BSF chief reviews border security grid and fencing along India-Bangladesh border in Sundarbans
In a recent initiative, the BSF director general evaluated border security protocols and connected with local residents. Simultaneously, Punjab Police arrested two suspects linked to cross-border narcotics trafficking, seizing 30 kilograms of heroin. Reportedly, these suspects were acting under the guidance of a handler based abroad, and investigations are currently being expanded to identify further ties.
Eyes on Punjab polls, BJP banks on Modis Jind rally
Punjab recorded 30% deficient monsoon rain, subdued rain activity likely over next 6 days
Mumbai police arrest Punjab man for posing as Maharashtra MLA's PA, duping people of money
Mumbai police arrested a Punjab resident for impersonating a Maharashtra MLA's personal assistant. The accused allegedly sought money from individuals by claiming it was for student fees. He also posed as the MLA himself to gain victims' trust. Following a complaint, a technical investigation led to his arrest in Uttar Pradesh. Police suspect the accused may have defrauded several other people using a similar method.
Nirav Modi Extradition on Hold Until Legal Proceedings Conclude: MEA
Modi is wanted in India to stand trial on fraud and money laundering charges in an estimated USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan scam case.
Bus and train massacres, assassinated editors, murdered Sikh opponents and targeted police officers reveal a history increasingly reduced to statistics while militants receive political context and sympathetic retellings.
Indian Youth Sides Shine In Japan - Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC Win; FC Goa Lose Narrowly
Rakshit Priya Anil: It was a thrilling day of football as Indias top developmental squads faced off against their Japanese J-League counterparts, producing a mix of dominant displays and nail-biting finishes. The overall day belonged to Indian teams as the visitors -- Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC -- won two games while FC Goa went down in a close encounter. In the standout performance of the day, Punjab FC defeated Avispa Fukuoka with a commanding 5-0 victory. The Punjab attack was firing on all cylinders from the opening whistle, with Singamayum Shami netting an early brace (3', 28') to set a ruthless tone. Omang Dodum (42') and Ngarin Shaiza (55') extended the lead before Vishal Yadav put the final exclamation point on the victory deep into stoppage time (90+2'). Bengaluru FC edge out Giravanz Kitakyushu Bengaluru FC showed incredible resilience to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Giravanz Kitakyushu. After trailing to a 40th-minute strike by Ryunosuke Imai, Bengaluru fought back in the second half. Rakshit Priya Anil found the equalizer in the 61st minute. Despite an unfortunate own goal keeping the Japanese side heavily in the contest, a 75th-minute strike from Serto Worneilen Kom and a relentless team defensive effort in the dying minutesdespite a 90th-minute goal from Md Arbashensured Bengaluru walked away with maximum points. Bengaluru FC showed incredible resilience to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Giravanz Kitakyushu. After trailing to a 40th-minute strike by Ryunosuke Imai, Bengaluru fought back in the second half. Rakshit Priya Anil found the equalizer in the 61st minute. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In a tightly contested tactical battle, FC Goa fell just short against Sagan Tosu, conceding a lone 6th-minute goal to Zenryu Ono. Despite controlling large patches of possession and creating several close chances in the second half, the Gaurs couldn't breach the disciplined Japanese defense, finishing 1-0. Article Source: IANS
Trident Group, a global conglomerate and a leading name in the home textiles industry, today outlined its next phase of growth at Bharat Tex 2026, anchored on an innovation-led strategy, manufacturing excellence and sustainable value creation. This year's theme, ‘ The Expression of Living ,’ reflected the company's vision for the future of home textiles, highlighting textile innovation, contemporary design and evolving consumer lifestyles. Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, with Padma Shri Dr. Rajinder Gupta, Rajya Sabha MP & Chairman Emeritus, Trident Group, and Neha Gupta Bector, Chairperson, myTrident, at Bharat Tex 2026 Building on a resilient FY27 performance, the Group is sharpening its focus on unlocking the full potential of its existing assets, embedding digitalization across operations and scaling a robust research and development engine to power its next wave of growth. On growth, Trident delivered a resilient performance in FY27 despite global headwinds, maintaining a stable revenue base. Strengthening its innovation architecture, the company has established a dedicated Innovation Cell and invested over INR 100 crore towards advanced R&D and environmental performance. Backed by 17+ patents and 147 trademarks, this innovation engine is driving next-generation advances in advanced fibre blends, functional finishes and high-performance yarns tailored to premium and niche markets. Padma Shri Dr. Rajinder Gupta, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Chairman Emeritus Trident Group , sharing his vision, said, " As the global textile industry converges at Bharat Tex 2026, India is no longer simply participating in the conversation. It is helping shape the future of global textiles. In just three editions, Bharat Tex has emerged as one of the world's most significant textile platforms. By bringing together the entire textile value chain, it has created unparalleled opportunities for global brands, buyers, innovators and manufacturers to connect, collaborate and build the future together. At Trident, we believe that the future of the industry lies at the intersection of innovation, design and craftsmanship. Through ‘The Expression of Living,' we are proud to showcase how purposeful innovation and world-class design can redefine modern living while carrying India's rich creative heritage to the world. Our partnership with NIFT is central to this vision; together, we are nurturing India's design talent, strengthening the country's design ecosystem, and taking Indian creations to global markets .” As part of this larger vision, myTrident, the flagship home decor brand from the Trident Group, unveiled its upcoming festive collections and new home decor ranges, while also introducing Torani for myTrident, Karan Torani's first home décor collaboration, alongside the second edition of Shivan & Narresh for myTrident. Together, these launches reflected myTrident's growing focus on design-led collaborations that bring together contemporary creativity, Indian craftsmanship and cultural storytelling to shape the future of premium home decor. Commenting on the launch of the new collections and working with the designers, Neha Gupta Bector, Chairperson, myTrident , said, “ The theme, 'The Expression of Living', reflected our belief that the home is an extension of who we are, and every space should tell a story. Through this showcase, we brought together thoughtful design, craftsmanship and creativity to demonstrate how home decor is evolving beyond functionality into a form of personal expression. Our collaborations with Karan Torani and Shivan & Narresh, alongside our latest festive collections, reflected our vision of creating spaces that celebrate individuality while remaining rooted in Indian design and craftsmanship ." Rajneesh Bhatia, CEO of myTrident, “Bharat Tex 2026 signals India’s growing textile footprint, with this year’s exhibition being comparable to others across the world that’ve been around far longer. “We are increasing our retail touch points from the current 7,000 to 10,000. This expansion will solidify our position as a leading home furnishings brand in India and broaden our footprint across domestic market. To drive further growth, we're focusing on key opportunities in HORECA & institutions, where we aim to capture the largest market share, and also focus on expanding our gifting solutions portfolio .” With ' The Expression of Living ,' Trident Group brought together innovation, design and craftsmanship under one vision at Bharat Tex 2026, reinforcing its position as one of India's leading home textile players and its commitment to shaping the future of modern living. As it enters its next phase of growth, Trident remains focused on purposeful innovation, world-class design and sustainable value creation, carrying India's rich creative heritage to homes and markets across the world. About the Trident Group Trident Limited is the flagship company of Trident Group, an Indian business conglomerate and global player. Headquartered in Ludhiana, Punjab, Trident Limited is a vertically integrated textile (Yarn, Bath & Bed Linen) and Paper (Wheat Straw-based) manufacturer. Trident's towels, yarns, bedsheets, and paper businesses have earned global recognition and are delighting millions of customers across India and the world. Trident is one of the largest players in home textiles in India. Supplying national, captive, and retailer-owned brands; the organization is highly decorated with awards from its customers, vendors, and various government entities in recognition of advancing the highest standards in product quality, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The company operates in three major business segments: Textiles, Paper, and Chemicals, with its manufacturing facilities in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. About myTrident www.mytrident.com .
Jammu NIA Court Issues OpenEnded NBW Against Hafiz Saeed in Terror Case
According to the NIA, Saeedson of KamaludDin and a resident of Sargodha in Pakistans Punjab provinceis the founder of the banned (LeT) and has been declared a terrorist in India as well under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
Jammu, July 14: A Special NIA Court in Jammu has observed that the arrest and custodial interrogation of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and designated terrorist Hafiz Muhammad Saeed are necessary for a fair, complete and effective investigation in a terror-related case, and has accordingly issued an open-dated non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him. Special Judge Prem Sagar passed the order on an application moved by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) seeking issuance of a non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed, who has been arrayed as accused No. 8 in the FIR. The court observed that the accused's arrest and custodial interrogation were essential to ensure a fair and effective investigation. Holding so, it directed the issuance of a non-bailable warrant of arrest against Hafiz Saeed and forwarded the warrant to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), NIA, Jammu, for execution in accordance with law and the prescribed procedure. According to the NIA's application, a supplementary chargesheet has already been filed in the case. The agency stated that Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, a resident of Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, is a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the founder of the proscribed terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). It further submitted that he is operating from Pakistan and is deliberately evading arrest, necessitating the issuance of an open-dated non-bailable warrant to facilitate further legal proceedings and investigation. After considering the submissions of the NIA's Investigating Officer and the contents of the application, the court allowed the plea and disposed of the application. The underlying case has been registered for offences under Sections 147, 148, 149, 150 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as Sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 38, 39 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case pertains to the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians, including tourists, were killed after terrorists opened fire at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA, which took over the investigation, has alleged that the attack was orchestrated by Pakistan-based operatives of the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Its supplementary chargesheet names LeT founder and designated terrorist Hafiz Muhammad Saeed as Accused No. 8, alleging his involvement in the larger conspiracy behind the attack. (ANI)
Man accused in sacrilege case hacked to death in Punjab
Mewa Singh, accused in a 2020 sacrilege case, was murdered at his home. Unidentified assailants attacked him with sharp weapons between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM. Police are investigating the incident, which involved two attackers according to initial statements. Investigations are exploring possible links to the past sacrilege incident and other motives. The assailants remain at large as police gather further evidence.
Man accused in 2020 sacrilege case beheaded in Punjab
Mewa Singh was murdered by an unidentified assailant at his home in Ladpur Tooran village near Mandi Gobindgarh at midnight, says the police.
