Punjab News
View News by News Source
Winter vacation 2025: Check the full list of states that have announced holidays
Winter vacation dates for the 2025-26 academic year have been announced across various Indian states. Delhi and Haryana will observe a break from January 1-15, 2026. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab have scheduled breaks starting in late December. Jammu and Kashmir will have extended winter shutdowns, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are experiencing rain-related closures.
In Pictures: Former Union Minister Shivraj Patil (1935-2025)
The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Former Union minister Shivraj Patil passes away at 90
Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his home town Latur in Maharashtra on Friday morning. Patil, 90, passed away at his residence 'Devghar' after a brief illness, family sources said. He is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, who is a BJP leader, and two granddaughters. The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015. Born on October 12, 1935, Patil began his political journey as municipal council chief of Latur and was elected as an MLA in the early 70s. Later, he went on to win the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times. He lost to BJP's Rupatai Patil Nilangekar in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. Known for his dignified conduct, he never indulged in personal attacks, neither in public speeches nor in private conversations, said a party leader. Patil was also known for his vast reading, meticulous study, and articulate presentation. His command over Marathi, English, and Hindi, along with his exceptional grasp of constitutional matters, made him a much-respected parliamentarian of his time, added the party leader.
Prosecution to demand three life terms for actor assault convicts in Kerala
KOCHI: The prosecution is set to seek three life terms for accused numbers one to six, who were convicted in the 2017 actor abduction case, with the Ernakulam Principal and Sessions Judge scheduled to conduct the sentencing hearing and pronounce the quantum of punishment on Friday. On December 8, the trial court found the first six accused, Sunil aka Pulsar Suni, Martin Antony, Manikandan B, Vijesh V P, Salim H aka Vadival Salim, and Pradeep guilty. The court acquitted actor Dileep, stating that the prosecution failed to establish the conspiracy charge against him. It also acquitted Charly Thomas, who had been charged with harbouring the offender; ninth accused Sanil Kumar alias Mesthiri Sanil, charged with conspiracy and aiding the crime; and 15th accused Sarath G Nair, charged with causing the disappearance of evidence. The prosecution will seek the maximum possible punishment for the accused, which is life imprisonment. The convicted accused could get life imprisonment for three major offences criminal conspiracy, gangrape, and abetment, Special Public Prosecutor V Ajakumar told TNIE. The court convicted them under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 342 (wrongful confinement), 354 (outraging modesty), 354B (assault with intent to disrobe), 357, and 376D (gangrape) of the IPC, as well as sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act. According to the prosecution, on the night of February 17, 2017, six men abducted the actor while she was travelling from her home in Thrissur to Kochi. The men held her captive in her car and drove around Kochi, while Pulsar Suni, a history-sheeter, allegedly assaulted her. Suni recorded the act on his mobile phone. Later, the accused abandoned the actor near the house of film director Lal, who helped her contact the police. An FIR was registered the same day. Ajakumar said that he would cite the Supreme Court verdict in the case Nipun Saxena vs Union of India, as it accurately reflected the prevailing social reality. The 2018 judgment stated: Unfortunately, in our society, the victim of a sexual offence, especially a victim of rape, is treated worse than the perpetrator of the crime. In the State of Punjab vs Ramdev Singh case, the Supreme Court had observed that sexual violence, apart from being a dehumanising act, is an unlawful intrusion into the right of privacy and sanctity of a female. Ajakumar added that this argument is being put forward to ensure the maximum punishment for the convicts. When asked about filing an appeal before the Kerala High Court, Ajakumar said the prosecution is awaiting a copy of the final verdict, which will be released on Friday. Once the judgment is received, they will examine the reasons for acquittal and identify grounds for appeal. 2017 Kerala actor abduction case: Probe team pins hope on higher courts Verdict letter posted from Ernakulam The police have obtained information about the sender of the anonymous letter alleging a leak of details from the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case. According to the police, the letter, sent via Speed Post, was posted by a man from a post office under the jurisdiction of the Ernakulam police station. CCTV visuals show the man, wearing a mask, arriving at the post office at 1.42 pm on December 3. He had sent 33 Speed Post envelopes. The from address on the letter was given as Ramkumar.https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Dec/10/actor-abduction-and-sexual-assault-case-conspiracy-or-not-many-questions-need-answers Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers
Be non-aligned, appear impartial: High court to Punjab State Election Commission on rural polls
Over 64% of Punjabs sanctioned BBMB posts vacant: Centre tells Parliament
Atmosphere of fear prevailing in Punjab: State Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring
SGPC slams Punjab govt for missing saroops FIR, asks Akal Takht to issue orders
2nd T20I: This Is A Special Moment For Me, Says Harmanpreet On Stand Naming Honour
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: India womens captain Harmanpreet Kaur described the naming of a stand in her honour ahead of the second T20I at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium as a special moment, adding that all her hard work and struggle paid off to see this day. On Thursday, before the start of the match, Harmanpreet and former India mens all-rounder Yuvraj Singh were honoured with stands named after them. The ceremony saw both players being joined by their family members, India players Amanjot Kaur, Harleen Deol, BCCI President Mithun Manhas, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. After winning the World Cup, a lot of things have changed in my life. But I think this is a special moment for me. The soil on which I started playing, today I will finally have a stand on my name. So I think it's a very proud moment for me and I really want to thank the Punjab Cricket Association for that, said Harmanpreet, who captained India to the Womens ODI World Cup win in November, in a video posted by the BCCI on their social media accounts. All the hard work, all the struggle has paid off today. So I think it is a very emotional moment for me. But as well, whoever is going to watch this video, whoever is listening, I think it is going to be very motivational for all of them, she said. Yuvraj, who retired from international cricket in 2019, was instrumental in Indias triumph in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. His finest time came in the 2011 ODI World Cup -- scoring 362 runs and taking 15 wickets to be named Player of the Series in Indias victorious campaign. All the hard work, all the struggle has paid off today. So I think it is a very emotional moment for me. But as well, whoever is going to watch this video, whoever is listening, I think it is going to be very motivational for all of them, she said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Yuvraj Singh, who played 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, and 58 T20Is for India, expressed gratitude for a stand being named after him. That's a huge honour. I think it's been a lot of years playing for India and Punjab. So it's a special ground for me as a coach and a mentor, and thank you to the BCCI, PCA for giving me their support and giving me that huge honour. Article Source: IANS
Congress high command steps in after Navjot Kaur Sidhus Rs 500 crore for CM post remark sparks row
CHANDIGARH: The Congress high command has stepped in to defuse the crisis triggered by former Punjab MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhus remark on Rs 500 crore for CM post, with senior party leader Rahul Gandhi calling a meeting with AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab affairs Bhupesh Baghel and other senior leaders later this week to discuss the issues. Meanwhile, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring met Baghel on Thursday. Sources in the party claimed that a high-level committee will look into the conflict arisen in the state unit as part of the damage control exercise. While senior leader Rahul Gandhi had called a meeting with the AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab affairs and other senior leaders later this week to discuss the issues, the leadership did not want the crisis to deepen amid the ongoing Parliament session. Sources further claimed that the high command has formed a panel headed by Baghel to examine the remarks in detail and the committee has been asked to submit a comprehensive report at the earliest. The party leadership is upset over the public outbursts as 14 months remain for the assembly polls. While the high command has advised both sides to rein themselves in, former state unit chief Navjot Singh Sidhu has stayed away from the controversy till now, and only his wife Kaur has been hitting out at Warring. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring met Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel at the AICC headquarters in Delhi. Talking to the media, Baghel said, Any leader how much of tall stature he or she might be but is bided by the party discipline, immediately action was taken, indiscipline will not be tolerated. She was suspended from the primary membership of the party it is big action. Meanwhile, Warring maintained a cautious stance and refrained from commenting on internal party disciplinary matters. He did not comment when asked about the suspension of former Punjab MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu from the party. I do not want to interfere in who is doing what. I will only say that once a matter has been concluded, there should be no further discussion on it, he said. Warring added that the meeting was related to the working of the party. Navjot Singh Sidhu is likely to meet Priyanka Gandhi Vadra next week after seeking time from the party leadership. It is learnt that he wants to present his side before the high command takes any further action, claimed sources. Kaurs suspension from the party has fueled speculation about differences in leadership style and influence as tensions within the Punjab Congress have surfaced between state president Warring and Kaur.
