Patiala

Predecessor Judge to hear arguments against Andrabi

NEW DELHI, Feb 2: A special NIA court in the Patiala House courts on Monday clarified that the predecessor judge who passed the order of conviction after his transfer will hear the arguments on sentencing against Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi and two others. Special Judge Chanderjit Singh was transferred from the NIA court to the Karkardooma courts in November 2025 but as the judgment in the case was pending, he took the case file with him for pronouncing the verdict. [] The post Predecessor Judge to hear arguments against Andrabi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Political Hint In Punjab Dera Chief's Visit To Akali's Bikram Majithia In Jail

JailedAkali Dal leader Bikram Majithia granted bail by the Supreme Court Monday received support from Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, head of the influential Radha Soami Satsang Beas. who met him in Nabha Jail in Punjab's Patiala the day before.

Delhi court frames charges against Sushil Ansal in passport fraud case

A Delhi court has formally framed criminal charges against businessman Sushil Ansal in a prosecution arising from alleged misdeclaration and suppression of material facts under the Passports Act, 1967. The matter has now been set down for recording of prosecution evidence. Chief Judicial Magistrate Mridul Gupta of Patiala House Courts recently framed charges against Ansal [] The post Delhi court frames charges against Sushil Ansal in passport fraud case appeared first on India Legal .

Court grants custody parole to Engineer Rashid to attend Parliament budget session

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Saturday allowed Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid to attend the upcoming parliament budget session in custody. Baramulla MP sought an interim bail or custody parole to attend the Parliament Session scheduled to commence from January 28 till April 2.

Jailed J-K MP Rashid Gets Custody Parole to Attend Parliament

New Delhi, Jan 24: The Patiala House Court on Saturday allowed jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh to attend the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament by granting him custody parole. Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma permitted Rashid, currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a terror funding case, to participate in the Lok [] The post Jailed J-K MP Rashid Gets Custody Parole to Attend Parliament appeared first on Northlines .

Delhi Court Allows Incarcerated J&K MP Engineer Rashid To Attend Parliament

New Delhi, Jan 24: The Patiala House Court on Saturday granted custody parole to jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh to enable him to attend the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament. The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma, who permitted Rashid, presently lodged in Tihar Jail in a terror funding case, to participate in the Budget Session of the Lok Sabha from January 28 onwards while remaining in custody. The court clarified that the question of [] The post Delhi Court Allows Incarcerated J&K MP Engineer Rashid To Attend Parliament appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab government approves modernisation of bus terminals in five districts

Punjab is set to modernize its major bus terminals in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala, and Bathinda through a Public Private Partnership. This initiative aims to significantly enhance passenger facilities, safety, and overall efficiency at these vital transport hubs. The upgrades will focus on improved waiting areas, sanitation, accessibility, and integrated commercial spaces, ensuring better connectivity for millions daily.

Nirmal becomes 1st National Starter from J&K

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 19: In a historic achievement for Jammu & Kashmir, Nirmal Singh, former ace athlete and Lecturer in Physical Education at GGHS Bishnah, has become the first-ever National Starter from the Union Territory. Singh qualified the rigorous national-level examination conducted by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS), Patiala, assessed by Chief Referee and International Starter Alan Bell from England. The test included practical demonstrations and theoretical evaluations, [] The post Nirmal becomes 1st National Starter from J&K appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Chandigarh University Wins 11 Gold Medals; Lifts Overall AIU Inter-University Championship 2025-26

Chandigarh University once again stamped its authority on Indian university sports by delivering a historic double triumph at the All-India Inter-University Wrestling Greco-Roman and Freestyle Championship 202526, clinching the Overall Championship titles in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle categories by winning a total of 16 medals including 11 Gold (6 in Greco Roman and 5 in Freestyle), 3 Silver (Freestyle) and 2 Bronze medals (1 each in both categories) in both categories. Chandigarh University wrestling medalists along with University officials receiving the overall champions trophy in AIU Wrestling Championship held at Chandigarh University In Greco-Roman wrestling, Chandigarh University emerged as the undisputed champion finishing first overall, followed by Lovely Professional University in second place and Kurukshetra University in third. In Greco Roman, CU clinched the top spot with a total of 7 medals including 6 Gold 1 Bronze medal, Lovely Professional University (LPU) secured 2nd place with total 5 medals including 2 Gold and 3 Bronze medals and Kurukshetra University with total 3 medals including 1 Gold and 2 Bronze medals to secure 3rd place in the Greco Roman category. In GR category, CU grapplers clinched gold medals in six weight categories including commanding victories by Kapil Dalal (60 kg), Saurabh (67 kg), Umesh (82 kg), Prince (87 kg) and Hardeep (130 kg), many of them registering emphatic, one-sided wins that showcased superior strength, technique and tactical brilliance of these grapplers. Chandigarh Universitys dominance continued in Freestyle wrestling, where the varsity again finished first overall ahead of MDU Rohtak and Lovely Professional University. Standout performances included gold medal wins by Tushar (61 kg), Deepanshu (65 kg) and Paras (79 kg) with several bouts decided by large margins reflecting the aggressive yet composed approach of CU wrestlers on the mat. With total 9 medals including 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze, CU secured 1st place in Freestyle category and MDU Rohtak, Haryana with total 3 medals including 1 silver and 2 Bronze medals to secure 2nd place and Lovely Professional University with total 3 medals including 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medals had to suffice with 3rd place in the same category. The prestigious five-day national championship held from January 5 to 9 under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) was hosted by the Chandigarh University and witnessed electrifying bouts amid biting winter conditions. The national wrestling championship saw participation from over 200 universities across the country with more than 2700 wrestlers competing in over 2000 bouts across 20 weight categories in Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling. Against this fiercely competitive contests, Chandigarh University grapplers delivered power-packed and disciplined performances, underlining the universitys growing stature as a powerhouse of university sports in India. Highlighting individual brilliance, Hardeep clinched gold in the Greco-Roman 130 kg category with an overwhelming 80 victory over Nitin of PU Gujarat, while Tushar dominated Kapil of JMAU Kota by 110 in the freestyle 61 kg final. In a final bout, Nishant from Gondwana University Maharashtra defeated Sourabh from LPU Punjab by 7-5 points to clinch Gold in 74 kg weight category. Deepanshu registered a convincing 100 win in the 65 kg freestyle category and Paras held his nerve in a thrilling 118 contest to secure gold in the 79 kg freestyle final. Several other CU wrestlers impressed with their resilience and tactical maturity, adding to the universitys rich medal haul. In another closely contested final bout, Manish from KUK Haryana defeated Nikhil from KN Modi University, Rajasthan by a margin of 9-6 points to win gold medal in Greco Roman 55 kg weight category. In a nail-biting final bout, Paras from Chandigarh University defeated Ankit from MSBU Rajasthan by 11-8 points to clinch gold medal in 79 kg freestyle category. In a final bout in freestyle 57 kg weight category, Rohit from KUK Haryana defeated Chandigarh University wrestler Rupesh by a margin of 4-1 to win the gold medal and Rupesh won the silver medal. In a one-sided contest, Kapil Dalal, a grappler from Chandigarh University defeated Sahil from BMU Haryana by 15-7 points to clinch the gold medal in the 60 kg Greco Roman category. In the Greco-Roman category (82 kg) final bout, Chandigarh Universitys Umesh put up a spectacular display of strength and agility to defeat Vijay from GUG University by 12-2 points. In a nail-biting final bout, Prince from Chandigarh University defeated Ankit of Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind by 5-4 points to win gold in 87 kg Greco Roman category. In another final bout, Saurabh from Chandigarh University put on a spectacular show of strength and agility to defeat his opponent Sunil of Desh Bhagat University Punjab by 9-4 points to win gold medal in the 67 kg Greco Roman category. Earlier, several power-packed performances were witnessed in the semi-finals on the final day of the championship. In a semi-final bout, Rupesh from Chandigarh University defeated Akash from PU, Patiala by a margin of 6-5 points in 57 kg freestyle category and Rohit from KUK Haryana defeated Jaiveer from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth Varanasi by 8-2 points to secure place in the finals in the same category. In the semi-final bout, Manish from Kurukshetra University, Haryana defeated Nitin from LPU, Punjab by a margin of 9-3 points in the Greco-Roman 55 kg weight category. In another semi-final, Vikash from PU, Patiala defeated Omkar from SU, Kolhapur by a margin of 7-0 in a one-sided contest in 72 kg Greco-Roman category. In another one-sided contest, Mohit from Guru Kashi University Punjab defeated Suraj from KUK, Haryana by a huge margin of 9-0 in Greco-Roman 72 kg weight category. In semi-final bout, Dheeraj from Baba Mastnath University, Rohtak, delivered a remarkable performance, dominating Vinay Gurjar of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, winning the match with a decisive 11-0 margin. In the second semi-final, Sachin from Lovely Professional University, Punjab put on a spectacular show of strength and agility to defeat Atul Lohan of Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, Jalandhar by a thin margin of 9-8 points to advance to the final. Elated over the marvelous victory of Chandigarh University, while congratulating the CU grapplers, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, It indeed is a proud moment for Chandigarh University that our wrestlers have delivered spectacular performances in the All-India Inter-University Wrestling Championship to become the overall champion by winning 11 Gold medals. With this brilliant performance, CU not only successfully hosted one of the largest inter-university wrestling championships in the country but also reinforced its reputation as a breeding ground for national-level sporting talent . Sandhu added, Wrestling is not merely a sport but its pride of our nation and an integral part of Indias rich cultural heritage. Chandigarh University remains committed to encouraging young athletes to participate in traditional sports as staying connected to our roots is essential for the nations progress and development. The university provides world-class infrastructure and scholarships to its athletes to help them progress from the akhara to the Olympic stage . In 2024, Chandigarh University became the countrys first private university to win the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy after securing a record 71 medals at the Khelo India University Games. In addition, the university won the Khelo India University Games for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025. Chandigarh University students have won a total of 610 medals, including 138 national and 87 international medals. CU provides sports scholarships with an annual budget of Rs 6.5 crore and offers free facilities such as special diets, sports kits, travel, coaching, hostel accommodation, and other amenities. A total of 1,183 student-athletes, including 562 women, are currently benefiting from sports scholarships at Chandigarh University , added Sandhu . About Chandigarh University Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC. www.cuchd.in .

Delhi blast: Dr Bilal Malla remanded to judicial custody till Jan 16

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday remanded Dr Bilal Naseer Malla, one of the accused in the November 10 Red Fort blast case, to judicial custody for 13 days till January 16. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) produced Malla at the Patiala House Court amid tight security on Saturday, upon the expiry of his 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 .

Red Fort Blast: Delhi Court Remands Dr Bilal Malla To Judicial Custody Till Jan 16

New Delhi, Jan 3: A Delhi court on Saturday remanded Dr Bilal Naseer Malla, one of the accused in the November 10 Red Fort blast case, to judicial custody for 13 days till January 16. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) produced Malla at the Patiala House Court amid tight security on Saturday, upon the expiry of his 8-day NIA custody granted on December 26. Mediapersons were barred from covering the proceedings. The accused was produced before Principal District and Sessions [] The post Red Fort Blast: Delhi Court Remands Dr Bilal Malla To Judicial Custody Till Jan 16 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rs 5-Cr National Sports Academy to Come Up in Tirupati

The academy is expected to be the second advanced sports training centre of its kind in the country after Patiala

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.

