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J&K Pavilion shines at PITEX 2025 in Amritsar
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: The Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) participated in the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX), held at Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, from December 4 to 8. The JKTPO sponsored 36 artisans, exporters, FPOs and women entrepreneurs from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, who showcased regions rich artistry and cultural heritage. The display included Pashmina shawls, Sozni and Crewel embroidery, leather and woollen products, stoles, Tilla work, Basohli Pashmina and world-renowned GI-tagged [] The post J&K Pavilion shines at PITEX 2025 in Amritsar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BSF foils narco-terror attempts; seizes 6.6 Kg heroin, arms along IB in Punjab
In a bold display of dedication, BSF forces executed two remarkable nighttime operations. Near Amritsar, they intercepted 12 bundles of heroin totaling 6.638 kilograms. Meanwhile, in Ferozepur, they confiscated a pistol along with a magazine and four rounds of ammunition. These successful actions underscore the BSF's unwavering commitment to safeguarding India from the threats of narcotics and arms trafficking.
Congress leader Navjot suspended from party for Rs 500 cr CM remark
Chandigarh: Punjab Congress leader Navjot Singhs namesake wife was on Monday suspended from the primary membership of the party for the Rs 500 crore CM remark. His wife and Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu claimed that it costs Rs 500 crore to become Punjab CM. She was placed under suspension by PPCC chief Amarinder Singh Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Korean womans Punjabi impresses CM Bhagwant Mann
Navjot Kaur Sidhu suspended from Congress after row over 'Rs 500 crore to become CM' remark
CHANDIGARH: After a backlash over her 'Rs 500 crore for chief minister's chair' remark, Congress leader Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu has been suspended from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect. Days after claiming that it costs Rs 500 crore to become Punjab Chief Minister and making utterances against her party colleagues, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu was placed under suspension by Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu is hereby suspended from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect, read the order issued on Monday evening. Senior Congress leader and leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said, It is the right decision at the right time, you cannot make such baseless allegations. Her intentions were not right for the party. Bajwa hinted that the BJP is the master of deceptive moves as she met the state governor Gulab Chand Kataria and then made the statement after coming out of Raj Bhawan. Responding to her remark, MP from Gurdaspur and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that the party made Navjot Singh Sidhu a minister and also president of the Punjab unit of the Congress. I want to ask him how much money did he give and to whom for that? The status of party chief is higher that the Chief Minister. Leveling such allegations when you have served as party president is anti-party. The high command should take a note of it, he said, adding that Sidhu has not been active for four years but has now started leveling allegations as assembly polls are scheduled for 2027. Twist given to straight comment, says Navjot Kaur Sidhu after controversy over her 'Rs 500 crore' remark Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, also slammed her comments, saying, Let her be admitted to a hospital, some good mental hospital. After her statement, the BJP and AAP claimed that she had exposed the ugly truth of how the grand old party functions, and the money bag politics it indulges in. Following the backlash, Navjot Kaur had claimed that her comments had been twisted. I am shocked to see the twist given to a straight comment saying that our Congress party has never demanded anything from us. On being asked about Navjot becoming a CM face from any other party, I stated that we have no money to offer for a CM post, Kaur said in a post on X on Sunday evening. Former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu had triggered a row on Saturday by implying that only someone who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore can become the CM. She also said her husband will return to active politics if the Congress declares him as the party's chief ministerial face in Punjab. Navjot Sidhu will return to active politics if he is declared as Congress's CM face in Punjab polls, says his wife
Satellites missing most farm fires in Punjab, Haryana; impact on Delhi highly underestimated: Report
The Stubble Burning Status Report 2025 by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) said this led to major underestimation of the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's air pollution this year.
Arms Smuggling Module Linked To Pak-Based Handler Busted; 6 Held
CHANDIGARH, Dec 8: The Punjab Police on Monday claimed it has dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling module with links to a Pakistan-based handler and apprehended six persons, including a juvenile. Police recovered six pistols from the accused, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in direct contact with a Pakistan-based handler through social media platforms, who shared coordinates for weapon consignments, he said. In a post on X, the DGP said, [] The post Arms Smuggling Module Linked To Pak-Based Handler Busted; 6 Held appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Congress leader Sukhjinder Randhawa has strongly criticized Navjot Kaur Sidhu's statement about a Rs 500 crore payment for the Chief Minister's chair. Randhawa questioned the financial dealings when Navjot Sidhu became a minister and party president. He stated that such internal remarks pose a threat to the Congress party in Punjab.
Bobby Deol also highlighted his father Dharmendra's journey as a star who never left anyone behind and celebrated the pride he brought to their hometown, Punjab, and the nation
The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has released the question papers and answer keys for the Punjab Civil Services (PCS) 2025 examination, covering Paper-1 (General Studies) and Paper-2 (CSAT) for all sets A, B, C, and D. Candidates can submit objections online from 3:00 pm on December 8 to 11:59 pm on December 12, 2025, using authenticated sources to support their claims.
SMAT: Baroda's Amit Passi Equals World Record For Highest Score On T20 Debut With 44-ball Ton
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Baroda wicketkeeper-batter Amit Passi has equalled the world record for the highest score on T20 debut with his 44-ball century in their last league stage match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy here on Monday. The 26-year-old scored 114 runs off just 55 balls, featuring 10 fours and nine sixes, to guide Baroda to a 13-run win over Services. His innings matched Pakistans Bilal Asif, who scored 114 from 48 balls for the Sialkot Stallions in a domestic T20 match in Faisalabad in May 2015, tying the world record for the highest individual score in mens T20 debut. Passi has become only the third Indian batter after Punjabs Shivam Bhambri and Hyderabads Akshath Reddy to score a century on T20 debut, with all three hundreds coming in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Stepping in for India wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who left for national duty against South Africa, the 26-year-old Passi opened the innings and played a blistering knock against Services. He formed two vital stands: a 60-run partnership for the third wicket with Shivalik Sharma, followed by a quick 75-run alliance with captain Vishnu Solanki in just 32 balls, and played an essential role in guiding his team to a total of 220/5 in 20 overs. In response, Kunwar Pathak (51), Ravi Chauhan (51), and Mohit Ahlawat (41) gave a flying start to Services, who managed to score only 207-8, falling short by 13 runs. Placed in a stiff Elite Group C, Baroda are out of contention for making the Super League stage despite their win against Services by a resounding margin. In response, Kunwar Pathak (51), Ravi Chauhan (51), and Mohit Ahlawat (41) gave a flying start to Services, who managed to score only 207-8, falling short by 13 runs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Batting first, Haryana have set a target of 191 for Gujarat, riding on captain Ankit Kumar's (46 off 30) and Nishant Sindhu's (48 off 31). Article Source: IANS
Home loan EMIs to get lower: HDFC Bank, PNB, Indian Bank and these lenders slash lending rates
HDFC Bank cuts MCLR: Home loan borrowers can expect lower EMIs as major banks like HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Bank of India have reduced lending rates. This follows the RBI's repo rate cut last week. Customers may see reduced monthly payments or shorter loan tenures. Banks are trimming RLLR, RBLR, and MCLR-linked rates, bringing financial relief to many.
Rs 500 Crore Remark: Dy CM Shivakumar Asks Navjot Kaur Sidhu To Get Admitted To Mental Hospital
Bengaluru, Dec 8: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday advised Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu to get admitted in a mental health facility for her Rs 500 crore for CM post remark. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, had triggered a row on Saturday by claiming that one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the Chief Minister, drawing strong response from the BJP and AAP over Congress functioning. [] The post Rs 500 Crore Remark: Dy CM Shivakumar Asks Navjot Kaur Sidhu To Get Admitted To Mental Hospital appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab Teen, Thrown Into Canal By Father With Hands Tied, Reappears After 2 Months
In a stunning twist that has gripped Punjab, a 17-year-old girl from Ferozepur district has reappeared months after she was allegedly pushed into a canal by her father.
Navjot Kaur Sidhu accuses Congress of 'money-driven CM picks'; party hits back, BJP joins row
Former Congress MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu has sparked a major controversy by alleging that 500 crore is needed to become the Congress Chief Ministerial candidate in Punjab. Her remarksaccusing the party of favouring those who ring a suitcase of moneyhave ignited sharp reactions from both Congress and BJP.
