Veteran BJP leader from West Bengal Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh appointed as new Governor of Haryana
CHANDIGARH: The 81-year old Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, a veteran BJP leader from West Bengal, has been appointed as the Governor of Haryana, over two decades after retreating from active politics. The name surprised many, even within his own party. Ghosh will take over as Governor from veteran BJP leader and former Minister of State for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya who had completed his tenure and might be absorbed in organisational role as per sources. A soft-spoken former professor at Shri Shikshayatan College in North Kolkata he joined the party in 1991 under the mentorship of senior leader Prabhakar Tiwari, and that very year contested the Kasipur Assembly seat but he lost. In 1996, he was appointed as the state secretary of the saffron party and within two years he was elevated to post of vice-president of the state unit. Then, in 1999, he was appointed the West Bengal BJP president after Union Minister Tapan Sikdar relinquished the post of state president and remained on the post till 2002. In the elections held in 2000, Ghosh narrowly defeated veteran leader Sukumar Bandyopadhyay by just 34 votes. During his tenure as state unit president, the saffron party consolidated in West Bengal. While the party did not emerge as a dominant force during that time, Ghosh laid the groundwork by making the party's organisational structure and building cadre, said sources. Sources said that when his term as state president of the party ended, he gradually withdrew from active politics. For a brief period he was in the national-level BJP committee. But in last few months he had been attending party events, around the time Samik Bhattacharya was appointed as the state party president. During the second stint of Rahul Sinha was Bengal BJP chief, Ghosh began attending party events again.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government on Monday tabled a stringent bill to tackle acts of sacrilege. The proposed legislation includes provisions that could lead to life imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 10 lakh for individuals found guilty of desecrating any religious scripture. Before this bill was introduced, the assembly was adjourned for an hour. During the break, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan called representatives of all parties to inform them about the bills introduction. Once the House reconvened, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann introduced the 'Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill 2025'. The bill mandates strict punishment for the desecration of holy scriptures including the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Bible and Quran. Though the Bill was tabled in the assembly on Monday afternoon, discussion on it has been deferred till Tuesday morning as the Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa described the sacrilege issue as serious and urged the Speaker to hold the discussion on the bill on Tuesday. I request you to discuss this on Tuesday. Legislators should ideally get 48 hours to study any bill. This bill will have to get the presidential assent later, so it is important that all party MLAs are well prepared for discussing the bill, he said. Following the debate, the bill is expected to be referred to a select committee for discussions with all stakeholders. As per the bill, the offences under this law will be cognizable, non-compoundable, and tried by a sessions court. Police officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and above will be authorized to investigate such cases. Those convicted under the proposed law will also be liable to pay a fine of Rs 5 lakh, which may be extended to Rs 10 lakh. The bill also includes punishment for abetment of sacrilege, as anyone who instigates or conspires to commit acts like damaging, destroying, defacing, decolouring, defiling, decomposing, burning, breaking or treating of any holy scripture or its part will face three to five years in jail, along with a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh. Before the start of the third day of the special session of the state assembly, the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scripture Bill, 2025 was cleared by the cabinet in a meeting. The government went ahead and tabled the bill in the state assembly amid growing political and public pressure for tougher punishment. Gurjeet Singh Khalsa has been protesting since October last year atop a BSNL tower in Samana (Patiala), demanding the death penalty for those found guilty of sacrilege. This is the third consecutive government in the state to bring forward anti-sacrilege legislation. Previous attempts by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP government in 2016 and the Congress government in 2018 were either returned by the Centre or failed to receive Presidential assent. The first legislative effort came in 2016 when the SAD-BJP government introduced the Indian Penal Code (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016 and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2016, recommending life imprisonment for desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib. However, the Centre returned the bills, stating that the amendments must apply to all religions in keeping with the secular principles of the Constitution. In 2018, the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government passed two similar bills, expanding the scope to include the Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagavad Gita, Quran and Bible, but these were referred back to the state government by the Centre. The Union government had then noted that the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) had replaced the IPC, and any amendments needed to align with the provisions of the new code. CM Mann had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2022 seeking Presidential assent to the two bills passed by the Congress government. A government spokesman said that with the enactment of the law, the state seeks to further strengthen the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood, peace and amity. It will also act as a strong deterrent against anti-social and anti-national activities by ensuring severe punishment for perpetrators of this heinous crime, he said. He added that there have been numerous incidents in the past involving the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and other revered granths, deeply wounding public sentiments and causing unrest in society. While sections 298, 299 and 300 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, address such issues, they do not prescribe sufficiently stringent penalties to serve as an effective deterrent, said the spokesperson. Considering the gravity of such offences and the imperative to preserve communal harmony and religious sanctity, the cabinet found it necessary to introduce state-specific legislation providing enhanced penalties, including life imprisonment, for those convicted of sacrilege against any holy granth, he added.
