Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 8 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab on Sunday marked Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas by lighting special lamps at the party's state office in memory of young people who lost their lives to drug abuse, highlighting the growing concern over the drug menace in the state. Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon participated in the ceremony and lit lamps, including one dedicated to the youths who fell victim to drug addiction. The symbolic gesture was also a tribute to families whose lives have been devastated by drugs, particularly mothers who lost their sons and sisters who lost their brothers. The party said the initiative was dedicated to households whose lights had been extinguished by the drug menace, remembering the families struggling with the irreparable loss of their loved ones. On the occasion, Dhillon prayed for Punjab to be freed from the scourge of drugs and expressed hope that peace, prosperity and happiness would return to every household in the state. The BJP also linked the occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas with its resolve to fight drug addiction. The festival commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from Gwalior Fort along with 52 kings. Describing Bandi Chhor Divas as a symbol of freedom from oppression and restrictions, the BJP said Punjab today needed liberation from the grip of drugs, which has affected its youth and countless families. The BJP reiterated its commitment to stand with families affected by drug abuse and vowed to continue its fight against the menace until the state is free from the problem. Extending greetings on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, the BJP prayed for divine blessings for Punjab and expressed hope that the festivals would bring happiness, prosperity and renewed hope to every household.
10-month global manhunt led to arrest of gangster from Ethiopia, says Punjab DGP
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 8 (IANS) A 10-month intelligence-led international manhunt involving spanning across Asia, South America and Africa in coordination with national and international agencies led to the arrest of gangster Gurwinder Singh alias Afridi from Ethiopia, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said here on Sunday. Yadav told the media here that Afridi, one of the key kingpins of the Doni Bal-Prabh Dassuwal gang, carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh announced by the state government on information leading to his arrest. He is facing charges of directing targeted killings, extortion-related firing incidents, and organised criminal networks in Punjab while operating from abroad. The DGP said the accused is wanted in more than 30 heinous criminal cases, including five murder cases, attempt to murder, extortion, and Arms Act offences. Saying that his arrest is a major breakthrough against transnational organised crime amid the ongoing campaign 'Gangstran Te Vaar' launched by Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in coordination with the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) of Counter Intelligence and support of central agencies, the DGP added that the arrest was secured following his deportation from Ethiopia. This marks the first-ever deportation of a fugitive secured by Punjab Police from an African country, heralding a new chapter in the state's relentless crackdown against organised crime, DGP Yadav said, accompanying Special DGP (AGTF) Promod Ban and Special DGP (Counter Intelligence) Amit Prasad. His arrest marked the successful culmination of 'Operation SHAHID' -- a 10-month-manhunt involving sustained surveillance, strategic intelligence gathering, and tracking across multiple countries, he added. Sharing operational details, the DGP said that accused Afridi had fled abroad from the Mumbai airport to the UAE on March 31, 2025, using a fake passport obtained under the particulars of a Gorakhpur resident and issued from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh on February 12, 2025. The accused was constantly evading law enforcement agencies across several continents, DGP Yadav said, adding that initially holed up in the UAE, the accused attempted to flee to Mexico via Istanbul, but was deported back to the UAE. Subsequently, the accused slipped into Kenya in April 2026, travelled onwards to Angola in June 2026, and moved to Ethiopia in November 2026. DGP Yadav said that Punjab Police have got a Red Notice issued against Afridi, shared inputs regarding his fake identity and movements with central agencies at critical intervals, and had seven INTERPOL references issued. The persistent multi-agency pursuit led to his detention in Ethiopia on November 6 and his subsequent deportation to India. He was taken into custody by Punjab Police at the New Delhi Airport and is being brought to Punjab to face the law.
