SC Justice Sheel Nagu recuses from Punjab plea against CBI probe
Supreme Court Justice Sheel Nagu recused himself from hearing the Punjab government's appeal against a high court order. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed a CBI probe into corruption allegations involving Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's office. Justice Dipankar Datta noted the current challenging circumstances facing the judiciary. The case will be reassigned to a different bench by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
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SC Judge Recuses From Punjab CBI Probe Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the agency to submit a report within two months.
Vande Bharat train manufactured in Punjab completes 180 kmph trial on Mathura-Nagda section
Punjab continues to make a significant contribution to India's railway manufacturing sector, with Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, reflecting the Central Government's focus on making Punjab a manufacturing hub. The 16-coach Vande Bharat Chair Car Trainset, manufactured at RCF Kapurthala, is equipped with an advanced propulsion system. On 8 October 2026, the trainset successfully completed a high-speed trial at 180 kmph on the Mathura
CM Mann's OSD Summoned By CBI Over Corruption Allegations
The CBI has issued fresh summons to Rajbir Ghuman, OSD to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in an alleged corruption case involving pecuniary benefits for managing postings of IAS and IPS officers. Ghuman failed to appear for questioning on Friday, leading CBI teams to paste summons on his premises. The case, registered on Tuesday following Punjab and Haryana High Court orders, also led to raids at eight locations.
Justice Sheel Nagu Recuses from Punjab Govt Plea Against CBI Probe Order
Pro Wrestling League returns with blockbuster Season 6 in Delhi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) A total of 86 elite grapplers, including World leaders and Asian Games medallists, will feature in Season 6 of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) to be held at the KD Jadhav Arena from January 9 to 26, 2027. The launch of the much-anticipated next season will herald the return of the league to New Delhi with high-octane bouts to be held at the iconic KD Jadhav Wrestling Arena at the Indira Gandhi Stadium. Asian Games winners feted The launch event was headlined by the grand felicitation of Indias wrestling contingent following their medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games 2026. Star grapplers Sujeet Kalkal, who clinched a historic gold in the Mens Freestyle 65kg category, and Aman Sehrawat, fresh from adding an Asian Games gold to his Paris 2024 Olympic bronze, were honoured alongside fellow medallists Antim Panghal, Nitesh Siwach, Deepak Punia and Sunil Kumar. The six-member medal-winning contingent was felicitated, celebrating one of Indias strongest wrestling campaigns at the Asian Games in decades. Hosting Season 6 in Delhi is a key part of the Leagues plan to be staged in a different franchise city every season, taking PWL to varied fan bases across the country. Season 6 will feature six high-calibre franchises competing for the coveted crown: Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals, Haryana Thunders, Delhi Dangal Warriors, Maharashtra Kesari, Punjab Royals, and UP Dominators. Season 6 will showcase 86 world-class men and women grapplers, including 34 Olympians and Commonwealth, Asian Games, and World Championship medallists. The roster features global luminaries such as Japanese Olympic champion Yui Susaki, alongside Indias finest marquee names. The competition will be staged across nine Olympic weight divisions -- 57kg, 65kg, 74kg, 86kg, and 125kg in the men's category, while the women's competition will be held in 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, and 76kg. To enhance television and digital engagement, PWL Season 6 will continue with the broadcast-optimised match structure of two rounds of three minutes (2 x 3). The format will once again feature the Power Minute, with all scoring points doubling during the final 60 seconds of a bout, creating high-leverage climaxes and adding further intensity to the action on the mat. Dayaan Farooqui, Chairman, Pro Wrestling League, said, Wrestling is deeply embedded in Indias sporting culture, and our wrestlers have consistently carried the nations pride onto the global stage. Season 6 of the Pro Wrestling League is a celebration of that rich legacy, while also taking the sport towards new global benchmarks. Our vision has always been to take the League to a different franchise city each season, bringing world-class wrestling closer to fans across the country. We are delighted to welcome some of the worlds finest wrestlers to Delhi and look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans while further strengthening the sports presence in India, he said. Akhil Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Pro Wrestling League, said, Our objective for Season 6 has been clear: to build an elite, fan-first product that matches the expectations of todays sports audiences. Delhi is the perfect setting for this, bringing together Indias rich wrestling heritage with the energy of a city that has always embraced the sport. Bringing Season 6 to Delhi, the capital of India and a city with a deep-rooted wrestling culture, is therefore especially significant for us. Todays felicitation is a tribute to the athletes whose dedication continues to elevate Indian wrestling, while January will provide the stage for them to showcase their world-class talent and deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, he added. Aman Sehrawat, Olympic Medallist and Asian Games 2026 gold medallist, said, Winning medals at the Olympics and the Asian Games has been the reward for years of sacrifice, discipline and hard work. To be felicitated for these achievements and to receive this honour in Delhi, in front of the wrestling community and fans, feels truly special. Moments like these remind you of the journey you have undertaken and the people who have supported you along the way. As a wrestler, it is also exciting to see the Pro Wrestling League return to the capital, and I look forward to seeing the sport reach new audiences and inspire the next generation of wrestlers. Sujeet Kalkal, Asian Games 2026 gold medallist, said, The Pro Wrestling League has played an important role in my journey as a wrestler and has given me opportunities that have helped me grow both on and off the mat. Competing alongside and against some of the best wrestlers in the world gave me the confidence, exposure and belief to take on bigger challenges. To now be felicitated as an Asian Games gold medallist is a very special feeling, and it makes me realise how far the journey has come. PWL has been an important part of that journey, and I am excited to see it return to Delhi and continue giving young Indian wrestlers the platform to dream bigger. Building on a rich legacy, the Pro Wrestling League has delivered premier combat sports entertainment since its inception in 2015. Over five fiercely contested editions, the tournament has witnessed iconic rivalries and celebrated champions. Following the leagues high-octane Season 5, which culminated in defending champions Haryana Thunders edging Delhi Dangal Warriors in a thrilling 54 final, Season 6 is poised to set a new benchmark for competitive wrestling in India.
Bihar: SVU raids Gopalganj ADMs properties; assets worth over Rs 3.12 crore detected
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 9 (IANS) The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Friday conducted searches at four locations across Patna, Rohtas and Gopalganj linked to Rajeshwari Pandey, Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Gopalganj, in connection with an alleged disproportionate assets case. During the searches, investigators recovered documents relating to the purchase of around a dozen plots of land and flats in Patna, Varanasi, Sasaram and other parts of Rohtas district. The properties, registered in the names of Pandey, his wife and his son, are valued at approximately Rs 1.32 crore. One of the properties searched was a flat at Bhavani City Apartment near RPS School under the jurisdiction of Rupaspur police station in Patna. According to the SVU, investigators identified 35 bank accounts maintained with the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), HDFC Bank and Central Bank of India. The accounts reportedly contain deposits totalling Rs 1,49,17,400 (Rs 1.49 crore). A paragraph mentioning private companies has been removed as per instructions. Documents relating to fixed deposits worth Rs 8.5 lakh were also recovered. A search of the ADM's residence yielded Rs 1.85 lakh in cash and gold and silver jewellery valued at approximately Rs 32 lakh, officials said. The SVU's preliminary findings indicate that Pandey's movable and immovable assets exceed Rs 3.12 crore. Of this amount, assets worth approximately Rs 2.5 crore have been assessed as disproportionate to his known sources of income, allegedly exceeding his legitimate earnings by 135 per cent. Searches continued until late Friday evening at Pandey's ancestral village of Thorsan in the Kargahar block of Rohtas district. Investigators expect the valuation of the assets under scrutiny to increase as the search and verification process continues. Pandey joined government service in 2010. An FIR has been registered against him in connection with the alleged disproportionate assets. Confirming the operation, SVU Additional Director General of Police Sudhanshu Kumar said that, following the registration of an FIR regarding disproportionate assets, raids were conducted at four locations linked to the Gopalganj ADM. He said assets exceeding known sources of income by around Rs 2.5 crore had been detected and that searches were continuing at the officer's ancestral village. The SVU is continuing to examine the documents and financial records recovered during the searches. The allegations and valuation of the assets remain subject to further investigation.
Chief Secys apology exposes employee betrayal: Punjab BJP on DA case
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 9 (IANS) With Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha offering an unconditional apology before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the ongoing dearness allowance (DA) case, state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Kewal Singh Dhillon on Friday targeted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He said the Chief Secretary's apology exposes the government's betrayal of employees. Dhillon said the BJP had consistently raised the issue of employees' pending dues and alleged that the Bhagwant Singh Mann government deliberately made mistakes in its petition before the Supreme Court against the High Court's order. He claimed that the move was aimed at delaying the matter until the Assembly elections, likely to be held in early 2027. Dhillon said the government was avoiding its responsibility. Instead of clearing employees' legitimate dues, it prolongs the legal battle, he said, adding that this was just the beginning and that more of the government's failures would come to light in the coming days. He said Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann would eventually have to apologise to employees for betraying their trust. Dhillon questioned the government's spending priorities. He said the government spends crores of rupees on advertisements but has no money to clear pending DA arrears. He accused the AAP government of failing on several fronts, including payment of DA, tackling drugs, and maintaining law and order in Punjab. Dhillon said the government made tall promises to every section of society before coming to power but failed to fulfil them. Employees now approach the courts to secure their rightful dues, he said. He added that people recognised the gap between the government's promises and its performance. Dhillon said voters would hold the AAP government accountable in the upcoming elections. He said people were questioning its unfulfilled promises, treatment of employees and failure to address Punjab's worsening situation.
Digital Desk | Colombo, Oct 9 (IANS) Pakistan's Supreme Court has said that protecting women from violence requires not only a change in social attitude but also a detailed probe carried out through a gender-sensitive lens. The court's reasoning shows that if prejudice enters a probe, it can distort the search for truth before a judge sees the proof, a report mentioned. Writing for a two-member bench, Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar said that police officers must be given training to recognise and overcome gender and patriarchal biases when handling cases involving violence against women. The court's verdict came in a domestic homicide case; however, its importance extends beyond one murder, according to a report in Sri Lanka-based Daily Mirror. It confronts a longstanding problem in which violence occurring inside homes is often treated differently from violence in public spaces, even though the private setting can make evidence harder to obtain and victims more vulnerable. The Supreme Courts reasoning exposes an uncomfortable reality: when prejudice enters the investigation, it can distort the search for truth before a judge ever sees the evidence, a report in leading Lankan newspaper 'Daily Mirror' stated. Domestic violence poses a particular challenge to criminal justice as the crime often takes place behind closed doors. In the verdict, the apex court said that a tragedy in a homicide case is not only that a woman can be killed inside her house but that the circumstances involving her death can remain hidden behind closed doors, the report stated. The court said that the legal system had a responsibility to expose the truth instead of allowing the privacy of the matrimonial home to become a protector of perpetrators. Domestic cases are different, as conventional assumptions regarding witnesses and evidence can work against women in such cases. In such cases, there may be no independent eyewitness, physical evidence can be concealed, and family members might not be ready to testify before the police or court. A victim is not able to present her side when the alleged violence causes her death, according to the report. The Pakistani Supreme Court ordered authorities to pay attention towards identifying, protecting and keeping all the available evidence on record. The verdict places the investigation process under scrutiny. Earlier this month, a human rights organisation said that Pakistan's Punjab province alone recorded 195,787 cases involving women and girls between 2021 and 2025, local media reported. 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.
