Punjab News

Rajasthan govt announces Rs 1 lakh crore investment proposals in first Pravasi Rajasthani Divas

JAIPUR: The first-ever Pravasi Rajasthani Divas began in Jaipur on Wednesday, marking a major step toward boosting industrial growth in the state. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the event, which included a groundbreaking ceremony for investment proposals worth over Rs 1 lakh crore. The government said these projects would usher in a new era of economic development in Rajasthan. The state also unveiled the NRR Policy-2025 for overseas Rajasthanis and launched the Rajasthan Development Support Portal, a digital platform to help non-resident Rajasthanis connect directly with development initiatives. Speaking at the event, CM Sharma said, We have established the Department of National and International Overseas Rajasthani Affairs keeping in mind the needs of our overseas community enabling NRRs to play an active role in the development of their homeland. He urged overseas Rajasthanis to come forward as benefactors and promised full government support. To strengthen investor confidence, the government announced 12 new policies covering industrial growth, technology, trade promotion, tourism, green development, food processing, aerospace and defence, sports, outsourcing, agro-forestry, AI, and vehicle scrappage. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said Rajasthans strong position in land, energy, water, raw materials and safety had made it an attractive investment destination. Industry Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore highlighted improvements in ease of doing business, citing transparency and faster decision-making. At the inaugural session, the Vedanta Group announced plans for an industrial park in Rajasthan. Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal said, Just as Punjab feeds the nation, Rajasthan has the potential to provide minerals to meet the needs of the entire world , emphasising the states unique mineral reserves. The industrial park will host units with investments between Rs 2 crore and Rs 200 crore. The state government also felicitated leading industrialists including Anil Agarwal, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Vineet Mittal, Ajay Piramal and Madhav Singhania. The event, however, triggered a political controversy after videos showing empty chairs at the venue circulated on social media. PCC president Govind Singh Dotasra posted the video on X, saying, This is the true face of the BJP government: empty promises, empty stage, empty chairs, and empty, hollow achievements. Industries Minister Rathore countered the allegation, saying, Those who are only used to chairs keep looking for empty chairs we are not filling chairs; we are instilling confidence in the businessmen and youth coming to Rajasthan. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel also rejected the claims, stating the hall was full and accusing the opposition of sharing fake images.

Punjab Police busts cross-border drug cartel; seizes ICE and heroin in major raids

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police has dismantled a highly organised cross-border drug cartel linked to foreign-based handlers who used WhatsApp communication and drone-based deliveries for smuggling, with the arrest of three operatives and recovery of 4.083 kg methamphetamine (ICE) and 1.032 kg heroin from their possession. Punjab Police said the cartel operated through Pakistan-based and other foreign handlers who relied on WhatsApp and drone drops to move contraband across the border. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, said those arrested have been identified as Balwinder Singh alias Binder (25), a resident of Daoke village in Amritsar; Navtej Singh (33), a native of Mahwa village in Amritsar currently residing in Tarn Taran; and Mahabir Singh (32), a resident of Kaaliya Sakataran village in Tarn Taran. Apart from the contraband, police also recovered Rs 2,500 drug money, impounded a car and an Activa scooter. He said preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested persons were coordinating with smugglers in Pakistan and abroad using WhatsApp. Further probe is underway to trace backward and forward linkages of the network. Sharing operational details, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said police first arrested Balwinder Singh with 35 gm of ICE. During interrogation, Balwinder revealed his links with a Pakistan-based trafficker who shared drone drop locations via WhatsApp. Acting on his disclosures, police recovered another 2.042 kg of ICE, taking the total recovery from him to 2.077 kg. In a parallel operation, police intercepted Navtej Singh with 40 gm of ICE. Further investigation revealed he had previously worked in Doha, Qatar, where he connected with a handler who later shifted operations to India through WhatsApp-based instructions. Navtej had acted as a ground courier, retrieving drug packets and supplying them further. Based on his disclosures, police recovered an additional 1.966 kg of ICE, taking the total seized from him to 2.006 kg. In the third operation, police arrested Mahabir Singh with 1.032 kg heroin. Investigations showed he was receiving consignments from a Pakistan-based smuggler using drone drops, an advanced method of cross-border narcotics transport. Three separate cases - FIR No. 337 (December 5) under Sections 21-C and 29 of NDPS Act, FIR No. 340 (December 9) under Section 21-C at Police Station Hakima, and FIR No. 251 (December 7, 2025) under Sections 22-B and 22-C at Police Station Chheharta - have been registered in this regard. Meanwhile, state police conducted raids at 339 locations on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of 84 drug smugglers after registering 70 FIRs across Punjab. With this, the total number of drug smugglers arrested in 284 days has reached 39,984. The raids resulted in recovery of 4 kg ICE, 1.7 kg of heroin, 50 gm of opium, 33 kg of poppy husk, 965 intoxicant pills and Rs 2,910 drug money from those arrested. Over 120 police teams, comprising more than 1,000 personnel and supervised by 68 gazetted officers, carried out the 339 raids. Police teams also checked 335 suspicious persons during the operation. Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police to make Punjab a drug-free state. The government has also formed a five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs. The state has implemented a three-pronged strategy - Enforcement, De-addiction and Prevention (EDP) - to eradicate drugs. As part of the 'De-addiction' effort, Punjab Police convinced 42 individuals to undergo rehabilitation treatment on Wednesday.

IndusInd Bank chief Mehta could exit bank next month, say sources

Mehta, former chairman at YES Bank and Punjab National Bank, steered IndusInd through its leadership crisis earlier which unfolded after the bank reported discrepancies in its derivatives portfolio which led to around Rs 2,000 crore impact on balance sheet.

Mint Explainer | Dirty air trick: How North Indian rice farmers outsmart satellites

With 28,000 square kilometres of crop area lit in 2025 in Punjab and Haryana, the contribution of farm fires to North Indias bad air is likely to be much higher than what is currently estimated, finds a new study.

95 Pc Tickets Sold, Confirms PCA Chief As Mullanpur Set To Host First-ever Mens International Match

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) president Amarjit Singh Mehta said that tickets for the forthcoming second T20I between India and South Africa at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarhs Mullanpur are 95 per cent sold out, with the venue set to witness an almost-packed stadium. He also noted that the second T20I will feature several BCCI dignitaries, as the venue gears up to host its first-ever mens international match. The occasion will be graced by Mithun Manhas, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Moreover, two new stands will be unveiled on Thursday, named after former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and the Indian womens teams World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur. This is the first-ever men's international match taking place here at PCA Mullanpur Stadium. It's a very big match. Several dignitaries from the BCCI will be in attendance, including the President, Mithun Manhas. Many local delegates are also coming. The Governor and the CM will give their confirmation today, as we have made a special request for them to grace the occasion. Hopefully, they will also come tomorrow. 95 per cent tickets have already been sold at the stadium, Mehta told IANS. Moreover, two new stands will be unveiled on Thursday, named after former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and the Indian womens teams World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India won the T20I opener on Tuesday and are leading the five-game series 1-0. Article Source: IANS

Youth Arrested In POCSO Case In Kathua, Handed Over To Punjab Police

Jammu, Dec 10: A youth, wanted by the Punjab Police for his alleged involvement in a case registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), was arrested in the Kathua district on Wednesday, police said. In another case, police assisted the West Bengal Police in arresting a Haryana resident from the Doda district, who is accused of multiple ATM theft cases registered in the eastern state. Sajjad Malik, a resident of Lohai Malhar, was arrested from the Billawar area [] The post Youth Arrested In POCSO Case In Kathua, Handed Over To Punjab Police appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jaya Bachchan demands dedicated emergency lanes for ambulances

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan on Wednesday demanded dedicated emergency lanes on roads for ambulance movement, saying that in India, groceries reach doorsteps in under 15 minutes, pizzas in 30 minutes, but patients bleed to death due to the delay in reaching the hospital. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, Bachchan demanded that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health should also look into the issue of patient death due to the delay in reaching the hospital. In a country where groceries reach doorsteps in under 15 minutes, pizzas in 30 minutes via quick commerce platforms, patients bleed to death because ambulances get trapped in traffic, lacking dedicated emergency lanes, despite the Supreme Court's 2018 directive. No national data tracks these tragedies, Bachchan said. 60 per cent of ambulances arrive late, with urban delays averaging 15 to 30 minutes due to an absence of green corridors and police escorts, missing the golden hour for 55 per cent of accident victims. No dedicated lanes on highways, despite the National Ambulance Code 2016. These critical failures need to be taken notice of and dealt with immediately, she stated. She suggested an immediate nationwide mandate for dedicated emergency lanes, with AI traffic signals, prioritizing ambulances, 30-second green corridors, enforcing the Supreme Court's 2018 ambulance corridor directive via Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, penalties on violators, and a high-level probe into ambulance delay deaths. BJP MP Rekha Sharma demanded a gender-sensitive mental health facility for traumatised women in the country. She drew attention towards the severe shortage of accessible gender sensitive mental health support, particularly for survivors of violence, harassment and trauma. While the Modi government's initiatives, such as Tele Manas and district mental health programmes, are commendable, some gaps persist, especially in rural, marginalised, and low-income communities, she said, adding that lack of awareness and scarcity of trained professionals prevent countless women from receiving timely care. Survivors of domestic violence, cyber harassment, acid attacks, trafficking and workplace abuse frequently carry long-lasting psychological scars, she told the House. The mental health system that should support them remains fragmented and under-resourced, she pointed out. She urged the government to deploy dedicated women's mental health counsellors at centres, police stations, and hospitals, ensuring immediate and specialised assistance. Tele Manas outreach should be expanded and integrated with women's helpline, self-help groups, and Anganwari worker network, she said. Mizo National Front MP K Vanlalvena demanded the central government's intervention in the issue of income tax officials harassing tribals of Mizoram. He informed the House that tribals living in specified areas in Mizoram are exempt from Income Tax and should not be harassed by Income Tax officials. BJP MP Laxmikant Bajpayee demanded the setting up of more benches of the high court in Uttar Pradesh, referring to the high pendency of cases in the courts. Subhah Barala (BJP) demanded that the Central Pollution Control Board should carefully look into the issue of water pollution in the country from various sources, which is affecting the lives of people in the country. Sumer Singh Solanki (BJP) asked for government intervention to deal with the high rate of accidents on National Highway Number 3, Sendhwa in Barwani district. He pointed out incidents of road accidents in the Bijasan Ghat area, located on the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The MP demanded building a new road in the area to stop the high incidence of accidents in the area. Manoj Jha (RJD) demanded uniform minimum wages for skilled workers in the country, saying that these are less than what workers of Bihar get in Tamil Nadu or Kerala. AAP MP Swati Maliwal highlighted the issue of sand mining in Punjab and demanded an inquiry into the issue, saying this caused man-made devastating floods in the state this year. Amar Pal Maurya (BJP) demanded setting up an agricultural university in Pratapgarh district.

