Shivaji Maharaj was 100 per cent secular, the ultimate ideal king: Nitin Gadkari
NEW DELHI : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has described Shivaji Maharaj as an exemplary king, a benevolent ruler, and a 100 per cent secular figure. He said if there is an ultimate ideal, it is undoubtedly Shivaji Maharaj. Speaking at the launch of the book The Wild Warfront - Shivaji Maharaj: Volume 2 by Vishwas Patil, Gadkari, who claimed that he has only one photograph in his office that of Shivaji Maharaj -- said the Chhatrapati holds a special place in the hearts of Indians and is even more significant to him than his own parents. Nowadays, the word 'secular' is very popular, but the meaning of the word 'secular' in the English dictionary is not religious neutrality. The meaning of the word secular is 'equal respect for all religions,' treating all religions with equal justice. This is the meaning of secular. And Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a public welfare king in our country's history who was 100 per cent secular. Particularly throughout his history, he won many battles and never attacked a mosque. He always showed respect for women, was a king devoted to the people, and was strict in administration, Gadkari said to a packed audience at Maharashtra Sadan on Wednesday. To emphasise his point about Shivaji being a secular and just king, Gadkari referenced the Battle of Pratapgarh, which took place on November 10, 1659, between the Maratha forces led by Shivaji Maharaj and the Bijapur troops under General Afzal Khan. The 67-year-old lauded how, after killing Khan, Maharaj ordered his army, which he mentioned included many Muslim soldiers, to bury Khan with full respect at the battlefield -- Pratapgarh Fort. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who was also present at the launch, said he was happy that Gadkari discussed the secular aspect of Shivaji Maharaj, a quality that, he argued, is often underappreciated, even by the Maharaj's own admirers. According to the Lok Sabha MP of Thiruvananthapuram, it was Shivaji, who after many of his conquests, gave strict instructions to his soldiers that if they ever came across a Quran, they should pick it up, treat it with respect until they could find a Muslim to hand it over to. He added, Those were the kind of values that Shivaji had. We all know about Shivaji's chivalry towards women, the extraordinary grace with which he dealt with the people, and the fact that his army consisted of people from every caste. Literally, every caste, from Dalit to Brahmin, was with him, around him, amongst his courtiers, and amongst his soldiers. He had Muslim soldiers. There was absolutely no bigotry in Shivaji. Commending the book, which is Nadeem Khan's English translation of Patil's historical Marathi novel Rankhaindal, Gadkari expressed hope that people now in India those outside Maharashtra and in Western countries would see a just picture of the king, as the history written during the Mughal era and British rule was unfair to him. .There were many things that were unfair to him, some even called him a 'lootera' (a bandit). I can say with full confidence that Shivaji's personality was complete, it was exceptional. In our current governance system, how a king should be, how a king should act, he is an example of that, he said. Tharoor, too, congratulated the author for bringing his skill of ovelisation of history to best use and able to pull off two volumes on Shivaji in fictional form, who he admits is an extraordinarily interesting figure to read about in any Indian language. He seconded Gadkari saying that Shivaji has indeed come through various renderings in the national imagination -- from demonisation during the Mughal era to being hailed as original Hindu nationalist by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak. We have had demonisation of him (Shivaji), as Gadkari ji reminded us of 'lootera,' a bandit, which was propagated by the partisans of the Mughal side. Then, we had the veneration of him as the great anti-colonial resistance figure, and this notion of resistance. You had different interpretations even within Maharashtra. Jyotiba Phule's interpretation of Shivaji as the voice of the subaltern, as the voice of the underclass rising up, versus, say, the Bal Gangadhar Tilak version of the original Hindu nationalist, portraying Shivaji as the origin of Hindu nationalism, explained the 69-year-old Congress leader. Touted by publishing house Westland Books as the dazzling second volume of Patil's The Wild Warfront, the book reconstructs Shivaji Maharaj's life and battles through intensive research. Patil, known for his novels like Ranangan, Chandramukhi, Panipat, and Sambhaji, has sold over 50,000 copies of the two volumes in Marathi -- Jhanjhawat (The Whirlwind) and Rankhaindal (The Wild Warfront).
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.
M3M Group Repays Rs 1,130 Crore Loan, Plans To Clear Balance
The loan was availed by M3M India from Indiabulls for the purchase and development of a 337-acre township project in Panipat, Haryana.
M3M group clears Rs 1,130 cr Indiabulls loans; to pay remaining Rs 170 cr by Jun
NEW DELHI, Mar 31:Realty firm M3M Group has repaid about Rs 1,130 crore in loans from Indiabulls to develop a township project in Panipat, and it plans to clear the remaining balance of nearly Rs 170 crore in the coming few months. In a statement on Monday, Gurugram-based M3M Group said it will clear the entire Rs 1,300 crore Indiabulls loan in the first quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal. The loan was availed by M3M India from Indiabulls for [] The post M3M group clears Rs 1,130 cr Indiabulls loans; to pay remaining Rs 170 cr by Jun appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Panipat Court Peon 2025 Result Announced for 20 Posts
Panipat Court has Recruits 20 Peon, Process Server Posts. Candidates with 10TH, 8TH Can Apply on or before 28-02-2025.
