After tip-off, Khanna police nab 6 with cattle meat, 2 on run
Work on mosque becomes message of amity
Gadvasu for climate-resilient cattle sheds amid rising temp
Property dealer faces multiple FIRs for fraud
Police nab 4 accused in liquor vend robbery case
Adopt Ambedkars principles for equitable society, says Mundian
Khanna cops arrest 7 members of robbers gang, recover weapons, bike
Orientation session by Drishti School
HDFC Capital to invest Rs 1.5k cr in platform with Eldeco to build Rs 11K-cr homes in small towns
HDFC Capital will invest Rs 1,500 crore in Eldeco Group's 18 upcoming residential projects across tier II-III cities, targeting a revenue potential of Rs 11,000 crore. This partnership aims to develop over 10 million square feet of housing in towns like Panipat, Rudrapur, and Ludhiana.
No leader bigger than party, 'indiscipline' will not be tolerated: Congress leader Bhupesh Bhagel
CHANDIGARH: Congress General Secretary and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Punjab in-charge, and Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Bhagel, firmly said that 'indiscipline' in the party will not be 'tolerated' at any cost. He also said that the party had already started working on strengthening the organisation across the State. Bhagel said that no matter how big a leader may be, he cannot be 'bigger' than the party. He made it categorically clear that action would be taken against any leader who tries to harm the party's interests. To another question, Bhagel said that several senior leaders from various political parties were in touch with the Congress and have expressed their keenness to join the party. He said, during his two-day visit to Punjab, he had met many leaders including the district and block presidents. He said, the AICC has already spelt out the agenda to strengthen the party right from the grassroots to the top. In this context, he added, in Punjab, the work has already begun with the meetings and other programs at the district, block and booth level. He said the party would empower the DCC chiefs as 2025 has been declared the year for strengthening the organisation. The party will be strengthened right up to the booth level, he added. On the Ludhiana West assembly by-election, he said the party would formulate a comprehensive strategy, and committees would be formed to fight the election effectively and successfully. To a question on the party's preparations for the 2027 assembly elections, he remarked that the preparations have already begun, referring to a series of meetings he held during the last two days. Bhagel said that besides strengthening the party, various issues were also discussed, particularly the ideological fight the party will be leading. To a separate question on the possibility of voter list manipulations, he said, it is very much possible in Punjab. If lakhs of votes can be added suspiciously in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Delhi, it can very much be done in Punjab also. For this, he added, the DCC and block presidents and booth level workers have been asked to keep a close watch against the voter-list manipulations. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring taunted the Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badals re-election as the president of the party. When did he resign? Warring remarked about Sukhbir when asked for his reaction on the development. He observed that Sukhbir had taken only a sabbatical for his family engagements and was very much calling the shots in the party even when he had supposedly resigned, which he actually never did. He alleged that Sukhbir had not followed the instructions of the Akal Takhat, which had given clear orders for his removal as the SAD president. Replying to another question on the NSA being withdrawn from jailed MP and radical preacher Amritpals aides by the Punjab government, Warring observed, Let the law take its course. He said the Congress party has full and firm faith in the country's judiciary and judicial process. Asked about the partys preparations for the Ludhiana West by-election, due anytime now, the PCC president said the entire rank and file will work together and ensure the victory of the party candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu. He also made it clear that it is not Ashus election alone but also that of entire party. We will fight it together and we will win it, he asserted.
Gang of robbers busted with arrest of 2
Phillaur cop breathes his last, gives new life to Indore doc
250 heritage trees planted along Buddha Dariya near Bhukhri Khurd village
Family attacked, shots fired at their house over petty dispute
Contract awarded, but work on Ludh Bypass yet to take off ground
Ludhs pride, Guru Nanak Stadium, now in a shambles
Back-to-back shooting cases: Accused yet to be identified
Hold camps to hear grievances of residents, says Mayor
3 teens charged with sodomising boy they played football with
PAU gets patent for tech to maintain freshness, extend shelf life of fruits & veggies
Man creates a ruckus at Ludhiana hosp; video goes viral
Student from Liberia caught for entering a girls hostel
2 bank staffers among 4 booked for abetment to suicide
Old long-pending issues: Citysmonsoon prep inspires no trust
Customs To Pay Ludhiana Importer Rs 50 Lakh For Delayed Kiwi Consignment
The Punjab and Haryana High Court lambasted the Customs department and a private shipping company, instructing them to pay Rs 50 lakh in compensation to a Ludhiana-based fruit importer.
