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Punjab CM in Japan to boost investment
5 Amritsar trips and 41 lakh: More details emerge in Gurgaon lawyers Pakistan spying case
Investigators uncovered new details in the Nuh advocate Rizwan spying case. His associate, Musharraf, described trips to Amritsar and alleged hawala money transfers. Meanwhile, Rajasthan CID arrested Prakash Singh from Punjab for suspected ISI spying, sharing Army movement details. These arrests are part of ongoing counter-espionage operations.
Trident Group Highlights Sustainable Paper Innovation at PaperEx 2025
Trident Group, a leading manufacturer of agro-based, eco-smart paper, participated in the 17th International Exhibition & Conference on Pulp, Paper & Allied Industries (PaperEx 2025), held from 3-6 December 2025 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), New Delhi. The Group showcased its sustainability-led paper portfolio, underscoring its commitment to circular manufacturing and conscious resource utilisation. Trident Group Paper Team at PaperEx 2025 At the exhibition, Trident highlighted its pioneering approach to wheat-straw-based paper - a solution enabling zero tree cutting while converting agro-waste into a valuable renewable resource. The stall design further brought the brand’s sustainability philosophy to life through minimalism, natural textures, and an ethos of environmental responsibility. Reinforcing its ongoing transformation, the Group also showcased how automation and digitalisation are being integrated into its paper operations to enhance precision, minimise waste, and improve transparency across production processes. These efforts reflect Trident’s long-term focus on building a more efficient, technology-enabled, and environmentally conscious manufacturing ecosystem. In addition to its current portfolio, Trident announced plans to expand its range with new variants in copier and maplitho, along with refreshed designs within its notebooks category. These additions are designed to meet evolving customer expectations while staying true to the brand’s sustainability-first product philosophy. Speaking on the participation, Rajnish Kumar Gera, CEO - Paper & Chemicals, Trident Group , said, “Our participation at Paperex 2025 was a resounding success, reaffirming Trident Group’s position as a pioneer in sustainable paper solutions. The overwhelming response from corporate customers, partners, and visitors reflects the growing trust in our eco-conscious innovations – The Good Paper. With thousands of potential leads and meaningful conversations, this event has paved the way for stronger collaborations and a greener future.” About Trident Group Trident Limited is the flagship company of the Trident Group, a leading Indian business conglomerate with a global footprint. Headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, Trident operates across three major segments - Textiles, Paper, and Chemicals - with world-class manufacturing facilities in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. A vertically integrated producer of textiles (Yarn, Bath & Bed Linen) and wheat-straw-based paper, Trident is among India’s largest home textile players. Its towels, yarns, bedsheets, and writing & printing paper are trusted by millions of customers across India and worldwide. Supplying national brands, captive brands, and leading retailer-owned labels, Trident is widely recognized for its commitment to product excellence, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The company has been honoured with numerous awards from customers, partners, and government bodies.
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.
IMD weather update December 3: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry are likely to get more rainfall on Wednesday, December 3 as cyclone Ditwah moves towards Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts. The IMD said cold wave conditions are likely to prevail in Punjab, Madhya Maharashtra and Rajasthan. West Bengal is likely to experience dry weather.
Punjab leads with 156% groundwater extraction: Report
60% cotton brought to Punjab mandis sold below support price: Data
Restore professional autonomy of PSPCL: Engineers to Punjab CM
CM Mann showcases Punjab as investment destination to Japanese firms
36,703 houses selected under project for flood-affected families of Punjab
Punjab has 23 briquette, pellet manufacturing projects, RS told
SMAT | Hardik sizzles on comeback as Baroda gets the better of Punjab in a run-fest
Ankit dazzles in Haryanas win over Services; cakewalk for Gujarat against Pondicherry; Karans maiden T20 century takes Bengal past HP
Dharmendra's ancestral property worth Rs 5 cr has NOT gone to his kids
Veteran actor Dharmendra, who passed away recently, chose to gift his ancestral property in Punjab, valued at Rs 5 crore, to his uncle's grandsons. This decision, made eight years prior, stemmed from his nephews' continued connection and care for the land, ensuring its preservation.
Rice procurement in Punjab, Haryana ends, pan-India purchase up 13% in October-November
Due to early arrival of the paddy this year, the Centre allowed procuring agencies in Punjab and Haryana to begin purchase from mid-September and in Tamil Nadu from September 1
BSF rolls out advanced AI-based anti-tunnelling, anti-drone systems along Indo-Pak border
CHANDIGARH: The Border Security Force (BSF) is installing artificial intelligence-based anti-tunnelling technology in the Jammu sector to curb infiltration from across the border. In the coming days, an advanced surveillance system will be deployed in both Punjab and Jammu sectors along the IndoPak international border, incorporating night-vision and optical cameras and a mix of radars to enhance observation. The BSF will also receive technical alerts if anyone attempts to intrude into Indian territory, and a new border fence is being installed that cannot be cut or climbed. This year, 278 drones carrying consignments of drugs, weapons and ammunition have been intercepted and recovered, besides 200 weapons seized including AKs and pistols 53 intruders apprehended or arrested, and 380 kg of heroin recovered along the 533-km Punjab stretch of the international border. A new trend has emerged, where small Chinese-made drones are being sent from Pakistan carrying only around 500 grams of payload and small weapons; earlier, larger drones with heavier payloads were used. Speaking to the media during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the BSF at the Lakhnaur Campus in Mohali, Satish S Khandare, Additional Director General of BSF (Western Command), said, Now days new technologies are being used for anti-national activities be it smuggling or dropping of arms and ammunition as drones are being used on large scale in Punjab and now in certain areas of Rajasthan. So it is another challenge we are facing in our day to day duty. Thus now various technologies are being used by the BSF to counter smuggling from across the border. Now days we are deploying anti-drone system on the Indo-Pak border on a massive scale especially in Jammu and Punjab sectors to prevent drone infiltration as drugs and weapons are smuggled via these flying machines, he said. He also added that, We are also in a process of implementing a major technological solution on Jammu and Punjab border which will comprise off all the available solutions as it will be collective mix of all technologies which will have tunnel detection system also to prevent attempt on our adversaries part to infiltrate through tunnels. Thus we are implementing anti-tunneling system in Jammu which will have AI based night cameras so that the movement during the night is observed and appropriate reaction is given by the troops, also include electro optical targeting system (EOTS) which is combination of cameras and radar as radars detects the movement and subsequently camera focuses on that movement and analysis is made weather that movement is friendly or not friendly. Based on that action is taken by the troopers which are there at the border out post. The phase one of the anti-tunneling technology completed now phase two and three will be completed soon. Khandare said two additional battalions have been deployed to strengthen the anti-infiltration grid in Jammu. All revierrine gaps are plugged using available resources and creating command posts and well lit environment in those areas and psoting adequate number of troops, he said. For border surveillance, we are going to install an advance system in Punjab and Jammu sectors in coming days in which will include a mix night and optical cameras besides radar systems in order to enhance our observations on the border and if one tries to intrude or dig tunnel we get technical warning, he added. On the extent of flood-related damage to fencing along the IndoPak border, Khandare said, It was not contiguous but approximately one third of the total fence in Punjab on the Indo-Pak international border was broken that was around 60 kilometres. In some places it was not possible to go to the border due to water logging. In this situation with so many gaps and little