Now Panshet-like cluster schools to come up across Maha

The state government of Maharashtra has approved the establishment of 'cluster schools' for students studying in low-ranking schools in remote areas. These cluster schools will provide students with quality education, educational resources, and opportunities for socialization and sportsmanship. Many low-ranking schools in the state will be closed as a result. The decision has received criticism in the past, but the government has now given its approval. The aim of the cluster schools is to provide adequate educational facilities and promote the overall development of students.

After 13 years, Dalai Lama to visit Sikkim from October 10

The Dalai Lama is set to visit the Indian state of Sikkim from October 10, after a gap of 13 years. This visit has attracted attention due to the ongoing border tensions between India and China. The Dalai Lama's itinerary includes religious teachings and interactions with the people of Sikkim. His sermons will be held in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, which is located just 54 km away from the China border. The visit has sparked curiosity about whether there will be any unannounced programs or diplomatic discussions during the remaining three days of the visit.

Himachal government’s white paper on fiscal situation a bundle of lies: Jai Ram

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition party in the Himachal Pradesh assembly, has called a white paper released by the Congress party on the state's fiscal situation a fake document. The BJP leader alleged that the white paper is full of lies, just like the guarantees given by the Congress. He also criticized the former Congress government for taking a loan of ₹1,000 crore at high interest rates and not following the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act. The BJP government, on the other hand, paid off a significant portion of the state's debt and liabilities.

MC misses deadlines of C&D plant, issues new work order

The municipal corporation in Ludhiana, India, has experienced delays in setting up a Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste management plant under the Smart City Mission. The project's design changes have affected its timeline and cost, prompting a new deadline of June 2024. The civil works were delayed due to the discovery of buried waste at the site, which required a redesign and increased the project cost from INR 2.69 crore ($359,000) to INR 7.5 crore ($1 million). The machinery remains unused until the construction work is completed.

PMC checking garbage to identify & fine litterers from discarded documents

The Pune Municipal Corporation in India has implemented a novel method of catching and fining people who litter. Local officials have been rummaging through rubbish for documents that identify those responsible for illegally disposing of waste. So far, 35 people have been caught and fined, with a total of INR50,700 ($790) collected in fines. The initiative is part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Swachh Survekshan campaigns, which aim to promote cleanliness in public places.

Challenging yet fulfilling, the Great Lakes trek in Ganderbal

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district is attracting both domestic and foreign trekkers. The trek takes at least a week to complete, but experienced trekkers can finish it in four to five days. The journey covers small and big valleys, pastures, meadows, streams, and lakes, including the famous virgin snow-fed lakes of Kishansar, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Nundkul, and Gangbal. The area was previously off-limits to tourists, but recent easing of restrictions has allowed for the exploration of new destinations.

Ludhiana: Chef dies, friend suffers injuries in hit-and-run case

A 23-year-old chef died and his friend was injured when a speeding car hit their bike in South City Road. The driver of the car fled the scene. The police have lodged an FIR against the unidentified driver and are investigating the incident. The victim has been identified as Harshit, and the FIR was lodged by his friend Nikhil, who was also injured in the accident. The car was reportedly speeding and driving on the wrong side of the road when it collided with the bike.

PDP youth president Parra’s passport seized

The passport of Waheed ur Rehman Parra, the youth president of the Peoples Democratic Party, has been impounded by the Regional Passport Office in Srinagar. The office cited concerns for the "sovereignty and integrity" of India and its relations with other countries. Parra, who was scheduled to travel to the United States for a peace fellowship at Yale University, plans to seek permission to travel from the court. The passport of Shia leader Aga Hassan has also been suspended due to a "security threat."

Department that aspiring DU leaders prefer

The Department of Buddhist Studies at Delhi University has become a hub for student politics, with all four winners of the Delhi University Students Union's central panel studying at the department. Over the years, students from the department have dominated campus elections, with five DUSU presidents since 2014 coming from the department. University officials speculate that the popularity of the department among politically active students may be due to the course being less demanding, allowing students more time for politics, but department officials and student outfits dismiss this as a coincidence.

Ludhiana: Woman-son booked for assaulting local singer

A woman and her son have been accused of assaulting a female singer in Ludhiana, India. The accused woman suspected the victim of having a relationship with her husband. The victim stated that the accused barged into her home and started accusing her before assaulting her. The police have lodged an FIR and are searching for the accused. The charges against them include house-trespass, causing hurt, and criminal intimidation.

Yashobhoomi phase 2: ₹20K cr private investment targeted

The Indian government plans to attract private investments of around INR200bn ($2.7bn) for the second phase of the India International Convention and Exhibition Centre (IICC), according to officials. The first phase of the $730m infrastructure project was inaugurated on 17 September, and the second phase will include three five-star hotels, four four-star hotels, two three-star hotels, service apartments, office space and retail developments.

LG flags lack of sanitation, poor roads in east Delhi

Lieutenant governor VK Saxena has directed civic agencies to address issues related to poor road conditions, sanitation, encroachment, and clogged drains in east Delhi. Saxena expressed displeasure that no attention has been given to these areas for several years and has instructed immediate repair, cleanliness, and beautification work. The inspection covered various areas in east Delhi, including Yudhishthir Setu, Shastri Park, Dilshad Garden, and Kakardooma. The repair work is expected to involve the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Public Works Department, the Delhi Development Authority, and the Delhi Jal Board.

Splendor bikes a favourite among vehicle lifters: Data

The Hero Splendor bike has become a prime target for vehicle lifters in Ludhiana, with a whopping 72% of stolen bikes in the city being Splendor bikes, according to data from the district police. The higher resale value of these motorcycles compared to other bikes in the same segment is the main draw for thieves, who dismantle the stolen motorcycles to sell the individual spare parts. Police have advised Splendor bike owners to take extra security measures, such as installing anti-theft devices and using secure parking spaces.

5 projects cleared on Delhi Ridge, nearly 100 trees to be hit

The Ridge Management Board (RMB) in Delhi has approved five development projects, which will result in almost 100 trees being felled or relocated. The projects, including the construction of a lab complex at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre and a Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences, cover a combined area of 16.34 hectares. The projects are still awaiting clearance from the Central Empowered Committee but were approved by the RMB last month.

Ludhiana: Child rights panel seeks report into girl’s ‘harassment’ at pvt school

The Punjab State Child Rights Protection Commission has ordered immediate police action and requested a comprehensive report on the alleged harassment of a 14-year-old girl at a private school in Ludhiana. The incident reportedly involved the school administration labelling the girl a 'thief' and writing the word on her arms and forehead, leading to her attempted suicide. Despite initially accusing the school of harassment, the girl and her family later changed their statement, claiming that she had slipped and fallen from the school's terrace.