Chandigarh News
View News by News Source
CHANDIGARH: A Hisar resident who emerged as the successful bidder with a Rs 1.17 crore offer for the fancy vehicle number HR-88-B-8888 in an online auction held in Charkhi Dadris Badhra subdivision is now under investigation after failing to pay by the deadline. Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij on Thursday termed bidding in auctions a responsibility, not a hobby and directed transport officials to examine the bidders financial capacity and income sources. The Income Tax Department has also been asked to look into the matter. The bidder was required to make the payment by Monday after initially paying Rs 1,000 as the participation fee and Rs 10,000 as the security deposit to take part in the online bidding process. Vij said that during the recent online auction for vehicle number HR-88-B-8888, an individual placed the highest bid of Rs 1.17 crore. However, after placing the bid, the person allowed his security amount to be forfeited. Therefore, his financial capacity and source of income will now be thoroughly investigated to verify whether he was genuinely capable of bidding such a large amount, he said. The minister noted that fancy and VIP vehicle numbers in Haryana are allotted only through auctions. People often make very high bids for such numbers, not only for prestige but also because the process contributes significantly to state revenue. Expressing dissatisfaction over the incident, Vij said that participating in an auction is a serious responsibility, not a casual activity. He added that the recent incident shows some individuals are treating the auction process lightly. He said, I have issued strict instructions to Transport Department officials to check the bidders actual income and property. It must be confirmed whether the person really has the financial capacity to bid. A written request is also being sent to the Income Tax Department for a thorough investigation so that no one in the future participates in auctions on false financial claims or without sufficient economic ability.
Hardik Pandya Returns For SA T20I; Gill Picked With Subject To Fitness
Asia Cup Super Fours: The Board of Control for Cricket in Indias (BCCI) senior mens selection committee has picked Indias squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. ODI and Test skipper Shubman Gill and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are set to mark their return from injuries, but the formers participation is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI CoE (Centre of Excellence). Gill sustained a neck injury during the first Test between the two sides in Kolkata and was subsequently ruled out of the red-ball games as well as the ODI series. Pandya, meanwhile, picked up an injury during India's Asia Cup Super Fours contest against Sri Lanka and has been out of the international setup since then. The fifth T20I, to be played on December 19, will also mark the end of South Africas tour of India, which commenced on November 14 with a two-game Test series and was followed by the ongoing ODI series. Regular skipper Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the side, with Gill as his deputy. Most of the T20I squad remains the same as to the contingent that travelled to Australia for Indias most recent T20I series. However, Rinki Singh, who didnt get much of a chance in the previous tour, has been dropped. The T20I series will commence on December 9 in Cuttack, with action moving to New Chandigarh for the second T20I on December 11. The second T20I will also see two new stands being inaugurated by the Punjab Cricket Association at the venue in honour of India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. The third T20I will be hosted by the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, while the fourth game will be played at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. South Africas tour of India will conclude at the worlds largest ground - the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The T20I series will commence on December 9 in Cuttack, with action moving to New Chandigarh for the second T20I on December 11. The second T20I will also see two new stands being inaugurated by the Punjab Cricket Association at the venue in honour of India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India squad for T20I series against SA: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC)*, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar Article Source: IANS
Punjab records highest groundwater extraction in India, says CGWB report
