The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) has clarified city classifications for ECHS beneficiaries, aligning certain urban areas with metropolitan centers for treatment charges. This clarification, following a December 5, 2025 order, aims to resolve confusion regarding rate applicability at empanelled healthcare centers for ECHS beneficiaries residing in satellite towns.
ED arrests key operative in multi-crore digital arrest scam
New Delhi, Jan 2: The Enforcement Directorates (ED) Jalandhar Zonal Office announced on Friday that it recently conducted a search operation at the premises of one Arpit Rathore, who was subsequently arrested during the search in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the digital arrest case of SP Oswal. Officials stated that during [] The post ED arrests key operative in multi-crore digital arrest scam appeared first on Northlines .
10 Indians dead fighting in Ukraine war, says man who went to Russia
A Jalandhar man's search for his brother in Moscow has revealed a grim reality: at least ten Indians, including three from Punjab, have died fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine, with four others missing. Jagdeep Kumar, who made two trips to Russia, has obtained official confirmation of these deaths and is now working to repatriate the bodies.
Holy city tag puts meat, alcohol, tobacco traders in Amritsars walled city at risk
CHANDIGARH: The ban on meat, alcohol and tobacco shops in the walled city of Amritsar, following its notification as a holy city by the AAP-led Punjab government, has put the livelihoods of hundreds of families at risk, casting uncertainty over generations-old businesses. The notification, issued to preserve the sanctity of the area surrounding the Golden Temple, has resulted in around 150 establishments selling meat, fish, alcohol and tobacco being allegedly forced to shut down. Traders and shopkeepers have raised strong objections, saying they were neither given adequate notice nor provided with alternative arrangements. The affected shopkeepers and vendors have decided to meet the Amritsar Deputy Commissioner, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner and the Mayor, and submit a memorandum highlighting their concerns. They held a meeting at Gol Bagh on Friday, during which they argued that instead of covering the entire walled city, the government should have restricted the ban to areas immediately surrounding the Golden Temple and Durgiana Mandir. While stating that they have no objection to the walled city being declared a holy city, Gurjeet Singh, a third-generation owner of Gurjeet Fish Company, said the decision threatens the existence of Punjabs oldest wholesale fish market. There are three major fish markets in Punjab, in Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Here in Amritsar, we have 14 commission agents (artiyas) in the wholesale fish market, which has existed for the last 70 years. We procure fish from Vietnam, Himachal Pradesh and other places, and sell it across the state. Our fish even goes to Srinagar, he said. Singh said they have already met the Mayor and will now meet the Deputy Commissioner. Our demand is simple. The fish season is starting from January and runs till April. Until then, we should not be relocated. After that, the government should provide all 14 of us a suitable place together within Amritsar, and not far away, as the market functions collectively, he added. Rajinder Kumar, a fourth-generation fish trader, claimed that there are 18 suppliers, with each shop employing several workers. This was the first wholesale fish market of the state and even today supplies fish across Punjab. With this order, generations of business are affected, he said. We respect the governments decision to maintain the sanctity and holiness of the city, but our concerns must be addressed. Our businesses will be shut and we have not been given adequate time to shift, nor have we been allotted any place to relocate, said another shopkeeper, Saranjit Singh. Amritsar Hotel and Restaurant Association president AK Chattha said that meat, fish and tobacco shop owners operating within the walled city would be severely affected by the ban. A survey conducted by the Amritsar Municipal Corporation has identified around 150 shops and street vendors that are to be removed from the walled city following the notification. Senior Punjab BJP leader Rajinder Mohan Singh Chinna said the decision to grant holy city status to the walled city of Amritsar was not new, noting that a previous SAD-BJP government had taken a similar step. The fish market operating in the walled city should first have been shifted and relocated after being provided a proper place by the government. Only then should this decision have been implemented. Now the question is, where will they go, he said. Calling the notification historic but long overdue, Punjab BJP leader and former bureaucrat Jagmohan Singh Raju wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for shopkeepers, vendors and workers affected by the prohibition. Declaring the walled city of Amritsar as a holy city is a historic step, but it must be implemented with foresight. Sanctity cannot come at the cost of livelihoods. The Chief Minister must direct the administration to immediately identify and survey the affected persons and establishments, provide alternative business sites or zones, and extend financial assistance, compensation or livelihood support during the transition period. Rehabilitation is not a concession; it is a responsibility, he wrote. The ban has also sparked a wider debate. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Kiranjot Kaur said that jhatka meat is a right under Sikh tradition. Tobacco and kutha (halal) remain prohibited in Sikhism, but jhatka aligns with the Gurus hunting traditions. There should not be any ban on meat shops, she wrote in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, a senior Punjab AAP leader said the state government would ensure proper rehabilitation. Those whose businesses have been affected will be provided alternative arrangements in a phased and planned manner. The local administration will consult those affected and work out the best possible and mutually acceptable solution to ensure livelihoods are not affected, the leader said. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had announced on Sunday that the state government had issued a notification granting holy city status to the walled city of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo and Anandpur Sahib.
Airports witness 7% surge in passenger traffic during November 2025 over same period last year
NEW DELHI: Airports across the country have recorded a 7% increase in passenger traffic during November 2025 as compared to the same month last year, according to the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Air Traffic data for last month has just been released by the Authority. Over 3.79 crore flyers were recorded in the country last month, of which a little over three crore were domestic flyers. The overall international growth in the month was 7.5% (70,60,493 vs 65,69,934) while the domestic growth was 7% (3,79,51,054 vs 3,54,52,122) over the compared month last year. The domestic passenger traffic in relatively smaller airports has been in healthy double digits highlighting the aspiration for air travel among the non-metro population. Despite the negative publicity for Goa due to its taxi monopoly, overpriced hotels and overcrowded beaches, international patronage to the tourist haven has shot up by 31. 4%. A total of 20,479 flyers travelled last month as compared to 15,581 flyers in November 2024. Its domestic patronage has taken a beating with a 10.5% dip in flyers with just 5.4 lakh passengers from other States visiting it last month. The number was 6.1 lakh visitors in November last year. While the biggies have seen moderate growth, relatively smaller airports have recorded a growth of over 30% international passengers in November this year over the patronage witnessed in the same month last year. Bhubaneswar has seen a growth of 30.5% (14,220 flyers) Tiruchirappalli has 39.9% (19,402 flyers), Varanasi 40.4% (16,070 flyers) and Mangaluru 35.4% (76,579 flyers), Indore has doubled its patronage with a 99.9% growth (8,902 flyers as compared to 4,454 earlier) while Pune has seen a 49% patronage with 30,633 flyers. Among the major airports in the country, Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport continues its steady international growth with 6,42,647 passengers, a 27.3% increase in November 2025 vs November 2024. Hyderabad too has seen significant patronage with a 21% growth (4,86,126 flyers). Mumbai has seen a 6.5% (14,61,956 flyers) Chennai 6.1% (5,03,589) growth while Delhi has seen a 3% increase (19,07,845). Domestic picture On the domestic front, these airports have recorded a substantial growth with the patronage figure in the bracket Agra 77% (26470 flyers), Kozhikode 34.3% (16,90,918 flyers); Tiruchirappalli 50.9% (65,297); Tirupati 30.7% (1,08,441); Kannur 35.8% (35,637), Gaya 38.7% (27,862), Belagavi 32.1% (32118) and Indore 26.6% (27862). Hindon airport has seen a 2998% growth! It is 1,22,381 flyers versus 3,950 last November. Adampur (Jalandhar) has seen a 319.7% surge with 13,595 passengers, Rewa has recorded 179.9% surge (949 flyers) Jaisalmer 121.5% growth (43,971) while Bhuj has seen a 110% growth with 26,687 flyers. The Air Traffic Movements (Arrivals and Departures) have seen an increase of 7.3% with 40,909 ATMs recorded in November 2025 over November 2024. The freight growth too is a healthy 15.6% with 337.45 thousand tonnes versus 291.84 thousand tonnes in the compared period.
