National

Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav Advocates for India’s Ecological Empowerment by 2047

Published

1 year ago

June 17, 2025

Union Minister for Forests, Environment, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, has called on all citizens to commit to supporting India’s transformation into an ecologically empowered nation by 2047. Speaking at a workshop on the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought at the Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI) on Tuesday, Yadav emphasized, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to establish India as a global economic power; however, this ambition should be complemented by a focus on ecological empowerment.”

He highlighted the necessity of addressing ecological challenges, like desertification, as crucial for achieving economic objectives. Yadav noted that desertification is not merely an environmental issue; it poses direct threats to food security, public health, and economic stability.

The Minister referred to PM Modi’s leadership nearly three years ago when he launched Mission LiFE, along with the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign last June, which resulted in the planting of 1.4 billion trees across the nation within a year. Furthermore, a National Action Plan for Combating Desertification has been initiated, generating over 300 million Soil Health Cards to empower farmers with essential fertilizer information.

“The government has also introduced the notable Aravalli Green Wall initiative to combat desertification,” Yadav stated, urging everyone to participate in the Prime Minister’s campaign by planting and nurturing trees in their communities—particularly in barren areas and along deforested regions of the Aravalli range, which spans 700 km across 29 districts in Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Collective efforts in this initiative will establish “Matri Van” (Mother’s Forest) along the deforested sections of the Aravalli Green Wall and in every village across India. Yadav suggested involving local MLAs and elected representatives in this process and advised forest officials to create ideal nurseries in villages for cultivating and preserving local saplings. Additionally, he urged district forest officers to develop desert biodiversity parks in their respective areas to protect local flora and fauna.

Union Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture, and local MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, also addressed the gathering.

National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

6 days ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.