On 29-03-2025, Panipat Court Peon Result 2025 released on panipat.dcourts.gov.in. Candidates can check and download their results by visiting the panipat.dcourts.gov.in
PM Modi flags textile waste problem, calls it 'huge challenge'
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's challenge of textile waste, citing a study where the nation ranks third globally. He praised cities like Panipat, Bengaluru, and Tirupur for their innovative approaches in textile recycling, tech solutions, and waste management. Efforts by startups and groups empowering ragpickers were also acknowledged.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi lauds textile waste recycling in Bengaluru, Tripur, Panipat
NEW DELHI: In his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed concerns over the issue of textile waste and the increasing trend of opting for fast fashion as part of his intent to raise awareness about various social issues with the people during his address. The Prime Minister said, the textile waste has become a major cause of worry for the whole world. The trend of getting rid of old clothes as soon as possible and buying new ones is increasing all over the world, he said, adding, Have you ever thought about what happens to the old clothes that you stop wearing? This becomes textile waste. Appraising people about the research work being done globally to deal with the textile waste menace, Modi said, only less than one percent of textile waste is recycled into new clothes. India is the third country in the world where the maximum textile waste is generated. This means that we also face a huge challenge, he noted. The Prime Minister, however, expressed his happiness about the several commendable efforts that are being undertaken in India to deal with this challenge. Underlining that many Indian start-ups have begun working on textile recovery facilities, the Prime Minister said, There are many such teams that are also working for the empowerment of our ragpicker brothers and sisters. Many young friends are involved in the efforts towards sustainable fashion. They recycle old clothes and footwear and distribute them to the needy. Many items like decorative pieces, handbags, stationery and toys are being made from textile waste. Many organisations are engaged in popularising circular fashion brands these days, he added. Talking about new cloth rental platforms, Modi said, designer clothes are available on rent and also applauded the work done in Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Tirupur and Panipat. Panipat in Haryana is emerging as a global hub for textile recycling. Bengaluru is also creating a distinct identity for itself with innovative tech solutions. More than half of the textile waste is collected here, which is an example for our other cities as well. Similarly, Tirupur in Tamil Nadu is engaged in textile waste management through wastewater treatment and renewable energy, Modi said.
In his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing issue of textile waste and fast fashion. He emphasized that less than 1% of textile waste is recycled into new clothes, and India ranks third globally in textile waste generation.
After Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman called Rana Sanga a raitor, who invited Babur to invade India, all hell broke and a massive controversy erupted over the issue. Did Rana Sanga invite Babur to invade India and defeat Ibrahim Lodi of Delhi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526?
Panipat battle a symbol of Maratha bravery, not defeat: CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also informed the House that the State government is constructing a memorial for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Agra
Battle of Panipat symbol of Marathas` bravery, not defeat: Fadnavis
During the state assembly at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai held on Tuesday a debate on the `Last Week Motion` ignited between the opposition and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Panipat battle symbol of Maratha bravery: Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asserted that the third battle of Panipat, fought in 1761, was a symbol of the bravery of Marathas and not their defeat. He said the state government is building a memorial to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Agra and acquiring land for another memorial in Panipat, where the battle was fought between Marathas and Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Battle of Panipat symbol of Marathas' bravery, not defeat: CM Fadnavis
MUMBAI: The third battle of Panipat was a symbol of the bravery of Marathas and not the defeat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the state assembly on Tuesday. Replying to a debate on the 'Last Week Motion' initiated by the opposition, Fadnavis said the state government is building a 'Shiv Smarak' (memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) in Agra. Land is also being acquired for building a memorial in Panipat (Haryana), where the third battle of Panipat was fought between the Marathas and (Afghan ruler) Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1761, he said. To this, opposition NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad asked why a memorial is being built in Panipat where Abdali defeated the Marathas. Panipat is not a symbol of our bravery or our defeat. It will remind me of defeat. It was between Ahmad Shah Abdali and (Maratha general) Sadashivrao Bhau. There is no memorial of defeat in the world, Awhad said. Fadnavis then said, The battle of Panipat is a symbol of Marathas' bravery and not defeat. Talking about the historic battle, the CM said it reflected Marathas' valour. The emperor in Delhi was paying chauth (a kind of tribute) to Marathas. When Abdali conquered Delhi, he wrote to Marathas asking them to come to save Delhi, Fadnavis said. The Marathas went to Delhi, defeated Abdali. The Afghan ruler then fled and camped across the Yamuna river, he said. Abdali then wrote a letter to Marathas seeking a truce that Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan should be considered his territory and rest of the country will be of Marathas, the CM said. The Marathas were not linked to (the conflict) but asserted that they will not cede an inch to Abdali. The Marathas fought for the country so that the three regions remain part of India, Fadnavis added.
JJP Leader Shot Dead In Haryana's Panipat
Jannayak Janta Party leader Ravinder Minna was shot dead by an unidentified armed assailant in Panipat.
Haryana: JJP leader Ravinder Minna shot dead in Panipat
JJP leader Ravinder Minna was shot dead in Panipat on Friday, with his cousin and another person also injured in the attack. Five police teams have been formed to apprehend the accused. This incident follows the killing of BJP leader Surendra Jawahra in Sonipat over a land dispute.
BJP sweeps Haryana civic polls, big setback for Cong
The BJP registered emphatic victories in seven municipal corporations in Haryana, while its nominees were leading in two other civic bodies in the recently held elections. The Congress, which was hoping to improve its electoral fortunes after a defeat in the 2024 Assembly polls, suffered another setback. The BJP candidates won with large margins in Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Karnal, Rohtak, Sonipat, and Ambala. The BJP was also leading in Yamunanagar and Panipat. In Manesar, an Independent candidate, Inderjeet Yadav, won the mayoral election. The results are seen as a major setback for the Congress, which has been facing internal turmoil and factionalism.