In Punjab face-off, AAP-BJP fight has a Gujarat angle
CHANDIGARH: The Takht Patna Sahib (one of the five supreme temporal seats of Sikhs) has withdrawn all previous edicts that had declared Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and the jathedars (high priests) of Akal Takht and Takht Damdama Sahib guilty of religious misconduct. A letter sent by Takht Patna Sahib withdrawing all previous edicts was accepted, and subsequently, the Akal Takht also withdrew edicts declaring three members of the Takht Patna Sahib 'tankhaiya'. Sources said that a meeting of Sikh clergy (five Sikh high priests) was held on Monday at the Secretariat of Akal Takht in the golden temple complex at Amritsar which was headed by Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj to resolve the ongoing standoff between Akal Takht and Takht Patna Sahib, thus all the issues were discussed and resolved with mutual understanding and cooperation. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargajj said that on July 12, a letter was sent by the president Jagjot Singh and general secretary Inderjit Singh of Takht Patna Sahib Management Committee requesting Akal Takht to review the decisions taken in context with the Takht. In the letter the management of Takht Patna Sahib had expressed full submission to the supreme authority of Akal Takht and pledged continued allegiance in the future. They stated that for the panthic unity and larger interests of the Khalsa, they had requested Gargaj to review the decisions and demanded more time to present their side. To deliberate on the contents of the letter, a meeting of the Sikh clergy was convened on Monday. In this, earlier resolutions passed during meetings of five high priests on May 21 and July 5 were reconsidered in light of panthic unity, the broader interests of the community and necessary amendments were made accordingly. Gargaj further said that simultaneously, the Takht Patna Sahib also convened a meeting and accepted the supreme authority of Akal Takht. They decided to withdraw the resolutions passed on May 21 and July 5 by Takht Patna Sahib, he said. Gargaj announced that the five high priests at Akal Takht, on May 21, had passed a decree stopping panthic services of Head Granthi of Takht Patna Sahib Bhai Baldev Singh and additional head Granthi Gurdial Singh, stood cancelled today. Former Takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar was directed to withdraw the case filed against the management committee of Takht Patna Sahib. He ordered the president and general secretary of the management committee of Takht Patna Sahib to pay all pending dues of Gauhar. Gargaj added that it is heartening that the recent discord between the two Takhts has now been completely resolved through mutual cooperation. He further said that he will soon visit Takht Patna Sahib and pay obeisance. The controversy dates back to May 21 when the panj pyare at Takht Patna Sahib summoned Sukhbir for allegedly interfering in its functioning and failing to appear before them despite being given three opportunities including a 20-day extension on the request of SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami. In the same meeting, they also declared Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh as tankhaiya for reinstating Gauhar and summoning granthis without Takht Patna Sahibs consent. However, Akal Takht rejected the pronouncement and instead declared three of the five Takht Patna Sahib high priests tankhaiya, directing them to clarify their position within fifteen days. The SGPC had then dismissed the edict, asserting that Takht Patna Sahib lacked jurisdiction in such matters.
Punjab: Use of herbicide to expedite moong, maize harvest sounds alarm bells
In Punjab, farmers are increasingly using the toxic herbicide Paraquat Dichloride to accelerate the drying of moong and spring maize crops for quicker paddy transplantation, despite known health hazards. This practice raises concerns due to Paraquat's toxicity, which can lead to severe health issues and fatalities, as highlighted by recent poisoning cases and regulatory debates over its use.
Environmentalists and GM Free India are protesting Punjab's NoC for GM maize trials, issued over a year after a similar clearance for GM mustard. They've urged the agriculture minister to investigate the scientific basis and withdraw the NoC, granted to Bayer for trials at PAU, Ludhiana. Concerns arise as Punjab seems uniquely positive compared to other states regarding safety information.