Manisankar Murasingh To Lead Tripura In First Four Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Matches
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Seam-bowling all-rounder Manisankar Murasingh will captain Tripura in the opening four matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026/27, with pacer Abhijit Sarkar named as the vice-captain in a jumbo 21-member squad. The Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) announced the team in a press release signed by its honorary secretary Subrata Dey and posted on their website on Sunday. Placed in Elite Group C, Tripura will play all seven of their league fixtures between New Chandigarh and Mohali. They will open their campaign against Andhra in New Chandigarh on November 14 before facing Puducherry in Mohali two days later. The side will return to New Chandigarh for a day-night clash against Madhya Pradesh on November 18, and wrap up the first leg of the group stage against Kerala in Mohali on November 20. The selectors have picked senior India batter Mandeep Singh, who is back with the team as the guest player this season. In the batters group, where nine members are present, Lakshay Thareja, who previously played for Delhi in domestic cricket, has been included. Apart from Murasingh, Bikram Debnath and Saurabh Das are the other all-rounders. The pace bowling attack will be spearheaded by vice-captain Sarkar, with Saruk Hossain and Danveer Singh providing support, while Viki Saha, Sandip Sarkar, Parvez Sultan and Chiranjit Paul form the spin bowling department. Sentu Sarkar and Arka Prabha Sinha are the two wicketkeepers in the squad, while the TCA has also named eight stand-by players. After the first four games, Tripura are scheduled to take on Himachal Pradesh in Mohali on November 22, Maharashtra at New Chandigarh on November 24, and Assam in a day-night fixture at the same venue on November 26. Tripura arrive after pulling off a stunning 133-run victory over former Ranji Trophy champions Saurashtra in their final game of the first phase of the competition, with Sandip and Abhijit taking seven wickets between themselves. Tripura squad: Bikram Kumar Das, Sridam Paul, Subham Sutradhar, Arindam Barman, Mandeep Singh, Anandh Bhowmik, Tanmoy Das, Saptajit Das, Lakshay Thareja, Manisankar Murasingh (captain), Bikram Debnath, Saurabh Das, Abhijit Sarkar (vice-captain), Saruk Hossain, Danveer Singh, Sentu Sarkar (wk), Arka Prabha Sinha (wk), Viki Saha, Sandip Sarkar, Parvez Sultan and Chiranjit Paul. Tripura arrive after pulling off a stunning 133-run victory over former Ranji Trophy champions Saurashtra in their final game of the first phase of the competition, with Sandip and Abhijit taking seven wickets between themselves. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Deepak Chahar To Lead Rajasthan In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Manav Suthar Named Vice-captain
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: India seamer Deepak Chahar will lead Rajasthan in the 2026/27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with left-arm spinner Manav Suthar named as the vice-captain in the 15-member squad announced by the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). Rajasthan are drawn in Elite Group A and will play all seven of their league matches in Mumbai, starting with a clash against Uttar Pradesh on November 14. Apart from Deepak, who has played 13 ODIs and 25 T20Is for India and didnt feature in the first half of the Ranji Trophy, his younger brother, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, also finds a place in the team. Rahul, who has played an ODI and six T20Is for India, was initially rumoured to join another team for the ongoing domestic season, but will now continue to play for Rajasthan. Just like Deepak, he didnt feature in the first half of the Ranji Trophy. Theres still no place for left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed, who has been recovering from hamstring surgery sustained while playing for his former team, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Khaleel, who has played 11 ODIs and 18 T20Is for India, was recently traded to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for his existing fee of Rs 4.8 crore. The squad features seasoned left-handed batting all-rounder Mahipal Lomror, young wicketkeeper-batters Kartik Sharma and Mukul Choudhary, all of whom were part of IPL 2026. Other team members include Abhijeet Tomar, Ajay Raj Singh, Kunal Singh Rathore, Honey Pratap Singh and Himanshu Singh Rana. Ramniwas Golada, Rohan Rajbahar, Himanshu Nehra and Abhishek Mund complete the group picked for the competition. After their opening game against Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan will take on Jharkhand on November 16 before meeting Chandigarh on November 18. A day-night fixture against Baroda follows on November 20, before Rajasthan return to action against Mizoram on November 22. Rajasthan will complete their group-stage commitments after taking on Karnataka on November 24 and facing off against Bengal on November 26. Ramniwas Golada, Rohan Rajbahar, Himanshu Nehra and Abhishek Mund complete the group picked for the competition. After their opening game against Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan will take on Jharkhand on November 16 before meeting Chandigarh on November 18. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gangster Gurwinder alias Afridi brought back from Ethiopia, after 10-month manhunt
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 8 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police, with support of Central agencies, have secured the deportation of noted gangster Gurwinder alias Afridi from Ethiopia ahead of Diwali, after a sustained one-year manhunt under Operation SHAHID. Gurwinder alias Afridi is a kingpin of the Doni BalPrabh Dassuwal gang and has been under the agencies radar for several organised criminal activities in Punjab, including extortion. The Punjab government had also announced a reward of 5 lakh for information leading to his arrest. The information about his deportation was shared by the Punjab DGP on Sunday. Anti-Gangster Task Force Punjab, in coordination with the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell of Counter Intelligence, Punjab with the support of Central Agencies, secures the deportation of Gurwinder alias Afridi, a key kingpin of the Doni BalPrabh Dassuwal gang, from Ethiopia following a 10-month-long international manhunt under Operation SHAHID, DGP Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X. We thank the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and all other central agencies as part of this international co-operation, he added. The DGP also stated that Punjab Police remain committed to dismantling gangster networks, preventing organised crime and ensuring peace and security across the state. According to the Punjab DGP, the year-long operation by the police and central agencies involved sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and tracking down the accused across several countries in Asia, South America and Africa. Eventually, he was tracked down in Ethiopia and was deported after a 10-month international chase. Notably, the gangsters deportation marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle organised criminal networks and bring gangsters operating from foreign countries to justice. Meanwhile, further investigation is underway to establish the extent of the accused's alleged involvement in criminal activities and his network's operations in Punjab.