Jalandhar to get sports technology extension centre
Bomb threat to Patiala school triggers search operation, nothing suspicious found
Patiala, Dec 23: A private school here received a bomb threat email on Tuesday, prompting authorities to conduct a thorough check of the premises before the threat was proved a hoax, a senior police officer said. The fresh incident comes close on the heels of similar bomb threats to several schools in Amritsar and Jalandhar that later turned out to be false. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Patiala, Varun Sharma told reporters that police teams rushed to the school [] The post Bomb threat to Patiala school triggers search operation, nothing suspicious found appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Geo-tagging drive launched as Punjab struggles to recover Rs 1,100 crore in property tax
CHANDIGARH: The cash-strapped Punjab government has begun geo-tagging properties across the state to improve property tax recovery. At present, around 94,000 commercial property owners owe nearly Rs 1,100 crore in property tax, as identified by various civic bodies. Poor recovery has begun to affect revenue-dependent essential services. Of the total 1.55 lakh owners of commercial, industrial and other properties, 94,000 are commercial property owners. The Local Bodies Department has so far completed surveys in 20 urban local bodies (ULBs), while surveys in another 22 ULBs are currently underway. In the states 167 ULBs, an initial survey has revealed an average shortfall of Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore per ULB in property tax collection. In larger ULBs with municipal corporations, the deficit is expected to be significantly higher. Sources said executive officers of municipal councils and commissioners of municipal corporations are being held accountable for property tax recovery. Annual collection targets are being increased by 3 per cent over the previous years collection. As a result, property tax collection has risen from Rs 282 crore in 202122 to Rs 400 crore in 202223 and Rs 486 crore in 202324, after officials were assigned specific targets. The department has also identified 48 major commercial property defaulters who together owe Rs 2.15 crore in property tax. Geo-tagging of all properties has been initiated as authorities suspect a wide mismatch between tax receipts and the actual number of properties in urban areas. Geo-tagging enables the department to record the exact location, actual covered area and the nature of activity conducted on a property. Due to the absence of such mapping earlier, many properties in large cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar had remained outside the departments purview. Surveys have already been completed and identification plates affixed in cities including Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Bassi, Khanna and Chamkaur Sahib. Punjabs property tax collection remains significantly lower than that of other states, largely because several high-value commercial establishments continue to default on payments. Despite multiple notices, repeated opportunities for compliance and the introduction of a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme, defaults persist. A fact-finding report on illegal structures in Ludhiana during the previous government revealed discrepancies between power connections issued by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), approved layout plans and property tax receipts. It also highlighted mismatches between the assessed covered area and the actual built-up area of properties. Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, ULBs are mandated to achieve at least 85 per cent property tax collection. However, recovery remains poor. An audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) found that ULBs collected only 48 per cent to 54.14 per cent of property tax between 2015 and 2020. The audit also noted failures in recovering user charges such as water and sewerage cess.
ED Raids 13 Places In Punjab, Haryana and Delhi in Dunki Route Case
ED's Jalandhar zonal office teams are carrying out searches at these 13 locations based on certain inputs in the case in which the ED initiated an investigation on the basis of various First Information Reports (FIRs) registered related to 330 Indians deported by the USA through a military cargo plane in February 2025
CHANDIGARH: Aishdeep Singh, the mastermind behind the murder of 30-year-old kabaddi player-cum-promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh alias Rana Balachauria, was arrested on Wednesday by the Punjab Police from the Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi. Meanwhile, another key accused in the case Harpinder Middhi was killed in an encounter at Lalru near here in which two police personnel also sustained injuries. Police said the tussle between different gangsters over the organisation of kabaddi tournaments in Punjab led to the shooting. Senior Superintendent of Police of SAS Nagar Harmandeep Hans said Aishdeep Singh, who had been staying in Russia, came to India on November 25 on the directions of gangster-turned-terrorist Dony Bal to execute the murder. He was arrested from Delhi airport when he was planning to escape to Muscat. Aishdeep informed police about his accomplice Harpinder Middhi, a resident of Naushehra Pannuan in Tarn Taran, who actively supported the shooters and was supposed to escape along with him. Acting on the information, police parties led by Deputy Superintendent of Police of Dera Bassi Bikramjit Singh Brar and including inspectors Sumit Mor, Pushvinder Singh and Malkiat Singh conducted a raid at the location pinpointed by him on the Ambala-Lalru Highway near Jharmal River in Lalru. Upon seeing the police party, the suspect Harpinder Middhi opened fire resulting in serious bullet injuries to two police personnel -- head constables Gulab Singh and Kumar Sharma. The police party retaliated in self-defence during which the suspect was injured and was rushed to Civil Hospital Dera Bassi, where he succumbed to injuries, he said. Gang rivalry over kabaddi tournaments leads to killing of player-promoter Rana Balachauria in Mohali Hans said that police have also arrested another accused Jugraj Singh with the help of Amritsar (Rural) Police. All the accused persons involved in this case have been identified and raids are being conducted to nab the remaining accused, he said. Balachauria was shot dead in Mohali on December 15 by associates of gangsters Doni Bal and Lucky Patial. Police have identified the three accused including the two shooters who pumped bullets into Balachauria. They are Aditya Kapoor alias Makhan and Karan Pathak of Amritsar. The duo are currently absconding. Twelve teams of the Punjab AGTF, SSOC and the district police have been hunting for them for the past two days. Hours after the shootout, gangster Dony Bal claimed responsibility for the attack in a Facebook post. I, Donibal, Saganpreet, Mohabbat Randhawa, Amar Khabe, Prabh Daswal, and Kaushal Chaudhary, take responsibility for the killing of Rana Balachauria during the Kabaddi Cup in Mohali. This man (Rana) was in contact with our rivals Jaggu and Lawrence, it read. He had provided shelter to the killer of Sidhu Moosewala and personally looked after him. By killing Rana today, we have avenged the murder of our brother Sidhu Moosewala. This act was carried out by our brothers Makhan Amritsar and Defaulter Karan, it stated. The killing of Balachauria has brought back memories of a similar incident three years ago when another kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal was shot dead in Jalandhar district in the middle of a tournament at Mallian Kalan village. More recently, a 25-year-old kabaddi player named Teja Singh was shot dead in broad daylight in Jagraon in October this year.
Gang rivalry over kabaddi tournaments leads to killing of player-promoter Rana Balachauria in Mohali
CHANDIGARH: A tussle among rival gangsters over dominance in the organisation of kabaddi tournaments in Punjab has led to the killing of 30-year-old kabaddi player-cum-promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh alias Rana Balachauria, who was shot dead in Mohali on Sunday evening. He was killed by associates of gangsters Doni Bal and Lucky Patial. This is not the first such incident, as two well-known players of the sport have earlier been assassinated in similar circumstances. Punjab Police have identified three alleged accused, including two shooters who fired multiple rounds at Balachauria. They have been named as Aditya Kapoor alias Makhan and Karan Pathak, both residents of Amritsar, with 13 and two FIRs registered against them respectively. Police said the accused belong to the gang of Doni Bal and Lucky Patial. No arrests have been made so far. According to police, the assailants fled on the Landran road after shooting Balachauria at point-blank range in the head and face during a private kabaddi tournament in Sector 82, Mohali, at around 6 pm. The tournament had been under way for the past few days. Balachauria, who had got married around 10 to 15 days ago, was rushed to Fortis Hospital with gunshot injuries, but despite immediate clinical assessment, he was declared brought dead. The tournament was being held at a packed ground, where Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was also expected to attend the evening matches to distribute prizes. Police said four rounds were fired by the two accused, who approached the victim on the pretext of taking a selfie and took him aside near the parking lot before shooting him at point-blank range. While fleeing the spot, the accused fired shots into the air to scare youths who attempted to chase them. The police have linked the deceased to jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria in connection with dominance over the organisation of kabaddi tournaments. Calling it a planned attack, Senior Superintendent of Police, SAS Nagar, Harmandeep Singh Hans said, The identity of the third person has been withheld till now. The police have also zeroed in on a few individuals involved in providing shelter and logistics to the assailants. As of now, the deceased has no role or link in the Moosewala murder case. Twelve police teams have been formed to trace the alleged shooters, with two teams operating in Delhi and Amritsar. Hours after the shooting, gangster Doni Bal claimed responsibility for the killing in a Facebook post. The post read, I, Donibal, Saganpreet, Mohabbat Randhawa, Amar Khabe, Prabh Daswal, and Kaushal Chaudhary, take responsibility for the killing of Rana Balachauria during the Kabaddi Cup in Mohali. This man (Rana) was in contact with our rivals Jaggu and Lawrence. The post further stated that the Saganpreet gang is closely linked to the Bambiha or Gopi Ghanshampur factions. He had provided shelter to the killer of Sidhu Moosewala and personally looked after him. By killing Rana today, we have avenged the murder of our brother Sidhu Moosewala. This act was carried out by our brothers Makhan Amritsar and defaulter Karan, it read. The killing of Balachauria has revived memories of a similar incident three years ago, when another kabaddi player, Sandeep Nangal, was shot dead in Jalandhar district during a tournament at Mallian Kalan village. More recently, a 25-year-old kabaddi player, Teja Singh, was shot dead in broad daylight in Jagraon in October this year. Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP slammed the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government over the Mohali incident, alleging a total collapse of law and order in Punjab.
