Farmers in Punjab call off protest after Mann govt accepts their core demands
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 7 (IANS) After a written assurance from the Bhagwant Mann government accepting the core demands of the agitating farmer unions, farmers protesting at the Chandigarh-Mohali border called off their stir on Monday evening. The formal written assurance was handed over to the farmer representatives by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian. As per the written agreement, the Punjab government will convene a special session of the Vidhan Sabha within a month to pass resolutions on key issues and forward them to the Centre. These include seeking reconsideration of decades-old unconstitutional water-sharing agreements, repeal of Sections 78, 79 and 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act to restore the States riparian rights, annulment of the Dam Safety Act and withdrawal of the Seed Bill, 2025. Reaffirming the Bhagwant governments commitment to the welfare of farmers, Agriculture Minister Khudian said that the government believes in resolving issues through dialogue and mutual understanding. The Bhagwant Mann Government is fully committed to the welfare of our annadatas. We believe in resolving issues through dialogue and have accepted their genuine demands with full transparency in writing, he said. To ease the financial burden on farmers, the Minister also announced that a One-Time Settlement (OTS) policy will be formulated for outstanding loans, particularly those availed from cooperative banks, including the Punjab State Cooperative Bank and cooperative societies. A committee will be constituted in consultation with all political parties to formulate the OTS policy, which will be instrumental in clearing the debt burden of farmers, he said. On the issue of sugarcane pricing, Minister Khudian asserted that Punjab will continue to provide the highest sugarcane price in the country. He said directions had been issued to put up the file for fixing the sugarcane price on Monday itself, ensuring that the process is initiated without delay. The Minister further said that the government will ensure time-bound clearance of pending dues of farmers from private sugar mills. The One Window, One Payment system, presently applicable to cooperative mills, will be extended to private mills as well, he said. For the remaining demands of the farmer unions, Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian assured that a joint committee comprising senior officers of the Punjab Government and representatives nominated by the farmer unions will be constituted. The committee will examine the outstanding matters and work towards resolving them expeditiously.
One Chair Empty: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Absent As High Court Chief Justice Takes Oath
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra has taken oath as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, despite the Punjab Cabinets demand that his appointment and oath be kept on hold. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath in Chandigarh, with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attending, while Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was absent. The Centre formally appointed Justice Mishra on September 5 following a Supreme Court Collegium recommendation. Punjab has alleged that the Centre bypassed the states constitutional rights by not obtaining its views before the appointment. The controversy comes amid a broader dispute over the Memorandum of Procedure for appointing High Court Chief Justices. Justice Mishra, formerly of the Allahabad High Court, joined the Punjab and Haryana High Court in July 2025.
Tennis: India's Karan Singh wins singles title in ITF M15 Bali
Chandigarh, Sep 7 (IANS) India's Karan Singh clinched the men's singles title at the ITF Mens World Tennis Tour M15, which was played in Bali, Indonesia. This is Karans fourth career title and his third of the 2026 season -- second in singles. The fourth-seeded Indian (ATP 604) defeated the fifth seed Isaac Becroft of New Zealand in a closely contested final on hard courts, clinching a 7-5, 7-6(3) win to lift the title. It was a phenomenal run for Karan, who trains at the Roundglass Tennis Academy (RGTA) and delivered a flawless week of tennis by winning the championship without dropping a single set. He began the campaign by defeating Indonesian qualifier Gunawan Trismuwantara 6-3, 7-5. In the second round, he got the better of local wildcard Rafalentino Ali Da Costa 6-3, 6-2. In the quarterfinals, Singh continued his dominance, defeating another Indonesian wildcard, Nathan Anthony Barki, 6-1, 6-4. In the semifinals, Karan was up against the seventh seed Ryotaro Taguchi of Japan. In a commanding performance, Karan got the better of the Japanese player, cruising to a 6-3, 6-3 straight-sets win to book his place in the final. The singles victory in Indonesia marks a highly successful continuation of Karan's 2026 calendar, coming just weeks after he clinched the doubles title at the ITF M15 Astana in Kazakhstan. In August, partnering with Russia's Martin Borisiouk, the unseeded pair battled through three consecutive match tiebreaks, including an upset over the top seeds in the semifinals, before dominating the local Kazakh pair of Danial Rakhmatullayev and Damir Zhalgasbay 6-3, 6-2 in the final. Karan, who hails from Karnal in Haryana, has a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 388 achieved on 8 August 2025. He also has a career-high doubles ranking of No. 436 achieved on 28 July 2025. The 23-year-old Karan has won one ATP Challenger doubles title at the 2024 Brazzaville Challenger with Florent Bax.