Patidar Withdraws From Rising Stars Asia Cup, Rinku Singh Named Vice-captain
The Rising Stars Asia Cup: Rajat Patidar has withdrawn from the India A squad for the upcoming ACC Mens Rising Stars Asia Cup after informing the BCCI that he does not wish to be considered for selection in the 50-over format as the 33-year-old continues to manage his existing injuries. The Mens Selection Committee named Ayush Badoni as Patidars replacement in the 15-member squad, while Rinku Singh was appointed vice-captain of the side led by T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma. Patidar, initially named vice-captain, informed the BCCI of his decision, after which the board announced the squad changes on Sunday. The development comes as Patidar prepares to lead Madhya Pradesh in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scheduled to begin on November 14. Madhya Pradesh have been placed in Elite Group C and will play their first four matches in New Chandigarh before moving to Mohali for their remaining fixtures. Patidar is likely to feature in the domestic T20 competition. The Rising Stars Asia Cup will be held in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29. India A have been placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). India A will begin their campaign against Nepal on November 20 at the West End Park International Stadium before facing Pakistan A at the same venue on November 22. They will conclude their group-stage fixtures against the UAE at the University of Doha for Science and Technology on November 24. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 26 and 27, with the final on November 29. India A will begin their campaign against Nepal on November 20 at the West End Park International Stadium before facing Pakistan A at the same venue on November 22. They will conclude their group-stage fixtures against the UAE at the University of Doha for Science and Technology on November 24. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
4,000 relief for motorist wrongly fined at toll plaza
With 61k plaints, current flows fine but tempers short-circuit in Chandigarh
Follow traffic rules in Panchkula, get chocolate from cops
Electric wires worth 1 lakh stolen from Sector-44 house
BJPs poll strategy no concern for AAP
Anti-drug committee member shot at his home in Barnala village
Stubble burning: 795 FIRs registered against violators
High Court quashes ED case cognisance against NHPC ex-official
Parvinders father urges youth to shun drugs after Diwali
HC upholds PGIMERs fresh tender for medical gas pipeline maintenance
Akal Takht panel seeks complete stay on Satkar Amendment Act
Body of Ludhiana man who died of cardiac arrest in Dubai brought home
Scrapyard blast kills owner & worker; 3 critical
Western disturbance likely to bring rain, snow to Himachal from Nov 10
All injured passengers of Karmabhoomi Express fire discharged from hospital
New 4-km rafting stretch on Satluj to boost adventure tourism in Shimla
LoP asks HP govt to restore 125 free power units, ensure 24-hour supply
Himachal BJP credits Dhumal, Modi govt for BBMB arrears settlement
Centre Extends Punjab Prison Law To Chandigarh
The notification, issued by the Union home ministry on Friday under Section 87 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, extends the legislation to Chandigarh with certain modifications.
Punjab govt approves 40 pc DA hike for computer teachers
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 7 (IANS) In another major employee-friendly initiative, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab on Saturday announced a Diwali bonanza to its employees by approving a historic 40 per cent hike in dearness allowance (DA) for 6,507 computer teachers (PICTES) and regularising the services of 1,007 non-teaching employees working under Samagra Shiksha. On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, the Punjab government has announced a major benefit for its employees. The state government has approved a historic 40 per cent increase in dearness allowance (DA) for 6,507 Computer Teachers (PICTES), taking it from 181 to 221 per cent, an official statement quoting Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said. This decision will provide greater stability and security to these employees. The Chief Minister said that the state government has now also decided to extend salary-related benefits to these employees. The (Punjab) government is committed to the welfare of its employees and ensuring their secure future. Earlier this week, CM Mann announced the release of a three per cent DA for state government employees and pensioners, providing financial relief to nearly eight lakh beneficiaries. He had described the decision as a Diwali gift for government employees and pensioners. The Chief Minister had announced that the DA instalment release would be added to the December instalment. In September, the Punjab government decided to increase DA by eight per cent for employees and pensioners. Appreciating the contribution of employees in the functioning of government administration, CM Mann had said that the government employees are the backbone of the administrative machinery and play a vital role in delivering government services and welfare schemes to the people. The Chief Minister had added that the state government values the hard work and dedication of its employees. The government believes that employee satisfaction is very important for providing better services to the people.
