National

Haryana CM Declares Mayors as Leaders in Urban Transformation

Published

1 year ago

June 16, 2025

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini highlighted the pivotal role mayors, as the foremost representatives of their cities, play in fostering development and progress on Monday.

He stressed that mayors are essential for implementing government initiatives at the grassroots level, catering to citizens’ aspirations, and resolving their concerns. Addressing the 115th meeting of the All India Mayor’s Executive Council in Panchkula, he described mayors as the backbone of local self-governance.

Notably, Saini mentioned that in Haryana, mayors are directly elected and possess executive powers. This framework enhances the relationship between citizens and their elected officials, fostering accountability and effective decision-making. He added that with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, as India strives to become a “Developed Nation,” the significance of urban centers is growing.

The Chief Minister remarked that Haryana perceives urbanization as an opportunity rather than a challenge, aiming to create cities that harmoniously blend “Ease of Living” with “Ease of Doing Business.” He emphasized that urban development should extend beyond infrastructure to cultivate vibrant, inclusive, and self-sustaining cities. By 2047, it is anticipated that nearly 900 million people in India will reside in urban areas, presenting vast opportunities for infrastructure, lifestyle, and economic advancements.

Saini noted the substantial increase in the Urban Local Bodies budget in Haryana, from ₹1,693 crore in 2014–15 to ₹5,666 crore in 2025–26. Four Metropolitan Development Authorities have been set up, with cities like Faridabad and Karnal being developed into Smart Cities. In Faridabad, 45 projects worth ₹930 crore are underway, while in Karnal, 122 projects valued at ₹927 crore are in progress. Additionally, 2,417 unauthorized colonies have been regularized, with ongoing development works valued at ₹1,000 crore in newly authorized areas.

Under the AMRUT Mission, ₹2,930 crore has been expended so far. From a target of 375 electric buses, 50 are now operational in 9 cities, with plans to procure an additional 450 buses by 2026 under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme.

The Chief Minister also reported that 21,431 houses have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), with 11,412 more under construction. Furthermore, under the Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana, plots have been allocated to 15,256 families across 14 cities.

He commended the state’s achievements in solid waste management, including initiatives like door-to-door waste collection, community composting, and the establishment of biogas plants. All urban service delivery mechanisms have been digitized to enhance accessibility for citizens.

Saini expressed hope that this gathering would serve as a platform for assessing past accomplishments, tackling future challenges, and fortifying mayoral institutions. He urged all mayors to brand their cities, cultivate a unique identity, and actively engage in this mission.

Concluding, he expressed confidence that the council’s discussions would lead to positive resolutions, empowering each delegate to act as a catalyst for change in their cities. The Chief Minister emphasized that, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has achieved remarkable progress over the last 11 years. From ranking 11th globally in 2014 in economic strength, India is now the 4th largest economy and is projected to become the 3rd largest by 2029.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

5 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.