Page 3 - Punjab

Babbar Khalsa terrorist Parminder Pindi extradited from UAE to India

A Babbar Khalsa International terrorist, involved in multiple heinous crimes, has been extradited from the UAE, said a top Punjab Police officer on Saturday. Parminder Singh alias Pindi, a close aide of foreign-based terrorists Harwinder Singh alias Rinda and Happy Passia, has been brought from Abu Dhabi in the UAE in close coordination with the central agencies, said Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. Yadav said Pindi was involved in multiple heinous crimes, including petrol bomb attacks, violent assaults and extortions in Batala in Gurdaspur. In a post on X, Yadav said acting swiftly on a red corner notice (RCN) requested by the Batala police, a dedicated four-member team led by a senior police officer travelled to the UAE on September 24, coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs and the UAE authorities. After completing all legal formalities, the police team successfully brought the accused back to face justice, said Yadav.

CAQM orders Punjab, Haryana to enforce zero stubble burning this harvest

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed Punjab and Haryana to ensure zero stubble burning during the upcoming paddy harvest season and strictly enforce measures to manage crop residue. The directions came after detailed review meetings held on Thursday and Friday with senior officers, deputy commissioners, district magistrates and police officials from 23 districts of Punjab and 22 districts of Haryana. The meetings, chaired by CAQM chairperson Rajesh Verma, focused on the states' preparedness for the season in line with the commission's directions mandating effective crop residue management. CAQM said flying squad teams will be deputed in hotspot districts of both states to monitor progress at the ground level. A dedicated CAQM cell has also been set up at Kheti Bhawan in Mohali to coordinate between Punjab and Haryana and oversee paddy residue management activities. Punjab was asked to bridge gaps in availability of crop residue management machinery, ensure

Centre transfers over ₹540 cr to 2.7 mn farmers in three flood-hit states

The government on Friday released over Rs 540 crore under the 21st instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme to more than 27 lakh farmers of three food-affected states - Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. The PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 by the Prime Minister to supplement the financial needs of land-holding farmers. Under the scheme, a financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year is transferred in three equal instalments into the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. According to an official statement, "the release of the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was declared by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, through video conferencing." This instalment has been specially prioritised for the farmers of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand which have been severely affected by recent floods and landslides. "A total of more than Rs 540 crore has be

Datanomics: Punjab still at top in stubble burning, MP closing in

The share of Madhya Pradesh has seen a steep surge in farm fire incidents in recent years, accounting for 35 per cent of total in the country

Diljit Dosanjh bags Best Actor nomination for Chamkila in 2025 Intl Emmys

The Indian actor-singer has been picked for his role of Punjabi singer-musician Amar Singh Chamkila in the eponymous biopic 'Chamkila'

Infosys to invest ₹300 cr to set up campus in Mohali: Punjab minister

Infosys Limited will set up a new campus in Mohali with an investment of Rs 300 crore, Punjab Industry Minister Sanjeev Arora said on Thursday. Addressing the media here, Arora said the new campus will come up over 30 acres of land. "In the first phase, 3 lakh square feet of the area will be constructed," he said, adding that it will create 2,500 new jobs in the city. In the next phase, 4.80 lakh square feet area will be developed, he added. The minister informed that IT services company Infosys, which has been in Mohali since 2017, is expanding its presence in the city. Sameer Goel, who is heading the company's Mohali centre, said the company has received good support from the state government for the project. "We have been in this region for quite some time. We are happy that we are expanding our presence in the region," Goel said. The minister said the state government's push for several initiatives has helped Punjab attract further investments. "We are giving approvals to .

Punjab cabinet gives approval to OTS scheme to recover pre-GST arrears

The Punjab Cabinet on Wednesday approved a one-time settlement scheme that will allow traders and businessmen to pay arrears pending under different laws before the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the state. The cabinet, in a meeting here headed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, also gave approval to set up a special court in Mohali to deal with cases of the National Investigation Agency. Addressing the media later, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the cabinet gave prosecution sanction against former Punjab minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot in a corruption case registered by vigilance bureau in 2022. Sharing more details, Cheema said a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme will be launched for recovery of pre-GST arrears. These are arrears pending under the Punjab Value Added Tax Act 2005, the Central Sales Tax Act 1956, Punjab Infrastructure Development and Regulation Act 2002, Punjab General Sales Tax Act 1948, Punjab Entertainment Tax (Cinematograph Show) A

