Haryana Government Approves State-of-the-Art Industrial Park in Ambala
Chandigarh, July 30: The Haryana government has approved a cutting-edge industrial park in IMT Ambala under the central governments flagship Bharat Industrial Development Scheme (BIDS). This decision aims to boost industrialization and attract new investments. The approval was granted during a state-level committee (SLC) meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, paving the way for ... Read more Haryana Government Approves State-of-the-Art Industrial Park in Ambala
Junior Mens National Hockey Championship: Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Shine
Coimbatore, July 30: The second day of the 16th Hockey India Junior Mens National Championship 2026 saw impressive victories from Hockey Rajasthan, Telangana Hockey, and Puducherry Hockey in Division C. In Division B, teams from Uttarakhand, Arunachal, and Chandigarh also claimed wins. The day kicked off at the Coimbatore Hockey Ground with Hockey Rajasthan dominating ... Read more Junior Mens National Hockey Championship: Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Shine
Panjab University suspends 2 officials, PhD scholar's family to get Rs 16 lakh aid, job
Two university officials were suspended following a PhD scholar's death by electrocution. Jyoti, a microbiology scholar, died Tuesday after allegedly contacting an electric current. Students protested the incident and demanded action and compensation for the family. The university announced financial aid and a job for the deceased scholar's brother. An FIR was registered, and further investigation into the matter is underway.
A young non-proft clun distributes chilled lassi to outdoor workers in Chandigarh
A Chandigarh non-profit organisation distributed one thousand lassi packets to daily wage labourers. This initiative, titled Leos Di Gedi, marked its third successful edition. Club members and volunteers travelled across the city to aid outdoor workers. This community welfare effort was widely appreciated for its meaningful support during summer.
A heavy police force was deployed at the Mohali-Chandigarh border to prevent Akali Dal Waris Punjab De workers from moving towards the Union Territory
Chandigarh University Researcher Gets Patent for Innovative 'Vehicle Security System' to Combat Rising Vehicle Theft Cases
From Urban Expansion to Regional Growth: The Next Chapter of India's Housing Story
Indias housing market is entering a more mature and geographically balanced phase, with growth being driven not just by the countrys largest metropolitan centres. While Delhi-NCR continues to dominate the luxury segment, the Tier-2 cities are emerging as the next growth frontier, aided by improving infrastructure, rising purchasing power and changing buyer expectations. From Urban Expansion to Regional Growth: The Next Chapter of India's Housing Story Homebuyers are more discerning, with lifestyle, planning and long-term value influencing an increasing number of purchasing decisions. In response to shifting demand, developers are increasing their supply of premium and luxury units. The transition is most visible in Delhi-NCR. According to Cushman & Wakefields Delhi-NCR Residential MarketBeat Q4 2025, the region recorded 14,248 new residential launches during the quarter, up 39% sequentially and nearly 2.5 times year-on-year. Gurugram alone accounted for almost half of these launches, reinforcing its position as the countrys leading luxury residential market. Reflecting this evolution, Kushagra Ansal, Director, Ansal Housing, says, Gurgaon has emerged as one of Indias clearest luxury housing benchmarks because buyer behaviour here has become more confident, more selective and far more long-term in outlook. Todays homebuyer is not just looking at ownership as a transaction, but as a decision tied to lifestyle, capital preservation and future relevance. That shift has strengthened interest from HNIs and other affluent buyers, who now view Gurgaon as a market where convenience, quality of life and strong infrastructure come together in a way few other places can match. What makes the city especially significant is that it is setting a template for premium housing across the country, showing how mature demand, market depth and connectivity can create lasting residential value . The momentum in Gurugram reflects a broader national trend. CBREs India Market Monitor Q4 2025 Residential noted that residential sales and launches both crossed 270,000 units in 2025, while high-end housing overtook the mid-end segment to account for the largest share of residential sales. The sustained demand for premium homes signals that buyers are increasingly prioritising quality and long-term value. The momentum is no longer confined to metropolitan markets. Cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, Dehradun, Chandigarh and Rishikesh are emerging as the next growth engine for India's housing market, aided by improving infrastructure and rising buyer confidence. Better infrastructure, expanding employment hubs and improved connectivity are accelerating demand across Tier-2 cities, where luxury housing is steadily gaining ground. Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group , says, The luxury housing story in Tier-2 cities is being driven by a fundamental shift in buyer aspirations. Todays buyers are not simply looking for larger homes; they want thoughtfully designed residences that deliver privacy, wellness, convenience and a superior living experience. We are also seeing demand become increasingly end-user led, with entrepreneurs, professionals and business families investing in homes that reflect their lifestyle rather than purely investment considerations. As infrastructure and urban ecosystems continue to improve, buyers are becoming more confident about choosing premium developments outside traditional metropolitan markets. Luxury is no longer defined by location aloneit is defined by the quality of the product, the strength of the community and the long-term value that a well-planned development can offer . Tejpreet Singh Gill, MD, GILLCO Group, says, " One of the most significant shifts we're witnessing today is the growing confidence that homebuyers and investors are placing in India's Tier-2 cities. Improved infrastructure, better connectivity and expanding economic opportunities are enabling these markets to build their own momentum while complementing established centres like Delhi-NCR. What stands out even more is the growing sophistication of homebuyers, who are making more considered choices and placing equal importance on quality, connectivity and long-term value, regardless of where they buy. This evolution is creating a more balanced housing landscape, where cities that combine economic opportunity with a high quality of life are emerging as enduring centres of residential growth ." The numbers reinforce this shift. According to PropEquitys Tier II Cities: Residential Overview, housing sales across the top 15 Tier-2 cities reached INR 40,443 crore in Q1 2025, up 6% year-on-year, while developers launched nearly 2.43 lakh residential plots between 2022 and May 2025. Higher-ticket homes priced above INR 1 crore also continued to gain traction, reflecting rising buyer confidence. As expectations evolve, developers are adapting their projects to match changing preferences, placing greater emphasis on planning, amenities and integrated communities. Reflecting this trend, Harvinder Singh Sikka, Chairman, Sikka Group , says, The biggest shift we are witnessing is in what homebuyers expect from residential developments. Buyers today are looking beyond square footage and pricing to evaluate design, amenities, community living and long-term value. This evolution is encouraging developers to create projects that offer better planning, integrated lifestyles and higher-quality infrastructure. Whether in metropolitan markets or emerging cities, the focus has clearly moved towards homes that enhance everyday living while retaining strong investment potential. As aspirations continue to rise, premium features that were once limited to luxury developments are becoming increasingly important across a wider range of housing segments. This marks a fundamental shift in how residential projects are being planned and delivered . The result is a broader premium housing market, where luxury is steadily expanding beyond Indias largest cities as incomes rise and urban ecosystems mature. Commenting on this trend, Sanchit Jain, Director, Sarvottam India, says, Tier-2 cities are becoming far more relevant in the luxury housing conversation because the buyer profile itself is changing. We are seeing a clear rise in purchasing power, stronger interest from end-users and investors, and a greater willingness to invest in homes that deliver long-term value. Luxury demand is no longer confined to the metros; it is steadily spreading into markets where planning, livability and future appreciation align with buyer aspirations. This reflects a more mature mindset, where people are not simply buying a house, but choosing a location and product that can hold value over time. For developers, that makes the market more compelling because it rewards quality, thoughtful design and a sharper understanding of what todays buyers want . Indias housing market is no longer defined by a single growth centre. As premium demand spreads beyond Delhi-NCR and Tier-2 cities continue to mature, the next phase of residential growth will be driven by stronger fundamentals, evolving aspirations and higher-quality development.
