GOC Rising Star Corps Reviews Operational Preparedness Of Troops In Mamun Sector
JAMMU, Mar 4: The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Rising Star Corps, Lieutenant General Rajan Sharawat on Wednesday reviewed operational preparedness of the troops in the Mamun sector. The Mamun sector, whose headquarters is located at Pathankot, looks after the operational areas of the twin border districts of Samba and Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. The GOC of Rising Star Corps reviewed operational preparedness of troops in Mamun sector, PRO, Defence, Jammu said on X. The GOC commended the troops for [] The post GOC Rising Star Corps Reviews Operational Preparedness Of Troops In Mamun Sector appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Terror graph declining in J&K, launch pads under watch: Gen Katiyar
Says Pak Army still supporting infiltration; this time our response will be stronger Pathankot, Feb 26: Noting a sustained decline in terrorism indicators in Jammu and Kashmir, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, on Thursday said the security situation in the Union Territory has become very normal, even [] The post Terror graph declining in J&K, launch pads under watch: Gen Katiyar appeared first on Northlines .
Steady Decline In Militancy, Situation Normal In J&K: Western Army Commander
Pathankot (Punjab), Feb 26: Western Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar on Thursday said he has noted a sustained decline in militancy indicators in Jammu and Kashmir, and the situation has become very normal. Maintaining that the Army is keeping a close watch on the terror infrastructure, he said plans are being formulated to deal with it accordingly. As you have seen, all militancy parameters in Jammu and Kashmir have consistently declined. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has [] The post Steady Decline In Militancy, Situation Normal In J&K: Western Army Commander appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Army Ready For Decisive Ground Action, Wont Be Deterred By Nuclear Threat: Western Commander
Pathankot (Punjab), Feb 26: The Army is fully prepared for future contingencies and will not be deterred by nuclear threats, Western Command chief Lt General Manoj Kumar Katiyar said on Thursday, asserting that any future conflict would see decisive outcome on the ground. The Army commander said during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan desperately sought a ceasefire while simultaneously issuing nuclear threats. They said if they go down, they will take half the world with them. During Operation Sindoor, we ignored their [] The post Army Ready For Decisive Ground Action, Wont Be Deterred By Nuclear Threat: Western Commander appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BRO Restores Key DodaKathua Link Even as Fresh Snow Slide Strands Vehicles
JAMMU TAWI, Feb 15: An avalanche blocked the BhaderwahPathankot inter-state road in Doda district on Sunday evening, leaving dozens of vehicles stranded, even as authorities confirmed the reopening of the BhaderwahBaniBasohli national highway after an extensive snow clearance operation. According to police officials, the avalanche struck between Thanthera and Guldanda, about 18 kilometres from Bhaderwah [] The post BRO Restores Key DodaKathua Link Even as Fresh Snow Slide Strands Vehicles appeared first on Northlines .
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday criticised the India vs Pakistan group-stage match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, alleging that the high-profile clash leads to large-scale betting and gambling. He further alleged that money from the match goes to Pakistan and further claimed that local brokers, including some politicians from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), benefit from it. Raut's remarks came as India will be playing against Pakistan in international tournaments in Colombo today. While speaking at a press conference, Raut said, This is not an India-Pakistan match. This is a Jay Shah vs Pakistan match. The people of India do not want it. The Indian public does not consent to India playing against Pakistan. The India-Pakistan match generates the highest amount of betting and gambling in cricket, and the money also goes to Pakistan. Even dalals (local brokers), especially politicians in the BJP, benefit from it, as quoted by ANI . PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Meets Usman Tariq & Pakistan Team Ahead Of IND vs PAK T20 World Cup Match; Video He also slammed Jay Shah and described that India vs Pakistan match not as a contest between the two teams, but as a fixture between the ICC Chairman, Jay Shah, and Pakistan. This is not an India-Pakistan match. This is a Jay Shah vs Pakistan match. The people of India do not want it. The Indian public does not consent to India playing against Pakistan. IND vs PAK T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav Set To Skip Handshake With Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha At Toss; Claims Report He also further alleged, In the last match against Pakistan, Rs 25,000 crore went to Pakistan. That money then reaches terrorists--some go to Pahalgam, some to Pulwama, some to Uri, some to Pathankot. This is what happens with India-Pakistan cricket; money flows this way. He further claimed that a large gambling and betting network operates from Gujarat and Rajasthan, with the proceeds reaching Pakistan. The match is scheduled for today at 7 PM at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (With inputs from ANI)
