Neither Ammy nor his car targeted: Singers father dismisses Canada shooting reports
Shortfalls, missing data mar green mission in Punjab, Haryana & Himachal: CAG
BCI to HC: Bar polls in Jind, Barwala, Narwana, Hisar illegal
Its Mann vs Rahul as storm over Punjab farmers suicide intensifies
HC seeks timeline for filling state information commission vacancies
Cong targets govt over video showing AAPs Talbir Gill misbehaving with cops
Punjab govt employees call off pen-down strike after assurance on punitive action
Former Punjab chief secy Anurag Verma appears before ED in Suntec City case
Waris Punjab De fields Deep Sidhus brother & former gangster Lakha Sidhana for assembly polls
Khap seeks police support to end drug menace
Man gets 20-year jail term for child marriage
Haryana to ramp up fire safety preparedness for high-rise buildings
Man found charred in Rohtak fields was from Aligarh, drove cab in Delhi
13 dengue cases in Rohtak, health dept steps up surveillance
PM Modis 25-year public life will inspire new generation to serve nation: Saini
Patwari held for taking Rs 10,000 bribe
Punjab minister invites UAE investors with fast-track approvals
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 9 (IANS) Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora on Wednesday invited UAE investors and global businesses to invest in the states new Industrial and Business Development Policy of 2026 with fast-track approvals and complete handholding through a single-window platform, Invest Punjab. Addressing investors and business leaders during the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai, Arora said Punjab offers a unique blend of robust industrial infrastructure, skilled manpower, vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, agricultural strength, strategic connectivity and a large consumer market, making it an ideal destination for the UAE and global investors. Inviting UAE-based investors, global businesses and the Punjabi diaspora to partner in Punjabs next phase of industrial growth, Arora highlighted the states progressive Industrial and Business Development Policy that offers a flexible incentive framework tailored to diverse investor categories and priority sectors and facilitation through a single-window system. Punjab is open for business and ready for investment. We want investors to see Punjab not just as a market, but as a strategic partner for manufacturing, food processing, technology, logistics and global business operations. Our focus is ease of doing business, speedy approvals, policy certainty and maximum handholding for investors, said Arora. Under the policy, eligible manufacturing units can avail fiscal incentives up to 100 per cent of eligible fixed capital investment, while units in priority sectors and those in border districts and Kandi areas are eligible for incentives up to 125 per cent, subject to an overall cap of Rs 500 crore. Key benefits include capital subsidy of up to 20 per cent of eligible fixed capital investment, i.e. up to Rs 10 crore, 75 per cent reimbursement of the net SGST for the eligible period and 100 per cent exemption of electricity duty for eligible new units as well as existing units undertaking expansion, subject to applicable conditions, he added. The policy also provides employment-linked support and encourages investments in priority and emerging sectors, enabling investors to align incentives with their business and employment plans. The framework extends benefits not only to new projects but also to expansion and modernisation of existing industrial units.
Punjab CM bats for pact with CII for crop residue management
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 9 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday called for collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to accelerate sustainable crop residue management, strengthen horticulture through knowledge and technology exchange, and build a skilled workforce to drive industrial growth in the state. At a meeting with a CII delegation, the Chief Minister emphasised sustainability, resource efficiency, climate resilience and green technology for the benefit of farmers, while pitching focused efforts in the Malwa region, particularly Sangrur and Barnala districts, along with new skill and technology initiatives, including the proposed Multi-Skill Training Institute in Ludhiana and Centre of Excellence for Technical Textiles with an ultra-modern laboratory in Jalandhar. Chairing the meeting with the CII delegation here, CM Mann called upon the CII to scale up sustainable cultivation efforts in the Malwa region, particularly Sangrur and Barnala, where the Parmal variety of paddy is cultivated, apart from other parts of Punjab. Punjab is committed to adopting sustainable and technology-driven solutions for crop residue management. There is a need for the government, industry and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that farmers get practical, affordable and effective solutions while the state moves firmly towards a cleaner and greener future, he said. The Chief Minister assured full support and cooperation to the CII for facilitating the visit of World Horti India during CII Agro Tech India 2026. Punjab would be immensely benefited from such visits through the exchange of knowledge and expertise in both the agriculture and industrial sectors, he said. CM Mann also advocated further knowledge exchange and technology collaboration to strengthen Punjabs horticulture sector and benefit the farmers of the state. He also laid emphasis on strengthening industrial and urban infrastructure across key focal points to improve ease of doing business and quality of life. The Chief Minister said that modern and well-planned infrastructure is essential for improving ease of doing business, reducing costs and attracting investment to the state. The Punjab government is committed to ensuring reliable and quality power supply to industrial areas, particularly during peak demand periods, besides addressing critical infrastructure bottlenecks affecting industrial operations, he added.