Punjab police file forgery case based on former IPS officer's suicide note alleging Rs 8 crore cyber fraud

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police have filed a case of forgery among other offences against cyber fraudsters who allegedly duped former Inspector General of Police Amar Singh Chahal of Rs 8.10 crore. Chahal shot himself in Patiala on Monday and continues to remain in a critical condition. Highly placed sources said that Patiala Police has registered a case under sections pertaining to forgery and the IT Act on the basis of the suicide note in which Chahal had made serious revelations regarding the fraud. Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala Varun Sharma confirmed that a FIR has been registered. He said that investigations have started to ascertain the role of everyone involved. We will ensure that all those linked to the fraud are identified and arrested. A probe has been initiated, he said. Chahal is currently under observation after a surgery. His condition is critical and the next 48 to 72 hours are crucial, said an officer on condition of anonymity. The former IGP was yesterday taken to a private hospital in Patiala. As per the hand written suicide note has been recovered from the scene which indicates that he was a victim of some financial fraud allegedly caused by an online fraud. He detailed the circumstances that led to his extreme step. He had alleged that he was defrauded by what he described as a highly sophisticated gang of scammers. He had recently joined a WhatsApp group operating under the name of an 'IPS group,' where members promised exceptionally high returns on investments. He expressed deep distress over his inability to repay those who had extended financial support to him in good faith. In a twelve page note he wrote, With sorrow, pain and despair I have to bring it to your kind notice I have been cheated by the cyber thugs posing as 'wealth equity advisers to the tune of Rs 8.10 crore. At the outset I regret that I did not use due caution while parting with my money. Actually I saw this group every active of whatsapp and telegram. They were claiming to representing group which is authorised by Government of India and SEBI to educate and help retail investors earn good money from capital markets. Chahal wrote in the note that from October 28, 2025, a person posing as a senior executive of a private bank began to give tips on capital markets every day, whereby they explained stock market and other factor effecting Indian markets. The details of the beneficiaries where money was transferred are given in my dairy giving date wise transfer of funds. Also of details of amounts I borrowed from different people. The details of the bank accounts are also given where money was transferred. This can give a clear picture about the money trail, it stated. Chahal, retired as Inspector General of Police and is one of the accused in the 2015 Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing cases in Faridkot.

Ex-IPS Dies By Suicide After 8.1 Cr Cyber Fraud

Chahal, a former Inspector General of Police in Punjab, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition: Patiala senior superintendent of police Varun Sharma

Punjab: Duped Of Rs 8 Crore In Cyber Fraud, ex-IPS Officer Amar Chahal Shoots Self In Patiala

Patiala, Dec 22: Former IPS officer Amar Singh Chahal allegedly shot himself with the rifle of his security guard here on Monday and in a purported note, he claimed that he had been duped of Rs 8.10 crore by cyber thugs who posed as wealth management advisors. Chahal, the former Punjab Inspector General of Police, was shifted to the hospital in a critical condition, Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma said. Chalal was one of the accused in the [] The post Punjab: Duped Of Rs 8 Crore In Cyber Fraud, ex-IPS Officer Amar Chahal Shoots Self In Patiala appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Who is Amar Singh Chahal? Former IPS officer attempts suicide after being duped of Rs 8 crore in cyber fraud

He was shifted to the hospital in critical condition, Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Varun Sharma said. Chahal was one of the accused in the 2015 police firing case related to anti-sacrilege protests in Faridkot district of Punjab.

Former Punjab IPS officer shoots himself after falling victim to Rs 8.10 crore cyber fraud

CHANDIGARH: After falling victim to an alleged online fraud by cyber criminals to the tune of Rs 8.10 crore, former Inspector General of Police Amar Singh Chahal shot himself in Patiala on Monday and is in a critical condition. Sources said that Chahal was rushed to Park Hospital with a serious chest injury and is undergoing treatment. A handwritten note recovered from the scene said that he was a victim of an online fraud. The note, written in the form of a letter and addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alleges that he was defrauded by what he described as a 'very sophisticated group of scamsters'. Chahal had recently joined a WhatsApp group where members were promised exceptionally high returns on investments. He expressed deep distress over his inability to repay those who had extended financial support to him in good faith. In a twelve-page note sent by him to his friends and well wishers, which was also addressed to Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, he wrote, With sorrow, pain and despair, I have to bring it to your kind notice that I have been cheated by cyber thugs posing as 'wealth equity advisers' to the tune of Rs 8.10 crore. At the outset, I regret that I did not use due caution while parting with my money. Actually I saw that this group was very active on WhatsApp and Telegram. They were claiming to represent a group that is authorised by the government of India and SEBI (as per them) to educate and help retail investors earn good money from capital markets. Chahal writes in the note that starting from October 28, 2025, a person posing on behalf of a senior executive of a private bank was giving tips on capital markets every day, explaining the stock market and other factors affecting Indian markets. The details of the beneficiaries to whom money was transferred are given in my diary. Also, the details of amounts I borrowed from different people are there. The details of the bank accounts are also given where money was transferred. This can give a clear picture about the money trail, it stated. The note reads, Since this is a very sophisticated group of scamsters, only a dedicated SIT can break the network and bring them to book. If your good self may find it proper, it could even be entrusted to the CBI or a specialized cell in Punjab Police. I would be grateful that if any culprits are caught and recoveries effected, some could be got passed on to my family so that they are able to pay the persons from whom I borrowed the money. While advising people to be aware of scamsters, I have myself fallen victim to their sophisticated method. I am left with no choice but to end my life, it adds. The note further read, I have used the rifle of my gunman who is not at all at fault. He is a sincere boy. Since I do not have any private weapon, I used to keep this rifle in my almirah for the night while at home. Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala Varun Sharma said, When we received information about the gunshot, police teams rushed to his residence. He was shifted to a private hospital in a critical condition. A detailed investigation is underway. A suicide note has been recovered from him and we are checking the facts. Chahal is one of the accused in the 2015 Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing cases in Faridkot. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by additional director general of police L K Yadav had filed a chargesheet in a Faridkot court on February 24, 2023, naming Chahal along with several others including former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal (now deceased), his son and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, and five police officers including former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, IGP Paramraj Singh Umranangal, former SSPs Sukhminder Singh Mann and Charanjit Singh Sharma.

Former Punjab Police Officer Dies by Suicide, Note Blames Online Fraud

Punjab's former IPS officer Amar Singh Chahal died while undergoing treatment at a hospital after he attempted suicide. He had attempted suicide at his home in Patiala and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Geo-tagging drive launched as Punjab struggles to recover Rs 1,100 crore in property tax

CHANDIGARH: The cash-strapped Punjab government has begun geo-tagging properties across the state to improve property tax recovery. At present, around 94,000 commercial property owners owe nearly Rs 1,100 crore in property tax, as identified by various civic bodies. Poor recovery has begun to affect revenue-dependent essential services. Of the total 1.55 lakh owners of commercial, industrial and other properties, 94,000 are commercial property owners. The Local Bodies Department has so far completed surveys in 20 urban local bodies (ULBs), while surveys in another 22 ULBs are currently underway. In the states 167 ULBs, an initial survey has revealed an average shortfall of Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore per ULB in property tax collection. In larger ULBs with municipal corporations, the deficit is expected to be significantly higher. Sources said executive officers of municipal councils and commissioners of municipal corporations are being held accountable for property tax recovery. Annual collection targets are being increased by 3 per cent over the previous years collection. As a result, property tax collection has risen from Rs 282 crore in 202122 to Rs 400 crore in 202223 and Rs 486 crore in 202324, after officials were assigned specific targets. The department has also identified 48 major commercial property defaulters who together owe Rs 2.15 crore in property tax. Geo-tagging of all properties has been initiated as authorities suspect a wide mismatch between tax receipts and the actual number of properties in urban areas. Geo-tagging enables the department to record the exact location, actual covered area and the nature of activity conducted on a property. Due to the absence of such mapping earlier, many properties in large cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar had remained outside the departments purview. Surveys have already been completed and identification plates affixed in cities including Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Bassi, Khanna and Chamkaur Sahib. Punjabs property tax collection remains significantly lower than that of other states, largely because several high-value commercial establishments continue to default on payments. Despite multiple notices, repeated opportunities for compliance and the introduction of a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme, defaults persist. A fact-finding report on illegal structures in Ludhiana during the previous government revealed discrepancies between power connections issued by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), approved layout plans and property tax receipts. It also highlighted mismatches between the assessed covered area and the actual built-up area of properties. Under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, ULBs are mandated to achieve at least 85 per cent property tax collection. However, recovery remains poor. An audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) found that ULBs collected only 48 per cent to 54.14 per cent of property tax between 2015 and 2020. The audit also noted failures in recovering user charges such as water and sewerage cess.

Red Fort Blast Case: NIA Custody of Bilal Extended, Soyab Sent to Jail

New Delhi, Dec 15: A Delhi court on Friday extended the NIA custody of Dr Bilal Naseer Malla by seven days in connection with the Red Fort blast case, while co-accused Soyab was remanded to five days of judicial custody. The National Investigation Agency produced both accused before the Patiala House Court after the expiry [] The post Red Fort Blast Case: NIA Custody of Bilal Extended, Soyab Sent to Jail appeared first on Northlines .

Red Fort blast: NIA to grill Naseer Bilal for seven more days; Soyab remanded to five-day judicial custody

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Friday extended by seven days the NIA custody of Dr Bilal Naseer Malla, an accused in the Red Fort blast case. The court also remanded Soyab, a Faridabad resident accused of harbouring Red Fort bomber Umar-un-Nabi, to five days of judicial custody. The probe agency produced Soyab and Bilal at the Patiala House Court amid tight security on Friday upon the expiry of their previous four-day NIA custody granted on December 15. Media persons were barred from covering the proceedings. The accused were produced before Principal and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna who allowed the probe agency to quiz Naseer in its custody for seven more days, while Soyab has been remanded to judicial custody till December 24. An official spokesperson for the NIA had earlier said the agency arrested Soyab, a resident of Dhauj in Haryana's Faridabad, for allegedly providing logistical support to errorist Umar-un-Nabi before the Delhi terror bomb blast. NIA arrested Dr Naseer Bilal Malla in Delhi on December 9, calling him a key accused in the conspiracy. According to the NIA investigations, Naseer had knowingly harboured Umar-un-Nabi by providing him logistical support. He is also accused of destruction of evidence related to the terrorist attack, the agency stated earlier on December 9. The NIA has already arrested nine people, including three more doctors Dr Muzammil Ganaie, Dr Adeel Rather, Dr Shaheen Sayeed and religious preacher Maulvi Irfan. Two others, Amir Rashid Ali, and Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, have also been arrested. On December 18, NIA arrested the ninth accused in the case, Yasir Ahmad Dar, a Jammu and Kashmir resident and allegedly a close associate of Umar-un-Nabi. An active participant in the conspiracy, Dar had allegedly taken an oath to carry out self-sacrificial operations, the agency said. Umar-un-Nabi was driving the explosive-laden i20 car that detonated outside the Red Fort on November 10.

Zero visibility across north India as IMD sounds red alert for Delhi

A thick blanket of dense fog covered large parts of north India on Friday morning, severely impacting the visibility. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of major disruptions to road, rail and air traffic. Satellite imagery showed widespread fog over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, northeast Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Visibility dropped to zero metres at several locations, including Agra, Bareilly, Saharanpur and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh; Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bathinda and Adampur in Punjab; Safdarjung in Delhi; Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh; Bhagalpur in Bihar; and Daltonganj in Jharkhand. The IMD cautioned that extremely poor visibility could impact airport operations and cause delays on highways and railway routes. An orange alert was issued for multiple districts in Uttar Pradesh, parts of Uttarakhand, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, and several districts in Punjab, including Amritsar, Patiala and Sangrur. Meteorologists warned of hazardous driving conditions and an increased risk of road accidents, along with the possibility of power line tripping in affected regions. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, use fog lights, and stay updated on transport advisories. According to IMD definitions, very dense fog occurs when visibility ranges between 0 and 50 metres, while dense fog refers to visibility between 51 and 200 metres. As North India chokes, there can be no hiding 'behind the smokescreen of farm fires anymore' In Delhi, early morning visibility remained poor due to dense fog mixed with smog. Delhis air quality remained alarming, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 382, placing it in the very poor category and close to severe. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that 14 monitoring stations reported severe air quality, while the remaining recorded very poor levels. Vivek Vihar registered the worst AQI at 434. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that air quality will stay very poor until Saturday and may deteriorate to severe on Sunday. Meanwhile, stricter pollution control measures came into effect in the national capital on Thursday. The entry of non-Delhi private vehicles below BS-VI emission standards has been banned, and the No PUC, No Fuel rule is being enforced. Fuel stations are denying fuel to vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control certificates, with checks supported by automatic number plate reader cameras, voice alerts and police deployment. 'More headline and image management': Unreliable data mask just how bad India's air quality crisis is

Red Fort blast case: Ninth accused sent to NIA custody till Dec 26

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Thursday remanded Yasir Ahmad Dar, the ninth accused arrested in a case related to the Red Fort blast, to NIA custody till December 26. Special Judge Prashant Sharma allowed the plea of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking Dars custodial interrogation. The accused was produced in the Patiala House 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 .