URGENT REQUIRED 4 DRIVERS 4 HELPERS 1 DATA ENTRY OPERATOR CORRESPOND AT OPPOSITE PILLAR NO 44 JAMMU-PATHANKOT HIGHWAY DIGIANA CAMP JAMMU 9070334222 REQUIRED FOR AT HOME PATIENT CARE * PATIENT CARE NURSES & ATTENDANTS FOR DAY/NIGHT/24X7 SHIFTS MALES & FEMALES CONTACT 8715866444 10 AM TO 2 PM MEDIVISTA HEALTH CARE 6, RED CROSS BHAWAN KACHI CHHAWNI JAMMU TEACHERS REQUIRED LITTLE FEET PRESCHOOL REQUIRES NURSERY TRAINED TEACHERS; EXPERIENCE PREFERRED. INTERVIEW ON 09-02-26 , TIMINGS10AM -12 PM FOR RAJPURA & NEW PLOT [] The post EMPLOYMENT (09-02-2026) appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Two suspects detained in Samba; searches launched in Udhampur
On Jan 6, Punjab Police detained a minor in Pathankot on charges of spying and for allegedly sharing confidential information via social media to terror agencies, ISI, and Pakistan military officers. The detention prompted a statewide alert for similar espionage activities involving children. Under Operation Trashi-I, security forces have engaged in four encounters with terrorists in the past fortnight.
Car catches fire in Samba, inmates manage to escape
Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Jan 20: A private car on way from Kathua to Jammu suddenly caught fire on Jammu-Pathankot National Highway at Ghagwal Chowk near, here on Tuesday morning. According to the information received, the driver, noticing smoke suddenly rising from the moving vehicle, showed presence of mind and stopped the car on the side of the road. The car quickly burst into flames. All the passengers in the car managed to escape and saved their lives. There were four [] The post Car catches fire in Samba, inmates manage to escape appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Security Tightened Amid Surge Of Tourists At Snow-Bound Destinations In J&Ks Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah/Jammu, Jan 10: Security arrangements have been strengthened across snow-bound tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda following a surge of tourists over the past fortnight, officials said on Saturday. The visible deployment of security personnel at popular high-altitude meadows, including Chattargalla (11,000 ft), Panj Nallah (10,200 ft) and Guldanda (9,555 ft) along the BhaderwahPathankot highway, is aimed at boosting visitors confidence and maintaining strict vigilance to ensure their safety, the officials said. Despite harsh weather conditions, the strong presence [] The post Security Tightened Amid Surge Of Tourists At Snow-Bound Destinations In J&Ks Bhaderwah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab Beggar Collects Rs 10 From People, Distributes 500 Blankets To Poor
As a severe cold wave grips North India, life has become harsh for the poor, homeless, and destitute. As many struggle to protect themselves from the cold, a remarkable story of compassion has emerged from Punjab's Pathankot.
Fresh Snowfall Covers Higher Reaches Of J&Ks Bhaderwah, Delights Tourists
Bhaderwah/Jammu, Jan 7: Fresh snowfall in the high-altitude areas of Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district delighted tourists, who had flocked to the picturesque valley in anticipation of the precipitation, turning their long-awaited wishes into reality. Visitors from different parts of the country, particularly Maharashtra, said they witnessed snowfall for the first time, describing it as a pleasant surprise. Tourists converged in large numbers at Guldanda (9,555 feet), Panj Nallah (10,200 feet) and Chattargalla (10,500 feet) along the BhaderwahPathankot [] The post Fresh Snowfall Covers Higher Reaches Of J&Ks Bhaderwah, Delights Tourists appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jammu teen held for sharing info with Pak handlers
Jammu Tawi, Jan 6:Punjab Police have detained a 15-year old boy from Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly sharing sensitive information with handlers in Pakistan. According to the details available, the teenage boy from Bari Brahmana presently residing in bordering Sujanpur of Pathankot district in Punjab was providing information to people sitting in Pakistan. Police received [] The post Jammu teen held for sharing info with Pak handlers appeared first on Northlines .