Punjab's anti-drug campaign: Over 30,500 smugglers held in 205 days

More than 30,500 drug smugglers have been arrested across Punjab over the last 205 days as part of the state government's ongoing anti-narcotics campaign, officials said on Tuesday. The 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' or war against drugs campaign, launched to eradicate the menace of drugs from Punjab, completed 205 days on Monday. The Punjab Police on Monday conducted raids at 395 locations, leading to the arrest of 81 drug smugglers after registration of 59 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of drug smugglers arrested so far has reached 30,540 in 205 days, they said. More than 150 police teams, comprising over 1,100 police personnel, under the supervision of 74 gazetted officers, conducted these raids across the state on Monday. The raids resulted in the recovery of 922 grams of heroin, 4 kg of poppy husk, 336 intoxicant tablets/capsules and some drug money from the possession of the arrested smugglers. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has asked the ...

NAPA urges Punjab govt to enforce strict laws against migrant crimes

The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has written to the Punjab government expressing concerns over alleged increase in criminal activities involving migrant population in the state. In a letter, NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal said that reports indicate an increase in violent crimes, drug crimes, thefts and assaults in the state, leaving local residents fearing for their safety. Pointing out that Punjab has always been a welcoming state, Chahal said the absence of strict verification and legal security measures has allowed criminal elements to infiltrate communities. Urging that immediate action has to be taken to ensure safety of residents, the NAPA recommended necessary measures, including mandatory registration and background checks for all migrants, constant monitoring of migrant settlements, fast-track prosecution of criminals, and public awareness campaigns. The association also urged the adoption of laws similar to those in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan

Rahul Gandhi urges PM to announce full relief package for flood-hit Punjab

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to soon give a comprehensive relief package to flood-hit Punjab and said the initial relief of Rs 1600 announced by him is an "injustice" to the people of the state. In a post on X, Gandhi shared a 10-minute video of his visit to flood-affected areas of Punjab along the India-Pakistan border, where he had interacted with people who lost their houses and livestock in the deluge. During their conversation with Gandhi, the affected people in the border areas highlighted the lack of facilities, including connectivity, and demanded the construction of roads and bridges. Some people also spoke about how they lost everything they had and sought help for their rehabilitation. A few also said that the Punjab government has promised them help but that it appears like "false promises" as no assistance is forthcoming and they have to fend for themselves. "Punjab has suffered losses of nearly Rs 20,000 crore due to the ..

Delhi cools after rain; IMD sees extended monsoon, heavy showers in east

Monsoon likely to extend beyond September as Delhi records showers; IMD warns of rain and thunderstorms in peninsular, northeast, and central India, with flood, cloudburst alerts

CM Bhagwant Mann launches 'mission Chardi Kala' to rebuild flood-hit Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced the launch of 'mission Chardi Kala', appealing to people across the country for assistance in restoring Punjab, which has suffered extensive damage due to devastating floods. In a video message, Mann highlighted the significant destruction caused by the recent floods, described as the worst since 1988. Sharing details to highlight the scale of devastation, Mann said, "approximately 2,300 villages were flooded, around 7 lakh people became homeless, and 20 lakh people were impacted." According to Mann, the floods resulted in damage to 3,200 schools, the loss of 56 lives, and the destruction of about 8,500 kilometres of roads and 2,500 bridges. Additionally, 1,400 clinics, government buildings, and 19 colleges were also severely damaged. The initial estimates indicate the flood caused damage amounting to Rs 13,800 crore. "After floodwaters recede and 'girdawari' (loss assessment), the loss could be more," he said. Mann emphasi

Ferozepur police bust cross-border drug racket, seize heroin worth ₹75 cr

The arrest was made by the CIA staff based on secret information indicating that a large consignment had arrived from across the border

SDRF row: Punjab BJP chief accuses CM Mann of misusing disaster relief fund

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar on Saturday accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of "misleading" people over the issue of funds meant for disaster relief and cited a CAG report, claiming that funds under the SDRF are "lying unused." Jakhar demanded that the chief minister apologise to the people of Punjab and also ensure proper utilisation of the disaster relief funds. "According to the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report, it is clearly stated that as of March 31, 2023, Punjab had Rs 9,041.74 crore in SDRF funds, and the state government violated central government rules by not investing these funds appropriately," Jakhar said on X. "Funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) are lying unused with the Bhagwant Mann government," he said. The Punjab BJP chief claimed that funds for the years 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 have also been received by the state, bringing the total amount to Rs 12,000 crore. "Mann Sahib, your Chief Secretary, in your presence, subtly ...