BJP set to sweep Haryana civic polls, its eight mayoral candidates in the lead
CHANDIGARH: The mayoral candidate of the BJP won the Ambala municipal corporation and its nominees were leading in eight other civic bodies in Haryana, as the counting of votes for the recently held elections went underway on Wednesday. The Congress, which was hoping to make a comeback after suffering a defeat in the 2024 Assembly polls, was trailing. Elections for the posts of mayor and ward members in the municipal corporations of Manesar, Gurugram, Faridabad, Hisar, Rohtak, Karnal, Yamunanagar, Panipat, Ambala and Sonipat were held earlier this month. Bypolls for the post of mayor in the municipal corporations of Ambala and Sonipat were also held. In Ambala, Shailja Sachdeva, the BJP candidate for the mayor's post, defeated her nearest Congress rival Amisha Chawla by a margin of 20,487 votes. In Faridabad, the ruling party's mayoral candidate Parveen Joshi was leading over Congress' Lata Rani, while Raj Rani of BJP was leading over Seema Pahuja from Gurugram. In Manesar, however, BJP candidate Sunder Lal was trailing Independent candidate Inderjeet Yadav. Praveen Popli of the BJP was leading from Hisar over the Congress' Krishan Singla. In Karnal, the BJP's Renu Bala Gupta was ahead of the Congress' Manoj Wadhwa. In Panipat, the BJP's Komal Saini was leading over Congress' Savita Garg while Ram Avtar of the Safron outfit was leading over Surajmal Kiloi in Rohtak. Senior BJP leader Rajiv Jain was leading over Congress' Komal Dewan in Sonipat. In Yamunanagar, Suman of the BJP was ahead of Congress' Kirna Devi. Extensive arrangements have been made by the Haryana State Election Commission in coordination with the district administrations concerned to ensure smooth conduct of the counting process, officials said.
Haryana Municipal election counting begins; Check result highlights
Election Results (Google Trends): Vote counting for municipal elections began at 8 am on Wednesday, with results to be announced the same day. Elections took place in various municipal corporations, councils, and municipalities on March 2, except for Panipat which held elections on March 9. Stringent security measures are in place at counting centers.
Maharashtra to build memorial for Maratha warriors in Panipat, Agra
Earlier in January, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had annouced that a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji would be erected at Panipat and a grand memorial would be built at the site where the battle was fought
Haryana municipal elections: 52.5% voter turnout in Panipat
The turnout is lower by around 9% from 2018 polls.
Haryana: Wedding in Panipat turns violent as guest draws sword over bride's lehnga
A wedding in Panipat was called off following a clash over the bride's lehnga. The bride's family objected to the lehnga brought by the groom's side. The disagreement escalated and turned violent, involving weapons and police intervention. Allegations were made by both sides regarding increasing demands and failure to provide essentials, resulting in the cancellation of the marriage.
Groom leaves sans bride over Chandni Chowk lehenga
A wedding in Panipat ended in chaos after a dispute over the bride's lehenga. The brides family objected to the lehenga brought by the grooms side, escalating into heated accusations and leading to the marriage being called off. The situation turned violent, involving police intervention.
Polling underway for municipal elections in Haryana
CHANDIGARH: Polling was underway for election of mayors and all ward members in seven municipal corporations and some other municipalities of Haryana on Sunday, officials said. Voting is being held for the election of mayors and all ward members in seven municipal corporations of Gurugram, Manesar, Faridabad, Hisar, Rohtak, Karnal, and Yamunanagar. Additionally, by-elections for the post of mayor in Ambala and Sonipat municipal corporations, are also taking place. The voting is being held from 8 am to 6 pm. Similarly, elections are being conducted for the president and all ward members of four municipal councils of Ambala Sadar, Pataudi Jatoli Mandi, Thanesar, and Sirsa. Bye-election is also being held for the post of president in municipal council Sohna, district Gurugram. VIDEO | Haryana: Security deployed outside a polling booth in Karnal as municipal election is underway. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/fvV2N54EzC Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 2, 2025 Voting is also taking place for the election of presidents and all ward members in 21 municipal committees. Bye-elections for the post of president in Assandh (Karnal district) and Ismailabad (Kurukshetra district) municipal committee is also taking place. Among the early voters included Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who cast his vote at a polling booth in Karnal. Khattar appealed to voters to come out and cast their vote. Casting vote is our democratic right and it is also our duty to exercise our franchise, he said. VIDEO | Haryana Municipal Elections: Union Minister and Former CM of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar ( @mlkhattar ) is in Karnal to cast his vote. Here's what he said: The local government is an important part in democracy. The BJP got successes in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha pic.twitter.com/P8rmJHFlep Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 2, 2025 Haryana State Election Commissioner Dhanpat Singh said extensive arrangements, including those pertaining to security, have been made for the free, fair and transparent elections of the urban local bodies. Singh said that 39 candidates are contesting for the posts of mayor in nine municipal corporations. Similarly, 27 candidates are in the fray for the posts of president in five municipal councils. A total of 151 candidates are contesting for the posts of president in 23 municipal committees. In some wards, only one candidate has filed a nomination, leading to their unopposed election. The polls are being conducted through EVMs. Polling for the Panipat municipal corporation will take place on March 9. After the completion of the election process, vote counting will begin at 8 AM on March 12, and results will be declared on the same day. Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini exuded confidence that the BJP will win the civic polls and said that after the formation of the riple-engine government, work will be done three times faster. The Congress has appealed to the electorate for a full majority for the party. Congress worker's body found stuffed in suitcase in Haryana's Rohtak, party demands high-level probe
NCRs Second RRTS Line To Panipat Set For Fast-Tracking Under BJP-Led Governments
The Delhi-Panipat corridor is part of the Union Government's plan to enhance connectivity under the Functional Plan on Transport for NCR-2032