15-year-old boy arrested in Pathankot for sharing security information with Pakistans ISI
Punjab: 15-year-old held for spying, sharing confidential data with Pakistan
A 15-year-old boy was detained from Pathankot in Punjab by the police for spying and allegedly sharing confidential data via social media, prompting a state-wide alert for similar espionage activities involving children. Officials said on Tuesday that the boy, a resident of Jammus Samba district, was allegedly sending critical and sensitive information related to India 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 .
Punjab: Teenager Apprehended For Sharing Information With Pakistani Handlers
Chandigarh, Jan 6: A 15-year-old boy has been apprehended in Punjabs Pathankot for allegedly sharing information about sensitive locations with Pakistani handlers, police said on Tuesday According to police, the boy was radicalised on a social media platform. Police had received information that the boy was in contact with and was providing information concerning the countrys security to Pakistan military officers, ISI and frontal organisations running terror modules in that country, Pathankot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Daljinder Singh Dhillon [] The post Punjab: Teenager Apprehended For Sharing Information With Pakistani Handlers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
15-Year-Old Boy Arrested In Pathankot On Charges Of Spying For Pakistans ISI
Police said the minor had been sharing sensitive information related to India with ISI handlers for the past one year.
Pathankot police apprehended a 15-year-old boy for allegedly leaking national security details to Pakistan's ISI and military. Exploiting his emotional vulnerability over a suspected father's murder, Pakistani handlers lured him via social media. The juvenile had shared sensitive location videos and communicated with Pakistan-based terror operatives for nearly a year.
Pratap World School Pathankot students shine in CLAT Examination
Excelsior Correspondent PATHANKOT, Jan 4: Pratap World School, Pathankot has achieved another academic milestone as its students Mehak Sharma and Ravipal Singh successfully cleared the prestigious Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), securing notable ranks at both state and national levels. Their achievement highlights the schools strong academic culture, dedicated faculty support, and focused preparation for competitive examinations. Ravipal Singh delivered an impressive performance by securing a State Rank of 58 along with an All India Rank of 1789, earning admission [] The post Pratap World School Pathankot students shine in CLAT Examination appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pathankot Attack: A Decade Later What We Remembered, What We Learned
Commemorating the Pathankot attack, which followed a brief period of diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, emphasizes the fragility of peace in the face of persistent cross-border terrorism and its implications for national security.
Pathankot Attack: Timeline of Events
In January 2016, India faced a tense situation as armed terrorists attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station. The incident unfolded over several days, highlighting the country's vulnerability to terrorism and the need for effective counter-terror strategies.
Fact vs Fiction: Clearing Myths About the Pathankot Attack
Ten years after the Pathankot Air Force Station attack, misinformation persists about the events from January 2 to 6, 2016. Understanding the truth is crucial to grasping the attack's implications on national security.
Remembering the Brave on Pathankot Attack Anniversary
On January 2, 2016, the Pathankot Air Force Station was attacked by Jaish-e-Mohammed militants, leading to a lengthy counter-terror operation that tested the resolve of Indian security forces.