Army showcases drone carrying explosives targeting Adampur air base
NEW DELHI, Dec 15: In a powerful reminder of Indias air defence preparedness, the army on Monday put on public display a Turkish-origin drone used by Pakistani forces to target Jalandhar during Operation Sindoor, after it was shot down by Indian defences. The captured unmanned aerial vehicle was showcased at the Army House as part of the Vijay Diwas celebrations, marking the first public display of Pakistani military hardware by the army more than seven months after the ceasefire between [] The post Army showcases drone carrying explosives targeting Adampur air base appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kabaddi player shot dead in middle of Mohali tournament, gunmen open fire in packed arena
CHANDIGARH: A 30-year-old kabaddi player-cum-promoter died after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him after he arrived with his team to take part in a tournament in Mohali on Monday, police said. Kanwar Digvijay Singh alias Rana Balachauria was critically injured in the attack and was rushed to the Fortis Hospital in Mohali where he was declared dead, police said. The incident took place at Sohana in Mohali where a private kabaddi tournament had been going on for the past few days, SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans said. A statement issued by the hospital said, Mr Kanwar Digvijay Singh, a 30-year-old kabaddi player, was brought to the Fortis Hospital, Mohali, at 6:05 pm with gunshot injuries. Despite immediate clinical assessment, he was declared brought dead. The SSP told reporters that the assailants were 2-3 in number, who reportedly fled on a motorcycle after the incident. Asked if there was any enmity angle or gang rivalry behind the killing, the SSP said, The matter is under investigation. Punjab has become so unsafe that even a Kabaddi ground is no longer spared from bullets. At the Mohali Kabaddi tournament, Kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauria (Balraj Rana) was shot dead in front of players and spectators. This is not the first time. Earlier, Kabaddi pic.twitter.com/BMPF9f3iOs BJP Chandigarh (@BJP4Chandigarh) December 15, 2025 Some eyewitnesses told police that the attackers pretended to be fans and approached Rana to click selfies but opened fire soon after. The tournament was being held in a packed ground, where Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was also expected for the evening matches to give away prizes, they said. When Rana reached the ground, he was stopped by the attackers who requested for a selfie. We first thought firecrackers were being burst, an eyewitness said, referring to the gunshots. To scare the spectators, the attackers also fired in the air, he said. The killing brought back memories of three years ago when another kabaddi player, Sandeep Nangal, was shot dead in Jalandhar district in the middle of a tournament at Mallian Kalan village. More recently, a 25-year-old kabaddi player named Teja Singh was shot dead in broad daylight in Jagraon in October this year. The opposition Congress, SAD and BJP slammed the Bhagwant Mann government over the Mohali incident, alleging total collapse of law and order in the state under the AAP. Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said in a post on X, Open firing at a kabaddi tournament in Mohali, claiming the life of player Rana Balachauria, is a chilling reminder of @AAPPunjab's abject failure to maintain law and order. Bullets flying at public events are proof of governance collapse. Punjabis are being forced to live in fear. Senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said on X, Gunshots at the Mohali Kabaddi Cup in Sohana are a damning verdict on @BhagwantMann's total failure as CM and Home Minister. Bajwa, whos the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, claimed that sporting arenas have turned into shooting grounds while criminals roam with impunity. When bullets fly at public events, it's clear the state has lost control. This isn't governance, this is abdication. Punjab is paying the price for Mann's incompetence and misplaced priorities. Law and order has collapsed completely. How many more shots before accountability, he asked. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said the incident has once again shaken Punjab to its core. In a post in Punjabi on X, Badal said, Under the state's inept government, the morale of criminals has risen to such heights that they do not hesitate to fire shots even in the middle of a running match in front of the entire crowd. It is the incompetence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann that murders, extortions and numerous other terrorist incidents are happening daily in Punjab. Yet, instead of maintaining law and order, police are focused on implementing government orders related to political vendetta. Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma claimed the state has become so insecure today that even the kabaddi fields are no longer safe from bullets. The incident is even more heartbreaking because Rana had been married recently. A married life was mercilessly ended by gangster rule, Sharma said. He also said this was not the first such incident. Previously, kabaddi players Sandeep Nangal Ambian and Tejpal Singh were brutally murdered. All these events make one thing clear Punjab's players are also in the crosshairs of gangsters under the Bhagwant Mann government, Sharma said on X. Sharma also alleged that under Bhagwant Mann's failed leadership and Arvind Kejriwal's remote-control government run from Delhi, law and order in Punjab has completely collapsed. Criminals, gangsters, murderers and shooters are roaming freely without any fear, while the government is busy with advertisements and false claims. From villages to cities, from streets to stadiums there is an atmosphere of fear in Punjab today, he alleged.
Army displays reconstructed Turkish Yiha drone deployed by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor
The Indian Army showcased a Turkish Yiha drone downed during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan deployed these kamikaze drones against Indian installations. The displayed drone, launched from Lahore, was targeting Jalandhar. It carried 10 kg of explosives and was intercepted by Army Air Defence. India destroyed numerous such drones during recent hostilities. Vijay Diwas commemorates the 1971 war.
The Indian Army displayed a Turkish-made Yiha kamikaze drone, shot down on May 10 during a conflict with Pakistan. Launched from Lahore with a 10-kg explosive payload, the drone was intended for Jalandhar but was intercepted by Army Air Defence. Pakistan deployed numerous such drones during the clashes.
Schools in Jalandhar hit by bomb threat; evacuation ordered, searches on
JALANDHAR: A bomb threat sent into panic several schools here on Monday, with authorities evacuating students and launching anti-sabotage actions. Nothing suspicious has been found so far, an officer said. We were told that there had been some fault in the electricity and we were asked to pick up our children from the school, a parent told reporters. ACP (North) Sanjay Kumar, who was at KMV School, said, A threat was received on the school principal's email that the building would be blown up. He said the police searched the school premises immediately after the information was received. Anti-sabotage team also carried out a check in the premises, but nothing suspicious was found so far, Kumar said. He said there were other schools which received similar bomb threats. The Cyber Police teams are tracking the source of the mail, he said. On December 12, several schools in Amritsar were hit by a bomb threat, which later turned out to be a hoax. #WATCH | Jalandhar, Punjab: ACP North Jalandhar Sanjay Kumar says, The school received an email, and the principal also received a message containing a threat. The cyber team is investigating the email... The threat is that they want to demolish the school. https://t.co/W3Q8nRjd9o pic.twitter.com/F9d80znI9J ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2025
Punjab Gripped By Fear: Opposition Ahead Of Rural Body Polls
A day before rural polls in Punjab, incidents of crime in Jalandhar have been raised by the opposition to flag the law and order situation in the state.
Cash-strapped Punjab government hopes to generate Rs 3000 crore by selling land under OUVGL Scheme
CHANDIGARH: The cash-strapped AAP-led Punjab government, whose outstanding debt touched Rs 3.98 lakh crore till October this year, hopes to generate Rs 3,000 crore through monetisation. It has identified parcels of unused land to be developed and sold under the three-decade-old Optimum Utilisation of Vacant Government Lands (OUVGL) Scheme to fulfil its pre-poll promise of providing a Rs 1,100 per month honorarium to all women in the state. With only 14 months left for the Assembly elections, the move is aimed at tiding over the financial crisis. Most of these lands belong to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Employees and officers of the corporation have now decided to launch a protest movement against the sale of power sector land and assets, saying it will severely compromise future expansion of critical infrastructure such as substations, transmission corridors and power projects. Sources said a meeting of the empowered committee of the OUVGL, headed by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, was held on Thursday, during which the development costs and net revenue expected from disposing of several land pockets in Patiala, Bathinda, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar were discussed. It is estimated that Rs 2,789 crore could be generated from the sale of these land parcels belonging to PSPCL, the Health Department, the Transport Department, MARKFED, the Punjab Mandi Board, the Punjab Agro Industries Corporation and the Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Board. Of the Rs 3,000 crore the state hopes to generate from the sale of these assets, the maximum revenue of Rs 2,219.58 crore is expected to come from six PSPCL properties in Patiala, Bathinda, Ludhiana and Jalandhar that are being considered for disposal. These properties are proposed to be transferred to urban development authorities. The meeting also reviewed progress in retrieving land from various departments for transfer to these authorities, sources said. Discussions were also held on transferring a 57.82-acre site in Mullanpur Garibdas village in Mohali from the Forest Department to the urban development authority. The land was first transferred to PUDA in March 2004, but in October 2010 the empowered committee of PUDA approved its transfer to the Forest Department as it fell under a green belt where a nature park was later developed after compensatory afforestation. About 19 acres of the land were left untouched as they were encroached upon. As the land is not classified as forest land and was only used for compensatory afforestation, the government believes it can now be used for other activities. In lieu of this, compensatory afforestation would be carried out on a parcel of government land in Ludhiana, sources said. Meanwhile, officers and employees from various unions and associations of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited held a meeting. After detailed deliberations, all unions unanimously resolved to launch a joint protest movement against the sale of power sector land and assets. They expressed deep concern that the sale of valuable land would severely compromise future expansion of critical infrastructure such as substations, transmission corridors and power projects. The unions demanded that the government immediately withdraw the proposal and warned that any attempt to harm or compromise power sector assets would trigger immediate and statewide protests.
