I Studied 16-17 Hours a Day: NEET UG 2026 Topper Aryan Gupta Shares Success Story
NEET UG 2026 AIR 1 Aryan Gupta says losing his grandmother to cancer inspired him to become an oncologist. The Punjab topper also shared his study routine and success story.
The NTA has announced the NEET UG 2026 results, with over 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying for medical admissions. Punjab's Aryan Gupta, who secured a joint AIR 1 with 715 marks, credited his success to 1617 hours of daily study and perseverance. Aspiring to become an oncologist, he urged future aspirants to keep working hard and never lose hope.
NEET UG 2026 results: Punjabs Aryan Gupta, Haryanas Panshul Bansal top; 11.21 lakh qualify
Women accounted for over 58 per cent of NEET-UG 2026 qualifiers, while Uttar Pradesh produced the highest number of successful candidates. The top 17 rankers hailed from eight states
Punjabs Aryan Gupta and Haryanas Panshul Bansal topped the NEET-UG examination, scoring 715 out of 720, with 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying this year
NEET-UG results declared: 2 score 715/720, 19 cross 700
NEET-UG 2026 results revealed higher top scores following a nationwide retest. Aryan Gupta from Punjab secured the top position with a score of 715. Over 93% of candidates scoring above 690 were first-time test-takers. Women accounted for over 58% of the qualified candidates this year. The National Testing Agency declared results to keep medical admissions on track.
Srinagar, Jul 16: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday declared the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, NEET (UG) 2026, with 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and allied courses across the country. According to NTA, nearly 20 lakh candidates appeared in the examination, which was conducted in 13 languages at thousands of centres across India and abroad. More than 58 per cent of the qualified candidates are women. Jammu and Kashmir has registered a remarkable performance in the NEET-UG 2026 examination, with two candidates from the Union Territory securing top spots in the national toppers' list. Official documents confirm that Hadiya Nisar has emerged as the highest-ranked candidate from J&K. She secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 99 with a percentile score of 99.9931, placing her among the country's top 100 medical aspirants. Another talented candidate, Zaidan Wani, also made the Union Territory proud by securing AIR 124 with an identical percentile score of 99.9931, demonstrating exceptional academic prowess. The agency said 138 candidates scored above 690 marks out of 720, reflecting a highly competitive performance at the top end of the merit list. Of these high scorers, over 93 per cent were appearing for NEET for the first time, while around 99 per cent were between 17 and 19 years of age. NTA said 19 candidates secured more than 700 marks. A total of 1,492 candidates scored 650 marks and above, 10,160 candidates scored 600 marks and above, while 90,780 candidates secured 500 marks and above. The highest score of 715 out of 720 was jointly secured by Aryan Gupta of Punjab and Panshul Bansal of Haryana, the agency said. Qualified candidates emerged from all 36 States and Union Territories. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of successful candidates with more than 1.7 lakh qualifiers, while Lakshadweep recorded 43 qualified candidates. According to NTA, 17 State toppers scored 700 marks or above, while 26 State toppers secured more than 690 marks. The top 17 rankers belong to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Category wise data released by NTA showed that 2.91 lakh candidates qualified from the General category, 5.12 lakh from OBC NCL, 1.59 lakh from SC, 63,716 from ST, and 95,026 from the Gen EWS category. Among specially abled candidates, 3,666 PwBD and 303 PwD candidates qualified. The agency also highlighted the strong performance of women candidates. According to NTA, women recorded a higher qualification rate of 56.8 per cent compared to 55.1 per cent among male candidates. NTA said the result was declared after completing all stages of evaluation and verification. The provisional answer key was released on June 25, 2026, while the final answer key and results were published on July 16, 2026. Candidates can access their scorecards through the official NEET portal. NTA has advised students to rely only on official counselling websites and remain cautious of fraudulent admission offers and misleading claims regarding seat allotment or score enhancement.
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NEET-UG retest results declared, 11.21 lakh candidates qualify
New Delhi: Punjabs Aryan Gupta and Haryanas Panshul Bansal topped the NEET-UG for medical admissions with 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying the entrance exam this year, the National Testing Agency announced late on Thursday night, July 16. While Gupta and Bansal scored 715 each out of 720, 19 candidates scored 700 and 138 obtained 690 marks. 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 .
NEET UG result 2026 declared: 138 candidates score above 690
New Delhi, July 16: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday declared the result of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), NEET (UG) 2026. The result has been declared in time so that the medical-admission and counselling calendar for candidates stays on track. A total of close to 20 lakh candidates appeared for NEET (UG) 2026 at 5,440 centres in 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. 11.21 lakh candidates have qualified for admission to undergraduate medical, dental, AYUSH and allied programmes. Scorecards of all candidates are available on the official website, neet.nta.nic.in. The full list of Top Rankers, State Toppers, category-wise toppers (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, Gen-EWS, PwBD and PwD), category-wise cut-off marks and language-wise participation is also being published on the NTA website. Overview of the Candidates who appeared in NEET UG Exam on 21st June 2026 Close to 20 lakh candidates appeared and 11.21 lakh qualified. Candidates appeared from every State and Union Territory of the country, in 13 languages. More than 58 per cent of the qualified candidates are women. According to NTA, the majority of the top-performing candidates are between 17 and 19 years of age. Profile of the Top Rankers 138 candidates scored above 690 marks out of 720. Of these: Over 93 per cent appeared for NEET (UG) for the first time. 99 per cent are between 17 and 19 years of age. Geographical Distribution Qualified candidates have emerged from every one of the 36 States and Union Territories, ranging from over 1.7 lakh in Uttar Pradesh to 43 in Lakshadweep. State Toppers include Jigmet Yangchan Lamo (Ladakh, 530 marks), Dhruv Tripathi (Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 606 marks) and Fahmida Anees (Lakshadweep, 573 marks), and cover every North-Eastern State. 17 State Toppers scored 700 or above; 26 scored above 690. The 138 top rankers come from 66 cities across the country. The Top 17 rankers who scored more than 705 marks span eight States, namely Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Score Distribution and Highest Scorers 19 candidates scored above 700 out of 720. 1,492 candidates scored 650 and above. 10,160 candidates scored 600 and above. 90,780 candidates scored 500 and above. The highest score of 715 out of 720 was obtained jointly by Aryan Gupta (Punjab) and Panshul Bansal (Haryana). Category-wise Qualified Candidates Registered, appeared and qualified figures are being published in full for General, Gen-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwBD, PwD and Third Gender candidates. Separate topper lists for each category are provided in the accompanying toppers document. Category-wise qualified candidates: General: 2.91 lakh OBC-NCL: 5.12 lakh SC: 1.59 lakh ST: 63,716 Gen-EWS: 95,026 PwBD: 3,666 PwD: 303 Category-wise cut-off marks and percentiles are being published simultaneously. Participation and Qualification of Women Candidates More than 58 per cent of all qualified candidates are women. Women also qualified at a higher rate than men: 56.8 per cent of women who appeared qualified, as against 55.1 per cent of men. Languages of the Examination NEET (UG) 2026 was conducted in 13 languages: Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English. Process and Timeline of Result Declaration The result was declared within time through re-engineering of the process, with stages designed to run in parallel rather than in sequence, and with the de-linking of OMR sheet challenge from answer key release. Each stage was completed in full and made available for candidate view: Provisional answer key published on 25 June 2026; challenge window open from 25 to 28 June 2026. Scanned OMR answer sheets and recorded responses displayed to candidates from 13 to 15 July 2026. Final answer key published on 16 July 2026; result declared on 16 July 2026. Statutory Framework NTA conducts NEET (UG) under Section 14 of the NMC Act, 2019 and Section 14 of the NCISM Act, 2020, and for BHMS under the NCH, on the direction of the Honble Supreme Court and with the approval of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Education. NTAs mandate is to conduct the examination, declare the result on eligibility criteria provided by NMC, and issue the All-India Rank. Merit lists, category lists, domicile determination and counselling are the remit of the admitting/State authorities. NTA has no role in these. NEET (UG) result data is also used for admission to B.Sc. (H) Nursing and to BVSc and AH under the 15% VCI quota. AACCC is the counselling authority for the All-India Quota in BAMS/BUMS/BSMS and BHMS. Counselling and Candidate Advisory Counselling for the All-India Quota in MBBS/BDS is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). State quotas are conducted by respective State authorities. Candidates should rely only on official websites: neet.nta.nic.in, mcc.nic.in and State counselling portals. Candidates are cautioned against fraudulent calls, messages or websites offering admission, seat blocking or score improvement. NTA does not contact candidates seeking money or credentials. Suspicious communication may be reported at neetug2026@nta.ac.in or 011-40759000.