Will always be with Congress; Warring destroying party, says Navjot Kaur Sidhu after suspension

Chandigarh, Dec 10: Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who has been suspended from the Congress over her Rs 500 crore for chief ministers chair remark, on Wednesday said she and her husband will always be with the party. Kaur, the wife of former Punjab Congress unit president and ex-India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, also launched a sharp attack on the state unit president, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, accusing him of destroying the party. On Monday, the Punjab Congress suspended Kaur from its [] The post Will always be with Congress; Warring destroying party, says Navjot Kaur Sidhu after suspension appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

He is a Gentle Senior, Both Of Us Being Punjabi Makes It Easy To Gel : Arshdeep Singh On Bumrah

Captain's support to batter is a fantastic skill and a great leadership quality : Dale Steyn

Amid AAPs anti-drug campaign in Punjab, BJP calls for court monitored probe into drug money beneficiaries

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar wrote to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, demanding an investigation under the direct supervision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu to track down the end beneficiaries in the drug money trail

CM Mann concludes Korea visit, invites global firms to Progressive Punjab Summit

Mehul Choksis appeal against Indias extradition request rejected by Belgiums supreme court

NEW DELHI, Dec 9 : Belgiums supreme court the Court of Cassation on Tuesday rejected the appeal of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi challenging the extradition request of India in connection with the Rs 13000-crore alleged bank fraud in Punjab National Bank, authorities in that country said. Choksi, who escaped to Antigua and Barbuda in January 2018, days before the scam was detected, was spotted in Belgium, where he had purportedly sought treatment. India had sent an extradition [] The post Mehul Choksis appeal against Indias extradition request rejected by Belgiums supreme court appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Navjot Kaur fighting for people of Punjab: AAP

Track them down: Punjab BJP chief demands probe into drug money trail

Leaked audio sparks rigging row in Punjab; HC orders probe

A leaked audio clip has ignited a political firestorm in Punjab. Opposition parties allege the ruling AAP is rigging upcoming local body elections. The Punjab and Haryana High Court is now involved, demanding an investigation into the claims. The court has asked the State Election Commission to submit an affidavit.

Belgium Supreme Court clears Mehul Choksis extradition to India in Rs 13,850-crore PNB scam

The Belgium Supreme Court has dismissed Indian fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksis plea challenging his extradition to India in a Rs 13,850-crore scam, CBI officials said on Tuesday. Choksi had approached Belgiums top court on October 30, challenging the October 17 order of the Antwerp Court of Appeals, which had termed Indias extradition request enforceable. The spokesperson for the Court of Cassation, Advocaat-general Henri Vanderlinden, said, The Court of Cassation rejected the appeal. So, the decision of the Court of Appeal stands. The Antwerp court had earlier ruled that Choksi, the main accused in the Rs 13,850-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, faced no risk of being denied a fair trial or subjected to ill-treatment if sent back to India. On October 17, a four-member indictment chamber of the Antwerp Court of Appeals upheld an earlier order issued by the pre-trial chamber of the district court on November 29, 2024. It found no irregularity in the arrest warrants issued by a Mumbai special court in May 2018 and June 2021, ruling them enforceable and clearing the way for Choksis extradition. Dismissing Choksis appeal, the Court of Appeals held that the businessman failed to provide concretely plausible evidence of a genuine risk of torture or denial of justice. It found that the documents he submitted did not substantiate his claims of being subjected to a political trial. Choksi had claimed that the Indian system did not conform to international law. In response, Indian agencies submitted photographs of Mumbais Arthur Road Jail, specifically Barrack No. 12where Choksi will be held once extraditedto counter his claims that Indian prisons are overcrowded and unsafe. The 46-square-metre barrack has two cells with private toilets and basic facilities. The images were shared to refute his assertions of poor prison conditions. The agencies the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) had been tracking the fugitive since he fled India on January 2, 2018. The courts order noted that Choksi is not a Belgian citizen but a foreign national. He was arrested in Antwerp on April 11, 2025, at the request of Indian agencies. The offences cited by India including fraud, forgery, document falsification, and corruption are also considered crimes under Belgian law. The cases registered in India fall under IPC sections 120B, 201, 409, 420, 477A and sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, all carrying imprisonment of more than one year, the order stated. The Belgian court also recognised equivalent offences under Articles 66, 196, 197, 213, 240, 241, 245, 246, 247 SSSS2-4, 324a-b, and 496 of the Belgian Criminal Code, covering criminal organisation, swindle, embezzlement, and forgery. Rejecting Choksis claims of political persecution, the Court of Appeal said the offences cannot be considered political, military or non-extraditable tax offences, adding there were no grounds to believe that the request was made to prosecute or punish him for his race, religion, nationality or political affiliation. Choksi had also alleged he was kidnapped from Antigua by Indian agencies. The court, however, said it cannot be inferred from the documents supplied that he was kidnapped in Antigua on the instructions of Indian authorities. It also dismissed his claims that the Indian judiciary lacks independence and that media coverage would prevent a fair trial, calling such fears unfounded. In November 2022, Interpol had dropped the Red Corner Notice against Choksi after he claimed an attempted abduction by Indian agents in Antigua. Even without the notice, the ED with R&AWs help sent a request to Belgian authorities to arrest him. Earlier, on May 23, 2021, Choksi was arrested in Dominica for illegal entry after going missing from Antigua and Barbuda, where he had been living since 2018. He had alleged he was forcibly taken to Dominica by Indian operatives. Choksi is the owner of the Gitanjali Group, a jewellery retail chain with 4,000 stores in India. He, along with nephews Nirav Modi and Neeshal Modi, colluded with PNB officials to defraud the bank of over Rs 13,850 crore one of the biggest scams in Indias banking history. PNB officials at the Brady House branch in Mumbai issued fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) to facilitate import credit for pearls for a year, violating RBI rules that limit such credit to 90 days. Overseas branches of Indian banks ignored guidelines and failed to share documentation with PNB. The CBI registered a case based on PNBs complaint, but by then Choksi and others had fled India.

Jammu Kashmir Flags Extortion at Punjab Checkpoints, Writes to CM for Urgent Action

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has formally written to the Punjab Chief Minister, seeking immediate intervention over the alleged extortion and harassment faced by livestock and mutton dealers at Punjabs Shambhu and Madhopur checkpoints. The letter, dated December 4, was sent by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kashmir, to the []

Mann meets South Korean industrialists, pitches Punjab as future-ready investment destination

Pravasi Rajasthani Divas set to showcase Rs 1 lakh crore investment push as Bhajanlal govt marks two years

JAIPUR: To mark the completion of two years of the Bhajanlal-led BJP government in the state, Pravasi Rajasthani Divas 2025 is being organized at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC) on December 10. The state government has made extensive preparations to ensure that the event becomes a major showcase of Rajasthans investment potential. The event is expected to serve as a significant platform for economic expansion, with reports indicating that industrialists will announce large-scale investments that could reshape the states development trajectory. Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) worth Rs 1 lakh crore are likely to be signed during the event. Dignitaries attending the program include Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, along with cabinet ministers and senior bureaucrats. A strong presence from the corporate sector is also expected. The inaugural session will feature prominent industry leaders such as Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, Piramal Group Chairman Ajay Piramal, and Tata Power CEO and MD Praveer Sinha, who will share their perspectives on investment opportunities, industrial growth, and ongoing reforms in Rajasthan. Earlier, there were concerns that disruptions in Indigo Airlines services could prevent some expatriates from reaching Jaipur. However, the Commissioner of the Rajasthan Foundation Department the nodal department for expatriate Rajasthanis clarified that all invited guests have already arrived and that the airline issues have not significantly affected the event. More than 8,700 people have registered for Pravasi Rajasthani Divas so far. With registrations surpassing expectations, the online portal was closed ahead of schedule. This is the first Pravasi Rajasthani Divas being held after Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharmas announcement at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit last year. He had declared that the day would be celebrated annually on December 10 to connect the global Rajasthani diaspora with their homeland. On November 19, the state cabinet approved the creation of a separate department for non-resident Rajasthanis, and an official notification has since been issued. The new department aims to strengthen engagement with expatriate Rajasthanis living in India and abroad, and facilitate deeper cooperation between them and the state government.