GMCH Chandigarh Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for Project Nurse, Project Technical Support Posts
Government Medical College Hospital Government Medical College Hospital Chandigarh (GMCH Chandigarh) Recruitment 2026 for 9 posts of Research Staff. Candidates with Graduate, Diploma, PG Can Apply Offline. The last date to apply offline is 14-09-2026. The candidate shall apply offline through GMCH Chandigarh official website gmch.gov.in.
8th Pay Commission Chennai visit starts today: 5 key updates for central employees and pensioners
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Punjab farmers stir: SKM awaits written agreement, hints at extending protest
Airport operations suspended in Punjab after drones spotted across Amritsar airfield
Srinagar, Sep 07: Airport operations at Amritsar Airport were suspended from around 9:50 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. after drones were spotted across the airfield, officials said on Monday morning. The officials said the suspension orders were issued after the Indian Air Force spotted drones across the airfield and conveyed the same to the concerned Air Traffic Control (ATC). Airport Director Anirudh Kumar Sharma said, At approximately 9:45 p.m., the Air Traffic Control (ATC) unit received a report from the Indian Air Force stating that drones had been spotted across the airfield. By that time, several aircraft scheduled to land in Amritsar were already circling overhead. Following our Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for drone sightings, a Joint Action Committee was activated and assembled in the control tower. They determined that the drone activity could disrupt scheduled landings, so the decision was made to close the airfield for operations, he added. In the meantime, he said, seven aircraft that were holding overhead were diverted. Of the seven, two flights were diverted to Chandigarh and five to Delhi. Around 23:00 hours (11:00 p.m.), the Joint Action Committee assessed that the situation was under control and, since there was no further drone activity, decided to resume normal operations. We declared operations open starting at 23:15 hours. Subsequently, the flights began returning, the Director said. Subsequently, the flights began returning. Of the seven diverted flights, five returned; one Air India flight that had gone to Delhi was cancelled, while the Malaysia Airlines flight is expected to arrive today. Everything has returned to normal. As for the investigation, that matter is being handled by the police, Sharma said.
NHM Chandigarh Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for Psychologist, Radiographer and More Posts
National Health Mission Chandigarh (NHM Chandigarh) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 6 vacancies, including Psychologist, Radiographer and other posts. Eligible candidates can apply through the prescribed offline mode. The detailed notification is available on the official website.
Appointment dispute: Punjab CM Mann absent as Justice Mishra takes oath as HC Chief Justice
Appointment dispute: Punjab CM Mann absent as Justice Mishra takes oath as HC Chief Justice Chandigarh: Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was on Monday sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, even as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann remained conspicuously absent from the ceremony amid an escalating confrontation between the [] The post Appointment dispute: Punjab CM Mann absent as Justice Mishra takes oath as HC Chief Justice appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Aryans law students get hands-on exposure to fingerprint analysis, forensic evidence
Bringing forensic science closer to the courtroom, Aryans College of Law, Rajpura, Near Chandigarh, organised an intensive hands-on workshop on Fingerprint Analysis: Evaluating Friction Ridge Evidence for Legal Purposes. The workshop gave LL.B., BA LL.B students practical insight into how fingerprints become crucial scientific evidence in criminal investigation and judicial proceedings. Jaswinder Singh, Assistant Professor, Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Amandeep Singh, Ballistics Division FSL, Mohali, Gurkirat Singh were the experts for the session. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, as per a statement, said that modern legal education must go beyond textbooks and court judgments. A strong lawyer should also understand the science behind evidence. Workshops like these help students connect law with forensic investigation, develop analytical thinking he said. Jaswinder Singh led the session as the special guest and resource person. He demonstrated the scientific basis of fingerprint identification, different friction ridge patterns, methods of developing and examining prints, comparison techniques and the evidentiary value of fingerprints. Students actively participated in discussions and practical exercises. Aryans College of Law has been consistently organizing legal aid camps, expert lectures, forensic workshops, moot activities and practical exposure programmes to prepare students for the evolving demands of the legal profession. The workshop concluded with an interactive question-answer session.