Punjab, Haryana reel under intense cold as dense fog envelops many areas
CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana are reeling under intense cold while dense fog enveloped many areas in both states on Saturday. Ballowal Saunkhri in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district was the coldest place in Punjab, recording a low of 4.4 degrees Celsius, according to a report of the local meteorological department. Among other areas in Punjab, Amritsar recorded a low of 5.1 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. Ludhiana shivered at 4.6 degrees Celsius while Patiala's minimum was 7 degrees Celsius. Pathankot, Bathinda, Faridkot and Gurdaspur recorded their respective lows of 5.4, 6, 4.9 and 5.8 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh, the joint capital of the two states, recorded a minimum of 6.9 degrees Celsius. In neighbouring Haryana, Gurugram was the coldest place with a low of 4.9 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Ambala was recorded at 9.3 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while Hisar's low was 5 degrees Celsius. Karnal recorded a low of 8 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. Narnaul, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Sirsa registered minimum temperatures of 5.5, 7.2, 6.5 and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Long-distance bus travel offers cleaner air than polluted cities in winter: Study
NEW DELHI: A new study by Respirer Living Sciences in collaboration with IntrCity SmartBus has found that long-distance bus travel during winter exposes passengers to significantly cleaner air compared to the severely polluted conditions in many north and central Indian cities . The study, conducted from December 7 to 14, 2025, covered 11 intercity routes across the country and is Indias first to measure real-time air quality inside long-distance buses. Its findings show that passengers spent up to 80% of their travel time breathing air with PM2.5 levels below 60 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m). Across most routes, around 6080% of the journey duration recorded PM2.5 levels under 60 g/m, indicating generally acceptable in-cabin air quality during transit. The analysis suggests that air filtration and in-cabin air systems play a crucial role in reducing passenger exposure to pollution, even while travelling through heavily polluted corridors in northern and central India. The study notes that while pollution spikes did occur, they were short-lived and intermittent. Overall, a substantial share of bus travel took place under low to moderate PM2.5 levels, offering a relatively cleaner breathing environment compared to outdoor city air during winter. Route-wise data showed particularly favourable conditions on sectors such as DelhiKanpur, PuneNagpur, PuneBangalore, DelhiLucknow, PathankotDelhi, DelhiKatra, and KatraDelhi, where PM2.5 levels remained below 60 g/m for more than 80% of the travel time. In contrast, the DelhiPathankot and LucknowDelhi routes recorded slightly higher exposure, with over 20% of travel time exceeding the 60 g/m threshold. Even on routes with relatively higher pollution, exposure to PM2.5 concentrations above 90 g/m was generally limited to a small portion of the journeyoften less than 1015% of total travel time. According to the study, these brief pollution peaks are likely linked to short-term external factors such as traffic congestion or localised pollution hotspots. Researchers said the findings provide a detailed picture of passenger exposure to particulate pollution during long-distance road travel and add a new dimension to discussions on mobility and public health in India. The study is the first publicly shared evidence of real-time air quality conditions inside long-distance buses in the country. As North India chokes, there can be no hiding 'behind the smokescreen of farm fires anymore'
Punjab rural election results: The ruling AAP in Punjab won the zila parishad polls and was also surging in majority of the zones of panchayat samiti. Congress secured the second spot and BJP managed to win 4 zones of the zila parishad in Pathankot. Punjab Congress Chief accused the AAP government of stealing polls.
Punjab Police arrests two gangster-turned-terrorists linked with BKI from Mumbai
CHANDIGARH: In a major inter-state operation carried out in coordination with central agencies, Punjab Police have arrested two gangster-turned-terrorists linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) from Mumbai, officials said on Monday. The arrested men have been identified as Sajan Masih, a resident of Veroke village in Gurdaspur district, and Sukhdev Kumar alias Munish Bedi, a resident of Lahori Gate in Amritsar. Both were allegedly operating from overseas locations before their arrest. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the two accused had a long criminal history, with multiple cases registered against them for murder, attempt to murder, offences under the Arms Act, use of explosives, and provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at police stations in Batala and Amritsar. According to Yadav, the arrested men were key operatives of Pakistan-based ISI-supported terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda and USA-based BKI operative Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, who is currently detained. They were operating from overseas locations, including Dubai and Armenia, while attempting to orchestrate criminal and terror activities in Punjab, he said. The DGP said Punjab Police had issued Look Out Circulars (LOCs) and Red Corner Notices against several wanted criminals who had taken refuge abroad, which helped in tracking and apprehending the two accused. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the duo was part of a BKI-linked network responsible for multiple grenade attacks on police stations in Amritsar and Batala, as well as the killings of Hardeep Singh of Jourrian Kalan and Ravi Kumar, a kiryana store owner from Dera Baba Nanak. Yadav added that Sajan Masih was also coordinating with another key associate, Shamsher Shera alias Honey, who is currently based in Armenia. Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said the arrests were made following specific intelligence inputs developed in close coordination with central agencies. A joint team of the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, and Counter Intelligence, Pathankot, was swiftly dispatched to Mumbai and took the accused into custody immediately after they landed from abroad. Mann said the arrested men were actively involved in providing logistical support, funding channels and strategic direction to foot soldiers operating in Punjab. Both accused have been arrested in connection with FIR No. 47 dated August 25, 2025, registered under Sections 25, 29 and 30 of the Arms Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.
