Chandigarh / The Times of India
Overseas Congress members are energized by the party's resurgence in Punjab's municipal elections, particularly in Amritsar and Phagwara. They cite growing public disenchantment with the AAP's governance, contrasting it with Congress's commitment to people-centric policies. Despite alleged AAP manipulation, Congress's strong showing fuels optimism for the 2027 assembly elections.
Following concerns raised by PETA India about the legality and cruelty of greyhound racing, the Mansa district administration in Punjab cancelled a planned race on December 23rd. PETA cited a 2020 AWBI notification and a Supreme Court judgment classifying dog racing as an illegal animal fight.
A multi-story building crumbled in Sohana village, Mohali. Two people died. One was a young woman. The other was a man. Rescuers searched for others trapped under debris. The army, NDRF, and state teams helped. Authorities suspect construction work at a nearby site caused the collapse. An investigation is underway.
A multi-story under-construction building crumbled in Mohali, Punjab, prompting a swift response from NDRF and rescue teams. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann expressed grief and assured action against those responsible. A 22-year-old woman was rescued and hospitalized. Officials are working to determine the number of people present during the collapse, with rescue operations continuing.
Two newborn girls' bodies were discovered in Jind district, Haryana, within four days. The first was found by a farmer in Dumrakhana village, while the second was found by a passerby near the railway line in Hansi. Police are investigating both cases, suspecting abandonment. Officials condemned the acts and urged anyone with information to come forward.
The death of five-time Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala marks the end of a chapter in a seven-decade-long bond between the Badal and Chautala families. The two political families, hailing from neighboring villages, shared a deep personal connection, supporting each other through political battles and personal milestones, even performing wedding rituals for each other.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at the homes of activists in Punjab and Haryana, including labor rights activist Rampal Singh and former student leader Daman, alleging links to Naxal forces. The NIA is investigating a Naxal recruitment case and believes these activists are involved in motivating and recruiting cadres.
Om Prakash Chautala, a five-time Chief Minister of Jind, completed a full term only once after winning from Narwana. Known for prioritizing party workers, Chautala's influence remained strong even after a 2018 party split. He intervened directly when officials mistreated workers, demonstrating his commitment to their concerns and earning their enduring respect.