Local Round-up: Delhi’s Anti-Pollution Strategy, Lucknow’s New Initiative, and Maharashtra Government’s New Guidelines

This week, Delhi’s anti-pollution strategy was tightened after a Supreme Court ruling, while a Bengaluru woman captured global bodybuilding gold. Lucknow is transforming street-urine spots into “selfie walls,” and grief struck as an IAF Tejas pilot died in a fatal airshow crash.

Supreme Court Approves Stricter GRAP Curbs in Delhi-NCR

The Supreme Court has permitted major revisions to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR, allowing stricter measures earlier in lower pollution stages. Some rules previously reserved for the worst pollution alert (Stage IV) will now be triggered at Stage III, while Stage-III curbs shift to Stage II, and Stage II rules apply even in Stage I.

Jyothsna Venkatesh Naidu Wins ICN UAE World Championship Gold

Bengaluru bodybuilder Jyothsna Venkatesh Naidu has clinched the gold medal at the ICN UAE World Championship. At 48, or around that age based on contemporary reports, she triumphed in the figure/fitness category, competing with international athletes. 

Lucknow Turns Urination Hotspots into Colourful “Selfie Walls”

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has started an initiative to convert spots used for open urination into clean, eye-catching “selfie walls” called Neki ki Deewar. These once-neglected public areas will be identified, thoroughly cleaned, and repainted with murals to encourage civic pride and discourage misuse. 

IAF Pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal Killed in Tejas Crash

Wing Commander Namansh Syal of the Indian Air Force has died in a Tejas fighter jet crash during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show.  The HAL-manufactured Tejas reportedly lost altitude during a low-level “negative G-turn” manoeuvre, leading to a fatal impact.

Sabarimala Pilgrimage Begins Amid Overcrowding, Water Scarcity

Long queues of pilgrims have formed at Sabarimala as the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season begins, prompting criticism over crowd management. Reports suggest that many devotees waited for hours without adequate water, leading to distress and accusations of poor planning by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Maharashtra Officials Told to Stand When Politicians Enter Offices

The Maharashtra government has issued new guidelines requiring its officials to stand when legislators enter their offices and to speak politely on calls. Departments must maintain registers of MLA/MP correspondence and respond within two months; if not, cases must be escalated.

National Investigation Agency Gains 11-Day Custody of Anmol Bishnoi

The NIA has been granted 11-day custody of Anmol Bishnoi, who was deported from the United States.  Bishnoi is a key figure in the Baba Siddique murder case and is alleged to be part of a terror-gangster network.

Unions Decry Labour Codes as “Anti-Worker, Pro-Employer”

Ten major central trade unions have strongly condemned the government’s implementation of four new labour codes, calling them “anti-worker and pro-employer.” The unions argue the changes were unilaterally notified and dismantle hard-earned worker protections.

AAP, Congress Raise Concerns Over Bill on Chandigarh LG Appointment 

AAP and the Congress have sharply criticised the Centre’s proposed legislation that would give the Union DBC government full authority to appoint the Lieutenant Governor of Chandigarh. They argue the bill undermines federalism, weakens democratic accountability, and sidelines locally elected representatives.