Chandigarh police bust Pakistan -linked narco terror network after raids in border districts, 3 held
Chandigarh Police have also formally arrested the main conspirator of narco terror network, members of which were allegedly involved in the cashier's killing
Housing For All : J&K tops UTs in PMAY-U implementation
Srinagar, Jul 08: Jammu & Kashmir continues to remain at the top of the Union Territories in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U & PMAY-U 2.0), recording the highest number of houses sanctioned and the largest amount of Central assistance among all Union Territories. According tothe Annual Report 2025-26, released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in June 2026,on the physical and financial progress of PMAY-U and PMAYU 2.0, a total of 45,112 houses have been sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir. The Union Territory has received Rs 534.75 crore as Central assistance against an approved assistance of Rs 714.86 crore. The figures place J&K well ahead of all other Union Territories. Delhi ranks second with 31,670 houses sanctioned, followed by Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNH&DD) with 10,338 houses, Chandigarh with 1,277 houses, Andaman & Nicobar Islands with 377 houses, while Lakshadweep has no sanctioned houses under the scheme. The data also indicated steady progress over the previous reporting period ending March 31, 2025. During the nine-month period, the number of sanctioned houses in J&K increased from 47,040 to 45,112 under the updated accounting framework. The report revealed that the Central assistance released rose from Rs 523.48 crore to Rs 534.75 crore, reflecting an additional release of Rs 11.27 croretill last year. Among Union Territories, J&K has also secured the highest Central assistance. Delhi has received Rs 698.53 crore against an approved assistance of Rs 714.86 crore, while DNH&DD has received Rs 209.87 crore, Chandigarh Rs 28.85 crore, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rs 3.72 crore. Nationally, PMAY-U has sanctioned over 1.25 crore houses, with more than 98.6 lakh houses completed. The revamped PMAY-U 2.0, launched in September 2024, aims to provide financial support for one crore additional urban families over five years while continuing the completion of previously sanctioned projects. The data underscore Jammu & Kashmir's dominant position among Union Territories in both the physical and financial implementation of the flagship urban housing programme. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed the completion of 31,173 houses under the much-hyped Housing for All scheme, out of a total of 39,153 sanctioned units.
J&K improves school edu ranking in PGI 2.0
Srinagar, Jul 08: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessedasignificant progress in its overall performance in the Union Ministry of Education's Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for 2025-26, increasing its score by 47 points over the previous year and moving up one grade. However,the Union Territory, as perthe PGI for States/UTs Report for 2025-2026, released bythe Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India,continues to remainin the 'Akanshi-1' category, indicating that substantial improvements are still needed across key school education indicators. The Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 serves as theunion government'sannual assessment framework to monitorthe quality of school educationand identify areas requiring policy intervention in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The details reveal that J&K's overall PGI score increased from 500.2 in 2024-25 to 547.0 in 2025-26, resulting in an improvement from Akanshi-2 (411-460) to Akanshi-1 (461-510) grade. The PGI 2.0 evaluates States and Union Territories across sixdomains: Learning Outcomes & Quality, Access, Infrastructure & Facilities, Equity, Governance Processes, and Teacher Education & Training,with a maximum score of 1,000. Domain-wise, Jammu and Kashmir scored 62.3 out of 80 in Learning Outcomes, 53.8 out of 80 in Access, 80.28 out of 190 in Infrastructure & Facilities, 210.5 out of 260 in Equity, 76.7 out of 130 in Governance Processes and 63.4 out of 100 in Teacher Education & Training. The UT secured Akanshi-1 grade in Learning Outcomes, Uttam-3 in Access, Prachesta-2 in Infrastructure & Facilities, Uttam-2 in Equity, Prachesta-1 in Governance Processes and Uttam-3 in Teacher Education & Training. In the Teacher Education & Training domain, J&K scored 63.4, placing it in the Uttam-3 (61-70.9) category. According to the details, only11 States and UTs achieved this grade, while just two, including Kerala, reached the top Utkarsh category. The report shows that Chandigarh emerged as the best-performing State/UT with an overall score of 766, becoming the only one to enter the Uttam-3 category, while several States and UTs continued to remain in lower performance bands.
