Akali Dal opposes removal of papers on Punjab history by Panjab University
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 12 (IANS) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday expressed concern over the removal of four papers covering the history of Punjab from the postgraduate history syllabus of the Panjab University in Chandigarh, contending that the move would do a disservice to preserving the state's rich historical heritage. Giving details on the issue, senior Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema said the four papers, which provided students an opportunity to study the history of Punjab from the 15th to the 17th century, the 18th century, the 19th century, and the 20th century, should not be tinkered with in any form. He said he had taken up the issue with the Vice-Chancellor as well as the Head of the Department of History, both of whom had assured him that the decision was being reversed shortly and the entire earlier syllabus would be restored. Stressing that such decisions, which had deep cultural and historical sensitivities for Punjabis, are not repeated in future, Cheema said: Punjabs history must remain an integral and respected part of the academic study. Panjab University, where 75 per cent of graduating students are women, is a 143-year-old varsity with its alma mater including former Prime Ministers Dr Manmohan Singh and I.K. Gujral, and former President Shankar Dayal Sharma. In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, a beautiful red sandstone campus was designed for the varsity by Pierre Jeanneret under the guidance of Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. The university moved here from 1958 to 1960. Till the re-organisation of Punjab in 1966, the university had its regional centres at Rohtak, Shimla, and Jalandhar, and its affiliated colleges were located in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. With the re-organisation of Punjab, the university became an Inter-State Body Corporate catering to the newly organised states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and Chandigarh. Gradually, the colleges of Himachal and Haryana were affiliated to the universities in the respective states, and Panjab University was left with the affiliated colleges in the Union Territory of Chandigarh and parts of Punjab. The Panjab University Campus, located in Sectors 14 and 25, spreads across 550 acres.
Punjabs power sector ruined: BJP leader Jakhar blames AAP govt
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 12 (IANS) Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Saturday targeted the Bhagwant Mann-led state government over the power situation in the state, saying that its mismanagement and financial handling of the power corporation had contributed to the electricity crisis. Jakhar said the government had financially weakened the power corporation to serve its political interests, and claimed that this had left Punjab facing the threat of blackouts. He said after the so-called advertised revolutions in education and healthcare, the truth behind what he described as the Aam Aadmi Party governments false electricity revolution had also been exposed. Not only are industries facing prolonged power cuts, but domestic consumers are also experiencing long outages. This is evidence of the governments poor management and the financial damage inflicted on the power corporation to serve its political interests, Jakhar said in a statement here. The BJP leader said the electricity shortage was affecting the states economy and claimed that farmers were not receiving adequate power supply even at night, let alone during the day, at a time when irrigation requirements had increased because of the weak monsoon. Jakhar also warned that the coming period could be even more difficult for Punjabs power sector. He further said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, instead of focusing on the problems facing the state, was preoccupied with saving his position. Jakhar said a government could not be run through jokes and blamed the present situation on what he described as the governments failure to focus on its administrative responsibilities. He further said that the government had attempted to reshape the financial structure of the power corporation to suit its political requirements, which, according to him, had contributed to the current situation. Jakhar said the time had come for the people of Punjab to hold the government accountable.
CM Saini reviews progress towards operationalising Haryana Startup Fund of Funds
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 12 (IANS) In a major push to Haryanas rapidly growing startup ecosystem, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday reviewed progress towards operationalising the proposed Haryana Startup Fund of Funds with a corpus of Rs 2,000 crore. The fund is envisaged as a robust financial mechanism to support startups at different stages of growth, attract private capital and give further impetus to innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat here, the Chief Minister said in view of Haryanas consistent progress in innovation and entrepreneurship, it is essential to put in place a strong financial mechanism to provide financial support to startups at various stages of their growth. He said timely access to capital is a key factor in the success of startups and directed that the process for the establishment and operationalisation of the Haryana Startup Fund of Funds be taken forward in a time-bound manner. CM Saini said the fund would play an important role in promoting investment and innovation, attracting private capital and supporting high-potential startups emerging from Haryana. Meanwhile, in a major push to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity across the state, CM Saini has approved the development of ring roads and National Highways outside cities and towns with a population of more than one lakh. The state will also take forward major bypass projects in Hisar, Kurukshetra, Narnaul, Jind and Sohna-Palwal, with an estimated investment of Rs 9,700 crore. The Chief Minister was chairing a meeting at the Secretariat on the adoption of a financial model for state contribution under the master plan aimed at reducing congestion in urban areas along National Highways. The Chief Minister directed that a policy for developing outer ring roads and National Highways under the master plan be formulated in accordance with the Central governments policy framework so that road projects aimed at reducing traffic pressure in cities and towns can be implemented effectively.
