Water Cannons Used As Congress Protests Gulzar Singh
Congress demands Cheemas removal and independent probe as police stop Chandigarh march over Gulzar Singhs death.
Parents desperate plea: Save our son as Saudi death sentence leaves family shattered
Lawrence Bishnoi aide deported from Canada, arrested in Punjab
Chandigarh: A close associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was taken into custody at the IGI Airport in Delhi after being deported from Canada, Punjab Police said on Tuesday. The arrest of Karamveer Singh by Punjab Polices Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) is being seen as a major breakthrough against transnational organised crime. Karamveer Singh had 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 .
Punjab Police nab Lawrence Bishnoi aide after deportation from Canada
Punjab Police take Bishnoi aide into custody at Delhi airport after deportation from Canada
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 15 (IANS) In another breakthrough against transnational organised crime, Punjab Polices Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has taken custody of Karamveer Singh, a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, on his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi following his deportation from Canada. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said Karamveer Singh had provided logistical support and a hideout to Anmol Bishnoi in the US. He was wanted in the first information report (FIR) registered in Mohali under relevant sections of the IPC, the Arms Act and the Passport Act. A Look Out Circular (LOC) was initiated by AGTF Punjab on September 3. He said the accused has a criminal history involving cases related to murder, attempt to murder, robbery, extortion, Arms Act offences and other criminal activities. Further investigation is underway to uncover his wider criminal network and activities. Last week, the AGTF and Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC), with the assistance of Central agencies, secured the extradition of fugitive criminal Amritpal Singh, alias Amrit Dalam, a key operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, from Moldova. The accused is wanted in multiple cases of murders, attempt to murder, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, narcotic offences, etc. Amritpal Singh was detained by Moldovan authorities on February 24 while he was attempting to cross the Otaci state border towards Ukraine, following which, the extradition process against him was initiated through OFTEC Punjab. During these proceedings, the Court of Chisinau granted the extradition of Amritpal Singh to India on May 26. His appeal against the extradition order was also rejected by the Court of Appeal Centru on July 16, thereby making the extradition order final. The accused was taken into custody by the team of Punjab Police from Chisinau Airport in Moldova and arrived at the IGI Airport on September 12. This is the first-ever extradition secured by Punjab Police from a European country, marking a significant milestone in our fight against organised crime, the DGP had said, while adding the operation marks the successful culmination of Operation Eastern Reach -- a six-month-long intelligence-led international manhunt involving sustained surveillance, strategic intelligence gathering and close coordination with national and international agencies.
Haryana clears Rs 9,700cr road projects, including five bypasses
J&K Bank proposes new director as Chhibbers term ends
Srinagar, Sep 14:Jammu and Kashmir Bank has amended the agenda for its 88th Annual General Meeting (AGM), proposing the appointment of Tsewang Tharchin, IA&AS, as a non-executive, non-independent director while also placing the retirement of existing director R. K. Chhibber before shareholders. The bank issued an addendum to its AGM notice on September 14, adding two agenda items to the meeting scheduled for September 22 at 11 am at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. Under the first resolution, shareholders will be asked to take note of Chhibbers retirement by rotation and approve a proposal not to fill the resulting vacancy at the ensuing AGM. The bank said the vacancy will subsequently be filled by the Board, subject to shareholders approval. The second resolution seeks shareholders approval for the appointment of Tsewang Tharchin as a director liable to retire by rotation. The bank said it received a written notice from the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh proposing Tharchins candidature for the directorship. Tharchin is currently serving as Commissioner/Secretary, Finance Department, UT of Ladakh. The banks disclosure said its Nomination and Remuneration Committee conducted due diligence on his candidature on August 29 and recommended his appointment. The Board subsequently appointed him as an Additional Director in the category of rotational directors on August 31 and recommended his appointment to shareholders. A 2007-batch officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS), Tharchin joined the Ladakh Administration as Commissioner Secretary, Finance Department, on July 6, 2026. Before that, he served as Accountant General (Audit), J&K, from November 6, 2025. He had earlier served as Deputy Accountant General and Senior Deputy Accountant General in J&K and handled government accounts-related responsibilities in Punjab and Chandigarh. His professional experience also includes a stint as Financial Advisor at the National Company Law Tribunal in New Delhi from 2021 to 2024, followed by his role as Principal Director in the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. His CAG assignments included processing audit reports relating to J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, besides the Ministry of Defence. The bank has also highlighted his international audit experience, including a performance audit of the Arbitration and Mediation Centre of the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva on deputation to the United Nations. He was also part of UN-related audit assignments and led audits involving Indian diplomatic missions and public-sector entities in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The proposed director holds a BA from Kashmir University and a Diploma in Management from IGNOU. He is also a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), with experience spanning administration, finance, accountancy, information technology, human resources and business management. The bank said Tharchin will not receive sitting fees or other remuneration from J&K Bank as he is currently in full-time employment with the Government of Ladakh. His disclosed shareholding in the bank is nil. For shareholders, remote e-voting on the resolutions will begin on September 19 at 9 am and close on September 21 at 5 pm. The bank has clarified that all other items in the original AGM notice dated August 29 will remain unchanged. The addendum forms an integral part of the original AGM notice and has been issued to place the latest factual position before shareholders ahead of the September 22 meeting.
