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Haryana government doctors intensify protest, go on indefinite strike
As a result, healthcare services, including essential diagnostic services, ultrasound, and CT scan at many hospitals, were affected
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has refuted Rahul Gandhi's allegations of vote theft in Haryana. Shah clarified that a house listed with a single number housed multiple families and that duplicate voter entries are a result of systemic issues, not manipulation by the BJP or Election Commission.
YouTuber feeds chicken momos to cow, gets thrashed by vigilantes
Chandigarh: A 28-year-old YouTuber was arrested on Monday, December 8, after he was caught allegedly feeding chicken momos to a cow in Gurugrams Sector 56 HUDA market in Haryana and publishing the video online. Ritik Chandna claimed he was paid Rs 3,000 in return for feeding chicken momos to the cow. The shocking visuals prompted 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 .
Mint Explainer | Dirty air trick: How North Indian rice farmers outsmart satellites
With 28,000 square kilometres of crop area lit in 2025 in Punjab and Haryana, the contribution of farm fires to North Indias bad air is likely to be much higher than what is currently estimated, finds a new study.
Youth Arrested In POCSO Case In Kathua, Handed Over To Punjab Police
Jammu, Dec 10: A youth, wanted by the Punjab Police for his alleged involvement in a case registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), was arrested in the Kathua district on Wednesday, police said. In another case, police assisted the West Bengal Police in arresting a Haryana resident from the Doda district, who is accused of multiple ATM theft cases registered in the eastern state. Sajjad Malik, a resident of Lohai Malhar, was arrested from the Billawar area [] The post Youth Arrested In POCSO Case In Kathua, Handed Over To Punjab Police appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kangana Ranaut's 'Apology' To Brazil Woman, Face Of Congress Vote Theft Claim
Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has apologised to the Brazilian woman who became the phase of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's claims of 'vote-chori' in the Haryana Assembly election.
Around 42,000 bottles of illicit foreign liquor worth Rs 10 crore seized in Gurugram
CHANDIGARH: The largest-ever consignment of illicit foreign liquor was seized from a high-end liquor outlet named Theka in Gurugram by a joint team of Haryana Police and the state excise department. Around 42,000 bottles, allegedly smuggled into the country, were confiscated, with an estimated black market value of Rs 10 crore. According to sources, the seized bottles, lacking valid holograms, were recovered from The Theka Wine Shop near Signature Tower. The stock, comprising premium international brands priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh per bottle, was allegedly smuggled through airports using organised channels and sold at high margins to upscale customers. The excise department acted after receiving complaints that illicit liquor was being sold at the shop. Officials raided the outlet late in the evening during rush hours, initially expecting around 100 bottles, but were shocked by the large quantity seized. Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner Amit Bhatia said this is the largest illegal stock of foreign liquor ever seized in the state. He added that further raids and arrests are expected as the investigation continues. A total of 3,921 cases containing 6 to 12 bottles each, along with 176 loose bottles, were seized. An FIR has been registered against the wine shop contractor, and raids are planned at other wine shops in Gurugram. An internal investigation has been launched by the excise department to determine how such a large quantity of illicit liquor reached a licensed outlet and why it was not detected earlier. Officials noted that the illicit sales caused crores in revenue loss to the state, with employees reportedly stating that daily sales were around Rs 50 lakh due to high-profile customers buying imported brands. Preliminary inquiries suggest links to smuggling networks operating across Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Parliament gears up for fresh debates on electoral reforms and Vande Mataram Both Houses of Parliament are set to witness fresh debates on Wednesday, with the Lok Sabha beginning discussions on electoral reforms and the Rajya Sabha taking up deliberations on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. During Tuesdays proceedings, leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju took the floor, sparking intense exchanges. In the Lok Sabha, the NDA and the INDIA bloc engaged in heated debate over electoral reforms and the special intensive revision, with the government accusing Congress of hiding its poll failures and the opposition reiterating allegations of vote theft. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha debated the national song Vande Mataram, a day after Amit Shah delivered a fiery speech attacking the opposition for linking the discussion with upcoming state assembly polls in West Bengal. The storm in Parliament is expected to continue on Wednesday, with the Lok Sabha carrying forward the discussion on electoral reforms and the Rajya Sabha deliberating on Vande Mataram, keeping both Houses in a charged and contentious mood. Haryana MLAs visiting House Haryana MLAs, along with Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, arrive at Parliament to see the proceedings of the House, ANI reported. TMC leaders protest in Parliament over withheld MGNREGA funds TMC leaders, including Sagarika Ghosh and Dola Sen, staged a protest inside Parliament premises on Wednesday, demanding the Centre release West Bengals pending MGNREGA dues. The leaders accused the government of withholding funds unfairly and called for the immediate clearance of all outstanding payments. #WATCH | Delhi | Trinamool Congress MPs protest over Central funds due to West Bengal pic.twitter.com/f01zSHpV6Q ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2025 Opposition MPs protest in Parliament demanding Navi Mumbai Airport be named after DB Patil Opposition MPs from Maharashtra, including NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, protest in Parliament, demanding to rename the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) after Peasants and Workers Party leader DB Patil #WATCH | Delhi: Opposition MPs from Maharashtra, including NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, protest in Parliament, demanding to rename the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) after Peasants and Workers Party leader DB Patil pic.twitter.com/QB1eepu0br ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2025 Lok Sabha commences Lok Sabha proceedings for the day commence with Question Hour. Rahul Gandhi to fly to Germany mid Winter Session; BJP criticises visit Congress leader Rahul Gandhis upcoming trip to Berlin has sparked a fresh political flare-up, with the BJP attacking him for leaving the country even as the crucial winter session of Parliament is under way. Calling him Videsh Nayak, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla mocked Gandhi for choosing an overseas tour from December 1520, while the Lok Sabha is scheduled to sit till December 19. The Indian Overseas Congress has defended the visit as a major outreach initiative. Gandhi will address the Indian diaspora in Berlin on December 17, where IOC presidents from across Europe will meet to discuss NRI issues, organisational strengthening and expanding the Congress ideological footprint. Senior leaders including Sam Pitroda and Dr Arathi Krishna are expected to attend. IOC representatives in Austria and the UK said the visit will also open space for discussions with German lawmakers and the Indian community abroad.
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar wrote to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, demanding an investigation under the direct supervision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu to track down the end beneficiaries in the drug money trail
New policy mandates sale of fertilisers only via portal: Haryana minister
Medicos in Haryana decide to intensify stir as deadlock persists
Haryana govt invokes ESMA as docs announce indefinite strike
British universities plan to open campuses in Haryana
HC seeks Haryanas reply on Jyoti Malhotras bail plea in espionage case
After viral clip of athlete loading gun, HOA body calls for strict actions
The Haryana Olympic Association has issued a strict advisory to all affiliated units, demanding zero-tolerance and disciplinary action against coaches and players involved in illegal activities or violations of the sports code. This response follows a viral video of an athlete handling a firearm, prompting concerns about the image and dignity of sports.
Rs 3,000 Crore Fraud Uncovers Haryana-Madhya Pradesh Cyber Crime Corridor
The Madhya Pradesh police earlier this year uncovered the state's biggest-ever cyber crime racket, worth more than Rs 3,000 crore.
Haryana govt invokes Essential Services Maintenance Act to restrict doctors strike
The Haryana government has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act. This action prohibits Haryana Civil Medical Services doctors from striking for six months. The doctors are protesting two main issues. They want a revised assured career progression structure. They also oppose direct recruitment of Specialist Medical Officers. Over 3,000 doctors are involved.
NIA Arrests Terrorist Umar Un Nabis Harbourer In Delhi Terror Blast Case
NEW DELHI, Dec 9: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a Faridabad resident for harbouring terrorist Umar Un Nabi immediately before the Delhi terror bomb blast. Soyab of Dhauj, Faridabad (Haryana) is the 7th accused to be arrested in the case. NIA investigations have revealed that he had also provided logistical support to the terrorist Umar before the 10th November car bombing that killed several persons and injured many others outside the Red Fort in the national capital. NIA [] The post NIA Arrests Terrorist Umar Un Nabis Harbourer In Delhi Terror Blast Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Goa nightclub fire: 'Illegal' beach shack owned by Luthra brothers demolished
PANAJI: The Goa Tourism Department on Tuesday demolished 'Romeo Lane', an illegally constructed beach shack at Vagator owned by brothers Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra. The brothers, who are on the run following the fire tragedy at Birch by Romeo Lane club that claimed 25 lives late on Saturday night, had constructed the shack on tourism department land, a senior official said. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had on Tuesday ordered authorities to initiate the process to demolish the shack. The structure, made of wood, was razed down using machines, and the 198 sqmt of land was reclaimed by the tourism department, the official said. The demolition was carried out within two hours in the presence of the police. After the fire tragedy, the authorities had sealed the beach shack at Vagator and another property of the Luthras at Assagao. The Luthras had built up the Romeo Lane chain across multiple cities -- including Delhi, Goa and Haryana's Yamuna Nagar, NDTV reported. VIDEO | Goa fire tragedy: A shack 'Romeo Lane', owned by Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra is being demolished by the authorities. This shack is the third property owned by Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra. They flew to Thailand just hours after a major fire killed 25 people at pic.twitter.com/JncAzx4WWp Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 9, 2025 According to Goa Police, the Luthras departed for Phuket at 5.30 am on December 7 via IndiGo flight 6E 1073, just hours after the tragedy, which left mostly staff and tourists dead. Interpol has issued a Blue Corner notice against Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, according to the Goa Chief Minister's Office. The police discovered their escape during a manhunt launched immediately after an FIR was registered. Immigration records confirmed that the duo had left India shortly after the incident around midnight. The chief minister on Monday said four people have been arrested in connection with themassive fire. He said a detailed inquiry has begun and will be completed within a week. The probe will be led by the North Goa Collector, with support from a committee comprising the SP of South Goa, Deputy Collector for Fire and Emergency Services, and the Director of Forensics. The panel has been instructed to submit its report within seven days, the CM said. (With inputs from PTI)
Farm Fires Didn't End, They Just Moved To Afternoon: Satellite Data Analysis
Claims of a nearly 90% drop in stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana - a key contributor to pollution in Delhi-NCR - have been challenged by a new multi-satellite analysis, revealing that the decline is a result of a gap in India's monitoring system.