Dont drink and drive: A traffic lesson in public view
Two Violators Spread The Message As Part Of Court-Ordered Community Service
Consumers, industry back parallel power distribution licensing
Abhay Chautala seeks judicial probe into alleged scams under BJP rule
Haryana CM assures IKEA of full support as retailer eyes expansion
Punjab, Haryana monsoon deficit may keep food prices elevated: Report
226 arrested in Hisar anti-drug drive till July 6
Sirsa farmers scale power towers over compensation row
All infra projects in Haryana to keep in mind disabled people: Finance commissioner
CBI arrests 2 Haryana Labour Welfare Board officials in Rs 590-cr bank fraud case
Protests escalate over 23-year-olds death post-childbirth
PM to address Jind rally, flag off Indias first hydrogen train
Haryana to set up district panels to push natural farming: CM
Rainfall continues in HP, yellow alert issued
Unas Bulk Drug Park groundbreaking ceremony to be held in Sept
Woman goes to buy dog, raped; accused held
Punjab BJP chief attacks Kejriwal over temple pitch
Cant blame community for actions of individual: American Sikh Council opposes kirpan ban calls in UK
Baghel draws the line, says no pressure works on high command
Fill SIR form to ensure you keep availing benefits of govt schemes: Mann
After 2025 floods, Punjab races to restore Ravis carrying capacity
On banks of Satluj, Akal Takht to pray for Khalra, victims of Punjabs extrajudicial killings
Chanot water protest: Court grants bail to former sarpanch
SIT reviews records in saroops case
135 drug FIRs in Hisar in 6 months: Police
Off OTT, Satluj plays at gurdwaras & grounds
HC seeks status report on bail plea of ex-ministers father
Manahar Kumar Film Premieres at Oscars Samuel Goldwyn Theatre
Manahar Kumar's film 'Beaten Down' recently premiered in Los Angeles. The dark comedy follows an immigrant's extreme plan for a U-Visa. It explores family, survival, and the emotional cost of life away from home. The film uses humor to examine immigration and difficult choices people make. Kumar, a BAFTA Connect Fellow, also stars in the project.
Indian-origin actor-model Mikail Shaikh features in FIFA Canada campaign
Actor Mikail Shaikh, originally from Mumbai, is building his international advertising presence. He recently appeared in a campaign for FIFA Canada, expanding his North American visibility. Shaikh's work highlights the growing demand for diverse talent in global campaigns. His journey showcases evolving opportunities for South Asian talent in international media.
After last year's devastation, Punjab races against time to tame Ravi before monsoon fury returns
Gurdaspur's water resources department is undertaking a massive de-silting operation on the Ravi River. This urgent work aims to prevent a repeat of last year's devastating flood disaster. Heavy machinery is clearing tonnes of silt and riverbed material to restore the river's flow. Embankments are being strengthened and sandbags prepared for potential monsoon emergencies. The department is committed to completing this vital work before the peak monsoon season arrives.
Chandigarh University Hosts 24-Hour National AI Hackathon 'AI Nexus 2026'; 70 Teams Develop AI Solutions for Real-World Challenges
IIT Mandi develops landslide early warning system for Himalayan region
IIT Mandi researchers have developed an extensive early warning system for landslides. This system forecasts landslide probabilities across the entire Indian Himalayan region. It utilizes topographic susceptibility and real-time rainfall data for predictions. The system issues timely warnings to aid disaster preparedness efforts. This initiative aims to significantly reduce economic damages and enhance safety.
US-led crackdown targets Bishnoi syndicate; 24 arrested
Law enforcement agencies arrested twenty-four individuals in a global operation targeting crime syndicates. These groups are accused of racketeering, killings, and international drug trafficking. One indictment links Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar to Hardeep Singh Nijjar's assassination. Authorities also seized significant quantities of cocaine and heroin during the extensive crackdown. This operation dismantled three major transnational organized crime groups operating worldwide.
Bollywood Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh honours Dr Anshu Kataria
Aryans College of Law, Rajpura (Near Chandigarh), has been honoured as the Best Private Law College of the Chandigarh Region at the News18 Iconic Brands of North 2026 Awards held at Radisson Red, Mohali. The award was presented by Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh and received by Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges. Expressing his gratitude, Dr Anshu Kataria said, This honour is a recognition of our continuous efforts to transform legal education through innovation, practical exposure, academic excellence, and value-based learning. At Aryans, we are committed to nurturing socially responsible legal professionals by providing students with unmatched academic opportunities, interaction with eminent jurists, courtroom exposure, and industry-oriented initiatives. We dedicate this award to our students, faculty, alumni, and all our stakeholders whose trust and support continue to inspire us. Aryans College of Law has emerged as a pioneer in experiential legal education by becoming one of the first law institutions in North India to provide cinematic exposure to BA LL.B. and LL.B. students through the Aryans Law Film Fest, which was launched earlier this year by actor Binnu Dhillon and renowned Punjabi and Telugu actress Payal Rajput.