CHANDIGARH: Groundwater extraction in the country is the highest in Punjab, followed by Rajasthan and Haryana, according to the latest National Compilation of Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2025 report of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The findings show that 25 per cent of the 6,762 total blocks in India have been categorised as over-exploited, critical or semi-critical, a situation concentrated in nine states, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Puducherry. As per the report, groundwater extraction in Punjab stands at 156.36 per cent, the highest in the country, followed by Rajasthan at 147.11 per cent and Haryana at 136.75 per cent, all significantly above the national average of 60.63 per cent. At the national level, annual groundwater extraction has seen a marginal decline, from 27.66 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2023 to 26.27 BCM last year. The total annual ground water recharge of Punjab has been assessed as 18.6 bcm and annual extractable ground water resource as 16.8 bcm. Out of total 153 assessment units including three urban areas taken for study, 111 assessment units (72.55 per cent) have been categorized as Over-exploited, 10 blocks (6.54 per cent) as Critical, 15 blocks (9.80 per cent) as Semi Critical and 17 blocks (11.11 per cent) as Safe, the report said. Similarly, out of 50175.27 square kilometers recharge worthy area of the state, 34294.3 sq km (68.35 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 4353.15 sq. km (8.68 per cent) under Critical, 4478.11 sq km (8.92 per cent) under Semi-critical and 7049.71sq km (14.05 per cent) under Safe category, reads the report. For Rajasthan, the report states,Out of the 302 assessment units (blocks and urban areas), 213 units (70.53 per cent) have been categorized as Over Exploited, 23 units (7.62 per cent) as Critical, 27 units (8.94 per cent) as Semi-Critical, 36 units (11.92 per cent) blocks as Safe and 3 units (0.99 per cent) as Saline. Similarly, out of 317010.74 sq km recharge worthy area of the state, 222266.46 sq km (70.11 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 19404.23 sq. km (6.12 per cent) under Critical, 22535.05 sq km (7.11 per cent) under Semi-critical, 43869.11 sq km (13.84 per cent) under Safe and 8935.89 sq km (2.82 per cent) area under Saline categories of assessment units. In Haryana, the situation is similar. While in Haryana, out of total 143 assessment units (blocks/Urban), 91 units (63.64 per cent) have been categorized as Overexploited, 6 units (4.20 per cent) as Critical, 15 units (10.49 per cent) as Semi Critical and 31 units (21.68 per cent) as Safe categories of assessment units. Similarly, out of 43,205.81 sq. km recharge worthy area of the State, 26,828.05 sq. km (62.09 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 1,170.46 sq. km (2.71 per cent) under Critical, 4,253.89 sq. km (9.85 per cent) under Semicritical, 10,953.42 sq. km (25.35 per cent) under Safe categories of assessment units, it added. The report assesses the total annual groundwater extraction of the entire country for 2025 at 247.22 bcm. Agriculture remains the largest consumer, accounting for 87 per cent, or 215.10 bcm, followed by 11 per cent for domestic use (27.89 bcm) and 2 per cent for industrial use (4.23 bcm). In the present assessment, total annual groundwater recharge has been pegged at 448.52 bcm, while the annual extractable groundwater resource stands at 407.75 bcm. The average stage of groundwater extraction at the national level is 60.63 per cent. Out of 6,762 blocks in the country, 730 units (10.80 per cent) are categorised as over-exploited, and 201 blocks (2.97 per cent) are classified as critical where extraction ranges from 90 to 100 per cent. Another 758 blocks (11.21 per cent) fall under the semi-critical category, while 4,946 units (73.14 per cent) are considered safe, with extraction below 70 per cent. Additionally, 127 blocks (1.88 per cent) have been listed as saline due to brackish or saline groundwater in phreatic aquifers. The report highlights that the percentage of over-exploited, critical and semi-critical blocks exceeding 25 per cent of total units is found only in nine states, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Puducherry. It attributes the situation to region-specific factors, Over-exploitation of ground water resources could be due to various region-specific reasons. The assessment units located in the north-western part of the country (particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh) have plenty of replenishable ground water resources but because of the over extraction beyond the annual ground water recharge, many of these units have become Over-exploited. Overexploited units are also common in the western part of the country, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat where the prevailing arid climate results in low recharge of ground water and hence stress on these sources, the report stated. It further adds, In peninsular India, over-exploited units are wide spread in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana which could be attributed mainly to the low storage and transmission capacities of aquifers of the hard rock terrains, which results in reduced availability of the resource. The report also notes that in Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep, domestic groundwater extraction exceeds 40 per cent. Groundwater extraction stands between 90 and 100 per cent in Delhi, and between 70 and 90 per cent in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In most other states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep, extraction levels are around 70 per cent. The report concludes that compared to the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment of 2024, the total annual groundwater recharge has marginally increased from 446.9 bcm to 448.52 bcm.
The incident took place near the Timber Market in Sector 26, where bike-borne attackers and another unidentified accomplice opened fire on him, police said.