A 19-minute intimate video, believed to be AI-generated, is trending on social media, prompting cyber officials to issue stern warnings. Police are urging the public to cease sharing the clip, highlighting severe legal consequences under India's IT Act and IPC for circulating obscene or explicit content.
Haryana Cabinet, led by CM Nayab Singh Saini, approved major reforms in transport, urban governance, education, recruitment, and mining. Key decisions include vehicle age limits, Haryana Municipal Act 2025, NCC weightage in police recruitment, Cadre Change Policy for teachers and more.
Sukhbir Singh Badal to fight next Punjab assembly elections from Gidderbaha
Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal will contest the 2027 Punjab assembly elections from Gidderbaha. This announcement followed intense pressure from party workers. Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikramjit Singh Majithia's bail plea in a money laundering case was dismissed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Majithia was arrested in connection with illicit fund transfers.
Haryana cabinet OKs extra weightage for NCC cadets in police recruitment
Stubble to power: Pellet use soars 2,392 times in 3 years in Punjab; rises by 59 times in Haryana
BJP formed govt in Haryana by stealing votes: Hooda
Haryana govt approves new policy for teachers
The new policy replaces the 2018 rules and will use a merit-based, technology-driven system for voluntary transfers of primary teachers (PRT/JBT), head teachers and classical and vernacular teachers.
Motor vehicle rules changed in Haryana; check details
Haryana's Cabinet has approved amendments to motor vehicle rules, establishing maximum age limits for commercial vehicles. Tourist vehicles in the NCR will have a 10-12 year limit based on fuel, while other commercial vehicles will have a 10-15 year limit depending on location and fuel type.
Farmers organisations in Haryana burn copies of twin Bills
The Seed Bill is against national interests and self-sustaining system inherited by Indian farmers, and the other Bill would hasten the privatisation of the power sector, say farmer leaders
Satellites missing most farm fires in Punjab, Haryana; impact on Delhi highly underestimated: Report
The Stubble Burning Status Report 2025 by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) said this led to major underestimation of the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's air pollution this year.
SMAT: Baroda's Amit Passi Equals World Record For Highest Score On T20 Debut With 44-ball Ton
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Baroda wicketkeeper-batter Amit Passi has equalled the world record for the highest score on T20 debut with his 44-ball century in their last league stage match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy here on Monday. The 26-year-old scored 114 runs off just 55 balls, featuring 10 fours and nine sixes, to guide Baroda to a 13-run win over Services. His innings matched Pakistans Bilal Asif, who scored 114 from 48 balls for the Sialkot Stallions in a domestic T20 match in Faisalabad in May 2015, tying the world record for the highest individual score in mens T20 debut. Passi has become only the third Indian batter after Punjabs Shivam Bhambri and Hyderabads Akshath Reddy to score a century on T20 debut, with all three hundreds coming in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Stepping in for India wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who left for national duty against South Africa, the 26-year-old Passi opened the innings and played a blistering knock against Services. He formed two vital stands: a 60-run partnership for the third wicket with Shivalik Sharma, followed by a quick 75-run alliance with captain Vishnu Solanki in just 32 balls, and played an essential role in guiding his team to a total of 220/5 in 20 overs. In response, Kunwar Pathak (51), Ravi Chauhan (51), and Mohit Ahlawat (41) gave a flying start to Services, who managed to score only 207-8, falling short by 13 runs. Placed in a stiff Elite Group C, Baroda are out of contention for making the Super League stage despite their win against Services by a resounding margin. In response, Kunwar Pathak (51), Ravi Chauhan (51), and Mohit Ahlawat (41) gave a flying start to Services, who managed to score only 207-8, falling short by 13 runs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Batting first, Haryana have set a target of 191 for Gujarat, riding on captain Ankit Kumar's (46 off 30) and Nishant Sindhu's (48 off 31). Article Source: IANS
Haryana doctors strike: Whats triggering the two-day shutdown in government hospitals?
Haryana doctors are striking for two days on December 8-9, demanding a revised career progression scheme and opposing direct recruitment of Specialist Medical Officers. This action will significantly disrupt healthcare services, with emergency care expected to continue but routine services facing major interruptions, impacting thousands of patients.
The political overtones in the a apolitical Nuh padyatra
In Haryanas Nuh, a 10-day padyatra was planned to raise issues like better infrastructure and to attract capital.Ashok Kumarfinds that though the walk was touted as apolitical, the speeches showed otherwise, and many of the locals remain sceptical about its true intent
Rajasthan dominates 2nd Federation Cup Lacrosse Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent KATRA, Dec 7: The 2nd Federation Cup Lacrosse Championship 2025 concluded at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex, Katra, after three days of spirited competition and exemplary sportsmanship. The championship, organised by J&K Lacrosse Association under the aegis of the Lacrosse Association of India, witnessed participation from 15 States including Gujarat, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Telangana, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Delhi, and J&K. Around 280 male and female players showcased talent, [] The post Rajasthan dominates 2nd Federation Cup Lacrosse Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
ACB to submit list of corrupt officials from 28 Haryana depts
Some respite from cold wave conditions in Punjab & Haryana
Severe cold grips north India; IMD warns of cold wave, fog across multiple states
NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed across north India on Sunday, with the Amarnath yatra base camp being the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reporting minimum temperatures between three and seven degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold wave conditions were very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha on Monday and Tuesday. In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at eight degrees, up from 6.8 degrees a day ago and yet 1.6 notches below normal. The maximum temperature was 24.7 degrees Celsius, 0.1 notch below normal, while the relative humidity was 92 per cent in the morning. For Monday, the weather department forecast a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, with mist expected. Pollution levels in Delhi remained in the very poor category on Sunday, prolonging the spell of toxic air that has hung over its residents for several weeks now. The city logged a 24-hour average AQI of 308. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe. Further in the north, the night temperatures in Kashmir rose by several degrees but stayed below the freezing point, officials said. The Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir as the minimum settled at a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- settled at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, a rise of 3.2 degrees compared to the previous night. The gateway town to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a low of minus one degree Celsius, while the minimum settled at minus 0.8 degree Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, and 1.1 degrees Celsius in south Kashmir's Kokernag, according to officials. The meteorological department said the weather would remain generally cloudy but dry on Sunday, and a brief spell of light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir is likely on December 8. In Himachal Pradesh, The IMD predicted dense fog in parts of the state until Wednesday. A yellow alert for dense fog was also issued in parts of the reservoir area of the Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district and over some parts of the Balh valley in Mandi district during early morning till Monday. In Punjab, Faridkot remained the coldest place, with the minimum temperature settling at 4.4 degrees Celsius, while in Haryana, Narnaul saw the lowest temperature at 4.6 degrees Celsius, according to the local meteorological department. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Bathinda and Gurdaspur recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Ferozepur recorded 6 degrees, Amritsar 6.1 degrees, Ludhiana 6.8 degrees, and Patiala 8.9 degrees. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a low of six degrees, Hisar 6.2 degrees, Sirsa 6.6 degrees, Karnal seven degrees, Rohtak 7.8 degrees, and Ambala 9.8 degrees. Rajasthan, similarly, reeled under intense cold, the Meteorological Centre here said. Fatehpur in the Sikar district continued to record the lowest minimum temperature, albeit at 3.5 degrees Celsius, slightly up from 2.3 degrees a day ago. According to the weather department, Lunkaransar (Bikaner) recorded a low of 5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dausa at 6 degrees, Churu at 6.3 degrees, Vanasthali (Tonk) at 6.4 degrees and Jhunjhunu at 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. The department said a fresh but weak western disturbance is likely to cause partly cloudy skies in some parts of the state over the next few days. Under its influence, the minimum temperature is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius, providing relief from the cold wave, it said. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, eight districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, noting a cold wave in parts of the state. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 3.5 degrees Celsius up from three degrees Celsius while Khunti logged five degrees Celsius, the IMD weather bulletin stated. The minimum temperature in Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi, was 7.5 degrees Celsius, while Daltonganj recorded 6.5 degrees and Jamshedpur recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius. Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, said, North-westerly winds prevailing in the lower tropospheric levels over Jharkhand have caused the drop in mercury. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail across the state over the next five days.The minimum temperature may rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the next 72 hours, he added. In West Bengal, the mercury dipped below the 10-degree mark for the first time this winter in the state's plains with Sriniketan in Birbhum districts recording a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the IMD said. Its forecast for West Bengal suggested dry weather across all districts of West Bengal for the next week, with shallow to moderate fog likely in the northern districts. Darjeeling was the coldest in the hills at 6.2 degrees Celsius, while the other Himalayan tourist town of Kalimpong was warmer at 10.5 degrees Celsius. The other places which recorded low night temperatures are Alipurduar (11 degrees), Kalyani (11.4 degrees), Purulia (11.4 degrees) and Panagarh (11.9 degrees). Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, forecasting mist in the morning on Monday. IMD further predicted dense fog conditions in isolated pockets of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura between December 8 and 12. It was also very likely in parts of west Madhya Pradesh on Monday and in Odisha until Tuesday. In west India, a gradual fall by two to three degrees over the next three-four days is expected, and no significant change is anticipated thereafter, the IMD said.