CHANDIGARH: A few days after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) objected to the Punjab governments proposed programme to celebrate Veer Bal Diwas in Ludhiana on December 12, the Akal Takht (highest temporal seat of Sikhs) has shot off a letter to all Sikh MPs, asking them to urge the Centre to rename Veer Bal Diwas as Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas. Sending these letters via email to the MPs, Akal Takht acting jathedar (high priest) Kuldip Singh Gargaj directed Sikh MPs to strongly represent Sikh sentiments in Parliament and press to officially declare the martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas as Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas. These letters have been sent to eleven Lok Sabha MPs from Punjab -- Dr Amar Singh from Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurjeet Singh Aujla from Amritsar, Harsimrat Kaur Badal from Bathinda, Malwinder Singh from Anandpur Sahib, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa from Gurdaspur, Gurmeet Singh from Sangrur, Sher Singh from Ferozepur, Sarabjit Singh from Faridkot, Charanjit Singh from Jalandhar, Amritpal Singh from Khadoor Sahib and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring from Ludhiana besides two Rajya Sabha MPs Vikramjit Singh and Harbhajan Singh. The letter has also been sent to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The letter states that the Union government has been observing the Sahibzadas martyrdom day as Veer Bal Diwas since 2022 which misrepresents Sikh ethos and tenets. Gargaj said that although the Sahibzadas were young in age at the time of their martyrdom, their sacrifice was no less significant than that of any adult. He added that devotees have been conveying their objections to this nomenclature, prompting the Akal Takht to act. On its instructions, the SGPC had already written to the Union government urging that the day be renamed Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas in line with Sikh beliefs, he said. The central government has designated December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Gobind Singhs sons Baba Fateh Singh and Baba Jorawar Singh. A few days back a controversy had erupted when the SGPC and other Sikh bodies objected to the proposal of the state government to celebrate Veer Bal Diwas in Ludhiana on December 12. They claimed that the event violated Sikh tenets, particularly the proposal to hold fancy-dress contests asking children to dress as the Sahibzadas, Mata Gujar Kaur or Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, an act they said hurts Sikh sentiments.
HSBC INDIA Expands its Presence in Gujarat with a New Branch in Vadodara
HSBC India on Saturday unveiled its new branch in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a significant step in its strategic expansion across the country. This launch signifies the banks 27th branch in India and its second in Gujarat, following Reserve Bank of Indias approval earlier this year to open 20 new bank branches in key cities. Chef Ranveer Brar, Her Highness Radhikaraje Gaekwad, Maharani of Baroda & Sandeep Batra, Head, International Wealth & Premier Banking, HSBC India, at the branch inauguration Vadodara, known for its rapid economic growth and industrial prowess, is emerging as a significant hub for wealth creation. The city is home to a burgeoning population of affluent, High Net Worth (HNW), Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW), and non-resident clients in one of Indias rapidly growing wealth and industrial hubs. HSBCs new branch is strategically positioned to meet the financial and wealth needs of this customer segment. The expansion reinforces HSBCs focus on the wealth opportunity in India, where it is the leading international bank offering a full spectrum of solutions and services to clients across International Wealth and Premier Banking, and Corporate and Institutional Banking. Commenting on the launch, Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India , said, As entrepreneurial spirit and innovation continue to drive economic growth and personal wealth, affluent customers are increasingly adopting a global outlook. They are seeking a trusted partner who is able to consistently serve them across jurisdictions. Our new branch in Vadodara reflects our commitment to being closer to our customers and delivering world-class banking solutions tailored to their unique needs. As the leading international bank in India, we remain focused on enabling our clients to unlock opportunities and achieve their aspirations, both in India and internationally . With this addition, HSBC now has a network of 27 branches across 15 cities in India. HSBC has maintained a strong presence in India for over 170 years, supporting customers in their financial journeys both locally and globally. Further HSBC India will open branches in Amritsar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Faridabad, Indore, Jalandhar, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Mysuru, Nagpur, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Patna, Rajkot, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram and Vishakhapatnam. About HSBC India HSBC India offers a full range of banking and financial services through 27 branches across 15 cities. HSBC is one of India's leading financial services groups, with around 44,000 employees in its banking, investment banking and capital markets, asset management, insurance, software development and global resourcing operations in the country. It is a leading custodian in India. The Bank is at the forefront in arranging deals for Indian companies investing overseas and foreign investments into the country. About HSBC Holdings plc HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 60 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,099bn at 30 September 2024, HSBC is one of the worlds largest banking and financial services organisations.
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
BJP to contest Punjab assembly polls alone, no alliance with Akali Dal: Union minister Bittu
CHANDIGARH: With fifteen months left for the assembly elections in Punjab, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu ruled out any possibility of an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), asserting that the BJP will contest all seats alone. Talking to the media here on Wednesday, Bittu said the party is confident of its growing strength in Punjab and will go solo in the electoral battle. The BJP will not form any alliance with the Akali Dal. We will contest the 2027 assembly polls on our own, he declared. The minister also commented on the ongoing student protests at Panjab University over the Senate elections, stating that the Centre has accepted nearly all student demands except for the announcement of the election dates. He added that the Vice Chancellor has already written to the Chancellor requesting the declaration of the schedule, which is expected soon. Meanwhile, days after sanctioning the Rajpura-Mohali railway link, the Railway Ministry has cleared another key project -- the 25.72-km-long Ferozepur-Patti rail line at an estimated cost of Rs 764.19 crore including Rs 166 crore towards land acquisition to be borne by the Railways. Bittu said that the project holds strategic and economic importance, significantly reducing the distance between Ferozepur and Amritsar from 196 km to about 100 km, and shortening the JammuFerozepurFazilkaMumbai corridor by 236 km. It will serve as a crucial link between the Malwa and Majha regions of Punjab, enhancing regional mobility and logistics efficiency. He added that the new rail line will connect the JalandharFerozepur and PattiKhemkaran routes, providing a direct and alternative connection close to the international border. Passing through areas of strategic defence significance, it will facilitate rapid movement of defence personnel, equipment, and supplies. Bittu said that beyond strategic benefits, the project promises significant socio-economic gains, benefiting nearly 10 lakh people and creating approximately 2.5 lakh employment opportunities. It will serve 2,5003,500 daily passengers, particularly students, employees, and patients from nearby villages. The rail link will spur trade and industrial growth, reduce freight transportation costs, and improve access to agricultural markets, thereby boosting investment in education, healthcare, and essential infrastructure. It will also link Amritsar, a major commercial, educational, and religious hub attracting over one lakh tourists daily, with Ferozepur, ensuring faster connectivity and stronger regional integration. Importantly, the new alignment will revive a historic route lost during partition, reducing the FerozepurKhemkaran distance from 294 km to 110 km. The line will also connect the border district directly with ports in Gujarat, giving a significant boost to trade in the region. Bittu accused the state government of delaying progress on the FerozepurPatti Rail Link Project by allegedly failing to respond to a letter from the Centre regarding land acquisition and implementation. This project was cleared on October 27, and the very next day, we sent a letter to the Punjab Chief Secretary, urging the state government to step up efforts for implementation and expedite land acquisition. We specifically requested the AAP government not to create further hurdles and to direct its officers to act swiftly. It has now been 14 days, and we have not received any response from the Punjab Chief Secretary. I do not want to go further into it as I want to maintain a positive approach towards this project, he said.
Indian student visa rejections in Canada soar to record 74 percent
The clampdown on international students by Canada has hit Indian applicants the hardest. Indian students once made up the largest group of foreign students pursuing higher education in the country. However, approximately 74 percent of Indian study permit applications in August this year were rejected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a sharp increase from the 32 percent refusal rate reported in the same month in 2023. Meanwhile, both governments have signaled a desire to restore normal relations amid ongoing scrutiny and new immigration controls. In August this year, out of 4,515 applications filed by Indian students, only 1,196 were approved. The number of Indian student applications submitted fell from 20,900 in August 2023 to 4,515 this year. The surge in rejections is closely tied to Canadas broader immigration policy overhaul, which targets fraud and seeks to control international student numbers. In 2023, authorities uncovered 1,550 fraudulent study permit applications, mostly from India, and more than 14,000 potentially fake documents were flagged due to enhanced verification. Ottawa has proposed new powers to cancel groups of temporary visas over fraud concerns (Bill C-12). India and Bangladesh were described as country-specific challenges in internal documents. This is impacting Canadian universities: for example, the University of Waterloo has seen its enrollment of Indian students drop by two-thirds over about three years. Similar declines have been reported at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. Universities say visa caps and increased scrutiny have affected campus diversity. This year, the international student cap was lowered to 437,000 permits, a 10 percent reduction from last years 485,000 and a 35 percent cut from prior peak levels. Visa allocations to Indian applicants were projected to fall by 31 percent. In the first half of this year alone, nearly 90,000 fewer permits were issued compared to last year, with Indian applications and approvals dropping sharply. The overall rejection rate for all countries hovered around 40 percent. Among these, Chinese applicants faced a 24 percent refusal rate, while Indian applicants faced more intense scrutiny. International students contribute roughly $22 billion annually to Canadas economy, but the shrinking Indian student segment is adversely impacting Canadian colleges budgets. Processing delays have also increased, with Temporary Resident Visa processing times rising from 30 to 54 days, and approvals falling from 63,000 in January last year to 48,000 in June. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that Canada still wants Indian students but must protect system integrity. The Indian Embassy in Ottawa acknowledged the high rejection rates but emphasized the quality of Indian students: Some of the best students in the world are from India, and Canadian institutions have greatly benefited from their talent and academic excellence in the past. A Jalandhar-based travel agent, Brijesh Mishra, was accused of selling fake admission letters from Canadian colleges. When Canadian authorities verified the papers, many students faced deportation. Last year, Mishra pleaded guilty in a British Columbia court to fraud charges but fled back to India. He was arrested by the Punjab Police at Delhis IGI Airport in June this year upon returning from Canada. As a result of these restrictions, many Indian students are now looking toward Australia and the United Kingdom, where Indian student visa approvals have increased by 20 percent and 15 percent, respectively, this year.
