41% polling recorded till 1 p.m. in Punjab municipal elections
Punjab municipal elections see 41% turnout by 1 p.m., with BJP alleging fake voting in Patiala
Punjab: Voting for municipal polls underway
Chandigarh: Polling for election to five municipal corporations and 44 municipal councils and nagar panchayats are underway in Punjab, officials said on Saturday.The polling began at 7 am amid tight security arrangements and will continue till 4 pm, they added. #WATCH | Punjab | Voting underway in Bathinda for the Municipal Corporation Elections 2024 pic.twitter.com/wLaR4aPS2j ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2024 The votes will be counted at the polling stations itself after the completion of the polling, the officials said. The five municipal corporations where the elections are being held are Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Phagwara. More than 3,300 candidates are in the fray for the civic polls, the officials said, adding that a total of 3,809 polling booths have been set up. A total of 37.32 lakh voters, including 17.75 lakh females, are eligible to cast their votes in these elections. Electronic voting machines (EVMs) are being used for the polling. Adequate security arrangements have been made, the officials said. The civic polls will be a litmus test for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which would like its winning momentum to continue after securing victories in three of the four Assembly bypolls in November. These elections are important as they will reveal the popularity of the ruling party among urban voters. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held roadshows and campaigned for the AAP candidates in the run-up to the elections. It will also be the first test for Aman Arora after he was appointed as the AAP's Punjab unit chief. Arora took part in poll campaigning and made several promises to the voters. The stakes are also high for the Congress, which had majority in the Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala municipal corporations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) are also contesting the municipal corporation polls.
10-acre Kalagram along Ganga for Mahakumbh
NEW DELHI: For the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, a culture village, called Kalagram, will be set up on over 10 acres at Daraganj along the banks of the Ganga and it will have demarcated spaces for seven zonal cultural centres (ZCC), officials said. The marked areas are named aangans (courtyards), where the ministry of culture plans to showcase art and crafts from all member states and union territories (UT). Exhibitions on the theme of Kumbha, including an immersive display, food court, and activity areas will also be put up at the venue. The ambience creation of Kalagram will be done by an expert private agency in collaboration with artists of ZCCs and Lalit Kala Akademi. The participating ZCCs are located in Patiala (Punjab), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Dimapur (Nagaland), and Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu). According to the officials, diverse art installations, including cultural, educational, and commercial exhibits, are also planned for an engaging visitor experience. Union tourism culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat earlier told this newspaper that a cultural extravaganza, showcasing the vibrant and colourful customs, arts and crafts of the states, is planned at Mahakumbh starting January in Prayagraj. After the consultation with the Uttar Pradesh government, the ministry has got prime space allocated close to the main Mahakumbh Mela venue so that more visitors can witness the festivities, Shekhawat said. The authorities have also planned to place an installation on the proposed Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the venue. One of the highlights at Kalagram will be a Ganga pandal with capacity of 10,000 audiences by the Mela Authority. This will be the main arena, where celebrity performances will be held everyday. Additionally, three pandals with a space for 4,000 people will be erected at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil. There will also be another amphitheatre of 1,000 capacity at Kalagram, where Snageet Natak Akademi awardees artists, National School of Drama productions and ZCC ensembles will be organised, an official said. Apart from this, 20 stages will also be built throughout the city. They will be handed over to the UP culture department and the ministry of culture, the official added. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways is gearing up to redefine the Mahakumbh experience with an innovative Gram Tent City initiative in Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh, scheduled from January 14 to February 2025, is set to blend spirituality with modernity, providing a unique experience for millions of pilgrims. The Mahakumbh Gram Tent City plan, launched by IRCTC, aims to deliver a seamless and memorable experience for visitors.
Polling for 7 wards of Patiala MC deferred
Odisha's tribal lifter Jyoshna shatters youth Asian record
CHENNAI: Jyoshna Sabar created a youth Asian record for total lift at the ongoing Asian Youth Weightlifting Championships in Doha on Friday. She clinched a gold each in snatch (60kg), clean and jerk (75kg) and overall category (60+75=135kg) in the 40kg section at the event. Medal at an international meet is not new for the 16-year-old tribal girl from Odisha as she had already pocketed bronze medals at the 2023 edition of the continental event. Those medals came a couple of months after she won medals at the 2023 IWF Youth World Championships (bronze in total & silver in snatch). She bettered the results at the 2024 IWF Youth World Championships (silver in total and snatch and bronze in clean & jerk). What matters the most is her record overall lift of 135kg at the Doha event. Hailing from Pekata village of Rayagada tehsil in Gajapati district, Jyoshna's life changed for the better almost six years ago when she was spotted by scouts during a talent hunt drive at her Gram Vikas residential school in Kankia, Ganjam village. A year later, she shifted to the high-performance centre run by the state government in partnership with Tenvic Sports. When we visited her village last year after hermedals at the youth worlds, we noticed how difficult it was to reach there. Only one bus plies to the village. Her house is almost 10 kms from the bus stop, K Ravi Kumar, Olympian and secretary-general of the Odisha Weightlifting Association, told this daily. Her house was built with support from a cliff, which constituted one of the four walls. Father Kirttan Sabar is a small-time farmer while mother Gechameni is a housewife. Given her modest background, it's an achievement for her to come out of that place and win international medals, added Kumar. Jyoshna trained in Bhubaneswar till last year before being selected for a camp for youth weightlifters at NIS Patiala. Ramesh Chandra Padhi was her first coach at school. We donated weightlifting equipment to the school and there she trained with Padhi for almost a year. A lot of young girls and boys have been identified during such talent hunt programmes and Jyoshna is one among them. They can be the future of Indian weightlifting, signed off Kumar, who represented India at the 2012 London Olympics. Besides Jyoshna, India's Payal claimed 45kg gold with a total lift of 155kg (70 snatch + 85 clean and jerk). Her namesake won a bronze medal in the junior girls' 45kg competition, finishing on the podium after managing a total lift of 155 (70 snatch + 85 clean and jerk), while Babulal Hembrom ended third in the 49kg youth boys' section after lifting 197 (88 snatch + 109 clean and jerk).
AAP will restore Patialas glory, says CM
Framer who attempted suicide at Shambhu border dies at Patiala hospital
A 57-year-old farmer, Ranjodh Singh, died after consuming poison at the Shambhu border protest on December 14. Distressed by the failing health of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Singh took his own life. He was participating in the ongoing protests at the Punjab-Haryana border, where farmers have been demanding guaranteed minimum support prices for crops since February.
CHANDIGARH: Today, farmers across Punjab blocked rail tracks for three hours as part of their 'Rail Roko' protest, demanding that the Union Government address their concerns. As a result, 31 trains were disrupted. The farmers also called for a Punjab bandh on December 30 to further press their demands. The call for the 'Rail Roko' has been given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The farmers held protests and blocked railway tracks at seventeen places in the state Moga, Faridkot, Kadian and Batala in Gurdaspur; Phillaur in Jalandhar; Tanda, Dasuya, Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur; Makhu, Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur; Sahnewal in Ludhiana; Shambhu in Patiala; Mohali; Sunam and Lehra in Sangrur, Rampura Phul in Bathinda and Devidaspura in Amritsar. Sources in the railways said that 31 trains were effected as of these nine were short terminated and one train was diverted. The Shatabdi Express coming from New Delhi for Amritsar was halted at Khanna railway station. While the Humsafar Express from Jammu to Sealdah, Dadar Express from Amritsar to Mumbai and Shan-e-Punjab Express from New Delhi to Amritsar were halted at different platforms of the Ludhiana railway station. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convenor Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers sat on the rail tracks at many places from 12 noon and till 3 pm. For the past three weeks, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8 and again on December 14 but Haryana Police did not allow them to proceed. Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.
Farmers begin three-hour rail roko protest in Punjab as 'Dilli Chalo' attempts crushed
CHANDIGARH: Farmers blocked train routes at several places in Punjab on Wednesday as part of their three-hour 'Rail Roko' protest to press the Centre into accepting their various demands, including a legally binding minimum support price for crops. The call for the 'rail roko' has been given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers have been squatting on rail tracks at many places from 12 noon and will continue to be there till 3 pm. VIDEO | Punjab: Protesting farmers block railway track in Mohali as part of their 'Rail Roko' agitation. #FarmersProtest (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/DcnLpI2BZt Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2024 The places where the protest was supposed to be held included Moga, Faridkot, Kadian and Batala in Gurdaspur; Phillaur in Jalandhar; Tanda, Dasuya, Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur; Makhu, Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur; Sahnewal in Ludhiana; Shambhu in Patiala; Mohali, and Sunam and Lehra in Sangrur. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. For the past three weeks, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8 and again on December 14. Haryana security personnel did not allow them to proceed. Farmers suspend Delhi march for the day as 17 injured after Haryana cops fire tear gas Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.
3-hour rail roko protest by farmers begins in Punjab
Chandigarh: Farmers blocked train routes at several places in Punjab on Wednesday as part of their three-hour 'Rail Roko' protest to press the Centre into accepting their various demands, including a legally binding minimum support price for crops. The call for the 'rail roko' has been given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers have been squatting on rail tracks at many places from 12 noon and will continue to be there till 3 pm. The places where the protest was supposed to be held included Moga, Faridkot, Kadian and Batala in Gurdaspur; Phillaur in Jalandhar; Tanda, Dasuya, Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur; Makhu, Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur; Sahnewal in Ludhiana; Shambhu in Patiala; Mohali, and Sunam and Lehra in Sangrur. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. For the past three weeks, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8 and again on December 14. Haryana security personnel did not allow them to proceed. Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.
'Called to wish but he didn't answer...': Families remember victims of Georgia poisoning
CHANDIGARH: Of the eleven Indian nationals found dead at a restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri , many were from Punjab: Samir Kumar (26) from Khanna near Ludhiana, Amrinder Kaur (32) from Mehma in Patiala district and her sister-in-law Maninder Kaur, and Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur from Sunam. All of them died due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Samir Kumar, hailing from Billa Wali Chappri area of Khanna, moved to Georgia six months ago. He had been working at Haveli restaurant in Georgia when the tragedy took place. He died on his birthday, a few hours after he spoke to his mother in India. He had told his mother that there was a power shortage in the area due to a snowstorm and went to sleep shortly after. We tried to call him again on Saturday to wish him on his birthday but he did not answer the phone calls. Then we traced the number of the restaurant and called, they informed us that all 12 people sleeping in the premises had died due to a gas leak and he was among them. Our request to the government is that it should bring back his body so that his last rites can be performed, said a close relative who added that he is survived by his parents, brother and sister back here. Amrinder Kaur went to Georgia in 2015. She moved there to support her father and had been working at the hotel after completing class XII. She had also invited her brother Jatinder Singh to stay with them, but he had moved to South Korea. Two years ago, Jatinder married Maninder Kaur from Mansa. Maninder died along with Amrinder in the accident. They (Jatinder and Maninder) were planning to come to India next year to celebrate their marriage. The last time the family spoke to Amrinder was on Thursday and she said that there was blackout in the area due to a snowstorm. We request that her body be brought back so the family can perform her last rites, said a close relative. Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur moved to Georgia a year ago. They had gone to the resort to celebrate their first wedding anniversary on December 18. Ravinder went to Tbilisi in March and later moved to Gudauri. Singh was the youngest of three brothers. He started working as a carpenter after completing his graduation and moved to Georgia for a better future. Congress Member of Parliament from Amritsar, Gurjeet Singh Aujla urged the Punjab Government to take steps to bring back the bodies of Punjabis who died in the accident. Heartbreaking News: 12 Punjabi's have tragically died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at ski resort in Gudauri, Georgia. I urge CM @BhagwantMann & @KuldeepSinghAAP NRI Minister to take immediate steps to bring back bodies & support grieving families @ANI pic.twitter.com/aefcgNRoNo Gurjeet Singh Aujla (@GurjeetSAujla) December 16, 2024 Eleven Indian nationals were found dead at a restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri, the Indian mission had said on Monday. Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia had said the initial inspection found no signs of injury or violence. All victims died from carbon monoxide poisoning, local media reported, citing police. A power generator was running in the closed space and the exhaust likely choked the restaurant staff in their sleep. The ministry added that the bodies of all the victims were found in bedrooms on the second floor of the building. In connection with the fact, investigative actions are actively being carried out, forensic-criminalistics are working on the spot, and interviews of persons related to the case are being conducted. Appropriate examinations are appointed. A forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine the exact cause of death, it said. The Indian mission in Tbilisi had said it was saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of 11 Indian nationals in Gaudauri and extended its deepest condolences to their families. The mission added that it is in contact with the families of the victims and is providing them with necessary support. The Embassy of India in Tbilisi is saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of eleven Indian nationals in Gudauri, Georgia, and extends its deepest condolences to their families. The Embassy is working closely with local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains to India. We are also in contact with the bereaved families and are committed to providing all possible support, the embassy said in a statement.