Operation Vijay was not just military triumph, but chapter of courage, patriotism: Rajnath Singh
New Delhi, July 14: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' is a tribute to the courage, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War, as he flagged off the motorcycle expedition from the National War Memorial ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Addressing the gathering, Singh said, Today's occasion is not merely about flagging off the Motorcycle Expedition, but rather about paying homage to that indomitable spirit, due to which our brave heroes sacrificed everything for the honour, pride, and glory of India. I have come to pay homage to that resolve, which, with a vow to keep alive the memory of our immortal martyrs from generation to generation, is moving forward. Highlighting the significance of the expedition, the Defence Minister said the name 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' itself represents inspiration and its motto, One Ride, One Nation, One Salute, reflects the spirit of national unity and respect for the armed forces. The very name of this journey--'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' (Journey of Valor and Victory)--is an inspiration in itself. And its motto--'One Ride, One Nation, One Salute'--expresses the soul of this campaign in a deeply meaningful way. There could perhaps be no message more beautiful or powerful than this, he said. Recalling the bravery displayed by Indian soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War, Singh said troops achieved the impossible in extremely challenging conditions. At an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet--where breathing becomes difficult, oxygen levels are low, and temperatures plummet to minus 40 degrees--our brave soldiers achieved the impossible in such a formidable and hostile environment. Where nature had blocked the path, our soldiers, through their sheer courage, carved out a new path in history, he said. The Defence Minister said Operation Vijay was not merely a military victory but a symbol of courage, patience, discipline and patriotism. Twenty-seven years ago today, in 1999, the Indian Armed Forces scripted history through Operation Vijay. It was not merely a military victory, but a chapter of such courage, patience, discipline, and indomitable patriotism that the world's armies still study and regard it with honour, he said. The 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' riders will cover nearly 1,900 kilometres over 13 days, beginning from the National War Memorial and passing through Chandimandir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh before reaching the Kargil War Memorial on July 26, marking Kargil Vijay Diwas. This will not merely be a journey of covering distances; it will be a journey of connecting with history, sacrifice, and patriotism, Singh said. He added that India's victory in Kargil represents the country's enduring resolve to protect its land, identity and honour. The victory of Kargil is not confined to a single date; it is India's enduring resolve that every gaze cast upon our land, our identity, and our honour will be met by India with full might, he said. Expressing confidence in the impact of the expedition, Singh said the journey would inspire the youth and keep alive the memory of the Kargil martyrs. I am fully confident that this journey of yours will awaken a new consciousness of patriotism, especially among the youth, will keep the memory of the immortal Kargil martyrs ever alive in the collective memory of society, and will convey to the coming generations the message that the protection of the nation's freedom and honour happens not only at the borders, but also in our memories and our values, he said. Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth was also present at the flag-off ceremony. The expedition comes as India commemorates the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay. On July 14, 1999, Indian forces regained control of most strategic heights in the Dras, Kargil and Batalik sectors, marking a decisive turning point in the war. The Indian Army has recalled the day as the moment when then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared Operation Vijay a success, while Pakistan announced the withdrawal of its forces amid military setbacks and international pressure. The Indian Army has also organised an expedition to Gun Hill (Point 5140), a strategically significant feature overlooking Dras, to honour the soldiers who displayed exceptional courage during the Kargil War. The capture of Point 5140 was one of the decisive operations of the conflict and played a crucial role in restoring control over the Dras sector. Every year on July 26, India observes Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the successful culmination of Operation VIJAY, through which the Indian Armed Forces recaptured strategic heights from Pakistani intruders and safeguarded the nation's territorial integrity. (ANI)
Jammu: NIA court issues non-bailable warrant against LeT founder Hafiz Saeed
Jammu, Jul 14: A special NIA court has issued a non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, in connection with a case pertaining to the ongoing probe into the Pahalgam terror attack. The order was passed by the Special Judge of the NIA Court on July 8, two days after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet against Saeed in the Pahalgam terror attack case. Saeed, designated a global terrorist by India and the United States, is also considered the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The supplementary chargesheet, filed before the special NIA court in Jammu, charges the 76-year-old Saeed in both his personal capacity and as the chief of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy front, The Resistance Front (TRF). He has been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. According to the court order, the NIA informed the court that absconding terrorist Saeed, a resident of Sargodha in Pakistan's Punjab province, is an accused in Pahalgam terror attack and has been deliberately evading arrest. The agency sought the issuance of an open-dated non-bailable warrant against him to initiate further proceedings in the matter and take legal action against him at any further investigation. Arrest and custodial interrogation of the accused (Saeed) are necessary for a fair, complete and effective investigation. As such non-bailable warrant of arrest is issued against him and is forwarded it to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), NIA Jammu, for execution in accordance with law, the order said. On April 22 last year, terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, at Pahalgam in south Kashmir.
Punjab Congress: Why the ChanniRaja Warring leadership battle matters | Explained
Responding to the controversy, Mr. Warring said there should indeed be no sleeper cell or compromised leader within the Congress
The political storm in Punjab surrounding Satluj movie | Explained
As the controversy surrounding the film and its removal continued unabated, political organisations, youth outfits and religious bodies have been organising public screenings of the film in villages and towns of Punjab
FSFTI & PUCA urge regulatory overhaul in allied healthcare education
Expressing concern over the absence of a uniform regulatory framework for Allied Healthcare education in India, Dr Anshu Kataria, President, Punjab Unaided Colleges Association (PUCA), President, Federation of Self Financing Technical Institutions (FSFTI), All India, and Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, has urged the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) to ensure greater certainty, transparency, and consistency in the implementation of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021. In a detailed representation submitted to the Commission, Dr Kataria has sought the formulation of comprehensive regulations covering admissions, eligibility criteria, infrastructure, land requirements, intake capacity, and other key academic and institutional norms. He also emphasized that essential regulatory provisions should remain stable during an ongoing academic session. Dr Kataria further recommended the notification of uniform land norms for all Allied Healthcare courses, the creation of a national digital database of students, the publication of institution-wise approved intake capacities, and the establishment of a transparent, predictable, and technology-driven regulatory mechanism for institutions across the country. India has the potential to become one of the largest suppliers of skilled healthcare human resources by offering quality Allied Healthcare education and training. Dr Kataria also expressed concern over the pending affiliation process in Punjab, stating that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has not yet endorsed the new Allied Healthcare norms for affiliating universities. He said that the UGC should issue directions to IKGPTU, Jalandhar, for the implementation of the new norms so that thousands of aspiring students can benefit from healthcare courses. Dr Rev. K. V. K. Rao, General Secretary, FSFTI, stated that the Allied Healthcare sector holds immense potential to address India's growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. He urged the NCAHP to introduce comprehensive and uniform regulations at the earliest, enabling institutions across the country to function with clarity, consistency, and confidence while maintaining the highest academic and professional standards.
Punjab FC appoint Greek coach Pavlos Dermitzakis
From Soil to Sensors: How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionising Indian Agriculture
Imagine walking through a coconut orchard in Tamil Nadu where every tree is monitored by solar-powered sensors, irrigation happens automatically when the soil dries out, and a farmer can track water usage, fertiliser needs and crop healthall from a mobile phone. This isn't science fiction. This is the new reality of Indian agriculture, and it's happening right now. Meet Rajaratnam Kanakarajan, a coconut farmer from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. Two years ago, he was struggling with unpredictable yields and rising input costs. Today, after adopting an AI-powered precision farming system developed by the agritech startup Farm Again, his coconut yield has doubledfrom 80 to 160 nuts per tree per year. His annual income jumped from 12.16 lakh to 33.82 lakh. And he's not alone. According to a report by NITI Aayog (2025), over 3,500 farmers across 4,000 acres in Tamil Nadu are now benefiting from this technology, collectively saving more than 400,000 cubic metres of water and 175,000 kWh of energy annually, while avoiding approximately 20,000 tonnes of CO emissions. The locally developed technology also reduced the implementation cost from 25 lakh per acre for imported systems to just 2.5 lakh per acre, making precision agriculture more affordable for Indian farmers (NITI Aayog, 2025). This is the story of how Artificial Intelligence is transforming traditional agriculture into something smarter, more sustainable and far more profitable. The Perfect Storm: Why Agriculture Needs AI Now Here's the challenge we're facing: the global population is expected to reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050, and according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO, 2023), agriculture will need to produce nearly 50 percent more food than current levels. At the same time, India's agricultural land has been shrinkingfrom a peak of 184.8 million hectares in 1975 to approximately 179.9 million hectares today (Land Use Statistics at a Glance, 2023)while the country's population has ballooned to 1.45 billion (Worldometer, 2025). Nearly 735 million people worldwide currently suffer from undernourishment, highlighting the persistent challenge of food insecurity (FAO, 2023). Meanwhile, farmers are disappearing from fields. According to the World Bank Employment in Agriculture Database and Periodic Labour Force Survey reports, the share of India's workforce engaged in agriculture has dropped from 59.1% in 1991 to 40.6% in 2020, and it's projected to fall to about 32% by 2030 (World Bank, 2024). Labour shortages during critical operations like sowing, harvesting and weeding are becoming a crisis. Traditional farmingrelying on guesswork, uniform application of water and chemicals and labour-intensive methodssimply cannot meet these challenges. As Wolfert and colleagues (2017) observed in their comprehensive review published in Agricultural Systems, the integration of Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence enhances farm decision-making, improves operational efficiency and promotes sustainable agricultural production. The scope of Big Data applications in smart farming, they noted, goes beyond primary productionit is influencing the entire food supply chain (Wolfert et al., 2017). What Exactly Is AI Doing in Agriculture? Think of AI as a super-smart farming assistant that never sleeps. It analyses data from sensors in the soil, cameras on drones, satellites in space and weather stations in the field. Then it tells farmers exactly what to do: when to water, how much