Chandigarh bill attempt by BJP to pave way for Governors Rule in Punjab, alleges LoP Bajwa
CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Punjab Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa alleged that the BJP-led Union Government is using the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Chandigarh as a deliberate tactic to provoke confrontation in Punjab and create conditions to impose Governors Rule in the state. Bajwa said the amendment, which seeks to place Chandigarh under Article 240, is not an administrative reform but a politically driven move to sever Chandigarh from Punjab permanently. He said Punjabis, who gave up land, homes, and entire villages to build Chandigarh after the loss of Lahore, will not tolerate any move that undermines their rightful claim over the city. The BJP knows that pushing this bill will trigger widespread protest across Punjab. That is exactly what they want to provoke Punjab and then use the resulting situation as a pretext to centralise power, he claimed. Calling it a calculated strategy, Bajwa said, This is a classic pattern of the BJP: manufacture tension, allow protests to escalate, and then weaponise the situation to justify Governors Rule. He said the amendment fits into a wider pattern of central overreach seen over the past ten years. From unilateral service rules for Chandigarh officers to interference in BBMB appointments, from meddling in the Punjab Agricultural University Bill to taking decisions on Punjabs river waters without the states consent, the Centre has repeatedly tried to dilute Punjabs powers. The Chandigarh amendment is the most blatant and provocative assault yet, Bajwa added. Bajwa said every major political party in Punjab has opposed the move, leaving only the BJP isolated. He demanded that the Central Government withdraw the Bill at once and urged the Chief Minister to convene an all-party meeting to present a united resistance. Punjab must speak with one voice. This is not a party issue this is about our constitutional rights and our historical claim, he said. Reaffirming the stance of the Congress, Bajwa said the party will block the bill in Parliament, challenge it on every available platform, and take the issue directly to the people. Punjab will protest this move peacefully, democratically, and with absolute determination. Chandigarh is our history, our identity, and our rightful capital and no government in Delhi can change that truth, he concluded. Meanwhile, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said only Punjab has the rightful claim to Chandigarh, a city built by displacing 24 villages of the state. He warned that any attempt by the BJP to take Chandigarh would face two-pronged resistance: a legal battle by the Punjab government and a determined struggle by the Aam Aadmi Party from the streets to the Parliament. He said this conspiracy is being hatched even as the Punjab government and people across the country are marking the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadurs martyrdom for religious freedom and national unity. Cheema cited a pattern of anti-Punjab actions by the BJP, starting with the three black farm laws intended to destroy the agricultural economy, followed by attempts to compromise state's interests through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the unpleasant bid to seize senate of Panjab University which could directly affect the working of about 200 colleges, and now the deceitful maneuver to snatch Chandigarh.
Chandigarh bill not to be tabled in Winter Session; decision only after consultations, clarifies MHA
The clarification came after strong political reactions to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha bulletins stating the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Chandigarh would come up during parliament session
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This came a day after a bulletin of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 among the provisional list of 10 bills for the upcoming session beginning December 1.
Centre's BIG clarification after row erupts over Chandigarh Bill: 'Proposal only to...'
The clarification comes after a political row erupted over the Centre's proposal to include the union territory of Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution in alignment with other Union Territories without legislatures such as Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
What is Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill? What does it mean for Chandigarh? Know here
The Parliament is all set to witness a heated winter session, as the central government plans to introduce the contentious Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the upcoming session, which is scheduled to commence on December 1.
