Banks in several Indian cities will be closed on October 26 in observance of several regional holidays. Full details here.
Shardul Thakur set to miss Mumbai's Ranji Trophy clash against Haryana
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS) Mumbai Ranji Team will be without the services of their experienced all-rounder Shardul Thakur, as he continues to recover from a finger injury and is set to miss the Elite round three clash against Haryana, which will be played at the BKC Complex from Monday. Thakur, who has been sidelined since sustaining the injury during a training session ahead of the seasons opening round, has not regained full match fitness despite returning to training with the Mumbai squad. He was initially expected to miss at least the first two rounds, with the team hoping he would be available for the Haryana fixture. Mumbai, however, have decided against rushing his return and will field the same squad that registered a convincing victory over Himachal Pradesh in Bilaspur in their previous match, according to Cricinfo. The 34-year-old last featured in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final for West Zone against North Zone in late August. He took one wicket in 14 overs and scored 10 runs in his only innings as West Zone suffered a 54-run defeat. While working towards his return to competitive cricket, Thakur is also set to take up commentary duties for some of Indias ongoing T20 Internationals against New Zealand. Mumbai have made an impressive start to their Ranji Trophy campaign, securing consecutive innings victories to collect 14 points and move to the top of Elite Group D. They opened their campaign with an innings-and-155-run win over Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium before defeating Himachal Pradesh by an innings and 97 runs in Bilaspur. Mumbai will continue to manage their resources carefully with several players unavailable. Vice-captain Ayush Mhatre is recovering from a hamstring injury, while opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is in New Zealand for the upcoming Test series after featuring in the India A series. Haryana, meanwhile, also enter the contest after winning their opening two matches, setting up a meeting between the top two teams in the group.
Delhi U-19 Coach Nayyar Seeks Two-week Camp To Iron Out Flaws Before Cooch Behar Trophy
Cooch Behar Trophy: New Delhi, Oct 24 (PTI) Delhi U-19 mens team coach Rajeev Nayyar said he has requested the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) to set up a two-week camp for improving their fielding and fitness for the Cooch Behar Trophy. He added that the association has assured him of time for having a camp ahead of the red-ball competition starting on November 26. The development comes after Delhi had a disappointing Vinoo Mankad Trophy campaign, where they finished at the bottom of their group. These kids have not grown up yet. They listen to their coaches. A 16 to 19-year-old kid listens. So, I had time and spoke to the officials. I said, See, its Diwali, and there are more holidays in between, like Karva Chauth. I told them that I want a camp for one to two weeks. We are lacking in fielding and fitness, so we will work on it, as well as do match simulations, because when you play practice matches, you are playing against each other, and you have already played against each other before. We are not playing friendly matches against other states. We will be playing intra-squad games because we dont have time. I told them this is better. The rest is up to the DDCA officials - the final call is theirs. It will be as per what they say. Whenever the camp is set up, I will share my playing experiences of 20 years with all the players, Nayyar told IANS in a free-wheeling chat. Nayyar said fielding and fitness would take priority over skills whenever the camp happens. When a kid plays cricket, I first check whether he is fit or not. If he is fit, then he will bat, bowl and field. Secondly, I will look at his fielding. Fielding is very important because even after making 100 runs, if you give away 10 runs in the field and drop a catch, that batter can go on to score a hundred. So, skills come later, and thats why I was thinking that this time, God willing, we will get a camp of two weeks, and I will work on our fielding and fitness. After that, skills work will continue, but I will pay more attention to fielding and fitness. Nayyar wants his players to use the camp to identify their own weaknesses, so they head into the four-day competition without any glaring flaws. Being a coach, no matter how the team is, I have to share my experiences and keep the players motivated, because we are in a very good pool. We have Himachal and Chandigarh. Our first match is against Punjab at Ropar. Then we have a match in Hyderabad, and then a match against Rajasthan. There are five good teams. But we dont say their team is good and our team isn't. We will say our team is better than theirs. I always tell the kids to believe in themselves. You have to believe in yourself. You are the best. When you walk onto the ground, you shouldnt have any flaws. Errors should be rectified before the match, in the nets. If there is a camp, players