Delhi Blast Case: NIA Arrests 9th Accused Who Took Oath For Carrying Out 'Self-Sacrificial' Ops

Yasir Ahmad Dar was produced before Delhi's Patiala House Court, which remanded him to NIA custody till December 26.

ED raids 13 locations in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi in donkey route case

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday carried out searches at 13 locations across Punjab, Haryana and Delhi as part of its money-laundering probe into an illegal immigration racket linked to the deportation of 330 Indians from the United States earlier this year. The action follows an investigation into a network that allegedly facilitated the illegal transport of Indians to the US through the so-called dunki route. The racket involved illegally transporting Indians to the US through the dunki route. A probe revealed that the deported Indians sent to the US were facilitated by a complex web of persons involved in the chain including travel agents, middlemen, overseas associates, hawala operators and other logistics arrangement providers, an ED official said. In February, US military aircraft carrying 330 Indiansmost of them from Haryana, Punjab and Gujaratwere sent back as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration by the administration of former US President Donald Trump. Videos released by US border patrol authorities showed the deportees in handcuffs, with their legs chained. The EDs money-laundering case is based on 19 FIRs registered by the Punjab and Haryana Police against travel agents and middlemen accused of cheating Indians attempting to enter the US illegally. Investigators said the deportees had tried to cross the USMexico border between January 23 and 28 but were apprehended by US border security personnel and placed in detention centres before being deported. Sources said that evidence gathered during searches conducted in February and July led to the identification of second and third layer operatives involved in the human trafficking network. The name of several travel firms surfaced in the investigation following which raids were conducted on Thursday at its offices in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi, an ED official said. The agency had earlier recorded statements of the deportees, which helped identify suspects now under scrutiny. According to investigators, each deportee paid between Rs 45 lakh and Rs 55 lakh to travel agents, most of whom they had never met directly and were connected to through local intermediaries. The deportees provided documents, including bank account details of the agents who received the payments. Recently, the ED provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth Rs 5.41 crore, allegedly representing proceeds of crime generated by agents Shubham Sharma, Jagjit Singh and Surmukh Singh, who are accused of being part of the trafficking racket. The attached properties include agricultural land, residential and business premises, and bank accounts held in the names of the accused and their family members. In July, the agency conducted searches at offices and residences of suspects in 11 cities, including Amritsar, Sangrur, Patiala and Moga in Punjab, and Ambala, Kurukshetra and Karnal in Haryana. During those raids, officials seized fake immigration and visa stamps. In a separate investigation, the ED is probing the alleged involvement of certain Canadian colleges and several Indian entitiesmostly based in Gujaratin a money-laundering case related to trafficking Indians into the US via the Canada border, sources said. Officials noted a sharp rise in illegal immigration from India along the USCanada border, with more than 14,000 Indian migrants arrested there over the past one-and-a-half years. According to estimates by US authorities, over 725,000 undocumented Indians currently live in the US, many driven by economic pressures and long waiting periods for legal immigration. The agency suspects that some Canadian colleges were complicit in the racket. According to officials, agents applied for Canadian student visas for individuals intending to enter the US. Once in Canada, instead of joining colleges, they allegedly crossed the USCanada border illegally. Investigators believe that a few of the 262 such colleges in Canadaparticularly those located near the US bordermay be involved in the trafficking of Indian nationals. Many victims were allegedly charged between Rs 55 lakh and Rs 60 lakh per person. The ED has claimed that fees paid to Canada-based colleges were later remitted back to the individuals accounts, pointing to a circular flow of funds under investigation.

Who is Yasir Ahmad Dar? Ninth accused arrested in Delhi Red Fort bast case, he belongs to...

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), probing the 'white-collar' terror module linked to the Delhi Red Fort car blast, arrested one more accused for allegedly orchestrating Dr Umar-un-Nabi, the suicide bomber, and destroying evidence in the conspiracy hatched by the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed group. Yasir Ahmad Dar, ninth accused in Red Fort blast case was produced before the Patiala House Court, which remanded him to NIA custody till December 26.

Why Did You Run Away To Thailand? Luthra Brothers Confronted In Patiala Court

Goa nightclub fire: Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, were deported from Thailand on Tuesday

Goa Fire: Luthra Brothers Arrested After Being Deported from Thailand

The accused will be produced before the Patiala House Court in New Delhi, after which the Goa Police will take them to Goa for further legal proceedings

Goa Nightclub fire: Luthra Brothers, Birch Club owners, deported; to land in Delhi today

Luthra Brothers, who fled to Phuket hours after the incident, will be brought to Delhi upon arrival in India. They are expected to be produced before the Patiala House Court for remand proceedings.

Goa nightclub fire: When will Luthra brothers be brought to Delhi? Know what charges will they face in India

Luthra Brothers, the owner of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa will be deported from Thailand on Tuesday. Officials from the central agencies will take Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra to the Patiala House Court in Delhi.

Red Fort blast: Court extends NIA custody of Soyab, Naseer Bilal by four more days

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Monday extended the NIA custody of Soyab , a Faridabad resident accused of harbouring Red Fort bomber Umar-un-Nabi, and Dr Naseer Bilal Malla , a resident of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, for four more days. The probe agency produced Soyab at the Patiala House Court amid tight security on Friday upon the expiry of his previous 10-day custody granted on December 5. Naseer was produced upon the expiry of his seven-day National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody which was granted on December 9. Media persons were barred from covering the proceedings. The accused were produced before Principal and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna who allowed the probe agency to quiz Soyab and Naseer in its custody for four more days. An official spokesperson for the NIA had earlier said the agency arrested Soyab, a resident of Dhauj in Haryana's Faridabad, for allegedly providing logistical support to errorist Umar-un-Nabi before the Delhi terror bomb blast. Dr Naseer Bilal Malla is the eighth accused arrested by the NIA in the case, which is linked to a white-collar terror module busted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The NIA team arrested the doctor from Delhi on December 9, calling him a key accused in the conspiracy. According to the NIA investigations, Naseer had knowingly harboured the dead accused Umar-un-Nabi by providing him logistical support. He is also accused of destruction of evidence related to the terrorist attack, the agency stated earlier on December 9. Umar-un-Nabi was driving the explosive-laden i20 car that detonated outside the Red Fort on November 10, killing 15 people and injuring several others. PTI had earlier reported that the sophisticated terror module spearheaded by a group of doctors had been actively scouting for a suicide bomber since last year, with Umar being the alleged key planner.

Red Fort Blast: Court Extends NIA Custody Of Soyab, Naseer Bilal By 4 More Days

New Delhi, Dec 15: A Delhi court on Monday extended the NIA custody of Soyab, a Faridabad resident accused of harbouring Red Fort bomber Umar-un-Nabi, and Dr Naseer Bilal Malla, a resident of Jammu and Kashmirs Baramulla district, for four more days. The probe agency produced Soyab at the Patiala House Court amid tight security on Friday upon the expiry of his previous 10-day custody granted on December 5. Naseer was produced upon the expiry of his seven-day National Investigation [] The post Red Fort Blast: Court Extends NIA Custody Of Soyab, Naseer Bilal By 4 More Days appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Over 48 pc voter turnout in Punjab local body polls; repolls ordered amid booth-capturing, stone-pelting

CHANDIGARH: Punjab recorded over 48% voting in the zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections on Sunday, with more than 9,000 candidates in the fray. However, the polls were marred by isolated incidents of stone-pelting, scuffles, and complaints of booth capturing, prompting the State Election Commission (SEC) to order repolls at four polling booths. The SEC announced repolls at Chahiyan in Gurdaspur, Babania and Madhir in Muktsar, and Chananwal in Barnala after reports that presiding officers allegedly absconded with ballot papers and instances of booth capturing. The repoll is scheduled for Tuesday. Clashes were reported in Tarn Tarans Kazi Kot village, where workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) pelted stones at each other. Similar incidents occurred in Ferozepurs Betu Kadim village. Meanwhile, polling agents of Congress, SAD, and BJP lodged complaints with the Gidderbaha police, accusing AAP leader Sunny Dhillon and others of booth capturing. Dhillon denied the allegations, saying he was only touring villages to meet party workers and did not enter any polling booths. Polling was also cancelled in Khurmanian and Khasa villages of Amritsar due to a printing error on ballot papers. While the AAP candidates name was correct, the election symbol was wrongly printed in Khasa. Congress leaders raised concerns over administrative lapses and alleged intimidation. Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa accused the AAP of replicating Manish Sisodias Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed tactics in Punjab, claiming that pressure, manipulation, and misuse of administration had discouraged voter participation. He highlighted errors in ballot issuance in six villages of Kahnuwan Zone No. 9, which delayed polling by nearly two hours. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring alleged gross electoral malpractices by the ruling party, claiming that AAP workers, supported by police and administration, resorted to booth capturing at several locations, surpassing even the BJPs record of vote chori. SAD leaders Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Arshdeep Singh Kler echoed these allegations, claiming that AAP colluded with the SEC and Punjab Police to steal the elections. They demanded a judicial probe into SEC functioning and its immediate removal, citing violence and attacks on opposition workers at multiple locations, including Qazikot in Tarn Taran, Talwandi Dasondha Singh in Majitha, Naushehra Majasingh in Batala, Kingra in Malout, Madhir and Babania in Gidderbaha, and Dharamkot. Rejecting the allegations, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann lauded the administration for conducting free, fair, and transparent polls. He accused the opposition, particularly SAD, of attempting to use gangsters to disrupt the electoral process. Mann said more than 2,400 opposition candidates contested the polls, indicating no misuse of official machinery, and blamed the opposition for indulging in cheap tactics out of frustration over defeats. Polling boycotts were reported in five villagesKotli, Bhedpuri, Dodhra, Sehajpur Kalan, and Sehajpur Khurd, of Samana assembly segment in Patiala, where villagers protested being included in Patran block instead of Samana. The elections cover 347 zones of 22 zila parishads and 2,838 zones of 153 panchayat samitis across the state.

Cash-strapped Punjab government hopes to generate Rs 3000 crore by selling land under OUVGL Scheme

CHANDIGARH: The cash-strapped AAP-led Punjab government, whose outstanding debt touched Rs 3.98 lakh crore till October this year, hopes to generate Rs 3,000 crore through monetisation. It has identified parcels of unused land to be developed and sold under the three-decade-old Optimum Utilisation of Vacant Government Lands (OUVGL) Scheme to fulfil its pre-poll promise of providing a Rs 1,100 per month honorarium to all women in the state. With only 14 months left for the Assembly elections, the move is aimed at tiding over the financial crisis. Most of these lands belong to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Employees and officers of the corporation have now decided to launch a protest movement against the sale of power sector land and assets, saying it will severely compromise future expansion of critical infrastructure such as substations, transmission corridors and power projects. Sources said a meeting of the empowered committee of the OUVGL, headed by Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, was held on Thursday, during which the development costs and net revenue expected from disposing of several land pockets in Patiala, Bathinda, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar were discussed. It is estimated that Rs 2,789 crore could be generated from the sale of these land parcels belonging to PSPCL, the Health Department, the Transport Department, MARKFED, the Punjab Mandi Board, the Punjab Agro Industries Corporation and the Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Board. Of the Rs 3,000 crore the state hopes to generate from the sale of these assets, the maximum revenue of Rs 2,219.58 crore is expected to come from six PSPCL properties in Patiala, Bathinda, Ludhiana and Jalandhar that are being considered for disposal. These properties are proposed to be transferred to urban development authorities. The meeting also reviewed progress in retrieving land from various departments for transfer to these authorities, sources said. Discussions were also held on transferring a 57.82-acre site in Mullanpur Garibdas village in Mohali from the Forest Department to the urban development authority. The land was first transferred to PUDA in March 2004, but in October 2010 the empowered committee of PUDA approved its transfer to the Forest Department as it fell under a green belt where a nature park was later developed after compensatory afforestation. About 19 acres of the land were left untouched as they were encroached upon. As the land is not classified as forest land and was only used for compensatory afforestation, the government believes it can now be used for other activities. In lieu of this, compensatory afforestation would be carried out on a parcel of government land in Ludhiana, sources said. Meanwhile, officers and employees from various unions and associations of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited held a meeting. After detailed deliberations, all unions unanimously resolved to launch a joint protest movement against the sale of power sector land and assets. They expressed deep concern that the sale of valuable land would severely compromise future expansion of critical infrastructure such as substations, transmission corridors and power projects. The unions demanded that the government immediately withdraw the proposal and warned that any attempt to harm or compromise power sector assets would trigger immediate and statewide protests.