Haryana sports department distances itself from deaths of 2 basketball players, families upset
Mann says not a rupee, but Centre tells Lok Sabha Punjab got Rs 481 crore
Centre releases over Rs 979cr to HP for disaster relief in FY 202526
Punjab leads with 156% groundwater extraction: Report
15 strikes in a year, transport staff causes over Rs 23cr loss to exchequer
60% cotton brought to Punjab mandis sold below support price: Data
Two days after Kanchanpreet verdict, Pb govt transfers Fzp DIG
BSF builds high-tech shield on Pak border as drone threat soars
College students to mafia dons: How friends turned enemies
SMAT: J&K thrashes Chandigarh by 29 runs
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 2: Jammu & Kashmir inched closer to a knockout berth in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite Group B after securing a commanding 29-run victory over Chandigarh at the Jadavpur University Campus Ground, Kolkata. With this impressive win, J&K registered their third triumph in four matches, strengthening their position in the group standings. Opting to bowl first, Chandigarh were met with a fierce batting display by J&K, who posted a formidable 192 all out in [] The post SMAT: J&K thrashes Chandigarh by 29 runs appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
No action against corrupt judges: Advocate in letter to President & CJI
Himachal CM seeks report on drug-linked properties, officials involvement by Dec 10
Himachal CM says Mandi event a jan sankalp rally, not celebration
CM Mann showcases Punjab as investment destination to Japanese firms
Panipat court flags cover-up & orders FIR against cops for Illegal detention
Staff crunch impacts patient care, PG programmes at GMCH-32
Panchayat polls: State commission does away with NOC, NDC requirement
36,703 houses selected under project for flood-affected families of Punjab
Youth slips into Morni gorge, dies
Pbs 1st 6-lane greenfield corridor hits roadblock, farmers block toll
1 held with pistol in Derabassi
Police seek survey to spot & stop illegal mining in Panchkula
Man linked to Zira Wakf Board held accepting bribe
Woman shoots self using husbands pistol in Tohana
Displaying fake NAAC accreditation amounts to academic fraud: Deepender
Patwari arrested in Hansi for accepting Rs 5,000 bribe
Torture allegations: Abhay warns former IPS officer of legal action for defamation
SAD, BJP are fundamentally contradictory: Pargat after Capts tie-up talk
BJP MP seeks probe into alleged ration scam in HP
Sukhu inaugurates new MC building in Dharamshala
Youth deported from US, agent arrested for Rs 48L fraud
Panel directs HSVP to compensate complainant for delay in implementing court order
SKM says will burn copies of 2 legislations on Dec 8 to protest Centres policies
Punjab has 23 briquette, pellet manufacturing projects, RS told
HC seeks report on graffiti declaring drug sale in Bathinda village
Gills Availability In Focus As Selection Committee Set To Meet In Raipur For Picking T20I Squad
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Vice-captain Shubman Gills fitness and availability for Indias upcoming T20I series against South Africa, starting on December 9, will be in focus when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee convenes in Raipur on Wednesday, where the second ODI will be played, to finalise the 15-member squad. Gill suffered a neck injury in the Kolkata Test against South Africa, where he had to retire hurt for four. Since then, hes been out of action having flown to Mumbai after being ruled out of the Guwahati Test to meet Dr Abhay Nene, and then went back to his hometown Chandigarh for further rest and recovery. IANS understands that Gill has touched down at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Tuesday for further rehab. The Indian team for the T20Is has to assemble on December 6, so the selectors have to select on Wednesday. As of now, Shubmans status for playing in the T20I series is 50-50. Theres a possibility that he could try batting and see how he feels before a decision is made for including him in the upcoming series, said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on Tuesday. If Gill is unable to feature, either Sanju Samson or Yashasvi Jaiswal could be a potential opening partner for the in-form Abhishek Sharma. Samson was part of the T20I series win in Australia, but featured in only two matches and batted just once at No. 3, while Jaiswal was not part of the squad. Agarkar & Co. is also expected to include seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the Suryakumar Yadav-led T20I team after making a successful return for Baroda in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. If Gill is unable to feature, either Sanju Samson or Yashasvi Jaiswal could be a potential opening partner for the in-form Abhishek Sharma. Samson was part of the T20I series win in Australia, but featured in only two matches and batted just once at No. 3, while Jaiswal was not part of the squad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Indias five-match T20I series against Aiden Markram-led South Africa will begin in Cuttack on December 9, and is followed by subsequent games in New Chandigarh (December 11), Dharamsala (December 14), Lucknow (December 17), and Ahmedabad (December 19). Article Source: IANS
DRDO conducts successful high speed test of indigenous fighter escape system
Rocket sled trial in Chandigarh validates canopy severance, ejection sequencing and aircrew recovery for Light Combat Aircraft escape system
SMAT 2025-26 | Hyderabad ekes out a win over Uttar Pradesh; Suryavanshis blistering ton goes in vain
Shaw leads from the front to help Maharashtra down Bihar despite the 14-year-olds unbeaten 108; Jammu & Kashmir beats Chandigarh by 29 runs; Goa thumps Madhya Pradesh
DRDO Tests Fighter Jet Ejection System At 800 km/h In High-Speed Rocket-Sled Trial | Watch
Rajnath Singh hailed DRDO, IAF, ADA and HAL for a successful high-speed rocket-sled test in Chandigarh, marking a major leap in Indias fighter aircraft escape system capabilities.