fertiliser to apply, where pests are hiding and even when to harvest. Liakos and colleagues (2018) conducted a comprehensive review of machine learning applications in agricultural production systems and categorised them into four major areas: crop management, livestock management, water management and soil management. Their findings, published in the journal Sensors, demonstrated that by applying machine learning to sensor data, farm management systems are evolving into real-time AI-enabled programs that provide rich recommendations and insights for farmer decision support and action (Liakos et al., 2018). The numbers speak for themselves. Subeesh and Mehta (2021), writing in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, documented that AI-driven precision agriculture can increase crop yields from 3.8 to 5.5 tonnes per hectare while reducing water consumption from 6,650 to 4,000 cubic metres per hectare, fertiliser use from 305 to 180 kg per hectare and pesticide use from 18.5 to 7 litres per hectare. Net returns nearly doublefrom 940 to 1,860 per hectarewhile carbon emissions decrease from 3,650 to 2,100 kg COe per hectare (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021). These findings highlight that AI-based precision agriculture enables higher yields with fewer inputs, greater profitability and improved sustainability compared to conventional farming. Real Farmers, Real Results Across India, agritech startups are proving that AI isn't just for Silicon Valleyit's for the villages of Maharashtra, the paddy fields of Punjab and the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu. Take Fasal, a Bengaluru-based startup founded in 2017. Their device, Fasal Kranti, equipped with over 12 sensors, monitors climatic and soil parameters and provides farmers with precise recommendations on irrigation, pest management and crop planning. Deployed across 10,000 acres in states like Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the results have been remarkable: farmers have reported up to a 60% reduction in pesticide costs and a 40% increase in yield. The technology has saved over 52 billion litres of water. Then there's Cultyvate, another Bengaluru-based startup that tackles one of Indian agriculture's most urgent problems: inefficient water use in paddy cultivation. Paddy fields consume over 50% of India's irrigation water. Cultyvate's remote-sensing irrigation system combines soil moisture sensors, flow meters, weather data and AI algorithms to monitor real-time field conditions. Farmers receive mobile alertsvia voice calls in regional languages, so even those who can't read can understandtelling them exactly when and how much to irrigate. The result? Water use reduced by up to 50%, yields improved by 2030% and over 3,080 crore litres of water saved. In Andhra Pradesh, a pioneering collaboration between Microsoft and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in agriculture. The Sowing App, developed using Microsoft's Cortana Intelligence Suite including Machine Learning and Power BI, sent sowing advisories to farmers on the optimal date to sow based on weather conditions, soil and other indicators (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The results, announced in January 2017, showed a remarkable 30% higher average yield per hectare for groundnut crops. Farmers who followed the advisories and sowed in the recommended period achieved significantly better yields, while those who sowed earlier suffered losses due to a long dry spell (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The Robots Are ComingAnd That's a Good Thing Remember when the idea of robots on farms sounded like something from a sci-fi movie? That future is already here. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR, 2024), the global agricultural robot market has grown exponentially, from approximately US$956 million in 2013 to nearly US$19.1 billion in 2020, reflecting the increasing demand for intelligent robotic systems in modern agriculture. Drones, autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters and AI-powered weeders are becoming increasingly common. The most rapid expansion occurred after 2016, when advancements in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, sensors and autonomous navigation systems accelerated the commercialisation of agricultural robots (IFR, 2024). In India, engineering student Rahul Arepaka has developed 'Rakshak,' an AI-powered laser-weeding robot that removes the need for chemical herbicides and manual labour. The tractor-mounted device autonomously targets weeds using deep learning algorithms and blue laser technology. These technologies aren't replacing farmersthey're empowering them. By automating labour-intensive tasks, AI frees up farmers to focus on higher-value activities like crop planning and marketing. Samuel and Irtwange (2025), writing in the Journal of Agricultural Informatics, concluded that machine learning applications contribute substantially to yield improvement, resource optimisation, and cost reduction in agricultural systems, emphasising the growing importance of predictive analytics in agricultural decision-making (Samuel & Irtwange, 2025). From Water to Wealth: The Economics of AI Farming Let's talk money. Because ultimately, farmers adopt new technologies when they make economic sense. The economic benefits of precision agriculture are well-documented. According to a joint study by Microsoft and ICRISAT (2017), precision agriculture improves farm profitability by 1525% while reducing production costs by 1030% through efficient use of inputs. It promotes resource conservation, achieving 2050% water savings and 1530% fertilizer savings, while reducing pesticide application by 2080% and nutrient losses by 1540% (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). Environmental sustainability is further enhanced through a 1020% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Technologically, precision agriculture enables real-time crop monitoring with 9097% disease detection accuracy, reduces labour requirements by 2040% through automation and supports predictive farm management with 8595% yield prediction accuracy (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). In Andhra Pradesh, according to a report by IndiaAI (2019), machine learning-based farming increased gross revenue from 1,25,000 per hectare to 2,87,500 per hectare. Net income rose from 70,000 to 2,00,000 per hectare (IndiaAI, 2019). The report further noted that the adoption of machine learning technologies in agriculture is creating new skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities, including positions for data collection technicians, precision irrigation specialists, digital extension workers, sensor installation workers, drone operators, software support staff and AI data analysts (IndiaAI, 2019). These aren't marginal improvements. They're transformative. The Government Steps In Recognising the potential of AI, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to accelerate its adoption. The Digital Agriculture Mission, approved in September 2024 with an outlay of 2,817 crore, aims to create a Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture. Under AgriStack, over 70 million Farmer IDs have already been generated across 17 states (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Krishi Decision Support System integrates satellite, weather and soil data to map crops and cultivated areas (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). In February 2026, the government launched Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-based agricultural advisory platform that provides farmers with personalised recommendations on crop planning, input management and risk mitigation. Farmers can access the platform by dialling 155261 from any phone and interacting with an AI assistant named 'Bharati' (Ministry of Finance, 2026). Kisan e-Mitra, an AI-powered voice-enabled chatbot launched in 2023, provides farmers with information on government schemes like PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Available in 11 regional languages, the platform handles over 8,000 farmer queries daily and had responded to more than 93 lakh farmer queries by December 2025 (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The World Economic Forum (2025) highlighted the role of AI in strengthening climate resilience, improving resource efficiency and enhancing market access for smallholder farmers, suggesting that AI-driven agricultural solutions can support sustainable rural development and improve farmers' livelihoods (World Economic Forum, 2025). The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities Of course, the transition to AI-powered agriculture isn't without challenges. High initial investment costs, limited digital infrastructure in rural areas, data privacy concerns and digital literacy gaps remain significant barriers (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). But the momentum is undeniable. Precision agriculture adoption in India is projected to increase from just 1% in 2008 to approximately 95% by 2036. The agricultural sector is expected to reach $300 billion by 2030. The vision is ambitious but achievable: AI-enabled agriculture that ensures every acre becomes more productive, every drop of water more valuable and every farmer more prosperous. As the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (2026) documented, AI-enabled advisory services, pest surveillance systems and digital agriculture initiatives across India have demonstrated the potential of AI and IoT technologies in improving agricultural productivity and farm management (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Bottom Line Artificial Intelligence is not just another tech buzzword. It's a practical, proven solution to some of agriculture's most pressing challenges. From the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu to the paddy fields of Punjab, AI is helping farmers produce more with lessless water, less fertilizer, fewer pesticides and less labour. The farmer of tomorrow won't just be someone with a plough and a pair of hands. They'll be someone with a smartphone, a network of sensors and an AI assistant that helps them make smarter decisions every single day. And that's not just good for farmers. It's good for all of us who depend on the food they grow. (The authors are associated with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu)
New twist in the tussle: Baghel says Rahul is sole Cong face in Punjab
Punjabs anti-sacrilege law worries echo in Hong Kong
Australian Artist and Indian Craftsman Celebrate Traditional Metal Craft
New Delhi, July 13: An Australian artist and a master metal craftsman from India have jointly organized an exhibition to celebrate the centuries-old metal craft tradition. This exhibition also highlights the strengthening cultural ties between India and Australia. The exhibition, titled Analog and Alchemy, features Australian artist Elliot Bastianon and Punjabs master metal craftsman Hari ... Read more Australian Artist and Indian Craftsman Celebrate Traditional Metal Craft
Panorama Studios acquires distribution rights for 3 Punjabi films
Panorama Studios, a prominent Indian film production and distribution company, has acquired the worldwide theatrical distribution rights for three upcoming Punjabi films set to release in 2026.
Punjab Governor gave nod to ordinance on capping fees by private schools: CM
The Punjab Cabinet had last month approved an ordinance on capping fee hikes by private schools at 5% per annum; education has regrettably been made a business in the State, says CM Bhagwant Mann
Pannun has sought Qaumi Shaheed status for Jaswant Singh Khalra as pro-Khalistani groups use Diljit Dosanjhs Satluj to revive separatist propaganda in Punjab.
Anantnag Police seize illicit liquor, book one under Excise Act
Anantnag, July 13: Anantnag Police on Sunday said it recovered illicit liquor during routine naka checking at Lazibal and registered a case under the Excise Act. In a statement, the police said a party from Police Post Sherbagh, while conducting routine checking at Lazibal, intercepted an i10 vehicle (PB13AN9357) driven by Dhanwant Singh, son of Sardar Ajeet Singh, a resident of Amritsar, Punjab, presently residing at Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar. During the search of the vehicle, police recovered 14 bottles of liquor, comprising 12 bottles of Old Adventure and two bottles of Royal Stag, each containing 750 ml, the statement said. The driver failed to produce any valid licence or permit authorising the possession or transportation of the recovered liquor, police said. Accordingly, FIR No. 236/2026 under Section 48 of the Excise Act has been registered at Police Station Anantnag, and further investigation is underway, the statement added.
Weather Forecast Today: Monsoon activity remains strong across India with widespread rainfall expected. Many regions will witness intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Other areas are likely to see intermittent rain spells throughout the day. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in parts of Uttarakhand and Maharashtra. Residents are urged to stay cautious of potential waterlogging and flooding.
