured on Tuesday in a bus accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Poonch district.

Officials said that a bus carrying passengers met with an accident near Ghani Mendhar in Poonch district on Tuesday.

“Two passengers died on the spot while two others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital where they had been shifted for treatment.

“A massive relief and rescue operation was started immediately after the news of the accident was received.

“Locals immediately launched a rescue operation at the site and were aided by the police, Indian Army and CRPF personnel.

Bhopal gas toxic waste disposal underway, four monitoring system in place

After decades of lingering uncertainty, the disposal of "307 tonnes of toxic waste" (earlier 347 tonnes) from the infamous Bhopal gas tragedy has begun in Pithampur.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had already issued directives in this regard earlier.

"The process began from evening on Monday," a senior officer in the MP Pollution Control Board told, adding, "The incineration is proceeding at a steady rate of 270 kilograms per hour at the facility, with environmental safeguards firmly in place.

A continuous online monitoring system has been installed to track emissions, ensuring compliance with pollution control regulations. The total process will take 50-55 days or even a few more days."

The toxic waste is being disposed of at a private facility.

Five underpasses to be built along Metro route in Gurugram

In the second phase of the Old Gurugram Metro project, five underpasses will be constructed in the city by the Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL), officials said on Tuesday.

The detailed project report (DPR) of the underpasses will now be prepared by GMRL.

The underpasses are to be built at Sector-3A/4/5 Chowk near Railway Road along Sector-5 junction to Sheetla Mata Road (one-way), Bajghera Road, along Sector-5 (one way) to Krishna Chowk, Rejangla Chowk, Palam Vihar Road to Udyog Vihar to Old Delhi Road, and Palam Vihar Road Junction.

"The estimated cost of construction of all five underpasses is around Rs 350 crore. With their construction, the old city will get relief from traffic jams. At the same time, the flyover at Umang Bhardwaj Chowk is to be constructed by NHAI," an official said.

Steps are being taken by GMRL to construct a 28.5-km Metro from Millennium City Centre to Cyber City.

Over dozen people injured in clash between two groups in Bihar's Vaishali district

Tension gripped Kamalpur village under Lalganj police station in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Tuesday morning after a violent clash between two groups left over a dozen people injured.

The unrest was triggered by an incident involving a local youth, Dharmendra Pandit (25), son of Gopal Pandit, who was taken to Kolkata by a private contractor on April 24 with a promise of employment.

However, Dharmendra died mysteriously under unclear circumstances.

According to family members, they received a distress call on Sunday from the contractor, informing them about the death of Dharmendra. When the family rushed to Kolkata, the contractor became untraceable and did not assist during the police proceedings and post-mortem.

Three killed, four injured in lightning strike near Patna

 Three people were killed and four others were seriously injured after lightning struck Raghopur village, located on the New Bypass Road under Bakhtiyarpur block on the outskirts of Patna, officials said on Tuesday.

The victims were cleaning wheat in a field on Monday night when a sudden thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rain forced them to take shelter under a tractor-trolley. Lightning struck the area shortly after, killing three people on the spot, including a teenage boy.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Officials said the incident underlines the growing threat of lightning-related disasters in Bihar, particularly in rural areas where people are often exposed to the elements while working in fields.

Unseasonal showers lash Gujarat, Kapadvanj records highest rainfall at 1.57 inches

Widespread unseasonal showers lashed Gujarat over the past 24 hours, with cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall affecting several parts of the state.

According to data released by the State Emergency Centre in Gandhinagar, Kapadvanj in Kheda district recorded the highest rainfall at 40 mm (1.57 inches).

Close behind were Mansa in Gandhinagar district and Sihor in Bhavnagar, each registering 37 mm (1.46 inches), followed by Jotana in Mehsana at 31 mm (1.22 inches).

Vadodara city received 30 mm (1.18 inches), while Mehsana taluka recorded 28 mm and Kadi taluka 27 mm -- the same as Bhavnagar city.

Other talukas that recorded notable rainfall include Dolvan (26 mm), Nadiad and Khanpur (25 mm each), and Dasada (24 mm).

All these areas reported around or above one inch of rain -- a significant anomaly during May, typically the peak of summer.

5-year-old boy electrocuted while playing outside home in Karnataka's Tumakuru

In a tragic incident, a five-year-old boy playing outside his house died of electrocution in Tumakuru district of Karnataka on Tuesday.

The deceased was identified as Poshaka Shetty, son of Chandraiah, a resident of Goraghatta village near Turuvekere town.

According to the police, an electric wire had snapped and fallen over the fence in front of the house. While playing outside in the morning, Poshaka accidentally touched the fence and was electrocuted. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Local residents have expressed outrage against the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), alleging negligence and holding the company's officials responsible for the boy’s death.