BSF rolls out advanced AI-based anti-tunnelling, anti-drone systems along Indo-Pak border
CHANDIGARH: The Border Security Force (BSF) is installing artificial intelligence-based anti-tunnelling technology in the Jammu sector to curb infiltration from across the border. In the coming days, an advanced surveillance system will be deployed in both Punjab and Jammu sectors along the IndoPak international border, incorporating night-vision and optical cameras and a mix of radars to enhance observation. The BSF will also receive technical alerts if anyone attempts to intrude into Indian territory, and a new border fence is being installed that cannot be cut or climbed. This year, 278 drones carrying consignments of drugs, weapons and ammunition have been intercepted and recovered, besides 200 weapons seized including AKs and pistols 53 intruders apprehended or arrested, and 380 kg of heroin recovered along the 533-km Punjab stretch of the international border. A new trend has emerged, where small Chinese-made drones are being sent from Pakistan carrying only around 500 grams of payload and small weapons; earlier, larger drones with heavier payloads were used. Speaking to the media during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the BSF at the Lakhnaur Campus in Mohali, Satish S Khandare, Additional Director General of BSF (Western Command), said, Now days new technologies are being used for anti-national activities be it smuggling or dropping of arms and ammunition as drones are being used on large scale in Punjab and now in certain areas of Rajasthan. So it is another challenge we are facing in our day to day duty. Thus now various technologies are being used by the BSF to counter smuggling from across the border. Now days we are deploying anti-drone system on the Indo-Pak border on a massive scale especially in Jammu and Punjab sectors to prevent drone infiltration as drugs and weapons are smuggled via these flying machines, he said. He also added that, We are also in a process of implementing a major technological solution on Jammu and Punjab border which will comprise off all the available solutions as it will be collective mix of all technologies which will have tunnel detection system also to prevent attempt on our adversaries part to infiltrate through tunnels. Thus we are implementing anti-tunneling system in Jammu which will have AI based night cameras so that the movement during the night is observed and appropriate reaction is given by the troops, also include electro optical targeting system (EOTS) which is combination of cameras and radar as radars detects the movement and subsequently camera focuses on that movement and analysis is made weather that movement is friendly or not friendly. Based on that action is taken by the troopers which are there at the border out post. The phase one of the anti-tunneling technology completed now phase two and three will be completed soon. Khandare said two additional battalions have been deployed to strengthen the anti-infiltration grid in Jammu. All revierrine gaps are plugged using available resources and creating command posts and well lit environment in those areas and psoting adequate number of troops, he said. For border surveillance, we are going to install an advance system in Punjab and Jammu sectors in coming days in which will include a mix night and optical cameras besides radar systems in order to enhance our observations on the border and if one tries to intrude or dig tunnel we get technical warning, he added. On the extent of flood-related damage to fencing along the IndoPak border, Khandare said, It was not contiguous but approximately one third of the total fence in Punjab on the Indo-Pak international border was broken that was around 60 kilometres. In some places it was not possible to go to the border due to water logging. In this situation with so many gaps and little manpower at our disposal it is quite possible that anti national elements might have exploited certain gaps but we were quick to regain our grounds and lift the fence and go to the border. In Jammu region not that much of breach as nallas was seasons. As far fencing is concerned the damage was not much in Jammu, he added. He said the ageing fence along the IndoPak border is being replaced. The fence which was erected on the Indo-Pak border has become quiet old so we are replacing to old fence with new design fence all along the indo-pak intentional border, he said. A state-of-the-art drone forensics laboratory has been set up in Amritsar. The drones which we recover their forensic analysis is that at this laboratory now, from where the drone flew, how many sorties it has done and where did it drop the consignments and on that basis we have identified the hot stops, primarily in Punjab a few in Rajasthan also. Thus, we tackle those hot stops by two means firstly by deploying counter drone systems and secondly physical deployment. We are also manning in depth of the state as we know that the consignment will be dropped beyond the border. The anti-drone system of Punjab Police is being operated in coordination with BSF, he said. Khandare said the BSF utilises a multilayered approach involving a mix of indigenous technologies to counter cross-border drone threats along the IndoPak border. The systems integrate multiple sensors including radar, electro-optical infrared cameras and radio frequency analyzers to detect, track and neutralize the Pak drones. During the year till date we have recovered 278 rogue drones, besides 200 weapons seized including AKs and pistols, 53 intruders apprehended and arrested and 380 kg of heroin recovered, he said. He concluded, We are noticing that in the last five years there has been change in drone intrusions as it started in 2019, if we analyze that now smaller and cheap drones being used, also size of consignments is now small. First big drones use to come and they had sound signature. From adversaries point of view they are using smaller drones as per sortie a drone carries 500 grams of drugs and a pistol. Also big drones are also coming but they fly at much higher level now frequency hopping drones are being used thus is a difficult task to detect them.