Between the rain and the ringing doorbell: Hardships of people who work to make our lives easier
Record wrong parking challans in Panchkula amid tech-driven crackdown
Himachals Lindur village sinking, locals oppose relocation site
Saraswati revival mission gains momentum; Rajasthan forms panel
Chandigarh-Manali highway reopens for traffic
Manish Tewari steps down as chairman of art culture tourism and heritage sub-committee in Chandigarh
Wheels of Change Jammed: Chandigarhs Bicycle Push Hits Roadblocks
Carjackers in Nihang attire nabbed after 10-hour chase
Haryana sends panel of HCS officers to Chandigarh
Crime hunt: 800 homes searched in Ramdarbar
World swept away, but roots hold Mandis miracle baby
No 24x7 power, yet tariffs soar: Industry body targets HERC
Haryana urban local bodies increase financial powers of municipal commissioners and officers
Panipat gang rape: Haryana GRP arrest 3rd accused
CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Government ordered suspension of mobile internet and the bulk SMS services in Nuh district for 24 hours and a complete ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food ahead of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra on Monday, The orders have been issued by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Haryana. The internet services will be suspended for twenty hours from 9 pm on July 13 till 9 pm on July 14. The SMS facility related to baking and mobile recharge will continue as before. As per orders issued by the district administration, a complete ban has been imposed on the sale, display, and public handling of meat, fish, or any kind of non-vegetarian food items along the yatra route from Nalhad Mahadev Temple to Jhir Keshwar Mahadev Temple (Ferozepur Jhirka) and up to Singar Temple (Singar). A ban has also been ordered in the areas surrounding these three religious sites. This restriction will be effective only on July 14. All concerned shopkeepers, vendors, and food establishments are directed to strictly comply with this order. Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena said the district administration has held meetings with the organising committee, the district-level peace committee, trade associations, and prominent individuals to communicate all arrangements and contingencies for the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. He said that, to ensure smooth conduct and law and order during the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra on July 14, major traffic changes are expected in several parts of the Nuh district. All the schools in the district will be closed as a precautionary measure. In the interest of student safety and convenience, all government and private schools in the Nuh district will remain closed on Monday, July 14. The District Education Officer has been directed to ensure compliance with the orders, he said. Meena informed that 24 Duty Magistrates have been appointed at various locations, with 12 kept in reserve. Along with each DSP, one Duty Magistrate has been deployed. The heavy vehicles coming from Alwar (Rajasthan), Gurugram, Delhi, Tawadu, and Hodal will be rerouted on July 14. One duty magistrate has been appointed at each of the district's 14 police stations, two at each of the three temples, three with the yatra procession, one at every toll plaza and five magistrates have been kept in reserve. A ban has been imposed on the use of drones, microlights, aircraft, gliders, power gliders, hot air balloons, kite flying, Chinese microlights, and fireworks on July 13 and 14. He further said that orders have been issued to prohibit the open sale of petrol and diesel during the yatra throughout the district. Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar said that 22 units of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in the district for the Yatra, which include mounted police, dog squads, and bomb squads. Night-vision drones will be used for nighttime surveillance. Cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi, who was also accused in the 2023 Nuh violence, has been denied permission and his social media accounts have been suspended. On July 31, 2023, two home guards were killed, and at least 15 others including several policemen, were injured as a mob in Nuh tried to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession, pelting stones and setting cars on fire. The BJP government in the state then led by Manohar Khattar, had drawn sharp criticism from the opposition parties over the violence.
Himachal Pradesh pollution board to tell NGT about source of stones used by crusher units in Kangra
Police arrest PO and notorious offender involved in multiple fraud and cheque bounce cases
Malerkotla Police have arrested Rupam Sharma, a proclaimed offender from Jalandhar, wanted in about fifty cases across Punjab and neighboring states. Sharma, who operated R S Agro, was primarily booked for fraud, cheating, and cheque bounce offenses, including a case in Malerkotla from 2023. The court has remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody.
Punjabi University researchers add five dragonfly species to global catalogue
Researchers at Punjabi University have enhanced the global understanding of dragonfly chromosomes and DNA by studying the Libellulidae family. The team collected dragonflies from North and South India, examining their chromosomes and a specific gene to identify unique features and evolutionary relationships.
DSPs son dies in tragic road accident near Bhawanigarh and one injured
In a tragic accident near Bhawanigarh, Sangrur, Ekamveer Singh, son of DSP Satnam Singh, died when their car crashed on a flyover. Harjot Singh, son of a Sub Inspector, sustained serious injuries but is now stable. The accident occurred early Saturday morning, prompting concerns about non-functional streetlights in the area and their potential contribution to the crash. Investigations are ongoing.