One more agitation: JKMSA demands PG stipend hike JKMSA demands PG stipend hike, seeks pay parity
Srinagar, Sep 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA) on Monday sought revision of stipends for postgraduate (PG) residents and remuneration of senior residents working in government medical institutions across J&K, citing a significant gap with leading medical institutions in the country. In a representation to the Minister for Health and Medical Education, the association extended its support to the demands raised by Resident Doctors Associations (RDAs) of Jammu and other institutions, calling for a comprehensive, rational and time-bound revision of the existing remuneration structure. The JKMSA said PG and senior residents form the backbone of patient care and clinical training and routinely provide services in emergency and casualty departments, OPDs, inpatient wards, ICUs, operating theatres, labour rooms and speciality services. According to the association, PG residents also undertake night duties, on-call services, procedures, emergency interventions, peri-operative care, clinical documentation, teaching and supervision. The representation highlighted remuneration disparities between J&K institutions and major government and apex medical institutions. It cited PG resident stipends at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) at approximately Rs 80,000 per month in the first year, Rs 85,000 in the second year and Rs 88,000Rs 90,000 in the third year, while senior residents receive around Rs 1.30 lakh or more per month. The association said senior resident remuneration at AIIMS Jammu is approximately Rs 1.40 lakh or more per month, while PG residents at Government Medical College, Chandigarh, receive more than Rs 1 lakh per month, with senior residents getting around Rs 1.40Rs 1.50 lakh. In comparison, the JKMSA listed the current remuneration at Government Medical College Jammu as Rs 64,000 per month for first-year PG residents, Rs 68,000 for second-year residents and Rs 72,000 for third-year residents, while senior residents receive Rs 94,000 per month. The association said the figures reflect a substantial remuneration differential and warranted an immediate review. The JKMSA also referred to the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023, notified by National Medical Commission (NMC), particularly Regulation 5.4, which provides for parity in stipends for postgraduate students with those being paid to PG students of State/Central Government medical institutions in the State or Union Territory where the institution is located. It urged the government to undertake a comprehensive assessment of PG stipends across GMC Jammu, GMC Srinagar, SKIMS, AIIMS Jammu and other government medical institutions in J&K and rectify disparities in accordance with applicable NMC requirements. The association said a revision would not only address resident welfare and equitable remuneration but would also help in recruitment and retention of qualified doctors, strengthen postgraduate medical education and ensure uninterrupted patient care. The JKMSA requested the government to formally review the applicable official orders and pay structures while taking a time-bound decision on the issue.
Retired IAS officer assaulted over parking dispute
22 medical stores raided in Hisar, 7 stocked dual-use drugs without records
Sex-determination racket busted in Rewari, 2 held
CM Mann slams BJPs Nasha Mukt Yatra, says secure Gujarats Mundra Port first
Abohar vet murder: 3 held, family alleges threats from drug smugglers
708 big fish among 79,784 drug arrests under anti-drug drive: DGP
Man killed after motorcycle hits construction machine near Kukrawala
BJP inducts Parkash Badals cousin, son ahead of 2027 Punjab polls
Yamunanagar steps up surveillance as dengue, malaria and swine flu cases rise
Fake turbans vs insult to Gurus: Mann, Saini trade barbs
Former sarpanch killed by son over property dispute
Grenade attack behind Jalalabad police station blast; 2 held
H1N1 cases rise in Haryana, but statewide spread remains unclear
Both AAP, BJP interested in optics rather dismantling drug mafia: Bajwa
Farmers body opposes parallel power licence, warns of indefinite stir
Nigeria national among 2 held after cocaine seizure in Fatehabad
HC orders demolition of Shimla municipal ward office on forest land
Drug raid in Sohna seizes codeine syrup, 520 sedative tablets
Punjab BJP seeks adequate security, traffic arrangements for partys anti-drug yatras, meets DGP
HP cantt body opposes new building bylaws, seeks clarity on civilian area transfer
Shimla Nagrik Sabha protests over stray animal menace, seeks permanent solution
Shimla police rescue four devotees lost in Churdhar forest
Punjab replaces Garg with Gurkirat as PSPCL CMD amid power crisis
Parkash Singh Badals cousin joins BJP ahead of 2027 assembly polls
80pc drugs coming from Pakistan eliminated, says Punjab CM