should tell us, Sir, I want high catches. I want slip catches. I want short catches. I am weak against left-arm bowling, off-spin, or the short ball. I just want the boys to practise a lot so that there are no weaknesses when the Cooch Behar Trophy begins. The request for a longer build-up to the Cooch Behar Trophy comes after Delhi were left short of preparation time for the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. The side opened with a commanding chase of 339 against Gujarat but then lost to Himachal Pradesh by 35 runs and were routed by Karnataka by 198 runs. Their match against Jharkhand was washed out, and a five-wicket defeat to Chandigarh left them at the bottom of the Group E table. Nayyar said the team had only a brief period to come and practise together, before playing for the age-group tournament. In the elite stage, all the teams were good Karnataka, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Gujarat. But our start to the season was good. We won the first game against Gujarat by chasing 339. I was so happy with such a good start, because I had been a coach with the UTCA team before, and then I was the coach of the Ranji Trophy team. When I got the responsibility of coaching the under-19 teams, I understood that this is the phase where we get to know whether a kid will play for India or not and whether he is focused or not. In the under-19s, players can get to play for India in the World Cup as well. That is a very important tournament for them. He also felt the washout against Jharkhand proved costly. In the remaining four matches, we had to win the fourth game. They batted first and scored 280. But what happened? I mean, with VJD, we needed 80 runs in 10 overs. We should have changed that. But, unfortunately, by the time we had 230 runs, it rained heavily. So, we missed out on that game. If we had won that match, we would have got two points, and we would automatically have finished third, ahead of UTCA. This happened because they won two matches from the fourth game onwards. If we had won the fourth match against Jharkhand, we would have got the two points as well and finished third. That was it. With the Cooch Behar Trophy next on the calendar, Nayyar stressed the importance of red-ball cricket in young players by stating that the IPL alone would not take them into the Indian team. I was in Delhi and had a word with the officials, because I know a lot about red-ball cricket. I have played more than 100 matches. But nowadays, players are not interested in playing four-day games. They just love to play T20s and are more interested in it because they are only watching the IPL. But we have to make the kids understand that red-ball and first-class cricket are very important, because the IPL alone wont take you into the India team. How many people get to play for India? In the IPL, they perform well. They are selected for Indias T20 and one-day teams as well. But Indias Test teams are selected on the basis of four-day matches. See, if you know how to play a four-day game, you can play one-day and T20 cricket easily. But for those who only know how to play one-day and T20 cricket, the longer format is difficult. There are very few kids who are able to play T20, one-day, Test and four-day games. It is very difficult to play all of them, but it is not impossible. Nayyar said Delhis talent pool had thinned since his playing days but credited the DDCA for taking the initiative to create more playing opportunities. At one time, when I used to play Ranji Trophy, there were 10 Test players in the Delhi dressing room who had played for India. It is not like that now. But there is potential. The DDCA is doing a lot for the players. Now there is the DPL, which is just like the IPL. I am very thankful to the president, Rohan Jaitley Sir, who has done such a great job for the kids and the officials as well. I was watching all the games. Every year, the DPL is improving. When players are getting everything from the association, they have to give back to the association as well. This is very important. It is a very good platform. I am not blaming the academies, but kids go to an academy, bat, bowl and come back home. The DDCA is doing a lot for the players. Now there is the DPL, which is just like the IPL. I am very thankful to the president, Rohan Jaitley Sir, who has done such a great job for the kids and the officials as well. I was watching all the games. Every year, the DPL is improving. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
GoI appoints Sajjan Singh Yadav as J&K Chief Secretary