Gunmen Storm Jewellery Store In Punjab's Jalandhar, Escape With Ornaments, Cash | Video
Three armed robbers looted cash and gold ornaments from a jewellery shop in Punjabs Jalandhar on Thursday morning after threatening the owners son at gunpoint.
Foggy Season Alert: Railways Cancels 16 Trains For Three Months. Check List
Indian Railways cancels key trains, including JalandharDelhi Superfast Express, from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, due to dense fog, impacting thousands of passengers.
Dr Ranjit honoured with award for works in knee replacement surgery
Excelsior Correspondent JALANDHAR, Oct 25: The renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Ranjit Singh was today conferred with the Excellence Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of knee replacement surgery, particularly for his innovation and mastery in the Zero Technique, a procedure powered by Artificial Intelligence. The award was presented by Governor of Sikkim, Gurbachan Jagat. The event also witnessed the esteemed presence of Punjab Governor, Gulab Chand Kataria, who addressed the gathering and lauded Dr Singhs dedication and precision [] The post Dr Ranjit honoured with award for works in knee replacement surgery appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Post-Diwali haze engulfs Delhi and neighbouring states as air quality dips sharply
Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air pollution, with air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category across several areas on Wednesday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 7:00 am, the AQI in Delhis RK Puram was recorded at 380, while Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar both stood at 355. Other severely affected locations included Bawana (376), Dwarka Sector 8 (353), ITO (362), and Nehru Nagar, which reported one of the highest levels at 394. In Chandni Chowk, the AQI remained 'very poor' at 332, while around Akshardham, it reached 360, also falling in the 'very poor' range. 'Air is grey, lungs are black, BJP's accountability invisible': Congress on Delhi's worsening air quality Neighbouring Haryana is facing similar challenges. At 9:00 am, Dharuhera in Rewari district recorded an AQI of 382. Other areas in the 'very poor' category included Narnaul (367), Jind (367), Charkhi Dadri (362), Rohtak (358), Yamunanagar (347), Fatehabad (320), and Ballabhgarh (318). Several cities in Haryana fell into the 'poor' category, including Bahadurgarh (272), Gurugram (290), Karnal (243), Bhiwani (298), Faridabad (218), Kaithal (237), Kurukshetra (226), and Sonipat (285). In Punjab, air quality was relatively better but still concerning. Amritsar recorded a 'poor' AQI of 253, followed by Jalandhar (261), Ludhiana (234), and Patiala (207). Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded an AQI of 169, placing it in the moderate range but still below healthy air quality standards. According to the CPCB classification, AQI values are categorized as follows: 050 (good), 51100 (satisfactory), 101200 (moderate), 201300 (poor), 301400 (very poor), 401450 (severe), and above 450 (severe plus). (With inputs from ANI, PTI) Supreme contempt of the court
Delhi and neighbouring states choke under 'very poor' air quality, pollution levels remain alarming
Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air pollution, with air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category across several areas on Wednesday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 7:00 am, the AQI in Delhis RK Puram was recorded at 380, while Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar both stood at 355. Other severely affected locations included Bawana (376), Dwarka Sector 8 (353), ITO (362), and Nehru Nagar, which reported one of the highest levels at 394. In Chandni Chowk, the AQI remained 'very poor' at 332, while around Akshardham, it reached 360, also falling in the 'very poor' range. 'Air is grey, lungs are black, BJP's accountability invisible': Congress on Delhi's worsening air quality Neighbouring Haryana is facing similar challenges. At 9:00 am, Dharuhera in Rewari district recorded an AQI of 382. Other areas in the 'very poor' category included Narnaul (367), Jind (367), Charkhi Dadri (362), Rohtak (358), Yamunanagar (347), Fatehabad (320), and Ballabhgarh (318). Several cities in Haryana fell into the 'poor' category, including Bahadurgarh (272), Gurugram (290), Karnal (243), Bhiwani (298), Faridabad (218), Kaithal (237), Kurukshetra (226), and Sonipat (285). In Punjab, air quality was relatively better but still concerning. Amritsar recorded a 'poor' AQI of 253, followed by Jalandhar (261), Ludhiana (234), and Patiala (207). Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded an AQI of 169, placing it in the moderate range but still below healthy air quality standards. According to the CPCB classification, AQI values are categorized as follows: 050 (good), 51100 (satisfactory), 101200 (moderate), 201300 (poor), 301400 (very poor), 401450 (severe), and above 450 (severe plus). (With inputs from ANI, PTI) Supreme contempt of the court
Air quality 'very poor' in many parts of Haryana; Bahadurgarh, Gurugram, worst
Air quality in Haryana has dipped into the 'very poor' category, with Bahadurgarh recording the highest AQI at 358. Neighbouring Punjab also experiences 'poor' air quality, with Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana showing AQI levels above 200. These readings indicate significant pollution levels across the region.
Farm fires in Pakistans Punjab worsen air quality across region, says experts
CHANDIGARH: Farmers in Punjab are not solely responsible for the regions worsening air quality, as stubble-burning incidents are rising in both Indian and Pakistan's Punjab. Experts say Pakistans contribution to pollution is significant, with farm fires much higher there compared to India. Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environmental Health at PGIMER Chandigarh and nodal officer for the Centre of Excellence on Climate Change and Air Pollution, said recent satellite analysis shows a 10-fold difference in stubble-burning hotspots: between October 9 and 18, Pakistans Punjab recorded 2,009 farm fires, while Indian Punjab had only 189. The main hotspots in Pakistan's Punjab are Okara, Kasur, and Pakpattan, with Okara alone accounting for nearly 35% of all detected fires. Northwest-to-southeast wind patterns, combined with the flat terrain of the Punjab plains, allow smoke and fine particulate matter to travel freely into southeastern India, worsening air quality. During the winter months, air pollution intensifies across the Indo-Gangetic plains due to the interplay of meteorological and human factors. The lack of rainfall, which normally helps clean the air, and soil resuspension from loosened agricultural land, adds to particulate loading in both urban and rural areas. Dr Khaiwal emphasised that air pollution does not respect geopolitical boundaries and called for coordinated transboundary strategies. While Indian states like Punjab and Haryana have successfully controlled agricultural residue fires, similar measures are needed in Pakistan's Punjab. Although stubble-burning incidents in Indian Punjab have declined, air quality levels have not improved correspondingly. Some fires may occur in conditions that evade satellite detection. Recent satellite images show thick smoke plumes drifting eastward, indicating a wider regional issue. 241 stubble burning cases in Punjab from September 15 to October 18: Data According to official records, 33 stubble-burning incidents were reported yesterday in the state, the highest this kharif season. A total of 241 farm fire incidents have been recorded so far, largely due to delayed paddy harvesting. Tarn Taran reported 23 new cases, while Amritsar recorded three, bringing the total incidents in Tarn Taran to 88 and in Amritsar to 80. The worst air quality index (AQI) yesterday was in Mandi Gobindgarh (231), followed by Jalandhar (148), Ludhiana (116), and Patiala (101). There has been an 83% decrease in stubble-burning cases compared to the same period in previous years, when 1,348 and 1,407 incidents were reported from September 15 to October 18 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Punjab government has decided to take stricter action against farmers who burn crop residue. District officials have been instructed to withdraw government scheme benefits from violators, including pensions and even arms licenses. Anganwadi workers are being deployed to spread awareness, and announcements are being made from religious places, mainly Gurdwaras. Students are also being sensitised to discourage parents from burning stubble. Police have registered 119 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience related to stubble burning. The Revenue Department has made 81 red entries in the land records of violators. The Punjab Pollution Control Board has imposed fines totalling Rs 5.15 lakh in 104 cases, of which Rs 3.65 lakh has been recovered.