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 14 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Monday that while the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government is taking decisive action against gangsters and the drug menace, the Opposition is resorting to vulture politics by using every unfortunate incident to stay in the media spotlight instead of presenting a vision for the state. He added that 10 gangsters have been brought back to Punjab from abroad since January and nearly 80 per cent of the drugs coming from Pakistan have been eliminated following the state government's crackdown. The Chief Minister affirmed the state government will now tighten the noose on the supply coming from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, while taking direct aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the drug route and saying if the BJP takes care of the Mundra Port in Gujarat, the drug menace in Punjab will be almost eliminated. He also said the Congress and the Akali Dal, who urtured gangsters, have no right to speak on law and order, and called upon all three opposition parties to stop their dirty politics and present their vision for Punjab before the people. Calling out Opposition's vulture politics at a press meet, CM Mann noted, When you have no issue, you start feeding on every unfortunate incident. This is not politics of public service, this is 'vulture politics'. Punjab deserves better than this cheap politics. The Chief Minister said that instead of appreciating the Punjab government's sustained battle against drugs, gangsters and organised crime, the Opposition is deliberately trying to create fear and defame Punjab for narrow political gains. Punjab is not merely a border state but the gateway to the country and a gem of India. Any attempt to portray the entire state through the prism of isolated incidents is a deliberate attempt to malign Punjab and its people. CM Mann said his government had adopted a comprehensive roadmap to dismantle the nexus of drugs, gangsters and organised crime. Our (AAP government's) fight is not limited to making arrests. We are identifying networks, intercepting consignments, choking financial channels and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Punjab Police is working day and night and we have not allowed criminals to dictate the agenda of the state. Those involved in drugs and gang-related activities are being pursued relentlessly, irrespective of their political connections or influence, the Chief Minister added. Taking on the BJP over the issue of drug smuggling, CM Mann said that desperate attempts are being made to smuggle drugs into Punjab from across the 532-km border. The consignments being pushed into Punjab may be in small packets, but the BJP, especially the Union Home Minister (Amit Shah), should answer why tons of such consignments are available in BJP-ruled states. The Chief Minister said that Punjab Police have recovered a huge consignment of such drugs from the Mundra Port, which is in the native state of the Union Home Minister. The Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) is not able to check drugs in his own state and is planning to undertake an anti-drug yatra in Punjab, CM Mann added.
Punjab BJP leaders meet DGP for adequate security of Nasha Mukt Yatras
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 14 (IANS) With the objective of creating public awareness against drugs in Punjab and taking a resolve to make the state drug-free, Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will organise four Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras from September 18 to 30. In connection with these yatras, a delegation led by state President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Monday met the Director General of Police (DGP) and submitted a memorandum seeking adequate security and traffic arrangements along the entire route of the yatras. On the occasion, Dhillon said that Union Ministers, senior BJP leadership and other BJP leaders, besides a large number of party workers and members of the public, would participate in the yatras. Therefore, adequate security arrangements must be put in place along the entire route, including the starting and concluding points of the yatras. He said the yatras would commence from Sujanpur in Pathankot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka and Talwandi Sabo. Dhillon said on September 18, BJP national President Nitin Nabin would flag off the yatra from Ekta Sthal in Sujanpur. Besides, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Arjun Ram Meghwal, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other senior leaders would join the yatras at different stages. The concluding rally of the yatras is in Jalandhar on September 30. A large gathering of people is expected on the occasion. The state BJP President appealed to the police administration to ensure that no anti-social or mischievous elements get an opportunity to disrupt the yatras. At the same time, traffic arrangements should be planned and put in place in advance in coordination with district police officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the yatras and minimise inconvenience to the public. Dhillon said the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra is not merely a political programme, but an effort to build a mass movement to protect the youth and families of Punjab from the menace of drugs. He said drugs have become the biggest challenge facing Punjab today. It is extremely important to eradicate this menace from Punjab, as drug abuse is leading to a rise in crime, gang culture and cases of extortion. He said the Aam Aadmi Party government had come to power promising to eradicate drugs within three months, but instead of declining, drugs are today being delivered to homes across the state. The government is also attempting to silence voices raised against drugs in an effort to hide its failure.