Gulmarg faces mounting infrastructure challenges amid tourist surge
Gulmarg, Jul 12: While the world-famous tourist destination of Gulmarg continues to attract heavy tourist footfall, the hill resort is grappling with major challenges of solid waste management and traffic congestion. In an exclusive conversation with Greater Kashmir , Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Tariq Hussain said the premier tourist destination remained one of the countrys most sought-after attractions because of its nature-based tourism. There is no competitor to Gulmarg in the country, he said. He, however, said preserving its environment while accommodating rising visitor numbers was the GDAs top priority. Currently, we are facing two major challenges, including the disposal of solid waste and traffic movement. But we are working on a scientific solid waste management system and expanding parking infrastructure to ease congestion, he said. The CEO said Gulmargs parking capacity currently stands at around 1,000 vehicles, which often proves inadequate during the peak tourist season. The influx of visitors, particularly those arriving by private vehicles from neighbouring states such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttarakhand, has intensified pressure on local infrastructure, he said. Hussain said Gulmargs estimated daily carrying capacity was between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors. He, however, said tourist numbers frequently exceeded that limit during peak periods. But to reduce pressure on the main resort (Gulmarg Bowl), the government is promoting sister destinations around Gulmarg as well, he said. The CEO said Gulmargs tourism was entirely nature-based, except for the cable car. Balancing conservation with increasing tourist footfall is a challenging task, he said. He said tourism had remained resilient and continued to support the local economy. Although Gulmarg remains primarily a winter tourism destination, hotels, guest houses and homestays have recorded satisfactory bookings during the ongoing summer season, Hussain told Greater Kashmir . About future plans, the CEO said the GDA was planning to introduce several infrastructure projects aimed at improving the visitor experience while reducing environmental impact. The new projects include the construction of pedestrian walkways, a multi-level parking facility, fencing around the heritage golf course and the restoration of the historic Maharaja Palace. The CEO said the GDA was also exploring the introduction of electric vehicles, shuttle bus services and a designated green corridor where visitors could move on foot, reducing vehicular movement within the resort. He, however, acknowledged concerns over the condition of the existing infrastructure and said the GDA would prioritise its preservation alongside future development. Responding to concerns following the recent technical snag in the Gulmarg Gondola, he said maintenance protocols had been strengthened and professional teams were conducting regular inspections in line with carrying-capacity norms. On the future of tourism in Gulmarg, Hussain said the GDA was also considering expanding tourism beyond Gulmarg by promoting border tourism at Botapathri, subject to security clearance. He said the Botapathri area, located close to the Line of Control (LoC), had the potential to accommodate more than 1,000 day visitors and could eventually host border safari experiences showcasing the regions scenic landscape. He said Gulmarg was the only tourist destination located close to the LoC. Gulmarg is located 30-40 km from the LoC and that is one of the most critical points. But Botapathri has the potential and a carrying capacity of 1000 tourists per day, he told Greater Kashmir . He said if the GDA and other concerned authorities received security clearance, it would pave the way for introducing border tourism in the area. We will take visitors up to the LoC where they will not only see the borders but also the beauty and hidden treasures beyond Gulmarg, he said.
The ATM story: Banks move to cash recyclers from just dispensers
More than 15,000 ATM units are expected to come up for request for proposals (RFPs) for cash recyclers, with nearly 77% of these belonging to PSBs, according to industry executives. Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India and Bank of India are among the lenders expected to issue recycler RFPs.
Opposition to Punjab head remains the glue holding Congress factions together
Punjab to raise fresh Rs 1k crore loan; opposition says state put on EMI
SAD (Punar Surjit) seeks truth commission on Punjab militancy
Police bust gang that sold stolen luxury SUVs in Punjab, Rajasthan
How informants helped the FBI unravel Lawrence Bishnois gang | The Hindu Explains
On July 8, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) announced indictment against three Punjab-linked transnational organised crime syndicates operating across India, Canada, the United States and Europe.
50 Victims, Rs 1.6 Crore Loans: Punjab Man Arrested In Cyber Fraud Case
Delhi Police has arrested a 24 year old man from Punjab for his alleged role in a digital loan fraud racket that used stolen Aadhaar and PAN details to obtain personal loans in the names of unsuspecting victims.
Shashi hails Diljit's Satluj as 'one of the finest films I've ever seen'
Filmmaker Shashi Ranjan called 'Satluj' one of the finest films he's seen, praising its emotional storytelling. He criticized its OTT removal, arguing bans only spark curiosity and that history on screen doesn't mislead educated youth. Diljit Dosanjh's film, earlier titled Punjab '95, was pulled from ZEE5 within 48 hours over alleged police-excess portrayal.
'Its own members tear each other apart': BJP's Bajwa attacks Congress over Punjab infighting
A Punjab BJP leader stated the Congress party is not in the race for 2027. He believes the party will struggle to retain its existing eighteen seats. Congress leaders themselves allege compromises with the current state government. Party officials deny any internal factionalism and express unity for upcoming polls. Unity is crucial for the party, but compromised leaders should be avoided.
'Why conspiring to disrespect PM's commitment?' CM Omar to J&K BJP leaders
Jammu, Jul 12: Going all guns blazing on J&K BJP leaders, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday asked them why they were conspiring to prove the Prime Minister a liar by opposing and criticising the NC's efforts, its movement for restoration of statehood. They take dig at us that we've failed in fulfilling our promise. But they don't remember their promises. Just to remind them - the Prime Minister, himself, at his Katra rally had made a statement while making a commitment vis-a-vis restoration of statehood to J&K. He (PM) had said - It was not an ordinary commitment. Yeh Modi Ka Waada Hai (This is Modi's promise). I ask J&K BJP leaders why they are conspiring hard to prove their own Prime Minister a liar. Why? CM Omar threw a poser while addressing party's significant rally at Maharaja Hari Singh Park in Jammu. You may try to prove Farooq Sahib, me, Deputy Chief Ministet or any other NC leader or MLA a liar, we will have no objection. But today you (J&K BJP leaders) are trying to prove PM a liar, I fail to comprehend logic behind it. After all, the Prime Minister's words should have a weightage and should be respected. But when we ask about this commitment- we get only one reply i.e., it will be restored at an appropriate time, he stated. Aiming another barb, CM Omar asked if that appropriate time was when BJP would come to power. If that's the case, why it was not told to the Supreme Court, which had directed for its restoration as early as possible. They (BJP) can declare it in rally and convey it to the people of J&K that the statehood will be restored only if BJP comes to power. Then the J&K people may take a call to elect them to power or not. Since it has not happened, the people have not elected them, they are punishing them by depriving them of statehood, he alleged. Dismissing the BJP's claims that it was not conspiring to breakaway NC to gain power, the Chief Minister, while quoting examples from Maharashtra, West Bengal and AAP in Punjab, asked who would believe its (BJP's) claims while the party, itself, was boasting about its 'Operation Lotus.' He reiterated the charge that the elected government was not being allowed to function and asked, What was the need to conduct elections if J&K was to administer through Raj Bhawan? Why are Jammu people being punished although they gave 29 seats to BJP? was his another poser. With regard to BJP's criticism of NC's invite to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, CM Omar's another dig was, BJP's top leadership says that they have ended terrorism and separatist ideology here in J&K. If there are no separatists here now, how can that individual be dubbed as separatist by them? Who is lying? Aiming another barb at BJP, the Chief Minister asked, If we won't get statehood by pleading our cause in the union capital before the country's leadership, should we protest outside (US President) Trump's residence to seek statehood? He said that the party adopted recourse to protest after its peaceful ways during last 18 months failed to achieve statehood despite promises. We even accepted delimitation which was aimed at benefitting only BJP and its allies. Our gentlemanliness should not be exploited and silence should not be treated as weakness. We cannot wait more, CM Omar declared. The objective of rally, in the words of the Chief Minister, was to seek permission of people to allow them as their representatives to go to (New) Delhi on July 20 to seek restoration of statehood to J&K. I've come all the way from Srinagar to Jammu to seek this permission. As I started very early morning to reach Jammu, I saw many people on their way to be part of this rally. Rest assured, the trust - you have reposed in us, will never be broken. You will not be betrayed and we will fulfill all promises made to you, CM assured.
Jammu: July 12 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has repeatedly advocated hollow promises of restoring the Statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. After claims of the BJP attempting to lure one of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference's (JKNC) MLAs with an offer of Rs 20-30 crore and a ministerial berth to switch sides, he accused the BJP of breaking several political parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Shiv Sena (UBT), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). While addressing a National Conference rally on the Statehood demand ahead of the 'Delhi Chalo' protest, the J&K Chief Minister called the BJP a ackdoor party, saying that it breaks the ruling parties in States where they fail to secure a majority, using their conflicts as a 'backdoor' to enter the State. PM Modi has always promised that Jammu and Kashmir's statehood will be given at the appropriate time. What will be the right time? First, you did delimitation. They want to get more seats through that. You (BJP) have broken so many parties. See Maharashtra, see West Bengal, see Punjab! BJP is a backdoor party. Where they can't get power through the front door, they try to get through the back door, he said. CM Abdullah said that restoring the Statehood of Jammu and Kashmir will not be a favour on the State. He added that this promise not only includes the JKNC but also all the other political parties that contested the 2024 elections. Restoring the status of a State is not a favour to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A promise was made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir regarding this. In this promise, it wasn't just the National Conference that was involved; this promise includes all those parties that contested the elections nearly one and a half years ago, he said. Furthermore, slamming the BJP, CM Omar Abdullah challenged that not even a single candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party failed to make the promise of restoring Jammu and Kashmir's Statehood while asking for votes during the 2024 election campaigns. Show me even a single BJP MLA who, while addressing the public during the 2024 elections, said that they would not let Jammu and Kashmir become a State again. Show me even a single BJP candidate, whether in Jammu or in Kashmir, who did not say in their speech during the elections, 'Give votes to the BJP, and we will restore your Statehood status', he said. The Chief Minister intensified the attack on the BJP, saying that even though the BJP leaders remember the promises made by JKNC, they have completely forgotten about their own. They never get tired of counting our promises, whether inside the Assembly or outside it. Their leaders remember our promises very well, but they fail to remember their own promises! They don't remember the promises they made themselves, he said. Following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the Centre formed two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said that the status of a state would be restored once the situation normalises. In 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the move to abrogate Article 370, while not taking up the question of the restoration of statehood, as the Centre had submitted that it would be restored in due time. (ANI)
Canada based Punjabi Abhinandan Gill warns against misuse of artificial intelligence in politics
Abhinandan Singh Gill is developing AI ethical standards for Punjab elections. He aims to prevent the unethical use of AI-generated content in politics. This initiative seeks to protect people's emotions and prevent distress. Gill's work addresses the real-world consequences of artificial intelligence. His efforts will help ensure responsible AI deployment in Punjab.