Delhi Police nabs 12 in nationwide cyber fraud racket defrauding victims of Rs 2.6 crore
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police has arrested 12 members of a well-organised cybercrime network allegedly involved in digital arrest frauds, fake investment rackets and online romance scams, which defrauded victims of over Rs 2.6 crore, an official said on Friday. The arrests came following a week-long coordinated operation, spanning Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, he said. In one case in south Delhi, an elderly victim was defrauded of Rs 42.49 lakh after fraudsters, posing as police officials, falsely accused him of money laundering and coerced him into transferring funds. Three men were arrested from Pali, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, while Rs 7.08 lakh was recovered and refunded through court orders. In Agra, Uttar Pradesh, two persons were arrested for allegedly defrauding a victim of Rs 40.27 lakh through an online romance and investment scam. The accused, police said, used social media to lure the victim with promises of marriage and high investment returns. One of them, Devender Kumar, had opened multiple bank accounts to hide the source of ill-gotten money by doing a series of transactions. His associate Shivam alias Ashu was found involved in several criminal cases. As long as the cybercriminals business model works, companies are vulnerable to attack A separate team apprehended a key facilitator from Jalandhar, Punjab, who had supplied multiple mule bank accounts for cyber frauds. The accused, Anil, was found linked to earlier cases of similar nature registered in Punjab. In another operation in Una, Himachal Pradesh, police arrested Naman Puri (26), who was allegedly part of a digital arrest scam where victims were conned by fake TRAI and police officials. The complainant had lost Rs 30 lakh, of which Rs 11 lakh has been recovered, police said. In Meerut, Md Parvez was arrested in connection with an online investment scam that defrauded a teacher. Of Rs 33.9 lakh lost in the scam, Rs 1.75 lakh was recovered. Parvez allegedly handed over his bank account to an associate for commission-based fraudulent transactions. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Heres how to stay safe from scams Two more accused, identified as Deepak Saini and Mudit Arora, were nabbed from Saharanpur for duping an IT professional of Rs 29.74 lakh in a stock market investment fraud. They allegedly posed as SEBI and Morgan Stanley officials to convince the victim to invest in a fake AI-enabled trading platform, police said in an official statement. In Kanpur, police arrested Mehvish Akhtar in connection with a share market scam involving multiple layered transactions amounting to Rs 31 lakh, while in Mahoba, Neelesh Kumar was held for a similar fake investment fraud of Rs 26.9 lakh. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Aditya Gautam said that over Rs 2.61 crore was involved in the frauds linked to the arrested accused, and technical surveillance and financial tracking were crucial in identifying their movements. Myanmar scam centres booming despite crackdown, using Musk's Starlink: Investigation
Samba police recovers missing girl from Jalandhar
Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Oct 14: Samba police has recovered a missing minor girl from Jalandhar (Punjab) in a kidnapping case registered at Police Station (PS), Bari Brahmana. Police said on October 13, a written complaint was lodged at Police Station (PS) Bari Brahmana by the mother of missing minor girl, a resident of Bari Brahmana district Samba, stating therein that her daughter, of 13 years of age, had gone missing from home. All efforts were made out by the family [] The post Samba police recovers missing girl from Jalandhar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: The body of deceased Haryana IPS officer, Y Puran Kumar, who committed suicide, has been shifted to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) for postmortem autopsy by the Chandigarh Police. The family of the officer accused the police of shifting the body without consulting them and said they had not given consent for the autopsy . The medical board hasn't conducted the autopsy yet. The body was kept at the Government Multi-Specialty Hospital in Sector 16. Amit Rattan, AAP MLA from Bathinda (Rural) and brother-in-law of the deceased officer, said, The Chandigarh Police have shifted the body without asking us. Five days have passed since a senior IPS officer died, but we have not got justice yet. DGP of Chandigarh Police, Sagar Preet Hooda, today visited the residence of Amneet P Kumar and, after meeting the family, he said that the police have requested the family to get the post-mortem done as early as possible. The post-mortem will be conducted only after the family gives its consent. Asked why the family members have not given their consent till now, Hooda said they have some grievances, which are being discussed. When questioned why the police have not added the names of the alleged suspects to the FIR lodged in the case, he said an investigation is underway. A special investigation team headed by an IG-rank officer has been formed for the probe, said Hooda. He further said, The autopsy will be conducted at the PGIMER for which a board has been constituted comprising a magistrate, forensic experts, and doctors. Also, Videography and photography will be done. Hooda, however, said the post-mortem will be conducted only after the family gives its consent. After the registration of the FIR, Kumar's wife, Amneet, on Friday, had claimed it contained 'incomplete information', and sought its amendment to accurately reflect the names of all the accused. In the column meant for naming the accused, the FIR mentions as per the 'final note'. In a letter to Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, Amneet also sought an amendment of the diluted sections of the SC/ST Act which have been added to the FIR. In his eight-page 'final note', Kumar named eight senior IPS officers, including Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur and Rohtak SP Narendra Bijarniya, for allegedly harassing and maligning him. Kumar, a 2001-batch Indian Police Service officer, allegedly shot himself dead at his Sector 11 residence here on Tuesday. He had left behind a 'final note' accusing eight senior police officers of blatant caste-based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation, and atrocities. Haryana government considers DGP replacement amid controversy over dalit IPS officer's death Chandigarh Police on Friday constituted the six-member SIT headed by IG Pushpendra Kumar for a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation into the officer's death in a time-bound manner. Kumar was recently posted as Inspector General of the Police Training Centre in Rohtak's Sunaria. Four days after Kumar died, the Haryana Government took its first action in the case by transferring Superintendent of Police of Rohtak Narendra Bijarniya on Saturday and appointed Surinder Singh Bhoria in his place. The order issued today said that Bijarniya's posting orders would be issued separately. Bijarniya, a 2015-batch IPS officer, was among the police officials named in the final note recovered from Kumars pocket. Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has written a letter to senior IAS officer Amneet, the wife of deceased IPS officer Kumar. Sonia expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved family. The news of the tragic death of your husband and senior IPS officer, Mr Y. Puran Kumar, is both shocking and deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family in this time of immense difficulty, she wrote. She added, The passing of Y. Puran Kumar is a reminder to us that even today, the prejudiced and biased attitude of those in power deprives even the most senior officials of social justice. I and Millions of people in the country stand with you on this path to justice. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi have also condemned Kumars suicide and the circumstances that drove him to take the drastic step. While two Congress MPs, Deepinder Hooda Member of Parliament from Rohtak in Haryana, Randeep Singh Surjewala Rajaya Sabha Member of Parliament and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi Member of Parliament from Jalandhar in Punjab, today met the family members of the deceased officer and assured full support to them. Haryana Transport Minister, Anil Vij met the family. The death of Kumar has brought national attention to questions about caste bias and workplace harassment.
Bollywood Actor Varinder Singh Ghuman Dies of Heart Attack at 42
His nephew Amanjot Singh Ghuman told reporters in Jalandhar that the actor suffered a heart attack in the hospital around 5 pm.
Punjabi Bodybuilder and Actor Varinder Singh Ghuman Dies of Heart Attack in Amritsar
Chandigarh, Oct 9: Renowned vegetarian bodybuilder and Bollywood actor Varinder Singh Ghuman passed away on Thursday following a heart attack. He was admitted to a private hospital in Amritsar on Wednesday but succumbed during treatment, officials said. A native of Jalandhar, Ghuman, around 40, was a former Mr. India titleholder and had acted alongside Salman [] The post Punjabi Bodybuilder and Actor Varinder Singh Ghuman Dies of Heart Attack in Amritsar appeared first on Northlines .
Punjab Police Foils ISI-Backed BKI Plot, Recovers 2.5 Kg IED
New Delhi, Oct 9: In a significant intelligence-led operation, Punjab Polices Counter-Intelligence unit in Jalandhar successfully busted a terror module linked to the Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), officials confirmed on Thursday. During the operation, authorities recovered 2.5 kilograms of IED, reportedly intended for a targeted terror attack, and apprehended two operatives associated with the [] The post Punjab Police Foils ISI-Backed BKI Plot, Recovers 2.5 Kg IED appeared first on Northlines .
Punjab Police busts Babbar Khalsa terror module; 2 arrested from Jalandhar, IED seized
Chandigarh, Oct 9: Punjab Police on Thursday claimed to have busted a Babbar Khalsa International terror module with the arrest of two persons from Jalandhar, and seized an RDX-fitted improvised explosive device along with a remote control. The improvised explosive device (IED) was intended for a targeted terror attack, DGP Gaurav Yadav said. In a major breakthrough against Pakistans ISI-backed terror network, the Counter Intelligence, Jalandhar, busts a Babbar Khalsa International terror module operated by UK-based handlers Nishan Jaurian and [] The post Punjab Police busts Babbar Khalsa terror module; 2 arrested from Jalandhar, IED seized appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NIA Chargesheets Four In Jalandhar Grenade Attack
National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against four people, including Khalistani operatives, for their alleged involvement in a grenade attack on the residence of former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalia in Jalandhar, officials said on Sunday.
NIA chargesheets 4, including Khalistani operatives, for attack on ex-Punjab minister's house
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted four individuals, including Khalistani operatives, for a grenade attack on former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalia's house in Jalandhar on April 7, 2025. Two arrested and two absconders, linked to the proscribed Babbar Khalsa International, conspired to create fear and extort funds.
Tension in Jalandhar After Clash Over I Love Muhammad Campaign Arrests
Brief unrest erupted as two communities clashed during a protest march; police register FIR, MLA Pargat Singh appeals for peace
The Jalandhar Police uniquely celebrated Dussehra by burning four effigies instead of the usual three. The police marked the fourth effigy as drugs, making them a symbol of evil.