Centre Clarifies No Final Decision on Chandigarh Law-Making Proposal
Home Ministry says the move will not alter Chandigarhs traditional arrangements with Punjab and Haryana
No final decision on Chandigarh proposal, no change in administrative structure: MHA
The Union Home Ministry on Sunday clarified that no final decision has been taken on a proposal concerning the process of making laws for the Union Territory of Chandigarh. MHA said that the proposal, currently under consideration, does not seek to alter Chandigarhs governance framework or its long-standing arrangements with Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh serves as the joint capital of both states. In an official statement, the Home Ministry said the proposal is aimed solely at simplifying the central governments law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The ministry emphasised that fears of administrative restructuring or dilution of existing ties with Punjab and Haryana were misplaced. The proposal only to simplify the Central Governments law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is still under consideration with the Central Government. No final decision has been taken on this proposal. The proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarhs PIB - Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) November 23, 2025 Allaying concerns raised by political leaders in Punjab, the proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarhs governance or administrative structure, the statement said. A suitable decision will be taken only after adequate consultations with all stakeholders, keeping in mind the interests of Chandigarh. There is no need for any concern on this matter. The ministry further clarified that the Centre has no intention of introducing any such Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. Concerns emerged after a Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha bulletin mentioned a proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. Article 240 empowers the President to frame regulations and legislate directly for certain Union Territories. If implemented, it could potentially allow for the appointment of an independent administrator for Chandigarh, similar to the arrangement that existed when the UT had its own Chief Secretary in earlier years. The mention triggered sharp reactions from political parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and the Aam Aadmi Party, who viewed the proposal as a move that might affect Punjabs stake in the Union Territory. The Home Ministry said that the proposal remains under examination and assured that any step forward will follow due consultation and transparency. (With inputs from PTI)
Proposal On Chandigarh Doesnt Alter Administrative Structure, No Final Decision Yet: MHA
New Delhi, Nov 23: The Union Home Ministry Sunday said no final decision has been taken on the proposal to simplify law-making in Chandigarh, asserting that it does not aim to change traditional arrangements between the Union territory and Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. The proposal only to simplify the central governments law-making process for the Union territory of Chandigarh is still under consideration with the central government. No final decision has been [] The post Proposal On Chandigarh Doesnt Alter Administrative Structure, No Final Decision Yet: MHA appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Will meet Amit Shah: Punjab BJP chief on Centre's proposal for Chandigarh
In a pivotal meeting set for later this week, Punjab's BJP chief Sunil Jakhar will engage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Jakhar is advocating for the withdrawal of a controversial law designed for Chandigarh's independent administrator, citing deep-rooted sentiments the people of Punjab hold for the city.
Agarkar & Co. Slated To Meet In Mumbai To Select Indias Squads For White-ball Games Against SA
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: The senior mens selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is scheduled to convene in Mumbai on Sunday to select Indias squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa, said sources to IANS. Agarkar, along with RP Singh and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, were in Guwahati on Saturday to attend day one of the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. But IANS understands that the trio left for Mumbai from Guwahati on Sunday for the selection committee meeting at the BCCI headquarters. Yes, the selection meeting is today in Mumbai, after being initially presumed that it would happen in Guwahati. It is understood that other members are also travelling to Mumbai for it, further said the sources. Following the conclusion of the two-match Test series, India will play against South Africa in three ODIs, to be played in Ranchi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam and five T20Is set to take place in Cuttack, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. The discussion in the Agarkar-led panel is expected to centre a lot on who could lead the side for the ODI series against the Proteas. Theres a leadership vacuum in the 50-over set-up as captain Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are unavailable due to neck and spleen injuries. With Gill also consulting Mumbai-based spinal surgeon Dr Abhay Nene for his neck injury recovery, it also puts him as a doubtful starter for the T20Is against South Africa, starting on December 9. IANS understands that theres a leadership toss-up between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, with more discussions expected to happen in the selection committees meeting. Rahul has led India previously in ODIs and was the captain when the side beat South Africa in the 50-over series in 2023. Pant, on the other hand, is captaining India in the ongoing second Test in Guwahati, but hasnt been a first-choice starter in the 50-over set-up due to Rahuls presence. In Gills absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal could partner with Rohit Sharma at the top. IANS understands that theres a leadership toss-up between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, with more discussions expected to happen in the selection committees meeting. Rahul has led India previously in ODIs and was the captain when the side beat South Africa in the 50-over series in 2023. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For the T20I series against the Proteas, barring Gill, the majority of the squad is likely to be on the expected lines. It would be interesting to see if Hardik Pandya is included, with the seam-bowling all-rounder on rehab mode for a quad injury recovery at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru. Article Source: IANS
Not Final, No Alteration: Centre Clarifies Amid Punjab Row Over Chandigarh Law-Making Proposal
An appropriate decision will be taken only after adequate consultation with all stakeholders, keeping in mind the interests of Chandigarh, said the MHA
The Central government has dismissed media reports about introducing a bill to sync Chandigarh with other Union Territories. The Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that a proposal to simplify law-making for Chandigarh is still under consideration and no final decision has been made. The government assured that the proposal does not aim to alter Chandigarh's governance or administrative structure.