PBKS Batter Shashank Alleges Extortion Plot In Assault Charges, Terms FIR 'tool Of Harassment'.
Special Director General: Punjab Kings cricketer Shashank Singh on Sunday opened up about a recent controversy involving his family, alleging that a false FIR was used as a tool for extortion to tarnish his reputation as a public figure. Last month, Shashank and his father, retired Special Director General (DG) of Police Shailesh Singh, were booked by the Ratibad police in Bhopal after a cook employed at their residence accused them of assault, abuse and forcibly taking away his mobile phone. In a lengthy social media post, the batter clarified his stance on the allegations, which claimed he had assaulted an underprivileged individual. This incident changed me forever and taught me lessons I will carry for life. I am not writing this for sympathy. I am writing it because this was the first time my family and I experienced something like this, and I hope others learn from it. As an athlete, I have faced criticism, trolling and abuse for years. I have learnt to live with it. But this was different. Overnight, I was portrayed as someone who had beaten up a person less privileged than I am. Thousands abused me without knowing the truth, he wrote. He continued, We were shocked when we later saw him in the video, because he had left our home completely fine. It took us time to process how someone could end up so badly beaten. He came to our home at his own insistence, but we sent him back on the third day after finding him wandering through the house, taking photos inside it, and forwarding them to his friends (or accomplices, now that I look back). Later, police records showed that he already had 9 FIRs registered against him and had been charge-sheeted in 8 cases for offences including attempt to murder, house theft (which we later discovered he had also committed at our home), assault, house-trespass, extortion by causing hurt, criminal intimidation, obscene acts, offences under SC/ST Act, and other crimes. He was using three different names to hide his identity. Shashank revealed that the entire incident was a trap orchestrating pressure on him for monetary gains. As more facts came to light, I came to believe that he had never entered our home with honest intentions, Singh stated. I believe the plan was to create pressure on me by filing a false FIR, expecting that I would pay money to protect my reputation as a public figure. In my view, the FIR was used as a tool of extortion rather than a genuine complaint. Expressing his shock over the swiftness of legal action against his family, the cricketer questioned how easily a complaint was registered without verifying the facts. What disturbed me even more was that, where genuine victims often struggle to get an FIR registered even for heinous crimes, one was registered against me and my family without hearing our side or questioning us, he added. He also rubbished circulating media reports connecting him to a similar alleged incident on April 30, 2026. He pointed out that a basic fact-check would have debunked the rumours, as he was actively playing in the IPL on that exact date. This reminded me how easily reputations can be damaged when rumours are treated as facts and verification is sacrificed for headlines, the cricketer noted. The middle-order batter, whose father served as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer for 39 years, expressed relief that he was home with his parents on the day of the incident, stating they escaped what could have been a much more dangerous scenario involving a known criminal. Shashank further urged people to remain vigilant and run proper background checks when hiring staff. This experience taught me some hard lessons. Never let sympathy replace common sense. Always hire domestic help only through a registered agency after proper police verification, Singh concluded. The middle-order batter, whose father served as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer for 39 years, expressed relief that he was home with his parents on the day of the incident, stating they escaped what could have been a much more dangerous scenario involving a known criminal. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Just because someone appears to be helpless, is crying, or seeks sympathy does not mean they are telling the truth. Truth may take time, but it always prevails. Article Source: IANS
Makers of Satluj cannot hide behind the excuse of creative freedom while presenting disputed claims as established history, says Ravneet Singh Bittu
Inter-Departmental Committee to review Satluj amid ongoing controversy
The film 'Satluj' has been pulled from global OTT platforms amid rising disputes. An inter-departmental committee is currently examining the movie according to IT regulations. The film's release will be halted until the committee delivers its conclusive decision. Meanwhile, unauthorized screenings in Jammu and Punjab have spurred a new petition demanding action against illegal public showings that incite violence and hostility.
Weather Forecast Today: The India Meteorological Department forecasts an active monsoon day across many Indian states. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in northern, eastern, and northeastern regions. States like Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Assam are under heavy rainfall warnings. Delhi, however, anticipates mostly cloudy skies without any rainfall alerts. Residents are advised to remain alert for potential waterlogging and localized flooding.
Satluj ban row: Petition filed in HC against alleged illegal public screenings
A petition has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking action against alleged illegal public screenings of Satluj. The plea claims the screenings promote hatred and threaten public order, urging authorities to register FIRs
Musings on events across the LoC
It is four weeks now that simmering resentment in the Pakistan occupied areas of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir turned violent. The agitation is centred on the 12 legislature seats reserved for refugees from the Indian side of J&K to Pakistan, but there is a host of other issues fomenting the protests. It began in 2023 with the formation of the Joint Awami Action Committee, an amalgam of students and lawyers, traders and transporters, that was set up to project the demands of the people of the territory. There were 38 demands in all, the most prominent of which at that time were those concerning the power tariff, and the cost of food grains. The JAAC wanted the same subsidized price for wheat flour, that was being charged in Gilgit Baltistan. It also wanted power to be charged at the cost of generation within the occupied territory. The Shahbaz Sharif government did take some measures on both these demands which do not seem to have fully met expectations. Talks between the federal government and the JAAC collapsed over two demands. One was the perks and privileges granted to ministers, legislators and bureaucrats. The other demand was the seats reserved for the migrants from Jammu and Kashmir, India. The JAAC argued that Islamabad uses these 12 seats to manufacture and manipulate unrepresentative regional governments.As MB Naqvi wrote in The Diplomat, the turmoil reflects more than a dispute over a strike or public order. It has revealed deeper tensions over political representation, governance, and the nature of power in a territory where local politics has long been shaped by decisions made beyond its borders. Among the demands is abolition of the requirement that elected legislators take the oath of allegiance to Pakistan when assuming office. Negotiations broke down over these key issues. The Supreme Court of POJK has ruled the reserved seats were constitutionally guaranteed and could not be abolished without a constitutional amendment. Renewed violence by agitators followed the breakdown of talks and the State responded with counter violence. Both sides are now in full-blown confrontation. An unknown number of people have been killed. The figures put out by YouTubers differ from those admitted by the Pakistani Government. The rhetoric, of both sides, indicates that neither side is ready for compromise. Rawalakote is the centre of the agitation which has spread all the way from Mirpur in the South to Kel in the North. Khwaja Asif, the Pakistani Defence Minister has gone so far as to deny that the protestors are Kashmiris at all. Mainstream discussants in the Pakistani media either ignore the troubles or follow the government line.Leaders of the JAAC have in turn threatened to secede from Pakistan. Government of Pakistan then banned the JAAC declaring it a terrorist organization under the Anti-Terrorism laws and charged its leaders with sedition. Sardar Aman Khan, a leader of the JAAC has called for aid and assistance from the Indian side. He appealed to the people of Rajouri, Poonch, Mendhar and Doda to supply essential items, going so far as to ask New Delhi to allow refugees from POJK.It is a dire situation, and one hardly knows which side is more to blame. We, in India are more than familiar with the power games between the Centre and the States, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. It is but rarely that insurgency results. In Pakistan, however, they do things differently. Given the armys political control of its government, the scope for political solutions of political issues is limited by the need to satisfy the hubris of the Punjab dominated army. Except briefly in Zulfiqar Ali Bhuttos first term as Prime Minister, it has always insisted on the countrys politics being run in line with its perceptions.The hybrid system ensures that Pakistans domestic and foreign policy is conducted to accord with its dictates. We have seen that approach in Baluchistan, and it is likely to be so in POJK as well. The greater part of the blame, over the 12 seats must therefore lie at the door of the army. Its mailed fist was never concealed in a velvet glove. In January of 2005, responding to Baloch demands over gas pipelines and regional autonomy, General Musharraf threatened thus, Dont push us.this time you wont even know what hit you. Nawab Akbar Bugti, who used to be an ardent Pakistani was subsequently killed in the artillery and air campaign against the Baloch people. There is some danger of the same medicine being administered in POJK.Not so long ago the people who now oppose the Pakistani armys political manipulations in POJK were considered its most loyal and supportive cohort. It is an unimaginable folly to alienate them; the result of grossly insensitive political mismanagement.Historically, Kashmiris have known these people as the Khakas and Bambas. The agitators come from a lineage with a history of pertinacious resistance to any external authority that tried to control the routes into the valley. They fought the Mughals, the Pathans and the Sikhs, raiding into Kashmir as well for loot and pillage, retreating into their mountain lairs whenever threatened. They were, and presumably still are, a refractory people, resistant to authority. Antagonizing the most pro-Pakistan population in Jammu and Kashmir was maladroit enough, but the follow through is cruel, not just clumsy. It is possible that a prolonged and violent insurgency is in the offing. Both sides have taken extreme positions, with the Pakistani establishment branding the agitators as Indias agents. From the Indian perspective it is all rather sudden. There had been rumblings and mutterings from across the LoC during the discontent of the past few years, but an insurgency could hardly have been anticipated. It is unlikely that anyone anticipated this reversal of sentiment towards India. It is certainly bizarre. The question is what the Indian response should be? There are, broadly speaking, two choices. The first is to make a fuss internationally, the way Pakistan has done about India, at every opportunity. There is little chance though that anyone, including Human Rights organizations will pay any heed. Internationally, Pakistan is currently on the crest of a popularity wave. The option can be employed, however, as the prelude to and excuse for humanitarian intervention across the LAC, as requested by the agitators. The logistics of supplying food and medicine across may be a challenge but surely not an insurmountable one.The second choice, which a YouTube warrior, Major Gaurav Arya suggested in a video, is to remain indifferent. His argument was that these people harboured terrorist camps and had no sympathy for the sufferings and expulsion of Kashmiri Pandits. To do nothing would be a grave mistake, however. Dr. Amjad Mirza another YouTuber, based out of the UK perhaps, has for long, been an active proponent of the Indian position. He is no light weight, being the son of Ayub Mirza who was once offered the Presidency of POJK; his uncle was an aide to General Zia ul Haq in other words, someone of ardent pro Pakistan stock. Yet his plaintive cries for Indian intervention are yet to strike a chord of sympathy in Delhi. The situation in PoJK is a historic opportunity for New Delhi. It is a gift horse that needs no oral examination. India should provide as much humanitarian assistance as it is able to, even to the extent of taking in refugees, if there are any. It is a chance to make friends and create influence in a traditionally hostile population.A cautious approach, based on fears that the infection may spread to this side of the LAC is misplaced. The insurgency in this part of the State was uncharacteristic and aberrant. If the residents of PoJK are now open to the idea of India as a refuge or even an alternative home, it should be encouraged. Only good can come from it. Humanitarian intervention would also create what may be called a point dappui, an opportunity for the future, in line with Delhis official position that all of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir belongs to India. The opportunity should not be missed. It may not come again. B R Singh is a retired IAS officer who served in the J&K cadre.