Three drown during temple festival in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur

In a heart-wrenching incident, three persons, including two teenagers, drowned in a temple pond on Tuesday morning while participating in the Brahmotsavam festival in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.

The victims have been identified as Hariharan (16), Venkatramanan (17), and Veeraraghavan (24), all students pursuing Vedic studies at the Ahobila Mutt in Selaiyur, Chennai.

The trio had travelled to Tiruvallur to take part in the annual festival at the Sri Vaidhya Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, a prominent religious event that draws devotees from across the region.

According to a senior official of the Tiruvallur police, the three went to the temple pond early Tuesday morning to perform their daily religious ablutions, which are customary for students of Vedic traditions.

Punjab Police recover cache of terrorist hardware, major breakthrough against ISI-backed terror network

In a major breakthrough against ISI-backed cross-border terror networks, Punjab Police in a joint operation with the central agency recovered a cache of terrorist hardware in an intelligence-led operation in the forested area near Tibba Nangal-Kular road in SBS Nagar district, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday.

The recovery included two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), five P-86 hand grenades and one wireless communication set.

DGP Yadav said preliminary probe indicated a coordinated operation by Pakistan’s ISI and allied terror outfits to revive sleeper cells in Punjab.

A first information report (FIR) under relevant provisions of law has been registered at the State Special Operation Cell police station in Amritsar.

Eight killed as SUV rams into tractor in Bihar's Katihar

Eight people lost their lives and two others sustained critical injuries when a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) crashed into a stationary tractor loaded with corn in the Kursela police station area in Bihar's Katihar district on Tuesday.

The accident occurred around 1 am on State Highway 77, near the Bajrangbali Temple, when the SUV, reportedly part of a wedding procession, crashed into the tractor parked on the roadside.

Family members said the wedding party was going to Koskipur village near Kursela from Barhara Kothi Dibra Bazaar in Purnea district.

When the vehicle approached the Diyara Chandpur bridge, its driver reportedly lost control, leading to the accident.

Delhi: Hit and run case solved within hours, police nab youth for ramming car into security guard

In a major success for Delhi police in the South-West district, a hit and run case was cracked within hours of the incident. The accused was nabbed and put behind bars for allegedly attempting to kill the victim, a security guard, with his car.

The 24-year-old youth identified as Vijay was arrested by the cops in the Vasant Kunj area, and his vehicle, Mahindra Thar Roxx impounded. Vijay, a resident of the Rangpuri area, tried to mow down a security guard with his car. The victim survived the murderous attempt but suffered serious injuries.

According to Vasant Kunj police officials, a complaint regarding an attempt to murder was received on May 4 by Rajiv Kumar, who was intentionally hit by a four-wheeler (Mahindra Thar) driver at near Red Light, Mahipalpur Flyover, and sustained multiple crushed/fractured injuries to his legs and ankle.

Terrorist hideout busted in J&K’s Poonch, IEDs and wireless sets recovered

Five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two wireless sets were recovered after a terrorist hideout was busted in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, said officials on Monday.

Officials said that five ready-to-use IEDs, weighing between half a kg and five kgs, were destroyed in a controlled explosion on the spot, thereby thwarting terrorist plans to set off explosions in the border district.

“The hideout was busted during a joint search operation by the Army and the special operations group (SoG) of J&K Police at Suranthal in Marhote area of Surankote late Sunday evening," said officials.

Rajasthan sees sharp drop in temperature as rain and storms sweep across state

Rajasthan has witnessed a sharp drop in both maximum and minimum temperatures over the past two days, as widespread rain and storms swept through the state.

Several districts that had been reeling under scorching heat above 40 degrees Celsius saw temperatures fall to between 30 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius.

Chittorgarh recorded the highest temperature on Sunday at 39.7 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Jaisalmer and Barmer at 39.6 degrees Celsius.

In contrast, other parts of the state saw a marked decline. Ajmer’s maximum temperature dipped by 5 degrees Celsius to settle at 35.8 degrees Celsius, while Jaipur recorded 36.7 degrees Celsius -- below the seasonal average and a welcome relief from the typical May heat.

Kota saw a 5 degrees Celsius drop, and Pilani reported a 4.9 degrees Celsius decrease. Phalodi and Churu were 6.2 degrees Celsius below normal, Jodhpur 3.6 degrees Celsius, Barmer 2.4 degrees Celsius, Jaisalmer 1.8 degrees Celsius, Ajmer 4.2 degrees Celsius, and Bhilwara 3.3 degrees Celsius below average.

Rajasthan Police bust gang involved in NEET cheating, arrest five

Jaipur Police have arrested five members of a gang involved in cheating during the NEET UG 2025 examination by using dummy candidates and unfair means.

The arrests were made following a raid at a flat in ABD Pristine Apartments located in Jagdamba Nagar, Karni Vihar, based on a tip-off, said officials on Monday.