Srinagar, Oct 24:The Government of India on Saturday appointed Sajjan Singh Yadav as the new Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, replacing Atal Dulloo and ending weeks of speculation over J&Ks top administrative post. The order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said that Yadav was transferred from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir and appointed as Chief Secretary from November 1, 2026, or the date he assumes office. Yadavs appointment marks a major change in J&K's administrative structure. Yadav becomes the first of the core AGMUT officers to take charge of the J&K administration after the exclusive J&K cadre was abolished in 2021 and merged into the broader AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories) pool. The decision also ends speculation supporting some other senior candidates in the succession race. Officers currently hold ing positions in J&K belonging to earlier batches and senior to Yadav include Shaleen Kabra of the 1992 batch who is Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Ashwani Kumar of the 1992 batch, who is Financial Commissioner (ACS), Power Development Department (PDD); Dheeraj Gupta of the 1993 batch who is Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister; Ashish Chandra Verma of the 1994 batch who is Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department; Sheilender Kumar of the 1995 batch who is Additional Chief Secretary Finance Department; and Anil Kumar Singh of the 1995 batch who is Additional Chief Secretary Public Works Department (PWD). Apart from them, Bipul Pathak of the 1992 batch, Navin Chowdhary of the 1994 batch, and Rohit Kansal of the 1995 batch, all currently on deputation are also seniors to Yadav. The AGMUT cadre is responsible for Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and eight Union Territories: the NCT of Delhi, Puducherry, J&K, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep. Yadav, who is experienced in dealing with the complicated administrative arrangements of Union Territories, held the positions of Additional Chief Secretary and Chief Executive Officer at the Delhi Jal Board. He has done a postgraduate diploma in Public Policy from the Hubert Humphrey School from Minnesota University, a Masters in Finance from Delhi University, and a Masters in Economics from Harvard University. The bureaucratic transition takes place at a politically sensitive time in J&K. After years of direct central rule, when an elected assembly was restored, the new Chief Secretary had to deal with a special kind of power-sharing situation. In the present arrangement under the Union Territory system, the Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the Centre, maintains control over important matters like Police, public order, and the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) bureaucracy, while the elected Chief Minister leads the civilian government. The Chief Secretary in J&K is responsible for coordinating the work of the various government departments. The post is essential for putting administrative decisions into effect and for handling the relationship between the bureaucracy, the elected government, and the Lieutenant Governors administration. That a senior officer drawn from the wider Union Territory cadre has been appointed to lead J&K bureaucracy is significant at a time when administrative coordination and the allocation of responsibilities between the elected government and the Centre are still politically sensitive. No reason was given in the order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs for refusing to grant an extension to the outgoing Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, a member of the original J&K batch who turned sixty on Saturday and is set to retire on October 31. Dulloo has held the position of Chief Secretary since December 2023. Earlier, it was reported that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had suggested a one-year extension for Dulloo. However, the final decision had to be made by the competent authority in charge of approving the appointment and the arrangements for service. Dulloo has left behind an administrative legacy of handling the large-scale security and logistical requirements of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and of J&Ks first Assembly elections in 10 years. However, a rift started between him and the civilian government during his last weeks in office. Dulloo was involved in a row concerning a proposal aimed at restoring J&Ks statehood, a politically sensitive matter. Dulloo and the administrations Law Secretary had sent a letter to Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to oppose the introduction and discussion of the resolution, citing legal concerns as the reason. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly objected to the intervention, and the action in question aroused criticism from the Members of Parliament as well as leading to a privilege-motion notice being tabled against the officials. The controversy intensified the questions concerning the relationship between the bureaucracy and the elected government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, which came into office in 2024 after a period of direct administration by the central government. Although the Government of India has not officially confirmed that the dispute over statehood was the reason why the government rejected Dulloos extension, the fact that the transition has taken place shows that administrative control in J&K is still being readjusted. It also raises questions regarding Dulloos next task. According to reports, Dulloo is being considered for the post of Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, which currently has no chairman. However, there has not been any official announcement regarding the matter.