Chennai Open: Ajeetesh Sandhu opens two-shot lead
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) Ajeetesh Sandhu fired a six-under 66 to open a two-shot lead after the second round of the INR 1 crore Chennai Open 2026, here at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. The 37-year-old from Chandigarh (65-66), who began the day sharing the lead, made eight birdies against two bogeys to reach 13-under 131 at the halfway stage. Sandhu, a five-time winner on the DP World PGTI and a former Asian Tour champion, moved two strokes clear of overnight co-leader Stepan Danek. The 29-year-old Czech Republic golfer (65-68) made six birdies and two bogeys in a four-under 68 to take sole possession of second place at 11-under 133. Delhis Rashid Khan (66-68), winner of the Telangana Open in Vikarabad two weeks ago, occupied third place at 10-under 134. His four-under 68 included an eagle on the par-five 18th, four birdies and two bogeys. Sandhu played both nines in three-under but particularly enjoyed the front nine, which was his second nine of the day, because it contains some of the courses more demanding holes. The front nine is a little trickier and has a few holes that really demand your attention, Sandhu said. I managed to make birdies on a couple of those holes, so that was enjoyable. Sandhu felt he struck the ball better than during the opening round and found his rhythm earlier. A couple of timely par saves helped him settle before his late setback, a three-putt bogey on the eighth. Overall, it was a pretty solid round, he said. I found my rhythm early and made a couple of important saves, which helped build momentum. After that, it was fairly smooth sailing. The three-putt bogey on the eighth was disappointing, but there are still two rounds to play. This is Sandhus first appearance at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. His only previous tournament in Chennai came during his first season as a professional. I liked the course as soon as I played it during the Pro-Am, he said. It suits my eye. It is tree-lined and tricky, so Im pleased with how Ive played so far. Sandhu has also enjoyed the local cuisine, turning to idlis and dosas as part of his preparation for the humid conditions. Im a big fan of South Indian food, he said. Ive been having plenty of dosas and idlis, especially at breakfast. Idlis are good fuel for the round, so Ill continue with that. Current Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar (67-68) moved up from tied sixth to tied fourth at nine-under 135, alongside Noida golfers Gaurav Pratap Singh (69-66) and Amardeep Malik (67-68). Defending champion N Thangaraja of Sri Lanka followed his opening 69 with a 70 to move into a share of 11th place at five-under 139. The halfway cut fell at even-par 144, with 52 players from the field of 132 advancing to the final two rounds.
Sandhu Extends Lead At Chennai Open Golf Tournament
Ajeetesh Sandhu has established a two-shot lead after the second round of the Chennai Open, firing a six-under 66 to reach 13-under 131. The Chandigarh golfer is ahead of Stepan Danek and Rashid Khan, with two more rounds to play.