Punjab Police secures first-ever extradition from Europe
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 12 (IANS) In a first-ever extradition from Europe and a major breakthrough against transnational organised crime, Punjab Police with the assistance of central agencies secured the extradition of fugitive criminal Amritpal Singh, alias Amrit Dalam, a key operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, from the Republic of Moldova, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Saturday. He is wanted in multiple cases of murders, attempt to murder, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act and Narcotic offences, etc, the DGP wrote on X. He said this was the first-ever extradition secured by Punjab Police from a European country, marking a significant milestone in the fight against organised crime. The success of Operation Eastern Reach, a six-month Intelligence-led international manhunt, was made possible through sustained surveillance and close coordination of the AGTF (Anti-Gangster Task Force) Punjab and OFTEC (Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell) Punjab with central agencies and international partners, the DGP said. He commended the AGTF and the OFTEC for their relentless efforts. The DGP also thanked the Moldovan authorities, Azerbaijan authorities, the International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs and all other central agencies as part of the international cooperation. Meanwhile, the Punjab Police's Gangstran Te Vaar campaign entered its 235th day on Saturday. A day earlier, the police conducted 601 raids at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state. As per the information, after the campaign was launched by the Punjab DGP on January 20, police teams from all the districts in coordination with the AGTF have been conducting special operations across the state. On Friday, police recovered four weapons and arrested 261 individuals, taking the total arrests to 69,703 since the launch of the campaign. Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 236 people. Police teams have also arrested eight proclaimed offenders during the operation, an official statement said.
PU student council takes office, oath ceremony held
Civic woes dominate Manimajra camp; Kataria demands swift case disposal
National honour for PGI doc behind rapid extra-pulmonary TB tests
Transgender community protests police bid to arrest accused in assault case
Mohali: Case vehicles become targets, thefts raise questions over police security
CBI court imposes 49.5 lakh fine on trader for Railways fraud
Cyber fraudsters dupe two Chandigarh residents of 4 lakh
Teen killed, friend injured as bike rams into tree
2 held with 517g heroin, 2 country-made pistols
CBI chargesheets former CEO, wife in Crest scam
Power woes haunt Mohali: 3-day outage in Nayagaon, cuts hit Zirakpur
MC ward draw reshuffles poll prospects, 16 seats reserved
HC stays transfer of cop, issues contempt notice to Punjab Bureau of Investigation director
ICCC infra hit by fresh thefts, vandalism; BEL seeks tighter security
No talks on Amarinders return to Congress, says Pilot
How effective is cab licence cancellation?
BJP announces Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras from Sept 18
Citing medical check-up, Badal skips Behbal Kalan SIT questioning
Punjab flags flaws in new Bhakra-Pong rule curves
Farmers block roads as anger mounts against poor power supply
2 held with over 12 kg heroin in Faridkot
Contractor, Mansa civic officials face FIR over poor road work
HC restores anganwadi worker services of SAD women wing president
Haryana steps up food safety checks ahead of festive season, 265 convictions this year
Pak stops Sikh pilgrims bound for Hemkund Sahib
Sukhbir Badal assures all help to family in suicide case
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 11 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Friday assured all help to the family of Gulzar Singh, who committed suicide after being allegedly intimidated by the panchayat and pressurised to issue an apology to Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema for questioning him on the rampant sale of synthetic drugs (chitta). Gulzars son Lakhwinder met the Akali Dal chief at the latters residence on Friday and narrated the tale of horror which had led to the death of his father. He disclosed in detail how the Punjab Police, on the directions of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, had forcibly carried out Gulzars cremation by using brute force. Lakhwinder said the family was not permitted to see Gulzar in his final moments and even the latters cremation was carried out without its consent. We were even denied the right to perform isnaan and ardas and Gulzars mother, wife and children were not allowed to even bid him a final farewell, he claimed. Expressing shock at the turn of events, Badal said the disclosures had both pained and angered him. The family has suffered an unimaginable ordeal at the hands of a callous and cruel government which has no concern for the people and is only worried about protecting Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, who is responsible for the death of Gulzar. He said since Gulzar had implicated the Finance Minister in his dying declaration, the police would eventually have to register an abetment to suicide case against him. I have assured Lakhwinder that SAD will take this case to its logical conclusion and have also assured him of all legal, financial and social assistance to help this family recover from the trauma and humiliation they have endured at the hands of the AAP government, Badal said. He also made it clear that the officers who inflicted cruelty on the family of the suicide victim would also have to answer for their misdeeds. No one has the right to trample on the rights of a grieving family in this manner. He said action should be taken against each and every person guilty of humiliating Gulzar and forcing him to take his life. This should start from the top and cover all the guilty, Badal added.