manpower at our disposal it is quite possible that anti national elements might have exploited certain gaps but we were quick to regain our grounds and lift the fence and go to the border. In Jammu region not that much of breach as nallas was seasons. As far fencing is concerned the damage was not much in Jammu, he added. He said the ageing fence along the IndoPak border is being replaced. The fence which was erected on the Indo-Pak border has become quiet old so we are replacing to old fence with new design fence all along the indo-pak intentional border, he said. A state-of-the-art drone forensics laboratory has been set up in Amritsar. The drones which we recover their forensic analysis is that at this laboratory now, from where the drone flew, how many sorties it has done and where did it drop the consignments and on that basis we have identified the hot stops, primarily in Punjab a few in Rajasthan also. Thus, we tackle those hot stops by two means firstly by deploying counter drone systems and secondly physical deployment. We are also manning in depth of the state as we know that the consignment will be dropped beyond the border. The anti-drone system of Punjab Police is being operated in coordination with BSF, he said. Khandare said the BSF utilises a multilayered approach involving a mix of indigenous technologies to counter cross-border drone threats along the IndoPak border. The systems integrate multiple sensors including radar, electro-optical infrared cameras and radio frequency analyzers to detect, track and neutralize the Pak drones. During the year till date we have recovered 278 rogue drones, besides 200 weapons seized including AKs and pistols, 53 intruders apprehended and arrested and 380 kg of heroin recovered, he said. He concluded, We are noticing that in the last five years there has been change in drone intrusions as it started in 2019, if we analyze that now smaller and cheap drones being used, also size of consignments is now small. First big drones use to come and they had sound signature. From adversaries point of view they are using smaller drones as per sortie a drone carries 500 grams of drugs and a pistol. Also big drones are also coming but they fly at much higher level now frequency hopping drones are being used thus is a difficult task to detect them.
SMAT 2025-26 Baroda vs Punjab | Hardik Pandya the cynosure of all eyes, as always
If quick singles and breezy twos showed that he was back to full fitness, the rasping drives and lofted shots showed that he barely lost his touch
Cricket stars, selfies, security slips: Punjab vs Haryana thriller in Hyderabad draws 10,000 fans
Uppal stadium packed as Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Sharma put on star-studded show, prompting repeated pitch invasions, helping Baroda win
Punjabs fav winter dish is hit in Hyderabad: Top 5 spots to try
As winter settles into Hyderabad, food lovers begin craving warm, filling meals. The evenings become cooler, tea cups get refilled more often, and the appetite naturally turns towards something rich, slow-cooked and satisfying. Winter is that season when food is not just eaten it is truly enjoyed. One dish that perfectly suits the season is 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 .
CHANDIGARH: The United States Transport Department announced that it plans to revoke the certification of nearly 3,000 commercial drivers license (CDL) training providers unless they comply with training requirements in the next 30 days. Followingly, over 16,000 training providers listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR) are being reviewed to identify and remove noncompliant providers. As a result, over 1.50 lakh Punjabi truckers might face intense scrutiny. Indian-origin driver accused in truck crash that killed three people in US was not 'intoxicated': Report In a statement, US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced the removal of nearly 3,000 commercial drivers license (CDL) training providers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR) for failing to equip trainees with the Trump Administrations standards of readiness. Another 4,500 training providers were placed on notice due to potential noncompliance. Trump administration is cracking down on every link in the illegal trucking chain. Under Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg, bad actors were able to game the system and let unqualified drivers flood our roadways. Their negligence endangered every family on Americas roadways, and it ends today. Under President Trump, we are reigning in illegal and reckless practices that let poorly trained drivers get behind the wheel of semi-trucks and school buses, said Duffy. US halts work visas for foreign truck drivers The Training Provider Registry lists all providers authorised to offer federally required Entry-Level Driver Training for CDL students. FMCSAs review of the 16,000 training providers listed on the TPR to identify and remove noncompliant providers is only the first step. CDL Training Providers are being removed from the TPR for falsifying or manipulating training data, neglecting to meet required curriculum standards, facility conditions, or instructor qualifications and failing to maintain accurate, complete documentation or refusing to provide records during federal audits or investigations. If you are unwilling to follow the rules, you have no place training Americas commercial drivers. We will not tolerate negligence, added FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs. This is the latest action taken to root out unqualified drivers and corrupt operators from the trucking industry. Under President Trump, USDOT is focused on raising the standard for roadway safety through accountability, compliance, and enforcement, a statement added. The department said that the training providers who receive a notice of proposed removal have 30 days to respond to FMCSA and provide evidence of compliance to avoid removal from the registry. During this period, the providers name will be included on the TPR Proposed Removal List, and the provider must notify all current and scheduled driver-trainees of its proposed removal status. The North American Punjabi Truckers Association estimates that about 150,000 Sikh truck drivers work in the United States, and they make up about 40 per cent of truck driving on the West Coast and about 20 per cent nationwide.
Hardik Smashes Unbeaten 77 On SMAT Return To Help Baroda Win
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: India allrounder Hardik Pandya smashed a 42-ball 77 not out for Baroda as the team chased down a 223-run target against Punjab to clinch their second consecutive victory at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy here on Tuesday. Notably, this was Hardik's first outing in almost three months, as he returned to competitive cricket after a long injury layoff. He sustained an injury during Indias Asia Cup Super Fours clash against Sri Lanka and has been out of action since. The allrounder subsequently missed the ODI and T20I series against Australia and was unavailable for selection for the ongoing 50-over series against South Africa. However, after exiting the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and upon receiving RTP (Return to Play) clearance from the board, Hardik joined the Baroda team, led by his brother Krunal Pandya, for the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament. Speaking of the match, Punjab posted 222/8 in their 20-over quota, riding on half-centuries from skipper Abhishek Sharma and top-order batter Anmolpreet Singh. Naman Dhir played a decent knock, scoring 39 off 28 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Sanvir Singh finished with identical scores of 16 runs. Raj Limbani was the pick of the bowlers for Baroda, while Hardik ended up conceding 52 runs in his four-over spell, managing just the lone wicket of Anmolpreet. Baroda got off to a solid start to their chase thanks to the 66-run opening stand between Vishnu Solanki and Shashwat Rawat. However, two quick wickets brought Shivalik Sharma and Hardik on the crease. The duo stitched a formidable 109-run stand for the third wicket before Shivalik had to retire out. However, Hardik kept going and notched up seven fours and four sixes to score an unbeaten 77 as Baroda chased down the target with five balls to spare. Baroda got off to a solid start to their chase thanks to the 66-run opening stand between Vishnu Solanki and Shashwat Rawat. However, two quick wickets brought Shivalik Sharma and Hardik on the crease. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The selection committee will likely announce Indias T20I squad for the forthcoming five-game series against South Africa this week. Article Source: IANS
Pandyas blazing 77* powers Baroda to record chase; fan breaks security cordon to take selfie - Watch
Hardik Pandya made a strong comeback to competitive cricket. He scored an unbeaten 77 to guide Baroda to a seven-wicket win against Punjab. Baroda chased down 223 runs. Pandya finished the match with three consecutive sixes. This marks an encouraging return after his injury.