Who Is Saransh Jain? The 33-Year-Old Spinner Who Earned India Test Call-Up
Saransh Jain' s maiden Test call-up for India's upcoming two-match series in Sri Lanka may have surprised many, but not those who have closely followed the 33-year-old off-spinner's journey from Indore. For coaches, teammates and domestic cricket observers, his selection is the culmination of years of perseverance, consistent performances and a relentless commitment to perfecting his craft in red-ball cricket. Jain, who bats left-handed and has been a regular in India A team, has made 2223 runs and picked 188 wickets in 54 first-class outings. Having debuted in the Ranji Trophy back in 2014, he spent years on the periphery before having a breakthrough time in 2022, bagging 13 wickets and hitting a crucial knockout fifty to drive Madhya Pradesh to a historic maiden title. But it was the 2025/26 season that truly kicked the door down: 518 runs at 57.55 alongside 30 wickets at 20.43, hot on the heels of a Player-of-the-Series run for Central Zone (16 wickets and two fifties in just two Duleep Trophy matches). He was a net bowler when India faced Afghanistan in New Chandigarh; now, he got his way into the Indian Test squad. For former BCCI secretary and national selector Sanjay Jagdale, the news brought unreserved delight for a player he calls a very low-profile and very hard-working boy. He has been a very consistent performer for MP - constantly improving, working very hard on his fitness and other things also. He literally forced his entry into the Indian team, although it is a bit late. But even then, he has been very consistent. It is not one or two seasons - if you look back, every year after year, he has been very consistent with both bat and ball, he told IANS. Jagdale recalled even at the junior level, Jains heart was in excelling in the longer format. As I said earlier, he kept on improving. The best thing is, he was not targeting white-ball only, although he is good at both things. But he is a very good red-ball player and there is no doubt about it - both with ball and bat. Jagdale added Jain can bowl on any type of wicket and expects him to settle down quickly in the Test team. Very accurate, very terrific self-belief and he has a lot of variations. He has constantly improved a lot as a bowler. He reads the situation very well and adapts according to it quickly, and that is his strength. Sunil Dholpure, MP men's Under-19 head coach, grew up with Jain at Vijay Club in Indore, where his father, Subodh Jain, who himself played for Madhya Pradesh as an off-spinner, coached them. The club is on the verge of having its second player to play Tests for India after Rajat Patidar featured in the home series against England in 2024. Apart from Subodh, coaches Sunil Dholpure and Amal Kokje, who played for India U17 and U19 teams, gave all trainees guidelines to succeed in the game. His father gets more credit for what he has done for Saransh. He didn't pay much attention to Saransh because his focus was on his elder brother, Sunny, who later left the sport for studies. Saransh was chulbula (cheerful) and thoda masti (a bit of fun) type. He didn't pay much attention and wasn't sincere initially. But there was a different thing about him - as he grew up, he became sincere. He started paying attention to cricket and became a good all-rounder, he said to IANS. Subodhs sacrifices behind that transformation were significant too. When his father started coaching, the club rose to be at the top of the Indore division. We worked so hard to get there. His father had a car and he would drive both boys to the club. He received a lot of notices from the job he had in the bank, but he was so interested in cricket that he used to coach us instead of going to work. When space at the ground wasn't enough, Subodh converted their rooftop at home into a mini ground. To give Saransh more practice time, he constructed a pitch on his rooftop at home. He had a jaali covering the roof and Saransh used to practice on it. As a young boy, he was very fond of cricket. So his father used to cover the roof with a net and Saransh used to do a lot of batting and bowling there. He used to do a lot of individual work. He used to come to the ground less, but would do regular practice at the rooftop nets. Dholpure also singled out current MP head coach Chandrakant Pandit's role in Jain's rise from 2022. Since the time he has come here, hes been honest, exhibited a long-term vision and very transparent in knowing that this player can do well. I feel Saransh didn't get so many chances that he has got now and under Chandrakant Pandit sir, he played so many games that I feel he also deserves some credit in getting him into the Test team. Given Sri Lanka's left-handed heavy batting order, Dholpure, who made Jain the captain of Jabalpur Lions franchise when they won the MPL T20 league for the first time, backed him to make an immediate impact if picked for the first Test starting on August 15. I feel that 99 percent Saransh will play well on his debut. There is no off-break bowler who can bowl like him right now in red-ball cricket. There isn't any step in cricket where Saransh hasn't come on top of it or struggled to get out of it. Whether it is local cricket, division cricket, district cricket, U19, U23, India A and