Yuvraj, Harmanpreet honoured with stands at New Chandigarh Stadium
New Chandigarh Stadium celebrated cricket stars Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur on Thursday. Stands were named in their honour. Yuvraj Singh, a 2011 World Cup hero, and Harmanpreet Kaur, who led India to a Women's World Cup win, attended the ceremony. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was also present. Yuvraj Singh inspired the Indian team before a match.
Over 100 booked, 40 detained in protest against proposed ethanol plant in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh
JAIPUR: Farmers in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh district continued their protest against an under-construction ethanol factory for the second consecutive day. From early morning, farmers began assembling at a gurdwara near Tibbi, even as internet services in the region remained suspended for the second consecutive day. Around 30 families living near the plant site have left their homes due to fear. Violence after farmers storm site The situation escalated sharply on Wednesday when hundreds of farmers stormed the construction site of Dune Ethanol Private Limited in Rathikheda village. The protesters broke a section of the boundary wall and set fire to offices and several vehicles. When police intervened, clashes broke out. Security personnel resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas, which further angered the crowd. Protesters torched more than a dozen vehicles, including a police jeep. More than 50 people, including women, were injured in the violence. Congress MLA Abhimanyu Poonia suffered a head injury and was taken to the district hospital. Schools, colleges, and markets remained shut on Wednesday due to the unrest. Administration defends plant approvals Hanumangarh Collector Dr. Khushal Yadav said that the ethanol plant had received all required permissions. He noted that the project was approved during the Rising Rajasthan Summit in 2022 and had obtained all clearances, from land conversion to pollution control. He stated that while permission had been granted for a peaceful gathering, anti-social elements violated prohibitory orders and marched toward the factory. People took the law into their own hands. Action is being taken against those involved, he added. More than 107 farmers and villagers have been booked in connection with the December 10 violence. Forty of them have been taken into custody. Heavy deployment, fragile calm Additional forces from the police, Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC), and Home Guards have been stationed in Tibbi and Rathikheda. Shops reopened on Thursday and the situation appeared calmer, but groups of farmers continued to gather at the gurdwara. A crucial meeting was scheduled for the afternoon to decide the next course of action. Several injured women spent the night at Gurdwara Singh Sabha. Leaders of the Congress, CPI(M), and farmer organizations from Haryana and Punjab have extended support to the movement. Protest leaders blame administration Ravjot Singh, a leader of the Factory Removal Struggle Committee, claimed that more than 70 people were injured in Wednesdays clash. Over 100 farmers stayed overnight at the gurdwara, and more joined on Thursday morning. Congress leader Shabnam Godara blamed the administration for the violence, saying the situation worsened because authorities refused to provide written assurance that construction would be halted. She alleged that officials had misled people by making claims about employment opportunities. Demand for environment clearance and public consent Farmer organizations have vowed that the factory will not be allowed to operate until fresh environmental clearances are obtained and the consent of local residents is ensured. Chandigarh-based Dune Ethanol Private Limited, which is constructing the grain-based plant, maintains that the project will support the central governments Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme by boosting ethanol production.
A daily wage worker in Punjab's Faridkot, who had been buying lottery tickets for nearly two years, finally won the prize of Rs 1.5 crore. But Nasib Kaur, her husband Ram Singh and the family went into hiding after they hit the jackpot. The police team in Faridkot immediately reached out to the family to provide reassurance and protection.
Alia Bhatt honoured by Golden Globes at Red Sea Film Festival
Los Angeles: Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt and Tunisian actress Hend Sabry were honoured by Golden Globes at a glitzy gala dinner during the fifth edition of Saudi Arabias Red Sea Film Festival. Alia has earned critical acclaim and box-office success for standout performances in films such as Highway, Raazi, Udta Punjab, Dear Zindagi and Gangubai 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 .
J&K: Man Absconding for 10 Years in Rash Driving Case Arrested in Kathua
JAMMU, Dec 11: Police on Thursday arrested a man who had been absconding for nearly 10 years in a rash driving case in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district. The accused, Jagraj Singh of Gurdaspur district in Punjab, was wanted in a case registered under Sections 279 (rash driving) and 337 (causing injuries) of the IPC [] The post J&K: Man Absconding for 10 Years in Rash Driving Case Arrested in Kathua appeared first on Northlines .
