Defence Ministry recommends MoRTH approval for Bhubhu Jot tunnel in Himachal
CHANDIGARH: The Union Ministry of Defence has recommended the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for approval of the Bhubhu Jot tunnel in Himachal Pradesh as an alternative route to Leh-Ladakh to be designated as a project of strategic importance. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the critical role the highway and tunnel would play, significantly enhancing the operational readiness of the armed forces in forward areas. Apart from its strategic significance, the tunnel was expected to bring substantial socio-economic benefits to the region and budgetary provisions for the project will now be made accordingly. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the he path for the construction of the much-awaited Bhubu Jot Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh has been cleared and he reaffirmed the state governments unwavering commitment to the Bhubu Jot Tunnel project. I personally met the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 25 to request prioritization of this project while considering its strategic importance. The issue was also raised with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. The construction of this tunnel would be a milestone for the development of the state, he said. The proposed Bhubu Jot Tunnel would reduce the distance between Kangra and Kullu by 55 kilometers once it is completed, the distance between Kullu and Dharamsala or Pathankot will be reduced. The road will begin from Kullu and join the Mandi-Pathankot National Highway at Ghatasni via Lag Valley, Bhubu Jot and Shilh-Badhwaniand and will deliver immense benefits to the local population and boosting tourism in the region thereby strengthening the economy of the people. The state government was prioritizing tunnel construction to enhance road connectivity, promote sustainable development and minimize environmental impact. The construction of the Bhubu Jot Tunnel would be a transformative step for the development of Himachal Pradesh. This project would not only strengthen strategic infrastructure but also catalyze socio-economic growth in the region, Sukhu added. Bhubu Jot remains covered with heavy snow during winter and the proposed tunnel will provide all-weather road connectivity. The tunnel is strategically important as it will reduce the distance from Pathankot to Manali by around 63 km and lessen the travel time by two hours. Former Chief Minister PK Dhumal had announced its construction in 2009.
Two arrested with pistols, cartridges in Punjab
CHANDIGARH, Dec 21: Punjab Police has arrested two persons and recovered two pistols and cartridges from their possession, a top officer said on Saturday. In a major breakthrough, CI (Counter Intelligence) Pathankot apprehends two persons based on reliable input, leading to the recovery of 2 Glock pistols, 4 magazines, and 14 live cartridges of 9mm caliber, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X. A case has been registered in the matter and further investigation [] The post Two arrested with pistols, cartridges in Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Temperatures drop in Delhi, Punjab; slight respite from cold for Kashmir
NEW DELHI: Cold weather conditions persisted in parts of north and west India on Sunday with the mercury dropping several notches in Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan. Kashmir and the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh received some respite from the intense cold as minimum temperatures rose. The respite for Kashmir is likely to be short-lived as the meteorological department has predicted a cold wave in parts of the valley over the next three days. Delhi's minimum temperature dropped to 4.9 degrees Celsius, 3.1 notches below normal, but cold wave conditions did not prevail, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The mercury settled at a low of 8 degrees Celsius in the city on Saturday. The capital recorded a maximum temperature of 23.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 0.2 notches below normal, the IMD said. The weather department has forecast moderate fog in Delhi on Monday. The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to settle at 5 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius respectively. Punjab and Haryana also remained in the grip of cold weather conditions with Faridkot recording the lowest temperature in the region at 1 degree Celsius, according to the meteorological department. Punjab's Gurdaspur and Bathinda recorded a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius and 4.6 degrees Celsius respectively at night, it said. The mercury settled at a low of 3.5 degrees Celsius in Pathankot, 3.9 degrees Celsius in Amritsar, 6.8 degrees Celsius in Ludhiana and 3.8 degrees Celsius in Patiala. In Haryana, Hisar shivered at 1.7 degrees Celsius