Weather Tomorrow: The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert predicting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for several regions. Delhi-NCR is expected to have partly cloudy skies along with light rain and potential strong winds. In Haryana, isolated rainfall and thunderstorms are possible on Saturday, while Uttar Pradesh may experience scattered rainfall. Additionally, Punjab and Bihar are likely to see light rain or thundershowers throughout the day.
Punjabi Push Gains Momentum Across J&K; Protests Spread from Jammu to Srinagar
Speakers at the protest expressed alarm over the diminishing space accorded to Punjabi in official and educational domains; Reports
Asian Champions Trophy: Punjab CM Directs World-Class Preparations
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued directives to various departments to ensure top-tier arrangements for the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, set to take place in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5. Mann emphasised the need for world-class facilities, robust security, and comprehensive crowd management, while also calling for a statewide trophy tour and student participation to foster public enthusiasm and showcase Punjab's rich sporting heritage. He personally inspected venues and stressed the importance of cleanliness, beautification, and hospitality for international delegations.
ISL 2026-27: Punjab FC announce squad, include 10 academy graduates
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 9 (IANS) Punjab FC announced a strong 27-member squad for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, which includes an established core and ten academy graduates. The team will start its ISL campaign with a home fixture on Wednesday against Odisha FC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. Fourteen players from last seasons ISL squad, including national team players Bijoy Varghese, Ricky Shabong, Muhammed Uvais, Nikhil Prabhu and Muhammad Suhail F, along with Arshdeep Singh, Khaiminthang Lhungdim and Leon Augustine, have been retained. Patrick Bahanack, Mickael Malsa, Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya and Raphal Messi Bouli are the foreign players in the squad. The squad also includes new domestic signings Mohammad Inam and Gurkirat Singh. The team comprises 10 academy graduates, three more than last season, who were rewarded with a place in the squad for their performances in the age group leagues and the recently concluded IFA Shield, where the Shers reached the semifinals. Goalkeeper Ayush Deshwal, midfielder Manglenthang Kipgen and forwards Muhammad Suhail F and Vishal Yadav, all part of last seasons squad, are joined by defenders Ngarin Shaiza, Sohel Khan and Karish Soram; midfielders Bishu Sharma and Laishram Rishikanta Meitei; and forward Konsam Sanathoi Singh. Speaking ahead of the new campaign, Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis expressed his confidence in the squad and its readiness for the season: This is a squad built with a clear idea of how we want to play, and I am very happy with the balance we have. We have experience in every department, players who know this club and the league, and ten young players from our academy who have earned their place through their work every single day. The ISL has a demanding schedule, and every player in this group will have a role to play. The players have prepared well, the hunger in the dressing room is there, and we are ready to begin. The Head Coach will be supported by Assistant Coach Georgios Angelidis and Indian Assistant Coach Sankarlal Chakraborty, along with Christos Vorgiatzidis as the Strength and Conditioning Coach and Vinay Singh as the Goalkeeping Coach. All three goalkeepers from last season have been retained, with the experienced Arshdeep Singh leading the department along with youngsters Muheet Shabir and Ayush Deshwal. Bijoy Varghese, Muhammed Uvais, Suresh Meitei and Khaiminthang Lhungdim will lead the defensive lineup, along with new signing Patrick Bahanack, with academy graduates Ngarin Shaiza, Sohel Khan and Karish Soram completing a defensive unit with plenty of depth. In midfield, Punjab FC possess a dynamic blend of creativity, control, and energy. Mickal Malsa and Manglenthang Kipgen are expected to play a pivotal role in orchestrating attacking moves, with Nikhil Prabhu, Ricky Shabong and Mohammad Inam offering stability in the middle of the pitch. Bishu Sharma and Rishikanta Meitei, who caught the attention with their performances in the IFA Shield, will bring youthful energy and exciting football to the side. The forward line carries both variety and attacking promise. The experienced Raphal Messi Bouli has started his life in Punjab FC with three goals and three assists in the IFA Shield, while the other foreign signings, Diego Raposo and Alfred Planas Moya, have also started the season well. Muhammad Suhail, one of the most exciting talents of the country, will add pace in the wings, while the versatile Leon Augustine can be relied upon in any given situation. Local lad Gurkirat Singh, along with under-20 Indian international Vishal Yadav and Sanathoi Singh, will provide valuable options for the side. Punjab FC squad for Indian Super League 2026-27: Goalkeepers: Arshdeep Singh, Muheet Shabir, Ayush Deshwal Defenders: Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ngarin Shaiza, Jephthe Patrick Gerard Bahanack, Mohammed Sohel Khan, Bijoy Varghese, Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei, Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal, Karish Soram Midfielders: Naravi Nikhil Jayantha Prabhu, Mickal Ramon Vincent Malsa, Ricky John Shabong, Bishu Sharma, Laishram Rishikanta Meitei, Manglenthang Kipgen, Mohammad Inam Forwards: Raphael Eric Messi Bouli, Diego Henrique Oliveira Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, Leon Augustine, Muhammad Suhail F, Bikash Singh Sagolsem, Konsam Sanathoi Singh, Vishal Yadav, Gurkirat Singh
Pakistan have pulled out of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 after their request to host their matches at a neutral venue was denied, with Bangladesh set to replace them in the competition. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had approached the
Over 500 Girls Missing in Punjab, Pakistan; High Court Demands Police Report
The High Court of Punjab has called for a detailed report from police regarding over 500 missing girls in the region. Over 500 Girls Missing in Punjab, Pakistan; High Court Demands Police Report
Bangladesh replace Pakistan in Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026
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Pakistan out, India to open against Bangladesh in Asian Champions Trophy 2026 in Punjab
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Pakistan have officially withdrawn from the mens Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 and have been replaced by Bangladesh in the event starting on October 27 at Jalandhar and Mohali. Pakistan's refusal to travel across the border means that Asian Games gold medallist and hosts India will take on Bangladesh on the opening day on October 27. The full match schedule for the prestigious continental tournament was announced by the Asian Hockey Federation on Friday. The tournament will be held from October 27 to November 5 across two iconic hockey venues in Punjab the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar and the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. The other four teams besides holders India and Bangladesh in the fray are Malaysia, Japan, South Korea and China. Fresh from successfully defending their Asian Games gold medal in Japan, five-time ACT winners India will enter the tournament as the top-ranked team and will look to continue their strong record in the competition. The opening ceremony will take place on October 27, shortly before India play Bangladesh in their campaign opener. The six teams will compete in a single round-robin league phase, with each team playing five matches. The top four teams at the end of the league stage will qualify for the semi-finals. After facing Bangladesh on the opening day, India will meet China on October 29, Japan on October 30, Malaysia on November 1, and South Korea on November 2. All five of India's league matches are scheduled to start at 1900 hrs IST. The tournament will have three rest days on October 28, October 31 and November 3. Pakistan's withdrawal from the event seems in line with the two countries' refusal to allow their teams to travel across the border. The two countries have refused to send their teams across the border, and the matches have been hosted at neutral venues. But with such a thing not possible in hockey, Pakistan decided to withdraw its team, which had claimed a bronze medal in the Asian Games 2026 Meanwhile, Jalandhar will host all league-stage matches from October 27 to November 2, before the action shifts to Mohali for the business end of the tournament. The semifinals and medal matches will be played at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium, with the semis scheduled for November 4 and the bronze-medal and gold-medal matches on November 5. The tournament holds special significance for Punjab as it signals the return of international hockey to the state considered the nursery of hockey in the country. India are the most successful side in the history of the Asian Champions Trophy, having won the title in 2011, 2016, 2018 (joint winners with Pakistan), 2023 and 2024. The hosts will now aim to add another chapter to their impressive record when they take on Asias best in front of a passionate home crowd in Punjab. The announcement of the match schedule adds to the excitement for the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. We are delighted to welcome the teams from across Asia to Punjab and look forward to witnessing some high-quality hockey, said Hockey India President, Dr. Dilip Tirkey. Hockey India Secretary General, Bhola Nath Singh, also shared his sentiments. With the schedule now announced, the countdown to the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 has truly begun. Hockey India is proud to host the participating nations and showcase the passion and hospitality of Punjab. We look forward to an exciting and competitive tournament that brings fans closer to the sport while giving every team an opportunity to perform at the highest level, said the Secretary General.
Experience The New Punjabi Music Video 'Chitta Kukkad' by Maninder Buttar
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Pakistan pulls out of hockey Asian Champions Trophy in India
Pakistan has withdrawn from the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026, scheduled to be held in Punjab, with Bangladesh named as their replacement.
Pakistan Pulls Out of Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026; Bangladesh Named Official Replacement
Pakistan has withdrawn from the upcoming Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 set to take place in Punjab, India. Following the Pakistan Hockey Federations (PHF) refusal to play on Indian soil due to safety concerns, Bangladesh has been officially drafted into the six-team marquee tournament. The Venue Conflict The withdrawal stems from a firm stance taken [] The post Pakistan Pulls Out of Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026; Bangladesh Named Official Replacement appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Pakistan pulls out of Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 to be held in Punjab
Pakistan has withdrawn from the upcoming Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026, and Bangladesh will take their place. The tournament is scheduled to run from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali. India is set to open their campaign against Bangladesh on October 27 after an opening ceremony. The revised schedule lists six teams, including India, Malaysia, and Japan, among others.
Punjabs DGP Affirms Zero Tolerance for Gangsters and Anti-Social Elements
Punjabs DGP Gaurav Yadav emphasizes the states commitment to maintaining peace and combating organized crime. Punjabs DGP Affirms Zero Tolerance for Gangsters and Anti-Social Elements
Inter-State Truck Theft Racket Busted By Delhi Police
Delhi Police have dismantled an inter-state truck theft and dismantling racket, arresting three individuals including the alleged mastermind. The operation led to the recovery of dismantled parts of a stolen truck from a Punjab godown. The investigation involved technical surveillance, CCTV footage, and digital payment tracking, revealing the accused's involvement in multiple truck thefts across Delhi.
