Welcome to today's Top India Headlines, covering the biggest developments from across the country.

Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, Delhi Police has imposed a ban on drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), paragliders, and other aerial platforms from August 2 to August 16. Authorities cited intelligence inputs warning that terrorists or anti-social elements could misuse such platforms to threaten national security.

In Jammu and Kashmir, a cloudburst struck the Doda-Ramban region, while continuous rainfall pushed the Chenab River to dangerous levels. Authorities opened two gates of the Baglihar Dam to regulate rising water inflows, and disaster response teams were deployed as flood alerts remained in effect.

In Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar launched the Freedom From Waste Campaign, urging citizens to participate in keeping the city clean. The campaign was inaugurated near the Kempegowda Statue at the Hebbal Flyover.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana portal. Under the scheme, eligible women will receive ₹2,500 per month in financial assistance. The Delhi Government has allocated ₹5,100 crore for the programme, which is expected to benefit around 17 lakh women.

Delhi Bans Drones Ahead Of Independence Day | J&K Cloudburst | Delhi Launches ₹2,500 Lakshmi Yojana

The Delhi Government on Thursday, May 14, officially implemented a mandatory 2-day work from home (WFH) for State Government Officials, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's austerity appeal amid the war in West Asia and the crude import crash. The government also said that 50 per cent of official meetings will now be held online to cut travel and fuel use.&nbsp;“At the government level, two days will be work from home every week,” said the Delhi CM, Rekha Gupta. “The private sector will be advised to give work from home. The Labour Dept will monitor this. They should give work from home,” she added.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-cm-announcement-kc-venugopal-rahul-gandhi-wayanad-1778676147274">Kerala CM suspense deepens as posters warn Rahul Gandhi over KC Venugopal pick</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">VIDEO | During a press conference, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta (<a href="https://twitter.com/gupta_rekha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gupta_rekha</a>) says, “Keeping in mind the appeal made to every citizen in the national interest and understanding the current circumstances, the Delhi Government has prepared certain plans to maintain stability in the… <a href="https://t.co/NgrhTKK9ax">pic.twitter.com/NgrhTKK9ax</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2054872822397173853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Key measures announced by the Delhi Government&nbsp;</h2>All Delhi Government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) employees must work remotely two days every week. The labour department will also issue similar guidelines for the private sector companies to adopt partial remote work. A minimum of 50 per cent of official government meetings must shift online to cut commuting travel. The MCD will also change office timings to help reduce traffic congestion during peak hours and save fuel. The government will observe a ‘Metro Day’ and encourage citizens to follow a 'No Car Day' once a week. The petrol limit for officers has been reduced by 20 per cent, lowering the monthly cap from 200 litres, and no new vehicles will be purchased for the next six months. The government will also introduce 58 special buses that will operate across 29 government colonies to encourage public transport use. Ministers and officials must downsize vehicle convoys and suspend all non-essential foreign travel.&nbsp;

The Delhi Government has mandated a 2-day work-from-home policy for state employees and shifted 50 per cent of meetings online amid the West Asia war and fuel-saving measures. Here are the key announcements.

The Delhi Government on Thursday, May 14, officially implemented a mandatory 2-day work from home (WFH) for State Government Officials, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's austerity appeal amid the war in West Asia and the crude import crash. The government also said that 50 per cent of official meetings will now be held online to cut travel and fuel use. “At the government level, two days will be work from home every week,” said the Delhi CM, Rekha Gupta. “The private sector will be advised to give work from home. The Labour Dept will monitor this. They should give work from home,” she added. Also Read: Kerala CM suspense deepens as posters warn Rahul Gandhi over KC Venugopal pick

The Delhi Government has mandated a 2-day work-from-home policy for state employees and shifted 50 per cent of meetings online amid the West Asia war and fuel-saving measures. Here are the key announcements.