Man On Run For 10 Years In Rash Driving Case Arrested In J&Ks Kathua
JAMMU, Dec 11: A man, who had been on the run for 10 years in a rash driving case, was arrested in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district on Thursday, police said. The accused, identified as Jagraj Singh, a resident of Punjabs Gurdaspur district, was wanted in connection with a case registered under Sections 279 (rash driving) and 337 (causing injuries) of the Indian Penal Code at the Hiranagar police station, they said. Singh had been evading arrest since 2015, they [] The post Man On Run For 10 Years In Rash Driving Case Arrested In J&Ks Kathua appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Man shot dead in court's parking lot in Punjab
CHANDIGARH: A man was shot dead by three car-borne assailants in the parking lot of a court in Abohar in Punjab's Fazilka district, where he had come for a hearing in an Arms Act case, police said. Akash alias Golu Pandit, a resident of Abohar, was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed, police said. Fazilka Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurmeet Singh said the three assailants came in a car and one of them opened fire at Akash, who had come to court for a hearing in an Arms Act case. Six rounds were fired at Akash, the officer said. Police said the assailants have been identified and efforts are on to nab them.
Japan, South Korea's visit will prove to be new milestone in Punjab's industrial progress: Mann
Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reported significant investor interest from Japan and South Korea following a 10-day visit. Discussions focused on industrial progress, clean energy, electric vehicles, and skill development, aiming to boost employment. Several major companies expressed openness to exploring investment and collaboration opportunities in Punjab, setting the stage for future growth.
Investor response during Japan, South Korea visit positive, says Punjab CM Mann
Mr. Mann said that the ensuing progressive Punjab investor summit will pave way for symphony between the technology and talent, which will at the end result in making Punjab a frontrunner state in the country and world
Punjab showcased as preferred destination at Japan, South Korea roadshow: Mann
Kupwara court awards 10-yr jail to Pak national
Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 10: A local court here today awarded 10 years jail and fine to a Pakistan national for his involvement in various offences and directed his repatriation to Pakistan after serving and completing the sentence. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The court of Principal District Judge Kupwara-Manjeet Singh Manhas sentenced Hanzullah Yaseen Raie alias Abu Ukasa of Bhawalpora, Punjab Pakistan for commission of offences under Section 307 RPC (attempt to murder), 7/27 of Indian Arms [] The post Kupwara court awards 10-yr jail to Pak national appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Amid wifes no-holds-barred attack on Punjab Congress leaders, Navjot Singh Sidhu lands in Amritsar
Rajasthan govt announces Rs 1 lakh crore investment proposals in first Pravasi Rajasthani Divas
JAIPUR: The first-ever Pravasi Rajasthani Divas began in Jaipur on Wednesday, marking a major step toward boosting industrial growth in the state. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the event, which included a groundbreaking ceremony for investment proposals worth over Rs 1 lakh crore. The government said these projects would usher in a new era of economic development in Rajasthan. The state also unveiled the NRR Policy-2025 for overseas Rajasthanis and launched the Rajasthan Development Support Portal, a digital platform to help non-resident Rajasthanis connect directly with development initiatives. Speaking at the event, CM Sharma said, We have established the Department of National and International Overseas Rajasthani Affairs keeping in mind the needs of our overseas community enabling NRRs to play an active role in the development of their homeland. He urged overseas Rajasthanis to come forward as benefactors and promised full government support. To strengthen investor confidence, the government announced 12 new policies covering industrial growth, technology, trade promotion, tourism, green development, food processing, aerospace and defence, sports, outsourcing, agro-forestry, AI, and vehicle scrappage. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said Rajasthans strong position in land, energy, water, raw materials and safety had made it an attractive investment destination. Industry Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore highlighted improvements in ease of doing business, citing transparency and faster decision-making. At the inaugural session, the Vedanta Group announced plans for an industrial park in Rajasthan. Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal said, Just as Punjab feeds the nation, Rajasthan has the potential to provide minerals to meet the needs of the entire world , emphasising the states unique mineral reserves. The industrial park will host units with investments between Rs 2 crore and Rs 200 crore. The state government also felicitated leading industrialists including Anil Agarwal, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Vineet Mittal, Ajay Piramal and Madhav Singhania. The event, however, triggered a political controversy after videos showing empty chairs at the venue circulated on social media. PCC president Govind Singh Dotasra posted the video on X, saying, This is the true face of the BJP government: empty promises, empty stage, empty chairs, and empty, hollow achievements. Industries Minister Rathore countered the allegation, saying, Those who are only used to chairs keep looking for empty chairs we are not filling chairs; we are instilling confidence in the businessmen and youth coming to Rajasthan. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel also rejected the claims, stating the hall was full and accusing the opposition of sharing fake images.
Punjab Police busts cross-border drug cartel; seizes ICE and heroin in major raids
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police has dismantled a highly organised cross-border drug cartel linked to foreign-based handlers who used WhatsApp communication and drone-based deliveries for smuggling, with the arrest of three operatives and recovery of 4.083 kg methamphetamine (ICE) and 1.032 kg heroin from their possession. Punjab Police said the cartel operated through Pakistan-based and other foreign handlers who relied on WhatsApp and drone drops to move contraband across the border. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, said those arrested have been identified as Balwinder Singh alias Binder (25), a resident of Daoke village in Amritsar; Navtej Singh (33), a native of Mahwa village in Amritsar currently residing in Tarn Taran; and Mahabir Singh (32), a resident of Kaaliya Sakataran village in Tarn Taran. Apart from the contraband, police also recovered Rs 2,500 drug money, impounded a car and an Activa scooter. He said preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested persons were coordinating with smugglers in Pakistan and abroad using WhatsApp. Further probe is underway to trace backward and forward linkages of the network. Sharing operational details, Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said police first arrested Balwinder Singh with 35 gm of ICE. During interrogation, Balwinder revealed his links with a Pakistan-based trafficker who shared drone drop locations via WhatsApp. Acting on his disclosures, police recovered another 2.042 kg of ICE, taking the total recovery from him to 2.077 kg. In a parallel operation, police intercepted Navtej Singh with 40 gm of ICE. Further investigation revealed he had previously worked in Doha, Qatar, where he connected with a handler who later shifted operations to India through WhatsApp-based instructions. Navtej had acted as a ground courier, retrieving drug packets and supplying them further. Based on his disclosures, police recovered an additional 1.966 kg of ICE, taking the total seized from him to 2.006 kg. In the third operation, police arrested Mahabir Singh with 1.032 kg heroin. Investigations showed he was receiving consignments from a Pakistan-based smuggler using drone drops, an advanced method of cross-border narcotics transport. Three separate cases - FIR No. 337 (December 5) under Sections 21-C and 29 of NDPS Act, FIR No. 340 (December 9) under Section 21-C at Police Station Hakima, and FIR No. 251 (December 7, 2025) under Sections 22-B and 22-C at Police Station Chheharta - have been registered in this regard. Meanwhile, state police conducted raids at 339 locations on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of 84 drug smugglers after registering 70 FIRs across Punjab. With this, the total number of drug smugglers arrested in 284 days has reached 39,984. The raids resulted in recovery of 4 kg ICE, 1.7 kg of heroin, 50 gm of opium, 33 kg of poppy husk, 965 intoxicant pills and Rs 2,910 drug money from those arrested. Over 120 police teams, comprising more than 1,000 personnel and supervised by 68 gazetted officers, carried out the 339 raids. Police teams also checked 335 suspicious persons during the operation. Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police to make Punjab a drug-free state. The government has also formed a five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs. The state has implemented a three-pronged strategy - Enforcement, De-addiction and Prevention (EDP) - to eradicate drugs. As part of the 'De-addiction' effort, Punjab Police convinced 42 individuals to undergo rehabilitation treatment on Wednesday.
