Sunil Jakhar calls for the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct in Punjab to ensure fair elections amid rising lawlessness. Sunil Jakhar Urges Punjab Governor to Implement Model Code of Conduct Amid Deteriorating Law and Order
Jonita Gandhi bids adieu grandmother with heartfelt post
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 29 (IANS) Playback singer Jonita Gandhi, who is known for songs like Gilehriyaan, What Jhumka, Dil Ka Telephone, has paid a tribute to her grandmother, Satwant Kaur Gandhi. On Thursday, the singer took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures and video remembering her late grandmother. The pictures and videos feature her grandmother through different stage of her fulfilling life. She also penned a long note in the caption, as she spoke about her grandmother, and her terrific personality. She wrote, Life is so strange. How someone can be so full of life one moment, and suddenly just gone. I still cant get her voice out of my head. The warmest soul with nothing but kindness (and a little mischief) in her heart. She taught us how to live in the present and be happy regardless of the circumstances. Her laughter, her hilarious one-liners, the things she would say without even realizing how funny she was. Savage, in the most honest and pure way. I keep replaying all the little moments, and somehow, even through the sadness, she still manages to make me laugh. Thats how I know shell live on forever. My pyaari dadi ma love you and miss you so much, she added. Members of the music and film fraternity took to the comments section, and offered their condolences to the grieving singer. Actress Kubbra Sait wrote, The full life. Sorry for your loss. Actress Ananya Panday put up heart emojis in the comments. Jonita Gandhi was born in New Delhi into a Punjabi family and moved to Canada with her parents when she was nine months old. Raised in Brampton and later Mississauga, Ontario, she grew up in a household deeply connected to Indian music and culture.
PNB Customers Lose Rs 35 Crore From Accounts In Greater Noida, Claim No SMS Alerts Or Calls
Punjab National Bank (PNB) Customers in Greater Noida are raising serious questions after around Rs 35 crore has gone missing from their savings accounts and fixed deposits. Several account holders say they have not authorised the transactions and have not received
22-Year-Old Biker Killed By DTC Bus In Delhi; Protesters Vandalise Another Bus
A 22-year-old motorcyclist died in Punjabi Bagh after a DTC bus allegedly ran him over, triggering protests and vandalism of another bus carrying 15 passengers.
Fresh off the buzz around Sapne Vs Everyone 2 and a shout-out from Hrithik Roshan for STORM, Paramvir Singh Cheema could be gearing up for his next exciting chapter, with speculation pointing towards a potential collaboration with filmmaker Ssanjay Tripaathy. Theres fresh speculation around Paramvir Singh Cheemas next project, with industry buzz suggesting that the actor could be in talks with filmmaker Ssanjay Tripaathy for an upcoming venture. The project is expected to go on floors in October 2027, with Tripaathy set to take it up after wrapping his current directorial, Side Heroes. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the potential collaboration has certainly sparked curiosity about what Cheema could be exploring next. The actor has been steadily building his presence across OTT and films, with Sapne Vs Everyone 2 bringing his performance as Prashant Narula into sharper focus. His portrayal of an aspiring actor navigating the uncertainties of the industry struck a chord with audiences, further cementing his position as one to watch. Cheema also made waves with STORM, produced by Hrithik Roshan and Eshaan Roshan under HRX Films. The project brought an especially encouraging moment for the actor when Hrithik personally reached out to praise his expressions and screen presence, adding to the growing conversation around his potential. His OTT journey spans titles such as Tabbar, Chamak, Black Warrant and Sapne Vs Everyone. Across these projects, Cheema has explored varied characters and genres, building a body of work that reflects his range and willingness to experiment. On the big screen, he has been part of projects including Tere Ishk Mein and Border 2, while also venturing into Punjabi cinema with Pitt Siyapa, opposite Sonam Bajwa. Moving between streaming platforms, theatrical releases and different film industries, Cheema continues to expand his repertoire. With Sapne Vs Everyone 2 putting him firmly in the conversation and speculation surrounding a possible Tripaathy collaboration gathering interest, Cheemas next move is one to keep an eye on. If the buzz translates into an official announcement, October 2027 could mark the beginning of another interesting chapter in his career. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Hrithik Roshan praises Paramvir Singh Cheemas performance in STORM: What an outstanding actor you are!
Army shifts J&K anti-drug fight from border surveillance to breaking demand
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) India has gradually evolved from a transit hub for narcotics into a major consumer market for illegal drugs. The growing threat has prompted the Narendra Modi government to intensify its nationwide campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse. As part of this crackdown, central and state agencies have focused heavily on Punjab and the northeastern states, where drug trafficking and addiction pose serious challenges. Jammu and Kashmir has also emerged as a key focus area, with several local NGOs warning that substance abuse threatens the future of an entire generation. While the local police and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have been at the forefront of efforts to curb the menace, the Indian Army has also been playing a significant role in the fight against drugs. An official said that the Indian Army largely relied on surveillance and intelligence sharing to battle the drug problem. This has largely helped in keeping the supply chains down, as a result of which the transit routes were off the charts for the narcotic smugglers. This, however, led to an increase in drone drops by the Pakistan-based smugglers, the official said. Countering drone-based drug smuggling remains a challenge, with security agencies managing to intercept some consignments while others get through. Drone drops have enabled Pakistani smugglers to recover much of the ground they had lost due to cross-border surveillance and intelligence sharing by the Indian Army, an official said. The Army has realised that tackling drone incursions and keeping transit routes under surveillance alone will not eliminate the drug menace. Its current strategy places greater emphasis on dismantling the domestic consumer market and curbing demand for narcotics, the official added. Another official said the Indian Army is working closely with the Jammu and Kashmir administration and other authorities to tackle the drug menace and curb substance abuse across the Union Territory. Public outreach programmes based on a whole-of-society approach have helped many young people overcome addiction. Community engagement is also being encouraged, with senior citizens and religious leaders playing an active role, the official said. The prime goal of the Indian Army is to engage with society so that there would be early detection of the problem, which in turn would help in effective counselling and other measures which would help youth who are addicted, the official added. Officials say such issues cannot always be tackled by implementing law enforcement tactics. For instance, if the Army and the police block the supply chains and stop drugs from entering Jammu and Kashmir entirely from the border, then the addict would look elsewhere. He or she would look to source drugs from Himachal Pradesh or Punjab, where the drug menace is high. This would automatically lead to a massive spike in drug-related activity in Punjab or Himachal Pradesh. Punjab is already battling the menace in a big way and currently is one of the most affected states in the country. Officials say the approach by the Indian Army to engage with society is the best one, as it aims at eradicating the menace at the roots, whereby there is no demand at all in the consumer market. The results are visible, and the target audience has gone up manifold. In 2021, the number of persons treated stood at 5,382. Statistics for the year 2025-26 show that 46491 persons have been treated. Jammu and Kashmir ranks among the top five states/UTs in India for opioid abuse, with surveys showing that 5.4 lakh individuals are addicted to this substance. About 90 per cent of the hard-core drug users fall within the age demographic of 17 to 33 years. Further data would also reveal that 1.68 lakh children aged 10 to 17 are addicted to this substance. Daily case load at the hospitals to treat the problem have risen from 10-15 cases a day to 150-200. The Officials say that the Indian Armys role remains crucial in this battle. The Army is structured and has plenty of resources at its disposal. It has organised youth engagement and skill training programmes, sponsored sports events, provided medical assistance, and identified supply routes and shut them down completely. The Indian Armys role is also crucial as it helps in a trust-building exercise among the youth who are the future. These are the youths who are susceptible to disinformation campaigns by Pakistan, and once they fall into the trap, they tend to turn against the Indian Army. Further, addicts are also easy prey for the Inter-Services Intelligence-backed elements who lure such youths into committing acts of terror instead of money so that they can purchase drugs. A study showed that addicts spend close to Rs 88,000 a month to sustain their addiction. Having the rehabilitated youth on the side of the Indian Army is also helpful in the long run. They become assets for the region, and once the local population backs the security agencies to the fullest, then it is hard for Pakistan-based elements to crack them and provoke them against the Indian state, an official said.