This winter, central and north India are bracing for a colder season with an increased number of cold wave days, according to the IMD. Regions like Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are expected to experience below-normal temperatures and prolonged cold spells, posing risks to health, transport, and air quality.
Maxwell Pulls Out Of IPL 2026 Ahead Of Mini-auction
Indian Premier League: Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has opted out of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) just a couple of weeks before the auction, stating that he made the decision with a lot of gratitude towards the league. Maxwell was released by the Punjab Kings and the cricketer was supposed to go under the hammer at the auction on December 16. However, he has now decided not to play the cash-rich event in India. After many unforgettable seasons in the IPL, Ive decided not to put my name into the auction this year. Its a big call, and one I make with a lot of gratitude for everything this league has given me, Maxwell wrote in a statement he put out on his Instagram. The IPL has helped shape me as a cricketer and as a person. Ive been lucky to play with world-class teammates, represent incredible franchises, and perform in front of fans whose passion is unmatched. The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever. Thank you for all your support over the years, hopefully see you soon. Cheers Maxi, he added. Maxwell last represented PBKS in the 2025 edition and played under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, with his fellow Australian Ricky Ponting as head coach. He sustained a finger injury midway through the tournament, which eventually ruled him out of the season. The IPL has helped shape me as a cricketer and as a person. Ive been lucky to play with world-class teammates, represent incredible franchises, and perform in front of fans whose passion is unmatched. The memories, the challenges, and the energy of India will stay with me forever. Thank you for all your support over the years, hopefully see you soon. Cheers Maxi, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While Russell retired from IPL and joined Kolkata Knight Riders coaching staff for the upcoming edition, Faf has opted to participate in the Pakistan Super League and take a break from IPL this season. Article Source: IANS
ISIs WhatsApp Spy With Operation Sindoor Link Arrested in Rajasthan
Jaipur: Rajasthan Polices CID Intelligence Wing has arrested a Punjab resident, Prakash Singh alias Badal (34), for allegedly spying for Pakistans ISI after he was detained near a military area in Sri Ganganagar while gathering sensitive information. Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) Prafulla Kumar said Singh, a native of Ferozepur, had been in continuous contact [] The post ISIs WhatsApp Spy With Operation Sindoor Link Arrested in Rajasthan appeared first on Northlines .
Glenn Maxwell opts out of IPL 2026; pens emotional goodbye to fans
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has withdrawn from the IPL 2026 auction, concluding his impactful league journey. This decision follows a disappointing IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, where he scored only 48 runs in seven matches. Maxwell's exit joins a trend of prominent overseas players opting out of the upcoming tournament.
Punjab Kings star player Glenn Maxwell pulls out of auction, likely to end IPL career
Australia's Glenn Maxwell pulls out of auction, hints at ending IPL career
When an Earthquake Stopped Play: Cricket's Rare Tremor Interruptions
Few days back, the play on the third day of Ireland's second Test in Dacca, Bangladesh, was suddenly stopped, during the second ball of the 56th over of Ireland's first innings. Reason: A 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Dhaka around 10.38am local time. The impact of the earthquake was felt in Kolkata, several parts of West Bengal, and Assams Guwahati also, where the second India- South Africa Test was scheduled to play after a few days. The moment the earthquake struck the visitors were at 165 for 5 when play was suddenly interrupted, leaving players and officials visibly startled. Play was stopped but players stayed on the field at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. All others related to the teams also came on the ground while spectators ran for the safety cover. Play resumed after approximately four minutes. For many it was a new experience but not for the Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan who said, I've been involved in a couple of earthquakes from my time living in New Zealand. The match was going on. I was in the press box. It was a terrifying situation. The press box collapsed - it was a terrible situation, Ariful Islam Roney, a Bangladesh sports journalist present in the press box, revealed. This is probably the first-time play stopped in a Test match due to an earthquake but not the first-time earthquake that has found mention in cricket. In 2016 the earthquake hit North India and Gujarat Lions IPL side was in a hotel at Mohali for their match against Kings XI Punjab. The players were evacuated from their hotel. The tremors were felt around 3:58 pm, measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale. The overseas players Dale Steyn, Aaron Finch and Andrew Tye shared their experience on social media. Tye spoke to Cricket Australia and revealed, I was sitting on the end of my bed fixing a cricket bat and it felt like the bed started to move. I was like what happened there and I looked around the room and certain things were shaking, so I thought it must be an earthquake. Christchurchs Hagley Oval is a permanent reminder of the earthquake that devastated Christchurch in 2011. The earthquake, which registered 6.3 on the Richter scale, resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people. Incidentally, the third day of the Test between New Zealand and Australia in 2016 (the second Test match played at this stadium), fell on the fifth anniversary of the earthquake and a minute's silence was observed during the lunch break at 12.51pm, the same time the earthquake struck. Another surprise is both the sides of the 2016 Test, also felt tremors on reaching Christchurch twice, before the start of the Test. The Hagley Oval became the city's major cricket venue only due to the damage to Lancaster Park, by earthquake. In 2022, an Under-19 World Cup clash between Zimbabwe and Ireland was briefly halted, due to a 5.2 magnitude earthquake at the Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain. The commentator Andrew Leonard shouted on the air, We are... I believe we are having an earthquake right now. In the box. We are indeed having an earthquake. It felt like not just a train going by behind us, but the whole Queen's Park Oval media centre rocked. Ireland spinner Matthew Humphreys was bowling the fifth bowl of the sixth over to Brian Bennett when the front-on camera showing the action began to shake furiously. Play was not interrupted, although the broadcaster's camera wobbled and the tremors were felt. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The best India earthquake story occurred during the first unofficial Test between Lord Tennyson's XI and India at Lahore in November 1937. On the second day of the four-day match, at the Bagh-e-Jinnah (Lawrence Gardens) ground, a tremor that lasted for approximately 90 seconds was felt. Its on record that a clock in the pavilion fell to the ground with a crash. Play was stopped for two minutes and after that match resumed. Lord Tennyson, standing in the slips, thought he had a sunstroke when the buildings around the ground started shaking.
