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Indian Oil Completes Highest-Ever Winter Stocking In Ladakh
Chandigarh, Dec 30: Indian Oil Corporation Limited on Tuesday said it has completed highest-ever advance winter stocking operation, supplying over one lakh kilolitres of petroleum products to Ladakh ahead of the annual winter shutdown. Every year, access to Ladakh through roads remains closed from December to April due to heavy snowfall at high mountain passes such as Zojila and Rohtang. To ensure uninterrupted fuel availability during this period, Indian Oil undertakes advance stocking before winter sets in, the company said. [] The post Indian Oil Completes Highest-Ever Winter Stocking In Ladakh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pandya Likely To Play Two Games For Baroda In Vijay Hazare Trophy, Set To Be Rested For NZ ODIs
Asia Cup Super Fours: Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to feature in two of Baroda's final three Vijay Hazare Trophy league matches in January, before being rested for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11. Yes, its confirmed that Hardik will turn out for Baroda in their Vijay Hazare games on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh. Hes not there for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he needs ample break to manage his load in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. Hardik was wishing to turn out in ODIs against New Zealand, but the team think-tank advised him to rest from the series, as they want him in fine fettle for the subsequent T20I series and the all-important T20 World Cup, a source familiar with the matter told IANS on Tuesday. Pandya last played an ODI for India in March, which was the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Along with ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, whose workload also needs ample management, Pandya is expected to return for Indias five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting in Nagpur on January 21, before the T20 World Cup begins on February 7. Both Pandya and Bumrah are considered indispensable to India's T20 World Cup title defence hopes by the team management, though the latter has been exempted from featuring in Vijay Hazare Trophy games. Pandya returned to full all-round duties during India's 3-1 T20I series victory over South Africa in December after recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained in the Asia Cup Super Fours match against Sri Lanka in September. The injury had sidelined him from the Asia Cup final against Pakistan and India's subsequent 2-1 T20I series win in Australia. India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series will be announced when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel meets in the first week of January. Shubman Gill could return to lead the side for the matches in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore after missing the 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa due to a neck injury. The selectors are expected to get an official update on the status of Shreyas Iyer, who has been training and building up his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series will be announced when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel meets in the first week of January. Shubman Gill could return to lead the side for the matches in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore after missing the 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa due to a neck injury. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The selectors are also likely to deliberate over the second keeper slot, especially with T20 World Cup-bound Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel in fine form, thus giving stiff competition to the incumbent Rishabh Pant. Article Source: IANS
Guresome murder rocks Punjab: Wife of ex-additional advocate general Krishna Kumar Goyal found dead
A shocking incident in Mohali saw Ashok Kumari Goyal, wife of a former Additional Advocate General, found strangled in her home. The family's servant was discovered tied up, with police suspecting a robbery gone awry. Valuables and cash are reported missing, and the accused are still at large. The servant's account has raised suspicions, leading to his detention for questioning.
BJP has given free hand to mining mafias in Haryana: Congress leader Surjewala
CHANDIGARH: Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Tuesday accused the BJP-led Haryana government of giving a free hand to mining mafias, leading to large-scale damage to the Aravalli hills. Surjewala said that even though the Supreme Court had stayed its earlier order, there was no check on blasting and mining in the Aravalli range in Haryana. The party general secretary alleged that the situation had turned villages and residential areas into unsafe zones. Surjewala said indiscriminate mining was underway in Usmapur village of the state's Mahendragarh district. He claimed that blasting was taking place just 350 metres from the village, with about 12 blasts daily and over 900 dumpers transporting minerals every day. He alleged that the explosions had caused cracks in houses, severe dust pollution and serious problems for residents, and even the cattle were not spared. The Congress leader claimed that the mining permission granted for over 33.10 hectares was being misused and accused the BJP of ignoring illegal mining and putting the environment and people's lives at risk.
