Chandigarh University Hosts National Space Technology Conclave with ISRO; 30 Eminent Space Leaders & Scientists Deliberate on India's Future Space Missions
Chandigarh, Aug 17 (IANS) Punjab BJP President, Kewal Singh Dhillon, on Monday expressed concern over the alleged disrespect shown to the national song Vande Mataram during the Independence Day programme at the Congress headquarters in Delhi. He claimed when the entire nation was immersed in the spirit of patriotism on the sacred occasion of Independence []
IMD Warns of Heavy to Very Heavy Rain in J
Panchkula, Aug 17: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and other parts of the western Himalayan region over the next few days, while Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab are also likely to receive heavy rain on August 17 and 18. The IMD said [] The post IMD Warns of Heavy to Very Heavy Rain in J&K, Himachal appeared first on Northlines .
From Chandigarh To Britain: Arshdeep Singh Dang Becomes First Sikh RAF Fighter Pilot Since WWII
Born in Chandigarh and raised in Britain, Arshdeep Singh Dang has turned a family dream into a historic Sikh milestone in the RAF.
Formal child adoption remains low in J&K; CARA records 42 cases in 2025-26
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 42 children adopted through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) during 2025-26, a figure substantially lower than adoption numbers reported by several major States, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Rajya Sabha. The State/UT-wise data, furnished in response to a parliamentary question answered on August 12, shows that Maharashtra recorded the highest number of CARA-facilitated adoptions during the financial year, with 792 cases. Gujarat followed with 547, while Tamil Nadu recorded 501 adoptions. Karnataka accounted for 377 cases, followed by Odisha with 308 and Telangana with 307. Jammu and Kashmirs 42 adoptions were also lower than the figures reported by several northern and neighbouring States. Rajasthan recorded 172 adoptions, while Punjab reported 49, only seven more than J&K. Uttar Pradesh registered 231 cases, Haryana 68, Uttarakhand 30, Himachal Pradesh 14 and Delhi 109. Among other States, Assam recorded 186 adoptions, Kerala 170, Andhra Pradesh 140, Bihar 125 and Chhattisgarh 114. West Bengal reported 237 cases, Madhya Pradesh 221 and Jharkhand 60. The data also showed considerable variation among the northeastern States. Meghalaya and Nagaland reported 13 adoptions each, Mizoram 78, Tripura seven, Arunachal Pradesh five and Manipur four. Sikkim recorded 28 cases. Smaller Union Territories and States also reported relatively modest numbers. Goa recorded 25 adoptions, Chandigarh 18, Puducherry 15 and Andaman and Nicobar Islands 11. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu reported five cases. No adoption through CARA was recorded in Ladakh or Lakshadweep during 2025-26. Across the 36 States and Union Territories listed in the annexure, the reported number of CARA-facilitated adoptions stood at 5,022 during the financial year. J&Ks 42 cases therefore accounted for less than one per cent of the reported national total. The Ministry, however, has clarified that adoption figures should be viewed in the context of the availability of children who have been declared legally free for adoption. The waiting period for prospective adoptive parents depends not only on the number of applicants but also on the availability of legally free children and the age group preferred by prospective parents. The government is seeking to strengthen the adoption infrastructure through Mission Vatsalya. States and UTs have been advised to establish at least one Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA) in every district under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations, 2022. As of July 29, 2026, 795 SAAs had been approved across the country under Mission Vatsalya. These agencies support the formal adoption process and provide residential care to adoptable children below six years of age. The adoption system has also been substantially digitised. All SAAs are required to operate through the integrated CARINGS-Mission Vatsalya platform, which facilitates digital processing of cases from referral and matching to documentation. The system also allows authorities to monitor compliance through real-time dashboards at the Central and State levels. The Ministry said District Magistrates have been empowered to issue adoption orders under the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations. Prescribed timelines have been laid down for different stakeholders, while CARA undertakes regular monitoring and follow-up with States and UT administrations to reduce delays. The Centre is also using Mission Vatsalya for awareness campaigns promoting legal adoption and foster care. Nationwide and local outreach programmes, workshops, seminars and orientation sessions are being conducted, while CARA uses print, electronic and social media platforms to spread information on legal adoption procedures.