IndusInd Bank chief Mehta could exit bank next month, say sources
Mehta, former chairman at YES Bank and Punjab National Bank, steered IndusInd through its leadership crisis earlier which unfolded after the bank reported discrepancies in its derivatives portfolio which led to around Rs 2,000 crore impact on balance sheet.
Mint Explainer | Dirty air trick: How North Indian rice farmers outsmart satellites
With 28,000 square kilometres of crop area lit in 2025 in Punjab and Haryana, the contribution of farm fires to North Indias bad air is likely to be much higher than what is currently estimated, finds a new study.
95 Pc Tickets Sold, Confirms PCA Chief As Mullanpur Set To Host First-ever Mens International Match
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) president Amarjit Singh Mehta said that tickets for the forthcoming second T20I between India and South Africa at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarhs Mullanpur are 95 per cent sold out, with the venue set to witness an almost-packed stadium. He also noted that the second T20I will feature several BCCI dignitaries, as the venue gears up to host its first-ever mens international match. The occasion will be graced by Mithun Manhas, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Moreover, two new stands will be unveiled on Thursday, named after former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and the Indian womens teams World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur. This is the first-ever men's international match taking place here at PCA Mullanpur Stadium. It's a very big match. Several dignitaries from the BCCI will be in attendance, including the President, Mithun Manhas. Many local delegates are also coming. The Governor and the CM will give their confirmation today, as we have made a special request for them to grace the occasion. Hopefully, they will also come tomorrow. 95 per cent tickets have already been sold at the stadium, Mehta told IANS. Moreover, two new stands will be unveiled on Thursday, named after former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and the Indian womens teams World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India won the T20I opener on Tuesday and are leading the five-game series 1-0. Article Source: IANS
Will always be with Congress: Navjot Kaur Sidhu hits out at Raja Warring after suspension
Navjot Kaur Sidhu remains with the Congress party despite suspension. She accuses state president Raja Warring of damaging the party and selling election tickets. Sidhu claims many loyal leaders are alienated due to Warring's actions. She asserts the Congress will win Punjab despite these internal issues. Warring has dismissed these allegations as conspiracies.
Jaya Bachchan demands dedicated emergency lanes for ambulances
NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan on Wednesday demanded dedicated emergency lanes on roads for ambulance movement, saying that in India, groceries reach doorsteps in under 15 minutes, pizzas in 30 minutes, but patients bleed to death due to the delay in reaching the hospital. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, Bachchan demanded that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health should also look into the issue of patient death due to the delay in reaching the hospital. In a country where groceries reach doorsteps in under 15 minutes, pizzas in 30 minutes via quick commerce platforms, patients bleed to death because ambulances get trapped in traffic, lacking dedicated emergency lanes, despite the Supreme Court's 2018 directive. No national data tracks these tragedies, Bachchan said. 60 per cent of ambulances arrive late, with urban delays averaging 15 to 30 minutes due to an absence of green corridors and police escorts, missing the golden hour for 55 per cent of accident victims. No dedicated lanes on highways, despite the National Ambulance Code 2016. These critical failures need to be taken notice of and dealt with immediately, she stated. She suggested an immediate nationwide mandate for dedicated emergency lanes, with AI traffic signals, prioritizing ambulances, 30-second green corridors, enforcing the Supreme Court's 2018 ambulance corridor directive via Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, penalties on violators, and a high-level probe into ambulance delay deaths. BJP MP Rekha Sharma demanded a gender-sensitive mental health facility for traumatised women in the country. She drew attention towards the severe shortage of accessible gender sensitive mental health support, particularly for survivors of violence, harassment and trauma. While the Modi government's initiatives, such as Tele Manas and district mental health programmes, are commendable, some gaps persist, especially in rural, marginalised, and low-income communities, she said, adding that lack of awareness and scarcity of trained professionals prevent countless women from receiving timely care. Survivors of domestic violence, cyber harassment, acid attacks, trafficking and workplace abuse frequently carry long-lasting psychological scars, she told the House. The mental health system that should support them remains fragmented and under-resourced, she pointed out. She urged the government to deploy dedicated women's mental health counsellors at centres, police stations, and hospitals, ensuring immediate and specialised assistance. Tele Manas outreach should be expanded and integrated with women's helpline, self-help groups, and Anganwari worker network, she said. Mizo National Front MP K Vanlalvena demanded the central government's intervention in the issue of income tax officials harassing tribals of Mizoram. He informed the House that tribals living in specified areas in Mizoram are exempt from Income Tax and should not be harassed by Income Tax officials. BJP MP Laxmikant Bajpayee demanded the setting up of more benches of the high court in Uttar Pradesh, referring to the high pendency of cases in the courts. Subhah Barala (BJP) demanded that the Central Pollution Control Board should carefully look into the issue of water pollution in the country from various sources, which is affecting the lives of people in the country. Sumer Singh Solanki (BJP) asked for government intervention to deal with the high rate of accidents on National Highway Number 3, Sendhwa in Barwani district. He pointed out incidents of road accidents in the Bijasan Ghat area, located on the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The MP demanded building a new road in the area to stop the high incidence of accidents in the area. Manoj Jha (RJD) demanded uniform minimum wages for skilled workers in the country, saying that these are less than what workers of Bihar get in Tamil Nadu or Kerala. AAP MP Swati Maliwal highlighted the issue of sand mining in Punjab and demanded an inquiry into the issue, saying this caused man-made devastating floods in the state this year. Amar Pal Maurya (BJP) demanded setting up an agricultural university in Pratapgarh district.