CHANDIGARH: The 104 illegal immigrants deported from the United States have revealed a common linkmost entered the US in January this year and were sent through the 'Dunki Route' operated by travel agents in Dubai. These agents were contacted via local sub-agents in India, including some in Delhi and the UK. Sources said officials at Amritsar International Airport questioned the deportees, who arrived handcuffed on a special US military plane . The returnees shared details of their ordeal and provided names of agents to whom they had paid large sums of money. A few who were deported said they went through agents based in Delhi and the UK, an official stated. Among them, 29-year-old Mandeep Singh from Chohla Sahib, Taran Taran district, left for Spain two and a half years ago. Though he was doing well there, he decided to move to the US. He contacted the same agent who had facilitated his Spain entry and paid Rs 1 crore to reach the US. He first travelled to Dubai on a visa for Serbia and then flew via Armenia to Serbia. From there, he reached Tijuana, Mexico. The agent repeatedly assured me of a smooth passage. I had asked the agent to send me before the US election results, as one knew Donald Trump will win, Mandeep said. India may be able to lodge complaint with UN body over deporting of immigrants in shackles: Legal expert After walking more than 100 kilometres through the jungle, he managed to enter the US but was soon detained by border patrol officials. Robin Handa (26) from Ismailabad, Kurukshetra, Haryana, reached the US on January 22 after a seven-month journey that began on July 24 last year. His parents sold one acre of land to arrange Rs 43 lakh for the agent. However, he was arrested at the border, detained in a camp, and deported in handcuffs and chains without any statement being recorded. Aakash (20) from Kalron village, Karnal, Haryana, paid Rs 72 lakh after his family sold land. He entered the US via the Mexico border on January 26, only to be arrested by border patrol. Khushpreet Singh (18) from Ismailabad, Kurukshetra, who studied up to Class VIII, paid Rs 45 lakh to take the same route. Jitesh Kumar from Ambala, son of a retired police official, entered the US on January 19 but was soon arrested. He, too, had paid Rs 45 lakh and took six months to reach the US. Anuj Rawal from Rishpur village, Panipat, Haryana, paid Rs 40 lakh to an agent, selling one acre of land and taking a loan to fund his journey. He left India four months ago, stayed in Dubai for a month, and then continued his journey. I spent about three weeks in Panama forests, then stayed for a month in Mexico. As soon as I entered the US, I was caught. I was jailed for four days before being deported on the fifth day, he recounted. Ankit from Farmana village, Sonepat, paid Rs 50 lakh after his family sold three bighas of land. A Class XII pass-out, he left Mumbai on November 5, travelling through the Netherlands, Guyana, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia before crossing the Panama jungle in three days. India's 'uncooperative' tag adding to pressure from US on illegal immigration He continued through Honduras and Mexico, finally reaching the US via the Tijuana border, where he was arrested and held in custody for a month before deportation. Akashdeep Singh (23) paid Rs 62 lakh to a Dubai-based agent. His journey began on July 6 last year when he travelled to Dubai on a tourist visa. From there, my Dunki route started, he said, recounting his journey through Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico before entering the US on January 24, where he was arrested. Ajaydeep Singh (21) paid Rs 45 lakh to a Delhi-based agent, who sent him to Guyana on a tourist visa on July 27 last year. He entered the US on January 22 and was arrested. Daler Singh from Salempura village, Amritsar, reached the US on January 15, but was arrested and taken to a detention centre in San Diego. His journey began on August 15 last year. The deportations highlight the growing network of illegal immigration routes operated through international agents, with desperate migrants risking their lives and families selling property to finance their journeys. Restraints used since 2012, engaging with US to ensure deportees are not mistreated: Jaishankar
Punjab police working to bring back gangsters running crime networks from jails in other states
CHANDIGARH: Punjab police have decided to bring back four dozen of criminals lodged in other state jails the gangsters lodged in jails across different states, including Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Haryana. According to sources, these gangsters wanted for murder and extortion, had managed to avoid being jailed in Punjab and continued their criminal activities inside the jails with the help of other criminals and also started recruiting the youth to carry out criminal activities. A senior police officer on the condition of anonymity said that their growing network is posing a serious concern for the state police and thus they are trying to bring them back to Punjab to probe their involvement in different cases. On the directions of Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, a list of about four dozen such gangsters had been prepared, of which 22 gangsters are from Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gang, 10 from Devinder Bambiha and Lucky Patial gangs, 8 from Harvinder Rinda and Lakhbir Landa gang, four from Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and two from Harry Chatha gang has been prepared, said sources. The Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of various districts have been instructed to study and examine their cases. The state police will approach the courts in the respective states where these gangsters are imprisoned to obtain production warrants. Last year the Punjab Police arrested 559 gangsters, recovered 482 weapons, and blocked 483 social media accounts promoting violence and glorifying criminals. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) along with district police personnel carried out 64 encounters, three gangsters were neutralized, and 63 others were apprehended following exchanges of fire. Meanwhile, in a separate operation, notorious gangster Joginder Geong alias Joga Don member of the Kaushal Chaudhary gang, wanted by both the Haryana and Delhi Police was deported from the Philippines and arrested by Special Cell of Delhi Police upon his arrival at the Delhi Intentional airport recently. Geongis a convicted criminal involved in over a dozen cases, including murder, extortion and robbery, lead a criminal syndicate operating across Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. He has been living in Manila under a fraudent passport issued issued in the name of Kant Gupta. A case regarding his fake passport was registered in July last year after his arrest. He was earlier deported from South Africa but managed to flee to the Philippines after his release. Sentenced to life imprisonment in a 2006 murder case, but fled the country after murdering Jagdev Sharma in Panipat while on parole. A senior police officer said,`` The Kaushal Chaudhary gang had provided logistical support to shooters involved in three high-profile killings in Punjab, including Gurlal Brar, Vicky Middukhera and Sandeep Nangal Ambian. These murders were orchestrated by Arsh Dalla and Lucky Patial of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), who also collaborated with the Davinder Bambiha gang.