Punjab transfers 12 IPS officers in major police reshuffle
Chandigarh, Aug 17 (IANS) The Punjab government has ordered a significant administrative reshuffle in the state police department, transferring and reassigning 12 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. The orders, issued by the Department of Home Affairs (Home-I Branch) on Sunday, take effect immediately on administrative grounds. According to the release, V Neeraja, IPS (1994), has []
89-yr-old man hacked to death in Hisar, 3 booked
Punjab govt honours village defence committees for anti-drug efforts
Patiala MP warns Punjab against linking womens reservation to delimitation
Retired Haryana cop injured in mishap dies
Nod to Rs 1.4k cr Qadian-Beas rail line, expedite land acquisition, says Bittu
Not conducive to RTI: Haryana info commission flags assistants as SPIOs
Haryana man dies in Mandi road accident
Punjab farmers way blocked at Khanauri, detentions in Jind
HSGMC shifts Aug 25 Panthic gathering to Ambala
Got 150 stitches: Harsimrat writes to Shah for NIA probe
Mann announces Rs 25cr heritage complex at Hussainiwala, caps school fee hikes at 5%
Firing near Charkhi Dadri bus stand; four arrested
Dance at I-Day function sparks political row in poll-bound Punjab
Inquiry officer a public authority under RTI Act: Pb panel
Newborn trafficking case: Two more held from Muktsar, total 23
Portion of false ceiling collapses at Patiala institute during I-Day event
BJP Leader Jaiveer Shergill Visits Sukhbir Singh Badal, Wishes for Quick Recovery
Chandigarh, August 16: BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill met with Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday to inquire about his health. In a post on the social media platform X, Shergill expressed his wishes for Badals swift recovery. Badal has suffered serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment, having received 150 stitches. Sukhbir ... Read more BJP Leader Jaiveer Shergill Visits Sukhbir Singh Badal, Wishes for Quick Recovery
CM Sukhu announces welfare scheme for 1.8 lakh Himachal families
Haryana plans 147-cr startup boost, women-led ventures to get bigger incentives
Major Reshuffle in Punjab Police: Transfers of 12 IPS and 112 PPS Officers Announced
Chandigarh, August 16: The Punjab government has implemented a significant administrative reshuffle within the police department, involving the transfer of 12 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers and 112 Punjab Police Service (PPS) officers. Orders issued by the Home Department state that all transfers and new appointments are effective immediately. Among the IPS officers, V. Neerja ... Read more Major Reshuffle in Punjab Police: Transfers of 12 IPS and 112 PPS Officers Announced
Cong fissures deepen: Channi on stage, Randhawa challenges Warrings one ticket per family formula
The 8th pay commission recently concluded its four-day session in Delhi between 7 and 10 August and has scheduled meetings in Chandigarh, Chennai, Jaipur, Mumbai and Puducherry in August and September.