Lords, Guwahati Outings Were Demotivating, But I Learnt From Them: Gurnoor Brar
Gurnoor Brar: India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has admitted that the hammerings he received in the ODIs at Lords and Guwahati, where he conceded 97 and 85 runs respectively, had left him disheartened, but added that reflecting on those setbacks helped him come back stronger. Brars comments come after he picked career-best figures of 4-30 in the rain-hit second ODI against New Zealand at Hnry Stadium on Saturday and was adjudged Player of the Match as India won by four runs (via DLS method) to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. As far as Lords and Guwahati games are concerned, obviously that means its wrong for any bowler to concede that many runs. But if you learn from there and come back, so in my mind, obviously it was a little demotivating. But more than that, thinking about how I can do better helped me a lot, he said in the post-match press conference. The turnaround has been striking. After picking up 3-44 in the series opener in Auckland, Brar was the pick of the Indian bowlers on a fast bowling-friendly pitch. All four of his wickets on Saturday came off back-of-length deliveries or bouncers. Brars spell helped India dismiss New Zealand for a paltry 134 in 41 overs after the hosts were put into batting first. Brar added that a part of his learning came from watching senior pacer Umesh Yadav, his Punjab teammate, operate during the Ranji Trophy in New Chandigarh. Umesh paaji has bowled so much in the red ball for India and has been brilliant. In the first match too, he took out a five-wicket haul for Punjab. I was watching that, and I was also talking to him - about how he was hitting lengths. He just told me that the more you put the ball in an area, and after that, if you do a little experiment with length or something, it will look more effective unless the wicket is not doing anything. So it is important for us to stick more there - that was my plan and the same thing happened there, he said. Brar also revealed that the fast-bowling group had kept their approach uncomplicated in Wellington. As far as this wicket is concerned, my simple plan was to hit the lengths and all of us fast bowlers had the same simple funda - that whoever has the skill, he should back it and that is what is giving us the results. Brar stated that he was careful not to fall back on his bouncer too often. Every day I learn about what I could have done better. So thats what I learn from every match, and I try to adapt the good things and put them in my memory. You said that the wicket for bowling a short ball was good. But before that, whatever spells I had bowled, I was trying to go full while bowling to the batters. With that patience, I know my bouncer is effective. But it will be a little wrong to overuse it. So hitting at the right moment when it matters is key -- so that happened here, he added. The team managements message, he said, was straightforward. The feedback was the same -- hit my natural length and line. I have to hit that only. More full deliveries or more short balls - I dont have to pre-plan about anything, and I have to pay a lot of attention to the fields. When I came to practice and was bowling first, I already knew that these wickets are good. I became mentally ready that pitches on the tour will be great to bowl on. But what good I can bring to it; I worked on that thing, he added. Brar added that he relished bowling on surfaces that offered help to the bowlers after bowling on flat tracks in the series against the West Indies dominated by the batters. It is a very good feeling that we also get such tracks to bowl on. You do know that the whole West Indies series was fully dominated by the batters. But if there are such wickets on offer, then according to me, you have to pay more attention to your bowling because if you give more runs on this wicket, then it is more difficult for the batters to chase, which you saw today. So according to me, if there are such wickets, then pay more attention to bowling and focus more on the wicket. Obviously the results are good when you bowl the right lengths, Brar said. On the shift from Auckland to Wellington, Brar quipped the main change was in the adaptation to ground dimensions. It was more of a ground adjustment. The wicket was similar. The sides were a little short. So the front boundary was a little long. I adjusted the length there, but according to me, if I keep hitting the right lengths, then it is difficult for the batters to hit it and I back that only. Brar signed off by revealing that he had deliberately tried to get under Daryl Mitchells skin before the New Zealand batters dismissal to Axar Patel happened. In my mind, I backed myself for that like if I try to disturb him a little or speak a little. He was playing a little right according to the wicket. On the shift from Auckland to Wellington, Brar quipped the main change was in the adaptation to ground dimensions. It was more of a ground adjustment. The wicket was similar. The sides were a little short. So the front boundary was a little long. I adjusted the length there, but according to me, if I keep hitting the right lengths, then it is difficult for the batters to hit it and I back that only. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Four Songs Disallowed At Diljit Dosanjh's Indore Concert Over Concerns About Impact On Children
The District Child Protection Officer has issued directions to this effect to the manager of the concert venue following a complaint by Chandigarh-based Dr Punditrao Dharenavar, the officials added.