Delhi blast: White-collar terror module stockpiled explosives for two years, NIA probe reveals
CHANDIGARH: The investigations into the Faridabad white collar terror module linked to the Delhi blast case have reportedly revealed that the network spent nearly two years procuring explosives and remote-triggering devices. Sources claimed that one of the accused, Dr Muzammil Ganaie, during questioning by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has reportedly admitted that 26 quintals of NPK fertilizer was procured from Gurugram and Nuh in Haryana. It was allegedly converted into explosive material under the supervision of Umar un-Nabi, who also arranged remote detonators and circuitry for the devices, as he handled the technical part of the operation. The explosives were prepared meticulously over a long period, as they were not built overnight. An official, on condition of anonymity, said, Ganaie was sourcing fertilizer and other precursor chemicals, and this material was bought for approximately Rs 3 lakh. Ammonium nitrate and urea were also stockpiled. It is learnt that Muzammil left a grinding machine and another machine used to melt metal at a taxi drivers house in Dhauj village. The driver was later detained by the NIA along with the machines. Questioning has revealed that the network spent nearly two years procuring explosives and remote-triggering devices. Sources claimed that the worrying factor is that the terrorists seem to have figured out a mix of incendiary chemicals and ammonium nitrate that lowers the kindling temperature of the improvised explosive device fabricated by this terror module. A day before the blast, a joint team of J&K and Faridabad police had seized 360 kg ammonium nitrate and other explosive material from a rented room of Dr Muzammil at Dhauj village. Additionally, 2,900 kg ammonium nitrate was recovered, clearly indicating the modules plan to carry out a major operation. So far, three doctors, Ganaie, Shahid and Adeel Rather, have been arrested. Muzaffar Rather, suspected to be part of the same network, is believed to be in Afghanistan, complicating efforts to bring him into custody. Meanwhile, authorities are also searching for Nissar ul-Hassan, a colleague of the accused at Al-Falah Medical College, where several of the suspects worked together. Sources claimed that Rs 26 lakh was allegedly raised among five doctors to finance the conspiracy. While Ganaie reportedly contributed Rs 5 lakh, Adeel Ahmad Rather Rs 8 lakh and Muzaffar Ahmad Rather Rs 6 lakh, Shaheen Shahid Rs 5 lakh and Dr Umar Un-Nabi Mohammad Rs 2 lakh. The entire amount was handed over to Umar. It is further alleged that Muzammil and Umar were involved in a fight at the university over the funds, witnessed by several students. Delhi blast: Faridabad module probe extends to Mhow, police trace past of Al-Falah University founder
No Final Decision Yet: Centre Clarifies Amid Chandigarh Bill Row
No final decision on administrative changes in Chandigarh, says Centre amid political row
Punjab Comes First: State BJP Chief Calls For Dialogue With Centre Amid Chandigarh Row
Positioning himself both as a party leader and a proud Punjabi, Jakhar said, For us, Punjab always comes first.
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar tried to calm tensions after criticism over the Centres proposal to appoint an independent administrator for Chandigarh, saying the Union territory is integral to Punjab and any confusion will be resolved. The move has triggered strong political backlash across parties in the state.
We are also covering: Political Storm In Bengal After TMC Leader Vows To Lay Babri Masjid Foundation Stone and IND Vs SA Live Score, 2nd Test Day 2.