MHA tells Haryana not to seek separate Assembly building in Chandigarh
CHANDIGARH: With 14 months left for the Punjab Assembly election and to avoid another controversy, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declined the Haryana governments proposal to construct a separate assembly building in Chandigarh. Highly placed sources said the MHA has advised senior Haryana officials not to pursue the matter further. The officials had recently approached the ministry, which categorically directed them not to take the proposal ahead with the Chandigarh Administration. At present both Punjab and Haryana share the assembly building located in the Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where new construction is not permitted. Political parties in Punjab have consistently opposed the Haryana governments demand for a separate building. Sources stated that such a land swap may not fall within the purview of the Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952, which governs land use in Chandigarh. It may also be challenged as a violation of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the law that restructured the old Punjab into present-day Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. The Chandigarh Administration had earlier agreed to allot a 10-acre plot to Haryana for constructing its separate assembly building and a piece of land was identified near the IT Park in the city.
Kerala college joins Indias push for self-reliance in chip production
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of initiatives to achieve self reliance in the semiconductor sector, two application-specific integrated circuit (IC) chips designed by a college in Kerala have been successfully fabricated at the Union governments Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Punjab. The chips, relating to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in vehicles, were designed at IHRD Model Engineering College (MEC), Kochi. The fabricated chips were handed over to the MEC project team by Union Minister of Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw at SCL last week. Even though IC chips are widely designed in India, their fabrication is mostly carried out outside the country. The completion of the entire process from design to fabrication within India is part of efforts at building a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem in the country. According to IHRD director V A Arun Kumar, the chips were designed by MEC as part of the Chips to Startup project of the central ministry. The college received approval for the five-year-long research project on January 15, 2024, with a grant of `86 lakh. The two fabricated IC chips are designed for object detection and object tracking. They are developed as the initial phase of the ongoing research project on ADAS, explained Jobymol Jacob, chief investigator of the project and head of the electronics engineering department at MEC. Faculty members Jagdeesh Kumar P, Rashid ME, research scholars, project staff and MTech and BTech students of the institution are also part of the project team. According to Jobymol, the project employs AI to assess data collected by cameras, radar and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) to detect and also track moving objects so as to make necessary decisions. Besides MEC, six other institutions in the state are undertaking research under the Chips to Startup programme. It is noteworthy that our team was able to complete the design of the two crucial chips in 16 months and cross the fabrication stage in 22 months, Jobymol said. The development of the first set of chips has come as a shot in the arm for the MEC team, that has plans to design similar units as part of their research project.
Delhi Records Cleanest Air Since 2018, Except During 2020 Lockdown: Centre Tells Parliament
The Centre also informed about 90 per cent reduction in fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana during the paddy harvesting season compared to 2022.
Amritpals Parl speech could set five rivers on fire, Punjab tells HC
Arms smuggling module unearthed
CHANDIGARH, Dec 1: Punjab Police on Monday said it has unearthed a Pakistan-linked cross-border arms smuggling module with the arrest of two persons. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Police also recovered seven weapons from their possession. Acting swiftly on intelligence inputs, Amritsar Commissionerate Police dismantles a #Pakistan-linked cross-border arms smuggling module and apprehends two operatives, recovering seven sophisticated pistols (three PX5 and four .30 bore), Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on X. Preliminary investigation revealed [] The post Arms smuggling module unearthed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Centre rejects Punjabs claim that lapses at Bhakra, Pong dams exacerbated floods
Rs 3,120cr, 2.7L machines drive dramatic drop in farm fires in Punjab, Haryana
Punjab floods declared a national calamity on portal meant for MPs, Rajya Sabha told
Contractual transport workers resume strike, bus services disrupted in Punjab
Contribution of farm fires in Punjab, Haryana to pollution in Delhi-NCR episodic, says Centre
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR caused by local, regional factors, with stubble burning being an additional event, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav tells Lok Sabha; CAQM notes biggest drop in farm fires in Punjab, Haryana since 2018, barring 2020
Over 50% reduction in Punjab, Haryana farm fires: CAQM
Farm fires saw a major drop in 2025. The Commission for Air Quality Management noted a sharp decrease from previous years. Punjab and Haryana reported substantial reductions in crop residue burning. These figures mark the most significant decline since monitoring began. This progress highlights effective management measures.
Punjab min Harpal Singh Cheema asks HP to take responsibility for failure to curb drug menace
Idle idols: 2 Punjab youth beat phone fads in 31-hr challenge
BJP has no future in Punjab, with or without Akalis: Warring
Farm Fires In Punjab, Haryana Lowest In 5 years: Air Quality Body
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said on Monday that incidents of farm fires in Punjab and Haryana reached their lowest levels during the 2025 paddy harvesting season.
Rajasthan Police Arrest Punjab Man In Rajasthan For Spying For Pak's ISI
In a major breakthrough, the CID Intelligence Wing of the Rajasthan Police has arrested a youth from Punjab in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district for spying on behalf of Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI, officials said on Monday.
Between Barbed Wires And Classrooms: Centre Highlights Support For Border-Side Schools
The Union Education Ministry in parliament on Monday outlined the steps being taken to support schooling in Punjab's zero-line border villages.
Traffic, not stubble, behind daily pollution spikes in Delhi: Study
The report notes that stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana was significantly subdued this year, partly because floods disrupted the crop cycle
'90% Dip In Punjab, Haryana Farm Fires': Centre Says Delhi's Air Saw Improvement This Year
Delhi's air quality improved in 2025 as Punjab and Haryana saw a 90% drop in fire incidences during paddy harvest season, the Centre replied to a starred question in Lok Sabha.
Shahid on 'Udta Punjab': 'I don't drink, I've never been high'
In an intriguing conversation, Shahid Kapoor opened up about his initial hesitations when offered the role of Tommy Singh, a drug-addicted musician in 'Udta Punjab.' Concerned about how his own sober habits would influence the portrayal, he questioned director Abhishek Chaubey's decision. Yet, Chaubey had faith in Kapoor's talent. Read on.
Stubble Burning Down By 90% In Punjab, Haryana, Centre Informs Parliament
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav said that while farm fires remain an episodic contributor to winter pollution, Delhi's air quality is influenced by multiple factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution and construction dust.
Deepest salutations, heartfelt gratitude to brave women, men of BSF: Mallikarjun Kharge
The BSF, a central armed police force under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), celebrates its Raising Day annually on December 1. This date marks the establishment of the first sector of the Punjab Frontier of the BSF, which took place on December 1, 1965, with its headquarters situated in Jalandhar.
