Three convicted of murder in Kurukshetra, sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment
In Kurukshetra, Kamal, Vinay, and Suraj Yadav received life sentences for a 2023 murder, each fined Rs 25,000. They killed Pawan Kumar, found with multiple stab wounds near a petrol pump.
Removing import duty on cotton a direct attack on farmers interests: Gurnam Singh Charuni
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Charuni is protesting the Centre's decision to eliminate the 11% import duty on cotton, calling it detrimental to Indian farmers. BKU Charuni national president, Gurnam Singh Charuni, stated that the move has already caused a price drop and favors foreign cotton, particularly from the United States.
Will compensate for every single penny lost due to floods: Mann
Sunita Ahuja once broke silence on divorce rumors with Govinda
Sunita Ahuja recently addressed divorce rumors, clarifying that separate living arrangements are for practical reasons. She affirmed her strong bond with Govinda. In a vlog, Sunita visited temples in Chandigarh, expressing deep faith in Maa Mahakali. She recounted praying for a happy marriage and life with Govinda. Sunita believes the goddess has always fulfilled her wishes.
Opposition should stop politicising Manisha case: Saini
CM launches policy for empanelment of certified professionals
Charge sheet of 40,000 pages filed against senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia in DA case
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau today filed a 40,000-page charge sheet against senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who is the brother-in-law of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, in a Prevention of Corruption Act case in the Mohali court. Sources claimed that over 200 witnesses have been cited in the case in the charge sheet, which runs into approximately 40,000 pages. These documents reportedly detail financial transactions, property records, and other evidence collected during the investigation. The documents were brought to the court this afternoon in four sealed trunks loaded in a pick-up truck. It was on June 25 that Majithia was arrested from his house in Amritsar in the disproportionate assets case involving laundering of Rs 540 crore of drug money. He was sent to judicial custody on July 6, and his judicial remand was extended on July 19 and again on August 2. Recently, the court dismissed his bail application, and he is presently in judicial custody as he is lodged at New Nabha Jail near Patiala. The Vigilance Bureau, in its FIR, claimed that preliminary investigations revealed that over 540 crore of drug money was laundered through several channels, and this was facilitated by Majithia. This case against Majithia stems from an ongoing investigation being conducted by a Punjab Police special investigation team into the 2021 drug case. In 2021, Majithia was booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The action was taken on the basis of a 2018 report of the anti-drug special task force. Majithia spent more than five months in Patiala Jail and walked out of prison in August 2022 after the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted him bail.
Bajwa accuses AAP of pushing Punjab towards bankruptcy
3 sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment for murder
Detained, Jakhar slams AAP govt for murder of democracy
HC seeks Centre, Punjab response on plea over release of Bandi Singhs
Man gets 5-yr jail for attempted murder
College of Veterinary Science organises training programme on backyard poultry farming
BJP workers burn effigies of AAP govt in Ludhiana
HC slams Centre, orders regularisation of military farm workers
Bureaucrats, citizens unite for separate capital and HC for Haryana
Psychiatrists' association asks Punjab to replace de-addiction SOPs with IPS guidelines
Cabinet ministers visit border villages to assess flood situation
Traffic jams continue on Chandigarh-Manali highway as roads remain closed in Himachal
BJP trying to steal votes through data collection campaign: Cheema
'Deities have spoken': Kardars join protest against Bijli Mahadev ropeway project
Delhi most credit-healthy city, followed by Pune, Kerala, and Chandigarh: Study
National capital emerged as the most credit-healthy city in India, with the highest proportion of credit-healthy consumers (46 per cent) and the highest average credit score (746) among 710 cities.
US halts work visas for foreign truck drivers
CHANDIGARH: The United States has decided to stop issuing work visas for commercial truck drivers after a deadly crash, involving an Indian driver staying illegally in the country, drew national attention. This move which might impact Indian drivers who were hoping to work in the US transportation industry. Announcing this move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X, `` Effective immediately we are pausing all issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers. The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers. A few days back a Punjabi-origin truck driver was charged with killing three people on a highway in Turnpike of Florida, while making an illegal U-turn and collided with a passenger van. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Harjinder Singh, who is from India, allegedly entered the United States illegally from Mexico and failed an English examination after the crash. The police said he attempted to make an illegal U-turn through an Official Use Only access point blocking traffic and causing the fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of three people. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has launched an investigation into a crash that killed three people. In April, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating that commercial truck drivers in the US are proficient in Englsih. Recently, US Citizenship and Immigration Services also wrote on X,`` Protecting the integrity of our lawful immigration system to make America safe again is our top priority. Weve restored our robust screening and vetting capabilities so we can detect aliens with harmful intent and deter them from trying to enter the U.S. Immigration fraud is a crime we take seriously. Aliens who use false information or deceitful practices to unfairly obtain immigration advantages will face serious consequences.