Ranji Trophy, Saransh has gone through all of it. Hes down to earth and has worked hard from the bottom to rise to the top of the table. When Pandit, the former India wicketkeeper-batter, joined the MP set-up in 2020, he found Jain in and out of the playing eleven. Its evident from him playing only eight Ranji Trophy games from 2014 to 2019, with fellow off-spin bowling all-rounder Jalaj Saxena being the lead spinner. I thought that he's got some different ability as a genuine off-spinner who can bat, Pandit said to IANS, adding that backing that judgment meant dropping a more experienced bowler a little harsh call - to make room for him. What impressed Pandit was not just skill, but curiosity. He's a very good student of the game and the reason behind it is I have always seen him during the games, he wants to know why this field setting has been done. He will try and find out from me. Early on, Jain confided in Pandit about his own anxieties on his place in the side. He obviously said to me, 'Sir, I've not been getting enough opportunities and I'm not so confident because I don't know what next game I'm going to play or not.' So, obviously that security, I had to give him. That security led to one of Jain's more unusual trademarks - bowling round the wicket from his very first ball, something Pandit suggested and he initially resisted. With the high-arm action, he has a very good rotation on the ball. So, with that rotation, the ball gets drifted away from the batters. Also, it dips down in front of the batters and I remember after seeing this kind of his skill, I suggested that he bowl from round the wicket. He said, 'If I bowl from round the wicket, I will not get lbw.' I reply, 'That is not the only way for getting a wicket. You can get the batsman out via caught behind, bowled, lbw, or caught at short leg, silly point and slip. Now, today, if you see, most of the off-spinners try to imitate him in coming round the wicket. The drift he gets is because he's got a good rotation on the ball and is not a flat trajectory bowler - he likes to give air to the ball. Pandit was also unwilling to box Jain in as a bowler who can only be good in dismissing left-handed batters. I'm sure that not only left-hander, but he can bowl well against right-handers as well. He's got a good outgoing ball as well and that helps in getting the best out of him. He told me two years back that, I would not like to be a net bowler for anyone in the IPL. He added that I want to be a part of the Indian Test team. So, that made me very happy when that day he told me this. To play in a red-ball game, it's entirely a different kind of satisfaction because that is why you find players who have hardly played 100 Test matches. Pandit also revealed Jain called him around 10 or 10:30 am, after he was named in the Test squad. I don't want to take credit away from him. It is our duty as a coach to guide him. To get that acceptance level for what he has, is the best part for me. He always communicates with me, whether it is off-season, domestic season going on or even when hes at the CoE. His relation with me is more than a player-coach relationship - it's something else and that maybe is probably due to the kind of confidence and security he got from me. I gave a simple suggestion to him - to carry on what hes been doing in domestic cricket. Like, The way you've been bowling, rather than thinking that you're representing India and probably playing against any other country, focus on your own skills that you have developed. Jain's selection is also down to circumstances too - Washington Sundar's hamstring injury ruled him out of the first Test, and Sri Lanka's left-hand-heavy top order made a specialist offspinner an attractive option. Jain had shown glimpses of what he can do earlier this month when he hit an unbeaten 70 and took six wickets in the second four-day game against Sri Lanka A in Galle, the venue for the opening Test. India are expected to field three spinners on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches, with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav all but certain to start, leaving Jain to compete with Manav Suthar, who was impressive on his debut against Afghanistan, for the final spot. Should he take the field in Galle, Jain, who doesnt have an IPL contract, will become the first Indian to debut in Tests past the age of 33 since Robin Singh in 1998. He also attended a five-day camp conducted by former India offspinner Harbhajan Singh at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru earlier this year, which also sharpened his red-ball skillsets. India are expected to field three spinners on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches, with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav all but certain to start, leaving Jain to compete with Manav Suthar, who was impressive on his debut against Afghanistan, for the final spot. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For everyone who watched Jain go through the grind of playing division games, bowling relentlessly on the roof-top, being in a dressing room where he once wasn't sure of his place, and showing up when it mattered the most - it is a line that could just as easily have come from the man himself. Article Source: IANS