MHA turns downs Haryana govts demand for new assembly building in Chandigarh
CHANDIGARH: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declined the proposal of the Haryana Government to construct a separate assembly building in Chandigarh. Highly placed sources said that the MHA has advised the senior officials of the Haryana Government not to pursue this matter any further. Sources further said that this kind of land swap might not fall within the purview of the Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952, which governs land use in Chandigarh. Earlier this year, the Chandigarh administration had rejected the proposal of the Haryana government to swap land, citing the absence of such a provision in the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031. In 2023, the Chandigarh Administration had agreed in principle to allot a 10-acre plot to the state government for constructing its separate Assembly building. Following this, a prime piece of land was identified near the railway light point The land was near the IT Park in the city, adjacent to a 200-foot-wide road that connects directly to Madhya Marg, which was valued at around Rs 640 crore. In return, the Haryana Government had offered 12 acres of land in the Saketri area of Panchkula to the Chandigarh Administration. However, the administration turned down the proposal for various reasons, including accessibility issues, a natural drain that divides the offered land into two parts, planning constraints, and it being a low-lying area, making it unsuitable for public projects. It was then pointed out that the two pieces of land were not comparable in terms of access and urban planning. According to sources, the main issue with the land in Saketri was the natural drain, which not only bifurcated the plot but also restricted construction in its vicinity. At present, both Punjab and Haryana share the assembly building located in the Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where new construction is not permitted. The Haryana governments demand for a new assembly building came after anticipation that the 2026 delimitation would increase the number of Assembly constituencies from 90 to 126, and the current state Assembly would not have space for expansion. Recently, the central government made a U-turn on two controversial issues to avoid any confrontation. A few days back, the Union Ministry of Education had withdrawn its notification to restructure the senate and syndicate of Panjab University after sustained political backlash in Punjab and the ongoing protests at the university. The MHA also clarified that no final decision has been taken on a proposal under Article 240, allowing the President to appoint a separate Lieutenant Governor for the Union Territory, which is now administered by the Punjab Governor.
PNB LBO recruitment 2025 application for JMGS-I closes today at pnb.bank.in
PNB LBO 2025: The Punjab National Bank (PNB) LBO recruitment 2025 application for JMGS-I posts closes today at pnb.bank.in. A total of 750 vacancies are available across General, SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories. Candidates must hold a graduation degree, be between 20-30 years, and pay the applicable application fee. Selection includes a written test, screening, language proficiency, and interview. Interested applicants must complete the online process today to be considered for December 2025/January 2026 exams.
Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrests close aide of jailed Akali leader Bikram Majithia
Harpreet Singh Gulati, who is in the liquor trade, was arrested on Saturday, they said. During the probe, the Bureau detected a transaction of 10 crore between Gulati's companies and firms run by the Majithia family
Capt on BJPs chances in Punjab: Have alliance or wait for 2-3 elections
DP busts terror module, nabs 3
NEW DELHI, Nov 30: The Special Cell of Delhi Police has busted a Pakistan-backed terror module led by gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, currently based in the neighbouring country, an official said on Sunday. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Police have arrested three key operatives of the module one each from Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and seized a semi-automatic pistol, 10 live cartridges, and mobile phones containing incriminating chats and reconnaissance videos from their possession, Additional [] The post DP busts terror module, nabs 3 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab on a high as farm fires hit a new low, fall 53% over last year
Randhawa slams Punjab CM over failure to control gangsters
24 Pak drones seized on average every month along Punjab border: BSF
Punjab Roadways staffers call off stir after meeting with transport minister
Punjab used other states buses: Rathore
Delhi police bust terror gangster module linked to Pakistan based handler
Delhi Police busted a terror-gangster module run by Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti, allegedly planning to target Lawrence Bishnoi's brother. Three youths, Asif, Hargunpreet Singh, and Vikas Prajapati, were arrested for executing grenade attacks in Punjab. Bhatti lured them with money and remotely coordinated operations, using social media to recruit disposable foot soldiers for public place attacks.
After Operation Sindoor, increase in trend of weapon-dropping from Pakistan: BSF IG Punjab Frontier
Border Security Force reports a rise in weapon drops from Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. Drones are increasingly used to smuggle arms and drugs across the Punjab border. BSF troops have recovered hundreds of weapons, large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine, and explosives this year. The force remains vigilant against cross-border threats and internal security duties.
We are also covering: India Vs South Africa Live Score, 1st ODI and Shahid Kapoor Reveals First Question He Asked Abhishek Chaubey After Being Offered Udta Punjab.
Delhi Police busts Pakistan-backed terror module linked to Gurdaspur grenade attack; 3 arrested
Delhi Police Special Cell has dismantled a Pakistan-backed terror network. Gangster Shahzad Bhatti, operating from Pakistan, led the module. Three key operatives were apprehended from Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. They were involved in a grenade attack in Gurdaspur. The module recruited young Indians via social media, luring them with money and glorification.
SMAT | Abhishek blitzkrieg sets up Punjabs facile victory over Bengal
The opener scores 148 off just 52 balls to help his side cross the 300-run mark; Services gets past Pondicherry; Saurav stars for Gujarat against Haryana
After Op Sindoor, increase in trend of weapon-dropping from Pak: BSF IG Punjab Frontier
CHANDIGARH, Nov 30: The trend of weapon-dropping from Pakistan has increased after Operation Sindoor, a senior officer of the Border Security Force, Punjab Frontier, said on Sunday. He informed that the BSF recovered a large number of arms and ammunition, which were air-dropped through drones coming from the Pakistan side. BSF Inspector General, Punjab Frontier, Atul Fulzele, was addressing the media in Amritsar on the eve of the 61st Raising Day of the Border Security Force. Punjab shares 553 km [] The post After Op Sindoor, increase in trend of weapon-dropping from Pak: BSF IG Punjab Frontier appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Delhi Police busts Pak-backed terror module linked to Gurdaspur grenade attack; 3 arrested
NEW DELHI, Nov 30: The Special Cell of Delhi Police has busted a Pakistan-backed terror module led by gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, currently based in the neighbouring country, an official said on Sunday. Police have arrested three key operatives of the module one each from Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and seized a semi-automatic pistol, 10 live cartridges, and mobile phones containing incriminating chats and reconnaissance videos from their possession, Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), Pramod Singh [] The post Delhi Police busts Pak-backed terror module linked to Gurdaspur grenade attack; 3 arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Three guests died in separate incidents at two wedding functions in Punjab and Haryana
CHANDIGARH: A series of violent incidents marred wedding celebrations in Punjab and Haryana. In Ludhiana, Punjab, two wedding guests -- including a woman -- were killed and another injured after a clash between two local groups led to gunfire. In neighbouring Haryana, a professional bodybuilder was allegedly beaten to death after he confronted a group of youths reportedly harassing girls at a wedding venue. Two people were killed, and one was injured as gunshots were fired during a brawl between two local groups at a wedding at Bath Castle resort on Pakhowal Road in Ludhiana on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. A man and a woman Vasu Chopra and Neeru Chhabra, both guests at the wedding, died after receiving bullet injuries as both groups fired at least 20-25 rounds at each other. While one group was led by Shubham Motta, the other one was led by Ankur. Both have multiple FIRs registered against them. At the wedding ceremony, they came face to face with each other. Initially, they argued over some issue, which soon escalated into a clash. Some people at the wedding intervened and tried to pacify them, but in vain. Thereafter, they opened indiscriminate fire at each other with the police, saying 20-25 rounds were fired at the wedding venue. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said two guests, who sustained bullet injuries, were taken to a hospital where they succumbed. He further said six persons have been rounded up, and six to seven more are yet to be held. Meanwhile, in another incident in neighboring Haryana, a 26-year-old professional bodybuilder from Rohtak died of injuries following a brutal assault by around 20 unidentified persons, soon after he objected to a group of youth harassing girls at a wedding venue, leading to an argument. The incident took place in Bhiwani on Friday night, and Rohit Dhankar hailing from Humayunpur village, succumbed to his injuries at Rohtak PGI on Saturday. His family claimed that Dhankar was brutally thrashed near a railway crossing in Bhiwani for objecting to the harassment of women at a wedding. Rohit a bodybuilder who had won several bodybuilding events had accompanied his friend Jatin to the wedding when an argument with some members of the marriage party escalated into a violent clash. After the wedding ceremony, Rohit and his friend Jatin left in the car for home. But they were stopped by a group of men who attacked them. His family members claimed that about 20 armed individuals surrounded the two with sticks and weapons and attacked them. Both of them tried to run, Jatin escaped, but Rohit was caught and was thrashed. A police official said that a murder case has registered and he police is looking to nab the accused. All the accused are absconding. Police teams are trying to identify and arrest them. The scuffle over taking a selfie during the function had led to a heated exchange between Rohit and some other youths, he said.