Punjabi actor-comedian Jaswinder Bhalla, star of Carry on Jatta, passes away at 65
Veteran Punjabi actor and comedian Jaswinder Bhalla passed away at the age of 65 in a private hospital in Mohali on Friday morning after a brief illness. Bhalla, a celebrated figure in Punjabi cinema, was known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable roles in films like Carry on Jatta and Jatt & Juliet 2.
8 days later, Bhiwani teacher cremated as brother lights pyre; internet back
Punjab demands Rs 60,000cr from Centre, cites pending GST, rural fund, other dues
Haryanas war on drugs: Over 3,600 arrests so far in 2025
AAP student wings show of strength takes campus norms for a ride at PU
Install firefighting system at Dhanas rehab colony, Kataria directs CHB
Tewari raises Chandigarhs waste management issues in Parliament
Address grievances of outsourcing workers at the earliest
PU tweaks one-way traffic plan after protests
Kharar EO shifted again, 9th transfer in 2 years
Panchkula police reunite HP woman with family in 24 hours
Potholes turn Panchkula roads into accident zones
Battery bandits strike again: Thieves unplug Chandigarhs eyes in the sky
3 fake call centres housed in Panchkula IT Park busted, 85 held
Attempt to disperse troublemakers leads to brick attack on 2 Chandigarh cops
Sippy Sidhu murder: Police begin probe against inspector for investigation lapses
Pak-linked drug syndicate busted in Chandigarh, 6 held with Rs 1.25cr worth narcotics
Chandigarh roads crumble amid fund crunch
Monsoon-ravaged roads turn into deadly traps in Mohali
Activists, citizens groups raise objections to Punjabs draft Unified Building Rules, 2025
Proposed building rules in Punjab face strong opposition from environmental groups and social activists, who argue they prioritize builder profits over public well-being. Objections center on unlimited FAR, increased densities, and commercialization of homes, potentially leading to overcrowded, unsafe cities. Critics demand revisions based on environmental impact assessments, infrastructure capacity, and public consultation, threatening legal action if concerns are ignored.
Over 700 children rescued from begging: Minister
Sukhbir Badal slams draft unified building rules
NHAI cybercrime helplines integrated with Dial 112
SAD terms Chandumajras speech an 'inadvertent confession' of conspiracy
HAU students continue hunger strike, perform havan for vice-chancellor's 'good sense'
Delay in release of 11% DA to govt employees results in uproar in vidhan sabha
Kargil war hero returns medal, cites disrespect at Independence Day event
Haryana to set up state entrepreneurship commission: CM
Punjab slams Centre over GST losses, demands release of Rs 50,000 crore dues
CHANDIGARH: The AAP-led Punjab government on Thursday slammed the BJP-led Centre after the two-day GST GoM meeting, demanding immediate release of pending Rs 50,000 crore dues while accusing the GST regime of causing massive revenue losses to states. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said GST has inflicted a Rs 1.11 lakh crore loss on the state and alleged that stopping the compensation cess was aimed at weakening state economies, forcing them to beg with folded hands before the Centre. Cheema stressed that Punjab would not have suffered such massive revenue losses had it not joined the One Nation-One Tax scheme. With the compensation cess now scrapped, he called out the BJP government for deliberately wrecking state economies to make them beg before the Centre. He said, On August 2021, the GST Group of Ministers met continuously for two days. On Wednesday, the meeting was on life and health insurance. In the evening, a meeting was held on compensation cess. The Chairman told us that today the meeting was on rate rationalisation, and that all members of the compensation cess would participate. Therefore, we also participated in Thursdays meeting. He continued, GST came in 2017. In the past eight years, there have been 27 amendments in GST, with exemptions given to different sectors. Fifteen times the GST rates of various goods were reduced. This practice has been continuing in the GST Council for the last eight years, and for the past three years I have been witnessing it myself. Highlighting the Prime Ministers announcement, Cheema added, The Prime Minister declared that there would be two GST slabs - one at 5 per cent and another at 12 