Govt Says 15 Airports Under UDAN Scheme Are Temporarily Non-Operational
At present, fifteen airports, namely Pathankot, Pakyong, Kushinagar, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Shravasti, Moradabad, Bhavnagar, Ambikapur, Rourkela, Ludhiana, Datia, Kalaburagi and Shimla are temporarily non-operational under the UDAN scheme: Murlidhar Mohol
13 Injured As Bus Rams Into Flyover Pillar Near Jammu
JAMMU, Nov 27: At least thirteen passengers were injured on Thursday when a bus rammed into a pillar of an under-construction flyover on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway here, police said. According to the officials, the incident occurred near the Bari Brahmana area when the bus, travelling from Jammu to Kathua, hit the pillar after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, allegedly due to overspeeding. All the injured were taken to a nearby hospital, they said. The post 13 Injured As Bus Rams Into Flyover Pillar Near Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab police bust gangsterterror module; five held with foreign links
CHANDIGARH: A gangster-terror module was busted by the Punjab Police with the arrest of five suspects. Seven such modules have been unearthed in the last three weeks. The arrested men were allegedly assigned target killings by handlers operating from Pakistan, Canada, and Europe. Sources said the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, through its handlers, has been using YouTube videos to train recruits remotely on how to operate and detonate hand grenades. Police recovered these instructional videosdownloaded and shared via WhatsApp using virtual numbersfrom the mobile phones of the alleged suspects. The accused have been identified as Deepak, alias Deepu, and Ram Lal, who travelled from Rajasthan to coordinate and execute a terror attack in Ludhiana. The other three are Shamsher Singh from Ferozepur in Punjab, Harsh Ojha from Bihar, and Ajay from Haryana. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said the accused were specifically tasked by their Pakistan-based handler, Jasveer alias Choudhary, to carry out grenade attacks in the state. These Pakistan-based handlers are deliberately recruiting criminals from other states to commit terror acts in Punjab, as youths from Bihar, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra are being recruited to orchestrate grenade attacks in the state. We are in touch with the National Investigation Agency to unearth their foreign links, he said. Police officials privy to the investigation said that after Operation Sindoor, there has been a sharp rise in assigned target killings, with gangster-terror modules receiving hit lists, weapons, and logistical support from handlers abroad. There is credible evidence that the ISI of Pakistan is trying its best to disturb peace in the state, as it is pressurising its contacts among gangsters through foreign handlers to carry out target killings, said one official. There has also been a five-fold increase in weapons smuggling across the border. A total of 375 weaponsincluding AK-47 rifles, grenades, and improvised explosive deviceswere seized till October 31 this year, surpassing the total number recovered from 2021 to 2024, according to state police data. On November 1, four operatives of gangsters Gurdev Jassal and Gurlala alias Gullu were arrested in Gurdaspur, and five pistols were recovered from them. On November 10, the State Special Operation Cell arrested four members of a terror module who were in touch with a Portugal-based wanted gangster and were working under his directions. A day later, SSOC-Amritsar, in a joint operation with the Counter-Intelligence Wing, Pathankot, arrested two individuals working on behalf of a UK-based handler and recovered a sophisticated 9mm Glock pistol and five live cartridges. On November 12, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with Mohali Police, arrested two operatives linked to foreign-based gangster Goldy Dhillon of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, who were planning to target a businessman. On November 13, police arrested two associates of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and recovered two foreign-made .30-calibre pistols from Batala. The accused were tasked by gangster Amrit Dalaam, a member of the Bhagwanpuria gang, to carry out target killings, the police said. Then, on November 15, the Counter-Intelligence Wing in Amritsar busted an illegal weapons-smuggling module being operated from Madhya Pradesh, arresting one person and recovering nine pistols. Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the police have been able to bust most of the modules that had been assigned target killings. There have been desperate attempts from across the border to disturb peace in the state, but our agencies have been active and alert to meet any eventuality, he said.