'Thoroughly enjoyed journey': Australian envoy Philip Green takes train ride to Chandigarh
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 9 (IANS) Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, travelled to Chandigarh by Shatabdi Express on Wednesday and said he horoughly enjoyed the journey. Green termed the train journey a great opportunity to interact with people and recalled Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's earlier remarks that anyone who wants to understand India should get on a train. He shared glimpses of his train journey to Chandigarh on X. While sharing a video from the railway station on X, Green said, Our Prime Minister says, if you want to get to know India, get on a train. So, I do as often as I can and today, I'm off on this Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh. It will get me to Chandigarh, which is the capital both of Punjab and of Haryana, where I got a day of meetings. It's a great opportunity to meet people, have a conversation. Invariably, we talk about cricket. Sometimes, a charming Indian family offers me some food. That's the way it is here in India. That's the way it is on the train. So, get on the train, enjoy India, he added. Green said that he looked forward to exploring opportunities in Punjab and Haryana to further deepen ties between India and Australia. While sharing the video on X, Green wrote, My Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, often says the best way to get to know India is by travelling on its trains. So it was fitting to arrive in Chandigarh by train - a journey I thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to exploring opportunities in Punjab and Haryana to further deepen Australia-India ties. In May, PM Albanese recalled his first visit to India in 1991, describing it as a wonderful experience and suggesting to travel by bus or train if you want to understand India. In his address at the Australian Parliament, Albanese said, India, of course, has the largest population in the world, but it will also grow to be the third largest economy in the world over this decade. That is an extraordinary opportunity for us in our region. We are a Pacific nation, but we are also an Indian Ocean nation as well. Our trading relationship has been enhanced by the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, and we are further drawn together through culture, education, and, of course, the international language of cricket. One of my great honours has been my two visits so far to India as Prime Minister. When I first visited India as a backpacker way back in 1991, a long time ago, I travelled a bit differently in those days. I do want to say, if you want to understand India, get on a video bus or train. It is a wonderful experience to see firsthand the warmth that is there, he added.
Uber, Ola, Rapido, inDrive all major cab apps suspended in Chandigarh, but wheres Plan B?
India's gross manufacturing leasing posts 49 pc CAGR since 2021
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) India's gross manufacturing leasing has reached a cumulative 69 million sq ft, registering a compound annual growth rate of 49 per cent since 2021, a report said on Wednesday. Indias manufacturing sector is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, with leasing demand for industrial spaces projected to capture 40 per cent of the market by 2030, the report from commercial real estate services firm JLL said. Manufacturing has now emerged as the second-largest occupier segment after third-party logistics (3PL), signaling a fundamental restructuring of Indias industrial real estate hierarchy. Gross absorption touched 19.2 million sq. ft. in 2025, and H1 2026 recorded 10.2 million sq. ft.a 19 per cent year-over-year increase for the first half. With manufacturing leasing absorption forecast to reach approximately 46 million sq. ft. by 2030, the sector's trajectory underscores India's evolution toward becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse aligned with its Vision 2047 aspirations, the report noted. The growth in the manufacturing real estate asset class reflects two distinct yet complementary strategies shaping India's industrial landscape. Tier-I cities are witnessing aggressive leasing of Grade-A facilities as manufacturers prioritise speed-to-market and be capex-light due to paucity of affordable land, said Yogesh Shevade, Managing Director, Industrial & Logistics, India, JLL. Simultaneously, Tier-II markets are seeing manufacturers opt for land acquisition, seeking greater customisation and long-term operational control, Shevade said. Both approaches signal robust manufacturing commitment; whether through leasing or ownership, India is becoming the factory floor of choice, he added. Grade-A properties captured 90 per cent of manufacturing leasing in 2025 and the shift toward high-specification facilities reflects stringent adherence to enhanced building standards, hygiene protocols, and safety norms. Nearly 14 emerging markets including Lucknow, Jaipur, Chandigarh tri-city, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Surat, Nagpur, Nashik, Goa, Indore, Sambhajinagar, Tuticorin, Coimbatore & Vizag are witnessing manufacturers prioritise land transactions over leasing, reflecting diverse regional strategies aligned with specific operational requirements.