per cent - and everyone would celebrate Diwali. But after GST came, who will compensate for the loss suffered by Punjab and other states? Who will pay for this damage? One Nation, One Tax was the scheme of the central government, and all states, including Punjab gave their consent. Everyone agreed that uniform tax rates should prevail across the country so that no state could impose higher or lower taxes on its citizens. But this formula has inflicted a huge loss on Punjab. Emphasising Punjabs loss, he said, In all three meetings of the GST Group of Ministers, I placed Punjabs position. So far Punjab has lost Rs 1,11,045 crore. Punjab suffered heavy damage after the GST system was introduced. Out of this, the central government has given Rs 60,000 crore in compensation, but still Rs 50,000 crore remains with the central government. Who will pay this money? Since GST was introduced, the BJPs central government has kept making one amendment after another, but never reached a conclusion. Taxpayers of the country are being harassed continuously. The system of the country is being destroyed. Several states are continuously losing revenue due to the GST system. The central government has backed away from making up for this loss, he added. Detailing the latest discussions, Cheema said, In Thursdays meeting on compensation cess, the government said that the loans taken to pay states under compensation cess would be fully repaid by October. On harmful goods (sin goods), a special tax was imposed. The states suffering losses in its collection were being compensated. But now the report of the rate rationalisation committee shows that even the tax slab on sin goods is being reduced. On revenue withheld, he shared, Punjab has suffered a loss of Rs 50,000 crore in revenue. Who will compensate for this? Will the central government make up for this loss? In addition, the central government has withheld more than Rs 8,000 crore of Punjabs RDF. Two days ago, another Rs 1,000 crore under the Prime Minister Road Scheme was also stopped. In this way, nearly Rs 60,000 crore is pending with the central government against Punjab. This includes the Rs 50,000 crore revenue loss after GST. The central government must immediately release Rs 60,000 crore. He asserted that if Punjab had not joined the One Nation-One Tax scheme, it would have received much more revenue. We honoured the central governments decision and stood with the country, but Punjab suffered for it. Along with Punjab, many other states also suffered. Cheema said, After GST was implemented, the central government had said that states would receive 14 per cent growth compensation under the compensation cess. Punjabs total revenue was Rs 2,37,530 crore. But under GST, Punjab received only Rs 1,26,485 crore. Thus Punjab has lost Rs 1,11,045 crore. Out of this, the central government gave only Rs 60,000 crore, and over Rs 50,000 crore is still with them. The central government had promised that any state suffering losses would be compensated. But now even the money that states were supposed to get under the compensation cess has been stopped. This means the central government wants to break the economies of state governments. The BJPs hidden agenda is to destroy the economies of the states. This is the biggest attack on the federal structure. The BJP government wants to curtail the rights of the states. When states do not have funds, they will be forced to beg the Centre for money, he emphasised. Raising concern over GST rate cuts, Cheema said, In the rate rationalisation committee meeting, we demanded that the Centre clarify who will compensate for the revenue loss to states caused by reduction of GST rates. The central government has increased some rates while decreasing others. For example, on unprocessed tobacco there was 9098 per cent tax, but now the proposal is to bring it down to 40 per cent. Tobacco is harmful to health, and higher tax was levied to discourage addiction. Tax reduction will increase tobacco consumption. On manufactured tobacco, the tax was 39318 per cent, but it too has been brought down to 40 per cent. Pan masala had 88 per cent tax, now reduced to 40 per cent. Cigarettes had 3364 per cent tax, now also cut to 40 per cent. Bidi had 28 per cent tax, now reduced to 18 per cent. We are not against reduction of GST rates, but the states losses must be compensated, he concluded.