Jammu/Pathankot/Chandigarh, Nov 20: The Nagar Kirtan commemorating the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji received a heartfelt and spiritual welcome from the sangat in Jammu before proceeding towards Pathankot on Wednesday. Devotees walked barefoot alongside the procession during the late-night reception and todays onward journey. A special stopover was arranged at Gurdwara [] The post Guru Tegh Bahadur Jis Martyrdom Anniversay: Nagar Kirtan gets warm reception in Jammu, proceeds towards Pathankot appeared first on Northlines .
Mann, Kejriwal, Omar Abdullah Take Part In Sikh Religious Procession In Srinagar
Chandigarh, Nov 19: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday participated in a nagar kirtan (religious procession) in Srinagar as part of the commemorative events to mark 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The procession, which started from Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi in Srinagar, will reach Punjabs Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22 after halting at Jammu on November 19, Pathankot on November 20 and [] The post Mann, Kejriwal, Omar Abdullah Take Part In Sikh Religious Procession In Srinagar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Cabinet has approved a new farmhouse policy for land parcels de-listed under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) in the environmentally sensitive Kandi region of the lower Shivalik Hills, stretching from SAS Nagar to Pathankot. The move aims to regularise authorised structures and is expected to rescue numerous influential individuals, including politicians and senior bureaucrats, who own properties in these areas. The policy establishes a standardised and transparent framework for the regularisation of existing structures and for permitting new low-impact residential units on de-listed lands. It stipulates a minimum plot size of 4,000 square yards and imposes strict controls such as a low Floor Area Ratio (FAR), limited site coverage, and a restriction to ground-plus-one construction. To ensure environmental protection, the policy mandates robust safeguards, including plantation of indigenous species, use of sustainable building materials, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy systems. A committee headed by Secretary, Housing, Vikas Garg, was constituted on the directions of Chief Secretary KAP Sinha to frame guidelines for regularisation of authorised structures. The biggest beneficiaries are expected to be those who own land or have already constructed farmhouses in the periphery of Chandigarh. According to sources, the government was under pressure from a powerful lobby, as many VIPs had already built farmhouses on de-listed land and were facing demolition notices for violating housing norms. Forest department sources noted that the policy had faced hurdles due to the Periphery Act, the proposed Sukhna eco-sensitive zone, and Supreme Court guidelines governing land use in areas removed from PLPA protection. The Eco-Tourism Development Committee reportedly rejected around 90 regularisation applications, stating that the existing structures violated guidelines. Forest officials maintain that Supreme Court directions must be upheld to protect forest and wildlife norms. Other decisions The Cabinet also approved a policy, modelled on that of the Department of Industry and Commerce, for fragmentation or subdivision of industrial plots under the Housing and Urban Development Department. This aims to bring parity between the two departments. Subdivision of industrial plots into two or more units will be permitted, provided no sub-plot measures less than 500 square yards. Approval was also given to launch the Navi Dishaa scheme to address menstrual hygiene and provide free sanitary napkins to adolescent girls and vulnerable women. The initiative will emphasise awareness, education, behavioural change, and distribution of free sanitary napkins to women aged 1544, especially school dropouts, BPL households, slum dwellers, itinerant communities, and homeless women. The Cabinet further granted approval to summon the 10th (Special) Session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha at Anandpur Sahib on 24 November, as part of events commemorating the 350th martyrdom day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The session will be held at Bhai Jaita Ji. In another significant decision, the Cabinet enhanced the retirement age for administrative posts filled through promotion from the Medical Teaching Faculty in the Department of Medical Education and Research (MER) from 62 to 65 years. The move aligns Punjab with Haryana, Chandigarh (UT), and Union Government institutions, and is expected to improve faculty retention and institutional stability amid expanding medical colleges. The government also approved the creation of a separate cadre for postings in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Many Punjab quota posts have remained vacant, leading the Board to fill them with its own staff. The Cabinet has sanctioned 2,458 posts across various departments and approved relevant service rules. Additionally, approval has been granted to recruit 311 nurses in the Health and Family Welfare Department. This measure underscores the states commitment to strengthening public healthcare infrastructure. Recruitment of more than 400 additional nurses is under way, with all new staff expected to join by the first week of December. The government has already completed the recruitment of 800 doctors through a transparent process to meet rising healthcare demands. Over 175 specialist doctors have been appointed in key disciplines, including paediatrics, medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, and surgery. Taken together, these efforts constitute one of Punjabs largest recent healthcare recruitment drives, aimed at ensuring timely, accessible, and high-quality health services for all.