Bus Plunges into Drain in Punjab, Pakistan; Five Dead, 27 Injured
A tragic bus accident in Punjab, Pakistan, resulted in five fatalities and 27 injuries as a passenger bus fell into a drain. Bus Plunges into Drain in Punjab, Pakistan; Five Dead, 27 Injured
Child And Mother In Car, Punjab Ex-Congress Leader Shot At, Allegedly Attacked With Axe
Former Congress leader Jagjot Singh said the same group that attacked him had also fired shots at his house a year ago
Meeting of BJP General Secretaries underway in Delhi under Nitin Nabin's chairmanship
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) A key meeting of the BJP's National General Secretaries began on Thursday under the chairmanship of party President Nitin Nabin at the party headquarters in New Delhi. BJP National General Secretaries, including B.L. Santhosh, Sunil Bansal, Vinod Tawde, Smriti Irani, Satish Poonia, Sanjay Bhatia and Biplab Kumar Deb, among others, are attending the meeting. The meeting is expected to discuss the Opposition's programmes, the prevailing political situation in the country and the party's organisational strategy to counter the Opposition's campaign. The BJP leadership is also expected to deliberate on preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in five states -- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. The focus of the meeting is on strengthening the party organisation and chalking out election strategies. The meeting assumes significance as the BJP begins preparations for the upcoming electoral battles while assessing the Opposition's political activities and the evolving political situation. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Nitin Nabin led a march through Delhi's Chandni Chowk as part of the BJP's 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' campaign. The march was held amid escalating political tensions over the allegations of vote theft and alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise that have been raised by the Congress and other Opposition parties. The ruling party has sought to counter the Opposition's campaign by mobilising its own leaders and workers. As part of these efforts, Nitin Nabin personally led the march in Chandni Chowk on Wednesday, underscoring the party's focus on the issue. He took potshots at the Gandhi family, saying that the 'Congress-I', a faction of the grand old party formed by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in January 1978, stands for Italian Congress rather than Congress-Indira, while terming the party's electoral defeats as purification by citizens.
Paramjit Kaur, wife of Daljit Singh, a resident of Bhamme Kalan village in Punjab's Mansa district who died under suspicious circumstances, has demanded justice and the release of her detained family members and villagers, alleging that police seized her husband's body while they were taking it to Mansa for a protest.
US Citizen Diljit Dosanjh Reportedly Used Old Aadhaar To Pay
A report by The Times of India about an unnamed Indian singer who reportedly acquired US citizenship in 2022 has raised questions over compliance with immigration rules during visits to India. While the report does not identify the singer, its details have drawn attention to Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, who was reported to [] The post US Citizen Diljit Dosanjh Reportedly Used Old Aadhaar To Pay 50 Instead Of 1,100 During Taj Mahal Visit appeared first on The Commune .
At least 16 account holders, mostly farmers, have accused employees of Punjab National Banks Aichhar village branch in Greater Noida of allegedly diverting fixed deposits worth an estimated Rs 35 crore. The bank has suspended five staffers, including the branch manager, and launched an internal probe. Police have registered an FIR and begun an investigation, while customers have protested outside the branch demanding the return of their money.
The Mumbai Crime Branch found alleged involvement of Lawrence Bishnoi gang and a Punjab link in Tiger Shroff firing incident. The Crime Branch's investigation has uncovered crucial information regarding the procurement of weapons. According to sources, a Zigana pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition were purchased from Amritsar for Rs 2.50 lakh, acting on instructions from Anil Panditan alleged close associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. It is alleged that Kunal, Sumit, and Jatin went to Amritsar and purchased a pistol and ammunition from an undisclosed location there.
CME, workshop on interventional radiology held at AIIMS Jammu
Jammu, Oct 28:All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jammu organised two day Interventional Radiology Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme titled Imaging to interventions: Bridging diagnosis and treatment and hands on workshop on October 24 and 25, 2026, at Convention Centre, AIIMS Jammu. The academic event was organised by the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, AIIMS Jammu, in collaboration with Indian Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (ISVIR) Chandigarh-Punjab-Himachal Pradesh states chapter with the objective of understanding and strengthening of Interventional Radiology services in the region. This programme featured distinguished faculty and radiologists from across North India, including PGIMER Chandigarh, AIIMS New Delhi and VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Prominent among those were Prof (Dr) Ajay Kumar (Professor Neuroimaging and Interventions, PGI Chandigarh) and Dr Harish Bhujade (Associate Professor, PGI Chandigarh), who are also president and secretary of ISVIR Chandigarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh states chapter respectively. The academic programme commenced with expert lectures on How to do safe DSA and Imaging and interventions in acute stroke, highlighting the importance of timely intervention in acute stroke management, Carotid stenting and beyond, uterine artery embolization and interventions in GI bleed. Hands-on workshops were conducted on Interventions in acute stroke, ablation and TACE in tumours, PICC line insertion and Vascular Closure Devices and FNACs and core needle biopsy. Hands-on workshop was also conducted on vacuum assisted breast biopsy (VABB). In a distinctive educational format, participants including Junior and Senior Residents rotated on different stations and practised hands-on training on the Interventional Radiology phantoms available for workshop. On the second day, CME programme featured dedicated lectures on genitourinary, hepatobiliary, obstetrical and pulmonary vascular interventions. Prof (Dr) Ajay Kumar appreciated AIIMS Jammu campus and the department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging. Speaking on the occasion, Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Sinha, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Jammu, welcomed the distinguished faculty and participants and highlighted the importance of interventional radiology in modern patient care. Prof Sinha also congratulated the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging and the organising team for conducting this academic programme and bringing together experts and healthcare professionals from renowned institutes on a common platform for learning and collaboration. He appreciated the institute's valued collaboration with the ISVIR and looked forward to fostering this association through many more successful academic and scientific events in the future. The programme was coordinated by Dr Manik Mahajan, Organising Chairperson and Additional Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dr Gita Devi, Organising Secretary and Associate Professor; Dr Sugandhi Malgotra and Dr Ankit Prabhakar, Organising Co-Secretaries; residents and supporting staff of the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, AIIMS Jammu contributing to the successful conduct of this CME and workshops. The CME-cum-workshop concluded with a vote of thanks.
Sikh Pilgrims from Pakistan Offer Prayers at Golden Temple
A delegation of 49 Sikh pilgrims from Pakistan visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar The post Sikh Pilgrims from Pakistan Offer Prayers at Golden Temple appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Devotion and Spiritual Fervour Mark Guru Ram Das Ji
The sacred precincts of the Golden Temple reverberated with Gurbani kirtan and prayers as The post Devotion and Spiritual Fervour Mark Guru Ram Das Jis Parkash Purb at Golden Temple appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Pride in Being Called Indian, Distance from Pakistani Identity: Why?