25 Kishtwar farmers leave for exposure visit to Punjab Agricultural University
KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Sharma on Sunday flagged off a group of 25 farmers (15 female and 10 male) for a six-day exposure visit to Punjab Agricultural University, where they will learn about commercial floriculture. The initiative, organised by the Department of Agriculture, under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP P14) is designed []
Missing saroops of Guru Granth Sahib: Punjab Police books 16 people
The accused included Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)'s former chief secretary, Roop Singh, and the ex-secretary of the Dharam Parchar Committee, Manjit Singh
Rajasthan dominates 2nd Federation Cup Lacrosse Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent KATRA, Dec 7: The 2nd Federation Cup Lacrosse Championship 2025 concluded at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex, Katra, after three days of spirited competition and exemplary sportsmanship. The championship, organised by J&K Lacrosse Association under the aegis of the Lacrosse Association of India, witnessed participation from 15 States including Gujarat, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Telangana, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Delhi, and J&K. Around 280 male and female players showcased talent, [] The post Rajasthan dominates 2nd Federation Cup Lacrosse Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
After arrest of Minhas, Punjab minorities panel chief calls off road blockade
Realtors unhappy with changes to Punjabs property law, say will slow down sales
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann begins investment outreach in South Korea, meetings with top firms today
Punjab Govt Sets Up Control Room at Chandigarh Airport Amid IndiGo Flight Disruptions
Punjab Civil Aviation Secretary Sonali Giri said IndiGo Airlines has around 30 bags of passengers, which will be sent to them at their residences free of cost by the airline
Congress MLA Pargat Singh accuses AAP, Mann of silence on 5 bills against Punjabs interests
Some respite from cold wave conditions in Punjab & Haryana
Mann urges Punjabi diaspora in Seoul to help attract Korean investments to Punjab
Severe cold grips north India; IMD warns of cold wave, fog across multiple states
NEW DELHI: Cold conditions prevailed across north India on Sunday, with the Amarnath yatra base camp being the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan reporting minimum temperatures between three and seven degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said cold wave conditions were very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha on Monday and Tuesday. In Delhi, the minimum temperature was recorded at eight degrees, up from 6.8 degrees a day ago and yet 1.6 notches below normal. The maximum temperature was 24.7 degrees Celsius, 0.1 notch below normal, while the relative humidity was 92 per cent in the morning. For Monday, the weather department forecast a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius, with mist expected. Pollution levels in Delhi remained in the very poor category on Sunday, prolonging the spell of toxic air that has hung over its residents for several weeks now. The city logged a 24-hour average AQI of 308. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe. Further in the north, the night temperatures in Kashmir rose by several degrees but stayed below the freezing point, officials said. The Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir, which serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath yatra, was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir as the minimum settled at a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- settled at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius, a rise of 3.2 degrees compared to the previous night. The gateway town to the valley, Qazigund, recorded a low of minus one degree Celsius, while the minimum settled at minus 0.8 degree Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, and 1.1 degrees Celsius in south Kashmir's Kokernag, according to officials. The meteorological department said the weather would remain generally cloudy but dry on Sunday, and a brief spell of light snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches of north and central Kashmir is likely on December 8. In Himachal Pradesh, The IMD predicted dense fog in parts of the state until Wednesday. A yellow alert for dense fog was also issued in parts of the reservoir area of the Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district and over some parts of the Balh valley in Mandi district during early morning till Monday. In Punjab, Faridkot remained the coldest place, with the minimum temperature settling at 4.4 degrees Celsius, while in Haryana, Narnaul saw the lowest temperature at 4.6 degrees Celsius, according to the local meteorological department. Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, recorded a minimum temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Bathinda and Gurdaspur recorded a minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Ferozepur recorded 6 degrees, Amritsar 6.1 degrees, Ludhiana 6.8 degrees, and Patiala 8.9 degrees. In Haryana, Bhiwani recorded a low of six degrees, Hisar 6.2 degrees, Sirsa 6.6 degrees, Karnal seven degrees, Rohtak 7.8 degrees, and Ambala 9.8 degrees. Rajasthan, similarly, reeled under intense cold, the Meteorological Centre here said. Fatehpur in the Sikar district continued to record the lowest minimum temperature, albeit at 3.5 degrees Celsius, slightly up from 2.3 degrees a day ago. According to the weather department, Lunkaransar (Bikaner) recorded a low of 5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dausa at 6 degrees, Churu at 6.3 degrees, Vanasthali (Tonk) at 6.4 degrees and Jhunjhunu at 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday morning. The department said a fresh but weak western disturbance is likely to cause partly cloudy skies in some parts of the state over the next few days. Under its influence, the minimum temperature is expected to rise by two to three degrees Celsius, providing relief from the cold wave, it said. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, eight districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, noting a cold wave in parts of the state. Gumla recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 3.5 degrees Celsius up from three degrees Celsius while Khunti logged five degrees Celsius, the IMD weather bulletin stated. The minimum temperature in Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi, was 7.5 degrees Celsius, while Daltonganj recorded 6.5 degrees and Jamshedpur recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius. Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, said, North-westerly winds prevailing in the lower tropospheric levels over Jharkhand have caused the drop in mercury. Dry weather conditions are likely to prevail across the state over the next five days.The minimum temperature may rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the next 72 hours, he added. In West Bengal, the mercury dipped below the 10-degree mark for the first time this winter in the state's plains with Sriniketan in Birbhum districts recording a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the IMD said. Its forecast for West Bengal suggested dry weather across all districts of West Bengal for the next week, with shallow to moderate fog likely in the northern districts. Darjeeling was the coldest in the hills at 6.2 degrees Celsius, while the other Himalayan tourist town of Kalimpong was warmer at 10.5 degrees Celsius. The other places which recorded low night temperatures are Alipurduar (11 degrees), Kalyani (11.4 degrees), Purulia (11.4 degrees) and Panagarh (11.9 degrees). Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius, the IMD said, forecasting mist in the morning on Monday. IMD further predicted dense fog conditions in isolated pockets of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura between December 8 and 12. It was also very likely in parts of west Madhya Pradesh on Monday and in Odisha until Tuesday. In west India, a gradual fall by two to three degrees over the next three-four days is expected, and no significant change is anticipated thereafter, the IMD said.
Jakhar hits out at AAP, reminds Kejriwal of his promise to free Punjab of gangsters
FRK rice supply rules spark fresh tussle between Punjab millers and FCI
CHANDIGARH: The new instructions regarding the production and supply of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) rice by the Union Government has led to fresh tussle between rice shellers of Punjab and the Food Corporation of India (FCI). After the union government had stated this year, out of the 104 lakh tonnes of rice to be generated from the 156 lakh tonnes of procured paddy from Punjab, at least 25 lakh tonnes will be taken as upgraded rice, which has just 10 per cent broken grains. The remaining 80 lakh tonne will be accepted only as FRK-mixed rice for the central pool. With delays in the supply of FRK rice, milling operations have not started, although the units are stacked with procured paddy. The Punjab government has written to the Centre requesting it to accept 25 lakh tonnes of non-FRK CMR, but so far, no action has been initiated. A letter dated November 28, sent to Chairman of Food Corporation of India by Secretary-cum-Director, Food and Civil Supplies, Punjab, reads, `To ensure grain integrity, DFPD from this Kharif has introduced more elaborate testing protocols for pre-testing of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRKs), which is likely to result in comparatively slower pace of supply of FRK by manufacturers to rice millers. In view of slower than expected pace of FRK supply during KMS 2025-26, it is likely that slow supply of FRK may impact rice delivery of Fortified Rice (FR) to FCI during KMS 2025-26. During KMS 2024-25 also, the state was constrained to seek extension in delivery period of milling and delivery of rice during previous Kharif till September 15, 2025 well beyond the March 31, 2025 deadline. Accordingly, to avoid being constrained to seek extension in milling period of delivery of rice during KMS 2025-26, it is requested that Punjab be allocated a quota of Non-Fortified Rice of minimum of 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes, on lines of a similar quota being allocated by FCI to Uttar Pradesh Region. It is assured that the state is fully geared up to deliver rice at the earliest with Closure Physical Verifications (PVs) of paddy stocks stored during KMS 2025-26 have almost been completed, it added. As per the food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) norms, chalky grain above 5 per cent is considered unfit for human consumption that FCI as rejected the rice samples and recently suspended its two technical officers, a field assistant, and a quality manager as freshly milled 10 per cent of the upgraded rice supplied to the FCI has been found to be defective. Also the laboratory of the corporation has rejected the rice sample because the amount of chalky was more than 5 per cent thus panic spread in rice millers. The millers have warned that further delays in milling will lead to deterioration in the quality of rice with each passing day, leading to financial losses. Bharat Bhushan Binta president of Punjab Rice Industry Association said that a virtual meeting held last month between FCIs Executive Director (Quality), senior quality officials, and DFPDs Under Secretary made it blatantly clear that the improved rice supplied by Punjab under last years ilot project did not meet the prescribed standard. Thus they are facing serious challenges in selling this stock under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), he claimed. Binta said that they were told that the quality of improved rice procured last year from Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra is considerably better than the stock received from Punjab. argued that despite these concerns, FCI can easily sell such rice across India under OMSS, as is being done with stocks from other states, he said. This decision has mounted more pressure on millers in the state. The orders give no deadline or timeline for the samples to be cleared, said Ranjit Singh Jossan, Vice President of the Association. He said, Punjab has been grappling with acute storage shortages for three consecutive years. If FCI lifts the estimated 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of improved rice from the state, the space crisis will ease significantly. But if FCI delays or refuses to accept this stock, Punjab may again face a severe storage crunch, potentially delaying delivery of the seasons total commitment of 105 LMT by more than a year. A high-level meeting between state authorities and rice millers associations will be held on Monday, where the issue will be discussed in detail. The Punjab government and the associations are expected to formally raise the matter with the central government to find a resolution. Fortified rice are enriched with micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, vitamin A and zinc.
Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Module Busted In Punjab: DGP
Chandigarh, Dec 7: The Punjab Police on Sunday said it has busted a cross-border arms smuggling module with links to Pakistan following an arrest of one person. Five pistols were recovered from the arrested individual, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused, along with wanted associate Saifli Singh, had been retrieving weapon consignments on the directions of a Pakistan-based handler and supplying them to criminals and gangsters in Punjab, Yadav said on X. An [] The post Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Module Busted In Punjab: DGP appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Punjab records maximum food stock damage in past five years in India
CHANDIGARH: Punjab, considered the food bowl of India, recorded food stock damage of 8,226.04 metric tonne (MT) of Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the last five years. Punjab topped the list, followed by Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha. These figures were placed on record in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister for state of consumer affairs, food and public distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya in reply to an unstated question asked by Delkar Kalaben Mohanbhai, Member of Parliament from Dadra and Nagar Haveli. As per the figures placed in the parliament showed that the cumulative loss over five years in Punjab stood at 8,226.04 MT of this the lowest was in 2020-21 at 25 MT, then 100 MT in 2021-22, then 264 in 2022-23, then 7,746 MT in 2023-24 and 91.04 in 2024-25. The second highest was in Tamil Nadu with 3,001.39 MT damaged in 2024-25, as only 7 MY in 2023-24 bringing its total to 3,008.39 MT. Then followed by Haryana at 2,511-MT loss in 2023-24, Uttar Pradesh the highest 2,254.32 MT in 2024-25, before that 2 MT in 2023-24, 47 MT in 2022-23, 78 MT in 2021-22 and 69 MT in 2020-21 taking its overall figure to 2,450.32 MT. Meanwhile, Maharashtra recorded an accumulated 2,856.68 MT of damaged stock over five years, including highest 1,985.68 MT in 2024-25 and Odisha reported 1,157 MT, mostly from 1,145 MT in 2020-21. But Punjab recorded the sharpest single-year damage, several other states reported sizeable losses. Also year-wise and commodity-wise assessments of damaged wheat and rice along with valuation were given. The highest recorded value of damaged food grains in the period was for rice in 2024-25, amounting to Rs 13.06 crore, linked to 0.072 lakh tonnes of damaged stock against an off take of 259.55 lakh tonne, translating to a 0.028% loss. For 2023-24, rice damage stood at 0.012 lakh tonnes, valued at Rs 2.06 crore. Wheat losses were recorded as 0.01 lakh tonnes in 2020-21, 0.004 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, and 0.0067 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, with corresponding values of Rs 0.64 crore, Rs 0.46 crore, and Rs 0.814 crore. The reply also stated that no central pool foodgrains got damaged due to insufficient FCI godowns. The overall storage capacity of Punjab is 174 lakh MT, comprising 124 lakh MT under the Food Corporation of India and another 49 LMT with state agencies.
Delhi fourth most polluted city in India; all top 10 cities from Haryana, UP: Study
CHANDIGARH: Delhi ranked fourth among the most polluted cities in the country in November, as per a report released by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Ghaziabad topped the list, followed by Noida, Bahadurgarh, Delhi, Hapur, Greater Noida, Baghpat, Sonipat, Meerut and Rohtak. Despite a significant reduction in stubble-burning, 20 out of 29 cities in National Capital Region (NCR) recorded higher pollution levels than the previous year. Punjab and Haryana had been blamed in the past for being the primary cause of air pollution in the NCR; the two states have registered an 80 to 90 per cent drop in farm fire cases over the last four years. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)s November 2025 Monthly Air Quality Snapshot, draws data from real-time continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) PM2.5. The report indicates a substantial deterioration in air quality across the country. Ghaziabad emerged as the most polluted city in the country in November this year with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 224 g/m, violating the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) on every day of the month, the report stated. It further said the city experienced 19 Very Poor days, 10 Severe days, and one Poor day. The report further reads, Uttar Pradesh accounted for six of the top ten cities, followed by Haryana with three, along with Delhi. All cities in the top 10 list recorded higher PM2.5 levels than the previous year, except for Delhi. Delhi ranked as the fourth most polluted city, recording a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 215 g/m in November, about twice its October level of 107 g/m. The city experienced 23 Very Poor days, six Severe days, and one Poor day throughout November, the report stated. Despite widespread pollution, the contribution of stubble burning was an average of 7 per cent in November, down from 20 per cent last year. Peak contributions of stubble burning reached 22 per cent, significantly lower than 38 per cent recorded in the previous year. Except for Bahadurgarh, none of the top ten cities recorded even a single day within the safe daily NAAQS limit. Several other cities, including Charkhi Dadri, Bulandshahr, Jind, Muzaffarnagar, Gurgaon, Khurja, Bhiwani, Karnal, Yamunanagar and Faridabad, also recorded PM2.5 levels above NAAQS every day of the month. Sonipat recorded very poor' air quality with PM 2.5 at 121-250 g/m on 29 of the 30 days, while Bahadurgarh remained the second most polluted with a PM 2.5 average of 215 g/m, it added. While seven cities of Punjab exceeded the standard as Mandi Gobindgarh was the most polluted in Punjab with PM 2.5 at 93 g/m. Despite a significant reduction in stubble-burning influence, 20 out of 29 NCR cities recorded higher pollution levels than the previous year, and many still did not register a single day within NAAQS limits. This clearly indicates that the dominant drivers are year-round sources such as transport, industry, power plants, and other combustion sources. Without sector-specific emission cuts, cities will continue to breach standards, said Manoj Kumar, analyst at CREA. At the state level, Rajasthan had the largest number of polluted cities, with 23 of 34 exceeding the NAAQS in November. Haryana had 22 of 25 such cities, while Uttar Pradesh had 14 of 20 above the standard. Pollution levels were also high across other states, with 9 of 12 cities in Madhya Pradesh, 9 of 14 in Odisha, and 7 of 8 in Punjab recording concentrations above NAAQS.
Firing at toll plaza in Punjab's Ludhiana, investigation underway
Police said efforts are on to trace the accused.
Diljit Dosanjh gorges on this classic Punjabi delicacy during the winter
On Saturday, the actor-singer took to his Instagram, and shared a fun video in which he can be seen giving a tour of a property that he has presumably booked for a holiday in Punjab
If made Congress's CM face: Navjot Singh Sidhu return to active politics? What his wife said
Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, stated that her husband would return to active politics if the Congress party declared him as its chief ministerial candidate. She emphasized their commitment to Punjab's welfare over personal gain and expressed concerns about internal party infighting potentially hindering his elevation.
Diljit Dosanjh gorges on this classic Punjabi delicacy as mercury drops across north India
Mumbai: Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, who recently lost out the International Emmy Award for Best Actor, is sharing details of his hearty meal as the winter season picks up momentum. On Saturday, the actor-singer took to his Instagram, and shared a fun video in which he can be seen giving a tour of a property Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Sidhu will return to active politics if he is declared CM face, says his wife
She, however, also pointed towards infighting within the Punjab Congress unit, claiming that already there are five leaders aspiring for the chief minister`s position, and they won`t let Sidhu come forward
Sidhu will return to active politics if Congress declares him CM face, says wife Navjot Kaur
CHANDIGARH: Navjot Singh Sidhu will return to active politics if the Congress declares him as the party's chief ministerial face in Punjab, his wife and party leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has said. Navjot Kaur Sidhu further said they do not have money to give to any party but can transform Punjab into a golden state. We always speak for Punjab and Punjabiyat... but do not have Rs 500 crore which we can give to sit in chief minister's chair, she told reporters on Saturday after meeting Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on issues, including alleged deteriorating law and order in the state. When asked if anybody demanded money from them, she said nobody has demanded but the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore he becomes the CM. If any party gives him that power so that he can improve Punjab. We do not have money to give it to any party but we will give results and we will turn Punjab into a golden state, she said. She also pointed towards infighting within the Punjab Congress unit, claiming that there are five leaders aspiring for the chief minister's position, and they won't let Sidhu come forward. Replying to a question, she said her husband was strongly attached with the Congress and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. But with so much infighting, I do not feel that they will let Navjot Sidhu be promoted as there are already five CM faces, and they are hell bent on defeating the Congress. If they (high command) understand this then it is a different matter, she said. Asked if the BJP gives him this responsibility then whether the cricketer-turned-politician will rejoin the BJP, she said, I cannot comment on his behalf. On whether Sidhu will return to active politics if the Congress announces him as chief ministerial face, she said he will return. But otherwise, he is earning good money and he is happy, she added. Former Punjab Congress chief Sidhu has not been participating in the party's events and activities for the past many months. He did not campaign in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls also. Sidhu had made a comeback to cricket commentary in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. In April, Sidhu had launched his new YouTube channel 'Navjot Sidhu Official' for sharing his life experiences, talking about cricket, commentary, motivational talks, lifestyle. At that time, when Sidhu was asked about returning to active politics, he had then said time will tell, stating that he did politics for people's welfare and it was never a business for him. Assembly polls are due in Punjab in 2027.
