How did social media rumours in Punjab lead to protests at two private universities? | Explained
What happened in Chitkara University and Lovely Professional University? What are the police probing?
Punjabi Singer Gill Raunta Joins Jailed MP Amritpal Singh's Akali Dal
Born Gurwinder Singh Gill, the 35-year-old is a prominent Punjabi lyricist, writer, author, and actor from the Raunta village in Moga district of Punjab.
Analysis: Why Punjab's Sikh Politics Is Not Just About Having A Jat Leader
All top leaders of major political parties in Punjab belong to the same social background.
India Summons Pakistan Envoy Over Punjab Infiltration, Rejects Civilian Killing Allegation
India on Saturday summoned the Charg dAffaires of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over what it described as the continued facilitation of illegal cross-border infiltration from Pakistan. The move came hours after Pakistan summoned Indias Charg dAffaires in Islamabad over the killing of two Pakistani men near the International Border on [] The post India Summons Pakistan Envoy Over Punjab Infiltration, Rejects Civilian Killing Allegation appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Team game, each player has a role: Pargat brings hockey playbook to Punjab Congress
India summons Pakistan envoy over Ferozepur border firing incident
India summoned Pakistan's Charge d'Affaires after Pakistan protested the alleged killing of two men near the Punjab border, with both sides giving different accounts of the October 2 incident
Navpreet Singh needs to be taken to 4 states for probe: Delhi Police tells Rouse Avenue Court
The accused Navpreet Singh has to be taken to Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab for investigation, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Akhand Pratap Singh for Delhi Police submitted before a Special NDPS Judge at Rouse Avenue Court. After hearing the submissions, the court granted 10-day custody of Navpreet Singh to Delhi Police. The Rouse Avenue court on Saturday remanded alleged Narco Network Kingpin Navpreet Singh to 10 days of police custody. He was deported from Turkey on Saturday. He was wanted in an NDPS case of 2022. Special Judge (NDPS) Anuradha Shukla granted 10 days of police custody to Navpreet Singh after hearing the submissions of Delhi police and counsel for Delhi Police. Delhi Police Special Cell produced Navpreet Singh before the court and sought 10 days' custody to investigate the case. The court asked why 10 days' police custody is required. The court asked what evidence is against the accused. SPP submitted that there are three charge-sheeted accused...
Himesh Reshammiya, Shilpa Rao, Anu Malik, Hariharan, Euphoria Band, Roop Kumar Rathod, Neeraj Shridhar and several other artists are set to perform at the 10th anniversary edition of the Bollywood Music Project. The festival will take place at Jio Gardens in Mumbai on October 24, 2026, bringing together artists from Bollywood, folk, Sufi, indie, pop and Punjabi music across multiple stages. The upcoming edition follows last years festival, which saw an attendance of over 20,000 people. The 2026 line-up will feature more than 20 artists and 10 curated acts, with performances scheduled across the Main Stage and Second Stage. Deepak Choudhary, Organiser, Bollywood Music Project stated, Ten years ago, we set out to build a boundary-breaking playground where legendary maestros, chart-topping pop icons and indie visionaries could coexist on the same stage. To watch the IP evolve from an ambitious dream into a massive cultural phenomenon is nothing short of historic. This landmark 10th anniversary is our definitive love letter to the fans and we are dialling up the scale, production and sonic diversity to deliver an absolute juggernaut of a festival experience. Himesh Reshammiya will headline the Main Stage with a set featuring songs from across his career. Shilpa Rao will perform in the prime-time slot ahead of the finale, while Hariharan will take the stage alongside his son Akshay Hariharan. Himesh Reshammiya stated, Im really happy to be performing at The Bollywood Music Project. Its a great live celebration of Bollywood music, and Im looking forward to bringing the audience an energetic and unforgettable evening with some of my biggest hits and lots of nostalgia. Shilpa Rao stated, We are putting together a performance that is full of heart and high energy. We are looking forward to watching the audience leave the festival with a memory that stays with them for a very long time. The Main Stage will also feature Euphoria Band, which will perform alongside Vaishali Samant, Shalmali Kholgade and Abhay Jodhpurkar. Anu Malik will present a collaborative showcase with Babul Supriyo, Shahid Mallya and his daughters Anmol Malik and Ada Malik, featuring songs from across his career. Anu Malik stated, Sharing the stage for this special showcase alongside Babul Supriyo, Shahid Mallya and my daughters, Anmol Malik and Ada Malik, is an incredibly emotional moment for me. We are taking the audience on a journey through my composed melodies and cinematic songs that have defined generations of Indian music. It is a true celebration of family and the music that connects us all. Hariharan stated, Music is a beautiful language that connects different generations, and sharing the stage with Akshay is a wonderful continuation of that journey. This performance is our way of bringing together timeless classical roots with a fresh, modern sound. It is a very intimate and proud moment for us, and we are excited to experience it live with the fans. Roop Kumar Rathod and Sunali Rathod will perform Sufi and romantic numbers during the afternoon, while Neeraj Shridhar will bring his popular pop tracks to the festival. Playback singer Anirudh Susuwaram will open the Main Stage. The Second Stage will offer a mix of folk, semi-classical, indie and contemporary music. The line-up includes Rajasthani folk fusion artist Kutle Khan, semi-classical and folk singer Junaid Ahmed, Anjana Padmanabhan and indie-rock act Bombay Bandook. Jaan Kumar Sanu, Aseem, The Qurious Band and Retro2Metro will also perform as part of the Second Stage line-up. Palash Sen stated, Euphoria has always thrived on the raw love and energy of the fans who have stood by independent Hindi rock. Teaming up with brilliant voices like Vaishali Samant, Abhay Jodhpurkar and more allows us to bring our classic stadium anthems and brand new music to life with a fresh perspective. We are ready to hit the stage, have an absolute blast, and give the audience a Dhoomsday they won't forget The 10th anniversary edition will also include experiential zones and curated food and beverage kiosks as part of the festival set-up. Tickets for the Bollywood Music Project 2026 will be available exclusively on District by Zomato. HSBC is the presenting sponsor, while Hero Vida, JBL India and Vijay Sales are the co-powered partners. Ticket prices will range from INR 1,499 to INR 14,999 across General Access, VIP and Lounge categories. Also Read : Netizens shower praise on Afsaana Banaaya Aapne from Gunmaaster G9, call it a nostalgic throwback
Key Conspirator In 2016 Nabha Jailbreak In Punjab Gets Bail
Romi has been granted bail in the Nabha jailbreak case by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, while a Nabha court has also granted him bail in a separate case registered under the Arms Act.
Popular Punjabi social media influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu was shot dead in Amritsar on Saturday evening after two unidentified men allegedly opened fire at him on a motorcycle, police said. The incident took place...