NEET-UG 2026 exam results declared; 11.21 lakh candidates qualify for medical admissions
Punjabs Aryan Gupta and Haryanas Panshul Bansal top the re-examination with 715 marks, the NTA said
Congress leadership struggles to unite Punjab leaders amid ongoing internal disputes. New leadership structure has triggered open conflict and fresh rounds of infighting. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is now leading a revolt against the current party president. The party leadership appears firm this time, avoiding past mistakes of succumbing to pressure. Managing these divisions is critical for Congress to regain political ground in Punjab.
How Khalistani terrorists targeted buses, trains and markets to identify and massacre Hindus
From Dhilwan and Muktsar to Lalru, Ludhiana and Sohian, repeated massacres showed a deliberate pattern in which commuters, workers, families and worshippers were selected as targets because they were Hindu civilians during Punjabs insurgency years.
Everyone Does Naarebaazi In Democracy: Top Court Relief For Bhagwant Man
A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohanawas was hearing the Chandigarh administration's challenge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court order
Nihal Wadhera to Play for Himachal Pradesh in Upcoming Domestic Season
Mumbai, July 16: In a significant development ahead of the upcoming domestic cricket season, Punjab has suffered a major blow as left-handed batsman Nihal Wadhera has decided to leave the Punjab team to play for Himachal Pradesh. Wadheras presence is expected to strengthen Himachal Pradeshs batting lineup, while his departure leaves Punjabs batting weakened. According ... Read more Nihal Wadhera to Play for Himachal Pradesh in Upcoming Domestic Season
Nehal Wadhera Switches From Punjab To Himachal Pradesh Ahead Of The Domestic Season
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Punjab have been dealt a blow ahead of the upcoming domestic season as their top batter Nehal Wadhera has decided to leave the team and play for Himachal Pradesh in the upcoming season, providing the hill state a significant boost as they look to revamp after a poor performance last year. According to ESPNcricinfo, Wadhera decided to move after finding limited opportunities with Punjab during the 2025-26 season. The left-hander also becomes the third guest player from Punjab to join Himachals squad, joining Pukhraj Mann and Aryaman Singh. Wadhera featured in only three Ranji Trophy matches, two Vijay Hazare Trophy games, and four Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy fixtures for Punjab last season. Despite his restricted appearances, he remains one of the promising young batters in the domestic circuit. The 24-year-old announced himself in first-class cricket with a century on debut against Gujarat in Valsad during the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season. He was also part of Punjabs title-winning Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad in the 2023-24 season. Overall, Wadhera has played 17 first-class matches, 16 List A games, and 69 T20s in domestic cricket. He has also featured in 44 Indian Premier League matches for the Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh have also strengthened their support staff ahead of the new season, appointing Vineet Saxena as head coach in place of VRV Singh, while Gagandeep Singh has been named bowling coach. Apart from Nehal Wadhera, former Himachal Pradesh batter Prashant Chopra has also moved back to his home state. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh have also strengthened their support staff ahead of the new season, appointing Vineet Saxena as head coach in place of VRV Singh, while Gagandeep Singh has been named bowling coach. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The team will be hoping for a turnaround after a disappointing 2025-26 domestic season, where they failed to qualify for the knockout stages in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Their Ranji campaign ended with two defeats and five draws, leaving them at the bottom of their group. Article Source: IANS
BAJA SAEINDIA Organizing Committee and leading industry experts, reaffirming its commitment to experiential learning and industry-integrated engineering education Innovation on four wheels. Chitkara University's Team Ashwamedha's aBAJA reflects the passion, perseverance and engineering excellence The event brought together distinguished leaders from the automotive sector, including Mr. Balraj Subramaniam, Chairman, Organizing Committee, BAJA SAEINDIA; Mr. Jatin Garg, Honorary Secretary, Organizing Committee, BAJA SAEINDIA; Dr. K. C. Vora, Senior Advisor, BAJA SAEINDIA Organizing Committee; and Mr. Balraj Bhanot, Automotive Homologation Expert and Former Director, ARAI. Representing academia were Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-founder, Chitkara University; Dr. Sandhir Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Chitkara University; and Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Registrar, Chitkara University. Welcoming the gathering, Balraj Subramaniam, Chairman, Organizing Committee, BAJA SAEINDIA, highlighted BAJA SAEINDIA's enduring legacy in nurturing engineering talent through hands-on learning and innovation. Dr. Sandhir Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Chitkara University, underscored the importance of strong partnerships between academia and industry in preparing students for emerging technological challenges. A presentation on the journey and legacy of BAJA SAEINDIA showcased how the competition has evolved into one of India's most respected experiential learning platforms. Today, BAJA SAEINDIA serves as an umbrella platform encompassing Electric Vehicle(eBAJA), Mechanical BAJA (mBAJA), Autonomous BAJA, and Hydrogen BAJA (hBAJA), enabling students to explore diverse future mobility technologies through competitive engineering challenges. Students participating in BAJA SAEINDIA 2027 will conceptualise, design, analyse, fabricate, and validate single-seater all-terrain vehicles in accordance with the BAJA SAEINDIA Rulebook before competing in rigorous static and dynamic evaluations that assess engineering excellence, innovation, safety, and endurance. A total of 186 teams have registered for the 2027 season. 102 eBAJA teams, 26 hBAJA teams and 58 mBAJA teams from across the country will participate in the Virtual Round where industry experts will be assessing and providing guidance to the Preliminary design of the buggies. Also, a technical quiz will be conducted based on automotive Engineering. Virtual Round of eBAJA, MBAJA & BAJA SAEINDIA 2027’ are scheduled from 17th July to 19th July 2026, at Chitkara University, Punjab Campus. Digital engineering tools and simulation-based assessments will evaluate vehicle design, engineering analysis, and innovation before teams advance to the subsequent stages of the competition. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-founder, Chitkara University, spoke about the University's continued association with BAJA SAEINDIA and emphasised the transformative role of experiential learning in engineering education. She noted that such initiatives inspire students to translate classroom learning into practical innovation while strengthening their technical expertise, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. The interaction also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring engineering education remains aligned with the evolving needs of the automotive and mobility sectors. About Chitkara University Chitkara University is a UGC-recognised and NAAC-accredited private university in North India, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering career-oriented undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality and emerging technology fields. For Class 11 and 12 students planning higher education, the University provides industry-aligned programs designed to combine academic excellence with practical exposure. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through internships, industry projects, research opportunities and global collaborations, supported by modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, industry mentorship and skill-based training that strengthens student employability. Backed by 2,000+ campus recruiters and 300+ international academic and industry collaborations, students gain strong placement support, international exposure, academic exchange and collaborative research opportunities. Consistently ranked among leading institutions by national and global frameworks such as NIRF, QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, the University maintains high academic rigour and industry relevance. With strong corporate partnerships and a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for emerging career opportunities in India and abroad. www.chitkara.edu.in
F1 Racer Arvid Hails Sooryavanshi As Part Of Sport's Fearless New Generation
The Racing Bulls: Formula One rookie Arvid Lindblad believes Indian cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is part of a new wave of teenage stars redefining elite sport, saying advances in technology and access to better information are enabling athletes to reach the highest level at increasingly younger ages. The Racing Bulls driver shared his thoughts during the host broadcast of the first ODI between England and India at Edgbaston, where Shubman Gill's side secured a six-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. At just 18, Lindblad belongs to the same generation of emerging sporting talents as Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, Spain football sensation Lamine Yamal, and 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, whose meteoric rise has made him India's youngest international cricketer after a breakthrough IPL season. Asked why Formula One is seeing more teenagers reach the grid, Lindblad said the trend extends far beyond motorsport. I think this is happening in all sports. The technology is improving around it. We get better information from an earlier age, and that is why there are really good youngsters who are doing really well, Arvid said. The British driver pointed to Sooryavanshi as an example of how rapidly young athletes are making an impact on the international stage. This happens in all sports, even in cricket, with Vaibhav (Sooryavanshi) doing really well. He is so young. I think this is just the nature of sport, he added. Lindblad, who has Indian ancestry through his maternal grandparents, also spoke warmly about his connection to the country during the broadcast with Ravi Shastri and Ian Ward. My Nana and Nani (maternal grandparents) are Punjabi. I am very connected to my Indian roots and love Indian food, particularly that cooked by my Nani, he expressed. The teenager also recalled visiting Mumbai late last year, where he experienced cricket firsthand while spending time with young players at the iconic Azad Maidan. I enjoyed my time in Mumbai playing cricket with the kids at Azad Maidan. It was a wonderful experience. Reflecting on his own journey, Lindblad admitted that making his Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne earlier this season was an emotional milestone after years of chasing the dream. All athletes, from an early age, have a dream of reaching the top. You always remain nervous, never really knowing if it's going to come true. For me, this year in Melbourne, the fact that this was happening to me for real was special. I got a little bit emotional before it all, he said. He also described his first home Grand Prix as a Formula One driver at Silverstone as another unforgettable moment. I had first been to Silverstone with my father when I was just five years old. Going there this year, thirteen years on, becoming an F1 race driver was really special to me, especially in front of the entire home support, he stated. Reflecting on his own journey, Lindblad admitted that making his Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne earlier this season was an emotional milestone after years of chasing the dream. All athletes, from an early age, have a dream of reaching the top. You always remain nervous, never really knowing if it's going to come true. For me, this year in Melbourne, the fact that this was happening to me for real was special. I got a little bit emotional before it all, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Racing Bulls rookie ended the conversation on a humorous note by revealing that, despite racing some of the fastest cars in the world, he is still working towards getting his road licence. It is a bit sad that I still have not got my driver's licence yet. It was funny for a bit, but now it is just getting a bit silly. I had my first driving lesson yesterday, so I need to get it soon. Article Source: IANS