'Our consent wasn't taken': Punjab govt objects to appointment of new HC CJ
CUTICON J&K 2026 concludes at SKUAST-K
The two-day CUTICON J&K 2026, the 7th Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), Jammu & Kashmir Branch, concluded at SKUAST-Kashmir on Saturday, bringing together leading dermatologists, academicians and postgraduate scholars from across the Union Territory and premier institutions of the country. Held under the theme Advancing Dermatology Innovation, Excellence and Impact, the conference provided a platform for exchange of contemporary knowledge, clinical expertise and emerging innovations in dermatology. The conference was attended by eminent dermatologists from premier institutes, including AIIMS New Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh, besides faculty and Heads of Departments from medical colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr Vinay Singh, President IADVL, Prof Dr Sheetal Pujari, Honorary Secretary General, IADVL, Prof Dr Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof Dr Ashraf Ganie, Director SKIMS and Ex-officio Secretary to the Government, Prof Dr Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal/Dean SKIMS Medical College, and Prof Dr Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal/Dean Government Medical College Srinagar. Among other distinguished academic leaders present were Prof Dr Majid Jahangir, Principal, Government Medical College Baramulla; Prof Dr Khurshid Ahmed Wani, Principal, Government Medical College Handwara; and Prof Dr Devraj Dogra, Principal, Government Medical College Doda, besides Heads of Departments and senior faculty from various medical institutions across the Union Territory. The conference was organised under the leadership of Prof Dr Seema Qayoom, Organising Chairperson and President IADVL J&K, with Dr Peerzada Sajad as Organising Secretary, Dr Shazia Shah as Scientific Chairperson and Dr Khalid Abbas as Treasurer. A major highlight of the conference was its strong emphasis on practical, skill-oriented learning for postgraduate scholars. A dedicated hands-on workshop was conducted on dermal fillers, threads, botulinum toxin (Botox) and lasers, providing postgraduate trainees an opportunity to gain practical exposure to newer aesthetic and procedural techniques under expert guidance. The scientific programme covered a wide range of contemporary topics in dermatology, with discussions on advances in diagnosis, therapeutics, dermoscopy, procedural dermatology and aesthetic medicine. The participation of experts from leading national institutes added significant academic depth to the deliberations. The conference also provided a valuable opportunity for young dermatologists and postgraduate students to interact with nationally recognised experts, exchange ideas and strengthen professional and academic collaborations. The successful culmination of CUTICON J&K 2026 was widely appreciated by participants, with the conference emerging as an important academic platform for the dermatology fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir. The organising team said the conference reflected IADVL J&Ks commitment to bringing contemporary advances in dermatology to the region, strengthening postgraduate training and fostering a culture of innovation, excellence and meaningful impact in patient care. CUTICON J&K 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment to ensuring that the advances of modern dermatology translate into better skills, better clinical practice and ultimately better outcomes for patients.
