Page 26 - Delhi

Delhi joins Ayushman Bharat scheme, 3.6 million people to benefit

Delhi government to initiate card distribution from April 10

Heatwave likely in northwest India over next 6 days; Delhi temp may soar

Northwest India is likely witness heatwave conditions over the next six days, with temperatures in Delhi expected to reach up to 42 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday. Regions likely to be impacted include south Haryana, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan and west Madhya Pradesh. The IMD said maximum temperatures in many parts of central and northwest India are expected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius during this period. In Delhi, daytime temperatures could reach around 42 degrees Celsius at some places by April 6 or 7. Earlier this week, the department said India is expected to see higher-than-usual temperatures from April to June, with more heatwave days in central and eastern India and the northwestern plains. Normally, India records four to seven heatwave days between April and June. States likely to experience more heatwave days than usual include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh

Delhi minister Parvesh Verma vows action on inflated bills, promises relief

During a discussion on water shortage and sewerage blockage, Verma further criticised the past mismanagement

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta promises pothole-free roads before monsoon's arrival

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Delhi government will ensure pothole-free roads in the national capital before the monsoon arrives in the city. Following a midnight inspection of road repair work on the Outer Ring Road stretch from Madhuban Chowk to Mukarba Chowk on Sunday, Gupta directed the officials to prioritise public convenience and ensure there is no negligence in execution. "She expressed her commitment to make Delhi's Roads pothole-free before the monsoon and has issued necessary instructions to all concerned agencies," a government statement said. "Our government is making every possible effort to strengthen and improve Delhi's roads. Today, construction of a 4 km road stretch from Madhuban Chowk to Mukarba Chowk, to ensure high-quality execution and timely completion," it said. The project, being executed by PWD Northern Zone, involves strengthening both sides of the Outer Ring Road alongside the elevated corridor. The road work is being carried out using cold milli

2020 Delhi riots: Court acquits 12 in murder, criminal conspiracy charges

A court here has acquitted 12 men accused of murdering two persons during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, saying there was no evidence on the record to show that any of them was a member of the culprit mob. Additional Sessions Judge Pulastya Pramachala, who was hearing two cases registered by the Gokalpuri police station against the men, observed that the WhatsApp chats of one of the accused, Lokesh Kumar Solanki, confessing to the two murders were not "substantive evidence". According to the chargesheets, the victims, Aamin and Bhure Ali, were killed by rioters and their bodies were thrown into drains on February 25 and 26, 2020, respectively. In two orders dated March 28, the court said that the prosecution's evidence about the messages being exchanged by the accused confessing to the murders in a WhatsApp group could not be used as substantive or primary evidence. "Such posts may be put in the group solely to become a hero in the estimation of other members of the group. It coul

At just 14%, Delhi has the lowest recovery of traffic e-challans in India

The government is reportedly planning to suspend the driving licence of the individuals who haven't paid their challans within the three months of it being issued

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces CSR-funded development projects in Kalkaji

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday announced a series of development initiatives, including the creation of two parks and the installation of three water ATM plants for slum residents, in Kalkaji. The projects, funded under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aim to enhance urban infrastructure and improve living conditions in the area, said a statement issued by the Delhi government. Gupta also inaugurated a wall art project in Kalkaji, emphasising its role in beautifying the city and promoting cultural awareness. Alongside the inauguration, the chief minister announced a series of development projects in the area funded through CSR contributions. These include the development of two parks, the installation of three water ATM plants for slum residents and the set up of 150 solar lights. "The parks will be developed with a budget of Rs one crore in collaboration with Petronet LNG Limited, providing green spaces for local residents," the statement said. "Indi

6-day international workshop on land governance concludes in Delhi

The critical role of technology in improving property rights and reducing land disputes was in focus at a six-day international workshop on land governance organised by the panchayati raj ministry that concluded here on Saturday. The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and saw the participation of senior officials from 22 countries across Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. At the workshop, the participants engaged in detailed discussions and hands-on sessions focused on land governance, with delegates suggesting similar workshops in their own countries under the aegis of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The workshop explored innovative solutions for modernising land administration and served as a global platform for knowledge exchange, the panchayati raj ministry said in a statement. India showcased its technological advancements in drone-based land surveys, digital

