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Punjab to Host Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy for First Time, Says Bhagwant Mann

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Punjab is set to host the Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy for the first time, marking a significant development for the state known for its strong hockey tradition.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann shared details about the upcoming tournament during a press conference, highlighting the state’s contribution to Indian hockey and its long-standing reputation as a nursery of hockey talent.

Hockey Matches to Be Held in Jalandhar and Mohali

According to the Punjab government, hockey matches during the tournament will be organised in Jalandhar and Mohali. The decision is expected to bring international-level hockey action to two cities with strong sporting connections.

Jalandhar, in particular, has a long association with hockey and sports equipment manufacturing, while Mohali has emerged as an important sporting hub in Punjab.

Bhagwant Mann Highlights Punjab’s Hockey Legacy

Speaking about the tournament, Bhagwant Mann said Punjab is widely regarded as the “nursery of hockey” in India. He also pointed to the state’s contribution to the country’s Olympic success, noting that Punjab has produced several prominent Olympians over the years.

The hosting of the Asian Champions Trophy is expected to further spotlight Punjab’s sporting culture and provide hockey fans in the state an opportunity to watch high-level international competition on home ground.

The development also reinforces Punjab’s continued association with hockey, a sport that has played an important role in the state’s sporting identity.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Government Observes 9th Poshan Maah, Highlights Role of Anganwadi Centres

The Uttar Pradesh government is observing the 9th Poshan Maah across the state with a focus on improving child nutrition and encouraging greater community participation in welfare initiatives.

This year’s theme, ‘Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Zimmedari’ (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility), places emphasis on the shared responsibility of government agencies and citizens in supporting children’s nutritional needs.

Focus on Child Nutrition and Healthy Development

Through the Poshan Maah campaign, the Uttar Pradesh government is seeking to strengthen awareness around nutrition and promote healthier childhood development. The initiative also highlights the important role played by Anganwadi centres in providing support and services related to child care and nutrition.

The government has appealed to people across the state to actively participate in the campaign and contribute to efforts aimed at ensuring better nutrition for children.

CM Yogi Adityanath Government Calls for Community Participation

The Uttar Pradesh government said coordinated efforts under the campaign can help create a healthier and stronger state. It urged citizens to consider the well-being of children a collective responsibility and work together towards improving nutritional outcomes.

The campaign is part of the broader focus on building a healthier Uttar Pradesh, with the government stressing that community involvement is essential for ensuring that children receive adequate care, nutrition and opportunities for healthy growth.

CM Yogi Adityanath Extends Hindi Diwas Greetings, Calls Hindi a Strong Expression of Indian Identity

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Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings and best wishes to Hindi lovers and people across the state on the occasion of Hindi Diwas.

CM Yogi Adityanath Extends Hindi Diwas Greetings

In a social media post, Yogi Adityanath described Hindi as an important expression of India’s cultural consciousness, national unity and identity.

Yogi Calls Hindi a Strong Expression of Indian Identity

The Chief Minister called upon people to collectively work towards preserving the respect and importance of the Hindi language. He also urged citizens to promote its wider use in everyday life and public communication.

Yogi Adityanath emphasised the cultural significance of Hindi, highlighting its role in connecting people and representing India’s linguistic and cultural identity.

His message came on Hindi Diwas, observed annually on September 14 to commemorate the adoption of Hindi in the Devanagari script as one of the official languages of the Union by the Constituent Assembly in 1949.

The occasion is marked through various programmes, competitions and initiatives aimed at promoting Hindi and encouraging its use in official and public spheres.

The Chief Minister’s message underlined the importance of respecting India’s linguistic heritage while encouraging greater awareness and use of Hindi among citizens.

Bhagwant Mann Extends Ganesh Chaturthi Greetings, Wishes Happiness and Prosperity

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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended warm greetings to people across the country on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, wishing everyone peace, happiness and prosperity.

Bhagwant Mann Extends Ganesh Chaturthi Greetings

In a social media post, Mann conveyed his greetings to all citizens celebrating the festival and prayed that Lord Ganesha would bring joy, peace and prosperity into everyone’s lives.

Wishes Happiness and Prosperity

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with devotion across several parts of India, with devotees offering prayers to Lord Ganesha, who is traditionally worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the deity associated with wisdom and auspicious beginnings.