Delhi-NCR's toxic air may have role in gynaecological cancers, say experts
New Delhi, Oct 9: Long-term exposure to air pollution may have a role in development of gynaecological cancers, Delhi-NCR experts said, citing emerging research on the possible links between PM2.5 exposure, reproductive health and cancers of the female reproductive system. Experts explained that gynaecological cancers do not have a single cause, adding that environmental factors may contribute to the biological processes involved in cancer development. PM2.5 is of interest because prolonged exposure is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and systemic biological effects, Dr Rama Joshi, gynae onco surgeon and chairman, Gynae Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Fortis Gurugram, said. She said recent studies have reported associations between air pollution and certain aspects of women's reproductive health, raising questions about whether environmental exposure may also have a role in the broader cancer-risk environment. She said an association between pollution exposure and cancer does not mean that pollution directly causes cancer, adding that such evidence in gynaecological cancers is still evolving and findings have not been uniform across studies. More India-specific data is needed before drawing conclusions about causation, she said. Women should focus on the risk factors that we already know can be modified or monitored. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, managing diabetes and other metabolic conditions, understanding family history and seeking timely evaluation for abnormal bleeding remain important. Environmental pollution is an additional concern that deserves further scientific investigation, Joshi said. The experts also referred to a recent India-wide study that examined the relationship between environmental exposure and reproductive health among Indian women. The study reported that women exposed to PM2.5 levels above 40 micrograms per cubic metre had 24 per cent higher odds of delayed menarche and a 23 per cent higher hazard of early menopause. The researchers analysed National Family Health Survey data along with satellite-derived PM2.5 estimates and other environmental indicators. The analysis included nearly 1.8 lakh women aged 15-24 for menarche and nearly 3 lakh women aged 30-49 for menopause, with stronger associations reported in northern India, including areas such as Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Such findings are adding to scientific interest in how prolonged exposure to air pollution may influence hormonal and reproductive pathways in women. Researchers are also examining whether biological effects associated with PM2.5, including chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular damage, could potentially contribute to conditions affecting hormone-sensitive tissues and the female reproductive system. Endometrial cancer, which develops in the lining of the uterus, is strongly associated with established risk factors such as obesity, prolonged oestrogen exposure, diabetes, increasing age and certain genetic conditions. Ovarian cancer has a different set of risk factors, including age, family history and inherited genetic mutations. The possibility that chronic environmental exposure could add to these established risk factors is an area of growing scientific interest. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter may have systemic effects beyond the lungs, potentially influencing inflammatory, hormonal and cellular processes that are relevant to cancer biology. The issue assumes greater relevance in Delhi-NCR, where women may be exposed to elevated PM2.5 concentrations repeatedly over many years. Fine particulate matter has been linked to inflammation, oxidative stress and other systemic effects, prompting scientists to examine whether these biological pathways could influence tissues beyond the lungs, including hormone-sensitive organs. Dr Joshi stressed that women should not interpret air pollution as a standalone cause of gynaecological cancer. Abnormal uterine bleeding, bleeding after menopause, unusually heavy or prolonged periods, persistent pelvic or abdominal discomfort, unexplained bloating and changes in urinary or bowel habits warrant medical evaluation, particularly when symptoms persist. With gynaecological cancers remaining an important health burden among women, experts said larger, long-term Indian studies involving Indian women are needed to further determine pollution as the important risk factor for gynaecological cancer. Dr Aditya Sarin, vice chairman, Medical Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, said the emerging evidence provides a reasonable basis to consider air pollution as a potential contributing factor in the cancer-risk environment. Chronic exposure to PM2.5 can promote inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular changes, which are mechanisms relevant to cancer development. The emerging association with reproductive health makes it important to investigate whether prolonged pollution exposure may also contribute to gynaecological cancers. While causation is yet to be established, the signal is important and deserves further study, particularly in highly polluted regions such as Delhi-NCR, Sarin said.
ISL 2026-27: Punjab FC Reveals 27-Man Squad
Punjab FC has announced a 27-member squad for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, featuring a mix of retained players, national team members, foreign talents, and 10 academy graduates. Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis expressed confidence in the balanced squad, which is set to kick off its campaign on October 14 against Odisha FC.
ASC Participates in NJSCA Convention in East Brunswick, New Jersey
American Sikh Council representative Kavneet Singh participated in the NJSCA Convention in East Brunswick, New Jersey, addressing bullying faced by Sikh American children in schools. The post ASC Participates in NJSCA Convention in East Brunswick, New Jersey appeared first on Sikh Siyasat News .
When and where to watch Indian Super League 2026-27, know all details
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season is set to kick off on October 10, with 13 teams competing in a revamped campaign that will run until May 2027. The upcoming season will mark the return of the traditional home-and-away format and playoffs under a new club-led model, bringing back a longer league campaign and renewed competition for the title. The new season will feature 163 matches across eight months, with each participating team scheduled to face the other sides twice, once at home and once away. The team finishing at the top of the league standings will be crowned the Shield Winners and recognised as the official ISL champions, while the top six teams will qualify for the playoffs to compete for the ISL Cup. The participating teams are Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Inter Kashi FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Odisha FC, Punjab FC and Sporting Club Delhi. The 2026-27 campaign will be the first under the new club-led structure, which gives participating clubs a greater role in shaping the leagues direction and key decisions. The revised model marks a significant change in the administration of Indian footballs top-tier domestic competition, with clubs taking on greater responsibility for its future. The return to the home-and-away format will also provide teams with more opportunities to play in front of their home supporters. With matches spread across eight months, clubs will have to maintain consistency throughout the league phase to secure a place among the top six and keep their hopes of winning the ISL Cup alive. However, the competition will feature 13 teams instead of the expected 14 after Diamond Harbour FC, who earned promotion by winning the 2025-26 Indian Football League title, failed to meet the administrative fee requirement. Where to watch: Fans can watch ISL 2026-27 matches on the Sony Sports Network TV channels. Live streaming will be available on SonyLIV, along with free streaming on YouTube.
Ranji Trophy: Jadeja Included In Jaydev Unadkat-led Saurashtra Squad
Niranjan Shah Stadium: Veteran left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been included in Saurashtras 16-member squad for their Ranji Trophy 2026/27 opener against Chhattisgarh, with veteran fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat continuing to lead the side. Jadeja is coming off playing in Indias 2-1 ODI series win over the West Indies, though he took only two wickets in two games and didnt get a chance to bat. Playing in the Ranji Trophy will help Jadeja build red-ball rhythm ahead of Indias two-match Test tour of New Zealand, to be played in Wellington (November 19-23) and Christchurch (November 27 to December 1). The 92nd edition of the prestigious red-ball tournament begins on October 11, with former champions Saurashtra placed in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab, and Tripura. Unadkat-led Saurashtra will kick off their campaign against Chhattisgarh at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Saurashtra, who won the premier domestic title twice under Unadkats leadership in 2019/20 and 2022/23, have retained as many as 14 players from last season's squad. Left-arm pacer Unadkat is coming off enjoying a prolific outing for Sussex, picking up 28 wickets across seven matches at an average of 22.21, including picking a stellar 5-32 against Hampshire, alongside two four-wicket hauls. Saurashtra suffered an early exit in the group stage during the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy and will be keen to have a stronger campaign this year. The selection committee has handed call-ups to two new faces pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav. Harvik Desai will continue to fulfill wicket-keeping duties, while the batting unit will feature experienced hands Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil. Unadkat will spearhead the pace department alongside left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya, though experienced left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja has moved out of the team and will now represent Chhattisgarh. This means a lot of spin bowling responsibilities rest on Parth Bhut in the season. The selection committee has handed call-ups to two new faces pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav. Harvik Desai will continue to fulfill wicket-keeping duties, while the batting unit will feature experienced hands Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Sikhs protest in Srinagar, demand official status for Punjabi
Bigg Boss 20 contestants ScoutOp and Love Gill have become the centre of online discussion after a video showing their physical proximity went viral. The clip has now caught the attention of former Bigg Boss contestant Kamya Punjabi, who questioned the nature of their equation and stressed that boundaries should be maintained even inside a reality show. Reacting to the video on social media, Kamya pointed out the apparent change in ScoutOp and Love Gills equation, particularly in comparison to how they were perceived earlier in the season. The transition from a brother-sister vibe to whatever this physical proximity is between Scout and Love Gill, Kamya wrote. Questioning the behaviour further, she added, Boundaries need to exist, even in a reality show. What exactly is going on here? The transition from a rother-sister vibe to whatever this physical proximity is between Scout and Love Gill. Boundaries need to exist, even in a reality show. What exactly is going on here? Casual fun or crossing the line? #BiggBoss20 Kamya Punjabi Dang (@iamkamyapunjabi) October 8, 2026 ScoutOps girlfriend Kaashvi Hiranandani REACTS The growing attention around ScoutOp and Love Gills bond has also led to questions about ScoutOps relationship outside the Bigg Boss 20 house. His girlfriend Kaashvi Hiranandani recently addressed the speculation during a livestream. Kaashvi said she was okay and indicated that she preferred to keep her personal relationship private. She also drew a distinction between what happens inside the Bigg Boss house and how those moments are perceived by viewers outside. According to Kaashvi, what happens inside the house and the way people interpret those interactions are two very different things. She added that she genuinely wishes Scout well and wants him to succeed during his journey on the reality show. Her comments come amid increased social media attention on ScoutOp and Love Gills interactions, with viewers closely following their equation as the season progresses. Will Salman Khan address the equation on Weekend Ka Vaar? With the discussion gaining momentum online, attention will now turn to the upcoming Weekend Ka Vaar episode. The episode is scheduled to be shot today, and it remains to be seen whether Salman Khan will address the viral video or question ScoutOp and Love Gill about their equation. Also Read:Bigg Boss 20: Munawar Faruqui supports Qazi Touqeer amid health crisis, takes dig at contestants PR; says, They are so insecure
A statement made by Bigg Boss 20 contestant Aman Gandhi during a heated argument with Qazi Touqeer has sparked discussion online, with some viewers interpreting his population remark as a reference to Qazis religion and community. Amans team has now issued a clarification, stating that the comment was directed at Qazis gameplay and had no religious context. The controversy erupted during an argument involving Qazi, Aman and other contestants, including Scout. At one point, Aman made a remark about Qazi increasing the countrys population. Muh se dhuen nikaal ke log pregnant kar rahe ho. Population badha rahe ho hamare country ki. Apni jaisi mat kar dena population, Aman said. The exchange took place amid an already heated confrontation. Scout had also accused Qazi of spitting while speaking during the argument. A clip of the interaction subsequently circulated on social media, leading to criticism from some viewers who interpreted Amans reference to population as a possible dig at Qazis Muslim identity or community. Aman Gandhis team issues clarification Amid the backlash, Amans team released a statement explaining the context behind his comment. According to the statement, Aman was referring to an incident from the early weeks of the show when Qazi had fooled the housemates as part of his gameplay. The statement read, Dont increase the population like you, referring to the way Qazi had fooled everyone during the first two weeks of the game. The team further clarified that Amans remark was intended to comment on Qazis strategy inside the Bigg Boss house and was not related to his religion or community. His statement was about Qazis gameplay and strategy, not his religion or community in any way. Aman respects every religion, and twisting his words to give them a religious angle is completely unfair and unnecessary, the statement said. The team also criticised what it described as attempts to portray the comment through a religious lens. Targeting him by putting false allegations and wrongly portraying his statement is a very cheap way to bring someone down. Lets stick to what was actually said instead of creating narratives and spreading false accusations, the statement added. Qazi Touqeer remains at centre of house tensions The latest controversy comes amid a series of clashes involving Qazi, who has increasingly found himself at odds with several contestants inside the Bigg Boss 20 house. Qazi has also been dealing with health issues in recent days. He has been running a fever and feeling low on energy, although his team has said that he was examined by a doctor and continues to participate in the show whenever his health allows. Also Read:Bigg Boss 20: Kamya Punjabi slams brother-sister ScoutOp and Love Gills physical proximity; says, Boundaries need to exist
PSSSB Junior Engineer Recruitment 2026 - Application Reopened, Last Date 27 October, Exam Postponed
Subordinate Services Selection Board, Punjab (SSSB Punjab) has invited online applications for the post of Junior Engineer (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical) Group-B. Applications can be submitted from 12 October 2026 to 27 October 2026.
Congress Infighting Is Back In Punjab, AAP Is Weakened And BJP Is Waiting. Who Gains In 2027?
Experience The New Punjabi Music Video 'Time' by Nijjar
Get ready to be swept away by the latest punjabi track 'Time' beautifully sung by Nijjar. This captivating track feature mesmerizing music given by Nijjar and beautiful lyrics are penned by Nijjar. Don't miss the chance to witness Nijjar's performance in the captivating punjabi video track 'Time'. 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 Nijjar. Indulge in the latest punjabi video tracks of 2026, groove to the soulful compositions by Nijjar, immerse in the punjabi music video tracks.
Justice Nagu was the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court immediately before his appointment on the Bench of the Supreme Court
Senior Men National Hockey Championship Starts Saturday
The 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship is set to commence in Jhansi from Saturday, featuring 29 teams across three divisions. The tournament will run until October 21, with Punjab as the defending champions. The article details the pool compositions for Division 'A', 'B', and 'C', along with the knockout stage schedule.