Fringe political players eye local gains in Kerala, challenging Keralas dominant fronts
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Meet the political parties that command other states but barely make a blip on Keralas electoral radar. Branded as fringe actors, the modest seat tallies of such parties are often mocked when set against the states entrenched fronts. Yet political observers caution that dismissing them outright may be a mistake. Their strength in select strongholds could send out quiet tremors capable of nudging the trajectories of Keralas major political fronts. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leads the pack in terms of the sheer number of candidates fielded in the upcoming local body election. The party, that once ruled Delhi and is now in power in Punjab, had entered the civic election arena in 2015 with around 80 candidates but failed to open its account. AAP first tasted success in 2023 when its candidate won a panchayat ward in Idukki in a bypoll. In the upcoming civic polls, AAP has fielded a total of 380 candidates across various local bodies in all districts. We will put up an impressive performance in this local body election and are particularly confident of winning seats in Kozhikode and Kochi corporations and a district panchayat division in Idukki, said Vinod Mathew Wilson, AAP state president. AAP could be an alternative for voters who are averse to the ideologies and practices of the three major fronts. But it would be a form of negative voting that is not beneficial in the long run. Instead, AAP should offer positive alternatives such as revival of the anti-corruption plank on which it was originally based, and taking up issues facing the marginalised sections and the downtrodden to stay relevant, opined Prof M N Karassery, political observer and social critic. Meanwhile, DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the ruling party in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, is upbeat about a rousing performance in the local body election in Kerala. The party, led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, has fielded candidates in 23 wards. Of these, nine candidates are in Kollams Punalur municipality and one in Thenmala grama panchayat while.the remaining 13 have been fielded in Devikulam and Peermade taluks of Idukki. It is for the first time that DMK is contesting under the partys official rising sun symbol in Kerala, and we are confident of a good show this time around, said K R Murugesan, DMK Kerala state secretary. Punalur has been a stronghold of the Dravidian party for many years. Notably, in the 2023 election to Punalur Service Cooperative Bank that falls under the municipal limits, all 13 candidates fielded by the DMK came second, pushing the UDF to third spot. AIADMK (All Indian Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu, has been a player in Keralas electoral scene for the past few decades. As the partys official two-leaves symbol has been reserved for Kerala Congress (M) in the state, the partys candidates have been contesting under the hat symbol. As many as 30 AIADMK candidates are contesting the upcoming local body election, mostly in its strongholds in Idukki and Palakkad. We have renewed our ties with the BJP-led NDA alliance in Tamil Nadu but in Kerala we have decided to go it alone. In the two wards where our candidates are contesting in Thiruvananthapuram district, the BJP is also in the fray, pointed out Haribabu V Pillai, Kerala state secretary, AIADMK. He added that the party would put up an impressive performance in Idukki and Palakkad districts where it has fielded candidates in 16 and 12 wards respectively. We are hopeful of improving our tally in 2015 when we won as many as six wards, he added. Meanwhile, a section of political analysts are of the view that other-state parties see the local body election in Kerala as part of a larger game-plan. For many such parties, fielding candidates is primarily part of reviving their cadre ahead of the assembly election. Though they may not win the seats they contest, the votes they poll would be shown as a sign of strength in certain pockets and used as a bargaining chip against major fronts in the upcoming elections, opined A Jayashankar, political commentator. It is more of a spoiler effect that parties from other states pose in their strongholds in Kerala, Jayasankar said. In areas where linguistic minorities are a sizeable number, disillusionment with the LDF and UDF favours such fringe parties, he said. Most of these voters would have been taken for a ride in successive elections by the dominant fronts and they would naturally be on the lookout for a platform to express their resentment. Whether their favoured candidate would win the election is a different question altogether, he remarked. Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), that has made inroads into the migrant population and also minorities in the states hilly areas, has opted out of the fray this time around. Owing to differences between the state unit and its newly appointed state convener P V Anvar, the partys symbol has been frozen by the poll panel. AITC state president C G Unni dismissed claims that independents backed by AITC are contesting the civic elections. The party will face the elections officially only after its internal elections are completed, he added. AIADMK Total candidates THIRUVANANTHAPURAM TPuram municipal corporation: 1 (Medical College ward) Neyyattinkara municipality: 1 (Perumpazhuthoor ward) PALAKKAD Palakkad town & Kozhinjamapara panchayat: 12 candidates IDUKKI Devikulam, Marayoor & Munnar areas: 16 candidates DMK Total candidates KOLLAM (10) Punalur municipality: 9 wards Thenmala grama panchayat: 1 ward IDUKKI (13) Devikulam taluk: 7 Peermade taluk: 6
Food bowl, big loss: Punjab reports Indias worst FCI grain damage in 5 years
Abhishek first Indian to hit 100 T20 sixes
Hyderabad, Dec 6: Abhishek Sharma added another milestone to his breakout year in T20 cricket, becoming the first Indian batter to smash more than 100 sixes in a calendar year. The left-handed opener reached the landmark during Punjabs Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash against Services, where he continued his prolific form with a brisk 62 []
CJI Surya Kant launches Indias largest prison rehabilitation and skill development mission in Punjab
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday virtually inaugurated the countrys largest prison rehabilitation and skill development mission in Punjab, titled Empowering Lives Behind Bars: Real ChangeThe New Paradigm of Correctional Justice. Dubbed as one of the countrys most ambitious correctional reform programmes, the initiative has been undertaken jointly by the High Court of [] The post CJI Surya Kant launches Indias largest prison rehabilitation and skill development mission in Punjab appeared first on India Legal .
Rats allegedly gnaw deceased man's face in Haridwar hospital mortuary; family vandalises premises
DEHRADUN: A shocking incident at the District Hospital's post-mortem house in Haridwar has sparked outrage after family members discovered that rats had allegedly gnawed on the face, including one eye, of a deceased man's body stored overnight. The gruesome discovery early Saturday morning led to immediate fury among the relatives, culminating in vandalism within the hospital premises before police could arrive. The deceased was identified as 36-year-old Lakhan alias Lucky Sharma, manager of the Punjabi Dharamshala, who was rushed to the District Hospital late Monday night after his health deteriorated. Doctors declared him dead upon arrival, and the body was placed in the mortuary pending post-mortem procedures. When we returned in the morning, we saw clear bite marks from rats on the eye, ear, nose, and face of the body, stated Manoj Sharma, the deceased's brother-in-law. The familys anger intensified as they claimed the deceased had intended to donate his eyes. Rats destroyed one eye. Seeing one eye missing sent our tempers soaring, Sharma added. Allegations of gross negligence by hospital staff quickly followed, triggering a massive uproar. A crowd gathered rapidly, joined soon after by members of the local Punjabi community and several Congress party leaders, all demanding accountability from the hospital administration. In the chaos that ensued, family members and supporters allegedly damaged glass panes, tables, chairs, and essential equipment inside the hospital before authorities could gain control. The brother-in-law further detailed the potential cause of the tragedy. The deep freezer was not working properly. The specific unit where the body was kept was also open from the back. That is how the rats entered and consumed parts of the body, he alleged. The Chief Medical Superintendent, Dr. Ranbir Singh of the District Hospital, acknowledged the serious lapse, confirming the facility's infrastructure issues. It is true that several body storage freezers in the hospital are malfunctioning. Some lids are not even closing properly, he admitted. He assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and strict action would be taken against those found responsible for the lapse.
Abhishek Sharma becomes first Indian to hit 100+ T20 sixes in a calendar year
Abhishek Sharma achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Indian to hit 100 T20 sixes in a calendar year. He continued his stellar form with a 62-run half-century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, contributing to Punjab's formidable 233/6 total. His exceptional batting prowess fuels his team's campaign.