PM Modi to flag off Indias first hydrogen-powered train in Haryana
Unlike traditional trains, it generates its own electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen, leaving behind water vapour; Mr. Modi will also inaugurate or lay the foundation for infrastructure worth over 25,000 crore during the day-long visit to Haryana and Punjab tomorrow
After The End Of IPL 2025, Told Myself That Boys And RR Ready To Play Without Me, Says Samson
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has opened up about his blockbuster trade from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings before IPL 2026 began, stating that he felt his long-standing franchise was finally ready to transition into a new phase without him. Samson spent 11 years with RR and captained them for five seasons, before moving to CSK through a high-profile trade ahead of IPL 2026. Moving on from RR was a very big decision for me. I believe that after playing for a team for some time, you start to feel like this is your team and nobody can remove you. But I always had the awareness that there is a limited time for everyone at one place. You do your part, and you move out and after the end of IPL 2025, a point came when I felt that I should move on. I told myself that the boys are ready, and RR is ready to play without Sanju Samson. That is when I thought of leaving, Samson said on JioStar's 'Superstars. Explaining his choice to join CSK, Samson highlighted the influence of MS Dhoni and current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. And when you think of moving out, you wonder where to go and which team to join. There were two or three options at that time. But honestly, CSK, Mahi bhai's influence, the franchise itself, and my friends there, especially Ruturaj, meant I had great connections. Based on what I had heard about CSK from other players, I felt that this franchise was my type. If I go there, it will be very good for me. I had wished for that, but a trade is a tricky thing. I want to go there, but do they want me? And the original team needs to get what they want in return. Everyone has to agree. It was a major turning point. Luckily, I ended up in CSK. It was a great feeling, he added. While his move to CSK was fueled by a desire to share the field with his childhood idol, Dhoni's fitness issues meant he didnt play in IPL 2026. In turn, it has temporarily delayed Samsons dream of sharing a partnership with him in CSK colours. When I was in school, Mahi bhai had just gotten into the Indian team. The way he carried himself and his aggressive batting style really attracted me. I started following him closely. He used to appear in the ads, and I would cut out his picture and stick it in my diary. Every kid has an idol, and Mahi bhai was mine. As a child, I used to watch India play every day. Mahi bhai would be captaining and winning matches. I would go to sleep thinking, 'I have to play one day too.' I used to dream of batting with him, building a partnership, and fielding alongside him. Now, I have joined CSK. I felt like destiny had brought me here, and I would finally get to play with him. But unfortunately, he wasn't fit this time. He had a calf injury towards the end. But the dream is still alive. Let's see what happens next year, he remarked. Recalling his early days in the IPL, Samson credited former India pacer S Sreesanth for forcefully pushing his case during the RR trials when he was just a teenager. Sreesanth bhai is a very generous person. In the Kerala dressing room, when I was young, I used to see him take five or six players every year to the Rajasthan Royals trials. At that time, I was dropped from the Kerala team because I wasn't scoring runs. Sree bhai came down to play a crucial Ranji Trophy match. He called our secretary, TC Mathew sir, and said, 'I want Sanju in the team.' Mathew sir replied, 'He is not performing, why should we take him?' But Sree bhai insisted, 'No, bring him. I'll make him perform.' I was about 16 years-old then. I scored 122 in the first innings and 51 in the second. After the match, Sree bhai took me to the trial in Jaipur. Rahul Dravid sir came to meet me for the first time. Right in front of him, Sree bhai started hyping me up. He said, 'Rahul bhai, look at this boy. He has hit me for a lot of runs. He hit sixes, did this, did that.' I was already under pressure, and he made up a lot of stories there for me. But somehow, I managed to hit a few sixes after that, he recalled. Though Dravid promised him an opportunity, Samson had to bide his time on the bench during the 2013 season, which he used as a massive learning curve by maintaining a personal diary of advice from legends. Rahul sir was impressed with my performance in the trials, and he brought me into the Rajasthan Royals setup. He told me, 'I will make you play. In this team, I can promise you that you will get a chance. In other teams, I am not sure, but here I will give you an opportunity.' I did well in the trials and also performed for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In the first practice match before the IPL, Rahul sir gave me a game, but I didn't do well. Still, he had promised me a chance. But when the playing XI was announced for the first match, my name was not there. However, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I sat out for about five or six games. I used to go and talk to Rahul sir every day for about half an hour. I asked him how to handle pressure. I was picking the brains of all the big players in those first six games. Shane Watson was there, Rahul sir, Ajinkya Rahane, Brad Hodge, all big names. I was just an 18-year-old kid asking them questions. I had a small diary. I would ask them questions, go back to my room, and write down their answers. I noted down how I should try and play if I got a match, he said. Samsons big IPL break eventually came due to an unfortunate injury to regular keeper Dishant Yagnik, though it ended with a quick reality check. After the first six games, I finally gathered the courage to ask Rahul bhai why I wasn't playing when he had promised me. He calmly explained that I needed to be patient and that my time would come. I sat out for about five or six games. I used to go and talk to Rahul sir every day for about half an hour. I asked him how to handle pressure. I was picking the brains of all the big players in those first six games. Shane Watson was there, Rahul sir, Ajinkya Rahane, Brad Hodge, all big names. I was just an 18-year-old kid asking them questions. I had a small diary. I would ask them questions, go back to my room, and write down their answers. I noted down how I should try and play if I got a match, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So, they played me against Punjab, which was my debut in the IPL in 2013, and I won that game for the team. It was my first match. I scored 27 not out batting at number 6. I also got three-four dismissals while keeping the wickets. But in the next match, Dishant bhai was fit again, and I was dropped, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Watch: Why is the Punjab Congress in a mess ahead of next years elections? | Talking Politics
With less than a year to go for the 2027 Punjab Assembly election, the Congress finds itself grappling with another leadership tussle. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channis supporters have openly demanded that he replace Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), exposing the factional fault lines within the State unit. This brings back memories of the run-up to the 2022 Assembly elections, when months of confrontation between the then CM Amarinder Singh and Navjot Sidhu led to the partys defeat. Is history repeating itself?
Wadhera moves from Punjab to Himachal ahead of 2026-27 domestic season
Prashant Chopra, who was with Uttarakhand last season, is also back at Himachal
PM Modi To Unveil Rs 5,278 Crore Highway Projects In Punjab On Friday
The largest project is the 31.23 km-long six-lane highway called Zirakpur-Kurali Greenfield Highway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects worth Rs 5,470 crore. He will dedicate 75 redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. New rail lines and train services will enhance connectivity between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Several national highway projects worth over Rs 3,070 crore are also planned. Additionally, Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects in Chandigarh.
Punjab Congress divided as every leader wants to be CM: Mann
Addressing a public gathering in Mukerian, he said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had fulfilled its promises through initiatives in education, healthcare, power and social welfare, and urged people to give the party another mandate so that opportunist opposition leaders, especially the Congress, do not get a chance to come to power.
51 sixes in a match: MLC run-fest breaks KKR-PBKS record to become...
The chase surpassed Punjab Kings' successful pursuit of 265 against Delhi Capitals in the IPL earlier this year, making it the biggest chase ever completed in T20 cricket.
PM Modi to inaugurate Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station during Punjab visit on July 17
PM Modi to visit Punjab: 125 cr 'Jalandhar Cantt' Railway Station ready for inauguration on July 17
Punjab PSSSB Veterinary Inspector Admit Card 2026 has been released on July 15, 2026, for the written examination scheduled on July 19, 2026. The recruitment process is being conducted for 310 Veterinary Inspector posts under the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Punjab. Candidates can download their hall tickets from the official PSSSB website. The vacancies were increased from 150 to 310 posts, with applications reopened between June 13 and June 19, 2026.