CHANDIGARH: With fourteen months left for the assembly elections in Punjab, the buzz over the possible revival of ties between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is on. Former chief minister and senior BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh is reportedly advocating for a coalition between the SAD and the saffron party in the forthcoming assembly elections. Terming that he is 'totally fit' and 'active' and gearing up for the assembly polls scheduled to be held in early 2027, Singh, in an interview with a media house, stated that having an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal can help the saffron party to win, as the BJP does not understand the State. There is no other way to form the government than by having an alliance with the Akali Dal. If you want to win the 2027 assembly election, you will have to build your cadre, but it will take two to three elections, he said. He added that he felt indebted to Punjab as the State has given him a lot and he owes it to give back whatever he can. Last February, when the two-time chief minister, accompanied by his daughter Jai Inder Kaur, the state womens wing president of the BJP, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Even then, he reportedly advocated for a coalition between the SAD and the saffron party for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. From employees and farmers to lawyers, Punjab AAP government faces wave of public outrage After the results of the Ludhiana (West) bypoll in June this year, as both parties ended up in the third and fourth positions, respectively, the talk of a possible re-alliance between them has resurfaced. As a few middle-rung leaders of both parties had been pushing for an alliance between the two for a long time now, they insist that the re-alliance could make them a formidable force in the State. Also, the state BJP president Sunil Jakhar had earlier made an emotive pitch to revive the BJP-SAD alliance. When contacted, Punjab BJP General Secretary Anil Sareen said that the stand of the party is very clear that it is preparing to contest all 117 assembly seats on its own. Moreover, whether the party will enter into an alliance or not will be decided by the parliamentary board of the party, he said. On the other hand, senior Akali Dal leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said that these are his (Amarinders) own thoughts and he will not contest on them. Both Amarinder and Jakhar were earlier in the Congress and had joined the BJP a few years ago. While Amarinder was CM, Jakhar was the Punjab Congress chief. When Parkash Singh Badal was at the helm of SAD in 1996, he had announced an unconditional alliance with the BJP. The move then caught everyone by surprise. The two parties were ideologically different, but both derived political strength from their respective dominance. The alliance ruptured in 2021 over the now-repealed three farm laws.
After Haryana CM Saini, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann visits Japan for 10-day industrial tour
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will lead a 10-day official visit to Japan starting December 1, heading a state delegation to Tokyo and Sapporo to engage with industry leaders ahead of the sixth Progressive Punjab Investors Summit scheduled from March 13 to 15, 2026. The delegation will include state industries minister Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Singh, and other senior officials. During the visit, CM Mann is expected to meet representatives of around two dozen leading Japanese companies, including Toyota, Nippon, Panasonic, NEC, and Sumitomo. The Punjab government will be showing the Japanese companies that it is business ready, an official said, underscoring the states focus on attracting investment. The visit follows Manns recent virtual engagement on November 26 with a high-level Japanese delegation comprising officials from the Embassy of Japan, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII), and over 25 leading Japanese companies operating in India. During the session, Mann pitched strategic tie-ups in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, mobility, electronics, food processing, renewable energy, and global services, inviting Japanese companies to participate in Punjabs industrial transformation. Japanese and Indo-Japanese industry leaders, including senior representatives from Yanmar Holdings and TTC Group, shared positive experiences of operating in Punjab, highlighting the quality of human capital, supportive policy ecosystem, and facilitation by Invest Punjab. The visit comes in the wake of a similar trip by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in October, who spent three days in Japan securing memoranda of understanding worth over Rs 5,000 crore with Japanese corporations and engaging with ministers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Sainis discussions focused on collaboration in sectors including MSMEs, future mobility, green energy, advanced electronics, semiconductors, infrastructure, and digital transformation, while inviting Japan to participate as a partner country in the Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit scheduled for April 2026. CM Manns trip marks a concerted push by Punjab to strengthen ties with Japanese industry and position the state as a key investment destination for high-value sectors.
Rival groups open fire at wedding ceremony in Punjab, two guests killed
LUDHIANA: Rival groups opened fire at a wedding ceremony at Pakhowal road here, leaving two persons dead and another injured, police said on Sunday. The two groups invited for the wedding ceremony on Saturday night had an old enmity. While one group was led by Shubham Motta, the other one was led by Ankur. Both have multiple FIRs registered against them. At the wedding ceremony, they came face to face with each other. Initially, they argued over some issue which soon escalated into a clash. Some persons at the wedding intervened and tried to pacify them but in vain, police said. Thereafter, they opened indiscriminate fire at each other with police, saying 20-25 rounds were fired at the wedding venue. During the exchange of fire, two wedding guests identified as Vasu Chopra and Neeru died.The accused managed to flee after the incident. Police said a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said two guests, who sustained bullet injuries, were taken to a hospital where they succumbed. He further said six persons have been rounded up and six to seven more are yet to be held. Sharma said the marriage hall where the incident took place has been sealed.
Punjab: Akali leaders daughter released following hearing that lasted past midnight
CHANDIGARH, Nov 30: Kanchanpreet Kaur, the daughter of an Akali leader, was released early Sunday morning following a Tarn Taran court order after the hearing in the matter lasted past midnight. Kanchanpreets counsel Arshdeep Singh Kler said she was released early Sunday morning after the court struck down the non-bailable offence registered against her in the FIR. She was produced before the court on Saturday night, with the hearing beginning at 10 pm and lasting till around 1 am. The [] The post Punjab: Akali leaders daughter released following hearing that lasted past midnight appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Abhishek Sharma smashes 148 runs in 52 balls in domestic T20 clash
Abhishek Sharma hit a blistering 148 off 52 balls against Bengal. His innings powered Punjab to 310-5, the fourth highest T20 total. Sharma reached his century in just 32 balls. He also set a new Indian record for most T20 sixes in a calendar year. This performance strengthens his case for the T20 World Cup squad.