'No Discussion': Haryana CM Nayab Saini On New Assembly Building In Chandigarh
In 2022, then Haryana assembly speaker Gian Chand Gupta had demanded land for a new Vidhan Sabha building in Chandigarh.
DRDO has opened applications for its six-month paid internship at DGRE Chandigarh, inviting engineering and science students with strong academic records to apply by December 15, 2025. With five vacancies across CSE, civil engineering and remote sensing/geoinformatics, the programme includes a 5,000 monthly stipend, strict merit-based selection and mandatory curriculum-linked project work. Applications must be sent via Speed Post.
Nutrica Expands its Wellness Portfolio with the Launch of Peanut Butter Range
, the lifestyle and wellness brand under BN Agritech Limited, has announced its foray into the peanut butter category with the launch ofNutrica Peanut Butter. The range marks the brands next step toward building a complete wellness portfolio that combines taste, quality, and functionality to support everyday health goals. Nutrica Peanut Butter is now available across general trade stores in 14 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Chandigarh . Nutrica launches peanut butter in two flavours Available in two variants, Crunchy and Creamy, the new peanut butter range offers a healthy snacking option for everyday fitness, making nutrition simple and enjoyable. Fitness is not limited to gyms or just one individual, its a daily habit the whole family can adapt, from children to elders.Replacing regular spreads with peanut butter becomes a small, easy switch that gives everyone at home a healthier option and creates a big, long-term difference in overall lifestyle. Both variants are high in protein, rich in fibre, made from 100% vegetarian ingredients, and contain no artificial preservatives, making them a wholesome, energy-dense choice for active lifestyles. The range comes in convenient PET jars of 300g, 750g, and 900g. Commenting on the launch, Sparsh Sachar, Director and Business Head FMCG, Nutrica , said, With every product we introduce, our aim is to make health simpler, more accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. The peanut butter range embodies our belief that nutritious food can be delicious too. We want to make healthy choices easy and exciting for consumers, not something they have to compromise for. This launch is another step toward creating a wellness brand that fits naturally into modern lifestyles. Nutricas entry into the peanut butter category follows the success of Nutrica Bee Honey and its vitamin-enriched cooking oils , further strengthening the brands function-first wellness portfolio . With this expansion, Nutrica continues its journey toward becoming a comprehensive lifestyle and wellness brand , offering premium yet accessible products that make wholesome nutrition an effortless part of everyday living. About Nutrica Nutrica, a leading lifestyle and wellness brandunder BN Agritech Limited, carries a mission to reimagine health by crafting innovative and nutritious food that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of families across India. Understanding that every family is unique, the company is dedicated to creating nutrient-infused food that fulfil the health goals and taste preferences of its customers. The products are made from the finest ingredients and cutting-edge technology, ensuring the highest standards of quality and nutrition.
Omaxe clears 80 crore SWAMIH loan, giving big push to housing projects
In a statement on Tuesday, Omaxe said it had made full repayment of the loans availed from SWAMIH fund in two projects at New Chandigarh and Prayagraj
Omaxe repays SWAMIH fund debt of two projects
Both projects received last-mile credit facilities from the Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH), amounting to Rs 168.80 crore for development of The Lake, New Chandigarh and Rs 60.40 crore for development of Omaxe Shiva, Shiva 2, and Shiva 3 in Prayagraj.
