After MP deaths, Haryana orders warning label on cough syrups
Observe martyrdom day of guru as Human Rights Day: Mann
Sangrur aims for ODF+ status by Dec 31
Madhya Pradesh gives clean chit to Baddi units cough syrup, but production remains suspended
Rights panel seeks report on nurse performing fatal delivery at Abohar hospital
Twice submerged, Punjab charts Satlujs floodplain for future defence
Facing opposition fire, AAP trains guns on Congress over Calcuttas murder
Minor gets to 20 years in jail for raping, marrying 14-year-old girl
Bro kills elder sister with stick over attire
With 43mm rain, Hisar breaks 9-year Oct record
HP chief secretary reviews road restoration, winter preparedness measures
Rao Narender assumes charge as Haryana Congress president
Low yields, higher losses: In Haryana, farmers distressed over delay in paddy procurement
Punjab govt prepares for 350th Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day
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2 grenades seized in Amritsar, 1 arrested
Punjab govt approves deployment of 200 security guards at district hosps
Beard ban in US military sparks outrage among Sikh community
CHANDIGARH: The Pentagons latest directive rolling back the move that allowed beards for soldiers in the US military has drawn flak from Sikh groups and political parties in Punjab. In his speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had said, If you want a beard, join special forces. If not, shave. We dont have a military full of Nordic pagans. He added that the era of rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles through waivers for medical or religious reasons is over. Hours after the address, the Pentagon issued a memo titled Grooming Standards for Facial Hair Implementation, directing all branches to revert to pre-2010 standards, stating that facial hair waivers are generally not authorized. It mandates compliance plans within 60 days and full execution within 90 days, with limited exceptions for special operations forces during validated mission-essential requirements though even they must be clean-shaven before deployment. Punjab assembly speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said the US government's decision to ban beards in the army is highly condemnable and unfortunate, adding that the move is an insult to the Sikh soldiers who fought in the World War. He highlighted that maintaining unshorn hair is an integral part of Sikh religious identity. He said the central government should immediately raise this issue with the US government so that the decision can be reversed. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take up the issue with the US government to ensure Sikhs can practise their faith without any discrimination. In a letter to Jaishankar, Badal said Sikhs all over the world were deeply anguished and concerned over US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseths statement effectively banning beards for Sikhs serving in the US defence forces. He urged the minister to take up the issue at an appropriate level to ensure this discriminatory decision was not implemented and Sikhs continued to be allowed to practise their faith as before. He said the decision ran against the principle of freedom to practise ones religion, a cornerstone of US democracy. He said the US government had categorically acknowledged the right of Sikh members of the US armed forces to preserve their external symbols of religious identity including turban and beard, allowing a plea in 2010 by two Sikh officers, Capt. Simran Preet Singh Lamba and Dr. Maj. Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) general secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal said it was deeply concerning news for the Sikh community. This is highly unfortunate, and we categorically consider it to be unjust. In a democracy like the US, it is the government's duty to respect and uphold the religious freedoms of all persons, especially those belonging to minority communities, he said. Stating that the SGPC is taking serious note of this development, he said they will first reach out to Sikh organisations in the US to gather complete and detailed information about the policy, adding that they will coordinate closely with them to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has expressed concern and opposition to this move. NAPA executive director Satnam Singh Chahal said, The new rules state that facial hair waivers are generally not authorised. It would create serious implications for Sikhs, orthodox Jews, Muslims and other religious minorities whose faith requires them to maintain beards and other articles of faith. Chahal said this move represents a betrayal of trust for those who have fought for years to gain religious accommodation in the armed forces. This decision is not about discipline or lethality, it is about stripping away the dignity and religious identity of devout soldiers who serve this country with loyalty and honour, he said. NAPA has called on the Donald Trump administration, members of Congress, and civil rights organisations to immediately intervene and halt the implementation of the Pentagons directive. It pledged to pursue all available advocacy through diplomatic channels to reverse what it described as a regressive and discriminatory policy. The Sikh Coalition, a leading advocacy group for Sikhs in the US military, said it was angered and deeply concerned by this recent move. At this time, we are on high alert, the coalition stated, warning that the policy could force devout service members, hundreds of whom rely on waivers to wear beards, turbans, or other visible signs of faith, to choose between their beliefs and their careers. Community voices echoed the alarm, with one Sikh soldier tweeting, My kesh is my identity. This feels like a betrayal after years of fighting for inclusion. Criticism has also emerged from other religious communities such as orthodox Jews, with payot and beards, and Muslims. In 2010, the US Army granted its first formal religious accommodations in over two decades to two Sikh officers, Capt. Simran Preet Singh Lamba and Dr. Maj. Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi. These case-by-case waivers allowed them to wear turbans, maintain beards, and keep uncut hair, setting a precedent under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993. Then in January 2017, the Army formalized these relaxations through Directive 2017-03, updating regulations to create a strong presumption in favor of approving requests for turbans, beards, and other religious items. This policy shift ensured that Sikh soldiers could serve without needing to change their appearance. Sikhs have served in the US military since World War I, with Bhagat Singh Thind becoming the first known Sikh to enlist in the US Army in 1917 and being granted permission to wear a turban while on active duty. This was an individual exception rather than a formal policy.