HC orders release of 25% insurance benefits to dead soldiers mother
PM Modi trying to stop Punjabs free Tirath Yatra scheme, claims Kejriwal
Punjab farm fires at 574; 113 FIRs lodged
Missing Nabha teen found dead in Bhakhra canal; 3 friends booked for murder
Pargat slams Mann govt for inaction in Jhota case, seeks CMs resignation
3rd medical store sealed in Moga
Ex-IAS officer Gopinathan to head Punjab Congress election war room
Haryana clears Rs 220cr projects, saves Rs 18cr through negotiations
AAP accuses Centre of using NHRC to stop Punjabs Tirath Yatra scheme
CBI expands Jhota murder probe, checks 3 pharmacies
One nabbed, machine & tipper seized during illegal mining raid in Anandpur Sahib
Too late: Hisar couple dies before justice is served in sons accident case
Months-long struggle pays off as administration opens temporary railway pathway in Jakhal
5 child marriage cases in Jind in 8 days; 3 prevented, 2 under probe
LoP accuses Cong govt of betraying orchardists, neglecting development
HP governor inaugurates expo at Chambas historic Chowgan
Cyber fraudsters dupe 6 city residents of over Rs 10 lakh
Andhra seize early advantage with 265/8 in final
CM launches adventure water sports at Kol Dam, eyes tourism boost
SGPC honours 11 Sikh UPSC qualifiers with Rs 1L each
Haryana clears 320cr Kurukshetra cluster under PM-SETU skill scheme
Power strike: INLD demands white paper on financial losses
Can't claim right to remain absent at convenience: HC rejects pension plea
Punjab needs to take tougher action in Jhota case: Tikait
Cant use RTI to settle personal scores, says Punjab info panel
Car rams toll worker, drags him on bonnet before fleeing in Patiala
Man shot dead outside home in Amritsar after fight over scooter parking
In Norway, Akal Takht jathedar stresses teaching Sikh history to kids
In the heart of Switzerland, a beacon of Sikh identity
Jhota murder probe: CBI checks 3 Mansa pharmacies
Centre has approved 320 PG medical seats for Himachal, says Nadda
Digital Desk | Shimla, Oct 24 (IANS) Union Health Minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, on Saturday announced a major boost to medical education in Himachal Pradesh, approving the proposal for 320 additional Postgraduate (PG) medical seats in six government medical colleges. The Centre will provide approximately Rs 415 crore as a grant for this significant initiative. In an address to the people of his home state, Nadda said under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership several transformative initiatives have been implemented in medical education and healthcare in the past 12 years. As part of these efforts, the Central government approved a Rs 15,000 crore scheme to add 10,000 new medical seats across the country over five years. He said Himachal Pradesh would benefit significantly from this initiative, with all 320 proposed PG medical seats receiving approval. Providing the college-wise distribution, Nadda said 91 seats have been approved for Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla; 57 for Government Medical College in Hamirpur; 55 for Ner Chowk Medical College in Mandi; 57 for Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda; 32 for Government Medical College in Nahan; and 28 for Government Medical College in Chamba. Highlighting the speed of the approval process, Nadda said the Himachal Pradesh government submitted its proposal on June 23. Subsequently, during the convocation ceremony at AIIMS Bilaspur on October 6, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu discussed the matter with him. The Central government has now approved all 320 proposed seats. Nadda said the additional seats would strengthen specialised medical services, including surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, oncology and other critical medical disciplines. He emphasised that the initiative would create greater opportunities for medical graduates to pursue postgraduate education while improving access to specialised healthcare services closer to people's homes. Nadda urged the Himachal Pradesh government to complete all necessary administrative and regulatory formalities without delay to ensure the timely creation and operationalisation of these 320 seats. He also expressed concern over delays in other centrally supported development projects, particularly the construction of Critical Care Blocks and Public Health Laboratories, and called upon the state government to accelerate their implementation. Referring to railway infrastructure, Nadda highlighted pending issues relating to the state's financial contribution and land availability for the Chandigarh-Baddi and Bhanupalli-Bilaspur railway projects. He stressed that development projects directly benefiting the public must not suffer unnecessary delays because of pending administrative or financial decisions. The Central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, remains fully committed to extending every possible assistance for the development of Himachal Pradesh. Our priority is clear: The development of Himachal Pradesh, greater opportunities for its youth and the welfare of every family, Nadda said. He added that while the Central government was fulfilling its responsibilities with determination, the state government must demonstrate equal commitment to ensuring the effective and timely implementation of development projects.