CHANDIGARH: Of the twelve Indian nationals found dead at a restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri , many were from Punjab: Samir Kumar (26) from Khanna near Ludhiana, Amrinder Kaur (32) from Mehma in Patiala district and her sister-in-law Maninder Kaur, and Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur from Sunam. All of them died due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Samir Kumar, hailing from Billa Wali Chappri area of Khanna, moved to Georgia six months ago. He had been working at Haveli restaurant in Georgia when the tragedy took place. He died on his birthday, a few hours after he spoke to his mother in India. He had told his mother that there was a power shortage in the area due to a snowstorm and went to sleep shortly after. We tried to call him again on Saturday to wish him his birthday but he did not answer the phone calls. Then we traced the number of the restaurant and called, they informed us that all 12 people sleeping in the premises had died due to a gas leak and he was among them. Our request to the government is that it should bring back his body so that his last rites can be performed, said a close relative who added that he is survived by his parents, brother and sister back here. Amrinder Kaur went to Georgia in 2015. She moved there to support her father and had been working at the hotel after completing class XII. She had also invited her brother Jatinder Singh to stay with them, but he had moved to South Korea. Two years ago, Jatinder married Maninder Kaur from Mansa. Maninder died along with Amrinder in the accident. They (Jatinder and Maninder) were planning to come to India next year to celebrate their marriage. The last time the family spoke to Amrinder was on Thursday and she said that there was blackout in the area due to a snowstorm. We request that her body be brought back so the family can perform her last rites, said a close relative. Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur moved to Georgia a year ago. They had gone to the resort to celebrate their first wedding anniversary on December 18. Ravinder went to Tbilisi in March and later moved to Gudauri. Singh was the youngest of three brothers. He started working as a carpenter after completing his graduation and moved to Georgia for a better future. Congress Member of Parliament from Amritsar, Gurjeet Singh Aujla urged the Punjab Government to take steps to bring back the bodies of Punjabis who died in the accident. Heartbreaking News: 12 Punjabi's have tragically died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at ski resort in Gudauri, Georgia. I urge CM @BhagwantMann & @KuldeepSinghAAP NRI Minister to take immediate steps to bring back bodies & support grieving families @ANI pic.twitter.com/aefcgNRoNo Gurjeet Singh Aujla (@GurjeetSAujla) December 16, 2024 Eleven Indian nationals were found dead at a restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri, the Indian mission had said on Monday. Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia had said the initial inspection found no signs of injury or violence. All victims died from carbon monoxide poisoning, local media reported, citing police. A power generator was running in the closed space and the exhaust likely choked the restaurant staff in their sleep. The ministry added that the bodies of all the victims were found in bedrooms on the second floor of the building. In connection with the fact, investigative actions are actively being carried out, forensic-criminalistics are working on the spot, and interviews of persons related to the case are being conducted. Appropriate examinations are appointed. A forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine the exact cause of death, it said. The Indian mission in Tbilisi had said it was saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of 11 Indian nationals in Gaudauri and extended its deepest condolences to their families. The mission added that it is in contact with the families of the victims and is providing them with necessary support. The Embassy of India in Tbilisi is saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of eleven Indian nationals in Gudauri, Georgia, and extends its deepest condolences to their families. The Embassy is working closely with local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains to India. We are also in contact with the bereaved families and are committed to providing all possible support, the embassy said in a statement.
Diljit Dosanjh vows not to perform in India until infrastructure improves
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has announced that he will not hold concerts in India until live concert infrastructure is improved. The announcement came during his Dil-Luminati concert in Chandigarh on December 14, where he expressed his concerns about the lack of proper facilities for live shows. In a video circulating on social media, Diljit said in Punjabi, Here, we dont have the infrastructure for live shows. This generates big revenue and provides work for many people... Ill try next time to have the stage at the center so that you can be around it. Till this happens, I wont do shows in India, thats for sure. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karanveer singh (@karanveerfilms) Diljits Chandigarh show was dedicated to Indias new International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Champion, Gukesh Dommaraju. He praised Gukeshs dedication and hard work, encouraging the audience to persevere through challenges. In a lighter moment, he referenced Allu Arjuns Pushpa dialogue, humorously saying, Saala nahi jhukega toh kya jija jhuk jayega. Ahead of the performance, the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) issued an advisory urging Diljit not to perform songs promoting alcohol or violence, such as Patiala Peg and 5 Tara . Despite the restrictions, the show was a massive success. Diljit will conclude his India tour with a final performance in Guwahati on December 29. Fans remain hopeful that concert infrastructure will improve, allowing the superstar to return to Indian stages in the future.
4 operatives of Arsh Dalla held
CHANDIGARH, Dec 16: Punjab Police on Monday said it has arrested four operatives of Canada-based terrorist Arsh Dalla and another foreign based-handler and recovered three pistols along with 16 cartridges from their possession. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrested have been identified as Gagandeep Singh and Navjot Singh alias Nishu, both residents of Amloh in Fatehgarh Sahib and currently staying at a rental accommodation in Kharar; Lakhwinder Singh, a resident of Bhadson in Patiala; and Vipanpreet Singh, [] The post 4 operatives of Arsh Dalla held appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BJP adjusts old workers, leaders in tickets for Patiala MC polls
Temperatures drop in Delhi, Punjab; slight respite from cold for Kashmir
NEW DELHI: Cold weather conditions persisted in parts of north and west India on Sunday with the mercury dropping several notches in Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan. Kashmir and the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh received some respite from the intense cold as minimum temperatures rose. The respite for Kashmir is likely to be short-lived as the meteorological department has predicted a cold wave in parts of the valley over the next three days. Delhi's minimum temperature dropped to 4.9 degrees Celsius, 3.1 notches below normal, but cold wave conditions did not prevail, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The mercury settled at a low of 8 degrees Celsius in the city on Saturday. The capital recorded a maximum temperature of 23.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 0.2 notches below normal, the IMD said. The weather department has forecast moderate fog in Delhi on Monday. The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to settle at 5 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius respectively. Punjab and Haryana also remained in the grip of cold weather conditions with Faridkot recording the lowest temperature in the region at 1 degree Celsius, according to the meteorological department. Punjab's Gurdaspur and Bathinda recorded a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius and 4.6 degrees Celsius respectively at night, it said. The mercury settled at a low of 3.5 degrees Celsius in Pathankot, 3.9 degrees Celsius in Amritsar, 6.8 degrees Celsius in Ludhiana and 3.8 degrees Celsius in Patiala. In Haryana, Hisar shivered at 1.7 degrees Celsius and Narnaul recorded a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius. Bhiwani recorded a low of 4 degrees Celsius, Gurugram 5.6 degrees Celsius, Rohtak 5.2 degrees Celsius and Ambala 5.7 degrees Celsius. The weather office said that Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius. Temperatures rose by three to five notches in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh while cold wave conditions gripped the lower hills as the weather remained dry. Tabo was the coldest place in the state at night with a low of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius and Shimla was the warmest at 12.2 degrees Celsius, 6.5 notches above normal. The adjoining resorts of Kufri and Narkanda recorded a low of 9.8 degrees Celsius and 6.4 degrees Celsius respectively. In the lower hills, Una recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius and Sundernagar 0.6 degrees Celsius. The local meteorological office has issued a 'yellow' warning for cold wave at isolated places in the lower hills and plains till Thursday and predicted dry weather in the state over the next seven days. Cold wave conditions will prevail in Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and parts of Kangra districts, the weather office said. There was no significant change in maximum temperatures in Himachal Pradesh. Solan was the hottest during the day at 24.7 degrees Celsius followed by Shimla at 19 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal. Kashmir saw a slight respite from intense cold wave conditions as minimum temperatures rose across the valley, though they remained below the freezing point. The summer capital of Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, an improvement from minus 4.6 degrees Celsius the previous night, the meteorological department said. Gulmarg, a tourist destination popular for skiing, registered a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius -- a rise of nearly four notches from the night before. Pahalgam, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, logged a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, three notches higher than the previous night. Konibal, a hamlet on the outskirts of Pampore town, was the coldest place in the valley with the mercury settling at a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was minus 4 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, 3.7 degrees Celsius in Kupwara and 2.8 degrees Celsius in Kokernag. According to the meteorological office, the weather in the valley is likely to remain mainly dry till December 21. Minimum temperatures are predicted to drop and a cold wave is likely over many stations during the next three days, the weather office said. In Rajasthan, cold wave conditions prevailed in most parts and Fatehpur recorded sub-zero temperatures for the third consecutive day on Sunday. According to the meteorological department, the minimum temperature in Fatehpur settled at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius. Churu recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius; Bhilwara 2.2 degrees Celsius; Sangaria, Pilani and Sirohi 2.6 degrees Celsius; Chittorgarh 3.2 degrees Celsius and Alwar 4 degrees Celsius. The mercury settled below 10 degrees Celsius at several other places in the state.
SC's directive spurs action as farmer leader Dallewal continues fast unto death
CHANDIGARH: As directed by the Supreme Court two days ago, representatives from the Union and Punjab governments met fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border, located between Punjab and Haryana. Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Mayank Mishra and Punjab Director-General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav visited the 70-year-old leader, whose fast unto death entered its 20th day. They enquired about his health and listened to his demands. The Supreme Court had earlier instructed that Dallewal be provided with immediate medical assistance and urged him to end his indefinite fast, emphasising that his life was valuable. After the meeting, DGP Gaurav Yadav stated: We came here to enquire about the health of Dallewal. I, along with the Union government official Mayank Mishra, who was specially sent here, met him. We have heard his demands and have appealed to Dallewal. The way he is leading this peaceful agitation has been appreciated everywhere, and the government has taken cognisance of it. As per the Supreme Courts orders, Dallewal must be convinced, and emergent medical aid must be provided to him. Yadav further added: The Punjab Chief Minister has specially sent a message, and our efforts are directed at holding talks to address the demands and resolve the issue. We have appealed to the farmers that Dallewals life is precious. Medical facilities have been provided here, and we are working towards a resolution in coordination with the farmers. The Supreme Court has given us a clear mandate. He highlighted that the apex court recognised Dallewal as a senior citizen, a prominent farmer leader, and someone with health issues, underscoring the necessity for urgent medical assistance. The Punjab governments stand has been clear: it considers the farmers demands genuine and has supported them. We have tried to ensure that all necessary facilities are provided to him. It is the Punjab governments effort to facilitate the resolution of farmers demands, Yadav said. Medical teams and a special ambulance equipped with life-saving equipment have been stationed at the protest site, Yadav told the farmers, urging them to persuade Dallewal to seek medical attention. He also confirmed that Dallewals vital symptoms were being constantly monitored. Farmer leaders meet fasting Dallewal at Punjab-Haryana border, seek to bring together divided unions Before arriving at the Khanauri border, Yadav held discussions with farmer leaders Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande, Kaka Singh Kotda, and others. However, sources revealed that despite the governments assurances, Dallewal remained resolute in continuing his fast. To a question about any government proposals, MHA Director Mayank Mishra clarified: There was no proposal of any kind. I came here to hear him and to implement the Supreme Courts orders. Doctors have already recommended Dallewals hospitalisation, citing severe weakness due to his prolonged fast. Farmers under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, following their march to Delhi being blocked by security forces. The farmers demands include a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops, debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, the withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. They are also seeking the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who died during the 202021 agitation. DIG (Patiala Range) Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Patiala SSP Nanak Singh, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav, former ADGP Jaskaran Singh, and former DIG Narinder Bhargava were also present at the meeting. Farmer leader Dallewal discharged from hospital, allege CM Mann hand-in-glove with centre to derail agitation
Photos: Sarwan Singh Pandher at Shambhu border
Patiala: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher addressed a press conference at Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Punjab, Sunday, December 15, 2024. A jatha of 101 farmers on Saturday resumed its foot march to Delhi from the protest site at Shambhu border, but was stopped a few metres away by a multilayered barricading. Also ReadDelhi Chalo 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 .
Intimidation, coercion claims in Patiala
SHAMBHU: Once again the farmers suspended their Dili Challo foot march for the day after eighteen farmers suffered injuries in tear gas shelling by Haryana Police at the Shambhu border (Punjab and Haryana border. Soon after walking for a few metres from their protest site at Shambhu border, the group of 101 farmers Jatha was stopped at the barricade by Haryana police and paramilitary forces. A few farmers who were injured were taken to a nearby hospital in ambulances stationed at the protest site. Farmer leader and convener of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha Sarwan Singh Pandher said that the two forums Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have decided to call back our the group of 101 farmers (jatha) after 17 to 18 farmers were injured as they tried to march towards Delhi but were stopped at the multilayer barricading done by the Haryana Police and the police personnel lobbed tear gas shells and used water cannons. Pandher alleged that this time chemical mixed water was used to disperse the farmers and more teargas shells were used. Farmer leader Manjit Singh Rai alleged that rubber bullets were also used by security personnel and one farmer was seriously injured. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Ambala Cantonment) Rajat Gulia denied this allegation. This was the third attempt by protesting farmers to march towards the national capital. Farmers had made two attempts on December 6 and December 8 but were stopped by Haryana Police. They have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after the Haryana police stopped their marches to Delhi. As farmers resume Delhi march, Haryana cops use tear gas, water cannon against them at Shambhu border Farmers shout slogans as security personnel use water cannons to disperse them during their agitation at the Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Punjab, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. The farmers are pressing the Centre for various demands including a legal guarantee of minimum support price for crops, debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. The farmers were adamant on going to Delhi and urged the security personnel to proceed. Earlier, Ambala Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta and Ambala Superintendent of Police S S Bhoria talked with some protesting farmers for over half an hour, trying to convince them to get permission from Delhi to go towards the national capital. Superintendent of Police of Amabla S S Bhoria told the farmers that they should get permission from the authorities concerned if they intend to protest in Delhi. We will ourselves help you reach there, he said. We are peacefully marching on foot, therefore, we should be allowed to proceed. We want the government should listen to the problems of farmers and labourers. We want to go to Delhi peacefully, said a farmer leader.