Punjab records maximum food stock damage in past five years in India
CHANDIGARH: Punjab, considered the food bowl of India, recorded food stock damage of 8,226.04 metric tonne (MT) of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the last five years. Punjab topped the list, followed by Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. These figures were placed on record in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister for state of consumer affairs, food and public distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya in reply to an unstated question asked by Delkar Kalaben Mohanbhai, Member of Parliament from Dadra and Nagar Haveli. As per the figures placed in the parliament showed that the cumulative loss over five years in Punjab stood at 8,226.04 MT of this the lowest was in 2020-21 at 25 MT, then 100 MT in 2021-22, then 264 in 2022-23, then 7,746 MT in 2023-24 and 91.04 in 2024-25. The second highest was in Tamil Nadu with 3,001.39 MT damaged in 2024-25, as only 7 MY in 2023-24 bringing its total to 3,008.39 MT. Then followed by Haryana at 2,511-MT loss in 2023-24, Uttar Pradesh the highest 2,254.32 MT in 2024-25, before that 2 MT in 2023-24, 47 MT in 2022-23, 78 MT in 2021-22 and 69 MT in 2020-21 taking its overall figure to 2,450.32 MT. Meanwhile, Maharashtra recorded an accumulated 2,856.68 MT of damaged stock over five years, including highest 1,985.68 MT in 2024-25 and Odisha reported 1,157 MT, mostly from 1,145 MT in 2020-21. But Punjab recorded the sharpest single-year damage, several other states reported sizeable losses. Also year-wise and commodity-wise assessments of damaged wheat and rice along with valuation were given. The highest recorded value of damaged food grains in the period was for rice in 2024-25, amounting to Rs 13.06 crore, linked to 0.072 lakh tonnes of damaged stock against an off take of 259.55 lakh tonne, translating to a 0.028% loss. For 2023-24, rice damage stood at 0.012 lakh tonnes, valued at Rs 2.06 crore. Wheat losses were recorded as 0.01 lakh tonnes in 2020-21, 0.004 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, and 0.0067 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, with corresponding values of Rs 0.64 crore, Rs 0.46 crore, and Rs 0.814 crore. The reply also stated that no central pool foodgrains got damaged due to insufficient FCI godowns. The overall storage capacity of Punjab is 174 lakh MT, comprising 124 lakh MT under the Food Corporation of India and another 49 LMT with state agencies.
Delhi fourth most polluted city in India; all top 10 cities from Haryana, UP: Study
CHANDIGARH: Delhi ranked fourth among the most polluted cities in the country in November, as per a report released by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Ghaziabad topped the list, followed by Noida, Bahadurgarh, Delhi, Hapur, Greater Noida, Baghpat, Sonipat, Meerut and Rohtak. Despite a significant reduction in stubble-burning, 20 out of 29 cities in National Capital Region (NCR) recorded higher pollution levels than the previous year. Punjab and Haryana had been blamed in the past for being the primary cause of air pollution in the NCR; the two states have registered an 80 to 90 per cent drop in farm fire cases over the last four years. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)s November 2025 Monthly Air Quality Snapshot, draws data from real-time continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) PM2.5. The report indicates a substantial deterioration in air quality across the country. Ghaziabad emerged as the most polluted city in the country in November this year with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 224 g/m, violating the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) on every day of the month, the report stated. It further said the city experienced 19 Very Poor days, 10 Severe days, and one Poor day. The report further reads, Uttar Pradesh accounted for six of the top ten cities, followed by Haryana with three, along with Delhi. All cities in the top 10 list recorded higher PM2.5 levels than the previous year, except for Delhi. Delhi ranked as the fourth most polluted city, recording a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 215 g/m in November, about twice its October level of 107 g/m. The city experienced 23 Very Poor days, six Severe days, and one Poor day throughout November, the report stated. Despite widespread pollution, the contribution of stubble burning was an average of 7 per cent in November, down from 20 per cent last year. Peak contributions of stubble burning reached 22 per cent, significantly lower than 38 per cent recorded in the previous year. Except for Bahadurgarh, none of the top ten cities recorded even a single day within the safe daily NAAQS limit. Several other cities, including Charkhi Dadri, Bulandshahr, Jind, Muzaffarnagar, Gurgaon, Khurja, Bhiwani, Karnal, Yamunanagar and Faridabad, also recorded PM2.5 levels above NAAQS every day of the month. Sonipat recorded very poor' air quality with PM 2.5 at 121-250 g/m on 29 of the 30 days, while Bahadurgarh remained the second most polluted with a PM 2.5 average of 215 g/m, it added. While seven cities of Punjab exceeded the standard as Mandi Gobindgarh was the most polluted in Punjab with PM 2.5 at 93 g/m. Despite a significant reduction in stubble-burning influence, 20 out of 29 NCR cities recorded higher pollution levels than the previous year, and many still did not register a single day within NAAQS limits. This clearly indicates that the dominant drivers are year-round sources such as transport, industry, power plants, and other combustion sources. Without sector-specific emission cuts, cities will continue to breach standards, said Manoj Kumar, analyst at CREA. At the state level, Rajasthan had the largest number of polluted cities, with 23 of 34 exceeding the NAAQS in November. Haryana had 22 of 25 such cities, while Uttar Pradesh had 14 of 20 above the standard. Pollution levels were also high across other states, with 9 of 12 cities in Madhya Pradesh, 9 of 14 in Odisha, and 7 of 8 in Punjab recording concentrations above NAAQS.
NEW DELHI: The stage is set for a high-voltage debate in Parliament as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi will lead the Oppositions discussion on electoral reforms and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Other speakers from Congress include general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Varsha Gaikwad, Mohammed Jawaid, Ujjwal Raman Singh, Isha Khan Choudhury, Mallu Ravi, Imran Masood, Gowaal Padavi and Jothimani. While a total of ten hours has been allotted for the entire discussion, Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal is scheduled to reply to the debate on Wednesday. During the debate, Rahul Gandhi is expected to raise the issue of vote theft and the accountability of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The issue has been one of the central themes of his recent political campaigning. Gandhi and the broader Opposition have repeatedly alleged that discrepancies in voter rolls, manipulation of electoral procedures, and selective enforcement by the ECI to undermine the elections. Over the past year, Gandhi has held several press conferences alleging discrepancies in voter rolls and electoral procedures in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Karnataka, and systematic attempts to suppress or distort the results. He has alleged large-scale deletions, duplicate entries in voter list revisions. During the debate, the Opposition is also expected to raise the contentious issue of alleged pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the voter list re-verification drive. The matter escalated into a major political flashpoint after reports emerged of several BLOs dying, some by suicide, others under various circumstances that are still being scrutinized. These incidents sparked widespread concern among field officials with several BLOs alleging excessive workload and unrealistic targets. Since the Winter Session began on December 1, the Opposition parties have come together to stage protests both inside and outside Parliament for two consecutive days demanding a debate on electoral reforms and the SIR), and protections for frontline electoral staff. After multiple rounds of discussions between the government and Opposition floor leaders, a consensus was finally reached to hold a debate this week covering the national song Vande Mataram , the broader framework of electoral reforms, and specific issues linked to the SIR. On Monday, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to hold a debate on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram . Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the discussion in the House, while Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, is expected to open the debate from the Opposition benches. Other Speakers from Congress include party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Manipur MP Dr Bimol Akoijam, Praniti Shinde, Prashant Padole, Chamala Reddy and Korba MP Jyotsana Mahant. PM Modi to initiate debate on Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha on Monday The BJP has been allotted three hours for its interventions in the Lok Sabha debate, while a total of ten hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion. The Rajya Sabha will take up the debate on Vande Mataram on Tuesday, where the Home Minister will lead the discussion. The debate on Vande Mataram is likely to see fireworks as the Congress and the ruling BJP have been locking horns over the latters allegations that important stanzas of the national song were dropped in 1937, which sowed the seeds of partition. While inaugurating the year-long commemoration of Vande Mataram to mark 150 years of the national song, PM Modi, in his speech, said that a divisive mindset is still a challenge for the country.