Gurdwara Sahib becomes a landmark of Sikh identity in Switzerland
Tibet earthquake: CTA asks China to ensure transparent relief ops
AAP MLAs corner govt over delayed works, allege misinformation in House
SAD-BJP reunion talk raises question of political opportunism
Ayali flags successive govts failure to curb drug menace
Except Congress & AAP, SAD open for alliance with any party: Badal
Punjab bans sale of Pregabalin capsules without prescription from Nov 11
Akal Takht jathedar arrives in Norway for 4-day visit
Over Rs 35cr disbursed to HP orchardists
Rs 1,700cr horticulture institute in Amritsar stalled over land acquisition: Chugh
Haryanas war on drugs: 19cr assets attached, 6.8K arrests in 9 months
Rights body seeks action taken report into Abohar killing
Jhota murder case: 4 accused produced in Mohali CBI court
For mom, for India: The making of a para champion
Smriti Irani tells Haryana BJP leaders to shun showmanship, focus on performance
Army intelligence arrests couple involved in spying for ISI, honey-trap angle under probe
Sukhu announces 5% DA hike for HP employees
Saini rules out power privatisation, vows legal fight against parallel licence
Punjab assembly passes resolution against CEC over voter deletions, demands inquiry
Chaos in Punjab House as Cong walks out; Khaira suspended for session
18-yr-old youth stabbed to death, 3 injured at Hisar railway station
Patiala man rammed by SUV, abducted & murdered
Haryana strike by electricity employees called off
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) With the conclusion of the strike by power employees' unions in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday issued necessary directions to the officials to restore power supply across the state at the earliest. In accordance with the Chief Minister's directions, the Managing Directors of Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (UHBVNL) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd (DHBVNL) reviewed the status of power supply restoration through a joint video conference. Aditya Dahiya, Managing Director of Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), and Vikram Singh, Managing Director of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL), held a meeting in Panchkula and directed officials to take all necessary measures to normalise power supply as soon as possible. They emphasised the need for better coordination among the officials, field staff and technical teams to ensure that power restoration work is completed on a priority basis. Chief Engineers of all three power utilities, along with the Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers, also attended the meeting. While reviewing the ongoing power restoration work, the officials were instructed to ensure the availability of adequate resources and technical personnel as required. Dahiya said that the Chief Minister's directions are clear: the people of the state should not face any unnecessary inconvenience due to power supply issues. The state government is committed to safeguarding the interests of electricity consumers, and coordinated efforts are being undertaken by the concerned departments and power utilities to normalise the power supply at the earliest. Earlier, the electricity strike became a major issue as power department employees raised their demands and people faced difficulties due to disruptions in electricity services. The employees of the electricity department went on strike to press for their demands, which included concerns about working conditions, job security, and other service-related issues. The protest affected normal life in several areas, where residents worried about power cuts and interruptions to their daily activities. Farmers were concerned about the electricity supply needed for irrigation, while shopkeepers and small business owners faced difficulties in carrying out their work.
ED arrests Sawan Jewellers partner in Rs 645 crore IDFC First Bank scam, gets 4-day custody
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Rajan Singh Katodiah, partner of Chandigarh-based M/s Sawan Jewellers, in connection with the alleged Rs 645-crore IDFC First Bank scam involving the embezzlement of government funds from various departments of the Haryana government and the Chandigarh Administration, an agency statement said on Friday. Katodiah was arrested by the ED's Chandigarh Zonal Office-II on Thursday and produced before the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which granted the agency four days' custody for further interrogation. According to the ED, Katodiah was the active managing partner and sole operational in-charge of M/s Sawan Jewellers, located in Sector 35-C, Chandigarh. The agency alleged that he entered into a criminal conspiracy with the prime accused, Ribhav Rishi, and others to misappropriate public funds. Investigations revealed that between November 6, 2024, and February 18, 2026, bank accounts linked to M/s Sawan Jewellers received approximately Rs 332 crore from several shell and intermediary entities allegedly controlled by Rishi. These entities included Capco Fintech Services, Swastik Desh Projects, RS Traders, Chandigarh Mega Store, SRR Planning Gurus Pvt Ltd, Vistamed Solutions, Maa Vaibhav Laxmi Interior, and Divya Arora, wife of Ribhav Rishi. The ED alleged that Katodiah, through Sawan Jewellers, facilitated the placement and concealment of proceeds of crime generated through the fraud. The agency claims the funds were subsequently layered through business transactions and integrated into the firm's day-to-day operations to project them as legitimate assets. The investigation further indicated a sharp increase in the jeweller's bullion purchases after its association with Rishi, which, according to the ED, points to a prior understanding between the accused persons for laundering the illicit proceeds. The agency said it had earlier arrested four other accused in the case for their alleged involvement in money laundering activities. Assets worth about Rs 225 crore, including movable and immovable properties, have also been attached, seized, or frozen as part of the investigation. The ED has already filed a charge sheet against 14 accused persons before the Special PMLA Court in Panchkula. Further investigation is underway.