Delhi govt signs MoU with Centre for skill development among Sikh youth

The Delhi government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for the skill development of Sikh youth, with an allocation of Rs 100 crore to enhance employment opportunities, officials said on Saturday. This initiative will be implemented by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Industry Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said. Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Sirsa visited a gurdwara to seek blessings following the signing of the MoU. Sirsa said Sikh students interested in skill development in any field can approach the DSGMC for training under the programme. Rijiju said the initiative will initially benefit 31,000 youth and will be gradually expanded. He added that the programme aims to generate employment and ensure greater workforce participation among young individuals.

Over 86,000 elderly benefit from Delhi's 'Teerth Yojana', Rameshwaram tops

Over 86,000 elderly citizens have undertaken pilgrimage under Delhi's Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana (MMTY) since July 2019, with Rameshwaram being the most visited destination. Pilgrims travelled to various religious sites, including Rameshwaram, Dwarkadhish, Jagannath Puri, Tirupati, Shirdi, Ayodhya, Ujjain, Katra (Jammu), Amritsar, and Ajmer, according to a written reply by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to a question by MLA Mukesh Kumar Ahlawat. CM Gupta also holds the portfolio of revenue. From 2019 to 2024, 92 trains were operated under the scheme. Among these, 29 trains went to Rameshwaram, 25 to Dwarkadhish, eight to Jagannath Puri, six to Tirupati, four to Amritsar, one to Ajmer, and the remaining to other locations. The Delhi Assembly provided details on the scheme's execution, covering destinations, facilities, and ongoing evaluations. The scheme, operational since January 9, 2018, offers free pilgrimage travel to eligible beneficiaries. From July 12, 2019, to Febru

Vande Bharat train to Kashmir: PM Modi to launch service on April 19

The long-awaited train will initially operate on the Katra-Baramulla route, before being extended to Jammu

Pay compensation for illegal occupation of Lodhi-era monument: SC to RWA

The Supreme Court has directed the Defence Colony Resident Welfare Association to pay Rs 40 lakh as compensation for the unauthorised occupation of Lodhi-era monument "Gumti of Shaikh Ali" for over six decades. A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah refused to waive off the cost and posted the matter for hearing on April 8. "We think it will be appropriate if compensation of Rs 40 lakh is paid by the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) to the department of archaeology, Delhi govt, entrusted with the task of conservation and restoration of the monument," the bench said. The top court had earlier asked the RWA to explain how much costs should be imposed on it for the unauthorised occupation of the monument. The bench had directed Delhi's archaeology department to constitute a committee for the restoration of the monument. The bench previously directed for a "peaceful" handover of the site's possession to the Land and Development Office. The bench had passed th

Delhi to prudently handle social welfare schemes, capex to widen fisc

The Rekha Gupta government proposed a 32 per cent rise in expenditure to Rs one trillion in FY 26 with the share of capital expenditure expected to rise to 28 per cent from 21 per cent in FY 25 (RE)

Delhi CM allocates Rs 900 crore for slums; takes 'Sheesh Mahal' jibe at AAP

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced an allocation of more than Rs 900 crore for providing basic amenities in slum clusters as she accused the previous AAP government of building a "Sheesh Mahal" and neglecting the needs of slumdwellers. She also took a jibe at the opposition AAP MLAs, saying in a lighter vein that the "Sheesh Mahal" would be included in Delhi's tourism circuit. The BJP -- which returned to power in Delhi after more than 26 years -- built its poll campaign narrative around corruption to corner AAP and party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, dubbing the former chief minister's official residence a "Sheesh Mahal" for its "lavishness". The BJP has already announced that its chief minister would not reside in the bungalow and that it would be put to some other public use. Gupta, who also holds the finance portfolio, on Tuesday presented the city government's 2025-26 budget with an outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, marking a 31.5 per cent increase from the previous ...