A young woman from Pakistan named Farha Baloch recently made a statement that sparked The post Pride in Being Called Indian, Distance from Pakistani Identity: Why? appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Cooperative Federalism: The Constitutional Compact India Must Renew
Indias federalism is not a contest over who commands and who complies. It is a constitutional compact designed to reconcile national unity with regional autonomy, common purpose with political diversity, and effective governance with democratic accountability. Its success depends not on the concentration of power in one centre, but on the capacity of the Union and the States to exercise their respective constitutional responsibilities in partnership. As India confronts increasingly complex economic, environmental, technological and geopolitical challenges, cooperative federalism has become more than a constitutional aspiration. It is an essential condition of democratic stability, institutional trust and effective government. The constitutional scholar Granville Austin captured this distinctive design in The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation, describing Indias model as one of cooperative federalism. His insight remains relevant: Indias federal structure was shaped by the need to preserve national unity while accommodating an extraordinary diversity of languages, cultures, political traditions and regional aspirations. The constitutional challenge was never simply to distribute power, but to make that distribution work. The constitutional architecture of cooperation The Constitution does not expressly use the phrase cooperative federalism, but its institutional architecture reflects that philosophy. Article 1 describes India as a Union of States. Articles 245 and 246, read with the Seventh Schedule, distribute legislative powers between the Union and the States. Articles 256 and 257 address aspects of executive coordination, while Articles 268 to 293 govern financial relations. Article 263 provides for an Inter-State Council, and Article 280 establishes the Finance Commission. These provisions establish both the autonomy of constitutional authorities and the need for coordination. They do not envisage government as a collection of watertight compartments. The Constitution also gives the Union significant powers, reflecting the historical circumstances of Partition and the imperative of national integration. Yet this central strength must not be confused with an unrestricted authority to displace State autonomy. The constitutional framework requires a balance between national interests and the legitimate responsibilities of elected State governments. The Supreme Courts decision in S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) reinforced the constitutional significance of federalism, while the Courts wider jurisprudence has emphasised that constitutional powers must be exercised within their prescribed limits. Federalism is therefore not merely an administrative arrangement. It is part of the constitutional structure through which democracy is organised, and power is held accountable. A strong Union requires strong States The false choice between a strong Union and strong States must be rejected. National unity is not weakened when States exercise legitimate autonomy; it is strengthened when regional aspirations find democratic expression within the constitutional framework. Indias federal experiment differs from federations formed through an agreement among previously sovereign political units. Its Constitution sought to preserve the unity of an exceptionally diverse country while assigning substantial responsibilities to different levels of government. That design requires flexibility, consultation and mutual respect. States are not administrative branches of the Union. They possess constitutionally defined powers and independent democratic mandates. Equally, State autonomy does not extinguish the Unions responsibility for national security, macroeconomic stability and matters constitutionally entrusted to it. The objective must be constitutional partnership, not institutional rivalry. Political diversity must not become federal discrimination Indias democratic landscape is marked by different political parties governing at the Centre and across the States. This is neither an anomaly nor a constitutional inconvenience. It is a natural expression of electoral pluralism. The Constitution recognises governments formed through democratic processes, not governments entitled to cooperation only when their political affiliations coincide. A State government cannot be treated as an adversary merely because it belongs to the Opposition. Nor should legitimate access to national resources, institutional consultation or development opportunities depend on political alignment. The true test of cooperative federalism arises when governments disagree. Constitutional maturity lies in managing differences through dialogue, established institutions and lawnot through confrontation, public recrimination or the politicisation of constitutional offices. Governments change; the federal compact must endure. Fiscal federalism: Autonomy requires resources The most consequential test of federalism is financial. States deliver many of the public services citizens experience directly, including healthcare, education, policing, agriculture, welfare and local infrastructure. Yet their ability to discharge these responsibilities depends substantially on the distribution of taxation powers, transfers and grants. A federation cannot function equitably if responsibilities are decentralised while financial discretion is disproportionately centralised. The Finance Commission is therefore a pivotal constitutional institution. Tax devolution and grants-in-aid must be guided by transparent principles that reconcile the needs of less-developed States, population-related responsibilities, fiscal discipline and developmental performance. States also require sufficient fiscal space to respond to local priorities and innovate in public policy. Predictable transfers, timely payments and meaningful consultation are essential to that autonomy. Fiscal federalism should not become a relationship between a permanent donor and a dependent recipient. It must recognise the States as partners in generating national prosperity and delivering constitutional promises. The GST Council: Cooperation without compulsory unanimity The Goods and Services Tax Council, established under Article 279A, offers an important institutional example. It brings the Union and the States into a common forum to deliberate on significant questions of indirect taxation and the functioning of the GST system. The experience has also exposed tensions over revenue compensation, fiscal autonomy, tax rates and the balance between uniformity and State flexibility. These disagreements do not necessarily indicate failure. Federal systems are designed to accommodate competing interests. The real test is whether institutional mechanisms permit disagreements to be negotiated fairly. The GST Councils enduring lesson is that cooperation does not require unanimity on every question. It requires a genuine commitment to consultation, reasoned compromise and shared responsibility. Governors and the limits of constitutional discretion The office of the Governor presents another important test of federal balance. The Governor occupies a constitutional position within the parliamentary system, but the democratic legitimacy of State government ordinarily derives from its elected legislature and its majority in the Assembly. Questions concerning assent to Bills, government formation and the exercise of discretionary powers must be resolved through constitutional principles rather than partisan calculations. In State of Punjab v. Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab (2023), the Supreme Court underscored the importance of constitutional responsibility and the limits on gubernatorial inaction. The broader principle is that constitutional authorities must not frustrate the functioning of elected institutions through indefinite delay or an expansive interpretation of their discretion. The Governor is not an alternative political executive. The office must be exercised with restraint, neutrality and fidelity to the Constitution. Cooperative federalism requires every constitutional authority to respect the sphere of responsibility assigned to others. Cooperation for challenges that cross borders Competitive federalism has encouraged States to attract investment, improve infrastructure, generate employment and experiment with development strategies. Such competition can stimulate innovation and improve governance. But competition cannot substitute for cooperation where challenges transcend territorial boundaries. Air pollution moves across State borders. Rivers connect multiple jurisdictions. Migration, epidemics, energy security and transport infrastructure demand coordinated responses. Climate change, artificial intelligence and disaster management require shared standards, information and institutional capacity. India must therefore embrace competitive and cooperative federalism together: competition where it encourages better governance, and cooperation where common interests demand collective action. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how closely national coordination and State-level implementation are connected. It also exposed the costs of inadequate consultation and uneven institutional capacity. The lesson extends to future public health emergencies, environmental crises and technological disruptions. Renewing the institutions of federal dialogue India already possesses institutions capable of strengthening this partnership, but their effectiveness depends on regular engagement and political will. The Inter-State Council under Article 263 should be used more consistently for structured discussion of Centre-State relations and inter-State disputes. The Finance Commission must retain its credibility as an impartial constitutional institution. The GST Council should remain a forum for meaningful negotiation, and NITI Aayog should facilitate substantive policy cooperation rather than merely communicate decisions already taken. Parliament, too, must give serious consideration to State perspectives when legislative proposals substantially affect their constitutional responsibilities. Consultation must occur early enough to influence policy. It cannot be reduced to a procedural formality after decisions have effectively been made. Constitutional morality and the road ahead Ultimately, cooperative federalism depends as much on constitutional morality as on institutional design. The Union must respect legitimate State autonomy; States must recognise legitimate national interests; Governors must act impartially; and elected governments must exercise their powers responsibly. Political parties must distinguish the interests of the Republic from the immediate advantages of partisan competition. The gravest threat to federalism is not disagreement. It is the erosion of institutional trust through the politicisation of constitutional powers. Indias federal compact must now be renewed through transparent fiscal arrangements, predictable intergovernmental cooperation, stronger consultation and scrupulous respect for constitutional boundaries. The question is not whether the Union or the States should prevail. It is whether both can discharge their responsibilities more effectively by working together. A confident India must be a confident Union of confident States. As Granville Austins understanding of cooperative federalism reminds us, national unity and regional autonomy need not be competing objectives. Properly balanced, they reinforce each other. Cooperative federalism is not a concession from the Union to the States. It is a constitutional obligation arising from the structure of the Republic. Renewing that compact is essential to Indias democratic credibility, developmental ambitions and constitutional future. (The Author is a Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, a public intellectual and a constitutional expert)
Pakistan minister invites Punjab CM Mann
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann had said that he wished to accept the invitation from the organisers of the Lahore International Punjabi Conference in Lahore from November 27 to 29 and would want to visit Sikh shrines in Pakistan
Eye on Punjab poll, BJP fields Harshdeep Puri for RS from Madhya Pradesh
SAD-AAP trade barbs on drug menace issue in Punjab
SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia accused Arvind Kejriwal of misleading Punjabis by giving the disproportionate assets case the label of a drug case to suppress the issue
SAD postpones Badals Punjab Bachao Yatra
CBI raids Punjab Medical Council building in Mohali in Jhota murder probe
Akal Takht jathedar seeks UK recovery networks help to tackle Punjabs drug crisis
Akal Takht Jathedar Flags Punjab's Drug Menace At UK Parliament
Flagging the devastating impact of drug addiction on Punjab's youth, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj has called for a comprehensive approach to tackle the drug menace, stressing that curbing drug supplies and providing effective rehabilitation must go hand in hand.
BJP seeks verification of 1,208 MC workers, review of 82.5cr tender
2nd gurdwara firing in 2 days, cops probe link
29 of 63 milk samples found with excess water
Special camp for veterans life certificates from Nov 2
Dump dung in Buddha Dariya, face FIR, sealing
MC commissioner orders crackdown on violators; contractor told to ensure regular lifting of waste from Haibowal, Tajpur Road dairy complexes
For Punjab Veterans, help under one roof
Punjab again seeks Rs 1.4L crore water royalty from Raj
Gas cutter used to raid shop, 4L goods gone
MC inspector held taking 25,000 bribe
Rs 22cr rent unpaid, MC cracks whip on tenants
Civic Body Starts Serving Notices To Defaulters; Zone D Accounts For Nearly 14cr Of Outstanding Rent
City gets its Karva Chauth hues
Dr. Jitendra Udhampuri: He Who Enriched Multiple Languages
O P Sharma opsharmajournalist@gmail.com Dr. Jitendra Udhampuri, a prolific writer in Dogri, Punjabi and Hindi, is a highly educated and recipient of many awards and honours. He bagged the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1981 for his book Ik Sheher Yaaden Da a compilation of poems in Dogri.Recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award, Jitendra Udhampuri has [] The post Dr. Jitendra Udhampuri: He Who Enriched Multiple Languages appeared first on Northlines .