Infighting in Congress Major Reason for Election Loss, Teamwork Essential in Punjab: Dr. Udit Raj
New Delhi, July 12: Senior Congress leader and former MP Dr. Udit Raj has expressed concern over the ongoing infighting within the party. He stated that the Congress has failed to secure power in several states because leaders have invested more energy in internal conflicts rather than strengthening the organization. In an exclusive conversation, Dr. ... Read more Infighting in Congress Major Reason for Election Loss, Teamwork Essential in Punjab: Dr. Udit Raj
Petition filed against illegal screenings of Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj'
The film 'Satluj', previously titled 'Punjab 95', faces ongoing controversy after its removal from OTT. Alleged public screenings in Punjab and Jammu have prompted a legal challenge in court. A petition seeks action against organisers of these unauthorised film viewings. The advocate claims these screenings promote violence and hatred against communities. Authorities are urged to halt screenings and initiate strict legal action against organisers.
Punjab Congress dissidents renew demand for Warrings ouster
Congress Infighting Seen as Major Cause for Electoral Losses, Urges Teamwork in Punjab: Dr. Udit Raj
New Delhi, July 12: Senior Congress leader and former MP Dr. Udit Raj has expressed concern over the ongoing factionalism within the party. He stated that the Congress has failed to secure power in several states because leaders have focused more on internal conflicts rather than strengthening the organization. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Udit ... Read more Congress Infighting Seen as Major Cause for Electoral Losses, Urges Teamwork in Punjab: Dr. Udit Raj
Himachal, Haryana erase monsoon deficit; Punjab still 23% short
Congress Calls for Supreme Court Oversight in Ram Temple Donation Investigation
Surat, July 11: Abhishek Datt, Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and co-in-charge of Karnataka, launched a verbal attack on the central government and the BJP during his visit to Surat on Saturday. He addressed issues related to the alleged donation controversy surrounding the Ram Temple, the situation of the Punjab Congress, the ... Read more Congress Calls for Supreme Court Oversight in Ram Temple Donation Investigation
Punjab Congress change seekers met with AICC in-charge Bhupesh Baghel. They reiterated their demand for removing the current PCC president. Leaders stated compromised leaders must be removed for party unity. Baghel assured them their issues would be conveyed to the high command. Warring responded by questioning who was compromised within the party.
Lakhanpur Selected as Street Food Hub Under PM Svanidhi Scheme
Kathua, July 11: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Saturday that Lakhanpur, located at the Punjab-Jammu and Kashmir border, has been chosen as one of 50 cities in India under a new government initiative. These cities will be developed as Street Food Hubs. He stated that the Street Food Hub will be designed as ... Read more Lakhanpur Selected as Street Food Hub Under PM Svanidhi Scheme
Lakhanpur Selected for PM Svanidhi Street Food Hub Initiative
Kathua, July 11: Central Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Saturday that Lakhanpur, located at the Punjab-Jammu and Kashmir border, has been chosen as one of the 50 cities under a new initiative by the Indian government. These cities will be developed as Street Food Hubs. He stated that the Street Food Hub will feature ... Read more Lakhanpur Selected for PM Svanidhi Street Food Hub Initiative
A Good Indian Is A Dead Indian: Truck Drivers Reveal Abuse In Australia
While an Indian-origin truck driver was speaking in Punjabi at a truck stop in South Australia, someone spat on him and disappeared before he could even react. The attacker was another truck driver.
Rival Punjab Congress Faction Meets Bhupesh Baghel, Insists on Removing Warring
Chandigarh, July 11: A highly anticipated meeting took place on Saturday between the rival faction of the Punjab Congress, led by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, and party General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel. After the meeting, MP Sukjinder Randhawa stated, Sometimes the party needs to reverse certain decisions We do not need compromise leaders. The ... Read more Rival Punjab Congress Faction Meets Bhupesh Baghel, Insists on Removing Warring
Over 2.31 lakh complaints on crimes against women, children received on help desks in Punjab
Between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026, the Punjab Grievance Disposal (PGD) portal received 1,33,152 complaints related to crimes against women and children
Punjab releases Rs 1,147 crore under Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana; 33 lakh women benefit
Explained: BJP's High-Stakes Gamble In Punjab
BJP sources said the high command has already deployed party leaders to consolidate particular segments of voters in Punjab
'Satluj' removed from ZEE5 internationally after India takedown
Diljit Dosanjh's latest film, Satluj (formerly titled Punjab 95), has been taken down from ZEE5's international library just days after its removal from the platform in India.
Dearness Allowance: From DA hike to restoration of Old Pension Scheme, pension revision, gratuity, minimum wage and more Check the demands made by Joint Coordination Committee of Punjab Government Employees and Pensioners.
AAP Accused of Undermining Democracy in Abohar Mayor Elections
Abohar, July 11: In a recent statement, Punjab MLA Sandeep Jakhar accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of influencing the democratic process during the Abohar Municipal Corporation mayoral elections. He claimed that despite having a majority, AAP attempted to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from securing the mayoral position. Jakhar mentioned that Sunil Jakhar ... Read more AAP Accused of Undermining Democracy in Abohar Mayor Elections
Harpal Singh Cheema Addresses Abohar Mayor Election Controversy and Public Transport Expansion
Chandigarh, July 11: Punjabs Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has responded to the Abohar mayor election controversy, the expansion of public transport in the state, and alleged factionalism within the Congress party. He criticized the opposition, asserting that the state government is committed to transparency, development, and good governance. Regarding the controversy surrounding the Abohar ... Read more Harpal Singh Cheema Addresses Abohar Mayor Election Controversy and Public Transport Expansion
Diljit Dosanjh's 'Satluj' faces another blow
A government committee recommended continuing restrictions on Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj. The panel found the film's content concerning India's national security and sovereignty. This decision follows the film's removal from streaming platforms in India and overseas. Political leaders in Punjab have voiced differing opinions on the government's actions. The film's future availability remains uncertain after these developments.
'Goes Against India's Sovereignty': Government Panel Backs Ban On 'Satluj'
The Honey Trehan-directed film depicts the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab between 1984 and 1994
Shah Nawaz Hussain Advocates for Vande Mataram to Hold Supreme Place in India
New Delhi, July 11: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Syed Shah Nawaz Hussain has voiced his partys stance on various issues, including Vande Mataram, the Bihar Assembly by-elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Australia, and the current state of the Punjab Congress. In an interview with a news agency, Hussain emphasized that Vande ... Read more Shah Nawaz Hussain Advocates for Vande Mataram to Hold Supreme Place in India
Tussle for Punjab Congress chief post: Leaders from Channi camp arrive to meet Baghel
Former Minister Gurpreet Kangar said the meeting was being held specifically to discuss whether Amrinder Singh Raja Warrings leadership was acceptable to them or not; Bhupesh Baghel had already ruled out any change in the State party leadership
BJP Demands Fair Investigation into Punjab Local Body Elections
Chandigarh, July 11: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) submitted a memorandum to the Governor on Saturday, alleging that the Punjab government undermined the democratic process during the local body elections and the subsequent elections for mayors and chairpersons of municipal corporations and councils. The BJP also accused the government of misusing state machinery during the ... Read more BJP Demands Fair Investigation into Punjab Local Body Elections
Over 1 crore enumeration forms digitised under SIR in 16 days: Punjab chief electoral officer
Punjab's Special Intensive Revision exercise has digitised over one crore enumeration forms. Nearly all enumeration forms have been distributed, ensuring broad voter outreach. Special camps are organised to complete form collection and address voter discrepancies. The draft electoral rolls will be published on August 3rd. Final electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on October 1st.
Punjab BJP chief accuses AAP govt of hijacking civic polls, submits memorandum to Governor
Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon accused the AAP government of rigging recent Morinda municipal elections. Dhillon stated that the BJP submitted a memorandum to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria seeking intervention. He alleged unprecedented irregularities and manipulation during the election process in Morinda. Meanwhile, Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi also accused the AAP government of election manipulation. Bhupesh Baghel is scheduled to meet Punjab Congress leaders amid internal party differences.
Raja Wadding Denies Factionalism in Punjab Congress, Emphasizes Learning from Senior Leaders
Chandigarh, July 10: Amid discussions of alleged factionalism within the Punjab Congress and differences among senior leaders, state Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Wadding has dismissed any notion of conflict within the party. He clarified that former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is his senior leader, and he is continuously learning from him. Wadding also ... Read more Raja Wadding Denies Factionalism in Punjab Congress, Emphasizes Learning from Senior Leaders
'If this happiness improves my father's health ... ': Prabhsimran on his India call-up
Prabhsimran Singh has finally earned his maiden India call-up after back-to-back impressive IPL seasons with Punjab Kings. In this exclusive interview, the opener recalls his father's emotional reaction, explains how consistency and converting starts into big scores changed his career, and reflects on the role of Shreyas Iyer, Ricky Ponting and Yuvraj Singh in shaping his journey to the Indian team.
