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Holy city tag puts meat, alcohol, tobacco traders in Amritsars walled city at risk
CHANDIGARH: The ban on meat, alcohol and tobacco shops in the walled city of Amritsar, following its notification as a holy city by the AAP-led Punjab government, has put the livelihoods of hundreds of families at risk, casting uncertainty over generations-old businesses. The notification, issued to preserve the sanctity of the area surrounding the Golden Temple, has resulted in around 150 establishments selling meat, fish, alcohol and tobacco being allegedly forced to shut down. Traders and shopkeepers have raised strong objections, saying they were neither given adequate notice nor provided with alternative arrangements. The affected shopkeepers and vendors have decided to meet the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner and the Mayor, and submit a memorandum highlighting their concerns. They held a meeting at Gol Bagh on Friday, during which they argued that instead of covering the entire walled city, the government should have restricted the ban to areas immediately surrounding the Golden Temple and Durgiana Mandir. While stating that they have no objection to the walled city being declared a holy city, Gurjeet Singh, a third-generation owner of Gurjeet Fish Company, said the decision threatens the existence of Punjabs oldest wholesale fish market. There are three major fish markets in Punjab, in Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Here in Amritsar, we have 14 commission agents (artiyas) in the wholesale fish market, which has existed for the last 70 years. We procure fish from Vietnam, Himachal Pradesh and other places, and sell it across the state. Our fish even goes to Srinagar, he said. Singh said they have already met the Mayor and will now meet the Deputy Commissioner. Our demand is simple. The fish season is starting from January and runs till April. Until then, we should not be relocated. After that, the government should provide all 14 of us a suitable place together within Amritsar, and not far away, as the market functions collectively, he added. Rajinder Kumar, a fourth-generation fish trader, claimed that there are 18 suppliers, with each shop employing several workers. This was the first wholesale fish market of the state and even today supplies fish across Punjab. With this order, generations of business are affected, he said. We respect the governments decision to maintain the sanctity and holiness of the city, but our concerns must be addressed. Our businesses will be shut and we have not been given adequate time to shift, nor have we been allotted any place to relocate, said another shopkeeper, Saranjit Singh. Amritsar Hotel and Restaurant Association president AK Chattha said that meat, fish and tobacco shop owners operating within the walled city would be severely affected by the ban. A survey conducted by the Amritsar Municipal Corporation has identified around 150 shops and street vendors that are to be removed from the walled city following the notification. Senior Punjab BJP leader Rajinder Mohan Singh Chinna said the decision to grant holy city status to the walled city of Amritsar was not new, noting that a previous SAD-BJP government had taken a similar step. The fish market operating in the walled city should first have been shifted and relocated after being provided a proper place by the government. Only then should this decision have been implemented. Now the question is, where will they go, he said. Calling the notification historic but long overdue, Punjab BJP leader and former bureaucrat Jagmohan Singh Raju wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for shopkeepers, vendors and workers affected by the prohibition. Declaring the walled city of Amritsar as a holy city is a historic step, but it must be implemented with foresight. Sanctity cannot come at the cost of livelihoods. The Chief Minister must direct the administration to immediately identify and survey the affected persons and establishments, provide alternative business sites or zones, and extend financial assistance, compensation or livelihood support during the transition period. Rehabilitation is not a concession; it is a responsibility, he wrote. The ban has also sparked a wider debate. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Kiranjot Kaur said that jhatka meat is a right under Sikh tradition. Tobacco and kutha (halal) remain prohibited in Sikhism, but jhatka aligns with the Gurus hunting traditions. There should not be any ban on meat shops, she wrote in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, a senior Punjab AAP leader said the state government would ensure proper rehabilitation. Those whose businesses have been affected will be provided alternative arrangements in a phased and planned manner. The local administration will consult those affected and work out the best possible and mutually acceptable solution to ensure livelihoods are not affected, the leader said. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had announced on Sunday that the state government had issued a notification granting holy city status to the walled city of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo and Anandpur Sahib.
IndiGo issues travel advisory as fog disrupts flights at Amritsar, Chandigarh and Ranchi airports
IndiGo issued a travel advisory due to winter fog impacting flight operations in North and East India, causing delays and schedule changes. This comes as the airline expands its international network, announcing new direct flights to London from Delhi starting February 2026, alongside other new international routes.