Punjab Agricultural University issues advisory on crop management during heat wave
In a first, portable flower showering machine showcased in Ludhiana college
Pannun cannot disrupt our unity, we will celebrate Baba Sahebs birth anniversary: AAP
Journey of transition from snake charming to music
Theft case registered against two for burglary at NRI's house
Man stabs woman over delayed burger order
As temp soars, Met predicts heat wave alert for Ludhiana
Man charged with rape of minor niece
Accused in Barnala toddlers kidnapping traced in Ludhiana
PUDUCHERRY: A joint raid by the Puducherry Cyber Crime Police, Enforcement Directorate, Chennai, and Revenue Department at the Kamaraj Salai office of Bengaluru-based Go Green Cycles on Saturday led to the seizure of Rs 2.45 crore. The operation was launched after the cyber crime cell received a complaint from a dissatisfied investor about an investment fraud, prompting the registration of a first information report. According to sources, Go Green Cycles was promoting a pan-India investment scheme that promised a return of Rs 52,000 a month for 11 months on an initial investment of Rs 4.5 lakh. At the end of the period, the company also assured the return of the principal amount, raising the effective returns to over 120%. Authorities grew suspicious over the unusually high returns and the companys involvement in investment-related activities, despite being in cycle manufacture business. The company has a production unit in Ludhiana and is setting up a showroom in Chennai. It also claimed to be part of joint ventures with government agencies in promoting its investment offers. The cyber crime police, led by Superintendent of Police (cyber crime) Rachna Singh, conducted the raid along with ED and revenue department officials. Several incriminating documents and materials were also seized, sources said. Investigation is under way to identify the extent of the alleged scam and the number of investors affected.
AAP starts collecting voter data before launch of door-to-door campaign
BJP leaders in a huddle to choose candidate for Ludhiana West bypolls
Tensions are rising between Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and the state government as he returned the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill seeking clarifications. This marks the seventh bill returned by the Governor since July 2024. Another major issue involves the RDPR University Bill, which aims to replace the Governor as Chancellor.
2 peddlers from Tarn Taran held with 400gm heroin
3 arrested for smuggling pistols
Want to connect with my roots by learning Punjabi
Nasheya virudh drive: 632 caught since Jan
Prepared for smooth wheat procurement, says admn
Bathing ghat coming up along Buddha Dariya
SAD to elect party president before bypoll candidate
Punjab Congress leaders voice dissent against MP Warring, LoP Bajwa's Leadership
CHANDIGARH: With two years left for the 2027 Assembly elections, dissent is brewing within the Punjab Congress, as several senior leaders have raised concerns over the working style of state unit president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. Sources said that on Thursday, several top leaders, including state unit working president Bharat Bhushan Ashu, vice-presidents Pargat Singh, Khushaldeep Dhillon, Inderbir Bolaria, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and former Cabinet minister Tript Rajinder Bajwa, met Punjab affairs in-charge and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in New Delhi to air their grievances. The meeting, sources said, was triggered by a show-cause notice issued to former Faridkot MLA and state party vice-president Khushaldeep Dhillon for allegedly breaching party discipline by airing issues during a television interview. Former Cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who has been given a ticket by the Congress from Ludhiana (West) for the upcoming bypolls, is reportedly upset over the lack of support from the state leadership when he was arrested by the Aam Aadmi Party-led state vigilance bureau in what he called a political vendetta. Ashu is facing corruption charges in a foodgrain transportation case. The dissenting leaders told Baghel that the notice to Dhillon was unwarranted, asserting that he had not said anything against the party. They also complained of being sidelined in key decision-making by the states top leadership. Meanwhile, Jalandhar Cantonment MLA and former Indian hockey team captain Pargat Singh is also learnt to have voiced displeasure with Bajwa during the meeting. This comes just days after Baghel met senior Punjab Congress leaders to address internal differences. Earlier, Baghel had supported both Warring and Bajwa, urging party members to unite ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. He had also dismissed rumours of a leadership change following senior leader Rana Gurjeet Singh calling Warring a selfish leader and expressing willingness to take over the state unit. Rana Gurjeet's son, Rana Inder Partap Singh, had contested as an Independent from Sultanpur Lodhi after being denied a Congress ticket in the 2022 Assembly elections and won. Warring, however, downplayed the meeting, saying the leaders met Baghel not against him, but to strengthen the party, and termed the notice to Dhillon an internal matter of the party. There seems to be no end in sight to the infighting within the Punjab Congress. Just last month, during the partys political affairs committee meeting in Delhi, objections were raised against Warring and Bajwa for allegedly not involving all members in major decisions and placing personal interests above those of the party.