₹1,600 cr 'token' for immediate works, more help to be given: Punjab Guv

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday said Rs 1,600-crore assistance announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for flood-hit state is a 'token' amount for immediate relief works and asserted that more assistance will be given. After PM Modi announced the financial aid on Tuesday, ministers of the AAP government in Punjab lashed out at the Centre terming it a "cruel joke" and an "insult" for a state staring at losses exceeding Rs 20,000 crore. Asserting that Rs 1,600 crore is a "token" amount, Governor Kataria said after assessment, what maximum help can be given to the farmers and people whose houses have been damaged, farmers who lost their animals in floods and suffered other damage, will be given. When asked if more central assistance can come for flood-hit Punjab, the Governor, who was replying to questions from reporters in Mohali, said, "Hundred percent it will come. This is only a token." "This is for immediate (relief) works being done, it is like a token for tha

Delhi sees pleasant weather, clear skies as Yamuna bridge reopens

Vehicular movement has resumed on Delhi's Old Railway Bridge after the Yamuna's water level receded below the danger mark, bringing relief to commuters

PM Modi announces ₹1,600 crore relief package for flood-hit Punjab

PM also expressed his condolences to the family members of those who have lost their lives and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2,00,000 for their next of kin

Centre stands with flood-hit states, says PM Modi as he starts his visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Government of India stands shoulder to shoulder with the affected people as he begins his visit to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to take stock of the flood situation. While leaving from Delhi for Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to review the situation in the wake of floods and landslides, PM Modi wrote on X, "The Government of India stands shoulder to shoulder with those affected in this tragic hour." PM Modi will be on a day-long visit to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to take stock of the flood situation, said officials. After visiting Himachal Pradesh, PM Modi will conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Punjab. He will visit Gurdaspur and hold discussions with senior officials and chair a review meeting on the ground situation, said officials. He will also interact with flood-affected persons as well as NDRF, SDRF and Aapda Mitra Team in Gurdaspur. PM Modi was deeply concerned about the flood situation in Punjab and was .

Punjab floods turn into real-time test lab for flood-resistant maize crops

Punjab's devastating floods have inadvertently created a natural laboratory for testing flood-resistant maize crops, providing crucial data for scientists working to restore 1.9 lakh hectares of damaged farmland across the state. International agricultural research organisation CIMMYT was already field-testing 10 maize hybrid varieties at its Ludhiana facility when floodwaters struck, submerging agricultural land across 1,400 villages in the state. Four of the experimental hybrids had been specifically developed for water-logging tolerance. "God is testing those hybrids," said Dr B M Prasanna, Managing Director of the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), told reporters here. "Within a few weeks, we will come to know the difference between a water-logging tolerance hybrid from a susceptible hybrid." The floods came just two weeks after Punjab's additional chief secretary had approached CIMMYT-BISA, requesting development of improved maize hybrids with three specific traits: ...

Health infra worth ₹780 cr damaged in Punjab floods: Minister Balbir Singh

Floods in Punjab have damaged health infrastructure worth Rs 780 crore according to initial estimates, state Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said on Monday while asking the Central government to announce a relief package. The floods, he added, caused extensive damage to crops, houses and other infrastructure. "Our machinery and medicines worth Rs 130 crore have been damaged. Severe damage has been caused to our 1,280 dispensaries and health and wellness centres. A total of 101 community health centres have been damaged," the minister told reporters "As per initial estimates, hospital infrastructure and medical items worth Rs 780 crore has been damaged," he added. Besides, 31 sub-divisional hospitals have also been impacted, he added. The health department with the assistance of several NGOs is providing medical aid in flood-hit villages in the state, Singh said. He has written to Health Minister J P Nadda detailing the damage to the health infrastructure. Singh echoed his colle