Punjab BJP slams CM Mann over remark on SIR exercise
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Friday criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over his speech in the Assembly regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Calling Manns speech surprising, Dhillon said, You run the state government, your officers carried out the exercise, and you yourself conducted the SIR. Now you are the one raising questions about it. He said the entire process was carried out by the state governments administrative machinery. From Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to officials at the booth level, all the personnel involved were under the state governments administration. The Centre had no role in the exercise, Dhillon said in a statement. If your officers made mistakes during the SIR, why did your party leaders visit the Election Commission and claim that everything was in order? he asked. He pointed out that while the Chief Minister was alleging irregularities in the SIR in the Assembly, leaders from his own party were telling the Election Commission that everything was fine. He challenged Mann to identify even a single voter in the state whose name had been wrongly deleted from the electoral rolls. Dhillon said if any irregularities had indeed occurred, it would be a serious matter for which the state government itself would be responsible. He described Manns remarks as evidence of what he called an incompetent government, alleging that it had lost its ability to think clearly and make sound decisions. He added that Mann appeared to have lost faith even in his own ministers and officials. Dhillon said when the SIR exercise began in Punjab, Mann had promised that no voter in the state would be allowed to have their name deleted from the electoral rolls. If anyones name had been wrongly removed, the Chief Minister must answer for it, he said. Mann could not evade responsibility by making baseless allegations against the Central Government, he added.
Akali Dal appeals to Punjab Governor to dismiss CM for patronising drug trade
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday appealed to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to dismiss Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, besides urging him to grant a Rs two crore compensation to the family of slain anti-drug crusader Parvinder Singh Jhota and a class one job to his widow. A party delegation, led by President Sukhbir Singh Badal, also called for action against all Ministers, legislators and civil and police officials accused of patronising the drug trade and issuing arms licenses to drug offenders. It urged that the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Jhota's murder be expanded to cover the cases of Gulzar Singh of Toor Banjara in Dirba, who named Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in his dying declaration, and Bikramjit Singh of Hargobindpur Sahib, who was hacked to death for opposing the drug mafia. Briefing the Governor, the SAD President said that these series of corrective steps should be taken to instill confidence in Punjabis at a critical juncture when the state was battling the scourge of drugs. He also stressed that the drug crusader's family was a family of Punjab and even though Jhota's father had not asked for any personal benefit, the state must look after the family. He said Jhota's wife was a teacher and should be given a gazzetted class one job. Asserting that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was responsible for the murder of Jhota, Badal cited Jhota's father Bhim Singh's statement to the police in which the latter highlighting how his son had been fallen victim to the politician-police nexus behind the drug trade in Punjab. The SAD Chief said that Bhim Singh had asserted that this nexus was receiving patronage from the top level, including Chief Minister Mann. He added that the anti-drug crusader's father had also gone on record to state that his son had told him that the State Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav was behind the false cases registered against Jhota. The memorandum said that these steps would send a clear message to Punjabis that enough was enough. Punjab and Punjabis have realised that the drug menace and its perpetrators and patrons are the number one enemy of the state and that they must be dealt with most sternly, Badal said.
Pathankot ex-mayor proposes road in Romanch Mahajans honour after NYC carriage ban
Ayushmann Khurrana Chandigarh bungalow: With Udta Teer now in theatres, take a look inside Ayushmann Khurranas Chandigarh bungalow and Mumbai home. From lush green surroundings and a badminton court to cosy interiors, Tahira Kashyaps reading nook and a wall displaying the actors awards, the homes offer a glimpse into the familys life away from the spotlight.
