Chandigarh University Offers 270+ Value-Added-Courses in Emerging Fields; to Boost Multi-Disciplinary Learning & Employment
Sukhbir Singh Badal to Appear Before SIT in Punjabs Sacrilege Case
Chandigarh, July 20: Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, is facing increasing challenges. He is scheduled to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday for questioning related to the sacrilege case. Badal has been summoned to the Punjab Police Officers Institute ... Read more Sukhbir Singh Badal to Appear Before SIT in Punjabs Sacrilege Case
4 die after entering well to rescue calf in Haryana; toxic gas suspected
Four individuals tragically died in Jhajjar, Haryana, after entering a well to rescue a calf. Police suspect toxic gas trapped inside the confined space caused the fatalities. The deceased included three local residents and one migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh. A sub-inspector who entered the well also faced breathing difficulties but is now stable. Legal proceedings have been initiated as authorities await post-mortem results.
J&K GST revenue falls 15% in June as collections slip to Rs 470 Crore
Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 15 per cent year-on-year decline in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in June 2026, with revenue falling to Rs 470 crore from Rs 552 crore in the corresponding month last year, according to the latest state-wise GST data released by the Union Finance Ministry. The Union Territory witnessed a decline of Rs 82 crore in GST collections during the month, even as the country's overall GST revenue continued to grow, indicating a mixed trend in tax collections across states and Union Territories. India's gross GST collections stood at Rs 1,34,774 crore in June 2026, compared with Rs 1,26,506 crore collected in June 2025, registering a year-on-year growth of 7 per cent. The increase reflects steady economic activity and improved tax compliance in several parts of the country. Jammu and Kashmir was among the states and Union Territories that reported a decline in GST collections during the month. Neighbouring Himachal Pradesh recorded a steeper fall of 26 per cent, with collections declining from Rs 895 crore to Rs 661 crore, while Uttarakhand registered a 21 per cent decline, collecting Rs 1,334 crore against Rs 1,688 crore in June last year. In contrast, Punjab posted a strong 14 per cent increase in GST revenue to Rs 2,491 crore from Rs 2,186 crore. Haryana recorded collections of Rs 10,065 crore, up 9 per cent, while Delhi reported an 8 per cent increase to Rs 5,987 crore. Chandigarh also registered a 7 per cent rise, collecting Rs 229 crore during the month. Ladakh also witnessed a decline in collections, with GST revenue falling 7 per cent from Rs 28 crore in June 2025 to Rs 26 crore in June 2026. Among the major states, Uttar Pradesh emerged as one of the best performers, recording a 19 per cent increase in GST collections to Rs 9,165 crore. Assam posted a 17 per cent rise to Rs 1,492 crore, Gujarat registered a 12 per cent increase to Rs 11,743 crore, while Karnataka collected Rs 12,937 crore, up 10 per cent over the previous year. Maharashtra, the country's largest contributor to GST revenue, collected Rs 30,714 crore, registering a growth of 9 per cent. On the other hand, Sikkim recorded the steepest decline in the country, with GST collections falling 53 per cent. Puducherry witnessed a 28 pe cent decline, while Jharkhand reported a 16 per cent fall. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh also recorded declines of 5 per cent each. GST, introduced on July 1, 2017, replaced multiple indirect taxes with a unified tax system and has become one of the most important sources of revenue for both the Centre and the states. Monthly GST collections are considered a key indicator of economic activity, consumption and tax compliance. Experts note that monthly GST revenues can fluctuate due to factors such as seasonal business cycles, the timing of tax payments, refunds and compliance-related adjustments. Therefore, a decline in a single month does not necessarily indicate a broader slowdown in economic activity, though sustained weakness over several months could warrant closer attention. The latest figures show that while national GST collections remain on a growth trajectory, Jammu and Kashmir's revenue performance lagged behind the national average in June. The coming months will indicate whether the decline was temporary or reflects a broader trend in economic activity and tax mobilisation in the Union Territory.