Delhi announces mandatory 2-day WFH, suspend all non-essential foreign travel for government employees

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officially launched the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana in the capital on Monday (March 2). Under the scheme, the government will deposit money in the account in stages, starting from birth till graduation. On maturity, the girl will receive Rs 1 lakh. CM Gupta gave the green signal to the scheme at the Indira Gandhi stadium at the Sashakt Naari Samriddh Dilli programme. Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said that, looking at the changing times and the cost of higher education, it was important to have a strong scheme for the education of the girl child. Keeping this in mind, changes were made in the current Dilli Laadli Yojana to incorporate financial benefits.<h2>Benefits offered under the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana</h2> The government will deposit money in the account of the girl child made for the scheme at different stages of her life. The first one would be given at the time of birth, when Rs 11,000 will be given under the scheme. Rs 5,000 will be deposited when she reaches the first standard. The same amount would be credited when she reaches Class 6, 9, 10 and then 12. The final sum of Rs 20,000 will be deposited after she graduates from college or gets a diploma. The entire amount with interest will reach Rs 1 lakh or more by the age of 21.&nbsp;<h2>Who is eligible for Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana</h2> Only families whose yearly income is below Rs 1.2 lakh can avail benefits under the scheme. This means the monthly income should be Rs 10,000 or less. Besides, they should be residents of Delhi for at least three years at the time of starting the scheme. The girl child should have also received all vaccinations as per government norms. The benefits can be availed for only up to two daughters in one family.&nbsp;<h2>When will the amount be given to the girl?</h2> The money will be given when the girl turns 18 years of age, or it can also be extended till she turns 21. If the girl is married off before she turns 18, then the money would not be given. After finishing 12th standard, the girl should be 18 and take admission in a Polytechnic or ITI course. If withdrawing at the age of 21, the girl should have completed graduation.&nbsp;<h2>Where to apply</h2> To apply, you will need to visit the Department of Women and Child Development office in your area. Online applications on the website will also be opened later. The e-District Portal is also an option. The child's Aadhar Card, birth certificate, family's income proof and ration card will be needed.

Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana in Delhi will help girl students with their education, and the government will deposit money in their accounts at various stages. They will get more than Rs 1 lakh at the time of maturity. 

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officially launched the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana in the capital on Monday (March 2). Under the scheme, the government will deposit money in the account in stages, starting from birth till graduation. On maturity, the girl will receive Rs 1 lakh. CM Gupta gave the green signal to the scheme at the Indira Gandhi stadium at the Sashakt Naari Samriddh Dilli programme. Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said that, looking at the changing times and the cost of higher education, it was important to have a strong scheme for the education of the girl child. Keeping this in mind, changes were made in the current Dilli Laadli Yojana to incorporate financial benefits. Benefits offered under the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana The government will deposit money in the account of the girl child made for the scheme at different stages of her life. The first one would be given at the time of birth, when Rs 11,000 will be given under the scheme. Rs 5,000 will be deposited when she reaches the first standard. The same amount would be credited when she reaches Class 6, 9, 10 and then 12. The final sum of Rs 20,000 will be deposited after she graduates from college or gets a diploma. The entire amount with interest will reach Rs 1 lakh or more by the age of 21. Who is eligible for Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana Only families whose yearly income is below Rs 1.2 lakh can avail benefits under the scheme. This means the monthly income should be Rs 10,000 or less. Besides, they should be residents of Delhi for at least three years at the time of starting the scheme. The girl child should have also received all vaccinations as per government norms. The benefits can be availed for only up to two daughters in one family. When will the amount be given to the girl? The money will be given when the girl turns 18 years of age, or it can also be extended till she turns 21. If the girl is married off before she turns 18, then the money would not be given. After finishing 12th standard, the girl should be 18 and take admission in a Polytechnic or ITI course. If withdrawing at the age of 21, the girl should have completed graduation. Where to apply To apply, you will need to visit the Department of Women and Child Development office in your area. Online applications on the website will also be opened later. The e-District Portal is also an option. The child's Aadhar Card, birth certificate, family's income proof and ration card will be needed.

Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana in Delhi will help girl students with their education, and the government will deposit money in their accounts at various stages. They will get more than Rs 1 lakh at the time of maturity.&nbsp;

Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana launched in Delhi: Eligibility and how and where to apply

Delhi recorded 9,211 deaths linked to respiratory ailments in 2024, seeing an increase from 8,801 deaths in 2023, according to the latest data released by the Delhi government. Respiratory-related fatalities were attributed to illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, and tuberculosis, all of which affect breathing functions, news agency PTI reported. Despite the rise, respiratory diseases were not the leading cause of death. Diseases of the circulatory system topped the list in 2024 with 21,262 fatalities, followed by infectious and parasitic diseases, which claimed 16,060 lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mental and behavioural disorders accounted for 62 deaths during the year. Overall mortality in the national capital continued to climb. Total registered deaths increased to 1.39 lakh in 2024, compared with 1.32 lakh the previous year. Respiratory-related deaths have shown a consistent upward trend over recent years. Gender-wise data showed that 85,391 deaths were among men, 54,051 among women, and 38 among individuals classified under other genders. Of the total deaths, 90,883 were medically certified.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-delhi-new-york-flight-grounded-after-engine-sucks-in-baggage-container-watch-1768487994839">Air India Delhi–New York flight grounded after engine sucks in baggage container | WATCH</a>&nbsp;Birth registrations declined during the year. Delhi recorded 3,06,459 births in 2024, down from 3,15,087 in 2023. On average, the city reported 381 deaths per day in 2024, up from 363 daily deaths in 2023. Meanwhile, daily births fell to 837 from 863 a year earlier. The sex ratio at birth dropped slightly to 920 in 2024, compared to 922 in 2023. The figures were compiled monthly from 100 major hospitals, which together accounted for nearly 70% of all registered births in the Delhi region. Delhi also saw a modest improvement in its Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), which declined to 22.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024 from 23.61 in the previous year. IMR measures the number of deaths among infants below one year of age.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-804-number-plate-to-go-under-the-hammer-in-auction-1768499480021/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-804-number-plate-to-go-under-the-hammer-in-auction-1768499480021/embed</a>&nbsp;The birth rate in the capital fell to 14 per 1,000 people in 2024 from 14.66 in 2023, while the death rate rose from 6.16 to 6.37 over the same period. The city’s population is projected to reach 2.65 crore by 2036.

Delhi witnessed over 9,200 respiratory deaths in 2024; birth rate declined: Government data

Delhi recorded 9,211 deaths linked to respiratory ailments in 2024, seeing an increase from 8,801 deaths in 2023, according to the latest data released by the Delhi government. Respiratory-related fatalities were attributed to illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer, and tuberculosis, all of which affect breathing functions, news agency PTI reported. Despite the rise, respiratory diseases were not the leading cause of death. Diseases of the circulatory system topped the list in 2024 with 21,262 fatalities, followed by infectious and parasitic diseases, which claimed 16,060 lives. Mental and behavioural disorders accounted for 62 deaths during the year. Overall mortality in the national capital continued to climb. Total registered deaths increased to 1.39 lakh in 2024, compared with 1.32 lakh the previous year. Respiratory-related deaths have shown a consistent upward trend over recent years. Gender-wise data showed that 85,391 deaths were among men, 54,051 among women, and 38 among individuals classified under other genders. Of the total deaths, 90,883 were medically certified. Also Read: Air India Delhi–New York flight grounded after engine sucks in baggage container | WATCH Birth registrations declined during the year. Delhi recorded 3,06,459 births in 2024, down from 3,15,087 in 2023. On average, the city reported 381 deaths per day in 2024, up from 363 daily deaths in 2023. Meanwhile, daily births fell to 837 from 863 a year earlier. The sex ratio at birth dropped slightly to 920 in 2024, compared to 922 in 2023. The figures were compiled monthly from 100 major hospitals, which together accounted for nearly 70% of all registered births in the Delhi region. Delhi also saw a modest improvement in its Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), which declined to 22.4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024 from 23.61 in the previous year. IMR measures the number of deaths among infants below one year of age. https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-804-number-plate-to-go-under-the-hammer-in-auction-1768499480021/embed The birth rate in the capital fell to 14 per 1,000 people in 2024 from 14.66 in 2023, while the death rate rose from 6.16 to 6.37 over the same period. The city’s population is projected to reach 2.65 crore by 2036.