Punjab Congress Leader Calls for Unity Amid Leadership Discussions
Ludhiana, July 10: Amid ongoing discussions regarding leadership within the Punjab Congress, senior leader and former chairman Krishna Kumar Baba emphasized that the final decisions rest with the high command. He urged all leaders and workers to respect these decisions. Baba advised former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja ... Read more Punjab Congress Leader Calls for Unity Amid Leadership Discussions
Skyrocketing chicken prices burn hole in consumers' pockets
Srinagar, Jul 10: Consumers in Srinagar are grappling with an unprecedented surge in chicken prices, with poultry being sold between Rs 180 and Rs 200 per kg in several city markets. Consumers said chicken, considered an affordable source of protein for middle and lower income families, has become increasingly expensive over the past few weeks, putting additional financial strain on households already struggling with rising living costs. Consumers from Downtown Srinagar, Hazratbal and other city areas alleged that there was no uniform pricing mechanism in place, allowing retailers to sell chicken at varying rates without any regulation. Chicken was always the budget friendly option whenever mutton became expensive. But now even chicken has gone beyond the reach of common people. We are paying Rs 180 to Rs 200 per kg depending on the shop, and nobody is asking why, said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Nowhatta. He said Kashmiris largely depend on non vegetarian food and chicken remains the primary source of protein for many families. Summer vacations are on and relatives frequently visit each other. Whenever guests arrive, serving chicken has become expensive. Even patients recovering from illness are often advised to consume chicken soup, but many families now think twice before buying it, he said. The sharp rise in poultry prices comes in the backdrop of a recent disruption in mutton supplies after Kashmiri meat traders alleged that Punjab authorities had imposed an illegal levy on livestock entering the state. The disruption had led many consumers to shift towards chicken, resulting in a sharp increase in demand. We expected poultry prices to come down once mutton supply resumed, but even after a week nothing has changed. The rates are still soaring, said Shabir Ahmed, a consumer. A poultry seller at Hazratbal said retailers were also facing higher procurement costs. The wholesalers are supplying chicken to us at higher rates. We also have to keep some margin to run our business. Demand increased sharply over the past few weeks when mutton supply was affected, and the prices have remained high, the vendor said. Residents also expressed concern over the absence of price regulation, saying the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs is not empowered to regulate poultry prices. Earlier there used to be rate lists and there was some accountability. Today every shop is charging according to its own will and whim. There is no mechanism to keep prices under check, leaving consumers at the mercy of the market, said Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Khanyar.
Punjab records 28% rain deficit despite active monsoon in Haryana, Himachal
Channi, senior Congress leaders to meet Bhupesh Baghel after Punjab leadership remarks
Senior Congress leaders will meet Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday. This meeting occurs three days after he ruled out leadership changes. Charanjit Singh Channi and others are expected to attend the discussion. Buta Singh's family demanded Channi as the chief ministerial candidate. Upcoming assembly polls are scheduled for early next year.
Punjab farmers to make toll plazas free on July 14 over land pooling policy, FTA concerns
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal announced a toll plaza blockade for July 14. Protesters will demonstrate against the Punjab government's land-pooling policy. They also protest alleged irregularities in the Land Mortgage Bank. The proposed India-US free trade agreement is another point of contention. Farmers demand the immediate withdrawal of the land policy and action against bank officials.
Protinex India has launched a new integrated campaign “ Strength hai toh simple hai ”, a celebration of everyday strength that speaks directly to the millennial Indian adult. The campaign is rooted in an insight that is simple, sharp, and deeply felt: from 30s onwards, the body quietly begins to lose muscle strength, and most of us don't get enough protein to keep up. The will to show up for work, for family, for life, never wavers. But when the body can't match it, even the simplest things begin to feel harder than they should. Protinex India launches its new integrated campaign, "Strength Hai Toh Simple Hai," highlighting the importance of everyday muscle strength and protein nutrition The brand film brings this truth to life with warmth and gentle humour. A mother comes home after a long day her young son spots her from across the room, lights up, and runs straight into her arms. She reaches down to lift him. And in that split second, something that should feel effortless, doesn't. The film ends with a question that lands with quiet sharpness “ Chhota kaam lage bhaari? Kahin muscle strength kam toh nahi ho rahi? ” (Small tasks feel heavy? Could your muscle strength be slipping?). Before resolving into the ease and joy that everyday strength makes possible. youtu.be/OwG9oUmmvio?si=FRkv27gGEHao-QQI The campaign is anchored in Protinex's core nutritional proposition: delivering 40% of the recommended daily protein intake per serving , + 25 Vital Nutrients for strong muscle health. A healthy adult requires 1.0 - 1.2g of protein per kg of body weight daily 1 (ref: Harris S, DePalma J, Barkoukis H. Protein and Aging: Practicalities and Practice. Nutrients. 2025;17(15):2461. doi:10.3390/nu17152461) and Protinex is designed to meaningfully bridge that gap as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. The campaign goes live across a fully integrated media ecosystem, reaching 53 million consumers pan-India . The brand film has been produced in Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Kannada, and English, and will air across 39 television channels spanning GECs, regional GECs, and movie channels with approximately 182 spots airing every day. On digital, the campaign activates across YouTube, Meta, JioHotstar OTT, Connected TV, and Mediakart. The brand is also exploring innovative consumer engagement initiatives that extend the campaign's core thought into real-world experiences and will be announced soon. Talking about the concept, Ms. Priyanka Verma, Marketing Director Danone India said: “Strength is often associated with extraordinary feats. But its most important role is far more personal. It's what closes the gap between what you want to do and what your body lets you do. Through 'Strength Hai Toh Simple Hai,' we wanted to speak about that quiet, everyday experience, the moment something simple feels heavier than it should. Because when your body matches your will, life doesn't just feel easier. It feels like you again." With its core vision of One Planet, One Health, Danone India is committed to fostering healthier lifestyles among its consumers and has initiated numerous endeavors in India towards this goal. The company is at the forefront of its sustainability agenda through the Danone Impact Journey, reflecting its dedication to positive environmental and societal impact. About Danone India (www.danone.in) In India, Danone started its nutrition business in 2012 through the acquisition of the nutrition portfolio from Wockhardt group. Danone India embodies a holistic approach, offering a full range of products across life stages under recognized brands like Aptamil, Aptagrow, Neocate, Protinex, Dexolac, and Nusobee. Over the past few years, Danone India has demonstrated robust growth, continually expanding its portfolio and market presence. Danone India employs around 1,000 people, contributing to its dynamic workforce across its Factory in Lalru, Punjab and Head office in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The company boasts capabilities across various functions, including operations, Research & Innovation (R&I), and sales, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and services to its consumers, which are designed specifically tailored for Indian tastes and nutritional needs. With its core vision of One Planet, One Health, Danone India is committed to fostering healthier lifestyles among its consumers and has initiated numerous endeavors in India towards this goal. The company is at the forefront of its sustainability agenda through the Danone Impact Journey, reflecting its dedication to positive environmental and societal impact.
'One nation, one election' mechanism may be ready for rollout by 2029: Joint panel chief
Panaji, Jul 10: The joint committee of Parliament examining the bills on simultaneous elections is working to create a mechanism that could make the 'One Nation, One Election' reform fully operational by the 2029 general elections, its chairperson said on Friday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the panel's two-day meeting in Goa, PP Chaudhary claimed that nearly 99 per cent of civil society stakeholders consulted so far have backed the proposal, which aims to curb an estimated Rs 7 lakh crore economic loss caused by frequent polls. The committee began its deliberations in Goa on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, with an interaction with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and members of his cabinet, seeking their views on the challenges involved in implementing simultaneous elections and ways to address them. We had an informal interaction with the chief minister and cabinet ministers, who represent the people of Goa. We discussed how 'One Nation, One Election' can be implemented, what challenges exist and how they can be mitigated while maintaining a fine balance acceptable to all, Chaudhary said. He said that the committee has visited several states, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, where it interacted with constitutional experts, civil society organisations, educationists and other stakeholders. An overwhelming majority of those consulted have supported the idea of simultaneous elections, said the BJP MP from Pali in Rajasthan. We have found that almost 99 per cent of stakeholders, particularly from civil society and various organisations, favour simultaneous elections. The effort now is to evolve a mechanism that is acceptable to all political parties, he said. Asked about the timeline for implementation, he said the committee was examining various options, indicating that the reform could become operational by the time the next general elections are due in 2029. He said there is also a possibility of bringing some states into alignment before that if political parties and the chief ministers voluntarily agree to synchronise their electoral cycles. Highlighting the economic rationale behind the proposal, Chaudhary cited findings placed before the high-level committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind. He said that an economic study submitted to the Kovind committee estimated that holding elections separately across the country results in an economic loss of nearly Rs 7 lakh crore, while synchronised elections could generate equivalent gains for the national economy. Elections are now not confined to one state. If elections are held anywhere in the country, they have an impact on other states because the economy is interconnected, Chaudhary said. Using Goa as an example, he said that elections in any major state affect tourist arrivals in Goa, while elections in the coastal state itself impact its tourism industry. The economy today is globalised. An adverse impact in one state affects other states as well. Frequent elections have economic consequences beyond state boundaries, he said. The BJP MP also argued that repeated elections disrupt governance and adversely affect education, as teachers are routinely deployed for election-related duties, including preparation of electoral rolls, training and polling work. As a result, teaching in government schools suffers. The worst affected are children from economically weaker sections who depend on government schools. This is a serious concern if the situation continues over the coming decades, he said. Chaudhary described simultaneous elections as a major electoral reform envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it would help the country achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The details will emerge with time. The objective is to build a broad consensus and evolve a practical mechanism acceptable to all, Choudhari said.