Pen-cams in spy-style exam cheating racket busted by Punjab cops
First-of-its-kind Kashmir Theatre Conference from Aug 1-3 in Sgr
Srinagar, Jul 19: A first-of-its-kind Kashmir Theatre Conference will be held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar from August 1 to 3,2026, bringingtogether renowned theatre practitioners, scholars, artists and enthusiasts from across the country to deliberate on the past, present and future of theatre in Jammu and Kashmir. The three-day conference is being organised by the non-governmental organisation ACT: For a Better Tomorrow with support from the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL). Speaking to Rising Kashmir, ACT Chairman Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan said the conference would be the first event of its scale dedicated exclusively to theatre in Kashmir. This conference is unique in many ways. It will provide a platform for young minds to learn, perform and celebrate the art of theatre while also facilitating meaningful dialogue among theatre practitioners, scholars and enthusiasts, he said. Khan said the conference will feature panel discussions, debates and lectures tracing the evolution of Kashmiri theatre from 1947 to the present, examining its artistic journey, achievements and contemporary challenges. The conference will bring together theatre practitioners, lovers and scholars from Kashmir and other parts of the country who have contributed significantly to the growth of theatre. Together, they will deliberate on ways to strengthen the theatre movement in Kashmir, improve the quality of productions and encourage greater youth participation so that the legacy of theatre continues, he said. Among the prominent speakers to address the conference are M K Raina, Ayash Arif, Mohammad Amin Bhat, K K Raina, Nisar Naseem, Ravi Khemu, Bashir Bhawani, Kamal Razdan and Muzamil Bhawani, besides several other noted theatre personalities. Participants and guests are expected to travel from Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chandigarh and Aligarh, making the conference a national gathering of theatre professionals. The organisers have invited schools, colleges, universities, theatre groups and aspiring young artists from across Kashmir to participate in the event. Educational institutions and theatre groups with stage productions will also be given an opportunity to perform during the conference. The organisers further said they are exploring the possibility of inviting prominent Bollywood actors from Mumbaihavingcontributed to Kashmir theatre, subject to government support.
Mohali plans tough policy on stray cattle, dogs
Civic Body To Fix Accountability Of Dairy Owners, Overhaul Animal-catching System As Menace Worsens
Mother shields infant from pack of stray dogs, suffers injuries
UT admn spends Rs 1,915 cr in Q1, capital outlay slows
Nearly onethird of UT budget spent in first quarter
Woman promised job in Berlin, duped over Rs 10L
Chandigarh heritage stool set for auction in USA, advocate seeks govt intervention
PU makes online fee payment mandatory for students
Stray packs and monkey troops leave PGI workforce vulnerable
Rain brings relief but humidity keeps Chandigarh muggy
Mixed train service back on Kalka-Shimla heritage route
Daily train resumes after holiday special service ends, offering relief to tourists
Chandigarh Judokas Win Bronze at Junior Asian Championship
UP Challengers win 6th Wheelchair Cricket Championship
Water shortage, waterlogging top residents concerns at ward meeting
Truck driver held with 22kg poppy husk brought from Rajasthan
MC failure forcing MPLADS use for basic works: Tewari
In UK, jathedar cautions sangat against conspiracies
Residents threaten stir over water crisis in Hansi
Mann reviews preparedness for national badminton cship
Lubana community vows to fight bid to remove OBC status
6 held in Fazilka, arms, heroin seized
Rain alert: Kangra admin orders closure of all schools & colleges on June 20-21
HP to roll out new industrial policy with lower power tariffs: Sukhu
80% of Satluj glaciers retreating, study warns of hydel crisis in Himachal
HP plans to roll out One District, Three Products programme
Haryana announces Rs 10-lakh reward for top govt school panels
Aarti Singh Rao elected Haryana para sports association president
Haryana declares 1,128 villages tobacco-free
Saini pushes for digital overhaul of revenue services, sets Aug 15 deadline
Congress launches campaign to strengthen party at grassroots level in Haryana
Haryana BJP to hold tiffin meets at 4,729 Shakti Kendras
Studio owner held after woman finds hidden camera in changing room
Cop injured as police team attacked during drug bust in Sirsa
Patiala villagers set up donation box to help Satluj producers