Traffic jams, roadblocks disrupt travel on Chd-Manali highway
Clerk nabbed red-handed taking Rs 60K bribe
Inmates making threat calls despite restrictions, jail officials cite tech limitations
Dallewal rallies farmers in Amritsar, calls for united front at Aug 25 'mahapanchayat'
AAP flags conspiracy behind 10L ration card cancellations
Punjab Police integrates NHAI, cyber crime helplines with Unified Emergency Response System
CHANDIGARH: In a move to make emergency services more accessible and efficient, the Punjab Police has integrated the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Helpline 1033 and the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 with the Dial 112 Punjab's Unified Emergency Response System. This integration now allows citizens to simply dial 112 to report highway accidents, breakdowns, hazards, as well as financial frauds and cybercrimes. This initiative will bring multiple critical services under a single-window platform, ensuring quicker and easier access to support. Earlier, citizens had to call a specific helpline number to report fraud or road accidents, making it difficult for them to memorise different helpline numbers. Till now, the 112 helpline has been used only to report different crimes happening across the state. Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, who has been directly supervising the Dial 112 said, Now, whether you are a road user in distress on a highway or a victim of cyber fraud, a single call to 112 is all it takes. Your case will be instantly transferred between systems for faster action, eliminating duplication and cutting delays. He elaborated that all highway distress calls dialling either 112 or 1033 are now linked in real-time to both police resources and NHAI, ensuring prompt action. Furthermore, victims of cybercrime can dial 112 or 1930, where their complaints are directly registered into the National Cybercrime Portal by specially trained cyber dispatchers stationed at the Dial 112 Control Room. Terming Dial 112 as the nerve centre of Punjab's emergency response, Shukla said this integration has transformed it into a truly unified platform covering Police, Fire, Ambulance, Disaster, Highway Safety, and Cybercrime under one roof. He highlighted that the system is backed by 257 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) and 144 dedicated Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) vehicles deployed across the state and on highways for rapid intervention. Under the direct supervision of DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav, we are committed to continuously strengthening Dial 112 with next-generation technology and integration. This step marks a major leap in enhancing citizen access to critical services and reducing response times, especially on highways and in cybercrime cases, he added. Shukla said that the Punjab Government has placed the highest priority on this service, sanctioning a budget of Rs100 crore for new ERVs and Rs 53 crore for a dedicated Dial 112 headquarters building, paving the way for one of the country's most advanced and citizen-focused emergency response systems.
Minor loses arm in bonded labour abuse, rights panel steps in
CHANDIGARH: The water level in the Beas and Satluj rivers is rising as controlled water is being released from Bhakra and Pong Dams after incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh, creating a flood-like situation in many districts of Punjab. The state government has ordered a special girdawari to compensate for crop damage and other losses caused by the rising river waters. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the government has dispatched its cabinet ministers to flood-affected areas. Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian announced that the Punjab Government has issued orders for a special girdawari to compensate for crop damage and other losses caused by rising water levels in rivers. During his visit to the flood-affected villages of Baupur Jadeed and Sangra in Sultanpur Lodhi, where he met with affected families, Mundian informed that the Mann government has initiated the compensation process for crop losses. He said that Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to complete the special girdawari as soon as water levels recede and submit their reports promptly, so that appropriate compensation can be provided to affected people. He also disclosed that relief operations in the flood-affected districts of Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka are being monitored by a ministerial committee. The cabinet ministers are visiting various districts to share the grief of affected people while continuously overseeing relief operations. Mundian further said that Rs 2 crore has been released for relief operations in Kapurthala district to ensure that distribution of rations, drinking water, medicines and livestock healthcare services continue for affected people. Responding to a query, Mundian said that under flood prevention measures, a special campaign will be launched across Punjab to further strengthen Dhussi and advance bundhs, while stating that Dhussi bundhs are completely secure at present. Based on public demand, he also asked to deploy additional SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams to ensure relief operations face no obstacles. He distributed dry rations, medicines and drinking water to affected people. Mundian instructed district administrative officers to ensure continuous fogging in affected areas. Besides this, health department teams should conduct regular health checkups while raising awareness among people about skin diseases and water-borne disease prevention. Stressing special attention to livestock healthcare, he ordered veterinary doctors to visit affected villages and habitats to examine livestock. Meanwhile, cabinet minister Barinder Kumar Goyal reviewed the flood situation in Ferozepur and Tarn Taran, and Laljit Bhullar distributed relief materials to flood-affected people in Patti. Dr Balbir Singh held a meeting with district officials and IMA office-bearers in Kapurthala. An emergency meeting of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) was convened yesterday evening to assess the flood situation in Punjab. During the meeting, a representative from the Himachal Pradesh government urged the BBMB not to restrict the release of water into the Beas, citing flooding in their areas. From today, 75,000 cusecs of water have started to be released in a controlled manner from Pong Dam, where inflows had reached approximately 1 lakh cusecs yesterday. As the water level in the Bhakra Dam touched 1666.32 feet on Wednesday, controlled release was again made today. Controlled release of water is being done from Pong Dam for nearly a week, and from Bhakra Dam for the past two days. These releases have impacted several villages across Sultanpur Lodhi, Tanda, Nangal, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Tarn Taran.