Will always be with Congress; Warring destroying party, says Navjot Kaur Sidhu after suspension
Chandigarh, Dec 10: Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who has been suspended from the Congress over her Rs 500 crore for chief ministers chair remark, on Wednesday said she and her husband will always be with the party. Kaur, the wife of former Punjab Congress unit president and ex-India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu, also launched a sharp attack on the state unit president, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, accusing him of destroying the party. On Monday, the Punjab Congress suspended Kaur from its [] The post Will always be with Congress; Warring destroying party, says Navjot Kaur Sidhu after suspension appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
He is a Gentle Senior, Both Of Us Being Punjabi Makes It Easy To Gel : Arshdeep Singh On Bumrah
Captain's support to batter is a fantastic skill and a great leadership quality : Dale Steyn
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar wrote to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, demanding an investigation under the direct supervision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu to track down the end beneficiaries in the drug money trail
CM Mann concludes Korea visit, invites global firms to Progressive Punjab Summit
Mehul Choksis appeal against Indias extradition request rejected by Belgiums supreme court
NEW DELHI, Dec 9 : Belgiums supreme court the Court of Cassation on Tuesday rejected the appeal of fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi challenging the extradition request of India in connection with the Rs 13000-crore alleged bank fraud in Punjab National Bank, authorities in that country said. Choksi, who escaped to Antigua and Barbuda in January 2018, days before the scam was detected, was spotted in Belgium, where he had purportedly sought treatment. India had sent an extradition [] The post Mehul Choksis appeal against Indias extradition request rejected by Belgiums supreme court appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Navjot Kaur fighting for people of Punjab: AAP
Apples, Handwash Stolen From Pakistan Judge's Chamber, FIR Filed
Pakistan's Punjab province police registered an FIR over theft of wo apples and a hand wash bottle from the chamber of a sessions court judge in Lahore city, police said on Tuesday.
Leaked audio sparks rigging row in Punjab; HC orders probe
A leaked audio clip has ignited a political firestorm in Punjab. Opposition parties allege the ruling AAP is rigging upcoming local body elections. The Punjab and Haryana High Court is now involved, demanding an investigation into the claims. The court has asked the State Election Commission to submit an affidavit.
Belgium Supreme Court clears Mehul Choksis extradition to India in Rs 13,850-crore PNB scam
The Belgium Supreme Court has dismissed Indian fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksis plea challenging his extradition to India in a Rs 13,850-crore scam, CBI officials said on Tuesday. Choksi had approached Belgiums top court on October 30, challenging the October 17 order of the Antwerp Court of Appeals, which had termed Indias extradition request enforceable. The spokesperson for the Court of Cassation, Advocaat-general Henri Vanderlinden, said, The Court of Cassation rejected the appeal. So, the decision of the Court of Appeal stands. The Antwerp court had earlier ruled that Choksi, the main accused in the Rs 13,850-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, faced no risk of being denied a fair trial or subjected to ill-treatment if sent back to India. On October 17, a four-member indictment chamber of the Antwerp Court of Appeals upheld an earlier order issued by the pre-trial chamber of the district court on November 29, 2024. It found no irregularity in the arrest warrants issued by a Mumbai special court in May 2018 and June 2021, ruling them enforceable and clearing the way for Choksis extradition. Dismissing Choksis appeal, the Court of Appeals held that the businessman failed to provide concretely plausible evidence of a genuine risk of torture or denial of justice. It found that the documents he submitted did not substantiate his claims of being subjected to a political trial. Choksi had claimed that the Indian system did not conform to international law. In response, Indian agencies submitted photographs of Mumbais Arthur Road Jail, specifically Barrack No. 12where Choksi will be held once extraditedto counter his claims that Indian prisons are overcrowded and unsafe. The 46-square-metre barrack has two cells with private toilets and basic facilities. The images were shared to refute his assertions of poor prison conditions. The agencies the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) had been tracking the fugitive since he fled India on January 2, 2018. The courts order noted that Choksi is not a Belgian citizen but a foreign national. He was arrested in Antwerp on April 11, 2025, at the request of Indian agencies. The offences cited by India including fraud, forgery, document falsification, and corruption are also considered crimes under Belgian law. The cases registered in India fall under IPC sections 120B, 201, 409, 420, 477A and sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, all carrying imprisonment of more than one year, the order stated. The Belgian court also recognised equivalent offences under Articles 66, 196, 197, 213, 240, 241, 245, 246, 247 SSSS2-4, 324a-b, and 496 of the Belgian Criminal Code, covering criminal organisation, swindle, embezzlement, and forgery. Rejecting Choksis claims of political persecution, the Court of Appeal said the offences cannot be considered political, military or non-extraditable tax offences, adding there were no grounds to believe that the request was made to prosecute or punish him for his race, religion, nationality or political affiliation. Choksi had also alleged he was kidnapped from Antigua by Indian agencies. The court, however, said it cannot be inferred from the documents supplied that he was kidnapped in Antigua on the instructions of Indian authorities. It also dismissed his claims that the Indian judiciary lacks independence and that media coverage would prevent a fair trial, calling such fears unfounded. In November 2022, Interpol had dropped the Red Corner Notice against Choksi after he claimed an attempted abduction by Indian agents in Antigua. Even without the notice, the ED with R&AWs help sent a request to Belgian authorities to arrest him. Earlier, on May 23, 2021, Choksi was arrested in Dominica for illegal entry after going missing from Antigua and Barbuda, where he had been living since 2018. He had alleged he was forcibly taken to Dominica by Indian operatives. Choksi is the owner of the Gitanjali Group, a jewellery retail chain with 4,000 stores in India. He, along with nephews Nirav Modi and Neeshal Modi, colluded with PNB officials to defraud the bank of over Rs 13,850 crore one of the biggest scams in Indias banking history. PNB officials at the Brady House branch in Mumbai issued fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) to facilitate import credit for pearls for a year, violating RBI rules that limit such credit to 90 days. Overseas branches of Indian banks ignored guidelines and failed to share documentation with PNB. The CBI registered a case based on PNBs complaint, but by then Choksi and others had fled India.