Punjab School Education Board Class VIII exam: City students bag top 2 slots in district
Nursery student goes missing on Day 1 of school, found near gurdwara
Jealous of friend, man shoots him dead at jago ceremony in Jagraon: Cops
Ludhiana police intensifies campaign against drug menace
Work hard, we will secure your future: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann tells youths
Khanna police bust inter-state arms supply gang, arrest two
Deadline for Smart City projects ends but no clarity on pending projects
Continue operation of ETPs, officials told
Encroachments hinder development of green belt along Sidhwan Canal
Punjab governor Kataria flags 'Pad Yatra' against drug menace from Kartarpur Corridor
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria flagged off a foot march, Pad Yatra, against drug abuse from the Kartarpur Corridor, urging people to turn it into a public movement (Jan Andolan). Until the public supports the cause, no government can eradicate the menace of drugs that has been plaguing the state, he said. The march, which began today, will conclude on April 8 at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. Kataria will walk through villages in the border districts of Gurdaspur and Amritsar over six days to mobilise public awareness. Yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, led a massive oath-taking ceremony in Ludhiana as part of his government's Yuddh Nashayan Viruddh (War on Drugs) campaign. Hundreds of schoolchildren participated in the yatra, which passed through various streets and markets of the border town of Dera Baba Nanak before culminating at St Francis Convent School. Kataria said his previous visits to border villages revealed the alarming rise in drug abuse and the increasing challenge of narcotics smuggling from Pakistan via drones. When I visited a border district, mothers and sisters told me that their main concern was saving their children from drugs. Their pain was clear as they watched their children suffer, he said. He called drug trafficking a ig conspiracy by Pakistan, accusing the neighbouring country of waging a arco-terror war to weaken India's youth. The Union government has provided anti-drone systems to the Border Security Force, while the Punjab government has also allocated funds for the same, he added. Through this programme, we will show Punjab and the nation how to make India free from drugs. I promise to honour and respect your efforts, he said. On the Yuddh Nashayan Viruddh campaign, he stressed the need for Punjab Police to target major figures in the illegal drug trade and deliver concrete results.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Waqf Board owns a total of 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, but over 14,000 acres of this land are currently under illegal encroachment. Ongoing litigation regarding these encroachments is being heard in various courts, including the Supreme Court. According to sources, data from the Board reveals that the Punjab Waqf Board has a total of 75,965 registered properties and 25,403 registered waqf estates. The Board owns 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, with approximately 14,085.004 acres, or 38.46%, currently under illegal encroachment. The remaining 61.45% of the land is being used for its intended purposes. While 18 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, 462 cases going in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, 1,157 civil suits in different courts for declaration, possession or eviction pending before the five waqf tribunals in the stare and civil courts, said sources. Talking with the TNIE, Latif Ahmed Thind, Executive Officer of Punjab Waqf Board, said, The total number of waqf board properties in Punjab is 75,965. The major problem is illegal encroachments across the state as the maximum encroachments are in Bathinda, followed by Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Patiala. In many cases, the illegal encroachers are sitting on these properties since 1947 and in many others the lease with the board finished but they did not vacate the property or gave its procession to someone else. Both influential people and common persons have encroached upon the waqf board properties. While in Samana near Patiala many shanties are there and those people refuse to vacate. It is just of people from other religions have encroached upon also people from the same community have also done illegal encroachment of the board properties in some cases, he says. We follow the due procedure of the law and cases are going in different courts including supreme court. With the amendment coming in the process will become for cumbersome.he added.