Srinagar, Jul 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullahon Tuesday chaired a high-level review meetingto assess the roadmap forthe revival and operationalisation ofthe Jammu & Kashmir Overseas Employment Corporation Limited(JKOECL), sayingthat the objectiveshouldbenot merely to facilitate migration but to prepare a globally competitive workforce,anddirectingconcerned departments to prepare a time-bound implementation plan. The meeting reviewed the proposed strategy for reviving JKOECL as the government's nodal recruitment agency for facilitating safe, transparent, and market-driven overseas employment. Discussions centered on strengthening institutional mechanisms, expanding international partnerships, enhancing skill development aligned with global standards, and establishing an integrated ecosystem to prepare youth for overseas careers. A detailed presentation by Director Employment J&K Harvinder Singh outlined a phased roadmap for operationalising JKOECL, including creation of a digital overseas employment portal, partnerships with licensed recruiting agencies, foreign languages and international certification programmes, employer engagement, counselling, pre-departure orientation, and post-placement support. The proposed framework seeks to position JKOECL as the nodal agency coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Protector of Emigration, Indian Missions abroad, skill institutions, and licensed recruiting agencies. Protector of Emigration, Chandigarh, Ministry of External Affairs, Yashu Deep Singh, made a presentation on emigration trends from J&K, the region's contribution to overseas remittances, and employment opportunities available through India's labour mobility agreements with several countries, highlighting sector-wise demand for workers, emerging job roles, and key challenges affecting overseas migration from J&K. Reviving the Jammu & Kashmir Overseas Employment Corporation is a crucial step toward connecting our skilled youth with global employment opportunities. Our objective should be to prepare a globally competitive workforce. We should not only send people abroad; we should send skilled people there. Our focus should be on skilling, the Chief Minister said. He called for adopting best practices from states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which have successfully institutionalised overseas employment facilitation. Emphasising long-term sustainability, he directed that the forthcoming Industrial Policy should provide for the establishment of skill development and training institutes to nurture an ecosystem capable of meeting international workforce requirements, and stressed the need for a complementary industrial policy that encourages greater private sector participation in skill development and employment generation. The meeting was attended by Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary Labour & Employment Rajiv Ranjan, Protector of Emigration Yashu Deep Singh, Director Employment, Director Skill Development, and other senior officers.
Mayors immediate patch works word not kept
2 arrested for attempt to murder NRI
Women delivery execs assaulted, robbed
2 caught for drunk driving to do community service
Stagnant water camouflages potholes on city roads, residents demand repairs
Trash piles, stench drive demand for dump relocation
Waterlogged, Potholed, Dangerous: Commuters Bear the Brunt
One hour of rain exposes cracks in civic infrastructure
Rain to cool off Tricity but beware of storms
CM Saini presents cash awards worth over Rs 20 cr to 198 sportspersons
Riot victims kin block Madhya Marg
Charanjit Singh Channi skips Bhupesh Baghel's peace meet
Charanjit Singh Channi's absence at the party meeting led by Bhupesh Baghel raised eyebrows, as he allegedly resists the high command's direction regarding Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Baghel's trip to Chandigarh aimed to address growing internal concerns within the party. While Channi, head of the campaign committee, was in Delhi, Warring played down the significance of his absence, attributing it to being out of town temporarily.
No external pressure in office work: MC commissioner
ASI held accepting Rs 20k bribe
2 Punjabi men drown in Canada canal
3 held for ex-sarpanchs murder; hunt on for others
Himachal steps up preparedness as monsoon gathers pace
Akali Dal Waris Punjab De protest against removal of Satluj from OTT platform
PM Modi to flag off hydrogen train from Jind on July 17
Panel orders probe into alleged assault of minors at Madhuban centre
HBSE releases answer key of HTET exams, invites objections
Haryana disburses Rs 20cr to 198 sportspersons
People in power need to be chased, beaten on streets: Chautala remark sparks row
ED arrests energy firms ex-CFO in money laundering case
Haryana student drowns during boating trip in Canada
Devi Lal varsity students torch VCs effigy over irregularities in faculty recruitment
Farmer booked for assaulting DHBVN engineer, bid to frame him in graft case
Interstate motorcycle thief arrested, 20 stolen vehicles recovered
Accused bites cop and makes run for freedom, get shot in the leg
Elderly man killed, wife seriously injured in accident
3 held for double murder of man, brother-in-law
Human Rights Commission takes suo motu notice of Chandigarh building collapse, seeks DC report
Meghalaya PhD degree row: Services of 3 teachers terminated
Estate office doubles revenue recovery in FY26
Relies On Enforcement, E-auctions & Digital Reforms
Anandpur Sahib MP backs Senate candidate as PU poll campaign gathers pace
Encroachments push pedestrians onto roads, ex-IA&AS officer tells MC
2 Chandigarh residents held with 400g heroin in Mohali
Rose Club makeover project to be launched on Friday
MC forms QRTs, steps up water quality surveillance amid contamination complaints
Chief engineer orders weekly reviews, stricter monitoring and SOP for citywide response
Gold-winning India U-18 hockey team begins camp at Panjab University
Majri Chowk barricade trial enters 2nd phase with new timings
Hindu family from Tarn Taran wants the world to know Khalras story
Our voices should be heard: Kin of Punjabs disappeared slam Satluj ban
When Manpreet Badal raised Khalras disappearance in the assembly
Medical experts emphasise competency-based healthcare education
Thousands of trees felled, forest division faces severe staff shortage
Only 22 Forest Guards Against Sanctioned 105; Just 2 Deputy Rangers In Place As Protection Concerns Mount
10 vehicles challaned in anti-illegal parking drive at Majri Chowk
Woman kills husband with lovers help, both held