Illicit Liquor Seized In Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh's State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, in coordination with Excise Department officials, seized over 600 cans of illicit liquor from two vendors in Solan district. The liquor, intended for sale in Chandigarh, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, was found during inspections based on specific information about illegally sourced alcohol. A case has been registered, and further investigation is ongoing to trace the supply chain.
Patidar named Madhya Pradesh skipper for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, no room for Tiwari
Digital Desk | Indore, Nov 7 (IANS) Rajat Patidar has been named as Madhya Pradeshs in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting on November 14. Madhya Pradesh have been drawn in Elite Group C of the competition and will play their first four matches in New Chandigarh and the remaining three games in Mohali. Patidar, who has captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to IPL titles in 2025 and 2026, may not be available for the entire league phase of the competition. Patidar and left-arm fast bowling all-rounder Arshad Khan scheduled to link up with the India A team for the Mens Rising Stars Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29. In the India A team, Patidar has been appointed as the deputy to skipper Tilak Varma. Apart from Patidar, who has played three Tests and an ODI for India, batters Akshat Raghuwanshi, Harsh Gawli and Aniket Verma will have to step up for Madhya Pradesh. There is still no place in the squad for seam-bowling all-rounder Madhav Tiwari, despite having featured for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 and Ujjain Falcons in the Madhya Pradesh League T20 Scindia Cup 2026. The squad features two wicketkeepers in Gawli and Apoorv Dwivedi, while India fast bowler Avesh Khan will spearhead a bowling unit that also includes Mangesh Yadav, left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya Singh, off-spinner Saransh Jain and left-arm wrist-spinner Shivang Kumar. Pacer Kuldeep Sen has not been picked due to him currently nursing an unspecified injury. Madhya Pradesh will open its campaign against Kerala in a day-night game at New Chandigarh on November 14. They will then take on Assam on November 16, Tripura in another day-night encounter on November 18, and Andhra on November 20. Madhya Pradesh is also scheduled to face Maharashtra on November 22, Himachal Pradesh on November 24 and Puducherry in their final group match on November 26. Should Patidar depart after the game against Assam, the Madhya Pradesh team management led by Chandrakant Pandit will need to name a stand-in captain for their remaining games. Madhya Pradesh squad: Ankush Singh, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Harsh Gawli (wk), Rajat Patidar (captain), Aniket Verma, Ritik Tada, Apoorv Dwivedi (wk), Saransh Jain, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Shivam Shukla, Shivang Kumar, Avesh Khan, Tripuresh Singh, Rahul Batham, and Mangesh Yadav.
Chandigarh Pensioners Lose Nearly Rs 8 Crore To Digital Arrest Scams In 2026
Chandigarh: Cyber fraudsters have cheated residents of nearly 8 crore through digital arrest scams in the first ten months of 2026, with senior citizens bearing the brunt of these organised extortion operations. The Chandigarh Cyber Crime Cell received 28 complaints and registered seven FIRs between January 1 and October 31. The number of reported cases []
GMCH Data Entry Operator Recruitment 2026
GMCH-32, Chandigarh has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for the post of Data Entry Operator. Applications by email will be accepted till 13 November 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit gmch.gov.in.
Ladakh steps up anti-drug crackdown, seizes narcotics
Leh, Nov 06:- Ladakh Police and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) have intensified their campaign against drug trafficking, conducting a series of operations across Leh, Kargil, Drass, Nubra and other parts of the Union Territory between June and November 2026. Data accessed by Rising Kashmir from police records shows multiple seizures during the period, including heroin, charas, ganja, suspected cocaine/MDMA and thousands of psychotropic tablets. A key concern emerging from the operations is the suspected use of air travellers to transport narcotics into Ladakh. On October 27, ANTF recovered 3.5 grams of a heroin-like substance from a passenger at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. Preliminary investigation indicated that the substance had allegedly been sent from Chandigarh for delivery through an air traveller who may have been unaware of the arrangement. Earlier, on October 19, Police Station Leh recovered 21.02 grams of heroin from a 21-year-old passenger arriving from Delhi. Police records described it as the largest heroin seizure in Ladakh to date. Investigators are examining the suspected movement of narcotics from outside the Union Territory and their alleged distribution locally. On November 3, a joint team of ANTF Kargil and Police Station Kargil intercepted a vehicle coming from the Srinagar side at Bypass Bridge and recovered three grams of heroin and 92 grams of ganja. Three persons were identified in connection with the case. On November 6, ANTF recovered another three grams of heroin from a Choglamsar resident at Leh-Phyang Road. October also saw several seizures across the region. Police recovered 10.36 grams of a heroin-like substance near Basgo, around 30 grams of a charas-like substance in Kargil, 81 grams from a rented accommodation in Drass and 91 grams during night patrolling in the same area. In another major recovery, ANTF seized 6,146 Spasmo and Alprazolam tablets during a search operation at Choglamsar on October 1. Other operations led to the recovery of 12.20 grams of heroin from two youths at SNM Hospital in Leh and 13.13 grams of a heroin-like substance from a person working at a hair salon in the town. Kargil Police also arrested two persons in a separate heroin-related case. Earlier, on September 3, ANTF intercepted a vehicle at Phyang Police Check Post during naka checking and recovered a packet suspected to contain heroin. In another operation, police arrested a 24-year-old Israeli national at a checkpoint and recovered 104 grams of a charas-like substance, 16 grams of a ganja-like substance and a negligible quantity of a heroin-like substance. Ladakh Police have urged residents, particularly young people, to stay away from drugs and share credible information about narcotics-related activities with law enforcement agencies.