Outrage at Punjab University Following PhD Scholars Electrocution Death
Chandigarh, July 29: Protests have erupted at Punjab University following the tragic death of 28-year-old PhD scholar Jyoti due to electrocution. Various student organizations, including the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), have accused the university administration of serious negligence. They are demanding a thorough investigation, strict action against those responsible, and compensation of one crore ... Read more Outrage at Punjab University Following PhD Scholars Electrocution Death
Prof Vigs tenure ends, Dr Goyal named acting V-C
Chaos unleashed as commuters struggle on waterlogged roads
Projects delayed as infra buckles before monsoon rain
Scholars family demands answers, protesters storm VC office
45.6mm rain cools Tricity, more showers ahead
PU Scholar Electrocuted On Campus
Was Engaged To Marry; Kin Seek Answers
Gmada EO office assets attached over non-compliance with Lok Adalat award
Illegal mining crackdown unearths 12.79 lakh cu ft excavation in Mohali
Revenue Demarcation Under Way To Identify Landowners; Multiple FIRs Filed As District Steps Up Action Against Illegal Mining
Mining SDO held for taking Rs 8L bribe in Mohali
Chandigarh reviews online tenancy portal ahead of launch
Platform to enable registration of tenancy agreements, rent revision and grievance redressal; rules open for public feedback
Teen jumps from bldg after argument with mom
Elderly man robbed of Rs 2,000 while buying vegetables
Petty dispute at fuel station escalates into assault, knife attack
Monsoon mining ban in Panchkula till Sept 15; DC orders strict vigil
2 private buses impounded, fined Rs 43,000 in Barwala drive
Pkl police put in place diversions, security blanket ahead of CM visit
Surviving brother inherits property in polyandrous marriages: Himachal HC
Uncle held for beating teen niece to death over stolen jewellery
J&K gets Rs 154.57 cr fisheries projects under PMMSY
Srinagar, July 28: Jammu and Kashmir has received approval for fisheries and aquaculture projects worth Rs 154.57 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with a central share of Rs 81.43 crore, according to government data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh. The figures were placed in reply to an unstarred question by Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed, Congress MP from Lakshadweep, who had sought Union Territory-wise details of projects sanctioned, funds allocated and utilised under the scheme over the last five years. The Minister said PMMSY, in effect since 2020-21, has approved projects worth Rs 1,032.66 crore across seven Union Territories, with a combined central share of Rs 844.37 crore, of which Rs 246.55 crore has been released and Rs 201.57 crore utilised so far. Jammu and Kashmir's Rs 154.57 crore project cost is about 15 percent of the national total, the third highest among the seven Union Territories after Puducherry's Rs 357.19 crore and Andaman and Nicobar Islands' Rs 280.67 crore. Of the Rs 81.43 crore central share approved for Jammu and Kashmir, Rs 79.61 crore has already been released, a release rate of nearly 98 percent, far higher than any other Union Territory. Of the funds released, Rs 63.44 crore has been utilised so far, a utilisation rate of about 80 percent. The pace of fund release to Jammu and Kashmir stands in sharp contrast to the rest of the country. Nationally, only about 29 percent of the total central share approved has been released so far, while Jammu and Kashmir alone accounts for nearly a third of all funds released to Union Territories under the scheme. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, by comparison, had received only Rs 20 crore of its Rs 257.16 crore central share, a release rate of under 8 percent. According to the details of key projects, Jammu and Kashmir's approved projects include 751 trout raceways, five trout hatcheries, five fish feed mills, 70 fish kiosks, 66 live fish vending centres, 211 three-wheelers with ice boxes, 21 refrigerated vehicles, 64 biofloc units, eight Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) units and 18 value-added enterprises. The reply said 88,225 fishers in Jammu and Kashmir have been covered under livelihood and nutritional support components of the scheme. The reply also said a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster has been notified in Anantnag district under the scheme, aimed at strengthening trout and cold-water fish production infrastructure in the district. Ladakh, the other Union Territory with a cold-water fisheries focus, has similarly seen a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster notified in Kargil district. Responding to the part of the question on island Union Territories, the Minister said projects approved for Lakshadweep, worth Rs 71.51 crore, include seaweed culture units, deep sea fishing vessels, ornamental fish units and the development of integrated coastal villages, along with the notification of a Seaweed Cluster. Andaman and Nicobar Islands' approved projects include fish hatcheries, deep sea fishing vessels and the development of a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Mayabandar, besides the notification of a Tuna Cluster. The Minister said Chandigarh has not taken up any project under PMMSY so far.