Chandigarh MP Tewari demands MRTS for the city, point of call status for the airport
CHANDIGARH: Congress Member of Parliament from Chandigarh and former Union Minister Manish Tewari said that an integrated Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) connecting Chandigarh with its adjoining cities of Mohali, Panchkula, and New Chandigarh must be established. He also reiterated the need to grant Point of Call status to the Chandigarh International Airport to enable more international flights from the region. Addressing an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) today, he recalled that during his tenure as the Member of Parliament from Anandpur Sahib, he had written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in November 2019, urging for the establishment of the MRTS Chandigarh linking it with Ambala, Panchkula, Mohali, New Chandigarh and Kurali. Tewari stressed that this proposed transport system would link Chandigarh with neighbouring areas of Punjab and Haryana, making not only intra-city transportation easier but also enhancing regional business connectivity as it would unleash the creative, innovative and economic potential of the region. However, he lamented that the Central Government has not been paying due attention to the issue, while the Punjab and Haryana governments and the Chandigarh administration currently lack the capacity to undertake such a major project independently. He also reiterated the need to approve the Chandigarh International Airport as a Point of Call to facilitate more international flights. Tewari explained that many domestic airlines operating from Chandigarh also fly to international destinations, and there is no restriction on them to increase their international operations; however, granting a Point of Call status would open up many more global routes from the airport as foreign Airlines would be able to operate to and fro from the Mohali-based Chandigarh International Airport. He noted that he has repeatedly raised this demand with the Central Government since 2019 onwards, but due to pressure from mega airport operators, this is being subverted as they do not want regional aviation hubs to develop. Tewari said that several administrative reforms are required in Chandigarh and that he has been consistently voicing these demands both inside and outside Parliament. He emphasised the urgent need for major fundamental structural changes in the city to make business activities more efficient and profitable. The current Governance Model of Chandigarh is unviable, ossified, redundant and unsustainable to meet the aspirations of the people of Chandigarh. There should be a properly empowered Mayor in Council directly elected by all the electors of Chandigarh for a term of a five-year term. The Mayor in Council must have control over all subjects except land, public order and police, which can best in the Chief Secretary or Administrator till the Political Questionof Chandigarh is finally settled. He said the Centre must take the initiative as a 100% Centrally funded and financed project, as this has become a pressing need of the hour. Tewari further underlined the need for policy reforms and infrastructure improvements to make industrial operations smoother and more business-friendly in the region. He assured the gathering that he would continue to strongly advocate for the concerns of the industrial, commerce and business sectors of the region.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha demands compensation for flood-hit farmers, holds protest
CHANDIGARH, Oct 6: Farmers body Kisan Mazdoor Morcha on Monday held protests at many places in Punjab to demand immediate compensation for flood-hit farmers. They also lashed out at the state government for taking action against farmers for stubble burning, and burnt effigies of the union government and the Punjab government as part of their protest. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers are demanding compensation for extensive losses suffered during the recent floods in the state. [] The post Kisan Mazdoor Morcha demands compensation for flood-hit farmers, holds protest appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MiG-21 was one of the safest fighter jets, says former IAF pilots