CHANDIGARH: Haryana security personnel fired teargas shells and used a water cannon to disperse a group of protesting farmers from heading towards Delhi at the Shambhu border point on Saturday. A few farmers who were injured and taken to a nearby hospital in ambulances stationed at the protest site, officials said. The action came after a 'jatha' (group) of 101 farmers, who resumed their foot march to Delhi shortly after 12 noon on Saturday from the Shambhu protest site on the Punjab-Haryana border, reached the barricades put up by the Haryana security personnel. The farmers are pressing the Centre for various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price for crops. Earlier, Ambala Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta and Ambala Superintendent of Police S S Bhoria engaged in talks with some protesting farmers for over half an hour, trying to convince them to get permission from Delhi for going towards the national capital. However, the farmers were adamant on going to Delhi and urged the security personnel to proceed. Soon after walking for a few metres, the group was stopped at the barricading by Haryana security personnel, including paramilitary forces. Security personnel use water cannons to disperse farmers agitating at Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Punjab, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. We want to go ahead in a peaceful manner. Our voices should not be crushed like this. More than half of the country's population are connected with agriculture, their voice cannot be supressed, a farmer leader argued with the Haryana officials on the other side of the barricades. We are peacefully marching on foot, therefore, we should be allowed to proceed. We want government should listen to the problems of farmers and labourers. We want to go to Delhi in a peaceful manner, the leader said. Ambala's Superintendent of Police S S Bhoria told the farmers that they should take permission from the authorities concerned if they intend to protest in Delhi. We will ourselves help you reach there, he said. The spot where you are standing in protest, according to the Supreme Court order of July 24, directions were issued to maintain status quo at Shambhu border so that no untoward incident occurs, Bhoria told them. Farmer leader Pandher says no protest march to Delhi on Tuesday, slams Centre's 'double speak' Appealing to the protesting farmers to move back, Bhoria referred to the apex court, saying a high-powered committee constituted by it would talk to the protesting farmers and make recommendations to the court. Farmers should not get violent and do peaceful agitation. They should adopt the Gandhian way of protests because their grievances are being looked into, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan had said on Friday. The bench had directed the Centre and Punjab government representatives to immediately meet Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is observing a fast unto death. Ambala Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta told the protesters that the matter was sub-judice and the next date of hearing has been fixed for December 18. This is the third attempt by the protesting farmers to march towards the national capital from the Shambhu border point. They had made similar attempts on December 6 and December 8 but were not allowed to proceed by security personnel in Haryana. Farmers raise slogans as they gather at their protest site at Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Punjab, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. The farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have been pressing for various demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP. They have also been pressing the Centre to initiate talks with them to address their issues. The Ambala district administration has already clamped a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) that bans unlawful assembly of five or more people in the district. Earlier in the day, the Haryana government suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 12 villages in Ambala till December 17. The order to suspend mobile internet in Dangdehri, Lehgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Choti Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar (Hira Nagar, Naresh Vihar), Saddopur, Sultanpur and Kakru villages in Ambala was issued to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order. All India Kisan Congress Working President Bajrang Punia with farmers at their protest site at Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Punjab, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Meanwhile, farmer leader Dallewal's fast unto death at the Khanauri border point entered the 19th day on Saturday. Doctors have already recommended his hospitalisation, saying because of the prolonged fast, he has turned weak. However, the protesting farmers have formed a security ring around Dallewal so that the state authorities could not remove him from the protest site. The Punjab Police had forcibly removed Dallewal from the Khanauri border point on November 26, just hours before he was going to start his fast unto death. On Friday, SKM leader Rakesh Tikait met Dallewal and also called for unity of farmers' groups for a joint fight. Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops. Farmers under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and KMM have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.
Assaulted, Patiala candidate files nomination again
Supreme Court urges Punjab, Centre to reach out to fasting farmer leader
The court suggested that Jagjit Singh Dallewal may be shifted to PGI Chandigarh or nearby Patiala city for urgent medical intervention, if the need arose
Documents torn, clashes in Patiala
Diljit Dosanjh has been asked to refrain from singing alcohol-themed songs during his live show in Chandigarh on December 14.
'No songs on alcohol': Advisory issued for Diljit's Chandigarh concert
CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has issued an advisory to Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh not to glorify drugs, and violence during his 'Dil-Luminati' India Tour concert here at Exhibition Ground, Sector 34 on December 14. In the advisory issued here yesterday, the child rights body stated, Avoid to perform songs like Patiala Peg, 5 Tara, Case etc. even with twisted words in which alcohol, drugs and violence are promoted. These songs affect the children of impressionable age. Citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report, adults should not be exposed to sound with peak sound pressure levels above 140db and for the children the level reduced to 120 db, the advisory asked the singer not to invite children on stage during the show, where peak sound pressure level is above 120db. The commission also emphasized that alcohol should not be served to youngsters below 25 years which is punishable under JJ Act and other provisions of law. This advisory comes in the wake of concerns raised during Dosanjh's concerts in Hyderabad and Delhi, warning him against the promotion of alcohol and drugs. Shipra Bansal, Chairperson of Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights had issued these instructions based on the representation filed by Panditrao Dharenavar, an assistant professor of Sociology in the Government college in Sector 46. Earlier in November, Panditrao had given a complaint against Dosanjh on which District Child Welfare Officer Telangana also had issued notice for not using children on stage and not to sing alcohol, drugs and violence-promoting songs. The singer followed the advisory and did not use children on stage. Panditrao said, He is sure singer Diljit Dosanjh will follow the advisory in the larger interest of the children. Telangana says no to songs promoting drugs at Diljit Dosanjh's concert Meanwhile, former Mayor and Ex-Chandigarh BJP President Arun Sood said, The resident welfare associations of Chandigarh, representatives of Indian medical association, senior citizen association and various market associations, have met the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh and demanded to shift the venue of this show from Sector 34 to Sector 25 rally and also demanded no permission should be given to serve liquor. The residents told the Deputy Commissioner that there are private hospitals in Sector 34 and also a government hospital in Sector 32. If any medical emergency takes place, then the ambulances can get stuck in the traffic jam.But we were told that this permission was given in September so this show is on. But in the future, no such permissions for any such concerts will be given in this ground, he added.
No songs on alcohol: Advisory issued for Diljit's Chandigarh concert
Chandigarh: Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has advised singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, set to perform here on Saturday, to refrain from singing alcohol-themed songs during his live show, citing their adverse impact on children of impressionable age. The advisory issued by the CCPCR chairperson Shipra Bansal on Thursday, specifically mentioned songs like 'Patiala Peg', '5 Tara', and 'Case' etc, cautioning against even altered versions that promote alcohol, drugs or violence. Avoid performing the songs i.e. Patiala Peg, 5 Tara, Case etc, even with twisted words in which alcohol, drugs and violence are promoted. These songs affect the children of impressionable age, the advisory read. This follows a similar directive issued last month by the Telangana government during Dosanjh's live show in Hyderabad, where he was advised against promoting alcohol and drugs. The notice also restricted from inviting children on stage due to loud sounds and flashing lights. The singer began the India leg of his Dil-Luminati Tour from Delhi in October this year. In the Chandigarh advisory, the CCPCR chairperson said, It has come to our notice that Diljit Dosanjh is going to perform in his live show scheduled for December 14, at Exhibition Ground, Sector-34, Chandigarh. After going through the representation received by the Commission, the CCPCR has decided to issue the following advisory in best interest of the children, it said. The advisory noted that as per the World Health Organization's (WHO) report, adults should not be exposed to sound with a peak pressure level above 140db (decibel). For children, the level is reduced to 120 db. It is advisable to not invite children on stage during live show where peak sound pressure level is above 120db which is harmful for children, the advisory said. The commission's advisory also asked to ensure that people aged below 25 years are not served alcohol as it is which is punishable under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and other provisions of law. You are therefore requested to comply with the advisory issued by the commission in the best interest of children, it said, addressing the singer, event organisers and concerned authorities. A copy of the advisory has also been forwarded to the Chandigarh Excise and Taxation Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, among others for necessary action. Meanwhile, a delegation led by Chandigarh BJP's former president Arun Sood met the Deputy Commissioner here on Wednesday demanding a change in venue for the concerts of Dosanjh and Punjabi rapper A.P Dhillon, scheduled for December 14 and 21, respectively. Sood cited that a recent event at the Sector 34 ground here by rapper-singer Karan Aujla had led to traffic congestions which caused inconvenience for residents. The delegation demanded that the upcoming concerts be shifted from Sector 34 to Sector 25 rally ground to avoid inconvenience and hardships to locals. Arun Sood said, There has been a lot of anguish among residents and businessmen of Chandigarh, especially in sector 34 and surrounding sectors after the recent music show of Punjabi singer Karan Aujla at the exhibition ground. He said that locals and businessmen of Chandigarh were affected by the rush of thousands of people, and their vehicles choking the city. We are not against the music concerts in the city, but our only concern is the venue, Sood said, adding that he himself is a big fan of Punjabi artists and music.
After Hyderabad and Delhi, Chandigarh targets Diljit Dosanjhs lyrics
Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights has advised singer Diljit Dosanjh to refrain from singing some of his hit songs, including Patiala Peg, at his concert on December 14 as they promote alcohol, drugs, violence and affect children. Hes set to perform in Chandigarh as part of his Dil-Luminati India Tour. Avoid 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 .
The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has advised singer Diljit Dosanjh against performing songs promoting alcohol, drugs, and violence at his December 14 Chandigarh concert. The commission cited potential negative impacts on children and referenced WHO sound level guidelines. They also requested no alcohol be served to those under 25, citing legal ramifications.
Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, currently on his Dil-Luminati India tour, has been issued an advisory by the Chandigarh Child Rights Commission ahead of his concert on 14th December in Sector-34. The notice prohibits singing songs that promote alcohol, drugs, or violence, including popular tracks like Patiala Peg and 5 Taara. Similar notices were issued earlier in Hyderabad. The advisory also includes guidelines for child safety during the event, citing concerns over loud music and stage use.
Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale booked for rape, murder: Punjab Police tells High Court
Sikh preacher Dhandrianwale, who heads Parmeshwar Dwar gurdwara, a dera in Shekhupura village in Patiala, has a large following in Punjab and among the Punjabi diaspora abroad
Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale booked for rape, murder: Punjab Police tells HC
CHANDIGARH, Dec 11: Punjab Police has registered a case against Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale in a 2012 case of alleged rape and murder of a woman in Patiala, the Punjab and Haryana High Court was informed. The FIR under section 302 (murder), 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at Passiana Police station in Patiala on December 7, according to an affidavit filed by Punjab Police Director General of Police Gaurav [] The post Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale booked for rape, murder: Punjab Police tells HC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Water crisis hits hostels of Patiala med college; principal says sorted out
Sikh preacher booked for 2012 rape-murder
Patiala police booked Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale on charges of rape and murder of a woman in 2012 following a Punjab and Haryana HC order. The FIR, based on the deceased's brother's 2012 complaint, includes charges of criminal intimidation. Police issued show-cause notices to former and current officers for negligence in the delayed investigation.
Court summons Dharmendra in cheating case linked to Garam Dharam Dhaba
The Patiala House Court in Delhi has summoned veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra and two others in connection with a cheating case involving the Garam Dharam Dhaba restaurant franchise. The court issued the summons following a complaint alleging that the accused had failed to fulfill franchise-related commitments, resulting in significant financial losses for the complainant. The complaint was filed by an entrepreneur who claimed that Dharmendra and his associates had entered into an agreement to establish a franchise of the Garam Dharam Dhaba restaurant chain. The complainant alleged that despite investing substantial amounts, the promised support for operations, branding, and marketing from Dharmendra and his partners never materialized. The petitioner accused the actor and the two co-accused of misrepresentation and breach of trust. The court has directed Dharmendra and the others to appear before it on the specified date to respond to the allegations. The actor, known for his iconic roles in Indian cinema, has not yet released a statement addressing the matter. Garam Dharam Dhaba, a franchise associated with Dharmendra, has gained popularity for its Bollywood-themed ambiance and North Indian cuisine. However, this legal controversy raises questions about its management and franchise agreements. Legal experts believe the case could have significant implications for franchise operations in India, as it highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to contractual obligations in such partnerships. The next hearing will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the charges or resolve the dispute amicably. This case has garnered considerable attention due to Dharmendras involvement, with fans and legal observers closely monitoring developments.
PUP result 2024 released for BA, B.Com, and other courses: Direct link to check here
Punjabi University, Patiala, has announced the PUP Result 2024 for various programmes, including BA Semester IV, B.Com, B.Ed, and MSc Zoology, on its official website, results.pupexamination.ac.in. Students can access their scores by entering their roll numbers and downloading the mark sheets. A direct link and step-by-step process have been provided for seamless result retrieval.