Jammu Kashmir Flags Extortion at Punjab Checkpoints, Writes to CM for Urgent Action
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has formally written to the Punjab Chief Minister, seeking immediate intervention over the alleged extortion and harassment faced by livestock and mutton dealers at Punjabs Shambhu and Madhopur checkpoints. The letter, dated December 4, was sent by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kashmir, to the []
Mann meets South Korean industrialists, pitches Punjab as future-ready investment destination
JAIPUR: To mark the completion of two years of the Bhajanlal-led BJP government in the state, Pravasi Rajasthani Divas 2025 is being organized at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC) on December 10. The state government has made extensive preparations to ensure that the event becomes a major showcase of Rajasthans investment potential. The event is expected to serve as a significant platform for economic expansion, with reports indicating that industrialists will announce large-scale investments that could reshape the states development trajectory. Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) worth Rs 1 lakh crore are likely to be signed during the event. Dignitaries attending the program include Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, along with cabinet ministers and senior bureaucrats. A strong presence from the corporate sector is also expected. The inaugural session will feature prominent industry leaders such as Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, Piramal Group Chairman Ajay Piramal, and Tata Power CEO and MD Praveer Sinha, who will share their perspectives on investment opportunities, industrial growth, and ongoing reforms in Rajasthan. Earlier, there were concerns that disruptions in Indigo Airlines services could prevent some expatriates from reaching Jaipur. However, the Commissioner of the Rajasthan Foundation Department the nodal department for expatriate Rajasthanis clarified that all invited guests have already arrived and that the airline issues have not significantly affected the event. More than 8,700 people have registered for Pravasi Rajasthani Divas so far. With registrations surpassing expectations, the online portal was closed ahead of schedule. This is the first Pravasi Rajasthani Divas being held after Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharmas announcement at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit last year. He had declared that the day would be celebrated annually on December 10 to connect the global Rajasthani diaspora with their homeland. On November 19, the state cabinet approved the creation of a separate department for non-resident Rajasthanis, and an official notification has since been issued. The new department aims to strengthen engagement with expatriate Rajasthanis living in India and abroad, and facilitate deeper cooperation between them and the state government.
ICAR launches 5-year nano urea study following varied crop response in earlier trials
Bajwa slams AAP govt, says it is suppressing opposition in Punjab
70 pc Punjab Congress with me, 90 pc AICC with me; won't support 'thieves': Navjot Kaur
Navjot Kaur Sidhu also attacked Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa for serving a legal notice on her for her alleged defamatory remarks against him and accused him of selling party tickets in Rajasthan and also having links with smugglers.
'State President Has No Credibility': Navjot Kaur Sidhu On Her Suspension Notice By Congress
Navjot Kaur Sidhu dismissed the suspension notice, which she claimed was issued by Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, against whom she has directed her remarks
Farm Fires Didn't End, They Just Moved To Afternoon: Satellite Data Analysis
Claims of a nearly 90% drop in stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana - a key contributor to pollution in Delhi-NCR - have been challenged by a new multi-satellite analysis, revealing that the decline is a result of a gap in India's monitoring system.
Who is Nikhil Chaudhary? BBL star entering IPL 2026 Auction as Indian uncapped player
The IPL auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 will feature 350 players, including uncapped Indian all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary, who has built a career in Australia. Chaudhary, formerly of Punjab, has played 20 BBL matches for Hobart Hurricanes. Teams will compete for 77 slots, with 31 for overseas players.
Punjab: Randhawa serves legal notice to Navjot Kaur Sidhu; turmoil in Congress escalates
The crisis in the Punjab Congress deepened a day after former MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, was suspended from the party for making anti-party remarks. Kaur again hit out at the state leadership, including president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, accusing them of misleading the high command. She claimed she remains in touch with the high command but would not support thieves. Meanwhile, senior Punjab Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, served a legal notice on Kaur, asking her to apologize for making defamatory remarks against him or face legal action. Several other party leaders also criticized her. The legal notice served on Kaur by Randhawas advocate states: On December 7 and 8, you made false, baseless, and defamatory statements against my client during your media interactions, which were widely broadcast and reported across electronic media, print media, and social platforms. Specifically, you alleged that my client indulged in corruption while serving as the in-charge of Rajasthan for the Indian National Congress, including in the distribution of party tickets in exchange for monetary gratification. These statements were made without any evidence or basis and were intended to malign my client's character and reputation. The notice further states: My client has always upheld the highest standards of probity and transparency in his public and political roles. Your statements have no foundation in truth and were uttered recklessly, knowing fully well that they would cause irreparable harm to my client's reputation. It adds that Kaur's statements amount to defamation under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Your actions do not qualify under any exceptions to defamation as provided in the BNS, as they were not made in good faith, for the public good, or based on verifiable facts. Instead, they were deliberate attempts to defame and injure my client's standing. The notice seeks an unconditional public apology from Kaur for her defamatory statements. The apology must be published prominently within seven days in the same media outlets where the original statements were made. Failing compliance, my client shall be constrained to initiate criminal defamation proceedings against you under Section 356 of the BNS read with Section 222 of the BNSS before the competent court of law, including the court of Judicial Magistrate at Batala, it states. Reacting to the legal notice issued by Randhawa, who is also the partys in-charge for Rajasthan, over her corruption allegations against him, Kaur said, At present, I am reverting to Randhawa. He was a follower of my husband and is now speaking against me. I will pay him back in the same coin. She further alleged that Randhawa could not ensure his wife's electoral victory and accused him of openly selling tickets for crores of rupees in Rajasthan. She said she has sent evidence of this to the Congress high command. Kaur reiterated that she had spoken her truth. If the high command needs people who speak honestly at the ground level, they will understand. Kaur maintained that she remains in touch with the high command and will not compromise on her stance, claiming she has support from the AICC and 70 per cent of the Congress. The entire overseas Congress and high command leaders are with me. Seventy per cent of Punjab Congress is with me. I have spoken the truth; now the ball is in the high commands court, she said. Kaur added that she had apprised central leaders about her statements, which she claimed were twisted. I have told them that the Sidhus would not side with thieves. I do not consider Raja Warring the Punjab party president. There are fourfive leaders who are harming the party, and if the party wants to form a government in the state, it should sideline such leaders, she claimed. Regarding her controversial statement after meeting Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Kaur said her comments were distorted by the media. She further alleged that those troubled by her statements own 10,000 acres of land in the Shivalik range and, in collaboration with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, want to legalize the land. She said she stands firmly against this. Kaur added that she had wanted to raise these issues with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, but before she could meet him, she received an appointment with the governor. I was hoping that Rahul Gandhi would address these issues and become the hero. He was misguided by people around him, resulting in a delay. Until then, I got my appointment with the governor. I wanted Rahul to give this presentation there because it is a matter of Punjabs victory, she said. Reacting to her suspension, Kaur said, This notice has been issued by a state president who has no legitimacy. Many such notices are issued. Discussions are taking place with the party, but we have one condition we will not support thieves. If we want to form a government, remove those who are destroying the party.