TWH Hospitality Announces Aggressive Expansion Plan in F&B Segment with Rs. 30 Crore Investment
TWH Hospitality , a leading hospitality brand, today announced its plans to expand its footprint in the F&B segment with an investment of over Rs. 30 crores. The Goa-based company aims to open 8 new outlets in 3 new cities by 2028, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey. The Boho Beach Resort in Morjim under its TWH Hotels division, both in Goa. The brand is now looking to aggressively expand its presence through franchise model and tie-ups with established brands under FOCO and FOFO models. " We are excited to take our brand to new heights with this expansion plan ," said a spokesperson for TWH Hospitality. " Our goal is to offer unique dining experiences and accommodations to our customers, and we believe this investment will help us achieve that ." The company has already identified 2 new locations in Goa and Tricity (Chandigarh) for its upcoming outlets and is in talks with international brands to bring them to India. TWH Hospitality is also exploring mall tie-ups in multiple cities to further expand its reach. This expansion is expected to create new opportunities for hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs looking to join the TWH Hospitality family.
MHA tells Haryana not to seek separate Assembly building in Chandigarh
CHANDIGARH: With 14 months left for the Punjab Assembly election and to avoid another controversy, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declined the Haryana governments proposal to construct a separate assembly building in Chandigarh. Highly placed sources said the MHA has advised senior Haryana officials not to pursue the matter further. The officials had recently approached the ministry, which categorically directed them not to take the proposal ahead with the Chandigarh Administration. At present both Punjab and Haryana share the assembly building located in the Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where new construction is not permitted. Political parties in Punjab have consistently opposed the Haryana governments demand for a separate building. Sources stated that such a land swap may not fall within the purview of the Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952, which governs land use in Chandigarh. It may also be challenged as a violation of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the law that restructured the old Punjab into present-day Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. The Chandigarh Administration had earlier agreed to allot a 10-acre plot to Haryana for constructing its separate assembly building and a piece of land was identified near the IT Park in the city.
False case used to bar Vardev family from local polls: SAD
Gang war in Chandigarh: Lawrence Bishnoi aide gunned down on street
BJP responsible for death of two athletes: Leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda
Day after Capt Amarinder Singhs BJP alliance talk, AAP accuses him of reciprocal deal with Badals
CM Bhagwant Mann to visit Japan, South Korea for investor outreach
Immigration rackets affront to public confidence, need deterrent approach: HC
Haryana CLU CD scandal: MLAs aide acquitted
21,000 children chant Gita in unison at intl mahotsav in Kurukshetra
Constable wins dogfight with destiny, enters IAF on 4th try
Amritpals Parl speech could set five rivers on fire, Punjab tells HC
6 injured as 2 school buses collide in Rohtak
Centre rejects Punjabs claim that lapses at Bhakra, Pong dams exacerbated floods
Day after Capt Amarinder Singhs remarks, BJP leaders say already planning to go solo
Rs 3,120cr, 2.7L machines drive dramatic drop in farm fires in Punjab, Haryana
Shimla among 15 non-operational UDAN airports in country: Union minister
Punjab floods declared a national calamity on portal meant for MPs, Rajya Sabha told
Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal (Ajnala faction) backs Hindu temple targeted by addicts
Contractual transport workers resume strike, bus services disrupted in Punjab
Road closed to lay pipes for water supply in city
10-year wait ends, RERA orders developer to deliver delayed SCO unit
Pak-linked gunrunners gang busted in Amritsar
Punjab min Harpal Singh Cheema asks HP to take responsibility for failure to curb drug menace
Arrest in Amritsar; Tarn Taran bizman killed
AAP hails rejection of Haryanas Chandigarh land demand
Cross-border drugs module busted, 1 held with 5kg heroin
Idle idols: 2 Punjab youth beat phone fads in 31-hr challenge
NOCs of Cong candidates being delayed or denied: Warring
BJP has no future in Punjab, with or without Akalis: Warring
14-year-old boy arrested for Lohian gang rape