Punjab, Haryana reel under intense cold as dense fog envelops many areas
CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana are reeling under intense cold while dense fog enveloped many areas in both states on Saturday. Ballowal Saunkhri in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district was the coldest place in Punjab, recording a low of 4.4 degrees Celsius, according to a report of the local meteorological department. Among other areas in Punjab, Amritsar recorded a low of 5.1 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. Ludhiana shivered at 4.6 degrees Celsius while Patiala's minimum was 7 degrees Celsius. Pathankot, Bathinda, Faridkot and Gurdaspur recorded their respective lows of 5.4, 6, 4.9 and 5.8 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two states, recorded a minimum of 6.9 degrees Celsius. In neighbouring Haryana, Gurugram was the coldest place with a low of 4.9 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Ambala was recorded at 9.3 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while Hisar's low was 5 degrees Celsius. Karnal recorded a low of 8 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. Narnaul, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Sirsa registered minimum temperatures of 5.5, 7.2, 6.5 and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Jailed till sunset of virility: High court order against child rapist-killer
Chandigarh Diary |Rise of another son in SAD politics likely
Anantveer Singh Badal, son of Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, was seen campaigning in Lambi seat for zila parishad and block samiti polls. A graduate in economics, he moved in a cavalcade, meeting youngsters, touching elders feet and posing for photographs. Partys old timers accompanying him claimed that the young Badal might be launched into politics from traditional family seat. This came days after Sukhbir declared that he would contest 2027 assembly polls from Gidderbaha. He had also hinted at his son joining politics soon. Lambi was represented by Parkash Singh Badal for five straight terms before losing in 2022. Haryana set to get new DGP on January 1 Haryana is set to get a new DGP on January 1, as the officiating incumbent OP Singh retires on December 31. The UPSC prepares a panel of three IPS officers and sends it to the state government for selecting the DGP. On December 16, the state sent the records of five officers -- Shatrujeet Kapur (1990 batch), SK Jain (1991 batch), Ajay Singhal (1992 batch), Alok Mittal and Arshinder Chawla (both of 1993 batch). The UPSC has sought the status of the FIR in which former DGP Kapur is named. Kapur was divested of the DGP post on December 14 after his name figured in former IGP Y Puran Kumars suicide note. Dont cross limits: LoP warns Himachal officials Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur alleged that some officers were acting against the BJP at the behest of the Congress-led state government and cautioned them against acting under political pressure. He accused the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government of doing vendetta politics against the BJP. Do not cross the limits. Very little time is left; officers and leaders violating law under pressure should remember that accountability will be fixed. The next government will act strictly, but within legal framework, Thakur warned. This comes days back Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri hit out at officials. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com
Cong-led Mohali MC accuses AAP MLA of stalling devpt
Pkl mayor claims record devpt in ward 20 over 5 yrs
Spl arrangements for Mansa Devi darshan on Dec 31 & Jan 1
Illegal mining rampant in Mianpur Changar: BJP
F&CC clears major civic devpt works
Audit flags losses, op lapses in Citco
Ward delimitation report final, no. of wards unchanged
PU athletes shine on intl stage & Univ Games
PGI doctor gets intl award for research on childhood epilepsy
POWERGRID handsover medical equipment worth Rs 12.25 cr to HBCHRC
Excelsior Correspondent CHANDIGARH, Dec 26 : Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) today formally handed over state-of-the-art medical imaging systems worth Rs 12.25 crore to the HomiBhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCHRC) in Chandigarh. The equipment was officially presented by POWERGRID, to HBCHRC today in an impressive ceremony at HBCHRC, New Chandigarh. This contribution, made under POWERGRIDs Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, is set to significantly enhance diagnostic and interventional oncology services in North India. The ceremony was [] The post POWERGRID handsover medical equipment worth Rs 12.25 cr to HBCHRC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Residents see red over waste dumping in green area
Cyber cons dupe woman of over Rs 1 crore on investment lure
District court complex evacuated in wake of bomb threat
As fog descends, cancellations, delays disrupt air & rail travel
Talwara school row sparks protest at PU after leaders detention
Protect right to livelihood: Amritsar holy city status makes 150 shops wary
Mann slams SADs U-turn on Veer Bal Diwas, claims Akalis initially supported Centre
Holy city tag: Traditional traders on the brink in walled city of Amritsar
Punjab assembly to debate new VB-G RAM G replacing MGNREGA
Boy who ran errands during Op Sindoor gets Bal Puraskar
Chandigarh: A 10-year-old Punjab boy who made headlines for his running errands for soldiers battling the Pakistan forces during Operation Sindoor was conferred with a national award by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday. Shavan Singh, who ensured soldiers deployed in the border village in Ferozepur, get tea, water, milk and lassi from his home, was [] The post Boy who ran errands during Op Sindoor gets Bal Puraskar appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Public participation must to fight drug abuse: HP governor