Parineeti credits 'Chamkila' for her marriage with Raghav

In an engaging revelation, Parineeti Chopra shared how her journey in 'Amar Singh Chamkila' unexpectedly blossomed into romance with Raghav Chadha, whom she met during the film's Punjabi location preparations. The experience on set was a spectacular blend of live musical energy, helmed by director Imtiaz Ali, packed with delightful antics alongside co-star Diljit Dosanjh that kept the crew entertained.

Research on use of nano urea by the Punjab agri varsity, other institutions shows impact on grain yield, quality

ICAR launches 5-year nano urea study following varied crop response in earlier trials

Bajwa slams AAP govt, says it is suppressing opposition in Punjab

70 pc Punjab Congress with me, 90 pc AICC with me; won't support 'thieves': Navjot Kaur

Navjot Kaur Sidhu also attacked Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa for serving a legal notice on her for her alleged defamatory remarks against him and accused him of selling party tickets in Rajasthan and also having links with smugglers.

'State President Has No Credibility': Navjot Kaur Sidhu On Her Suspension Notice By Congress

Navjot Kaur Sidhu dismissed the suspension notice, which she claimed was issued by Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, against whom she has directed her remarks

Farm Fires Didn't End, They Just Moved To Afternoon: Satellite Data Analysis

Claims of a nearly 90% drop in stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana - a key contributor to pollution in Delhi-NCR - have been challenged by a new multi-satellite analysis, revealing that the decline is a result of a gap in India's monitoring system.

Who is Nikhil Chaudhary? BBL star entering IPL 2026 Auction as Indian uncapped player

The IPL auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 will feature 350 players, including uncapped Indian all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary, who has built a career in Australia. Chaudhary, formerly of Punjab, has played 20 BBL matches for Hobart Hurricanes. Teams will compete for 77 slots, with 31 for overseas players.

Punjab: Randhawa serves legal notice to Navjot Kaur Sidhu; turmoil in Congress escalates

The crisis in the Punjab Congress deepened a day after former MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, was suspended from the party for making anti-party remarks. Kaur again hit out at the state leadership, including president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, accusing them of misleading the high command. She claimed she remains in touch with the high command but would not support thieves. Meanwhile, senior Punjab Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, served a legal notice on Kaur, asking her to apologize for making defamatory remarks against him or face legal action. Several other party leaders also criticized her. The legal notice served on Kaur by Randhawas advocate states: On December 7 and 8, you made false, baseless, and defamatory statements against my client during your media interactions, which were widely broadcast and reported across electronic media, print media, and social platforms. Specifically, you alleged that my client indulged in corruption while serving as the in-charge of Rajasthan for the Indian National Congress, including in the distribution of party tickets in exchange for monetary gratification. These statements were made without any evidence or basis and were intended to malign my client's character and reputation. The notice further states: My client has always upheld the highest standards of probity and transparency in his public and political roles. Your statements have no foundation in truth and were uttered recklessly, knowing fully well that they would cause irreparable harm to my client's reputation. It adds that Kaur's statements amount to defamation under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Your actions do not qualify under any exceptions to defamation as provided in the BNS, as they were not made in good faith, for the public good, or based on verifiable facts. Instead, they were deliberate attempts to defame and injure my client's standing. The notice seeks an unconditional public apology from Kaur for her defamatory statements. The apology must be published prominently within seven days in the same media outlets where the original statements were made. Failing compliance, my client shall be constrained to initiate criminal defamation proceedings against you under Section 356 of the BNS read with Section 222 of the BNSS before the competent court of law, including the court of Judicial Magistrate at Batala, it states. Reacting to the legal notice issued by Randhawa, who is also the partys in-charge for Rajasthan, over her corruption allegations against him, Kaur said, At present, I am reverting to Randhawa. He was a follower of my husband and is now speaking against me. I will pay him back in the same coin. She further alleged that Randhawa could not ensure his wife's electoral victory and accused him of openly selling tickets for crores of rupees in Rajasthan. She said she has sent evidence of this to the Congress high command. Kaur reiterated that she had spoken her truth. If the high command needs people who speak honestly at the ground level, they will understand. Kaur maintained that she remains in touch with the high command and will not compromise on her stance, claiming she has support from the AICC and 70 per cent of the Congress. The entire overseas Congress and high command leaders are with me. Seventy per cent of Punjab Congress is with me. I have spoken the truth; now the ball is in the high commands court, she said. Kaur added that she had apprised central leaders about her statements, which she claimed were twisted. I have told them that the Sidhus would not side with thieves. I do not consider Raja Warring the Punjab party president. There are fourfive leaders who are harming the party, and if the party wants to form a government in the state, it should sideline such leaders, she claimed. Regarding her controversial statement after meeting Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Kaur said her comments were distorted by the media. She further alleged that those troubled by her statements own 10,000 acres of land in the Shivalik range and, in collaboration with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, want to legalize the land. She said she stands firmly against this. Kaur added that she had wanted to raise these issues with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, but before she could meet him, she received an appointment with the governor. I was hoping that Rahul Gandhi would address these issues and become the hero. He was misguided by people around him, resulting in a delay. Until then, I got my appointment with the governor. I wanted Rahul to give this presentation there because it is a matter of Punjabs victory, she said. Reacting to her suspension, Kaur said, This notice has been issued by a state president who has no legitimacy. Many such notices are issued. Discussions are taking place with the party, but we have one condition we will not support thieves. If we want to form a government, remove those who are destroying the party.

Judoka Ritik Sharmas KIUG Triumph Fuels His 2026 CWG Dream

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indoor Hall: Since relocating to the SAI National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Bhopal six years ago, Ritik Sharmas career has experienced a rapid ascent. The young Punjab-born judoka once again highlighted his progress with a commanding performance at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) Rajasthan 2025. Competing in his fourth KIUG at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indoor Hall in Udaipur, Ritik, representing Lovely Professional University (LPU), secured his third gold medal, adding to his existing bronze. What made the victory more meaningful was the way he bounced back from a recent setback. Flying straight to Udaipur after a first-round exit at the Asian Open Championships in Hong Kong, Ritik wasted no time dwelling on the disappointment. Instead, he channelled the lessons from his overseas trip into a composed, confident performance, overcoming familiar rival Yash Ghangas in the mens +100kg final. The rivalry between Ritik and Yash dates back to their teenage years. The two first competed in the final of the 2020 Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati, and even now, as products of the same NCOE, their matchups remain intensely competitive. There are a handful of judokas in our category, so we have known each other for years now. I beat him for the first time in the Guwahati KIYG, and Im glad that I could get the better of him in KIUG 2025 too, said Ritik, emphasising the need for more international exposure trips. Despite being out in the first round, I have come back with a lot of learnings and positives from Hong Kong. What also matters is the mental aspect of the sport, as such exposure trips help you in understanding how the world and Olympic champions approach the game, their techniques, and sparring with some of the best in the world, he added. Ritiks journey started far from Indias main sporting centres, in Gurdaspur, a remote border district in Punjab bordering Pakistan. Growing up, opportunities were scarce, with few organised sports programmes or training centres available. Yet in 2015, at the age of 14, Ritik found his passion for judo and dedicated himself to the sport with steadfast focus. Born to an ASI in the Punjab Police and the youngest of three siblings, Ritik began his initial training at the renowned Shaheed Bhagat Singh JFI coaching centre, which has produced over 50 international and 100 national-level judokas. The foundation he built there kept him steady even as he faced challenges on the global stage. Ritiks journey started far from Indias main sporting centres, in Gurdaspur, a remote border district in Punjab bordering Pakistan. Growing up, opportunities were scarce, with few organised sports programmes or training centres available. Yet in 2015, at the age of 14, Ritik found his passion for judo and dedicated himself to the sport with steadfast focus. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For Ritik, the lack of quality sparring partners in his weight class remains a major obstacle. However, he continues to push his boundaries and is now aiming for the next significant goal of breaking into the 2026 Commonwealth Games squad. Article Source: IANS

Sachin Recounts Gursharan's Crucial Gesture During His Landmark 1989-90 Irani Cup Ton

Struggling at 209 for nine in pursuit of a mammoth target of 554, the former India, Delhi and Punjab player Gursharan walked out at No 10 with a broken hand to support Tendulkar as the two put on another 36 runs for the final wicket

BSF Jawan Found Dead in Samba; CRPF Constable Dies After Collapse in Jammu

Jammu, Dec 9: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. Constable Sukhdeep Singh, a resident of Ferozpur in Punjab, was discovered lying in a canal at Rehiyan village on Monday evening and was rushed to the district hospital, where [] The post BSF Jawan Found Dead in Samba; CRPF Constable Dies After Collapse in Jammu appeared first on Northlines .