Former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal's aide joins BJP
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 14 (IANS) Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon Badal, a close relative of the late Parkash Singh Badal, who served for 25 years as Political Secretary to the former Punjab Chief Minister and as a Minister in the Akali government from 1997 to 2002, on Monday, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under the leadership of State party President Kewal Singh Dhillon, in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. His father, late Gurraj Singh Dhillon Badal, served as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from 1952 to 1958, representing the Shiromani Akali Dal, and played an important role in the early political journey of Parkash Singh Badal. Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon Badal served in the Indian Army and actively participated in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. He continued his military service until 1988. He has been associated with election campaigns since 1994 and has remained actively involved with the people of the Lambi Assembly constituency, maintaining a long-standing connect with the area and its people. His joining the BJP is being seen as a significant addition to the party's organisational and political strength in Punjab, particularly in the Malwa region. In another major boost to the BJP in the Sanour Assembly constituency, Pradeep Joshan, Sanour President of the Municipal Committee, Sangathan In-charge of the Sanour Assembly constituency and State Secretary of the SC Wing of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), joined the BJP along with his supporters. The joining assumes significance as several prominent political leaders, office-bearers and social activists from Sanour also joined the BJP along with Pradeep Joshan. Among the prominent leaders who joined the BJP were Swaran Singh, President of the SC Wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal's Malwa Zone; Rajat Batish, Narotam Bhatnagar, Barinder Batish, Rohit Walia, Aashish Gaur, Manav, Sanjeev Kumar, Dinesh Sharma, Kamal Walia, Yaah Kumar, Vijay Kumar Bhardwaj and Parminder Bhardwaj. A number of prominent social activists associated with the Sanour Samaj Kalyan Club also joined the BJP. They included Varinder Singh, Harminder Singh, Jagdeep Singh, Gurbir Singh, Mandeep Singh, Davinder Singh, Gurvir Battu and Gurvinder Singh. Welcoming Pradeep Joshan and the other new members into the BJP fold, Dhillon said that the joining of prominent political and social workers reflects the growing faith of people in the BJP's policies and leadership. He said that the BJP would continue to work with commitment for the development of Punjab and the welfare of every section of society. The entry of Pradeep Joshan and a large number of his supporters is expected to further strengthen the BJP's organisational base and grassroots presence in the Sanour Assembly constituency.
Sukhbir distributes 1,000 quintal wheat to 300 hailstorm struck farmers, farm workers in Gidderbaha
Hockey India, franchises mull change in HIL governance structure
Even as some of the top brass of Hockey India was present in Chandigarh for the formal announcement of the mens Asian Champions Trophy, HI president Dilip Tirkey was meeting Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and other senior government officials along with HIL franchises in New Delhi
Power crisis: Cops use water cannons on protesting Cong workers; Warring detained
SGPC to give Rs 51,000 to Sikh boy who stood 2nd in Lahore board exam
RSS-linked Himalaya Parivar holds 1st event in poll-bound Punjabs Amritsar
Bring dried paddy to mandis to avoid problems: Haryana minister to farmers
Waris Punjab De kicks off 2027 campaign with Faridkot rally
8th Pay Commission: DA should be increased four times a year and merged with basic salary at 25%.
Ahead of the 8th Pay Commission's Chandigarh meeting, employees have made a historic demand. They have proposed a three-month DA increase and demanded that 25% dearness allowance be merged into basic pay.Big news on 8th Pay CommissionAfter Chennai and Puducherry, the 8th Pay Commission i...
Chowdhary Ramzan flags J&K development gaps, invites parliamentary panel for on-ground assessment
Chandigarh, Sep 14: Member of Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday highlighted development gaps and infrastructure challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir during a meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Standing Committee in Chandigarh and invited its members and senior Central government officials to visit the Union Territory for an on-ground assessment. During the meeting, which reviewed the overall development scenario of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, Ramzan raised issues relating to connectivity, public infrastructure, essential services and the need for greater investment and institutional support for Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the need for a focused assessment of the challenges facing the Union Territory and stronger infrastructure to address its development requirements. Ramzan also invited the committee members and senior officials of the Government of India to visit Srinagar and Jammu to assess the functioning of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) system, particularly foodgrain storage and distribution arrangements. The invitation was accepted by the committee members and concerned officials, who expressed their willingness to visit Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. The date and programme of the proposed visit will be finalised separately. Senior officials, including secretaries, CMDs, directors and other officers from the Government of India, Punjab, Haryana and the Chandigarh administration, attended the meeting, which took stock of infrastructure, public services and other key areas of development.