Mann’s message highlighted the spirit of goodwill and togetherness associated with the festival. He wished that the occasion would bring happiness and prosperity to families and communities across the country.

The Chief Minister also extended his wishes to devotees observing the festival, marking the occasion with a message centred on peace, harmony and well-being.

Festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated with religious rituals, prayers and community gatherings in different parts of the country, reflecting India’s diverse cultural traditions.

Through his greeting, Mann called for the festival to bring positive energy, happiness and prosperity into the lives of people across India.

Satirist Abhijeet Dipke Feigns ‘Resignation’ As MP CM, Slams Government Failure Over Tribal Child Deaths, Netizens React

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Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, posted a mock resignation letter on X on September 13, written to look like it came from Madhya Pradesh‘s actual chief minister. “I hereby resign as the Chief Minister of MP with immediate effect. I thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people of MP, an opportunity in which I have clearly failed,” the letter read. It was addressed to the state’s Governor and formatted to resemble official government letterhead, with the National Emblem included.

What Pushed Him To Post It

The letter followed a visit Dipke made to Kundeksa and Bandri villages in Balaghat’s Birsa block, where he met families of tribal children who died, allegedly from infectious diseases. He wrote separately on X that what locals told him was “deeply disturbing,” claiming the real death toll was higher than the official count of 36, and that 86 children had been hospitalised following recent protests by the tribal community. 

A Heckling That Set The Tone

Dipke’s visit to Balaghat did not go smoothly. He was heckled by a group of people who appeared to be social media influencers while meeting the bereaved families. He responded by warning that “if the need arises, we will launch a major agitation here as well.”

The Reaction Split Down The Middle

The satirical letter spread quickly, but not everyone found it funny. A CJP spokesperson jokingly accused Dipke of “running away” from responsibility, keeping with the bit. Plenty of other users were far less amused. Critics accused him of impersonation and misusing an official government emblem for a stunt, with one commenter calling for legal action over what they described as counterfeiting and misrepresentation. Others dismissed the letter as juvenile rather than sharp satire, saying it missed the mark entirely.

Controversy At Law School: NLSIU Reschedules Umar Khalid Film After Right-Wing Protests, Check Latest Update

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The National Law School of India University’s Law and Society Committee had scheduled a screening of Lalit Vachani’s documentary “Prisoner No. 626710 is Present,” about imprisoned activist Umar Khalid, for September 14. The date was chosen deliberately. It marked Political Prisoners’ Day, observed on September 13, and the sixth anniversary of Khalid’s arrest. Organizers said the screening was meant to spark discussion on pre-trial detention, bail, dissent, and the broader relationship between criminal law and democratic freedoms.

The Postponement

The screening has now been pushed back. NLSIU’s student organizers cited “logistical and security considerations” for the delay, and stressed they were not backing down under outside pressure. Sources close to the matter say the actual trigger was scheduling. September 14 coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi, a date that would have stretched campus security arrangements thin.

ABVP Claims Credit Anyway

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the RSS-backed student organization, had sent a letter to NLSIU’s Vice Chancellor urging the administration to stop what it called the misuse of academic spaces for political or ideological propaganda. It also emailed a formal complaint demanding the screening be stopped altogether, saying it received no response. 

Who Umar Khalid Is

Khalid is a former JNU research scholar who became a prominent figure in student politics after the 2016 JNU sedition row. He has been in custody since 2020, charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act over an alleged larger conspiracy behind the Delhi riots that year.

Part Of A Wider Pattern

This is not an isolated incident. Weeks earlier, JNU’s own administration revoked permission for a venue booked to host a discussion on Khalid’s book. Campus screenings and discussions tied to Khalid have repeatedly run into resistance from right-wing student groups at multiple universities this year, turning his case into a recurring flashpoint over academic freedom versus political sensitivity.

Bhagwant Mann Arrests 177 Drug Smugglers, Recovers 7.4 Kg Heroin and 101 Kg Poppy Husk

The Bhagwant Mann has continued its statewide crackdown on drug trafficking, arresting 177 alleged drug smugglers and recovering a substantial quantity of narcotics during its ongoing anti-drug campaign.