Punjab: Railways to revive century-old QadianBeas line
CHANDIGARH: With 14 months remaining before the Punjab Assembly elections, the wait for the 40 km QadianBeas rail line is finally nearing an end after 100 years. The Indian Railways has officially decided to restart work on the project, even though construction had begun nearly a century ago under the British. The line had remained in the freeze category for years due to alignment constraints, land acquisition issues, and local political roadblocks. Sources said that a letter from the Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), Northern Railway, states that the Railway Board has sought the immediate defreezing of the project and the re-submission of the detailed estimate for early sanction so construction can begin. Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh, alias Bittu, directed officials to defreeze the project. He said his focus remains on initiating new projects, completing pending ones, and reviving those abandoned due to unforeseen challenges. I knew the importance of this project. Hence, I asked the officials concerned to remove all impediments and restart construction work. This track will give a major boost to the struggling industrial units of Batala, the regions steel town. He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have made it clear that funding will not be a hurdle for Punjabs railway development. This rail track was planned and sanctioned in 1929 by the British government. The line was to be constructed by the North Western Railway. However, in 1932, the project was halted after nearly 33 per cent of the track had been completed. It resurfaced in the 2010 Railway Budget under the socially desirable projects category, which focuses on inclusive transport access regardless of profitability. However, financial concerns raised by the Planning Commission once again stalled progress. Welcoming the fresh initiative by the Ministry of Railways to revive the long-delayed project, Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa expressed hope that the New Year would finally bring the breakthrough the people of the region have awaited for nearly a century. Bajwa extended gratitude to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and MoS Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu for moving the project out of a prolonged bureaucratic freeze. He recalled that the QadianBeas link was first strongly pursued during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, when he persuaded then Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to prioritize it. He also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017, urging him to initiate work on the project. He said the rail link represents not merely an infrastructure requirement but a century-old aspiration of the people, as work on this line was first initiated under British rule in 1928 and has faced repeated delays despite its formal sanctioning in 2010. Bajwa noted that the 40-km line, originally estimated at 205 crore, has now escalated to around 840 crore due to years of administrative inertia. The demand highlights the collective will of residents, industrialists, and religious communities across Qadian, Beas, and Batala for its early completion. He emphasized the immense socio-economic value of the project, particularly for Qadian, which serves as the international headquarters of the Ahmadiyya sect and receives a steady flow of domestic and global visitors. He added that the rail link would significantly benefit Batalas industrial sector by providing direct access to the AmritsarDelhi corridor, and would also facilitate the movement of pilgrims visiting Dera Beas and the Baba Namdev Dera at Ghuman, thereby enriching the regions spiritual and cultural connectivity. Bajwa further stressed the strategic importance of the QadianBeas line, explaining that it would provide an alternative supply route to Jammu and Kashmir and greatly strengthen military logistics a factor of considerable national interest. He urged the Ministry of Railways to approve the detailed estimate without delay so that work on the ground may begin promptly.
Punjab LoP moves HC seeking extension of nomination deadline for Zila Parishad, Block Samiti polls
CHANDIGARH: Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking an extension of the last date for filing nomination papers for Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections. They are alleging that widespread incidents of tearing, snatching and destruction of nomination forms on December 4 had prevented several candidates from filing valid nomination forms Also, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demanded that the deadline for filing nominations in all areas where there were complaints of highhandedness and discrimination should be extended to allow for free and fair polls. In his petition, Bajwa maintained, Cases of illegal detentions, persons being waylaid and picked up, and candidates not allowed to reach the venue, etc., took place. There were videos and photos captured that showed persons running away with candidates nomination papers, fights taking place, brawls breaking out, candidates not allowed to reach the venue, NOCs not issued, and officials concerned nowhere to be found, Bajwa added. If, during an election, the very police that are supposed to ensure free and fair elections would start indulging in the abuse of power, undermining the law of the land and restraining the Opposition candidates from filing nomination papers, the faith of the people would be shaken in the democratic process. Therefore, an immediate time-bound investigation is initiated by a Central agency in the matter concerned, he said. Punjab Congress leader Warring accuses AAP government of patronising gangsters to win elections Bajwa sought directions to the State Election Commission to constitute an independent monitoring mechanism or appoint observers to ensure peaceful, fair and transparent polls. He also pressed for an inquiry by the CBI or any other Central agency into the conduct of Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, following the surfacing of an alleged audio recording purportedly directing police personnel among other things to disrupt the nomination process. Advocate Arshpreet Khadial appeared for Bajwa before the Chief Justice to make an oral mention. The request was allowed by the High Court, and now the matter will be taken up on December 8. Senior SAD party leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema also called for nomination of independent Observers for the polls, besides demanding stringent action, including charge sheeting of police and civil officials who had vitiated the election atmosphere by acting as stooges of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The party will also submit the names of Returning Officers who have acted in a partisan manner and rejected forms of opposition leaders en masse, and appeal that they should not be put on duty in the general elections in 2027. Cheema also came down heavily on the State Election Commission (SEC). Buzz over former Punjab CM Amarinder's advocacy for BJP-SAD alliance sparks possibilities of revival of ties He said it was condemnable that at a time when democracy was being murdered in the State, and the SEC had chosen to look away. This raises disturbing questions about the integrity of the SEC as it has failed to supervise the elections fairly and impartially and has also refused to take action against police officers, including Patiala SSP Varun Sharma, who specifically directed police officials to stop opposition candidates from reaching the offices of Returning Officers by resorting to illegal and unconstitutional means. Meanwhile, giving details of mass-level rejection of SAD candidates, Cheema said that in the case of Tarn Taran, out of 72 Zila Parishad seats, forms of party candidates had been rejected in 41 seats. He said in case of Block Samitis, in Tarn Taran, 31 forms across 63 seats had been rejected, in Gandiwind 37 forms across 52 seats, in Khadoor Sahib 43 forms across 151 seats, in Patti 56 forms across 75 seats, in Bhikhiwind 77 forms across 100 seats, in Valtoha 56 forms across 78 seats and in Naushehra Pannuan 40 forms across 83 seats had been rejected. Cheema said similarly in the Block Samiti seats in Majitha, 12 SAD candidates were not allowed to file nominations. He said in Bhoa and Zira, no SAD candidate was allowed to file a nomination. He said in Raja Sansi candidature of 25 out of the 35 SAD contestants were rejected for the Block Samiti elections, and in the case of Baba Bakala, 18 forms across 49 seats were rejected. He also disclosed how in Fatehgarh Churian, 2 forms out of 4 Zila Parishad seats and 14 forms across 25 Block Samiti seats were rejected. He also added that a large number of SAD candidates were not allowed to file their nominations in Qadian, Jaitu, Ghanaur, Nurpur Bedi, Patran, Khanauri, Jandiala and Ajnala
Major terror bid foiled in Paks Punjab province, 24 terrorists arrested
LAHORE, Dec 6: Law enforcement agencies have foiled a major terror plot in Pakistans Punjab province and arrested 24 terrorists, most of whom belong to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), police said on Saturday. The terrorists were arrested during operations in different areas of the province this week, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab said in a statement. It said the CTD Punjab conducted 364 intelligence-based operations in different districts, in which 24 terrorists were arrested along with weapons, explosives [] The post Major terror bid foiled in Paks Punjab province, 24 terrorists arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Major terror bid foiled in Pakistans Punjab Province, 24 terrorists arrested
Counter-Terrorism Department of Punjab conducted 364 intelligence-based operations in different districts, in which 24 terrorists were arrested along with weapons, explosives and other prohibited materials
How Babri Masjid Demolition Damaged Idea of India: A View from Punjab
The last ten years have seen a clear shift from democracy to authoritarianismwhere dissent is labelled anti-Hindu.
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) has achieved a significant global milestone by ranking 4th in Google's list of the Top 5 Most Searched Sports Teams worldwide in 2025, becoming the highest-ranked IPL team on the list, as per a press release of PBKS.