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has fundamentally changed India's political discourse, shifting the focus to governance and public welfare. Addressing an executive summit in Ludhiana, Mann emphasised the role of AAP volunteers as the backbone of the partys success and reiterated its commitment to the people. AAP volunteers are not just political workers; they are a revolution in themselves. Whenever the party calls upon them, they respond immediately without hesitation, dedicating themselves fully to the cause of clean and people-centric politics, said Mann. He credited Kejriwal for compelling other parties to focus on governance rather than divisive agendas. Earlier, election manifestos were filled with divisive agendas based on religion and caste. It was AAP that forced all political parties to focus on real issues like education, healthcare, and free electricity. We compelled them to change their priorities because we showed that good governance is possible, he asserted. Mann praised senior AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and ex-Health Minister Satyendar Jain, for their contributions to Delhis education and healthcare sectors. Manish Sisodia revolutionised government schools, making them world-class institutions. Satyendar Jain introduced a healthcare model that became a benchmark across India. Their work has left an indelible mark on the lives of common people, he stated. Highlighting AAPs increasing representation, he noted, In 2022, we had 92 MLAs, and now we have 95. Thousands of our sarpanches, councillors, and mayors have been elected. The responsibility of Punjab has been entrusted to us, and we assure you that our AAP family will never have any greedy members. AAP Punjab in-charge and senior leader Manish Sisodia stressed that the partys vision extends beyond the state. This is not just Team Punjab; this is Team Hindustan. When I meet volunteers, I realise that our Punjab workers are everywhere from Delhi to Haryana to Gujarat working tirelessly to plant the seeds of change months before elections and ensuring AAPs victory. He recalled a conversation with a volunteer who had dedicated 12 years to the party. This volunteer did not ask me for a position or for an appointment with Arvind Kejriwal or Bhagwant Mann. He only had one request: 'Manish bhai, I have given 12 years to this party, but if Punjab is not freed from drugs, my 12 years will be wasted.' Tears welled in his eyes as he pleaded with me, not for personal gain, but for the future of Punjab. This is the spirit of AAP selfless, dedicated, and driven by a vision of a better Punjab. Sisodia urged AAP workers to remain vigilant to ensure government initiatives reach the people without corruption or inefficiency. Our battle is not just against drugs but also against corruption. The money allocated for public welfare should be spent on the people, not wasted in scams. This is the responsibility of every AAP worker. Punjab AAP President Aman Arora credited the partys grassroots workers for its success and urged them to continue their unwavering dedication. Comparing them to high-voltage power lines, he warned adversaries against underestimating their strength. Looking ahead to 2027, he called on the cadre to work relentlessly, pledging to surpass AAPs record-breaking 2022 mandate.
PAU gets patent for new technology to maintain freshness of horticultural produce
Sugarcane farmer turns into global jaggery entrepreneur
Three consecutive fire incidents reported in Ludhiana, no casualties
Ludhiana police commissioner enforces formal dress code for administrative staff
AAP executive summit: Kejriwal mobilises party against drugs
BJP protests against AAP govt in Ludhiana for intimidation tactics
Chakars champion packs a return punch
3D digital survey paves way for world-class urban infra in Ludhiana
PAUs Punjab Genda No.1 marigold in demand from other states
Trump's reciprocal tariffs: Punjab, Haryana exporters are a worried lot
CHANDIGARH: As US President Donald Trump is all set to launch reciprocal tariffs on April 2, exporters and manufacturers in Punjab and Haryana are a really worried lot. President World MSE Forum Badish Jindal said that auto parts, garments, hosiery, steel products and fasteners are likely to be hit by Trump's move. We do Rs 50 lakh crore import of which Rs 9 lakh crore worth products are imported from China. Our exports to China is worth Rs one lakh crores. Our export is to the tune of Rs 30 lakh crore. Last year's trade deficit was Rs 19.96 lakh crore. This year it is expected to rise to Rs 22 lakh crore, he noted. Badish Jindal pointed out that the countries that will benefit from Trump's reciprocal tariffs are Pakistan and Bangladesh. These neighbouring countries are India's main competitors. Instead of increasing imports, we should increase manufacturing in the country. CII Punjab President Amit Jain said that India will suffer in the short and medium terms, but there won't be long-term impact for the country since India enjoys a favourable relationship with the US. However, the industries exporting to US will suffer the consequences. Auto Parts Manufacturers Association of India President GS Kahlon