Fog mayhem in NCR: Multiple vehicles collide on DelhiSonipat road, several injured
Dense fog on the Delhi-Sonipat road led to a multi-vehicle collision Monday morning, injuring one to two individuals. Eyewitnesses reported a chain reaction, with one car initially hitting another, followed by a third vehicle striking the stationary, damaged car. Police and emergency services responded promptly to the scene.
From Gurugram Homes to Noida Offices: NCR's Real Estate Story in 2025
Housing emerged as the defining force behind NCRs real estate recovery in 2025, setting the tone for a more measured and grounded market cycle. The year marked a clear shift towards end-userdriven demand, with homebuyers prioritising delivery certainty, livability and long-term value over speculative gains. NCR 2025: Connecting Luxury Living to Corporate Growth Gurugram remained NCRs housing anchor in 2025, driven by sustained end-user demand in the luxury and upper-mid segments. In H1 2025, Delhi-NCR recorded over 5,100 luxury home sales, with Gurugram contributing the bulk of premium transactions, underscoring its dominance at the top end. Demand stayed concentrated along infrastructure-led corridors such as the Dwarka Expressway, SPR, and Golf Course Road, as buyers favoured larger, amenity-rich and lower-density homes. Sandeep Chhillar, Founder & Chairman, Landmark Group , says, 2025 has been a remarkable year for the real estate sector, registering impressive growth numbers across the residential and commercial markets in key cities. Within NCR, Gurugram led the growth, particularly in the luxury housing and Grade-A office segments, benefiting from corridor-led developments along Golf Course Road, Golf Course Extension Road, Dwarka Expressway, and SPR. The city witnessed a steep hike in price appreciation alongside healthy leasing activity for Grade A office space, primarily led by GCCs. The coming year outlook remains positive for the market with sustained demand expected in well-planned micro-markets, continued institutional interest, and infrastructure-led expansion ." Shyamrup Roy Choudhury, Founder and Managing Director, Aura World , adds, In 2025, demand in Gurugram stayed strong without feeling overheated. Further, the RBIs total 125 basis points repo rate cut eased affordability pressures for buyers. More importantly, luxury homes today are being bought with a long-term mindset and not short-term gains. As we look toward 2026, that trend becomes even more relevant. With Indias economy expected to grow steadily, luxury housing will benefit from sustained wealth creation rather than cyclical spikes . Ashwinder R Singh, Chair, CII Real Estate; Vice Chair, BCD Group; Advisor, NAR-India , says, " 2025 was less about cyclical movement and more about structural transformation. It was not the peak of a cycle but a pivot from volume to value, speculation to purpose-driven development, and metro-led growth to regional diversification. Premiumisation overtook mass housing as aspirations reshaped demand and supply. Institutional capital remained committed but increasingly selective and disciplined. Indias real estate canvas diversified, with warehousing, data centres, senior housing, and integrated townships moving into the mainstream. The sector demonstrated resilience despite global headwinds such as interest-rate pressures and supply-chain disruptions. Finally, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities began asserting themselves as the next growth frontiers. Based on 2025 trends and macro indicators, 2026 is likely to be defined by value-driven growth rather than sheer volume. Residential launches may slow in absolute numbers, but average ticket sizes are expected to rise as premium housing dominates supply. Affordable housing could remain under pressure unless supported by targeted policy interventions. Warehousing and industrial real estate are poised to remain the strongest growth engines, driven by manufacturing, logistics expansion, and infrastructure development across new corridors. The office sector is expected to stay in consolidation mode, with occupiers favouring high-quality Grade-A spaces over speculative supply. If guided by quality, clarity, and discipline, real estate can emerge as one of the foundational pillars of Indias growth story, leading up to 2030. " Sauarbh Saharan, Group Managing Director, HCBS Developments , says, The demand for luxury housing reached a new peak across