Rahul Gandhi to lead Opposition debate on SIR in Lok Sabha
NEW DELHI: The stage is set for a high-voltage debate in Parliament as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi will lead the Oppositions discussion on electoral reforms and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Other speakers from Congress include general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, Manish Tewari, Varsha Gaikwad, Mohammed Jawaid, Ujjwal Raman Singh, Isha Khan Choudhury, Mallu Ravi, Imran Masood, Gowaal Padavi and Jothimani. While a total of ten hours has been allotted for the entire discussion, Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal is scheduled to reply to the debate on Wednesday. During the debate, Rahul Gandhi is expected to raise the issue of vote theft and the accountability of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The issue has been one of the central themes of his recent political campaigning. Gandhi and the broader Opposition have repeatedly alleged that discrepancies in voter rolls, manipulation of electoral procedures, and selective enforcement by the ECI to undermine the elections. Over the past year, Gandhi has held several press conferences alleging discrepancies in voter rolls and electoral procedures in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Karnataka, and systematic attempts to suppress or distort the results. He has alleged large-scale deletions, duplicate entries in voter list revisions. During the debate, the Opposition is also expected to raise the contentious issue of alleged pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the voter list re-verification drive. The matter escalated into a major political flashpoint after reports emerged of several BLOs dying, some by suicide, others under various circumstances that are still being scrutinized. These incidents sparked widespread concern among field officials with several BLOs alleging excessive workload and unrealistic targets. Since the Winter Session began on December 1, the Opposition parties have come together to stage protests both inside and outside Parliament for two consecutive days demanding a debate on electoral reforms and the SIR), and protections for frontline electoral staff. After multiple rounds of discussions between the government and Opposition floor leaders, a consensus was finally reached to hold a debate this week covering the national song Vande Mataram , the broader framework of electoral reforms, and specific issues linked to the SIR. On Monday, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to hold a debate on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram . Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the discussion in the House, while Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, is expected to open the debate from the Opposition benches. Other Speakers from Congress include party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Deepender Hooda, Manipur MP Dr Bimol Akoijam, Praniti Shinde, Prashant Padole, Chamala Reddy and Korba MP Jyotsana Mahant. PM Modi to initiate debate on Vande Mataram in Lok Sabha on Monday The BJP has been allotted three hours for its interventions in the Lok Sabha debate, while a total of ten hours has been earmarked for the entire discussion. The Rajya Sabha will take up the debate on Vande Mataram on Tuesday, where the Home Minister will lead the discussion. The debate on Vande Mataram is likely to see fireworks as the Congress and the ruling BJP have been locking horns over the latters allegations that important stanzas of the national song were dropped in 1937, which sowed the seeds of partition. While inaugurating the year-long commemoration of Vande Mataram to mark 150 years of the national song, PM Modi, in his speech, said that a divisive mindset is still a challenge for the country.
Charges against deputy speakers personal secretary spark political storm in Haryana
Haryana CM directs rooftop solar installations on all government buildings
Low sittings, key legislations: 25 years on, three state Assemblies present a mixed record
NEW DELHI: Twenty-five years after they were carved out of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, respectively, the Legislative Assemblies of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand have entered a milestone year with a troubling record: some of the lowest numbers of sitting days in the country. Data compiled since their formation in 2000 shows that Chhattisgarhs Assembly met for an average of just 29 days a year, while Jharkhand averaged only 23 sitting days, among the lowest for any State legislature in India. Uttarakhands records remain incomplete for long stretches, including the years 20002015 and 2025, making long-term assessment difficult. These figures fall far short of the recommended national benchmark of 60 sitting days for State legislatures, raising concerns about legislative scrutiny and democratic engagement. The challenges extend beyond sitting days. In all three State Assemblies, the post of Deputy Speaker remained vacant for prolonged periods, signalling what legislators describe as institutional neglect and a weakening of bipartisan norms. Jharkhand has gone over 20 years without a Deputy Speaker, an absence that many members believe undermines legislative balance and accountability. Despite these structural gaps, some States have taken important legislative steps worth emulating. Chhattisgarh, which has 21% women MLAs, one of the strongest representations in the country enacted notable laws in its early years. A 2002 law that enabled private universities to be created through simple notification resulted in over 100 universities being established, but critics point out that many existed only on paper. The Supreme Court struck it down in 2004, flagging serious quality concerns. A decade later, Chhattisgarh passed its own Food Security Act (2012), which became a reference point and model for the national legislation enacted in 2013. Jharkhand was among the first States to introduce 75% reservation for local candidates in private-sector jobs, a move later mirrored by Andhra Pradesh and Haryana. Courts struck down Haryanas law in 2023, and challenges remain pending in other States. Uttarakhand, meanwhile, passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in 2024, becoming the first State to implement it. Supporters hailed it as a step toward equality, while critics warned that it risked disrupting social equilibrium and overlooking community practices. Legislators across the three States agree that democratic functioning demands consistent sittings, procedural stability and open debate. Many acknowledge that confrontational politics, repeated adjournments and legislative delays have eroded the Assemblys core responsibilities. As the three States complete 25 years, expectations from State legislatures are rising. Citizens increasingly demand more time spent in the House, faster decisions on longstanding issues, stronger oversight and dependable forums where public concerns can be voiced and debated. The next quarter-century, lawmakers say, must be defined not by institutional gaps but by a renewed commitment to democratic performance.
Ghaziabad tops list of most polluted cities in November; NCR dominates rankings
Ghaziabad recorded the highest pollution levels in November. The National Capital Region dominated the list of most polluted cities. Air quality remained poor across many cities in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Stubble burning's impact was lower than last year. Persistent pollution sources like vehicles and industries are driving these levels. Shillong in Meghalaya was the cleanest city.
Punjab LoP moves HC seeking extension of nomination deadline for Zila Parishad, Block Samiti polls
CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking an extension of the last date for filing nomination papers for Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections. They are alleging that widespread incidents of tearing, snatching and destruction of nomination forms on December 4 had prevented several candidates from filing valid nomination forms Also, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demanded that the deadline for filing nominations in all areas where there were complaints of highhandedness and discrimination should be extended to allow for free and fair polls. In his petition, Bajwa maintained, Cases of illegal detentions, persons being waylaid and picked up, and candidates not allowed to reach the venue, etc., took place. There were videos and photos captured that showed persons running away with candidates nomination papers, fights taking place, brawls breaking out, candidates not allowed to reach the venue, NOCs not issued, and officials concerned nowhere to be found, Bajwa added. If, during an election, the very police that are supposed to ensure free and fair elections would start indulging in the abuse of power, undermining the law of the land and restraining the Opposition candidates from filing nomination papers, the faith of the people would be shaken in the democratic process. Therefore, an immediate time-bound investigation is initiated by a Central agency in the matter concerned, he said. Punjab Congress leader Warring accuses AAP government of patronising gangsters to win elections Bajwa sought directions to the State Election Commission to constitute an independent monitoring mechanism or appoint observers to ensure peaceful, fair and transparent polls. He also pressed for an inquiry by the CBI or any other Central agency into the conduct of Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, following the surfacing of an alleged audio recording purportedly directing police personnel among other things to disrupt the nomination process. Advocate Arshpreet Khadial appeared for Bajwa before the Chief Justice to make an oral mention. The request was allowed by the High Court, and now the matter will be taken up on December 8. Senior SAD party leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema also called for nomination of independent Observers for the polls, besides demanding stringent action, including charge sheeting of police and civil officials who had vitiated the election atmosphere by acting as stooges of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The party will also submit the names of Returning Officers who have acted in a partisan manner and rejected forms of opposition leaders en masse, and appeal that they should not be put on duty in the general elections in 2027. Cheema also came down heavily on the State Election Commission (SEC). Buzz over former Punjab CM Amarinder's advocacy for BJP-SAD alliance sparks possibilities of revival of ties He said it was condemnable that at a time when democracy was being murdered in the State, and the SEC had chosen to look away. This raises disturbing questions about the integrity of the SEC as it has failed to supervise the elections fairly and impartially and has also refused to take action against police officers, including Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, who specifically directed police officials to stop opposition candidates from reaching the offices of Returning Officers by resorting to illegal and unconstitutional means. Meanwhile, giving details of mass-level rejection of SAD candidates, Cheema said that in the case of Tarn Taran, out of 72 Zila Parishad seats, forms of party candidates had been rejected in 41 seats. He said in case of Block Samitis, in Tarn Taran, 31 forms across 63 seats had been rejected, in Gandiwind 37 forms across 52 seats, in Khadoor Sahib 43 forms across 151 seats, in Patti 56 forms across 75 seats, in Bhikhiwind 77 forms across 100 seats, in Valtoha 56 forms across 78 seats and in Naushehra Pannuan 40 forms across 83 seats had been rejected. Cheema said similarly in the Block Samiti seats in Majitha, 12 SAD candidates were not allowed to file nominations. He said in Bhoa and Zira, no SAD candidate was allowed to file a nomination. He said in Raja Sansi candidature of 25 out of the 35 SAD contestants were rejected for the Block Samiti elections, and in the case of Baba Bakala, 18 forms across 49 seats were rejected. He also disclosed how in Fatehgarh Churian, 2 forms out of 4 Zila Parishad seats and 14 forms across 25 Block Samiti seats were rejected. He also added that a large number of SAD candidates were not allowed to file their nominations in Qadian, Jaitu, Ghanaur, Nurpur Bedi, Patran, Khanauri, Jandiala and Ajnala
Punjab loses 12k hectares of farm land, Haryana gains 59k: Centre
Haryana amends guideline on foreign visits of officers
Central Govt makes U-turn, cancels Gang Canal anniversary celebration fearing backlash in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: With Punjab Assembly elections just 14 months away and fearing political backlash, the BJP-led Union Government made a U-turn by cancelling the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Gang Canal, which had been scheduled for today at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur. The canal carries water from Punjab to parts of Rajasthan, and the event was considered politically sensitive. This marks the fourth reversal in a little over a month by the Centre in order to avoid further controversy. Sources said Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Member of Parliament from Bikaner, had landed at Amritsar International Airport on Thursday evening en route to Ferozepur. However, he did not leave the terminal and instead boarded a return flight after reportedly being asked to return. According to sources, the decision was taken because holding the event risked unrest, with farmers and political parties preparing protests against the celebrations. Senior Punjab BJP leaders had also alerted the central leadership that proceeding with the event could turn sour for the party in the state. Already the intelligence agencies had warned that Meghwals visit might lead to protests once news of the function became public late yesterday, said an official. Punjab BJP leader Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, formerly with the Congress, had been organising the event at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district, where the canal originates. For many Punjabis, the mention of the Gang Canal reopens a century-old wound. Sources said top state leaders of the saffron party had instructed the central leadership that the state unit should not be associated with the event. The party has nothing to do with this program, as the interests of the state are paramount, it was an individual event organised by Rana Sodhi. We told the central leadership how this can backfire for the party in the state, and thus the minister was then accordingly instructed by the centre to return. We are grateful that the centre understood the sensitivity of the issue well in time, as the Gang Canal is a contentious issue in Punjab due to water sharing concern, said a senior party leader on condition of anonymity. Despite repeated attempts, Rana Sodhi was not available for comment. Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa had already condemned the BJP for its insensitive and politically provocative decision to celebrate the centenary of the Gang Canal from Punjab's soil. The BJP has once again demonstrated its disconnect from Punjab's history and the emotions of its people, he said. Bajwa reminded that the Gang Canal was constructed by the British in the early 20th century, primarily to appease the Maharaja of Bikaner, whose loyalty to the British Crown was rewarded through generous allocations of Punjab's river waters. To organise a celebratory event on Punjab's land is nothing short of reopening these painful wounds, he said. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, Punjabs water crisis cannot be papered over with staged events and speeches. The BJP is glorifying a canal that historically drained Punjabs waters, while our fields remain parched. We are not against acknowledging history, but against hypocrisy. First, safeguard Punjabs water rights, fix the canal system, stop water theft, and ensure clean water for every farmer only then celebrate. The Gang Canal project, inaugurated on December 5, 1925 and named after Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, was built to address famine and irrigation issues in the Bikaner region. Stretching 1,398 kilometers including distributaries, the canal runs along the northeastern Indo-Pak border and remains a vital water source for both regions. This is not the first reversal by the Union Government in the recent past. Earlier, it withdrew the notification regarding the Panjab University senate and syndicate polls, clarified that no final decision had been taken on the proposed bill to include Chandigarh under Article 240 (which would allow the President to appoint a separate Lieutenant Governor for the Union Territory), and rejected the Haryana governments proposal to construct a separate Assembly building in Chandigarh.