Bhagwant Mann Arrests 177 Drug Smugglers

According to the Punjab Police, the operation was carried out as part of the sustained enforcement drive under the “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” campaign, with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Punjab playing a key role.

Police teams recovered 7.4 kg of heroin and 101 kg of poppy husk during the latest action. The operation also led to the seizure of 1,192 intoxicant pills and ₹5,550 in suspected drug money.

Focus on Enforcement and Rehabilitation

The Punjab Police said its efforts against drug networks are not limited to arrests and seizures, but also include encouraging people struggling with substance abuse to seek professional assistance.

As part of the latest initiative, 19 individuals were counselled and persuaded to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment. The move highlights the rehabilitation component of the state’s broader strategy to address drug abuse.

The police have been conducting sustained operations against drug smugglers and trafficking networks across Punjab, with the objective of disrupting the supply chain and preventing narcotics from reaching communities.

The latest arrests and recoveries underline the continued focus of Punjab Police and the ANTF on identifying and dismantling drug networks while simultaneously encouraging affected individuals to seek treatment and rehabilitation.

Sacrifice, Superstardom & A Symbolic Torch-Pass: The Making Of Ramayana Bollywood’s Grandest Epic Yet, 4 Untold Facts About Ranbir Kapoor-Sai Pallavi Starrer

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Ramayana: A $100 Million Bet On Mythology: Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part adaptation of Valmiki’s epic carries a reported budget in the neighborhood of $100 million, with some Indian reports placing it closer to Rs 40 billion. Producers and journalists alike have reached for comparisons to The Lord of the Rings and Avatar to describe its ambition and visual scale

1. Ranbir Kapoor Is Playing Two Gods, Not One

Kapoor headlines the film as Lord Rama, but he confirmed at a Los Angeles event that he is also taking on a second role, portraying Lord Parshuram, another avatar of Vishnu. It marks his third double role after Shamshera and Animal. Sources say the studio designed Parshuram’s look to be distinct and unrecognizable.

2. Amitabh Bachchan Lends His Voice, And His Eyes, To Jatayu

In what industry watchers are calling a symbolic passing of the torch, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan voices the divine bird Jatayu in a cameo role. Bachchan has long been associated with India’s mythological storytelling tradition on screen and off it. For this role, filmmakers scanned his eyes specifically to enhance Jatayu’s visual effects.

3. Sai Pallavi Steps Into Sita For Her First Major Hindi Role

Sai Pallavi, known primarily for her work in South Indian cinema, plays Goddess Sita opposite Kapoor. This marks her first major appearance in a Hindi film. Reports describe her bringing a natural, understated acting style to the role, a contrast filmmakers are counting on to give the epic fresh emotional texture.

4. Ranbir Trained For Over A Year, And Gave Up Meat To Do It

Ramayana: Preparing to play Rama was not just a matter of rehearsing lines. Kapoor reportedly spent close to a year training physically for the role, including archery sessions with a dedicated coach, and gave up meat during the filming schedule. Director Nitesh Tiwari has been candid about the pressure this casting carried, telling one interviewer there was nobody better suited to manage of a billion people watching.

Op Safed Sagar Veteran Assaulted With Iron Rod in Gurugram, Parking Dispute Turns Violent, Check Details

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Op Safed Sagar Veteran: An ordinary parking dispute in Gurugram led to a violent attack on Captain Amit Kumar Gupta, an Indian Air Force veteran linked with Operation Safe Sagar, in which an iron rod is causing worry for both citizens’ security and the handling of parking disputes.

Parking dispute turns violent

As per the reports, the incident occurred in Gurugram due to the dispute between the veteran and parking staff. It is alleged that the argument turned physical before the veteran was attacked with an iron rod. The involvement of a weapon in the argument that initially started with a parking dispute has made people think how quickly an argument turns violent.

Operation Safed Sagar veteran attacked

It has been revealed that the victim in question is a veteran who has participated in Operation Safed Sagar, the Indian Air Force’s air campaign in the Kargil War. This assault is raising worry because the people feel that parking disputes related to former defense personnel should be handled properly.