All set for civic body polls in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: Punjab is gearing up for the upcoming civic body elections scheduled for 21 December. Voters will decide the fate of five municipal corporationsAmritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Phagwaraalong with 44 municipal councils and by-elections to several other urban civic bodies. The counting of votes will also take place on the same day. This election marks a significant four-cornered contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri announced that polling for the municipalities will be conducted using electronic voting machines (EVMs), a departure from the recent panchayat elections where ballot papers were used. Filing of nominations begins on Monday, 9 December, with the last date being 12 December. The scrutiny of nominations will be carried out on 13 December, while 14 December marks the deadline for withdrawal of nominations and the allotment of symbols. The five municipal corporations going to the polls are Amritsar, Jalandhar, Phagwara, Ludhiana, and Patiala, spanning a total of 381 wards. With this announcement, the model code of conduct has been imposed in the state. The expenditure limit for candidates contesting these elections has been fixed. For municipal corporations, the limit is Rs 4 lakh, while for municipal councils, it ranges between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3.6 lakh, Chaudhuri stated. A total of 37.32 lakh voters, including 17.75 lakh women and 204 others, are eligible to exercise their franchise. Authorities have identified 1,609 polling locations and 3,717 polling booths, with 344 classified as hypersensitive and 665 as sensitive. To ensure a smooth electoral process, 20,486 personnel from Punjab Police and Home Guard jawans will be deployed, alongside 500 patrolling parties and 283 striking reserves. The outcome of these elections is expected to reveal urban voters political preferences, as they will be conducted on party symbols, unlike the recent panchayat elections. In the last municipal elections for Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Patiala, the Congress secured comfortable majorities. This time, the party is expected to put in a strong effort to retain its hold over these municipalities. The contest promises to be fierce, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) participating under the leadership of its recently elected state president, Aman Arora. The BJP will test the strength of its urban voter outreach, contesting alone after previously aligning with the Akali Dal. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which had stayed away from the recent panchayat polls, has confirmed its participation in these elections. With the stakes high and all major political parties involved, the urban civic body elections are set to be a critical barometer of Punjabs political landscape.
Modi govt in no mood for talks, says Pandher
NEW DELHI: A day after halting their Delhi Chalo foot march, Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Saturday said they have not received any message from the Centre for talks to address their issues. He also said that a group of 101 farmers will resume their march to Delhi on Sunday. On Friday, protesting farmers suspended their foot march to the national capital for the day after some of them suffered injuries due to teargas shells fired by security personnel, who stopped them at the Shambhu border. The farmers have been pressing for various demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP). The Haryana police has written to its Punjab counterpart asking it to ensure media personnel are stopped at a distance from the protest site for their safety as well as to ensure ease in maintaining law and order. Addressing the media at the Punjab-Haryana border on Saturday, Mr Pandher said 16 farmers suffered injuries and one of them lost hearing ability because of the teargas shelling by Haryana security personnel. Except for four injured farmers, the rest of them have been discharged from the hospital, he said, adding, We have not received any message from the Centre for holding talks. The (Narendra) Modi government is in no mood to hold talks. He added that the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have already decided that a jattha of 101 farmers will again march towards the national capital on Sunday noon in a peaceful manner. On the action by security personnel against protesting farmers, Mr Pandher said the BJP government at the Centre has been exposed. What did they do yesterday? People are angry with this action. People are asking the BJP since the farmers were not taking tractor-trolleys along with them, then why they were not allowed to move ahead, he posed. Another farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continued with his fast unto death at another border in the Khanauri area. Meanwhile, the Haryana police, in a communication to the Punjab police chief, said, It is brought to your notice that on December 6, when the jattha of farmers approached towards the Haryana border, many mediapersons were also accompanying them despite the request made by this office not to allow media persons near the protest site. Due to this, the Haryana police faced a lot of problems in handling the law-and-order situation at the border. Hence you are again requested to direct all concerned to ensure that mediapersons are stopped at a safe distance (minimum 1 km) in the interest of the safety of media persons as well as their requirements, the letter stated. As part of a call by the farmer unions, a jattha of 101 farmers began its march to Delhi on Friday from their protest site at the Shambhu border to press for their demands. The jattha was stopped by multi-layered barricading erected by Haryana security personnel. Undeterred by prohibitory orders, the farmers attempted to force their way through the barricades but were stopped by security personnel who lobbed multiple teargas shells to force them to return to their protest site at Shambhu, which falls in Punjabs Patiala district.
Cyber Police cracks digital arrest case, 3 non-locals arrested
Srinagar, Nov 29: In a major success, the cyber police of Jammu and Kashmir have cracked a digital arrest case, where the victim was cheated of Rs 21 lakhs. The police have arrested three non-locals identified as Gaurav Kumar of Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, Gurpreet Singh and Ujjawal Chauhan both residents of Patiala, Punjab. Senior Superintendent [] The post Cyber Police cracks digital arrest case, 3 non-locals arrested appeared first on Northlines .
AAP gears up for municipal corporation elections in Punjab with strategy meetings
CHANDIGARH: With the focus on devising strategies to strengthen the Aam Aadmi Partys presence in urban local bodies and intensify its outreach programs, the party has begun laying the groundwork for the upcoming municipal corporation elections with a series of high-level meetings led by state party president Aman Arora. The meetings, held at the party office in Chandigarh, brought together key party leaders, MLAs, district in-charges and organisational teams from across the state to strategise for the elections. The meetings focused on devising strategies to strengthen the AAPs presence in urban local bodies. Feedback from district-level leaders and party workers was actively sought to ensure a grassroots-driven campaign. The party plans to intensify its outreach programs, ensure active participation from all organizational levels, and prioritize the selection of competent candidates for the upcoming elections. Speaking on the partys prospects, Arora said, We are confident of setting new records in the municipal corporation elections. The people of Punjab have seen our work and know that AAP delivers on its promises. Together, we are paving the way for a transparent, honest and development-focused administration in urban governance. Arora announced that the party would soon start accepting applications for municipal corporation election candidates. The selection process will prioritize merit, integrity, and the ability to serve the people effectively. The day-long schedule included detailed discussions with teams from Patiala, Phagwara, Jalandhar and Ludhiana divisions, as well as state-level leaders. Arora emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and active engagement with grassroots workers. He stated, The Aam Aadmi Party is committed to delivering transparent and accountable governance. The upcoming municipal corporation elections are an opportunity to replicate the trust and goodwill we have earned across Punjab. The leaders expressed enthusiasm about the AAPs recent bypoll victories, which have boosted morale across the party cadre. The workers energy and dedication were lauded, with leaders asserting that the people of Punjab continue to stand with the AAP government for its people-centric policies.
BJP makes inroads into Punjabs rural belt in membership drive
CHANDIGARH: For the first time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab has managed to make some inroads into the rural areas of the state. In its ongoing membership drive, the party has gained members from the hinterlands. However, the overall response to the membership drive has been mixed, with the BJP enrolling 6.68 lakh members in Punjab and Chandigarh (Union Territory) so far. The nationwide membership drive began on September 2, but in Punjab, it has been extended until mid-December. The Punjab unit of the BJP had set an ambitious target of enrolling 30 lakh members. In the previous membership drive, the party enrolled over 24 lakh primary members in the state, compared to 3.50 lakh members in 2014. According to party data, 6,68,354 members have been enrolled in Punjab and Chandigarh, of which 5,02,160 have completed their registration forms3,88,590 in Punjab and 1,13,570 in Chandigarh. Additionally, approximately 1.50 lakh forms, mostly from rural areas, have been physically filled out and sent to the party office. These forms are yet to be updated in the system, sources revealed. Among the 117 assembly constituencies in the state, notable rural enrolment numbers include Jalalabad (1,738), Gidderbaha (5,548), Balluana (2,001), Jaito (1,186), Bathinda (Rural) (5,213), Sardulgarh (2,442), Lehra (1,528), Patiala (Rural) (4,473), and Sanour (2,621). Conversely, some rural constituencies like Banga (371), Chabbewal (796), Sham Chaurasi (400), Urmar (481), and Bholath (604) showed lower engagement. In urban constituencies, the drive saw stronger participation, including Kharar (5,342), SAS Nagar (15,150), Khanna (1,518), Ludhiana (East) (15,368), Ludhiana (Central) (11,133), Jalandhar (Cantonment) (4,190), Jalandhar (North) (11,906), Jalandhar (Central) (12,296), Jalandhar (West) (3,793), Amritsar (North) (4,723), Amritsar (West) (4,639), Amritsar (Central) (6,128), Sujanpur (6,264), Pathankot (5,302), and Gurdaspur (3,727). A senior party leader commented on the response, saying, It is a mixed responsegood in some places and okay in others. Last time, during the membership drive, the party was in power at both the Centre and the state, which had an impact. Now, being in opposition in Punjab affects participation. But, for the first time, the membership has been conducted scientifically, with missed calls followed by detailed forms and photographs. This ensures we have authentic data and genuine members. The leader added that the BJP previously contested only 23 assembly seats, primarily in urban areas, and had little to no cadre in rural regions. With the party now expanding its base, members are being enrolled in villages for the first time, and a proper cadre is expected to develop soon. However, sources within the party attributed the lukewarm response to internal issues, such as a lack of effort from state leaders. This is reportedly due to differences between traditional party leaders and those who switched from the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal just before the 2022 assembly elections and the recent Lok Sabha polls. Another senior leader noted, For the last few months, the state unit president, Sunil Jakhar, has not attended meetings or campaigned in the panchayat polls and assembly by-elections, as he had submitted his resignation, which has yet to be accepted. This has created uncertainty. Many other state leaders are also keeping a low profile. As a result, the membership drive has been affected, and now the focus is shifting to the upcoming elections in four municipalities. The same leader further remarked, There is total confusion within the party on several issues, including the membership drive. While the veteran leaders feel sidelined due to the prominence given to leaders from other parties, those who recently joined are still adapting to the partys organisational culture. Despite its inability to secure a single seat in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the BJP witnessed a significant increase in its vote share, rising to 19.56%. This marked the first time since 1996 that the BJP contested solo in Punjab.
Punjab govt in fix as Army seeks 300 units of free power per month for its personnel
CHANDIGARH: Citing the free power given by the Delhi government to service personnel posted there, the Indian Army has approached the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab and requested that 300 units of free power per month be given to its personnel posted in the state. This has left the cash-strapped government in a Catch-22 situation as it already has to pay a Rs 9,076 crore power subsidy bill to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Sources said the South Western Command of the Indian Army has written a letter to the state government saying that though the latter has been giving 300 units of free power to domestic consumers since July 2022, this has not been extended to service personnel and defence civilians residing in accommodations for married people in cantonments and military stations in Punjab. While the demand has been made only by the South Western Command, which has its formations located in Bathinda and a few other places in Malwa region of the state, if the state government extends this free power facility to army personnel, it will have to do so for army cantonments and formations at Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Patiala, Amritsar and Pathankot too. It is learnt that over one lakh troops are presently stationed across the state. All officers and junior commissioned officers (JCO) are authorised for family accommodation as are 35 per cent of jawans. In addition, a large number of civilian employees of the Defence Ministry posted at these places are also entitled for accommodation. A senior officer on condition of anonymity said the request by the army is now being discussed at the top level in the state government as it has put them in a fix. Free power subsidy cannot be given to the residents in cantonments and military stations as these stations get bulk power supply. The subsidy is given to individual domestic consumers, he argued. He further said that the bulk supply is given to BSF, Indian Railways, CPWD and other central government entities besides big industry. If any policy decision has to be taken, it will taken at the top level and will be for all bulk consumers, he said. The free electricity scheme of 300 units has led to a surge in domestic connections, raising consumption and projected subsidy costs, thus risking PSPCL's financial stability. The number of domestic electricity connections has increased by 80,000 after this scheme was launched in 2022. Before the launch of this scheme, the corporation had approved 5.5 lakh new domestic electricity connections between 2020 and 2022 but the number rose to 6.27 lakh between 2022 and 2024. The average annual rise in new connections used to be around 2.2 lakh, but the introduction of the free electricity scheme saw 3.65 lakh new connections in 2022-23, followed by 2.63 lakh in 2023-24. It is estimated that nearly one lakh of these new connections are split connections apparently created to take advantage of the 300-unit subsidy, said sources. When this scheme was launched, 63 lakh out of 74.6 lakh consumers were using less than 300 units of electricity per month. The number of domestic consumers with zero bills has since surged, climbing from 67.53 per cent in August 2022 to 89 per cent by the end of the 2022-23 financial year. The PSPCL data shows that domestic power usage reached 17,510 million units in 2022-23. The state government is hard pressed to pay the power subsidy to PSPCL due to its own poor fiscal health. Till November 13, the government could only pay Rs 4,508.2 crore to PSPCL out of the total subsidy due to be paid by it for free domestic power. Of the total subsidy bill of Rs 20,477 crore, Rs 11,401.26 crore has been paid. In this month, besides the subsidy of Rs 200 crore paid to the corporation, the state government has given them a grant-in-aid of Rs 2,387 crore. It is estimated that the total domestic power subsidy bill of the state government is already expected to be Rs 8,785 crore, an increase of Rs 1,550 crore over the last financial year.