WPL 2027 Auction: Happy With The Depth Weve Built, Says MI Head Coach Luke Williams
T20 World Cup: Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Luke Williams said the franchise had used the 2027Womens Premier League (WPL) auction to build depth around its retained core, adding that he was excited to see several young players get a chance to be a part of the league. The two-time champions signed six uncapped Indian players at the auction held in Kochi on Wednesday. Shweta Sehrawat was bought for Rs 20 lakh, while Disha Kasat, Latika Inamdar, Bharti Rawal, Saanika Chalke and Akshita Bhagat came in for Rs 10 lakh each. Delhi-based Shweta, UP Warriorzs lone retention in 2026 and a member of Indias 2023 U-19 Womens T20 World Cup winning squad, drew a bidding battle between MI and Delhi Capitals before going for double her base price. Certainly. Obviously, with the retentions, we had a sort of solid core group that we were able to retain. So certainly today was about trying to add to the group, whether thats in the starting XI potentially, or if not, providing different options and coverage through the tournament, depending on what surfaces we play on and if there are any injuries or players out of form. So, really happy with the depth that weve built across different areas and really excited to work with some new players, said Williams in the post-auction press conference. The coach credited MIs scouting team for identifying the recruits. Obviously the scouts did a lot of work identifying different players and then going through various networks to do our research. So, really happy with how its unfolded and excited that some young players get an opportunity at the WPL. Among the new faces, Vidarbha duo Kasat and Inamdar arrived in form, having played key roles in a tense chase against Punjab in the Senior Womens T20 Trophy in Lucknow only a day before the auction. Disha opened and made an unbeaten 66 off 52 balls, while Latika hit 17 off eight balls. Saanika, a 20-year-old left-handed top-order batter, was part of Indias 2025 Under-19 T20 World Cup-winning squad and struck 85 off 53 balls against Jharkhand in the same tournament. Akshita won the Under-23 event of the WPL Speed Queen contest with a top speed of 105kph and recently played for India A against Australia A in Mohali. Among the new faces, Vidarbha duo Kasat and Inamdar arrived in form, having played key roles in a tense chase against Punjab in the Senior Womens T20 Trophy in Lucknow only a day before the auction. Disha opened and made an unbeaten 66 off 52 balls, while Latika hit 17 off eight balls. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
School Holiday October 29 news: Schools in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand will close on October 29 due to Cyclone Arnab. Karwa Chauth is also observed on this day, affecting school holidays. While Delhi government schools declared a holiday, private schools may vary in their schedules. Parents are advised to check with individual schools for updated holiday information. District administrations will provide details regarding school closures based on local weather conditions.
Punjab Polls: ECI Team Holds Comprehensive Review With Top Administrative, Police Brass
The Election Commission of India reviews poll preparedness with district election officers and senior police officials ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Australia captain Sophie Molineux was the most expensive buy at the 2027 Womens Premier League (WPL) auction, going to UP Warriorz (UPW) for Rs 1.10 crore in Kochi on Wednesday. In all, 25 players were sold in a quick mini auction that needed less than an hour of active bidding. UPW were the busiest franchise of the evening with eight signings, while defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) did all their business in the accelerated rounds after losing out on Sophie early in the day. Sophie, who was part of RCBs title-winning squad in 2024 and missed WPL 2026, entered the auction at a base price of Rs 50 lakh. RCB, her former side, pushed UPW all the way to Rs 1.05 crore before dropping out, having started the day with only Rs 1.15 crore in their purse. The left-arm spin bowling all-rounder, who captained Australia to 2026 Womens T20 World Cup triumph in England, recently returned to international cricket after recovering from a hip injury. Delhi Capitals made the second-biggest buy by signing big-hitting India batter Kiran Navgire for Rs 75 lakh after a bidding contest with Mumbai Indians, who pulled out at Rs 70 lakh. Gujarat Giants landed young wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini for her base price of Rs 40 lakh, with no other franchise bidding for the 2025 Under-19 World Cup winner who recently won the Asia Cup and Asian Games gold medal with the senior team. Apart from Sophie, UPW brought back Australian all-rounder Grace Harris, who began her WPL career with them in 2023 and won the 2026 title with RCB. They also signed Indias off-spin bowling all-rounder Sneh Rana, joining her fourth franchise in five seasons, and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma, all for Rs 30 lakh each. UPW also added Scotland all-rounder Kathryn Bryce and uncapped all-rounders Manali Dakshini and Sahana Pawar for Rs 10 lakh each. They brought back leg-spinner Asha Sobhana for Rs 30 lakh, at a fraction of the Rs 1.1 crore they had paid for her in the 2026 auction. UPWs shopping has, however, left them with a selection puzzle. With Meg Lanning set to lead the side and Phoebe Litchfield an automatic pick at the top of the order, Sophie, Grace and Englands left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone could end up competing for the remaining two overseas spots. UPW may well field an all-Australian overseas quartet on a regular basis. RCB, who had not bid for anyone until the accelerated round, opened their account with Australias left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Jess Jonassen for her base price of Rs 40 lakh. They then added India batter Tejal Hasabnis, who had gone unsold in the opening round, and South Africa all-rounder Chloe Tryon for Rs 30 lakh each, and Bengaluru-based batter Vrinda Dinesh for Rs 10 lakh. The defending champions were under little pressure to buy, and the signings of Jess and Chloe add depth to their overseas options. Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Nadine de Klerk and Lauren Bell, all central to RCBs title run in 2026, look set to fill the four overseas slots, making it hard to see both newcomers getting regular game time. Mumbai Indians (MI) went towards buying youngsters by picking up six uncapped players. Vidarbha teammates Disha Kasat and Latika Inamdar, who had played key roles in a Senior Womens T20 Trophy chase against Punjab only a day earlier, were signed for Rs 10 lakh each. Other MI signings include Delhis left-arm spinner Bharti Rawal, 2025 Under-19 World Cup winner Saanika Chalke and 19-year-old all-rounder Akshita Bhagat, a winner of the WPL Speed Queen U-23 competition and recently played for India. Delhi batter and 2023 U-19 World Cup winner Shweta Sehrawat, who was UPWs lone retention in 2026, went to MI for Rs 20 lakh, double her base price, after a brief tussle with Delhi Capitals. Disha, Latika and Shweta give the franchise plenty of batting cover. With Kamalini no longer in their ranks, Disha or Latika could get an early chance to play. Gujarat Giants (GG), who needed only three players, also signed Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast for Rs 30 lakh, making her the first Irish cricketer picked in the WPL. They used their final slot on 16-year-old Delhi all-rounder Samaira Raghav, a late addition to the auction pool, for Rs 10 lakh. Spending Rs 40 lakh on Kamalini, who was tipped to get a big payday, might look odd for a side that already has two wicketkeepers in Yastika Bhatia and Beth Mooney. GG, however, made it clear they see her as a valuable addition purely for her batting. Orlas signing also made history, as she became the first Irish cricketer to be picked in the WPL. Delhi Capitals (DC), the four-time runners-up, added 15-year-old Karnataka all-rounder Uma Kashvi, Scotland left-arm spinner Kirstie Gordon, a former England international who will now count as an Associate player, and uncapped Delhi all-rounder Nazma Khan, each for Rs 10 lakh. DCs most surprising decision, though, was not buying a wicketkeeper. Having released Taniya Bhatia and Lizelle Lee, the franchise is now relying entirely on 23-year-old Mamatha Madiwala behind the stumps, with no back-up keeper in the squad. Hyderabad-based Mamatha played a handful of matches for DC in 2025 before an injury ruled her out of the 2026 season. The franchise will, however, be allowed to sign replacements if Deeya Yadav and Uma Kashvi are picked for the 2027 Under-19 Womens T20 World Cup. Several established names went unsold. These included Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, England batter Sophia Dunkley and India wicketkeepers Taniya Bhatia, Uma Chetry and Nuzhat Parween. India spinners Saika Ishaque and Priya Mishra, pacer Titas Sadhu and all-rounder Devika Vaidya also went unsold, as did Australias Tayla Vlaeminck, South Africas Nonkululeko Mlaba and UAE captain Esha Oza. The 2027 WPL season will be played from January 14 to February 7, with venues yet to be known. Players picked by franchises in the WPL 2027 player auction: Delhi Capitals: Kiran Navgire, Nazma Khan, Kirstie Gordon, and Uma Kashvi Gujarat Giants: G Kamalini, Orla Prendergast, and Samaira Raghav Mumbai Indians: Disha Kasat, Bharti Rawal, Latika Inamdar, Akshita Bhagat, Shweta Sehrawat, and Saanika Chalke Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Jess Jonassen, Tejal Hasabnis, Chloe Tryon, and Vrinda Dinesh Mumbai Indians: Disha Kasat, Bharti Rawal, Latika Inamdar, Akshita Bhagat, Shweta Sehrawat, and Saanika Chalke Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Vihaans four-wicket haul helps Punjab secure the lead against Hyderabad
Ranji Trophy: Vihaans four-wicket haul helps Punjab secure the lead against Hyderabad
Mumbai Indians acquired players Disha Kasat, Latika Inamdar, and Bharti Rawal for Rs 10 lakh each. Kasat recently demonstrated her skills by scoring 66 runs in a crucial match for Vidarbha. Inamdar contributed a quick 17 runs in the same match they played against Punjab. UP Warriorz also made notable signings, bringing back Sophie Molineux and Grace Harris.