3 held, over 266 kg of explosives seized
Fire breaks out on Bengal-bound train; 1,500 passengers evacuated
Teen driver rams bike taxi; rider killed, pillion critical
Jhotas kin refuse autopsy; father announces hunger strike if Mansa SSP not transferred
CBI files four chargesheets in Manesar land scam; M3M promoter Bansal named accused
Pungrain officials held for seeking Rs 50,000 bribe
357 farm fires in day: Punjab accounts for 50% cases across 7 states
HC quashes lookout notice against US Green Card holder
Chandumajra rejoins SAD, his son made party in-charge for Sanaur
Pargat condemns lathicharge and use of water cannons against teachers
Ex-Congress minister gave undue favours to realtors in transfer of PSIEC plots: ED
Firing at grocers house despite presence of police guard
Breathe easy: Chd gears up to battle festival smog
Verify eligibility, not ability to upload docus online: HC sets test for rectifying job form defects
BJP used ED to pressurise AAP MLA to defect: Sisodia
2 get life term for kidnapping, murder of 12-yr-old boy
Deputy speaker visits Jind Civil Hospital after patient assault video goes viral
After 37-year battle, ex-serviceman gets fresh shot at disability pension
Amritsar cops bust cross-border drug network, seizes 36kg heroin
Golu murder: 2 accused persons held after gunfight with Rewari police
HP construction workers get Rs 6.1 crore Diwali aid
Haryana hikes rural chowkidars monthly honorarium to Rs 15,221
Teenagers joyride leaves man dead, woman critical
Haryana to identify five crops for natural farming push
Haryana suspends 966 drug sale licences
Saini transfers Rs 4,470 crore for welfare schemes, hikes DA by 3%
Saini dares Rahul to debate BJP Yuva Morcha chief
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Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwaar: CM reaches Mehla village, announces CBSE school from next session
Pensioners lose 8 crore in digital arrest scams
Fatehabad police seize over 6.6 quintals of illegal firecrackers in five raids
Cyber-fraud surge: UT residents lose 49 crore in 2026, only 25% recovered
He is absolutely right...: Haryana CM Saini backs Rahul Gandhi's 'alcohol' remark on Bhagwant Mann
Chandigarh [India], November 6 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said the 'alcohol' remark made by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi about Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is absolutely true. Addressing a press conference, CM Saini said, He is completely right about that. Rahul Gandhi and Mann Sahab used to sit together (in Lok Sabha) as they were part of the INDI alliance. This MP from Chandigarh was Kirron Kher.. She stood up like this to protest and asked them to change her seat, saying, 'I can't sit here, I have to sit over there, he added. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab over the drug menace, questioning its commitment to tackling substance abuse and alleging that the state was being governed from Delhi. Addressing the 'Insaaf Rally' in Sangrur, Rahul Gandhi said that the AAP government had come to power on the promise of eradicat...
A Chandigarh consumer commission directed UCO Bank to pay 15,000 to a widow after finding that its delay in revising her family pension amounted to deficiency in service. The commission said later payment of arrears did not erase the hardship and mental harassment caused.
Chandigarh [India], November 6 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said the 'alcohol' remark made by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi about Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is absolutely true. Addressing a press conference, CM Saini said, He is completely right about that. Rahul Gandhi and Mann Sahab used to sit together (in Lok Sabha) as they were part of the INDI alliance. This MP from Chandigarh was Kirron Kher.. She stood up like this to protest and asked them to change her seat, saying, 'I can't sit here, I have to sit over there, he added. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab over the drug menace, questioning its commitment to tackling substance abuse and alleging that the state was being governed from Delhi. Addressing the 'Insaaf Rally' in Sangrur, Rahul Gandhi said that the AAP government had come to power on the promise of eradicat...