Kejriwal, Harsimrat oppose bill allowing President to make legislation for Chandigarh directly
The BJP-led central government's attempt to eliminate Punjab's rights over Chandigarh through constitutional amendment is not part of a simple move, but a direct attack on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights, says AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal
Punjab Comes First: State BJP Chief Picks His Side Amid Chandigarh Uproar
Amid the political uproar in Punjab over the Centre's move to bring Chandigarh under the President's direct control, Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has said Chandigarh is an integral part of Punjab and assured that the confusion will be resolved
Jalandhar horror: 13-year-old girl found murdered in neighbours house
A 13-year-old girl was found murdered in a neighbor's house in Jalandhar late Saturday night. Residents, after checking CCTV footage showing her entering the house earlier, found her body in a bathroom and thrashed the owner. Police rescued the suspect, who is hospitalized, and are investigating a potential lapse in their initial response.
Punjabs Right Over Chandigarh Non-Negotiable: Centres Bill Faces Opposition Pushback
Punjab politics has erupted after the Centre proposed the 131st Amendment Bill, prompting the SAD to call an emergency meeting.
Capital Snatch Conspiracy: Punjab Pushback To Centre's Chandigarh Move
A massive political row has erupted over the Centre's push to bring Chandigarh under the purview of Article 240 of the Constitution, which will empower the President to make regulations for the Union Territory directly
Centre's Bill To Allow President To Frame Norms For Chandigarh Sparks Row
The Centre has proposed to include the Union territory of Chandigarh under the ambit of Article 240 of the Constitution, which empowers the president to make regulations for the UT and legislate directly.
Abhinav Tejrana: The Delhi boy ignored by DDCA is making waves for Goa
The 24-year-old top-order batter Abhinav Tejrana has set the Ranji Trophy on fire. Batting for Goa at No. 3, the Delhi-born cricketer has amassed 651 runs in eight innings, including a double century on first-class debut against Chandigarh. He has also smashed two centuries against Punjab and Saurashtra, and not to forget his match-saving unbeaten 73 against Karnataka.
In a recent ruling, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal in Chandigarh has granted a significant tax relief to Mr. Saini, a retired worker from the Punjab State Electricity Board. He will now enjoy a tax exemption for the leave encashment accrued during his tenure at the government organization.
Vigilance bureau registers case against suspended Moga ADC over irregularities
Amid rising crime concerns, Congress leaders shop comes under fire in Batala
Punjab struggles to attract specialist doctors, hires retirees to fill vacancies
Opposition grows in Ropar over proposed Anandpur Sahib district status
Vice-President to skip PU Dec 13 convocation amid campus unrest
HC calls killing of sacrilege accused direct challenge to power of court, refuses bail
The central government's move to bring Chandigarh under Article 240, similar to other Union Territories, has ignited strong opposition in Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann vehemently protested, asserting Punjab's sole right over the city. This amendment, potentially delinking Chandigarh from Punjab's administration, is viewed as a significant political development, sparking renewed tensions.
Tejas crash: Wing Commander Namansh Syal was an IAF instructor, to be cremated in Kangra today
NIA starts probe into blasts at Bathinda home that injured teen & dad
Mann opposes move to include Chandigarh as Union Territory
3 of a family held, over 3 kg heroin seized
450 school students visit Phillaur police academy
Dhaliwal slams BJPs Jai Inder Kaur, questions unfulfilled promises
Woman, nephew killed as speeding SUV hits motorcycle
After Red Fort blast, RWAs seek stricter vendor regulation in Pkl
18 temporary night shelters set to come up across Chd
MC to launch edu exposure visits for students to promote solid waste mgmt awareness
Jeweller held for buying stolen gold worth 8L
6 govt colleges in Pkl get over 4cr for girls hostels
Visa firm owner, staff booked for duping 6 of 10L
Work on bridge near Shastri Nagar gains momentum
Residents flag open garbage burning in Panchkula, urge pollution board to act
Upgraded single-window system to enhance ease of doing business: Minister
Minister highlights govts push for drug-free Punjab
Man nabbed with country-made pistol in Sector 25
Presidential shift: How Article 240 could redraw UT rules
Online cons dupe Sec 34 resident of Rs 16.5 lakh
Cong., AAP, Akalis oppose Chandigarh plan of Central govt.