Punjab farmers disrupt rail traffic to protest Electricity (Amendment) Bill
Punjab loses 12k hectares of farm land, Haryana gains 59k: Centre
Decades-long run ends for Punjab man: How a fugitives fake passport dream unravelled
Nirav Modis prison move creates complications for Bank of India trial in UK
LONDON, Dec 5 : Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, wanted in India to face fraud and money laundering charges, is forced to share a small prison cell with a shared desk with other inmates without access to most of his legal paperwork, the High Court in London was told on Friday. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The 54-year-old accused in the estimated USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan scam was shifted from HMP Thameside in south [] The post Nirav Modis prison move creates complications for Bank of India trial in UK appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jalandhar assault and murder: NCW to issue notice to Punjab DGP
Punjab to cancel Jang-e-Azadi memorial case against ex-MP Hamdard, HC told
Pak biz community misses opportunity at Punjab expo after trade suspension
HC directs Punjab district magistrates to avoid mechanical use of prohibitory orders
NEW DELHI: Agitated passengers thronged IndiGo counters across the three terminals of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Friday after the airline announced the cancellation of all its 235 domestic flights from the city. The airline, with a 64.1 percent market share, cancelled over 1,000 flights across the country on Friday leading to chaos at airports nationwide. By afternoon, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which takes care of airport security, denied entry inside the terminals to any passenger holding an IndiGo flight ticket. The CISF has brought in its entire platoon of reserve personnel to manage the situation. Leaves of all CISF cops have also been cancelled, said a source. Many were spotted near the staff to offer them security. The airline has been asked to open more counters and deploy more manpower across the airports to tend to passenger queries, he added. Additional police staff from the IGIA police station were also brought to the terminals to keep everything under control, said a police source. While Terminal 1 operates roughly 150 flights, T2 operates 50 and T3 the rest. The cancellation was abruptly announced for a 24-hour period from 12 midnight until 11.59 pm on Friday despite IndiGo announcing a day earlier that it would curtail flight operations from December 8. The worst affected were transit passengers who had reached Delhi on their way to other cities but were stuck inside the terminal. Airfares surge tenfold on certain routes as IndiGo cancels 1,000 flights on Friday Jahangir Sheikh and 14 others, natives of West Bengal who are employed in Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, reached here on Thursday afternoon and were still at the airport until late Friday evening pleading for a flight with IndiGo staff. We get a long leave to visit our families once every two years. Two days have been spent at the airport now and IndiGo says they will be able to help us only on December 8, Sheikh told this reporter. Imagine sitting in an airport building instead of being with your family. No one in IndiGo is helping us here, he charged. A 22-strong group comprising a few parents, teachers and 12 boys who were on the way from Punjab to Vishakapatnam to take part in a national tournament were stuck at the airport for nearly 12 hours on Friday. Teacher Nidhi Nandwana said, We had to be at Vishakapatnam for the five-day hockey tournament starting today. We reached Delhi at 7 am and learnt all flights have been cancelled today. The boys are very upset as they are the best in Punjab and selected across schools. We have pleaded with the organizers to give us time till tomorrow to reach. But staff are saying no alternative flights can be arranged today or tomorrow. Passengers are upset and angry. They are raising slogans against the airline in frustration, an airport official said. A large number of passengers were also desperately crowding counters of Air India, Air India Express and SpiceJet to see if they could get tickets there. Passengers from arriving flights were stuck too as they could not get their baggage. The baggage of hundreds is stuck and they want to collect them before leaving, the official said. Even the baggage from cancelled flights checked in already needs to be retrieved, he added. Centre orders high-level probe into IndiGo flight chaos, expects restoration of all services in three days
Surprise twist! This IPL team tops Google searches, leaving RCB, CSK and MI behind
Punjab Kings achieved a significant global milestone, ranking fourth on Google's Top 5 Most Searched Sports Teams of 2025. This recognition follows their impressive IPL 2025 final run, highlighting their growing international fanbase and strong digital presence. The franchise emphasized the emotional connection with supporters as a key factor in this achievement.
Central Govt makes U-turn, cancels Gang Canal anniversary celebration fearing backlash in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: With Punjab Assembly elections just 14 months away and fearing political backlash, the BJP-led Union Government made a U-turn by cancelling the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Gang Canal, which had been scheduled for today at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur. The canal carries water from Punjab to parts of Rajasthan, and the event was considered politically sensitive. This marks the fourth reversal in a little over a month by the Centre in order to avoid further controversy. Sources said Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Member of Parliament from Bikaner, had landed at Amritsar International Airport on Thursday evening en route to Ferozepur. However, he did not leave the terminal and instead boarded a return flight after reportedly being asked to return. According to sources, the decision was taken because holding the event risked unrest, with farmers and political parties preparing protests against the celebrations. Senior Punjab BJP leaders had also alerted the central leadership that proceeding with the event could turn sour for the party in the state. Already the intelligence agencies had warned that Meghwals visit might lead to protests once news of the function became public late yesterday, said an official. Punjab BJP leader Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, formerly with the Congress, had been organising the event at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district, where the canal originates. For many Punjabis, the mention of the Gang Canal reopens a century-old wound. Sources said top state leaders of the saffron party had instructed the central leadership that the state unit should not be associated with the event. The party has nothing to do with this program, as the interests of the state are paramount, it was an individual event organised by Rana Sodhi. We told the central leadership how this can backfire for the party in the state, and thus the minister was then accordingly instructed by the centre to return. We are grateful that the centre understood the sensitivity of the issue well in time, as the Gang Canal is a contentious issue in Punjab due to water sharing concern, said a senior party leader on condition of anonymity. Despite repeated attempts, Rana Sodhi was not available for comment. Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa had already condemned the BJP for its insensitive and politically provocative decision to celebrate the centenary of the Gang Canal from Punjab's soil. The BJP has once again demonstrated its disconnect from Punjab's history and the emotions of its people, he said. Bajwa reminded that the Gang Canal was constructed by the British in the early 20th century, primarily to appease the Maharaja of Bikaner, whose loyalty to the British Crown was rewarded through generous allocations of Punjab's river waters. To organise a celebratory event on Punjab's land is nothing short of reopening these painful wounds, he said. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, Punjabs water crisis cannot be papered over with staged events and speeches. The BJP is glorifying a canal that historically drained Punjabs waters, while our fields remain parched. We are not against acknowledging history, but against hypocrisy. First, safeguard Punjabs water rights, fix the canal system, stop water theft, and ensure clean water for every farmer only then celebrate. The Gang Canal project, inaugurated on December 5, 1925 and named after Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, was built to address famine and irrigation issues in the Bikaner region. Stretching 1,398 kilometers including distributaries, the canal runs along the northeastern Indo-Pak border and remains a vital water source for both regions. This is not the first reversal by the Union Government in the recent past. Earlier, it withdrew the notification regarding the Panjab University senate and syndicate polls, clarified that no final decision had been taken on the proposed bill to include Chandigarh under Article 240 (which would allow the President to appoint a separate Lieutenant Governor for the Union Territory), and rejected the Haryana governments proposal to construct a separate Assembly building in Chandigarh.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann holds roadshow in Osaka to attract Japanese investment
Not RCB, CSK or MI this IPL team becomes worlds most-searched on Google
Punjab Kings achieved significant global recognition, ranking fourth in Google's Top Five Most Searched Sports Teams worldwide for 2025. This achievement highlights the franchise's strong digital presence and growing international fan base, making them the highest-ranked IPL team on the list. The ranking reflects fans' deep engagement with the team's players, performances, and brand identity.
CHANDIGARH: Member of Parliament from Chandigarh, Manish Tewari, on Friday introduced a private members bill in the Lok Sabha proposing to extend the tenure of the Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation from the current one year to five years. The bill seeks amendments to the Punjab Municipal Corporation Law (Extension to Chandigarh) Act and related provisions to bring the tenure of the three top municipal posts at par with the five-year term of the Municipal Corporation itself. The primary aim of the bill is to provide administrative stability, strengthen urban governance and ensure long-term planning for Chandigarh. At present, the Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor serve only a 12-month term, resulting in an annual change in leadership. This disrupts major development projects, causes discontinuity, frequently shifts administrative direction and, due to political instability and yearly contestation, hampers governance. The proposed five-year tenure aligns Chandigarh with governance models of several major Indian municipal corporations and international urban local bodies. LIVE | Winter Session Day 5: Lok Sabha passes pan masala cess bill; TMC raises Bengali deportation row While introducing the bill, Tewari argued that Chandigarh is a modern, fast-growing urban centre where key projects, particularly in infrastructure, waste management, choe rejuvenation, mobility, housing reforms and environmental restoration, require multi-year continuity. He noted, A one-year mayoral term is far too short for a city of Chandigarhs scale. The annual leadership change disrupts execution and accountability. A five-year term will provide the stability needed to implement long-term development strategies. The key provisions of the private members bill proposed by Tewari include a five-year tenure for the Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor, with all three positions holding office for the full duration of the Municipal Corporations five-year term. It also proposes amendments to related and incidental provisions, seeking alignment of election procedures, rules for vacancy, removal and no-confidence motions, administrative powers attached to the posts, and continuity of ongoing projects and policy frameworks under the proposed five-year structure. If enacted, the bill would trigger a structural transformation in Chandigarhs municipal governance. It would eliminate yearly mayoral elections and associated political friction, strengthen long-term urban planning, bring continuity to major civic initiatives like choe rejuvenation, mobility plans, smart city projects, housing reforms and sewerage upgrades, enhance accountability by allowing one leadership team to see projects through from conception to completion, said Tewari Urban governance experts see this as potentially one of the most significant reforms in the history of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, he added . As a private members bill, it will require government backing, support across party lines in Parliament and a possible examination by a Parliamentary Standing Committee.
Preity Zinta's PBKS hit by shock twist ahead of IPL 2026 auction as key player makes THIS decision
Preity Zinta's Punjab Kings face an unexpected setback ahead of the IPL 2026 auction as a key player makes a shocking decision that could impact the team's strategy. The sudden twist has forced PBKS management to reassess their plans as they prepare for a crucial rebuild in the upcoming season.
Explained: From Nehru to Modi, Why Chandigarh Remains a Wound for Punjab
Modi government may have aborted its moves in Chandigarh, but it ended up reopening old wounds in Punjab.