who exports auto parts said that the association has 300 members in Ludhiana who manufacture auto parts, said that they were supplied to US and other countries. Already our business is affected due to countries such as Syria, Iran, Iraq and Morocco having stopped buying from us and now with US imposing tariffs, business will be further affected, he added. Former President of Federation of Indian Export origination Ashwani Kumar said that hand tool industry and sports manufacturing industry will not be hit as they do not fall under the purview of the new tariffs. Duty on steel will be set back for the time being later when markets recover as it will stabilize ass epical steel is exported to US. India is acting touch and in longer run we will be benefited, he added. The new Trump Tariff regime reflects a major protectionist policy shift for America that counters world trade flows of the past. For decades WTO and other global bodies, with US nudging, have worked towards dropping barriers for freer trade. This will start trade wars and protectionism of scales unfathomable. Punjab will not escape the negative impact of upto 25 per cent tariffs that are expected to come into play by tomorrow. Hosiery of Ludhiana, textiles of Amritsar, Engineering and other industry is expected to hit troubled waters for sure, says Gunbir Singh, past chairman, CII Punjab. Meanwhile the exporters of Panipat in Haryana have submitted their representation to Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal through Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) to resolve any issues at the earliest, said Lalit Goyal President of Panipat Exporters Association. He further that India imports machine-made carpet that invites 22 per cent tariff while the export tariff was around 0-6 per cent on handloom products. Though the import of machine-made carpet from the US was of only Rs 50 crore, the export of handloom products was to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore per annum. We have requested the government to reduce the import tariff to protect the industry, he said as there are 1000 units in Panipat alone and of these 500 exporters and 35 lakh labour working in them.
AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal to address party volunteers in Ludhiana today
Another casualty: Six-year-old child mauled to death by stray dogs in Ludhiana
MC exceeds property tax target for 2024-25
Ashu accuses ADC, urban devp of manipulating voter list at AAPs behest
Seechewal to hold Baisakhi snan in Buddha Dariya on April 13
CHANDIGARH: The ties between INDIA bloc allies-- the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) -- took a plunge after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that Rahul Gandhi lacks leadership quality. A day after Mann made the remark, top Congress leaders Partap Singh Bajwa and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Monday retorted saying that AAP is a B-team of the BJP. They accused Mann of taking diktats from Amit Shah. He (Mann) seems to have lined up as one of the eserve players, they added. Punjab Congress president and member of parliament from Ludhiana, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring posted a message on platform X saying, Sad that Sardar @BhagwantMann has completely enrolled himself into the @BJP4India troll army as another foot soldier. It is an acknowledged fact that Mann Sahab takes diktats from the union @HMOIndia @AmitShah, he said. After unleashing ruthless reign of terror on farmers, now our CM Sahab has gone a step further by trying to be more loyal than the King. Hes not only doing what he is being asked to do, he seems to have volunteered himself for going an extra mile to please and appease the BJP. As @AamAadmiParty and its Punjab offshoot @AAPPunjab turn to be the BJPs B-team, Mann Sahab seems to have lined up as one of the reserve players! May be, he has some unexplained compulsions to target @RahulGandhi without any reason. Kuchh toh majbooriyan rahi hongi, yu he koi be-wafa nahi hota, Warring added. Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa wrote on X, @BhagwantMann , Rahul Gandhi walked 4,080 km in Bharat Jodo Yatra to unite India and fight for the poor and minorities, while Punjab drowns in drugs and despair under your #6pmNoCM watchunfulfilled promises and skipped Budget Sessions. @RahulGandhi robustly defends the constitution in Parliament; you hide from questions, echoing @BJP4India lines. Chandrayaan soared, but your booze-fueled leadership stays grounded. Look at your dawn-to-dusk failures before mocking @INCIndias LoP, he added. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had yesterday targeted Rahul Gandhi saying he lacks leadership quality. He doesnt have that quality. God has not given him that. Why you are pushing him to become a leader? Its not like a family fiefdom that after father his son takes charge. Please leave him. Poor guy! He is very sad about where he has got stuck, CM Mann said. Both parties were part of the Opposition INDIA bloc. While both had come together to contest the Lok Sabha poll in Delhi last year, they fell apart in the subsequent assembly elections in Haryana and Delhi.