Red Fort blast case: Delhi court extends NIA custody of three doctors, preacher by four days

Mediapersons were barred from covering the court proceedings, which were held under tight security in and around the Patiala House district court premises

Severe cold grips north India; IMD warns of cold wave, fog across multiple states

NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed across north India on Sunday, with the Amarnath yatra base camp being the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reporting minimum temperatures between three and seven degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold wave conditions were very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha on Monday and Tuesday. In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at eight degrees, up from 6.8 degrees a day ago and yet 1.6 notches below normal. The maximum temperature was 24.7 degrees Celsius, 0.1 notch below normal, while the relative humidity was 92 per cent in the morning. For Monday, the weather department forecast a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, with mist expected. Pollution levels in Delhi remained in the very poor category on Sunday, prolonging the spell of toxic air that has hung over its residents for several weeks now. The city logged a 24-hour average AQI of 308. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe. Further in the north, the night temperatures in Kashmir rose by several degrees but stayed below the freezing point, officials said. The Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir as the minimum settled at a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- settled at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, a rise of 3.2 degrees compared to the previous night. The gateway town to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a low of minus one degree Celsius, while the minimum settled at minus 0.8 degree Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, and 1.1 degrees Celsius in south Kashmir's Kokernag, according to officials. The meteorological department said the weather would remain generally cloudy but dry on Sunday, and a brief spell of light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir is likely on December 8. In Himachal Pradesh, The IMD predicted dense fog in parts of the state until Wednesday. A yellow alert for dense fog was also issued in parts of the reservoir area of the Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district and over some parts of the Balh valley in Mandi district during early morning till Monday. In Punjab, Faridkot remained the coldest place, with the minimum temperature settling at 4.4 degrees Celsius, while in Haryana, Narnaul saw the lowest temperature at 4.6 degrees Celsius, according to the local meteorological department. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Bathinda and Gurdaspur recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Ferozepur recorded 6 degrees, Amritsar 6.1 degrees, Ludhiana 6.8 degrees, and Patiala 8.9 degrees. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a low of six degrees, Hisar 6.2 degrees, Sirsa 6.6 degrees, Karnal seven degrees, Rohtak 7.8 degrees, and Ambala 9.8 degrees. Rajasthan, similarly, reeled under intense cold, the Meteorological Centre here said. Fatehpur in the Sikar district continued to record the lowest minimum temperature, albeit at 3.5 degrees Celsius, slightly up from 2.3 degrees a day ago. According to the weather department, Lunkaransar (Bikaner) recorded a low of 5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dausa at 6 degrees, Churu at 6.3 degrees, Vanasthali (Tonk) at 6.4 degrees and Jhunjhunu at 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. The department said a fresh but weak western disturbance is likely to cause partly cloudy skies in some parts of the state over the next few days. Under its influence, the minimum temperature is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius, providing relief from the cold wave, it said. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, eight districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, noting a cold wave in parts of the state. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 3.5 degrees Celsius up from three degrees Celsius while Khunti logged five degrees Celsius, the IMD weather bulletin stated. The minimum temperature in Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi, was 7.5 degrees Celsius, while Daltonganj recorded 6.5 degrees and Jamshedpur recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius. Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, said, North-westerly winds prevailing in the lower tropospheric levels over Jharkhand have caused the drop in mercury. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail across the state over the next five days.The minimum temperature may rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the next 72 hours, he added. In West Bengal, the mercury dipped below the 10-degree mark for the first time this winter in the state's plains with Sriniketan in Birbhum districts recording a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the IMD said. Its forecast for West Bengal suggested dry weather across all districts of West Bengal for the next week, with shallow to moderate fog likely in the northern districts. Darjeeling was the coldest in the hills at 6.2 degrees Celsius, while the other Himalayan tourist town of Kalimpong was warmer at 10.5 degrees Celsius. The other places which recorded low night temperatures are Alipurduar (11 degrees), Kalyani (11.4 degrees), Purulia (11.4 degrees) and Panagarh (11.9 degrees). Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, forecasting mist in the morning on Monday. IMD further predicted dense fog conditions in isolated pockets of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura between December 8 and 12. It was also very likely in parts of west Madhya Pradesh on Monday and in Odisha until Tuesday. In west India, a gradual fall by two to three degrees over the next three-four days is expected, and no significant change is anticipated thereafter, the IMD said.

Punjab LoP moves HC seeking extension of nomination deadline for Zila Parishad, Block Samiti polls

CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking an extension of the last date for filing nomination papers for Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections. They are alleging that widespread incidents of tearing, snatching and destruction of nomination forms on December 4 had prevented several candidates from filing valid nomination forms Also, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demanded that the deadline for filing nominations in all areas where there were complaints of highhandedness and discrimination should be extended to allow for free and fair polls. In his petition, Bajwa maintained, Cases of illegal detentions, persons being waylaid and picked up, and candidates not allowed to reach the venue, etc., took place. There were videos and photos captured that showed persons running away with candidates nomination papers, fights taking place, brawls breaking out, candidates not allowed to reach the venue, NOCs not issued, and officials concerned nowhere to be found, Bajwa added. If, during an election, the very police that are supposed to ensure free and fair elections would start indulging in the abuse of power, undermining the law of the land and restraining the Opposition candidates from filing nomination papers, the faith of the people would be shaken in the democratic process. Therefore, an immediate time-bound investigation is initiated by a Central agency in the matter concerned, he said. Punjab Congress leader Warring accuses AAP government of patronising gangsters to win elections Bajwa sought directions to the State Election Commission to constitute an independent monitoring mechanism or appoint observers to ensure peaceful, fair and transparent polls. He also pressed for an inquiry by the CBI or any other Central agency into the conduct of Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, following the surfacing of an alleged audio recording purportedly directing police personnel among other things to disrupt the nomination process. Advocate Arshpreet Khadial appeared for Bajwa before the Chief Justice to make an oral mention. The request was allowed by the High Court, and now the matter will be taken up on December 8. Senior SAD party leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema also called for nomination of independent Observers for the polls, besides demanding stringent action, including charge sheeting of police and civil officials who had vitiated the election atmosphere by acting as stooges of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The party will also submit the names of Returning Officers who have acted in a partisan manner and rejected forms of opposition leaders en masse, and appeal that they should not be put on duty in the general elections in 2027. Cheema also came down heavily on the State Election Commission (SEC). Buzz over former Punjab CM Amarinder's advocacy for BJP-SAD alliance sparks possibilities of revival of ties He said it was condemnable that at a time when democracy was being murdered in the State, and the SEC had chosen to look away. This raises disturbing questions about the integrity of the SEC as it has failed to supervise the elections fairly and impartially and has also refused to take action against police officers, including Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, who specifically directed police officials to stop opposition candidates from reaching the offices of Returning Officers by resorting to illegal and unconstitutional means. Meanwhile, giving details of mass-level rejection of SAD candidates, Cheema said that in the case of Tarn Taran, out of 72 Zila Parishad seats, forms of party candidates had been rejected in 41 seats. He said in case of Block Samitis, in Tarn Taran, 31 forms across 63 seats had been rejected, in Gandiwind 37 forms across 52 seats, in Khadoor Sahib 43 forms across 151 seats, in Patti 56 forms across 75 seats, in Bhikhiwind 77 forms across 100 seats, in Valtoha 56 forms across 78 seats and in Naushehra Pannuan 40 forms across 83 seats had been rejected. Cheema said similarly in the Block Samiti seats in Majitha, 12 SAD candidates were not allowed to file nominations. He said in Bhoa and Zira, no SAD candidate was allowed to file a nomination. He said in Raja Sansi candidature of 25 out of the 35 SAD contestants were rejected for the Block Samiti elections, and in the case of Baba Bakala, 18 forms across 49 seats were rejected. He also disclosed how in Fatehgarh Churian, 2 forms out of 4 Zila Parishad seats and 14 forms across 25 Block Samiti seats were rejected. He also added that a large number of SAD candidates were not allowed to file their nominations in Qadian, Jaitu, Ghanaur, Nurpur Bedi, Patran, Khanauri, Jandiala and Ajnala

Punjab Congress leader Warring accuses AAP government of patronising gangsters to win elections

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring warned the AAP government over promoting anarchy and bloodshed by patronising gangsters to win elections. He also accused AAP of following a strategy of manipulation and coercion, citing former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodias saam, daam, dand, bhed approach. Warring warned that AAP turned police officers into `yesmen. We will neither forget nor forgive, he made it categorically clear to all such officers. He said AAPs reluctance to hold Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections showed that they feared defeat. Notably, Congress candidates faced intimidation and obstacles in filing nominations, sparking fears that their papers might be rejected during scrutiny due to AAPs grip on the election machinery. He said that the ruling party was scared and panic-stricken of losing the elections as it had already realised that the ground had slipped from beneath its feet. He added that it was only after the intervention of the court that the government was forced to hold the elections. He gave graphic details from across the state about how the Congress candidates for the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections were intimidated and prevented from filing their nomination papers. He expressed strong apprehensions that the nomination papers of even those who have somehow managed to file might get rejected at the time of scrutiny, as the ruling party has completely hijacked the election machinery. Replying to a question on the purported audio clip whereby the SSP Patiala is allegedly issuing directions to his subordinates as to how to prevent Opposition candidates from reaching the venue of filing nomination papers, Warring said, the matter must be investigated. He said, if found true, such officers must be dismissed from the services. Most of the SSPs, the DSPs heading police subdivisions and the SHOs and those heading police posts have completely surrendered themselves to the AAP and turned into its errand boys, he said in a scathing attack against the police partiality. Warring asserted that all such officers will be held accountable under the law once the government changes. He said, if a few police officials believe that they will get away in the next regime by doing the same thing for the party in power, then they are mistaken. This must end, and we will end it, he asserted. He denied that Congress patronised gangsters, challenging AAP to explain their own record. Warring highlighted that AAP is bringing gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria from the Assam jail for Tarn Tarans byelection.

Delhi blast: Court extends NIA custody of Soyab by 10 more days

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Friday extended the NIA custody of Soyab, a Faridabad resident accused of harbouring Red Fort bomber Umar-un Nabi, for 10 more days. The probe agency produced Soyab at the Patiala House Court amid tight security on Friday upon the expiry of his previous 10-day custody, which was granted on 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 .