Mirabai Chanu to skip weightlifting World Championships as she continues rehab
New Delhi: Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu will miss next week's weightlifting World Championships in Manama, Bahrain as she continues to undergo rehabilitation.The 30-year-old former world champion has not competed since her fourth-place finish in the women's 49kg category at the Paris Olympics in August. Mira is still in rehab after the Paris Olympics. She will not be taking part in this World Championship, chief national coach Vijay Sharma told PTI. Chanu had been in a race against time to recover for the Paris Games after she suffered a hip injury at the Asian Games last year. There were murmurs surrounding her fitness even as she competed at the Olympics. Her dream to win an Asian Games medal -- the only medal missing from her overflowing trophy cabinet -- was dashed last year but the Manipuri, despite all the injuries, is determined to stand on the podium at the the continental event. It is important for her to recover well as we will need to begin preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, Sharma added. Gyaneshwar Yadav to lead Indian challenge In Chanu's absence, Commonwealth Championship gold medallist Gyaneshwari Yadav will spearhead the Indian challenge at the World Championships, beginning on December 6. The 21-year-old will represent India in the 49kh weight class. Commonwealth Games silver medallist Bindyarani Devi (55kg) and national championship and Khelo India Weightlifting League gold winner Ditimoni Sonowal (64kg) are the other two Indian lifters who will be competing at the world event. Sharma, who is hopeful of a positive result, said, The new kids are coming up, they are doing well. This is an opportunity for them to rub shoulders with the best in the world. The three are currently part of the national camp in Patiala and will leave for Bahrain early next week. Squad: Women: Gyaneshwari Yadav (49kg), Bindyarani Devi (55kg), Ditimoni Sonowal (64kg).
New Delhi, Nov 27: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday orally informed the Patiala House court that it is writing a letter to the Delhi High Court requesting it to designate the power of MP/MLA court to the Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court to empower it to hear the matter in which Engineer Shiekh Abdul Rashid, now an MP, is one of the accused. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for agency, submitted that it will [] The post NIA To Request High Court To Designate Power Of MP/MLA Court To Its Court For Hearing Engineer Rashid Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
AAPs Shukrana Yatra in Patiala marks victory, sets stage for 2027 polls
CHANDIGARH: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab held its Shukrana Yatra today in Patiala, expressing gratitude to voters after its victory in three assembly seats during the November 20 by-elections and the appointment of new leadership. This event also signalled the beginning of a focused campaign for the upcoming 2027 Punjab assembly elections. Incidentally, the Yatra coincided with the foundation day of the Aam Aadmi Party. The Yatra was led by AAP Punjab President and state cabinet minister Aman Arora, who was joined by prominent party leaders, including AAP Punjab working president Amansher Singh Sharry Kalsi, cabinet ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Harjot Singh Bains, and Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, assembly speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, AAP MLAs, chairpersons, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters from across the state. AAP Punjab President Aman Arora expressed his gratitude to the people, stating, AAP has grown from strength to strength, driven by the dedication and hard work of its leaders, volunteers, and workers. This journey, led by Arvind Kejriwal and supported by every AAP worker, has been one of integrity, transparency, and commitment to the people. Arora further added, Their (workers and volunteers) dedication to the party's principles and their tireless work for the betterment of Punjab and the nation have been pivotal in making AAP the peoples party. Together, AAP will continue to make strides toward a brighter future for all. The Yatra began at Kali Mata Mandir in Patiala and passed through several towns and cities, including Madopur Chawnk, Gobindgarh, Samrala, Doraha, Sahnewal, Jalandhar By-pass, Ladowal Chawnk in Ludhiana, Phagwara, Jalandhar, Kartarpur, and Rayia. The procession made its way towards the Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, and concluded at the sacred Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Asthan and Ram Tirath Mandir in Amritsar. Throughout the Yatra, Arora and other leaders were welcomed with flowers and chants of Inquilab Zindabad, receiving overwhelming support from party workers and locals alike. Today marks not only a day of celebration but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to the people of Punjab. The Shukrana Yatra is a reflection of the peoples trust in the Aam Aadmi Party and our leadership. With every step, we are reminded of the responsibility entrusted to us. This Yatra is a promise to the people of Punjab that we will continue working tirelessly to improve their lives. We are committed to bringing a brighter, more prosperous future to our state. The victory in the by-elections is a testament to the hard work of our party workers and the belief that the people of Punjab have in us. We will ensure that their faith is never betrayed, said Arora. He further added that AAP is a party of its volunteers. Our volunteers are the backbone of this party, and it is their dedication that drives us forward. Whatever our volunteers want, we will ensure it is done. They hold the real power in AAP, and their welfare will always remain our top priority. We will continue to work for their well-being, as they are the true force behind every success of this party, he said. Arora also acknowledged the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, and the dedicated workers of AAP. Sharry Kalsi, the AAP Punjab Working President, also spoke during the Yatra. This Shukrana Yatra is a celebration of the trust the people have placed in us. As a party, we are dedicated to fulfilling the promises we have made to the people, and we will continue to work relentlessly to improve the lives of every Punjabi, he said.
Former CM Gehlots OSD Lokesh Sharma arrested in Rajastan phone-tapping case, later released on bail
JAIPUR: Lokesh Sharma, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot , was arrested on Monday by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police in connection with Rajastan phone-tapping case. However, he was released on bail within a few hours after the arrest process was completed. Sharma had secured anticipatory bail from the Patiala House Court on November 21, which allowed for immediate bail following the arrest. The Crime Branch at Prashant Vihar recorded his arrest, prepared the arrest memo, and subsequently released him in compliance with the court order. Earlier, on November 14, Sharma had withdrawn a petition he filed in the Delhi High Court seeking relief from arrest and requesting a transfer of the case to Rajasthan. After the withdrawal, the court lifted the stay on his arrest. The high-profile phone-tapping case dates back to July 2020, during the political rebellion led by Congress leader Sachin Pilot in Rajasthan. Sharma allegedly leaked audio recordings in which senior BJP leaders were purportedly heard conspiring to buy Congress MLAs to topple the Gehlot-led government. According to Sharma, these recordings were sourced from social media, but the BJP claimed the tapes were part of an illegal phone-tapping operation allegedly directed by then Chief Minister Gehlot, who believed the Pilot revolt was part of a conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP to destabilize his government. In March 2021, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat lodged a formal complaint with the Delhi Police, accusing Sharma and others, including senior police officers, of illegal phone tapping. Recent developments suggest that Sharma could potentially become a government witness, which may grant him relief in the ongoing investigation. If he does, the case could implicate several high-profile individuals, including Gehlot, the then Additional Chief Secretary for Home Affairs, and senior officials in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Adding to the controversy, a few months ago, Sharma revealed additional audio recordings purportedly featuring conversations between him and Gehlot. In these recordings, Gehlot allegedly instructed Sharma to destroy a pen drive containing incriminating call recordings. Sharma claims this pen drive was the source of the recordings that were made public during the crisis. Speaking to the media, Sharma reiterated his commitment to cooperating with the investigation. I am fully cooperating with the Delhi Crime Branch and will continue to do so. I have always spoken the truth and will repeat the same in court or any investigative forum. Whatever is true, I am ready to say it everywhere, Sharma said.
Aam Aadmi Party to hold Shukrana Yatra from Patiala to Amritsar tomorrow
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will organize a Shukrana Yatra from Patiala to Amritsar on November 26 to celebrate the appointment of Aman Arora as the new state president and Amansher Singh, alias Sherry Kalsi, as the working president of the party. The yatra also marks the party's significant victories in three by-election seats. AAP leader and Punjab cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh announced that the Yatra would begin at the famous Kali Mata Temple in Patiala. It will proceed through several significant locations, including the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, and Ram Teerth Temple in Amritsar. Sondh detailed the route, stating that the Yatra would start from Kali Mata Temple in Patiala and pass through Sirhind, Mandi Gobindgarh, Khanna, Doraha, Ludhiana, Ladowal Toll Plaza, Phillaur, Jalandhar, and Kartarpur Sahib before reaching Sachkhand Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple). After offering prayers there, the Yatra will proceed to the Durgiana Temple and then visit the Valmiki Ram Teerth Temple before concluding its journey. AAP leads as Congress, BJP struggle in Punjab by-elections, says Punjab AAP President Aman Arora He highlighted that the decision to hold this Yatra was inspired by the overwhelming enthusiasm of party workers and leaders following the recent by-election victories. The people of Punjab have once again shown their trust in the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are grateful for their support, Sondh stated. He further emphasised that the mandate reflects public approval of the AAP government's work in Punjab over the past two and a half years. This victory is significant and encouraging for us. Meanwhile, those who were arrogant, believing they could never lose, have been taught a lesson. The people have shown that even individuals from ordinary households can rise to hold positions of power and become MLAs. Sondh appealed to the people of Punjab to participate in the Shukrana Yatra in large numbers and make it a resounding success.
Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. Appoints Mr. Jaspal Singh as Chief Technology Officer
Mr. Jaspal Singh - CTO, Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Singh joins Solidus with an impressive background, having led major solar projects at NTPC, including the Project Management and execution of a 56 MW/80 MWp solar plant in Surat, spearheading India's first floating solar PV projects by NTPC and feasibility studies,due diligence & engineering for international solar PV projects. His expertise spans ground-mounted and rooftop solar PV systems, hybrid solar solutions, and innovative energy storage technologies. Holding an MBA in Operations from S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, and a B.Tech in Electronics & Instrumentation from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Mr. Singh brings a strategic mindset to Solidus. His achievements include the development of robotic dry cleaning systems for solar panels, contributing to India's first solar-wind hybrid solutions, and publishing research papers on energy storage and microgrids. A Vision for Growth and Innovation Commenting on his new role, Mr. Jaspal Singh said, I am excited to join Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. as the CTO during this pivotal phase of growth. My focus will be on advancing our technological capabilities and driving innovative solar solutions to help Solidus achieve its ambitious target of becoming a 1,000 MWp solar leader by 2028. Under his leadership, Solidus is set to scale new heights, with 350 MWp projects currently under execution and a goal to expand into high-potential solar markets across India, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana and Punjab. His appointment aligns with Solidus's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and supporting India's renewable energy goals. Mr. Harvinder Singh, Managing Director of Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. , shared his enthusiasm for the new appointment: We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Jaspal to our leadership team. His extensive experience in solar technologies and his proven track record in delivering high-impact projects will be invaluable as we accelerate our growth and innovation efforts. About Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. Solidus Techno Power Pvt. Ltd. is a premier solar EPC company dedicated to providing innovative and sustainable solar power solutions. With a strong focus on advanced technologies and strategic partnerships, Solidus aims to deliver high-efficiency solar projects that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
A Delhi Court has attached the Bikaner House in the national capital, owned by the Nokha Municipal Council in Rajasthan, to settle dues of Rs 50.31 lakh it owes to a private firm. The Court directed that a representative of the Council should appear before it during the next hearing. The Patiala House Court has attached the Bikaner House owned by the municipal council after the Nokha civic body failed to settle arbitral award of Rs 50.31 lakh in favour of private company Enviro Infra Engineers Private Limited. District Judge Vidya Prakash ordered the attachment after the Nokha body failed to honour the arbitrary settlement ordered in 2020. Keeping in view the fact that the Judgement Debtor (Nokha Municipality Council) had failed to comply with the direction for furnishing an affidavit of their assets despite grant of repeated opportunities, the Court, while agreeing with the submissions made on behalf of Decree Holder (DH), finds it a fit case for issuance of warrants of attachment against immovable property of JD namely Bikaner House, New Delhi, the judge ordered, PTI reported. The Patiala Court also restrained the Nokha Council from transferring or charging the property by sale, gift or otherwise. The Court will hear the case next on November 29. The Delhi Courts move comes after the Himachal Pradesh High Court recently attached the state governments Himachal House in Delhi, to settle its arbitrary dues of Rs 150 crore to a private firm. The Himachal Pradesh government said it will challenge the order legally. The High Court also directed the Himachals power secretary to conduct a fact-finding inquiry to identify the officers responsible for the lapse in payment and sought a report.
Beant Singh murder convict gets 3-hour parole for kins bhog
The Punjab and Haryana high court granted Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict in the assassination of former Punjab CM Beant Singh, a three-hour release to attend his brother's hog ceremony. Rajoana will be escorted by police from Patiala Central Jail to the ceremony in Ludhiana and returned to jail by 2 pm.