Four Punjab Cadets Earn Lieutenant Rank in Indian Army
Chandigarh, September 6: Four young cadets from Punjab, including two women, have been commissioned The post Four Punjab Cadets Earn Lieutenant Rank in Indian Army appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
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Punjab Cabinet takes exception to appointment of High Court Chief Justice without state opinion
Chandigarh, Sep 6 (IANS) The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Sunday condemned the BJP-led Central Government for bypassing the states constitutional rights and established procedure. Taking exception to the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court without awaiting the views of the state government, the Cabinet resolved that the appointment and administration of oath should be put on hold until Punjabs views are obtained and duly considered. The Chief Ministers Office stated, The rights of Punjab have been violated by the Union government for a long time. In recent times, the interference from the Centre has increased to an unprecedented extent wherein the rights of Punjab as enshrined under the Constitution of India and several rules and regulations have been denied on multiple occasions. It stated, The Union unanimously altered the rules of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) by removing the traditional convention that guaranteed the Member (Power) was selected from Punjab, thereby diluting the states representation over its own river waters and dams. Further, the Union has proposed centralisation of Panjab University, which was strongly opposed by Punjab, but the Union has continued its interference to overpower the stronghold and authority of the people of Punjab by misusing its authority. The Punjab Cabinet pointed out, The BJP-led Central government has also denied over Rs 9,000 crore of RDF dues to the government of Punjab, thereby inflicting great pain and suffering on the farmers who are the beneficiaries of the infrastructure sought to be created through RDF funds. Similarly, the Union through the Prime Minister announced a relief package of Rs 1,600 crore after the devastating floods in 2025; however, not a single rupee of this package has been disbursed to Punjab till date. Pointing to the most recent notification of September 5, the Punjab Cabinet noted, The Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, the President of India passed an order appointing Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This appointment has been made without obtaining the consent of the state government, thereby bypassing all Constitutional norms and set procedures. The Cabinet stated, The Memorandum of Procedure for appointment and transfer of Chief Justices and Judges of High Court, in its Para 6, clearly indicates that after receipt of the recommendation of the Chief Justice of India, the Union Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs would obtain the views of the state government. After receipt of the views of the state government, the Union Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs will submit proposals to the Prime Minister, who will then advise the President as to the selection. The Chief Minister's Office noted, As posted on July 25 by the Press Information Bureau, Government of India, in a reply to a Question appearing in Lok Sabha, the Union Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs informed the House that appointment of Judges in the higher judiciary is a continuous, integrated and collaborative process between the Executive and Judiciary. It requires consultation and approval from various constitutional authorities, both at the State and Central level. In the instant case, the Collegium of the Supreme Court of India, vide minutes dated August 6 have recommended the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. On August 12, Punjab received the letter from Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice, for the consent of Punjab in terms of Para 6 of the Memorandum showing the procedure for appointment and transfer of Chief Justices and Judges of the High Court, it added. The Cabinet pointed out, However, in complete disregard to the Memorandum of Procedures and established Constitutional norms, the Union has hurriedly notified the appointment of the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court without awaiting response of the state government. It added, It is pertinent to note that no clear time limit is prescribed for the state and the Governor to send its recommendation in the case of appointment of the Chief Justice. Whereas, in the year 2024, when a judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, was recommended by the Collegium of the Supreme Court of India for his appointment as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court, the same proposal was not notified by the Ministry of Law and Justice for more than two months and understandably on not receiving the recommendation from the Madhya Pradesh government. Later on, the Collegium and the Ministry of Law and Justice changed his appointment to the Himachal Pradesh High Court. As such, the feeling of perceived discrimination gets solidified in the sense that when a case of a Judge of Punjab is to be considered, it is dealt differently as that in a case of another Judge from another High Court getting appointed in Punjab, it stated. The Cabinet affirmed, Such actions on the part of Central Government, especially on the issue of crucial appointments in judiciary, has compelled the state Cabinet to deliberate and express its concerns over the persistent issues affecting the states constitutional rights and equitable treatment within the Indian federal framework. In order to ensure transparency, procedural propriety and the maintenance of judicial uprightness, it is therefore imperative that the aforesaid appointment and administration of oath be put on hold until the views of Punjab, as contemplated under Paragraph 6 of the memorandum, are obtained and duly considered by the competent authority. Thereafter, the matter may be proceeded with in accordance with the procedure prescribed under the said memorandum.