Over 25 lakh people living with HIV in India, second largest globally: Govt report
NEW DELHI : India has an estimated 25.61 lakh people living with HIV (PLHIV), the second largest number globally in 2024, although the annual HIV incidence rate remains very low in the country, according to a government report released on Monday to mark World AIDS Day. The India HIV Estimation 2025 technical report, released by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, states that in 202425, 73% of newly detected HIV-positive persons reported acquiring the infection through heterosexual transmission. This was followed by injecting drug use, which accounted for 11.5% of reported transmissions. Another 5.4% of cases were attributed to homosexual/bisexual transmission, while 3.5% were due to vertical transmission. The HIV epidemic in India continues to be low, with adult HIV prevalence at 0.20% in 2024. While overall prevalence is low, India has 25.61 lakh people living with HIV (PLHIV), the second largest PLHIV population globally. The annual HIV incidence rate also remains very low at 0.05 per 1,000 uninfected population, the report said. Of the total 25.61 lakh PLHIV, 13.97 lakh are males and 11.64 lakh are females. Maharashtra (3.99 lakh) has the highest PLHIV burden, followed by Andhra Pradesh (3.10 lakh) and Karnataka (2.91 lakh). Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat and Punjab also have estimated PLHIV figures ranging from one lakh to two lakh. Together, these nine states account for 74% of the total PLHIV burden in India, the annual report said. It added that the total PLHIV population in India in 2024 contributed 6.3% to the global HIV burden of 4.08 crore and 37.1% of the 69 lakh cases in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2024, Indias population living with HIV was second only to South Africas 78 lakh, owing to its population size, the report noted. HIV burden in South-East Asia remains substantial; 88,000 newly infected in 2024: WHO In 2024, around 64,470 new HIV infections and 32,160 AIDS-related deaths were estimated nationally, marking declines of 48.69% and 81.42%, respectively, compared to 2010. These reductions far exceeded the global averages of 40% and 54%, the report added. Highlighting Indias sustained progress under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP), Nadda reaffirmed the governments commitment to a rights-based, stigma-free, and inclusive HIV response. He emphasised that under NACP-V, access to prevention, testing, and treatment services has continued to expand, demonstrating strong and sustained momentum across key programme areas. Nadda said that between 2010 and 2024, new HIV infections declined by 48.7%, AIDS-related deaths by 81.4%, and mother-to-child transmission by 74.6%. Testing coverage increased from 4.13 crore in 202021 to 6.62 crore in 202425, while the number of people on treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh. Viral load testing also expanded significantlyfrom 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh tests. He noted that these achievements surpass global averages for the same period and reflect strong political commitment, sustained domestic investment, evidence-based programme strategies, and consistent community engagement. The report also found that AIDS-related mortality was highest in Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. However, it noted that AIDS-related deaths have declined between 2010 and 2024 in nearly all states and UTs except Chandigarh, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura, where more PLHIV died of AIDS-related causes in 2024 compared to 2010. Globally, annual AIDS-related deaths declined by 54% between 2010 and 2024. The report stated that two statesMizoram and Nagalandhad an HIV prevalence of more than 1%. It also highlighted a noticeable increasing trend in the prevalence of new infections in the northeastern states of Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Assam, as well as in the northern state of Punjab, primarily driven by the rise in new infections. Nationally, annual new cases were estimated to decline by around 48.70% between 2010 and 2024, but increased by more than 400% in Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. Similarly, in Punjab and Meghalaya, the annual new infections estimated for 2024 have nearly doubled compared to 2010. In 2024, 30 districts were estimated to have an adult HIV prevalence of 1% or more, with 29 of these located in Nagaland (11 districts), Mizoram (10), Manipur (5), Meghalaya (2) and Arunachal Pradesh (1). The only other district in this category is in Karnataka. Are fund cuts reversing the global fight against HIV?