Delhi reported 9,211 respiratory-related deaths in 2024, higher than last year, as overall deaths rose and birth rates continued to decline

In an effort to address severe air pollution, the Delhi government has made it mandatory for 50% of employees in both government and private sectors to work from home, starting Thursday (December 17). Labour Minister Kapil Mishra explained that this step aims to reduce daily commuting, thus cutting down vehicular emissions. The minister also warned that institutions failing to implement the mandate would face penalties.&nbsp;Recognising the hardship these measures may impose on workers, particularly in sectors like construction, Mishra announced a ₹10,000 financial aid package for those who have lost work due to the restrictions. The financial support comes as part of the ongoing Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which has been in effect for the past 16 days. Many workers have been unable to earn due to limitations placed on certain activities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-was-religious-obligation-indian-origin-man-kills-father-with-sledgehammer-in-us-says-he-molested-1765960603945">'It was religious obligation': Indian-origin man kills father with sledgehammer in US, says 'he molested...'</a>&nbsp;However, employees working in essential services, such as healthcare, emergency services, fire departments, and those directly involved in pollution control, will be exempt from the work-from-home rule. The minister confirmed that compensation would also be extended for the duration of GRAP IV, with the assistance available to workers who are registered with the government. The registration process is currently underway.&nbsp;Additionally, Mishra criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for staging protests and accused them of politicising the pollution issue. He remarked that while the Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta remains actively engaged in efforts to address the crisis, the AAP leadership was only focusing on political agendas. He also pointed out that solving a pollution problem that has been decades in the making cannot be achieved in just a few months.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/horrifying-video-jharkhand-man-trampled-to-death-while-taking-selfies-with-a-herd-of-wild-elephants-1765949729824">Horrifying video: Jharkhand man trampled to death while taking selfies with a herd of wild elephants</a>

Delhi government imposes 50% WFH rule to reduce emissions, offers compensation of $110 for construction workers

In an effort to address severe air pollution, the Delhi government has made it mandatory for 50% of employees in both government and private sectors to work from home, starting Thursday (December 17). Labour Minister Kapil Mishra explained that this step aims to reduce daily commuting, thus cutting down vehicular emissions. The minister also warned that institutions failing to implement the mandate would face penalties. Recognising the hardship these measures may impose on workers, particularly in sectors like construction, Mishra announced a ₹10,000 financial aid package for those who have lost work due to the restrictions. The financial support comes as part of the ongoing Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which has been in effect for the past 16 days. Many workers have been unable to earn due to limitations placed on certain activities. Also Read: 'It was religious obligation': Indian-origin man kills father with sledgehammer in US, says 'he molested...' However, employees working in essential services, such as healthcare, emergency services, fire departments, and those directly involved in pollution control, will be exempt from the work-from-home rule. The minister confirmed that compensation would also be extended for the duration of GRAP IV, with the assistance available to workers who are registered with the government. The registration process is currently underway. Additionally, Mishra criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for staging protests and accused them of politicising the pollution issue. He remarked that while the Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta remains actively engaged in efforts to address the crisis, the AAP leadership was only focusing on political agendas. He also pointed out that solving a pollution problem that has been decades in the making cannot be achieved in just a few months. Also Read: Horrifying video: Jharkhand man trampled to death while taking selfies with a herd of wild elephants

Delhi's government enforces 50% work-from-home under GRAP to curb pollution. ₹10,000 compensation announced for construction workers facing income loss

The Delhi government has announced cash incentives and government job placements for athletes from Delhi, who win medals in Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, and other big sporting events, as a step towards bolstering the sporting environment within the city. Delhi minister Ashish Sood presented the plan on Tuesday (July 22), announcing that Delhi Olympic gold and silver medalists will be appointed to government Group A posts, and bronze medalists will be appointed to Group B posts. Meanwhile, Paralympic medallists will be given Group B posts. &nbsp;“To boost the sports ecosystem in Delhi, players winning a gold, silver, or bronze medal in the Olympics and Paralympics will be awarded Rs 7 crore, Rs 5 crore, and Rs 3 crore, respectively. For Asian Games and Asian Para Games, the prize money has been increased to Rs 3 crore, Rs 2 crore, and Rs 1 crore for gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively. In the Commonwealth Games, Rs 2 crore, Rs 1.5 crore, and Rs 1 crore will be awarded, and for the National Games, Rs 11 lakh will be awarded for every medal winner,” he was quoted saying to news agency ANI.&nbsp;"Delhi players who secure a gold or silver medal in the Olympics will be offered a government job in the Group A category, while bronze medal winners will be offered a job in Group B. Every medal winner in the Paralympics will be given a Group B job. For the Asian Games, gold medal winners will be awarded a government job in the Group A category, while silver and bronze medal winners will receive jobs in the Group B category. For the Asian Para Games, gold medal winners will be awarded a government job in the Group B category, while silver and bronze medal winners will be assigned to jobs in the Group C category," he added.&nbsp;The minister also talked about the grants and initiative for the Commonwealth medal winners. He said, “In the Commonwealth, gold and silver medal winners will be assigned to the Group B category, while bronze medal winners will be assigned to the Group C category. Every medal winner in the Para Commonwealth Games will be given a job in the Group C category.”