Abhishek Sharma goes berserk: 12-ball fifty, 32-ball hundred; shatters multiple T20 records
Abhishek Sharma unleashed a record-shattering century for Punjab against Bengal, scoring 148 off just 52 balls. His explosive innings included 16 sixes, breaking his own record for most T20 sixes in a calendar year. This remarkable performance propelled Punjab past 300 runs, marking a historic achievement for the team.
SMAT: Abhishek Sharma Blasts 12-ball Fifty En Route To 32-ball Century Against Bengal
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Punjab captain Abhishek Sharma unleashed carnage with a record-breaking half century enroute to his 32-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against an experienced Bengal bowling attack here on Sunday at the Gymkhana Ground. Abhishek was all guns blazing from ball one as he raced to a 12-ball half-century, the joint third-fastest fifty and joint second-fastest by an Indian in men's T20 cricket. He hit five fours and five sixes to get to his fifty, conceding just one dot ball in the 12 balls he had faced to get to the landmark. The 25-year-old left-handed batter became the fifth player to reach a fifty in just 12 balls in T20 cricket. His mentor, former India allrounder Yuvraj Singh, was the first to do so during the 2007 T20 World Cup match against England, where he famously hit six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad. The fastest fifty in mens T20 cricket was made by Nepals Dipendra Singh Airee against Mongolia at the Hangzhou Asian Games in September 2023. Indias Ashutosh Sharma is the second in the list with an 11-ball fifty for Railways against Arunachal Pradesh in the 202324 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Chris Gayle achieved this feat in the Big Bash League for the Melbourne Renegades against the Adelaide Strikers in January 2016. Later, in October 2018, Afghanistans Hazratullah Zazai matched the record while playing for Kabul Zwanan against Balkh Legends in an Afghanistan Premier League match in Sharjah. Abhishek maintained his aggressive batting and reached a century in just 32 balls, striking 11 sixes and seven fours. However, he narrowly missed the record for the fastest mens T20 century, which is held by Estonias Sahil Chauhan, who achieved it in 27 balls. Chris Gayle achieved this feat in the Big Bash League for the Melbourne Renegades against the Adelaide Strikers in January 2016. Later, in October 2018, Afghanistans Hazratullah Zazai matched the record while playing for Kabul Zwanan against Balkh Legends in an Afghanistan Premier League match in Sharjah. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Opening the innings with Prabhsimran Singh, who made 70 off 35 balls, Abhishek finished with 148 off 52 deliveries. Punjab ended their innings at 310/5 in 20 overs, which is the second-highest total in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history, behind Barodas 349/5 against Sikkim in Indore in December 2024. Article Source: IANS
PPSC admit card 2025 out for preliminary round: Check direct link and exam day guidelines here
The Punjab Public Service Commission has released admit cards for the Punjab Civil Services (PCS) Prelims Examination 2025, scheduled for December 7. The recruitment now includes 331 posts, a revision from the initial 322 vacancies. Candidates must download their hall tickets from ppsc.gov.in and adhere to strict exam day guidelines.
Punjab reports 4 new farm fire cases
5 upcoming central bills against Punjabs interests: Pargat
Punjab to construct 44,920-km road stretches; Rs 16,209 crore allocated
Two stands to be named after World Cup winners Harmanpreet Kaur and Yuvraj Singh
The Punjab Cricket Association will honor Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh by naming two new stands after them. The inauguration will take place during the fourth T20I between India and South Africa on December 11. This tribute is to recognize their significant contributions to Indian cricket.
Since 1966, Chandigarh hasremainedthe biggestbone of contentionbetween the two agrarian states, with multiple Prime Ministersfailing to resolveit
From employees and farmers to lawyers, Punjab AAP government faces wave of public outrage
CHANDIGARH: With 14 months left for the assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is grappling with a wave of public anger across the state, from employees and lawyers to farmers. Bus services in parts of the state remained affected on Saturday as employees of Punjab Roadways, Punjab State Bus Stand Management Company Limited (PUNBUS) and Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) continued their protest for the second day. The state transport department issued notices asking them to call off the strike and return to work, warning that their services would be terminated if they failed to comply. A senior official said employees have been instructed to end the strike and resume work as notices have been served. If they do not return, we will have no option but to terminate their services, as these are contractual and outsourced employees. They cannot be suspended and can only be terminated, the official said. Sandeep Singh, senior vice-president of the PUNBUS Contract Workers Union in Hoshiarpur, alleged that four of their leaders, state committee member Kulwant Singh, district president Raminder Singh, secretary Narinder Singh and cashier Dharminder Singh, were still detained. Until they are released, the kilometre-scheme tenders are cancelled, and contractual workers are regularised, our dharna and strike will continue, he said. He further claimed, In the last four years, the government has not provided even a single new bus to Punjab Roadways. Over 500 old buses have gone off the road, and those still running face major repair issues. The department does not have funds even for tyres and essential repairs. Employees began the strike yesterday against the opening of tenders related to the kilometre-based bus scheme, which they say is a backdoor attempt to bring in private buses and dismantle the state-run transport system, enabling private operators to run buses on government-notified routes. Bus services crippled across Punjab as contract workers launch strike to protest 'systematic privatisation' Ahead of the protest, many union leaders were detained by police, sparking chaos across Punjab as workers clashed with police personnel. Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher extended support to the contractual employees, criticising the state government over the scheme. Commuters were hit hard as the protests disrupted bus services across many routes. With government buses off the roads, passengers were forced to rely on private operators. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appealed to employees to return to work and adopt the path of dialogue. He said the state government is making sincere efforts to resolve all issues of PRTC employees, some of which have been taken up in court. He urged the agitating workers to end their protest so the public would not face inconvenience. Mann added that the government understands the problems of PRTC employees and is working to address their concerns. He also announced that the state will soon introduce 900 new government buses to improve transport services. Meanwhile, the PSEB Engineers Association (PSEBEA) has announced a state-level protest meeting on December 2, expected to be attended by over 1,000 power engineers and dignitaries. Several key decisions are likely to be discussed as engineers express resentment against the management, accusing it of exerting undue pressure to make officers fall in line or face extreme actions. Ajay Pal Singh Atwal, general secretary of PSEBEA, said engineers from across Punjab will gather in Patiala to express their strong opposition to arbitrary actions, the sale of power sector properties, growing interference in the power sector, inaction on the Electricity Amendment Bill 2024, and attempts to undermine technical autonomy and institutional integrity. The association is demanding an immediate halt to the sale of power sector assets, resumption of the process to set up the state-sector 2 800 MW supercritical units at Ropar, unconditional revocation of the suspension of Chief Engineer Harish Sharma, and concrete steps to curb political interference and limit the role of private consultants in technical and administrative decisions. Farmers unions are also up in arms. Senior SKM leader and BKU (Lakhowal Group) president Harinder Singh Lakhowal said 18 of their demands remain pending, with no decisions from the state government. These include a one-time settlement scheme for farmers who took loans from cooperative and land mortgage banks, relief for those affected by recent floods and rains two years ago, and measures to control the stray cattle menace, among others. On November 19, parts of tractor-trolleys allegedly stolen on March 19, after the government forcibly lifted the 13-month-long dharna of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and SKM (Non-Political) at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, were recovered from the compound of the executive officers residence in Nabha, sparking fresh outrage among farmer unions. On November 22, the Sangrur district bar association blocked the LudhianaDelhi highway for about two hours, alleging political interference by AAP MLA from Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj in a private land dispute pending in court. The lawyers demanded a written apology from the legislator. On November 21, the District Bar Association of Sangrur unanimously resolved to debar sitting MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj from all its events as it decided that the legislator will not be invited to any association event unless she tenders a written, unconditional apology, allegedly accusing her of unwarranted interference in a private land dispute pending before the court and exerting pressure on the local administration. They also sought registration of an FIR against those who uploaded derogatory videos targeting the legal fraternity on social media. The advocates had also staged a dramatic protest by blocking the DelhiLudhiana highway, spreading blankets on the road and demanding action against the MLA for allegedly violating court orders. The secretary of the association Simrandeep Singh Blaggan had warned that if the promised action is not taken within ten days, the association will protest.