4 Kids Killed In 2 Years: How 28-Year-Old Poonam Plotted A Murder Spree In Her Own Family
A series of child deaths once seen as accidents now point to a disturbing pattern within a Haryana family, as police uncover a relative's alleged role in the murders
Northern India shivers as temperatures plunge; Delhi chokes under very poor air
North India continued to reel under sharp winter conditions on Friday, with large parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana recording minimum temperatures well below normal, even as Kashmir saw a brief improvement in the cold due to overcast skies. Delhi, meanwhile, remained choked under very poor air quality as a cold wave was forecast for the day. Rajasthan recorded the lowest temperature in the region, with Fatehpur in Sikar district plunging to 1.9C on Friday morning. The Jaipur Meteorological Centre said minimum temperatures stayed below 10 degrees Celsius across several districts, including Sikar at 3C, Nagaur at 3.1C, Lunkaransar at 3.2C, Churu at 4.5C and Pilani at 4.8C. Dry conditions are likely to persist over most parts of the state for the next week, it added. Bone-chilling cold also gripped Punjab and Haryana. Faridkot, at 3C, was the coldest among the two states. In Punjab, Bathinda recorded 3.2C, while Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur reported lows between 5.5C and 6.2C. In neighbouring Haryana, Narnaul was the coldest at 3.5C, while Hisar recorded 3.7C. Karnal, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Sirsa registered temperatures ranging between 5.4C and 7.7C. Chandigarh, the shared capital, reported a minimum of 6.1C. Kashmir, however, witnessed an improvement in night temperatures as cloud cover pushed the mercury above those recorded in recent days. Srinagar, which had plunged to 4C the previous night, recorded a low of 0.4Cover four degrees higher. Qazigund reported 0.2C, Kupwara 0.2C, Kokernag 0.8C, Pahalgam 1.8C and Gulmarg 0C. Konibal in Pulwama district remained the coldest in the Union Territory at 3C. The weather office said light snowfall is possible in the higher reaches later on Friday, while another brief spell is likely on December 8. In Delhi, there was no respite from toxic air as the Air Quality Index stood at 323 at 9 am, firmly in the very poor category. Bawana recorded the highest AQI in the city at 373, while 30 monitoring stations reported very poor levels. The capital saw fluctuating pollution levels through the week, with the AQI rising from 279 on Sunday to 372 on Tuesday before settling at 304 on Thursday. The IMD said a cold wave is expected through the day, with the minimum temperature dipping to 5.6C, nearly four degrees below normal. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 22C, while relative humidity touched 100% in the morning. (With inputs from PTI)
Haryana Medical Officer notification released for over 400 posts: Check details here
The Haryana Health Department has issued the 2025 Medical Officer (HCMS-I) recruitment notification, outlining strict eligibility rules and document requirements. Applicants must hold an MBBS degree, permanent medical registration, and knowledge of Hindi or Sanskrit, with preference for MD/MS or NMC-approved PG diplomas. The application window runs from December 8, 2025 to January 7, 2026.
Haryana Common Entrance Test 2025 Group C Result Out, Download Scorecard Here
HSSC CET 2025 Group C Result Out: According to the qualifying criteria, general category candidates must secure at least 50% marks, while reserved category candidates need a minimum of 40% marks for selection.
Major Mohit Sharma displayed immense courage and sacrifice for India. Born in Rohtak, Haryana, he served in elite forces. He received the Sena Medal for an undercover operation. In his final battle in Kupwara, he rescued soldiers and neutralised terrorists. Major Sharma was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra for his supreme sacrifice. His life inspires many.
Killer mom: Kin blame tantrik' angle; Haryana police blame mental illness
Haryana minister Anil Vij listens to public complaints, directs action
Punjab & Haryana HC initiative to help Burail jail inmates get new skills
Watch: Despite new bans and committees, why is Delhis air is still toxic?
Delhi is choking once again but this time, stubble burning isnt to blame. In this explainer, we break down why air pollution remains dangerously high despite a 90% drop in farm fires across Punjab and Haryana.
Haryana woman saved with donor heart from 61-yr-old Gurgaon man
CHANDIGARH: A major political storm has erupted in Punjab ahead of the upcoming Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections as the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers stopped their candidates from filing nominations for the upcoming polls on the last day before the deadline ended. Alleging abuse of power by the ruling AAP government, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, This shows that the AAP has lost ground and has seen the writing on the wall. That is why it's resorting to such desperate attempts to misuse police and official machinery. He said if the government was confident about its performance, why did it need to use such tactics. This only reveals the sense of panic, desperation and frustration as the government has realized its support was eroding, he added. Earlier, during an informal interaction with reporters, Warring said the abuse of police and government machinery is a hallmark of the AAP government in Punjab. He said what was purportedly being discussed by police in an audio clip that went viral was already happening all over Punjab and being recorded by the public. He alleged that a Congress leader, whose wife was scheduled to file nomination papers, was picked up by the area SHO illegally detained for the entire night. Meanwhile, the SAD filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday to register a FIR against Patiala SSP Varun Sharma as well as order his immediate suspension pending a CBI probe into the audio clip released earlier by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. In the clip, the SSP is purportedly heard directing the district police force in a conference call to prevent opposition candidates, particularly those from the SAD, from reaching the office of the Returning Officer to file their nomination papers. Badal alleged that similar directions had been issued to the police force across the state at the instance of the Aam Aadmi Party government and demanded the intervention of the Election Commission besides approaching the high court. The court has issued a notice to the state government as well as the State Election Commission for Monday. The petition, filed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by former legislator Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, sought urgent judicial safeguards to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections to the Block Samitis and Zila Parishads in the state. The petition called for deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) or independent observers until the completion of the elections and counting process in Patiala district. Following the circulation of the purported audio clip, the Patiala Police issued a strong clarification, stating that it is fake and AI-generated. In an official statement, the police said the clip was created with malicious intent to mislead the public, spread disinformation, and disturb law and order during the election period. Appropriate and stringent legal action will be taken against the culprits, it said. Urging citizens not to fall for doctored or fabricated content, the Patiala Police reaffirmed that they remain fully committed to ensuring free and fair elections. Meanwhile, BJP Punjab General Secretary Anil Sareen alleged that the AAP government in Punjab, fearing defeat in the upcoming Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections, is utilizing the police machinery and civil officers, much like its party workers. Pressure is being created on opposition candidates to stop them from filing nomination papers. Not only this, in several constituencies, the police have been conducting raids on candidates houses, locking their gates, picking up family members, tearing their documents, and blocking roads to obstruct their movement, he said. Sareen said, The police are no longer upholding the law. They are functioning like the AAPs B-team. He also showed a purported audio clip in which the police were seen picking up Vikas Pandey, husband of BJP candidate Priyanka Pandey, from Jandali in Patiala district, at around 5 a.m., and incidents of tearing the nomination papers of candidates in Rajpura and Ghanaur. Alleging that the AAP government is indulging in dirty politics, Sareen claimed that a systematic plan is being executed to prevent opposition candidates from filing their nomination papers.