Bikram Majithia likens PCS exam row to NEET irregularities, appeals CJP, Cong and BJP to unite
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 6 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Friday drew similarities between the alleged irregularities in the Punjab Civil Services (PCS) Mains 2025 examination and the NEET 2026 exam, while appealing the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to unite against it. The results of the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) Main Examination were declared on November 4, with candidates alleging irregularities, fraud, and corruption soon after the announcement. Speaking to IANS, Majithia said: Today I will appeal to everyoneCongress, BJP, and CJP... if NEET was a rallying point at Jantar Mantar, this PCS recruitment should become a rallying point in Punjab. He added that whether it is Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) or anyone else, no one has the right to leave out deserving candidates and give important government posts to undeserving ones, especially because they are meant to shape the direction and condition of Punjab in the coming times. In an apparent reference to AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal, Majithia said: People sitting in Delhi cannot engage in Punjab's recruitment process because it is a matter related to the state. However, the SAD leader clarified that doubts should not be placed on all those who passed the examination. Citing the concerns of the candidates who raised allegations over the exam results, Majithia said: Some of them are gold medalists, some don't even have parents, how much struggle they might have gone through, how they showed courage, and now they are sharing that there was no transparency in this exam. He claimed that there have been nine to ten recruitment examinations under the AAP-led Punjab government which have been either stayed by the court, or a Vigilance Enquiry has been called into or the examination got cancelled because of paper leak, cheating or cancellation. Reiterating the students' demand for a CBI enquiry into the PCS exam, the SAD leader said: If irregularities take place even in the recruitment of Gazetted officers, then it needs a CBI enquiry...we will soon approach the High Court. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Thursday, also alleged irregularities and corruption in the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) Main Examination, accusing the AAP government of running a paper leak mafia under the directions of party chief Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Juvenile among four held in Amritsar; 36 kg heroin seized
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 6 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, Punjab Polices Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a cross-border narcotics smuggling network with the arrest of four individuals, including a juvenile, and recovered 36 kg of heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday. Those arrested have been identified as Sahil Singh, a resident of Ghanupur in Amritsar; Paramjeet Singh and Kamalpal Singh, both residents of Rajasansi in Amritsar; and a juvenile. Accused Paramjeet Singh has a criminal background and has been facing three cases under the NDPS Act. Apart from recovering a massive haul of heroin, police teams have also impounded two motorcycles used in the logistical movement of the narcotics consignment. DGP Yadav said preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were allegedly acting on the instructions of a foreign-based handler. The latter was facilitating delivery of heroin consignments near the India-Pakistan border in the Lopoke area and supplying them to other parties through his operatives, he said. Sharing operational details, he said that CI Amritsar had received specific intelligence that the four associates of the foreign-based handler had retrieved a huge consignment of drone-smuggled heroin from the Lopoke border area and they are expected to hand over the contraband to another party somewhere on the Amritsar-Lopoke Road. Acting swiftly, police teams conducted a raid and intercepted Sahil Singh, Paramjeet Singh, Kamalpal Singh and the juvenile near the Bharatmala highway bridge and recovered 36 kg of heroin along with impounding their motorcycles. The DGP said further investigation is underway to uncover the complete network in this case. A first information report (FIR) under Sections 21, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station State Special Operation Cell in Amritsar.