Punjab govt renews partnership with Homi Bhabha cancer hospital
3-yr wait for Punjabi translation of BOCW Act continues amid bureaucratic delays
Drug users in Haryana switch to pharmaceutical drugs; Cases, convictions on the rise
CHANDIGARH: Data reveals that the drug users in Haryana are more inclined to pharmaceutical drugs as they are reportedly crushing and injecting tablets such as Tramadol, Tapentadol and Pregabalin. To cut down the supply lines of narcotics, 2,161 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and 3,629 persons have been arrested this year from January to July, enforcement figures shared by the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) showed. The number of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered went up by 6.9 per cent from the 2,022 FIRs registered in the same period last year. The number of accused arrested also went up 35.2 per cent this year, from 2,684 persons arrested last year. Apart from this, 267 commercial quantity cases were registered this year, compared to 238 cases last year, and 1,493 intermediate quantity cases were registered, compared to 1,142 in 2024. The number of inter-state arrests rose to 293 from 175 last year. The number of preventive detentions cases increased to 39 this year, from eight cases reported last year. There were 1,030 multi-accused cases this year, compared to 574 in the previous year. Yet challenges remain. The convictions in commercial quantity cases dropped from 72.72 per cent last year to 56.75 per cent this year, raising concerns over trial follow-through, said an officer. He stressed that prosecution is being strengthened. DGP of Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB), OP Singh said that for about 40 per cent of the NDPS Act cases, it has come to light during investigation that they were in some way or the other related to pharmaceutical drugs. These numbers show that our grip on the supply network is tightening. We are targeting traffickers at every level, from local peddlers to interstate cartels, he said. He further said that the intensified crackdown on narcotics has cut the supply lines, but the squeeze is pushing addicts toward dangerous substitutes. Improvised drug substitutes like injecting crushed tablets are not only hazardous, but they can be lethal. The misuse of such medicines can stop the heart instantly, he added. Sources added that with narcotics harder to obtain, drug addicts are now reportedly crushing and injecting tablets such as Tramadol, Tapentadol and Pregabalin. Medical experts say this misuse can trigger blood clotting, cardiac arrest, and sudden death within minutes. The HSNCB is coupling enforcement with prevention. Between January and July this year, 698 awareness programs were held, reaching over 1.15 lakh participants. 4,270 villages were covered under the sports for youth program, as 2.8 lakh youth were engaged. The bureau maintained that the drug war is not just about seizures but also about protecting citizens from dangerous improvisations born of scarcity.
BJP, AAP clash in Punjab as state government halts saffron partys welfare camps over data misuse row
CHANDIGARH: The Bharatiya Janata Party and Aam Aadmi Party are at loggerheads in Punjab, as the mega outreach programme BJP De Sewadaar Aa Gaye Ne Thuade Dwar started by the BJP in rural areas of the state to enrol locals in central government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and PM-Kisan has been shut down by the AAP-led state government. The state government alleged that private operators were illegally collecting personal data of residents. As per the advertisement issued by the BJP, people were being enrolled under Awas Yojana (Housing Scheme), Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Ayushman Bharat (Health Insurance Scheme), E-Shram Card, Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, pensions (NSAP Widow, Disability, Old Age), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Girl Child Support Programme). Sources said the programme was launched on May 20 and that 1.57 lakh people had been enrolled in different schemes, as per their eligibility. These camps, set up in 39 constituencies, were to be expanded to 50 constituencies in the next few days. The BJP had hired a few professionals, who the party claims were party workers with laptops and KYC documents, to enrol state residents into various central schemes. The party also said that records of enrolled beneficiaries were maintained, and fees ranging from Rs 30 to Rs 40 for certain schemes were borne from its own kitty. A delegation of the BJP led by its state working president Ashwani Sharma met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria today and submitted a memorandum requesting his intervention to prevent harassment of BJP workers, volunteers and villagers during these camps held on central welfare schemes. We wish to draw your kind attention towards the continuous and deliberate harassment being inflicted upon our workers, volunteers, and the innocent inhabitants of several villages across Punjab, where awareness camps have been initiated to spread vital information about Central Government welfare schemes. It is deeply regrettable that the