Himachal announces reward of up to Rs 10 lakh for information on drug traffickers
CHANDIGARH: To curb the drug menace in the state, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to give a reward to those who provide information about people involved in the chitta (an adulterated form of heroin) business. The reward ranges from a minimum of Rs 10,000 to a maximum of Rs 10 lakh. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday led the Anti-chitta Awareness Walkathon in Dharamshala in which a large number of school children and people from various sections of society took part. There were many challenges when the government came to power but we decided to confront them head-on. Together, we have broken the backbone of major drug suppliers and inter-state gangs, said CM Sukhu. Seeking cooperation from every section of society, he announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for information on up to 2 grams of chitta, Rs 25,000 for up to 5 grams, Rs. 50,000 for up to 25 grams, Rs 5 lakh for up to 1 kg, and Rs 10 lakh for more than 1 kg. He added that rewards above Rs 5 lakh would be given for helping to bust major networks. Information can be provided at the emergency number 112, he said. He urged young people to become active partners in eradicating the drug problem, emphasizing that the fight against narcotics requires collective effort and sustained vigilance. The walkathon, which started from Dari Ground in Dharamshala, was marked with anti-drug slogans, with students and locals carrying placards giving the message of a drug-free Himachal and eradication of all type of drugs including chitta from the state, and concluded at the Police Ground. Sukhu accompanied the children throughout the entire stretch, giving a clear message of the commitment of the government to wipe out chitta and other drugs from the state. He also interacted with children taking selfies with him and encouraged them to join the fight against chitta and other psychotropic drugs. Addressing the massive gathering, Sukhu said that henceforth drug peddlers would have no place to hide anywhere in the state. He said that although the PIT-NDPS Act was not invoked for years, the present state government has implemented it on the ground. Under this law, 46 major traffickers have been detained. Every single rupee earned from drugs will be seized. We have proven it by confiscating Rs. 46 crore worth of illegal property, said Sukhu. We will not stop until every trace of Chitta is wiped out from Himachal. This fight is not just against traffickers, it is against the entire network of drug mafia and their empire. Anyone found selling drugs to our children will land in jail, their game ends here, he asserted. Sukhu said the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Special Task Force (STF), police, education, health, and social justice departments and every citizen were now standing united against chitta. He said, Today I am not here as a Chief Minister, but as someone carrying a responsibility. I stand here as a shield to protect your future. He added that the fight against chitta was not just a campaign, but a battle to safeguard the future of the youth. The battle has now reached mission mode, he said. He also administered an anti-drug pledge to the youth.
MHA turns downs Haryana govts demand for new assembly building in Chandigarh
CHANDIGARH: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declined the proposal of the Haryana Government to construct a separate assembly building in Chandigarh. Highly placed sources said that the MHA has advised the senior officials of the Haryana Government not to pursue this matter any further. Sources further said that this kind of land swap might not fall within the purview of the Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952, which governs land use in Chandigarh. Earlier this year, the Chandigarh administration had rejected the proposal of the Haryana government to swap land, citing the absence of such a provision in the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031. In 2023, the Chandigarh Administration had agreed in principle to allot a 10-acre plot to the state government for constructing its separate Assembly building. Following this, a prime piece of land was identified near the railway light point The land was near the IT Park in the city, adjacent to a 200-foot-wide road that connects directly to Madhya Marg, which was valued at around Rs 640 crore. In return, the Haryana Government had offered 12 acres of land in the Saketri area of Panchkula to the Chandigarh Administration. However, the administration turned down the proposal for various reasons, including accessibility issues, a natural drain that divides the offered land into two parts, planning constraints, and it being a low-lying area, making it unsuitable for public projects. It was then pointed out that the two pieces of land were not comparable in terms of access and urban planning. According to sources, the main issue with the land in Saketri was the natural drain, which not only bifurcated the plot but also restricted construction in its vicinity. At present, both Punjab and Haryana share the assembly building located in the Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where new construction is not permitted. The Haryana governments demand for a new assembly building came after anticipation that the 2026 delimitation would increase the number of Assembly constituencies from 90 to 126, and the current state Assembly would not have space for expansion. Recently, the central government made a U-turn on two controversial issues to avoid any confrontation. A few days back, the Union Ministry of Education had withdrawn its notification to restructure the senate and syndicate of Panjab University after sustained political backlash in Punjab and the ongoing protests at the university. The MHA also clarified that no final decision has been taken on a proposal under Article 240, allowing the President to appoint a separate Lieutenant Governor for the Union Territory, which is now administered by the Punjab Governor.
Karan Aujla India concert tickets: Full dates, cities and VIP pass details you need to know
Karan Aujla concert: Karan Aujla is bringing his P-POP CULTURE World Tour to India in early 2026. He will perform in six major cities, including stadiums in New Delhi and Chandigarh. Tickets go on sale in December 2025. This tour follows his record-breaking global success and previous popular India shows.
Who was Vijay Kumar Sheoran? Haryana student, ex-excise and customs officer, stabbed to death in UK
A Haryana family is appealing to the MEA for help repatriating the body of 29-year-old Vijay Kumar Sheoran, who died in the UK after a stabbing in Worcester. Vijay, a management student at UWE Bristol, was found critically injured on November 25 and succumbed the next day. Police have arrested several individuals in connection with the incident.
A Haryana family seeks government help to bring home the body of Vijay Kumar Sheoran. The 29-year-old student died in the UK after a stabbing incident. His brother has written to the External Affairs Ministry for urgent assistance. The family hopes for his last rites to be performed in their village.