Northern India shivers as temperatures plunge; Delhi chokes under very poor air

North India continued to reel under sharp winter conditions on Friday, with large parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana recording minimum temperatures well below normal, even as Kashmir saw a brief improvement in the cold due to overcast skies. Delhi, meanwhile, remained choked under very poor air quality as a cold wave was forecast for the day. Rajasthan recorded the lowest temperature in the region, with Fatehpur in Sikar district plunging to 1.9C on Friday morning. The Jaipur Meteorological Centre said minimum temperatures stayed below 10 degrees Celsius across several districts, including Sikar at 3C, Nagaur at 3.1C, Lunkaransar at 3.2C, Churu at 4.5C and Pilani at 4.8C. Dry conditions are likely to persist over most parts of the state for the next week, it added. Bone-chilling cold also gripped Punjab and Haryana. Faridkot, at 3C, was the coldest among the two states. In Punjab, Bathinda recorded 3.2C, while Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur reported lows between 5.5C and 6.2C. In neighbouring Haryana, Narnaul was the coldest at 3.5C, while Hisar recorded 3.7C. Karnal, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Sirsa registered temperatures ranging between 5.4C and 7.7C. Chandigarh, the shared capital, reported a minimum of 6.1C. Kashmir, however, witnessed an improvement in night temperatures as cloud cover pushed the mercury above those recorded in recent days. Srinagar, which had plunged to 4C the previous night, recorded a low of 0.4Cover four degrees higher. Qazigund reported 0.2C, Kupwara 0.2C, Kokernag 0.8C, Pahalgam 1.8C and Gulmarg 0C. Konibal in Pulwama district remained the coldest in the Union Territory at 3C. The weather office said light snowfall is possible in the higher reaches later on Friday, while another brief spell is likely on December 8. In Delhi, there was no respite from toxic air as the Air Quality Index stood at 323 at 9 am, firmly in the very poor category. Bawana recorded the highest AQI in the city at 373, while 30 monitoring stations reported very poor levels. The capital saw fluctuating pollution levels through the week, with the AQI rising from 279 on Sunday to 372 on Tuesday before settling at 304 on Thursday. The IMD said a cold wave is expected through the day, with the minimum temperature dipping to 5.6C, nearly four degrees below normal. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 22C, while relative humidity touched 100% in the morning. (With inputs from PTI)

Akali Dal, Congress, BJP allege AAP workers stopped their candidates from filing nominations for local polls

CHANDIGARH: A major political storm has erupted in Punjab ahead of the upcoming Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections as the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers stopped their candidates from filing nominations for the upcoming polls on the last day before the deadline ended. Alleging abuse of power by the ruling AAP government, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, This shows that the AAP has lost ground and has seen the writing on the wall. That is why it's resorting to such desperate attempts to misuse police and official machinery. He said if the government was confident about its performance, why did it need to use such tactics. This only reveals the sense of panic, desperation and frustration as the government has realized its support was eroding, he added. Earlier, during an informal interaction with reporters, Warring said the abuse of police and government machinery is a hallmark of the AAP government in Punjab. He said what was purportedly being discussed by police in an audio clip that went viral was already happening all over Punjab and being recorded by the public. He alleged that a Congress leader, whose wife was scheduled to file nomination papers, was picked up by the area SHO illegally detained for the entire night. Meanwhile, the SAD filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday to register a FIR against Patiala SSP Varun Sharma as well as order his immediate suspension pending a CBI probe into the audio clip released earlier by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. In the clip, the SSP is purportedly heard directing the district police force in a conference call to prevent opposition candidates, particularly those from the SAD, from reaching the office of the Returning Officer to file their nomination papers. Badal alleged that similar directions had been issued to the police force across the state at the instance of the Aam Aadmi Party government and demanded the intervention of the Election Commission besides approaching the high court. The court has issued a notice to the state government as well as the State Election Commission for Monday. The petition, filed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by former legislator Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, sought urgent judicial safeguards to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections to the Block Samitis and Zila Parishads in the state. The petition called for deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) or independent observers until the completion of the elections and counting process in Patiala district. Following the circulation of the purported audio clip, the Patiala Police issued a strong clarification, stating that it is fake and AI-generated. In an official statement, the police said the clip was created with malicious intent to mislead the public, spread disinformation, and disturb law and order during the election period. Appropriate and stringent legal action will be taken against the culprits, it said. Urging citizens not to fall for doctored or fabricated content, the Patiala Police reaffirmed that they remain fully committed to ensuring free and fair elections. Meanwhile, BJP Punjab General Secretary Anil Sareen alleged that the AAP government in Punjab, fearing defeat in the upcoming Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections, is utilizing the police machinery and civil officers, much like its party workers. Pressure is being created on opposition candidates to stop them from filing nomination papers. Not only this, in several constituencies, the police have been conducting raids on candidates houses, locking their gates, picking up family members, tearing their documents, and blocking roads to obstruct their movement, he said. Sareen said, The police are no longer upholding the law. They are functioning like the AAPs B-team. He also showed a purported audio clip in which the police were seen picking up Vikas Pandey, husband of BJP candidate Priyanka Pandey, from Jandali in Patiala district, at around 5 a.m., and incidents of tearing the nomination papers of candidates in Rajpura and Ghanaur. Alleging that the AAP government is indulging in dirty politics, Sareen claimed that a systematic plan is being executed to prevent opposition candidates from filing their nomination papers.

Court orders framing of charges against Uphaar Cinema tragedy convict Sushil Ansal in passport case

NEW DELHI, Dec 3: Delhi court has ordered framing of charges against the Uphaar fire tragedy convict Sushil Ansal in a separate case for allegedly concealing criminal cases and submitting false declarations to renew a passport. Ansal was booked by the crime branch of Delhi Police in 2019, and he was accused of furnishing false information, as he failed to declare his conviction in the 1997 Uphaar cinema fire tragedy. Chief Judicial Magistrate Shriya Agrawal of Patiala House Courts, in [] The post Court orders framing of charges against Uphaar Cinema tragedy convict Sushil Ansal in passport case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Red Fort blast case: Accused Amir Rashid Ali produced in Patiala House Court

NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Amir Rashid Ali, one of the accused of the Red Fort blast, was produced before a Delhi court on Tuesday. Ali was produced before Principal and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna on the conclusion of his police custody in the case. The proceedings are underway. On November 29, the court sent three doctors and a preacher, who were arrested in connection with the Red Fort blast, to 10 days judicial custody. As of now, the NIA [] The post Red Fort blast case: Accused Amir Rashid Ali produced in Patiala House Court appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Fresh FIR filed against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi in National Herald case on ED complaint; Congress cries vendetta

NEW DELHI: In a major setback to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, the Delhi Polices Economic Offences Wing has registered a fresh FIR against them and six others in the decade-old National Herald money laundering case . The FIR, registered on October 3, 2025, follows a detailed complaint from Shiv Kumar Gupta, Assistant Director of the Enforcement Directorates Headquarters Investigation Unit, and invokes charges of criminal conspiracy, dishonest misappropriation of property, criminal breach of trust and cheating. On November 29, 2025, the Rouse Avenue Court postponed its decision on whether to take cognizance of the EDs chargesheet, deferring the order to December 16 and observing that the accused have a right to be heard before any decision is taken. According to the FIR, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, Sunil Bhandari and Associated Journals Ltd have been named as accused. Except for Sam Pitroda, who now resides in Oak Brook, Illinois, all others are residents of India. The FIR alleges an elaborate criminal conspiracy to fraudulently take over properties worth over Rs 2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited, the original publisher of the National Herald. It states that this takeover was executed by Young Indian, in which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi held controlling stakes, for a paltry sum of Rs 50 lakhs only. It details how the All India Congress Committee gave cumulative loans of Rs 90.21 crore to AJL between 200203 and 201011 and treated the amount as non-recoverable despite AJL holding valuable properties. The FIR states: The scheme of fraud was executed by Young Indian purchasing from AICC the right to recover the loan of Rs. 90.21 cr. (given by AICC to AJL) for a paltry sum of Rs. 50 lakhs and simultaneously, AJL converted the outstanding loan of Rs. 90.21 crore into 9.02 crore equity shares of face value Rs. 10 each in favour of Young Indian, thereby defrauding shareholders of AJL on one hand and also the public donors of AICC by dishonestly inducing AICC to forego its valuable right to recover Rs. 90 Crore advanced to AJL. The FIR says AJL shareholders were cheated as their shareholding was diluted when Young Indian was issued 99% of the companys shares. It adds: ED investigation reveals that, Young Indian was effectively controlled by Sh. Rahul Gandhi and Smt. Sonia Gandhi since they together held 76% of shares through a well-thought-out conspiracy. Young Indian was incorporated on November 23, 2010 with a capital of Rs 5 lakh, and through transfers and allotments, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi each came to hold 38% of its shares. Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey were the original shareholders with 550 shares each. On January 22, 2011, fresh allotments and transfers brought in Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as 38% shareholders each, while Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes received 12% each. The FIR traces the case back to BJP leader Subramanian Swamys 2013 complaint at Patiala House Courts. The court took cognizance in June 2014. It quotes the order: In the Order passed, Ld. MM observed that Young Indian was created as a sham or a cloak to convert public money to personal use or as a special purpose vehicle for acquiring control over Rs. 2000 Cr. worth of assets of AJL and accused person have allegedly acted in consortium with each other to achieve the said nefarious purpose. The High Court later refused to interfere with the cognizance order. The FIR lists three major AJL properties allegedly diverted for private gain: Herald House in New Delhi, AJL House in Bandra East, Mumbai, and a property at Bisheshwar Nath Road in Lucknow. It states: The above facts and circumstances of the case enumerate the issue of government properties being allotted to AJL at subsidized rates for larger public purposes, only to be usurped and misused by the beneficial owners of Young Indian and thus represents a serious form of criminal conspiracy and financial fraud. It alleges AJL shareholders were cheated when Young Indian gained 99% ownership through decisions taken by only 7 members of the company who together held 0.00005% of the total shareholding in AJL. It adds: he fraudulent misrepresentations made to the general body of shareholders of AJL leading to wrongful gain of almost Rs 2000 crores in favour of Young Indian and its owners namely Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Sh. Rahul Gandhi and the corresponding wrongful loss to the shareholders of Young Indian clearly makes out an offence of criminal conspiracy and cheating. The FIR also outlines how AICC and its donors were allegedly defrauded, stating: The concerned office bearers of AICC viz. the then President Sonia Gandhi and General Secretary Rahul Gandhi by 'selling' AICC's right to recover a loan of Rs. 90.21 crores from AJL for a paltry sum of Rs 50 lakhs to Young Indian has virtually deprived AICC not only the right to recover the entire Rs. 90.21 crore but also the option of converting this debt into equity shares from AJL which would have entitled AICC as a 99% shareholder to properties worth almost Rs. 2000 crores According to the FIR, Young Indian acquired proceeds of crime in the form of AJL shares, immovable properties and rental income. It states that the properties, valued at Rs 755 crore, were treated as proceeds of crime, and notes rental income of Rs 142.67 crore between 201011 and 202223 as direct proceeds of crime. The total proceeds of crime are pegged at Rs 988.03 crore. ED had attached properties worth Rs 751.91 crore on November 20, 2023. The FIR cites three additional alleged frauds: bogus donations of Rs 18.12 crore to Young Indian in 201718 to discharge the income tax demand, fake advance rent of Rs 38.41 crore received by AJL from nine entities on instructions of Congress leaders, and fake advertisement revenue of Rs 29.45 crore between 201718 and 202021. It states: Most of the advertisement given does not commensurate with business purposes of the donors as these advertisements are mostly in the form of congratulatory messages/birthday wishes to congress top leaders. It also details how Young Indian arranged the Rs 50 lakh payment to AICC, citing a Rs 1 crore loan from Dotex Merchandise Pvt Ltd, described as a shell company. Part of this was used for the Rs 50 lakh payment toward acquiring AICCs right to recover Rs 90.21 crore from AJL. The FIR was registered based on information shared by the Enforcement Directorate under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. After approval from ED Director Rahul Naveen, the complaint was sent to the Commissioner of Police for action. Modi-Shah continuing with 'mischievous politics of vendetta': Congress With Delhi Police filing an FIR against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case, the Congress on Sunday alleged that the Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the party's top leadership. Condemning the action, the opposition party also said the National Herald matter is a completely bogus case and justice will ultimately triumph. In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh charged, The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately triumph. Satyameva Jayate, he said. The Modi-Shah duo is continuing with its mischievous politics of harassment, intimidation, and vendetta against the top leadership of the INC. Those who threaten are themselves insecure and afraid. The National Herald matter is a completely bogus case. Justice will ultimately Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 30, 2025 Congress spokesperson and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in a post on X that the FIR was either wine new nor bottle new nor glasses new. One trick wonder of a case where no money moved, where no immovable property transferred yet money laundering invented upon creation of Young Indian as a not for profit co to merely hold shares of AJL which in turn runs and holds brand NH and continues to hold all property as before &as always. Condition precedent of ML (money laundering) movement of money and conversion of unaccounted to white money always absent, yet we have politically malicious proceedings continuing, he said on X. Ironically, Gandhis and other Congress functionaries as directors of YI cannot get dividends, cannot distribute profits, get not one perk, yet accused of ML!! Current FIR created by adding few lines re infusion of money by private company to enable payment of assignment money by YI to make AJL debt free, Singhvi said. #NatHerald neither wine new nor bottle new nor glasses new. Hence my comment also old. One trick wonder of a case where no money moved, where no immovable property transferred yet money laundering invented upon creation of #YoungIndian as a not for profit co to merely hold shares Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) November 30, 2025 Senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari slammed the government over the development, alleging that it is working like the British rulers who took away people's democratic rights. This is politics of vendetta and we condemn it. We never bowed down earlier, neither will we bow down now nor in the future. Gandhi family has always fought for the independence of the country and we will keep fighting for the freedom of democracy, he said. His remarks came after the Delhi Police filed an FIR against former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and other accused in the National Herald case on a complaint by the ED as part of the agency's money laundering probe into the high-profile case that alleges that the first family of the party abused their position for personal gains. Official sources and documents said the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police filed a complaint against the Gandhis and seven others on October 3. The police has pressed charges under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC in the FIR that names the Gandhis, Congress leaders Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda, entities like the Young Indian (YI) and Dotex Merchandise Ltd, Dotex promoter Sunil Bhandari, Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL) and unknown others. These entities are also named as an accused (except unknown others) in the ED chargesheet filed before a Delhi court in April. The court is yet to take its cognisance with the next date of hearing scheduled for December 16. The ED, according to the sources, used powers available to it under section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to get the police FIR registered. This section allows the federal agency to share evidence for registration of a criminal predicate offence by a law enforcement agency so that it can subsequently book a money laundering case to take forward the investigation.