IPS Officers Posted Earlier in Jammu Kashmir Get New Assignments in Chandigarh
SRINAGAR: The Chandigarh Police has ordered a reshuffle of four senior officers, including several officers who have served in or recently been transferred from Jammu and Kashmir, with the new assignments taking effect immediately. Rajesh Kumar Sharma, IPS (2014 batch), who joined Chandigarh on transfer from Jammu and Kashmir, has been posted as SSP Operations, []
Teachers Need the Courage of the Overman, Not the Comfort of the Last Man
Every Teachers' Day, we celebrate the indispensable role of teachers in shaping society. We honour them as mentors, guides and nation-builders. However, celebration should also invite reflection. What kind of teacher does contemporary society encourage? More importantly, what kind of teacher does democracy require? The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche offers an unexpected but illuminating framework through his distinction between the bermensch (Overman) and the Last Man . While these ideas emerged in a different historical context, they provide a powerful metaphor for understanding the changing nature of teaching today. The Last Man, in Nietzsche's philosophy, is not an immoral person. Rather, the Last Man chooses comfort over courage, conformity over creativity, and approval over excellence. Content with security and social acceptance, such a person avoids risk, conflict and difficult questions. The Overman, by contrast, is defined by continual self-overcoming. The Overman questions inherited assumptions, creates new possibilities and refuses to allow comfort to replace intellectual growth. The distinction is not between good and bad teachers. It is between two educational cultures. Across the world, higher education and schooling are increasingly shaped by market-oriented reforms, performance indicators, student satisfaction metrics, accreditation frameworks and institutional branding. These developments have undoubtedly expanded access and accountability. Teachers are increasingly expected to satisfy stakeholders, minimise complaints, produce measurable outcomes and maintain favourable evaluations. Success is often quantified through feedback scores, pass percentages, employability statistics and institutional rankings. While these indicators have administrative value, they cannot fully capture the transformative purpose of education. Education is not just the transmission of information. Its deeper purpose is the cultivation of independent judgment. This requires teachers who are willing to ask unsettling questions, challenge intellectual complacency and expose students to ideas that may initially be uncomfortable. Genuine learning rarely occurs without some degree of cognitive discomfort. It demands that students reconsider assumptions, confront contradictions and engage with perspectives different from their own. However, an educational culture centred primarily on satisfaction can unintentionally discourage precisely these practices. A teacher who fears poor evaluations may avoid difficult discussions. A curriculum designed around measurable outcomes may leave little room for experimentation. Intellectual risk gradually gives way to pedagogical safety. In this sense, Nietzsche's metaphor becomes relevant. The concern is not that teachers themselves have become Last Men, but that educational institutions increasingly reward Last Man qualities: predictability instead of originality, compliance instead of critical inquiry and managerial efficiency instead of philosophical imagination. Teachers should not be reduced to service providers in a competitive marketplace. Their responsibility extends beyond delivering content or preparing students for examinations. They are custodians of curiosity, critical thinking and democratic dialogue. A teacher's highest achievement is not to produce agreement but to cultivate the intellectual confidence to disagree thoughtfully. This is particularly significant in an age shaped by artificial intelligence, algorithmic recommendation systems and instant access to information. Facts are increasingly available at the click of a button. What remains uniquely human is the capacity to interpret, question, synthesise and exercise ethical judgment. These capacities cannot be automated; they must be nurtured by teachers who themselves embody intellectual courage. Teachers, however, cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. Educational policy must create conditions that allow them to innovate without fear, experiment without penalty and engage students in meaningful dialogue without reducing every educational outcome to a numerical indicator. Professional autonomy is not a privilege for teachers; it is a prerequisite for quality education. On Teachers' Day, therefore, the challenge is not merely to celebrate teachers but to ask whether our educational institutions empower them to become creators of minds rather than managers of performance. Nietzsche believed that civilisation advances when individuals