Punjab Government has repeatedly attempted to create obstacles in this noble cause. In almost every camp, the state police and local administration have intervened to stop BJP workers and volunteers from providing information, the memorandum stated. This disruption is being justified on two pretexts: firstly, that prior permission from the Deputy Commissioner/SOM is required, and secondly, that parties are allegedly collecting personal data of the inhabitants, it added. It further read: It is respectfully submitted that no such permission is mandated under any law for awareness programmes of this nature, and the allegation regarding data collection is false, baseless, and politically motivated. Further, the volunteers and workers engaged in these camps hold valid Common Service Centre (CSC) IDs. Hence, there is no illegality in the conduct of such programmes. The underlying reason for such obstruction appears to be political vendetta and fear of the rising popularity of the BJP in Punjab. Instead of allowing welfare information to reach the poor, the marginalised, and the SC/ST communities, the ruling party is using state machinery to suppress legitimate and democratic activities of our workers. Instead of extending cooperation, the Punjab Government is victimising them and thereby depriving citizens of their rightful benefits, the memorandum said. It added that the BJP had most humbly and firmly requested the Governor to direct the state government to desist from harassing BJP workers, volunteers, and local inhabitants who were voluntarily participating in awareness programmes. The party also urged that no obstruction be created in the organisation of such camps, which it said were meant for the welfare of the poor, farmers, and SC/ST communities. The memorandum further sought the Governors intervention to safeguard the democratic rights of the people of Punjab, so that they can freely access information and avail benefits of Union Government welfare initiatives without fear or intimidation. The state police today detained saffron party leaders from various camps that were being organised across Punjab. BJP leader Pritpal Sharma was detained from one such camp at Sukhna Ablu village in the Gidderbaha Assembly segment. His wife, a PCS officer, is currently posted in Fazilka district. Pritpal, in a live video on Facebook, said, The camp was set up to facilitate poor people, but the state government has stooped so low that it is detaining people like me. BJP leader and former Lok Sabha MP Sushil Rinku, along with two party workers, was also detained as he had gone to supervise arrangements for the camp at Khurdpur village of Adampur. Rinku went live on social media during the incident. In Shahkot area of Jalandhar, ex-MLA KD Bhandari was detained while he had gone to attend the camp at Roopewal Mandi. Meanwhile, SAS Nagar District BJP President Sanjeev Vashisht and workers were detained during the outreach programme at Nagla village. Similarly, BJP Ludhiana District Rural President Sunny Kainth and his workers were also detained as they prepared to attend the camp. A state government spokesperson, however, said, The government has received credible reports that certain private operators are illegally collecting personal data of local residents, allegedly on behalf of political parties. Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), any collection or use of personal data without consent is a punishable offence. The local police have been directed to take strict penal action against those engaged in such unlawful activities. The government has learned that several individuals who shared their personal data were later targeted in scams and banking frauds, including incidents where phone numbers and OTPs were misused to siphon off money. The government, therefore, strongly urges citizens not to share their personal information with unauthorised persons or agencies, as it may be misused at any stage. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any such illegal activity to the authorities, he said. In another statement, a Punjab Police spokesperson said, The Punjab Police has formed several teams to investigate the camps which are allegedly collecting the personal information of individuals in the name of government schemes. The inquiries have been instituted after receipt of complaints stating that personal data of citizens is being collected by unauthorised persons who are holding camps, making the personal data vulnerable to thefts and fraud. It has also been reported that forms are being filled up at these camps. The District Police Authorities have instructed the inquiry teams to join concerned persons in the inquiries, visit the alleged places of holding camps and conduct investigations following law, he added. The spokesperson appealed to citizens not to share their personal data, including Aadhaar details, with unauthorised individuals and instead access government schemes directly online or through authorised mechanisms. He added that Government Suvidha Centres are facilitating citizens wishing to enrol themselves in government schemes or download beneficiary cards, available after authentication of the applicants identity from the database.