Punjab Vigilances chargesheet against Majithia reveals money trail of Rs 736.96 crore: AAP
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) The Punjab Vigilance Bureaus filing of a 40,000-page chargesheet in the case against Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia had brought a Rs 736.96 crore money trail, shell companies and liquor businesses under scrutiny, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) media in-charge Baltej Pannu said on Wednesday. He said the investigation had traced unaccounted assets and funds, with Majithias assets showing an increase of 1,495 per cent during the Akali-BJP regime from 2007 to 2017. Recalling that former Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer Niranjan Singh was transferred overnight after Majithias name emerged in the drug investigation, Pannu said those responsible for pushing the states youth into the drug menace must be held accountable. He asserted that the Bhagwant Mann government would not retreat from its commitment to make Punjab drug-free and corruption-free, and that the legal proceedings would continue in accordance with the law. Pannu told the media here that the investigation has traced financial irregularities and a money trail amounting to Rs 736.96 crore. He challenged those describing the action as a political vendetta to examine the chargesheet and statements of nearly 300 witnesses. The 40,000-page chargesheet and statements of nearly 300 witnesses contain the details of the investigation. Those calling this action a political vendetta should read the chargesheet and examine the evidence for themselves, he said. The APP leader said the case was registered under Sections 13 (1) (e) and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 120-B, in connection with the first information report of June 25, 2025, registered at the Police Station of the Vigilance Bureau in Mohali. He said the investigation concerned the accumulation of disproportionate assets between March 2, 2007, and March 31, 2017, during the Akali-BJP government. The Vigilance Bureau has traced Rs 736.96 crore in unaccounted assets and funds, while the total financial irregularities and money trail identified during the investigation amount to Rs 736.96 crore. These figures reflect the scale of the financial transactions examined by the investigating agency, added Pannu.
Organise thikri pehra to curb drug trafficking in Punjab: Harsimrat Badal
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) Calling on womenfolk to turn their villages and neighbourhoods into the first line of defence against Punjabs drug menace, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday urged the partys womens wing, Maavan Dheeyan Di Fauj, to organise traditional thikri pehra (community night patrols) in every village and mohalla to curb drug trafficking. Addressing a gathering of women at a Maavan Dheeyan Di rally in Kharar town, near here, she said the fight against drugs was deeply personal for the women of Punjab, who had borne the brunt of the crisis as families struggled with its devastating consequences. For the women of Punjab, ending the scourge of drugs is their number one priority, she said, adding that SAD had launched a women-led campaign against drugs because women had suffered the most from the menace. Urging the gathering to stand united against drug traffickers, she called on women to identify those allegedly involved in selling drugs and those suspected of protecting them. She said community vigilance and collective action could help expose the drug trade and hold those responsible accountable. The SAD leader said the party, if voted to power in 2027, would establish a special task force headed by a woman Director General of Police to take on the drug mafia. She also promised stricter laws, including a proposed 10-year denial of bail to drug traffickers and confiscation of their properties, with the proceeds intended to compensate victims. Harsimrat Badal also raised concerns over what she described as the growing intimidation of people speaking out against drugs. Referring to the reported removal of Daljit Singhs body by police while his mortal remains were being taken to a protest site, she alleged that his family members were assaulted when they tried to stop the police. She linked the incident to the ongoing struggle for justice by the family of Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug campaigner, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party government of failing to curb trafficking and protect complainants and whistleblowers. She also referred to the reported detention of a CISF constable who had raised allegations of drug use at Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, saying such incidents could discourage people from speaking out against the drug trade. Harsimrat Badal criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for allegedly refusing to meet Jhotas family, claiming that the government had failed to demonstrate the urgency the situation demanded. She further cited the cases of Mohanjit Singh, who she alleged was tortured after protesting against the drug trade, and Gulzar Singh of Dirba, who she said died by suicide after being harassed for questioning the alleged sale of chitta, a colloquial term for heroin.
1 dead, 2 injured as 2 men open fire in Punjabs Tarn Taran
Administrative system totally collapsed in Punjab: Sukhbir Badal
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Wednesday said the administrative system had totally collapsed in Punjab, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann running away from the field after realising that the people would reject him in 2027, even as he asserted Punjab was with Punjabis and the Akali Dal. The SAD chief told the media here that never has Punjab witnessed such a situation while referring to cases like that of Daljit Singh, whose mortal remains were forcibly taken away from the family by the police. As there is no commander in Punjab, the police are also acting on their own, which is unprecedented. Asserting that Punjab was with Punjabis, Badal said Congress leader Rahul Gandhis visit to Punjab will not affect Punjabis in any matter whatsoever, as they have decided to support their own regional party, which alone can rise up to their expectations and aspirations. Answering a media query, Badal said, We are ready to form an alliance with any political party which accepts our ideologies and policies. He said he had already made it clear that SAD would never align with either the Congress or AAP. Whenever any alliance proposal comes, we will consider the same, he added. Meanwhile, party leader Daljit Singh Cheema said the Punjab Yatra, which was to be initiated on November 10, would now be launched on November 15. Asserting that party president Badal would lead the yatra, he said it was being postponed due to the festival season, and farmers were busy selling crops. He said a party delegation would meet the Punjab Human Rights Commission and appeal for action against police personnel who had forcibly taken the mortal remains of Daljit Singh from his family at Mansa. He said the fact that the aggrieved family was also beaten up in this process would also be taken up with the commission. He said other cases of police high-handedness would also be taken up with the commission.
Punjab Shooting: One Dead, Two Hurt
A shooting incident in Punjab's Tarn Taran district resulted in one fatality and two injuries. Two individuals opened fire on three persons sitting in a car, leading to the death of Gursewak Singh. Police have identified the alleged shooters and are investigating the matter.
Punjab govt seeks UK investment in organic farming, dairy technology
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Wednesday rolled out the red carpet for British investment in organic farming, packhouses, cold chains and dairy technology and to take homegrown brands like Verka and Five Rivers to the UK market. Khudian, along with Principal Secretary (Food Processing) Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, held deliberations here with a British delegation comprising Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio, First Secretary Trade (British High Commission) Dr Nicholas Gribit and Senior Trade Adviser Anup Narayan to deepen bilateral cooperation in organic farming, dairy, crop residue management and quality certification in other sectors. Welcoming the delegation, Minister Khudian said the welfare of farmers will remain the cornerstone of any international partnership and assured full support from the state government for collaborations. Underlining Punjab's pivotal role as India's food basket- spanning wheat, basmati rice, kinnow, peers, litchi, milk and dairy products, seed potatoes and carrots- he said the state offers a thriving food processing ecosystem. Punjab brings a strong agricultural base, established processing capabilities, recognised brands and a growing pool of innovative enterprises. Punjab ranked first in kinnow, carrot and disease-free seed potato production, second in pears and third in peas and honey, while topping the country in per capita milk availability at 1.28 litres per day. We see scope to connect these strengths with UK market demand, technology, investment and expertise, creating value for businesses while strengthening opportunities for farmers and food-processing enterprises, the minister said. Outlining investment opportunities, Khudian highlighted technology transfer and brand collaboration, citing state-backed brands as win-win models where Punjab's processing strengths can leverage UK technology and market access. The minister invited UK collaboration for shared infrastructure including pack-houses and pre-cooling facilities, cold-chain connectivity, technology transfer for modern processing equipment and product innovation in value-added uses of kinnow peels and by-products.