Stands To Be Named After Harmanpreet Kaur And Yuvraj Singh At PCA Stadium
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Officiating Secretary of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), Siddhant Sharma, has revealed that the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh will have two new stands being inaugurated in honour of India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Before the 4th T20I between India and South Africa at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, the Indian womens teams World Cup-winning captain will be honoured for her recent achievements, with a stand being named after her. Additionally, another stand will be inaugurated to celebrate the career of legendary former all-rounder Yuvraj. Harmanpreet Kaur will be honoured for her achievement in winning the World Cup and we have announced that a stand will be named after her. On the 11th, during the IndiaSouth Africa match, we will inaugurate it. Along with that, a stand named after our former player and two-time World Cup champion, Yuvraj Singh, will also be inaugurated on the same day, Siddhant Sharma told IANS on Saturday. Before the 4th T20I between India and South Africa at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, the Indian womens teams World Cup-winning captain will be honoured for her recent achievements, with a stand being named after her. Additionally, another stand will be inaugurated to celebrate the career of legendary former all-rounder Yuvraj. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Harmanpreet Kaur led Team India to a historic victory at the Womens World Cup in Navi Mumbai on November 2 as the Women in Blue lifted their first-ever ICC title. Article Source: IANS
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the State will embark on the biggest road construction work so far, targeting to construct 44,920 kilometres of roads with a total cost of Rs 16,209 crore by the end of next year. He added that the government has not received even a single rupee of Rural Development Fund ( RDF) from the central government and is constructing the roads from its own funds. Divulging more details, CM Mann said that roads will be with a five-year maintenance clause, ensuring the highest quality standards along with world-class road safety features. World-class university named after Guru Tegh Bahadur to be set up in Anandpur Sahib, says Punjab CM Mann He said that the move is aimed at providing better mobility and boosting rural infrastructure in the State. Mann added that the state government has already undertaken the construction of 19,373 km of Rural Link Roads with a total cost of Rs 4092 crore. He said that with the state government toiling hard on this project, the unprecedented devastation caused by the floods this year further eroded the connectivity and mobility in affected areas. Mann said that the ongoing road projects envisaged with a five-year maintenance clause in the contract ensure longevity and quality, along with world-class safety standards like luminous lane and edge markings, signage and others. He said that this inundated the state government with requests from all quarters to provide the same high-quality and standard roads across all cities and villages. Punjab CM Mann secures deferral on key state issues at Northern Zonal Council meeting Mann asserted that the government is always committed to serve the people of Punjab the best. The state government has undertaken an extensive statewide exercise involving multiple agencies to include PMB, PWD, Urban Local Bodies and Public representatives. He said that the state government carried out an extremely detailed survey of all roads in Punjab, shortlisted those needing repairs, widening or upgradation. Meanwhile, replying to a query, Mann said that the Chief Ministers Flying Squad is continuously monitoring the quality of roads, and after receiving several complaints about the use of substandard material, contracts of a few contractors have been cancelled. He cautioned that if any contractor is found to be involved in poor-quality work or if any employee is part of it, strict action will be taken against them.
Delhi court extends gangster Anmol Bishnois NIA custody till December 5
NEW DELHI, Nov 29L: A Delhi court on Saturday extended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of deported gangster Anmol Bishnoi for seven more days. Special Judge Prashant Sharma ordered the extension till December 5 in the hearing conducted at the NIA headquarters amid high security. Wanted in connection with the killing of NCP leader Siddique, firing at actor Salman Khans residence in April 2024, the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, among other crimes, Anmol Bishnoi was removed from [] The post Delhi court extends gangster Anmol Bishnois NIA custody till December 5 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab police arrest alleged Indian national who strayed into Pakistan
Lahore: Pakistans Punjab police have claimed to have arrested an alleged Indian national who inadvertently crossed into the country and was detained by Pakistan Rangers for over 100 days without any legal formalities. According to police, the alleged Indian national, BJ Singh, 31, from Assam, crossed into Pakistan on August 16, near the Ajmal Shaheed 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 .
Punjab bus strike escalates as protest demand release of detained Union Leader
Protests by Punjabs state-run bus employees intensified as workers demanded the release of detained union leaders and cancellation of kilometre-based bus scheme tenders. Bus services across several districts remained disrupted for the second day
Delhi court extends gangster Anmol Bishnoi's NIA custody till December 5
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Saturday extended the NIA custody of deported gangster Anmol Bishnoi for seven more days. Special Judge Prashant Sharma ordered the extension till December 5 in the hearing conducted at the NIA headquarters amid high security. Wanted in connection with the killing of NCP leader Siddique, firing at actor Salman Khan's residence in April 2024, the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, among other crimes, Anmol was emoved from the US on November 18. He was detained in the US in November last year. Earlier on November 19, Anmol, the brother and close aide of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was sent to 11 days of NIA custody. Absconding since 2022, US-based Anmol is the 19th accused to be arrested for his involvement in the terror-gangster syndicate led by his jailed brother Lawrence. Punjab police to seek custody of Anmol Bishnoi after NIA interrogation
Punjab bus strike: Protestors condemn detention of Union leaders, demand immediate release
The employees launched the strike on Friday against the opening of tenders related to the kilometre-based bus scheme, which they claimed was a backdoor attempt to bring in private buses and dismantle the state-run transport system
