Technology helps Delhi Police 'predict' crime
Delhi Police is using CMAPS to identify crime hot spots and predict where the next hit is likely to occur. CMAPS uses satellite images from ISRO and real-time data from the 100 helpline to identify markers. It refreshes results every three minutes. However, the concern with 'predictive-policing' is that it might lead to bias against specific communities. See what else is happening around Delhi.
680 watches worth Rs 1.3 crore stolen from CP showroom
About 680 watches worth Rs 1.3 crore were stolen from Gangoly Brothers, the oldest watch shop at Connaught Place, in the Regal building. Most low-cost watches were left behind, suggesting thorough reconnaissance. They also took Rs 1.5-2 lakh cash. The owners had switched off the CCTV camera at night and the watchman was on a leave. Police are scanning feeds from nearby CCTVs.
LED lights help Delhiites save Rs 52.4 crore a year
Delhi-households bought 60 lakh LED lights since May 2015. The NDMC also replaced 30,800 lights with LEDs. "Delhiites have saved over 130 million units of power," said a power department official. BSES distributed 57 lakh bulbs in south, east and central Delhi, while TPDDL sold about two lakh in north Delhi. Under Ujala scheme, households and commercial consumers get 9-watt LEDs at Rs 75.
At least six dead in fog-induced accidents
Dense fog caused at least five accidents in and around Greater Noida, killing six. A truck fell into a ditch, a bike crashed into a tractor-trolley, a van rammed into a motorcycle, and two locals were hit by cars. A 12-vehicle pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway also left several injured. Visibility on January 29 stayed abysmally low, between 0 - 50 metres from 3:30 - 8:30 am.
School bus with 35 students on board catches fire
The driver of an Amity International School bus noticed smoke emanating from the bonnet near the Huda City Centre metro station. The four staff members inside helped students deboard immediately. None was injured, though the bus was badly burnt. However, bus owner Mahesh Kumar said the bus, on its way to a gas station, wasn't carrying any students at the time of the accident.
Jat agitation loses momentum
Agitators are passionately appealing to the Jat community as a drastic downfall in turnout since last year has left organizers worried. A 24-hour kitchen and sleeping arrangements at a protest site on NH 71-A, one of the main venues of last year's agitation, are not being put to much use. Organizers have urged Jats to bring 10 people each on Basant Panchami, February 1.
Bus fare cut uncertain after LG sends back proposal
Cancellation of proposed bus fare cuts is likely after LG Anil Baijal asked the government to rethink. The AAP government had suggested flat Rs 4 fare for non-AC buses and Rs 10 for AC. "There is no need to reduce bus fares aimed at bringing it [pollution level] down," said a senior government official. The move had been suggested by Baijal's predecessor Najeeb Jung.