Punjab to get playgrounds in all 12,500 villages to fight drug menace, says CM Mann
CHANDIGARH: In a bid to steer the youth away from drug abuse by offering constructive outlets for their energy, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced plans to build playgrounds in all 12,500 villages across the state. Detailing the plan, Mann said that in the first phase, playgrounds will be built in 3,083 villages. He added that though most village Panchayats have offered the government their land for making playgrounds, in many villages NRIs too have come forward to offer land for free for the purpose. Mann said that when children take part in sports, they stay away from bad habits and their energy is channelled positively. He said athletes who won medals in international competitions will also be involved in coaching to promote a sporting culture among the youth. He said that athletic tracks will be built and also Astroturf will be laid. These playgrounds are being built in all villages, and we intend to set up sports nurseries for a cluster of villages. The budget for these nurseries has been kept aside. These nurseries will also have hostels, messes and quarters for coaches. Depending on the popular sport of the area, a specific sport nursery will be built, Mann added. Taking a dig at previous governments, he alleged they pushed youth towards drugs. Mann said, Youth were inclined towards sports and education. But during the previous governments' time, they were neither given grounds nor books. As they say, an idle mind is a devil's workshop, many youth fall into bad habits. Gradually, Punjab slipped into the quagmire of drugs, and youngsters did not get the atmosphere they deserved. Being a Punjabi and a sports lover, our aim is to pull the state's youth out of the drug menace. For that, we need to give them alternatives so they do not slip back into the habit, Mann said. Despite a lack of facilities in the past, players like Shubman Gill and Harbhajan Singh emerged from Punjab, he said, adding that many players in the national hockey team also come from the state. We have to give them an alternative that channels their energy in the right direction. Youth will take to sports if the sports facilities are available and will not fall for drugs. Presently captains of three major sports teams of the country are Punjabis as Harmanpreet Singh is of hockey, Shubhman Singh of cricket and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu of football and they are emerging as youth icons, said Mann and added that youth of the state can excel in hockey, cricket, kabaddi, athletics -- what they need is the right atmosphere and support.
AAP government in Punjab to hire retired doctors amid severe shortage of medical specialists
CHANDIGARH: Facing an acute shortage of medical specialists, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government has begun hiring retired doctors, even as it claims to have improved the states healthcare infrastructure. Nearly 47 per cent of sanctioned specialist posts in government hospitals remain vacant across Punjab. Sources said that out of the 2,098 posts of sanctioned specialists, 990 are lying vacant. Not only specialist doctors but also posts of doctors in the general medical officer cadre are lying vacant. 1,962 posts are yet to be filled out of 3,847, which comes to 51 per cent. Sources said that the state health department has decided to recruit 100 retired medical specialists through walk-in interviews. Thus, it has invited applications from the retired government doctors to apply for these contractual posts of consultants in district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals and community health centres (CHCs). As per the notification issued by the state health department, the posts to be filled include 21 in paediatrics, 20 in general medicine, 20 in gynaecology, 15 in general surgery, 13 in anaesthesia, 7 radiologists and four doctors in psychiatry. Also, only retired specialist doctors between 58 and 64 years of age will be eligible to apply. The contract will be for one year and can be extended annually based on performance and subject to the approval of the finance department. These doctors will get remuneration equivalent to the last pay drawn, minus pension, plus dearness allowance as admissible on the date of appointment. Besides, they must be free of disciplinary proceedings. They will not be allowed to engage in private practice during the contractual period and will only do clinical duties (outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care) and will be exempted from medico-legal, administrative, or post-mortem responsibilities. Recently, posts of specialised doctors were advertised, but only 60 doctors joined. In 2022, the government also tried to fill 634 posts of specialist doctors but did not get a good response. The reason that doctors refrain from joining the state medical services is due to pay disparities, lack of emergency medical staff thus, specialist doctors have to take care of emergencies, and they are also deployed for VVIP duties. This decision of the state health department to hire retired specialists has not gone well with the young doctors, and many of them say they have been awaiting recruitment since November 2022, when the last advertisement for regular posts was issued. Interestingly, 31 specialist doctors who pursued post-graduation under the government quota have exited service without completing the mandatory service period or depositing the stipulated bond amount of Rs 50 lakh. As per rules, after one gets admission under the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) quota, one has to serve with the state government as one signs a 10-year service bond in exchange for subsidised admission. As four doctors each resigned from Sangrur and Ludhiana, three each from Kapurthala, Mansa, and Faridkot, two each from Mohali, Tarn Taran, and Ropar and one each from Bathinda, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar and Barnala. They have also not deposited the bond amount they pledged at the time of admission. The health department has directed civil surgeons to initiate recovery proceedings. The civil surgeons have been instructed to contact these doctors immediately and serve them a 21-day notice to deposit the bond, amount and if they fail, disciplinary action will be initiated, and the department has directed that a formal request be made to the Punjab Medical Council or relevant regulatory bodies to cancel their medical registration. Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) president Dr Akhil Sarin said a few months back, 110 specialised doctors joined as part of their bond obligation, and in the coming days a few more are likely to join after the end of the extensions granted to them. Also, walk-in interviews for an additional 160 specialist posts are also in the pipeline. All these steps are effectively aimed at providing specialist services to the poor and underserved. In 2020, the then government stalled career progression of medical officers this was one of the causes why specialised doctors did not opt for government jobs. While lack of security is another issue, he said. ` A few years back their were similar schemes of re-employment of post retirement and few doctors had taken the extensions then, he said.