Irshad Kamil and Satinder Sartaj to Share Experiences with Punjab University Students on July 26
Chandigarh, July 19: Punjab University in Chandigarh will host a special conversation event titled Lafz, Sur Aur Safar on July 26, featuring two of its distinguished alumni: lyricist Irshad Kamil and Sufi singer-poet Satinder Sartaj. According to a statement released by the university on Sunday, the event is organized in collaboration with the Punjab University ... Read more Irshad Kamil and Satinder Sartaj to Share Experiences with Punjab University Students on July 26
Punjab BJP President Critiques AAP Governments Investment Claims Following NITI Aayog Report
Chandigarh, July 19: Sardar Keval Singh Dhillon, the Punjab President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stated on Sunday that the NITI Aayogs Investment Friendliness Index-2026 has exposed the hollow claims of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, regarding investment and industrial development in Punjab. Dhillon remarked that ... Read more Punjab BJP President Critiques AAP Governments Investment Claims Following NITI Aayog Report
Punjab cop who tried to extort $400,000 from US family in AAP worker murder case arrested
Punjab Police arrested inspector Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, former Tanda SHO. He faces charges of extortion and corruption linked to a US family. The US justice department seeks his extradition for conspiracy to commit extortion. Nagra allegedly extorted Rs 16 lakh from the US-based family. This case is connected to the murder of an AAP worker.
Grappling with 60% vacancy, MC gets nod to fill 276 posts
PGI centre welcomes first moms & infants
Unbeaten in Europe: Minerva Academy lifts Gothia Cup
Youth killed, another injured in SUV crash
Pedestrian underpasses planned at busy Chandigarh junctions as traffic surges
Old feud over protein powder remark leads to killing
Wheelchair cricketers prove disability no barrier to success
MC uses body cameras in anti-encroachment drive, issues 78 challans
498 vendors allotted new sites amid protests over relocation
MC Says Exercise Follows SC Directions; Vendors Claim New Locations Are Unviable
PU LLM test logjam: Paper setter did not have syllabus
Chandigarh to host first-ever BRICS ministerial meet on health
CJI opens 1,500-vehicle parking facility at district courts complex
Australian visa scam: 30 students approach Barnala police
CJI backs mediation as instrument in reducing litigation
Intl drug and arms smuggling network busted, 4 held with over 5 kg heroin
SAD govt facilitated conviction in Khalra murder case: Sukhbir
Nagra hand in glove with AAP, claims SAD, demands probe
Centre should regularise MGNREGA staff: Punjab minister to Chouhan
Punjab employees stage stir, demand restoration of state pay scales
Dharamkot, Garhshankar lead Punjab in electoral digitisation drive
CJI launches youth rehab drive against drug abuse in Punjab
Punjab BJP appoints district presidents to strengthen party
17 benches in Patiala district hear 532 cheque bounce cases
PSPCL directs subdivision offices to process lawyers tariff applications
Himachal govt misusing central funds: LoP
61-year-old man sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in POCSO case
NGT raps Himachal as 44.5% of its sewage flows untreated
HC seeks report on waste management system at Triund Trek in Dharamshala
Indias first Hydrogen train to run six days a week, Friday for maintenance
Punjab Police Uncovers Cross-Border Drug and Arms Trafficking Network, Four Arrested
Chandigarh, July 18: The Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled a cross-border drug and illegal arms trafficking network, leading to the arrest of four individuals. Authorities seized 5.557 kilograms of heroin and two sophisticated pistols during the operation. Punjabs Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav shared this information on Saturday. The arrested suspects have been ... Read more Punjab Police Uncovers Cross-Border Drug and Arms Trafficking Network, Four Arrested
Samsung Selects Chandigarh University Student as 'Punjab AI State Topper'
Samsung Selects Chandigarh University Student as 'Punjab AI State Topper'
'Operation Hard Ball': Punjab cop who extorted Rs 16 lakh from US family arrested
Inspector Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, named in a US indictment, has been arrested by Punjab Police. He allegedly extorted sixteen lakh rupees from a United States-based family. This arrest follows an inquiry initiated after media reports surfaced regarding the indictment. Nagra was relieved of his duties and transferred while an investigation commenced. Departmental proceedings have also been initiated against the suspended inspector.