National Food Security Act: Centre asks Punjab to weed out 11 lakh 'suspicious' beneficiaries
CHANDIGARH: The Centre has asked the Punjab Government to verify the antecedents of 11 lakh suspicious beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and weed them out by September 30. But, as the paddy procurement season is set to start and the state food and civil supplies department officials will be busy, sources said that the state would seek six months time for the verification and weeding out process. Besides, the government will seek details of the database from the Centre before the verification starts. Under NFSA, there are reportedly eight crore 'suspicious' beneficiaries across the country of which 11 lakh are in Punjab. They were identified from the database of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Central Board of Direct Taxes, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, sources said. The Centre recently shared the data with the state government. It is learnt that these beneficiaries are either income tax payers, directors in companies, own more than five acres of land or a four-wheeler. So, these beneficiaries cannot be considered in the economically ba category, the union government pointed out. The NFSA is a landmark law that aims to provide subsidized food grains to a large portion of the population. Sources in the state food and civil supplies department said that Punjab has 40.50 lakh ration card holders covering a population of 1.53 crore people under NFSA. The beneficiaries are provided 5 kg of wheat per person in the family, every month at a nominal cost of Rs 2 per kg. A total of 32,500 metric tonnes of wheat is being distributed to the people under the scheme, each month. Sources said that the number of 'suspicious' beneficiaries is less in Punjab when compared to other states. Because, the eKYC of beneficiaries is an ongoing process. Already 32,473 beneficiaries have been removed by the state government after verification. In April, 2023 the state government has struck off the names of 13 lakh 'suspicious' beneficiaries under the scheme.
A political controversy erupted in Punjab after the BJP alleged that the AAP government obstructed their outreach camps and detained leaders for illegally collecting residents' data. The BJP accuses AAP of political vendetta and misusing the police to suppress their activities related to central welfare schemes.
JAC Chandigarh has begun the choice filling process for Spot Round 2 counselling for BTech and BArch admissions 2025 at jacchd.admissions.nic.in. Candidates can register using their JEE credentials, fill preferences, and lock choices. Seat allotment results will be announced on August 23, with physical reporting deadline extended to August 25, 2025 across participating institutes.
Haryana teacher death: 19-year-old cremated, thousands attend farewell; internet suspension extended
The funeral of teacher Manisha, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances, was held in Bhiwani district, with a CBI investigation ordered following protests. Authorities attended the ceremony, and farmer leaders expressed satisfaction with the investigation while demanding the withdrawal of cases against protestors. Internet services remain suspended in the district due to ongoing tensions.
The death of a 19-year-old teacher in Bhiwani, initially ruled as suicide, is now under scrutiny due to discrepancies in the first postmortem report, which indicated signs of struggle and a torn salwar. Amid public outcry and family demands for a fair investigation, the Haryana government has decided to hand over the case to the CBI for an impartial probe.
Kerala has advanced facilities to detect amoebic brain fever: Public health lab
KOZHIKODE: The Kerala State Public Health Laboratory has dismissed recent reports suggesting inadequate facilities for testing amoebic meningoencephalitis (amoebic brain fever) as baseless, clarifying that the state has robust systems for detection and diagnosis. While only about five laboratories in India currently have Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing facilities to detect amoebae, Kerala has operated an advanced molecular diagnostic system in Thiruvananthapuram since June last year. This facility enables both confirmation of amoebic infections and precise species identification a breakthrough in the states medical infrastructure. Until recently, amoebic fever cases were confirmed only at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. With Keralas testing capability, confirmation is now faster and available within the state, aiding timely treatment and research. The Thiruvananthapuram lab can identify five types of pathogenic amoebae Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba species, Vermamoeba vermiformis, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Paravahlkampfia francinae. Most labs in the country can detect only three types. Additionally, Kozhikode Medical Colleges microbiology laboratory provides preliminary testing to detect the presence of amoeba. When a patients cerebrospinal fluid sample is submitted, immediate initial testing is carried out. If amoebae are detected, treatment begins without delay. Only species-level identification requires the sample to be forwarded to Thiruvananthapuram, where results are made available online soon after testing. The state is also developing Kozhikode Medical Colleges microbiology department into another specialised centre for confirming amoebic brain fever. Amoebic meningoencephalitis is among the deadliest infections worldwide, with a 97% global mortality rate. However, Kerala has reduced the mortality rate to 23% through early diagnosis, preventive measures, and improved treatment strategies, according to the State Public Health Laboratory. The lab reiterated that Keralas advancements in diagnostic facilities and its proactive health policies have significantly enhanced both patient survival chances and medical research opportunities in the fight against this rare but fatal disease.
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