Punjab health system hit by exit of 30 specialists who signed 10-year bond
Overcharging chemists at PGI profit from patients distress
Crackdown on illegal vendors: 60 CCTV cams to keep watch in prime markets
Tricity public transport faces crisis as 100 buses to be phased out and replacements delayed
Rice over spice: Punjab farmers plough back chilli crop for paddy
Police to check documents of people living on Pkl footpaths, mkts
Haryana vigilance arrests top revenue officer in Aravali illegal mining scam
Halfway through session, classes V and VIII students go without NCERT textbooks
Relief for HCS officer: HC stay on chargesheet clears IAS path
Railways technician among two arrested for Panipat train gangrape
3 more arrested in Rs 161cr stock trading fraud
Dalai Lama begins 45-day Ladakh tour
AAP, BJP hold parallel protests in Jalandhar
Missing saroops: Sanyukt Kisan Mazdoor Morcha issues ultimatum to govt to act against accused
CM Bhagwant Mann continues to face flak over remarks on PM Narendra Modi
Family of brain-dead youth donates organs, saves 3 lives
FIR against father-son duo for duping DSP of Rs 22L
KU inks pact with Vidya Bharati to promote Indian knowledge traditions
Kurukshetra University (KU) and Vidya Bharati Institute have partnered to promote Indian knowledge systems, aligning with the National Education Policy. The collaboration focuses on teacher training and enhancing English proficiency among educators. Vidya Bharati experts will lecture at KU, while KU's English Department will train Vidya Bharati teachers.
Under the leadership of District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Kumar Mittal, the National Lok Adalat in Kurukshetra settled 15,376 cases out of 19,797 listed. Organized by the District Legal Services Authority, the event resulted in settlement orders worth Rs 5.85 crore.
Yamunanagar faces pollution crisis: 8 formaldehyde plants under scrutiny of pollution board
Yamunanagar's formaldehyde manufacturing units face potential closure after failing to meet environmental standards, raising concerns for the local plywood industry. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board is scrutinizing responses from eight units operating without mandatory clearances, threatening the supply of essential resin. Shutdowns could impact over 160 plywood units, while health officials warn of formaldehyde's cancer-causing properties.
Railway employee among two held in gang-rape case in Haryana
CHANDIGARH: Two men, including a railway employee, have been arrested for the alleged gang-rape of a 35-year-old woman from Haryana's Panipat in an empty coach of a stationary train, a GRP officer said on Saturday. The accused have been identified as Bhajan, a railway technician at the Kurukshetra station, and Shivam from Kurukshetra. Three theft cases are lodged against Shivam. The Government Railway Police (GRP) officer said the victim was allegedly raped by the two accused at the Kurukshetra railway station - a fact that came to the fore following an investigation. Earlier, it was stated that the crime was committed at the Panipat railway station. Panipat GRP Station House Officer (SHO) Rajesh Kumar said police have made a breakthrough in the case with the arrest of the two men. He added that the accused will be questioned to find out if more people were involved in the case. The officer said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to crack the case. He said police arrested the accused after going through CCTV footage collected from highways and cities from Sonipat to Kurukshetra. According to a police complaint submitted by the victim's husband, the woman had gone missing after she left her Panipat home on June 24. The missing complaint was filed on June 26. The victim lost a leg when a train went over her after she was allegedly raped and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Rohtak. Police had earlier said the woman told them she was sitting at a nearby railway station on the night of June 24 when a man, claiming to have been sent by her husband, approached her. She had said the man took her to an empty coach of a stationary train and raped her. Later, two other men joined him and they too raped her, Shri Niwas, the SHO of the Quilla police station, had said earlier. The Quilla police station filed a Zero FIR in connection with the incident and subsequently, forwarded it to the Panipat GRP for further action.