Gangster Joginder Gyong deported from Philippines, handed over to Delhi Police
Joginder Gyong was wanted by Haryana Police in a case of criminal conspiracy and murder registered against him in Panipat
Former CWG gold-winning boxer Manoj Kumar retires to take up coaching
New Delhi: Former Commonwealth Games gold-winning boxer Manoj Kumar, who dominated the light welterweight (64kg) division in India at his prime and did not hesitate to voice his disagreements with national federation's policies, announced his retirement on Thursday to begin a career in coaching. The 39-year-old, who won his first and only CWG gold in the 2010 Delhi Games, is also a two-time Asian Championships bronze-medallist. His second and last CWG medal, a bronze, came in Gold Coast in 2018. He is also a two-time Olympian, having competed in the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, finishing as a pre-quarterfinalist in both editions after fighting performances that ultimately fell just short of pushing him over the line. It's a carefully thought out decision because once I turn 40, I can anyway not compete in amateur events as per international rules. I am retiring as a content man after representing my country to the best of my ability, Manoj, who hails from Kaithal in Haryana, told PTI. I have just gratitude for the opportunities I got, he added. The outspoken pugilist, who began his boxing career at the junior level in 1997, completed his coaching diploma from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala in 2021. Injuries and a dispute with the national federation on selection issues hampered his India career after the Gold Coast CWG and he was not seen in any international event after that. He now intends to devote time to the academy that he has set up with elder brother and long-time personal coach Rajesh Kumar Rajound in Kurukshetra. For any athlete, saying goodbye to the sport is an extremely emotional moment. If it weren't for Rajesh sir, I wouldn't have been recognised as an Olympian boxer. He made me dream big and cleared every obstacle in my path to achieve them, he said reiterating his reverence for the man who was, at times, his only support system. This academy will serve as a medium to share our experiences and lessons with young athletes who will one day win medals for India in the Olympics, he added. Not among the most physically domineering boxers, Manoj created a niche for himself with his workman-like approach to the sport which meant wearing down his opponents in the ring with his deceptive defensive game. He could frustrate rivals with his shell guards and at the same time, surprise them with his very effective counter-attacks, which relied heavily on accurately placed straight punches. But despite a reasonably successful career, he could never find a steady sponsor who could stand by him when injuries chipped away at his fortunes. Manoj was elected as the athletes' representative in the Boxing Federation of India's executive committee in 2016 but had to quit over disagreements with the body on its ever-changing selection policy, which included doing away with the traditional practice of trials for a while. While in that commission, I raised my voice for fellow boxers. And when you do that too frequently, there are consequences. But I have never really cared. I still don't care, he said. Manoj's many other battles included a court case to get the Arjuna award in 2014 when the Kapil Dev-led selection panel ignored him despite the fact that he fulfilled the laid-down criteria as per the points system established for the honour. He won that fight in the Delhi High Court and was presented the award by the then sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal a few months after the traditional ceremony. He also fought a long and futile battle to get promotion in the Railways, which had promised him the elevation after the 2010 CWG gold but failed to fulfil it eventually. He is the only Indian boxer aside from the iconic Vijender Singh to have won two CWG medals. Manoj belongs to the Ror community, which comprises descendants of the Maratha soldiers who fought Afghan invaders during the battle of Panipat in 1761. And throughout his career, he never missed a chance to remind people of his heritage. For me, every bout is a now or never moment. I can't hold back for later, what if the later never comes, he had told PTI in an interview back in 2018. On Thursday, it was time to hit the relax mode for him.