here . CCDC field staff collecting samples from a patient Excess dietary salt intake is a major preventable risk factor for hypertension and CVDs. Thus, salt reduction is recommended by most global health organizations and the National NCD Action Plan as a key strategy to reduce CVDs. Reducing the salt intake by 30% by 2025 is among the WHO's nine voluntary global targets. The most recent WHO status report shows that the world is far behind in achieving this target. Prof. (Dr) Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director, CCDC and senior author of the study, explained the relevance of these findings and population study in the context of national efforts to combat the global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) reported in India. He said, “ One of the major concerns in terms of reducing salt intake is whether it would impact iodine consumption, given that there is a mandatory fortification of salt with iodine to prevent hypothyroidism and goitre. However, this study clearly shows that even with reduced sodium intake, iodine intake remains adequate, and the fear that lowering sodium intake will reduce iodine intake is misplaced. It is crucial, as a public health measure, to reduce sodium to reduce the prevalence of hypertension in the population. To give a context, more than 300 million Indians live with hypertension. And one of the most essential lifestyle measures is reducing salt intake. In this regard, the study has provided major insights: reducing salt intake will not adversely affect iodine intake.” Speaking about the findings, Professor Sailesh Mohan, Deputy Director & Head-CVD Epidemiology, CCDC, and one of the senior study authors, said , “Salt intake is high in India, and its reduction through population-wide efforts is an urgent imperative to control the rising burden of hypertension, which affects a third of Indian adults. This study’s findings provide much-needed evidence to indicate that salt reduction to recommended levels is unlikely to impact iodine levels among adults.” Study Design and Findings This study aimed to estimate the daily salt and iodine consumption levels of the adult population in India and examine the effect of the WHO-recommended salt intake levels on iodine levels. The study sites were selected to include slum and non-slum urban and rural areas. The urban part of the survey was conducted in Delhi, and the rural part in Faridabad, Haryana. Participant recruitment was done using a stratified random sampling method to recruit individuals from urban, urban slum, and rural areas, from 6 age and sex groups. Iodine in salt, which was collected from 205 households, was estimated by iodometric titration with sodium thiosulfate. All samples were analyzed in triplicate with two levels of controls. The intra- and interassay coefficient of variation were 1.39% and 1.42%, respectively Key Takeaways A cross-sectional study was conducted in Delhi and Haryana, India, among adults aged ≥20 years, and 24-hour urine samples were collected to assess the salt and iodine levels. Sample - The mean salt intake was 8.07 g/d (95% confidence interval: 7.03, 9.11), median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 167.8 μg/L (102.63–284.5), and the mean urinary iodine excretion (UIE) was 276.1 μg/ 24h (254.5–297.8). Observation - Analysis to assess iodine intake adequacy by salt intake levels indicated that the median UIC, as well as UIE, were adequate when salt intake was as per the WHO- WHO-recommended level, i.e., ≤5 g/d. The conclusion was that even at the WHO-recommended salt intake levels, population iodine intake in this study population was adequate, likely indicating that upward titration in iodine concentration in salt may not be required. Conclusion - Thus, current salt reduction recommendations are unlikely to impact iodine supplementation efforts, indicating compatibility between the 2 interventions, which should be continuously monitored through robust surveillance. This study demonstrates that in India, where universal salt iodization is mandatory, a reduction in salt intake to WHO’s recommended levels of ≤ 5 g/d does not compromise the level of iodine intake among participants as measured by 24-h UIC and UIE in adults. These findings provide strong support for the WHO’s recommendations to reduce population salt intake to prevent hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, and also allay concerns regarding the requirement of an upward iodine titration in salt to account for the reduced dietary salt intake. Thus, current salt reduction recommendations are unlikely to impact iodine supplementation efforts, indicating compatibility between the 2 interventions. The study protocol was approved by the Indian Health Ministry’s Screening Committee and the ethics committee of the Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi. It was supported by a funding award made by the Global Alliance for Chronic Disease through the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC). About CCDC The Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) is leading efforts to transform public health and empower public health professionals to combat the growing challenge of chronic diseases across India and low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Established in 2000 as a non-profit scientific organization, this Delhi-based organization has been working alongside the Government of India (GoI) to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in India.
Panipat Police arrest a 32-year-old woman who confessed to killing four children three nieces and her own son by drowning them. Her hatred for beautiful girls drove the murders. One mistake at a wedding finally exposed her crimes.
US deported 3,258 Indian nationals in 2025; 18,822 since 2009: EAM Jaishankar tells Parliament
The United States has deported as many as 18,822 Indian nationals since 2009, including 3,258 this year since January 2025, the Union government told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Responding to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said state governments and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have also investigated cases of human trafficking , in which Punjab has the maximum number of cases. Since 2009, a total of 18,822 Indian nationals have been deported to India, the minister informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question. He said 617 Indians had been deported in 2023, and as many as 1,368 were deported in 2024. Since January 2025, a total of 3,258 Indian nationals have been deported by the United States to India. Of these, 2,032 individuals (approximately 62.3 per cent) were deported on regular commercial flights, while the remaining 1,226 (37.6 per cent) arrived on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operated charter flights. 'Main pagal nahi hoon': How an Indian youth's deportation shook the US citizen in me Replying to supplementaries, the minister said the NIA established some years ago an anti-human trafficking division, and it has today a mandate to cover human trafficking. State governments have also launched investigations into human trafficking cases, he noted. The NIA has registered and investigated 27 human trafficking cases, resulting in 169 arrests and chargesheets against 132 individuals. The NIA arrested two important traffickers in Haryana and Punjab on August 7 and then in Himachal Pradesh, two more people on October 2, the minister informed. Jaishankar said, as far as state governments are concerned, The maximum number of trafficking cases is from the state of Punjab. The Punjab government has constituted an SIT and a fact-finding committee. As per information given by them to us, 25 FIRs have been registered against 58 illegal travel agents, and 16 accused have been arrested. In the case of state of Haryana, 2,325 cases have been registered and 44 FIRs have been registered and 27 people have been arrested. Also, one significant trafficker has been arrested by the state of Gujarat, he said. Jaishankar said the Ministry of External Affairs remains engaged with the US side to ensure the humane treatment of deportees during US ICE/CBP deportation operations. The Ministry has strongly registered its concerns with the US authorities on the treatment of deportees , particularly with respect to the use of shackles, especially on women and children, the minister told the house in his written reply. No instance of shackling of women and children has been brought to the notice of this Ministry since the 5th February deportation flight, he said. Jaishankar said the US authorities have conveyed that the Restraining Policy for US deportation flights is in place since 19 November 2012 as part of the Standard Operating Procedure of the ICE. They have also conveyed that their policy of shackling deportees is followed to ensure the safety and security of all passengers on these flights. In the past, they claim that there have been instances of violence by deportees against fellow deportees and supporting crew members on such deportation flights. While women and minors are generally not shackled, the flight officer in charge of a deportation flight, in the interest of the safety of the mission, has the final say on the matter, he said. It is also pertinent to note that wanted criminals and gangsters who have been accused of terrorism, homicide, attempt to murder, extortion, etc., have also been removed on these deportation flights. In India's case, absconding criminals such as Lakhwinder Singh and Anmol Bishnoi , against whom lookout notices and arrest warrants have been issued by our law enforcement agencies, have been brought back on such deportation flights, the minister said in his written reply. UNHCR chief says US deportation practices violate the law Based on the accounts and testimonies given by returning deportees, he said the Central and respective State Governments along with the relevant law enforcement agencies, have registered a number of cases, and investigations as well as actions are ongoing against several illegal immigration agents, criminal facilitators and human trafficking syndicates that run these rackets. On a specific case of one Harjit Kaur (73) who was deported by US on February 25, the minister told the member that even though she was not handcuffed, she was maltreated during her detention and the matter was raised by them with the US authorities. Whenever any flight with deportees comes, the deportees are invariably interviewed by the officials of the Goverment of India. In this case, our immigration officers have confirmed that she was not handcuffed. We have seen reports reportaining to this, he said. While Harjit Kaur was not handcuffed, she was maltreated. She was maltreated in detention before she was put on the flight. On September 26, we have officially taken up her maltreatment with the American Embassy. We have made clear our very strong concern about the manner of her treatment and have asked the American authorities to look into this matter, Jaishankar told the house. Around the world, migrants are being deported at alarming rates how did this become normalised?
Haryana Environment Minister Admits Air Quality Index Machines Show Incorrect Data
Rao Narbir Singh said that most devices cannot display readings beyond 500 AQI, even when the actual pollution may be far higher.
Haryana killer mom: A woman in Haryana's Panipat has been arrested for killing four children, including her own son, police said. Poonam had a disturbing pattern of targetting children she thought were etter looking than her own. At a wedding, she killed her six-year-old niece Vidhi by drowning her in a bath tub and later confessed to the crime when caught.
Haryana Horror: Poonam's Beauty Complex And 4 Dead Children In 2 Years
Poonam the Haryana woman accused of killing four children, including her son first tried to commit murder in 2021; the chosen victim was her niece, Vidhi, then just two-years-old.
