Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 8 (IANS) Kerala Public Works Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, on Friday, directed that the ongoing works on National Highway-66 in the state must be completed within the stipulated timeframe, without compromising on quality standards, government officials said. The directive was issued to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials during a high-level review meeting on the progress of NH-66 projects across all stretches of the highway.According to NHAI, 70 per cent…

New Delhi, Aug 8 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh government and the state’s police chief within two weeks regarding the deaths of three children who fell into an open pit in Meerut district. The apex human rights body took suo motu cognisance of a media report stating that three children, aged 8-9 years, drowned after falling into a six-feet-deep pit allegedly left open by a builder during the construction of a building in a newly d…

Pune, Aug 8 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Friday that the advanced planning, fixed timelines, transparency, quality standards, and coordination among various departments play an important role in the swift execution of infrastructure development projects. He further stated that the timely completion of infrastructure projects by all agencies working collectively will help achieve the government’s ambitious target of a one trillion dollar economy.He was speaking at…

Chandigarh, Aug 8 (IANS) The Haryana government has decided to organise a state-level function in Panchkula on August 13 to mark the fifth anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), as part of a comprehensive 31-day campaign. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will preside over the function.A mass pledge against drug abuse will also be administered to school and college students at the district level.This was said on Friday at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi to review…

Ahmedabad, Aug 8 (IANS) Once a royal hunting ground for the Porbandar and Jamnagar princely states, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, locally known as Bardo, has transformed into a vital biodiversity hotspot in Gujarat’s Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. Declared a sanctuary in 1979, Barda is now playing a significant role in Asiatic lion conservation, supporting the state and Centre’s vision to expand protected habitats for the endangered species.According to the 2025 census, Barda is home t…

New Delhi, Aug 8 (IANS) Delhi Art, Culture, Language, and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said on Friday that the Delhi government is preparing to unveil the country’s most progressive and comprehensive film and tourism policy.Addressing the inaugural session of the Celebrating India Film Festival held at National Cooperative Union of India Auditorium, Mishra said, “The Delhi government is working actively to position city as the best destination for film production.”“A mechanism has been …

Karnal, Aug 8 (IANS) As a special gift to women on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, the Haryana government, on Friday, announced free travel for women in Haryana Roadways buses to Delhi, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, and across the state. A huge crowd was seen at bus stands as women eagerly availed the service.The free bus facility started from Friday noon will end on Saturday midnight.The faces of women traveling to tie ‘Rakhi’ to their brothers lit up with joy.A total of 168 buses, including AC buses,…

New Delhi, Aug 8 (IANS) Having failed to make any sort of impact in India, the pro-Khalistan elements have made Canada their playground for several years now. In fact, ties between India and Canada have turned sour and fragile owing to this issue. New Delhi has accused Canada of shielding Khalistan elements who are counterproductive to India’s security interests.Now, to make matters worse, a so-called Embassy of the Republic of Khalistan has opened up in Surrey, British Columbia. This developm…

Dang, Aug 8 (IANS) The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is proving to be a game-changer for farmers in Gujarat’s Dang, turning once rain-dependent agriculture into a year-round livelihood. Nareshbhai, a resident of Umbarpada in Kasadbari village, shared how the scheme changed his family’s farming prospects.Talking to IANS, Nareshbhai said: “There are five members in our family, and this scheme was sanctioned in my mother Bharjuben Kakadiyabhai’s name. Earlier, farming was entir…

Patna, Aug 8 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday hit out at Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, accusing them of protecting infiltrator vote banks. Addressing a public rally in Sitamarhi, Shah said, “The Constitution of India does not give voting rights to anyone not born in this country. Rahul Gandhi is roaming with the Constitution book, but I urge him to read it carefully….