Haryana CM lays foundation stone of seven projects worth Rs 78 crore
Chandigarh, Sep 6 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing the Vikas Sankalp Jansabha in Bawani Khera on Sunday, presented a roadmap for the all-round development of the area. The Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of seven development projects of Rs 78 crore. He said the BJPs double-engineered government at the Centre and in Haryana is now undertaking development works at three times the pace. The Chief Minister said the massive participation in todays rally is a testament to the peoples unwavering faith in the policies of Haryanas double-engine government. Reiterating his resolve for the bright future of Bawani Khera, Saini said a new chapter of development would be written at every step, and the area would touch new heights of progress. He said development works of Rs 1,446 crore have been carried out in this Assembly constituency during the past 12 years, whereas the corresponding figure was only Rs 609.58 crore during the 10-year tenure of the previous Congress government. The Chief Minister said that over the past 12 years, the government has undertaken several important development works in the area. The Bhiwani-Hansi section of National Highway (NH)-148B has been completed with an outlay of Rs 1,322 crore, while the NH-709A has been constructed at a cost of Rs 749 crore; the Bhiwani-Khark section of NH-709E has been converted into a four-lane road at a cost of Rs 169 crore. He said doubling of the Manheru-Bawani Khera railway line is underway at a cost of Rs 413 crore, of which 12 km of work has been completed. Meanwhile, a waterworks in Khark Kalan has been constructed at a cost of Rs 29.47 crore, while the Sunder distributary lining has been completed at a cost of Rs 21.27 crore. Describing farmer welfare as the governments top priority, the Chief Minister said Haryana is the first state in the country where all 24 crops are being procured at the minimum support price (MSP). So far, Rs 186,000 crore has been directly transferred into the accounts of 12 lakh farmers against crop procurement. During the past 12 years, farmers have been provided Rs 16,160 crore as compensation for crop losses.
From Rs 90 Lakh Salary To Farming: How Chandigarh Man Built A Rs 1.44 Crore Microgreens Business
Through Greenu Microgreens, he trains farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in entering the microgreens business, helping them understand cultivation as well as the commercial side of the venture.
Mohit Nijhawan left a Rs 90 LPA job to pursue microgreens farming after family health concerns arose. He founded Embryonic Greens and launched his brand, Greenu, with a small initial investment. The company now cultivates over seventy-five varieties of microgreens, selling thousands of trays monthly. Since its 2022 launch, the business has generated substantial annual revenue and profit. Nijhawan also conducts training programs to promote organic microgreen cultivation across India.
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NHRC takes cognisance of Punjab Police custodial torture case
Chandigarh, Sep 5 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint filed by Bharatiya Janata Partys Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh alleging custodial assault, torture and other serious human-rights violations against a victim and members of his family by Punjab Police personnel. As per the complaint, the victim was protesting against the issue of drug abuse in Punjab during Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns Lok Milni programme at Sheron village in Sunam by displaying a black flag as a mark of protest. He was thereafter allegedly taken into police custody. The matter was considered by the NHRC Bench presided over by its member Priyank Kanoongo, which directed the Chief Secretary, the DGP, the Superintendent of Police of Sangrur and the District Magistrate of Sangrur to conduct an immediate inquiry and submit a point-wise action taken report within two weeks. The Bench has directed an immediate medico-legal examination of the victim, preservation of complete and unedited CCTV footage of the concerned police premises and submission of an authenticated copy in a pen drive. The authorities have also been directed to furnish the FIR and custody records, details of all police personnel connected with the detention/ interrogation, and a report on the allegations concerning the victims family members. The commission has further directed that all medical records, CCTV footage, police records, electronic data and other material evidence connected with the incident be immediately secured and preserved. Earlier, Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon condemned the alleged police torture of the youth, who had raised the issue of drugs in Punjab directly before the Chief Minister. Dhillon also spoke to the victim over a video call, enquired about his well-being and encouraged him for raising his voice to protect the youth from drugs. He said the BJP stands firmly with him in this difficult hour and that every possible effort would be made to ensure justice for him.