Govt cheated suicide victim's family, says Punjab Congress chief Warring
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 11 (IANS) Punjab Congress President, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, on Friday said the Aam Aadmi Party government had cheated the family of Gulzar Singh, who died of suicide after being allegedly insulted by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, about the job offer, when there was no actual offer. He said the family was provided a recommendation letter from the local Deputy Commissioner to the government for a job to one of the family members. He said the family was made to believe that it was an offer letter before Gulzar Singhs cremation. He said, It is a clear case of cheating and fraud done with the family of a person who was forced to commit suicide after being intimidated and humiliated by the henchmen of Finance Minister Cheema. Warring reiterated the Congress demand for immediate dismissal of Cheema from the ministry and his arrest after registration of a case for abetment to suicide. He said the government will have to take action eventually, pointing out that in an earlier case related to another minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, the government had also tried to protect him but had eventually to sack him and put him behind bars. Later replying to the media, Warring rejected the government's charges that the Opposition was doing politics on the matter. Warring pointed out that a helpless poor man, whose son has fallen prey to drug addiction, was forced to commit suicide and in the dying declaration he had named the minister. Warring said as the leader of the principal Opposition party it is my duty to stand by the family. He said he had assured the family that the Congress will ensure justice, including punishment to all those guilty. Warring said the entire rank and file of the Congress, right from the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to the grassroots, stood by the family for getting justice. He said Congress workers staged demonstrations all over the state seeking action against Cheema.
CBI court sends Agra railway official to 4-year jail for taking Rs 35,000 bribe
Digital Desk | Ghaziabad, Sep 11 (IANS) A Special CBI Court in Ghaziabad sentenced the then railway official posted in Agra to four years imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 in a case related to taking a Rs 35,000 bribe in 2016, an official said on Friday. The Special CBI Court sentenced Sukh Deo Sharma, the then senior section engineer (electrical), traction distribution (TRD), headquarters, Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer Office, Agra Cantonment, UP, to four years' imprisonment with a fine on Thursday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered the instant case on January 1, 2016 against the accused Sharma, said the official in a statement. It was alleged that Sharma demanded an illegal gratification of Rs 70,000 from the complainant for providing approval in respect of five trailers/vehicles of a Mumbai-based private firm to cross the railway track from Rail Gate Patholl, Agra. The CBI laid a trap on January 1, 2016 and caught Sharma red-handed while demanding and accepting an illegal gratification of Rs 35,000, other than legal remuneration, as the first instalment of the demanded illegal gratification, said the statement. After completion of investigation, the CBI filed a charge sheet against the accused on February 23, 2016 and charges were framed on March 21, 2016. In a separate case, the CBI filed a charge sheet against an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, the then CEO of Chandigarhs green energy society CREST, his wife and a company in which she worked as director in a case linked to misappropriation of Rs 75 crore official funds from IDFC First Bank accounts. A CBI official said the charge sheet was filed against the then chief of Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) and forest service officer Navneet Srivastava, who is already in judicial custody, Vipam Consultancy and its director. The accused have been charged with offences of criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, using forged documents as genuine under BNS and offences of bribery, criminal misconduct and abetment under the Prevention of Corruption Act 2018, the CBI said.