Does Article 14 Belong in Arbitration? The Pre-Deposit Reference in Santosh Associate
LAST MONTH, the Division Bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Manmohan of the Supreme Court pronounced its judgment in Santosh Associate (P) Ltd. v. Haryana SIIDC Ltd. (2026) in which it made reference to a larger bench the question of whether an arbitration clause that requires a refundable pre-deposit to be made by a claimant as a precondition to arbitration is legally valid. The reference was necessitated by the fact that the Division Bench expressed disagreement with a decision of a full bench (3 judges) of the Supreme Court in S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009), where a similar clause was upheld as valid. The reference is a welcome development inasmuch as it will clear the ambiguity around such pre deposit clauses. However, the earlier line of cases which test the validity of such pre-deposit clauses against constitutional standards in what should be a purely an Arbitration Act and/or private law issue, raises important questions that a larger bench would do well to address. Facts The Appellant held a works contract with HSIIDC awarded through a tender. Clause 25-A(vii) of the contract made the reference to arbitration non-maintainable unless the contractor first furnished a security deposit on a slab basis: 2% for claims below 10,000, 5% up to 1 lakh, and 10% for claims of 1 lakh and above. At the end of the arbitration the deposit was adjusted against any costs awarded against the contractor, and the balance, or the whole sum if no costs were awarded, was refunded within one month of the award. At the threshold, HSIIDC made an application under Section 16 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (Arbitration Act) to the appointed arbitrator challenging his jurisdiction because the pre-deposit had not been made by the Appellant. The Arbitrator ruled in favour of HSIIDC and directed the Appellant to make the deposit, and dismissed the claim when it refused. The Commercial Court, Gurugram dismissed the Appellant's Section 37 appeal, relying on S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009). The Appellant then appealed to the Supreme court. Discussion of Law The Supreme Court in Santosh Associate draws from a line of earlier Supreme Court cases to arrive at its holding and reference to a larger bench. S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009): In this case, a full bench (3 judges) of the Supreme Court had the opportunity to examine a pre-deposit clause similar to one in question in SK Associate . The claimant contractor in a public works contract had to pay a refundable security deposit to the Haryana Government to invoke arbitration under the arbitration clause of the said contract. The Court upheld this pre-deposit condition stating that there was logic in the clause to prevent frivolous and inflated claims. Further, the tiered percentage rates (of the claim) for the pre-deposits were also found to have merit. Notably, while arriving at the judgment, the Court rejected the arguments of unequal bargaining power in commercial contracts citing Central Inland Water Transport Corp. Ltd. v. Brojo Nath Ganguly (1986). It stated that there was no compulsion on anyone to enter into these contracts and that it was voluntary on both sides rejecting allegations of state power. It also rejected arguments on doctrine of fairness (to be undertaken by the State) given it is an administrative law concept and refused to invoke any additional public law standards for the States dealings in the performance of contracts. Icomm Tele Ltd. v. Punjab State Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Anr. (2019): Here, a Division Bench (2 judges) of the Supreme Court through Justice Rohinton Nariman examined the validity of a deposit-at-all condition in the arbitration clause for a public works contract tendered by the Punjab State Water Supply and Sewerage Board. The clause stipulated a 10% deposit to invoke arbitration by the claimant contractor which would be refunded only in proportion to the percentage success of the claim amount. The Court here struck down this deposit-at-call clause. It differentiated the facts from SK Jain . The clause in question in SK Jain stipulated a refundable deposit as opposed to an essentially non-refundable clause in Icomm . Further, there was no plea taken in SK Jain that the arbitration clause was violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. It is interesting that SK Jain rejected the invocation of public law standards for the State in the contractual sphere, but the Court in Icomm seems to have imported Article 14 and public law commitments of the State into the contractual sphere as well. The Court cited ABL International Ltd. v. ECGIL (2004) to hold that the State has the responsibility to act fairly and reasonably in terms of Article 14 even in the contractual sphere. The Court emphasised that arbitration is an important alternate dispute resolution process and must be encouraged given the high pendency of cases in the courts and cost of litigation. It held that the clause as such defeats the very purpose of alternate dispute resolution given that it would discourage claims and render arbitration expensive and ineffective. Lombardi Engineering Ltd. v. Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (2024): In this case, a full bench of the Supreme Court speaking though Justice JB Pardiwala had the opportunity to examine yet another arbitration pre-deposit clause in a public works contract. The clause stipulated that 7% of the claim amount would need to be furnished as a fixed deposit for security. However, no criteria for eligibility or conditions for refund of the security deposit was mentioned in the clause. Given the ambiguity and vagueness of the clause, the Court struck it down. In doing so, also held the clause as violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. Notably, upon an examination of previous Supreme Court and High Court judgement, the Court also held that there was no conflict between Icomm and SK Jain . The clauses in question in those cases were on a different footing. More interestingly, what the Court picked up on was the observation in Icomm that no plea of Article 14 reasonableness was taken in SK Jain . The Court dedicated a whole section to whether the validity of a pre-deposit condition can be decided on the anvil of Article 14 and be decided in a petition to appoint an arbitrator under Section 11 of the Act. The Court held that a referral court under Section 11(6) can test an arbitration clause against Article 14 since the arbitration agreement sits below the Constitution and the 1996 Act in the grundnorm hierarchy. Party autonomy therefore cannot extend to terms that violate fundamental rights, and a contractor's consent to a pre-deposit clause at the time of contracting does not estop it from challenging that clause. Relying on Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corpn. (1985) and Basheshar Nath v. CIT (1958), the Court held that the Article 14 right cannot be waived. Discussion in Santosh Associate The starting point of the reasoning of the Court in Santosh Associate was approvingly citing from Justice Hrishikesh Roys opinion in Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE) v. ECI SPIC SMO MCML (JV) (2025) concerning Section 18 of the Arbitration Act which mandates equal treatment of parties across all stages of arbitral proceedings as being mandatory and non-derogable. However, it also cited from the portion of the majority judgment in CORE which cited Lombardi to the extent of holding that party autonomy cannot be stretched to an extent where it violates fundamental rights of parties under the constitution. It found that unlike Lombardi which found no conflict between SK Jain and Icomm , Icomm indeed is in conflict with SK Jain . The Court said Icomm could not have overridden the ratio of SK Jain even though the Court was in prima facie agreement with the reasoning in Icomm . It also held that given judicial discipline, it could not hold SK Jain to be sub silentio or no longer good law. It also cited a Smt. Gangabai v. Vijay Kumar (1974) wherein the supreme court reiterated that the right to sue inheres in every individual and it is no defence to contend that there is no such right. Unlike an appeal, the maintainability of a suit requires no statutory sanction. It also said that such pre-deposit clauses fall foul of Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act, 1972 which voids any contractual stipulation that restrains parties from enforcing contractual rights by the usual proceedings in ordinary tribunals. Having said this, the Court said that it was of the view that an arbitration clause cannot impose pre-deposit conditions so onerous as to render the right to sue illusory or nugatory. A stipulation mandating the deposit of a substantial percentage of claim amount as a precondition to invoking arbitration would inevitably, suppress claims, deter recourse to ADR, and defeat its very object. Consequently, the court framed the following questions for reference to a larger bench: Whether a stipulation requiring the contractor alone to make a pre-deposit of security/fees prior to reference of disputes to arbitration is contrary to Section 18 of the Act, which mandates equal treatment of parties at all stages of arbitration Whether pre-deposit conditions in contracts having an arbitration clause discourage Alternative Dispute Resolution and undermine its objective of declogging the court system? Whether a condition of pre-deposit of security/fees prior to reference to arbitration is arbitrary and violative of the right to sue, as well as Article 14 of the Constitution and Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872? Whether a requirement of pre-deposit of security/fees has any rational relation to the object of curbing frivolous claims? At that stage it cannot be said that the claims are frivolous, and such claims may in any case be addressed through costs under Section 31(8) of the Act at the conclusion of the arbitral proceedings. Whether a pre-deposit condition is valid in an arbitration case where the deposit is refundable upon the conclusion of the arbitration proceedings? Whether S.K. Jain v. State of Haryana (2009) is a valid and binding precedent? The Supreme Courts Snowballing Doctrinal Confusion The judgment in SK Jain was pronounced in 2009, in the pre-BALCO ( Bharat Aluminium Co. v. Kaiser Aluminium Technical Services Inc. (2012)) era, when courts intervened far more in arbitration-related proceedings. After BALCO, courts have been far more hands-off in dealing with arbitration, and far more attentive to party autonomy and the equality of parties under the Arbitration Act. I postulate that SK Jain would never have upheld such a unilateral pre-deposit clause had BALCO come to pass before it. Even so, what SK Jain did well, even if its conclusion may have been wrong, was to refuse to invoke administrative and public law principles at the stage of arbitration reference. In doing so, it stated that the State is not liable to fulfil its duties in the contractual sphere in the same way it does when carrying out its sovereign and public functions. There is no doubt that the grant of tenders by public authorities can be scrutinised by courts, as it is essentially a public and sovereign function of the State. However, it would be better if the State were treated as any other private party once a public works contract is entered into, and its performance and the disputes arising from it come to be adjudicated, much like SK Jain held. The problem has been that the Supreme Court has since been reading Article 14 reasonableness and administrative law principles into the functioning of essentially private contracts when it