Punjab govt mulls restart of traditional bullock cart races in Ludhiana's Kila Raipur
The Punjab government is considering new rules to resume traditional bullock cart races at the Kila Raipur sports event in Ludhiana. The 2019 amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act supports this initiative, with further legal consultations underway to ensure these cultural sports comply with current laws.
Punjab BJP President Jakhar slams AAP, Congress over farmer protests, accuses CM Mann of betrayal
CHANDIGARH: Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and farmer leaders, accusing them of exploiting farmers for political gains and engaging in low-level politics. He claimed that farmers genuine demands were being ignored while Punjab was being demolished. Jakhar alleged that a conspiracy was underway to defame farmers. Until now, they used farmers' names, but today, they razed farmers' tents with bulldozers. Pagri sambhal Jatta. You are being used by AAP, Congress, and even the farmer leaders for their political agendas, he said. Targeting Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Jakhar accused him of betraying farmers after once championing their cause. It is AAP that instigated the farmer protests. Mann, who once stood with farmers, has now turned hostile. In my 70 years of life, I have never seen a lawyer turn hostile against his own client, he remarked. Jakhar also questioned the Punjab governments sudden removal of farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal from a protest site. He pointed out that in December, the state government had told the Supreme Court it could not remove Dallewal, fearing the situation would become uncontrollable. How is it that the same government was able to clear the protest site in just twenty minutes yesterday? This was only possible through careful planning by the state government, he stated. Taking a dig at AAP convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Jakhar accused him of using farmers for political mileage during the Delhi elections. Kejriwal used farmers to stage protests during the Delhi elections. Now, after more than a month, he is pleasing industrialists with his industrial policy, but there is no sign of a farmers' policy, nor will there be one. This is merely a political move ahead of the upcoming by-election in Ludhiana, he added. Jakhar further challenged the Congress to clarify its stance on the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He criticised the party for not supporting MSP when its own MLA, Rana Gurjeet Singh, proposed it for all sugarcane farmers in the state. Why doesnt Congress hold a protest where farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal has been hospitalised or at the Shambhu border, where farmers were cleared? he questioned. He also warned farmers against being misled by political leaders. Ordinary farmers are unable to see through the haze of political manoeuvring. Think about your future and decide. Farmers were also misled against the BJP after the death of protesting farmer Shubhkarman, he said.
Study reveals India unprepared for growing heatwave threat; warns of rising deaths
NEW DELHI: A new report indicates India is poorly prepared to handle the increasing number of extreme heatwaves in the future. It claims the country primarily focuses on immediate responses to heatwaves while long-term strategies remain scarce. It warns that India may witness more deaths due to more frequent, intense, and prolonged heatwaves in the coming years. The report is produced by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC), a non-profit based in New Delhi, and co-authored by scholars from Kings College London, Harvard University, Princeton University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Many long-term measures must be implemented now, with urgency, to have a chance of preventing significant increases in mortality and economic damage in the coming decades, says Aditya Valiathan Pillai, a researcher at Kings College London and coauthor of the study. Experts pointed out that a major problem with short-term measures is that their impact cannot be easily verified until long-term measures are implemented. Short-term measures are life-saving actions, while long-term actions look at strengthening and capacity-building health systems and environmental steps to reduce future impact. It surveys nine major metro cities and identifies short-term and long-term emergency measures to mitigate rising heatwaves. These cities Bengaluru, Delhi, Faridabad, Gwalior, Kota, Ludhiana, Meerut,Mumbai and Surat together make up over 11 percent of Indias urban population, according to Census 2011, and are some of Indias most at-risk cities for future heat. The report finds that the surveyed cities focus on immediate responses to heat waves, while long-term actions remain rare. Even where they do exist, they are poorly targetted. The report recommends urgent institutional changes to measures, including assessing vulnerability and identifying urban heat islands, building the capacity of health staff and implementers of the heat action plan, and investing in technology to provide energy-efficient cooling devices. However, the report also underlined barriers to implementing the heat wave mitigation action plan. It states that coordination problems among institutions emerged as the top barrier, followed by competing priorities limiting the focus on heat. Around 14% of surveyed people said they do not see heat as a problem. The study used different climate models to identify the nine cities with a recent rise in dangerous heat index values and a population above one million. For analysis, interviews were conducted with city, district, and state government officials responsible for implementing heat actions in these cities.