Pacer Darcie Brown targets Australia comeback through upcoming 'A' tour of India
Digital Desk | New Chandigarh, Sep 11 (IANS) Stung by her surprise omission from Australia's 2026 T20 World Cup-winning squad, fast bowler Darcie Brown is banking on the upcoming 'A' tour of India to regain her consistency and push her case for a recall to the national team. Darcie was a notable omission from Australia's successful campaign in England earlier this year, with youngster Lucy Hamilton taking her place in the squad. Darcie then spent the off-season fine-tuning her mechanics in Adelaide, and focusing on technical tweaks to address the control issues that cost her a spot in the side. Now part of the Australia A squad in India for a multi-format series starting with the first T20I in New Chandigarh on Saturday, Darcie sees the tour as a timely opportunity to get back into the main team ahead of the inaugural Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in India next February. It was disappointing for sure, you always want to be part of a World Cup squad, but the girls did such a great job, and everyone that was there fully deserved to be there. They said it was a tough call, but it was just that (lack of) consistency that squeezed me out. Hopefully the work I've done over the last little bit has helped me with that and I can take a few more wickets. The last few tours hadn't been as successful so hopefully with that consistency, I can get batters to make more mistakes and hopefully push my name for selection in upcoming tours. It's a really hard team to break into, so I'll work my butt off, but at the end of the day, as long as I'm putting in 100 per cent effort, that's what I can control, Darcie was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au on Friday. Having toured India on three previous occasions with the senior team, Darice had limited game time in subcontinental conditions. She believes this 'A' series will allow her to adapt her high pace to subcontinental pitches while stepping into a senior role. I was here last year for the one-day World Cup but didn't get to play a whole lot, so hopefully I can get a bit more experience and learn off the other girls as well, and also help (other bowlers) in a leadership way. It's a really great challenge for me as a pace bowler to learn different things to help me become effective (in these conditions). Detailed technical adjustments formed a major part of Darcies pre-tour preparations back home. I've worked on a few technique things just to help with some consistency, and even hopefully to get a bit more bounce and pace behind the ball. I'm trying to be a bit stronger on my back foot to propel myself towards the batters, which will hopefully help my consistency out a lot, so we'll wait and see. I haven't played for a long time, so I'm really keen to see everything that I've worked on for the last few months put into action, she added. Darcie forms part of a potent Australian pace unit alongside Tayla Vlaeminck, who continues her comeback from a shoulder injury, Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, and Hayley Silver-Holmes. Meanwhile, fast bowler Maitlan Brown was ruled out of the tour with a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Milly Illingworth. The Australia A womens tour of India features distinct captains across formats, with Nicole Faltum leading the T20 side, followed by Tahlia Wilson for the 50-over matches and Rachel Trenaman for the four-day fixture.
Heavy rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR, red alert issued ahead of BRICS Summit
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) Several parts of the national capital received rain on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more spells of showers, thunderstorms, and lightning in Delhi over the coming hours and also issuing a red alert for the city. The IMD had predicted light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in northern Delhi, with moderate to heavy showers expected in several other parts of the capital. The latest spell of rain comes just a day before the BRICS Leaders Summit is scheduled to begin in New Delhi. The Met Department has forecast further rainfall during the two-day summit, which will be held on September 12 and 13. For Saturday, September 12, the IMD has forecast one or two spells of very light to light rain at several places from early morning to the forenoon, along with thunderstorms and lightning. Another spell of light to moderate rain is likely from evening through the night. The rainfall is also expected to bring some relief from the prevailing heat. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 36.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while the maximum temperature is likely to remain below 33 degrees Celsius from Saturday. According to meteorologists, the prevailing weather conditions are linked to the movement of the monsoon axis over the region. The axis is expected to shift southward, while easterly winds are likely to become dominant from Friday. These conditions may result in intermittent spells of moderate rain across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan over the weekend. However, the rainfall is expected to remain largely localised, with only around 30-40 per cent coverage, indicating that several areas across the plains may remain dry. The weather conditions are particularly significant as Delhi prepares to host the BRICS Leaders Summit on September 12 and 13. The summit will bring several world leaders and delegations to the capital, with events scheduled at Bharat Mandapam. Saturdays programme includes a closed-door leaders session, the Bharat Innovates Exhibition, a family photograph, a tree-planting ceremony and a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The main open session will be held on Sunday, followed by the release of the New Delhi Declaration.
Chandigarh University's Computer Science Engineering Students Develop AI-Powered Platform to Detect Fraudulent Apps
Haryana govt announces higher monthly honorarium, enhanced benefits for rural sanitation workers
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 11 (IANS) The Haryana government has announced a series of financial and welfare benefits for Gramin Safai Karmis, including an increase in their honorarium, higher uniform and washing allowances, compensation for duties outside their villages and compassionate appointments for a family member in the event of death while on duty. The benefits were conveyed by the Director, Development and Panchayat Department, Haryana, in an official memorandum dated September 10, issued to Deputy Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers of Zila Parishads and district- and block-level development and panchayat officials across the state. Under the decision, Gramin Safai Karmis will receive arrears arising from an increase of Rs 2,100 in their monthly honorarium from January 2026. The honorarium was increased from Rs 16,000 to Rs 18,100, with arrears payable for the period up to June 30, 2026. The government has also approved the release of outstanding honorarium for October 2023, covering eligible sanitation workers who were not paid for that month during the strike period. The order lists 48 workers in Dhand, 54 in Farukhnagar, 25 in Sihma and 15 in Nizampur, taking the total to 139 workers, subject to verification of official records. In another major decision, sanitation workers assigned duties outside their villages will be entitled to an allowance of Rs 200 per day. The amount will be paid by the concerned Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) office from petty expenses for such deployments. The government has also increased the annual uniform allowance by Rs 2,000, raising it from Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000. The annual washing allowance has been increased by Rs 500, from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500. The order further provides that if a Gramin Safai Karmi dies while on duty, one family member will be offered an appointment on compassionate grounds. To protect families from being exploited by private agencies, BDPO offices have also been directed to assist the families of deceased sanitation workers in completing EPF and ESI death-claim paperwork. The government has additionally directed that the monthly honorarium of Gramin Safai Karmis must be disbursed by the seventh day of every month. In case of delay, a penalty of Rs 2,500 will be payable. The decisions were issued with the concurrence of the Finance Department, Haryana, according to the memorandum signed by Sushil Sarwan.