J&K | BSF Jawan Found Dead In Samba; CRPF Constable Dies In Separate Incident

Jammu, Dec 9: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. Constable Sukhdeep Singh, a resident of Ferozpur in Punjab, was found lying in a canal at Rehiyan village on Monday evening. Locals shifted him to the district hospital Samba, where doctors declared him dead, officials said. Preliminary police investigation suggests he was travelling on a motorcycle and may have accidentally fallen into the canal. [] The post J&K | BSF Jawan Found Dead In Samba; CRPF Constable Dies In Separate Incident appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

The larger-than-life arc of actor Dileep

KOCHI: The fate of actor Dileep acquitted in the actor assault case after an exhausting over five-year trial has turned out to be nothing short of an anti-climax, especially for someone once accused of conspiring in the brutal assault of a fellow actor. From a scrawny mimicry artist to an actor, and eventually a producer, distributor, and theatre owner, Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan alias Dileeps ascent to stardom and his later slide into notoriety, before being cleared of all charges extends far beyond the contours of a film script. Until the assault case erupted, Dileep was among the most influential power centres in the Malayalam film industry, commanding clout that extended across production floors, distribution networks, and exhibition circuits. Dileep entered cinema through the back door of Kochis mimicry troupes in the early 1990s. A friend who knew Dileep since his college days recalled, He was very ambitious from the very beginning and had an insatiable hunger for stardom. He started as an assistant director before he took to acting as a career. He had the gift of the gab, which made him desirable in social circles... He climbed his way up through a network of fellow comic artists and friends. Dileep came from an impoverished family and money was always a major factor. His marriage to actor Manju Warrier in 1998 was a surprise to many, he added. By the early 2000s, that charm had crystallised into a distinct on-screen persona. Films like Punjabi House, C.I.D Moosa, Meesha Madhavan and Kalyanaraman turned him into a bankable star. But Dileeps ascent was not limited to acting alone. As his stardom grew, he ventured into production, and into distribution, controlling significant circuits in central Kerala. His investments in theatre chains further cemented his presence. Liberty Basheer, a theatre owner and producer, said Dileep had decisive influence in AMMA and FEFKA, the trade bodies of actors and technicians. He was not satisfied with it and split the theatre owners union just before the actor assault incident. Basheer told TNIE that legally, all the unions/associations are bound to take him back if he applies formally but the actor might not be as powerful as he was as the ecosystem has evolved. This consolidation of power earned him both admiration and unease. The turning point arrived in 2017 with the actor abduction and assault case. The star who once drew lakhs to theatres found himself boycotted and fighting a prolonged legal battle. Today, Dileeps trajectory stands as one of Malayalam cinemas most dramatic arcs: A meteoric rise, decades of dominance, and an equally steep fall from grace. His acquittal from the case has sparked curiosity about his future, with the industry and society eagerly awaiting to see if hell reclaim his top position.

Sukhbir Singh Badal to fight next Punjab assembly elections from Gidderbaha

Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal will contest the 2027 Punjab assembly elections from Gidderbaha. This announcement followed intense pressure from party workers. Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikramjit Singh Majithia's bail plea in a money laundering case was dismissed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Majithia was arrested in connection with illicit fund transfers.

'Suitcase politics': Navjot Kaur Sidhus allegations roil Punjab Congress; leader claims husband 'loyal soldier of party'

Navjot Kaur Sidhu ignited a fresh row, alleging senior Congress leaders accepted Rs 5 crore each for poll tickets from a Tarn Taran candidate. This follows her earlier controversial statement about a Rs 500 crore CM. State Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring swiftly suspended her following the accusations.

Govt shortlists candidates for Delhi child rights body chief; claims of violation surface

NEW DELHI: The city government has completed interviews for the post of the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson, with around 20 candidates assessed telephonically by the Chief Minister along with senior officials, a source said. Following the interaction, the government has finalised a shortlist of names, which has now been sent to the Lieutenant Governor. After the L-G, the file will go to theMHA for a final approval. Meanwhile, a source also shared that the candidates were not sent official emails for an interview; instead, they were contacted telephonically against the laws. Out of the 20 candidates, three were retired IAS officers before the screening committee. The revival of the selection process came only after sustained pressure from the Delhi High Court. In October this year, the government appointed Rashmi Singh, secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, as the officiating chairperson which was an interim step that underscored how the regular appointment process had remained stuck for over two years. The post has been vacant since July 2023, when former chairperson Anurag Kundu completed his term and moved to the Punjab government. Who will get the role? According to sources, administrative experience matters. The only non-bureaucrat to head the body was Anurag Kundu whose term got over in July 2023. It is better to have an IAS or IPS officer in this position, because they know how to handle the system in a better way, a senior official noted.

Weather today: IMD warns of cold wave in Delhi, Telangana, Chandigarh; dense fog likely in UP, Odisha. Check latest forecast

Weather update today: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi might experience cold wave conditions from December 9, the IMD said in its latest bulletin. The weather agency has also warned of cold wave conditions in several districts of Telangana. Dense fog is likely to prevail in Assam, Manipur and Odisha.

EC seeks chargesheet on IPS officer suspended ahead of Tarn Taran bypoll; writes to Punjab chief secretary

J&K Pavilion shines at PITEX 2025 in Amritsar

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: The Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) participated in the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX), held at Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, from December 4 to 8. The JKTPO sponsored 36 artisans, exporters, FPOs and women entrepreneurs from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, who showcased regions rich artistry and cultural heritage. The display included Pashmina shawls, Sozni and Crewel embroidery, leather and woollen products, stoles, Tilla work, Basohli Pashmina and world-renowned GI-tagged [] The post J&K Pavilion shines at PITEX 2025 in Amritsar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Will contest from Gidderbaha in 2027 Punjab elections: Sukhbir

HC notice to Punjab on Amritpals plea against third detention order

AAP came to power by fooling people of Punjab with hollow slogans: Bajwa

BSF foils narco-terror attempts; seizes 6.6 Kg heroin, arms along IB in Punjab

In a bold display of dedication, BSF forces executed two remarkable nighttime operations. Near Amritsar, they intercepted 12 bundles of heroin totaling 6.638 kilograms. Meanwhile, in Ferozepur, they confiscated a pistol along with a magazine and four rounds of ammunition. These successful actions underscore the BSF's unwavering commitment to safeguarding India from the threats of narcotics and arms trafficking.

Congress leader Navjot suspended from party for Rs 500 cr CM remark

Chandigarh: Punjab Congress leader Navjot Singhs namesake wife was on Monday suspended from the primary membership of the party for the Rs 500 crore CM remark. His wife and Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu claimed that it costs Rs 500 crore to become Punjab CM. She was placed under suspension by PPCC chief Amarinder Singh 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 .

Korean womans Punjabi impresses CM Bhagwant Mann

Navjot Kaur Sidhu suspended from Congress after row over 'Rs 500 crore to become CM' remark

CHANDIGARH: After a backlash over her 'Rs 500 crore for chief minister's chair' remark, Congress leader Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu has been suspended from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect. Days after claiming that it costs Rs 500 crore to become Punjab Chief Minister and making utterances against her party colleagues, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu was placed under suspension by Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu is hereby suspended from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect, read the order issued on Monday evening. Senior Congress leader and leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said, It is the right decision at the right time, you cannot make such baseless allegations. Her intentions were not right for the party. Bajwa hinted that the BJP is the master of deceptive moves as she met the state governor Gulab Chand Kataria and then made the statement after coming out of Raj Bhawan. Responding to her remark, MP from Gurdaspur and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that the party made Navjot Singh Sidhu a minister and also president of the Punjab unit of the Congress. I want to ask him how much money did he give and to whom for that? The status of party chief is higher that the Chief Minister. Leveling such allegations when you have served as party president is anti-party. The high command should take a note of it, he said, adding that Sidhu has not been active for four years but has now started leveling allegations as assembly polls are scheduled for 2027. Twist given to straight comment, says Navjot Kaur Sidhu after controversy over her 'Rs 500 crore' remark Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, also slammed her comments, saying, Let her be admitted to a hospital, some good mental hospital. After her statement, the BJP and AAP claimed that she had exposed the ugly truth of how the grand old party functions, and the money bag politics it indulges in. Following the backlash, Navjot Kaur had claimed that her comments had been twisted. I am shocked to see the twist given to a straight comment saying that our Congress party has never demanded anything from us. On being asked about Navjot becoming a CM face from any other party, I stated that we have no money to offer for a CM post, Kaur said in a post on X on Sunday evening. Former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu had triggered a row on Saturday by implying that only someone who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore can become the CM. She also said her husband will return to active politics if the Congress declares him as the party's chief ministerial face in Punjab. Navjot Sidhu will return to active politics if he is declared as Congress's CM face in Punjab polls, says his wife

Satellites missing most farm fires in Punjab, Haryana; impact on Delhi highly underestimated: Report

The Stubble Burning Status Report 2025 by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) said this led to major underestimation of the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's air pollution this year.

Arms Smuggling Module Linked To Pak-Based Handler Busted; 6 Held

CHANDIGARH, Dec 8: The Punjab Police on Monday claimed it has dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling module with links to a Pakistan-based handler and apprehended six persons, including a juvenile. Police recovered six pistols from the accused, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in direct contact with a Pakistan-based handler through social media platforms, who shared coordinates for weapon consignments, he said. In a post on X, the DGP said, [] The post Arms Smuggling Module Linked To Pak-Based Handler Busted; 6 Held appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Should reveal how much they paid to become No. 2 minister, PCC chief: Sukhjinder Randhawa slams Navjot Sidhu

Congress leader Sukhjinder Randhawa has strongly criticized Navjot Kaur Sidhu's statement about a Rs 500 crore payment for the Chief Minister's chair. Randhawa questioned the financial dealings when Navjot Sidhu became a minister and party president. He stated that such internal remarks pose a threat to the Congress party in Punjab.

Bobby Deol pens emotional tribute to 'pyaare papa' Dharmendra on his birth anniversary: 'He-Man ho aap sab ke lekin...'