NCR, making 2025 an exceptional year for the real estate sector. Improved infrastructure visibility and better access to Delhi played a critical role in this confidence, and corridors like Dwarka Expressway clearly benefited from that shift. The quality of enquiries also improved markedly this year. Heading into 2026, with wealth creation continuing and social infrastructure maturing, we expect these well-connected luxury corridors to remain stable, resilient and strongly preferred . Tier-II cities also emerge as aspirational housing destinations, supported by affordability and improving connectivity. Mohali, Chandigarh, Dehradun and Jaipur witnessed steady residential traction for lifestyle housing and plotted developments. Anarock data shows land transactions in H1 2025 has surpassed full-year 2024 levels, and Tier-II and Tier-III cities accounting for a larger share of overall land deals than Tier-I markets. Piyush Kansal, Executive Director of Royale Estate Group , says, In 2025, the Punjab real estate market demonstrated both resilience and maturity. Strong infrastructure momentum from enhanced connectivity around Mohali to expanding urbanisation in Tier-2 cities has underpinned steady residential and commercial demand, particularly in well-planned townships and mixed-use zones. NRI investments in cities like Amritsar surged significantly, reflecting growing confidence in premium and lifestyle properties. Although selective price corrections, such as those seen in Mohalis industrial land auctions, indicate a more calibrated investment landscape, overall fundamentals remain solid . Preksha Singh, CEO of Agrasheel Infratech , says, " One of the most important shifts in 2025 was how Tier-II cities began writing their own housing growth stories, rather than borrowing momentum from metros. Lucknow is a strong example. The city defies the trend with a 25% jump in the sale of residential units, led by the end-users, local businessmen, and professionals moving back to the city owing to the better quality of life on offer. This has ensured a balanced and healthy real estate cycle. Going into 2026, Tier-II cities are set for more growth, due to the economic stability, better connectivity, and the need for lifestyle-driven living options, away from the muddled traffic conditions of the metro cities ." While Gurugrams housing-led momentum set the residential tone for NCR in 2025, the regions commercial confidence found its strongest expression in NoidaGreater Noida with sustained demand from IT services, GCCs, data centres and manufacturing-linked occupiers. Viren Mehta, Founder & Director- Elite PRO Infra , says, " In 2025, Indian real estate shifted from reactive moves to a more structured and strategic approach. Buyers and occupiers became increasingly selective, focusing on location, long-term value, and operational efficiency. This shift led to certain micro-markets and asset classes outperforming others. Overall, the sector is showing signs of maturity, with greater stability and clearer opportunities for sustainable growth moving into 2026. Demand is now driven by quality and practicality rather than speculation, and stakeholders are making decisions with a long-term perspective. This evolution points to a healthier market where informed choices shape outcomes across segments ." Sanchit Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108 , said, 2025 marks a clear inflection points for retail growth in the NoidaGreater Noida region. We saw strong interest from both global and domestic brands across well-performing and emerging retail destinations, with many actively establishing and expanding their presenceparticularly along the Noida Expressway. The upcoming Noida International Airport is acting as a significant catalyst, reshaping brand perspectives on catchment strength, connectivity, and long-term footfall potential. Consequently, we are seeing rising demand for strategically located, high-quality retail developments . As NCR moves ahead, 2025 stands out as a year that marked the regions transition into a more mature and clearly defined real estate phase. With housing-led stability anchored by end-user demand and commercial-led confidence reinforced by quality leasing, volatility across markets remained contained. Clearer role definition across Gurugram, NoidaGreater Noida and emerging Tier-II cities will continue bringing greater depth and resilience to the regions property cycle.