Aryans Group of Colleges organises blood donation camp
Srinagar, Sep 10:The Aryans Group of Colleges, Rajpura, near Chandigarh, successfully organised a Blood Donation Camp at its campus, witnessing enthusiastic participation from students, faculty and staff members. Dr Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, presided over the camp, while Ajay Jain, Samvedna Trust (R), Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, was also present on the occasion. Students from Engineering, Law, Pharmacy, Nursing, Allied Healthcare, Physiotherapy, Management, Business Studies, Computer Applications and Education came forward for the noble cause. A total of 88 units of blood were collected during the camp. A medical team from Guru Nanak Charitable Hospital, Ludhiana, comprising Harish Kumar, Medical Officer; Sandeep Kaur, Staff Nurse; Ritik Sharma, Lab Technician; and Arshdeep Singh, Lab Technician, conducted health screening and eligibility assessments of the prospective donors. Dr Anshu Kataria, as per a statement, said that blood donation is one of the most meaningful forms of service to humanity, and educational institutions have a responsibility to develop socially conscious and compassionate citizens. He said, A single act of blood donation can bring hope to patients and their families during critical situations. We are proud to see our students and staff voluntarily participating in this humanitarian initiative. Among those who donated blood were Aditya Kaur (B.Tech), Abdullah Ansari (RIT), Shashi Gupta (RIT), Awqat Ahmad (B.Tech), Swati (Staff), Balbir Singh (E), Rohan Gupta (OT), Amandeep Singh (Student), Tarun Singh (B.Pharm), Adnan Hazari (B.Tech), Rammek Singh (B.Pharm), Krishna Madhdesiya (B.Tech), Zahid Abdullah (B.Pharm), Wajheed Ahmad (B.Pharm), Abhney Guleria (B.Tech), Vikas Shukla (B.Tech), Vishal Kumar Panday (B.Tech), Shoukat Bashir (Staff), Akhtar Ansari (B.Pharma), Ayaz Ahmad (B.Pharma), Mohd. Mohsin Dar (B.Pharma), Sushil Kumar (RIT), Suhel Ali (B.Pharm), Neeraj Kumar (B.Pharm), Jagdeep Singh (B.Pharm), Fayeez Singh (B.Pharm), Jugal Dumolia (Student), Lutman Nabi Lone (RIT), Tauseef (RIT), Manish Kumar (B.Tech), Lovdeep Singh (B.Tech), Abdishak (RIT), Faizaan (RIT), Ali Shoaib (Staff), Amit (RIT), Taranpreet Kaur (Nursing), Kunika (Nursing), Javed (Staff), Dr. Vallari (Staff), Imran Khan (Nursing), Barun Sharma (Nursing), Gursharanpreet Singh (GNM Nursing), Mohammed Vami (CSE), Irfan Ansari (OT), Aamir Anir Choudhary (RIT), Dr. Vinay Thakur (Staff), Abhijeet Kumar (RIT) and Danish Majeed Mir (RIT). Their participation reflected the collective commitment of the Aryans community towards social responsibility and humanitarian service.