Still old school, believe in protocol, says Manish Tewari on buzz around interaction with Modi
The remarks came after his interaction with Prime Minister Modi after an official programme in Chandigarh garnered attention on social media
International crackdown: 2 wanted Punjab-Haryana gangsters arrested in Angola
Two notorious gangsters, Varinder and Manjot, were arrested in Angola. This international operation involved Punjab and Haryana Police and central intelligence agencies. Varinder was wanted for four murder cases, and Manjot faced charges in Haryana. Indian authorities have initiated extradition proceedings for the apprehended fugitives. This successful crackdown highlights the reach of Indian law enforcement against criminals.
DC Kupwara inaugurates Aadhar Seva Kendra
Kupwara, Jul 17: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has operationalised a new UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) at Kupwara, marking another significant step towards strengthening resident-centric Aadhaar services in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendra was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, in the presence of Chief Planning Officer, Kupwara, Parvaiz Ahmad Lone. The inauguration ceremony was hosted by UIDAI Regional Office, Chandigarh and attended by V. Siva Subramanian, Deputy Director, UIDAI, and Shoaib Mohmad Khan, State Project Manager, UIDAI. Representatives from service provider, Rajnish Mehta, Regional Manager BLS International; Peer Mubashir Shah, Cluster Manager, and Aijaz Ahmad Wani, Operations Manager were also present on the occasion. The newly established Kupwara Aadhaar Seva Kendra is equipped with four operational Aadhaar enrolment and update kits to provide seamless Aadhaar-related services to residents. The centre offers a comprehensive range of Aadhaar services under one roof, including new enrolment, demographic updates, biometric updates, document verification, correction of Aadhaar details, and grievance redressal. The Aadhaar Seva Kendra functions on all working days except public holidays, ensuring greater accessibility, convenience, and an enhanced service experience for residents of Kupwara and the surrounding areas. During his visit, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with residents availing Aadhaar services and the staff at the centre. He reviewed the Aadhaar enrolment and update procedures and appreciated the efforts being made to provide efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly services. UIDAI officials informed the Deputy Commissioner that the centre has been designed as a fully inclusive and resident-friendly facility with amenities such as wheelchair accessibility, accessible washrooms, comfortable waiting areas, and a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism. Residents can also conveniently book appointments online for Aadhaar services through the UIDAI Aadhaar Appointment Portal. Mandatory Biometric Updates (MBU) for eligible children aged 5 to 17 years are currently being provided free of cost up to 30 September 2026. The facility is available both at the Aadhaar Seva Kendra and through special school-based Aadhaar camps being conducted across District Kupwara. The DC termed the operationalisation of the UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendra at Kupwara as important milestone in strengthening digital governance, improving service delivery, and enhancing the ease of living for residents in line with the vision of Digital India and inclusive governance. Speaking on the occasion, UIDAI officials reiterated the Authority's commitment to expanding high-quality, accessible, and technology-driven Aadhaar services across Jammu & Kashmir.