2022 in mind, Congress may continue with Amarinder Raja Warring as Punjab party chief
The Congress party is not favoring a leadership change in its Punjab unit. This stance comes despite some functionaries demanding Amarinder Raja Warring's removal. Party leaders are wary of reversing recent appointments, which caused internal backlash. Dissidence presents a difficult situation for the Congress party ahead of polls. The party may try to persuade dissidents with assurances and future promises.
SIR exercise: Delhi voters get 10 more days to submit enumeration forms
Electors in Delhi now have an extended period to submit their enumeration forms. House-to-house visits by BLOs in Delhi will continue until August 8. Revised schedules have also been released for Punjab, Telangana, and Karnataka. The final electoral roll for Delhi will now be published on October 19. Similar extensions were previously announced for Andhra Pradesh and Haryana.
Sukhbir Badal Criticizes Bhagwant Mann Government Over Employee Action
Chandigarh, July 16: Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has launched a sharp attack on the Punjab government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding police action against employees and workers in Khanna. He accused the government of using force against peaceful protesters, which he claims is against democratic values. In ... Read more Sukhbir Badal Criticizes Bhagwant Mann Government Over Employee Action
NCW chief flags drug abuse as major threat to Punjab women
EC extends Punjab SIR schedule; final electoral rolls on Oct 12
Saara Punjab Channi De Naal: Cong dissidents step up social media push
Sukhbir Badal Criticizes Bhagwant Mann Government Over Employee Crackdown
Chandigarh, July 16: Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has launched a fierce attack on the Punjab government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding police action against employees and workers in Khanna. He accused the government of using force against peaceful protesters, which he deemed contrary to democratic values. In ... Read more Sukhbir Badal Criticizes Bhagwant Mann Government Over Employee Crackdown
Body of 28-Year-Old Found in Punjabs Fields, Murder Suspected
Amritsar, July 15: A shocking discovery was made in the Jandiala Guru area of Amritsar, Punjab, where the body of a 28-year-old man was found in a motor room located in the fields. The deceased has been identified as Gurpreet Singh, also known as Gopi, son of Kashmir Singh, a resident of village Thothia. The ... Read more Body of 28-Year-Old Found in Punjabs Fields, Murder Suspected
ED Files Chargesheet in Punjab Visa Fraud Case
Chandigarh, July 15: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has submitted a chargesheet in a special court in Jalandhar, Punjab, regarding a case of American visa fraud and associated money laundering. The ED has named Red Leaf Immigration Private Limited, Overseas Partner, and Rudra Consultancy Services as accused in this case. According to ED officials, the investigation ... Read more ED Files Chargesheet in Punjab Visa Fraud Case
Will hurt farmers, small businesses: Bike rallies across Punjab against proposed US deal
Diljit Dosanjh charged Re 1 fees for playing Jaswant Singh Khalra's role in 'Satluj'
Diljit Dosanjh charged only Re 1 for his role in the film 'Satluj'. The actor felt it was shameful to charge for portraying activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Director Honey Trehan revealed Dosanjh's commitment despite the film's censorship issues. Khalra was a bank clerk who became a prominent human rights activist in Punjab. His investigation into alleged cremations brought national attention to the issue.
Punjab: Baghel Submits Report On Punjab Congress Rift
Congress Legislature Party leader Partap Singh Bajwa also met Venugopal at his residence on Wednesday but did not reveal details of the discussion: Reports
Tragic Bus Accident in Punjab, Pakistan Claims Four Lives
Islamabad, July 15: A tragic incident in eastern Punjab, Pakistan, has resulted in the deaths of four individuals. On Tuesday, a speeding passenger bus overturned after colliding with a motorcycle. In addition to the fatalities, 15 others sustained injuries. According to a spokesperson from Rescue 1122, the accident occurred near Kala Khatai Road in the ... Read more Tragic Bus Accident in Punjab, Pakistan Claims Four Lives
ECI Extends Electoral Roll Revision Deadlines in Delhi, Punjab, Telangana, and Karnataka
On Tuesday, ECI had extended the SIR schedule for Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. Delhi and the three states besides Haryana and Andhra Pradesh are part of Phase 3 of the SIR which was rolled out on May 14.
Punjab Government Faces Backlash After Police Action Against MGNREGA Workers in Khanna
New Delhi, July 15: In Khanna, located in Punjabs Ludhiana district, police resorted to baton charges and fired tear gas during a protest by MGNREGA workers. The Punjab Congress has strongly condemned the governments actions. Aam Aadmi Partys Punjab Congress President, Amarinder Singh Raja Wading, expressed his outrage over the incident. He shared a video ... Read more Punjab Government Faces Backlash After Police Action Against MGNREGA Workers in Khanna
PM Modi to Visit Chandigarh on July 17 for Inauguration of 10 Development Projects
Chandigarh, July 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Chandigarh on July 17. During this visit, he will address a large public gathering at the Punjab Engineering College (PEC) grounds. Chandigarhs Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nishant Yadav shared details about the event preparations, stating that the administration has completed all necessary arrangements for the occasion. DC ... Read more PM Modi to Visit Chandigarh on July 17 for Inauguration of 10 Development Projects
Punjab Farmers Stage Motorcycle March Against India-US Trade Deal
The march was taken out on a call given by different farming bodies under the banner of 'Desh Bachao Morcha' in Punjab.
Baghel meets Venugopal, hands over report on Punjab leadership issue
Congress Legislature Party leader in the State Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, also met K.C Venugopal at his residence but did not disclose what transpired during the meeting.
Pakistan Police Arrest Afghan Doctors Amid Visa Delays
Lahore, July 15: In a significant crackdown, police in Multan, Punjab, have arrested 13 Afghan doctors and one medical student, sending them to a deportation center. Local media reports indicate that these individuals have been waiting for nearly a year for their visa applications to be processed, yet they were detained nonetheless. The detained doctors ... Read more Pakistan Police Arrest Afghan Doctors Amid Visa Delays
Jammu Family Takes Home Wrong Body, Missing Son Returns Alive Hours Later
The family's distress deepened the next morning when Vishal's sister in Punjab, received a call from the Government Medical College (GMC), Hospital about an unidentified body lying in the mortuary.
Toll Rates Increase at Eight Toll Plazas in Punjab and Haryana
Chandigarh, July 15: Drivers traveling on national highways in Punjab and Haryana will face increased toll rates at several major toll plazas starting today. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised toll fees at eight key toll plazas. Under the new rates, there is an increase of 5 to 10 for cars and ... Read more Toll Rates Increase at Eight Toll Plazas in Punjab and Haryana
With Election On Horizon, Why Punjab Matters More Than Ever For PM Modi
The repeal of the three farm laws, though politically compelled after prolonged protests, also remains a significant chapter in the BJP's attempt to rebuild trust in Punjab.
Punjab Police Arrest Main Accused in 30 Lakh Extortion Case After Encounter
Amritsar, July 15: The Punjab police have successfully apprehended Gurdeep Singh, the main accused in a 30 lakh extortion case and a petrol bomb attack in village Pandori Varach, following a police encounter. According to police reports, an operation was launched based on confidential information to apprehend the accused near Pandori Varach. When the police ... Read more Punjab Police Arrest Main Accused in 30 Lakh Extortion Case After Encounter
RP Singh Responds to Rahul Gandhis Criticism of PM Modis Popularity
New Delhi, July 15: BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh addressed several issues on Tuesday. He dismissed Rahul Gandhis claims regarding the crowd at Prime Minister Narendra Modis event in Melbourne as baseless. Singh criticized the internal strife within the Punjab Congress and welcomed the Supreme Courts decision on the Bhojshala case. He also demanded accountability ... Read more RP Singh Responds to Rahul Gandhis Criticism of PM Modis Popularity
Chandigarh, July 15: Central Minister of Railways and Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh Bittu, has welcomed the prayer conducted by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in memory of all victims of terrorism in Punjab. He described this initiative as a significant step promoting humanity, justice, and social harmony, emphasizing that every innocent life ... Read more Ravneet Singh Bittu Welcomes Prayer for All Victims of Terrorism, Advocates Equal Respect for Innocents
AG Memorial Academy accords warm reception to U17 State Level Subroto Cup winners
AG Memorial Academy today accorded a warm reception to the U 17 boys' team of the school who emerged as the champions of the State Level Subroto Mukerjee Football Tournament in a solemn function at the academy located at Charangpat Maning Leikai today Notably, AG Memorial Academy got the better of ASUFII Christian Institute by 4 2 goals yesterday at Langjing Achouba football turf to seal the State title and earned the honour to represent Manipur at the upcoming 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament br br table align center cellpadding 5 width 610 tbody tr td table class capbox width 100 tbody tr td img width 600 src https www e pao org galleries images News Related 2026 07 Subroto 20260715 jpg border 1 alt AG Memorial Academy accords warm reception to U17 State Level Subroto Cup winners td tr tr td align center AG Memorial Academy accords warm reception to U17 State Level Subroto Cup winners td tr tbody table td tr tbody table br br The reception programme was presided by Principal Th Master Singh Vice Principal Kh Momon and coaches of Pandam Football Academy which is an extended section of the school Bhogen, Boby and Chandrakumar, who also led in felicitating the players with simple presents Class IX student of the school Mangal Moirangcha, who also earned selection to Punjab FC was also felicitated at the occasion Speaking at the event, the Principal of the School Th Master expressed pride over the achievement of the students Lauding the exemplary performances given by the students at the district and the State level competitions, he also praised the guardians and coaches of Pandam Football Academy for their unwavering support and encouragement that helped the students reach such a milestone He also extended best wishes to the students to keep up the good work and make a mark in the upcoming international tournament Source The Sangai Express
BSF chief reviews border security grid and fencing along India-Bangladesh border in Sundarbans
In a recent initiative, the BSF director general evaluated border security protocols and connected with local residents. Simultaneously, Punjab Police arrested two suspects linked to cross-border narcotics trafficking, seizing 30 kilograms of heroin. Reportedly, these suspects were acting under the guidance of a handler based abroad, and investigations are currently being expanded to identify further ties.