From employees and farmers to lawyers, Punjab AAP government faces wave of public outrage

CHANDIGARH: With 14 months left for the assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is grappling with a wave of public anger across the state, from employees and lawyers to farmers. Bus services in parts of the state remained affected on Saturday as employees of Punjab Roadways, Punjab State Bus Stand Management Company Limited (PUNBUS) and Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) continued their protest for the second day. The state transport department issued notices asking them to call off the strike and return to work, warning that their services would be terminated if they failed to comply. A senior official said employees have been instructed to end the strike and resume work as notices have been served. If they do not return, we will have no option but to terminate their services, as these are contractual and outsourced employees. They cannot be suspended and can only be terminated, the official said. Sandeep Singh, senior vice-president of the PUNBUS Contract Workers Union in Hoshiarpur, alleged that four of their leaders, state committee member Kulwant Singh, district president Raminder Singh, secretary Narinder Singh and cashier Dharminder Singh, were still detained. Until they are released, the kilometre-scheme tenders are cancelled, and contractual workers are regularised, our dharna and strike will continue, he said. He further claimed, In the last four years, the government has not provided even a single new bus to Punjab Roadways. Over 500 old buses have gone off the road, and those still running face major repair issues. The department does not have funds even for tyres and essential repairs. Employees began the strike yesterday against the opening of tenders related to the kilometre-based bus scheme, which they say is a backdoor attempt to bring in private buses and dismantle the state-run transport system, enabling private operators to run buses on government-notified routes. Bus services crippled across Punjab as contract workers launch strike to protest 'systematic privatisation' Ahead of the protest, many union leaders were detained by police, sparking chaos across Punjab as workers clashed with police personnel. Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher extended support to the contractual employees, criticising the state government over the scheme. Commuters were hit hard as the protests disrupted bus services across many routes. With government buses off the roads, passengers were forced to rely on private operators. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appealed to employees to return to work and adopt the path of dialogue. He said the state government is making sincere efforts to resolve all issues of PRTC employees, some of which have been taken up in court. He urged the agitating workers to end their protest so the public would not face inconvenience. Mann added that the government understands the problems of PRTC employees and is working to address their concerns. He also announced that the state will soon introduce 900 new government buses to improve transport services. Meanwhile, the PSEB Engineers Association (PSEBEA) has announced a state-level protest meeting on December 2, expected to be attended by over 1,000 power engineers and dignitaries. Several key decisions are likely to be discussed as engineers express resentment against the management, accusing it of exerting undue pressure to make officers fall in line or face extreme actions. Ajay Pal Singh Atwal, general secretary of PSEBEA, said engineers from across Punjab will gather in Patiala to express their strong opposition to arbitrary actions, the sale of power sector properties, growing interference in the power sector, inaction on the Electricity Amendment Bill 2024, and attempts to undermine technical autonomy and institutional integrity. The association is demanding an immediate halt to the sale of power sector assets, resumption of the process to set up the state-sector 2 800 MW supercritical units at Ropar, unconditional revocation of the suspension of Chief Engineer Harish Sharma, and concrete steps to curb political interference and limit the role of private consultants in technical and administrative decisions. Farmers unions are also up in arms. Senior SKM leader and BKU (Lakhowal Group) president Harinder Singh Lakhowal said 18 of their demands remain pending, with no decisions from the state government. These include a one-time settlement scheme for farmers who took loans from cooperative and land mortgage banks, relief for those affected by recent floods and rains two years ago, and measures to control the stray cattle menace, among others. On November 19, parts of tractor-trolleys allegedly stolen on March 19, after the government forcibly lifted the 13-month-long dharna of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and SKM (Non-Political) at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, were recovered from the compound of the executive officers residence in Nabha, sparking fresh outrage among farmer unions. On November 22, the Sangrur district bar association blocked the LudhianaDelhi highway for about two hours, alleging political interference by AAP MLA from Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj in a private land dispute pending in court. The lawyers demanded a written apology from the legislator. On November 21, the District Bar Association of Sangrur unanimously resolved to debar sitting MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj from all its events as it decided that the legislator will not be invited to any association event unless she tenders a written, unconditional apology, allegedly accusing her of unwarranted interference in a private land dispute pending before the court and exerting pressure on the local administration. They also sought registration of an FIR against those who uploaded derogatory videos targeting the legal fraternity on social media. The advocates had also staged a dramatic protest by blocking the DelhiLudhiana highway, spreading blankets on the road and demanding action against the MLA for allegedly violating court orders. The secretary of the association Simrandeep Singh Blaggan had warned that if the promised action is not taken within ten days, the association will protest.

JU clinches Bronze in Fencing at KIUG-2025

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: The University of Jammu added another feather to its cap by securing a Bronze Medal in Womens Sabre Fencing at the ongoing Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025 in Rajasthan. The medal-winning team comprised Chhavi Sharma, Mansi Sharma, Mahek Choudhary and Ashu Rani, who showcased exceptional skill, coordination, and determination. The team registered a thrilling 45-43 victory against Punjabi University Patiala in the quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals, where they were narrowly defeated by [] The post JU clinches Bronze in Fencing at KIUG-2025 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab: 4 Operatives Linked To Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Held; Planned Attacks In Tricity, Patiala

The accused were arrested by the Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force and the SAS Nagar police following an exchange of fire near Steel Strips Towers on the Dera Bassi-Ambala highway in SAS Nagar district: Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav

Terror Plot Foiled In Punjab, Four Members Of Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Arrested

Police raided a house along the Dera Bassi-Ambala highway, where the four opened fire on them. The accused were planning targeted attacks in Chandigarh and Patiala.

Ashish Mehrotra Takes Charge as Senior Deputy GM and CVO of South Central Railway

A 1992-batch Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer, Merhotra had contributed significantly in the domain of electrical distribution and infrastructure management as principal chief electrical engineer, locomotive works, Patiala.

'Protesters Came Fully Prepared, Raised Hidma Slogans, Used Pepper Spray': Delhi Police To Court

The arrested protesters were produced at Patiala House Court on Monday as the police sought further action

Harman Sidhu's death: Punjabi singer's last post goes viral, shows him offering..., WATCH

Punjabi singer Harman Sidhu lost his life in a tragic incident on Saturday. Sidhu was only 37 when he met with an accident while travelling from Patiala to Mansa. Day after his tragic death, his last social media post has been going viral.

Delhi Blast: Court Allows Accuseds Plea To Meet Lawyer At NIA Headquarters

New Delhi, Nov 22: A Delhi court on Saturday allowed the plea of Jasir Bilal Wani, an accused in the Red Fort blast case, to meet his lawyer at the National Investigation Agency (NIA) headquarters, court sources said. The plea was allowed by Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna of the Patiala House Court, they said. On Friday, the Delhi High Court refused to pass an order to allow the accuseds plea, saying he failed to show any [] The post Delhi Blast: Court Allows Accuseds Plea To Meet Lawyer At NIA Headquarters appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Court allows Delhi Blast co-accused Jasir Bilal to meet lawyer

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday allowed the plea of Jasir Bilal Wani, an accused in the Red Fort blast case, to meet his lawyer at the National Investigation Agency (NIA) headquarters, court sources said. The plea was allowed by Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna of the Patiala House Court, they 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 .

Delhi bomber aide Jasir Wani seeks NIA court nod to meet lawyers

New Delhi: Jasir Bilal Wani, Delhi blast bomber Dr Umar Muhammads aide, has filed an application in the NIA court seeking permission to meet his lawyers at the agency headquarters, sources said on Saturday. The Patiala House NIA court will hear Wanis application on Saturday. The NIA has described Jasir Bilal Wani as an active 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 .

Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks Announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to Strengthen the Coffee Value Chain from Bean to Cup

Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.

NCW to hold national consultation on condition of women prisoners on November 22

NEW DELHI: Women prisoners, constituting 4.3% of the total prison population, face systemic barriers including overcrowded facilities and inadequate health services. Concerned with their condition, the National Commission for Women (NCW) plans to hold a national consultation on laws governing women in Indian jails. The national consultation will be held on Saturday in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to identify urgent reforms needed to strengthen the rights, welfare, and dignity of women inmates across India. At the national consultation Laws Relating to Women in Prison experts, prison administrators, and policymakers will deliberate on critical reforms. The recommendations from the consultation will contribute to NCWs final report to the government of India. The flagship initiative is led by NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar. Women constitute 4.3% of the prison population, yet in many states they continue to face significant systemic barriers, including overcrowded facilities, inadequate medical and mental-health services, lack of gender-sensitive infrastructure, poor hygiene, and heightened safety vulnerabilities, according to a statement by NCW. To ensure inclusivity and representation, NCW conducted eight regional consultations in Noida, Panaji, Aizawl, Patna, Bhopal, Patiala, Hyderabad, and Dehradun. These consultations generated over 300 expert recommendations, of which 205 key proposals will now be taken up at the national consultation. Deliberations will focus on key legislations including the Model Prison Act 2023, Prison Act 1894, Model Prison Manual 2016, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, and the Repatriation of Prisoners Act 2003. Core themes include gender-sensitive correctional systems, improved medical and mental-health support, rights of incarcerated mothers and their children, safe accommodation for transgender inmates, and humane treatment of foreign national prisoners. The NCW Chairperson will also lead several important initiatives aimed at strengthening womens safety and empowerment at the grassroots. She will meet Lieutenant Governor, Admiral Shri Devendra Kumar Joshi (Retd.), at Raj Bhavan to discuss ongoing initiatives and the future roadmap for strengthening womens welfare across the union territory. She will also hold a review meeting with the DGP, Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, and other police officials to assess existing safety mechanisms, enhance policing responses, and strengthen institutional coordination for womens safety. A gender sensitization workshop for police personnel is also in the cards. The idea is to enhance police awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness in handling cases related to women. Rahatkar will also hold a high-level meeting with the Chief Secretary and senior officers and will review women-centric schemes. Also, a review of facilities and rehabilitation support at the historic Cellular Jail is also on the agenda.