BJP Criticizes Punjab Congress Infighting
New Delhi, July 10: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson R.P. Singh has made a sharp remark regarding the infighting within the Punjab Congress. Referring to Bhupesh Baghel, the Congress in-charge for Punjab, Singh stated that his tea has gone cold as several leaders refused to attend a meeting called by him. Singhs comments came ... Read more BJP Criticizes Punjab Congress Infighting
Leaders voicing their opinion were unique to Congress: Punjab in-charge Baghel
Unlike in other parties, it is not a one-way communication and command in the Congress. The Congress values and respects the seniority and contribution of each leader, which is acknowledged and rewarded at the right time, says Bhupesh Baghel
Punjab elections 2027: AAP vs who? BJP, Congress, Shiroman Akali Dal scramble for challenger's spot
The battle for Punjab's 2027 opposition leadership is intensifying among key parties. Congress faces internal friction after recent leadership appointments and decisions. The BJP is stepping up its outreach efforts with planned visits by top leaders. The Shiromani Akali Dal fights to regain its former political relevance. This contest shapes up as an opposition struggle before the main election.
PIL seeks restoration of Satluj
A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday, seeking restoration of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film Satluj that was removed just days after its digital release on an OTT platform. The petition said the removal of the film, based on activist Jaswant Singh Khalras efforts to uncover alleged disappearances []
Amid 'Satluj' row, ex-DSP Jaspal Singh who killed Jaswant Singh Khalra missing
Former Punjab Police DSP Jaspal Singh is now missing after his release on bail. Authorities cannot trace his Hoshiarpur district residence, which was recorded in court. Local police found no evidence of his living in the village mentioned. Jaspal Singh was convicted in the 1995 abduction and murder of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. His disappearance follows controversy over a biopic featuring his character.
Punjab ex-min kingpin of fake iPhone export scam: ED chargesheet
Nowhatta : The Intellectual Anchor of Shahre-Khas
Srinagar city was chosen as the capital city of greater Kashmir by our learned rulers centuries ago. Though the capital initially sat at Parihaspora near Pattanperhaps chosen for its strategic elevation and proximity to the River Jhelumit was later discarded. There were even subsequent attempts to make Srinagar a last choice, favoring places like Pampore. Pampore might well have been proper for its elevation and its close connection, once again, to the Jhelum; a city built there would have never faced the threat of floods. Yet, somehow, Srinagar took deep root among the thinkers of the time. They ultimately chose to locate the capital here, undoubtedly the most beautiful spot in the valley, blessed with its intricate water channels, serene lakes, and the Jhelum running like a life-giving artery through its very heart. But a capital is more than just its geography or the grand designs of its rulers; it is defined by the character of its people. If Srinagar is the beating heart of the valley, then Nowhatta has long been the crucible where its leadership, faith, and intellect were forged. Born just less than half a kilometer away from Nowhatta, I grew up in the immediate contours of an area that can only be described as a launching pad for Kashmirs finest minds. For over half a century, I have watched this historic neighborhood serve as a dense, thriving hub that consistently produced eminent scholars, visionary politicians, revered peers, and astute administrators who went on to shape the destiny of the region. This deep intellectual soil runs so wide that, according to local historians and learned scholars, even the forefathers of the world-renowned novelist Salman Rushdie trace their roots back to the old quarters of Nowhatta. At the literal and spiritual center of this neighborhood stands the grand Jamia Masjid. Commissioned in 1394 CE by Sultan Sikandar and completed under the profound influence of Mir Mohammad Hamadani, its majestic Indo-Saracenic wooden architecture and 378 soaring deodar pillars have looked over generations of seekers. It was never merely a place of worship; it was a premier institution of Islamic education and a vibrant forum for community discourse. The soil of Nowhatta is also sanctified by the blood of martyrs and the presence of great mystics who refused to compromise their convictions. Among them was Qazi Musa Al-Sayyid (Qazi Musa Shaheed), the courageous jurist who was martyred during the Chak rule for steadfastly refusing to alter the established religious principles under state pressure. His final resting place near Shampora (Malkha), Nowhatta, stands as an eternal monument to principle and courage. The areas profound spiritual depth was further illuminated by Peer Syed Hairat Kamali, a figure of immense spiritual acumen. He famously headed the seat of highest learning at Pandan, Nowhatta, serving as a guiding light for religious scholarship and esoteric wisdom in the valley. Gazing recently at a photograph taken in March 2012 on the Kashmir University campusstanding alongside my dear friend and well-wisher, the noted writer Zahid Ghulam Mohammad, outside an event at Gandhi Bhavana flood of nostalgia rushed back, making me relive the past. It felt as if I were sitting in front of a bioscope, watching the vivid scenes of old Nowhatta shift and come alive once more. Zahid, a few years my junior, is the younger brother of my contemporary, Mohd Yousuf, who was renowned in our youth for his impeccable dress sense. In those days, I would occasionally visit their residence near Nowhatta Chowk. This neighborhood was the proud home of many highly respected and prominent familiesthe Punjabis, Daryals, Lals, Kawoosas, Kamilis, Pirs, Shahs, Fazillis, Hakeems, Qurashis, and many others who formed the dignified aristocracy of the area. These households produced an extraordinary constellation of distinguished personalities. Among them was the late Abdul Gani Fazilli, brother of Dr. A. M. Janremembered reverently as the 'Luqman of Kashmir.' There was the late Hakim Ali Mohammad, father of the late Hakim Tahir, and Hakim M. Amin, who was one of our finest and most resonant broadcasters. We also remember Hakim Manzoor, a reputed poet and skilled administrator, and Mufti Jalal-ud-Din, a brilliant mathematician who served with distinction as the Principal of Islamia High School in Srinagar. The academic and creative contributions of this neighborhood spread far and wide. From these lanes came Professor Tayoub Shah Kamali, and the late M. Shafi Bhat Punjabi of the famous Glamour Arts, who happened to be the brother of the late Bashir Bhathimself a former Deputy Director of Srinagar TV and an excellent broadcaster. I think fondly of my dear friend Akram Punjabi, who is now settled in the UAE, and Khurshaid Wani alongside his father-in-law, Abdul Gani, affectionately known as 'Sesha.' There was also my father's close friend, Khwaja Abdul Samad Surmma. The neighbourhood was also an administrative and judicial powerhouse. It gave us the remarkable father-and-son duo who both served as Deputy Commissioners: Syed Mohammad Amin Andrabi and his son, Syed Yasin Andrabi. We remember Pir Mantaqi Shah, a deeply devout follower of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. From the prominent Kawoosa family, we witnessed the brilliant Justice M. Yasin Kawoosa steadily ascending the ladder of the judiciary to the highest echelons of justice. We also remember a proud son of the soil, G. R. Sofi, who qualified for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and was likely the first and only one from the area to clear those prestigious elite services. In academia, we lost the brilliant Professor Dr. M. Amin Andrabi, the former Director of Iqbaliat at Kashmir University, who passed away entirely too young at the age of 62 in 2002. From the same deep well of talent came Dr. Abdul Wahid, another exceptionally brilliant medico, a wonderful friend, and a lifelong well-wisher, alongside Professor Ali Mohammed Peerzada, his elder brother Peerzada G.Hussan, the former Registrar of Kashmir University and a host of other notable persons whose names would take an entire volume to complete. Nowhatta Chowk itself was a magnificent melting pot of daily Kashmiri life and a bustling transport hub where we would congregate while waiting for buses. It was a symphony of local activity: vibrant ladies from Hazratbal selling fresh fruits and fish, textile shops doing brisk business, and university students passing through. The streets offered unforgettable sightsfrom a young Dr. Farooq Abdullah zipping by on his Vespa scooter, to the English wife of a local trader elegantly navigating a Fiat, and an eccentric elderly gentleman affectionately nicknamed Uoos Kiskiss riding past on his moped. The Chowk was also a natural assembly point for the areas distinguished medical and academic elite. On any given afternoon, one could spot luminaries like Dr. Qayoom Fazili, Dr. Yusuf Fazili, Dr. Kojawal, and Dr. M.S. Mehenghar. It was here that I would also see Prof. M. S. Want, the renowned Professor of English, who had been educated in the United Kingdom. A close friend of my father's, he would stand waiting for the university bus, balancing his immense academic stature with his role as the Halqa President of the National Conference, inspiring generations of local youth, including Dr Allaqaband, the famous physician, to enter noble fields like medicine. As evening fell, the atmosphere around Zahid's old residence would beautifully transform. The air would fill with the rich aroma of Wazwan and barbecued mutton from the shop of Ghulam Rasool, popularly known to everyone as Lassi Waza. Directly opposite him sat Ab Rehman, a smart, wonderfully witty mutton dealer who would regularly regale us with his sharp stories. Yet, the tapestry of Nowhatta was woven with humor and poignant human journeys just as much as it was with high intellect. Among our circle of common friends at the Chowk was Abdul Rashid Tichoo. In our youth, he was simply a jolly fellow who filled our days with laughter. I still vividly remember the day before one Eid, when Tichoo proudly squeezed into a pair of brand-new, impossibly tight trousers from Deen Tailors. The fit was so uncompromising that the pants could not be removed for an entire week, until he finally had to march down to the tailor's shop in Malaratta to be literally scissored out of his own finery! In later years, Tichoos path took a more serious turn; he stepped into politics, contesting the assembly elections. Life also dealt him a devastating blow when his son tragically passed away in a road accident in the UAE. In a beautiful, enduring act of devotion and memory, Tichoo later constructed a magnificent mosque in honor of his late son. In the shadow of Hari Parbat and surrounded by sacred spaces like the Ziyarat of Naqshband Sahab and Makhdoom Sahab, Dastgeer Sahab, Nowhatta became a natural sanctuary for both the intellect and the soul. Every alleyway (koocha) here has a story, and virtually every traditional house has been home to a jurist, a community elder, or a scholar. From the spiritual leadership of the Mirwaiz family to the lively characters of the marketplace, Nowhatta has always held the pulse of the valley. As I look back on these bygone days, I wish Zahid Ghulam Mohammad the very best and pray that the souls of our departed friends rest in eternal peace. I hope and pray that the glorious legacy of Nowhatta continues to serve the people of Kashmir to its absolute best, shining as brightly into the future as it always has in the past. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative services. Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
ED charge sheets Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora in 102 cr money laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora. This action stems from an alleged over 102 crore money laundering probe. The investigation links Arora to fraudulent Goods and Services Tax transactions. Arora allegedly played a central and controlling role in these illicit activities. Further investigation is ongoing to trace additional proceeds of crime.