Eyes on Punjab polls, BJP banks on Modis Jind rally
Punjab recorded 30% deficient monsoon rain, subdued rain activity likely over next 6 days
Mumbai police arrest Punjab man for posing as Maharashtra MLA's PA, duping people of money
Mumbai police arrested a Punjab resident for impersonating a Maharashtra MLA's personal assistant. The accused allegedly sought money from individuals by claiming it was for student fees. He also posed as the MLA himself to gain victims' trust. Following a complaint, a technical investigation led to his arrest in Uttar Pradesh. Police suspect the accused may have defrauded several other people using a similar method.
Nirav Modi Extradition on Hold Until Legal Proceedings Conclude: MEA
Modi is wanted in India to stand trial on fraud and money laundering charges in an estimated USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan scam case.
Weather tomorrow July 15: Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal will receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana expect rain and thunderstorms. Southern states like Tamil Nadu will experience hot and humid conditions. The monsoon remains vigorous over eastern and northeastern regions this week. Residents in vulnerable areas should stay updated with official weather bulletins.
Bus and train massacres, assassinated editors, murdered Sikh opponents and targeted police officers reveal a history increasingly reduced to statistics while militants receive political context and sympathetic retellings.
Indian Youth Sides Shine In Japan - Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC Win; FC Goa Lose Narrowly
Rakshit Priya Anil: It was a thrilling day of football as Indias top developmental squads faced off against their Japanese J-League counterparts, producing a mix of dominant displays and nail-biting finishes. The overall day belonged to Indian teams as the visitors -- Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC -- won two games while FC Goa went down in a close encounter. In the standout performance of the day, Punjab FC defeated Avispa Fukuoka with a commanding 5-0 victory. The Punjab attack was firing on all cylinders from the opening whistle, with Singamayum Shami netting an early brace (3', 28') to set a ruthless tone. Omang Dodum (42') and Ngarin Shaiza (55') extended the lead before Vishal Yadav put the final exclamation point on the victory deep into stoppage time (90+2'). Bengaluru FC edge out Giravanz Kitakyushu Bengaluru FC showed incredible resilience to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Giravanz Kitakyushu. After trailing to a 40th-minute strike by Ryunosuke Imai, Bengaluru fought back in the second half. Rakshit Priya Anil found the equalizer in the 61st minute. Despite an unfortunate own goal keeping the Japanese side heavily in the contest, a 75th-minute strike from Serto Worneilen Kom and a relentless team defensive effort in the dying minutesdespite a 90th-minute goal from Md Arbashensured Bengaluru walked away with maximum points. Bengaluru FC showed incredible resilience to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Giravanz Kitakyushu. After trailing to a 40th-minute strike by Ryunosuke Imai, Bengaluru fought back in the second half. Rakshit Priya Anil found the equalizer in the 61st minute. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In a tightly contested tactical battle, FC Goa fell just short against Sagan Tosu, conceding a lone 6th-minute goal to Zenryu Ono. Despite controlling large patches of possession and creating several close chances in the second half, the Gaurs couldn't breach the disciplined Japanese defense, finishing 1-0. Article Source: IANS
Trident Group, a global conglomerate and a leading name in the home textiles industry, today outlined its next phase of growth at Bharat Tex 2026, anchored on an innovation-led strategy, manufacturing excellence and sustainable value creation. This year's theme, ‘ The Expression of Living ,’ reflected the company's vision for the future of home textiles, highlighting textile innovation, contemporary design and evolving consumer lifestyles. Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, with Padma Shri Dr. Rajinder Gupta, Rajya Sabha MP & Chairman Emeritus, Trident Group, and Neha Gupta Bector, Chairperson, myTrident, at Bharat Tex 2026 Building on a resilient FY27 performance, the Group is sharpening its focus on unlocking the full potential of its existing assets, embedding digitalization across operations and scaling a robust research and development engine to power its next wave of growth. On growth, Trident delivered a resilient performance in FY27 despite global headwinds, maintaining a stable revenue base. Strengthening its innovation architecture, the company has established a dedicated Innovation Cell and invested over INR 100 crore towards advanced R&D and environmental performance. Backed by 17+ patents and 147 trademarks, this innovation engine is driving next-generation advances in advanced fibre blends, functional finishes and high-performance yarns tailored to premium and niche markets. Padma Shri Dr. Rajinder Gupta, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Chairman Emeritus Trident Group , sharing his vision, said, " As the global textile industry converges at Bharat Tex 2026, India is no longer simply participating in the conversation. It is helping shape the future of global textiles. In just three editions, Bharat Tex has emerged as one of the world's most significant textile platforms. By bringing together the entire textile value chain, it has created unparalleled opportunities for global brands, buyers, innovators and manufacturers to connect, collaborate and build the future together. At Trident, we believe that the future of the industry lies at the intersection of innovation, design and craftsmanship. Through ‘The Expression of Living,' we are proud to showcase how purposeful innovation and world-class design can redefine modern living while carrying India's rich creative heritage to the world. Our partnership with NIFT is central to this vision; together, we are nurturing India's design talent, strengthening the country's design ecosystem, and taking Indian creations to global markets .” As part of this larger vision, myTrident, the flagship home decor brand from the Trident Group, unveiled its upcoming festive collections and new home decor ranges, while also introducing Torani for myTrident, Karan Torani's first home décor collaboration, alongside the second edition of Shivan & Narresh for myTrident. Together, these launches reflected myTrident's growing focus on design-led collaborations that bring together contemporary creativity, Indian craftsmanship and cultural storytelling to shape the future of premium home decor. Commenting on the launch of the new collections and working with the designers, Neha Gupta Bector, Chairperson, myTrident , said, “ The theme, 'The Expression of Living', reflected our belief that the home is an extension of who we are, and every space should tell a story. Through this showcase, we brought together thoughtful design, craftsmanship and creativity to demonstrate how home decor is evolving beyond functionality into a form of personal expression. Our collaborations with Karan Torani and Shivan & Narresh, alongside our latest festive collections, reflected our vision of creating spaces that celebrate individuality while remaining rooted in Indian design and craftsmanship ." Rajneesh Bhatia, CEO of myTrident, “Bharat Tex 2026 signals India’s growing textile footprint, with this year’s exhibition being comparable to others across the world that’ve been around far longer. “We are increasing our retail touch points from the current 7,000 to 10,000. This expansion will solidify our position as a leading home furnishings brand in India and broaden our footprint across domestic market. To drive further growth, we're focusing on key opportunities in HORECA & institutions, where we aim to capture the largest market share, and also focus on expanding our gifting solutions portfolio .” With ' The Expression of Living ,' Trident Group brought together innovation, design and craftsmanship under one vision at Bharat Tex 2026, reinforcing its position as one of India's leading home textile players and its commitment to shaping the future of modern living. As it enters its next phase of growth, Trident remains focused on purposeful innovation, world-class design and sustainable value creation, carrying India's rich creative heritage to homes and markets across the world. About the Trident Group Trident Limited is the flagship company of Trident Group, an Indian business conglomerate and global player. Headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, Trident Limited is a vertically integrated textile (Yarn, Bath & Bed Linen) and Paper (Wheat Straw-based) manufacturer. Trident's towels, yarns, bedsheets, and paper businesses have earned global recognition and are delighting millions of customers across India and the world. Trident is one of the largest players in home textiles in India. Supplying national, captive, and retailer-owned brands; the organization is highly decorated with awards from its customers, vendors, and various government entities in recognition of advancing the highest standards in product quality, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The company operates in three major business segments: Textiles, Paper, and Chemicals, with its manufacturing facilities in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. About myTrident www.mytrident.com .