Cold flip: Chandigarh out-chills Shimla
PGI workers hunger strike today
Chandigarh air quality remains very poor in many areas
Probiotics may hold the key to saving lives in paediatric ICUs: Study
Fog disrupts rail, air traffic; Kalka Shatabdi late by 5 hrs
1 dead as 2 cars crash in Mohali fog the culprit
Wildlife woes: Python panic grips Panchkula days after leopard scare
CCPCR flags concern over sale of liquor & tobacco to minors ahead of NY celebrations
In 26, Chd promises flyovers, medical hub & houses for all
Pkl mayor inaugurates 7cr devpt projects
UT plans over 700 govt hsg units on reclaimed land in Sec 25 and 43
Enhancement cut brings residents relief
Say goodbye to paperwork, UT estate office goes digital
Rising distress, little support: PUs mental health system was stretched to the limit
SGPC using Akal Takht as shield to protect its masters: Mann on row over FIR on missing saroops
CHANDIGARH, Dec 29 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday accused the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee of failing to find the 328 missing saroops (sacred copies) of Sikh holy book Guru Granth Sahib, and accused it of using the Akal Takht as a shield to protect its masters. Manns statements come a day after the five Singh Sahiban, or heads of the five Sikh temporal seats, asked the AAP government to stop meddling in the internal matter of Sikhs [] The post SGPC using Akal Takht as shield to protect its masters: Mann on row over FIR on missing saroops appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bathinda womans husband held for murder, confesses
Dead weight of dairy state brought to light
Factory demolition goes wrong, wall collapses on workers, kills 1
Teachers body holds candle march, seeks Rs 2cr ex gratia for deceased teacher couple
Privacy under microscope, nursing college put under emergency admn
Mumbai tourist falls of mid-air, paragliding suspended at Kullu site
ED seizes luxury cars, Rs 17L of UAE-based goon in money laundering case
HAU reinstates controversial security officer suspended after lathicharge
Theog MLA Rathore urges rollback of apple import duty cut
Overall fall in criminal cases in 2025: Haryana Police
Punjab trading passport for job letter, says Arora
Youth Congress holds statewide protests over law and order collapse in Punjab
Rs 26 crore Punjab govt aid mother of all safety nets
Shields to escape accountability: Mann slams SGPC for inaction on missing saroops
Mann defends Punjab assemblys special session on VB-G RAM G, debate today
In BJP, Amritsar East in-charge cautions Gadkari against Navjot Kaurs return
Hazy region roads cause fatal crash, highway pileup in Amritsar
Addicts tarnishing Golden Temples dignity: Navjot Kaur to CM
Planning New Year Travel? Dense Fog Across North India May Disrupt Journeys | Check Forecast
Dense fog disrupted flights and trains across Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Northeast India, stranding thousands at Airports and Railway stations.
VHT: Jurels Unbeaten Century Helps UP Defeat Baroda, Assam Register Win Over Hyderabad
Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel smashed a blazing unbeaten 160 off 101 balls to power Uttar Pradesh to a commanding 54-run victory over Baroda in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group B encounter at the Sanosara Cricket Ground 'A' on Monday. Jurel struck 15 boundaries and eight sixes as UP posted a mammoth 369/7 before dismissing Baroda for 315, despite fifties from Krunal Pandya and Shashwat Rawat, on the final ball of the match. The win earned UP four points, taking their tally to 12 after three rounds. Jurel, batting at number three after the departure of opener Aryan Juyal for 26, reached his maiden List A century in just 78 deliveries and tore into the Baroda bowling attack. He was particularly severe on pacer Rasikh Salam, plundering him for 55 runs off 14 deliveries. Jurel shared a crucial 131-run fourth-wicket partnership with big-hitter Rinku Singh, who contributed 63 off 67 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, having scored half-centuries against Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Meanwhile, Sibsankar Roy struck a majestic century as Assam pulled off an improbable four-wicket victory over Hyderabad at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground 'C'. Roy scored 112 off 109 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six, and shared a crucial 142-run third-wicket partnership with young opener Saurav Dihingia, who made 91 off 112 deliveries. Denish Das provided late impetus with a brisk 54 off 46 balls to lay the foundation for Assam chasing 312 in a thrilling fashion. Hyderabad openers Tanmay Agarwal and Rahul Singh Gahlaut gave their side a solid start after choosing to bat. Gahlaut top-scored with 79 off 71 balls, hitting 14 fours. Abhirath Reddy contributed 54 off 66 balls at number three, while Varun Goud's 42 and a late cameo from K. Nitesh Reddy, who smashed 53 off just 25 balls with four fours and three sixes, helped Hyderabad post 309, which wasnt adequate to stop Assam from registering an improbable win. On the other hand, Mukesh Kumar's maiden five-wicket haul in List A, along with Abishek Porel's brilliant 106 & Shahbaz Ahmed's superb all-round show powered Bengal to a six-wicket victory over Chandigarh. Brief Scores: Uttar Pradesh 369/7 in 50 overs (Dhruv Jurel 160 not out, Rinku Singh 63; Raj Limbani 4-74) beat Baroda 315 all out in 50 overs (Krunal Pandya 82, Shashwat Rawat 60; Zeeshan Ansari 3-53, Sameer Rizvi 2-61) by 54 runs Hyderabad 310/8 in 50 overs (Rahul Singh Gahlaut 79, Abhirath Reddy 54; Abdul Ajij Kuraishi 3-71, Sibsankar Roy 2-26) lost to Assam 314/6 in 49.3 overs (Sibsankar Roy 112, Saurav Dihingia 91; CV Milind 3-68, Varun 1-52) by four wickets Brief Scores: Uttar Pradesh 369/7 in 50 overs (Dhruv Jurel 160 not out, Rinku Singh 63; Raj Limbani 4-74) beat Baroda 315 all out in 50 overs (Krunal Pandya 82, Shashwat Rawat 60; Zeeshan Ansari 3-53, Sameer Rizvi 2-61) by 54 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmir 311/9 in 50 overs (Yawer Hassan 79, Qamran Iqbal 54; Yash Thakur 3-73, Yash Kadam 2-10) lost to Vidarbha 315/5 in 48.3 overs (Aman Mokhade 139, R Samarth 114; Yudhvir Singh 3-69, Auqib Nabi 2-65) by five wickets Article Source: IANS
Punjab CM Mann, SGPC set for showdown over 328 missing 'saroops' of Guru Granth Sahib
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) are all set for a showdown regarding the 328 missing 'saroops' of the Guru Granth Sahib. CM Mann on Monday slammed the SGPC for allegedly using the Akal Takht and Panth (community) as a shield to evade action against their 'misdeeds'. The Sikh clergy (five high priests) hit back, asking the Aam Aadmi Party government to stop meddling in their internal matters or face action according to 'Panthic' traditions. Addressing a press conference, CM Mann said that for the last few years the Sikh community has been deeply anguished as no action has been taken over the disappearance of the 328 saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib. The panthic organizations and Sant Samaj have for long demanded action in this regard and have even approached the state government for this purpose. As its moral responsibility, the government has lodged an FIR in this regard and constituted a SIT to probe the matter, he added. Mann said, The interim committee of the SGPC in its meeting in 2020 passed a resolution for severe action against the erring employees of the committee and publishers in the case. However, surprisingly no action was taken in this regard despite several irregularities though the SGPC had earlier itself passed a resolution to register criminal cases against influential persons like former Chief Secretary Dr Roop Singh and others. It had also been decided to terminate all services from SS Kohli and Associates (a chartered accountant firm) and recover 75 per cent of payments made. However, as SS Kohli was rendering services as the CA of Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, the action is still hanging fire. He claimed that the SGPC says that the state government is meddling in the affairs of the panth which is not true as the SGPC had passed a resolution for criminal action against the accused, for which the state government has to take action. However, to save the skin of the influential persons who are involved in this sin, the SGPC has later taken back all its resolutions, he added. Mann said the SGPC wants every power but does not want to be accountable to the people. He added that though the SGPC has failed in its duty to find the missing saroops, the Punjab government will ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are punished as per the law of the land. On the other hand, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the matter related to the sacred saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib would be placed before the sangat with complete facts on Tuesday. He stated that during the meeting of the five high priests at the Akal Takht, it was clearly directed that no one should indulge in politics on this issue. However, CM Mann is attempting to mislead the sangat on this matter, he said. He appealed to the sangat to remain cautious of the politics being played over this sensitive issue. The five high priests held a meeting on Sunday to deliberate on various matters including the missing sacred saroops, making of films on Sikh subjects, and conducting Anand Karaj at non-gurdwara venues. They asserted that the SGPC is the democratically elected Panthic organisation of Sikhs, and according to the constitution of India, no government can directly or indirectly interfere in the internal affairs of any religion. The government's legal action is being justified on the basis of the Ishar Singh Investigation Commission report, whereas it is clearly mentioned on its page number 230 that this matter should be resolved through the Akal Takht authority and institutions of SGPC, instead of governmental law or police mechanisms, they said. They added, If any political party makes such an attempt, it will be answerable to the Akal Takht and will be deemed guilty of betraying the Panth. The state government and the ruling political party are warned that if they do not stop interfering in this internal matter of Sikhs, action will be taken in accordance with Panthic traditions. On December 7, the Punjab Police registered a case against 16 people, including a former SGPC chief secretary, in connection with the disappearance of the saroops in 2020. The SGPC had earlier said that the FIR registration was a direct challenge to the Akal Takht and an unwarranted interference in its administrative rights.