Kullu bans public entry near water bodies during winter tourism season
Saini pays tribute to Sahibzadas, highlights message of courage and faith
Sukhu leads anti-drug walkathon in Bilaspur
Haryana gears up for Bar Council elections; polling on March 17-18 next year
Haryana Assembly explores options to accomodate increased house strength after delimitation
Deepender Hooda questions govt stance on Aravalli, demands review of SC decision
Operation Track Down: 7 held in statewide anti-corruption crackdown
Union Budget allocates Rs 500 crore for development of Rakhigarhi: CM Saini
HC judges visit Hisar to review preparations for CJIs visit
HAU scientist downgraded after raising corruption complaint
Workers protest against scrapping of MGNREGA, public endorsement of VB-G RAM G
Live-in couple found dead at NRIs house
Out to solve double murder case, Bathinda police crack two more killings
Armed robbers held after encounter in Barnala
Boy who ran errands during Operation Sindoor gets prize from President
Chandigarh: A 10-year-old Punjab boy who made headlines for his running errands for soldiers battling the Pakistan forces during Operation Sindoor was conferred with a national award by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday. Shavan Singh, who ensured soldiers deployed in the border village in Ferozepur, get tea, water, milk and lassi from his home, was Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
HC reduces mans death penalty in minors rape, murder
Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has commuted a mans death sentence for the rape and murder of a five-and-a-half-year-old girl to rigorous imprisonment for life, and acquitted his mother, observing there is no IPC section to punish her for trying to protect her Raja beta. Sentencing the convict to rigorous imprisonment for life Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
CHANDIGARH: Resident doctors of the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla have decided to go on an indefinite strike from Saturday against the termination of senior resident Dr Raghav Narula who was dismissed from service for allegedly assaulting a patient at the hospital on Monday. All routine services, elective operation theatres and outpatient departments will remain closed during the strike. Only emergency services will remain functional at the hospital. After talks with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) expressed dissatisfaction despite promises of a thorough investigation. The Chief Minister has assured us that a fresh inquiry into the incident will be conducted, said RDA IGMC President Dr Sohil Sharma. The association has demanded reinstatement of the terminated doctor, filing of FIRs related to intimidation and vandalism, and implementation of robust security measures. Meanwhile, patients at IGMC on Friday faced significant inconvenience as resident doctors proceeded on mass casual leave across the city and other parts of Himachal Pradesh, affecting routine healthcare services. Sources claimed that some 2,800 doctors, including junior residents and senior residents, went on one-day casual leave across the state. The decision to go on strike was taken after a meeting of the joint action committee of various medical associations. The state government on Wednesday terminated the services of Dr Narula for his alleged involvement in a physical fight with a patient, Arjun Singh, on Monday. The Himachal Medical Officer Association and Shimla Association of Medical and Dental College Teachers (SAMDCOT) have also come out in favour of the doctor. SAMDCOT in its general body meeting unanimously decided to extend full and continued support to the RDA and said that the final decision regarding the future course of action in relation to the indefinite strike will be taken on Monday. Arjun Singh who belongs to a village in the Kupvi subdivision of Shimla district had gone to the hospital for a bronchoscopy and complained of breathlessness following the procedure, alleged that the dispute started over the doctors choice of words. Singh had told the media that he had visited the hospital after experiencing breathing problems. When the doctor arrived, he spoke to me rudely. When I requested him to speak respectfully, he started beating me, he alleged. He claimed that he objected when the doctor addressed him as tu instead of tum. This made Narula aggressive, he said. However, Narula maintained that it was Singh who instigated the fight by using abusive language against him and his family. The report of an inquiry committee found both parties at fault. They found misconduct, misbehaviour and acts unbecoming of a public servant on Narulas part, officials said. A video of the alleged assault was recorded and has since gone viral on social media. Following the incident, the patient's kin raised slogans outside the hospital, demanding the suspension of the doctor. The Federation of Resident Doctors Associations (FORDA), a pan-India body, had also submitted a representation to CM Sukhu, seeking a transparent, time-bound and impartial inquiry into the incident. Meanwhile, ambulance services across the state came to a halt on Friday as workers launched a 48-hour strike demanding the implementation of labour laws, minimum wages and overtime payments. Ambulance workers affiliated with the 108 and 102 Ambulance Workers Union under the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) staged protests across the state at the district headquarters to raise their demands. CITU state president Vijender Mehra criticized the alleged exploitation of workers under the NHM, highlighting issues such as the non-payment of minimum wages as declared by the government and the failure to grant leave and warned that the movement would intensify if their demands were not fulfilled. When workers raise their voices for their demands, they are then subjected to mental harassment. Not only this, but union leaders face threats, transfers or forced resignation, he said.