Sukhbir Badal Discharged from Hospital, Calls for NIA Investigation into Attacks
Chandigarh, August 16: Sukhbir Singh Badal, the leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal and former Deputy Chief Minister, has been discharged from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. He was admitted following an attack at a Gurudwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a Member of Parliament from the Shiromani Akali Dal, has written to Union Home ... Read more Sukhbir Badal Discharged from Hospital, Calls for NIA Investigation into Attacks
Controversy Erupts Over Vande Mataram During Independence Day Celebrations
Chandigarh, August 16: The Independence Day celebrations took a controversial turn as former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and the Gandhi family. He accused them of disregarding the importance of democracy and Parliament. This remark followed an incident during the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Congress headquarters. While ... Read more Controversy Erupts Over Vande Mataram During Independence Day Celebrations
'Fell from roof': BSF jawan tells family after wife's murder; arrested
High Court rejects 3 pharma directors plea in drug case
Srinagar, Aug 15:The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has rejected a plea by three directors of a pharmaceutical company whereby they had sought to quash criminal proceedings against them related to a drug declared Not of Standard Quality by the Government Analyst. In response to the plea which it dismissed finally, a bench of Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal noted that the directors of Corona Remedies Pvt Ltd could not seek quashing of the proceedings at the threshold merely by claiming that they were not personally involved in the manufacture of the drug. The bench observed that whether the directors were in charge of and responsible for the conduct of the companys business under Section 34 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, was a question of fact to be determined by the trial court on the basis of evidence. The case related to Locipil Tablets, Batch No. CHI15020, manufactured by Corona Remedies in September 2015. A sample collected from ESIC Model Hospital, Bari Brahmana, Jammu, was tested at the Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory, Chandigarh, which declared it Not of Standard Quality. The petitioners, Ankur Kirtikumar Mehta, Dr. Kirtikumar Laxmidas Mehta and Nirav Kirti Kumar Mehta, were arrayed as accused in the complaint filed by the Drugs Inspector before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu. They had challenged the Magistrates July 26, 2018 order taking cognizance under Sections 18(a)(i) and 27(d) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The Court noted that the complaint specifically alleged that the directors were responsible for conducting the companys day-to-day business at the relevant time. It held that their actual responsibility and possible vicarious liability could only be determined after appreciation of evidence during trial. It also took note of the companys response to the statutory notice, in which it informed the authorities that it had stopped sale of the concerned batch and sought a lenient view. The Court held that the petitioners could not subsequently take an inconsistent stand to challenge the foundation of the proceedings, invoking the principle of estoppel by conduct and approbation and reprobation. The Court further held that the Joint Investigation Report, which recorded that the batch had been manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices, did not exonerate the company or its directors, as the report ultimately recommended action in light of the Government Analysts finding that the drug was not of standard quality. Finding no patent illegality, jurisdictional error, perversity or abuse of process in the Magistrates order, the Court dismissed the petition and vacated its 2019 interim order staying the proceedings. It directed the trial court to proceed in accordance with law and clarified that the judgment would not amount to any finding on the ultimate guilt or innocence of the petitioners.
Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protest in Chandigarh dispersed with tear gas and water cannon
The News Mill
Chandigarh: Beant Singh assassin release march turns violent
Chandigarh police on Saturday used tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse protesters who tried to breach barricades during a march towards Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's residence, seeking the release of Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh in 1995.
Tear gas, water cannons used against Qaumi Insaf morcha protesters, Punjab Bandh call on August 21
Some protesters attempted to remove barricades and barbed wire, and some others tried to pull them down using a tractor as they attempted to proceed towards the residence of the Punjab Governor at the Lok Bhavan in Chandigarh
Qaumi Insaaf Morcha protesters clash with police at Chandigarh border; Punjab bandh on August 21
43-year-old vegetable trader stabbed to death over parking dispute in Chandigarh
Chandigarh police use tear gas, water cannons to stop Qaumi Insaaf morcha march towards gov's house
Wont allow anti-Punjab forces to disturb peace: Sukhbir Singh Badal; wife thanks human-shield cop
5 IPS officers transferred from Delhi to Jammu & Kashmir
The Delhi Home Department has ordered the relieving of several AGMUT cadre IPS and DANIPS officers from Delhi Police for posting to other Union Territories and states, including Jammu & Kashmir. As per the order issued on August 14, 2026, the officers will be relieved with effect from August 17, 2026 (A/N) to enable them to join their new assignments. Among the officers transferred from Delhi to Jammu & Kashmir are Vishnu Kumar, IPS (2019 batch); Rajeev Kumar Ambasta, IPS; Deepak Yadav, IPS; Anand Kumar Mishra, IPS; and Satish Kumar, IPS. The Centre had earlier ordered the posting of several AGMUT officers to Jammu & Kashmir as part of a wider administrative reshuffle. The latest order also transfers Pratiksha Godara, IPS (2011 batch) to Andaman & Nicobar, Vinit Kumar, IPS (2018 batch) to Chandigarh, Rishi Kumar, IPS (2021 batch) to Arunachal Pradesh, Pawan Kumar, IPS to Ladakh, Sikandar Singh, IPS to Puducherry, and Dhirendra Pratap Singh, IPS and Nishant Gupta, IPS to Mizoram. The order further includes transfers of DANIPS officers to Chandigarh, Lakshadweep and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The reshuffle is part of the Centres cadre management exercise involving officers across the AGMUT cadre.