Parijat Industries launches a dual-action herbicide for weed control in wheat
The company will target major wheat-growing markets, particularly Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan
Gujarat bomb threats: Email trail leads to Bangladesh, Pakistan
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 28 (IANS) Two separate bomb threat emails sent to schools, courts, government offices and Narendra Modi Stadium in October appear to have been routed through Bangladesh and Pakistan using old email accounts, the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch said on Wednesday. The threats, received on October 7 and October 27, named a total of 35 locations, including 24 schools, the Mayors Office, courts and the cricket stadium in Motera. The police have registered two cases and are investigating them in coordination with central agencies. According to the Cyber Crime Branch, the October 7 email threatened bomb blasts at 16 locations, including 10 schools, the Mayors Office, the Gujarat High Court, the Sola court, the Metro Court at Gheekanta, the District and Sessions Court in Ahmedabad and Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. The email was sent with the subject line Time B00 MB at Gujarat Schools. @11:11AM and used the email addresses onnieeubanks49@gmail.com and kwajids@gmail.com. The message, which invoked Khalistani organisations, urged people not to attend Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjhs shows and threatened explosions at Narendra Modi Stadium on November 21 and at Delhis JLN Stadium on November 1. It also referred to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and contained references to the Khalistan National Army and Babbar Khalsa, along with the names of several individuals. The second email, received on October 27 from eduak079@gmail.com, carried the subject line Warning! BOMB Blast Ahmedabad Schools @ 1:11 PM. It threatened attacks at 19 locations, including 14 schools, the Mayors Office, two offices at Danapith, the Metro Court at Gheekanta, the City Civil Court in Ahmedabad and Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. The message again invoked Khalistani organisations and warned of bomb attacks linked to Dosanjhs November 21 show. It also threatened explosions involving iPhones, referred to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and warned people against travelling through Motera Stadium Metro Station on November 21. The Cyber Crime Branch said it had registered cases in connection with both emails under Sections 351(3), 351(4), 353(1)(b) and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66(c) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Police visited the affected schools and court premises and examined email headers and information obtained from Gmail to trace the origin of the messages. Preliminary findings indicated that the email accounts used to send the threats had been operated from Bangladesh and Pakistan. The October 7 email was traced to accounts apparently operated from Bangladesh and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, while the October 27 email appeared to have been operated from Rangpur in Bangladesh and Lahore in Pakistan, the police said. The investigation has also drawn on an earlier case involving similar bomb threats issued in the name of Khalistani organisations. During that investigation, an accused was arrested in West Bengal. Police found that he had sold hacked Gmail accounts to a person based in Bangladesh. During further questioning, the Bangladesh-based individual disclosed that he sold the accounts to a person in Pakistan and received payments in cryptocurrency, according to officials. Investigators found that individuals based in Pakistan were allegedly sending bomb threat emails ahead of festivals and other significant events to create fear and panic among the public. They were also allegedly obtaining previously used or compromised email accounts from individuals in Bangladesh and elsewhere through Telegram and WhatsApp groups. The Cyber Crime Branch said investigations into both cases are continuing in coordination with central agencies.
PNB Fraud: Rs 35 Crore Missing In Greater Noida
Account holders of a Punjab National Bank branch in Greater Noida have alleged that approximately 35 crore has gone missing from their savings and fixed deposit accounts. Customers claim unauthorised transfers occurred without their knowledge or alerts, leading to police action and suspension of bank employees.
HM Amit Shah to inaugurate Martyrs Memorial in Ambala on Nov 5
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) Haryanas Transport Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Aazadi ki Pehli Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak in Ambala Cantonment on November 5. It has been built at a cost of approximately Rs 800 crore. After the inauguration, he will address a public meeting in Gandhi Ground. It is significant to attend the rally as people will be participating in an event honouring a martyrs memorial, said the minister. The Martyrs Memorial will be opened to the public from November 6. Vij said the government has issued instructions for the visit of students from schools and educational institutions across the state to the memorial to educate them that the freedom struggle began in Ambala before Meerut in 1857. He urged people to attend the rally at Gandhi Ground in Ambala Cantonment in large numbers as it will mark the inauguration of a national-level memorial. Vij was addressing BJP office-bearers at Ambala Club in Ambala at a meeting chaired by state party President Archana Gupta to review preparations for the Martyrs Memorial programme. Minister Vij said he had been working for the construction of the Martyrs Memorial for the past 25-30 years. He said books taught that the Congress fought the Independence struggle, but when he read, he found that in 1857, before the Congress was even founded, an armed struggle for Independence was fought across India and it began in Ambala. He said documents showed that in 1857 at 9 a.m., 10 hours before the uprising in Meerut, the 60th and 5th Native Infantry regiments sounded the bugle of the freedom struggle in Ambala Cantonment. Yet history never remembered those heroes who were tied to trees and shot, or those upon whom oil mills were operated; the nation never paid tribute to those martyrs, which is painful. The martyrs of 1857 were also sons of the motherland who joined the struggle for Independence. The minister said anyone who took even one step out of their home for Independence deserves homage, whether they were a Congress member or not. Vij, who also holds the Energy portfolio, said the First War of Independence took place across the country in 1857, but no one remembered it, and no memorial existed anywhere to showcase that struggle. The minister said he stood in the Assembly several times to demand the memorials construction and that there is an official record of this. At one point, he said he even compelled the Congress government, but it did not build the memorial. However, when the BJP government came to power in 2014, it approved the construction of a national-level memorial. Vij said the complete history will be displayed in the memorial. The places where battles were fought in 1857, in Haryana, Bihar, Punjab, and elsewhere, will be presented through modern technology, showing the history of the war.
Mansa Death: Drug Overdose Claim Vs Police Murder Case
The death of 35-year-old Daljit Singh in Mansa has sparked controversy, with his family claiming he died of a drug overdose and demanding an end to drug supply, while police have registered a murder case against three individuals. The incident has led to protests and strong criticism from opposition leaders against the Punjab Police and the state government.
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP-Ram Vilas) chief, Chirag Paswan, on Wednesday said that problems concerning the country's youth could only be solved through constructive dialogue, while backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach efforts towards youngsters. Paswan made the remarks during a visit to Chandigarh. Speaking to reporters, the Union Minister noted that there is esentment among the youth today. If they have problems or concerns, it is only through constructive dialogue that we can find solutions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shares this exact vision that we should engage with the youth as much as possible, on every possible platform, so that we can move forward by understanding their perspectives, he said. Regarding the law-and-order situation in Punjab, Paswan said: This is indeed alarming. I am not saying this simply because I belong to the Opposition (in Punjab), but because I genuinely believe it. I have a deep personal connection with Punjab, as my maternal family is from here. We witness murders taking place here on a daily basis...it becomes a grave concern to see Punjab gradually falling prey to everything, from rampant drug abuse to violent criminal activities. Moreover, Chirag Paswan said that his LJP-Ram Vilas is gradually preparing itself to contest elections in Punjab. In this context, today our party's state executive committee is also meeting here. After the meeting, under the leadership of party in-charge K.P. Chaudhary sahib, the entire team will review and share the details. My perspective is always that we must engage in dialogue with the youth as much as possible. Today's program at CGC University in Mohali has been organised with the objective of interacting with young people, he said. Asserting that the youth are the country's future, the Union Minister reiterated: We can move towards any kind of solution only by holding dialogue with them. Meanwhile, Paswan criticised the Opposition for their allegations against the electoral process and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. They are in the Opposition, so they will protest, and they are doing so. But it has yielded them no benefit. Wherever elections are held, they end up losing, he remarked.