Bobby Deol also highlighted his father Dharmendra's journey as a star who never left anyone behind and celebrated the pride he brought to their hometown, Punjab, and the nation

Punjab PCS answer key 2025 released at ppsc.gov.in: Check direct link to download and raise objections here

The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has released the question papers and answer keys for the Punjab Civil Services (PCS) 2025 examination, covering Paper-1 (General Studies) and Paper-2 (CSAT) for all sets A, B, C, and D. Candidates can submit objections online from 3:00 pm on December 8 to 11:59 pm on December 12, 2025, using authenticated sources to support their claims.

SMAT: Baroda's Amit Passi Equals World Record For Highest Score On T20 Debut With 44-ball Ton

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Baroda wicketkeeper-batter Amit Passi has equalled the world record for the highest score on T20 debut with his 44-ball century in their last league stage match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy here on Monday. The 26-year-old scored 114 runs off just 55 balls, featuring 10 fours and nine sixes, to guide Baroda to a 13-run win over Services. His innings matched Pakistans Bilal Asif, who scored 114 from 48 balls for the Sialkot Stallions in a domestic T20 match in Faisalabad in May 2015, tying the world record for the highest individual score in mens T20 debut. Passi has become only the third Indian batter after Punjabs Shivam Bhambri and Hyderabads Akshath Reddy to score a century on T20 debut, with all three hundreds coming in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Stepping in for India wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who left for national duty against South Africa, the 26-year-old Passi opened the innings and played a blistering knock against Services. He formed two vital stands: a 60-run partnership for the third wicket with Shivalik Sharma, followed by a quick 75-run alliance with captain Vishnu Solanki in just 32 balls, and played an essential role in guiding his team to a total of 220/5 in 20 overs. In response, Kunwar Pathak (51), Ravi Chauhan (51), and Mohit Ahlawat (41) gave a flying start to Services, who managed to score only 207-8, falling short by 13 runs. Placed in a stiff Elite Group C, Baroda are out of contention for making the Super League stage despite their win against Services by a resounding margin. In response, Kunwar Pathak (51), Ravi Chauhan (51), and Mohit Ahlawat (41) gave a flying start to Services, who managed to score only 207-8, falling short by 13 runs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Batting first, Haryana have set a target of 191 for Gujarat, riding on captain Ankit Kumar's (46 off 30) and Nishant Sindhu's (48 off 31). Article Source: IANS

Home loan EMIs to get lower: HDFC Bank, PNB, Indian Bank and these lenders slash lending rates

HDFC Bank cuts MCLR: Home loan borrowers can expect lower EMIs as major banks like HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Bank of India have reduced lending rates. This follows the RBI's repo rate cut last week. Customers may see reduced monthly payments or shorter loan tenures. Banks are trimming RLLR, RBLR, and MCLR-linked rates, bringing financial relief to many.

Rs 500 Crore Remark: Dy CM Shivakumar Asks Navjot Kaur Sidhu To Get Admitted To Mental Hospital

Bengaluru, Dec 8: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday advised Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu to get admitted in a mental health facility for her Rs 500 crore for CM post remark. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, had triggered a row on Saturday by claiming that one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the Chief Minister, drawing strong response from the BJP and AAP over Congress functioning. [] The post Rs 500 Crore Remark: Dy CM Shivakumar Asks Navjot Kaur Sidhu To Get Admitted To Mental Hospital appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab Teen, Thrown Into Canal By Father With Hands Tied, Reappears After 2 Months

In a stunning twist that has gripped Punjab, a 17-year-old girl from Ferozepur district has reappeared months after she was allegedly pushed into a canal by her father.

Navjot Kaur Sidhu accuses Congress of 'money-driven CM picks'; party hits back, BJP joins row

Former Congress MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu has sparked a major controversy by alleging that 500 crore is needed to become the Congress Chief Ministerial candidate in Punjab. Her remarksaccusing the party of favouring those who ring a suitcase of moneyhave ignited sharp reactions from both Congress and BJP.

25 Kishtwar farmers leave for exposure visit to Punjab Agricultural University

KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma on Sunday flagged off a group of 25 farmers (15 female and 10 male) for a six-day exposure visit to Punjab Agricultural University, where they will learn about commercial floriculture. The initiative, organised by the Department of Agriculture, under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP P14) is designed []

Missing saroops of Guru Granth Sahib: Punjab Police books 16 people

The accused included Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)'s former chief secretary, Roop Singh, and the ex-secretary of the Dharam Parchar Committee, Manjit Singh

Rajasthan dominates 2nd Federation Cup Lacrosse Cship

Excelsior Sports Correspondent KATRA, Dec 7: The 2nd Federation Cup Lacrosse Championship 2025 concluded at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex, Katra, after three days of spirited competition and exemplary sportsmanship. The championship, organised by J&K Lacrosse Association under the aegis of the Lacrosse Association of India, witnessed participation from 15 States including Gujarat, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Telangana, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Delhi, and J&K. Around 280 male and female players showcased talent, [] The post Rajasthan dominates 2nd Federation Cup Lacrosse Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

After arrest of Minhas, Punjab minorities panel chief calls off road blockade

Realtors unhappy with changes to Punjabs property law, say will slow down sales

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann begins investment outreach in South Korea, meetings with top firms today

Punjab Govt Sets Up Control Room at Chandigarh Airport Amid IndiGo Flight Disruptions

Punjab Civil Aviation Secretary Sonali Giri said IndiGo Airlines has around 30 bags of passengers, which will be sent to them at their residences free of cost by the airline

Congress MLA Pargat Singh accuses AAP, Mann of silence on 5 bills against Punjabs interests

Some respite from cold wave conditions in Punjab & Haryana

Mann urges Punjabi diaspora in Seoul to help attract Korean investments to Punjab

Severe cold grips north India; IMD warns of cold wave, fog across multiple states

NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed across north India on Sunday, with the Amarnath yatra base camp being the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reporting minimum temperatures between three and seven degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold wave conditions were very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha on Monday and Tuesday. In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at eight degrees, up from 6.8 degrees a day ago and yet 1.6 notches below normal. The maximum temperature was 24.7 degrees Celsius, 0.1 notch below normal, while the relative humidity was 92 per cent in the morning. For Monday, the weather department forecast a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, with mist expected. Pollution levels in Delhi remained in the very poor category on Sunday, prolonging the spell of toxic air that has hung over its residents for several weeks now. The city logged a 24-hour average AQI of 308. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe. Further in the north, the night temperatures in Kashmir rose by several degrees but stayed below the freezing point, officials said. The Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir as the minimum settled at a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- settled at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, a rise of 3.2 degrees compared to the previous night. The gateway town to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a low of minus one degree Celsius, while the minimum settled at minus 0.8 degree Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, and 1.1 degrees Celsius in south Kashmir's Kokernag, according to officials. The meteorological department said the weather would remain generally cloudy but dry on Sunday, and a brief spell of light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir is likely on December 8. In Himachal Pradesh, The IMD predicted dense fog in parts of the state until Wednesday. A yellow alert for dense fog was also issued in parts of the reservoir area of the Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district and over some parts of the Balh valley in Mandi district during early morning till Monday. In Punjab, Faridkot remained the coldest place, with the minimum temperature settling at 4.4 degrees Celsius, while in Haryana, Narnaul saw the lowest temperature at 4.6 degrees Celsius, according to the local meteorological department. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Bathinda and Gurdaspur recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Ferozepur recorded 6 degrees, Amritsar 6.1 degrees, Ludhiana 6.8 degrees, and Patiala 8.9 degrees. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a low of six degrees, Hisar 6.2 degrees, Sirsa 6.6 degrees, Karnal seven degrees, Rohtak 7.8 degrees, and Ambala 9.8 degrees. Rajasthan, similarly, reeled under intense cold, the Meteorological Centre here said. Fatehpur in the Sikar district continued to record the lowest minimum temperature, albeit at 3.5 degrees Celsius, slightly up from 2.3 degrees a day ago. According to the weather department, Lunkaransar (Bikaner) recorded a low of 5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dausa at 6 degrees, Churu at 6.3 degrees, Vanasthali (Tonk) at 6.4 degrees and Jhunjhunu at 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. The department said a fresh but weak western disturbance is likely to cause partly cloudy skies in some parts of the state over the next few days. Under its influence, the minimum temperature is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius, providing relief from the cold wave, it said. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, eight districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, noting a cold wave in parts of the state. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 3.5 degrees Celsius up from three degrees Celsius while Khunti logged five degrees Celsius, the IMD weather bulletin stated. The minimum temperature in Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi, was 7.5 degrees Celsius, while Daltonganj recorded 6.5 degrees and Jamshedpur recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius. Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, said, North-westerly winds prevailing in the lower tropospheric levels over Jharkhand have caused the drop in mercury. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail across the state over the next five days.The minimum temperature may rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the next 72 hours, he added. In West Bengal, the mercury dipped below the 10-degree mark for the first time this winter in the state's plains with Sriniketan in Birbhum districts recording a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the IMD said. Its forecast for West Bengal suggested dry weather across all districts of West Bengal for the next week, with shallow to moderate fog likely in the northern districts. Darjeeling was the coldest in the hills at 6.2 degrees Celsius, while the other Himalayan tourist town of Kalimpong was warmer at 10.5 degrees Celsius. The other places which recorded low night temperatures are Alipurduar (11 degrees), Kalyani (11.4 degrees), Purulia (11.4 degrees) and Panagarh (11.9 degrees). Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, forecasting mist in the morning on Monday. IMD further predicted dense fog conditions in isolated pockets of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura between December 8 and 12. It was also very likely in parts of west Madhya Pradesh on Monday and in Odisha until Tuesday. In west India, a gradual fall by two to three degrees over the next three-four days is expected, and no significant change is anticipated thereafter, the IMD said.