possess the courage to overcome inherited limitations and imagine new possibilities. Education requires precisely such courage. The teacher who merely satisfies expectations preserves the present. The teacher who inspires students to question, create and think independently helps shape the future. The greatest tribute we can pay teachers is not only to honour their work but also to create an educational culture that rewards intellectual courage over conformity, critical inquiry over comfort and self-overcoming over complacency. If education is to remain a transformative public institution, it must continue to nurture teachers who aspire to the spirit of the Overman rather than settle for the ease of the Last Man. (The author is teaching Political Sociology at UILS, Chandigarh University, Punjab. Feedback: ashwinsociology@gmail.com )
ED expands Suntec City probe, summons Mohali SSP
Two youths die in suspected drug overdose cases
Shots fired outside businessmans house in Mohali
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Humidity rises as Chds rain deficit widens to 14.4%
Commuters face uncertainty as UT suspends Uber, Rapido licences
PNG push sputters in Chandigarh, UT plans VAT cut to 5%
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15 acres cleared in Kaimbwala anti-encroachment drive
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AAP alleges BJP shielding liquor, drug mafia
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BJP, SAD turn heat on Punjab govt over Gulzar Singh death
Sukhbir Badal calls for registration of suicide abetment case against Punjab Minister
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 8 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday called for registration of an abetment of suicide case against Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and all others named by suicide victim Gulzar Singh in his dying declaration. The SAD President visited the residence of Gulzar Singh at Tur Banjara village of Sangrur district and assured all help to the aggrieved family. He also asserted the SAD would take this case to its logical conclusion and would not rest till Cheema was arrested and punished for his crime. Talking to the media, Badal said Gulzar Singh's only fault was that he spoke the truth at a Lok Milni addressed by the Minister. Gulzar was devastated at the sale of the 'chitta' drug which had also led to his son becoming addicted to the same. This is why he asked Cheema about the rampant sale of drugs in his village which was not to the Minister's liking. The Minister's accomplices in the village also harassed Gulzar and pressurised him to apologise for speaking the truth. Since Gulzar was not able to stomach this harassment, he ended his life, the SAD Chief added. Asserting that a statement given as part of a dying declaration was sacrosanct, Badal said: Supreme Court guidelines are also clear. A case has to be registered in case of a dying declaration. An FIR should be registered against the Finance Minister and all others named by Gulzar. The police should not try to protect the culprits. He added that it was shocking that people were resorting to such extreme acts like suicide due to the wrong policies of the Aaam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government. The drug menace has crossed all boundaries. Things have come to such a head that home delivery of drugs is taking place in the state. He also asserted that AAP leaders were patronising the drug mafia and protecting them against police action in lieu of monthlies. This is why drug addiction and drug overdose deaths are on the rise, the former Deputy Chief Minister added.
Education builds self-confidence, character: CM Saini
Punjab enforces no work, no pay rule as employees extend strike till Sept 11
HC scraps elections of Hisar, Jind, Barwala and Narwana bar associations
Political storm in Punjab over farmers suicide after questioning minister on drugs
Minister appeals to protesting govt staff: End strike, resolve issues through talks
NCSC demands action-taken report within 5 days over Sangrur death
Harsimrat approaches national womens panel over handling of 2 rape cases in Punjab
Haryana bureaucratic shakeup: 16 IAS and 10 HCS officers transferred
Dairy farmers claim bovine breeding rules will hurt sector
Saini pitches women as architects of change, highlights Haryanas empowerment push
Punjab govt work hit as employees go on strike till Sept 11
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Hisar municipal workers adopt Gandhigiri on 34th day of strike
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Haryana DGP orders action against non-performing SHOs
Uber and Rapido banned in Chandigarh; licenses suspended for 6 months.
The State Transport Authority (STA) has suspended the licenses of Uber and Rapido in Chandigarh. Residents and visitors to Chandigarh will no longer be able to use these cab services.Uber and Rapido banned in Chandigarh.If you live in Chandigarh and use cabs to commute, this news is impo...