Monsoon mayhem: 95 deaths in Himachal Pradesh since June 30, 33 still missing
JAC Chandigarh Announces Round 1 Seat Allotment Result 2025: Joint Admission Committee Result 2025 has been released on admissions.nic.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.Tech Admissions Results Online.
New sacrilege law introduced as progress remains slow in decade old cases
Dont we have the right to ask? Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questions PMs foreign trips
HC allows Brijendra to amend election petition on rejected postal ballots in Uchana seat
Punjab ministers booked for circulating Partap Singh Bajwas doctored video
Hisar school principal staffed to death: 4 minors taken into custody
Manav Bharti fake degree scam: ED attaches Rs 1.7cr assets
Way clear for 2 new private universities
Gangster slur from Pb AAP chief: Sirsa draws a legal line
32 injured as bus rolls down hill in Bilaspur
Mandi tragedy: 27 people missing, 143 roads blocked; 87 power transformers non-functional
FIR Sparks Uproar in Punjab Assembly; Bajwa, Cheema Trade Sharp Barbs Over Gangsters, BJP Ties.
Punjab minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond assures revamp of Talwara bus stand.
Assembly being used as a stage, says Bajwa; Arora hits back.
2 arrested with pistols for allegedly firing bullets at house in Hallomajra
Protester unconscious on 274th day of tower protest for anti sacrilege law in Punjab
Activist Gurjeet Singh Khalsa, protesting atop a telecom tower for 274 days demanding a stringent anti-sacrilege law, was found unconscious for the ninth time. His deteriorating health and the government's perceived delay in enacting the drafted legislation are raising concerns. Supporters warn of escalating unrest if Khalsa's condition worsens, drawing parallels to the Bargari Morcha.
JAC Chandigarh has announced the first round seat allotment results for BTech admissions 2025 on July 11. Candidates can check their allotment status on the official website using their login credentials. Those allotted seats must pay the fee and confirm their participation by July 14, with a withdrawal option available until July 15.
CHANDIGARH: A day after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) disapproved the remarks of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Prime Minister Narendra Modis foreign visit terming them ``irresponsible, Mann on Friday repeated the comments on the floor of the state assembly. Participating in the debate on the floor of Punjab Vidhan Sabha on the resolution to oppose deployment of CISF on Bhakra and Nangal dams, which was unanimously passed by the House, Mann said the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement, when he as a citizen, questioned the foreign policy of the BJP-led central government. Mann said that if Modi can end the war between Ukraine and Russia, as propagated by (their media), then what stops him from ensuring a truce between Punjab and Haryana. He said that both these states are like brothers and contribute more than 70 per cent in the national food pool but there are forces always keen to ensure that both the states fight with each other on the issues like water despite the fact that both the states have several things in common. Mann said that PM Modi is keen to become world leader but is least bothered about the affairs of the state due to which the fundamental issues of the citizens have been ignored. He said that sorry state of affairs persists in the country as film made before the Pahalgam attack cannot be released in India but the PM can go to Pakistan anytime to have Biryani by landing there. They (Centre) should not play games with us, he said and even referred to the online crusade against the film by Diljit Dosanjh which has a Pakistani actress. He said that while the PM finds time to tour foreign countries, he fails to address the concerns of 140 crore Indians and neglects the nation's pressing issues. Talking to the media outside the House while replying to a query, Mann said that being the Chief Minister of the state he has every right to question the foreign policy of the country. He said that he will repeatedly ask the question on the foreign visits of Modi as it is a fact that Adani's business expands after the visit of Modi in any country. He said that the Modi and company dont admit that they facilitate Adani in setting up their ventures abroad adding that during the India Pakistan war none of the countries across the globe supported the country, so what is the use of such visits. Mann also said that notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi would be brought back to serve time in a Punjab jail. We are looking at legal options to get him back to a state jail. That is the only way to deal with him and his gang, which operates from Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat, he after the sitting of the assembly. Mann further said that the dreaded gangsters are patronised by the BJP-led centre, who are lodged in the jails at Gujarat. He said that strict action will be taken against those involved in organized crime and drugs adding that no leniency will be showed against them. He alleged that if the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was ousted from Gujarat, has a criminal record what else can be expected from such governments. Reacting to the comments on CM Mann, Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar strongly condemned the remarks made by Mann against the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that Mann has forgotten all sense of decorum. He remarked that the arrogance of power has gone to the Chief Ministers head, and his language is tarnishing the dignity of the Chief Ministers office. Jakhar wrote on X, `` Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ji, who knows better than you that when a persons shadow grows larger than their stature, it means the sun is about to set, and when someones tongue outgrows their worth, it signifies the beginning of their downfall. Jakhar reminded Mann that when he was a Lok Sabha MP, fellow MPs had complained to the Speaker about the smell of alcohol on him, but today, his language reeks of arrogance. Jakhar emphasized that Punjab is a sacred land with a tradition of respectful discourse, which the Chief Minister has disregarded. He urged Mann to apologize for his inappropriate language.