Mann govt makes Gaurav Yadav regular DGP of Punjab after serving as acting chief since 2022
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 9 (IANS) The Punjab government on Friday appointed 1992-batch IPS officer Gaurav Yadav as the regular Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab, issuing an official notification and ending the prolonged arrangement of having an officiating police chief. Yadav, 57, who has been heading the Punjab Police as officiating DGP since July 2022, was selected from a panel of three senior IPS officers recommended by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The other two officers on the panel were Sharad Satya Chauhan and Harpreet Singh Sidhu. The appointment concludes a lengthy selection process that had remained pending for several months after the UPSC forwarded its panel to the state government in July. The issue had also come under judicial scrutiny. On October 1, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the state government to take an appropriate decision on appointing a regular DGP and sought a compliance affidavit from Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha by October 13. Yadav was initially assigned additional charge of the state police chief in July 2022, when the then DGP, V.K. Bhawra, proceeded on leave. At the time, Yadav was serving as Special DGP (Administration) and was also associated with the office of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. During his tenure as officiating DGP, Yadav led the state police force amid continuing challenges involving drug trafficking, gangster networks and law and order. Tackling organised crime, strengthening the anti-drug campaign and improving policing have remained key priorities for the state police. On consideration of the panel received from the Union Public Service Commission, the Governor of Punjab is pleased to appoint Shri Gaurav Yadav IPS as Director General of Police (Head of Police Force), Punjab, reads the order signed by Alok Shekhar, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Home Affairs. It says Yadavs tenure will be for a minimum of two years from the date he assumes charge. It refers to the Supreme Courts directions dated September 22, 2006, and July 3, 2018, in the Prakash Singh and Others vs Union of India and others case on police reforms. His appointment as regular DGP formalises his position at the helm of the Punjab Police after more than four years in the officiating role. The development is also significant for the states police administration, which had faced questions over the prolonged continuation of an additional-charge arrangement.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Supreme Court judge, Justice Sheel Nagu, on Friday recused himself from hearing the Punjab government's plea challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court's order directing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into allegations of corruption involving Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Rajvir Ghuman and others. A Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu was to hear the matter when Justice Datta observed that the case could not be heard by Justice Nagu. The Justice Datta-led Bench said it would sign an order directing that the matter be placed before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for the constitution of another Bench. CJI Surya Kant, who is the master of the roster, will constitute a fresh Bench to hear the Punjab government's plea. The development comes a day after the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on the Punjab government's plea till Friday, after Justice Datta said the case file had reached the Bench late and Justice Nagu had not had the opportunity to examine the papers. During Thursday's hearing, senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the Punjab government, had sought protection against any precipitative action in the meantime. However, the Justice Datta-led Bench questioned how it could pass an interim order without examining the case file. When we haven't read the file, how can we? it had remarked. The Punjab government has challenged the High Court's October 5 order directing the CBI to take over the investigation into allegations of corruption arising from three letters written by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. The High Court had directed the CBI to register a case and submit a status report within two months, while asking the Punjab government and police to extend full cooperation to the central investigating agency. The ED had claimed that Ghuman and his associates, Nitin Gohal and Bir Devinder, were interfering in administrative transfers and postings as well as government tenders, and had called for the registration of an FIR. After the Punjab Police did not register an FIR on the basis of the ED's communications, advocate Nikhil Saraf approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), seeking an independent probe by the CBI. The petition alleged that the communications contained serious allegations concerning persons linked to the Punjab Chief Minister's Office and sought a fair investigation free from the influence of the Punjab Police and Punjab Vigilance. The CBI has already registered an FIR in the matter and initiated an investigation pursuant to the High Court's directions. The agency also conducted searches at eight locations across Chandigarh and Punjab on Tuesday, including the Chief Minister's camp office in Chandigarh and premises linked to Ghuman in Sangrur and Mohali. On Wednesday, Ghuman and other associates were summoned to appear before the CBI's Chandigarh office in connection with the probe.
Who is Gaurav Yadav? 1992-batch IPS officer appointed regular Punjab DGP after four years
Punjab has appointed senior IPS officer Gaurav Yadav as its regular Director General of Police (DGP), ending a four-year period during which he headed the state police as an acting chief. The Punjab government selected...
Kamya Punjabi Asks If ScoutOP And Love Gill Are Crossing The Line On Bigg Boss 20
Kamya Punjabi questions ScoutOP and Love Gills physical proximity on Bigg Boss 20.
Indraxi Kanjilal says Sohni Aur Nahi Koi Honi challenges conventional idea of a heroine
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Actress Indraxi Kanjilal has opened up about her role in Sohni Aur Nahi Koi Honi,' calling the character special for challenging conventional ideas of what a heroine is expected to look like. She said the character moves beyond stereotypical expectations and offers a different perspective on the image of a leading lady on screen. Talking about playing Sohni, Indraxi said, Sohni is a very special character because she challenges the usual idea of what a heroine is expected to look like. She is simple, wears thick glasses and is often judged by people around her, but she never allows that to affect her positivity or self-belief. What I love most about Sohni is that her intelligence, kindness, and self-respect are her real strengths. I am happy to be part of a show with such a meaningful thought, and I hope audiences embrace Sohni and her journey. Sumit Bharadwaj, who plays Kabeer, added, Kabeer and Sohni come from two completely different worlds. Kabeer has grown up surrounded by fashion, glamour, and privilege, while Sohni's world is simple and grounded. Their first interaction itself comes from a misunderstanding, which makes their journey even more interesting. As their worlds come together, Kabeer begins to see things differently, and audiences will discover many layers to their relationship. I am excited for viewers to experience this unusual and heartwarming journey. Akshat Singhal, Director Enterr10 TV Network said, With Sohni Aur Nahi Koi Honi, we wanted to tell a story that goes beyond conventional definitions of beauty. Sohni may not fit the stereotypical image of a television heroine, but her intelligence, kindness, courage and self-belief make her truly special. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Punjab, the show introduces an unconventional heroine whose greatest strengths lie not in her appearance but in her intelligence, kindness, courage, and character. Sohni Aur Nahi Koi Honi premiered on 5th October on Dangal TV.
Mayawati demands Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram, affirms Bahujan Samaj as her true family
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 9 (IANS) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President Mayawati reiterated her demand to confer the Bharat Ratna upon party founder Kanshi Ram on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas (death anniversary). Describing the Bahujan Samaj as her true family, she reaffirmed her resolve to keep the party and the movement free from dynastic politics and to transform the Bahujan Samaj into a ruling class through the master key to power. Mayawati appealed to party workers to mobilise with full vigour in view of the upcoming Assembly elections. She also highlighted issues such as poverty, inflation, unemployment, and illiteracy, urging governments to fulfil their responsibilities in key areas of public welfare. Mayawati paid floral tributes to Kanshi Ram's statue at an event held at the BSP's central camp office at 9 Mall Avenue, Lucknow, and pledged to carry forward his ideas and mission. Several senior party office-bearers, including BSP National Coordinator Akash Anand, were present on the occasion. Mayawati stated that for her, the crores of people belonging to the Bahujan Samaj constitute her true family, and the interests, welfare, and dignity of this community are paramount. She noted that Kanshi Ram dedicated his entire life to advancing the caravan of self-respect and dignity championed by Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. She added that Kanshi Ram struggled throughout his life to transform the Bahujan Samaj from an exploited class into a ruling class and to realise the constitutional Bahujan Era on the ground. She affirmed that she would never let the trust he placed in her by declaring her his successor be compromised. Referencing Kanshi Ram's teachings, she emphasised that the Bahujan Samaj would attain power not through anyone's mercy or benevolence, but through the strength of the voting rights granted by the Constitution; therefore, safeguarding the right to vote is crucial. Referring to the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, Mayawati urged party office-bearers and workers to dedicate themselves fully, in body, mind, and resources, to the cause. She remarked that taking Kanshi Ram's mission to its ultimate goal would be the true tribute to him. Mayawati reiterated her demand that the Central government confer the country's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, upon Kanshi Ram. She argued that this honour should be bestowed in recognition of his historic contribution to the movement for social change and out of respect for the sentiments of the Bahujan Samaj. Citing the conferment of the Bharat Ratna upon Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, she noted that Kanshi Ram was also a key figure in the movement for social change and that his contributions deserved appropriate national recognition. Mayawati asserted that the BSP must be strengthened to such an extent that issues concerning the self-respect and dignity of the Bahujan Samaj could no longer be ignored. Mayawati stated that the entire nation cannot be made prosperous and happy merely by creating a feel-good atmosphere for a handful of people while serious issues like poverty, inflation, unemployment, illiteracy, and backwardness persist. She emphasised that governments must take concrete and sustainable measures to provide employment, empower the people, and strengthen the nation. Describing education, healthcare, roads, and employment as fundamental areas of public interest and welfare, she asserted that governments should act based on their own responsibilities and capabilities rather than relying on the private sector in these matters. According to her, public welfare should be prioritised in line with constitutional principles, rather than viewing every service solely through a commercial lens of profit and loss. The BSP chief noted that the new generation, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, is becoming vocal about issues such as education, employment, and better infrastructure. She urged governments to take concrete action on these matters instead of merely making claims. She added that accountability to the public must be ensured regarding election promises, administrative mismanagement, and corruption.
Mayawati pays tribute to Kanshi Ram on 20th death anniversary
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Friday paid floral tribute to party founder and Dalit icon Kanshi Ram on his 20th death anniversary, observed as Parinirvan Diwas. Earlier on Sunday, Mayawati held a meeting with senior officials of BSP Uttarakhand State, in which the party said that she conducted an in-depth review of the latest status of the voter list following the Election Commission's SIR revision, along with the progress in selecting strong and effective party candidates for the upcoming Assembly General Elections in UP and Punjab, as well as other election preparations. According to a release from the party shared by Mayawati, in this meeting held at the BSP Central Camp Office, a review was conducted on the status of reorganising committees up to the polling booth level following the SIR of the voter list, to be completed at a war footing, and instructions were given to address the shortcomings in a time-bound manner. In the release, following the SIR, the names of ap...
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Delhi-NCR likely to witness light rain, strong winds; AQI remains moderate to poor
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) The plains of North India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, may experience light rain, overcast skies, and strong winds over the next few days as weather conditions change amid the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon. Cyclonic activity associated with the retreating monsoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall over the next three days, particularly across Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jharkhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rain alerts for 14 states, warning of heavy showers in several regions. The effects of the retreating monsoon are likely to be felt across West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand over the next three to four days. Meanwhile, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to receive heavy rainfall between October 9 and 11. Delhi, Punjab and Haryana are likely to witness cloudy skies and light rain till October 14. Western and eastern Uttar Pradesh may receive rainfall from October 9 to 11. Light rain is expected in eastern Rajasthan on October 12, while Delhi-NCR may experience light showers accompanied by strong winds on October 10 and 11. Western Rajasthan is also likely to witness strong winds on October 11. According to the IMD, Uttarakhand is likely to receive heavy rainfall till October 14, while Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh may experience heavy showers on Friday and Saturday and again on October 13 and 14. In Uttarakhand, districts including Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Rudraprayag have been placed under a heavy rain alert. The department has advised pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, particularly those visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath, to remain vigilant. In Himachal Pradesh, Chamba, Kullu, Manali and Shimla are likely to receive rainfall on October 13 and 14. Jammu and Kashmir may also witness significant weather changes, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds forecast in areas including Doda, Pulwama, Anantnag, Poonch, Udhampur and Srinagar. Bihar and Jharkhand are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in some areas till October 11. Patna, Ranchi and Dhanbad are among the places where thunderstorms and lightning are possible. The IMD has also warned of heavy rainfall in Bihar and the Gangetic plains of West Bengal. Rainfall is expected to continue in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura until October 14. Eastern Madhya Pradesh may receive rain till October 11, while Chhattisgarh is likely to witness showers on October 14. Rewa, Satna and Shahdol in eastern Madhya Pradesh may experience rainfall accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate to poor categories, with monitoring stations recording varying levels of pollution. Dwarka Sector 8 recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 231, followed by R.K. Puram at 219, Punjabi Bagh at 211, Narela at 210, and Pusa and NSUT Jaffarpur at 203 each. Other stations, including Burari, Badarpur, Mandir Marg, Aya Nagar, CRRI Mathura Road, Chandni Chowk, JNU, Burari Crossing, Ashok Vihar, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Jahangirpuri and Rohini, recorded AQI readings ranging from 115 to 198.