Suspended PWD XEN convicted in Rs 1.6cr forgery, corruption case
Punjabs law and order in crisis, even AAP MP admits police shortage: Randhawa
Rohtak court acquits seven men in minor rape case after 6 years in jail
On Guru Purnima, Pb BJP to launch events to remember Ravidas
Himachal govt tightens transfer policy for hard, tribal areas
173 Bassi Pathana villages get 57 crore irrigation upgrade
Delhi Police arrest absconding accused in Jhajjar murder case
Petrol bombs part of ISIs expanded terror strategy ahead of I-Day: Punjab cops
In major green push, Hry approves 100% tax exemption on EVs costing upto Rs 30L
No ban on Uzbekistan medical universities, clarifies med body
PM asks BJP to strengthen organisation, says Haryana chief
Haryana clears new property tax formula, housing policy
Saini targets Cong, AAP over paper leaks, cites stricter law
Power cuts disrupt 25-crore water scheme in Hisar; villagers warn of stir
SI held taking Rs 20,000 bribe outside Fatehabad court
Hisar man arrested in 57 lakh GJUST job scam
Amritsar is 2nd hub & spoke airport
PSPCL & Aam Aadmi Clinics staff have ended strike, says Cheema
Haryana CM Accuses Congress and AAP of Compromising Youths Future
Chandigarh, July 28: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has accused the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of compromising the future of the youth. He made these remarks on Tuesday, emphasizing that the Indian government is taking the paper leak issue very seriously. CM Saini stated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not only enacted ... Read more Haryana CM Accuses Congress and AAP of Compromising Youths Future
Cyber Financial Fraud in New Delhi: Over 6,000 E-Zero FIRs Registered Since May 2025
New Delhi, July 28: The central government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday that since May 2025, New Delhi and Chandigarh have recorded the highest number of e-zero FIRs related to cyber crimes, particularly cyber financial fraud. In New Delhi, 6,115 e-zero FIRs have been registered, while Chandigarh has reported 4,174. In response to a ... Read more Cyber Financial Fraud in New Delhi: Over 6,000 E-Zero FIRs Registered Since May 2025
Guntas Kaur Sandhu Secures Second Place in Malaysia Ladies Golf Championship
Selangor, July 28: In the first round of the prestigious Malaysia Ladies Amateur Open, Chandigarhs Guntas Kaur Sandhu achieved an impressive score of one-over 73, tying for second place with three other players. The 15-year-old is part of a two-member Indian team sent by the Indian Golf Union (IGU), recognized by the Ministry of Youth ... Read more Guntas Kaur Sandhu Secures Second Place in Malaysia Ladies Golf Championship
Punjab BJP Launches Statewide Samrasata Sankalp Abhiyan
Chandigarh, July 28: The Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President, Keval Singh Dhillon, announced on Tuesday that the party will initiate a statewide Samrasata Sankalp Abhiyan on July 29, coinciding with the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas Maharaj and the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. This nationwide campaign, overseen by the BJPs national leadership, ... Read more Punjab BJP Launches Statewide Samrasata Sankalp Abhiyan
73 Sports Medal Winners of Chandigarh University get government jobs in 2025-26
73 Sports Medal Winners of Chandigarh University get government jobs in 2025-26
Chandigarh University Researchers Develop an Economical Device for Accurate Drug Absorption Studies; to Help in Reducing Cost of Medicines by 40%
A PhD scholar died after an alleged electric shock near a hostel on campus. Protesting students demanded accountability from the university administration for campus safety. They broke barricades and met the Vice-Chancellor regarding the incident. Students called for the suspension of officials and a high-level inquiry. The university administration has not yet issued a detailed statement on the demands.
Opposition steps up attack over Punjab pharmacy exam row; Arvind Kejriwal alleges BJP lies
Opposition parties are intensifying their criticism of Punjab's chief minister regarding alleged exam irregularities. The Shiromani Akali Dal is seeking a judicial investigation into the pharmacy officers' recruitment. The Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the matter. Congress staged a protest outside Parliament, accusing the chief minister of misleading the public. Several organizations have announced further protests to demand accountability from ministers.