Delhi blast: Agencies detain three doctors, two fertilizer sellers for alleged terror links
CHANDIGARH: A surgeon from Pathankot in Punjab, who had earlier worked at Al-Falah University, has been detained in the Delhi Red Fort blast . Additionally, two doctors from Nuh and two fertilizer and seed sellers were picked up from Sohna in Haryana. The Al-Falah University in Faridabad continues to remain under the scanner of multiple central and state agencies, with revenue officials checking the university's land records and measurements. Meanwhile, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has cancelled the registrations of the four doctors involved in the terror module behind the blast on November 10. Sources said that 45-year old Dr Rayees Ahmad Bhat, who is presently associated with White Medical College in Pathankot, was detained by the central agencies and is being questioned after investigators found that he was allegedly in touch with Dr Umar Nabi the main master mind of the Delhi Red Fort blast in which a dozen people died. Bhat worked at the Al-Falah University from 2020 to 2021. The investigators found that Dr Bhat was in regular touch with staff at the university. Sources said Bhat was taken into custody to establish facts and to ascertain whether he was part of the white collar terror module that was allegedly supported by the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. One of the accused had called him on the phone, an official said on condition of anonymity. On Friday evening, two doctors from Nuh and two fertiliser and seed sellers from Sohna were detained for questioning. Sources said that a doctor Mustkim, a resident of Sunhera village in Nuh district, was picked up for questioning. He had reportedly completed his MBBS and was doing his apprenticeship at Al-Falah University, which ended on November 2. He allegedly travelled to Delhi on November 9. Dr Rehan, a former student of Al-Falah University who is currently employed with a private hospital in Nuh, was also detained. However, neither police nor Central agencies have officially confirmed their detention. Sources said that two fertilizer and seed store owners were detained from the new grain market in Sohna over suspicion that they might have sold chemicals to individuals connected to the terror module. The development has triggered strict restrictions in Gurugram on fertiliser distribution. An investigation officer confirmed the detentions, saying the two traders were picked up for questioning. Meanwhile, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has cancelled the registrations of the four doctors. In a notice, the commission cancelled the Indian Medical Register (IMR) and National Medical Register (NMR) entries of four doctors -- Dr Muzaffar Ahmad, Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, Dr Muzamil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Saeed -- with immediate effect, said sources. In its notice, the NMC cited charges mentioned in FIRs and said Ahmad, Rather and Shakeel, who were registered with the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council, were found to be involved on the basis of evidence collected by investigating agencies. Their alleged conduct, the commission noted, was prima facie inconsistent with the standards of ethical propriety, integrity and public trust expected of medical professionals under the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002. These doctors can no longer practise medicine or hold any medical appointment anywhere in India, the notice read. The land records of the university have also come under scrutiny. A revenue team comprising patwaris visited the campus in Dhauj yesterday and measured land parcels. A measurement of the land is under process to clarify if any encroachment by the university. It will also be clarifying how the university administration takes the panchayati land on which condition and norms, said an officer.
Delhi blast case: 45-year-old surgeon detained from Pathankot for questioning
On Monday, agencies busted a white collar terror module with links to terrorist outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind and spread across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. They seized 2,900 kilograms of explosive substances and arrested eight people, including three doctors linked to Al Falah University.
Red Fort Blast Probe: Another Doctor Who Worked At Al-Falah University Detained
Police detained a White Medical College professor from Pathankot over possible links to the Delhi Red Fort blast.
Masood Azhar: Mumbai, Parliament, Pathankot, Pulwama Attacks...Now Delhi
The blast that ripped through the heart of Delhi on November 10 has renewed focus on Masood Azhar, one of the most prominent terror faces from across the border.
Western Commander reviews preparedness in Jmu-Pathankot sector
Jammu Tawi, Nov 7 : Armys Western Commander Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar on Friday reviewed the operational preparedness of troops deployed in forward areas along the Jammu-Pathankot sector, officials said. The review by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief comes as the troops prepare for the winter months to effectively counter threats posed by terrorists operating [] The post Western Commander reviews preparedness in Jmu-Pathankot sector appeared first on Northlines .