Judoka Ritik Sharmas KIUG Triumph Fuels His 2026 CWG Dream
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indoor Hall: Since relocating to the SAI National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Bhopal six years ago, Ritik Sharmas career has experienced a rapid ascent. The young Punjab-born judoka once again highlighted his progress with a commanding performance at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) Rajasthan 2025. Competing in his fourth KIUG at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indoor Hall in Udaipur, Ritik, representing Lovely Professional University (LPU), secured his third gold medal, adding to his existing bronze. What made the victory more meaningful was the way he bounced back from a recent setback. Flying straight to Udaipur after a first-round exit at the Asian Open Championships in Hong Kong, Ritik wasted no time dwelling on the disappointment. Instead, he channelled the lessons from his overseas trip into a composed, confident performance, overcoming familiar rival Yash Ghangas in the mens +100kg final. The rivalry between Ritik and Yash dates back to their teenage years. The two first competed in the final of the 2020 Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati, and even now, as products of the same NCOE, their matchups remain intensely competitive. There are a handful of judokas in our category, so we have known each other for years now. I beat him for the first time in the Guwahati KIYG, and Im glad that I could get the better of him in KIUG 2025 too, said Ritik, emphasising the need for more international exposure trips. Despite being out in the first round, I have come back with a lot of learnings and positives from Hong Kong. What also matters is the mental aspect of the sport, as such exposure trips help you in understanding how the world and Olympic champions approach the game, their techniques, and sparring with some of the best in the world, he added. Ritiks journey started far from Indias main sporting centres, in Gurdaspur, a remote border district in Punjab bordering Pakistan. Growing up, opportunities were scarce, with few organised sports programmes or training centres available. Yet in 2015, at the age of 14, Ritik found his passion for judo and dedicated himself to the sport with steadfast focus. Born to an ASI in the Punjab Police and the youngest of three siblings, Ritik began his initial training at the renowned Shaheed Bhagat Singh JFI coaching centre, which has produced over 50 international and 100 national-level judokas. The foundation he built there kept him steady even as he faced challenges on the global stage. Ritiks journey started far from Indias main sporting centres, in Gurdaspur, a remote border district in Punjab bordering Pakistan. Growing up, opportunities were scarce, with few organised sports programmes or training centres available. Yet in 2015, at the age of 14, Ritik found his passion for judo and dedicated himself to the sport with steadfast focus. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For Ritik, the lack of quality sparring partners in his weight class remains a major obstacle. However, he continues to push his boundaries and is now aiming for the next significant goal of breaking into the 2026 Commonwealth Games squad. Article Source: IANS
Sachin Recounts Gursharan's Crucial Gesture During His Landmark 1989-90 Irani Cup Ton
Struggling at 209 for nine in pursuit of a mammoth target of 554, the former India, Delhi and Punjab player Gursharan walked out at No 10 with a broken hand to support Tendulkar as the two put on another 36 runs for the final wicket
BSF Jawan Found Dead in Samba; CRPF Constable Dies After Collapse in Jammu
Jammu, Dec 9: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. Constable Sukhdeep Singh, a resident of Ferozpur in Punjab, was discovered lying in a canal at Rehiyan village on Monday evening and was rushed to the district hospital, where [] The post BSF Jawan Found Dead in Samba; CRPF Constable Dies After Collapse in Jammu appeared first on Northlines .
J&K | BSF Jawan Found Dead In Samba; CRPF Constable Dies In Separate Incident
Jammu, Dec 9: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. Constable Sukhdeep Singh, a resident of Ferozpur in Punjab, was found lying in a canal at Rehiyan village on Monday evening. Locals shifted him to the district hospital Samba, where doctors declared him dead, officials said. Preliminary police investigation suggests he was travelling on a motorcycle and may have accidentally fallen into the canal. [] The post J&K | BSF Jawan Found Dead In Samba; CRPF Constable Dies In Separate Incident appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
The larger-than-life arc of actor Dileep
KOCHI: The fate of actor Dileep acquitted in the actor assault case after an exhausting over five-year trial has turned out to be nothing short of an anti-climax, especially for someone once accused of conspiring in the brutal assault of a fellow actor. From a scrawny mimicry artist to an actor, and eventually a producer, distributor, and theatre owner, Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan alias Dileeps ascent to stardom and his later slide into notoriety, before being cleared of all charges extends far beyond the contours of a film script. Until the assault case erupted, Dileep was among the most influential power centres in the Malayalam film industry, commanding clout that extended across production floors, distribution networks, and exhibition circuits. Dileep entered cinema through the back door of Kochis mimicry troupes in the early 1990s. A friend who knew Dileep since his college days recalled, He was very ambitious from the very beginning and had an insatiable hunger for stardom. He started as an assistant director before he took to acting as a career. He had the gift of the gab, which made him desirable in social circles... He climbed his way up through a network of fellow comic artists and friends. Dileep came from an impoverished family and money was always a major factor. His marriage to actor Manju Warrier in 1998 was a surprise to many, he added. By the early 2000s, that charm had crystallised into a distinct on-screen persona. Films like Punjabi House, C.I.D Moosa, Meesha Madhavan and Kalyanaraman turned him into a bankable star. But Dileeps ascent was not limited to acting alone. As his stardom grew, he ventured into production, and into distribution, controlling significant circuits in central Kerala. His investments in theatre chains further cemented his presence. Liberty Basheer, a theatre owner and producer, said Dileep had decisive influence in AMMA and FEFKA, the trade bodies of actors and technicians. He was not satisfied with it and split the theatre owners union just before the actor assault incident. Basheer told TNIE that legally, all the unions/associations are bound to take him back if he applies formally but the actor might not be as powerful as he was as the ecosystem has evolved. This consolidation of power earned him both admiration and unease. The turning point arrived in 2017 with the actor abduction and assault case. The star who once drew lakhs to theatres found himself boycotted and fighting a prolonged legal battle. Today, Dileeps trajectory stands as one of Malayalam cinemas most dramatic arcs: A meteoric rise, decades of dominance, and an equally steep fall from grace. His acquittal from the case has sparked curiosity about his future, with the industry and society eagerly awaiting to see if hell reclaim his top position.
Sukhbir Singh Badal to fight next Punjab assembly elections from Gidderbaha
Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal will contest the 2027 Punjab assembly elections from Gidderbaha. This announcement followed intense pressure from party workers. Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikramjit Singh Majithia's bail plea in a money laundering case was dismissed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Majithia was arrested in connection with illicit fund transfers.