Dalit labourers suicide: Family alleges forced cremation
AAPs national executive: Manns OSD enters, minister Arora exits
Wanted fugitive deported from US after 13 years, arrested from IGI
ACB arrests GST dept ETO, CA while accepting 3 lakh bribe
Arms supply network busted, 3 held with two AK-47 rifles
Racist, un-American: Sikh, Hindu groups slam US depts self-deport Mr Singh post
Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa alleges police-gangster nexus, seeks probe into officers call records
NGT ask Punjab to act against illegal mining, seeks report in 4 weeks
GNDU unveils 13-point agenda for Amritsars 450th anniv
Bidhuri regrets attending Sajjan condolence meet
Rewari Police Lines gets 24 new flats
BSc student falls 50ft into ravine while taking selfie at Hansi fort
FIR filed more than 2 months after Sonipat mans death, property dispute under scanner
Haryana govt grants major relief to Gramin Safai Karmis; announces hike in honorarium, allowances
HP to introduce apprenticeship-linked degrees in 16 colleges
Pehowa Kisan Mahapanchayat: Farmers Set Sept 15 Deadline for Paddy Procurement at MSP
Vij attacks Congress over Ram temple donation issue, says party is trying to hurt Hindu sentiments
Mohali court acquits 2 BSF personnel in alleged dacoity conspiracy case
2 arrested after encounter in financier Harbhajan Singh murder case in Yamunanagar
NCSC panel visits suicide victims family, takes stock of action by Punjab govt
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 10 (IANS) A team of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Thursday visited a village in Sangrur district and met the family of late Gulzar Singh at his residence. The team interacted with the family and took stock of the action taken by the government. Opposition parties have been calling for registration of an abetment of suicide case against state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and others named by suicide victim Gulzar Singh in his dying declaration over the rampant sale of drugs in his village, Toor Banjara. In a statement, Deputy Commissioner of Sangrur, Poonamdeep Kaur, said, During the interaction, the family expressed satisfaction with the action taken so far by the Punjab government and the authorities. The family also informed that the assistance assured by the government was being provided to them. She said Rs 5 lakh compensation has already been released to the family. The government has also assured employment to a family member, and this has been conveyed to the NCSC team during the meeting. She said the family also expressed satisfaction with the action taken by the police. Four people have been arrested, while further efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an officer of Additional Director General of Police rank, is conducting an investigation into the matter, and strict action is being taken in accordance with the law. The NCSC team took note of the steps taken by the Punjab government and the district administration. The administration apprised the commission of the assistance extended to the family as well as the ongoing investigation and assured full cooperation with the commission in the matter, said the Deputy Commissioner. It was stated that the district administration remains committed to ensuring all necessary assistance to the bereaved family and facilitating the implementation of all assurances made by the government. She said the administration would continue to extend full cooperation to the NCSC and ensure that all further action in the matter is taken strictly in accordance with law.
Punjab BJP chief Dhillon's convoy attacked by AAP workers
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 10 (IANS) The convoy of Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Kewal Singh Dhillon was allegedly attacked by workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday, but he and other senior party leaders escaped unhurt. The attack took place when Dhillon was on his way to Toor Banjara village in Dirba in Sangrur district to offer condolences to the family of Gulzar Singh, who had allegedly died by suicide after being allegedly distressed by the state government. He was accompanied in the vehicle by BJP National Vice-President Manpreet Singh Badal, former State Presidents Sunil Jakhar and Ashwani Sharma. Dhillon said in a statement that the tenure of the Aam Aadmi Party had turned into a rule of hooliganism, where no one was safe. He noted that today AAP workers stopped and attacked his vehicle. This was not an attack on me, but an attack on democracy, Dhillon was quoted as saying. He said he was going with senior leaders of BJP to raise his voice for justice for Gulzar Singh's family, but on the way AAP workers, allegedly acting at the behest of their masters in Delhi, surrounded his vehicle. He added that even more shocking was the fact that the police administration stood just 100 metres ahead and watched the entire incident as a mute spectator. The (AAP) government is attempting to silence not only the voice of the people but also that of the Opposition. The Aam Aadmi Party has resorted to politics of 'saam, daam, dand, bhed'. The State BJP Chief said that the Aam Aadmi Party had crossed all limits of oppression and that its end was now near. The self-respecting people of Punjab are ready to give a befitting reply to this high-handedness. He said the BJP would not be intimidated by such attacks by the AAP government and would firmly confront every act of high-handedness by the Punjab government. During their return journey to Chandigarh, the route of Dhillon and the accompanying BJP leaders was also blocked by AAP workers. However, Dhillon and the other BJP leaders got out of their vehicles, proceeded towards the road blocked by the AAP workers, and crossed the route on foot along with the convoy, the statement added.
Punjab CM using green pen for torture, alleges Sukhbir Badal
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 10 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Thursday said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was using his self-proclaimed green pen for loot and torture with the latest incident of a youth consuming poison in despair after being tortured at the Dhuri police station. The Akali Dal chief was addressing a gathering in Kharar town, and he promised that the constituency would be developed in a holistic manner once the party took over the reins of the state. Asserting that the latest incident followed a spate of cases of torture and suicide in Sheron and Toor Banjara villages in which two people were tortured for showing a black flag to the Chief Minister and for questioning Finance Minister Harpal Cheema on the rampant sale of drugs, Badal said: This is the change AAP has brought into Punjab politics. Shaming the Chief Minister for brandishing a green pen while claiming it would bring in a revolution by being used for public good, he said: All this green pen has done is silence the voice of dissent and loot the resources of the state. He said today, again in a shocking incident, the police tortured youth Chamkaur Singh to such an extent in Dhuri that he consumed a poisonous substance in police lock-up. Badal said even as all this was happening, CM Mann was indulging in lies and mimicry in fake Lok Milni programmes and strutting around on stages in an inebriated condition. Simultaneously he is also handing over clean chits to thugs, drug lords and even rapists. He said the manner in which the Chief Minister had inducted alleged gangster Gurpreet Singh Sekhon into AAP and made him the partys in-charge of Zira, despite the fact that he had 50 criminal cases pending against him, revealed his true stand on tackling gangsters. Badal announced that the party would tackle the menace of gangsters and drugs once it came to power by enacting special laws which would allow seizure of their properties and a minimum jail term of 20 years.