NIA conducts multi-State searches to probe arms smuggling to Bihar
Searches were being conducted in 22 places across Haryana, Bihar and Haryana, officials said
MP records higher stubble burning than 5 states
BHOPAL: As the country grapples with worsening air quality, it has been revealed that Madhya Pradeshthe home state of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhanis contributing the maximum to stubble burning. According to the recent statistics pertaining to monitoring paddy residue burning in the country via satellite remote sensing, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) detected as many as 33,028 active burning events in six study states. The six study states are: Punjab, Haryana, UP, Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. As per the recent report, out of the 33,028 active fire events detected across the six states, a maximum 17,067 or 52% events was detected in MP. Importantly, these 17,067 active burning events detected in MP, between September 15 and November 30, 2025, were more than the collective 15,961 similar active events reported in the same period in the five other states. Among the five other states, 5,114 burning events were detected in Punjab, 662 in Haryana, 7290 in UP, just 5 in Delhi and 2,890 in Rajasthan. Similar picture was revealed when it came to 292 crop residue active burning events detected in the six study states on November 30. MP again attained the top position with 160 burning events, which was more than the total 132 burning events in the 5 other states. Burning events detected in the 5 other states on November 30, included 2 in Punjab, 3 in Punjab, 125 in UP, nil in Delhi, and just 2 in Rajasthan. Further analysis of the crop residue burning events detected through the satellite remote sensing technology recently revealed that the Gwalior-Chambal region contributed the maximum to stubble burning in the forest-rich central Indian state. Out of the 17,067 active burning events between September 15 and November 30, a maximum 2,643 were reported in Sheopur district, which borders Rajasthan. As many as 1,930 events were detected in Gwalior district, followed by 1,797 events in the adjoining Datia. Other districts of the same region where significant active burning events were detected included Ashoknagar (506) and 64 in Morena. Raging menace Using satellite remote sensing, ICAR detected 33,028 paddy residue burning events across six states between Sept 15 and November 20, 2025 The six states are Punjab, Haryana , Uttar Pradesh ,Delhi , Rajasthan , Madhya Pradesh MPs 17,067 incidents exceeded the combined 15,961 fires reported by the other five states The other states reported Punjab - 5,114 Haryana - 662 Uttar Pradesh - 7,290 Delhi - 5 Rajasthan - 2,890 Burning events in the five states on Nov 30: Punjab 2, Haryana 3, UP 125 Delhi 0, Rajasthan 2.
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for very heavy rainfall in coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala, with schools in Chennai and Tiruvallur closed due to incessant rain. Meanwhile, parts of North India are experiencing cold wave conditions and dense fog, impacting mobility and traffic. The IMD has warned of cold wave conditions for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and north Rajasthan.
Haryana CM Saini hits out at Mamata-led TMC government in Bengal; says targeting Hindus
CM Saini said that despite West Bengal having a woman Chief Minister, the condition of women in the state wassuffering and their situation was deteriorating
A chilling child murder spree has been uncovered in Haryana, with a 34-year-old woman, Poonam, confessing to drowning at least four children, including her own toddler son. Driven by an urge to kill children more attractive than her own, she meticulously staged the deaths as accidents. The latest victim was a six-year-old girl at a wedding.
Haryana cops in a spot after height grows in HC-ordered re-check
JJP delegation meets Haryana governor over MDU NAAC rating, demands inquiry
Haryana man fails to pay 1 cr. for fancy number; Minister orders income check
Last week, during an online auction for the registration number HR-88-B-8888 in the Badhra subdivision of Charkhi Dadri district, the man was declared the successful bidder
ICAR data: Madhya Pradesh leads parali burning with 52% of fire events among six states
BHOPAL: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans home state, Madhya Pradesh, is contributing the maximum to parali burning (paddy residue/stubble burning) in the country, data showed. As per the recent statistics pertaining to monitoring paddy residue burning in the country via satellite remote sensing, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) said as many as 33,028 active burning events in six study states. The six study states included Punjab, Haryana, UP, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. As per the recent report, out of the 33,028 active fire events detected across the six states, a maximum 17,067 or 52% events were detected in MP. Importantly, these 17,067 active burning events detected in MP, between September 15 and November 30, 2025, were more than the collective 15,961 similar active events reported in the same period in the five other states. Among the five other states, 5,114 burning events were detected in Punjab, 662 in Haryana, 7,290 in UP, 2, 890 in Rajasthan and just five in Delhi. A similar picture was revealed when it came to 292 crop residue active burning events detected in the six study states on November 30. MP again attained the top position with 160 burning events, which was more than the total 132 burning events in the five other states. Burning events detected in the five other states on November 30, included two in Punjab, three in Punjab, 125 in UP, zero in Delhi and just two in Rajasthan. Further analysis of the crop residue burning events detected through the satellite remote sensing technology revealed that the Gwalior-Chambal region contributed the maximum to stubble burning in the forest-rich central Indian state. 'Incorrect to pass burden onto farmers': SC questions blaming stubble burning for Delhi pollution Out of the 17,067 active burning events between September 15 and November 30, a maximum of 2,643 were reported in Sheopur district, which borders Rajasthan. As many as 1,930 events were detected in Gwalior district of the same Gwalior-Chambal region, followed by 1,797 such events in the adjoining Datia district. The other districts of the same region where significant active burning events were detected included Ashoknagar (506) and Morena district (64). Even when it came to the 160 active burning events detected on November 30 in the state, Gwalior district contributed the maximum at 62. At least 98 or 61% of the total 160 active burning events in MP as on November 30 were detected in districts of Gwalior-Chambal region. Jabalpur district in Mahakoshal region, adjoining Hoshangabad district of central MP and Satna district in Vindhya region were close behind the districts of Gwalior-Chambal region. According to informed sources, MP having the dubious distinction of being the leader in paddy stubble burning isnt a new phenomenon, but has been happening at least since the last two years. The state government tabled figures related to cases registered against those indulging in Parali burning since April 2020 in the Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday. A total of 546 such cases were registered against offenders in various parts of the state in little less than five years. Out of those 546 cases, as many as 506 cases were registered between December 2023 and November 2025. According to Gwalior district collector Ruchika Chauhan, the Parali burning incidents have declined significantly this year compared to last two years, due to multi-pronged efforts by authorities, including imposing penalties ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000 based on area of cultivation, use of harvesters having machines to ensure that crop residue is negligible and sustained awareness campaigns.
Haryana Shocker: Woman Drowns Son, 3 Girls As She Didnt Want Anyone To Look Prettier Than Her
During interrogation, the woman, Poonam, allegedly told police that while pretty girls made her jealous and were her target, she killed her son in 2023 to avoid suspicion
CHANDIGARH: A Hisar resident who emerged as the successful bidder with a Rs 1.17 crore offer for the fancy vehicle number HR-88-B-8888 in an online auction held in Charkhi Dadris Badhra subdivision is now under investigation after failing to pay by the deadline. Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij on Thursday termed bidding in auctions a responsibility, not a hobby and directed transport officials to examine the bidders financial capacity and income sources. The Income Tax Department has also been asked to look into the matter. The bidder was required to make the payment by Monday after initially paying Rs 1,000 as the participation fee and Rs 10,000 as the security deposit to take part in the online bidding process. Vij said that during the recent online auction for vehicle number HR-88-B-8888, an individual placed the highest bid of Rs 1.17 crore. However, after placing the bid, the person allowed his security amount to be forfeited. Therefore, his financial capacity and source of income will now be thoroughly investigated to verify whether he was genuinely capable of bidding such a large amount, he said. The minister noted that fancy and VIP vehicle numbers in Haryana are allotted only through auctions. People often make very high bids for such numbers, not only for prestige but also because the process contributes significantly to state revenue. Expressing dissatisfaction over the incident, Vij said that participating in an auction is a serious responsibility, not a casual activity. He added that the recent incident shows some individuals are treating the auction process lightly. He said, I have issued strict instructions to Transport Department officials to check the bidders actual income and property. It must be confirmed whether the person really has the financial capacity to bid. A written request is also being sent to the Income Tax Department for a thorough investigation so that no one in the future participates in auctions on false financial claims or without sufficient economic ability.
Lado Lakshmi scheme beneficiaries in Haryana to now get financial aid quarterly
The Haryana government will now provide beneficiaries of the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana with a consolidated amount every three months. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced this change after releasing the second installment. The scheme aims to empower women financially and socially.
Woman Who Killed Son Murders 6-Year-Old Girl For Looking 'Prettier' Than Her
A woman has been arrested for murdering her 6-year-old niece in Haryana's Panipat, police said on Wednesday. The reason: she did not want anyone to look more beautiful than her.
Haryana Cancels Rs 1.17 Crore VIP Number Auction, Probe Ordered Into Bidders Financial Background
Haryana cancels the Rs 1.17 crore auction of VIP car number HR 88 B 8888 after the bidder fails to pay. Transport Minister Anil Vij orders a a detailed inquiry into the bidders assets and income and announces re-auction of the number.
Man Who Bid 1.17 Crores For HR88B8888 Number Plate Now Faces Assets Inquiry
Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij has ordered investigation into the assets and income of Sudhir Kumar, Director of transportation service Romulus Solutions Private Limited, man who bid Rs 1.17 crore for 'HR88B8888' number plate.
Banks will have to pay cyber fraud victims if, Haryana DGP makes a big announcement on online scams
Haryana DGP OP Singh stated banks may be liable for cyber fraud losses if due diligence is not followed, emphasizing proactive prevention over reactive measures. He highlighted the IT Act's mandate for banks to compensate victims in cases of negligence and announced initiatives for faster relief and cyber awareness.