Punjab Congress leader Warring accuses AAP government of patronising gangsters to win elections
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring warned the AAP government over promoting anarchy and bloodshed by patronising gangsters to win elections. He also accused AAP of following a strategy of manipulation and coercion, citing former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodias saam, daam, dand, bhed approach. Warring warned that AAP turned police officers into `yesmen. We will neither forget nor forgive, he made it categorically clear to all such officers. He said AAPs reluctance to hold Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections showed that they feared defeat. Notably, Congress candidates faced intimidation and obstacles in filing nominations, sparking fears that their papers might be rejected during scrutiny due to AAPs grip on the election machinery. He said that the ruling party was scared and panic-stricken of losing the elections as it had already realised that the ground had slipped from beneath its feet. He added that it was only after the intervention of the court that the government was forced to hold the elections. He gave graphic details from across the state about how the Congress candidates for the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections were intimidated and prevented from filing their nomination papers. He expressed strong apprehensions that the nomination papers of even those who have somehow managed to file might get rejected at the time of scrutiny, as the ruling party has completely hijacked the election machinery. Replying to a question on the purported audio clip whereby the SSP Patiala is allegedly issuing directions to his subordinates as to how to prevent Opposition candidates from reaching the venue of filing nomination papers, Warring said, the matter must be investigated. He said, if found true, such officers must be dismissed from the services. Most of the SSPs, the DSPs heading police subdivisions and the SHOs and those heading police posts have completely surrendered themselves to the AAP and turned into its errand boys, he said in a scathing attack against the police partiality. Warring asserted that all such officers will be held accountable under the law once the government changes. He said, if a few police officials believe that they will get away in the next regime by doing the same thing for the party in power, then they are mistaken. This must end, and we will end it, he asserted. He denied that Congress patronised gangsters, challenging AAP to explain their own record. Warring highlighted that AAP is bringing gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria from the Assam jail for Tarn Tarans byelection.
Current situation risks rendering ongoing operations untenable: ISL clubs to AIFF
The 12 ISL clubs are FC Goa, Sporting Club Delhi, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Chennauyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, Punjab FC, Odisha FC and Mohammedan Sporting.
TSPLs circular biofuel ecosystem in Punjab helps reduce stubble burning
The States Mansa region has recorded a 87 per cent decline in stubble burning incidents during the harvest season
Northern India shivers as temperatures plunge; Delhi chokes under very poor air
North India continued to reel under sharp winter conditions on Friday, with large parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana recording minimum temperatures well below normal, even as Kashmir saw a brief improvement in the cold due to overcast skies. Delhi, meanwhile, remained choked under very poor air quality as a cold wave was forecast for the day. Rajasthan recorded the lowest temperature in the region, with Fatehpur in Sikar district plunging to 1.9C on Friday morning. The Jaipur Meteorological Centre said minimum temperatures stayed below 10 degrees Celsius across several districts, including Sikar at 3C, Nagaur at 3.1C, Lunkaransar at 3.2C, Churu at 4.5C and Pilani at 4.8C. Dry conditions are likely to persist over most parts of the state for the next week, it added. Bone-chilling cold also gripped Punjab and Haryana. Faridkot, at 3C, was the coldest among the two states. In Punjab, Bathinda recorded 3.2C, while Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur reported lows between 5.5C and 6.2C. In neighbouring Haryana, Narnaul was the coldest at 3.5C, while Hisar recorded 3.7C. Karnal, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Sirsa registered temperatures ranging between 5.4C and 7.7C. Chandigarh, the shared capital, reported a minimum of 6.1C. Kashmir, however, witnessed an improvement in night temperatures as cloud cover pushed the mercury above those recorded in recent days. Srinagar, which had plunged to 4C the previous night, recorded a low of 0.4Cover four degrees higher. Qazigund reported 0.2C, Kupwara 0.2C, Kokernag 0.8C, Pahalgam 1.8C and Gulmarg 0C. Konibal in Pulwama district remained the coldest in the Union Territory at 3C. The weather office said light snowfall is possible in the higher reaches later on Friday, while another brief spell is likely on December 8. In Delhi, there was no respite from toxic air as the Air Quality Index stood at 323 at 9 am, firmly in the very poor category. Bawana recorded the highest AQI in the city at 373, while 30 monitoring stations reported very poor levels. The capital saw fluctuating pollution levels through the week, with the AQI rising from 279 on Sunday to 372 on Tuesday before settling at 304 on Thursday. The IMD said a cold wave is expected through the day, with the minimum temperature dipping to 5.6C, nearly four degrees below normal. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 22C, while relative humidity touched 100% in the morning. (With inputs from PTI)
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Watch: Despite new bans and committees, why is Delhis air is still toxic?
Delhi is choking once again but this time, stubble burning isnt to blame. In this explainer, we break down why air pollution remains dangerously high despite a 90% drop in farm fires across Punjab and Haryana.
Japanese steel giant Aichi Steel to expand in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: A major political storm has erupted in Punjab ahead of the upcoming Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections as the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers stopped their candidates from filing nominations for the upcoming polls on the last day before the deadline ended. Alleging abuse of power by the ruling AAP government, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, This shows that the AAP has lost ground and has seen the writing on the wall. That is why it's resorting to such desperate attempts to misuse police and official machinery. He said if the government was confident about its performance, why did it need to use such tactics. This only reveals the sense of panic, desperation and frustration as the government has realized its support was eroding, he added. Earlier, during an informal interaction with reporters, Warring said the abuse of police and government machinery is a hallmark of the AAP government in Punjab. He said what was purportedly being discussed by police in an audio clip that went viral was already happening all over Punjab and being recorded by the public. He alleged that a Congress leader, whose wife was scheduled to file nomination papers, was picked up by the area SHO illegally detained for the entire night. Meanwhile, the SAD filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday to register a FIR against Patiala SSP Varun Sharma as well as order his immediate suspension pending a CBI probe into the audio clip released earlier by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. In the clip, the SSP is purportedly heard directing the district police force in a conference call to prevent opposition candidates, particularly those from the SAD, from reaching the office of the Returning Officer to file their nomination papers. Badal alleged that similar directions had been issued to the police force across the state at the instance of the Aam Aadmi Party government and demanded the intervention of the Election Commission besides approaching the high court. The court has issued a notice to the state government as well as the State Election Commission for Monday. The petition, filed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by former legislator Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, sought urgent judicial safeguards to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections to the Block Samitis and Zila Parishads in the state. The petition called for deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) or independent observers until the completion of the elections and counting process in Patiala district. Following the circulation of the purported audio clip, the Patiala Police issued a strong clarification, stating that it is fake and AI-generated. In an official statement, the police said the clip was created with malicious intent to mislead the public, spread disinformation, and disturb law and order during the election period. Appropriate and stringent legal action will be taken against the culprits, it said. Urging citizens not to fall for doctored or fabricated content, the Patiala Police reaffirmed that they remain fully committed to ensuring free and fair elections. Meanwhile, BJP Punjab General Secretary Anil Sareen alleged that the AAP government in Punjab, fearing defeat in the upcoming Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections, is utilizing the police machinery and civil officers, much like its party workers. Pressure is being created on opposition candidates to stop them from filing nomination papers. Not only this, in several constituencies, the police have been conducting raids on candidates houses, locking their gates, picking up family members, tearing their documents, and blocking roads to obstruct their movement, he said. Sareen said, The police are no longer upholding the law. They are functioning like the AAPs B-team. He also showed a purported audio clip in which the police were seen picking up Vikas Pandey, husband of BJP candidate Priyanka Pandey, from Jandali in Patiala district, at around 5 a.m., and incidents of tearing the nomination papers of candidates in Rajpura and Ghanaur. Alleging that the AAP government is indulging in dirty politics, Sareen claimed that a systematic plan is being executed to prevent opposition candidates from filing their nomination papers.
Centre says 2.90 lakh beneficiaries deleted under National Food Security Act in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: The Union Government has stated that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 23.79 lakh cases were flagged in Punjab. Over 2.90 lakh beneficiaries have been deleted, and the verification of 20.69 lakh has not been completed. Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had alleged that the centre had deleted 8 lakh beneficiaries, and he would not allow any beneficiary to be removed. In reply to a question asked by Punjab Congress president and Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya stated that there are 40,93,003 ration cards as of date and 1,51,67,073 beneficiaries under the NFSA in Punjab. Of these, e-KYC of 20,69,338 beneficiaries was not completed. While 23,79,400 cases were flagged and 2,90,940 beneficiaries were removed after field verification and due process. Sharing the number of ration cards, it also stated that 40,93,003 are as of date in 2025, while last year the number of ration cards was 41,76,455 and in 2023 the figure stood at 37,87, 561 and in 2022 the number was 40,67,879. In response to a query regarding whether the Union government issued repeated reminders and deadlines to the Punjab government to complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC and beneficiary verification under the National Food Security Act, The department of food and public distribution has issued multiple communications to all state governments, including the government of Punjab, urging the timely completion of Aadhaar based e-KYC and beneficiary verification under NFS A. These include repeated reminders, DO letters, and reviews through video conferences. Various communications by this department were sent to states, followed by several review meetings via video conference, advising the state to take immediate corrective action on the large number of flagged cases reflected in the Rightful Targeting Dashboard and to expedite eKYC completion. While identification of eligible households under Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Households (PHH) is the statutory responsibility of the State Governments under the NFSA, the Union Government supports States through regular monitoring and technological interventions to ensure rightful targeting, stated the reply. Regarding steps taken by the government to ensure that eligible poor families in Punjab do not lose access to subsidised food grains, the reply noted that while identification of eligible households under Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Households is the statutory responsibility of state governments under NFSA, the union government supports states through regular monitoring and technological interventions to ensure rightful targeting. Key initiatives include the development and provision of the Rightful Targeting dashboard, which analytically highlights flagged beneficiaries to enable states to verify these cases on the ground and sanitise their databases, regular advisories, correspondences. Review meetings with the government of Punjab to ensure timely e-KYC completion and verification, and the removal or retention of flagged cases under the Rightful Targeting dashboard after field verification by the state government so that genuine beneficiaries are not deleted. In August this year, CM Mann had said, As long as I am the CM of Punjab, no beneficiary will be deleted. The Centre allegedly asked the Punjab Government to delete 8,02,493 ration cards under the Public Distribution System (PDS), claiming they did not fulfil the eligibility criteria. This means that 32 lakh beneficiaries of Punjab will be deprived of subsidised wheat. Of the 1.53 crore beneficiaries, the state government has verified 1.29 crore beneficiaries according to the original checklist, he said. Mann added that he has requested a six-month extension from the Centre and intends to raise the issue at the highest levels of the Union Government.