Police response and investigations

In light of the event, the situation was made known to the authorities’ and it is hoped that they will look into the incident and ascertain how the events transpired. The investigators will have to find out what precipitated the confrontation and identify who was responsible for the said incident.

The Gurugram incident raises questions about public safety

Once again, the incident in Gurugram has raised questions about public safety with regard to conflicts in public places. Parking disputes can easily turn dangerous when violence takes place.The situation is now under close scrutiny as authorities look into the case and decide on their next move.For the veteran, what started off as a simple dispute about parking space turned into a major confrontation.

BRICS Summit Concludes, Vegetarian Dinner Menu Makes Headlines, Congress Trades Barbes With BJP

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The BRICS Summit may have concluded, but the political chatter around it is far from over. While the high-profile diplomatic discussions dominated the summit, an unexpected issue from the dinner menu also grabbed attention, with the vegetarian spread becoming a talking point in Indian political circles.

The vegetarian menu becomes a talking point

The summit dinner featured a vegetarian menu, which quickly attracted attention amid discussions about the food served to visiting leaders and delegates.What might ordinarily have remained a routine part of the summit arrangements instead became a subject of political debate. The menu sparked reactions on social media and among political leaders, bringing an unusual domestic angle to an otherwise diplomacy-focused event.The discussion also raised questions about whether food choices at major international events should be viewed simply as hospitality arrangements or become part of a wider political debate.

Congress and BJP trade barbs

The issue soon became another point of confrontation between the Congress and the BJP. Leaders and supporters from both sides exchanged criticism, turning the dinner menu into a fresh political flashpoint. The Congress questioned the decision and its implications, while the BJP pushed back against the criticism. The exchange added a political layer to the conclusion of a summit that had otherwise focused heavily on international relations and India’s diplomatic positioning.

BRICS Summit ends with ongoing political discussion

The BRICS Summit saw the meeting of leaders and delegates from various important countries in the field of emerging economies, discussing matters ranging from geopolitics, trade, economic cooperation, and global matters.

From Diplomacy to Politics at the Dinner Table

This is one such instance where even the small details of important international meetings have made political news. While the summit focused on global matters and diplomatic issues, the dinner menu became an unexpected political issue for the country. 

Mohsin Naqvi Bites the Dust Yet Again, Team India Refuses to Accept Trophy From ACC Chief, Indian Coach Shares Reason

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The award ceremony had an unusual twist to it after the Indian team members decided that they will not be accepting their trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi. The unusual act immediately caught everyone’s attention and became a topic of discussion not only within the cricket world. 

Team India Skips Trophy Presentation with Naqvi

The post-match ceremony was supposed to be a moment of celebration for Team India. Instead, it became another contentious episode involving India and Pakistan cricket. The Indian players did not collect the trophy from Naqvi during the presentation. The decision came against the backdrop of strained relations between the two countries and growing sensitivity around official interactions involving Indian and Pakistani cricket officials.

Indian coach explains why the team refused the trophy

The decision was not left without an explanation. The Indian coach addressed the situation and shared the reason behind the team’s refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi. The clarification suggested that the issue was connected to the circumstances surrounding the presentation rather than the trophy itself. The Indian side maintained its position despite the unusual nature of the ceremony. 

Why did Mohsin Naqvi get all the attention?

Mohsin Naqvi’s involvement made the whole episode a very special one, as he occupies an important place in Asian cricket in his capacity of ACC chief and PCB chairman and has close ties with Pakistan cricket administration. Hence, his presence at a ceremony with Team India took on additional importance considering the complex relations between the two cricketing countries. This particular case has once again become reason for Naqvi to take the center stage and add another episode to the continuing story about India-Pakistan cricket controversies.

At Conclusion Of Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cricket League, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Says, “We Will Make Punjab Sports Hub Of Country

Punjab News

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday attended the closing ceremony of the inaugural Sher-e-Punjab T20 League at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, describing the tournament as a powerful platform to identify, nurture and propel Punjab’s emerging cricketing talent towards the national stage. With 119 players showcasing their skills and Naman Dhir and Prabhsimran Singh earning selection to India A, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government is committed to making the state the sports hub of the country and will continue its efforts to revive the sporting culture and connect the youth with sports grounds.