Haryana CM invites Rahul Gandhi for debate on
Haryana CM invites Rahul Gandhi for debate on vote chori Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his debate challenge, inviting him to the state to face questions from the partys Yuva Morcha President. Offering to arrange the venue himself, the Chief Minister said [] The post Haryana CM invites Rahul Gandhi for debate on vote chori appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Chandan Sanwal Marks 10 Years of The Chandigarh Bytes, Crossing 1 Billion Views
SocialWatch and Hunarshala founder and podcast host Sanwal reflects on a decade of building Chandigarhs hyperlocal community, growing from a website in 2016 to over 2.5 lakh followers. Chandigarh [India],
Shameless self-clean chit on PCS (Mains) exams, claims Punjab BJP
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 6 (IANS) Punjab BJP President, Kewal Singh Dhillon, on Friday rejected the Punjab Public Service Commissions (PPSC) clarification regarding the controversial PCS (Mains) examination results and alleged that it was a shameless self-clean chit designed to shield influential politicians. Dhillon said the Punjab governments recruitment machinery has been completely compromised, turning competitive exams into systematic rackets where merit is sacrificed. Responding to the PPSC Chairmans statement dismissing irregularities as statistical misinterpretations, he pointed out that an agency facing grave allegations cannot sit in judgment of its own conduct. How can the accused become the judge? The PPSCs internal justification is nothing but an orchestrated cover-up, Dhillon claimed. He alleged, No amount of mathematical jugglery can convince the youth of Punjab that 10 to 11 candidates clearing from a single examination hall and clusters of consecutive roll numbers qualifying in a subjective, descriptive exam like PCS (Mains) is mere coincidence. Why is the commission afraid of an independent forensic audit if everything was above board? he asked. Connecting the PCS controversy to the broader crisis of recruitment integrity in the state, Dhillon reminded the Chief Minister of the Pharmacy Officer (Pharmacist) recruitment examination, where an organised interstate cheating racket involving wireless spy devices, hidden pen cameras, and real-time dictation was busted, leading to dozens of arrests and subsequent High Court intervention. First, it was the Pharmacist recruitment exam, where government jobs were virtually put on sale with high-tech cheating devices and paper-leak mafias running rampant. Now, Punjabs premier civil services examination has been tainted with identical suspicion. This is not an isolated lapse; it is a recurring pattern of corruption under the Aam Aadmi Party regime that has shattered the trust of lakhs of hardworking, educated youth. The Mann governments tall claims of zero tolerance and merit-based recruitment lie exposed as a monumental fraud, Dhillon said. The state BJP chief demanded to hand over both the PCS (Mains) irregularities and the recruitment scandals, including the pharmacist recruitment scam, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the direct supervision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Punjab fully prepared to host Hockey World Cup in 2030: CM Bhagwant Mann
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann expressed confidence in hosting the Hockey World Cup in 2030. After the successful organization of the Asian Champions Trophy, preparations are underway for the upcoming event. Punjab's rich history in hockey, with 77 Olympians and 48 medal winners, highlights the state's dedication to the sport. The government is investing in sports infrastructure, including six new hockey grounds, to enhance facilities.
Haryana CM Meets Neeraj Chopra, Extends Diwali Greetings
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met double Olympic medallist and World Champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra in Chandigarh, extending Diwali greetings and expressing confidence in his continued success. Chopra, currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury, provided an update on his improved condition and plans to resume training soon.
Trump ally Harmeet Dhillon quits as US civil rights chief after midterm poll defeat
Digital Desk | New York, Nov 6 (IANS) The resignation of Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, the Civil Rights Chief in President Donald Trump's administration, was announced on Thursday, making it the first departure of a senior official after the Republican Party's defeat in the US midterm elections. The Chandigarh-born Dhillon, who was the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, told Fox News that she had resigned last month ahead of the midterms, but Trump's Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told her to stay on till the election was over. Announcing her departure, Attorney General Todd Blanche on social media platform X on Thursday said, She (Harmeet Kaur Dhillon) has defended the civil liberties of every American and enforced the law without fear or favour. The Department is grateful for her dedicated public service, and we wish her every success in her future endeavors, he added. It is usual for senior US officials to leave after the midterms to allow the President to reconfigure his administration. Although a staunch ally of Trump, she dissented with some of his allies over making Sikh truck drivers stereotypes of illegal migrants. After a Sikh driver was involved in a fatal truck crash, Harmeet Kaur Dhillon on social media platform X in August said, Unfortunately, in the fog of outrage, some are using these tragedies as an opportunity to attack law-abiding Sikhs and Indian-origin drivers, simply because of who they are. Many of these law-abiding Sikhs and Indian-origin Americans are hard-working and patriotic. Most were born here or immigrated here lawfully, she added. The Department of Homeland Security posted an announcement with the image of a turbaned Sikh a month later with the caption, America for Americans. Get off our roads; you don't know how to drive Mr Singh. It was taken down after protests. In the heat of the midterms, she sent out more than a thousand election monitors to polling stations across the country, unusual for its scale, and causing unease in Democratic-run states. During her controversial 18-month tenure, Dhillon turned the focus of the agency away from discrimination against groups like non-White minorities that the division had traditionally supported and from what she considered woke -- or progressive -- causes. It caused an upheaval in the division that was known for ensuring that African-American and other minorities were able to vote freely, and a majority of its lawyers quit. She put the priority on cases like anti-Semitism, gun rights, religious liberty, especially what was described as antiChristian bias, and transgender participation in women's sports. As a legal adviser on the Trump 2020 campaign, she questioned the legality of former President Joe Biden's election and alleged there were irregularities in the polling. Dhillon delivered the Sikh prayer Ardas at the 2024 Republican National Convention. She immigrated as a child with her family first to Britain and then to the US.
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