Local Round-up: Kishtwar Tragedy, Gallantry Honours for Operation Sindoor heroes, New Highway Projects

This week’s headlines span disasters, political developments, and landmark achievements. From devastating floods in Jammu and Himachal to a wolf pup’s birth in Gujarat and new highway projects, India witnessed resilience, tragedy and progress in equal measure. Here's this week's local round-up for you.

Kishtwar Cloudburst: Death Toll Reaches 61, Search for Missing Victims Enters Fourth Day

Rescue teams in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar continue searching for survivors after a devastating cloudburst killed at least 61 people. Several villages remain submerged, with dozens still missing. The calamity has destroyed homes, roads, and crops, prompting large-scale relief operations. Authorities are struggling with difficult terrain and weather conditions. Families await news of loved ones as the tragedy underscores the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to climate-related disasters.

Centre Says J&K Lieutenant Governor Can Nominate Assembly Members Without UT Government Approval

The Centre told the Jammu and Kashmir High Court that the Lieutenant Governor has the authority to nominate five members to the Union Territory’s Assembly without needing the government’s approval. The clarification came during a hearing on the constitutional validity of the nomination process. The submission has sparked political debate, with opposition parties questioning its implications for democratic representation and autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving political structure.

Himachal Pradesh Cloudbursts and Flash Floods Block Over 300 Roads, Alerts Issued in Three Districts

Heavy rains triggered multiple cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, leading to the closure of over 300 roads and significant disruption across several districts. Authorities issued red alerts in Kullu, Mandi and Chamba, urging residents to avoid vulnerable zones. Rescue teams have been deployed to evacuate stranded villagers and restore essential services. The state government has pressed the National Disaster Response Force into action, highlighting the region’s recurring climate-linked challenges.

Collapse of Dargah Adjacent to Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi Kills Six, Several Injured

A portion of the ceiling and wall of a dargah adjacent to Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi collapsed, killing six people and injuring several others. The tragic incident occurred during prayer hours, catching many devotees inside. Rescue workers rushed to the spot, evacuating survivors and clearing debris. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the structural safety of the heritage-linked site, with conservation experts warning of risks posed by neglect and heavy rains.

India Celebrates First Wolf Pup Born in Wild to Zoo-Bred Pair in Gujarat

In a landmark conservation success, India recorded the first birth of a wolf pup in the wild to a zoo-bred pair at Gujarat’s Jesar forest. Wildlife officials hailed the event as a breakthrough in rewilding efforts, calling it a “howling success”. The pup’s survival will be closely monitored, as such births boost genetic diversity and species revival programmes. Experts say this achievement strengthens India’s wildlife conservation credentials and ecological balance goals.

127 Gallantry Awards Announced, Operation Sindoor Heroes Among Recipients

The government announced 127 gallantry awards, honouring military and paramilitary personnel for exceptional bravery. Notably, heroes from Operation Sindoor, India’s high-profile international rescue mission, were among the recipients. The honours, spanning Shaurya Chakras and Kirti Chakras, highlight sacrifices made in combat, disaster relief, and counter-terror operations. President Droupadi Murmu will confer the awards at a national ceremony. The recognition comes as India continues to underline the importance of service and sacrifice.

Madhya Pradesh Floods: Rupa River Overflows in Rajpur, Homes and Vehicles Swept Away

Torrential rains in Madhya Pradesh caused the Rupa River to overflow in Rajpur, flooding homes and sweeping away vehicles. Videos showed residents wading through waist-deep water as local authorities evacuated families to relief camps. The flooding disrupted electricity and drinking water supply in several areas. Disaster management teams have been deployed to assess damage and coordinate relief. The incident highlights the intensifying pattern of extreme weather across central India.

PM Modi Inaugurates Rs. 11,000-Crore Highway Projects to Decongest Delhi’s Roads

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of highway projects worth Rs. 11,000 crore aimed at decongesting Delhi’s traffic and improving connectivity to neighbouring states. The projects include new expressways and elevated corridors designed to reduce travel time, cut pollution, and enhance freight movement efficiency. The government said the infrastructure push will support economic growth and provide major relief to daily commuters. Environmentalists, however, raised concerns about construction-linked emissions and urban impact.

NDA Names Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as Vice-Presidential Candidate

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections. Known for his long-standing association with the BJP and previous tenure as a Lok Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan is expected to secure broad NDA support. The announcement sets the stage for a high-stakes political contest, as opposition parties are expected to field their own candidate in the coming days.