Modi government has 'nearly signed death warrant' for Aravalli hills: Sonia Gandhi
NEW DELHI: Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday claimed that since coming to power, the Modi government has displayed a particularly venal streak of cynicism in relation to environmental protection, while alleging that it has now early signed a death warrant for Aravalli hills. She demanded that the government must withdraw the amendments it ulldozed through Parliament in the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 as well as the Forest Conservation Rules (2022). Gandhi said the government's declaration that any hills in the Aravalli range with an elevation of less than 100 metres are not subject to the strictures against mining is an open invitation for illegal miners and mafias to finish off 90% of the range which falls below the height limit set. The Aravalli range, which runs from Gujarat through Rajasthan and till Haryana, has long played a significant role in Indian geography and history. It has served as a barrier to the spread of desertification from the Thar Desert to the Gangetic Plains, guarded Rajasthan's proudest forts such as Chittorgarh and Ranthambore, and served as the cradle of spirituality for communities across northwest India, Gandhi said in an article published in The Hindu . The Modi Government has now nearly signed a death warrant for these hills, already denuded by illegal mining, she said. Gandhi pointed out that on the northernmost end of the Aravalli range, the national capital has embarked on its annual smog season this month. A hazy mist of dust, smoke and particulate matter has been settling down on millions of citizens as they go about their daily lives breathing in toxic air. Even as the smog becomes a part of our yearly routine, research increasingly shows that it is a full-scale, slow-motion public health tragedy. Estimates of the human toll of this pollution go as high as 34,000 deaths in just 10 cities annually, Gandhi said in her article titled Dismal state of India's environment. 'Road to hell is paved with good intentions': Congress slams government over new Aravalli definition Last week the news headlines reflected yet another evolving tragedy when the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reported that 13%-15% of tested groundwater samples in Delhi contain uranium beyond the permissible limit for human consumption, she said. Shamefully, water samples from Punjab and Haryana reflect even higher levels of uranium contamination . One does not need to dwell on the frightening health implications that regular consumption of such water for daily activities can have on impacted populations, the former Congress president said. These news items cannot be seen disparately as they are each causes and consequences of a crisis that has engulfed India in the last decade - a deep-seated and continuing disregard for the environment in government policy making, she said. Ever since coming to power, the Modi government has displayed a particularly venal streak of cynicism in relation to environmental protection, combining its proclivity to encourage the reckless exploitation of natural resources with a callous disregard for consequences on the environment, Gandhi said. The Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023 exempted large categories of land and projects from forest clearance rules, easing diversion for other purposes, she claimed. Gandhi further alleged that the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 2020 sought to dilute public hearings, expand exemptions and reduce compliance reporting. The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2018 eased construction rules along India's shorelines, opening ecologically sensitive coastal areas and fishing communities' habitats to commercial real estate and industrial activity, Gandhi said. The Environment Ministry has more often been in the news for circumventing due process and weakening regulations rather than implementing them or taking proactive measures to halt the slide, the Congress leader said. Another emerging trend has been an insidious tendency to pit the environment against the local communities that protect it, when politically convenient for the government, she said. The Forest Survey of India has been mischievously attributing the loss of forest cover over the last decade to the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, Gandhi said. Shockingly, even the Minister concerned has echoed the same claims. In June 2024, the National Tiger Conservation Authority called for the eviction of almost 65,000 families from tiger reserves across the country, she said. It was not just a breach of the spirit of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 which mandates that all relocations must be voluntary; it was also unnecessarily inimical, ranging the environment against local communities, Gandhi said. India needs a new deal for the environment. First, we must resolve to do no further harm. We must halt the large-scale deforestation that is planned or currently underway across the country: in Great Nicobar, in north Chhattisgarh's Hasdeo Aranya, and in Madhva Pradesh's Dhirauli, she said. We need to crack down on the rampant illegal mining in the Aravalli range and other eco-sensitive regions such as the Western Ghats. We need to put an end to the indiscriminate destruction of mountains in the Himalayan belt which has exacted a heavy toll on human lives these past few years, Gandhi added. She said on a policy level, there is a need to urgently review the laws and policy changes of the last decade which have led us down this disastrous path. The Modi government must withdraw the amendments it bulldozed through Parliament in the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 as well as the Forest Conservation Rules (2022) - which are anti-Adivasi and allow the clearing of forests without consulting those who live there, she said. The blatantly illogical and dangerous practice of providing post-facto environmental clearances to big corporations that violate environmental laws -- one of the Modi Government's few home-grown policy innovations --cannot continue, she asserted.
Punjab records highest groundwater extraction in India, says CGWB report
CHANDIGARH: Groundwater extraction in the country is the highest in Punjab, followed by Rajasthan and Haryana, according to the latest National Compilation of Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2025 report of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The findings show that 25 per cent of the 6,762 total blocks in India have been categorised as over-exploited, critical or semi-critical, a situation concentrated in nine states, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Puducherry. As per the report, groundwater extraction in Punjab stands at 156.36 per cent, the highest in the country, followed by Rajasthan at 147.11 per cent and Haryana at 136.75 per cent, all significantly above the national average of 60.63 per cent. At the national level, annual groundwater extraction has seen a marginal decline, from 27.66 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2023 to 26.27 BCM last year. The total annual ground water recharge of Punjab has been assessed as 18.6 bcm and annual extractable ground water resource as 16.8 bcm. Out of total 153 assessment units including three urban areas taken for study, 111 assessment units (72.55 per cent) have been categorized as Over-exploited, 10 blocks (6.54 per cent) as Critical, 15 blocks (9.80 per cent) as Semi Critical and 17 blocks (11.11 per cent) as Safe, the report said. Similarly, out of 50175.27 square kilometers recharge worthy area of the state, 34294.3 sq km (68.35 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 4353.15 sq. km (8.68 per cent) under Critical, 4478.11 sq km (8.92 per cent) under Semi-critical and 7049.71sq km (14.05 per cent) under Safe category, reads the report. For Rajasthan, the report states,Out of the 302 assessment units (blocks and urban areas), 213 units (70.53 per cent) have been categorized as Over Exploited, 23 units (7.62 per cent) as Critical, 27 units (8.94 per cent) as Semi-Critical, 36 units (11.92 per cent) blocks as Safe and 3 units (0.99 per cent) as Saline. Similarly, out of 317010.74 sq km recharge worthy area of the state, 222266.46 sq km (70.11 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 19404.23 sq. km (6.12 per cent) under Critical, 22535.05 sq km (7.11 per cent) under Semi-critical, 43869.11 sq km (13.84 per cent) under Safe and 8935.89 sq km (2.82 per cent) area under Saline categories of assessment units. In Haryana, the situation is similar. While in Haryana, out of total 143 assessment units (blocks/Urban), 91 units (63.64 per cent) have been categorized as Overexploited, 6 units (4.20 per cent) as Critical, 15 units (10.49 per cent) as Semi Critical and 31 units (21.68 per cent) as Safe categories of assessment units. Similarly, out of 43,205.81 sq. km recharge worthy area of the State, 26,828.05 sq. km (62.09 per cent) area are under Over-Exploited, 1,170.46 sq. km (2.71 per cent) under Critical, 4,253.89 sq. km (9.85 per cent) under Semicritical, 10,953.42 sq. km (25.35 per cent) under Safe categories of assessment units, it added. The report assesses the total annual groundwater extraction of the entire country for 2025 at 247.22 bcm. Agriculture remains the largest consumer, accounting for 87 per cent, or 215.10 bcm, followed by 11 per cent for domestic use (27.89 bcm) and 2 per cent for industrial use (4.23 bcm). In the present assessment, total annual groundwater recharge has been pegged at 448.52 bcm, while the annual extractable groundwater resource stands at 407.75 bcm. The average stage of groundwater extraction at the national level is 60.63 per cent. Out of 6,762 blocks in the country, 730 units (10.80 per cent) are categorised as over-exploited, and 201 blocks (2.97 per cent) are classified as critical where extraction ranges from 90 to 100 per cent. Another 758 blocks (11.21 per cent) fall under the semi-critical category, while 4,946 units (73.14 per cent) are considered safe, with extraction below 70 per cent. Additionally, 127 blocks (1.88 per cent) have been listed as saline due to brackish or saline groundwater in phreatic aquifers. The report highlights that the percentage of over-exploited, critical and semi-critical blocks exceeding 25 per cent of total units is found only in nine states, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Puducherry. It attributes the situation to region-specific factors, Over-exploitation of ground water resources could be due to various region-specific reasons. The assessment units located in the north-western part of the country (particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh) have plenty of replenishable ground water resources but because of the over extraction beyond the annual ground water recharge, many of these units have become Over-exploited. Overexploited units are also common in the western part of the country, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat where the prevailing arid climate results in low recharge of ground water and hence stress on these sources, the report stated. It further adds, In peninsular India, over-exploited units are wide spread in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana which could be attributed mainly to the low storage and transmission capacities of aquifers of the hard rock terrains, which results in reduced availability of the resource. The report also notes that in Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep, domestic groundwater extraction exceeds 40 per cent. Groundwater extraction stands between 90 and 100 per cent in Delhi, and between 70 and 90 per cent in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In most other states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep, extraction levels are around 70 per cent. The report concludes that compared to the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment of 2024, the total annual groundwater recharge has marginally increased from 446.9 bcm to 448.52 bcm.
Haryana sports department distances itself from deaths of 2 basketball players, families upset
Haryana sports dept gives itself clean chit in deaths of teen basketballers
Two Long-billed Vultures that hatched in Haryana settle in MP
The two Jatayu have brought great hope for vulture conservation in India after they completed 15 months of settling in the forests of Madhya Pradesh