Navjot Kaur Sidhu ignited a fresh row, alleging senior Congress leaders accepted Rs 5 crore each for poll tickets from a Tarn Taran candidate. This follows her earlier controversial statement about a Rs 500 crore CM. State Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring swiftly suspended her following the accusations.
Govt shortlists candidates for Delhi child rights body chief; claims of violation surface
NEW DELHI: The city government has completed interviews for the post of the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson, with around 20 candidates assessed telephonically by the Chief Minister along with senior officials, a source said. Following the interaction, the government has finalised a shortlist of names, which has now been sent to the Lieutenant Governor. After the L-G, the file will go to theMHA for a final approval. Meanwhile, a source also shared that the candidates were not sent official emails for an interview; instead, they were contacted telephonically against the laws. Out of the 20 candidates, three were retired IAS officers before the screening committee. The revival of the selection process came only after sustained pressure from the Delhi High Court. In October this year, the government appointed Rashmi Singh, secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, as the officiating chairperson which was an interim step that underscored how the regular appointment process had remained stuck for over two years. The post has been vacant since July 2023, when former chairperson Anurag Kundu completed his term and moved to the Punjab government. Who will get the role? According to sources, administrative experience matters. The only non-bureaucrat to head the body was Anurag Kundu whose term got over in July 2023. It is better to have an IAS or IPS officer in this position, because they know how to handle the system in a better way, a senior official noted.
Weather update today: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi might experience cold wave conditions from December 9, the IMD said in its latest bulletin. The weather agency has also warned of cold wave conditions in several districts of Telangana. Dense fog is likely to prevail in Assam, Manipur and Odisha.
J&K Pavilion shines at PITEX 2025 in Amritsar
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: The Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) participated in the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX), held at Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, from December 4 to 8. The JKTPO sponsored 36 artisans, exporters, FPOs and women entrepreneurs from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, who showcased regions rich artistry and cultural heritage. The display included Pashmina shawls, Sozni and Crewel embroidery, leather and woollen products, stoles, Tilla work, Basohli Pashmina and world-renowned GI-tagged [] The post J&K Pavilion shines at PITEX 2025 in Amritsar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Will contest from Gidderbaha in 2027 Punjab elections: Sukhbir
HC notice to Punjab on Amritpals plea against third detention order
AAP came to power by fooling people of Punjab with hollow slogans: Bajwa
BSF foils narco-terror attempts; seizes 6.6 Kg heroin, arms along IB in Punjab
In a bold display of dedication, BSF forces executed two remarkable nighttime operations. Near Amritsar, they intercepted 12 bundles of heroin totaling 6.638 kilograms. Meanwhile, in Ferozepur, they confiscated a pistol along with a magazine and four rounds of ammunition. These successful actions underscore the BSF's unwavering commitment to safeguarding India from the threats of narcotics and arms trafficking.
Congress leader Navjot suspended from party for Rs 500 cr CM remark
Chandigarh: Punjab Congress leader Navjot Singhs namesake wife was on Monday suspended from the primary membership of the party for the Rs 500 crore CM remark. His wife and Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu claimed that it costs Rs 500 crore to become Punjab CM. She was placed under suspension by PPCC chief Amarinder Singh Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Korean womans Punjabi impresses CM Bhagwant Mann
Navjot Kaur Sidhu suspended from Congress after row over 'Rs 500 crore to become CM' remark
CHANDIGARH: After a backlash over her 'Rs 500 crore for chief minister's chair' remark, Congress leader Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu has been suspended from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect. Days after claiming that it costs Rs 500 crore to become Punjab Chief Minister and making utterances against her party colleagues, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu was placed under suspension by Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu is hereby suspended from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect, read the order issued on Monday evening. Senior Congress leader and leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said, It is the right decision at the right time, you cannot make such baseless allegations. Her intentions were not right for the party. Bajwa hinted that the BJP is the master of deceptive moves as she met the state governor Gulab Chand Kataria and then made the statement after coming out of Raj Bhawan. Responding to her remark, MP from Gurdaspur and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that the party made Navjot Singh Sidhu a minister and also president of the Punjab unit of the Congress. I want to ask him how much money did he give and to whom for that? The status of party chief is higher that the Chief Minister. Leveling such allegations when you have served as party president is anti-party. The high command should take a note of it, he said, adding that Sidhu has not been active for four years but has now started leveling allegations as assembly polls are scheduled for 2027. Twist given to straight comment, says Navjot Kaur Sidhu after controversy over her 'Rs 500 crore' remark Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, also slammed her comments, saying, Let her be admitted to a hospital, some good mental hospital. After her statement, the BJP and AAP claimed that she had exposed the ugly truth of how the grand old party functions, and the money bag politics it indulges in. Following the backlash, Navjot Kaur had claimed that her comments had been twisted. I am shocked to see the twist given to a straight comment saying that our Congress party has never demanded anything from us. On being asked about Navjot becoming a CM face from any other party, I stated that we have no money to offer for a CM post, Kaur said in a post on X on Sunday evening. Former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu had triggered a row on Saturday by implying that only someone who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore can become the CM. She also said her husband will return to active politics if the Congress declares him as the party's chief ministerial face in Punjab. Navjot Sidhu will return to active politics if he is declared as Congress's CM face in Punjab polls, says his wife
Satellites missing most farm fires in Punjab, Haryana; impact on Delhi highly underestimated: Report
The Stubble Burning Status Report 2025 by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) said this led to major underestimation of the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi's air pollution this year.
Arms Smuggling Module Linked To Pak-Based Handler Busted; 6 Held
CHANDIGARH, Dec 8: The Punjab Police on Monday claimed it has dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling module with links to a Pakistan-based handler and apprehended six persons, including a juvenile. Police recovered six pistols from the accused, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in direct contact with a Pakistan-based handler through social media platforms, who shared coordinates for weapon consignments, he said. In a post on X, the DGP said, [] The post Arms Smuggling Module Linked To Pak-Based Handler Busted; 6 Held appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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
BSF foils narco- terror attempts; seizes 6.6 kg heroin, arms along IB in Punjab
In a bold display of courage, BSF troops executed two effective midnight operations. In Amritsar, they intercepted a stash of 12 packets containing 6.638 kilograms of heroin. Meanwhile, in Ferozepur, they confiscated a pistol complete with a magazine and four live rounds. These initiatives underline BSF's unwavering commitment to safeguarding India against the influx of drugs and weaponry.
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