Symbolic Blow Against 'Demon Of Drugs': Punjab Police Mark Dussehra With Fourth Effigy
Police in Jalandhar district have introduced a powerful symbolic gesture: installation and burning of a fourth effigya representation of the 'Demon of Drugs'(NasheyanDa Rakshas)
Vivek Gupta elected President of Indian Newspaper Society
Vivek Gupta of Sanmarg , a Hindi daily headquartered in Kolkata, has been elected President of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) for 202526. The INS is the apex body of publishers of newspapers, magazines, and periodicals in India. Gupta was elected at the 86th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the INS, held on Thursday through video conferencing and other audio-visual means. He succeeds M.V. Shreyams Kumar of Mathrubhumi . The AGM also confirmed other key appointments. Karan Rajendra Darda of Lokmat was elected Deputy President, Tanmay Maheshwari of Amar Ujala was named Vice-President, and Anant Nath of Grihshobhika was appointed Honorary Treasurer of the Society for 202526. Mary Paul is the Secretary-General of the Society. Having previously served as vice president and honorary treasurer of INS, Gupta became the first president from eastern India to helm the organisation in 32 years, a statement from INS said. In his presidential address, Kumar lauded the indomitable resilience of the Indian newspaper industry amid global adversities, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The members of the Executive Committee of the INS for the year 2025-26 are, S Balasubramanian Adityan (Daily Thanthi), Girish Agarwal (Dainik Bhaskar, Bhopal), Samahit Bal (Pragativadi), Samudra Bhattacharya (Hindustan Times, Patna), Hormusji N. Cama (Bombay Samachar), Gaurav Chopra (Filmi Duniya), Vijay Kumar Chopra (Punjab Kesari, Jalandhar), Vijay Jawaharlal Darda (Lokmat, Nagpur), Jagjit Singh Dardi (Charhdikala Daily), Pallavi S. Dempo (The Navhind Times), Viveck Goenka (The Indian Express, Mumbai), Mahendra Mohan Gupta (Dainik Jagran), Yogesh P. Jadhav (Pudhari), Pratap G. Pawar (Sakal), Sowbhagyalakshmi Kanekal Tilak (Mayura), and Mohit Jain (Economic Times).
Railway ministry approves Rajpura-Mohali line, proposes new Vande Bharat train for Punjab
NEW DELHI: After five decades of persistent demand, the Ministry of Railways has approved the long-awaited RajpuraMohali railway line in Punjab and proposed a new Vande Bharat train for the state as part of railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 25,000 crore currently under execution. Speaking to the media on Tuesday at Rail Bhawan, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially announced the RajpuraMohali railway line. He also revealed that a proposal for a new Vande Bharat Express, running from Firozpur Cantt to Delhi via Bathinda and Patiala, has been prepared and is expected to be approved soon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Punjab has got nearly a 24 times hike in its budget allocation under the present government since 2014. Now, Punjab has got over Rs 5,000 crore of the Railway budget compared to earlier which used to be around Rs 225 crore before 2014. Now, PM Modi ji has increased the Railway budget 24 times from earlier, Vaishnaw said. He explained that the new 18-kilometre railway line would connect Chandigarh via the Jalandhar route, significantly shortening the previously longer journey between the two locations. This new railway line will be constructed at a cost of Rs 443 crore. The minister added that a new Vande Bharat train would soon be launched for Punjab. At present, five pairs of Vande Bharat trains are operating in the state. Additionally, one pair of Amrit Bharat trains is in service, covering six districts with eight unique stoppages. Punjab has achieved 100% electrification of its 1,634 km railway track network, and 30 stations are currently being developed as Amrit Stations under a national modernisation scheme. The Railway Minister also noted that since 2014, the Government of India has completed 10 mega railway projects, with seven more currently under execution.
Centre's refusal to allow Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan sparks outrage in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: Citing security concerns, the Union Government has denied permission for a Sikh jatha (group of pilgrims) to visit Pakistan for the Parkash Parb (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, in November this year. This move has triggered a political row in Punjab, with all major political parties criticizing the BJP-led central government and accusing it of double standardsparticularly in light of the government allowing a T-20 cricket match between India and Pakistan in Dubai. A letter sent on September 12 to the Punjab Chief Secretary and also to other neighboring states including Haryana and Delhi, stated: Considering the prevailing security scenario with Pakistan, it would not be possible to send the Sikh pilgrims jatha to Pakistan on the occasion of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jis Gurpurab in November 2025. We request that Sikh organizations in your state be informed, and that the processing of jatha applications be stopped immediately. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), questioned the rationale behind the decision. Speaking to the media at his official residence, Mann said, If you can allow a cricket match between India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup, why should Punjabis' devotion towards their shrines in Pakistan be ignored? Either allow all kinds of engagements with Pakistan or dont allow any. You cant have cricket ties with Pakistanbecause the ICC is headed by 'bade sahib ke ladle' (a jibe at Jay Shah, President of the International Cricket Council and son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah)and at the same time, tell Sikhs they cant visit Pakistan due to deteriorating bilateral relations following Operation Sindoor. Mann demanded the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and permission for Sikh jathas to pay obeisance at their most revered shrines: Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib. He said he would be writing to the Centre on this issue soon. While the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor remains closed, trade via Wagah is shut, and Sikh pilgrims cannot travel to Pakistan, trade from Gujarat and Mumbai to Karachi is allowed. Does this not reflect the BJPs anti-Punjab and anti-Punjabi mentality? Perhaps they hate Punjabis because Punjabi farmers forced them to withdraw the three farm laws, he alleged. Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal took to X to urge Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the Centre's decision. Sikh pilgrims are eager to pay homage at Sri Nankana Sahib, and denying them would hurt their religious sentiments. In light of the resumption of sporting ties between Pakistan and India, I also appeal for the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor, he noted. Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment, Pargat Singh, also wrote on X: Nanak Naam Leva Sangat across the world holds deep reverence for the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Denying jathas permission to pay obeisance there, while allowing cricket with Pakistan, reflects a painful inconsistency in priorities.... A nation that takes pride in its diversity should not place financial interests above religious sentiments. Punjabs voice deserves fairness, dignity, and equal treatment, he added. In July this year, the SGPC had begun collecting passports of intending devotees and sending applications to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for the necessary visas for the 10-day pilgrimage. The SGPC had also been unable to send pilgrims to Pakistan for the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in June this year due to similar concerns. Condemning the Centres refusal, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said: This decision is an insult to the religious sentiments of Sikh pilgrims. While cricket matches are being played between India and Pakistan, pilgrims wishing to visit their religious shrines are being denied this right in the name of security. He appealed to the Union Government to reconsider the decision, pointing out that the Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan has been a long-standing tradition, with jathas visiting for Guru Nanak's birth anniversary for decades. Since Partition, Indian Sikhs have been allowed to visit their religious shrines in Pakistan without interruption. This is the first time such a situation has occurred, Dhami added. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year, in which 26 people were killed, the Union Government imposed stricter travel restrictions, barring Indian citizens from traveling to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah borders Joint Integrated Check Post (JICP). In response, Pakistan suspended all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Indian nationals, except for Sikh pilgrims.