Hanogi tunnel on Kiratpur-Manali highway to open Friday
BJP sweeps top Shimla zila parishad posts after 26 years with independents help
Watch: Bike-borne youths hurl bricks at moving car in Ludhiana after tiff
PGIMER Recruitment 2026: Applications Open for 243 Nursing Officer Positions
PGIMER Chandigarh has announced the recruitment of 243 Nursing Officer positions. Applications are open until October 3, 2026. PGIMER Recruitment 2026: Applications Open for 243 Nursing Officer Positions
Drug trafficking accused arrested after fleeing from NCB custody in J&K
Digital Desk | Jammu, Sep 10 (IANS) Officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said on Thursday that the drug trafficking accused, who had escaped from custody in J&Ks Jammu city on September 7, has been re-arrested. The officials said the NCB, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Punjab Police, has re-arrested the drug trafficking accused, who had fled from custody in Jammu. The accused had fled from Jammu and travelled towards Jalandhar via the Pathankot route, the officials said. He allegedly took shelter in a forested area near Narwal Fruit Mandi before altering his appearance by shaving his beard and changing his clothes. The official said that following a three-day search and tracking operation across Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, a joint team of NCB Jammu, NCB Amritsar, NCB Chandigarh and Punjab Police traced and apprehended him in Jalandhar. The accused was identified as Aqib Bashir. The accused was preparing to move towards Delhi or another state when he was apprehended. The accused used his contacts in Jalandhar to seek shelter and evade the search teams. Intelligence inputs and field efforts helped the agencies track his location. Aqib Bashir was arrested when he was preparing to move towards Delhi or another state. His initial arrest was part of a month-long operation by the NCB in the Jammu division, which exposed two distinct routes used by narcotic smugglers to push heroin into the union territory from Pakistan through the Uri sector and indirectly via Punjab. The NCB had earlier arrested him with 522 grams of heroin from a passenger bus in Samba district on September 3, the officials said. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances of his escape and identify those who allegedly provided him shelter and facilitated his movement. Intelligence agencies believe that the major portion of narcotics smuggled into the country from Pakistan is used to sustain terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir
Slow Korean courts present tough hurdle, but India ready for Davis Cup challenge: Rohit Rajpal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) Expecting a stern challenge on 'slow courts', Indias Davis Cup non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal believes his unified squad is well-prepared to counter South Koreas home advantage when the two sides meet in the World Group Qualifiers Round 2 in Seoul on September 18 and 19. The games will be at the Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center and carry huge importance the winner will advance to the prestigious Davis Cup Final Eight, to be played in Bologna, Italy, in November. India, ranked 19th, last met 16th-ranked South Korea a decade ago in 2016 and secured a 4-1 victory on grass in Chandigarh. India, who trails 6-5 in the head-to-head between the two nations, booked its place at this stage in similarly dramatic fashion, beating the Netherlands with a Dhakshineswar Suresh-inspired comeback. As a captain obviously, I have very high expectations. But I do sort of recognize that this is going to be a very tough tie because Koreans are playing in Korea and I'm sure being the hosting team, they're preparing the courts to be very slow, which are not in our favour and much more in their favour and that is the home advantage the home team gets to exercise. So, that will make it tougher. But the Koreans are known to be very tough to beat in Korea. So, but we are preparing accordingly. We are getting there early and trying to get as much as possible used to the local conditions that have been prepared for us, Rajpal told IANS in an exclusive conversation, facilitated by subscription-free OTT platform VETO. India have retained the core of the squad that stunned the Netherlands 3-2 in Bengaluru in February to reach the second round of the qualifiers for the first time since the current competition format was introduced in 2019. The five-member team in Seoul comprises Sumit Nagal, Dhakshineswar Suresh and a maiden call-up given to Manas Dhamne. Doubles duty rests with specialists Yuki Bhambri and N. Sriram Balaji, while Sidharth Rawat and junior Grand Slam campaigner Arnav Paparkar join as reserves. Addressing the inclusion of Dhamne, Rajpal said it was done with an eye for the future. So, Manas is young and energetic and what we are trying to do is also so that there is no transition in the team as we go because some of the best teams in the world go through a transition period. We want to make sure that we have a good mix of younger and experienced player so that the transition period, whenever it does happen, we are through with it and Manas, from