ought not to. This is apparent not just from Icomm and Lombardi . In CORE too, where the Supreme Court held unilateral appointments of arbitrators by one disputing party impermissible, the majority opinion said that Article 14 could be read into public-private contracts. Lombardi , Icomm , and CORE invoked Article 14 in the context of arbitration, but the Supreme Court has also been allowing Article 14 to be read into the States contractual dealings more generally as well (See for example, Madras Aluminium Co. Ltd. v. T.N. SEB (2023)). Reading Constitutional Standards into the States Contracts Is Unfair to Everyone The problems with this approach are apparent on the face of it. It is fair neither to the State nor to private parties in general for Article 14 to be read into the States functions in the contractual realm. The State does exercise its commercial weight in all its contracts. It is a monopsony and can extract very favourable terms from contractors, terms which a contractor would not agree to with others in normal market conditions. If Article 14 testing were to be applied, then not only such arbitration clauses but almost every contract of a State body would be susceptible to judicial review. Article 14 invocation will upend government contracting if future judgments continue going down this path. Article 14 then becomes a blunt weapon to attack anything perceived as less than palatable in the States commercial contracts. Commercial contracts should not be interfered with in this manner. The bargain struck by the parties should be upheld. Most of the pre-deposit cases deal with one State party and one private party. What if such a pre-deposit clause were introduced in an arbitration clause between two private parties say, a private contractor and a private owner? Would the court uphold such a clause? Article 14 cannot be invoked against a private party. By giving an Article 14 justification rather than a statutory one, the courts end up creating situations where clauses may be valid not on the basis of what their content is but who the parties are. This persistent widening of constitutional principles to test and challenge anything is akin to using a bazooka to kill a mosquito, when a humble spray would have sufficed. The Solution This view is further elaborated in Justice Hrishikesh Roys dissent in CORE . Agreeing with Justice Narasimha that public law principles evolved in constitutional and administrative law should not generally be imported into arbitration law, he held that equality between the arbitrating parties must be anchored in the framework of the Arbitration Act itself, with the obligations of fair treatment grounded in Sections 12 to 15 and Section 18 of the Act. Importing constitutional principles at the Section 11 stage, in his view, would defeat the very objective of the Arbitration Act and depart from the norm of minimal judicial intervention. The solution here was simple. The humble spray referred to above would have been Section 18 of the Arbitration Act, which mandates equal treatment of parties. Had Section 18 alone been used, such pre-deposit clauses would have been outlawed simpliciter on the basis of the statute, as opposed to the Constitution, which cannot be enforced against private parties and opens a Pandoras box for the State. And even in the contractual sphere, if the fear is that the State will not perform its duties in good faith, instead of reading Article 14 reasonableness, courts can infer duties of good faith in commercial contracts. Although good faith dealing in contract law is not part of common law, following Bates v. Post Office pronounced by the English High Court in 2019, good faith dealings are being read into performance of contracts in relational contracts. Indian courts can certainly create common law for government contract dealing rather than open up avenues for constitutional challenges. The Santosh Associate judgment also refers to Section 28 of the Indian Contract Act (which declares agreements in restraint of legal proceedings void) and the common law right to sue. These are other instruments, short of the Constitution, available to courts to restrict pre-deposit clauses. The resort to Article 14 is, therefore, perplexing. Conclusion The problem with the line of cases relation to arbitration pre-deposits is apparent. To the credit of the bench in Santosh Associate , the precise questions for reference also delineate whether the validity of such pre-deposit clauses should be tested against Article 14. Given the problems delineated above in importing constitutional provisions into the arbitration and private law realm, it is hoped that the larger bench looking into this issue will be open to considering the very doctrinal basis upon which these will be tested to be valid or invalid. Justice Roys and Narasimhas opinions in CORE will be a good starting point for the larger bench, when constituted.
AAP Expels Punjab MLA For Alleging Lack Of Teachers In Government Schools
Aam Aadmi Party's Maur MLA Sukhbir Singh Maiserkhana has publicly raised concerns over teacher shortages in government schools -- an act AAP deemed an anti-party activity.
Punjabi Makeup Artist and Influencer Mad Sandhu Shot Dead in Amritsar
Punjabi makeup artist and social media influencer Mad Sandhu was shot dead by two unidentified men riding a motorcycle in Amritsar on Saturday evening, according to reports. Sandhu, whose full name was Madhusudan, sustained a gunshot wound and was found lying on the road. He reportedly died while being taken to hospital. According to NDTV, [] The post Punjabi Makeup Artist and Influencer Mad Sandhu Shot Dead in Amritsar appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Congress is united, will form govt in Punjab in 2027: LoP Partap Singh Bajwa
Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, arrived in Hoshiarpur on Saturday. He held a meeting with the local Congress leadership at the residence of senior Congress leader and former MLA Pawan Adia. Speaking to reporters, Bajwa mentioned that he was travelling towards his home, and the route passed through Hoshiarpur. He decided to use this opportunity to meet and hold discussions with his fellow Congress leaders. Commenting on the appointment of Pargat Singh as the new Punjab Congress President, Bajwa stated that this was a decision made by the Congress High Command, and everyone has accepted it. He emphasised that the Congress party is completely united and there is no factionalism. He added that the Congress would contest the upcoming assembly elections unitedly and work with full vigour to form a Congress government in Punjab in 2027. Aiming at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Punjab government, Bajwa levelled serious allegations against Arvind Kejr...
AAP suspends Punjab MLA after he flags teacher shortage in emotional video
Punjabi makeup artist and influencer Mad Sandhu was shot dead in Amritsar after two unidentified men allegedly opened fire at him. As police investigate the killing, a video showing Sandhu injured on the road has gone viral online. Known for his makeup and fashion content, Sandhu had also spoken openly about LGBTQ+ acceptance and being gay despite facing homophobic trolling.
Punjab to add 10,000 police personnel in fight against drug menace: CM Mann
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said 10,000 new recruitments in the police will be made to root out drugs, as he highlighted the state's fight against the drug menace. Speaking at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Academy, Phillaur, after honouring police officers, he said police have full freedom to take every legitimate action against drugs and directed them to go to villages and towns, take people along and crack down on the menace. He said 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' has now become a mass awareness movement across Punjab, while the police force will soon get 450 ASIs and 3,400 police personnel. The state government is expanding and modernising the police force, he said, adding that We are directly recruiting 450 ASIs. Around 3,400 recruits are currently undergoing training, while 10,000 additional police posts are proposed to be advertised in the coming financial year. This is a historic initiative through which I, along with the Director General of Police, am directly engagin
Car rammed, 3 bullets to chest: Ludhiana youth shot dead in attack targeting friend
AAP MLA Sukhveer Maiserkhana hits out at Punjab govt over teacher shortage in schools
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana raised concerns over teacher vacancies and other basic issues in schools in his constituency (Maur), saying he has repeatedly urged the government to fill the vacant posts so that students can study properly. In a self-made video on social media, Maiserkhana said he had repeatedly appealed for the filling of teacher vacancies and urged authorities to address the requirements of schools. I am not fighting against schools; I am fighting for them. It is not just my children studying there; children from all over. Children of other people study in these schools, he said. Maiserkhana said the issue concerned the education system and the prevailing situation in schools. It is a matter of our education system and the current state of affairs. I know what the situation is like in these schools; I could not tolerate it anymore, he said. If I am wrong, I apologise, but I am speaking up today because of the situation we have reached...
Pakistan summons Indian diplomat, protests killing of two people by BSF
BSF troops on Friday shot dead two suspected Pakistani intruders along the International Border in Punjab's Tarn Taran district, officials say; the identities of the two deceased are being ascertained
Pakistan summons Indian diplomat, protests killing of two people by BSF
BSF troops on Friday shot dead two suspected Pakistani intruders along the International Border in Punjab's Tarn Taran district, officials say; the identities of the two deceased are being ascertained
Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh pitches team spirit to faction-ridden unit
Newly appointed PCC chief reaches out to competing factions amid the upcoming Assembly election; appeals to all those who left Congress to return to the party
Pak summons Indian envoy over killing of 2 'intruders' by BSF
Pakistan has summoned India's Charge d'Affaires to protest the killing of two alleged civilians by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the international border in Punjab. While India claims the individuals were intruders, Pakistan asserts they were unarmed civilians and demands a transparent investigation into the incident.
Congress Falls Back On A Fullback: Where Pargat Singh Fits In The Punjab Poll Play
Vijay Inder Singla, a Hindu face, was reportedly the frontrunner before the Congress replaced one Jat Sikh with another as its Punjab unit chief. How far does such arithmetic work in the state's politics? Pargat's appointment holds some of the answers.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced plans for 10,000 new police recruitments to combat drug problems effectively. He emphasized the police's full autonomy to act against drug trafficking in communities. The state government is enhancing police resources and integrating technology-driven approaches in their operations. Discussions with the Centre aim to strengthen the NDPS Act against drug-related offenses further.
Pakistan summons Indian diplomat, protests killing of 2 people by BSF
Pakistan summoned Indias Charge dAffaires on Saturday to protest the killing of two people by BSF personnel near the Punjab border, calling them civilians and denying they were intruders. Indian officials said the two men crossed into Indian territory despite warnings and were shot after allegedly provoking troops.