Traffic survey flags bottlenecks around rly stn
HOA tightens selection process, clear prep for 28th Haryana State Games
MP Jindal renews push for Pundri karate player representation in Asian Games
Centre: In 3 years, Haryana, Punjab & HP diverted 2,734-ha forest land
1 in 6 teaching posts vacant in Punjab govt schools
Punjab, Centre failed farmers on power, fertiliser: Cong MLA
Bus with pilgrims overturns in Himachal; two from Punjab die, 13 injured
Punjab to table bill for digital universities
Criminals no longer fear police: Dhillon slams AAP govt over petrol bomb attack at BJP office
Blaze destroys Adelaide gurdwara
Pathankot on alert after bomb hoax emails
Sit-in at BFUHS seeks resignation of edu, health mins
2.8k cannabis plants destroyed
Rewari lawyers threaten statewide boycott over SDM row
Illegal slaughterhouse busted, 9 cows rescued
Two UP workers killed in Kala Amb
HP clears MIS for mango, citrus fruits and C-grade apple procurement
All 773 rural road projects completed in Haryana at Rs 3.7k cr: Centre
Farmers stage 24-hour dharna over canal water shortage, seek uninterrupted supply for 2 weeks
Citizens to now pay and get certified land records online
Sonipat family alleges assault over money dispute
At Jind temple event, CM announces 1.5 cr for Ujhana village
Chandigarh University MBA Students Secure 2,605 Job Offers from 300+ Leading MNCs in 2025 & 2026; 196 Students Receive Multiple Offers
Popees Accelerates North India Expansion with Launch of 112th Global Store in Zirakpur, Punjab
Popees Baby Care, one of India's leading baby care brands, has accelerated its North India expansion with the inauguration of its 112th retail store globally at Zirakpur, Punjab. The new outlet represents the company's second store in North India , following its successful Chandigarh launch, and signals its commitment to building a stronger retail presence across the region. Strategically located at Pooja Plazzio on the Ambala-Chandigarh Expressway , the store was inaugurated by Mr. Bhuvnesh Haritash of Trinetra International . Popees Baby Care marks its entry into Punjab with the grand launch of its first-ever store in Zirakpur, expanding its global footprint The new outlet offers Popees' complete portfolio of premium baby care solutions, including infant apparel, newborn essentials, diapers, wipes, skincare and bath products, organic baby care items and sustainable bamboo-based clothing, catering to children from birth to four years of age. Commenting on the expansion, Shaju Thomas, Founder & CMD, Popees Baby Care , said, "North India represents one of our key growth markets. The encouraging customer response to our Chandigarh store has strengthened our confidence in the region. The launch of our Zirakpur outlet is another important step in making Popees more accessible to families while expanding our retail footprint in high-potential markets." Founded in 2003, Popees has evolved into one of India's most trusted baby care brands through its unwavering commitment to quality, safety and innovation. Every product undergoes 28 rigorous quality checks , ensuring the highest standards for infants and toddlers. With 112 stores across India and the Middle East, Popees continues to pursue an ambitious retail expansion strategy backed by product innovation and customer-centric growth. The company has already identified Karnal and Yamuna Nagar as its next destinations in North India, further strengthening its vision of making safe, premium and affordable baby care products easily accessible to families across the country. About Popees Baby Care Founded in 2003, Popees Baby Care is one of India's leading baby care brands, offering a comprehensive range of products designed for infants and toddlers. The company manufactures and retails baby apparel, newborn essentials, diapers, wipes, bath and skincare products, organic baby care solutions, and eco-friendly bamboo-based products. Renowned for its commitment to quality, safety and comfort, every Popees product undergoes 28 stringent quality checks before reaching consumers. Headquartered in Kerala, Popees has grown into a trusted brand with a strong retail presence across India and the Middle East. With 109 stores globally and a rapidly expanding footprint, the company continues to make safe, affordable and high-quality baby care products accessible to families through its extensive retail network and digital platforms. www.popees.com .
Petrol bomb hurled at BJP office in Punjabs Sangrur
In a shocking incident late Monday, a petrol bomb was reportedly hurled at the Sangrur BJP office. Police swiftly responded and launched an investigation, examining nearby CCTV footage for leads. Officials disclosed that a beer bottle was ingeniously repurposed to hold the petrol device. An FIR will follow, and authorities assure that the perpetrators will be apprehended shortly.