Power crisis deepens, farmer protests spread across Punjab
JKMSA seeks revision of stipends, remuneration for PG, senior resident doctors
Srinagar, Sep 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Students Association (JKMSA) has sought a comprehensive revision of stipends for postgraduate (PG) residents and remuneration for senior resident doctors in government medical institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. In a representation addressed to the Health Minister, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the association urged the government to review the existing remuneration structure, citing disparities with other major government and apex medical institutions. The association also extended its support to the demands raised by the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Jammu and other resident doctors' associations across the Union Territory. JKMSA said postgraduate and senior resident doctors form an indispensable part of the healthcare system, providing round-the-clock patient care, emergency and casualty services, intensive care, operation theatre duties, labour room services and specialist consultations. It said resident doctors also undertake clinical documentation, teaching, supervision and other responsibilities alongside their medical training. The association said the existing remuneration structure needed a comprehensive review in the interest of resident doctors' welfare, equitable compensation, recruitment and retention of qualified doctors, quality of postgraduate medical education and uninterrupted patient care. Seeks parity with other medical institutions In its representation, JKMSA cited remuneration benchmarks from several medical institutions, including the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), AIIMS Jammu, Government Medical College Chandigarh and Government Medical College Jammu. According to the figures cited by the association, PG residents at SKIMS receive approximately Rs 80,000 per month in the first year, Rs 85,000 in the second year and Rs 88,00090,000 in the third year. The representation puts senior resident remuneration at SKIMS at approximately Rs 1.30 lakh per month, while the corresponding figure for AIIMS Jammu is stated to be around Rs 1.40 lakh. It also cites senior resident remuneration of approximately Rs 1.40 lakh to Rs 1.50 lakh per month at Government Medical College Chandigarh. For Government Medical College Jammu, the association listed the current monthly stipends as Rs 64,000 for first-year PG residents, Rs 68,000 for second-year residents and Rs 72,000 for third-year residents. Senior residents, it said, receive Rs 94,000 per month. The association said these figures highlighted the remuneration differences faced by resident doctors in the region and reinforced the need for a rational and time-bound review. It added that the figures could be verified against applicable official orders and pay structures during the government's review. Cites NMC regulations JKMSA also referred to the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, notified by the National Medical Commission (NMC), stating that postgraduate students are entitled to stipends on a par with those paid to postgraduate students of state or Central government medical institutions in the state or Union Territory where the institution is located. The association urged the government to assess the prevailing stipends across Government Medical Colleges Jammu and Srinagar, SKIMS, AIIMS Jammu and other applicable government medical institutions, and rectify any disparities in accordance with the relevant NMC requirements. The representation further highlighted the clinical responsibilities shouldered by PG residents and senior residents, including emergency duties, inpatient care, intensive care, operative procedures and other essential medical services. JKMSA said a fair and uniform remuneration structure would help improve resident doctors' welfare while strengthening the healthcare delivery system across Jammu and Kashmir.
Two gunmen sent to target memorial event shot dead in Ludhiana encounter
Explosion at Jalalabad police station; dont panic, says SP
Chd health draft mandates 4-year defence service for eligible doctors
Man attacks mother-in-law with chopper after wife refuses to return
Vet found murdered in SDMs vacant house
BJP, Cong target AAP over delayed ration, mid-day meals in Punjab
3 arrested with Glock pistols and heroin in Fazilka
Pilgrims on way to India stopped at Pak airport, Sikh leader smells foul play
Chd proposes 50% rate for freehold conversion
40kg suspected analogue paneer seized in Zirakpur
Cong rival camps on same page, Warring & Channi back Pilot-led stir
2-year-old drowns as rainwater floods house
5 held, cross-border arms smuggling network busted
Over 4,000 autos, e-rickshaws verified in Pkl police drive
Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to reach every village, polling booth: Dhanda
25-yr-old delivery executive killed in Murthal road crash, 2 friends injured
SAD forms 9-member manifesto committee for 2027 Punjab poll
BJP, SAD slam AAP govt over 'power cuts'
MC clears 87 illegal vendors in morning drive
Sector 45 walkways set for 50L makeover
Drug hotspots raided, 12 arrested in Chandigarh
Heroin, Banned Injections Seized; Over 3,000 People Verified During Citywide Anti-drug Drive
Drug scare in schools triggers police crackdown
Hospital data deleted, doctor blackmailed for Rs 6L, man held in Hisar
Two Punjab pilgrims on way to Manimahesh yatra die as bike falls into gorge
Water bomb: Chenab-Beas link hydro project triggers disaster alarm in Himachal
With BJP in crosshairs, Haryana women Congress set to mark foundation day
Surjewala targets BJP over recruitment, cites HC verdict on assistant prof posts
BJP sets up darbar at Panchkamal amid workers complaints
Shots fired at home of Punjabi singer in Barnala village; none injured
Gursharan Singh: The playwright who took theatre to rural Punjab amid turmoil