PM Modi Marks a Decade of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme, Lauds Public Involvement
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative on Wednesday, January 22, emphasizing how it has evolved into a nationwide movement driven by public participation. Launched on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, this flagship government program was introduced to address declining child sex ratios, discourage gender-based discrimination, and empower the education and development of girls. Prime Minister Modi shared on the social media platform X - Today, January 22, we celebrate ten years of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative. Over this a decade of period, it has become a transformative movement, fueled by active participation from people across diverse backgrounds. PM Modi commended the scheme for its role in breaking down gender stereotypes and opening pathways for girls to flourish. This initiative has targeted overcoming deep-rooted gender biases, ensuring every girl has access to education and opportunities to realize her potential, he added. Acknowledging significant progress in districts historically facing gender imbalances, he highlighted the combined efforts of citizens, community groups, and government agencies in achieving impactful outcomes. Awareness campaigns under this program have helped to spread the message of gender equality more effectively. Through the relentless efforts of individuals and numerous organizations, #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao has accomplished remarkable results. Regions that previously reported lower child sex ratios have witnessed considerable improvements, while awareness drives have deepened public understanding of the importance of gender equity, PM Modi said. The Prime Minister stressed the need to sustain this momentum by continuing to uphold womens rights, guarantee their access to education, and eliminate discrimination. Let us continue working to protect the rights of our daughters, prioritize their education, and build a society where they can thrive without prejudice. Together, we can ensure that Indias daughters achieve even greater success in the years ahead, he concluded. Over the last 10 years, the BBBP initiative has made commendable strides, improving the Sex Ratio at Birth, enhancing access to education, expanding healthcare services, and fostering womens economic empowerment. The programs success is attributed to collaborations with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities, creating a strong framework to safeguard and uplift every girl child.
Over Past Decade, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Has Become People-Powered Initiative: PM Modi
NEW DELHI, Jan 22: With the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative completing 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said it has been instrumental in overcoming gender biases and at the same created the right environment to ensure that the girl child has access to education and opportunities to achieve her dreams. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was launched by the prime minister on January 22, 2015 at Panipat, Haryana. BBBP addresses the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and [] The post Over Past Decade, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Has Become People-Powered Initiative: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Explained: How Neeraj Chopra pulled off a secret wedding?
New Delhi: A family that took an oath of secrecy, a national federation which kept mum despite claiming to know everything and his closest friends in dark -- one of India's most iconic athletes, Neeraj Chopra, got married in complete secrecy at a time when even mildly popular celebrities struggle to keep things private. The amiable youngster, a bonafide giant of Indian sports with two individual Olympic medals against his name, left the country wonder-struck on Sunday night and this time his sporting prowess had nothing to do with it. It was all about how easily he managed to dodge the constant glare of traditional as well as social media to complete an important life event. He eventually dropped the news to the world at a time of his choosing, which was a good 48 hours after solemnising his union with US-based tennis player and coach Himani Mor. The 27-year-old shared photos from the intimate ceremony that featured only the two families and sought the world's blessings. They landed in heaps on social media but most of his over 10 million followers across social media platforms also wondering, just how did he do it? His paternal uncle Bhim Chopra had some if not all the answers. Neeraj aur Himani pehle se ek dusare ko jaante the (Both of them knew each other for a while). It happened around two years back through some friends. Both families have also known each other for some time, he told PTI. The wedding preparations had been on for the past several months but none of the build-up could reach the media, which follows Neeraj's life and career rather aggressively ever since he first burst on to the scene in 2016 with a junior world title. Only the members of both families were there in the marriage because Neeraj wanted it that way and both families also wanted it this way. The couple has now left the country, Bhim Chopra said. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) claims it was aware of what was brewing and complied with the superstar and his family's wish for privacy. Yes. He informed the AFI about his marriage. He wanted to do it in private with very close ones, a top AFI official said. He will celebrate it with all after this season is over. The ceremony did not happen at his sprawling home in Khandra village near Panipat in Haryana. The exact venue for the festivities is not known but it was some place in Himachal Pradesh a state that is in the grip of a bitter cold wave after a fresh round of snowfall. The bride and groom opted for pastel shades for the wedding look and the pictures that Neeraj shared showed them sitting with folded hands and eyes closed amid traditional hindu rituals. It was the only glimpse that his fans got of the man on his big day, on which he demonstrated how fiercely he guards his private life. It was also in complete contrast to the celebrity weddings of current era in which every detail is shared or leaked online for the gratification of forever-curious fan clubs and media. Last year, Neeraj became one of the most followed track-and-field athletes in the world on Instagram when he hit nine million followers, a number that has swelled considerably. After his Tokyo Olympics gold, he was also the most written-about track and field athlete in 2022, displacing Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt from the top of the list, according to World Athletics, the global governing body. Their friendship and eventual relationship may go back a couple of years but almost no information exists in the online space to indicate that the two were close or even knew each other. His uncle too refused to divulge any information on how Neeraj and Himani started seeing each other. Neeraj's season will likely start in the next three months with Diamond League and will end only in September. The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, which is the most important event of this year and where he will defend his title, will be held from September 13-21.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the importance of unity at the Shaurya Diwas event in Panipat. He referred to the third battle of Panipat to underscore Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unity message. Fadnavis paid tributes to Maratha soldiers and announced a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He assured fair compensation to farmers providing land for the statue.
Delhi to Meerut in 40 minutes for Rs 150 from January 5
NEW DELHI: The much-awaited metro train RRTS, also called Namo Bharat, connecting Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh will be made operational on Sunday evening. Meerut is 73km away from Delhi. This will reduce travel time by one-third, enabling commuters to take the train from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South in under 40 minutes. After the PMs inauguration, the passenger operation will commence from 5pm on Sunday. The trains will run at a frequency of 15 minutes. The fare from New Ashok Nagar, the first operational station from Delhi, to Meerut South will be Rs 150 for standard coach and Rs 225 for premium coach, according to an official statement on Saturday. The minimum fare in standard coach starts from Rs 20 and goes up to Rs 150 for a single trip, while in the premium coach, it ranges between Rs 30 and Rs 225. So far, the RRTS, which began in 2023, were available between Meerut and Ghaziabad. The 42-km stretch of the corridor between Sahibabad and Meerut South has nine stations. In Delhi, the services are planned till Sarai Kale Khan and the work is underway between the section beyond New Ashok Nagar. In Meerut, the tracks will go till Modipuram. Chief Minister Atishi, while speaking to the media on Saturday, said that Delhi has contributed Rs 1,260 crore to this project. These projects will not only reduce travel time but also accelerate regional economic growth, she said. The RRTS addresses the growing interdependence between Delhi and NCR towns such as Sonipat, Ballabhgarh, Noida, and Faridabad. Other proposals include Delhi-Alwar (cabinet approval granted) and Delhi-Panipat (cabinet approval granted), she added.