The parties say Constitution amendment Bill planned for Parliaments upcoming Winter Session is a ploy to snatch the city away from Punjab
Centre plans to sync Chandigarh with other UTs
After ET first reported the proposed legislation on Friday, AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney said the new law would give Chandigarh administration rules similar to Lakshadweep and others and potentially allow it to have an independent administrator. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill has been listed for the winter session beginning December 1. Before being introduced in Parliament, it must receive Union Cabinet approval.
Political uproar in Punjab as Centre lists new Bill to appoint separate Lt Governor for Chandigarh
Leaders from across the political spectrum claim that the bill goes against the interests of Punjab and weakens the state's rights over its own capital.
Punjab vigilance nabs Batala municipal commissioner while taking Rs 50,000 bribe
CHANDIGARH: The Sub-Divisional MagistratecumMunicipal Corporation Commissioner of Batala, Vikramjeet Singh Panthey, has been arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau after he was allegedly caught red-handed taking a bribe of Rs 50,000. In addition, unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 13.50 lakh was recovered from his official residence during a subsequent search. A Vigilance Bureau official stated that the complainant, a resident of Batala in Gurdaspur district, had carried out patchwork and repair work on roads for the Municipal Corporation, Batala. For this work, two bills of Rs 1,87,483 and Rs 1,85,369 totalling Rs 3,72,852 had been submitted for payment. When he approached the Commissioner regarding the pending payment, he was allegedly told that a 10% commission (Rs 37,000) would have to be paid as a bribe to clear the bills. The official further said that the complainant had also executed camera and related technical work for a light and sound show in Batala, for which an additional amount of Rs 1,81,543 was pending. In total, payments amounting to approximately Rs 5,54,395 were due. When the complainant met SDO Rohit Uppal regarding the matter, he was allegedly informed that the Commissioners instructions had to be followed, and a 9% commission would be required to release the pending amount. The complainant, however, refused to pay any bribe. It was also noted that the Commissioner had given Uppal additional charge as Executive Engineer (XEN), granting him extra administrative powers. Acting on the complaint, the Vigilance Bureau recorded the complainants statement at the VB Unit in Gurdaspur. After verifying the allegations, the Bureau laid a trap and apprehended Vikramjeet Singh Panthey while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000, in the presence of two official witnesses. A case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused officer at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station, Range Amritsar. He will be produced before a competent court on Saturday, and further investigation is underway. Sources alleged that the officer routinely took cuts from all tenders floated by the Municipal Corporation. Vigilance officials reached his residence in three vehicles around 10 p.m. on Friday and conducted a search that continued until midnight.