Do you support anti-sacrilege bill or not: AAP leader Cheema asks Pargat Singh
Drugs and beadbi (sacrilege) were among the biggest political issues in Punjab during the Akali Dal (Badal)-BJP rule, yet Pargat Singh did not publicly raise his voice against either issue while he was part of the Akali Dal, said Harpal Singh Cheema
MP Sahney announces Rs 25 lakh bravery award for Capt Machchhar
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 3 (IANS) Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney on Saturday announced a Rs 25 lakh Smit Machchhar Bravery Award to honour Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage and presence of mind during the life-threatening cockpit attack on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Captain Machchhar acted with remarkable courage and helped avert a major tragedy, safeguarding the lives of around 170 passengers. Appreciating his exemplary act of bravery and selflessness, Sahney said that such courage represents the finest spirit of India and should inspire the younger generation. Sahney has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that Captain Machchhar be considered for the Ashoka Chakra and a national bravery award. He said that the award would also strengthen efforts towards creating opportunities for underprivileged youth. Free skill training is being provided across nearly 20 courses, including aviation, to thousands of youths in Punjab. As part of this initiative, support had been extended for the pilot training of Kulveer Kaur, daughter of an Anganwadi worker from Barnala, enabling her to undergo training in both India and South Africa. She is now a commercial pilot. Sahney announced that the pilot-training programme for economically disadvantaged youths would be further strengthened through scholarships in Captain Smit Machchhars name, turning his act of courage into an enduring source of opportunity and inspiration. Captain Machchhar believed that being a soldier was not just a profession but a responsibility towards the motherland. He knew that the path of a soldier was full of challenges, danger and sacrifice, but nothing could weaken his spirit. Known for his extraordinary bravery, Captain Machchhar has reportedly emerged as a symbol of courage, determination and quick action.
Punjab and Haryana High Court Clerk Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 1,270 Posts
The Society for Centralized Recruitment of Staff in Subordinate Courts (S.S.S.C.), under the High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh, has released Detailed Employment Notice No. 37C/SSSC/PB/2026, dated 3 October 2026, inviting online applications on behalf of the District and Sessions Judges in the State of Punjab, for filling 1,270 posts of Clerk in the District Courts of Punjab by direct recruitment. Eligible candidates can apply online at sssc.gov.in from 7 October 2026 (4:00 PM) to 4 November 2026 (4:00 PM).
Punjab AAP question State Congress Chief over silence on drugs, sacrilege
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 3 (IANS) The Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday questioned the new State Congress President Pargat Singh over his silence on drugs and 'beadbi' (sacrilege) when he was associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal and was the Education and Sports Minister. State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asked Pargat Singh to explain why he did not raise his voice against the drug menace and incidents of 'beadbi' during the period when he was associated with the Akali Dal. Drugs and 'beadbi' were among the biggest political issues in Punjab during the Akali Dal (Badal)-BJP rule, yet Pargat Singh did not publicly raise his voice against either issue while he was part of the Akali Dal. The people of Punjab deserve to know why the new State Congress President remained silent on matters that deeply affected the state, Cheema asked. He said that Pargat Singh himself has said that there were two factions within the Congress on the issue of 'beadbi': one that wanted action against those responsible and another that, according to him, was protecting the Badals. Today, as Congress President Pargat Singh must tell Punjab which faction he is leading; the one that wanted justice in 'beadbi' cases or the one that was protecting the Badals, he added. Commenting on Pargat Singh's tenure as the Education Minister, Cheema said, Pargat Singh, as the Education Minister, had been urged to follow the proper legal procedure and route the recruitment of 1,158 Assistant Professors and Librarians through the Punjab Public Service Commission, but the process went ahead despite objections. The recruitment was subsequently set aside by the Supreme Court. He said the incident had caused serious uncertainty for the young people who had gone through the recruitment process. Why were established procedures not followed? Pargat Singh must answer for the decisions taken during his tenure in the Education Department. Cheema added that there is no doubt about Pargat Singh's achievements as a hockey player and his contribution to Indian hockey, but his record as Sports Minister has to be judged separately. Despite his own experience of the requirements of sport and athletes, the sports budget under the previous government remained at around Rs 147 crore. In contrast, the Finance Minister said the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has substantially increased the allocation for sports, with Rs 1,746 crore provided in the current budget.
AAP moving towards extinction, says Pawan Khera as former leader Priyanka Kakkar joins Congress
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Saturday said those seeking to work at the ideological level in the country believe the Congress is the only means, while targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and saying that the party has become weak and is now moving towards extinction in Punjab. Speaking to ANI, Khera said, Everyone wants to come on this path because the path to save this country's Constitution and democracy is the path of the Congress Party. See further what happens in which party... It (AAP) has become weak. Now it is moving towards extinction (in Punjab)... the leader is the wisest person. When they understand the pulse of the society, they understand where the wind is blowing... Those who want to achieve something at the ideological level in the country feel that Congress is the only means, he further said. His remarks came after former AAP leader Priyanka Kakkar, former Uttar Pradesh MLA Shyam Sundar Sharma and journalist Rajat Rakesh Tandon joined the Congress earlier in the d...
BSF Neutralizes Two Pakistani Intruders Along Punjab Border
Political Reactions Emerge Following Paragat Singhs Appointment as Punjab Congress President
Political leaders from BJP and AAP respond critically to Paragat Singhs new role as Punjab Congress president. Political Reactions Emerge Following Paragat Singhs Appointment as Punjab Congress President
PSSSB Craft Instructor Admit Card 2026 Out - Download Hall Ticket at sssb.punjab.gov.in
PSSSB Craft Instructor Admit Card 2026 is out. Exam is on 6 to 13 October 2026 for 681 posts. Check the download steps, exam day rules and FAQs, then download your hall ticket now.
Hanjer Biotech Under CBI Scanner For Rs 93 Crore Bank Fraud
The CBI has registered an alleged bank fraud case against Mumbai-based Hanjer Biotech Energies Pvt. Ltd for causing a loss of over Rs 93.44 crore to Punjab National Bank. The company is accused of diverting a Rs 135 crore term loan, leading to searches at its Mumbai premises.
Eh Din Roz Ni Aune | Song - Yaara Oye
Watch the song Yaara Oye from punjabi movie 'Eh Din Roz Ni Aune' starring Harbhajan Mann, Nirmal Rishi and Sukh Pindiala. 'Eh Din Roz Ni Aune' song Yaara Oye is sung by Sharry Mann and music is given by Yeah Proof. Lyrics of 'Eh Din Roz Ni Aune' song Yaara Oye are written by Happy Raikoti. To know more about song Yaara Oye from Harbhajan Mann, Nirmal Rishi and Sukh Pindiala starrer 'Eh Din Roz Ni Aune' watch the video.
Experience The New Punjabi Music Video 'Kalli Khadi' by Watan Sahi
Get ready to be swept away by the latest punjabi track 'Kalli Khadi' beautifully sung by Watan Sahi. This captivating track feature mesmerizing music given by Watan Sahi and beautiful lyrics are also penned by Watan Sahi. Don't miss the chance to witness Watan Sahi's performance in the captivating punjabi video track 'Kalli Khadi'. Dive into a world of musical excellence by exploring more punjabi tracks in the music videos section of punjabi ETimes. Discover the incredible vocal talents of Watan Sahi. Indulge in the latest punjabi video tracks of 2026, groove to the soulful compositions by Watan Sahi, immerse in the punjabi music video tracks.
Parliamentary panel reshuffle: Full list
Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have reconstituted their department-related parliamentary standing committees for the year, keeping most sitting chairpersons in place while handing a few panels to new names.Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been reappointed chairperson of the standing committee on external affairs, according to PTI. Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi retains charge of the panel on agriculture.Here is the full list: Full list of panel chairsExternal affairs: Shashi Tharoor (Congress), reappointedAgriculture: Charanjit Singh Channi (Congress), retainedTransport: Sanjay Kumar Jha, reappointedCoal, mines and steel: Anurag Thakur (BJP), retainedHealth and family welfare: Ram Gopal Yadav (Samajwadi Party), retainedIndustry: Tiruchi Siva (DMK), named chairpersonPersonnel, public grievances, law and justice: Sujeet Kumar (BJP), named chairpersonEducation, women, children and youth: Mukul Wasnik (Congress), retainedCommerce: Sudhanshu Trivedi (BJP), appointed in place of TMC's Dola SenEnergy: Shrirang Barne (Shiv Sena), reappointedScience and technology, environment, forests and climate change: Medha Vishram Kulkarni (BJP), retainedCommunications and information technology: Nishikant Dubey (BJP), reappointedHome affairs: Radha Mohan Das Agarwal (BJP), reappointedDepartment-related standing committees examine ministries' budgets, bills and policies through the year and can summon officials and experts for scrutiny. Most panels are reconstituted annually, and this round keeps the broad party balance from the previous term largely unchanged, with commerce and the personnel, law and justice panel the two clear changes of guard.