Early screen exposure linked to developmental delays in toddlers: PGI study
Chandigarh house targeted in late-night petrol bomb attack, scooter torched
The most valuable asset in a democracy is neither a political party nor a charismatic leader. It is the trust of the voter. Every election is built upon a simple understanding: citizens cast their votes for a candidate, a party, an ideology, and a vision for governance. Yet, across India, this understanding is increasingly being tested by a political culture in which defections, splits, mergers, and realignments have become commonplace. The question that emerges is both simple and profound: who truly owns the voters mandate? Over the last decade, Indian politics has witnessed an unprecedented wave of political migration. Maharashtra saw a dramatic split within Shiv Sena, where a large section of legislators moved with the faction led by Eknath Shinde, fundamentally altering the states political landscape. In West Bengal, defections between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP became a defining feature of electoral competition, with leaders crossing party lines in pursuit of new political opportunities. Political commentators have increasingly described defections not as isolated incidents but as a recurring feature of contemporary politics. These developments raise uncomfortable questions for representative democracy. If voters elect a representative on one partys symbol and that representative later changes allegiance, does the mandate belong to the individual politician or to the political platform on which the election was won? While the Constitution provides legal mechanisms to deal with defections, the moral and democratic questions remain unresolved. This debate has particular relevance for Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Territory is undergoing a crucial phase in its democratic journey. After years of political uncertainty, elected institutions are once again expected to serve as the primary channel through which public aspirations are articulated. At such a moment, political stability and ideological coherence are not merely matters of party interest; they are essential to democratic confidence. The pressure on political parties in Jammu and Kashmir is therefore unlike that in many other regions. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, for instance, occupies a strategically important position in national politics. Its parliamentary representation has enhanced its relevance in negotiations concerning issues affecting the region. Yet greater political relevance also brings greater internal pressure. Expectations from party workers rise, regional interests become more assertive, and differences within leadership structures become more visible. Recent public statements by some party leaders and parliamentarians have occasionally revealed tensions between individual political positions and broader party messaging. Such developments are not unique to the National Conference; they are visible across Indias political spectrum. However, they highlight a challenge faced by all democratic parties: how to balance internal debate with organizational discipline. A party that cannot accommodate dissent risks becoming rigid, while a party unable to maintain coherence risks appearing divided. The challenge becomes even more significant when governance expectations remain high. Citizens are waiting for visible progress on employment, infrastructure, investment, and public services. Questions surrounding cabinet restructuring, administrative priorities, and policy implementation naturally generate debate within political circles. In such circumstances, any perception of internal instability can create uncertainty among party workers and voters alike. The larger concern, however, extends beyond any single party. The normalization of defections has gradually transformed Indian politics from a contest of ideas into a contest of political arithmetic. Numbers have begun to overshadow narratives. Legislative strength increasingly appears vulnerable to post-election realignments, creating a perception that electoral outcomes can be modified long after votes have been counted. Defenders of political realignment argue that elected representatives must retain the freedom to leave parties that no longer reflect their beliefs. Critics counter that most defections are driven less by ideology than by calculations of power and political survival. The truth may vary from case to case, but the cumulative effect is undeniable: public trust in representative politics is weakened whenever voters feel that their mandate can be transferred without their consent. For Jammu and Kashmir, this lesson is particularly important. The regions political future depends not merely on electoral participation but on sustained faith in democratic institutions. Political parties must therefore recognize that maintaining internal cohesion, respecting voter expectations, and providing stable governance are essential responsibilities. Democracy cannot thrive if electoral mandates become temporary arrangements subject to constant renegotiation. Ultimately, the question is not whether defections are legal. The more important question is whether they strengthen the bond between voters and their representatives. Democracy survives not because politicians change sides, but because citizens believe their vote continues to matter after the election is over. As India witnesses an era of unprecedented political mobility, Jammu and Kashmir must guard against a culture in which political loyalty becomes secondary to political opportunity. The future of democratic representation depends on preserving the integrity of the mandate entrusted by the people. For in the end, the voters mandate belongs neither to parties nor to politicians. It belongs to the people who cast it. Author is Assistant Professor at UILS, Chandigarh University. Views are personal.
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Chugh appointed to Parliamentary panels on Home, Defence
Chandigarh, July 26: BJP National General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh has been nominated as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence. The appointments are being viewed as recognition of Chughs organisational experience and his engagement with issues related to national security and border affairs. A BJP leader from Punjab, Chugh has worked extensively in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. His inclusion in the two key parliamentary panels is expected to provide greater representation to concerns of border states, including challenges related to cross-border terrorism, drone incursions, narco-smuggling, border management and the welfare of border communities. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs examines matters related to internal security, policing, border management, disaster management and Union Territories, while the Defence Consultative Committee deliberates on issues concerning defence preparedness, military modernisation and strategic security. Party leaders and workers welcomed Chughs nomination and congratulated him on the new responsibilities.