Punjab reports season's highest stubble burning cases as Haryana AQI touches 'severe' levels
CHANDIGARH: The highest number of stubble burning cases in this season, at 1,251 incidents, were reported in Punjab on Monday increasing the total number of reported cases this year to 9.655, according to data by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PCCB). The Air Quality Index (AQI) level in the state was in the 'Poor category, while in Haryana five towns were in the 'Severe category and six places in the 'Very Poor category. Of the total 1,251 incidents reported on Monday, 247 cases were in Muktsar district followed by 149 in Moga, 130 incidents of stubble-burning were in Ferozepur, 129 in Bathinda, 94 in Fazilka, 88 in Faridkot, 77 in Tarn Taran and 73 in Sangrur. Ludhiana had 52 cases, Barnala 42 incidents, 40 in Mansa and Amritsar had 36 reported cases and Marelkotla had 34. Meanwhile on Sunday, 404 stubble burning cases were reported across the state, of which 74 new cases were from Ferozepur and 70 in Bathinda. An environmental compensation of Rs 1.35 crore had been imposed for 3,943 cases till November 15. As per the central pollution control board, the AQI levels of both Amritsar and Jalandhar around 7.30 pm were 241 in the 'Poor' category. Khanna was 143 in the 'Moderate' category and Ludhiana, Patiala and Rupnagar all three were at 262 and Mandi Gobindgarh was 213 - all in the 'Poor' category. While the AQI level of Chandigarh was 270 at the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in Sector 22, the AQI at around 7.30 pm on Monday was at 250 and that at CAAQMS Sector 53 was recorded at 240 and at the Sector 25 station it was 270. Ambala residents report breathing issues due to fog, pollution. In Haryana the Air Quality Index at Gurugram was 494, Dharuhera was 447, Bahadurgarh was 443, Faridabad was 432 and Bhiwani 405, all in the 'Severe category. While Jind was 387, Fatehabad was 383, Kaithal was 354, Karnal was 348, Palwal was 327, Narnaul was 320 - in the 'Very Poor category. Kurukshetra's AQI was 298, Mandikhera was at 293, Hisar at 281, Charkhi Dadri at 226 - all in the 'Poor' category. Only two places - Ambala and Panchkula - were in the 'Moderate category. In response to worsening air pollution, the Nuh Administration has declared holidays for schools up to class 5 from November 18 to November 22, according to an official order. As per the order from the office of the District Elementary Education Officer of Nuh, the holiday has been declared in all government, semi-government, and private schools in the Nuh district of Haryana. Sources pointed out that the PPCB is under scrutiny and facing allegations of under-reporting of farm fire incidents. The scientists monitoring the farm fires claimed that many farmers were setting paddy residue on fire post afternoon, dodging the satellite. While the pollution control board claimed have brought down farm fires by 70 per cent than previous years, farmers could be seen evading the satellite by setting the paddy residue on fire post 3 pm.
Will stop singing songs on alcohol if...: Diljit
Diljit's songs, such as Patiala Pegg and Panchatara, were specifically mentioned in the complaint.
Viral video: Little girl wins hearts with adorable dance to 'Tere Bina Na Guzara AE', watch
The little dancer wore a bright, printed Patiala suit and looked lovely as she danced with pure happiness.
Hyderabad to Celebrate Guru Nanaks Birth Anniversary Grandly
Hyderabad: A mass congregation, Vishaal Deewan, will be held at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds from 11 am to 4 pm on Friday to celebrate the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. The event, organized by the prabhandak committees of the Gurudwara Saheb at Secunderabad and Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha of Afzalgunj, is expected to draw a large number of Sikh devotees and people from other faiths. Reputed Ragi Jathas (religious preachers), including Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Singhji from the Amritsar Golden Temple, Bhai Amarjeet Singh from Patiala, Hazuri Ragi Jathas, Bhai Hari Singhji, Bhai Charanjeet Singhji, among others, will recite Gurbani Keertans and Katha and throw light on the teachings of Guru Nanak. A free community kitchen, Guru Ka Langar, will be organised to serve thousands of devotees. Additionally, medical camps will be set up at the venue to provide healthcare services to the attendees.
Air quality 'poor' in large parts of Punjab, Haryana; Chandigarh 'very poor'
CHANDIGARH: The air quality in several parts of Punjab and Haryana was recorded in the 'poor' category on Saturday, while it was worst in the joint capital city of Chandigarh with an AQI of 322 which falls in the 'very poor' band. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's Sameer App, which provides hourly updates, Haryana's Bahadugarh recorded an Air Quality Index of 314 -- also in the 'very poor' category at 9 am. Among other places in Haryana, the AQI at Sonipat was 290, Hisar (285), Bhiwani (277), Jind (275), Charkhi Dadri (258), Gurugram (259), Faridabad (220), Yamunanagar (213), Rohtak (238), Kurukshetra (202), Kaithal (205), Fatehabad (198), Ambala (160), Sirsa (181), and Karnal (144). In Punjab, the AQI was registered at 264 in Mandi Gobindgarh, 258 in Amritsar, 257 in Rupnagar, 248 in Jalandhar, 197 in Ludhiana, 183 in Bathinda, 176 in Khanna, and 133 in Patiala. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', 401 and 450 'severe' and above 450 'severe plus'. The rise in air pollution levels in the two states and Delhi during this time of year is often blamed on farm fires. Punjab reported 730 farm fire incidents on Friday, taking the total count to 6,029 in the state this season. As the window for the Rabi crop -- wheat -- is very short after paddy harvest, some farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue for sowing of the next crop.
NZCC, JKAACL organize Lok Virasat
NL Correspondent Jammu Tawi: The North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Language (JKAACL), Jammu, on Monday organized Lok Virasat A Festival of Vanishing Folk Art Forms at K.L. Saigal Hall, Jammu. The event [] The post NZCC, JKAACL organize Lok Virasat appeared first on Northlines .
Air quality remains 'very poor' in several parts of Haryana, Punjab
CHANDIGARH: The air quality index at several places in Punjab and Haryanawas recorded in the 'very poor' and 'poor' categories on Sunday. According to Sameer app that provides hourly updates of the national AQI published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Punjab's Amritsar was recorded at 301,183 in Chandigarh, 119 in Bathinda, 214 in Jalandhar, 171 in Khanna, 153 in Ludhiana, 207 in Patiala, 184 in Mandi Gobindgarh and 141 in Rupnagar. Among several places in Haryana, the AQI was recorded at 293 in Bhiwani, 280 in Charkhi Dadri, 238 in Faridabad, 202 in Fatehabad, 266 in Gurugram, 266 in Hisar, 253 in Jind, 258 in Rohtak, 296 in Sonipat, 251 in Sirsa, 238 in Kurukshetra, 187 in Panipat, 142 in Yamunanagar and 112 in Ambala, the data showed. Spike in stubble burning on Diwali worsens Punjabs air quality The air quality index in Haryana's Bahadurgarh and Karnal were the worst hit with 313 and 316 respectively. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 to 100 satisfactory, 101 to 200 moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, 401 to 450 severe, and above 450 classified as 'severe plus.' Notably, Punjab recorded 379 farm fires on Saturday.
Spike in stubble burning on Diwali worsens Punjabs air quality
CHANDIGARH: The biggest spike in stubble burning cases this season in Punjab occurred on Diwali, with 484 farm fire incidents reported. So far, a total of 2,950 crop residue burning cases have been reported across the state, and the number is expected to rise in the coming days. The Air Quality Index (AQI) level this morning in Punjab and Haryana fell into the 'Very Poor' and 'Poor' categories, while the Union Territory of Chandigarh recorded 'Very Poor' air quality. Meanwhile, Pakistan Punjabs Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described smog as a common enemy and called for joint efforts between the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. She stressed that the issue is not political but a humanitarian one. According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Sangrur topped the state with 89 stubble burning incidents, followed by Ferozepur with 65, Mansa with 40, Fatehgarh Sahib with 36, and 35 each reported in Tarn Taran and Kapurthala. In Patiala, 33 incidents occurred, followed by 29 in Amritsar, 28 in Bathinda, 20 in Gurdaspur, and 14 each in Moga and Barnala. Additionally, Ludhiana recorded 11 cases, Faridkot had 10, and seven cases were reported from Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. Muktsar saw four cases, SAS Nagar three, and one case each was recorded in Fazilka and Malerkotla. Since October, there has been a noticeable uptick in stubble-burning incidents. On October 12, 177 cases were reported, followed by 163 on October 13, 173 on October 15, and 219 on October 29. Sources pointed out that the number of crop residue burning cases is expected to increase further in the coming days, as farmers prepare to clear their fields for wheat sowing during the November 1-15 window. Cracker ban goes up in smoke as Delhi records its most polluted Diwali in three years The deteriorating air quality in major cities across Punjab remains a concern. This morning, Amritsar recorded an AQI of 335 ('Very Poor'), Mandi Gobindgarh 326 ('Very Poor'), and Khanna 306 ('Very Poor'). In other cities, the AQI fell into the 'Poor' category: Patiala registered 255, Ludhiana 206, and Jalandhar 266. Bathinda was the only city with 'Moderate' air quality at 110. In Chandigarh, the AQI was marked as 'Very Poor' at 320. Haryanas air quality was also grim, with four cities recording 'Very Poor' AQI levels this morning: Gurugram at 376, Ambala at 336, Jind at 326, and Kurukshetra at 310. Twelve cities had AQI levels in the 'Poor' range, including Bahadurgarh at 284, Faridabad at 278, Bhiwani at 275, Kaithal at 260, and Daruhera at 257. Panchkula registered 249, Manesar 247, Hisar 246, Karnal 243, Ballabgarh 228, Fatehabad 233, and Charkhi Dadri 210. Only Palwal (129) and Mandikhera (136) recorded 'Moderate' air quality. Addressing a Diwali event in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised the need for cooperation between the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan. She stated, Winds do not recognise boundaries; we must engage in diplomacy with the government of Indian Punjab, as smog has become a significant concern in Punjab, especially Lahore. I am thinking of writing to the CM of Indian Punjab for a joint war against smog and ask for a coordinated response to measures being implemented to prevent smog and environmental degradation. Until both Punjabs come together, we will not be able to tackle the smog issue.
Engineer Rashid Returns To Tihar Jail After Hearing Deferred On His Bail Plea
New Delhi, Oct 28: Delhis Patiala House Court on Monday deferred till November 19 the hearing on the regular bail plea of J&K MP, Engineer Rashid, accused in a terror funding case being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Click Here To Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp And Get Latest News Since we are considering the jurisdiction issue whether the matter will be heard by this court or the designated MP/MLA court of National Investigation Agency, the matter will [] The post Engineer Rashid Returns To Tihar Jail After Hearing Deferred On His Bail Plea appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi court to pronounce decision on Engineer Rashids bail plea on Monday
New Delhi: A Delhi court is set to pronounce on Monday its decision on the regular bail plea of J&K MP, Engineer Rashid, accused in a terror funding case being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). In the previous hearing, the Patiala House Court had deferred its order on Engineer Rashids regular bail plea 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 .
This actress was just 11 years old, her life changed forever in 1994 when her father was violently kidnapped and killed by terrorists while they were living in Patiala.
Amarinder Singh criticises AAP governments paddy procurement, urges central intervention
CHANDIGARH: Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Amarinder Singh visited Asias largest grain market, Khanna grain market in Punjab, highlighting the `tardy paddy procurement. He lashed out at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann saying that Mann should visit the grain market himself, talk to centre and get the issue resolved. He further said that he would urge the central government to intervene to ensure a smoother procurement. However, his visit has further charged the already heated political scene in the state. Amarinder Singh said, I visited Khanna Dana Mandi today and met with our hardworking farmers, arhtiyas and labourers. Unfortunately, they are facing hurdles due to a tardy job of procurement planning by the Punjab AAP government as there is a procurement problem across all grain markets in the state. When I was CM for nine and half years there was never such a problem and procurement was hassle free. The present Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should go to Delhi and talk to the centre and meet the PM and Home Minister and FCI officials. Amarinder questioned, Has CM Mann visited any grain market in the state since procurement began? When I was CM I had no problem with PM Modi or Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the centre always cooperated with us. I have assured the farmers and arthiyas that I will urge the central government to intervene to ensure a smoother procurement, he said. Amarinder is still seen by farmers as a Chief Minister under whose nine-year tenure there were no problems in wheat and paddy procurement. The farmers recall how they did not have to languish in the mandis and the payments too were smooth. Amarinder. now a BJP leader is being blamed along with the BJP for the ongoing paddy crisis by the AAP government. He has taken the challenge head-on, by visiting the grain market and interacting directly with farmers. Amarinder Singh interacts with farmers in the Khanna Dana Mandi. After visiting the grain market at Khanna, Amarinder returned to his farmhouse in Siswan near Chandigarh as he skipped a tentative visit to Moti Bagh Palace in Patiala. Singh was supposed to visit other places as well but he was told about the scheduled farmer protest and possible traffic hiccups due to which all other meetings were cancelled. Activists of the farmer union BKU Ekta Ugrahan have been staging protests outside his residence in Patiala for the past eight days. Amarinder has not attended public events for more than two years and did not even participate in the Lok Sabha poll campaign, which saw his wife Preneet Kaur contest from Patiala. The AAP government is having a serious face-off with the BJP over the non-lifting of the paddy due to issues with rice millers. Reacting to Amarinder Singh's visit to Khanna grain market, senior leader of the AAP and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that Amarinder often meets with Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but why has he never raised the issues of Punjab's farmers and commission agents in front of them. Cheema claimed that Amarinder's political career had ended. Since the public has rejected him, he is now pretending to show sympathy for farmers by visiting the mandis. The people of Punjab know that the entire problem has been created by the central government. The central government has not lifted rice from warehouses on time and has not listened to the concerns of the millers and commission agents, causing distress to farmers and arhtiyas in Punjab, he said. Amarinders party hates Punjab. They hate the farmers and commission agents of Punjab, and that is why they are deliberately harassing them. He knows that the central government has withheld thousands of crores from various funds meant for Punjab. The central government has been holding back RDP, MDF, and NHM funds for years, but Captain has never raised these issues before the centre, Cheema added.