Indian cities most vulnerable to heat waves focus on short-term fixes: Report
New Delhi: Some of Indias cities most vulnerable to future heat waves focus mainly on immediate responses while long-term measures remain rare, according to a study published on Wednesday. The analysis by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative, a New Delhi-based research organisation, examines how nine major Indian cities Bengaluru, Delhi, Faridabad, Gwalior, Kota, Ludhiana, Meerut, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Meet man, only Indian to own a train, not Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Narayana Murthy, he is...
A farmer from Katana village in Ludhiana, Punjab, became the owner of an entire train.
2 injured in clash over playing DJ music in Ludhiana
Ludhiana: Two groups clashed with each other over playing of DJ music during Holi celebration here on Friday evening, leaving two persons injured, police said. Seven people have been detained in connection with the incident that took place in Bihari Colony, they said. A heated argument broke out between the two groups over one of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
AAP MP Sahney calls for crop diversification, agri processing for Punjab's development
CHANDIGARH: Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Punjab, who unveiled the report titled Punjab Vision - A Blueprint for Progress, discussed the importance of crop diversification, agri-processing, industrial infrastructure, and skill training for the development of Punjab. The report, a part of the Punjab Vision 2047 held in November last year, details various recommendations in the agriculture sector for crop diversification, including millets in the mid-day meal and providing millets in the 5 Kg Ration Scheme. Punjab should create and promote AI technology for sustainable crop diversification and should set up AI-driven chatbox to assist farmers, Sahney said. On agri-processing, Sahney said that there is an urgent need to set up food processing parks, preferably through multipurpose cooperative societies in a cluster of villages with storage and processing facilities, oil extraction, flour mills, processing and packing of spices, pulses, honey, mushrooms etc. He also emphasised the need for organic farming with institutions like MARKFED and Punjab Agro to provide market linkages. Sahney also proposed setting up of crop specific clusters like pulses, oil seeds, and cotton in Malva, Sugarcane in Doaba, Maize in Hoshiarpur, dairy development in Kapurthala, Floriculture in Ludhiana, Litchi in Pathankot and Chillies in Ferozpur . Regarding trade and industry, Sahney reiterated that Punjab should develop strong industrial zones and revamp key areas in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, and Amritsar. He mentioned that the Rajpura Industrial Zone should commence operations within this year. Additionally, he highlighted that further strengthening of STPIs to establish IT hubs and BPOs could be a game changer for Punjab, as skilled IT talent from the state is currently migrating to Bangalore and Hyderabad. Sahney highlighted that skill training for the youth of Punjab is crucial to safeguard lives and livelihoods. He provided details about five world-class skill centers being established by him, along with the 10 ITIs he has adopted. He expressed deep concern over the depleting water level and the presence of Arsenic and other harmful substances in the water. He expressed concern over the declining water levels and the presence of arsenic and other harmful substances in the water. To address these issues, he suggested adopting Direct Seeded Rice along with a micro-irrigation system. He further demanded that Punjab should receive immediate funds under the Atal Bhujal Yojana for water conservation, noting that the state meets all the criteria of the scheme. While appreciating the State governments war on drugs, Sahney said that skill training for drug rehabs is very critical to bring back youth into mainstream. He also advocated the need for investing in solar energy to optimize subsidy allocation for free power.
Drug trafficker wanted by FBI held in Punjab
An Indian-origin international drug lord, Shawn Bhinder, connected to a major US drug seizure, was apprehended in Ludhiana after fleeing FBI capture. Bhinder, who was involved in smuggling cocaine from Colombia, had been operating under the pretense of a legitimate transport business in Canada since 2014.