Environment protection versus strategic infrastructure: SC seeks Punjab plan on afforestation
Diversity, by itself, does not produce unity. A society may contain many languages, religions, customs and communities without granting them equal dignity or a meaningful place in common public life. Diversity becomes pluralism only when difference is accepted as legitimate, when communities encounter one another without seeking to erase one another, and when citizens recognise that their distinct identities can coexist within a shared national framework. That transformation requires more than cultural tolerance. It requires fraternitythe civic willingness to regard those who are different as fellow members of the same political community. And fraternity requires constitutionalism: the discipline that places every citizen, community and government under the authority of equal rights, lawful institutions and accountable public power. Indias diversity is visible everywherein its languages, religions, philosophies, customs, cuisines, dress, literature, music and regional traditions. But beneath this extraordinary variety lies a long, though uneven, history of accommodating difference. The Indian achievement is not that conflict or exclusion disappeared. It is that the subcontinent repeatedly generated cultural practices, intellectual traditions and political arrangements through which difference could be negotiated rather than permanently converted into separation. That is the foundation on which Indian pluralism must be understood. Diversity is a fact. Pluralism is a philosophy. Fraternity is its civic ethic. Constitutionalism is the rule that makes it durable. A diverse society may simply contain many communities. A plural society develops the ethical and institutional capacity to allow those communities to coexist with dignity, engage with one another and contribute to a common public life. Indias achievement has often been to turn diversity into a civilisational resource, although this achievement has never been complete or free from conflict. For thousands of years, the subcontinent has been a site of intellectual disagreement. Its philosophical traditions did not develop around a single universally authorised doctrine. Vedic and Upanishadic texts explored questions about existence, the self and ultimate reality. Buddhism and Jainism challenged established assumptions and developed influential alternative traditions. The schools commonly classified as Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya and Mimamsa, among others, developed distinct arguments and often debated one another. The Buddhist emperor Ashoka gave one expression to this principle in his edicts. In the 12th Rock Edict, generally dated to the third century BCE, he urged people not to disparage other sects and argued that honouring ones own tradition should not involve denigrating others. His message was not that all beliefs were identical. It was an appeal for restraint, learning and mutual respect in a religiously diverse society. The edict should be understood as evidence of an imperial ethical and political ideal, not as proof that all communities throughout the subcontinent practised equal tolerance. Yet disagreement itself became part of the intellectual culture. This is a significant feature of many Indian traditions. Truth was not always presented as something that could be exhausted by one formulation. The search for truth could proceed through dialogue, debate, experience and contemplation. The dialogues preserved in some Upanishads, Buddhist and Jain traditions of disputation, and the later debates associated with figures such as Adi Shankaracharya reflect the importance accorded to argument. They do not, however, prove that Indian society was uniformly tolerant or free from hierarchy and exclusion. Intellectual openness and social inequality often coexisted. That intellectual pluralism also found expression in Indias literary and cultural traditions. The Ramayana and Mahabharata travelled across the subcontinent, acquiring regional languages, interpretations and artistic forms. Kambans Tamil Ramavataram, Tulsidass Awadhi Ramcharitmanas and Krittibasis Bengali Ramayana are among the best-known examples of retelling. The many versions found across South and Southeast Asia demonstrate how a shared narrative could be adopted without being reproduced identically. Sanskrit interacted with Tamil, Prakrit, Pali and later with Indias many regional languages. Local traditions absorbed wider civilisational themes while retaining their distinctive character. The result was not cultural uniformity. It was a form of cultural federation. Indias diversity is therefore not merely the consequence of geography. It is also the product of centuries of migration, exchange, adaptation and political change. Kashmir provides a particularly important example. The Valley became a major centre of Sanskrit learning, philosophy, aesthetics and spiritual inquiry. Kashmir Shaivism is associated with thinkers such as Vasugupta, Utpaladeva and Abhinavagupta. Abhinavaguptas writings on aesthetics, including his interpretation of rasa, influenced later Indian thinking about drama and artistic experience. Lal Deds verses have been read across religious boundaries, while the teachings associated with Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, or Nund Rishi, became an important part of Kashmirs spiritual heritage. The term Kashmiriyat is often used to describe an ideal of shared Kashmiri belonging across religious communities. Its meaning and historical application are debated, and the regions history includes periods of coexistence as well as conflict, displacement and political violence. Nevertheless, the ideal reflects an aspiration toward a common civic and cultural identity. It should not be presented as an uncontested description of all periods of Kashmiri history. The larger lesson is important. Civilisations can become richer when communities do not merely coexist but encounter one another. Indian pluralism has also been shaped by communities that arrived from outside the subcontinent. Jewish communities established settlements in places including Kerala and Maharashtra, preserving their religious traditions while participating in local society. The Bene Israel community in the Konkan region and the Cochin Jews in Kerala are examples of communities that made India their home over many centuries. Parsis, members of the Zoroastrian faith, migrated to western India from Iran over successive periods, particularly after the Arab conquest of Persia, although the precise chronology and scale of these migrations are matters of historical study. A well-known Parsi tradition recounts that a local ruler symbolised the limits of his kingdom with a vessel filled with milk, and that the Parsi leader responded by adding sugar to it, suggesting that the newcomers would blend into society while enriching it. The story is best treated as cultural memory rather than independently verified history. It nevertheless captures an important element of Parsi self-understanding. Parsis later made major contributions to Indias industrial, philanthropic and public life. The Tata family helped build important enterprises and supported scientific, educational and cultural institutions. Parsi figures such as Dadabhai Naoroji, the first Asian elected to the British House of Commons, played a significant role in public life and the freedom movement. Their history shows how a small community can preserve its identity while contributing substantially to a wider national project. Christianity also has a long history in India. The Saint Thomas Christian tradition in Kerala traces its origins to the early centuries of the Common Era, although the precise historical details of its earliest beginnings remain debated. Christian communities and institutions have contributed significantly to education, healthcare, printing and social reform. Institutions such as St. Xaviers College in Mumbai and Christian Medical College in Vellore are prominent examples, alongside numerous schools, hospitals and charitable organisations serving people of many faiths. Indias Muslim communities have likewise shaped the countrys shared identity in countless ways. Urdu poetry, Hindustani music, qawwali, architecture, cuisine, crafts and scholarship are not external additions to Indian culture; they are part of its living inheritance. Bhakti and Sufi traditions sometimes created spaces of spiritual exchange, although the relationship between them varied across regions and periods. Figures such as Kabir, Guru Nanak, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Amir Khusrau are remembered across community boundaries, even though their historical contexts and religious affiliations should not be collapsed into a single syncretic narrative. The cultural histories of Bengal, Punjab, the Deccan and Kashmir show how interaction produced new forms of language, music and devotion. The Indian experience demonstrates that national identity need not require cultural erasure. One can preserve ones language and still be Indian. One can practise ones faith and still be fully committed to the Republic. One can celebrate ones regional heritage while embracing a larger national identity. This layered belonging is not a weakness. It is one of Indias greatest strengths. The Constitution gave this aspiration a modern democratic and legal framework. It did not simply codify an uninterrupted ancient tradition; it also responded to colonial rule, social inequality, Partition and the demands of a modern republic. The Preamble commits the Republic to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. Fundamental Rights protect equality and several forms of individual and collective freedom. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws. Article 15 prohibits discrimination by the State on specified grounds, including religion, race, caste, sex and place of birth, subject to constitutionally permitted affirmative-action provisions. Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity in public employment, again subject to specified exceptions and reservations. Article 17 abolishes untouchability and makes its practice an offence. Article 25 protects freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, health and the other provisions of Part III. Articles 29 and 30 protect certain cultural and educational rights, including the rights of sections of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture to conserve it, and the rights of religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice, subject to constitutional interpretation and regulation in the public interest. These provisions are not abstract declarations. They have shaped public life, although their implementation has been uneven and contested. In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, decided in 1973, the Supreme Court held that Parliaments power to amend the Constitution does not extend to destroying its basic structure. The judgment did not provide a single exhaustive list of basic-structure features, but later decisions have treated principles such as constitutional supremacy, judicial review, democracy and secularism as part of that doctrine. In S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, decided in 1994, the Supreme Court treated secularism as a basic feature of the Constitution and held that the exercise of Article 356 is subject to judicial review. The judgment also addressed the constitutional limits on the use of state power in circumstances involving partisan or communal politics. Its precise holdings should not be reduced to a general judicial prohibition on all political appeals based on religion, but it remains a major authority on secularism, federalism and constitutional accountability. In cases concerning minority educational institutions, including T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka and subsequent decisions, the Court has examined the scope of minority rights, the meaning of minority, and the extent to which educational autonomy may be regulated to maintain academic standards and prevent maladministration. The law in this area is detailed and continues to evolve. The constitutional framework has also enabled affirmative action for historically disadvantaged communities. Reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes were provided from the beginning of the constitutional order, while reservations for Other Backward Classes in central educational institutions and public employment followed later constitutional, legislative and judicial developments. These measures seek to advance substantive equality, although their design, scope and effects remain subjects of public debate. The Constitutions Fifth and Sixth Schedules provide different forms of protection and autonomy for Scheduled Areas and tribal communities. The Sixth Schedule establishes autonomous district and regional councils in specified areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. These arrangements do not amount to unrestricted self-government, but they recognise that national unity can accommodate differentiated forms of local governance and cultural protection. These