Finance Minister Punjab honours Dr Anshu Kataria as Voice of Private Unaided Colleges of India
Finance Minister Punjab, S. Harpal Singh Cheema honoured Dr Anshu Kataria, President, Punjab Unaided Colleges Association (PUCA) & Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, Rajpura, Near Chandigarh with the prestigious Voice of Private Unaided Colleges of India award during the Millennial Awards 2026, held at JW Marriott, Chandigarh. S Harpal Singh Cheema appreciated Dr. Katarias continuous efforts in raising the concerns of private unaided colleges and working for the welfare of students and educational institutions. On the occasion, Dr Anshu Kataria, President, Punjab Unaided Colleges Association (PUCA) & Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, appreciated the efforts of Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema for reviving the Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) scheme for Punjabi students. He said that the Government has sanctioned Rs 432 crore towards pending PMS dues for 201720 and has assured the disbursement of more pending funds in the coming months. Dr Kataria appreciated Cheemas efforts to resolve the long-pending PMS issues of Punjab. On the occasion, teams from Aryans Group of Colleges, Swami Vivekanand Institute of Engineering and Technology, Doaba Group of Colleges, Indo Global Group of Colleges and Saraswati Group of Colleges were present.
Principal suspended over anti-BJP protest to be reinstated
After motorcycle remark row, Khap announces womens mahapanchayat in Jind
177 deaths in Himachal this monsoon
Urban tree felling in Punjab to need tree officer's nod
Viral Instagram reel leads to wildlife crime detection in Karnal, 8 protected turtles recovered
Blatant lie: Punjab FM slams Shivraj over RDF claims
2 sisters held for attempting to tamper with ATM in Dharuhera
Jathedar slams Ambala police action, seeks probe; FIR against Jhinda, others
Man gets 20-yr jail for raping minor
Surjewala calls Ambala incident black day, seeks judicial probe
From Partition to existence: Women survivors recall the trauma and resilience of 1947
Police evict BKU protesters from Speaker Sandhwans residence, railway tracks
Two youths die of suspected drug overdose in Bathinda
12 Punjab Police officers to be honoured on I-Day
CM announces science, healthcare and ayurvedic institutes in Hamirpur
Man gets 5-year jail term in Pocso case
Firing outside ex-jathedars house concerning: Randhawa
Jailed Extremist's Video Surfaces Ahead Of 'Bandi Sikh' March In Chandigarh
The August 15 agitation has also received the backing of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), giving the march added institutional weight.
ABVP holds Tiranga Yatra at PU
Cong protests outside Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan over alleged insult to Kharge
MC commissioner flags lapses during surprise gaushala inspection
CBDC-powered PDS pilot launched in Chandigarh
3,000 cops deployed as protest call puts city on alert
37 to receive Chandigarh administration honours on I-Day
BJP Expresses Concern Over Rising Crime in Punjab
Chandigarh, August 14: The President of the Punjab BJP, Kailash Singh Dhillon, raised alarms on Friday regarding the escalating criminal activities in the state. He claimed that the law and order situation is deteriorating rapidly, leaving ordinary citizens, traders, and businesses feeling unsafe. In a press statement, Dhillon highlighted that incidents of shootings, daylight murders, ... Read more BJP Expresses Concern Over Rising Crime in Punjab
Rs 30,000, Aadhaar card stolen from Sector 27 shop
Waris Punjab De Protest call on I-Day: 3-tier security in place
231 proclaimed offenders still evading arrest in Panchkula
Six Chd heritage pieces sold for Rs 83L in US auction
Warring, Sukhjinder slam Haryana govt over cane charge in Ambala
Man goes out for walk after dinner, gets stabbed
6 paid parking lots turn free as MC eyes higher revenue
Bhiwanis teachers death: Suicide, says CBI; kin claim coverup
Punjab begins mapping legitimate raw material supply for stone crushers
Attack on Sukhbir a conspiracy to weaken Akali Dal: Rajoana
2L saplings to be plants in Una during 2026-27: Agnihotri
Chandigarh railway station redevelopment nears completion with world-class facilities
The News Mill
They Cannot Speak, But They Have A Voice: Deaf Students Protest For Basic Facilities In Chandigarh
As India preps up to celebrate its 80th Independence Day, a group of deaf and speech impaired school students in Chandigarh has drawn attention to a very different reality - one where children are still forced to protest for basic educational
Video: Punjab man beats woman beggar with slipper 9 times, kicks her outside temple