Chandigarh [India], October 3: The Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University has secured a grant of over Rs 17 lakhs from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Government of India for conducting a three-month specialized training programme on 'Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide' aimed at building a skilled workforce in nature conservation, sustainable and responsible tourism and green entrepreneurship.
3rd ODI: Naman Dhir Eyes Special Outing At Home Ground As Parents Watch From Stands
New PCA Stadium: A tough phase during the Covid-19 pandemic almost saw batting all-rounder Naman Dhir shift base to Canada, but a crucial push from his father to give cricket another shot for a year has brought him to play for India at his home ground with his parents watching from the stands. Faridkot-based Dhir is set to feature in the third ODI at the New PCA Stadium against the West Indies, an occasion that carries deep personal significance for him. After Covid-19 in 2020 and 2021, I was thinking of migrating to Canada where my sisters live because I hadn't gotten any break. At under 16, I played for Punjab. But after that, I didnt get any chance. But my dad said, Let's take one more year. Let's give it your all this year. Luckily, I got picked for Ranji Trophy and after that, I was picked for IPL and then the journey started, Dhir said in a chat with broadcasters ahead of the start of third ODI. Taking the field at his home venue in India colours marks a landmark moment for the young cricketer, surrounded by family, friends, and local supporters who have witnessed his rise. I think it will be a very good experience for me, playing in my home ground. My family is coming as well. A lot of people who know me have come here as well. I have started my journey here. So, it will be a very special moment for me, he said. Although eager to showcase his batting abilities in front of his home crowd and family, something which he hasnt got to do in Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati, Dhir expressed complete satisfaction with how India's top order has been dictating play and dominating the ongoing series already clinched by the hosts. There was not an injury. It was only cramps because of the heat. So, I'm completely fine. Obviously, I'm very keen, especially in front of my home ground and my parents, I'm very keen to bat. Although eager to showcase his batting abilities in front of his home crowd and family, something which he hasnt got to do in Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati, Dhir expressed complete satisfaction with how India's top order has been dictating play and dominating the ongoing series already clinched by the hosts. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Can Pargat Singh unite Punjab Congress ahead of 2027 polls?
Former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Pargat Singh has been appointed the new president of the Punjab Congress, replacing Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. A three-time MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment, Singh's elevation comes amidst internal party wrangling and is seen as a strategic move to unite factions ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. His journey spans from a decorated sports career to a prominent political figure, having previously served as a minister and consistently winning his assembly seat.
Bhagwant Mann Govt Makes Triple H Screening A Part of its 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' Initiative
Punjab's fight against drug abuse and communicable diseases is strengthening with Triple H screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C set to begin shortly in government de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities. The decision is part of the Bhagwant Mann's Yudh Nashean
Im a team player, will work as full-back: New Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh
Pargat Singh, the former Indian hockey captain who replaced Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as State Congress president, said the partys team was a good one and decisions would be taken unanimously
Who Is Pargat Singh? Congress Picks Hockey Legend As New Captain In Punjab Ahead Of 2027 Elections
The Congress has appointed former India hockey captain and Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh as the new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, replacing Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. The appointment comes as the party prepares for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections and follows consultations among senior leaders. Pargat, a Jat Sikh leader, was chosen over former minister Vijay Inder Singla. A three-time MLA, Pargat first won Jalandhar Cantonment in 2012 on a Shiromani Akali Dal ticket before joining Congress in 2016. He also served as a cabinet minister in the Charanjit Singh Channi government. Before politics, Pargat captained India at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. He was awarded the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri for his contribution to Indian hockey and sports.
Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh says Punjabis reject politics of hatred
Punjabi University Patiala Result 2026 Out - Check UG, PG
Punjabi University, Patiala has released results for UG, PG & Diploma Courses. See the full list with official result links and how to check your result.
BSF thwarts infiltration bid at Punjab border, shoots two Pakistani intruders dead
The incident occurred near BOP Rajoke after the intruders allegedly ignored warnings and continued moving towards the Indian side. Meanwhile, Punjab Police dismantled two illegal arms and narcotics networks, arresting four people and recovering 10 kg of heroin and 10 pistols.
Can Congresss Pargat Singh bridge Punjab units factional divide | Explained
New Punjab Congress chief a balancing act? Will the temporary calm hold?
Punjab Elections 2027: Congress Appoints Pargat Singh as State Unit Chief
Congress has made a significant change in its Punjab organisation with the appointment of former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh as new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. Singh takes charge at a crucial time for the party with the
Pargat Singhs rare sports-to-politics transition from the hockey turf to the helm of the Punjab Congress explains his political journey and why he replaced Warring as the Punjab Congress president
BSF shoots down two Pakistani intruders trying to cross border in Punjabs Tarn Taran
Hockey ex-captain Pargat Singh to lead Punjab Congress
The Congress party has appointed former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh as the new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, replacing Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Warring resigned voluntarily amidst internal party infighting and speculation about Sachin Pilot's influence, with the change coming ahead of state assembly elections.
Wamiqa Gabbi urges kindness towards animals: Lets make this world a little safer
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 3 (IANS) Actress Wamiqa Gabbi has urged everyone to show greater compassion towards animals, stressing that while they may not speak the same language, they experience emotions such as love, fear and pain. Wamiqa took to Instagram to share a string of videos featuring her with hens, puppies and goats, before wrapping up the post with a childhood picture of herself surrounded by pigeons. They may not speak our language, but they feel everything we do love, fear, pain, and kindness. Too often, animals are treated like they dont matter, when all they ask from us is a little compassion, care and a safe place to exist, she wrote as the caption. Wamiqa added: This Gandhi Jayanti, lets make a small promise. To be kinder, to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and to make this world a little safer for every living being. Talking about the actress, who turned 33 last month, made her screen debut as a child with a brief role in the Hindi film Jab We Met in 2007. She later established herself as a leading lady in Punjabi cinema with roles in comedy films, such as Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22, Nikka Zaildar 2 and its sequel Nikka Zaildar 3 as well as the crime drama Kali Jotta. Gabbi expanded into other languages with the Tamil romance Maalai Naerathu Mayakkam and the Malayalam sports drama Godha. She then transitioned into a period focused on Hindi streaming ventures such as the period drama series Jubilee, followed by her role as a spy's wife in Vishal Bhardwaj's thriller film Khufiya. She has also worked in films such as Bhool Chuk Maaf, Bhooth Bangla and Pati Patni Aur Woh Do. Wamiqa will next be seen in Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, an upcoming Hindi-language film directed by Avinash Arun. It stars Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher. The film is a biopic of Ujjwal Nikam who appeared against Ajmal Kasab in the trial of the 26/11 Mumbai attack case.
Warinderpreet Kaur, wife of newly appointed Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Pargat Singh, on Saturday welcomed the Congress leadership's decision to appoint him to the post and said he has never shied away from challenges. Speaking about his appointment, Warinderpreet Kaur said that Punjab presents several challenges for everyone, but Pargat Singh has faced difficult situations throughout his life and would take on the latest challenges with the same determination. Challenges are definitely present in Punjab for everyone. But Pargat Singh has never run away from challenges, nor has he ever been afraid. Being a sportsperson, he has faced challenges throughout his life. So this time too, he will face these challenges very well, she said. Her remarks came after the Congress appointed Pargat Singh as the president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect, replacing Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. The appointment was announced by Congress general sec...