Celebrating the Olympic stars birthday - Neeraj Chopra and his historic wins for India
The Olympic star, Subedar Major Neeraj Chopra turns 27 today. Well, who doesnt know the man with an arm that only aims at the Gold. Kids adore him calling Neeraj bhaiya with the javelin. The young man has brought India glory and fortune at quite a young age. Today as the Olympian enters in a New year of achievements full of happiness, we celebrate the star and his bests. Heres a complete timeline of events- Biography Neeraj Chopra was born on 24 th December 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat district of Haryana to parents Saroj Devi and Satish Chopra. He belongs to a Haryanvi Ror agricultural family, where both of his parents are farmers. His primary schooling took place at BVN Public school, Panipat. Due to obesity, he got enrolled to a gym. Thats where he first got introduced to Javelin throw and took up the sport eventually. At the age of 13, he moved to Tau Devi Lal Sports complex at Panchkula for his training, one of the only two facilities in Haryana with a synthetic runway. Neeraj completed his further schooling from Dayanand Vedic college, Chandigarh. While studying at school, alongside he won National Javelin Championships in 2012 and 2014. Seeing his sports achievements, Neeraj was recruited in the Indian Army in 2016. From the Indian Army only, Neeraj got selected for the Mission Olympics Wing training at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. In 2021, he enrolled for the Bachelor in Arts degree at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar. Career beginnings After a trial at the Sports Authority of India, Neeraj began his formal training of Javelin. He could manage third position at the District Championship. At the National Junior Athletics Championships in Lucknow, Neeraj won Gold with a new junior national record throw (68.40m). Neeraj competed at the World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine. It was his first international competition where he finished 19 th in the overall classification. Chopras first international medal came in 2014 where he won silver at the Youth Olympics qualification in Bangkok. In 2015, Neeraj broke the World Junior record at the All India Inter- University Athletics meet. In the same year, he finished fifth at the National games and ninth at the Asian Athletics Championships. The turning point came when Neeraj was called at the national level training camp at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala (2016). South Asian Games (2016): Gold with new personal best of 82.23m at Guwahati. 2016 IAAF World U-20 Championships in Poland: Gold medal with a throw of 86.48 m that set a new world junior record. He also became the first Indian javelin player to hold the national senior record and world junior record at the same time. Officially inducted as the Junior Commissioned officer in Indian Army. And then a rank of Naib Subedar in the Rajputana rifles. 2017 Asian Athletics Championships: Gold for Neeraj 2017 World Championships: 15 th in overall qualification 2018 Common wealth games: Gold medal with season best effort of 86.47m. First Indian to win the common wealth medal. August 2018: Gold at the Asian Games, first for Neeraj and first for India. It was his debut at the games where he was even the flagbearer of India. Neeraj had a year of injuries, surgeries in 2019. But he could manage it and had a comeback in 2021, when he began his international season with a gold. June 2021: Gold at the Athletics meet in Karlstad, Sweden. In the subsequent games in Finland, Neeraj won bronze medal. The World Champion arrives with new records (2021 2024) Neeraj Chopra, the reigning World Champion arrived in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics. On 7 th August, Neeraj Chopra scripted history by clinching a gold in his second attempt at the final with a throw of 87.58 m. Neeraj became the first Indian to win a Gold medal in Athletics, also the first Indian in athletics post- independence. He is the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold after Abhinav Bindra. And the first Asian Athlete to win an Olympic gold. Neeraj was also the youngest ever Indian Olympic Gold medalist in an individual event and a first to win a medal on Olympic debut. Following the Olympic win, Neeraj registered World No.2 in Mens javelin throw rankings. June 2022: Second at Paavo Nurmi Games with new personal best at 89.30 m. 2022 Diamond League: Neeraj broke his own national record with a throw of 89.94 m. July 2022: Silver medal at the World Athletics Championships (Indias second ever medal at the championships). 2022: Diamond League finals where Neeraj won gold and qualified for the 2023 World Championships. May 2023: Top spot at the Doha Diamond league with a throw of 88.67 m. Neeraj placed at the first position of the Mens Javelin throw rankings issued by the World Athletics. August 2023: Gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, making Neeraj the first Indian to win gold at the event. October 2023: Second gold at the Asian games with season best throw of 88.88 m. 2024: Finished second at the Doha Diamond league. Neeraj won the gold at the Federation cup in India and the Paavo Nurmi games before the Paris Olympics. For the qualification in the finals at the Paris Olympics, Neeraj in his first attempt at 89.34 m secured the top spot of the table. He won the silver medal with a throw at 89.45 m. After the two Olympic wins, Neeraj became fifth individual medalist from India and the first one to win a gold and silver combination. Neeraj was placed second at the Lausanne Diamond League javelin throw competition. For Neerajs contribution to the sport he has been honored by the Government of India with: Arjuna Award for sporting excellence in 2018, Khel Ratna Award which is the highest sporting honor in the country in 2021, Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honor in 2022, Apart from this, Neeraj Chopra was also named as Sportsman of the year (2021) by The Times of India. The Army Sports Institute Stadium in Pune is now named as Neeraj Chopra stadium. Neeraj also got featured on Vogue Indias cover named as the Man of the Year (2021). Now, we know why Neeraj Chopra is the most loved sport athlete of India. The achievements of the star are many, and we even look for more. As said true, the best of the star is yet to come. Wishing Neeraj a new milestone year with a gold medal from every event he steps into!