Punjab minister Cheema responsible for suicide: Congress workers protest
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 8 (IANS) Thousands of Congress workers from across Punjab on Tuesday staged a demonstration against the Aam Aadmi Party government. Led by the state party President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the party workers gathered outside the Punjab Congress Bhawan here and started marching towards the Chief Ministers residence for the gherao. However, they were stopped by a police contingent, which prevented them from reaching the Chief Ministers residence. Speaking on the occasion, Warring demanded the dismissal of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and his arrest for being responsible for the alleged suicide of Gulzar Singh of Dirba after raising the drug issue in Punjab. He pointed out that Gulzar Singh had said in his dying declaration that Cheema was responsible for his suicide. He also referred to the police brutality unleashed on Mohanjit Singh of Sheron village just because he had dared to show a black flag to the Chief Minister. Warring also questioned the Chief Ministers silence over the protection granted to a rape accused. The BJP wants AAP to help it in Gujarat by dividing the anti-BJP votes and, in a quid pro quo, the BJP will help AAP in Punjab, he said, adding that this is why the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was playing a fixed match with the Punjab Police over the arrest of corruption accused. He asked why the ED did not act the way it acted in the case of the Congress leaders like Sadhu Singh, who were straightway arrested. The ED did not ask the Punjab Police to register a first information report (FIR) in that case, he pointed out, adding that in the case of AAP leaders it was dilly-dallying deliberately. Lashing out at AAP for inducting convicted gangsters like Gupreet Sekhon, Warring said that while the people of Punjab wanted to get rid of the gangsters, the ruling party was inducting them and providing them with a political platform and power. He said Sekhon had been convicted and sentenced and was out just because the High Court had suspended his sentence. What message are you giving to people of Punjab? he asked CM Mann.
Punjab BJP delegation calls on Guv, seeks probe into suicide over drug issue, 'custodial assault'
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 8 (IANS) A delegation of the Punjab BJP, led by state President Kewal Singh Dhillon, on Tuesday met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and submitted a memorandum, seeking impartial action in two serious cases related to Sangrur -- first, the suicide by Gulzar Singh over the state drug crisis and another, the alleged custodial assault of Mohanjit Singh. Dhillon said Gulzar Singh had raised the issue of the alleged open sale of chitta (synthetic drug) in his area during a public meeting held by Finance Minister Harpal Cheema and had sought action against the drug menace. He said Gulzar Singhs family had also been facing difficulties due to his sons alleged serious addiction to chitta. The BJP said in a video purportedly recorded before his death, Gulzar Singh had named the Finance Minister and others, whom he allegedly held responsible for the circumstances leading to his death. The party demanded that the case should not be treated merely as a suicide case and that the allegations made by Gulzar Singh should be thoroughly investigated in accordance with law. The delegation sought a CBI probe into his death to ensure an independent investigation. It also demanded that video recordings, relevant communications and statements of family members be preserved as evidence. State President Dhillon also brought the alleged custodial assault of Mohanjit Singh to the Governors notice. Dhillon said Mohanjit Singh was detained after he protested against the state governments handling of the drug menace during Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns visit to Sangrur. The party said Mohanjit Singh subsequently alleged physical abuse and custodial torture and had to undergo medical treatment. The BJP demanded registration of FIRs against all civil officials who allegedly ordered or authorised Mohanjit Singhs removal from the protest site, as well as against police officials found responsible for his removal, assault or alleged custodial torture. It also sought an independent CBI probe into the matter and demanded immediate preservation of medical records, CCTV footage, police station records, duty rosters, official communications and all other records related to his detention. The BJP also announced that it would stage statewide protests on Wednesday demanding justice in both cases.
Chandigarh suspends Uber, Rapido licences for 6 months over policy violations
Chandigarh's State Transport Authority suspended Uber and Rapido licenses for six months. This action resulted from their failure to comply with the Chandigarh Aggregator Policy. Both companies received multiple notices but did not submit required documents. The suspension impacts cab and bike-taxi bookings significantly in the city. App-based rides constitute a substantial portion of daily commutes.