constitutional guarantees should not be misunderstood as instruments of fragmentation. They are among the means through which a diverse nation can preserve unity without demanding uniformity. But constitutionalism is the rule that gives pluralism its durable form. It means that no community, majority or minority, stands above the Constitution; that public power must be exercised within legal limits; that rights cannot depend solely on the goodwill of those who govern; and that institutions must protect citizens against arbitrary authority. Constitutionalism converts the moral aspiration of coexistence into an enforceable discipline of government. Without it, pluralism may remain a cultural ideal, vulnerable to the changing preferences of rulers and majorities. With it, diversity can become a foundation for equal citizenship, accountable power and democratic unity. The constitutional idea of India is therefore neither majoritarianism nor competitive communalism. It is equal citizenship under a constitutional order. This distinction is increasingly important. A democracy cannot survive merely by counting numbers. It must also protect the dignity and rights of those who are numerically smaller. The majority has the right to govern through constitutional procedures; it does not have the right to diminish the equal citizenship of others or to disregard constitutional limits. Indias public life offers many reminders of this principle. Citizens from minority communities have served as Presidents, Vice-Presidents, judges, ministers, diplomats, scientists, artists and military leaders. Dr. Zakir Husain and Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed served as Presidents of India. Justice M. Hidayatullah served as Chief Justice of India and later as Vice-President. Sikh, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist, Jain and Muslim citizens have held high constitutional and public offices and contributed to institutions across the country. These examples do not prove that discrimination has disappeared, nor do they by themselves establish equal social or economic outcomes. They do demonstrate that the constitutional imagination of India is larger than any single religious or cultural identity. That is why fraternity is such a profound constitutional value. Equality tells us that every citizen possesses equal civic worth. Liberty protects individual freedom. Fraternity asks citizens to recognise one another as members of a common national community. The Preamble links fraternity with the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. Fraternity does not demand sameness. It demands solidarity despite difference. The freedom movement offered several examples of this solidarity, though it was never free of internal conflict or exclusion. Mahatma Gandhis campaigns drew participation from Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis and people of many regional and linguistic backgrounds. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad argued that Indian nationalism could not be reduced to religious identity. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan linked non-violent resistance with an Islamic ethical tradition. The Indian National Army brought together soldiers from different regions and communities under a common political objective, although its composition, political significance and historical legacy require careful study. The national movement contained competing visions, but one of its most influential strands was unmistakably plural. This is where Indias civilisational inheritance can speak powerfully to its constitutional future. Indias diversity, however, should not be romanticised. Pluralism is not automatic. Differences can become sources of mistrust, prejudice and conflict. Caste discrimination, communal tensions, linguistic antagonisms and regional rivalries have all tested Indias social fabric. The Partition of 1947 was accompanied by mass killings, abductions and the displacement of millions, although estimates of the death toll vary widely. The anti-Sikh violence of 1984, the communal violence in Gujarat in 2002, the violence against Christians in Kandhamal in 2008 and recurring violence in different parts of the country show that constitutional ideals require constant defence. The causes, legal findings and historical interpretations of these episodes differ, and each requires careful sourcing rather than rhetorical equivalence. The answer is not to deny these realities. It is to strengthen the institutions and civic culture capable of addressing them. Indias linguistic reorganisation after independence offers an instructive example. Many leaders feared that creating states on linguistic lines would encourage separatism. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956, together with subsequent legislation, reorganised much of the countrys internal boundaries and helped accommodate linguistic aspirations within the Union. Andhra State had already been created in 1953, and later changes created or reshaped states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Kerala. The process was neither simple nor uniformly peaceful, but it demonstrated that recognition of linguistic identity could, under appropriate constitutional conditions, strengthen rather than weaken the Union. The same principle can be seen in the constitutional accommodation of tribal and regional identities. The Sixth Schedule provides autonomous district and regional councils in specified parts of the Northeast, with powers that include aspects of local administration and, subject to constitutional limits, customary law and cultural affairs. The Eighth Schedule currently lists 22 languages. Its inclusion does not confer exclusive official status at the Union level, nor does it exhaust Indias linguistic diversity. Article 350A directs states and local authorities to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage for children belonging to linguistic minority groups, while Article 350B provides for a Special Officer for linguistic minorities. Pluralism requires equal protection of law. It requires political restraint. It requires an independent judiciary, responsible public discourse, effective democratic institutions and an education system that teaches citizens to understand Indias diversity rather than fear it. It also requires political leaders to recognise that social divisions can be easy to exploit but difficult to repair. A nation of Indias scale cannot afford a politics permanently organised around the manufacture of the other. Indias civilisational genius is not that it has always expanded the boundaries of belonging. Rather, its history contains both expansion and exclusion. Its enduring promise lies in the capacity of its people and institutions to widen belonging and correct injustice. This is why Indias national identity should not be understood as a narrow cultural template. It is better understood as a constitutional and civilisational framework capable of accommodating multiple traditions, provided that all citizens remain equal before the law. The idea of Bharat has evolved through successive political and cultural formations. It has shown continuity, but that continuity should not be treated as unbroken or uniform. There is another dimension to this inheritance that deserves attention. Indian society has repeatedly absorbed external influences without becoming culturally indistinguishable from them. Persian, Central Asian, European and other influences entered Indian life in different periods. They changed Indian society, but Indian communities also adapted and transformed what they received. The Mughal period, for example, produced new forms of architecture, painting, administration, literature and cuisine through interaction among Persianate, Central Asian and Indian traditions. The Taj Mahal, the miniature-painting traditions associated with Mughal and Rajput courts, the development of Urdu and the evolution of Hindustani music all reflect complex cultural exchange rather than one-way influence. In the Deccan, Persian, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada and local Islamic traditions interacted in distinctive ways. Under colonial rule, universities, print culture, railways and legal institutions were introduced or expanded within an imperial framework and were subsequently appropriated, contested and reshaped by Indian actors. This is not cultural weakness. It can be a form of cultural confidence. A confident civilisation does not necessarily fear exchange. A contemporary example is Indias scientific and technological life. The Indian Space Research Organisation has conducted significant missions, including Chandrayaan and the Mars Orbiter Mission, and India is among the relatively small number of countries to have demonstrated substantial space-launch and planetary-mission capabilities. It is not possible to attribute these achievements to any single cultural group; they reflect the work of institutions drawing talent from across the country. Indias digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface, has also enabled large-scale participation in common national systems. These systems have expanded access in important ways, but they have also raised legitimate questions concerning privacy, exclusion, cybersecurity, regulation and accountability. Their existence therefore demonstrates institutional scale and integration, not an unqualified success. Indias cultural pluralism is also visible in its public celebrations. Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Gurpurab, Buddha Purnima, Mahavir Jayanti, Onam, Bihu, Pongal, Navratri and many other festivals are observed in different parts of the country, often with participation beyond the communities most closely associated with them. This does not mean that every festival is experienced identically or that social tensions disappear. It does show that Indian public culture has repeatedly created shared spaces around distinct traditions. The India of the 21st century needs precisely this confidence. As Bharat becomes an important economic power, a significant technological actor and an increasingly influential voice in world affairs, its greatest asset will not be its ability to project power alone. Its deeper strength will be its capacity to hold together an extraordinarily diverse population within a democratic constitutional framework. The world is becoming more interconnected, but it is also becoming more anxious about identity. Societies across continents are struggling with migration, religious difference, ethnicity, language and nationalism. India has something valuable to contribute to this global conversation. Its message should not be that differences do not matter. They do. The message should be that differences need not become divisions. The challenge before Bharat is therefore to modernise without homogenising, to strengthen national identity without narrowing it, and to pursue development without sacrificing social trust. This requires a renewed emphasis on fraternity. Economic prosperity cannot by itself create national cohesion. Infrastructure can connect cities; technology can connect people; markets can connect economies. But only mutual respect, equal citizenship and the credible rule of law can create a durable sense of belonging. The young generation must therefore inherit not only Indias achievements but also its civilisational confidence. They must learn that being Indian does not require them to surrender their linguistic, regional, religious or cultural identities. It requires them to place those identities within a larger constitutional and national framework, while respecting the equal rights of others. Indias unity should consequently be understood not as the disappearance of differences but as their coexistence within a shared constitutional order. That is perhaps one of the most distinctive ideas India can offer the modern world. The genius of Bharat is that unity can be spacious enough to accommodate plurality. Its civilisational strength lies not in having produced one way of being Indian, but in having made room for manywhile continuing to struggle over the boundaries of that belonging. The task of our generation is to preserve and deepen this inheritance while adapting it to the demands of a modern constitutional democracy. We should neither romanticise the past nor apologise for our diversity. We should build upon it. A Bharat that guarantees equal citizenship, protects freedom of conscience, encourages dialogue and celebrates its many cultural traditions will be strongernot weakerfor its diversity. For ultimately, diversity becomes pluralism only when difference is treated as legitimate, fraternity turns strangers into fellow citizens, and constitutionalism ensures that this fellowship is protected by rights, institutions and the rule of law. That is the genius Bharat must preserve and deepen: not diversity alone, but the continuing work of converting diversity into pluralism, pluralism into fraternity, and fraternity into constitutional national unity. That is not merely Indias inheritance. It can be Indias gift to the world. Author is a public intellectual and a noted Senior Advocate of Supreme Court of India.