CHANDIGARH: With more than a dozen cases of assault on government doctors of Punjab in the last two months after the RG Kar hospital horror in Kolkata and assurances by the AAP-led Punjab Government for comprehensive security and reinstatement of dynamic assured carrier progressions (DACPs), nothing has happened on the ground. The doctors are now planning to follow the path of agitation. In the last few days, two incidents of violence against doctors have been reported, one from Civil Hospital at Jalandhar on October 20 where a drunkard person assaulted a doctor on night duty and harassed his female colleagues and another from the community health centre (CHC) Dhakoli where two groups clashed with each other in the centre thus forcing the lady doctor and staff to lock themselves in the room till police came. Thus after the intervention of the association, the state police lodged the cases against the alleged accused under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Punjab Protection Medicare Services Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage of Property) Act. It is learnt that similar incidents have taken place since August at the government health facilities at Dera Baba Nanak, Patiala, Jagron, Sunam, Rajpura, Ferozepur and Naushera Majha Singh. Talking with TNIE, Dr Akhil Sarin, president of the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association of Punjab said, If commitment made by the government is not met within the stipulated time frame then the doctors will be forced to follow the path of agitation. He said that on October 21, a letter was written to the state health and family welfare secretary requesting a meeting regarding a review of the implementation of security provisions. On September 11 the association met with the cabinet subcommittee and received a written assurance that a comprehensive security framed work at all the 24/7 centres of the state would be put in place within a week of the meeting and also the government agreed to the implementation of dynamic assured carrier progressions (DACPs) within 12 weeks of the meeting but nothing happened on the ground, he added. The ACP scheme provides financial benefits and higher pay scales to government employees. After the meeting, the state health minister announced and reiterated that the assurances will be implemented within the stipulated time frame. However even after the lapse of six weeks, no on-ground steps for implementation of the assurances are perceptible, he said. The PCMS Association has been demanding a detailed assessment of each health facility to determine optimal security guards. For a 200-bed hospital ten guards during day time and four at evening and night hours. For the sub-district level hospitals, six security guards and at the community health centre, four guards. Besides security guards, visitor passes for people coming to see the patients, installing CCTVs and improving lighting in hospital campuses are also recommended. Earlier on September 14 the PCMS doctors, who had suspended OPD services since September 9, announced that they would be resuming duties after assurance from state health minister Dr Balbir Singh.
SC pulls up Centre for making environmental laws 'toothless', says penalty provision not implemented
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre for making the environment protection law oothless and said the provision under the CAQM Act that deals with penalty for stubble burning was not being implemented. A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka, Ahsanuddin Amanulllah, and Augustine George Masih said the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act of 2021 (CAQM Act) was enacted without creating required machinery for implementing the provision to curb air pollution. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, said Section 15 of the CAQM Act, which deals with penalty for stubble burning, will be implemented effectively as regulations for it will be issued in 10 days. She submitted that an adjudicating officer will be appointed and all necessary actions will be taken to enforce the law effectively. Bhati pointed out that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued notices to senior administrative officials of Punjab and Haryana besides officials of the state pollution control boards and sought their response as to why action should not be taken against them. The bench asked the CAQM, who is taking your notices seriously as the procedure is not provided under the law. Please tell your chairperson of CAQM not to bail out these officials. We know what is happening on the ground, the bench said. Bhati pointed out that over 1,000 cases of stubble burning have taken place in several districts of Punjab, like Amritsar, Ferozepur, Patiala, Sangrur and Taran Taran. On October 16, the top court had pulled up the Punjab and Haryana governments over the non-prosecution of violators found guilty of stubble burning while summoning the state chief secretaries to appear before it on October 23 for an explanation. The top court has been upset over Punjab and Haryana governments not taking any steps to implement the directions issued by the CAQM in the national capital region (NCR) to stop stubble burning. All talk, no action: SC raps CAQM, Punjab & Haryana for failing to stop stubble burning
Baba Siddique murder: Mastermind Zeeshan Akhtar of Punjab on the run
CHANDIGARH: The main suspect in the murder of Nationalist Congress Party leader and former minister Baba Siddique has been identified as 21-year-old Mohammad Zeeshan Akhtar. He belongs to Punjab. Mumbai police have cast a net for him. Baba Siddique, a 66-year-old veteran politician, was shot dead outside his office in Mumbai's Bandra during Dussehra celebrations on Saturday night. A day after the murder, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the killing. According to sources, Zeeshan Akhtar allegedly passed on information about Siddique's location to the three shooters, one of whom, the 23-year-old Gurmail Singh belongs to Haryana. Police sources said that Zeeshan hails from Shakar village in Nakodar of Punjab and there are nine cases, ranging from attempt to murder, dacoity, and robbery to extortion registered against him. He was arrested on the charges of organized crime in 2022 by the Jalandhar Police and then sent to Patiala Central Jail. He was released on June 7 this year. In jail he reportedly came in contact with the associates of Lawrence Bishnoi gang who allegedly gave him the contract to kill Baba Siddique and after his release he met Gurmail Singh in Kaithal. Zeeshan had been giving directions to Gurmail, Dharmaraj Kashyap and Shiv Kumar, He allegedly provided information about Siddiques location to the three shooters at the time of the killing and also allegedly assisted them with logistic support, including arranging rental accommodation, said sources. Sources further claim that Akhtar was directly in touch with Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence Bishnois brother, who is now in US, through a specialized app. Baba Siddique's shocking Supari murder shows poor law enforcement A senior police officer said, he Mumbai Police is in touch with the Punjab Police. The Jalandhar Police is tight-lipped on the matter. A police officer said that the Mumbai police has not contacted them so far. Gurmail Singh disowned by family Meanwhile the 23-year old Gurmail Singh of Kaithal in Haryana, who is one of the three alleged suspects arrested for killing Siddique, had been disowned by his family 11 years ago. The villagers of Nard in Kaithal district told the media that Singh had allegedly murdered his friend's brother few years ago near the Rudri Temple in Kaithal district. Following this, he was arrested by the police and was in Kaithal jail where he came in contact with the associates of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. After Singh came out on bail, he didn't stay in his village for long and left for Mumbai. The locals said that Singh visited the village six months ago. Singhs grandmother, Phulli Devi said that they had disowned him 11 years years ago, As far as we are concerned, he is dead. They (police) might as well shoot him in the middle of the road it would not affect us at all. When he came home last time he stayed for just a few minutes. I had gone out for some work and by the time I returned he had left. He had not been in touch with the family. He was in jail for four years. Superintendent of Police of Kaithal Rajesh Kalia said that the accused was arrested in a murder case in 2019, in which he got bail later and so far the police had not received any request from Mumbai Police seeking information about the accused. He has a couple of other cases registered against him. Baba Siddique's murder 'shocking, shameful': Opposition calls for Maharashtra CM, Dy CM to resign
Punjab Police books 18 illegal travel agencies for advertising employment opportunities abroad
CHANDIGARH: The NRI Affairs Wing and Cyber Crime Wing of Punjab Police in coordination with the Protectorate of Emigrants, Chandigarh, have booked 18 travel agencies across the State for illegally advertising employment opportunities on social media. The Protectorate of Emmigrants had red-flagged the advertisements for jobs in foreign countries by unscrupulous travel agencies on Instagram and Facebook. The development comes close on the heels of the registration of at least 20 FIRs against 25 such illegal travel agencies in August. With this, the number of such illegal travel agencies booked has risen to 43. Praveen Kumar Sinha, Additional DGP, NRI Affairs said, These travel agencies were advertising jobs abroad without the possession of requisite licence and permissions. We checked the online platforms, verified their credentials covertly and registered FIRs against them. He added that 18 new FIRs have been registered under sections 24/25 of the Emigration Acts in various NRI Police Stations in Chandigarh, including Amritsar, SAS Nagar, Ludhiana and Patiala. Of the 18 FIRs registered, six were registered in September and twelve were registered in October. Sinha said that 25 of the 34 accused in 26 FIRs registered in the months of August and September have been arrested. Further investigations are on and notices are being sent to remaining accused travel agents, he said. Sinha exhorted the citizens to be cautious and verify travel agents' credentials before entrusting them with documents and money. Engage agencies with a valid Recruiting Agent (RA) license under the Emigration Act, 1983 only. Always ask for the license of the Agency issued under the Act. 'Verify and trust' should be the working principle while engaging travel agents, he said.
Patiala House Court Allows Engineer Rashid More Time Before Surrender in Terror Funding Case
New Delhi: D elhi's Patiala House Court has extended the interim bail of Engineer Rashid, the Member of Parliament from Baramulla, until October 15 in connection with the Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case. Initially granted interim bail until October 2, Rashid's bail was extended by 10 days on October 1. The court has now further pushed his surrender date to October 15 instead of the previously set date of October 13, as confirmed by his lawyer. Rashid had filed a petition in the Patiala House Court seeking a three-month interim bail to participate in the campaign for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.During the hearing, Rashid's lawyer requested the court for interim bail until at least October 10 to cover the election period, but the court initially granted bail only until October 2. Afterward, it was extended by 10 days and subsequently for an additional three days. Engineer Rashid, who has been held in Delhi's Tihar Jail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act since 2017 due to his involvement in a terror funding case, was recently released on interim bail. His party participated in the Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir but did not achieve significant results. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 75 Border Infrastructure Projects Worth Rs 2,236 Crore Railways Crash Near Chennai: NIA Investigates Potential Terrorist Involvement India vs Australia Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Showdown: A Crucial Battle for Semi-Final Spot
Sanjay Raut Denounces IAF C-295 Landing at Mumbai Airport as 'Election Stuntbaazi'
Mumbai: O n the inaugural landing of the IAF C-295 at Navi Mumbai's International Airport, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized the event as stuntbaazi ahead of the assembly elections. During a press conference, Raut remarked, This is 'stuntbaazi' for the elections in the state. The government's people have brought all the land in the adjacent area there. So to raise the price of the land, they are doing this drama. They are just working as contractors. In one minute, they make 15 decisions. In contrast, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hailed the Navi Mumbai Airport as a significant development for the people. He stated, Navi Mumbai Airport will prove to be a boon for the people. Today, the C-295 successfully landed at Navi Mumbai Airport. The Airport will be named Lokneta DB Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport. CM Shinde emphasized that this would be the largest airport, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, and noted that the first runway's test landing had taken place successfully. He set a target for completing the airport by March 2025, with commercial flight operations expected to commence then. Shinde asserted that his government is efficiently executing welfare initiatives, saying, We are ready for the flight as well as for the fight. We do what we say; we don't say what won't happen; let's see what happens in the future. Our work is done quickly. We started the Ladli Behan Yojana, and now money goes to the accounts of sisters quickly. Highlighting the rapid progress made by the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, he claimed that all schemes initiated by his government are already in motion. Our work is swift, not slow and sluggish. Those who talk slowly later say there's no money. We started the Laadli Behna Yojana, and money is being transferred to the sisters' accounts promptly. Our plans are always executed swiftly. We have worked to bring good days into people's lives. The opposition has tried to halt many schemes, but I want to say that no scheme will be stopped, CM Shinde added. Congress Takes Aim at RSS Chief Bhagwat Over Minorities in Bangladesh Remarks Patiala House Court Allows Engineer Rashid More Time Before Surrender in Terror Funding Case Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 75 Border Infrastructure Projects Worth Rs 2,236 Crore
BJP Prepares for Uttar Pradesh By-Elections: Key Leaders to Meet Amit Shah and JP Nadda
Lucknow: Senior BJP leaders from Uttar Pradesh are expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister and party chief JP Nadda tomorrow in the national capital to discuss the upcoming by-elections in the state and other organizational issues. Sources indicate that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, state BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak, and state general secretary (Organization) Dharampal Singh are likely to attend the meeting. The discussions will primarily focus on the upcoming by-elections, as the BJP seeks to regain its winning momentum in the state. Following a setback in the recent Lok Sabha polls, where the party secured only 33 seats compared to the 62 it won in 2019, addressing these issues is crucial. The Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, won 37 seats in the same elections, while Congress, in alliance with the Samajwadi Party as part of the INDIA bloc, managed to secure six seats. The Election Commission may soon announce dates for the by-elections to ten Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Phulpur, Khair, Ghaziabad, Majhwan, Mirapur, Milkypur, Karhal, Katehari, Kundarki, and Sisamau. The bypolls are crucial for both the BJP and the opposition parties, with the Samajwadi Party already declaring candidates for six of the ten seats and confirming its intent to contest alongside Congress. Sanjay Raut Denounces IAF C-295 Landing at Mumbai Airport as 'Election Stuntbaazi' Congress Takes Aim at RSS Chief Bhagwat Over Minorities in Bangladesh Remarks Patiala House Court Allows Engineer Rashid More Time Before Surrender in Terror Funding Case
PLW Patiala Apprentice Recruitment 2024: Key Details
Patiala Locomotive Works (PLW) has announced the recruitment of 250 Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The application process began ... Read more
Vivo PMLA case: Patiala House Court grants bail to CA Rajan Malik
This case also involves other individuals, including Lava International's former Managing Director Hari Om Rai, Chinese national Guangwen (Andrew Kuang), and chartered accountant Nitin Garg
JeM terror conspiracy case: 10 suspects 'apprehended' in Assam
GUWAHATI: Ten persons have been 'apprehended' from Assams Goalpara in connection with a terror conspiracy case involving the Jaish-e-Mohammad. In a statement, the Assam Police said it had carried out a joint operation with the NIA at multiple locations in Goalpara and Hojai districts, resulting in the apprehension of 10 suspects. All are currently in NIA custody. The investigation and legal procedures are ongoing, the statement added. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the arrests made in Assam proved yet again that the challenge the state is facing from Islamic fundamentalist elements is real. He said during every nationwide raid by the NIA, someone or the other from Assam is among the people arrested by the agency. Fundamentalist forces are active in Assam and we have to be wary of them. There have been some incidents which indicate that a mentality of extreme Islamic fundamentalism is building up here and there in Assam, Sarma said. The indigenous people of the state will be forced to live in deep uncertainty after 10 to 15 years from now, he added. However, the NIA said only one person, Sheikh Sultan Salah Uddin Ayubi alias Ayubi, was taken into custody after searches at 26 locations in Assam, Maharashtra, UP, Delhi and J&K. The accused was arrested on account of his incriminatory role in the conspiracy caseHe will be produced before the NIA Special Court, Patiala House, New Delhi. In addition, several other suspects have also been rounded up for questioning, the NIA said in a statement.