Will seek Centre's nod to rehabilitate disaster-affected families on forestland: Himachal CM
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the State government would seek the approval of the Central Government for the rehabilitation of disaster-affected families on forestland as part of a one-time settlement policy. Sukhu, during his three-day visit to Mandi district, visited various disaster-affected areas of Seraj and Nachan assembly constituencies and took stock of the damage caused due to heavy rains and cloudburst events. Talking to the media at Sundernagar in Mandi, CM Sukhu said that the government was considering bringing a one-time settlement policy to resettle disaster-affected families. In this regard, he will seek permission from the Central Government to give forest land to the people so that they can be settled in a safer place. As 68 per cent of land in Himachal Pradesh falls under forest land, the permission of the Central Government will be sought to rehabilitate people there, he said. He urged the BJP MPs of the State to support the State government's proposal. Sukhu said that the government acted swiftly to restore essential services in the affected areas and added that the government has opened almost all the major roads in these areas, and the work of opening the link roads of the disaster-affected area was going on war footing. He said that 50 JCB machines were engaged to open the roads of the affected areas from the very first day of the disaster. He said that the road up to Chail Chowk, Bagsyad, Thunag, Janjehli and Chhatri would be brought under CRIF so that it could be made a composite road. He said that the road and bridges from Thunag to Janjehli have suffered extensive damage. At present, it has been restored temporarily and there will be no shortage of funds for restoration works. The government has so far released Rs 7 crore rupees for relief and rescue works so that the restoration work can be accelerated further, he stated. He said that the Deputy CM and PWD Minister had already visited and assessed the damages in the disaster-affected areas. Sukhu said that there has been an unprecedented loss in these areas and the government and the district administration were providing relief and other materials to the affected families day and night. He said that livestock, crops and vegetables have also suffered a lot due to the disaster. He said that the State government would provide compensation to affected families for purchasing clothes and for loss of livestock besides all possible help from its own resources. Sukhu said that in the next two days, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani would be in the disaster affected areas and will take stock of the relief and rescue operations there. He said that if the affected families live in rented houses, the state government will give them Rs 5000 per month rent in rural areas and Rs 10,000 per month rent in urban areas. He also said that heavy rains have also caused a lot of damage in the Dharampur area of Mandi district and MLA Chandrashekhar was helping the people in relief and rescue operations.
Punjab Assembly unanimously adopts resolution against deployment of CISF at BBMB projects
Punjab Assembly unanimously adopts resolution against deployment of CISF at BBMB projects Chandigarh: The Punjab Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution against the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at hydropower projects of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), saying the state police is competent to manage the security and the central [] The post Punjab Assembly unanimously adopts resolution against deployment of CISF at BBMB projects appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
FLIS team probes attack on Kapil Sharma's Kaps Caf in Canada amid militantss online confession
CHANDIGARH: The Frontline Investigative Support (FLIS) team of Surrey Police is currently probing a shooting incident at comedian Kapil Sharmas recently opened establishment, Kaps Caf , in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The attack, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, has been linked via social media claims to Harjit Singh Laddi, a Khalistani militant associated with the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). In a statement, Surrey Police said: Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers are investigating a shots-fired incident at a business in the Newton neighbourhood. On Thursday, 10 July, at approximately 1:50 a.m., SPS was called to the 8400 block of 120 Street following reports of gunfire. Officers arrived to find the business had sustained damage from gunshots while staff were still present inside. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The police added that evidence was collected and the surrounding area was canvassed for witnesses and surveillance footage. The Frontline Investigative Support (FLIS) team has assumed conduct of the investigation. The motive and any connections to other incidents are still being examined. No suspect information is available for release at this time. SPS extends its thanks to Delta Police Department officers who also responded promptly. Processing this shock but we are not giving up: Kapil Sharma's Cap's Cafe on shooting Meanwhile, Harjit Singh Laddi, who is wanted by Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) for the 2023 murder of VHP leader Vikas Prabhakar in Punjab, posted on social media claiming responsibility for the shooting. He alleged that humorous remarks made on the attire and conduct of Nihang Sikhs in a recent comedy segment had offended the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. Laddi, in his post, stated: A character was seen wearing Nihang Sikh attire, and jokes were made about their conduct. Such comments are offensive and disrespectful to our religious identity. The community tried to reach out to Sharmas manager, but no response was received. Why didn't Kapil Sharma issue a public apology? He further claimed that he, along with another militant, Toofan Singh, both affiliated with BKI, carried out the attack as a form of protest against what they viewed as religious mockery. Back in Surrey, the team at Kaps Caf shared a heartfelt message on Instagram following the incident: We opened Kap's Caf with hopes of bringing warmth, community and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock, but we are not giving up. The caf also expressed gratitude to its supporters and the local police: Thank you for your support. Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This caf exists because of your belief in what we're building together. Lets stand firm against violence and ensure Kap's Caf remains a place of warmth and community. They concluded with a call for unity and peace under the hashtag #SupportKapsCafeCanada.