Delhi Red Fort blast case: NIA arrests four more prime accused

The four accused were taken into custody by the NIA in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, on production orders from the District Sessions Judge, Patiala House Court

NIA Nabs 4 More Accused in Red Fort Blast Case

The four accused were taken into custody by NIA in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on production orders from the District Sessions Judge, Patiala House Court

US deports 200 Indians, including Anmol Bishnoi

CHANDIGARH: A special US deportation flight carrying 200 Indians, including Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother and close aide of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, two other fugitives wanted in Punjab, and 197 undocumented migrants landed in New Delhi on Wednesday. Anmol is wanted in multiple criminal cases in India, including the murders of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022 and Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique in October 2024, and firing at actor Shah Rukh Khans residence in April 2024. As soon as the special US flight landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Bishnoi was detained by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He was later produced at Delhis Patiala House court, which sent him to 11 days NIA custody. We are trying to find how he fled India, Special Public Prosecutor Rahul Tyagi said, adding that Anmol will be produced before the court again on November 29 after completion of his NIA custody. Hailing from Punjabs Fazilka, Anmol was his borther Lawrence Bishnois principal overseas handler and was directing extortion rackets, issuing threats, and coordinating assignments through encrypted channels. Anmol reportedly slipped out of the country in April 2022 using a forged passport, accompanied by another wanted gangster Sachin Thapan. Sources said Anmol managed to get a fake passport in the name of Bhanu Pratap, a resident of Faridabad, and his fathers name was mentioned as Rakesh.

Courts, CRPF schools in Delhi receive bomb threats, turn out to be hoax

New Delhi: Multiple courts in Delhi, Saket, Dwarka and Patiala House, along with two CRPF-run schools, received bomb threats on Tuesday morning, prompting large-scale security checks across the national capital, officials said. Police said an email warning of explosives planted on court premises was received early morning, following which security teams were alerted to inspect 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 .

Delhi Courts On High Alert After Bomb Threats To Dwarka, Saket, Rohini And Patiala House

The court premises were evacuated, and a search operation was conducted as part of standard operating procedure.

Tarn Taran Bypoll records 60.95% turnout

CHANDIGARH: Around 60.95 per cent of voters exercised their franchise in the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election in Punjab on Tuesday amid tight security, with polling concluding peacefully. This marks a decline of nearly five percentage points from the turnout recorded in the 2022 general elections for the same seat. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab, Sibin C, informed that approximately 60.95 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 6 pm in the Tarn Taran Assembly constituency. He added that the final figures would be updated by Wednesday, once all polling parties return to the collection centres and data entry is completed. The CEO thanked the voters of Tarn Taran for participating in the by-election. Polling began at 7 am and started slowly but picked up pace as the day progressed, with more voters visiting booths to cast their votes. While Karanbir Singh Burj is contesting as the Congress candidate, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded Harmeet Singh Sandhu. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) nominee is Sukwinder Kaur Randhawa, while the BJP has fielded Harjit Singh Sandhu, president of the partys district unit. Independent candidate Mandeep Singh, backed by the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) led by jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and several radical Sikh organisations including the Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwale), is also in the fray. Mandeep Singh is the brother of Sandeep Singh alias Sunny, an accused in the 2022 murder of Shiv Sena (Taksali) leader Sudhir Suri. Sandeep is also accused in an attack on three former police officers, two of whom were convicted in a fake encounter case in Tarn Taran, inside Patiala Jail. One of the convicted officers, Suba Singh, succumbed to his injuries on 17 September. The Tarn Taran seat fell vacant following the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal in June. The by-election is being seen as a litmus test for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the AAP leadership, with the 2027 Assembly elections on the horizon. The poll is equally crucial for SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who, along with his wife and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, campaigned extensively for party candidate Randhawa, a retired government school principal and wife of a Dharmi Fauji (a Sikh soldier who deserted the army following Operation Bluestar in 1984). The constituency has 1,92,838 eligible voters, including 1,00,933 men, 91,897 women, and eight third-gender voters. A total of 222 polling stations were set up across 114 locations, 60 urban and 162 rural, including four model and three pink booths. According to sources, 12 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were deployed in the constituency, marking one of the largest security deployments ever by the Election Commission for a by-election.

AAP MLA Harmit Singh Pathanmajra Flees to Australia Amid Rape Case Probe

Patiala police face embarrassment as absconding Sanour legislator appears in online interview denying charges

Punjab: 122 stubble burning cases recorded on October 26; highest single day spike this season

CHANDIGARH: Punjab recorded 122 new cases of stubble burning, marking the highest single-day spike this year. This takes the total count this season to 743. This is the first time in 2025 that the state recorded farm fire incidents in three digits. Approximately 58 per cent of the total 31.7 lakh hectares of paddy have been harvested across the state till now. In the coming days, crop residue might increase as farmers harvesting the crop after November 2 will have a limited window to sow wheat. As per the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) data, Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts contributed the bulk of cases, as many farmers continued to disregard the state government's appeal to stop crop residue burning. Of the 122 crop residue incidents, nearly 70 were reported from the south Malwa region. The highest farm fire incidents were reported from Tarn Taran at 224, followed by Amritsar 154, Ferozepur 80, Sangrur 47, Patiala 39, Gurdaspur 38, Kapurthala 29, Mansa, Moga and Ludhiana 8 respectively, Barnala 6, Maelrkotla 4, Hoshiarpur 3 and SBS Nagar 2. Meanwhile, Pathankot and Rupnagar districts have not reported any stubble-burning incidents so far. The state has seen a sharp jump in stubble-burning cases in the past week, from 353 cases recorded till October 20 to 390, the data showed. This comes even as data from the Centres Decision Support System (DSS) showed the estimated contribution of stubble burning to Delhis pollution touched a season-high of 3.71 per cent on Sunday. Farm fires can contribute up to 35 per cent of Delhis total PM 2.5 levels when stubble burning touches its peak, usually in the first week of November. 241 stubble burning cases in Punjab from September 15 to October 18: Data Agriculture scientists have cautioned that farmers are more likely to resort to burning crop residue to prepare fields quickly as the time window of wheat sowing is shrinking. According to the Punjab Agricultural University, wheat sowing must ideally be completed by November 15 to ensure optimal yield. Till now, only 58 percent of the total 31.7 lakh hectares under paddy has been harvested, while farmers harvesting after November 1 will have a very limited window to sow wheat, which may lead to a surge in stubble burning in the coming days, said an official of the Punjab agriculture department. Meanwhile, paddy harvesting in Amritsar and Tarn Taran has touched the 85 per cent mark, but in Muktsar, Ferozepur, Barnala, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Mansa and Ferozepur districts, known for high-yield paddy cultivation, which contributes the most to stubble burning, is still below 50 per cent mark. Punjab Police have so far registered 266 FIRs against farmers for violating stubble-burning norms. Of these, 73 FIRs have been lodged in Tarn Taran alone, the district reporting the highest number of farm fire incidents. The farmers have been booked under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant. Fines amounting to Rs 16.80 lakh have been imposed as environmental compensation in 329 cases, of which Rs 12 lakh has been collected. Also, 296 red entries have been marked, including 108 in Tarn Taran and 68 in Amritsar, in the land records of farmers who burnt crop residues. A red entry bars the farmers from getting loans against their farmland or selling it. The total area under paddy cultivation in Punjab this year is 31.72 lakh hectares. Till October 26, 56.50 per cent of this area had been harvested. Punjab saw 10,909 farm fires in 2024 as compared to 36,663 in 2023, marking a 70 per cent drop. The state recorded 49,922 farm fire events in 2022, 71,304 in 2021, 76,590 in 2020, 55,210 in 2019 and 50,590 in 2018, with many districts, including Sangrur, Mansa, Bathinda and Amritsar, reporting a large number of stubble-burning incidents.

Court slaps 6 lakh fine on litigant, dismisses over ex-CJIs comments

District judge Dharmender Rana of the Patiala House Courts in an order issued on October 18 said that of late, a very negative trend is discernible in the society which is to target important public functionaries after they demit offices

12 injured following blast caused by gunpowder stored at Ludhiana house

CHANDIGARH: Around 12 people were injured following a blast at Indra Colony in Ludhiana on Thursday evening. The explosion occurred at the residence of a man engaged in making effigies for Dussehra celebrations and is believed to have been triggered by gunpowder stored in the house. Sources said that a blast was reported in a house at Indra Colony in Ludhiana, in which around 12 persons sustained burn injuries. Of these four people who received serious burn injuries, were referred to Rajendra Medical Hospital in Patiala. The preliminary investigation reveals that the blast occurred at a house in a congested street. Ludhiana Police Commissioner, Swapan Sharma, said that the owner, Usman Khan had stored potash in his house, which caught fire and resulted in the blast. The area has been searched by a forensic team and a dog squad. An FIR has been registered in the case. A local said, Firecrackers were being made in the residential area. While the children from the surrounding neighborhood were playing there were also injured in the explosion. Ludiana Central MLA Ashok Parashar rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation.

Post-Diwali haze engulfs Delhi and neighbouring states as air quality dips sharply

Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air pollution, with air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category across several areas on Wednesday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 7:00 am, the AQI in Delhis RK Puram was recorded at 380, while Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar both stood at 355. Other severely affected locations included Bawana (376), Dwarka Sector 8 (353), ITO (362), and Nehru Nagar, which reported one of the highest levels at 394. In Chandni Chowk, the AQI remained 'very poor' at 332, while around Akshardham, it reached 360, also falling in the 'very poor' range. 'Air is grey, lungs are black, BJP's accountability invisible': Congress on Delhi's worsening air quality Neighbouring Haryana is facing similar challenges. At 9:00 am, Dharuhera in Rewari district recorded an AQI of 382. Other areas in the 'very poor' category included Narnaul (367), Jind (367), Charkhi Dadri (362), Rohtak (358), Yamunanagar (347), Fatehabad (320), and Ballabhgarh (318). Several cities in Haryana fell into the 'poor' category, including Bahadurgarh (272), Gurugram (290), Karnal (243), Bhiwani (298), Faridabad (218), Kaithal (237), Kurukshetra (226), and Sonipat (285). In Punjab, air quality was relatively better but still concerning. Amritsar recorded a 'poor' AQI of 253, followed by Jalandhar (261), Ludhiana (234), and Patiala (207). Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded an AQI of 169, placing it in the moderate range but still below healthy air quality standards. According to the CPCB classification, AQI values are categorized as follows: 050 (good), 51100 (satisfactory), 101200 (moderate), 201300 (poor), 301400 (very poor), 401450 (severe), and above 450 (severe plus). (With inputs from ANI, PTI) Supreme contempt of the court

Delhi and neighbouring states choke under 'very poor' air quality, pollution levels remain alarming

Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air pollution, with air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category across several areas on Wednesday morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). At 7:00 am, the AQI in Delhis RK Puram was recorded at 380, while Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar both stood at 355. Other severely affected locations included Bawana (376), Dwarka Sector 8 (353), ITO (362), and Nehru Nagar, which reported one of the highest levels at 394. In Chandni Chowk, the AQI remained 'very poor' at 332, while around Akshardham, it reached 360, also falling in the 'very poor' range. 'Air is grey, lungs are black, BJP's accountability invisible': Congress on Delhi's worsening air quality Neighbouring Haryana is facing similar challenges. At 9:00 am, Dharuhera in Rewari district recorded an AQI of 382. Other areas in the 'very poor' category included Narnaul (367), Jind (367), Charkhi Dadri (362), Rohtak (358), Yamunanagar (347), Fatehabad (320), and Ballabhgarh (318). Several cities in Haryana fell into the 'poor' category, including Bahadurgarh (272), Gurugram (290), Karnal (243), Bhiwani (298), Faridabad (218), Kaithal (237), Kurukshetra (226), and Sonipat (285). In Punjab, air quality was relatively better but still concerning. Amritsar recorded a 'poor' AQI of 253, followed by Jalandhar (261), Ludhiana (234), and Patiala (207). Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded an AQI of 169, placing it in the moderate range but still below healthy air quality standards. According to the CPCB classification, AQI values are categorized as follows: 050 (good), 51100 (satisfactory), 101200 (moderate), 201300 (poor), 301400 (very poor), 401450 (severe), and above 450 (severe plus). (With inputs from ANI, PTI) Supreme contempt of the court