CHANDIGARH: On 26 September this year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) formally decommissioned its last MiG-21 squadron, Panthers, drawing the curtains on a fighter jet that served as the backbone of Indias air defence for over six decades. With a total service flying time of approximately 15.85 lakh flying hours, the MiG-21 was unfairly labelled as a flying coffin and widow-maker, say several retired IAF fighter pilots who flew the aircraft extensively. Contrary to public perception, they insist the MiG-21 was among the safest fighter jets to fly . Over 90 per cent of IAF fighter pilots were trained on this supersonic jet. Of the 468 total recorded accidents involving the MiG-21, 371 were Category-I (fatal crashes), while 97 were Category-II and III (aircraft recovered and returned to flying status). Speaking to The New Indian Express , former Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa (Retd) addressed the safety concerns and the derogatory nicknames often associated with the aircraft. This flying coffin business began when the F-101 Voodoo was nicknamed so due to its accident rate in the West German Air Force. It was later withdrawn from service. But the MiG-21 is a completely different case. It entered IAF service in 1963 and was retired only now after 62 years, during which several variants were operated. MiG-21 roars in Indian skies for one last time, leaving behind countless stories in its illustrious trail He emphasised that when the MiG-21s flying hours and accident rate are compared with other aircraft of its generation, it actually had one of the lower accident rates. The accident rate is calculated per one lakh flying hours. The Gnat had a rate of 6.88 (92 crashes), the Hunter 4.26 (86), MiG-27 stood at 3.04 (64), while both MiG-21 and MiG-23BN recorded a rate of 2.95 (486 and 69 crashes, respectively). The MiG-21s rate was far lower than those of aircraft it replaced, like the Gnat and Hunter, he explained. You cant compare the MiG-21 with Tejas or Rafale as they are from a different technological generation, Dhanoa said. The US phased out its F-104 Starfighter over safety issues, but the MiG-21 is being retired due to the end of its technical life, not safety concerns. He further pointed out that the average sortie duration for a MiG-21 was only 40 minutes. When calculated per one lakh sorties, the accident rate drops to 1.94, significantly better than many contemporaries of its time. This whole perception of the MiG-21 having a high accident rate is not backed by data. It was one of the safest aircraft of its generation in the IAF, Dhanoa asserted. 'My greatest teacher': IAF veterans filled with nostalgia as they bid farewell to MiG-21 He also highlighted the MiG-21s critical role in pilot training. Nearly every fighter pilot in the IAF trained on the MiG-21. If you could master this aircraft, you could master any. Thats why more than 90 per cent of IAF fighter pilots flew it. Air Commodore (Retd) Randhir Partap called the MiG-21 a beautiful machine, likening it to driving a sports car. His sentiment was echoed by veteran pilot Ashok Dhar. Wing Commander (Retd) U.K. Chaudhary, who worked on all MiG-21 variants during his career, said he felt emotional about its retirement. Its a wonderful machine. The media gave it a negative image, but in my experience, it was a very disciplined aircraft. Retired officers also noted that, besides the MiG-21, only the B-2 bombers and a few reconnaissance aircraft in the United States have had comparable or longer service records. Although Phantoms may still be flying in some countries, they were inducted after the MiG-21. As India bids farewell to a true workhorse of its air power legacy, the pilots who flew the MiG-21 remember it not for its labels, but for its reliability, agility, and unmatched service.
Kullu panchayat protests against hydropower project, warns govt of moving HC
Errant employees have right to quick penal proceedings: HC
Father-son duo Birender and Brijendra Singh hit the road to reclaim lost ground in Haryana
Stray cattle catchers run into VIP hurdle, MC on horns of a dilemma
Harjit or Sarabjit? Punjabs grandma, deported from US, clears the mist
Sainis Japan visit to strengthen economic & industrial ties begins today
Punjabi University develops new way to grow mustard safely in contaminated soil
Pb going digital: Treasury launches SNA-SPARSH, pensioner portal, and audit mgmt reforms
Police arrest man for disrobing woman patient in Nawanshahr hospital
Teachers urged to preserve Punjab heritage and shape future generations
Himachal halts supply of med syrups to MP as precaution
Parked in parks: Vehicles overrun Chds green spaces
Heavy rain likely to delay paddy lifting
On foot pilgrimage to Salasar, 3 from Hisar killed in Churu accident
Womens earrings snatched during Shobha Yatra
Three booked for submitting forged bail surety documents in court
Chd officers discuss withdrawal of financial powers with MHA
Haryana CM visiting Japan to strengthen economic and industrial collaboration
Multi-crore job, visa, and document scam busted in Jammu and Kashmir; shocking details emerge
Five FIRs registered against 16 accused, including Chandigarh-based company executives, government officials, and a lawyer; victims cheated of crores through fake job offers and visa fraud.