From Imperial Transit to Kashmirs Apple Bowl
Shopian is a region defined by rich geography, cultural history, and economic transformation. Siting at an average altitude of 2,146 meters above sea level, Shopian was carved out as an independent administrative district from Pulwama in 2007. The origins of its name reflect its dual identity: English geologist Frederic Drew noted it as a corruption of the Persian Shah (king) and Payan (stay), marking it as a royal rest stop along the historic Mughal Road. Native folklore offers another originSheen-e-Van, meaning snow forestwhich captures its dense woodland and heavy winter snowfall. Historically celebrated as a vital transit stop connecting the Kashmir Valley with Rajouri and Poonch, Shopian has evolved into Kashmirs horticultural centre, earning its title as the regions true Apple Bowl. The historic gateway and demographic tapestry Shopians strategic geography has long made it Kashmirs southern portal. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Mughal emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan transformed the mountain track across the 11,500-foot-high Peer Ki Gali pass into an imperial highway. Royal caravans featuring thousands of court officials, soldiers, and elephants travelled through Shopian on summer pilgrimages to Srinagar. Its ancient name was Namak (Salt)Road, through which salt was exported from western Punjab to Kashmir. Chinese traveller Aokong visited this place and described it as a pedestrian track. In 1586, Emperor Akbar led the Moghul army from this cart road and invaded and annexed Kashmir by defeating Yusuf Shah Chak. Thereafter Moghul emperors Akbar, Jahangir, Shahjahan and Aurngzeb travelled with caravans through this route. In 659 CE the A network of serais (caravanserais), forts, and rest stations was constructed along the route, with stops at Heer Pora, Dubijan, and Peer Ki Gali. Monuments like Shopian towns Jamia Masjidresembling Srinagars iconic grand mosqueremain physical reminders of this imperial heritage. Moghul era ended in 1751-53 after decline of their rule in Delhi. Ahmad Shah Durrani sent his commander Abdullah Khan Ishk Aqsi who defeated the last Moghul governor in 1752/53. Subsequently Afghan Durranis ruled Kashmir till 1819. Battle of Shopian 1819 The famous Battle of Shopian was fought in July 1819 between the Sikh Empire under Misr Diwan Chand and Akali Phoola Singh on behalf of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and Afghan Governor Jabbar Khan. Though Afghans had heavier artillery, Sikhs counter-attacked, wounded Jabbar Khan and opened the road to Srinagar on 15 July 1819. This ended 67-year Afghan Durrani Rule (1752-1819), considered the darkest phase of Kashmiri history. Shopian is thus where modern Sikh-Dogra era began in Kashmir. Following the 1947 partition, the Mughal Road fell into disuse, leaving Shopians position as a transit hub dormant for decades. However, the reopening and modernization of the route (Moghul Road)) over the past two decades revived this connection. Beyond cutting travel times between the Jammu border districts and the Valley, the reopened road re-established Shopian as a commercial and cultural crossroads, driving trade, seasonal livestock migration, and tourism. Unlike urban centres in northern and central Kashmir, Shopians social structure is multi-ethnic and semi-nomadic. Ethnic Kashmiri settlers concentrate in the agricultural plains and urban blocks such as Shopian town, Zaina Pora, and Herman, working in settled horticulture, trade, and administration. Meanwhile, Gujjars and Bakar Wals populate high-altitude peripheries like Keller, Sedow, and Heer Pora. The Gujjars are primarily agro-pastoralists, while the Bakarwals are nomads who move their herds across the Pir Panjal passes seasonally. During the summer, high pastures (dhoks) hum with pastoral life. These communities supply essential labour during the peak apple harvest, maintain the livestock trade, and integrate into the broader valley economy. Hydrology: The Lifeblood of the Orchards Shopians landscape is sculpted by mountain streams originating from high-altitude glaciers, alpine tarns like Lake Nandansar, and the snowfields of the Pir Panjal range. The Rambiara cuts through the heart of the district, known for its wide, stony bed and erratic seasonal flows. It serves as the primary irrigation source for hundreds of square kilometres of orchards. Additional streams, including the Veshaw River originating near Aharbal, pass through neighbouring Kulgam and Pulwama. These water channels flow northeast across the South Kashmir plains, carrying nutrient-rich silt before converging near Sangam to empty into the Jhelum River. This network provides the alluvial soil and consistent water needed to maintain the districts high agricultural productivity. The Cultural Legacy and Decline of the Ambri Apple The Ambri appleindigenous to the Kashmir Valley and historically concentrated in Shopians orchardsis widely considered the pride of Kashmiri horticulture. It is renowned for its distinctive, honeyed, floral aroma and a mild, deeply sweet flavour profile, featuring a sugar content between 13- and 16-degrees Brix. Unlike soft modern cultivars, traditional Ambri possesses a thick skin and natural waxiness. This allows it to stay fresh for 4 to 6 months at room temperature and even longer in cold storage without losing crispness or fragrance, making it historically well-suited for long transit routes. Despite its prestige, the pure Ambri variety has almost vanished from commercial markets due to severe economic and biological challenges: Traditional Ambri trees require 12 to 15 years to bear their first commercial harvest, whereas introduced foreign varieties yield fruit within 3 to 4 years. The trees follow a biennial pattern, producing a heavy crop one year and a sparse crop the next, leading to unpredictable annual income. Ambri is highly susceptible to apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) and pest infestations compared to hardier cultivars. Shift to Hybrids: To secure faster returns, orchardists largely replaced pure Ambri trees with foreign cultivars or hybrid clones like Lal-Ambria cross between Red Delicious and Ambri designed to blend early yield with native flavour. The Modern Apple Revolution: Overtaking Sopore Historically, Sopore in Baramulla district held dominance as the Apple Town of Asia. Over the last two decades, Shopian launched an agricultural transformation that challenged and, in key metrics, surpassed northern hubs. Shopians higher elevation (over 2,100 meters) provides colder chill-hour profiles and sharp autumn temperature drops, yielding apples with deeper coloration, superior crispness, and a longer natural shelf-life than valley-floor crops. Furthermore, Shopian became an early adopter of European dwarf rootstock varieties like Italian Red Velox, Gala, and Fuji. High-Density Apple Plantation (HDAP) practices allow growers to harvest fruit within 2 to 3 years while supporting 3,000 to 4,000 plants per hectare, dramatically increasing yield per square kilometre compared to traditional large-canopy trees. To support this volume, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) cold storage infrastructure has expanded throughout Shopian and neighbouring Pulwama. Growers can store tens of thousands of metric tons of produce, enabling them to sell during spring months when national market prices peak rather than panic-selling during the autumn harvest. Concurrently, the Shopian Fruit Mandi has grown into one of North Indias largest direct-trading fruit hubs, attracting buyers directly from major commercial centres across India. Conflict, Transition, and Economic Resilience Shopians orchard landscape stands in contrast to its history as a site of political turbulence. When armed conflict emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Shopians dense forests and mountain tracks leading into Rajouri and Poonch made it a key transit corridor and base for insurgent groups. Over time, the nature of this turbulence shifted. Dense apple canopy across contiguous hectares created complex terrain for counter-insurgency operations. Socio-political incidents and localized unrest between 2014 and 2018 made South Kashmir an epi-centre for local recruitment and civil friction. However, comprehensive security operations, combined with stabilized governance after 2019, local policing, and economic integration, led to a sharp decline in violent incidents and a gradual return to political stability. As peace consolidates, Shopian serves as a primary macroeconomic engine for South Kashmir: The sector employs nearly 80% of the local population and generates substantial annual revenue. Strategic focus remains on expanding high-density rootstocks, organic processing units, and localized packaging plants. As a vital highway node via the Mughal Road and a central fruit dispatch site, future developments centre on all-weather transit solutionssuch as proposed tunnel infrastructure at Peer Ki Galito prevent winter closures. Apple production drives liquidity that powers banking, construction, retail, and transit across South Kashmir. It generates seasonal work for tens of thousands of local residents and migrant labourers. Additionally, combining the scenic drives of the Mughal Road with orchard stays and alpine destinations like the Heerpora Wildlife Sanctuary offers strong potential for eco- and agrotourism. From an imperial rest stop along the Mughal Road to a region navigating decades of transition from Moghuls to Afghans and finally Sikhs and Dogras, Shopian has consistently demonstrated resilience. Driven by its multi-ethnic communities, rich water resources, and modern horticulture, the district has established itself as Kashmirs premier apple centrestanding as a vital gateway of trade, economic growth, and regional stability. Acknowledgement: The author acknowledges the help of Dr Rafeeq Masoodi PhD, recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award and Former Director Doordarshan in providing significant information regarding the importance of Shopian. Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director Gauri Kaul Foundation
World has not forgotten 9/11, 26/11, Pahalgam attacks: India at UN
United Nations, Oct 8: Exposing Pakistans doublespeak on terrorism at the UN, India has called out Islamabads efforts to gloss over its state support for terror by announcing rewards for JeM chief Masood Azahar, underlining that the world has not forgotten 9/11, 26/11 and Pahalgam attacks. India on Wednesday exercised its Right of Reply in response to the Pakistan representatives statement in the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly on the Agenda Item: Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism. Pakistan speaks of combating terrorism while seeking to obscure the very question that this committee must confront: What happens when terrorists are financed, facilitated, trained, sheltered, or supported from the territory of a state? First Secretary in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN Raghoo Puri said. He said India has been consistent on this question, underscoring that terrorism cannot be defeated by declarations and instead requires action against its perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors. For years, Pakistan has presented itself as a frontline state in combating terrorism and as a victim while masking the fact that the Frankensteins the Pakistani state has created and lost control over have moved from wreaking havoc in neighbouring countries to doing the same in Pakistan, Puri said. Calling out Pakistans doublespeak on terrorism, Puri said the country glosses over its state support for terrorism by announcing enhanced rewards for apprehending UN-listed head of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist and mastermind of several attacks against my country, Masood Azhar. He said the world is aware of Pakistans financial support to terrorism. Yet, we also remember that just a few months ago, Pakistani representatives used this forum to call the Jaish-e-Mohammed a defunct organisation. The world has seen the script play earlier, and we are clear-eyed that this time also it is going to be no different, he said. Puri said that when the media can reach Azhar and get confirmation from him about the success of Operation Sindoor, surely the Pakistani state knows his whereabouts. In May last year, India had launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the dastardly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir perpetrated by The Resistance Front, a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists were killed. ExploreHistory Earlier this month, India had dismissed as gimmicks Pakistans fresh announcement of a bounty of seven million rupees on Azhar, demanding that Islamabad take concrete action to combat terrorism. India has for years accused Pakistan of sheltering Azhar, while Pakistan has maintained that he fled to Afghanistan a claim rejected by Afghanistans Taliban government. For the last few years, Islamabad has claimed that the JeM founder has been operating from Afghanistan. However, the Taliban regime dismissed Pakistans repeated claims, with a senior Afghan Foreign Ministry official saying he is not in the country. Islamabads fresh announcement on the reward for information on Azhar came as it faces pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to crack down on terror groups and their leadership. The Paris-based global watchdog is set to review Pakistans anti-terrorism efforts at its upcoming plenary. Pakistan was placed under the FATF grey list between 2018 and 2022 for its systemic deficiencies in anti-money laundering and its failure to counter-terror financing. Puri also recalled a recent statement by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who had said,The unfortunate thing is that the threat [Punjab] faces comes less from my neighbouring countries and more from my neighbouring provinces. Exposing this dark secret, Puri said, You cannot run with the hares and hunt with the hounds. Reality never works like that. When terrorist groups are allowed to operate under state political power, international commitments become meaningless and when perpetrators are provided safe havens, the victims of terrorism are denied justice, he said. The world has not forgotten 9/11 and where its perpetrators, including Osama bin Laden, were caught. The world has not forgotten 26/11. The world has not forgotten Pahalgam, Puri said, adding that the list, unfortunately, is painfully long. The victims in Pahalgam were not asked about their political orientation, they were asked about their religion. It is therefore deeply ironic that Pakistan speaks of combating religious hatred while allowing the conditions that enable it to persist and thrive, especially by fomenting cross-border terrorism, he said. Pakistan continues with its narrative building, misinformation, and disinformation. If bombed-out airfields and cratered runways look like victory to Pakistan, they are of course welcome to enjoy it, Puri said. Any regime against terrorism to be effective must do two things: assign responsibility and ensure accountability. India will defend its people, and continued terrorism against India will have consequences, he added. In another Right of Reply, Puri said India rejected Pakistans circular economy of words and narratives. If this much effort had actually been made in countering terrorism rather than narrative building, misinformation, and disinformation, the world would have been a better place. But nothing more can be expected from a Form 47 government, he said, referring to a term used to describe allegations of rigging and manipulation in Pakistans 2024 general elections.
Religious Hatred Has a Gun; Hypocrisy Has a Microphone.
They were not asked how they voted. They were asked what they believed. On The post Religious Hatred Has a Gun; Hypocrisy Has a Microphone. appeared first on Khalsa Vox .
File doesn't reach judge in time, Supreme Court adjourns hearing on Punjab appeal
Mr. Manns remark came after the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the CBI to probe corruption allegations linked to his office.
Proof of 21 'compromised transfers', 11 policy changes part of CBI's Punjab file
SC Asks Punjab To Provide Land To Replace Highway Trees
A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana expressed concern over declining forest cover in Punjab and the lack of implementation of the afforestation plan.
Punjab CM Accuses BJP of Using Investigative Agencies for Election Campaigning
Punjabs CM Bhagwant Mann claims BJP is leveraging investigative agencies to influence the upcoming elections. Punjab CM Accuses BJP of Using Investigative Agencies for Election Campaigning
Bhagwant Mann Aide Goes To Court, Says Raid Illegal, Agency Had No Approval
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman has moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the CBI investigation and search conducted at his residence in Sangrur.
Punjab launches Meri Dukan, Mere Naam scheme for shopkeepers
Punjab health minister hands job letters to 80 covid warrior nurses
The Supreme Court has ordered new elections in 50 municipal wards across Punjab. This decision follows a report detailing significant obstruction during the nomination process. The report highlighted incidents of candidates experiencing threats, assaults, and destruction of nomination papers. Fresh elections will take place in 28 wards in Patiala district and 22 in Moga. The local body elections originally occurred on December 21, 2024.