The Constitutional Paradox of Government-led Protest
Peaceful protest is an accepted democratic instrument through which citizens express dissent, hold governments accountable, and seek policy reforms. Protests in constitutional democracies are usually organized against governmental actions or inactions. But there is a special constitutional dilemma when the Government or those acting under executive powers themselves issue a call for protest. Can the Government constitutionally organize protests? Is it a means for promoting democracy or indicates the failure of constitutional governance? These questions acquire special importance in the constitutional framework of Jammu & Kashmir. This issue is not whether the government or their elected representatives have freedom of expression that is at stake. The constitutional question is whether the kind of executive responsibility is consistent with the idea of representation and constitutional accountability. The Constitution does not expressly mention a right to protest. Yet the right to peaceful protest forms part of the freedoms under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) and 19(1)(c) of the Constitution which protect the freedom of speech and expression, peaceful assembly and association which allows the people to participate in public debate even outside the sphere of elections. These freedoms, however, are not absolute. The legality of a peaceful protest also has to be understood in the context of constitutional morality. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar repeatedly emphasised that the success of a Constitution lies not only in its provisions but also in the constitutional morality of the people. Democratic legitimacy depends not merely upon electoral victory but upon continual constitutional accountability. Governments ordinarily respond to public grievances through constitutional institutions rather than by mobilising public demonstrations. It is this constitutional inversion that makes the present situation unique. Symbolic protest occupies an important place in constitutional democracies. Peaceful demonstrations such as silent marches, candlelight vigils, black badges and public memoranda enable citizens and public representatives to express constitutional expectations without departing from democratic norms. In the case of Jammu & Kashmir, a gathering at a publicly known constitutional location like Jantar Mantar can be considered a form of constitutional dialogue. This is done without stepping out of the realm of democracy and legality. In cases where institutional dialogue has been attempted, constitutional commitments have been publicly recorded, and where the demand seeks to be met in fulfilment of such constitutional commitment, peaceful public demonstration could work as a complementary democratic tool rather than as a substitute to constitutional governance. The constitutionality of peaceful protest in the case of restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be assessed within the context of judicial dicta as well as the constitutional commitments documented before the Parliament of India. The Supreme Court has repeatedly recognised peaceful protest as an essential democratic freedom in the case of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India (2018) in which it noted that peaceful demonstrations constitute an important part of democratic practice and the state has the corresponding responsibility of balancing public order with the constitutional liberties enshrined in Article 19. Also, in Amit Sahni v. Commissioner of Police (2020), while regulating the manner of conduct of the protest itself, the Court did not weaken the constitutional right to protest but reaffirmed that peaceful dissent is a constitutionally protected right. The Supreme Courts decision in In Re: Article 370 (2023) added constitutional dimension, while ruling on the constitutional validity of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Constitution Bench observed that while noting the submission of the Union Government regarding restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as early as possible, the Court ruled that the democratic process, which includes elections, must be completed within the prescribed time frame. Even though the Court did not provide any time line to restore statehood, the fact was explicitly noted, putting the matter into the domain of constitutional governance. The constitutional discourse also gets strengthened by pledges made in Parliament itself. During the discussions on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Union Home Minister pledged to both the Houses of Parliament that the conversion of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory was only temporary and Supreme Courts verdict on Article 370. Parliamentary assurances, although political, assume constitutional significance when recorded before the nations highest legislative forum. The choice of the Jantar Mantar location is constitutionally significant, it has been used as an officially designated democratic space where individuals, civil society organizations, and political parties make their constitutional demands to Parliament. Conducting a peaceful protest in such a location makes it clear that the aim is not to clash with the Constitution but to work within its parameters. In conducting a protest, a constitutional demand is made to the constitutional body competent to deal with the issue. Questions about cooperative federalism are raised by this incident as well. According to the constitution of India, conflicts between the union government and the state government should ideally be settled by way of dialogues and consultation. Mobilization of people can serve as an additional means to back up a constitutional claim, but it cannot serve as a permanent replacement for intergovernmental engagements. The constitutional debate is therefore not about whether citizens may protest, that question is largely settled under Article 19. What needs to be considered more profoundly from a constitutional perspective is the position of the government in a representative federal democratic framework. Even though governments have the political freedom to pursue constitutional goals, at the same time, they carry constitutional duties of adhering to dialogue, federal cooperation and the rule of law. Dr Ajaz Afzal Lone, Assistant Professor in the University Institute of Legal Studies, Chandigarh University.
PU researchers secure patent for tech combining wastewater treatment, green hydrogen production
Draw today to decide fate of 774 street vendors
Absconding banker faces Red Corner Notice in 30-year-old fraud case
Duo held for robbing motorists after seeking lifts
MC removes alleged encroachment from govt land in Mataur village
PM attacks AAP on law & order, says only BJP can bring badlav in Punjab
Man stabbed to death as reconciliation bid fails
Bomb threat email triggers massive security sweep at Secretariat
Chandigarh Has Set Benchmark Of Planned Urban Development: Modi
Launches Rs 4,700cr Projects; Hails UTs Devp
PGI capacity gets major boost with new centres, MBBS college
Chandigarh students make it to Top 100 in Re-NEET UG 2026
PU admission counselling marred by ABVP-SATH clash; parents witness chaos