NIA chargehseets 4 in grenade attack on BJP leader Kalias house
SAD writes to EAM on US Army beard ban
No crop residue burning incident reported for 6th consecutive day
Milking competition to start from today: Minister
Political killing: Channi, Moose Walas dad join protests over ex-sarpanch's son
Hry told to explain age extension policy for employees with over 70% disabilities
Himachal Pradesh sees fresh snowfall and thunderstorms
CHANDIGARH: The high-altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh, including Rohtang Pass and the Dhauladhar ranges, received fresh snowfall on Sunday morning, bringing down the minimum temperature. The Kullu district administration has suspended vehicular traffic to Rohtang Pass and urged commuters to avoid using the highway. A fresh spell of mild snowfall over the Dhauladhar ranges, along with overnight rainfall in parts of Kangra and Chamba districts, has led to a drop in temperatures across several hill towns, ushering in early winter-like conditions. Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Kangra, Palampur, Dalhousie, Chamba, and Bharmour experienced a sudden change in weather, with a sharp chill replacing the warm sunshine of the past few days. Intermittent showers continued through the morning in many parts of the region, causing thick fog to cover the higher mountain areas. Strong winds swept the higher and mid hills of the state, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and intermittent rain. Several reports also came in of trees being uprooted due to the storm and heavy rainfall across the state. According to the Meteorological Department, Dharamshala and its twin town McLeodganj recorded 25.5 mm of rainfall during the night, while Palampur received 10.2 mm, Kangra 18.4 mm and Chamba 4 mm, Brahmani 26.4, Nangal Dam 23 mm, Malraon 22, Bilaspur 20.4 mm and Nainadevi 18.1 mm. Thunderstorm was witnessed in Kufri, Jot, Murari devi, Sundernagar, Bhunter, Kangra and Shimla while gusty winds with velocity of 30 to 61 kmph lashed Reckongpeo, Tabo, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sundernagar and Kukumseri. Minimum temperatures fell by one to three degrees across the state. Tabo was the coldest at 3.1 degrees Celsius, followed by Keylong at 3.6 degrees Celsius. Kalpa and Kukumseri recorded 6.2 degrees Celsius each, while Kufri and Narkanda saw 10 degrees Celsius. The weather office has issued an orange alert for October 6, warning of hail, heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph in isolated areas across six districts: Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Lahaul and Spiti. Tourist inflow has increased following the withdrawal of the monsoon, which had caused havoc in the state, resulting in losses of over Rs 4,800 crore. Shimla saw a rise in visitors, with a large number of foreign tourists spotted in the city.
2 held, cross-border smuggling module busted
Himachal Pradesh to procure naturally grown barley from Pangi at Rs 60 per kilogram
CHANDIGARH: To promote natural farming, the Himachal Pradesh government will, for the first time, begin procuring naturally grown barley from the remote Pangi region in Chamba district from October 8, at a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 60 per kilogram. An official said the Agriculture Department has completed all preparations for the procurement. Five centres have been set up across Pangi Valley at Hudan, Sechu, Sural, Killar, and Sach, and 80 farmers from the region have registered to benefit from the initiative. Promoting natural farming remains a key priority for the state government, which has already completed the procurement of naturally grown wheat from across Himachal Pradesh. Through 22 centres, a total of 2,123.587 quintals of wheat has been purchased from 838 farmers. The procured wheat is being processed into flour and porridge and will be marketed under the Him-Bhog brand. Farmers have received Rs 1.27 crore for their produce, along with an additional Rs 4.15 lakh as a transport subsidy. It is learnt that the government is committed to promoting naturally grown produce by offering MSPs for various crops: Rs 60 per kg for wheat, Rs 40 for maize, Rs 90 for raw turmeric, and Rs 60 for barley. This initiative not only provides chemical-free food products for consumers but also ensures better prices for farmers practising natural cultivation. State Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the present State government is dedicated to strengthening the rural economy and putting money directly into the hands of villagers. To achieve this, the government has launched two new initiatives, the Milk Incentive Scheme and the Transport Subsidy Scheme, starting in the Arki Assembly constituency of Solan district. Under the Milk Incentive Scheme, farmers associated with a registered milk cooperative society will receive an incentive of Rs 3 per litre, while under the Transport Subsidy Scheme, private milk societies will also receive Rs 3 per litre as financial assistance for milk collection and transportation. Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country where the state government is purchasing cow milk at the rate of Rs 51 per litre and buffalo milk for Rs 61 per litre through the Himachal Pradesh Milk Federation. Sukhu made these claims while launching the Doodh Protsahan Yojana and a freight subsidy scheme at Darlaghat in the Arki assembly segment of Solan district on Saturday.
Chandigarh-Based Firms Owner Among 16 Booked For Frauds In Jammu
Jammu, Oct 5: The Jammu and Kashmir Police Crime Branch has registered five cases against 16 people for their alleged involvement in multi-crore job, visa, and document frauds and siphoning off large amounts of government funds, an officer said on Sunday. The accused include top executives of a Chandigarh-based company, some officials of the J-K government, and a lawyer, who swindled more than 50 people, the officer said. The FIRs were filed at the Crime Branch (Economic Offences Wing) Police [] The post Chandigarh-Based Firms Owner Among 16 Booked For Frauds In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal residents threaten court action over damaging Kullu Hydro Project
Kullu's Mashna panchayat residents oppose a hydro project. They served a legal notice to the Centre and state government. Landslides in August and September damaged homes, roads, and agricultural land. Villagers blame project operations for the destruction. They demand compensation and project suspension. The company attributes the damage to a cloudburst. A committee found the company responsible.