Punjab police bust gangsterterror module; five held with foreign links
CHANDIGARH: A gangster-terror module was busted by the Punjab Police with the arrest of five suspects. Seven such modules have been unearthed in the last three weeks. The arrested men were allegedly assigned target killings by handlers operating from Pakistan, Canada, and Europe. Sources said the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, through its handlers, has been using YouTube videos to train recruits remotely on how to operate and detonate hand grenades. Police recovered these instructional videosdownloaded and shared via WhatsApp using virtual numbersfrom the mobile phones of the alleged suspects. The accused have been identified as Deepak, alias Deepu, and Ram Lal, who travelled from Rajasthan to coordinate and execute a terror attack in Ludhiana. The other three are Shamsher Singh from Ferozepur in Punjab, Harsh Ojha from Bihar, and Ajay from Haryana. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said the accused were specifically tasked by their Pakistan-based handler, Jasveer alias Choudhary, to carry out grenade attacks in the state. These Pakistan-based handlers are deliberately recruiting criminals from other states to commit terror acts in Punjab, as youths from Bihar, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra are being recruited to orchestrate grenade attacks in the state. We are in touch with the National Investigation Agency to unearth their foreign links, he said. Police officials privy to the investigation said that after Operation Sindoor, there has been a sharp rise in assigned target killings, with gangster-terror modules receiving hit lists, weapons, and logistical support from handlers abroad. There is credible evidence that the ISI of Pakistan is trying its best to disturb peace in the state, as it is pressurising its contacts among gangsters through foreign handlers to carry out target killings, said one official. There has also been a five-fold increase in weapons smuggling across the border. A total of 375 weaponsincluding AK-47 rifles, grenades, and improvised explosive deviceswere seized till October 31 this year, surpassing the total number recovered from 2021 to 2024, according to state police data. On November 1, four operatives of gangsters Gurdev Jassal and Gurlala alias Gullu were arrested in Gurdaspur, and five pistols were recovered from them. On November 10, the State Special Operation Cell arrested four members of a terror module who were in touch with a Portugal-based wanted gangster and were working under his directions. A day later, SSOC-Amritsar, in a joint operation with the Counter-Intelligence Wing, Pathankot, arrested two individuals working on behalf of a UK-based handler and recovered a sophisticated 9mm Glock pistol and five live cartridges. On November 12, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with Mohali Police, arrested two operatives linked to foreign-based gangster Goldy Dhillon of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, who were planning to target a businessman. On November 13, police arrested two associates of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and recovered two foreign-made .30-calibre pistols from Batala. The accused were tasked by gangster Amrit Dalaam, a member of the Bhagwanpuria gang, to carry out target killings, the police said. Then, on November 15, the Counter-Intelligence Wing in Amritsar busted an illegal weapons-smuggling module being operated from Madhya Pradesh, arresting one person and recovering nine pistols. Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the police have been able to bust most of the modules that had been assigned target killings. There have been desperate attempts from across the border to disturb peace in the state, but our agencies have been active and alert to meet any eventuality, he said.
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
Haryana to set up ATS after Faridabad universitys links with Red Fort explosion surface
CHANDIGARH: Following the November 10 Delhi blast and the discovery of Faridabad white-collar terror module linked to it, the Haryana Police has fast-tracked its plan to establish an anti-terrorist squad (ATS) with focus on Islamic extremists and Khalistani separatist networks. Sources said that the new ATS structure will rest on three coordinated wingsintelligence gathering, complex investigations, and field operations modeled after the units across the country. The ATS will mainly focus on the NCR, which comprises 14 districts of Haryana, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonepat and Jhajjara belt that has repeatedly figured in national security alerts. A senior official indicated that the headquarters of ATS might be set up either at Panchkula or Gurugram. The ATS, officials say marks a generational shift in states approach to counter-terror ops: integrating intel, investigation, and operational capacity within a singular, high-tech framework. The commandos at ATS disposal will be trained for precision operations based on information from field and digital surveillance, said a senior police officer. Haryana DGP, OP Singh said, Our effort is to scan every layeranalogue and digitalfor the earliest signs of mobilisation. We want to transition from reactive policing to proactive, intelligence-led disruption of threats. Sources added that each of over 150 police stations in NCR districts will dedicate at least one security agent solely for the purpose of terror-intelligence collection.
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Excelsior Correspondent CHANDIGARH, Nov 21: The Central Bank of India (CBI) today inaugurated its first dedicated NRI Desk at the Sector 17B branch in Chandigarh. The desk was inaugurated by Vasti Venkatesh, General Manager, International Division, Mumbai, in the presence of Arvind Kumar, Zonal Head, Chandigarh, Ram Kumar Yadav, Regional Head Chandigarh, T C Meena, Deputy Zonal Head and Anantpreet Singh, Branch Head, Sector 17B and respected customers. This initiative aims to provide specialized banking services to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), [] The post CBI inaugurates 1st NRI Desk in Chandigarh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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