Punjab has maximum cases of human trafficking: Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said the Punjab Government has constituted an SIT and a fact-finding committee to look into cases of human trafficking
18,822 Indian nationals deported by US since 2009, says Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha
The US has deported 18,822 Indian nationals since 2009, with 3,258 in early 2025. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha that states and the NIA are investigating human trafficking, with Punjab reporting the most cases. The MEA is engaged with US authorities regarding deportee treatment.
US deported 3,258 Indian nationals in 2025; 18,822 since 2009: EAM Jaishankar tells Parliament
The United States has deported as many as 18,822 Indian nationals since 2009, including 3,258 this year since January 2025, the Union government told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Responding to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said state governments and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have also investigated cases of human trafficking , in which Punjab has the maximum number of cases. Since 2009, a total of 18,822 Indian nationals have been deported to India, the minister informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question. He said 617 Indians had been deported in 2023, and as many as 1,368 were deported in 2024. Since January 2025, a total of 3,258 Indian nationals have been deported by the United States to India. Of these, 2,032 individuals (approximately 62.3 per cent) were deported on regular commercial flights, while the remaining 1,226 (37.6 per cent) arrived on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operated charter flights. 'Main pagal nahi hoon': How an Indian youth's deportation shook the US citizen in me Replying to supplementaries, the minister said the NIA established some years ago an anti-human trafficking division, and it has today a mandate to cover human trafficking. State governments have also launched investigations into human trafficking cases, he noted. The NIA has registered and investigated 27 human trafficking cases, resulting in 169 arrests and chargesheets against 132 individuals. The NIA arrested two important traffickers in Haryana and Punjab on August 7 and then in Himachal Pradesh, two more people on October 2, the minister informed. Jaishankar said, as far as state governments are concerned, The maximum number of trafficking cases is from the state of Punjab. The Punjab government has constituted an SIT and a fact-finding committee. As per information given by them to us, 25 FIRs have been registered against 58 illegal travel agents, and 16 accused have been arrested. In the case of state of Haryana, 2,325 cases have been registered and 44 FIRs have been registered and 27 people have been arrested. Also, one significant trafficker has been arrested by the state of Gujarat, he said. Jaishankar said the Ministry of External Affairs remains engaged with the US side to ensure the humane treatment of deportees during US ICE/CBP deportation operations. The Ministry has strongly registered its concerns with the US authorities on the treatment of deportees , particularly with respect to the use of shackles, especially on women and children, the minister told the house in his written reply. No instance of shackling of women and children has been brought to the notice of this Ministry since the 5th February deportation flight, he said. Jaishankar said the US authorities have conveyed that the Restraining Policy for US deportation flights is in place since 19 November 2012 as part of the Standard Operating Procedure of the ICE. They have also conveyed that their policy of shackling deportees is followed to ensure the safety and security of all passengers on these flights. In the past, they claim that there have been instances of violence by deportees against fellow deportees and supporting crew members on such deportation flights. While women and minors are generally not shackled, the flight officer in charge of a deportation flight, in the interest of the safety of the mission, has the final say on the matter, he said. It is also pertinent to note that wanted criminals and gangsters who have been accused of terrorism, homicide, attempt to murder, extortion, etc., have also been removed on these deportation flights. In India's case, absconding criminals such as Lakhwinder Singh and Anmol Bishnoi , against whom lookout notices and arrest warrants have been issued by our law enforcement agencies, have been brought back on such deportation flights, the minister said in his written reply. UNHCR chief says US deportation practices violate the law Based on the accounts and testimonies given by returning deportees, he said the Central and respective State Governments along with the relevant law enforcement agencies, have registered a number of cases, and investigations as well as actions are ongoing against several illegal immigration agents, criminal facilitators and human trafficking syndicates that run these rackets. On a specific case of one Harjit Kaur (73) who was deported by US on February 25, the minister told the member that even though she was not handcuffed, she was maltreated during her detention and the matter was raised by them with the US authorities. Whenever any flight with deportees comes, the deportees are invariably interviewed by the officials of the Goverment of India. In this case, our immigration officers have confirmed that she was not handcuffed. We have seen reports reportaining to this, he said. While Harjit Kaur was not handcuffed, she was maltreated. She was maltreated in detention before she was put on the flight. On September 26, we have officially taken up her maltreatment with the American Embassy. We have made clear our very strong concern about the manner of her treatment and have asked the American authorities to look into this matter, Jaishankar told the house. Around the world, migrants are being deported at alarming rates how did this become normalised?
18,822 Indian Nationals Deported By US Since 2009, 3,258 In 2025: Jaishankar In RS
New Delhi, Dec 4: As many as 18,822 Indian nationals have been deported by the United States since 2009, including 3,258 since January 2025, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Responding to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said state governments and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have also investigated cases of human trafficking, in which Punjab has the maximum number of cases. Since 2009, a total of 18,822 Indian nationals have been deported [] The post 18,822 Indian Nationals Deported By US Since 2009, 3,258 In 2025: Jaishankar In RS appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MP records higher stubble burning than 5 states
BHOPAL: As the country grapples with worsening air quality, it has been revealed that Madhya Pradeshthe home state of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhanis contributing the maximum to stubble burning. According to the recent statistics pertaining to monitoring paddy residue burning in the country via satellite remote sensing, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) detected as many as 33,028 active burning events in six study states. The six study states are: Punjab, Haryana, UP, Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. As per the recent report, out of the 33,028 active fire events detected across the six states, a maximum 17,067 or 52% events was detected in MP. Importantly, these 17,067 active burning events detected in MP, between September 15 and November 30, 2025, were more than the collective 15,961 similar active events reported in the same period in the five other states. Among the five other states, 5,114 burning events were detected in Punjab, 662 in Haryana, 7290 in UP, just 5 in Delhi and 2,890 in Rajasthan. Similar picture was revealed when it came to 292 crop residue active burning events detected in the six study states on November 30. MP again attained the top position with 160 burning events, which was more than the total 132 burning events in the 5 other states. Burning events detected in the 5 other states on November 30, included 2 in Punjab, 3 in Punjab, 125 in UP, nil in Delhi, and just 2 in Rajasthan. Further analysis of the crop residue burning events detected through the satellite remote sensing technology recently revealed that the Gwalior-Chambal region contributed the maximum to stubble burning in the forest-rich central Indian state. Out of the 17,067 active burning events between September 15 and November 30, a maximum 2,643 were reported in Sheopur district, which borders Rajasthan. As many as 1,930 events were detected in Gwalior district, followed by 1,797 events in the adjoining Datia. Other districts of the same region where significant active burning events were detected included Ashoknagar (506) and 64 in Morena. Raging menace Using satellite remote sensing, ICAR detected 33,028 paddy residue burning events across six states between Sept 15 and November 20, 2025 The six states are Punjab, Haryana , Uttar Pradesh ,Delhi , Rajasthan , Madhya Pradesh MPs 17,067 incidents exceeded the combined 15,961 fires reported by the other five states The other states reported Punjab - 5,114 Haryana - 662 Uttar Pradesh - 7,290 Delhi - 5 Rajasthan - 2,890 Burning events in the five states on Nov 30: Punjab 2, Haryana 3, UP 125 Delhi 0, Rajasthan 2.
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for very heavy rainfall in coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala, with schools in Chennai and Tiruvallur closed due to incessant rain. Meanwhile, parts of North India are experiencing cold wave conditions and dense fog, impacting mobility and traffic. The IMD has warned of cold wave conditions for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and north Rajasthan.
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