In a bid to boost sports, Delhi government announces up to $800K, jobs for medal winners

The Delhi government has announced cash incentives and government job placements for athletes from Delhi, who win medals in Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, and other big sporting events, as a step towards bolstering the sporting environment within the city. Delhi minister Ashish Sood presented the plan on Tuesday (July 22), announcing that Delhi Olympic gold and silver medalists will be appointed to government Group A posts, and bronze medalists will be appointed to Group B posts. Meanwhile, Paralympic medallists will be given Group B posts. “To boost the sports ecosystem in Delhi, players winning a gold, silver, or bronze medal in the Olympics and Paralympics will be awarded Rs 7 crore, Rs 5 crore, and Rs 3 crore, respectively. For Asian Games and Asian Para Games, the prize money has been increased to Rs 3 crore, Rs 2 crore, and Rs 1 crore for gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively. In the Commonwealth Games, Rs 2 crore, Rs 1.5 crore, and Rs 1 crore will be awarded, and for the National Games, Rs 11 lakh will be awarded for every medal winner,” he was quoted saying to news agency ANI. "Delhi players who secure a gold or silver medal in the Olympics will be offered a government job in the Group A category, while bronze medal winners will be offered a job in Group B. Every medal winner in the Paralympics will be given a Group B job. For the Asian Games, gold medal winners will be awarded a government job in the Group A category, while silver and bronze medal winners will receive jobs in the Group B category. For the Asian Para Games, gold medal winners will be awarded a government job in the Group B category, while silver and bronze medal winners will be assigned to jobs in the Group C category," he added. The minister also talked about the grants and initiative for the Commonwealth medal winners. He said, “In the Commonwealth, gold and silver medal winners will be assigned to the Group B category, while bronze medal winners will be assigned to the Group C category. Every medal winner in the Para Commonwealth Games will be given a job in the Group C category.”

Olympic gold and silver medalists from Delhi will be offered Group A government jobs, while bronze medalists will be given Group B posts. All Paralympic medal winners will receive Group B jobs

India&#39;s national capital, Delhi, is likely to be the first state in the country to ratify the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Amendment Bill, 
 
State home minister Satyendra Jain said today that the Delhi Government will convene an assembly session from August 22 regarding the bill passed by parliament. 
 
The 122nd Constitutional Amendment Bill requires to be ratified by half of the states to become a law. 
 
Speaking to the media, Jain said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government is positively considering the GST bill as it will increase the state&#39;s earning. It would be pertinent to mention that GST bill is being viewed as the &#39;biggest tax reform&#39;.&nbsp; 
 
Well-informed sources with Delhi Government told ANI that if Centre sends the bill on time, the Delhi assembly will consider ratifying it at the earliest.&nbsp; 
 
(ANI) 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Delhi government is positively considering the GST Bill as it will increase state earnings, said state home minister

India's national capital, Delhi, is likely to be the first state in the country to ratify the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Amendment Bill, State home minister Satyendra Jain said today that the Delhi Government will convene an assembly session from August 22 regarding the bill passed by parliament. The 122nd Constitutional Amendment Bill requires to be ratified by half of the states to become a law. Speaking to the media, Jain said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government is positively considering the GST bill as it will increase the state's earning. It would be pertinent to mention that GST bill is being viewed as the 'biggest tax reform'. Well-informed sources with Delhi Government told ANI that if Centre sends the bill on time, the Delhi assembly will consider ratifying it at the earliest. (ANI)

India's national capital may be the first state to ratify GST bill