and Narnaul recorded a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius. Bhiwani recorded a low of 4 degrees Celsius, Gurugram 5.6 degrees Celsius, Rohtak 5.2 degrees Celsius and Ambala 5.7 degrees Celsius. The weather office said that Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius. Temperatures rose by three to five notches in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh while cold wave conditions gripped the lower hills as the weather remained dry. Tabo was the coldest place in the state at night with a low of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius and Shimla was the warmest at 12.2 degrees Celsius, 6.5 notches above normal. The adjoining resorts of Kufri and Narkanda recorded a low of 9.8 degrees Celsius and 6.4 degrees Celsius respectively. In the lower hills, Una recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius and Sundernagar 0.6 degrees Celsius. The local meteorological office has issued a 'yellow' warning for cold wave at isolated places in the lower hills and plains till Thursday and predicted dry weather in the state over the next seven days. Cold wave conditions will prevail in Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and parts of Kangra districts, the weather office said. There was no significant change in maximum temperatures in Himachal Pradesh. Solan was the hottest during the day at 24.7 degrees Celsius followed by Shimla at 19 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal. Kashmir saw a slight respite from intense cold wave conditions as minimum temperatures rose across the valley, though they remained below the freezing point. The summer capital of Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, an improvement from minus 4.6 degrees Celsius the previous night, the meteorological department said. Gulmarg, a tourist destination popular for skiing, registered a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius -- a rise of nearly four notches from the night before. Pahalgam, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, logged a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, three notches higher than the previous night. Konibal, a hamlet on the outskirts of Pampore town, was the coldest place in the valley with the mercury settling at a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was minus 4 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, 3.7 degrees Celsius in Kupwara and 2.8 degrees Celsius in Kokernag. According to the meteorological office, the weather in the valley is likely to remain mainly dry till December 21. Minimum temperatures are predicted to drop and a cold wave is likely over many stations during the next three days, the weather office said. In Rajasthan, cold wave conditions prevailed in most parts and Fatehpur recorded sub-zero temperatures for the third consecutive day on Sunday. According to the meteorological department, the minimum temperature in Fatehpur settled at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius. Churu recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius; Bhilwara 2.2 degrees Celsius; Sangaria, Pilani and Sirohi 2.6 degrees Celsius; Chittorgarh 3.2 degrees Celsius and Alwar 4 degrees Celsius. The mercury settled below 10 degrees Celsius at several other places in the state.
Cold wave sweeps Punjab, Haryana; Faridkot chills at 1 degree Celsius
Cold weather gripped Haryana and Punjab on Saturday, with Faridkot, Punjab experiencing the lowest temperature at 1 degree Celsius. Other cities in both states also recorded low temperatures, including Pathankot at 2.3 degrees Celsius and Karnal at 4 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh, the shared capital, recorded a minimum temperature of 6.6 degrees Celsius.
DMU resumption shows commitment of PM: Dr Jitendra
Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Union Minister in PMO with independent charge of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that resumption of DMU train service from Pathankot to Udhampur with immediate effect within 24 hours is yet another reiteration of PM and high prioritization of Jammu and Kashmir In a tweet the Minister said In response to a representation made yesterday by #Udhampur West MLA Pawan Gupta on behalf of the local public which was followed by [] The post DMU resumption shows commitment of PM: Dr Jitendra appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BJP makes inroads into Punjabs rural belt in membership drive