'Rs 500-crore suitcase for CM chair': Sidhu's wife claims pay-to-play in Punjab Congress; hints ex cricketer may switch parties

Jakhar hits out at AAP, reminds Kejriwal of his promise to free Punjab of gangsters

FRK rice supply rules spark fresh tussle between Punjab millers and FCI

CHANDIGARH: The new instructions regarding the production and supply of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) rice by the Union Government has led to fresh tussle between rice shellers of Punjab and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). After the union government had stated this year, out of the 104 lakh tonnes of rice to be generated from the 156 lakh tonnes of procured paddy from Punjab, at least 25 lakh tonnes will be taken as upgraded rice, which has just 10 per cent broken grains. The remaining 80 lakh tonne will be accepted only as FRK-mixed rice for the central pool. With delays in the supply of FRK rice, milling operations have not started, although the units are stacked with procured paddy. The Punjab government has written to the Centre requesting it to accept 25 lakh tonnes of non-FRK CMR, but so far, no action has been initiated. A letter dated November 28, sent to Chairman of Food Corporation of India by Secretary-cum-Director, Food and Civil Supplies, Punjab, reads, `To ensure grain integrity, DFPD from this Kharif has introduced more elaborate testing protocols for pre-testing of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRKs), which is likely to result in comparatively slower pace of supply of FRK by manufacturers to rice millers. In view of slower than expected pace of FRK supply during KMS 2025-26, it is likely that slow supply of FRK may impact rice delivery of Fortified Rice (FR) to FCI during KMS 2025-26. During KMS 2024-25 also, the state was constrained to seek extension in delivery period of milling and delivery of rice during previous Kharif till September 15, 2025 well beyond the March 31, 2025 deadline. Accordingly, to avoid being constrained to seek extension in milling period of delivery of rice during KMS 2025-26, it is requested that Punjab be allocated a quota of Non-Fortified Rice of minimum of 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes, on lines of a similar quota being allocated by FCI to Uttar Pradesh Region. It is assured that the state is fully geared up to deliver rice at the earliest with Closure Physical Verifications (PVs) of paddy stocks stored during KMS 2025-26 have almost been completed, it added. As per the food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) norms, chalky grain above 5 per cent is considered unfit for human consumption that FCI as rejected the rice samples and recently suspended its two technical officers, a field assistant, and a quality manager as freshly milled 10 per cent of the upgraded rice supplied to the FCI has been found to be defective. Also the laboratory of the corporation has rejected the rice sample because the amount of chalky was more than 5 per cent thus panic spread in rice millers. The millers have warned that further delays in milling will lead to deterioration in the quality of rice with each passing day, leading to financial losses. Bharat Bhushan Binta president of Punjab Rice Industry Association said that a virtual meeting held last month between FCIs Executive Director (Quality), senior quality officials, and DFPDs Under Secretary made it blatantly clear that the improved rice supplied by Punjab under last years ilot project did not meet the prescribed standard. Thus they are facing serious challenges in selling this stock under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), he claimed. Binta said that they were told that the quality of improved rice procured last year from Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra is considerably better than the stock received from Punjab. argued that despite these concerns, FCI can easily sell such rice across India under OMSS, as is being done with stocks from other states, he said. This decision has mounted more pressure on millers in the state. The orders give no deadline or timeline for the samples to be cleared, said Ranjit Singh Jossan, Vice President of the Association. He said, Punjab has been grappling with acute storage shortages for three consecutive years. If FCI lifts the estimated 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of improved rice from the state, the space crisis will ease significantly. But if FCI delays or refuses to accept this stock, Punjab may again face a severe storage crunch, potentially delaying delivery of the seasons total commitment of 105 LMT by more than a year. A high-level meeting between state authorities and rice millers associations will be held on Monday, where the issue will be discussed in detail. The Punjab government and the associations are expected to formally raise the matter with the central government to find a resolution. Fortified rice are enriched with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, vitamin A and zinc.

Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Module Busted In Punjab: DGP

Chandigarh, Dec 7: The Punjab Police on Sunday said it has busted a cross-border arms smuggling module with links to Pakistan following an arrest of one person. Five pistols were recovered from the arrested individual, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused, along with wanted associate Saifli Singh, had been retrieving weapon consignments on the directions of a Pakistan-based handler and supplying them to criminals and gangsters in Punjab, Yadav said on X. An [] The post Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Module Busted In Punjab: DGP appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab records maximum food stock damage in past five years in India

CHANDIGARH: Punjab, considered the food bowl of India, recorded food stock damage of 8,226.04 metric tonne (MT) of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the last five years. Punjab topped the list, followed by Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. These figures were placed on record in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister for state of consumer affairs, food and public distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya in reply to an unstated question asked by Delkar Kalaben Mohanbhai, Member of Parliament from Dadra and Nagar Haveli. As per the figures placed in the parliament showed that the cumulative loss over five years in Punjab stood at 8,226.04 MT of this the lowest was in 2020-21 at 25 MT, then 100 MT in 2021-22, then 264 in 2022-23, then 7,746 MT in 2023-24 and 91.04 in 2024-25. The second highest was in Tamil Nadu with 3,001.39 MT damaged in 2024-25, as only 7 MY in 2023-24 bringing its total to 3,008.39 MT. Then followed by Haryana at 2,511-MT loss in 2023-24, Uttar Pradesh the highest 2,254.32 MT in 2024-25, before that 2 MT in 2023-24, 47 MT in 2022-23, 78 MT in 2021-22 and 69 MT in 2020-21 taking its overall figure to 2,450.32 MT. Meanwhile, Maharashtra recorded an accumulated 2,856.68 MT of damaged stock over five years, including highest 1,985.68 MT in 2024-25 and Odisha reported 1,157 MT, mostly from 1,145 MT in 2020-21. But Punjab recorded the sharpest single-year damage, several other states reported sizeable losses. Also year-wise and commodity-wise assessments of damaged wheat and rice along with valuation were given. The highest recorded value of damaged food grains in the period was for rice in 2024-25, amounting to Rs 13.06 crore, linked to 0.072 lakh tonnes of damaged stock against an off take of 259.55 lakh tonne, translating to a 0.028% loss. For 2023-24, rice damage stood at 0.012 lakh tonnes, valued at Rs 2.06 crore. Wheat losses were recorded as 0.01 lakh tonnes in 2020-21, 0.004 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, and 0.0067 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, with corresponding values of Rs 0.64 crore, Rs 0.46 crore, and Rs 0.814 crore. The reply also stated that no central pool foodgrains got damaged due to insufficient FCI godowns. The overall storage capacity of Punjab is 174 lakh MT, comprising 124 lakh MT under the Food Corporation of India and another 49 LMT with state agencies.

Delhi fourth most polluted city in India; all top 10 cities from Haryana, UP: Study

CHANDIGARH: Delhi ranked fourth among the most polluted cities in the country in November, as per a report released by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Ghaziabad topped the list, followed by Noida, Bahadurgarh, Delhi, Hapur, Greater Noida, Baghpat, Sonipat, Meerut and Rohtak. Despite a significant reduction in stubble-burning, 20 out of 29 cities in National Capital Region (NCR) recorded higher pollution levels than the previous year. Punjab and Haryana had been blamed in the past for being the primary cause of air pollution in the NCR; the two states have registered an 80 to 90 per cent drop in farm fire cases over the last four years. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)s November 2025 Monthly Air Quality Snapshot, draws data from real-time continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) PM2.5. The report indicates a substantial deterioration in air quality across the country. Ghaziabad emerged as the most polluted city in the country in November this year with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 224 g/m, violating the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) on every day of the month, the report stated. It further said the city experienced 19 Very Poor days, 10 Severe days, and one Poor day. The report further reads, Uttar Pradesh accounted for six of the top ten cities, followed by Haryana with three, along with Delhi. All cities in the top 10 list recorded higher PM2.5 levels than the previous year, except for Delhi. Delhi ranked as the fourth most polluted city, recording a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 215 g/m in November, about twice its October level of 107 g/m. The city experienced 23 Very Poor days, six Severe days, and one Poor day throughout November, the report stated. Despite widespread pollution, the contribution of stubble burning was an average of 7 per cent in November, down from 20 per cent last year. Peak contributions of stubble burning reached 22 per cent, significantly lower than 38 per cent recorded in the previous year. Except for Bahadurgarh, none of the top ten cities recorded even a single day within the safe daily NAAQS limit. Several other cities, including Charkhi Dadri, Bulandshahr, Jind, Muzaffarnagar, Gurgaon, Khurja, Bhiwani, Karnal, Yamunanagar and Faridabad, also recorded PM2.5 levels above NAAQS every day of the month. Sonipat recorded very poor' air quality with PM 2.5 at 121-250 g/m on 29 of the 30 days, while Bahadurgarh remained the second most polluted with a PM 2.5 average of 215 g/m, it added. While seven cities of Punjab exceeded the standard as Mandi Gobindgarh was the most polluted in Punjab with PM 2.5 at 93 g/m. Despite a significant reduction in stubble-burning influence, 20 out of 29 NCR cities recorded higher pollution levels than the previous year, and many still did not register a single day within NAAQS limits. This clearly indicates that the dominant drivers are year-round sources such as transport, industry, power plants, and other combustion sources. Without sector-specific emission cuts, cities will continue to breach standards, said Manoj Kumar, analyst at CREA. At the state level, Rajasthan had the largest number of polluted cities, with 23 of 34 exceeding the NAAQS in November. Haryana had 22 of 25 such cities, while Uttar Pradesh had 14 of 20 above the standard. Pollution levels were also high across other states, with 9 of 12 cities in Madhya Pradesh, 9 of 14 in Odisha, and 7 of 8 in Punjab recording concentrations above NAAQS.