Vijay Hazare Trophy: Rinku Helps UP Thrash Chandigarh; Shoreys Hundred Helps Vidarbha Beat Hyderabad
Vijay Hazare Trophy: India batter Rinku Singh smashed an unbeaten century as Uttar Pradesh crushed Chandigarh by 227 runs in their Elite Group B encounter of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 season in Rajkot on Friday. Rinku struck 106 not out off just 60 balls, while wicketkeeper-batter Aryan Juyal anchored the innings with 134 off 118 deliveries as Uttar Pradesh posted a formidable 367/4. Wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel contributed with a brisk 67 off 57 balls in a commanding batting display. Leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari claimed his second successive four-wicket haul with figures of 4-29 as Chandigarh were dismantled for 140 all out in 29.3 overs. Fellow spinners Vipraj Nigam (2-35) and Prashant Veer (1-11) provided support in a clinical bowling performance. Juyal's century featured eight sixes and seven fours as he paced his innings shrewdly. Rinku, who is in Indias squad for the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, provided the late acceleration with 10 boundaries and four sixes to hit his second List A century. He initially partnered with Juyal before joining forces with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) new recruit Prashant Veer, as the pair added 63 runs off just 35 balls to propel Uttar Pradesh beyond 350. The performance will encourage India's selectors ahead of the T20 World Cup, with Rinku being the designated finisher for the team in the shortest format. Meanwhile, Dhruv Shorey equalled N. Jagadeesan's record for most consecutive centuries in List A cricket as his unbeaten -109 powered Vidarbha to an 89-run victory over Hyderabad. Shorey's fifth consecutive List A hundred, struck off 77 balls with nine fours and six sixes, guided Vidarbha to 365/5 in 50 overs. Captain Harsh Dubey then led a disciplined bowling effort by picking three wickets as Hyderabad were dismissed for 276. Shorey built on a solid 148-run opening stand between Aman Mokhade (82 off 78 balls) and Yash Rathod (68 off 82 balls). After Nitin Yadav broke the partnership by forcing Mokhade to hole out at deep cover, and Rathod fell five overs later, Shorey took charge alongside R. Samarth (63 off 46 balls) to stitch a blistering 140-run stand off just 95 balls. He reached his eighth List A century off 73 balls with a lofted six, with Harsh and Nachiket Bhute providing late impetus to push Vidarbha past 350. Hyderabad maintained a brisk scoring rate early in their reply despite losing opener Tanmay Agarwal for 21. Varun Goud top-scored with 85 off 68 balls, striking four boundaries and four sixes, before being stumped while attempting an aggressive shot. Rahul Singh Gahlaut received two reprieves in the deep but eventually succumbed to Yash Thakur's short-ball tactics in the middle overs, as the target proved to be beyond Hyderabads reach. Left-arm seamer Raj Limbani claimed his maiden five-wicket haul as Baroda dismissed Bengal for 205 before cruising to a four-wicket victory with 11.1 overs to spare. Baroda captain Krunal Pandya set the tone with figures of 3-39, including the prized wicket of Abishek Porel, to restrict Bengal's scoring. Limbani then completed the job with his first five-wicket haul in List A cricket as Bengal failed to utilise their allotted overs. Krunal anchored the chase with a measured 57 off 63 balls at number four as Baroda completed the chase to register their second consecutive victory in the tournament. In another match, former Tamil Nadu leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin claimed his maiden List A five-wicket haul as Jammu and Kashmir defeated Assam by a massive 142 runs. Yawer Hassan's century powered J&K to 341/7 before Ashwin's spin bowling dismantled Assam's chase, as they were bowled out for just 199. Brief scores: Uttar Pradesh 367/4 in 50 overs (Aryan Juyal 134, Rinku Singh 106 not out; Taranpreet Singh 2-74) beat Chandigarh 140 all out in 29.3 overs (Manan Vohra 32; Zeeshan Ansari 4-29) by 227 runs Vidarbha 365/5 in 50 overs (Dhruv Shorey 109 not out; Kartikeya Kak 3-87) defeated Hyderabad 279 all out in 49.2 overs (Aelgani Varun Goud 85; Harsh Dubey 3/39) by 89 runs Uttar Pradesh 367/4 in 50 overs (Aryan Juyal 134, Rinku Singh 106 not out; Taranpreet Singh 2-74) beat Chandigarh 140 all out in 29.3 overs (Manan Vohra 32; Zeeshan Ansari 4-29) by 227 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu and Kashmir 341/7 in 50 overs (Yawer Hassan 138; Denish Das 2-46) beat Assam 199 all out in 36.1 overs (Sumit Ghadigaonkar 53; Murugan Ashwin 5-34) by 142 runs. Article Source: IANS
Around 70 Teams From 26 States & Six UTs To Participate In Junior National Kho Kho In Karnataka
Junior National Kho Kho Championship: Around 35 boys' and as many girls' teams are expected to participate in the 44th Junior National Kho Kho Championship 2025-26, scheduled from Dec 31 to January 4 at Gunjur, Bengaluru. Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Delhi are the Union Territories participating in the Championship. Apart from States, teams representing recognised Kho Kho Associations like Kolhapur, Vidarbha, and Madhya Bharat will also battle it out for the title in the Championship, which will be on the league-cum-knockout basis. All eyes would be on Maharashtra, which won both the boys and girls' titles in the 43rd Junior National Kho Kho Championship held at Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, in 2024. The pre-quarterfinal matches in both boys and girls categories will be held in the morning, while quarterfinal matches will be held in the afternoon on January 3. On January 4, the semifinals would be conducted in the morning and the finals after that. Both boys and girls teams have been divided into 8 groups each, the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) informed in a release onFriday. Other than referees, as many as 25 officials, including technical officials, coaches, and officials from the association, have been deployed for the preparations and smooth conduct of the Championship. Arrangements for the boarding and lodging of players have been made within a 3-4 km vicinity of the stadium, and 10 buses have been deployed for their conveyance, said Lokeshwara, President of Karnataka State Kho Kho Association. The Championship is being held at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Gunjur. It is a festival of Kho Kho in which young