CHANDIGARH: For the first time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab has managed to make some inroads into the rural areas of the state. In its ongoing membership drive, the party has gained members from the hinterlands. However, the overall response to the membership drive has been mixed, with the BJP enrolling 6.68 lakh members in Punjab and Chandigarh (Union Territory) so far. The nationwide membership drive began on September 2, but in Punjab, it has been extended until mid-December. The Punjab unit of the BJP had set an ambitious target of enrolling 30 lakh members. In the previous membership drive, the party enrolled over 24 lakh primary members in the state, compared to 3.50 lakh members in 2014. According to party data, 6,68,354 members have been enrolled in Punjab and Chandigarh, of which 5,02,160 have completed their registration forms3,88,590 in Punjab and 1,13,570 in Chandigarh. Additionally, approximately 1.50 lakh forms, mostly from rural areas, have been physically filled out and sent to the party office. These forms are yet to be updated in the system, sources revealed. Among the 117 assembly constituencies in the state, notable rural enrolment numbers include Jalalabad (1,738), Gidderbaha (5,548), Balluana (2,001), Jaito (1,186), Bathinda (Rural) (5,213), Sardulgarh (2,442), Lehra (1,528), Patiala (Rural) (4,473), and Sanour (2,621). Conversely, some rural constituencies like Banga (371), Chabbewal (796), Sham Chaurasi (400), Urmar (481), and Bholath (604) showed lower engagement. In urban constituencies, the drive saw stronger participation, including Kharar (5,342), SAS Nagar (15,150), Khanna (1,518), Ludhiana (East) (15,368), Ludhiana (Central) (11,133), Jalandhar (Cantonment) (4,190), Jalandhar (North) (11,906), Jalandhar (Central) (12,296), Jalandhar (West) (3,793), Amritsar (North) (4,723), Amritsar (West) (4,639), Amritsar (Central) (6,128), Sujanpur (6,264), Pathankot (5,302), and Gurdaspur (3,727). A senior party leader commented on the response, saying, It is a mixed responsegood in some places and okay in others. Last time, during the membership drive, the party was in power at both the Centre and the state, which had an impact. Now, being in opposition in Punjab affects participation. But, for the first time, the membership has been conducted scientifically, with missed calls followed by detailed forms and photographs. This ensures we have authentic data and genuine members. The leader added that the BJP previously contested only 23 assembly seats, primarily in urban areas, and had little to no cadre in rural regions. With the party now expanding its base, members are being enrolled in villages for the first time, and a proper cadre is expected to develop soon. However, sources within the party attributed the lukewarm response to internal issues, such as a lack of effort from state leaders. This is reportedly due to differences between traditional party leaders and those who switched from the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal just before the 2022 assembly elections and the recent Lok Sabha polls. Another senior leader noted, For the last few months, the state unit president, Sunil Jakhar, has not attended meetings or campaigned in the panchayat polls and assembly by-elections, as he had submitted his resignation, which has yet to be accepted. This has created uncertainty. Many other state leaders are also keeping a low profile. As a result, the membership drive has been affected, and now the focus is shifting to the upcoming elections in four municipalities. The same leader further remarked, There is total confusion within the party on several issues, including the membership drive. While the veteran leaders feel sidelined due to the prominence given to leaders from other parties, those who recently joined are still adapting to the partys organisational culture. Despite its inability to secure a single seat in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the BJP witnessed a significant increase in its vote share, rising to 19.56%. This marked the first time since 1996 that the BJP contested solo in Punjab.
Jammu Petrol Pumps Declare No Fuel For Vehicles Driven By Minors, DSE Issues Circular
Jammu, Nov 21: In a bid to ensure the safety of underage children, petrol pumps in Jammu have put up posters declaring no fuel for vehicles driven by minors. The Jammu and Kashmir Directorate of School Education (DSE) has also issued a circular prohibiting minor students from driving motor vehicles, including two-wheelers and four-wheelers, to school. The poster, first displayed at petrol pumps in the Gandhi Nagar area on the Jammu-Pathankot highway reads, No fuel for minors. The poster, which [] The post Jammu Petrol Pumps Declare No Fuel For Vehicles Driven By Minors, DSE Issues Circular appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BSF solider found hanged in rented accommodation at Paloura
NL Correspondent Jammu Tawi: A Border Security Force soldier was found dead on Monday under suspicious circumstances at his rented accommodation, officials said. Nitish Kumar(33 years), a resident of Pathankot in Punjab, was found hanging from the ceiling in his room at the Paloura locality in the outskirts of the city, they said. The officials [] The post BSF solider found hanged in rented accommodation at Paloura appeared first on Northlines .