Jammu NIA Court Issues OpenEnded NBW Against Hafiz Saeed in Terror Case
According to the NIA, Saeedson of KamaludDin and a resident of Sargodha in Pakistans Punjab provinceis the founder of the banned (LeT) and has been declared a terrorist in India as well under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
Jammu, July 14: A Special NIA Court in Jammu has observed that the arrest and custodial interrogation of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and designated terrorist Hafiz Muhammad Saeed are necessary for a fair, complete and effective investigation in a terror-related case, and has accordingly issued an open-dated non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him. Special Judge Prem Sagar passed the order on an application moved by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) seeking issuance of a non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed, who has been arrayed as accused No. 8 in the FIR. The court observed that the accused's arrest and custodial interrogation were essential to ensure a fair and effective investigation. Holding so, it directed the issuance of a non-bailable warrant of arrest against Hafiz Saeed and forwarded the warrant to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), NIA, Jammu, for execution in accordance with law and the prescribed procedure. According to the NIA's application, a supplementary chargesheet has already been filed in the case. The agency stated that Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, a resident of Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, is a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the founder of the proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). It further submitted that he is operating from Pakistan and is deliberately evading arrest, necessitating the issuance of an open-dated non-bailable warrant to facilitate further legal proceedings and investigation. After considering the submissions of the NIA's Investigating Officer and the contents of the application, the court allowed the plea and disposed of the application. The underlying case has been registered for offences under Sections 147, 148, 149, 150 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as Sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case pertains to the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians, including tourists, were killed after terrorists opened fire at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA, which took over the investigation, has alleged that the attack was orchestrated by Pakistan-based operatives of the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Its supplementary chargesheet names LeT founder and designated terrorist Hafiz Muhammad Saeed as Accused No. 8, alleging his involvement in the larger conspiracy behind the attack. (ANI)
Man accused in sacrilege case hacked to death in Punjab
Mewa Singh, accused in a 2020 sacrilege case, was murdered at his home. Unidentified assailants attacked him with sharp weapons between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM. Police are investigating the incident, which involved two attackers according to initial statements. Investigations are exploring possible links to the past sacrilege incident and other motives. The assailants remain at large as police gather further evidence.
Operation Vijay was not just military triumph, but chapter of courage, patriotism: Rajnath Singh
New Delhi, July 14: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' is a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War, as he flagged off the motorcycle expedition from the National War Memorial ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Addressing the gathering, Singh said, Today's occasion is not merely about flagging off the Motorcycle Expedition, but rather about paying homage to that indomitable spirit, due to which our brave heroes sacrificed everything for the honour, pride, and glory of India. I have come to pay homage to that resolve, which, with a vow to keep alive the memory of our immortal martyrs from generation to generation, is moving forward. Highlighting the significance of the expedition, the Defence Minister said the name 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' itself represents inspiration and its motto, One Ride, One Nation, One Salute, reflects the spirit of national unity and respect for the armed forces. The very name of this journey--'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' (Journey of Valor and Victory)--is an inspiration in itself. And its motto--'One Ride, One Nation, One Salute'--expresses the soul of this campaign in a deeply meaningful way. There could perhaps be no message more beautiful or powerful than this, he said. Recalling the bravery displayed by Indian soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War, Singh said troops achieved the impossible in extremely challenging conditions. At an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet--where breathing becomes difficult, oxygen levels are low, and temperatures plummet to minus 40 degrees--our brave soldiers achieved the impossible in such a formidable and hostile environment. Where nature had blocked the path, our soldiers, through their sheer courage, carved out a new path in history, he said. The Defence Minister said Operation Vijay was not merely a military victory but a symbol of courage, patience, discipline and patriotism. Twenty-seven years ago today, in 1999, the Indian Armed Forces scripted history through Operation Vijay. It was not merely a military victory, but a chapter of such courage, patience, discipline, and indomitable patriotism that the world's armies still study and regard it with honour, he said. The 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' riders will cover nearly 1,900 kilometres over 13 days, beginning from the National War Memorial and passing through Chandimandir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh before reaching the Kargil War Memorial on July 26, marking Kargil Vijay Diwas. This will not merely be a journey of covering distances; it will be a journey of connecting with history, sacrifice, and patriotism, Singh said. He added that India's victory in Kargil represents the country's enduring resolve to protect its land, identity and honour. The victory of Kargil is not confined to a single date; it is India's enduring resolve that every gaze cast upon our land, our identity, and our honour will be met by India with full might, he said. Expressing confidence in the impact of the expedition, Singh said the journey would inspire the youth and keep alive the memory of the Kargil martyrs. I am fully confident that this journey of yours will awaken a new consciousness of patriotism, especially among the youth, will keep the memory of the immortal Kargil martyrs ever alive in the collective memory of society, and will convey to the coming generations the message that the protection of the nation's freedom and honour happens not only at the borders, but also in our memories and our values, he said. Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth was also present at the flag-off ceremony. The expedition comes as India commemorates the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay. On July 14, 1999, Indian forces regained control of most strategic heights in the Dras, Kargil and Batalik sectors, marking a decisive turning point in the war. The Indian Army has recalled the day as the moment when then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared Operation Vijay a success, while Pakistan announced the withdrawal of its forces amid military setbacks and international pressure. The Indian Army has also organised an expedition to Gun Hill (Point 5140), a strategically significant feature overlooking Dras, to honour the soldiers who displayed exceptional courage during the Kargil War. The capture of Point 5140 was one of the decisive operations of the conflict and played a crucial role in restoring control over the Dras sector. Every year on July 26, India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the successful culmination of Operation VIJAY, through which the Indian Armed Forces recaptured strategic heights from Pakistani intruders and safeguarded the nation's territorial integrity. (ANI)
'This moment belongs to my father': Yash Thakur on maiden India call-up
From dedicating his maiden India call-up to his late father to reuniting with bowling coach Morne Morkel, Yash Thakur reflects on the journey behind his biggest career milestone. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia. com, the Punjab Kings pacer opens up about Shreyas Iyer's faith in his bowlers, the winning mindset instilled by Ricky Ponting, and why pressure situations bring out the best in him.
Jammu: NIA court issues non-bailable warrant against LeT founder Hafiz Saeed
Jammu, Jul 14: A special NIA court has issued a non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, in connection with a case pertaining to the ongoing probe into the Pahalgam terror attack. The order was passed by the Special Judge of the NIA Court on July 8, two days after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet against Saeed in the Pahalgam terror attack case. Saeed, designated a global terrorist by India and the United States, is also considered the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The supplementary chargesheet, filed before the special NIA court in Jammu, charges the 76-year-old Saeed in both his personal capacity and as the chief of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy front, The Resistance Front (TRF). He has been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. According to the court order, the NIA informed the court that absconding terrorist Saeed, a resident of Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, is an accused in Pahalgam terror attack and has been deliberately evading arrest. The agency sought the issuance of an open-dated non-bailable warrant against him to initiate further proceedings in the matter and take legal action against him at any further investigation. Arrest and custodial interrogation of the accused (Saeed) are necessary for a fair, complete and effective investigation. As such non-bailable warrant of arrest is issued against him and is forwarded it to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), NIA Jammu, for execution in accordance with law, the order said. On April 22 last year, terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, at Pahalgam in south Kashmir.
Punjab Congress: Why the ChanniRaja Warring leadership battle matters | Explained
Responding to the controversy, Mr. Warring said there should indeed be no sleeper cell or compromised leader within the Congress
The political storm in Punjab surrounding Satluj movie | Explained
As the controversy surrounding the film and its removal continued unabated, political organisations, youth outfits and religious bodies have been organising public screenings of the film in villages and towns of Punjab
FSFTI & PUCA urge regulatory overhaul in allied healthcare education
Expressing concern over the absence of a uniform regulatory framework for Allied Healthcare education in India, Dr Anshu Kataria, President, Punjab Unaided Colleges Association (PUCA), President, Federation of Self Financing Technical Institutions (FSFTI), All India, and Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, has urged the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) to ensure greater certainty, transparency, and consistency in the implementation of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021. In a detailed representation submitted to the Commission, Dr Kataria has sought the formulation of comprehensive regulations covering admissions, eligibility criteria, infrastructure, land requirements, intake capacity, and other key academic and institutional norms. He also emphasized that essential regulatory provisions should remain stable during an ongoing academic session. Dr Kataria further recommended the notification of uniform land norms for all Allied Healthcare courses, the creation of a national digital database of students, the publication of institution-wise approved intake capacities, and the establishment of a transparent, predictable, and technology-driven regulatory mechanism for institutions across the country. India has the potential to become one of the largest suppliers of skilled healthcare human resources by offering quality Allied Healthcare education and training. Dr Kataria also expressed concern over the pending affiliation process in Punjab, stating that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has not yet endorsed the new Allied Healthcare norms for affiliating universities. He said that the UGC should issue directions to IKGPTU, Jalandhar, for the implementation of the new norms so that thousands of aspiring students can benefit from healthcare courses. Dr Rev. K. V. K. Rao, General Secretary, FSFTI, stated that the Allied Healthcare sector holds immense potential to address India's growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. He urged the NCAHP to introduce comprehensive and uniform regulations at the earliest, enabling institutions across the country to function with clarity, consistency, and confidence while maintaining the highest academic and professional standards.