If made Congress's CM face: Navjot Singh Sidhu return to active politics? What his wife said

Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, stated that her husband would return to active politics if the Congress party declared him as its chief ministerial candidate. She emphasized their commitment to Punjab's welfare over personal gain and expressed concerns about internal party infighting potentially hindering his elevation.

Diljit Dosanjh gorges on this classic Punjabi delicacy as mercury drops across north India

Mumbai: Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, who recently lost out the International Emmy Award for Best Actor, is sharing details of his hearty meal as the winter season picks up momentum. On Saturday, the actor-singer took to his Instagram, and shared a fun video in which he can be seen giving a tour of a property 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 .

Sidhu will return to active politics if he is declared CM face, says his wife

She, however, also pointed towards infighting within the Punjab Congress unit, claiming that already there are five leaders aspiring for the chief minister`s position, and they won`t let Sidhu come forward

Sidhu will return to active politics if Congress declares him CM face, says wife Navjot Kaur

CHANDIGARH: Navjot Singh Sidhu will return to active politics if the Congress declares him as the party's chief ministerial face in Punjab, his wife and party leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has said. Navjot Kaur Sidhu further said they do not have money to give to any party but can transform Punjab into a golden state. We always speak for Punjab and Punjabiyat... but do not have Rs 500 crore which we can give to sit in chief minister's chair, she told reporters on Saturday after meeting Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on issues, including alleged deteriorating law and order in the state. When asked if anybody demanded money from them, she said nobody has demanded but the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore he becomes the CM. If any party gives him that power so that he can improve Punjab. We do not have money to give it to any party but we will give results and we will turn Punjab into a golden state, she said. She also pointed towards infighting within the Punjab Congress unit, claiming that there are five leaders aspiring for the chief minister's position, and they won't let Sidhu come forward. Replying to a question, she said her husband was strongly attached with the Congress and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. But with so much infighting, I do not feel that they will let Navjot Sidhu be promoted as there are already five CM faces, and they are hell bent on defeating the Congress. If they (high command) understand this then it is a different matter, she said. Asked if the BJP gives him this responsibility then whether the cricketer-turned-politician will rejoin the BJP, she said, I cannot comment on his behalf. On whether Sidhu will return to active politics if the Congress announces him as chief ministerial face, she said he will return. But otherwise, he is earning good money and he is happy, she added. Former Punjab Congress chief Sidhu has not been participating in the party's events and activities for the past many months. He did not campaign in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls also. Sidhu had made a comeback to cricket commentary in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. In April, Sidhu had launched his new YouTube channel 'Navjot Sidhu Official' for sharing his life experiences, talking about cricket, commentary, motivational talks, lifestyle. At that time, when Sidhu was asked about returning to active politics, he had then said time will tell, stating that he did politics for people's welfare and it was never a business for him. Assembly polls are due in Punjab in 2027.

Navjot Singh Sidhu will return to active politics if Congress declares him CM face: Navjot Kaur

Navjot Singh Sidhu's return to active politics hinges on the Congress party naming him their chief ministerial candidate for Punjab. His wife stated that while they lack funds for political maneuvering, they can transform Punjab into a prosperous state.

Fringe political players eye local gains in Kerala, challenging Keralas dominant fronts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Meet the political parties that command other states but barely make a blip on Keralas electoral radar. Branded as fringe actors, the modest seat tallies of such parties are often mocked when set against the states entrenched fronts. Yet political observers caution that dismissing them outright may be a mistake. Their strength in select strongholds could send out quiet tremors capable of nudging the trajectories of Keralas major political fronts. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leads the pack in terms of the sheer number of candidates fielded in the upcoming local body election. The party, that once ruled Delhi and is now in power in Punjab, had entered the civic election arena in 2015 with around 80 candidates but failed to open its account. AAP first tasted success in 2023 when its candidate won a panchayat ward in Idukki in a bypoll. In the upcoming civic polls, AAP has fielded a total of 380 candidates across various local bodies in all districts. We will put up an impressive performance in this local body election and are particularly confident of winning seats in Kozhikode and Kochi corporations and a district panchayat division in Idukki, said Vinod Mathew Wilson, AAP state president. AAP could be an alternative for voters who are averse to the ideologies and practices of the three major fronts. But it would be a form of negative voting that is not beneficial in the long run. Instead, AAP should offer positive alternatives such as revival of the anti-corruption plank on which it was originally based, and taking up issues facing the marginalised sections and the downtrodden to stay relevant, opined Prof M N Karassery, political observer and social critic. Meanwhile, DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the ruling party in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, is upbeat about a rousing performance in the local body election in Kerala. The party, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, has fielded candidates in 23 wards. Of these, nine candidates are in Kollams Punalur municipality and one in Thenmala grama panchayat while.the remaining 13 have been fielded in Devikulam and Peermade taluks of Idukki. It is for the first time that DMK is contesting under the partys official rising sun symbol in Kerala, and we are confident of a good show this time around, said K R Murugesan, DMK Kerala state secretary. Punalur has been a stronghold of the Dravidian party for many years. Notably, in the 2023 election to Punalur Service Cooperative Bank that falls under the municipal limits, all 13 candidates fielded by the DMK came second, pushing the UDF to third spot. AIADMK (All Indian Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu, has been a player in Keralas electoral scene for the past few decades. As the partys official two-leaves symbol has been reserved for Kerala Congress (M) in the state, the partys candidates have been contesting under the hat symbol. As many as 30 AIADMK candidates are contesting the upcoming local body election, mostly in its strongholds in Idukki and Palakkad. We have renewed our ties with the BJP-led NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu but in Kerala we have decided to go it alone. In the two wards where our candidates are contesting in Thiruvananthapuram district, the BJP is also in the fray, pointed out Haribabu V Pillai, Kerala state secretary, AIADMK. He added that the party would put up an impressive performance in Idukki and Palakkad districts where it has fielded candidates in 16 and 12 wards respectively. We are hopeful of improving our tally in 2015 when we won as many as six wards, he added. Meanwhile, a section of political analysts are of the view that other-state parties see the local body election in Kerala as part of a larger game-plan. For many such parties, fielding candidates is primarily part of reviving their cadre ahead of the assembly election. Though they may not win the seats they contest, the votes they poll would be shown as a sign of strength in certain pockets and used as a bargaining chip against major fronts in the upcoming elections, opined A Jayashankar, political commentator. It is more of a spoiler effect that parties from other states pose in their strongholds in Kerala, Jayasankar said. In areas where linguistic minorities are a sizeable number, disillusionment with the LDF and UDF favours such fringe parties, he said. Most of these voters would have been taken for a ride in successive elections by the dominant fronts and they would naturally be on the lookout for a platform to express their resentment. Whether their favoured candidate would win the election is a different question altogether, he remarked. Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), that has made inroads into the migrant population and also minorities in the states hilly areas, has opted out of the fray this time around. Owing to differences between the state unit and its newly appointed state convener P V Anvar, the partys symbol has been frozen by the poll panel. AITC state president C G Unni dismissed claims that independents backed by AITC are contesting the civic elections. The party will face the elections officially only after its internal elections are completed, he added. AIADMK Total candidates THIRUVANANTHAPURAM TPuram municipal corporation: 1 (Medical College ward) Neyyattinkara municipality: 1 (Perumpazhuthoor ward) PALAKKAD Palakkad town & Kozhinjamapara panchayat: 12 candidates IDUKKI Devikulam, Marayoor & Munnar areas: 16 candidates DMK Total candidates KOLLAM (10) Punalur municipality: 9 wards Thenmala grama panchayat: 1 ward IDUKKI (13) Devikulam taluk: 7 Peermade taluk: 6

Abhishek first Indian to hit 100 T20 sixes

Hyderabad, Dec 6: Abhishek Sharma added another milestone to his breakout year in T20 cricket, becoming the first Indian batter to smash more than 100 sixes in a calendar year. The left-handed opener reached the landmark during Punjabs Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash against Services, where he continued his prolific form with a brisk 62 []

CJI Surya Kant launches Indias largest prison rehabilitation and skill development mission in Punjab

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday virtually inaugurated the countrys largest prison rehabilitation and skill development mission in Punjab, titled Empowering Lives Behind Bars: Real ChangeThe New Paradigm of Correctional Justice. Dubbed as one of the countrys most ambitious correctional reform programmes, the initiative has been undertaken jointly by the High Court of [] The post CJI Surya Kant launches Indias largest prison rehabilitation and skill development mission in Punjab appeared first on India Legal .