BSF Jawan Found Dead In Rented Accommodation In Jammu
JAMMU, Nov 4: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his rented accommodation here on Monday, officials said. Nitish Kumar (33), a resident of Pathankot in Punjab, was found hanging from the ceiling in his room at the Paloura locality in the outskirts of the city, they said. The officials said Kumar, posted at the Jammu headquarters of the BSF, was putting up at the private accommodation, along with his wife and their minor [] The post BSF Jawan Found Dead In Rented Accommodation In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K Karate team wins 13 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze medals
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: J&K Karate team participated in North India Invitational Karate Championship at SDRSDN College Pathankot and won 13 Gold, 10 Silver and 6 Bronze medals. The Championship was organized by Punjab Karate Association. The winners of gold medals were Aditya Rajput, Ayaan Bhagat, Divam, Sahil, Varun Kumar, Suffyan Khan, Shiv Pratap Manhas, Raunika Mahajan, Aadya Mahajan, Khushali Gupta, Riya Gupa, Abhigya Pathania and Abhudhay Singh Manhas. Winners of silver medals were Shubam Kumar, Ibrahim, Dhruv [] The post J&K Karate team wins 13 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze medals appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
DPS students win Gold in Karate-Do Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Students of Delhi Public School (DPS) Jammu have won Gold medals in 5th Invitational North India Open Karate-Do Championship 2024 organized by Sports Karate-Do Association of Pathankot at Pathankot. The winner students are Riya Gupta (IX-F) and she won Gold medal in Under 50 kg category; Khushali Gupta (IV-G), won Gold medal in Under 30 kg category and Pragnay (I-C), won Gold medal in Under 20 kg category. The management of DPS Jammu including [] The post DPS students win Gold in Karate-Do Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Happy Diwali: HRTC Adds 155 Extra Buses for Diwali Travel in Himachal Pradesh
In a recent announcement, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has rolled out 155 additional buses to cater to the rising travel demand during the Diwali festival. This service, which begins on Tuesday, aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers during this busy season. Tickets can be booked online, allowing travelers to secure their seats in advance and avoid the last-minute rush. Additional Services HRTC's extra services primarily target the popular routes between Delhi and various locations in Himachal Pradesh, which often see heavy traffic during Diwali. On October 30, the corporation will deploy 60 extra buses from Delhi to key districts, including Palampur, Baijnath, Jogendranagar, Pathankot, and Dharamshala. Passengers can choose from both standard and luxury buses for routes to Dharamshala, ensuring comfort during their journey. From Chandigarh, HRTC will operate 70 extra buses on October 29 and 30, covering several destinations within Himachal Pradesh. On the first day, two buses will serve Chamba and Dharamshala. The following day, four additional buses are scheduled for Bilaspur, providing ample options for travelers heading home or visiting family during the holiday. Furthermore, 25 extra buses will be added for the town of Baddi on both days, improving travel convenience in that area. Regular Bus Services These additional services are set to run outside HRTCs regular bus schedules, helping to ease congestion on usual routes and improving travel for the Diwali rush. With these extra options, HRTC aims to make holiday travel more efficient and safer for everyone. In addition to increasing bus services, HRTC has also revised its fare structure, which will affect both passenger fares and luggage charges. Some ticket prices may see significant hikes, with certain fares potentially doubling. Recently, a proposed toilet tax has sparked political debate in Himachal Pradesh, prompting the Chief Minister to address concerns raised by the BJP and provide clarifications. HRTC's addition of 155 extra buses highlights its commitment to ensuring that families can travel conveniently to celebrate Diwali together. This initiative underscores the important role of public transportation in facilitating festive gatherings and maintaining connections among people during significant occasions like Diwali. Through these efforts, HRTC plays a crucial part in fostering the spirit of celebration and togetherness in the region. Diwali, Chhath Puja 2024: Indian Railways Runs 200 More Special Trains, Check List Here Diwali Delights: A Culinary Journey Through India's Diverse Festive Flavors Ayodhya's Deepotsav: A Dazzling Display of 28 Lakh Diyas and 18 Colorful Tableaux To Show
Punjab farmers block roads, squat on rail tracks alleging tardy paddy procurement