PUC challans up by 13,374% as tech help powers Panchkula police
Ghaggar bridge repairs begin after TOI report
Chandigarh Housing Board plans new residential projects in Sector 54
Woman falls into overflowing nullah in Nabha of Patiala due to municipal negligence
A Patiala woman, Madhu, suffered injuries after falling into an uncovered nullah in Bathindia Mohalla amidst ongoing roadwork. The incident, caught on CCTV, has sparked outrage over alleged negligence by the Municipal Council Nabha. Residents claim the uncovered nullah posed a danger for years, with appeals for safety measures ignored.
Chandigarh Police registers FIR against AAP over alleged doctored video of LoP Partap Singh Bajwa
CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh Police on Thursday registered a case against unidentified members of the Aam Aadmi Party based on a complaint by senior Congress leader and Punjab Leader of Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, over the circulation of a doctored video. The edited clip allegedly distorted Bajwas remarks criticising the Punjab Vigilance Bureaus alleged misconduct during a search at the residence of Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Ganieve Majithia, following the arrest of her husband and senior Akali leader Bikram Majithia, who is also the brother-in-law of Sukhbir Singh Badal. based on Bajwa's complaint a case has been registered under Sections 336 (4), 356, and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 at the Cyber Crime Police Station against unknown, in his complaint to the Station House Officer of the Sector 3 Police Station he has mentioned names of Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Cabinet Minister and Punjab AAP president Aman Arora and demanded registration of case against AAP and their concerned leaders and their henchmen. He had allegedly accused them of fabricating and circulating doctored videos intended to malign his political image. He said that a video originally posted by him on June 25 criticising the Punjab Vigilance Bureaus alleged misconduct against Akali Dal MLA Ganieve Kaur and Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, was edited to remove references to Kaur. In his complaint Bajwa stated, Recently the FIR was registered against Bikram Singh Majithia by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, his wife Ganieve Kaur is Member of the legislative assembly, Punjab. In utter violation of law, the officials of the Punjab vigilance bureau entered her house and even went up to her bedroom. Such a conduct against a lady was uncalled for and also contrary to law. One June 25 I posted a video on my official X handle at 3.13 PM wherein I criticized the action of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau officials against lady MLA and also highlighted a similar misconduct by them against MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira. This video is of three minutes and 49 seconds, it added. However, Aam Aadmi Party-Punjab social media handle of (X and Facebook) edited my video and deleted the name of Ganieve Kaur and also her reference as a lady MLA. This doctored video was edited in such a manner to show as if I had rendered support to Bikram Singh Majithia. All the leaders of the Aam Aadmi party started posting these doctored videos on their official X handles and circulating the same on social media while trying to show that I had supported Bikram Singh Majithia who was an accused, he stated The complaint read, These videos were also played by Harpal Singh Cheema on his social media facebook account and Aman Arora on the AAP Punjab social media page of facebook. This video after being edited was intentionally circulated so as to harm by poltical image and also that of Congress party through me. I was defamed, maligned, accused of supporting persons facing prosecution, supporting violators of law whereas the actual issue raised by me pertaining to the manner of arrest and conduct of Punjab vigilance bureau officials was concealed and edited. In this complaint, he attached a pen drive containing both the original and allegedly edited videos.
Twist in Abohar encounter: Fresh police FIR claims accomplice firing killed suspects
Expansion of Mohali MC limits sparks infighting, credit war in Congress buffs
Punjab DCs told to ask travel agents to declare theyve nothing to do with jobs abroad
Punjab junior engineer amassed Rs 3cr wealth in just 6 years, now gets 3 years in jail
Mohali, its towns in troubled waters again
PU to draft rollout plan for entrepreneurship curriculum across 200+ Punjab colleges