Punjab Congress slams AAP for misleading people on drugs
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IANS) Slamming the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, the main Opposition Congress on Sunday alleged that the ruling party is misleading the people on the issue of drugs, systematically persecuting weaker sections and shielding influential figures involved in serious crimes. Welcoming Rajendra Pal Gautam, Chairman of the Central Scheduled Castes Department, state party President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring thanked Rajkumar Verka and Gurpreet Singh Lucky Pakho for their struggle for the rights of marginalised communities. Warring said that under the BJP at the Centre and the AAP government in Punjab, poor Dalit families are falling victim to administrative apathy and targeted exploitation. Raising the tragic suicide of Gulzar Singh, the Congress leaders said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has expressed concern over the incident. They noted that Gulzar Singhs only fault was speaking out to save his son from drugs and opposing the open sale of narcotics in villages. Instead of taking action against drug traffickers, the administration subjected him to relentless harassment, which ultimately drove him to suicide. Despite the Finance Minister being explicitly named in the dying declaration, no legal action or accountability has been fixed so far, leaving the victim's family running from pillar to post for justice. The Congress leadership also raised the issue of brutal police torture inflicted on Mohanjeet Singh, who was subjected to inhuman cruelty merely for showing black flags during a peaceful, democratic protest. The Congress leaders cited this as clear evidence of an authoritarian regime under AAP rule. Targeting the ruling party directly over law and order, Rajendra Gautam said AAP came to power in 2022 on promises of eradicating drugs and transforming traditional politics within months. He said during its tenure in Delhi, AAP evaded accountability for law and order under the pretext of not having full statehood. However, in Punjab, despite having full control over the police, the drug trade has spiralled out of control. Gautam questioned how drugs could spread to every village and even circulate openly inside Punjabs jails without direct political and administrative patronage.
People in Punjab want development, employment, not jokes: Haryana CM
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, saying the people there want development, employment, security for industries and solutions to their problems, not jokes, publicity and advertisements. There has never been any shortage of ability or hard work among the people of Punjab, but the policies, intentions and leadership of governments that have failed to provide the state with the right direction have pushed Punjab behind in the race for development, he said. CM Saini was addressing a public meeting in Kakrala village in Patiala. Former Union minister Preneet Kaur, Prof Malkit Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. On the occasion, hundreds of people joined the BJP, and the Chief Minister welcomed them. CM Saini said that although Punjab and Haryana are two separate states, their roots, culture and heritage are one. Paying homage to this great land of Gurus, Pirs and martyrs, he said the people of Punjab are now asking why Punjab has fallen behind despite having fertile land, hardworking people and immense potential. The Chief Minister said at one time, Punjab was counted among the most prosperous states in the country. Haryana, which came into existence nearly 19 years after Punjab was formed, today has moved far ahead of Punjab in terms of economic progress. In 2025-26, Haryanas real economic growth rate is estimated at 9.5 per cent, while Punjabs growth rate is only 6.1 per cent. Thus, Haryana is progressing 3.4 percentage points faster than Punjab. Similarly, in 2026-27, Haryanas economy is estimated at approximately Rs 15.18 lakh crore, while Punjabs is estimated at approximately Rs 9.81 lakh crore. There is a difference of approximately Rs 5.38 lakh crore in the economic size of the two states. This difference is due to the right policy, clear intent and accountable leadership, said CM Saini. He said in 2023-24 Haryanas share in the countrys GDP was approximately 3.6 per cent, while Punjabs share was approximately 2.4 per cent. Haryanas per capita income was estimated at 176.8 per cent of the national average, while Punjabs was estimated at 106.7 per cent. The Chief Minister said at one time, Punjabs per capita income used to be nearly twice the national average, but the situation has changed today. He said the people of Punjab wanted an answer as to why the states economic potential is not being fully utilised. The Chief Minister said the Aam Aadmi Party government has given Punjab more publicity than work and more advertisements than results. Repeating false claims does not strengthen an economy. An economy becomes strong when industries receive security, youth get employment, traders have confidence, farmers receive remunerative prices, and the benefits of government schemes reach people directly without discrimination, he said. The CM said, It is the governments responsibility to go among the people, listen to their problems and resolve them. Jokes work in cinema halls, but among the people, the discussion is about work, development and solutions to public problems. He said the Congress had also made big promises to the people of Punjab but failed to fulfil them. The Aam Aadmi Party also made numerous promises, but they remained merely promises, and people did not get relief from their problems. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP government in Haryana has been working to fulfil the promises made to the people. Out of the 217 promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections, 70 have already been fulfilled within 18 months of the governments tenure.