PM Modi launches LICs Bima Sakhi Yojana
PANIPAT, Dec 9 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana of LIC here under which 2 lakh woman insurance agents will be appointed over the next three years. Bima Sakhi Yojana, an initiative of state-owned LIC, is designed to empower women aged 18-70 years who are Class X pass. They will receive specialised training and a stipend for the first three years to promote financial literacy and insurance awareness. Under the scheme, the woman agents [] The post PM Modi launches LICs Bima Sakhi Yojana appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PM calls for women's empowerment, launches initiative to enrol lakhs as insurance agents
Prime Minister Modi launched the 'Bima Sakhi' initiative in Panipat, Haryana, aiming to empower women by enrolling them as insurance agents and expand insurance coverage. He highlighted the government's commitment to women's progress and support for farmers, citing over 1.25 lakh crore disbursed as MSP in Haryana during previous terms and additional drought relief funds.
Modi launches LIC's Bima Sakhi Yojana to empower women
Panipat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched the 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' of LIC here under which 2 lakh woman insurance agents will be appointed over the next three years.'Bima Sakhi Yojana', an initiative of state-owned LIC, is designed to empower women aged 18-70 years who are Class X pass. They will receive specialised training and a stipend for the first three years to promote financial literacy and insurance awareness. Under the scheme, the woman agents will also get a stipend of Rs 7,000 per month for the first year, Rs 6,000 per month in the second year and Rs 5,000 per month in the third year. Bima Sakhis will also get the benefit of commission. The plan is to appoint 2 lakh Bima Sakhi over three years. After training, they can serve as LIC agents and the graduate Bima Sakhis would have the opportunity to qualify for being considered for Development Officer roles in LIC. Prime Minister will also distribute appointment certificates to prospective Bima Sakhis. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal. The main campus and six regional research stations, spread over 495 acres, will be established at a cost of over Rs 700 crore. The University will have one college of horticulture for graduate and post-graduate studies and five schools covering 10 horticulture disciplines. It will work towards crop diversification and world-class research for the development of horticulture technologies.
What is LICs Bima Sakhi Yojana? Know eligibility, stipend & how to apply
In line with his commitment to women empowerment and financial inclusion, Prime Minister will Bima Sakhi Yojana (MCA Scheme) in Panipat, Haryana. This initiative of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is designed to empower rural women. They ...
PM Modi to inaugurate 'Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit' in Jaipur today
Following the Jaipur event, PM Modi will then travel to Panipat in Haryana, where he will launch the Bima Sakhi Yojana by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), a scheme aimed at empowering women.
Ali Amin Gandapur, a leader of Imran Khan's party, threatened further protests to secure Khan's release from jail. He referenced the Battle of Panipat, vowing more attacks like the November 24th march in Islamabad.
PESHAWAR, Dec 8:Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Ali Amin Gandapur, the firebrand leader of Imran Khans party, has warned of launching more protests against the federal Government to secure the release of the jailed former premier. We will continue launching attacks like the battle of Panipat. We will conquer if demands are not met, Gandapur told reporters on Saturday, referring to a historic battle in the subcontinent. We have launched just five attacks and will continue to launch the rest, [] The post Imran Khans party to launch more protests against Govt to secure his release, says Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PM Modi to launch Bima Sakhi Yojana for women on Dec 9
Prime Minister Modi will launch the 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' in Panipat on December 9th. This LIC initiative will train women aged 18-70, who are Class X pass, to promote financial literacy and insurance awareness. Graduates may qualify for Development Officer roles. He will also lay the foundation stone for Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal.
Delhi Police nabs 2 shooters of Tillu gang in Rohini
New Delhi: The Special Cell of the Delhi Police nabbed two Haryana-based shooters of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang following a shootout in the Rohini area, an officer said on Friday. According to police, both shooters received gunshot wounds in their legs and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. They were identified as Narender, 24, of Sonipat and Abhishek, 22, of Panipat. The arrests were made following a tip-off about the presence of the two shooters in the northwest Delhi area. Teams were formed to nab them. When they were asked to surrender, they opened fire at the team. Police also fired back and both received bullet injuries in their legs, the officer said.
Andhra Pradesh: Engg student with bullets held at airport
Vijayawada: A student of engineering, studying at a private university in the city, was taken into custody by the police for carrying two rounds of bullets, at the Vijayawada International Airport on Thursday. According to Gannavaram police, the student hailing from Panipat in Haryana was about to board a flight to Delhi, when the officials manning the security hold area, checked his luggage and found two rounds of ammunition. He was immediately taken into custody for further questioning. The student confessed to the police that when he came to the city earlier from his home town, he was travelling by a train and he was not aware about the cartridges in his luggage. He further said that the seized bullets were of the licensed gun belonging to his father. A case has been booked and further investigation is underway, police said.