Taran and his family explore the wonders of Patiala, Punjab.
Delhi court extends Engineer Rashids interim bail till October 12 in terror funding case
Additional sessions judge of Patiala House Court directed the MP from Baramulla to surrender before Tihar jail authorities on October 13
Interim Bail Of MP Er Rashid Extended Till October 12
New Delhi , October 1: AIP Supremo and Member of Parliament from North Kashmir, Er Rashid, has been granted an extension of his interim bail until 12th October 2024. Originally, he was scheduled to surrender and return to Tihar Jail on 3rd October, but the extension allows him additional time out on bail. AIP Chief Spokesperson, Inam Un Nabi, confirmed that the party had applied for the extension in Delhis Patiala House Court, which has now been granted. Inam expressed [] The post Interim Bail Of MP Er Rashid Extended Till October 12 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
16 districts, 663 villages stubble-burning hotspots, board gives list to DCs for action
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has identified 16 districts and 663 villages in the state as stubble-burning hotspots. These districts are: Barnala, Bathinda, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Mansa, Moga, Muktsar, Patiala, Sangrur and Tarn Taran. These villages recorded 23,410 cases of stubble burning last year 64 per cent of [] The post 16 districts, 663 villages stubble-burning hotspots, board gives list to DCs for action appeared first on Northlines .
Woman gets new lease of life post knee microplasty at Max Hospital
Chandigarh: A-fifty-year-old woman from Patiala got a new lease of life after a successful knee microplasty (c) at Max Hospital, Mohali recently. For the past few years, she was unable to perform her daily routine work due to lack of walking and was completely dependent on her family members. After a thorough evaluation by Dr [] The post Woman gets new lease of life post knee microplasty at Max Hospital appeared first on Northlines .
Students at the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law in Patiala, Punjab are staging an indefinite sit-in protest to demand the ouster of V-C (Dr.) Jai Shankar Singh. The University administration has denied all allegations.
Punjab: Students of RGNUL in Patiala hold protest against vice-chancellor
According to the students, the vice-chancellor allegedly conducted a surprise check of the girls hostel and questioned the dressing sense of the girls thus violating their privacy
Punjab Police Crack Down on 25 Travel Agencies for Fraudulent Overseas Job Schemes
Chandigarh: The Punjab Police have taken legal action against 25 travel agencies across the state for deceiving young people with false promises of job opportunities abroad. This crackdown, led by the NRI and Cyber Crime wings of the Punjab Police in collaboration with the Protectorate of Emigrants, Chandigarh, targets agencies that have been advertising fake employment opportunities on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. These agencies are accused of enticing individuals with assurances of guaranteed jobs in Western countries and Russia, often through dubious or non-existent documentation processes. A total of 20 FIRs have been filed under Sections 24/25 of the Emigration Act at various NRI police stations, including those in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur, and SAS Nagar. The operation focused on agencies actively promoting fraudulent job schemes on social media and defrauding young people of their money. ADGP Praveen K Sinha reported that these agencies were operating without the required licenses and permissions. Our investigation included examining online platforms and verifying the credentials of these agencies. Following confirmation of their illegal activities, FIRs were lodged against them, Mr. Sinha said, according to the Tribune. This enforcement action comes in response to increasing incidents of travel agencies using illegal routes to send youths to Western nations or Russia, where some have been recruited to fight in the Ukraine war. ADGP Sinha has urged the public to be cautious and thoroughly verify the credentials of travel agents before sharing personal documents or making financial transactions. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Urges ULFA(I) to Avoid Actions That Harm State's Future Rising Water Levels in Saryu River and Ganga Cause Disruption Amid Floods in Uttar Pradesh PM Modi Celebrates Karam Puja with Jharkhand's Tribes, Lays Foundation for Railway Projects
Amarjot Singh, Brother-in-Law of MP Amritpal Singh, Linked to Ottawa Grenade Attack
New Delhi: A significant development in the investigation of the grenade attack on the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, on March 23, 2023, has emerged. Recent media reports reveal that Amarjot, the brother-in-law of MP Amritpal Singh, is the individual accused of throwing the grenade. Amarjot, a resident of Butala village in Amritsar, is reportedly involved in pro-Khalistan activities, including demonstrating in support of Khalistan and hoisting the Khalistan flag at the Indian High Commission premises. This information surfaced during a recent National Investigation Agency (NIA) operation. On Friday, the NIA conducted coordinated raids across four districts in Punjab. These raids took place at three locations in Gurdaspur district, two in Amritsar district, and one each in Patiala and Moga districts around 5 am. The targeted properties included those belonging to Amritpal Singh's relatives: Amarjot in Butala, Gurmukh Singh in Haon (Gurdaspur), and Pargat Singh in Jallukheda (Amritsar). During the raids, the authorities questioned the occupants and seized various electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and DVRs. The grenade attack, carried out by a pro-Khalistan mob, involved throwing two grenades at the Indian High Commission. Initial investigations suggested possible involvement of Pakistan, leading to the NIA's takeover of the case. On June 24, 2023, a Hindustan Times report indicated that Amarjot Singh had allegedly led the mob responsible for the attack, even as Punjab Police were searching for him. Following this report, Iman Singh Khara of 'Waris Punjab De' contested the allegations, arguing that Amarjot Singhs involvement was unfounded and that the Ottawa incident was being misrepresented. Despite these claims, Amarjot Singh's name has resurfaced in connection with the attack. Congress and BJP Criticize Kejriwal's Resignation Announcement as Political Theater Anil Vij Seeks Chief Ministerial Position Ahead of Haryana Assembly Elections Tragic House Collapse in Meerut: Nine Dead, Four Feared Trapped
25 travel agents booked for illegally advertising jobs: Punjab police
Twenty-five travel agents in Punjab have been booked for illegally advertising employment opportunities on social media, said police on Wednesday. The action came after the Protector of Emigrants under the Ministry of External Affairs red-flagged the advertising on social media for jobs in foreign countries by such unscrupulous travel agencies. In a statement, Additional Director General of Police (NRI Affairs) Praveen K Sinha said these travel agencies were advertising jobs abroad without possessing the requisite licence and permissions. We checked the online platforms, verified their credentials covertly and registered FIRs against them, he said, adding that a total of 20 FIRs have been registered under the Emigration Acts at various NRI police stations in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur and SAS Nagar. The ADGP said this operation specifically targeted those illegal travel agents, who were advertising on online platforms, offering promisi
Parliament breach: Delhi court rejects bail plea of Neelam Azad
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday turned down the bail plea of Neelam Azad, one of the six accused in the December 13, 2023 Parliament security breach case. Declining to release Azad on regular bail, the Patiala House Court said that there were sufficient reasonable grounds for believing that the allegations made against the 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 .
The Patiala House Court has issued a release order for Rashid Engineer, with the condition that he must not speak to the media about his ongoing terror funding case. He has been granted interim bail until October 2, allowing him to campaign for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. The decision on his regular bail plea has been deferred to October 5, 2024.
Azad welcomes; NC, PDP raise concerns
SRINAGAR, Sept 10: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad on Tuesday welcomed the interim bail granted to jailed MP Engineer Rashid, saying this is a step towards justice. I welcome the interim bail order granted to Eng. Rashid Sahib by the Delhi Patiala House Court. As a democratically elected MP with a [] The post Azad welcomes; NC, PDP raise concerns appeared first on Northlines .
MDB Group honors Channel Partners with Helicopter ride and Kanwar Grewals musical evening
Jammu Tawi: The MDB Group, renowned for setting benchmarks in luxury real estate across Tricity, Patiala, Sangrur, and Didba, has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence with a spectacular event that raised the bar in channel partner appreciation and luxury experiences. Held on 28 and 29 August 2024, the event underscored MDB Group's dedication [] The post MDB Group honors Channel Partners with Helicopter ride and Kanwar Grewals musical evening appeared first on Northlines .
This Is A Step Towards Justice: Ghulam Nabi Azad Welcomes Interim Bail Granted To Engineer Rashid
SRINAGAR, Sept 10: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad on Tuesday welcomed the interim bail granted to jailed MP Engineer Rashid, saying this is a step towards justice. Click Here To Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp And Get Latest News I welcome the interim bail order granted to Eng. Rashid Sahib by the Delhi Patiala House Court. As a democratically elected MP with a strong mandate, this is a step towards justice and his right to campaign [] The post This Is A Step Towards Justice: Ghulam Nabi Azad Welcomes Interim Bail Granted To Engineer Rashid appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Baramullah MP Rashid Engineer gets interim bail till Oct 1
In a relief, the Delhi Patiala House court provided interim bail to Baramullah MP SheikhAbdul Rashid alias Rashid Engineer on Tuesday, September 10. He had moved the Delhi court seeking interim bail in view of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections which is scheduled to take place on September 18, 25 and October 1. 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 .
Gippy Grewal and Gurpreet Ghuggi Back Regreening Punjab: Trees Are Our Ancestors
They were joined by their Ardaas co-stars Jasmin Bhasin and Kanwaljeet Singhin planting trees during a drive organized by Roundglass Foundation in Patiala
Punjab doctors begin 3-day strike, patients suffer due to suspended OPD services
PATIALA/HOSHIARPUR: Government doctors in Punjab on Monday suspended outpatient department (OPD) services for three hours across the state to press for their demands, including reinstatement of the assured career progression scheme and adequate security measures for healthcare workers. The protest, being held under the banner of Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association, will continue till September 11 in district and sub-divisional hospitals, and community health centres, said the protesting doctors. Many patients visiting these government hospitals were inconvenienced as the OPD services remained suspended from 8 am to 11 am. However, emergency services continued. President of PCMS Association (Patiala unit) Dr Sumeet Singh said the reinstatement of the assured career progression scheme (ACP) is one of the main demands of the protesting doctors. Unlike other departments, doctors do not have many avenues of promotion through the course of their career, which was compensated through the annual career progression scheme. But it was halted in 2021, Singh said. The ACP scheme provides financial benefits and higher pay scales to government employees. The association is also demanding adequate safety measures for healthcare professionals at hospitals and recruitment of more medical officers. Another protesting doctor in Patiala insisted upon the need for tightening of security in the government health facilities across the state. The doctors' association pointed out a Sunday night incident in which a woman doctor, who was eight-month pregnant, was manhandled by two unidentified men at the Community Health Centre at Dhakoli in Mohali and fled with syringes and injections. The police have registered a case in this regard. Meanwhile, patients, who came for a check-up at Mata Kaushalya Hospital in Patiala faced inconvenience due to the suspended OPD services. Sukhdev Singh, who came to the hospital from Devigarh, said he came to know about the strike after reaching there. He said he had come for an eye check-up. In Hoshiarpur, local resident Harpreet Singh had brought his father Sukhwinder Singh to a government hospital for treatment of his swollen leg. Unaware of the doctors' strike, Harpreet said he found himself helpless. Due to financial constraints, he could not afford private medical treatment and had no choice but to wait for the strike to end, he added. Another patient, Malti Marwaha (48) from Vijay Nagar in Hoshiarpur, shared a similar experience. She came to the hospital to get her eyes checked, only to learn about the doctors' strike. I do not know why the government doctors are on strike, but the government should make necessary arrangements to ensure that poor patients who rely on government health institutions do not suffer, she rued. Vijay Kumar Behal (70) of Sham Chaurasi, who travelled 22 km to the hospital for depression treatment, was equally disappointed. The government should inform people in advance about the strike by healthcare staff, so patients do not waste time coming to government health institutions, he said. A meeting between PCMS Association's representatives and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has been fixed for Wednesday. The association has warned that if no significant outcome emerges from the meeting and the promotion-related notification is not issued, it will begin a complete strike of all services from Thursday.