Rats allegedly gnaw deceased man's face in Haridwar hospital mortuary; family vandalises premises

DEHRADUN: A shocking incident at the District Hospital's post-mortem house in Haridwar has sparked outrage after family members discovered that rats had allegedly gnawed on the face, including one eye, of a deceased man's body stored overnight. The gruesome discovery early Saturday morning led to immediate fury among the relatives, culminating in vandalism within the hospital premises before police could arrive. The deceased was identified as 36-year-old Lakhan alias Lucky Sharma, manager of the Punjabi Dharamshala, who was rushed to the District Hospital late Monday night after his health deteriorated. Doctors declared him dead upon arrival, and the body was placed in the mortuary pending post-mortem procedures. When we returned in the morning, we saw clear bite marks from rats on the eye, ear, nose, and face of the body, stated Manoj Sharma, the deceased's brother-in-law. The familys anger intensified as they claimed the deceased had intended to donate his eyes. Rats destroyed one eye. Seeing one eye missing sent our tempers soaring, Sharma added. Allegations of gross negligence by hospital staff quickly followed, triggering a massive uproar. A crowd gathered rapidly, joined soon after by members of the local Punjabi community and several Congress party leaders, all demanding accountability from the hospital administration. In the chaos that ensued, family members and supporters allegedly damaged glass panes, tables, chairs, and essential equipment inside the hospital before authorities could gain control. The brother-in-law further detailed the potential cause of the tragedy. The deep freezer was not working properly. The specific unit where the body was kept was also open from the back. That is how the rats entered and consumed parts of the body, he alleged. The Chief Medical Superintendent, Dr. Ranbir Singh of the District Hospital, acknowledged the serious lapse, confirming the facility's infrastructure issues. It is true that several body storage freezers in the hospital are malfunctioning. Some lids are not even closing properly, he admitted. He assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and strict action would be taken against those found responsible for the lapse.

Punjab: Railways to revive century-old QadianBeas line

CHANDIGARH: With 14 months remaining before the Punjab Assembly elections, the wait for the 40 km QadianBeas rail line is finally nearing an end after 100 years. The Indian Railways has officially decided to restart work on the project, even though construction had begun nearly a century ago under the British. The line had remained in the freeze category for years due to alignment constraints, land acquisition issues, and local political roadblocks. Sources said that a letter from the Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), Northern Railway, states that the Railway Board has sought the immediate defreezing of the project and the re-submission of the detailed estimate for early sanction so construction can begin. Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh, alias Bittu, directed officials to defreeze the project. He said his focus remains on initiating new projects, completing pending ones, and reviving those abandoned due to unforeseen challenges. I knew the importance of this project. Hence, I asked the officials concerned to remove all impediments and restart construction work. This track will give a major boost to the struggling industrial units of Batala, the regions steel town. He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have made it clear that funding will not be a hurdle for Punjabs railway development. This rail track was planned and sanctioned in 1929 by the British government. The line was to be constructed by the North Western Railway. However, in 1932, the project was halted after nearly 33 per cent of the track had been completed. It resurfaced in the 2010 Railway Budget under the socially desirable projects category, which focuses on inclusive transport access regardless of profitability. However, financial concerns raised by the Planning Commission once again stalled progress. Welcoming the fresh initiative by the Ministry of Railways to revive the long-delayed project, Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa expressed hope that the New Year would finally bring the breakthrough the people of the region have awaited for nearly a century. Bajwa extended gratitude to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and MoS Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu for moving the project out of a prolonged bureaucratic freeze. He recalled that the QadianBeas link was first strongly pursued during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, when he persuaded then Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to prioritize it. He also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017, urging him to initiate work on the project. He said the rail link represents not merely an infrastructure requirement but a century-old aspiration of the people, as work on this line was first initiated under British rule in 1928 and has faced repeated delays despite its formal sanctioning in 2010. Bajwa noted that the 40-km line, originally estimated at 205 crore, has now escalated to around 840 crore due to years of administrative inertia. The demand highlights the collective will of residents, industrialists, and religious communities across Qadian, Beas, and Batala for its early completion. He emphasized the immense socio-economic value of the project, particularly for Qadian, which serves as the international headquarters of the Ahmadiyya sect and receives a steady flow of domestic and global visitors. He added that the rail link would significantly benefit Batalas industrial sector by providing direct access to the AmritsarDelhi corridor, and would also facilitate the movement of pilgrims visiting Dera Beas and the Baba Namdev Dera at Ghuman, thereby enriching the regions spiritual and cultural connectivity. Bajwa further stressed the strategic importance of the QadianBeas line, explaining that it would provide an alternative supply route to Jammu and Kashmir and greatly strengthen military logistics a factor of considerable national interest. He urged the Ministry of Railways to approve the detailed estimate without delay so that work on the ground may begin promptly.

Punjab LoP moves HC seeking extension of nomination deadline for Zila Parishad, Block Samiti polls

CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking an extension of the last date for filing nomination papers for Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections. They are alleging that widespread incidents of tearing, snatching and destruction of nomination forms on December 4 had prevented several candidates from filing valid nomination forms Also, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demanded that the deadline for filing nominations in all areas where there were complaints of highhandedness and discrimination should be extended to allow for free and fair polls. In his petition, Bajwa maintained, Cases of illegal detentions, persons being waylaid and picked up, and candidates not allowed to reach the venue, etc., took place. There were videos and photos captured that showed persons running away with candidates nomination papers, fights taking place, brawls breaking out, candidates not allowed to reach the venue, NOCs not issued, and officials concerned nowhere to be found, Bajwa added. If, during an election, the very police that are supposed to ensure free and fair elections would start indulging in the abuse of power, undermining the law of the land and restraining the Opposition candidates from filing nomination papers, the faith of the people would be shaken in the democratic process. Therefore, an immediate time-bound investigation is initiated by a Central agency in the matter concerned, he said. Punjab Congress leader Warring accuses AAP government of patronising gangsters to win elections Bajwa sought directions to the State Election Commission to constitute an independent monitoring mechanism or appoint observers to ensure peaceful, fair and transparent polls. He also pressed for an inquiry by the CBI or any other Central agency into the conduct of Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, following the surfacing of an alleged audio recording purportedly directing police personnel among other things to disrupt the nomination process. Advocate Arshpreet Khadial appeared for Bajwa before the Chief Justice to make an oral mention. The request was allowed by the High Court, and now the matter will be taken up on December 8. Senior SAD party leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema also called for nomination of independent Observers for the polls, besides demanding stringent action, including charge sheeting of police and civil officials who had vitiated the election atmosphere by acting as stooges of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The party will also submit the names of Returning Officers who have acted in a partisan manner and rejected forms of opposition leaders en masse, and appeal that they should not be put on duty in the general elections in 2027. Cheema also came down heavily on the State Election Commission (SEC). Buzz over former Punjab CM Amarinder's advocacy for BJP-SAD alliance sparks possibilities of revival of ties He said it was condemnable that at a time when democracy was being murdered in the State, and the SEC had chosen to look away. This raises disturbing questions about the integrity of the SEC as it has failed to supervise the elections fairly and impartially and has also refused to take action against police officers, including Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, who specifically directed police officials to stop opposition candidates from reaching the offices of Returning Officers by resorting to illegal and unconstitutional means. Meanwhile, giving details of mass-level rejection of SAD candidates, Cheema said that in the case of Tarn Taran, out of 72 Zila Parishad seats, forms of party candidates had been rejected in 41 seats. He said in case of Block Samitis, in Tarn Taran, 31 forms across 63 seats had been rejected, in Gandiwind 37 forms across 52 seats, in Khadoor Sahib 43 forms across 151 seats, in Patti 56 forms across 75 seats, in Bhikhiwind 77 forms across 100 seats, in Valtoha 56 forms across 78 seats and in Naushehra Pannuan 40 forms across 83 seats had been rejected. Cheema said similarly in the Block Samiti seats in Majitha, 12 SAD candidates were not allowed to file nominations. He said in Bhoa and Zira, no SAD candidate was allowed to file a nomination. He said in Raja Sansi candidature of 25 out of the 35 SAD contestants were rejected for the Block Samiti elections, and in the case of Baba Bakala, 18 forms across 49 seats were rejected. He also disclosed how in Fatehgarh Churian, 2 forms out of 4 Zila Parishad seats and 14 forms across 25 Block Samiti seats were rejected. He also added that a large number of SAD candidates were not allowed to file their nominations in Qadian, Jaitu, Ghanaur, Nurpur Bedi, Patran, Khanauri, Jandiala and Ajnala

Chandigarh extends exemption for establishments with up to 20 workers under Punjab Shops Act

Chandigarh has adopted the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act, easing compliance for small businesses. Establishments with up to 20 workers are now exempt from most provisions, while those with more than 20 employees will receive registration approval within 24 hours, streamlining the process and reducing the 'Inspector Raj'.

Major terror bid foiled in Paks Punjab province, 24 terrorists arrested

LAHORE, Dec 6: Law enforcement agencies have foiled a major terror plot in Pakistans Punjab province and arrested 24 terrorists, most of whom belong to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), police said on Saturday. The terrorists were arrested during operations in different areas of the province this week, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab said in a statement. It said the CTD Punjab conducted 364 intelligence-based operations in different districts, in which 24 terrorists were arrested along with weapons, explosives [] The post Major terror bid foiled in Paks Punjab province, 24 terrorists arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Major terror bid foiled in Pakistans Punjab Province, 24 terrorists arrested

Counter-Terrorism Department of Punjab conducted 364 intelligence-based operations in different districts, in which 24 terrorists were arrested along with weapons, explosives and other prohibited materials

How Babri Masjid Demolition Damaged Idea of India: A View from Punjab

The last ten years have seen a clear shift from democracy to authoritarianismwhere dissent is labelled anti-Hindu.

Good News for PBKS fans: Preity Zinta's team leaves Nita Ambani's MI, Shah Rukh Khan's KKR behind ahead of IPL mini auction, becomes most...

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) has achieved a significant global milestone by ranking 4th in Google's list of the Top 5 Most Searched Sports Teams worldwide in 2025, becoming the highest-ranked IPL team on the list, as per a press release of PBKS.

Punjab farmers disrupt rail traffic to protest Electricity (Amendment) Bill

Punjab loses 12k hectares of farm land, Haryana gains 59k: Centre