talents from all across the country compete for the title. It is also a platform for junior talents to showcase their skills. Identification of the talent and its recognition plays an important role in promoting sport and sportspersons as we religiously aim for Kho Khos inclusion in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics, said Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI). General Secretary, KKFI, Upkar Singh Virk said, All preparations are in place for the smooth conduct of the Championship. Our focus is on the development of athletes and infrastructure. It is a festival of Kho Kho in which young talents from all across the country compete for the title. It is also a platform for junior talents to showcase their skills. Identification of the talent and its recognition plays an important role in promoting sport and sportspersons as we religiously aim for Kho Khos inclusion in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics, said Sudhanshu Mittal, President, Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI). Also Read: Live Cricket Score India will host the first Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9-14, 2026, the 58th Senior National Kho Kho Championship (Men & Women) 2025-26 from January 11-15, 2026, in Kazipet, Telangana, and the 35th Sub-Junior National Kho Kho Championship (Boys & Girls) 2025-26 in Kurukshetra, Haryana, from January 31, 2026, to February 4, 2026. Article Source: IANS
Reddit Slams Thar Owner For Ignoring Rules In Well-Organised Chandigarh Society
A viral Reddit post slamming a poorly parked Thar in Chandigarh renews online debate over the behaviour of Thar drivers in India.
NEW DELHI: India is not only the diabetes capital of the world but is also fast emerging as the diabetic retinopathy capital, experts warned, while attributing the rise in this vision-threatening condition to poor awareness among both doctors and the public. According to experts, currently, 85% of diabetic patients are unaware that diabetes can impact vision and have never undergone a retinal examination. Concerned about the rise in diabetic retinopathy (DR) cases, experts from across the country met to develop, in consultation, revised India-specific national guidelines for the early detection and management of DR, to combat this public health challenge. The new guidelines introduce a comprehensive, technology-enabled and system-integrated approach that can change the trajectory of eye care for diabetic patients in India and aims to achieve 80% DR screening coverage among the diabetic population. The updated guidelines announced by Vision 2020-The Right to Sight India, a national consortium of not-for-profit eye hospitals across the country, outline a tiered diagnostic and treatment pathway that ensures timely intervention at every level of care. Speaking with the TNIE , Dr Rajesh Saini, President, VISION 2020, India, said, Diabetic retinopathy is a growing public health concern, silently threatening the vision of millions. These new guidelines, rooted in expert consensus and enriched with the latest diagnostic and management protocols, will empower healthcare providers to detect and intervene earlier, especially in underserved communities. He said they have updated the 2015 manual on DR, a silent yet steadily rising cause of avoidable blindness, to align with current best practices. We want to drive nationwide awareness, strengthen clinical capacity, and reinforce the message that vision loss from diabetes is preventable with timely action, said Dr Saini. Dr Vishali Gupta, President at Vitreo Retinal Society India, PGI, Chandigarh, said, India is not only the diabetic capital of the world but also the world capital for diabetic retinopathy. But we are not doing anything about it. Diabetic retinopathy should be included in the National Diabetes Program. So far, the focus is on screening. Our focus should be on DR because it affects the economically productive age group, those in their forties and younger. By prioritising timely and systematic screening, we can identify the disease much earlier, significantly improving outcomes. Evidence shows that early intervention can halve the risk of severe vision loss, and these guidelines translate that evidence into actionable practice across all levels of care, she told this paper. According to Dr R Kim, CMO at Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Every patient who has diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. The sheer number is huge. People with diabetes dont know when they will develop it. So that's why we insist that they should get their eyes screened at least once a year. The guidelines recommend screening right at the time of diagnosis for type 2 diabetes. If we start creating awareness on having a regular eye checkup for everyone, then I think we will be able to prevent DR and other eye diseases, which can cause people to go blind, said Dr Gupta. According to the 2023 Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study, there are an estimated 101 million people in India with diabetes, 136 million pre-diabetics and 315 million people with hypertension in 2021. Experts said the number could exceed 125 million by 2045. Among them, nearly 6-7 per cent, or approximately four to six million individuals, are already at risk of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. The new guideline lists financial coverage for essential DR treatments (lasers, anti-VEGF and bispecific IVI injections, OCT monitoring) under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to reduce out-of-pocket costs. It also highlights integration through ABHA IDs, strengthening referral chains and leveraging tele-ophthalmology hubs for continuity of care. It strongly pitches for developing National Diabetes and DR Registries to enable real-time monitoring and data-driven policy planning. In India, epidemiological data show that DR affects approximately 18% of urban and 10.4% of rural populations with diabetes, which means nearly one in five urban diabetics is at risk of vision impairment. While early detection and timely intervention can prevent blindness in most cases, awareness levels remain low, not only among patients but also among some healthcare practitioners. Experts said many non-ophthalmic providers, such as diabetologists, endocrinologists and primary care physicians, do not consistently refer patients for retinal screening, leading to late diagnosis and irreversible vision loss in many cases.