CHANDIGARH: Amid concerns over the recent 'redefinition' of the Aravalli, the oldest mountain range in the country and a fragile ecological shield for north India, now the Waterman of India and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Rajendra Singh has written to the Chief Justice of India on it. He warned that the new definition of the Aravalli could open protected areas to fresh mining and development and allow the Thar Desert to advance towards Delhi. In the letter Rajendra Singh wrote, There is no 100-meter hillock along the Delhi-Haryana border. Thus, I believe it may open all those protected areas of the Aravalli for new mining and development and facilitate bringing the Thar desert to Delhi. The Aravalli is not an object; it is an ecosystem of hills with gentle slopes. Winds, the monsoon, groundwater reserves, water harvesting systems, vegetation, forests, wildlife, and all forms of biodiversity together have shaped the Aravalli over millions of years, it added. The letter noted that the geographical significance of the Aravalli is well known to all, and the Supreme Court has acknowledged this significance many times. Even before our origin, the Aravalli has played a role in the formation of the Himalayas, the seas, and the Sahyadri ranges around it. At a time when climate change is afflicting the masses, when the air has become so polluted that even breathing has become difficult, can we even imagine causing any kind of harm to the Aravalli? he asked, asserting that mining and development damaging the range must be rejected. What is needed today is to keep the Aravalli safe and to make it green and flourishing so that we may be protected from natural disasters. Any kind of mining or any activity, including development that harms the Aravalli must be rejected, the letter stated. He concluded that today, there is a need for the same judicial consciousness. Also, in another letter to the Supreme Court by the Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG), a collective of former civil servants has also expressed deep anguish over its orders, which have set aside the rules and regulations put in place to safeguard the countrys environment and ecology. The letter stated, We write because of our deep anguish concerning certain recent Supreme Court orders which have set aside the rules and regulations put in place to safeguard our countrys environment and ecology. Three recent orders of the Supreme Court have led us to fear that the last bastion meant to uphold the constitutional provisions to protect and conserve our natural world and the right to life of the people of India is crumbling before the onslaught of rich and powerful vested interests, it stated. The letter read, The Aravalli range, most of which is below 100 meters in height, is estimated to be around 670 million years old and acts as a natural barrier slowing the spread of the Thar Desert, stabilising micro-climates, and recharging aquifers. The new definition will potentially exclude from environmental protection over 90 per cent of the Aravalli range, opening it up to mining and construction and practically removing its ability to be a dust barrier for the Delhi-NCR region. It will also actively allow the advance of desertification into Delhi-NCR. The new definition will, additionally, result in habitat loss and fragmentation of wildlife corridors, affecting leopards, hyenas and other animals. It will also result in the degradation of scrub forests and native tree cover that support reptiles, pollinators, and grassland birds. The new definition will, moreover, demolish the role the Aravallis play as an aquifer. The Aravallis have the immense potential of recharging groundwater at approximately 2 million litres per hectare of the landscape. The aquifers are interconnected, and any disturbance or alterations in the pattern can significantly alter the groundwater regime, causing drought in the National Capital Region, an area already reeling under fast-depleting groundwater levels, it stated. The letter noted that the court has ordered a scientific mapping and sustainable mining plan (MPSM) for the Aravallis to be prepared by the MoEFCC. It is dismaying to learn that it is a committee of the MoEFCC that has proposed such an unscientific and destructive definition of the Aravallis, abdicating its mandate of conservation to facilitate mining. The outcome of the court authorising this very same ministry to prepare a sustainable mining plan is predictable: large-scale mining will be taken up with the stamp of approval of the court, giving it finality against litigation. The impact of such mining on the Air Quality Index in Delhi-NCR, a region that is already choking due to lack of breathable air, can only be imagined, it read. Our fervent plea to the Supreme Court is to prioritise the health of its citizens, the letter concluded.