Adarsh school teachers continue their protest on the school roof in Bathinda. They demand reinstatement for two teachers and service linkage for seventy others. A teacher fainted during the ongoing protest. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema assured action, but local administration awaits a committee report. Teachers vow to continue their demonstration until demands are met.
J&K: 16 Accused Booked in Multi-Crore Scams; 5 FIRs Registered
Jammu, Oct 5: The Crime Branch Jammu has registered five separate FIRs and booked 16 alleged accused, including top executives of a Chandigarh-based company, government officials of JPDCL, and an advocate, in connection with multi-crore job scams, visa frauds, document forgery, and illegal withdrawal of government funds. In one case, Choudhary Mushtaq of Morian, Manjakote, [] The post J&K: 16 Accused Booked in Multi-Crore Scams; 5 FIRs Registered appeared first on Northlines .
AAP fields industrialist Rajinder Gupta for RS bypoll from Punjab
Chandigarh: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday announced industrialist Rajinder Gupta as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha bypoll in Punjab, scheduled to be held on October 24. The decision was taken by the AAPs political affairs committee. The political affairs committee announces to nominate Rajinder Gupta as a candidate for election to the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
NIA Chargesheets 4, Including Khalistani Operatives, For Attack On Ex-Punjab Ministers House
NEW DELHI, Oct 5: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted four people, including Khalistani operatives, for their alleged involvement in carrying out a grenade attack at former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalias house in Jalandhar, officials said on Sunday. The chargesheet filed in a Chandigarh court on Saturday named two arrested accused Saidul Ameen of Amroha in Uttar Pradesh and Abhijot Jangra of Kurukshetra in Haryana and two absconders identified as Kulbir Singh Sidhu of Yamunanagar and Manish [] The post NIA Chargesheets 4, Including Khalistani Operatives, For Attack On Ex-Punjab Ministers House appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Congress names agriculturist, realty bizman Karanbir Burj for Tarn Taran bypoll
11-year-old dies, teen critical as potash explodes while making gunpowder
BJP in Punjab demands constitutional review of minority status for Muslims
No stubble burning cases reported for fifth consecutive day
CM Saini directs officials to review projects every 15 days
In Lehra, Mann accuses opposition of blocking development; says bringing their sins to light
Paddy arrivals pick up in Punjab
Indl Area causeway set for Rs 40L revamp after monsoon damage
Haryana rights panel seeks report on 2 jailbreaks from Ambala prison
Cant sleep over their rights: HC nixes 19-year-late plea for retirement extension
Except for smoking-linked cases, cancer in soldiers attributable to military service: HC
Class IX student dies by suicide
Bridge the gap: Indl Area causeway needs urgent upgrade
Burail jail inmate injured after attack by three prisoners
H Rajesh Prasad new chief secy of Chd
Oppn councillors resign from housing plan panel
Veterans attend seminar on cyber safety and online fraud awareness
New SAD faction announces working committee, new faces get space
Slogan-shouting row drags on, police to check CCTV footage
ITBP officer found dead in Patiala; suicide note alleges harassment of sister by Bihar cop
Punjab labour dept services fully digitised for transparent, hassle-free delivery: Sond
Punjab minister asks chief secy to stop assigning non-teaching duties to schoolteachers
Akal Takht jathedar urges Centre to release Rajoana, others
HP promotes investment opportunities in Hong Kong
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Punjab resident Abhijot Singh, a key accused in the Chandigarh Sector 10 grenade attack masterminded by foreign-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorists. The September 2024 attack targeted a retired Punjab Police officer and was planned by Pakistan-based Harwinder Singh Rinda and US-based gangster Happy Passia to spread terror in India.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Punjab resident Abhijot Singh, a key accused in the Chandigarh Sector 10 grenade attack masterminded by foreign-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorists. The September 2024 attack targeted a retired Punjab Police officer and was planned by Pakistan-based Harwinder Singh Rinda and US-based gangster Happy Passia to spread terror in India.
Teachers continue protest at Adarsh school, one faints
Congress has no future in Haryana: BJP state chief
ED searches in Ggn in Rs 340cr money laundering case
Forests in Punjab Haryana and Himachal show physical growth, economic value declines
Orange alert issued for heavy rainfall, snow in HP on Oct 6