IndiGo flights cancellation 26 December: Winter fog grounds several flights across the nation
IndiGo has cancelled numerous domestic flights on December 26th due to persistent winter fog and poor visibility impacting operations across North India. Several cities, including Varanasi, Chandigarh, and Guwahati, experienced cancellations due to forecasted bad weather. Major hubs like Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata also saw grounded flights as visibility dropped.
Vision loss rampant as India home to diabetic retinopathy capital, say experts
NEW DELHI: India is not only the diabetes capital of the world but also the diabetic retinopathy (DR) capital too, said experts here. They attributed the lack of awareness among physicians and the public for a surge of this eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness among diabetics. According to experts, currently, 85% of diabetic patients are unaware that diabetes can impact vision and have never undergone a retinal examination. Concerned experts met recently to develop revised India-specific national guidelines for the detection and management of DR. The new guidelines introduce a comprehensive, technology-enabled, and system-integrated approach that can change the trajectory of eye care for diabetic patients in India and aims to achieve 80% DR screening coverage among the diabetic population. The updated guidelines announced by Vision 2020-The Right to Sight India, a national consortium of not-for-profit eye hospitals across the country, outline a tiered diagnostic and treatment pathway that ensures timely intervention at every level of care. Speaking with this paper, Dr Rajesh Saini, President, VISION 2020, India, said, These new guidelines, rooted in expert consensus and enriched with the latest diagnostic and management protocols, will empower healthcare providers to detect and intervene earlier, especially in underserved communities. Dr Vishali Gupta, President at Vitreo Retinal Society India, PGI, Chandigarh, said, DR should be included in the National Diabetes Program. It affects the economically productive age group, those in their forties and younger. By prioritising timely and systematic screening, we can identify the disease much earlier, significantly improving outcomes. According to Dr R Kim, CMO at Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, We insist that they should get their eyes screened at least once a year. Data show that there are an estimated 101 million diabetics in India, 136 million pre-diabetics in 2021. Approximately four to six million individuals are already at risk of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy. The new guideline lists financial coverage for essential DR treatments under Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to reduce out-of-pocket costs. It also highlights integration through ABHA IDs, strengthening referral chains, and leveraging tele-ophthalmology hubs for continuity of care. New norms to reduce out-of-pocket costs The new guideline lists financial coverage for essential diabetic retinopathy (DR) treatments under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to reduce out-of-pocket costs. It also highlights integration through ABHA IDs, strengthening referral chains, and leveraging tele-ophthalmology hubs for continuity of care.
Sarna backs call to rename Veer Bal Diwas as Sahibzadey Shahadat Diwas
All India Services Table Tennis tourney to be held in Chd
Governor, CM pay tribute to former PM Vajpayee
CBI files chargesheet against 4 cops in Col assault case; drops murder-bid charge
Sikh woman gives land for mosque, Hindus pitch in with money
AAP govt has a lot to explain on MGNREGA: Warring
Hosp assault case: Docs protest sacking of colleague, go on mass leave
Hybrid maize seed production sees successful field trial
Man slits sisters throat in Rohtak, stabs another woman
Centres apple import duty cut a blow to HP orchardists: State min
Teacher bodies reject Pb govts Rs 10L ex-gratia for families of deceased educators
Etching a new identity: Chamba women take on Thal carving for independence
300 cops stand guard as Hanuman Chalisa recited outside Hisar Church
CAG flags cost overrun, delay in LudhianaTalwandi NH project
Blast at scrap shop kills 1, damages houses
Punjab has secured Rs 1.5L cr investment since 2022: Minister Arora
Rs 10L health cover: CM Mann gives green signal to Jan launch
ED conducts searches across 5 states in digital arrest case
In a heartwarming display of unity, a 75-year-old Sikh woman in Punjab's Jakhwali village donated land for a new mosque. Sikh and Hindu families are also contributing financially to the construction. This gesture highlights the village's long-standing tradition of interfaith harmony, where all communities support each other's religious needs.