Haryana BJP MLAs to meet PM Modi in Delhi amid SIR row, Punjab polls
The Opposition's vote theft allegations against Gyanesh Kumar gained momentum following a media report claiming differences within the poll panel
Pargat Singh vows to strengthen Cong in Punjab as state chief, serve people
After his appointment as the Punjab Congress president, Pargat Singh on Saturday thanked the party leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility and said he will work with dedication to strengthen the party and serve people in the state. The Congress appointed Singh as the president of the Punjab PCC on Friday after Amrinder Singh Raja Warring submitted his resignation. I sincerely thank Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, K C Venugopal, Punjab Congress in-charge Sachin Pilot and all senior Congress leaders for entrusting me with the responsibility of president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, Singh said in a post on X. I will work with complete dedication and commitment to strengthen Congress in Punjab and serve the people of our state, he added. Singh, 61, is a former Indian Hockey captain who led the Indian team in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. He made his entry into the political arena with the Shiromani
PMEGP empowers 8.12 lakh micro entrepreneurs with Rs 24,398 crore financial assistance
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 3 (IANS) Nearly 8.12 lakh micro entrepreneurs have been assisted with margin money (MM) subsidy to the tune of Rs 24,398.61 crore since FY2014-15 under the Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) for creating sustainable employment opportunities to 73.08 lakh people, according to the government. PMEGP, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), plays a crucial role in promoting self-employment by enabling the establishment of new micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Under the scheme, prospective entrepreneurs are provided with financial assistance in the form of Margin Money (MM) subsidy on bank-sanctioned loans providing much needed impetus to enterprise creation. The programme is transforming the aspirations of ordinary individuals into successful enterprises by providing easy access to credit supported by MM subsidy. It enables first-generation entrepreneurs to establish viable businesses, turning job seekers into job creators. The success of PMEGP is best reflected in the inspiring journeys of its beneficiaries, who have transformed their entrepreneurial aspirations into thriving enterprises. Founded by Pooja Sharma in Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh, Skinkaanti Ayurveda exemplifies remarkable growth from a modest micro-enterprise into Indias largest handmade soap manufacturing unit. Established with a project cost of Rs 25 lakh and supported by State Bank of India, the enterprise today records an impressive annual turnover of Rs 30 crore and provides employment to 300 individuals, of which 95 per cent are women. By blending Ayurvedic principles with modern scientific techniques, the unit has achieved significant technological breakthroughs, including improved manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction, while supplying products across India through diverse retail and institutional channels, said the ministry. Established by Surender Pal Singh Nagi in Mohali, Punjab, Ess Pee Quality Products has evolved into a globally competitive food processing enterprise. With an initial project cost of Rs 21 lakh financed by Bank of Baroda, the unit has grown into a Rs 38 crore turnover business, generating employment for around 130 individuals. The enterprise manufactures honey, cookies, and fruit jams, and exports to 26 countries, including the US, Australia, and France.
Over 44 Special Trains to Run Through Uttar Pradesh for Diwali and Chhath; Check Schedule
October 3, 2026: Railway authorities have increased the operation of festival special trains in view of the expected rush during Diwali, Dussehra and Chhath Puja. More than 44 special trains will pass through Uttar Pradesh during the festival season, connecting destinations including Bihar, Punjab, Delhi and Jammu. The special trains will operate during October and ... Read more Over 44 Special Trains to Run Through Uttar Pradesh for Diwali and Chhath; Check Schedule
From Badals To Captain: How Pargat Singh's Dissent May Have Scored It For Him
Hockey legend Pargat Singh's elevation as Punjab Congress president brings into focus a defining feature of his political journey - his willingness to challenge powerful leaders
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 3 (IANS) The weather is changing across several parts of the country, including Delhi-NCR, as conditions have become favourable for the withdrawal of the monsoon from North India. With rainfall coming to a halt, the weather has started clearing. However, there is a slight chill in the air. Mornings and evenings are witnessing a mild chill, although the Sun remains bright during the day. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon has completely withdrawn from Delhi-NCR. The weather in Delhi is expected to remain dry and sunny on Saturday, with no possibility of rain or drizzle in any part of the city. The entire region is expected to remain in the green zone. However, winds will continue to blow throughout the day at a speed of around 20-22 kmph, which is likely to keep the weather from becoming excessively hot. In the evening and at night, westerly winds are expected to slow down to around 15 kmph. Recent rainfall in Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states has brought a noticeable change in weather conditions. Both maximum and minimum temperatures have declined, resulting in a mild chill during the morning and nighttime. People stepping outdoors are likely to feel a slight coolness in the air. According to the Meteorological Department, Delhi is expected to experience clear and sunny weather throughout the day, with the maximum temperature likely to settle at around 36 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 24 degrees Celsius. Similar conditions are expected to prevail from October 3 to 5, with no significant changes forecast. There are currently no indications of storms or rainfall during this period. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'moderate' category. AQI readings included 154 at Mandir Marg, 149 at Aya Nagar, 186 at Punjabi Bagh, 191 at CRRI Mathura Road, 190 at Pusa, 173 at Sirifort, 167 at IGI Airport (T3), 163 at NSIT Dwarka, 173 at Burari Crossing, 198 at Alipur, 189 at R.K. Puram, 143 at Anand Vihar, 193 at Mundka, 188 at Rohini and 133 at Patparganj.
PM Modi to meet Haryana CM Saini, BJP MLAs in Delhi today
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 3 (IANS) All BJP MLAs from Haryana, including Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and state BJP President Archana Gupta, are scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday. The meeting is expected to take place in the evening and is likely to focus on key political and organisational issues concerning Haryana and the neighbouring states. According to the sources, discussions are expected to include preparations and the political situation ahead of the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections, as well as the Opposition's narrative around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The meeting assumes significance as the BJP continues to review its organisational preparedness and electoral strategy in poll-bound states. The party leadership is also expected to discuss how its state units should respond to the Opposition's allegations and campaign on SIR. The interaction with the Prime Minister is also likely to provide an opportunity for the party leadership to take feedback from Haryana legislators on political and organisational issues and discuss the BJP's preparations for upcoming electoral challenges. The meeting comes against the backdrop of the Opposition INDIA Bloc's offensive against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR issue. Earlier on Friday, AAP leaders and workers, who were detained during a protest at the national capital's Jantar Mantar and were brought to the Fatehpur Beri Police Station in south Delhi, asserted that they were ot afraid of the police while demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The Opposition's vote theft allegations against Gyanesh Kumar gained momentum following a media report claiming differences within the poll panel. Meanwhile, as per the recent organisational reshuffle in the BJP, former Union Minister Smriti Irani has replaced Satish Poonia as the party's Haryana in-charge. This comes at a time when the BJP has intensified its political activities in Punjab, with the drug menace emerging as one of its principal campaign issues ahead of the Assembly elections. The party has been targeting the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government over its handling of the drug problem, law and order and the security situation in the state.
Harmanpreet Singh scores twice as India survive Pakistans spirited comeback to secure a place The post Amritsar celebrates Indias thrilling win over Pakistan in Asian Games hockey semifinal appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
Congress abruptly replaces Ajay Rai as state chief in poll-bound UP
Picks Pargat as Punjab Unit President
A report reveals over 195,000 cases of violence against women in Punjab, Pakistan, highlighting a disturbing trend in gender-based violence. Alarming Rise in Violence Against Women in Punjab, Pakistan: Over 195,000 Cases Reported in Five Years
Sachin Pilot Congratulates Paragat Singh as New Punjab Congress President
Sachin Pilot congratulates Paragat Singh on his appointment as Punjab Congress President, expressing hope for strong electoral performance. Sachin Pilot Congratulates Paragat Singh as New Punjab Congress President
Kashmiri Play, YEN CHI AYEKH in Boston, USA