Motorcycle snatched at gunpoint
Sunday dawns chilly as min temperature slides further
Elderly man falls off 7th floor of Zpur housing society; dies
Fog disrupts rail traffic in Chd; 8 trains arrive late, flights also affected
Road crashes claim 2 lives in Mohali
Thieves threaten youth with knife
The Vitamin D trap: How fortified oil poisoned Punjab homes
Untreated sewage in seasonal rivulet: Plaint filed with Pb CM
With Punjab ageing faster, study calls for focused cancer care for elderly
Teachers to take stir online amid row over winter classes
Girls report higher career-related stress than boys: Study
Badminton courts, gyms to come up in Pkl Sec 10 parks
Police tighten vigil at Mohalis 3B2 mkt ahead of New Year
In Year of Bloodshed, Gang Wars & Murders Shook Chandigarh
Youth promotes gun culture on social media, booked
Foggy weather conditions to prevail in Punjab, Haryana & HP till Dec 31
Railways loco pilot loses Rs 24L in digital arrest scam
BSF jawan cremated with state honours at native village
Warring questions AAPs claims over curbing drugs & crime
Insurance coverage set to be doubled to Rs 10L per family: Punjab minister
Akal Takht jathedar summons Punjab minister, DSGMC functionaries, CKD chief
Punjab BJP chief claims AAP govt provided only 26 days of employment on average under MGNREGA
CHANDIGARH: Taking a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government, Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Sunil Jakhar said that the government was acting like an event management company. He claimed that the state government was providing 26 days of employment on average under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and demanded a white paper on the 'corruption' under this scheme over the past four years. His remark came as the government has called a one-day special session of the assembly on December 30, 2025, against the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act brought in by the union govenrment, which replaces the 20-year-old MGNREGA. He alleged that the AAP government has failed on every front and has no achievements to count. It keeps rolling out new propaganda every day. It would be better if the government used a special session to discuss the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state and to deliberate on the frequent murders and extortion threats being reported almost daily, he added. Jakhar said that the AAP government was preparing for yet another propaganda exercise. Accusing the Mann government of misleading the poor, Jakhar said the dispensation had got forms filled out and thumb impressions registered, while failing to provide 100 days of employment to poor people. The AAP government is troubled since the Central government is promising to stop corruption in the MGNREGA scheme and provide 125 days of work instead of 100. Talking about the Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans recent visit to Punjab, he said people from every district highlighted corruption in the MGNREGA scheme. Mann should issue a white paper on the corruption under this scheme over the past four years. During the current fiscal year, the government was providing 26 days of employment on average, whereas in the previous years, it managed just 38 days of employment on average. This exposes the anti-poor face of the AAP government, the drama of convening special sessions is only meant to hide its shortcomings, said Jakhar while referring to earlier special sessions of the assembly He also raised questions on the status of the draft law against sacrilege, which got sent to a select committee. He also asked about the outcome of the special session convened after a charge that crores of rupees were being offered to AAP MLAs for defection. Similarly, the government has been silent on the status of Punjab's agricultural policy he said. To escape accountability for this failure, the government is repeatedly calling special sessions, which will bring no benefit other than placing an additional financial burden on the people of Punjab, Jakhar said. Congress to hit streets to save MGNREGA replaced by VB G RAM Act
Tourist surge chokes Manali as over 33,000 vehicles enter, snowfall forecast from December 30