Punjab FC appoint Greek coach Pavlos Dermitzakis
From Soil to Sensors: How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionising Indian Agriculture
Imagine walking through a coconut orchard in Tamil Nadu where every tree is monitored by solar-powered sensors, irrigation happens automatically when the soil dries out, and a farmer can track water usage, fertiliser needs and crop healthall from a mobile phone. This isn't science fiction. This is the new reality of Indian agriculture, and it's happening right now. Meet Rajaratnam Kanakarajan, a coconut farmer from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. Two years ago, he was struggling with unpredictable yields and rising input costs. Today, after adopting an AI-powered precision farming system developed by the agritech startup Farm Again, his coconut yield has doubledfrom 80 to 160 nuts per tree per year. His annual income jumped from 12.16 lakh to 33.82 lakh. And he's not alone. According to a report by NITI Aayog (2025), over 3,500 farmers across 4,000 acres in Tamil Nadu are now benefiting from this technology, collectively saving more than 400,000 cubic metres of water and 175,000 kWh of energy annually, while avoiding approximately 20,000 tonnes of CO emissions. The locally developed technology also reduced the implementation cost from 25 lakh per acre for imported systems to just 2.5 lakh per acre, making precision agriculture more affordable for Indian farmers (NITI Aayog, 2025). This is the story of how Artificial Intelligence is transforming traditional agriculture into something smarter, more sustainable and far more profitable. The Perfect Storm: Why Agriculture Needs AI Now Here's the challenge we're facing: the global population is expected to reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050, and according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO, 2023), agriculture will need to produce nearly 50 percent more food than current levels. At the same time, India's agricultural land has been shrinkingfrom a peak of 184.8 million hectares in 1975 to approximately 179.9 million hectares today (Land Use Statistics at a Glance, 2023)while the country's population has ballooned to 1.45 billion (Worldometer, 2025). Nearly 735 million people worldwide currently suffer from undernourishment, highlighting the persistent challenge of food insecurity (FAO, 2023). Meanwhile, farmers are disappearing from fields. According to the World Bank Employment in Agriculture Database and Periodic Labour Force Survey reports, the share of India's workforce engaged in agriculture has dropped from 59.1% in 1991 to 40.6% in 2020, and it's projected to fall to about 32% by 2030 (World Bank, 2024). Labour shortages during critical operations like sowing, harvesting and weeding are becoming a crisis. Traditional farmingrelying on guesswork, uniform application of water and chemicals and labour-intensive methodssimply cannot meet these challenges. As Wolfert and colleagues (2017) observed in their comprehensive review published in Agricultural Systems, the integration of Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence enhances farm decision-making, improves operational efficiency and promotes sustainable agricultural production. The scope of Big Data applications in smart farming, they noted, goes beyond primary productionit is influencing the entire food supply chain (Wolfert et al., 2017). What Exactly Is AI Doing in Agriculture? Think of AI as a super-smart farming assistant that never sleeps. It analyses data from sensors in the soil, cameras on drones, satellites in space and weather stations in the field. Then it tells farmers exactly what to do: when to water, how much fertiliser to apply, where pests are hiding and even when to harvest. Liakos and colleagues (2018) conducted a comprehensive review of machine learning applications in agricultural production systems and categorised them into four major areas: crop management, livestock management, water management and soil management. Their findings, published in the journal Sensors, demonstrated that by applying machine learning to sensor data, farm management systems are evolving into real-time AI-enabled programs that provide rich recommendations and insights for farmer decision support and action (Liakos et al., 2018). The numbers speak for themselves. Subeesh and Mehta (2021), writing in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, documented that AI-driven precision agriculture can increase crop yields from 3.8 to 5.5 tonnes per hectare while reducing water consumption from 6,650 to 4,000 cubic metres per hectare, fertiliser use from 305 to 180 kg per hectare and pesticide use from 18.5 to 7 litres per hectare. Net returns nearly doublefrom 940 to 1,860 per hectarewhile carbon emissions decrease from 3,650 to 2,100 kg COe per hectare (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021). These findings highlight that AI-based precision agriculture enables higher yields with fewer inputs, greater profitability and improved sustainability compared to conventional farming. Real Farmers, Real Results Across India, agritech startups are proving that AI isn't just for Silicon Valleyit's for the villages of Maharashtra, the paddy fields of Punjab and the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu. Take Fasal, a Bengaluru-based startup founded in 2017. Their device, Fasal Kranti, equipped with over 12 sensors, monitors climatic and soil parameters and provides farmers with precise recommendations on irrigation, pest management and crop planning. Deployed across 10,000 acres in states like Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the results have been remarkable: farmers have reported up to a 60% reduction in pesticide costs and a 40% increase in yield. The technology has saved over 52 billion litres of water. Then there's Cultyvate, another Bengaluru-based startup that tackles one of Indian agriculture's most urgent problems: inefficient water use in paddy cultivation. Paddy fields consume over 50% of India's irrigation water. Cultyvate's remote-sensing irrigation system combines soil moisture sensors, flow meters, weather data and AI algorithms to monitor real-time field conditions. Farmers receive mobile alertsvia voice calls in regional languages, so even those who can't read can understandtelling them exactly when and how much to irrigate. The result? Water use reduced by up to 50%, yields improved by 2030% and over 3,080 crore litres of water saved. In Andhra Pradesh, a pioneering collaboration between Microsoft and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in agriculture. The Sowing App, developed using Microsoft's Cortana Intelligence Suite including Machine Learning and Power BI, sent sowing advisories to farmers on the optimal date to sow based on weather conditions, soil and other indicators (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The results, announced in January 2017, showed a remarkable 30% higher average yield per hectare for groundnut crops. Farmers who followed the advisories and sowed in the recommended period achieved significantly better yields, while those who sowed earlier suffered losses due to a long dry spell (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The Robots Are ComingAnd That's a Good Thing Remember when the idea of robots on farms sounded like something from a sci-fi movie? That future is already here. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR, 2024), the global agricultural robot market has grown exponentially, from approximately US$956 million in 2013 to nearly US$19.1 billion in 2020, reflecting the increasing demand for intelligent robotic systems in modern agriculture. Drones, autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters and AI-powered weeders are becoming increasingly common. The most rapid expansion occurred after 2016, when advancements in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, sensors and autonomous navigation systems accelerated the commercialisation of agricultural robots (IFR, 2024). In India, engineering student Rahul Arepaka has developed 'Rakshak,' an AI-powered laser-weeding robot that removes the need for chemical herbicides and manual labour. The tractor-mounted device autonomously targets weeds using deep learning algorithms and blue laser technology. These technologies aren't replacing farmersthey're empowering them. By automating labour-intensive tasks, AI frees up farmers to focus on higher-value activities like crop planning and marketing. Samuel and Irtwange (2025), writing in the Journal of Agricultural Informatics, concluded that machine learning applications contribute substantially to yield improvement, resource optimisation, and cost reduction in agricultural systems, emphasising the growing importance of predictive analytics in agricultural decision-making (Samuel & Irtwange, 2025). From Water to Wealth: The Economics of AI Farming Let's talk money. Because ultimately, farmers adopt new technologies when they make economic sense. The economic benefits of precision agriculture are well-documented. According to a joint study by Microsoft and ICRISAT (2017), precision agriculture improves farm profitability by 1525% while reducing production costs by 1030% through efficient use of inputs. It promotes resource conservation, achieving 2050% water savings and 1530% fertilizer savings, while reducing pesticide application by 2080% and nutrient losses by 1540% (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). Environmental sustainability is further enhanced through a 1020% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Technologically, precision agriculture enables real-time crop monitoring with 9097% disease detection accuracy, reduces labour requirements by 2040% through automation and supports predictive farm management with 8595% yield prediction accuracy (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). In Andhra Pradesh, according to a report by IndiaAI (2019), machine learning-based farming increased gross revenue from 1,25,000 per hectare to 2,87,500 per hectare. Net income rose from 70,000 to 2,00,000 per hectare (IndiaAI, 2019). The report further noted that the adoption of machine learning technologies in agriculture is creating new skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities, including positions for data collection technicians, precision irrigation specialists, digital extension workers, sensor installation workers, drone operators, software support staff and AI data analysts (IndiaAI, 2019). These aren't marginal improvements. They're transformative. The Government Steps In Recognising the potential of AI, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to accelerate its adoption. The Digital Agriculture Mission, approved in September 