May collapse anytime: HR panel seeks action on Satluj bridge
Garbage mountain grows as dump cleanup stalls
Jail staff in drug supply chain; 6 face FIR, 2 held
Repo rate hike worries MSMEs, exporters
Indian Christian Day / Yeshu Bhakti Divas
ARTESIA, CALI: The Indian Christian Day / Yeshu Bhakti Divas celebration was a great success! Everyone was excited about the program, and we were blessed by the wonderful participation and fellowship. Eight churches joined the celebration, with approximately 120 people in attendance from diverse backgrounds. Telugu, Malayalee, Tamil, Hindi, Punjabi, and Hawaiian communities were represented, []
Punjab Needs Issue-Based Politics, 1984 A Mistake: Punjab Congress Chief Pargat Singh
Pargat Singh also addressed one of the Congress's most sensitive historical issues -- the 1984 anti-Sikh riots -- saying what happened was a mistake
Batala Pastor Murder: Accused Booked
A 45-year-old pastor, Balwinder Pal, was stabbed to death at his residence in Batala, Punjab, on Thursday. Police have booked a man named Naresh Kumar in connection with the killing and are investigating the case.
Akali Dal Demands Dismissal of Punjab Election Commissioner Following Supreme Court Ruling
The Akali Dal calls for the removal of the Punjab Election Commissioner after a Supreme Court ruling raises concerns over election integrity. Akali Dal Demands Dismissal of Punjab Election Commissioner Following Supreme Court Ruling
BJP launching election campaign through investigative agencies, says Punjab CM
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 8 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raid at his camp office here, saying it signals that the state elections will be held on time, and accusing the BJP of launching its election campaign in the state through investigative agencies. Pointing to similar raids ahead of elections in Delhi, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, Mann said no amount of raids would yield even a rupee of corruption against the Aam Aadmi Party government, asserting that he had entered politics to serve Punjabis, not to loot Punjab. The CBI search at the Chief Minister's Camp Office itself means that the Punjab Assembly elections will be held on time. The BJP has started preparing for the elections in Punjab and has chosen to begin its election campaign through the CBI, Chief Minister Mann told the media. The Chief Minister said that the BJP was trying to create fear and tarnish the image of an elected government through central investigative agencies. But no matter how many raids they conduct, they will not find even a single rupee of corruption with us. We are neither afraid of these actions nor will we allow them (BJP) to divert us (AAP) from our commitment to the people of Punjab. We have entered politics to serve Punjabis, not to loot Punjab, he added. Chief Minister Mann said, Our politics is about giving people their rights, creating employment, strengthening public services and putting Punjab back on the path of progress. We have come into politics with a commitment to serve the people and transform the state. He added that the people of Punjab had repeatedly rejected politics based on fear and intimidation. They (BJP) can conduct raids, send agencies and create pressure, but they cannot raid the hearts of Punjabis or silence their voice. The people of Punjab will continue to stand with truth and development, he said.
Bihar: ED files charge sheet against six accused into Rs 1.29 crore PNB fraud
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 8 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Patna Zonal Office has filed a charge sheet before the Special PMLA Court in Patna against six individuals in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to a bank fraud involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB) in Muzaffarpur. The charge sheet was filed on September 29, 2026, seeking the conviction of Md. Zafar Eqbal, Nitesh Kumar Singh, Santosh Anand, Rajesh Kumar, Manjay Kumar Singh and Kundan Kumar. According to the ED, the investigation was initiated on the basis of two FIRs registered by the Bihar Police under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, relating to allegations of cheating and forgery. The agency alleged that Zafar Eqbal and his aides siphoned off around Rs 1.29 crore from the bank accounts of victims with the alleged assistance of Nitesh Kumar Singh, an official of Punjab National Bank. The ED alleged that the accused used SIM-swapping to facilitate the fraudulent transactions. According to the agency, the method prevented account holders from receiving transaction alerts on their registered mobile numbers, allowing the unauthorised transfers to go undetected. The ED had earlier conducted search operations at four locations linked to the accused on December 11, 2025. According to the agency, the searches led to the identification and freezing of proceeds of crime amounting to around Rs 83 lakh held in four bank accounts. The ED's investigation allegedly found that funds were siphoned from savings accounts maintained at the PNB branch in Muzaffarpur and transferred to mule accounts located in different cities. According to the ED, the allegedly diverted funds were subsequently routed back to the personal bank accounts of Zafar Eqbal and his proprietorship firm. The agency alleged that the funds were transferred through hawala channels as well as through cash deposits made via ATMs at different locations. The money was subsequently allegedly distributed among the accused persons. The ED said the charge sheet has been filed after an investigation into the alleged money laundering activities. Further investigation into the case is underway.
SIT Formed In Anandpur Sahib Rape Case
The Punjab government has established a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a rape case in Anandpur Sahib involving former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. The SIT, headed by Gurbans Singh Bains, aims to answer critical questions surrounding the woman's arrival from Bahrain, her stay at an SGPC lodge, and the circumstances of the alleged incident. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured a transparent and time-bound investigation.
20 Kg Heroin Seized In Punjab Border Area
Punjab Police, in a joint operation with the BSF, recovered over 20 kg of heroin in Ferozepur. The drugs were airdropped via drone from across the border. The seizure also included other items like rods, motorcycles, and silver anklets with Pakistani markings.
SCs repoll order in 50 wards puts Punjab govt on the spot: BJP
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 8 (IANS) Former Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Ashwani Sharma on Thursday said the Supreme Court's decision to cancel and order fresh elections in 50 Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council wards in Patiala and Moga districts had raised serious questions about the functioning of the state Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He said the decision had also exposed the government's alleged high-handedness during the local body elections. In a statement issued here, Sharma said the Supreme Court-appointed fact-finding committee's report highlighted serious irregularities during the nomination process, including preventing candidates from filing nominations, snatching, tearing, or destroying nomination papers, and threatening candidates. The committee found irregularities in the election process in 28 wards of Patiala, all 15 wards of Baghapurana and seven wards of Dharamkot in Moga district. Following this, the Supreme Court ordered fresh elections in these wards within six weeks. Sharma said that in a democracy, elections are not merely about casting votes but also about ensuring a level playing field and equal opportunity for every candidate. He alleged that the AAP government misused its power to suppress the voices of Opposition candidates. He said the Supreme Court's decision to constitute a monitoring committee headed by a retired High Court judge and order videography of the entire process, from nomination to polling, made it clear that the electoral process required close supervision. The BJP leader said the people of Punjab would not tolerate any compromise with democracy or with the conduct of free and fair elections. Meanwhile, state BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon, in a separate statement, said that the moment the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) began investigating alleged corruption in the AAP government, the Delhi-based gang suddenly started claiming that Punjab's federal structure was under threat. He said the government's argument before the Supreme Court that fabricated cases were being raised because of the Punjab Assembly elections was proof that the AAP was merely seeking political excuses to evade accountability. Dhillon said AAP leaders had been claiming in the media that the CBI investigation amounted to interference in the federal structure. This government initially made these arguments in the media to mislead the people and is now repeating the same hollow arguments before the Supreme Court, he said.
Dismiss poll commissioner after SC sets aside elections in Punjab, demands Akali Dal
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Oct 8 (IANS) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday urged Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to dismiss State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhari following the Supreme Court's observations that the December 2024 nomination process and subsequent municipal elections were severely affected by violence, intimidation and obstruction. SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema also demanded that responsibility be fixed on all officials who allegedly assisted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in manipulating the municipal elections and called for exemplary action against them. Giving details, Cheema said a court-appointed fact-finding commission headed by former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Nirmaljit Kaur had confirmed that Opposition candidates were physically assaulted, prevented from filing nominations, or subjected to forced withdrawals and bogus voting. He alleged that Raj Kamal Chaudhari had ignored complaints regarding the alleged misuse of civil and police machinery during the elections. Now it has been proven beyond doubt that the State Election Commissioner murdered grassroots democracy under his watch. He does not have any right to remain in office, Cheema said. Welcoming the Supreme Court's decision, Cheema said the apex court's appointment of a monitoring committee headed by a retired judge to supervise re-elections in 28 wards in Patiala, all 15 wards in Baghapurana and seven wards in Dharamkot reflected a lack of confidence in the State Election Commissioner's ability to conduct free and fair elections. The SAD leader also criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the registration of cases against farmers accused of burning paddy stubble. He said the Chief Minister had earlier stated that no action would be taken against such farmers and that they would receive Rs 1,500 per acre to manage stubble. Cheema alleged that surveillance drones were now being used to identify stubble-burning incidents and cases were being registered against farmers. Seeking clarification from the Chief Minister, Cheema said farmers wanted to know whether any notification had been issued regarding the promised Rs 1,500 per acre compensation and when the amount would be released. He alleged that the AAP government had failed to provide farmers with either adequate machinery for stubble management or compensation.
Can Claim Delay Compensation Even After Possession, Rules Punjab & Haryana High Court
10 Top Punjabi Songs that get Every Generation Dancing
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: 10 Top Punjabi Songs that get Every Generation Dancing From classic bhangra to modern Punjabi hits, discover 10 top iconic songs to kick off any wedding, party, or occasion! The post 10 Top Punjabi Songs that get Every Generation Dancing appeared first on DESIblitz .
Anandpur Sahib Rape Case: SIT Formed
The Punjab government has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a rape case in Anandpur Sahib involving former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. The SIT aims to address several unanswered questions regarding the alleged incident, including the complainant's arrival from Bahrain and her stay at an SGPC-managed lodge. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured a swift, transparent, and in-depth investigation.
Analysis: Central Agency Raids A Boon Or Curse For Punjab's Ruling AAP
After the legal trouble for the top leadership in the Delhi excise case, the CBI raids and corruption allegations in Punjab have come as a double whammy for the party that is hoping to win a second term in Punjab.
Out Of Punjab Chair, Not Out Of The Picture: Raja Warring's Power Play Via Rahul Gandhi's March
Days after being replaced as Punjab Congress president, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring was on the frontlines of the Congress-led Opposition's protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, at one point climbing atop the police bus carrying Rahul Gandhi.
26 Transfers, Suspensions In 17 Years: Punjab Officer Blames 'Cost Of Honesty'
The protesters allege that the officer was suspended because he had acted against adulterators in Ferozepur.
Punjabi University Patiala Result 2026 Out - Direct Link to Check B.A
Punjabi University Patiala has released the M.A. Hindi Part-II (April 2026) and B.A. Improvement (May 2026) results. Find the official result link, how to check your result, and answers to common questions.
Punjabi influencer Mad Sandhus killing: Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrests shooter
The accused, identified as Parminder Kaka alias Parminder Prasad, was allegedly associated with the Goldy Dhillon gang and shot at the influencer, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime, Ajit Rajian said.
Khauf Gang Associates Held In Jammu-Samba Operation
The Special Operations Group (SOG) of police arrested two alleged associates of the Khauf gang in Jammu and Samba, recovering three firearms and heroin. The accused, Vansh Sharma and Yogeshwar Singh, are linked to an illegal weapons supply network and Punjab-based gangsters planning a targeted attack.
Enjoy The New Punjabi Music Video For 'Haaye Jatta' By Happy Raikoti
Enjoy the latest Punjabi song 'Haaye Jatta' sung by 'Happy Raikoti'. The music for this captivating track has been composed by 'Happy Raikoti', with lyrics penned by 'Happy Raikoti'. The music video for 'Haaye Jatta' has been skillfully directed by 'Robbie'. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the latest Punjabi video song 'Haaye Jatta' by 'Happy Raikoti' and immerse yourself in its melodious vibe. For more Punjabi songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Punjabi ETimes. Experience the musical prowess of 'Happy Raikoti', new Punjabi songs of 2026, latest Punjabi video songs, Punjabi music and 'Happy Raikoti' music.
Punjab Congress in-charge Sachin Pilot on Thursday said that