CHANDIGARH: Ahead of the New Year, tourist footfall has seen a sharp rise in Kullu Manali and adjoining regions of Himachal Pradesh, with the tourist season currently at its peak. The surge has led to massive traffic jams across the hill region, with thousands of vehicles arriving daily. In just the past week, from December 21 to 27, as many as 13,240 tourist vehicles from other states crossed into Manali, while 34,426 vehicles passed through the Atal Tunnel on the Manali Leh highway during the same period, indicating a substantial rise in tourist movement towards Lahaul and Spiti. A large number of visitors are reportedly fleeing toxic fumes in Delhi and the plains, even as snowfall and rain are expected from December 30. As per figures available with the police, recorded at the Green Barrier in Manali, 2,188 vehicles crossed the barrier on December 27 (Saturday). A day earlier, on December 26, 2,437 vehicles crossed, while on Christmas Day, December 25, the number stood at 2,910. This takes the total number of vehicles from December 21 to 27 to 13,420. The number of vehicles has been steadily rising, with 7,795 vehicles recorded from December 15 to 21, 7,162 vehicles from December 8 to 14, and 5,306 vehicles from December 1 to 7. In total, from December 1 to December 27, as many as 33,503 vehicles crossed into Manali. The heavy tourist rush has triggered traffic jams in Manali, particularly at the entrance to the town, on the route to the Hadimba Temple, the Old Manali road, in Prini, Aleo and Vashisht villages, and along the Manali Leh highway towards the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang Pass. At the scenic Atal Tunnel, 6,848 vehicles entered on December 27, while on Friday, December 26, the number peaked at 7,237, the highest so far this season. On Christmas Day, 4,752 vehicles passed through the tunnel. A total of 34,426 vehicles entered the tunnel from December 21 to 27. The rising trend is evident from earlier weeks as well, with 16,622 vehicles recorded from December 1 to 7, 20,710 from December 8 to 14, and 24,497 from December 15 to 21. In 2023, a record breaking 14,865 vehicles from outside the state flooded Manali and entered the Atal Tunnel on Christmas Day, sparking traffic snarls across the entire region. Traffic congestion has also been reported in Tirthan Valley and on National Highway 305 from Aut to Jalori Jot in the Banjar subdivision of Kullu district. Popular tourist destinations such as Solang Valley, the Atal Tunnel and Shinkula Pass have emerged as major hubs of tourist activity. Increasing numbers of visitors are now venturing beyond Manali to experience scenic landscapes, adventure sports and panoramic views of the Himalayas, adding to the festive atmosphere in the region. The surge in tourism has boosted the morale of hoteliers, transporters and adventure operators in Kullu Manali and Lahaul Spiti. After encouraging business during the Christmas period, stakeholders are optimistic that tourist numbers will rise further during the New Year celebrations. A majority of hotels have reported full bookings for Christmas, and New Year reservations continue to rise steadily. The tourism industry believes that if the current trend continues, Manali could be operating at full capacity on New Years Eve. Talking to this newspaper, the President of the Federation of Himachal Hotels and Restaurant Association and former president of the Hoteliers Association Manali, Gajender Thakur, said that there are 45,000 rooms across hotels, homestays and B&Bs in Manali, with a total occupancy capacity of 90,000 tourists. At present, we are running at 95 per cent full capacity for the last fifteen days and this will continue till January 5. After 2023, we have again seen such a tourist footfall, he said. He added that online queries and advance bookings for hotel rooms in Manali had increased significantly in recent days, reflecting growing tourist interest. The hill state, which is currently experiencing a prolonged dry spell, is expected to receive fresh snowfall and rainfall from December 30 onwards, bringing cheer to tourists as well as locals. According to the state Meteorological Department, a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from December 30. As a result, middle and higher hill areas of the state are expected to witness light snowfall and rainfall at isolated places from December 30 to January 1. Lower hill regions and plain areas of the state are very likely to witness dense fog during early mornings and late evenings. The department has issued an orange warning for Bilaspur and Mandi districts till December 29, after which a yellow warning will remain in place till December 31 for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur districts.
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