Worried about pollution? A Chandigarh dentist reveals how to pick the right mask. Look for a darker, water-repellent front and a brighter back, with a metal strip at the top. Crucially, the folds should point downwards to effectively trap harmful particles. Wearing it upside down renders it useless. Choose wisely for genuine protection.
Politics over nomenclature of Veer Bal Diwas, Centre tell states to host events in schools
CHANDIGARH: Politics has erupted over the nomenclature of Veer Bal Diwas after the Union government wrote to all states and Union Territories directing them to organise activities in schools on Friday to mark the day, which commemorates the martyrdom of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh. Despite demands from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the Akal Takht, the Congress, several Members of Parliament and Sikh scholars seeking a change in the nomenclature, the Centre has refused to rename Veer Bal Diwas. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rejected the demand, hitting back at its former ally SAD, saying the name was acceptable earlier and became objectionable only after the alliance broke. In a letter sent last week to additional chief secretaries and secretaries of the departments of school education and literacy under the Union Ministry of Education, schools were instructed to organise activities such as drawing, storytelling, essay writing, poem recitation, debates and digital presentations. The instructions apply to all schools, including Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas. Veer Bal Diwas is organised annually as a nationwide initiative dedicated to honouring children as the foundation of Indias future. This initiative emphasises nurturing young minds and inspiring them to contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat, the letter said. In a subsequent communication dated December 22, the ministry said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the main event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday. On January 9, 2022, the Union government designated December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas to honour the supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the younger sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, who were martyred in 1705 at the ages of nine and six, respectively. Delhi Shiromani Akali Dal chief Paramjit Singh Sarna said the demand to rename the observance as Sahibzadey Shahadat Diwas was rooted in historical accuracy, ethical reasoning and the partys long-held position. Sarna recalled that in 2019, the SAD had formally supported replacing Bal Diwas, earlier observed on the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, with a national observance marking the martyrdom of the Sahibzadey of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. There is no inconsistency, as is being alleged, Sarna said. The party has always maintained that the martyrdom of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh deserved national recognition. When the Centre instituted Veer Bal Diwas, it acknowledged that position. At the same time, the name attached to a commemoration carries weight, because language shapes how history is understood. He said the phrase Veer Bal, while emotionally evocative, was broad and imprecise and risked obscuring the specific historical event being marked. This is not a general observance of childhood courage. It commemorates a recorded shaheedi in which the Sahibzadey were bricked alive for refusing to renounce their faith. The term Sahibzadey Shahadat Diwas conveys that reality directly, without dilution, he said. Sarna added that aligning the national observance with the terminology Sahibzadey Shahadat Diwas, as articulated by Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, would strengthen public understanding. Recognition without precision reduces history to abstraction. Precision itself is a form of respect, he said. Meanwhile, AAP MP from Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, wrote to Prime Minister Modi on December 9 on the issue. Akal Takhts acting jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, also wrote to Sikh MPs urging them to formally request a name change. Congress MLA from Bholath, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, strongly objected to commemorating the martyrdom of the Sahibzadey under the name Veer Bal Diwas, saying it undermines the historical, spiritual and moral magnitude of their sacrifice. Responding to the controversy, BJP Punjab state spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal issued a rebuttal to the Shiromani Akali Dal and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Citing an earlier public tweet by Harsimrat, Baliawal said she herself had advocated commemorating the martyrdom of the Sahibzadey under the title Bal Diwas in 2019. He questioned why a term considered appropriate by the Akali Dal until then had suddenly become objectionable after the breakdown of the BJPSAD alliance. Baliawal further pointed out that in 2018, during an event organised at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal had expressed concurrence with the name Bal Diwas. He said the present opposition by the Akali Dal contradicted its own earlier stand. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa also defended the Centres decision, saying the existing name appropriately honours the supreme martyrdom of the Sahibzadey.