Amazon Great Indian Festival sees strong shopping in Punjab
According to Amazon, laptops recorded 13-fold growth in Punjab over a regular business day, while tablets and speakers registered nine-fold growth
Delhi: 22-year-old man ran over by DTC bus in Punjabi Bagh
A 22-year-old motorcycle rider was killed allegedly after a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus ran over him in west Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area on Wednesday morning, police said
2026 has been a remarkable year for Mona Singh, with the actor delivering six diverse projects that have found success and further showcased her versatility as a performer. From exploring different characters to taking on new challenges on screen, Mona has continued to push her boundaries, with Kohrra Season 2 emerging as one of the notable projects in her impressive year. While Mona has consistently demonstrated her ability to slip into varied roles, Kohrra Season 2 presented her with a challenge she had never experienced before. The series saw her take on an action sequence for the first time in her life, with the shoot becoming an unforgettable experience owing to the extreme weather conditions and the physical demands of the scene. Reflecting on the most challenging scene she has ever filmed, Mona shared, Most challenging scene I've ever filmed I guess would be in my series Kohrra Season 2 where we did the action sequence and I was also like doing action for the first time in my life and it was freezing cold. It was almost one degree at night, so it was pretty challenging and action was even more challenging. So yeah, that is one night I will never forget. The experience highlights Mona's willingness to step outside her comfort zone and embrace demanding roles that require her to explore new aspects of her craft. Shooting an action sequence for the first time, especially in temperatures dropping to almost one degree at night, made the experience particularly demanding, turning it into a memorable milestone in her journey as an actor. With six projects to her credit in 2026, each offering a different creative experience, Mona Singh has had a year marked by variety, consistency and successful screen outings. Kohrra Season 2 stands out as another example of her continued evolution as a performer, reinforcing her ability to take on unfamiliar challenges and bring something new to every project she undertakes. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Vikas Bahls next stars Jimmy Shergill, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mona Singh, Alizeh Agnihotri; based on the explosive rise of Punjabi music in 90s UK
Woman, eight-month-old son among four killed in road accident in Bihar's Chhapra
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 28 (IANS) At least four people, including a woman and her eight-month-old baby, were killed in a collision between a speeding truck and an auto-rickshaw on NH-722 near Pahadpur village under the Garkha police station limits in Bihars Saran district. The high-impact crash, which occurred late Tuesday night, completely mangled the auto-rickshaw, trapping passengers inside and triggering chaotic scenes as local residents rushed to render aid. Hearing the screams of trapped victims, onlookers alerted local authorities and initiated initial rescue efforts. Teams from the Garkha police station and a 'Dial 112' emergency unit arrived shortly after. Due to the severe structural deformation of the auto-rickshaw, rescue personnel had to employ gas cutters to cut through the metal frame and extricate the trapped individuals. All victims were rushed to Shrinivas Medical College, where four were pronounced dead, and others were admitted for urgent medical care. The deceased have been identified as Annu Kumari (28) and her eight-month-old son, Riyansh Kumar. Annus husband, Vishal Kumar, suffered critical injuries and remains under intensive care in the ICU. A relative, Rahul Kumar, revealed that the family was returning home from Punjab after attending a wedding ceremony when the speeding truck struck their vehicle, turning a celebratory trip into tragedy. The crash also claimed the lives of cousins Ashish Kumar alias Jeetu (25) and Aman Kumar (20). The auto-rickshaw driver and his brother were also injured in the collision. The incident has plunged multiple households into deep mourning. Police have launched an investigation to track down the driver of the speeding truck and establish the exact sequence of events leading to the fatal crash. The district police had informed the family members of the deceased following the fatal accident. They have recovered the bodies and sent them to Chappra Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examinations. The post-mortem will be conducted in the presence of the family members of the deceased.
22-year-old killed after DTC bus hits motorcycle in Delhi's Punjabi Bagh
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) A 22-year-old biker was killed after a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus allegedly ran over his motorcycle on Wednesday morning, officials have said. According to the officials, a PCR call at about 07.23 a.m. regarding a road accident was received at the Punjabi Bagh Police Station. Upon receipt of the said call, the IO reached the place of occurrence, where it was revealed that a DTC bus had run over a motorcycle rider, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Sonu, a resident of Indira Colony in Delhi's Punjabi Bagh. According to the officials, he was residing with his family in the slums. CCTV footage is being examined to identify and trace the offending DTC bus. Further necessary proceedings are being carried out as per law, police said. After the accident, locals and family members of the deceased arrived at the spot and staged a protest, demanding the arrest of the DTC driver. DTC buses have been involved in several accidents in recent months. On October 19, a DTC bus claimed the life of a motorcyclist in southwest Delhi's Vasant Kunj. Earlier on October 17, one person was killed, and two others were injured after a DTC bus hit vehicles and pedestrians in Delhi's Anand Parbat area. According to the officials, an e-rickshaw, two bikes, and a scooter rider were hit by the bus, which was heading towards Tikri Border. One person died on the spot, while two others were seriously injured and were shifted to the hospital. In September, a 19-year-old youth was killed while another person was injured after a DTC bus allegedly collided with a scooter on Najafgarh-Nangloi road in front of Rathi Hospital in the national Capital. Police officials further said that an unidentified male, aged around 19-20 years, was found lying unconscious near the DTC bus. He had suffered severe head injuries and was bleeding profusely. The injured youth was immediately shifted to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Mangol Puri, where doctors declared him brought dead. The deceased was subsequently identified as Himanshu, 19, a resident of Bahadurgarh in Haryana. His father, Dharmender, identified the body at the hospital. The DTC bus driver, Amit Dahiya, 33, was found at the spot following the accident and was taken to the police station for questioning. He was subsequently arrested in connection with the case.
Punjab and Haryana High Court defers Jagtar Singh Hawara
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Jagtar Singh Hawara gets no relief from High Court; next hearing on November 19
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], October 28 (ANI): The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday heard the parole plea filed by Jagtar Singh Hawara, but granted no relief during the hearing. The court directed all concerned parties to file their replies with the Registry. However, no arguments could take place during the hearing. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on November 19. Jagtar Singh Hawara is in jail because he was convicted as a key conspirator in the 1995 assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. (ANI) Hawara was arrested on September 21, 1995, tried, and convicted for the murder of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh and has remained in jail from the date of his arrest to this day; he has been incarcerated for over 28 years. The trial court, by order dated March 27, 2007, convicted Hawara and gave him the death sentence. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, by order dated October 12, 2010, modified the sentence to life imprisonment for the rest of hi...
How rebuilding old mosques is bringing Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims together in Punjab
India targets 5 million metric tonnes annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) India aims to develop 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, an official factsheet said on Wednesday. This transition can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen the countrys long-term energy security. The National Green Hydrogen Mission marks an important step towards building a cleaner, more self-reliant and globally competitive energy economy. The Mission is expected to reduce cumulative fossil fuel imports by approximately Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030. Beyond energy security, the Mission seeks to create new opportunities for industrial growth, investment and employment. It is expected to mobilise over Rs 8 lakh crore in investments and generate more than 6 lakh jobs across manufacturing, infrastructure, research, and project development. The production and use of the targeted green hydrogen quantum could also help avert nearly 50 MMT of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to the factsheet. Moreover, six States have notified dedicated green hydrogen policies, complementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal are the States with notified dedicated policies. Four more states are finalising their dedicated green hydrogen policies. Haryana, Punjab, Bihar and Kerala are working on the draft policies. Seven States have integrated hydrogen into their existing industrial and renewable energy policy frameworks. These include Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. Moreover, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), directly or through the National Institute of Solar Energy, has signed MoUs, Letters of Intent or Joint Declarations of Intent. The partners are Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Uzbekistan. An MoU on renewable energy has been signed with the Netherlands. An IndiaUS Hydrogen Task Force has been formed under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership. Green hydrogen is a focus area of the IndiaUS New and Emerging Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP). The MNRE launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India in April 2025. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) accredits agencies for monitoring, verification and certification. A dedicated portal went live in June 2026 for transparent certification and compliance. Credible certification will help Indian producers compete with confidence globally. Through these efforts, the government aims to accelerate industrial decarbonisation, strengthen domestic manufacturing and position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, use and exports. This will contribute to Indias broader vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Family seeks justice after Punjab man's suspected overdose death, Oppn targets govt over drug menace
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) After the suspected death of a 35-year-old man due to a drug overdose in Punjab's Mansa district triggered a protest by his family, Opposition leaders also targeted the ruling party over its alleged failure to curb the drug menace in the state. The family of the deceased, Daljit Singh, placed his body on a main road on Tuesday and blocked traffic, demanding strict action against those allegedly involved in selling drugs in the area. The family suspects that Daljit died of a drug overdose, while police officials have said the exact cause of death will be established only after the postmortem examination. Daljit's wife, Paramjit Kaur, and his mother, Sinder Kaur, along with other relatives, alleged that drug-related deaths continue to claim lives in Punjab despite repeated assurances from the government that the menace would be brought under control. They demanded that the police identify and arrest those supplying narcotics in the locality, warning that the easy availability of drugs was putting more lives at risk. Tensions escalated during the demonstration when protesters clashed with the police. Amid the confrontation, police took away the deceased's body, further intensifying the family's anger and raising questions over the handling of the situation. Heavy police deployment was made along major roads to prevent protesters from reaching the ongoing protest site of slain anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota at Tinkoni, near the Deputy Commissioner's residence. Police set up pickets in neighbouring districts to prevent people from mobilising for protests on Wednesday. Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh, speaking to reporters, criticised the political leadership over the prevailing situation and demanded accountability from senior officials and the state government. The real issue is that Punjab is being turned into a spectacle. Both these parties are responsible for creating this situation; one is the B-team and the other is the A-team. I have always said this. The SSP should be dismissed immediately, and Bhagwant Mann and the DGP should resign, he said. At the same time, Singh appealed to people to ensure their protests remained peaceful and did not result in further harm. Meanwhile, members of the deceased's family questioned the police action and alleged that they had been pressured to sign documents without their consent. Speaking to IANS, a family member said, They are now portraying it as murder. The police have taken my father along and are conducting a postmortem. Why are they doing it without our consent when no one in our family has agreed to it? They came to our house and pressured us to sign documents. Another family member, speaking to IANS, said the family had been struggling for years and did not want any other member to experience a similar tragedy. Where is so much drug coming from, and where is this chitta (drug) being sold? There should be an investigation; that is all we want. We hold no grudge against anyone. Our only resentment is that the body was taken away from us. What right did the police have to stop the vehicles? the family member questioned. The family also questioned the manner in which the police were handling the case, particularly the decision to take away the body and separate relatives during the proceedings. If the police believe it was a murder, is this how they conduct an investigation -- by hiding the body, fleeing with it and taking family members to separate police stations? Is this what a police investigation looks like? a relative questioned. The relative added that even if the police had taken the body away to prevent the law-and-order situation from worsening, the action did not justify detaining the deceased's family members. Even if the police took the body to prevent the law-and-order situation from deteriorating, that is understandable. But that does not justify detaining the deceased's family, she added. Meanwhile, according to the police, an investigation into the case is underway, and the cause of death will only be confirmed after the postmortem report comes. Further details are awaited.