Two gangsters shot dead in Punjab; shooting bid averted
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, a joint team of the Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Ludhiana Commissionerate Police on Sunday averted a shooting bid and neutralised two armed operatives belonging to the Doni Bal gang during an encounter near Atam Park in Ludhiana. Ludhiana Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma has identified the deceased assailants as Karanjot Singh, alias Nona, and Sandeep Singh, both residents of Amritsar. Police teams have recovered three sophisticated automatic pistols along with around 50 cartridges from their possession. Sharing operation details, Sharma said that acting on precise intelligence inputs regarding a planned attack, joint teams laid a special checkpoint at the Under Bridge near Atam Park and intercepted two suspects approaching on a black-coloured motorcycle without a registration number. Upon being signalled to stop, the assailants attempted to flee and opened indiscriminate fire at the police personnel, he added. During the chase, the assailants continuously fired multiple shots at the joint police party, and two bullets hit the official police vehicle. Exercising retaliatory fire in self-defence, the police team neutralised both armed attackers on the spot, he said. Sharma added that preliminary investigations showed the neutralised assailants were directly in touch with gangsters Doni Bal and Shaganpreet Singh, and were tasked with orchestrating a mass shooting at a blood donation camp, organised at Marryland Palace on Dugri Road in Ludhiana on Sunday. Sharing the criminal antecedents of the deceased, the Ludhiana Commissioner of Police said that Karanjot Singh was a history-sheeter facing two previous criminal cases registered under the Arms Act, Robbery, and the NDPS Act. The second deceased, Sandeep Singh, was facing one criminal case. He said that more accomplices are being traced and will be nabbed soon. A case was registered under Sections 109, 221, 132, 62 and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 25 of the Arms Act in Ludhiana.
Border security: Anti-drone technology enables heroin smuggling decline in Punjab
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IANS) The Punjab Police said on Sunday that the multi-layered response to counter drone-based narcotic smuggling across the international border with Pakistan in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) has led to a decline in availability of heroin in Punjab. The police are deploying nine anti-drone systems, with three 'Baaj Akh' systems that have been operational in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur since August 2025, providing early detection and jamming of rogue drones. Three units of Drone Sense D200 Pro, a long-endurance mobile drone detection platform, deployed at strategic locations in border districts on September 3 showing results. The system precisely detects and pinpoints drone-related activity and actual dropping locations, enabling timely ground intervention. For immediate ground action, 52 drone response teams (DRT) with 147 police personnel work in close coordination with the BSF responding to drone alerts, reaching suspected drop locations, conduct searches and intercept persons collecting the dropped consignments. This response is supported by 64 second-line defence nakas with 600 police personnel and 2,367 CCTV cameras at 585 locations, a police spokesperson said. The Village Defence Committees (VDCs) in border areas have been integrated with the drone response teams. The VDCs serve as eyes and ears of the police. The Yudh Nashiyan Virudh campaign has resulted in arrest of nearly 80,000 people since March 1, 2025. A total of 486 drones have been recovered. Financial investigation is being used to disrupt the economic base of drug network with freezing of property worth more than Rs 336 crore. The reward policy for anti-drug information provides cash reward of Rs 25,000 for every drone recovery and nearly Rs 2 crore has been disbursed under the reward policy this year. The spokesperson said latest trends indicate that pharmaceutical drugs smuggled from other states have emerged as the most important challenge in drug law enforcement in Punjab. According to data analysed from pharmaceutical seizures in the state, most of the pharmaceutical drugs are not manufactured in Punjab and are manufactured in Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, etc.
Karan Singh clinches back-to-back ITF M15 titles in Bali
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IANS) Indian tennis player Karan Singh continued his impressive run on the ITF circuit, winning back-to-back ITF M15 singles titles at the Bali Beach Country Club in Bali, Indonesia. The 23-year-old Roundglass Tennis Academy athlete successfully defended his crown by beating USAs Chang (ATP 1296) 7-6(5), 7-5 in a closely contested final on the hard courts. The victory earned Singh another 15 ranking points, taking his tally to 30 from his consecutive title triumphs in Bali. It also took his career tally to five ITF singles titles, while he has three doubles crowns to his name. The fifth-seeded Indian had to overcome compatriot and fourth seed Digvijay Pratap Singh (ATP 557) in the semifinals. Karan prevailed 6-4, 7-6(2) in an all-Indian encounter to book his place in the final. He had earlier defeated Hayden Jones (ATP 1475) 7-5, 6-1 in the quarterfinals. Karans remarkable fortnight began with his title-winning campaign at the same venue last week. He defeated three local players Gunawan Trismuwantara 6-3, 7-5, Rafalentino Ali Da Costa 6-3, 6-2 and Nathan Anthony Barki 6-1, 6-4 before overcoming Japans seventh seed Ryotaro Taguchi 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals. In the final, Singh defeated New Zealands fifth seed Isaac Becroft 7-5, 7-6(3) to claim his first title of the two-week run. Singh completed the fortnight with an unbeaten 10-0 win-loss record and did not drop a single set across his two title-winning campaigns, finishing with a remarkable 20-0 record in sets. The consecutive singles titles add to an encouraging 2026 season for Singh. In August, he also won the ITF M15 Astana doubles title in Kazakhstan alongside Russias Martin Borisiouk. The pair defeated local duo Danial Rakhmatullayev and Damir Zhalgasbay 6-3, 6-2 in the final.