CHANDIGARH: Punjab farmers blocked roads and squatted on rail tracks across the State on October 13 as a part of the protest against the alleged tardy procurement of paddy in the ongoing Kharif marketing season. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) blamed the Centre over the issue and alleged that the root cause lies with the Union Government. It has been more than twelve days since the paddy procurement began, and the commission agents and the rice millers have refused to participate in the process, despite the assurances promised by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Mann had said that he would meet the Union Consumer Affairs Minister on October 14 to flag the demands of protesting rice millers and arthiyas. He added the demands of the rice millers and commission agents were genuine and the union government must take a sympathetic view. The farmers disrupted road traffic at many places, including Samrala, Kohara, Khanna, Raikot, Doraha, Payal and Jagraon in Ludhiana. In Amritsar, farmers held road blockades at places, including Attari, and Kukrawal village near Ajnala town. They also squatted on the Wallha railway crossing and Sunam railway station in Sangrur. The Ferozepur-Ludhiana national highway was blocked near Duneke in Moga. The State rice millers and the commission agents are also supporting the farmers' protest. Senior SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said despite assurances by the State government regarding the smooth procurement of paddy, farmers are facing problems in grain markets. A senior railway official said, As many as 20 trains have been affected due to the protest. The Shatabdi express train (12046) was delayed by two hours in starting from the Chandigarh railway station. A farmer leader Parminder Singh Ugrah said the farmers have blocked the Amritsar-Pathankot rail track. The protesters also claimed that farmers' produce was not being lifted at grain markets. While commission agents (arthiyas) are pressing for a raise in their commission, the state rice millers have raked up the issue of space crunch for storing the fresh paddy crop. The millers have also expressed concern over the out-turn ratio (post-milling yield) of the PR-126 paddy variety, claiming that it will lead to huge losses. Meanwhile, AAP leader and senior spokesperson Neel Garg said that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is deliberately not emptying the grain godowns, leading to current challenges. Garg acknowledged the farmers' right to protest but also emphasized that the situation has arisen due to the Central Government's policies and its neglect of Punjab. He said that even if Punjab has contributed to the central grain reserves for many years, the FCI has not emptied the warehouses, causing losses for rice millers. This has led to a halt in the buying of new paddy, he said. He also claimed that the Chief Minister and other ministers have engaged with the Union Agriculture Minister, who assured a solution, but the progress has been slow. The AAP Punjab government is working diligently to clear the warehouses so that new grain can be stored. Garg said that while some special trains have been initiated by the Central Government for lifting grain, the process remains sluggish. He also urged the farmers' organizations not to stop the trains, as this could become an excuse for the Central Government for the slow pace of lifting.
Farmers block roads, tracks to protest tardy paddy purchase in Punjab
Punjab farmers on Sunday blocked roads and squatted on rail tracks at many places in the state as part of their protest against the alleged tardy procurement of paddy in the ongoing Kharif marketing season. While the Samyukta Kisan Morcha has given a call for a statewide road blockade from 12 to 3 pm, the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) has also given a call for 'rail roko' for three hours. Police diverted road traffic through alternative routes. In Ludhiana, farmers disrupted road traffic at many places, including Samrala, Kohara, Khanna, Raikot, Doraha, Payal and Jagraon. Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said despite assurances by the state government regarding the smooth procurement of paddy, farmers are facing problems in grain markets. In Amritsar, protesting farmers squatted on Wallha railway crossing to protest against the slow purchase of the paddy crop. Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Parminder Singh Ugrah said farmers have blocked the Amritsar-Pathankot rail track. Far
Quad Leaders Condemn 26/11 Mumbai And 2016 Pathankot Attacks In An Apparent Reference to Pakistan
Quad leaders condemned the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks, reaffirming their commitment to counter-terrorism and future collaborative exercises in Japan
Suresh Raina's uncle was murdered in August 2020 at his Pathankot residence during a robbery incident.
Joint Intelligence, security conference discusses terror
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 31: A joint Intelligence and security conference to tackle Pakistan sponsored terrorism was held at Mamun Cantonment in Pathankot, bordering Kathua district of Jammu region today, which emphasized on enhancing real-time communication between Army and other civil, intelligence and police agencies to improve response time and operational efficiency during crises. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The conference comes at a time when there were reports of suspects being sighted in parts of both Kathua [] The post Joint Intelligence, security conference discusses terror appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