CBI files charge sheet against four Punjab Police officers in Colonel Pushpinder Bath assault case
CHANDIGARH: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against four Punjab Police officers in the Colonel Pushpinder Bath assault case. According to sources, the apex investigating agency filed the chargesheet in a Mohali CBI court on Wednesday against Punjab Police inspectors Harjinder Singh, Shaminder Singh, Harry Boparai and Ronnie Singh. The charges include grievous hurt and wrongful restraint, among others. However, the attempt-to-murder charge does not figure in the chargesheet. Inspector Ronnie Singh has been named as the main accused. The filing of the chargesheet marks a significant development in the high-profile case, particularly due to the omission of the attempt-to-murder charge at the prosecution stage. The incident took place on the intervening night of March 13 and 14, when Colonel Bath and his son, Angad Singh, were having dinner at a dhaba near Rajindra Hospital. Colonel Bath alleged that a group of men aggressively approached them and demanded that they move their car. One of them threatened to break our legs and then punched me. I lost consciousness. Then they assaulted my son, he had said at the time. When Colonel Bath identified himself as an Army officer, the attackers allegedly snatched his identity card and mobile phone. The Punjab Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) only on March 22, eight days after the incident, following repeated appeals from the officers family. A case was registered against inspectors Harry Boparai, Ronnie Singh and Harjinder Dhillon under Sections 109 (attempt to murder), 310, 155(2), 117(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint) and 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Later, another inspector was named under Sections 299 and 191 of the BNS. In March, Colonel Bath moved the High Court, alleging delay by the Punjab Police in filing an FIR in the assault case involving him and his son by a group of 12 policemen, including four inspectors. The family rejected the special investigation team (SIT) formed by the Punjab Police. In April, the High Court directed the Chandigarh Police to constitute a special investigation team to probe the case and complete the investigation within four months. In July, the High Court transferred the probe to the CBI, a move upheld by the Supreme Court in August, citing concerns over the impartiality of earlier investigations by both the Punjab and Chandigarh Police. Punjab, Haryana HC transfers Colonel Bath assault probe to Chandigarh Police; orders SIT formation
IndiGo cancels 67 flights, cites bad weather and operational reasons
Mumbai: Domestic carrier IndiGo on Thursday cancelled 67 flights from multiple airports due to forecasted bad weather and operational reasons, according to the airlines website. Of the 67 cancelled flights, only four were for operational reasons, and the rest were due to forecasted bad weather at various airports, including Agartala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Varanasi, Bengaluru, among Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Indigo Cancels 67 Flights From Multiple Airports Due To Bad Weather, Operational Issues
Mumbai, Dec 25: Domestic carrier IndiGo on Thursday cancelled 67 flights from multiple airports due to forecasted bad weather and operational reasons, according to the airlines website. Of the 67 cancelled flights, only four were for operational reasons, and the rest were due to forecasted bad weather at various airports, including Agartala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Varanasi, Bengaluru, among others, as per the website. Aviation regulator, DGCA, has announced the period between December 10 and February 10 next year as the official [] The post Indigo Cancels 67 Flights From Multiple Airports Due To Bad Weather, Operational Issues appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab: Retired bank employee loses Rs 43 lakh in cyber fraud after scammers pose as officials
A retired bank employee was defrauded of Rs 43 lakh by scammers posing as customs and CBI officials. They falsely claimed a parcel in his name contained drugs and passports, leading him to transfer money over a year to avoid legal action. He realized he was scammed after contacting the cybercrime helpline.
The CBI has filed a chargesheet against four Punjab Police personnel in Mohali for the assault on Colonel Pushpinder Bath. Inspector Ronnie Singh is the principal accused, facing charges of grievous hurt and wrongful restraint. The serious charge of attempt to murder, initially included, was omitted by the CBI.
Amit Shah unveils statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Panchkula
30 Indians arrested for driving trucks without valid licences in California
CHANDIGARH: Some 30 Indian nationals living illegally in the United States have been arrested in California after being found driving semi-trucks using commercial drivers licenses, according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The arrests were made by Border Patrol agents in the El Centro Sector during immigration checkpoint stops and joint enforcement operations over the past few weeks. CBP said 49 undocumented immigrants holding commercial drivers licenses were arrested between November 23 and December 12. Thirty of those were Indian nationals. Authorities said most of the licenses were issued by US states. California accounted for 31 of the commercial drivers licenses involved, while others were issued by states such as Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. CBP said the operation was launched following several fatal highway accidents involving undocumented drivers operating semi-trucks. In recent months, multiple Indian nationals have been arrested in connection with deadly crashes. In August, Harjinder Singh was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide in Florida. That same month, Partap Singh was arrested after a multi-vehicle pileup in California. In October, Jashanpreet Singh was arrested following a crash that killed three US citizens. In another case, Rajinder Kumar was charged with criminally negligent homicide after two people died in a collision involving his truck. Remenar said individuals without legal status should never have been operating these semitrucks, and blamed states that issued the licenses for putting lives at risk. El Centro Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Remenar said the arrests highlight the expanding role of Border Patrol agents away from the border. He noted that since the start of Fiscal Year 2026, arrests made in the interior of the country have exceeded those made at the border. Our agents are protecting the country both at the border and well inside the United States, Part of the arrests came during Operation Highway Sentinel, a two-day joint enforcement effort held on December 10 and 11 in Ontario and Fontana, California. The operation was led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations and focused on commercial trucking companies. During the operation, 45 undocumented immigrants with commercial drivers licenses were arrested. Indio Station agents made seven of those arrests, including five Indian nationals. Meanwhile, CBP reported a sharp decline in illegal border crossings in the San Diego Sector.
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