Indian women trafficked to Malaysia on visa-free entry for domestic work
CHANDIGARH: It is not only Gulf countries where women from India, who had gone there on the pretext of a job offer, got trapped; Malaysia has now become the new destination. Women, especially from Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, are being taken to this Southeast Asian nation with promises of legitimate domestic work. Travel agents use the visa-free entry route to lure them, after which they are forced to live and work in conditions described as unstable and precarious. In an advisory issued on September 9 this year, the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur (Labour Wing), in a document titled Indian nationals getting stranded in Malaysia, a copy of which is with this newspaper, stated: The majority of the affected individuals are unskilled/semi-skilled labourers and hail from several states in India including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. They are invariably misled with false promises of employment by unscrupulous agents in India and Malaysia. The following issues of concern came to the notice of the High Commission: Indian nationals travelling under the pretext of tourism but intending to look for employment are often denied entry on arrival. Those who manage to enter the country often overstay beyond 30 days and are thus declared illegal. Entry is also refused to those Indian nationals who are genuine tourists but fail to provide valid documentation, including return tickets, proof of accommodation, and financial means, it stated. It further read: It has been observed that unscrupulous agents in India and Malaysia entice a number of Indian nationals with prospects of employment and arrange their travel to Malaysia on the pretext of tourism to get visa-free entry and stay for 30 days in Malaysia. Such individuals become illegal after expiry of 30 days and are thus vulnerable to various forms of exploitation locally. They are also subjected to detention, imprisonment and associated legal actions by Malaysian enforcement agencies. The High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur has further advised all State Governments, Protectors of Emigrants (PoE) and immigration officers to issue public advisories and exercise strict scrutiny of Indian nationals, especially ECR passport holders, departing to Malaysia from international airports including Trichy, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Cochin, Bengaluru and Amritsar. It has also been stated that passengers deceived by agents should be encouraged to provide full details of such agents, and that information may be compiled and shared with state and central government authorities for appropriate action. The state governments of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have been requested to initiate extensive awareness campaigns by disseminating correct travel procedures and highlighting the risks associated with misuse of visa-free entry to Malaysia for employment purposes. A statement issued by the High Commission also said that a significant number of Indian female domestic workers are being brought into Malaysia through channels in violation of both Indian and Malaysian immigration and employment laws. As per the guidelines laid down by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, India is one of the nine countries approved for the recruitment of foreign domestic helpers (FDH). Malaysian employers intending to hire Indian domestic workers are required to obtain a Visa with Reference (VDR) from the Immigration Department of Malaysia. Based on the VDR, the prospective worker applies for an employment visa at the Malaysian High Commission or Consulate in India. Upon arrival in Malaysia, the employer is responsible for converting the VDR into a temporary employment visit pass, it read. It further stated: However, it has been observed that many Indian domestic workers are being brought into Malaysia by agents using visa-free entry, thereby violating the established procedures. Indian emigration guidelines do not permit recruitment of Indian women who are below 30 years of age and hold ECR (Emigration Check Required) category passports to take up overseas employment as domestic workers. Sources said that in July this year, a 39-year-old woman from India was beaten, locked in a hotel room and forced into prostitution. She was rescued during a raid by the Malaysian police in Kuala Lumpur city centre. She had arrived in Malaysia on July 11 after being promised work as a domestic helper, only to be held captive and exploited. Speaking to this newspaper, Yashu Deep Singh, Protector of Emigrants, Chandigarh, said that earlier reports were being received regarding women being rescued from Gulf countries who had paid around 50,000 to 1 lakh to agents based in Dubai on tourist visas and were then pushed further to other countries such as Oman on the pretext of domestic help jobs but were exploited. We are getting reports of 20 to 30 such cases per year from the Consulate General of India, Dubai. However, once these rescued women are repatriated back, they do not give complaints against the unscrupulous agents, which is necessary to initiate action against such agents. The advisory from the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur is also on these lines to avoid the trap of unscrupulous agents and always rely on Ministry-approved recruiting agents for overseas employment opportunities. The list of such registered agents is publicly available on www.emigrate.gov.in, he said. Five Common Service Centre-Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras established in Punjab Five Common Service Centre-Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (CSC-PBSKs) have been established in Punjab by the Protector of Emigrants (PoE). These will provide citizen-friendly eMigrate web-portal related services and strengthen outreach to aspiring youth at the grassroots level. The centres will be located in Rupnagar, Mohali, Hoshiarpur, and two in Jalandhar. Yashu Deep Singh, Protector of Emigrants, Chandigarh, said that the CSC-PBSKs will serve as extended arms of the PoE and will function as information, facilitation and grievance-redressal platforms for the general public. These centres will provide guidance and assistance on a wide range of emigration-related matters, primarily related to overseas employment. These centres will provide assistance regarding details of Registered Recruiting Agents (RAs), Emigration Clearances (ECs), and facilitation of public grievances against registered or illegal recruiting agents (IRAs). They will also give guidance to intending emigrants/applicants regarding overseas job opportunities, scheduled RA interviews, and recruitment procedures, and support in verifying the authenticity and licence status of RAs through the official eMigrate portal. They will also raise awareness on safe, legal and transparent mobility channels, discouraging irregular migration practices. Besides, they will provide assistance regarding Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) insurance services, information on Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR) registration, and related facilities, he said.
The victim, Meena Kumari, boarded an autorickshaw from Jalandhar bypass to catch a bus from Phillaur.
Indian youths caught in crossfire of Russia-Ukraine war seek Centre's help to rescue them
CHANDIGARH: Young men from Punjab, Haryana and Jammu who were caught in the crossfire of Russia-Ukraine war have sent an SOS pleading to rescue them at the earliest. In video messages shared by these youths, they could be seen dressed in Russian military uniforms and pleading for urgent intervention by the Indian government to rescue them. We are being grossly mistreated. We're being sent to the frontline daily and we're starving, said one Samarjeet Singh from Ludhiana. Another youth Buta Singh, claimed some among them had already died in the war. He added that they were promised work in Moscow but recruited in the Russian army. The situation is dire, get us out immediately, he pleaded. Echoing the same view, Sumeet Sharma from Jammu said that they have been deceived by travel agents. 23-year-old Ankit Jangra from Kumharia village in Fatehabad district said that he and 12 others from India are now trapped in Russia. Vijay Poonia of the same village is also trapped with Ankit and fighting for the Russian army. Both Ankit and Vijay had gone to Russia on student visas to study the Russian language. Lamenting lack of effective action from the Indian government, Jagdeep Singh, whose brother Mandeep is among the missing said,`` Since July this year, these new recruitments have taken place, and the stranded youths have been making frantic calls to the Indian embassy in Russia, but there has been little response. Family members of these youth allege that compensation for youths killed in the war or pensions for injured ones are being siphoned off by the agents. Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment Pargat Singh, who brought these family members to Chandigarh to press for action, criticized both the Centre and the state government for failing to identify arrest the travel agents. ``The continuous inaction of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Moscow constitutes a breach of duty and dereliction of responsibility. As government agencies persist in issuing ineffective advisories, our youths are dying on foreign battlefields while families are left unsupported, uninformed, and denied even the dignity of adequate investigation or compensation, he said. Singh claimed that in July this year 15 Punjabi youths were taken to Russia under false job promises. By August, five were dead, three missing, and seven were forcibly conscripted. At least126 youths from across north India remain trapped in Russia and about 15 are missing, he said. These are not isolated cases of fraud this is a coordinated, large-scale operation that the Indian system has utterly failed to acknowledge or combat. The Punjab Governments ongoing delay in prosecuting the agents whose criminal exploitation even robs families of death benefits and insurance payouts is inexcusable and unacceptable, he further added. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal meanwhile emphasized that India has repeatedly raised the issue with Moscow and urged families to maintain close contact with the authorities. We have seen reports about Indian nationals having been recruited recently into the Russian Army. The government has, on several occasions over the past year, underlined the risks and dangers inherent in this course of action and cautioned Indian citizens accordingly. We have also taken up the matter with Russian officials, both in Delhi and Moscow, demanding an end to this practice and the release of our nationals. We are also in touch with the families of the affected Indian citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also raised the issue during his visit to Russia last year.
Punjab police bust two cross-border arms smuggling modules; 33 weapons recovered, eight arrested
CHANDIGARH: In two separate operations, Punjab police seized a cache of arms and ammunition and arrested eight alleged accused. In the operations, 33 sophisticated weapons were recovered. In one of the operations, the state police busted a cross-border arms smuggling module near Muhar Jamsher village, close to the Indo-Pak border, in Fazilka, arresting two weapon suppliers and seizing 27 .30 bore pistols along with 470 live cartridges. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said on Thursday that Counter Intelligence (CI) Ferozepur, in a joint operation with the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Fazilka, busted the arms smuggling module. Those arrested have been identified as Mangal Singh alias Mangali, a resident of Tejha Rahela in Fazilka, and Gurmeet Singh, a resident of Muhar Jamsher village in Fazilka. Yadav said preliminary investigations revealed that the weapons were sourced from Pakistan through a foreign-based entity and were meant for criminal gangs in the state. The arrested accused were attempting to deliver these arms to ground operatives of criminal groups on the directions of their foreign handlers, he said. Sharing operation details, Assistant Inspector General of Police (CI Ferozepur) Gursewak Singh Brar said that the joint secret operation was launched after receiving reliable inputs. The identity and role of the foreign entity, along with its broader network, are under comprehensive investigation. In this regard, a case has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station SSOC Fazilka, he added. Meanwhile, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busted another cross-border arms smuggling module, arresting six members and recovering six sophisticated weapons along with Rs 5.75 lakh in hawala money. The Punjab DGP said that those arrested have been identified as Pargat Singh of Vaan Tara Singh village in Tarn Taran, Ajaybir Singh alias Ajay of Gali Punjab Singh in Amritsar, Karanbir Singh alias Karan of Pal Avenue in Amritsar, Shri Ram of Pal Avenue in Amritsar, Mehakpreet Singh alias Rohit of Officer Colony in Amritsar and Dinesh Kumar of Adampur in Jalandhar. The recovered weapons include one 9MM Glock, three .30 bore PX5 pistols, one .32 bore and .30 bore pistol. The syndicate was being operated by arrested accused Mehakpreet Singh alias Rohit under the directions of his foreign-based handlers via social media. During the operation, multiple recoveries were made at different stages of the investigation, he said. He said further investigations are underway to trace the forward and backward linkages to identify other members of the module in both the cases, and track the origins of the smuggled weapons. More arrests and recoveries are expected in coming days, he added. Sharing details of the second operation, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said Pargat Singh was initially arrested with two weapons, which were part of cross border consignments and meant to be distributed further through the network. Further, during the course of the investigation, other members of the moduleAjaybir, Karanbir and Shri Ramwere arrested along with one pistol, he said. The kingpin of the module identified as Mehakpreet was arrested from Goa and three weapons were recovered from his possession, he added. He said the probe has found that the money for the arms smuggling trade was routed through the hawala network in which an accused Dinesh was arrested. A case has been registered in this regard under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Gate Hakima in Amritsar.