Indian-origin drug lord wanted by FBI arrested in Ludhiana: Punjab Police
Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder, had been operating under the guise of a transportation business in Canada since 2014 and allegedly facilitated the movement of drugs from Colombia to the U.S. and Canada via Mexico, the police said
Punjab Police arrest FBI-wanted Indian-origin drug lord Shawn Bhinder
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police on Monday arrested an Indian-origin international drug lord Shehnaz Singh alias Shawn Bhinder who is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) of United States of America (USA). Shawn Binder is the alleged kingpin in a global narcotics network and smuggled cocaine from Colombia into the United States and Canada. Bhinder belongs to Mandiala village in Batala and had been residing with his family in Brampton in Canada since 2014. The Federal Bureau of Investigations on February 26 had seized a big cache of drugs and weapons, including 391 kilograms of methamphetamine, 109 kilograms of cocaine, and four sophisticated weapons from multiple residences and vehicles linked to the syndicate. The FBI had arrested six accused in Amritpal Singh alias Amrit alias Bal, Amritpal Singh alias Cheema, Taqdeer Singh alias Romi, Sarabjit Singh Saabi, Fernando Valladares alias Franco and Gurlal Singh in the operation. Bhinder, who was living in Canada then, evaded arrest and clandestinely landed in India in March. Director General of Police, Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that Shawn Bhinder was a key player in a global narcotics syndicate, smuggling cocaine from Colombia into the USA and Canada. We successfully tracked and arrested him from the jurisdiction of Ludhiana. He was also wanted in an Arms Act case registered in December 2024, wherein Tarn Taran Police had arrested five members of the notorious Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Batth Gang leading to recovery of significant cache of arms and ammunition from their possession, said Yadav. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ferozepur Range Swapan Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police of Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that preliminary investigations reveal that Bhinder played a key role in transporting large consignments of drugs across international borders using trucks and trailers. Rana who was tracking Bhinder since December last year said that it was found during interrogation that Bhinder, operating under the guise of a legitimate transportation business in Canada since 2014, allegedly facilitated the movement of drugs from Colombia to the US and Canada via Mexico. The investigations revealed that Bhinder along with his accomplices were transporting approximately 600 kgs of cocaine from Colombia every week, he added. Rana said that Bhinders network is believed to have ties with notorious drug traffickers, including Amritpal Singh alias Baath and Gurjant Singh Bholu Havelia. Further investigations are on, he added. Rana said that in the murder of sapranch last year Bhinder had provided shooters to Amritpal Batth. Meanwhile, over the past four months, the Tarn Taran police has registered 125 cases under the NDPS Act, arresting 145 individuals and recovering 34 kg heroin, 4 kg opium and Rs 2.29 lakh drug money. Additionally, 29 proclaimed offenders in the cases of NDPS Act have been apprehended during this period.
Factory Collapse in Ludhiana Leaves One Dead, Rescue Operation Ongoing
Six workers were trapped under debris, with one confirmed dead and three injured after a textile factory building collapsed in Ludhiana
Punjab factory collapse: Rescue ops continue as teams search for trapped workers
LUDHIANA: Rescue operation was underway Sunday to see if anyone was still trapped under the debris, a day after a factory building collapsed here. A worker was killed after a building of a textile factory collapsed in the Focal Point area here late Saturday evening, officials said. The six workers trapped under the debris were brought out by the NDRF teams, of which one was found dead and three sustained serious injuries. An eyewitness had earlier said a loud sound was heard before the building caved in. Sources said repair work was being taken up in the factory when a pillar gave way. Two teams of National Disaster Response Force and other teams of police, fire brigade and factories departments, the Municipal Corporation were undertaking the rescue operation.
Multi-storey factory collapses in Punjab's Ludhiana, one dead, rescue operation on
The six workers trapped under the debris were brought out by the NDRF teams. While one of them was found dead, the condition of three others is critical, officials said
Multi-storey factory collapses in Punjab's Ludhiana, 1 dead, rescue operation on
LUDHIANA: A worker died after a multi-storey building of a textile factory collapsed in the Focal Point area here late Saturday evening, officials said. The six workers trapped under the debris were brought out by the NDRF teams. While one of them was found dead, the condition of three others is critical, they said. The deceased worker is yet to be identified, they said. The rescue operation is still underway to see if anyone is still trapped under the debris, they said. According to the officials, one worker was earlier rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital, they said. The incident occurred in the Focal Point Phase-8 area on Saturday evening. According to an eye witness, a loud sound was heard before the building caved in. Two teams of National Disaster Response Force and other teams of police, fire brigade and factories departments, the Municipal Corporation were undertaking the rescue operation. Initially, seven workers were trapped under the debris. Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal are personally overseeing the rescue efforts at the site. They emphasised that the top priority is to rescue the trapped workers. The deputy commissioner stated that the health department has been instructed to deploy medical teams and ambulances at the site until the operation is complete. The municipal corporation and fire safety department have also been directed to depute their additional staff there round-the-clock.
