AT RANK 13, DELHI RIDES HIGH ON EDUCATION, HOUSING

NEW DELHI: Delhi ranked 13th among 49 cities with millionplus population in the Ease of Living Index 2020 (EoLI 2020) released by the Union housing and urban affair ministry on Thursday. Parameters such as housing, economic opportunities have helped the national capital improve its overall score — Delhi ranked 65th among 111 cities in the first Ease of Living Index in 2018 --- but it was still far behind Bengaluru, Chennai and Navi Mumbai. While Delhi performed well in education, housing and shelter and economic ability categories, it stood 44th among 49 cities in the citizens perception category.

The overall ranking of Delhi in this category, among 111 cities, was 95. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasising that ease of living, along with ease of doing business, is key policy priority, the rankings of cities have assumed significance in shaping government policies and determining expenditure priorities. A total of 111 cities participated in the assessment exercise that was conducted in 2020. Delhi secured the second position under economic ability parameter.

CHANDIGARH : Under a weeklong special drive launched against the drug menace, the Punjab Police have arrested 855 drug smugglers/suppliers after registering 672 FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act across the state. The drive commenced on February 25.

Director general of police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta said the police also recovered 16 kg heroin, 35 kg opium, 46 kg ganja, 12 quintals poppy husk and 4.61 lakh intoxicant pills/capsules among other drugs after carrying out cordon and search operations in drug affected areas.