The police recovered fake exam documents, Bluetooth devices, four SIM cards, mobile phones, and Rs 50,000 in cash from the possession of the accused. A Scorpio vehicle was also seized.

Those arrested include Ajit Kumar Barala (26), a resident of Chimanpura, Chomu; Sohan Lal Chaudhary (26), from Kushalpura, Samod; and Jitendra Sharma (24), from Bichpadi, Harmada.

DCP (West) Amit Kumar stated that the NEET UG 2025 exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), was held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The arrested suspects were allegedly planning to help candidates clear the exam using illegal methods.

Two killed as truck ploughs into house in MP village

Two persons were killed on Monday morning when a speeding truck ploughed into a house in Hardua village, located in the Nohta police station area of Damoh district in Madhya Pradesh.

The devastating accident, which took place around 7.30 am, has trigged fury among villagers who staged a “chakka jam” on Damoh-Jabalpur highway.

Police are still piecing together the exact sequence of events leading to the collision, and as of now, the identities of the deceased remain undisclosed.

The situation was further aggravated as enraged villagers staged a road blockade on the Damoh-Jabalpur route, forcing the police to first focus on restoring order by pacifying the angry mob.

Kulgam man jumps into river, drowns; video surfaces as NC, PDP leaders cry foul

Amid allegations that his body was found in a river after he was picked up by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, official sources said on Monday that 23-year old Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray had jumped into the river after he was taken to identify the terrorist hideout.

Police sources said that Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray, 23, had given food and shelter to terrorists in Kulgam district, and he drowned after he jumped into a river while escaping from the security forces.

Sources said that a video taken from high ground shows the man, Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray, suddenly jumping into the rocky river after scanning the forested area briefly.

Magray was picked up by the police on Saturday. Police sources said that during questioning, he told police that he gave food and logistics support to terrorists hiding in the forest in Kulgam's Tangmarg.

Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam fishermen protest against mid-sea pirate attack, stay ashore for 3rd day

Country boat fishers in Seruthur and Vellapallam in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, remained ashore for the third consecutive day on Monday, protesting a mid-sea attack allegedly carried out by Sri Lankan sea pirates.

The attack occurred near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on May 2.

According to reports, over 20 fishermen from Vedaranyam, Seruthur, and Akkaraipettai, who ventured out in four groups, were assaulted by armed men suspected to be Sri Lankan pirates. The attackers looted fishing nets, equipment, and other valuables before fleeing.

Several injured fishermen are currently receiving treatment at Nagapattinam Government Medical College Hospital.

In protest, more than 600 country boats were anchored along the shore for the second day on Sunday, with fishers vowing to continue their strike until both the state and Union governments take concrete steps to ensure their safety at sea.

Bengal: SMPK Port commences night navigation in upper reaches of Hooghly

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), commenced night navigation in the upper reaches of the River Hooghly, from Budge Budge to the sea on Saturday, an official said.

A senior SMPK official said that this crucial step will reduce turnaround time and pre-berthing detention of vessels calling on the Kolkata Dock System (KDS).

He said that the long and meandering 232-km river channel from the sea to KDS, marked by restrictions in navigable depth and strong cross-tidal currents, posed a significant challenge for continuous vessel movement.

“Though high tides result in an increase in draft twice a day, SMPK is unable to make full use of this due to the absence of night navigation between Diamond Harbour and Kolkata,” he added.

Three owners of six business entities held in Punjab for GST evasion

The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) in Punjab’s industrial city Ludhiana on Saturday said it has found that six business entities based in Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib district were involved in illegal sale of Rs 647.4 crore, leading to Goods and Services Tax (GST) evasion of Rs 116.5 crore. Three owners of the six business entities have been held in Punjab for GST evasion.

The names of the business entities are Bharat Steel Industry, Ramji Concast, A.K.M. Alloys, K.T.B. Alloys, Shree Salasar Balaji Steel Tubes and Shree Salasar Steel Tubes & Company.

They were manufacturing billets and trading pipes.

The investigation by the DGGI unearthed and seized incriminating evidence against these entities, an official statement said.

Five months after violence, police circles see major reshuffle in UP’s Sambhal

In a major administrative reshuffle, Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi has transferred the officers-in-charge of three key police circles in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, five months after communal violence broke out in the area.

Among those transferred is Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary, who courted controversy for his remarks during the festival of Holi this year, stating, “There is only one Holi, but there are as many as 52 Friday prayers.” He has now been assigned to the Chandausi Circle.

Replacing him in Sambhal Circle is IPS officer Alok Bhati, who previously served as Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Meanwhile, Alok Sidhu has been given charge of the Bahjoi Circle, and Dr Pradeep Kumar, the outgoing Bahjoi CO, has been appointed as the new Traffic CO.

Further changes include the transfer of Traffic CO Santosh Kumar Singh to UP Dial 112, the state’s integrated emergency response system.

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