Delhi govt increases monthly aid for senior citizens

Delhi government has announced an increase in the monthly financial assistance for senior citizens, raising the amount from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 for those aged 60 to 69, while those aged above 70 will receive Rs 3,000 per month. Presenting the Budget, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government is committed to strengthening financial support schemes for senior citizens. "The monthly assistance for senior citizens aged 60 to 69 is being increased to Rs 2,500, and those aged above 70 will now receive Rs 3,000 per month," she said. Additionally, senior citizens from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and minority communities in the 60 to 69 age group will receive an extra Rs 500 per month. A total of Rs 3,227 crore has been allocated for these schemes, the chief minister said. The government has also earmarked Rs 20 crore under the 'Grant In Aid (GIA) to Recreation Centres for Senior Citizens' scheme to provide spaces for relaxation and social activities, she added.

Delhi govt allocates Rs 139 crore for tourism, international film festival

The Delhi government has allocated Rs 139 crore for various schemes related to tourism and art, culture, and language in the 2025-26 budget, aiming to transform the national capital into a major tourist hub. According to budget proposals, a sum of Rs 117 crore has been marked for various schemes, which is almost double of Rs 66 crore allocated last year. Presenting the Budget in the Assembly, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasised that the city has the infrastructure and facilities to host an international-level film festival. "We propose to hold an international film festival this year to enrich Delhi culturally and promote it as a film destination. For this, I propose an allocation of Rs 30 crore," she said. To boost tourism and branding, the government has proposed an outlay of Rs 25 crore. The government also plans to introduce boat tours on the Yamuna River, covering the stretch from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur Shani Mandir. This project will be executed through the ...

Delhi to replace pink tickets with digital cards for women's free bus rides

The Delhi government will introduce digital travel cards for women to avail free rides in state-run buses, replacing the existing pink tickets, a move that will curb corruption in the ticketing system, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday. Presenting the 2025-26 Budget, Gupta, who also holds the finance portfolio, announced that Rs 12,952 crore has been earmarked for the transport sector to improve public transportation and urban mobility in the capital. To ensure a smoother, corruption-free experience for women using free bus services, Gupta said a new digital travel card will replace the existing pink tickets. "The card will allow women to travel freely on public buses anytime, eliminating corruption linked to ticketing," she said, adding that the entire system will be digitised for better efficiency. "We are committed to providing this service to women corruption will not be tolerated. We will introduce digital travel cards that women can use as often as they need, .

Delhi Budget: ₹500 cr for Yamuna cleanup; ₹250 cr for new sewer lines

Yamuna gets ₹500 crore for its cleanup in Delhi's 2025 Budget, with ₹500 crore set aside for STP repairs and a decentralised plan involving 40 plants for treated water

Electricity rates in Delhi to rise soon? Minister cites Rs 27,000 cr debt

Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood warned of likely electricity rate hikes due to a Rs 27,000 crore debt left by AAP, saying Discoms can raise tariffs to recover dues

Delhi saves 269 MW by switching off non-essential power during Earth Hour

Delhi saved 269 MW power joining hands with other cities of the world by switching off non-essential electrical appliances during the Earth Hour on Saturday. The lighting around the India Gate was also switched off to mark the Earth Hour. Last year, the city managed to save 206 MW power during the Earth Hour observed from 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM, under the aegis of World Wide Fund (WWF) to create awareness about the need to protect the nature and planet earth. The BSES discoms saved 159 MW of power during the Earth Hour with people switching off electrical appliances, said a company spokesperson. Tata Power-DDL consumers collectively saved 74 MW during the Earth Hour 2025 by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, said a spokesperson of the discom. "This Earth Hour, we turned awareness into meaningful action by actively engaging with our workforce, customers, resident welfare associations and industrial welfare associations through targeted and impactful communicati