BJP criticises Punjab government over continuing drug menace in state
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 8 (IANS) BJP leader Amit Malviya on Tuesday criticised the Punjab government over the state's continuing drug menace, amid fresh political outrage following the death of a Sangrur man who had publicly raised the issue of easy availability of heroin before state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The incident has once again brought the drug crisis to the centre of the political discourse, with Opposition parties questioning the effectiveness of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led government's much-publicised anti-drug campaign. Gulzar Singh, a resident of Sangrur district, had allegedly consumed poison after claiming that he faced pressure following his public questioning of Cheema over the prevalence of chitta in his village. His death has triggered a political storm, with the Opposition accusing the government of failing to address the concerns of families affected by drug addiction. Malviya said the incident exposed the grim reality behind the government's claims of waging a successful war against drugs in Punjab. He accused the Mann government of prioritising publicity over tackling the supply and distribution network responsible for pushing narcotics among the youth. The BJP leader's attack comes at a time when the Punjab and Haryana High Court has described drug addiction as a serious challenge for the state. The AAP government, however, has maintained that its 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign has led to major action against drug smugglers and the dismantling of drug networks. The AAP government has also repeatedly accused the Centre of failing to check cross-border smuggling of narcotics and weapons through drones from Pakistan. Gulzar Singh, a resident of Toor Banjara village in the Dirba constituency, reportedly questioned AAP Minister Harpal Singh Cheema during his visit about the unchecked sale of chitta, saying that his own son was battling addiction and had sold off the familys belongings, Malviya wrote on X. He alleged, What followed, was pressure and harassment by local AAP-linked village leaders, who demanded that Gulzar Singh apologise for questioning the minister. He refused. In a video recorded before consuming poison, Gulzar Singh held four people responsible for his plight, including Harpal Cheema and local village leaders. He later died despite treatment. This is deeply disturbing. A government that cannot tolerate questions on the drug menace and intimidates a citizen for raising them, has a serious case to answer. Punjab deserves accountability, not intimidation, claimed Malviya. Meanwhile, the police have registered a case of abetment to suicide and harassment against a sarpanch and two others relating to the death of the Sangrur man. Deputy Inspector General (Patiala Range), Kuldeep Singh Chahal, told the media that the body would be handed over to the family after the postmortem. However, the police have denied allegations of harassment and said they are investigating the matter. Meanwhile, Punjab Polices drive against drugs 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' entered the 554th day with 62 drug smugglers arrested on Monday and recovery of 306 grams heroin and 190 intoxicant pills from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 77,421 in just 554 days. As part of de-addiction drive, Punjab Police have convinced five people to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, the government said.
Delhi-NCR to see partly cloudy skies, light rain; humidity to remain high
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally cloudy weather with light rain or drizzle in Delhi on Tuesday. The national capital is likely to witness partly cloudy skies on September 9 and 10, while another spell of light rain may occur from September 11. Humidity is expected to remain relatively high during the period. The weather department has not issued any warning for Delhi for the coming days. In Noida, partly cloudy conditions are likely to prevail from September 8 to 13. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to stay around 26 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels could rise as high as 90 per cent. No weather warning has been issued for the city. Gurugram is also likely to experience partly cloudy weather from September 8 to 12, with maximum temperatures ranging from 31 to 33 degrees Celsius. On September 13, the maximum temperature is expected to be around 32 degrees Celsius, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers possible. Humidity may reach 90 per cent, though no weather warning has been issued. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon remains active over several parts of the country. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other regions on Tuesday. The IMD has warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms across 17 states and Union Territories, including Bihar, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Wind speeds could reach 65-70 kmph in some areas. The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh until September 13. Uttar Pradesh may receive rain between September 9 and 13, while Rajasthan could witness rainfall on September 12 and 13. Uttarakhand is likely to continue experiencing monsoon activity, while Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh may receive rain during September 8-13.
BHU Vice-Chancellor praises PGIMER Chandigarh as an iconic institution
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