Over 20 Injured as Overcrowded Sleeper Bus Overturns on UPs Expressway
Bus carrying 150200 migrant workers and their families from Punjab and Haryana to Bihar overturned in Sambhal; police probe alleged overloading and negligent driving.
More than 20 passengers sustained injuries after an overcrowded double-decker sleeper bus heading from Punjab and Haryana to Bihar overturned in the early hours on the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh
Punjab Faces Surge in Stubble Burning Incidents Amid Harvest Season
Punjab reports over 700 stubble burning incidents, prompting 24 FIRs as authorities intensify monitoring during harvest season. Punjab Faces Surge in Stubble Burning Incidents Amid Harvest Season
PNB set to close these accounts soon: Bank says complete KYC by November 10 to avoid account closure
Punjab National Bank has issued a notice to its customers regarding the closure of dormant accounts. Any account with no transaction activity for over three years and a zero balance is at risk. To prevent account closure, customers need to complete their Know Your Customer requirements by November 10, 2026.
Nurture national unity among youth through cultural activities: Sat Sharma
Jammu, Oct 27:Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP), Jammu Kashmir prant on Tuesday organised its state-level national group song competition at the auditorium of Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), Narwal bypass, Jammu, bringing together students from around 15 schools across different districts of Jammu province to celebrate patriotism, national unity and India's rich cultural heritage through music. Sat Sharma, BJP J&K president and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), attended the programme as the chief guest. MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa and Arun Gupta, president, Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Jammu, were the guests of honour. Haji Abdul Hamid Choudhary, patron-in-Chief, GDCT and Arshad Choudhary, chairman, GDCT attended as special guests. Nehreer Khan, principal and Sonia Nanda, Headmistress of Brig Khuda Baksh Memorial Public School, were the special invitees. The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the recitation of Vande Mataram. Participating teams presented two patriotic songs each, one in Hindi and the other in Sanskrit, showcasing their musical talent, cultural awareness and spirit of national pride. Sunita Gupta, state president of Bharat Vikas Parishad, welcomed the distinguished guests, members, teachers and students. In her address, she highlighted BVP's role as a social and cultural organisation committed to fostering patriotism, cultural values and national consciousness among students through meaningful activities. Sat Sharma appreciated Bharat Vikas Parishad's efforts to nurture patriotism, positivity and brotherhood among young students. He observed that such initiatives provided a constructive platform for young talent while encouraging students to channel their energies towards the common good of society. Vikram Randhawa also applauded the organisation's commitment to nation-building and its efforts to contribute towards making India strong, influential and self-reliant. He assured full cooperation in initiatives aimed at student welfare and emphasised the need for collective efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from society. The competition was adjudicated by renowned music personalities and State Award recipients Sunil Sharma, Raman Slathia and Lucky Verma. Arun Sharma, Regional Secretary, BVP Sanskar, attended as the Regional Observer. Ashok Gupta, state vice president, introduced the guests and explained the rules of the competition. At the conclusion of the contest, Learning Temple School, Kathua, secured first position, while St. Xavier Convent School, Barnai, finished second and Manu Shiksha Kendra Higher Secondary School, Rajbagh, Kathua, secured third position. The winning team from Learning Temple School, Kathua, will represent Jammu and Kashmir at the regional-level competition scheduled to be held in Moga, Punjab, on November 1, 2026. All participating students were awarded certificates, medals and mementoes in recognition of their participation and performances. Rakesh Sharma, state finance secretary, delivered the vote of thanks, while the programme was jointly conducted by Ramesh Sharma, state general secretary, and Pratibha Dutta. Among the other prominent attendees were Vijay Sharma and Dr Santosh Gupta, state patrons, Prof B B Sharma, national committee member, Sewa, Sunita Mahajan, national Gatividhi member, Mahila Sehbhagita, Amita Sharma and Gopal Sharma, regional secretaries, Gurmeet Singh, Prant Convenor, Sewa, Gopal Gupta, Paryavaran Pramukh, Rajesh Gupta, state organising secretary, Aarti Sharma, Mahila Pramukh, Rajni Gupta, Prant Pramukh, Sanskar and Vijay Sharma, state in-charge, media, besides members of various branches of Bharat Vikas Parishad.
Historians Uncover 100-Year-Old Journey of Guru Granth Sahib to Australia
Decades of research reveal how the Sikh holy scripture reached Victoria in 1920, travelled The post Historians Uncover 100-Year-Old Journey of Guru Granth Sahib to Australia appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Diwali Celebrations Turn Fatal in UK: 21-Year-Old Convicted of Murdering Indian-Origin Man
What began as a night of Diwali celebrations ended in tragedy for a 26-year-old The post Diwali Celebrations Turn Fatal in UK: 21-Year-Old Convicted of Murdering Indian-Origin Man appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Submission: Khalistanis are a Nuisance to Sikhs and Canadians Alike
This is a reader submission Surrey police did what any responsible force must do: The post Submission: Khalistanis are a Nuisance to Sikhs and Canadians Alike appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Jakhar writes to Shah, seeks NIA probe into drug trade, arms networks operating in Punjab
Man accused of molesting woman at Cyber Hub in Gurgaon arrested in Punjab
Punjab notifies re-election in 28 Patiala MC wards; polls by Nov 18
BJP, SAD discuss Punjab alliance, seat-sharing and Akali faction's entry
In a strategic move, talks between BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal center on seat-sharing dynamics, potentially bringing in the splinter group SAD (Punar Surjit). BJP is projected to gain around 45 assembly seats, exceeding their previous numbers. Akali Dal is amenable to adjusting their offer while keeping their lead partner status. Furthermore, the discussions delve into how to integrate SAD (Punar Surjit) into the overall alliance framework.
Ludhiana MC dragged into HC over deals worth 1,245 crore
After repeated attacks on doctors, Punjab moves to strengthen hospital security
Punjabs Drug Crisis: Harsimrat Kaur Badal Accuses AAP Government of Suppression
Harsimrat Kaur Badal criticizes Punjabs AAP government for failing to address drug issues and suppressing voices of affected families. Punjabs Drug Crisis: Harsimrat Kaur Badal Accuses AAP Government of Suppression
Power cuts, gen-set failure cripple citizen services in Ludhiana
Audit before award: 24-crore roadwork deal put on ice
Special students turn artisans ahead of Diwali
PAU PhD scholar bags twin honours at global agri meet
Ex-PAU professor donates 20 lakh for PhD scholarship
Fire engulfs two floors of Sunder Nagar garment unit
Punjab Central varsity and CGWB to study uranium contamination in groundwater