Script & Direction: Sanjay Kaul Screenplay: Sunayana Kachroo Concept: Kanwal Peshin A group of Kashmiri Pandit Artists based in Boston, USA, led by Sanjay Kaul, in an attempt to revive Kashmiri Live Theatre, performed at the SAATH Theatre Festival in Boston. The play depicted a family room setting in a Kashmiri-American home in the United States. The central theme is about homecoming to Kashmir for those who were forced out of there. The seven characters in it play family dynamics, maintaining the original Kashmiri comic exchanges, while making the dialogue more theatrical to enhance the central theme of homecoming. For Non-Kashmiri audience, subtitles in English were provided. The festival was organised by Off-Kendrik, an organisation dedicated to promoting Art and Culture, under its arm, South Asian American Theatre (SAATh). Off-Kendrik has realised the necessity of creating a platform for opening dialogues and building partnerships between communities. The theatre festival ran from September 18-20th, 2026 and was held at the Mosesian Centre for the Arts in Watertown, Massachusetts. SAATh is a celebration of the coming together of diverse communities in South Asia and beyond through Theater and Storytelling. This festival included performances in various languages, including Kashmiri, Kannada, Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, and English. The Kashmiri play was part of the festivals inaugural day celebration. The central character of the play, Raj, played by Sanjay Kaul, is frustrated about not being able to go back to Kashmir. The inability of Raj to vent out his anger for what has been done to him and his community in Kashmir, he directs and takes it out on his wife Lovely-Ji (played by Bela Kaul) by blaming her for everything and keeps mentioning to her YEN CHI AYEKH that since she arrived in his life things have changed. Raj laments about the loss of home and hearth in Kashmir by relating it to the loss of flavour and lifestyle. The gathering occurs in Boston, where the family has spent decades building a life in the United States of America after leaving Kashmir during the genocide and exodus of 1989-90. Despite the distance, a new life and home has been built, but it has not erased the emotional connection to their homeland, Kashmir. Their memories have survived through their food, family traditions, stories of struggle and survival and experiences they continue to share with one another. The possibility of returning to Kashmir is carried through generations, many of which have already perished in 37 years of their exodus, with hope and uncertainty. In the play, memories surface naturally through their conversations. One of the most emotionally resonant elements of the play is that of Mata (Rajs mother), played by Phoola Salman. She has never come out of the shock of having to flee from her home in Kashmir to safeguard life with her family. She oscillates between a desire to go back home to Kashmir and expressing herself as if she is in her home in Kashmir. Her longing for her home brings the familys past into the present and reminds her children that the idea of lost home can remain powerful even after decades of separation. The gathering grows as Vicky (Rajs brother, played by Dr. Sudesh Kaul), Deepa (Vickys wife, played by Kamal Tiku), Behna (Rajs Sister played by Arti Kaul) and Sridhar (Behna's husband, played by Arvind Kaul) join the family for a visit. The relatives came after a long gap, and their arrival changes the rhythm of the room. The family used these anecdotes to recall sweet days and shared memories. The family catches up on life, remembering people and places by sharing their stories. The conversation included reunion updates, jokes, and plans to someday return to Kashmir. The family gathering evokes strong memories of Kashmir and a sense of lost belonging. All recall their trauma of leaving home in Kashmir and the ongoing longing for it. The audience did not just see seven characters play a role, but they felt watching a family go through their pain and loss and a desire to go back to their lost home. The play preceded by Ladishah, a folk Kashmiri poetry in story telling format, an art form which is slowly dying. Sunayana Kachroo performed this segment. In the end, there is a monologue by Sanjay Kaul, which expressed the longing of his community for a homeland in Kashmir where they can practice their religion freely and live their culture and heritage without the fear of genocide and extinction. Kashmiri language, which is part of the 18th schedule of Indias Constitution, is a dying language as it is influenced by other languages and the original inhabitants of Kashmir prefer speaking other languages over Kashmiri. This play helps start a conversation to garner interest in preserving the language. Arti Kaul is an award winning and renowned singer from Kashmir. Bela & Sanjay Kaul hail from Srinagar, Kashmir. They have been working on Kashmir-related causes and projects for the last three decades and have arranged presentations, seminars and symposiums on Kashmir. Mr Kaul has served Kashmiri Overseas Association as its international president for two terms. CAST RAJ: SANJAY KAUL LOVELY JI: BELA KAUL MATA (Rajs Mother): PHOOLA SALM AN VICKY (Rajs Brother): SUDESH KAUL DEEPA (Vickys Wife): KAMAL TIKU BEHNA (Rajs Sister): ARTI KAUL SRIDHAR (Behna's Husband): ARVIND KAUL Technical Help: MEENAKSHI KAUL Ladishah: SUNAYANA KACHROO
Punjab-origin truck driver gets 6-year jail for 2022 fatal crash in Canada
Hockey legend Pargat to captain Cong into Punjab polls
From Palladium to Bollywood, Suri remembers Kashmir
Srinagar, Oct 2: Bollywood actor-producer Sanjay Suri, who recently visited Kashmir for the International Film Festival of Jammu & Kashmir (IFFJK), has recalled his childhood in the valley, the circumstances that forced his family to leave in the early 1990s and his continuing emotional connection with Kashmir. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Suri said he was 19 when the situation in Kashmir deteriorated in 1989 and he was then pursuing his graduation at Gandhi College. He had earlier studied at Burn Hall School and also represented Jammu and Kashmir in sports at the national level. I remember playing basketball, trekking and doing many other things. Those were very different times, Suri said, recalling his childhood and youth in Kashmir. He said the turning point for his family came after his father was killed on August 1, 1990. My father was killed on August 1, 1990, without any warning. We were not leaving. We thought, why do we need to leave? But three boys came home and shot him, he said. Following the incident and the imposition of curfew, Suri said, his family decided to leave Kashmir. That was the day when the family thought that we should move out of the valley. I completed my final year at MAM College in Jammu and later moved to Delhi. After a short stint in Delhi, I moved to Mumbai and eventually entered films, he said. Reflecting on the changes Kashmir has witnessed over the past three-and-a-half decades, Suri said several generations have grown up experiencing curfews, school closures and prolonged periods of uncertainty. Kashmir has seen a lot. Whether you are a Kashmiri or someone who came from outside, people have suffered. I hope we are in better times now, Suri said. According to him, people across the valley primarily want peace, prosperity and opportunities. Despite having spent decades outside Kashmir, Suri said he continues to visit the valley regularly. Suri said his emotional connection with Kashmir remains strong, adding that he sometimes jokes with his children about eventually returning to the Valley. I threaten my kids that when you go to college, I will go back to Kashmir, he said with a smile. When you have spent your childhood somewhere, you cant leave that place, but the connection remains. In Kashmir, there can also be a good environment for script reading because the distractions are less, he added. Suri also travelled down memory lane while recalling the cinema culture of Kashmir before the 1990s. We had Palladium and Regal. English films were screened at Broadway, Neelam Cinema and other theatres. I watched films of actors like Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna and Dilip Kumar, he said. Recalling the excitement surrounding popular films, Suri said, I have watched films like Sholay, Coolie, Amar Akbar Anthony - there were big posters and long queues. Tickets were available for around Rs 5. He also remembered the ticket windows at Palladium Cinema and the presence of black-market ticket sellers. Suri believes Kashmir has the potential to develop a vibrant regional film industry and tell its own stories to the world. Regional cinema is important because you tell your stories yourself. It is such a beautiful way to reach out to the world, he said. Pointing to regional film industries in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, he said Kashmir could also develop its own cinema rooted in its culture, people and stories. Suri, who has worked in films including Raazi and Firaaq, also recalled his experience of shooting I Am in Kashmir. It was a great experience shooting in Kashmir. The permissions were also issued smoothly, he said. The actor-producer said his recent visit to Kashmir for the IFFJK gave him an opportunity to reconnect with the Valleys evolving film ecosystem. I was happy to attend the film festival. It was a new experience for Kashmir, he said. Suri acknowledged that there were some glitches during the festival but said organising such an event on a large scale was itself significant. However, he emphasised the need to ensure that local filmmakers and artists remain central to the development of Kashmirs film ecosystem. Suri suggested that a comprehensive database of local artists should be created and maintained so that filmmakers and festival organisers can easily identify talent from Jammu and Kashmir. Suri also advocated establishing a dedicated film school in Kashmir to train young people in various technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. He said such an institution could help create a structured ecosystem for local talent and provide young filmmakers with opportunities to acquire professional skills without having to leave the valley.
MP gains ground, Punjab accounts for 41% of farm fires
Ex-minister, former hockey captain Pragat Singh named new Punjab PCC chief
Pragat Singh has been appointed as the president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. He succeeds Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who resigned amidst internal party dissent. Singh is recognized as a former captain of the Indian hockey team and has political connections. His leadership style and ability to unite the party are under scrutiny by Congress members. Warring acknowledged the support of Rahul Gandhi during his time in leadership roles.
2 Arrested For Fake Social Media Posts Triggering Punjab University Protest
Police said they also examined social media activity and messages circulated by students and other alleged troublemakers during the unrest.
Months Ahead Of State Polls, Congress Names New Chiefs For Punjab, UP
In Punjab, the Congress has gone with hockey legend Pargat Singh, while in Uttar Pradesh, Aradhana Misra Mona has been tasked with leading the party into next year's polls.
BJP alleges bid to divert focus from Punjab
In a major organisational overhaul ahead of the high-stakes Uttar Pradesh and Punjab Assembly elections, the Congress party has appointed new state party presidents as it ramps up its campaign strategy. In Uttar Pradesh, Congress appointed state MLA Aradhana Misra 'Mona' as the new president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC). According to an official notification signed by AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, she replaces outgoing state chief Ajay Rai. Aradhana Misra, daughter of senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari, previously served as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in the state assembly. As part of the reshuffle approved by the Congress high command, Lok Sabha MP Imran Masood has been named the Working President of the UPCC. Additionally, Devinder Nishad and Alok Prasad have been appointed as Senior Vice Presidents. Congress President has also approved the proposal for the appointment of Chaudhary Virendra Singh as the Leader of th...