Punjabs road safety force turns to AI, drones and satellites after saving 47,000 lives
51 Js born to rule; his frs born to rule; his frustration visible: Pralhad Joshi
CHANDIGARH: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that the LoP in Lok Sabha feels hes born to rule, and alleged that his frustration was clearly visible. Joshis remark came after the conclusion of the Monsoon Session of Parliament that saw relentless protests by the opposition over the police action []
Scientists developed an acoustic anti-drone system to disable unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles. This technology uses sound waves to disrupt drone balance sensors, causing instability and potential falls. The system targets internal sensors, making it effective against automated drones without remote control signals. India faces a growing threat from drones used for smuggling and warfare operations. This acoustic system offers a complementary layer to existing counter-drone technologies.
2 OMR sheets, 2 scores? NEET candidate moves Punjab and Haryana high court
Chandigarh: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday, August 13, slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that the LoP in the Lok Sabha feels hes born to rule and alleging that his frustration was clearly visible. Joshis remark came after the conclusion of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which saw relentless opposition protests over police action Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Sat Sharma seeks stronger support for J&K artists, cultural tourism
J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma on Thursday highlighted the need to preserve, promote and financially support the rich musical heritage of Jammu and Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha. He focused on safeguarding traditional art forms, strengthening support for veteran artists and young learners and using the region's cultural heritage to boost tourism and employment. Seeking details from the Union Ministry of Culture, Sat Sharma questioned the steps taken by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to preserve and catalogue renowned Kashmiri musical traditions such as Sufiana Mousiqi, Chakri, Wanvun and Rouf under the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He also sought information on the financial assistance and monthly stipends being provided to veteran masters and youth disciples under the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme, besides asking about measures to integrate Jammu & Kashmir's folk and classical music into major national cultural festivals for promoting heritage-based tourism. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on behalf of the Ministry, informed the House that the Sangeet Natak Akademi had undertaken several initiatives to preserve and promote the musical and performing traditions of Jammu and Kashmir through documentation, cultural festivals, fellowships, awards and other programmes under the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. As per the reply, Rouf and Kud Folk Dance training programmes have been started under the Kala Deeksha (Guru-Shishya Parampara) initiative from 2024-25, under which Gurus receive a monthly fee of Rs 8,000, Sahayak Gurus Rs 6,000 as honorarium and Shishyas Rs 2,500 as stipend. The Government also informed that financial assistance under the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir amounted to Rs 3.37 lakh in 2023-24, Rs 3.87 lakh in 2024-25 and Rs 2.74 lakh in 2025-26, reflecting continued support for traditional artists and emerging talent. The artists from Jammu and Kashmir have been receiving national platforms through prestigious festivals such as Desaj, Lok Jan Pratha Utsav, Lok Sangam, Lok Pratibha, Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, Chandigarh National Crafts Mela and International Gita Mahotsav, besides special events organized in Jammu and Kashmir featuring local folk music and dance. These initiatives help preserve centuries-old traditions while expanding cultural tourism and creating greater livelihood opportunities for artists, Shekhawat said, in his reply. Sat Sharma said that Jammu and Kashmir's cultural heritage was one of its greatest strengths and preserving its unique musical traditions was essential for protecting the region's identity while creating opportunities for artists, youth and the tourism sector. He emphasised that sustained promotion of traditional music on national platforms would not only safeguard priceless cultural heritage but would also contribute to employment generation, cultural exchange and economic growth by attracting visitors interested in the region's rich artistic legacy.
When noise becomes a weapon against drones