that point of view, brings a lot of value to the team and he is playing well. He is transitioning at the moment from being a junior into the men's area. So, I think it will do him a lot of good by being there. He has been there earlier in the squad. But now, for the first time he has made it to the team. He is improving a lot and so, I think it will be a very good experience to see and to play under these kind of pressure situations. Managing player availability amid a demanding professional calendar can be tricky, but Rajpal praised the commitment of the Indian players. Well, we are here, which itself shows that all the players are here. The Indians are known to be very emotional about their country and it is my job as a captain to make sure that the team is unified. In this team, all the energies are together and we are firing as one machine. So, we try to push each other and a lot of the team building exercises are put into place in the last few years and that is paying rich dividends now. There is a lot of leg pulling and a lot of fun jokes are directed at each other. All those things which are necessary to take the pressure off right before a tough match, they do happen. We eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together all the time, as they are all coming from different places in the world. So, the idea to get there early as well is to get everybody together and synergize and fire as one firing good machine. India have historically thrived in doubles rather than singles, something which Rajpal agrees with. I mean, the format itself offers you four singles and one doubles. So, it clearly shows that you need to win many more singles and there is only one doubles. But doubles does play an important role. Every point is important there because you need to get to three matches first to win. Sometimes doubles does change the momentum of teams as well . Sometimes, you have seen teams down love two and then the minute the doubles is in your favour, the next day, you get off to a better start. So, Indians have had a good history with Leander (Paes), Mahesh (Bhupathi), Rohan (Bopanna), all these guys really playing and making a career out of doubles, which frankly is fantastic. After you're done with your singles, it does give you many more years to be able to continue on the tour and still survive. So, they showed the world that you could all be a doubles specialist and still do very well for yourself on the tour. Both teams enter the contest on the back of stunning upset wins - while India stunned the Dutch, South Korea fought back to eliminate 2016 champions Argentina 3-2 in Busan. Asked about the ideal benchmark for success in Korea, Rajpal stressed a pragmatic, match-by-match approach over distant targets. Benchmarks are difficult to pinpoint. I mean, I set very high benchmarks for myself and for the boys. Only if you aim for the top, do you reach somewhere near the top. But if you don't aim for the top, you're nowhere, you know, because everything is target-oriented. So, if you set a target, then your body and mind and everything else works in tandem to be able to get you there or close to that. Sometimes you fall short, maybe for skill, stamina, for whatever reasons and you can fix that and come back again. But at the same time, I'd like to be realistic and we take it one match at a time. I tell the boys that please take it one match at a time. Don't think of the next match and don't think what's going to happen after because we need to first cross that hurdle to be able to then look and prepare for the next one. So, realistically speaking, we're not thinking ahead. We're just going to be focused on getting this tie home and bringing it home.
Engineering Department UT Chandigarh Junior Engineer Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline
Engineering Department UT Chandigarh has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 10 Junior Engineer posts. Eligible candidates can apply offline through the official website, chandigarh.gov.in, by 08 October 2026.
Former Punjab minister Bhagat Chunni Lal dies at 93 in Jalandhar
Clean-air gains earn UT nearly 4-fold jump in NCAP funds
World Suicide Prevention Day: Changing the narrative on suicide, one conversation at a time
UT admn grants over 2 crore to 8 startups and 4 incubators
Red light for apps, green signal for rides; commuters go pale
Minutes mattered: Panchkula creates lifeline for organ recipients
First breakthrough in influencer murder case; key suspect held
Congress outpaces AAP to become BJPs main rival in Chandigarh
Wanted criminal held after police encounter
People power saves Panchkulas mango grove; fairground plan gives way to nature park
CII pitches smart, green city tag for Chandigarh; seeks stronger air links
Kal Dosanjh, Canada cop of Punjabi origin, denies fraud charges
AAP inducts CM Mann and Harpal Cheema into PAC
Neither Ammy nor his car targeted: Singers father dismisses Canada shooting reports
Shortfalls, missing data mar green mission in Punjab, Haryana & Himachal: CAG
BCI to HC: Bar polls in Jind, Barwala, Narwana, Hisar illegal
Its Mann vs Rahul as storm over Punjab farmers suicide intensifies
Mann seeks CII collaboration to tackle stubble burning