Pargat Singh Appointed Punjab Congress Chief Ahead of 2027 Polls
Former Olympian and Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh has been appointed president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), replacing Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. The Congress announced the leadership change on Friday, shortly after Warring met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi and submitted his resignation from the state party chiefs post. Pargat Singhs appointment comes ahead [] The post Pargat Singh Appointed Punjab Congress Chief Ahead of 2027 Polls appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Punjab Governor Advocates for Local Language Booklets to Combat TB Awareness
Punjabs Governor suggests creating local language booklets to enhance awareness and prevention of tuberculosis during the NATCON 2026 conference. Punjab Governor Advocates for Local Language Booklets to Combat TB Awareness
Punjab BJP seeks justice for Dalit youths family, questions police action
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 2 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab on Friday demanded justice for the family of Sanamdeep Singh, a 23-year-old Dalit youth from Kanoi village in Sangrur district, who died by suicide on September 26. The BJP also alleged that the Punjab Police cremated the body without the consent or presence of family members. Addressing the media in Chandigarh along with members of the victims family, Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon alleged that the incident reflected a deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state and the failure of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to protect the rights of Dalit families. State BJP media head Vineet Joshi and the partys Sangrur district president, Daman Bajwa, were also present. Members of the affected family, including Sanamdeep Singhs brother Ravi Singh, father Paramjeet Singh and cousin Vikramjeet Singh, shared their account of the events. Punjab is presently going through a very difficult situation. We are receiving regular complaints of atrocities and discrimination against Dalits under the AAP government, Dhillon said. He added that despite Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann belonging to Sangrur district, such incidents continued to be reported from the area. Dhillon further alleged that the law-and-order situation had deteriorated to such an extent that the cremation of the victim could not take place in his own village and in the presence of family members. He alleged that the police cremated the body in the absence of the family and without their consent. The BJP leader also alleged that the victims mother had been taken away by the police and claimed that police personnel were acting under pressure from AAP minister Aman Arora, whom he described as being close to the village sarpanch. Dhillon said the BJP was demanding justice for the affected family and alleged that the Punjab government had turned a blind eye to the matter. We have also urged senior police authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, he said. He added that the party had sought information regarding the whereabouts of the victims mother and demanded that she be reunited with the family.
Pargat Singh takes over as Punjab Congress chief, replacing Raja Warring
Pargat Singh has been appointed as the new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. He replaces Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who resigned earlier that day. Warring acknowledged his tenure and shared his views with Rahul Gandhi regarding the state organisation. The leadership change comes as Congress prepares for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Working presidents and committee chairpersons in Punjab will maintain their roles during this transition.
Raja Warring congratulates Pargat Singh on appointment as Punjab Congress chief
Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Friday congratulated Pargat Singh, who succeeded him as the new Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president. In a post on X, Warring said, Congratulations to Sardar Pargat ji for being appointed as the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. My best wishes. The Congress appointed former Indian hockey captain and Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh as the new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) on Friday, replacing Amarinder Singh Raja Warring after days of buzz around a leadership change. According to an official notification signed by AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, the appointment takes effect immediately. The Congress also appreciated the contributions of Raja Warring. He was appointed state party chief in 2022, taking over the role from Navjot Singh Sidhu. The party appreciates the contributions of the outgoing PCC President, Shri Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the statement read. The party also clar...
Congress Appoints New State Presidents in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab
Congress has appointed new leaders in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, with Aradhana Mishra Mona and Paragat Singh taking charge. Congress Appoints New State Presidents in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab
Hockey Legend Pargat Singh Named Punjab Congress Chief Months Ahead Of Polls
This change comes after the party last month replaced its central in-charge, appointing Sachin Pilot in place of Bhupesh Baghel, as the latter was seen as partisan in a battle largely between camps led by Raja Warring and former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi.
Pargat Singh replaces Raja Warring as Punjab Congress president
The Congress party has appointed former Indian hockey captain and Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh as the new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), replacing Amarinder Singh Raja Warring after days of buzz around a leadership change. According to an official notification signed by AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, the appointment takes effect immediately. The Congress also appreciated the contributions of Raja Warring. He was appointed state party chief in 2022, taking over the role from Navjot Singh Sidhu. The party appreciates the contributions of the outgoing PCC President, Shri Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the statement read. The party also clarified that the working presidents, chairpersons, and co-chairpersons of various election-related committees in Punjab will continue in their respective roles as before. Warring resigned as Punjab Congress president on Friday. Earlier today, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring claimed that AICC state in-charge Sachin Pilot...
Raja Warring, MP from Ludhiana, resigned as Punjab Congress president on September 30, about six months before the 2027 Assembly elections, ending a tenure that began in April 2022 and was marked in recent months by open rivalry between his camp and Charanjit Singh Channi's.
2027 polls: Cong names Pargat Singh as Punjab prez after Warring's resignation
Pargat Singh named Punjab Congress president days after Amarinder Singh Raja Warring's resignation
The Congress on Friday appointed hockey legend Pargat Singh as its state unit chief for Punjab ahead of next year's assembly elections. This comes days after Amarinder Singh Raja Warring resigned from his position amid...
Digital Desk | Islamabad, Oct 2 (IANS) As violence against women continues unabated across Pakistan, the Punjab province alone recorded 195,787 cases involving women and girls between 2021 and 2025, local media reported citing a human rights organisation. The figure represented nearly 82 per cent of all gender-based violence cases reported across the country during the five-year period, according to the National Gender-Based Violence Crime Report 2021-25 by Peace and Justice Network Pakistan. As per the findings, Punjab recorded 14,824 cases of domestic violence, including 3,746 cases in which women were killed. The province also reported 830 honour killings and 442 cases of burning, comprising 143 acid attacks and 299 stove-burning incidents, Pakistan Observer reported. Sexual violence emerged as another major category, with 20,560 cases reported during the period. These comprised 16,827 rape cases, 2,183 gang-rape cases, 189 instances of custodial sexual violence and 1,361 incest cases. According to the report, Punjab recorded 90,965 cases of kidnapping and abduction from 2021 to 2025, the highest among the reported categories. It also documented 68,165 cases involving other forms of gender-based violence that were not individually classified. The province recorded 23,032 cases in 2021, followed by 28,080 in 2022 and 35,238 in 2023. The figure rose significantly to 52,824 in 2024 and further to 56,613 in 2025. The report also warned that the police data represents only formally reported incidents, leaving the broader extent of violence against women and girls potentially underreported. Last month, a report stated that an effective multi-sectoral approach is needed to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Pakistan, as the issue is deep-rooted and multi-faceted in society, stemming from individual attitudes, family dynamics and community norms. Prevention measures and conviction rates in cases related to gender-based violence in Pakistan remain low despite the passage of anti-rape legislation, domestic violence laws and several amendments addressing crimes against women, according to a report in The Friday Times. Lack of political will, stereotypes, societal taboos, and judicial processes mired in caveats and complexities together prevent effective action against gender-based violence in Pakistan. Authorities might be making some efforts to curb gender-based violence in Pakistan; however, it is clearly not enough or is not being conducted in a way that produces any discernible results, the report detailed. If we are serious about nipping GBV in the bud, the whole ecosystem nurturing violence against women must be disabled, and we need to decide where to start. GBV is a deep-rooted, multi-faceted challenge in our society, stemming from individual attitudes, family dynamics, community norms, and so much more, and hence requires a commitment to multi-sectoral approaches before we can even cause a dent in this scourge, it mentioned.
Shubman Gill eyes another big knock at New Chandigarh after historic ODI double century
Following a record-breaking double ton in the second ODI against West Indies, Indian skipper Shubman Gill will be eyeing another big score as he plays a One-Day International for the first time at New Chandigarh's Mullanpur Stadium, one of the marquee venues in his home state of Punjab. Having scored a measured 110 in the first ODI during a chase of 299 runs, Gill went bonkers at Guwahati, slamming the fastest ODI double ton in history during India's successful chase of 406 runs. The Indian skipper remained unbeaten on 223 off 133 balls, hitting 26 fours and eight sixes. In international cricket, Gill has played only one Test match and one T20I at New Chandigarh. While he was dismissed for a duck against South Africa in December last year, he produced an elegant 126 against Afghanistan in the one-off Test at the venue in June earlier this year. In T20 cricket, Gill has played five matches at the venue, scoring 179 runs across five innings at an average of 35.80 and a strike rate of alm...
Analysis: Who After Raja Warring? Inside The Congress Search For Punjab 2027 Poll Formula
Vijay Inder Singla has emerged as a prominent contender as a Hindu face, while Pargat Singh, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Rana KP Singh and Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria are among the Jat Sikh names being discussed.