New Delhi Declaration gives push to traditional medicine cooperation among BRICS
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) The New Delhi Declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit has given a push to international cooperation in Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), with member countries welcoming the proposed establishment of a BRICS Expert Working Group on the subject, an official statement on Sunday. The proposed working group under the BRICS Health Track is envisaged as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and exchange among member states on traditional medicine, the Ministry of AYUSH said. The Declaration also calls for greater cooperation in research on medicinal plants and herbal preparations used for therapeutic and preventive purposes. It recognises the shared traditional pharmacopoeias of BRICS countries as a potential foundation for developing safe, effective and affordable therapeutic products, according to the ministry. Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav said the recognition of TCIM in the declaration was an important step towards strengthening global cooperation in traditional medicine. The proposed expert working group would provide a platform for member states to share knowledge, strengthen research and advance evidence-based approaches, he said. India remains committed to taking forward Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine through scientific research, quality assurance and international collaboration, Jadhav said. Meanwhile, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said the declaration marked an important step towards advancing structured cooperation on TCIM among BRICS countries. He said the proposed working group could provide a focused platform for sharing evidence, strengthening research collaboration and improving quality and regulatory approaches. Moreover, the Declaration reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of TCIM practices and products through evidence-informed approaches and appropriate regulatory frameworks, in accordance with the national contexts of member states, the ministry said. It further said that the development follows the BRICS Meeting on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine held in Chandigarh on July 21 under India's BRICS Chairship. The focus on medicinal plants and herbal preparations could also open avenues for deeper scientific and technical collaboration among BRICS countries, including in documentation, pharmacopoeial standards, quality assurance and development of therapeutic products, the government said.
3 masked men open fire at Punjabi singer Gulab Sidhus residence; CCTV video emerges
WHO Director-General thanks PM Modi for warm welcome, hails BRICS 2026 health commitments
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Sunday, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the warm welcome at the 2026 BRICS summit in New Delhi and lauded the blocs commitments to strengthening global health cooperation and delivering Health For All, as outlined in the New Delhi Declaration. In a post on X, Ghebreyesus said: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, thank you for the warm welcome to the 2026 BRICS Delhi Summit. I very much appreciate the BRICS Leaders strong support for WHO and multilateralism, and the commitment, as reflected in the declaration, to universal health coverage, resilient health systems, the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Annex to the Pandemic Agreement, efforts to end TB, strengthening the health workforce, digital health, the integration of traditional medicine, and delivering Health For All. The New Delhi Declaration 2026, adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit in the national capital on Saturday, welcomed the deepening of cooperation in global health initiatives and reaffirmed the blocs commitment to advancing universal health coverage through resilient, inclusive, and people-centred approaches. We recognise the significance of continued cooperation among the BRICS members and the necessity of sharing valuable experiences, innovations and best practices for improving health outcomes across the BRICS countries. We reiterate our shared conviction that multilateral cooperation in health must be preserved and reinforced, emphasising the vital coordinating role of the World Health Organisation, read the declaration. While welcoming the outcomes of the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting held in Chandigarh in July, BRICS leaders recognised tuberculosis (TB) as a critical global public health challenge requiring coordinated action, sustained investment in research and effective mechanisms for cross - learning and innovations. We reiterate that individual countries and institutions have a key role to play in the path to end TB, which is possible through mutual collaboration, shared technology, and a unified front to foster TB research, the declaration noted. Director-General of the World Trade Organisation Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for his support towards the Multilateral Trading System (MTS) and meaningful WTO Reform. An engaging conversation and catch-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on the state of the Multilateral Trading System (MTS) and the WTO, including the opportunities and challenges for the Reform of the organization. Prime Minister Modi stated his support for the MTS and also for meaningful WTO Reform. Thank you for this, Mr. PM, Iweala posted on X. As BRICS Chair 2026, India is hosting the two-day 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, which began on Saturday. India's BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of Humanity First, according to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Indian Railways to run dozens of Diwali, Chhath special trains to UP, Bihar | Check full schedule
Indian Railways has announced major relief for passengers travelling home on the auspicious occasions of Dussehra, Diwali and Chhath Puja. To address the heavy rush and long waiting lists during the festive season, the Railways has released the full timetable of several major festival special trains operating from Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai and Varanasi towards Uttar Pradesh and Bihar .
Saragarhi heroes remembered in Pak as Sikh community plans global event
Punjab rainfall 40% deficient, rains likely Sep 16-17
1,051 MW shortfall from Centre, tripping of private units behind power outages: Minister