2024 with an outlay of 2,817 crore, aims to create a Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture. Under AgriStack, over 70 million Farmer IDs have already been generated across 17 states (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Krishi Decision Support System integrates satellite, weather and soil data to map crops and cultivated areas (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). In February 2026, the government launched Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-based agricultural advisory platform that provides farmers with personalised recommendations on crop planning, input management and risk mitigation. Farmers can access the platform by dialling 155261 from any phone and interacting with an AI assistant named 'Bharati' (Ministry of Finance, 2026). Kisan e-Mitra, an AI-powered voice-enabled chatbot launched in 2023, provides farmers with information on government schemes like PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Available in 11 regional languages, the platform handles over 8,000 farmer queries daily and had responded to more than 93 lakh farmer queries by December 2025 (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The World Economic Forum (2025) highlighted the role of AI in strengthening climate resilience, improving resource efficiency and enhancing market access for smallholder farmers, suggesting that AI-driven agricultural solutions can support sustainable rural development and improve farmers' livelihoods (World Economic Forum, 2025). The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities Of course, the transition to AI-powered agriculture isn't without challenges. High initial investment costs, limited digital infrastructure in rural areas, data privacy concerns and digital literacy gaps remain significant barriers (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). But the momentum is undeniable. Precision agriculture adoption in India is projected to increase from just 1% in 2008 to approximately 95% by 2036. The agricultural sector is expected to reach $300 billion by 2030. The vision is ambitious but achievable: AI-enabled agriculture that ensures every acre becomes more productive, every drop of water more valuable and every farmer more prosperous. As the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (2026) documented, AI-enabled advisory services, pest surveillance systems and digital agriculture initiatives across India have demonstrated the potential of AI and IoT technologies in improving agricultural productivity and farm management (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Bottom Line Artificial Intelligence is not just another tech buzzword. It's a practical, proven solution to some of agriculture's most pressing challenges. From the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu to the paddy fields of Punjab, AI is helping farmers produce more with lessless water, less fertilizer, fewer pesticides and less labour. The farmer of tomorrow won't just be someone with a plough and a pair of hands. They'll be someone with a smartphone, a network of sensors and an AI assistant that helps them make smarter decisions every single day. And that's not just good for farmers. It's good for all of us who depend on the food they grow. (The authors are associated with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu)
Punjabs anti-sacrilege law worries echo in Hong Kong
Community Screenings Defy Censorship for Indian Insurgency Film
Satluj tells the true tale of a human rights activist who investigated thousands of disappearances and extrajudicial killings during a government crackdown on a separatist insurgency in Indias Punjab state in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Australian Artist and Indian Craftsman Celebrate Traditional Metal Craft
New Delhi, July 13: An Australian artist and a master metal craftsman from India have jointly organized an exhibition to celebrate the centuries-old metal craft tradition. This exhibition also highlights the strengthening cultural ties between India and Australia. The exhibition, titled Analog and Alchemy, features Australian artist Elliot Bastianon and Punjabs master metal craftsman Hari ... Read more Australian Artist and Indian Craftsman Celebrate Traditional Metal Craft
Punjab Governor gave nod to ordinance on capping fees by private schools: CM
The Punjab Cabinet had last month approved an ordinance on capping fee hikes by private schools at 5% per annum; education has regrettably been made a business in the State, says CM Bhagwant Mann
Pannun has sought Qaumi Shaheed status for Jaswant Singh Khalra as pro-Khalistani groups use Diljit Dosanjhs Satluj to revive separatist propaganda in Punjab.
Anantnag Police seize illicit liquor, book one under Excise Act
Anantnag, July 13: Anantnag Police on Sunday said it recovered illicit liquor during routine naka checking at Lazibal and registered a case under the Excise Act. In a statement, the police said a party from Police Post Sherbagh, while conducting routine checking at Lazibal, intercepted an i10 vehicle (PB13AN9357) driven by Dhanwant Singh, son of Sardar Ajeet Singh, a resident of Amritsar, Punjab, presently residing at Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar. During the search of the vehicle, police recovered 14 bottles of liquor, comprising 12 bottles of Old Adventure and two bottles of Royal Stag, each containing 750 ml, the statement said. The driver failed to produce any valid licence or permit authorising the possession or transportation of the recovered liquor, police said. Accordingly, FIR No. 236/2026 under Section 48 of the Excise Act has been registered at Police Station Anantnag, and further investigation is underway, the statement added.
Weather Forecast Today: Monsoon activity remains strong across India with widespread rainfall expected. Many regions will witness intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Other areas are likely to see intermittent rain spells throughout the day. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in parts of Uttarakhand and Maharashtra. Residents are urged to stay cautious of potential waterlogging and flooding.
Gulmarg faces mounting infrastructure challenges amid tourist surge
Gulmarg, Jul 12: While the world-famous tourist destination of Gulmarg continues to attract heavy tourist footfall, the hill resort is grappling with major challenges of solid waste management and traffic congestion. In an exclusive conversation with Greater Kashmir , Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Tariq Hussain said the premier tourist destination remained one of the countrys most sought-after attractions because of its nature-based tourism. There is no competitor to Gulmarg in the country, he said. He, however, said preserving its environment while accommodating rising visitor numbers was the GDAs top priority. Currently, we are facing two major challenges, including the disposal of solid waste and traffic movement. But we are working on a scientific solid waste management system and expanding parking infrastructure to ease congestion, he said. The CEO said Gulmargs parking capacity currently stands at around 1,000 vehicles, which often proves inadequate during the peak tourist season. The influx of visitors, particularly those arriving by private vehicles from neighbouring states such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttarakhand, has intensified pressure on local infrastructure, he said. Hussain said Gulmargs estimated daily carrying capacity was between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors. He, however, said tourist numbers frequently exceeded that limit during peak periods. But to reduce pressure on the main resort (Gulmarg Bowl), the government is promoting sister destinations around Gulmarg as well, he said. The CEO said Gulmargs tourism was entirely nature-based, except for the cable car. Balancing conservation with increasing tourist footfall is a challenging task, he said. He said tourism had remained resilient and continued to support the local economy. Although Gulmarg remains primarily a winter tourism destination, hotels, guest houses and homestays have recorded satisfactory bookings during the ongoing summer season, Hussain told Greater Kashmir . About future plans, the CEO said the GDA was planning to introduce several infrastructure projects aimed at improving the visitor experience while reducing environmental impact. The new projects include the construction of pedestrian walkways, a multi-level parking facility, fencing around the heritage golf course and the restoration of the historic Maharaja Palace. The CEO said the GDA was also exploring the introduction of electric vehicles, shuttle bus services and a designated green corridor where visitors could move on foot, reducing vehicular movement within the resort. He, however, acknowledged concerns over the condition of the existing infrastructure and said the GDA would prioritise its preservation alongside future development. Responding to concerns following the recent technical snag in the Gulmarg Gondola, he said maintenance protocols had been strengthened and professional teams were conducting regular inspections in line with carrying-capacity norms. On the future of tourism in Gulmarg, Hussain said the GDA was also considering expanding tourism beyond Gulmarg by promoting border tourism at Botapathri, subject to security clearance. He said the Botapathri area, located close to the Line of Control (LoC), had the potential to accommodate more than 1,000 day visitors and could eventually host border safari experiences showcasing the regions scenic landscape. He said Gulmarg was the only tourist destination located close to the LoC. Gulmarg is located 30-40 km from the LoC and that is one of the most critical points. But Botapathri has the potential and a carrying capacity of 1000 tourists per day, he told Greater Kashmir . He said if the GDA and other concerned authorities received security clearance, it would pave the way for introducing border tourism in the area. We will take visitors up to the LoC where they will not only see the borders but also the beauty and hidden treasures beyond Gulmarg, he said.
The ATM story: Banks move to cash recyclers from just dispensers
More than 15,000 ATM units are expected to come up for request for proposals (RFPs) for cash recyclers, with nearly 77% of these belonging to PSBs, according to industry executives. Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India and Bank of India are among the lenders expected to issue recycler RFPs.
CII, PHDCCI seek one-time migration window to Punjab Industrial Policy-2026
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Punjab to raise fresh Rs 1k crore loan; opposition says state put on EMI