Farm fires in Pakistans Punjab worsen air quality across region, says experts

CHANDIGARH: Farmers in Punjab are not solely responsible for the regions worsening air quality, as stubble-burning incidents are rising in both Indian and Pakistan's Punjab. Experts say Pakistans contribution to pollution is significant, with farm fires much higher there compared to India. Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, Professor of Environmental Health at PGIMER Chandigarh and nodal officer for the Centre of Excellence on Climate Change and Air Pollution, said recent satellite analysis shows a 10-fold difference in stubble-burning hotspots: between October 9 and 18, Pakistans Punjab recorded 2,009 farm fires, while Indian Punjab had only 189. The main hotspots in Pakistan's Punjab are Okara, Kasur, and Pakpattan, with Okara alone accounting for nearly 35% of all detected fires. Northwest-to-southeast wind patterns, combined with the flat terrain of the Punjab plains, allow smoke and fine particulate matter to travel freely into southeastern India, worsening air quality. During the winter months, air pollution intensifies across the Indo-Gangetic plains due to the interplay of meteorological and human factors. The lack of rainfall, which normally helps clean the air, and soil resuspension from loosened agricultural land, adds to particulate loading in both urban and rural areas. Dr Khaiwal emphasised that air pollution does not respect geopolitical boundaries and called for coordinated transboundary strategies. While Indian states like Punjab and Haryana have successfully controlled agricultural residue fires, similar measures are needed in Pakistan's Punjab. Although stubble-burning incidents in Indian Punjab have declined, air quality levels have not improved correspondingly. Some fires may occur in conditions that evade satellite detection. Recent satellite images show thick smoke plumes drifting eastward, indicating a wider regional issue. 241 stubble burning cases in Punjab from September 15 to October 18: Data According to official records, 33 stubble-burning incidents were reported yesterday in the state, the highest this kharif season. A total of 241 farm fire incidents have been recorded so far, largely due to delayed paddy harvesting. Tarn Taran reported 23 new cases, while Amritsar recorded three, bringing the total incidents in Tarn Taran to 88 and in Amritsar to 80. The worst air quality index (AQI) yesterday was in Mandi Gobindgarh (231), followed by Jalandhar (148), Ludhiana (116), and Patiala (101). There has been an 83% decrease in stubble-burning cases compared to the same period in previous years, when 1,348 and 1,407 incidents were reported from September 15 to October 18 in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Punjab government has decided to take stricter action against farmers who burn crop residue. District officials have been instructed to withdraw government scheme benefits from violators, including pensions and even arms licenses. Anganwadi workers are being deployed to spread awareness, and announcements are being made from religious places, mainly Gurdwaras. Students are also being sensitised to discourage parents from burning stubble. Police have registered 119 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience related to stubble burning. The Revenue Department has made 81 red entries in the land records of violators. The Punjab Pollution Control Board has imposed fines totalling Rs 5.15 lakh in 104 cases, of which Rs 3.65 lakh has been recovered.

241 stubble burning cases in Punjab from September 15 to October 18: Data

CHANDIGARH: Punjab has recorded 241 stubble burning incidents so far this season, with Tarn Taran district accounting for the biggest share at 88 as farmers continue to ignore government appeals to stop burning crop residue, according to official data. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often blamed for the rise in air pollution in Delhi after the paddy crop is harvested in October and November. As the window for sowing the Rabi crop -- wheat -- is very short after paddy harvest, some farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear the crop residue. Punjab recorded 241 stubble burning incidents from September 15 to October 18, an increase of 125 from 116 on October 11, according to Punjab Pollution Control Board data. Tarn Taran witnessed the highest number of farm fires at 88, followed by Amritsar at 80, Ferozepur at 16 and Patiala at 11, the data showed. The exercise of recording farm fire incidents will continue till November 30. Fines worth Rs 5.60 lakh have been imposed as environmental compensation in 113 cases so far. Of the total amount, Rs 4.15 lakh has been recovered. The data showed that a total of 132 FIRs -- 50 in Tarn Taran and 37 in Amritsar -- have been registered. The cases have been registered under Section 223 (disobedience of order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The state authorities also marked 87 red entries, the maximum in Tarn Taran and Amritsar, in the land records of farmers who burnt crop residue. A red entry bars farmers from getting loans against their farmland or selling it. The farm fire incidents are taking place despite the state government launching an extensive campaign to highlight the ill effects of stubble burning and benefits of crop residue management machinery. Punjab recorded a total of 10,909 farm fires in 2024 as compared to 36,663 in 2023, a 70 per cent drop. The state recorded 49,922 farm fires in 2022, 71,304 in 2021, 76,590 in 2020, 55,210 in 2019 and 50,590 in 2018, with Sangrur, Mansa, Bathinda and Amritsar accounting for a large number of these.

CBI Arrests Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Bhullar In Graft Matter

Chandigarh, Oct 16: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Punjab Deputy Inspector General of Police Harcharan Singh Bhullar in a graft related matter, sources said. Bhullar was caught from his Mohali office here, they said. Further details are awaited. The 2007-batch IPS officer Bhullar has been serving as the DIG (Ropar Range). Ropar Range comprises Mohali, Rupnagar and Fatehgarh Sahib districts. Bhullar had earlier served as DIG (Patiala Range). He had also served as joint director, vigilance [] The post CBI Arrests Punjab Police DIG Harcharan Bhullar In Graft Matter appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SC seeks Centre, EC response on plea to grant voting rights to undertrial prisoners

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday sought responses of the Centre and the Election Commission on a PIL seeking recognition of voting rights for nearly 4.5 lakh undertrial prisoners lodged in jails across India. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran took note of the submissions of lawyer Prashant Bhushan that the present blanket ban imposed under Section 62(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, violates constitutional guarantees and international democratic norms. The petition filed by Sunita Sharma, a resident of Patiala in Punjab, made the Centre through the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Election Commission as respondents. It seeks judicial intervention to ensure that prisoners, who have not been convicted of electoral offences or corruption, are not arbitrarily deprived of their democratic right to vote.

Patiala court rejects anticipatory bail plea of fugitive AAP MLA booked for rape

Patiala: A local court on Thursday rejected an anticipatory bail plea filed by AAP MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who has been on the run since September 2 after being booked in a rape case. A public prosecutor opposed the bail plea of the Sanaur MLA, citing that Pathanmajra has been absconding for more than a 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 .

As Punjab govt eyes auction of vacant lands, power sector unions set to launch protest

CHANDIGARH: The cash-strapped Punjab government is seeking to auction off vacant and unutilized government lands in a phased manner after it had to make a U-turn on the land pooling policy. However, the unions of state power sector employees are all set to launch a protest against the government's move to sell the departments assets. Sources said two meetings have already been held to identify the vacant government properties which could be auctioned and work out the modalities. The government is planning to auction its properties in Mohali, Ludhiana and Patiala after it reworked and re-evaluated the price at which they are to be auctioned off. Besides the Health Minister and Industry Minister, officials of the local government, power, water resources, sports and youth services, housing, health and public works departments and the Punjab Development Commission were present at both these meetings, where officials were told to conduct fresh surveys of these properties and prepare a list by mid-October. Sources said most of these properties had been lying unutilized for decades and those where construction was done by the departments concerned were now in a dilapidated state. Discussions were held regarding the use of the land of the Old Bus Stand in Patiala, properties of the PSPCL, spread over 55 acres near 23 Number Phatak, a sports stadium and flats constructed for the PSPCL employees, among others. In Ludhiana, the government is eyeing 40 properties of the PSPCL, located on GT road, and in Power Colony at Sarabha Nagar, besides the long-pending auction of Ludhiana City Centre and land parcels opposite the district administration complex. Various unions of PSPCL employees have opposed the move to auction the properties of the power utility. They demanded that the Punjab government should immediately stop the process of making the list of Powercom properties for possible sale. Instead, the properties should be used only for the expansion of its own future projects, they added. An emergency meeting of all unions and associations representing Punjabs power sector was held on Thursday to discuss plans to sell assets and properties of PSPCL and PSTCL. A unanimous decision was taken to oppose the move to sell or lease valuable lands and assets of the power sector. It was decided that all employees will oppose the move to sell properties in the name of monetisation including vacant lands that would otherwise be used for the departments future growth and providing electricity services to the public. These actions could endanger the very existence of PSPCL and PSTCL, they said. A protest demonstration was also held against the government's attempt to sell off valuable lands of the power sector under the name of monetisation on Thursday in front of the main gate of the PSEB head office. The leadership of all unions in the state issued a warning that if any attempt is made which may cause harm to the departments properties or assets, then they will launch immediate protests.

Recent floods alter Punjabs soil texture and profile, triggering questions over fertility: PAU study

CHANDIGARH: A study conducted by Punjab Agricultural University revealed that the texture of soil and its profile have been altered and re-shaped in Punjab after recent floods. The study also revealed that the floods caused nutrient imbalance as red sand and silt carried by floodwaters from the Himalayan foothills settled across vast stretches of agricultural fields. The mixing has raised questions about the fertility and the viability of future crops, as the floods have added an impermeable layer that hinders water infiltration and root growth. The study was conducted in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Kapurthala and Patiala to assess the impact of floodwaters that had brought large quantities of silt from higher reaches and deposited it in the fields. Test teams were sent to these areas to guide farmers in corrective measures before the rabi season. Over 20 soil samples were taken from each site at varying depths and distances from the river. The analysis warns of major challenges for the upcoming rabi season as the massive sand deposition will affect soil fertility, and urgent measures are needed to restore balance. At many places, as much as 4 to 5 feet of sand has been deposited. Floods submerge 16,000 acres along Punjabs Indo-Pak border, farmers seek BSF support for desilting The findings show sediment deposits ranging from a few inches to over one metre, with textures varying from sandy to fine loam. The pH levels were alkaline, and the electrical conductivity remained low, indicating no immediate salinity threat. On the other hand, organic carbon content averaged above 0.75 per cent, exceeding the States usual 0.5 per cent, with a few samples crossing the 1 per cent mark. Farmlands with heavier sand deposits showed reduced carbon levels. While phosphorus and potassium levels fluctuated, micronutrients like iron and manganese were found in unusually high concentrations, likely due to iron-coated sand particles carried by floodwaters. To restore soil texture, PAU has advised farmers to integrate organic matter into the soil as manure, farmyard poultry waste to stimulate microbial activity and support healthy root systems. The university has calculated that removing one foot of sand from one acre of land will require at least 350 trolleys for loading. The university advised farmers to follow recommended fertiliser doses and apply a 2 per cent urea spray (4 kg urea in 200 litres of water) 4050 days after sowing. In wheat and berseem crops, farmers should look for manganese deficiency and apply a 0.5 per cent foliar spray of manganese sulphate if symptoms appear, the university advised. Vice Chancellor of PAU Dr Satbir Singh Gosal said that now the state faces the twin challenges of sand deposition and formation of a dense, largely impermeable layer of soil beneath the topsoil, restricting water infiltration and root growth. While mineral-rich silt from the Himalayan foothills has added nutrients, it has also disturbed native soil profiles. Since sand is devoid of nutrients, it is going to affect fertility and may impact yield. Now, restoring balance is critical, he said. Gosal said that as of now, sowing of wheat has to be done in another three weeks, but in the areas where the soil has been affected, the process will get delayed and may impact productivity. Meanwhile, Dr Rajeev Sikka, head of the soil science department, said that around 5,000 acres of farmland in Punjab has been impacted. Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research at the university, warned of hardpan formation due to sediment compaction, which he said could hinder water infiltration and root growth. He recommended deep tillage using chisel ploughs in heavy soils and thorough mixing of silt and clay in lighter soils to prevent layering. On the other hand, Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, director of extension education, urged farmers not to burn paddy straw and instead incorporate it into the soil to enhance fertility.