ED Raids 13 Sites in Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh Over NRI Loan Fraud
The entities covered in the search operation are Antriksh Promoters and Developers Pvt Ltd and Sunshine Infrawell Pvt Ltd, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act
ED Raids 13 Locations in NRI Housing Loan Fraud Probe
NEW DELHI, Oct 23: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted searches at 13 locations across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Chandigarh in a money laundering investigation linked to alleged fraud involving housing loans obtained in the names of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), agency officials said. The searches targeted two real estate companies based in the National Capital [] The post ED Raids 13 Locations in NRI Housing Loan Fraud Probe appeared first on Northlines .
Watch: Abohar shootout victim family stages protest outside Punjab legislative assembly
Family members of Ajay Kumar, the Abohar shootout victim, staged a protest outside the Punjab Assembly in Chandigarh for the second consecutive day, demanding justice. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to meet the grieving family and offer his condolences. Jakhar also demanded justice for Kumars family and warned that he would stage a sit-in outside Manns residence if the Chief Minister failed to meet them.
ED raids 13 places across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chandigarh in fraudulent NRI housing loan case
The entities covered in the search operation are Antriksh Promoters and Developers Pvt Ltd and Sunshine Infrawell Pvt Ltd, the officials said.
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 23 (IANS) Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij on Friday appealed to striking electricity department employees to end their protest and return to duty, saying the government was ready to discuss all possible options, including action under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003. In a post on X, Vij urged the employees to resume work amid widespread power outages affecting Gurugram, Faridabad and Nuh, where residents and businesses have been grappling with disruptions since Wednesday night. Appeal to the employees of Haryana who have gone on strike: End the strike and return to duty. We are ready to hold discussions on all options. This includes taking action under Section 108 of the Electricity Act 2003, he said. The ministers appeal comes as the ongoing strike by employees of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has disrupted electricity supply across several areas, affecting daily life, commercial establishments and industrial operations. The employees are protesting against the Haryana governments decision to privatise the power distribution system in Gurugram and Nuh. The agitation has intensified concerns over electricity supply and the impact of the proposed changes on the states power distribution network. Everyday life and industrial operations in Gurugram, Faridabad and Nuh have been severely affected by the power outages following the strike. According to local residents, all three districts began experiencing widespread blackouts from around 10 p.m. on Wednesday. The prolonged outages have triggered anger among residents, with people taking to the streets to protest against the disruption. In several areas, demonstrations have also affected vehicular movement, leading to traffic congestion. According to residents, they had repeatedly attempted to contact the electricity department officials to seek the restoration of power, but their calls went unanswered. The lack of response prompted them to take their protest to the streets. The protesting villagers said they would not vacate the road until the electricity supply was restored, adding to the pressure on authorities to resolve the disruption. Vijs appeal for employees to return to duty and the governments willingness to discuss the available options come amid growing pressure to restore normal electricity supply across the affected districts.
A Chandigarh lawyer spent Rs 19,500 on a taxi to reach Jaipur after IndiGo cancelled his flight the night before a court appearance. The consumer commission ordered the airline to pay Rs 7,352 with interest and Rs 7,000 in compensation.
ED raids 13 locations in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Chandigarh in NRI housing loan fraud case
The News Mill
Big Blow For CSK Ahead Of IPL 2027 As Ayush Mhatre Set To Be Sidelined For Three Months
Ayush Mhatre had suffered a Grade 4 tear in his right hamstring while running between the wickets on the first day of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy season opener against Chandigarh in Mumbai on October 11.
Class 11 Student Shot Dead In Chandigarh
A 17-year-old Class 11 student, Naitik, was shot dead by two bike-borne persons in Chandigarh on Thursday evening. Police suspect the incident is a fallout of a recent brawl between two groups of juveniles, with some suspects already detained for questioning.
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Chandigarh: Minor boy shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants in Sector 22
The incident took place at the cop's official residence in Sector 22.
Teen Shot Dead by Motorcycle-Borne Assailants in Chandigarh
A teenager was shot dead by assailants in Chandigarh, highlighting ongoing gang conflicts in the area. Teen Shot Dead by Motorcycle-Borne Assailants in Chandigarh
School student shot dead in Chandigarh's Sector 22, police probe rivalry angle
A firing incident was reported in Sector 22 of Chandigarh, leaving one person dead and another critically injured. The deceased has been identified as Naitik.As per initial reports, two groups who earlier studied in the...
One minor killed and another critically injured in Chandigarh Sector 22 firing
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