Sharing a few snippets from the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Attended the final match and closing ceremony of the ‘Sher-e-Punjab T20 League’ at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali today. Starting on August 30, the tournament has provided an excellent platform for young cricketers from Punjab to showcase their talent. Heartiest congratulations to all participating teams, including finalists Ludhiana Lions and Amritsar Surmaaz, for their outstanding performances and fighting spirit. Our efforts to revive the sporting culture in Punjab and connect our youth with the sports grounds will continue unabated. Inquilab Zindabad.”

Interacting with players at the conclusion of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 Cricket League, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Sher-e-Punjab T20 League has been organised for the first time by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). This prestigious tournament has provided a platform to emerging cricketers of Punjab, and this sporting extravaganza has concluded today.”

Congratulating the organisers of the Punjab Cricket Association for successfully conducting the league, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I congratulate the Punjab Cricket Association for the successful conduct of this league and extend my best wishes to all the participating teams and all the other teams for the upcoming season.”

The Chief Minister stated, “During this two-week-long league, several promising young cricketers from the villages and towns of Punjab came into the limelight. Many of these talented players are likely to go on to represent Punjab and India in the years to come.”

Congratulating all the players for participating in their own state league with great enthusiasm, commitment and determination, the Chief Minister said, “As many as 119 players from Punjab showcased their talent and skills during this league.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “At present, the captains of both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams, Shubman Gill and Harmanpreet Kaur respectively, hail from Punjab.”

The Chief Minister said, “As many as 21 players from Punjab are currently playing in the IPL. During the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League, talent scouts and selectors from various IPL teams also attended the matches. Following this league, we are hopeful that several more talented cricketers from Punjab will earn opportunities to play for different IPL teams.”

Highlighting the early results emerging from the league, he said, “The performances showcased during this league have already begun yielding results. Naman Dhir and Prabhsimran Singh from Punjab have been selected for the India A team. This demonstrates how such platforms can provide a pathway for emerging players to progress to the national level.”

The Chief Minister said, “I am particularly delighted to share that the Player of the Tournament will be honoured with the Yuvraj Singh Award.”

Describing the significance of the league, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Sher-e-Punjab T20 League is not merely a cricket tournament. It is an important initiative to identify, nurture and promote the immense cricketing talent present across the villages, towns and cities of Punjab.”

He expressed hope that “the young cricketers who have showcased their talent here will go on to bring greater glory to Punjab and the country in the future.”

^Amritsar Surmaaz, Ludhiana Lions Clash In Sher-e-Punjab T20 League Final*

The final match is being played today between Amritsar Surmaaz and Ludhiana Lions. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also met the players competing in the final.

Six teams participated in the league, with Fazilka Falcons led by Shubman Gill, Ludhiana Lions led by Arshdeep Singh, Amritsar Surmaaz led by Abhishek Sharma, Jalandhar Warriors led by Prabhsimran Singh, Mohali Kings led by Ramandeep Singh and Bathinda Royals led by Gurnoor Brar.

These six teams participated in the league, featuring some of Punjab’s leading cricketing stars. Besides them, cricketers including Anmolpreet Singh, Naman Dhir, Vihaan Malhotra, Imanjot Singh Chahal, Ashwani Kumar, Krish Bhagat, Sahil Bhaskar and Rahul Kumar also participated in the league.

Lok Sabha MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and others were also present on the occasion.

Punjab Police Deploys New Drone Detection Platforms To Crack Down On Cross-Border Drug Smuggling

Punjab Police

Punjab Police has stepped up its technological offensive against cross-border drug smuggling, deploying new drone-detection platforms and strengthening its ground response network to choke the flow of narcotics being pushed into the State from across the Pakistan border. The intensified crackdown has led to a sharp fall in the street availability of heroin in Punjab, but has simultaneously triggered a significant shift in the drug landscape, with pharmaceutical drugs emerging as the new and biggest challenge for drug law enforcement.

With three new Drone Sense D200 Pro units deployed in strategic border districts and 52 Drone Response Teams backed by 147 police personnel working in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), Punjab Police is moving to detect, pinpoint and intercept drone-based consignments before they reach the streets. At the same time, around 80% of pharmaceutical drugs entering Punjab are estimated to be coming from other states, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi, prompting Punjab to take up the matter with the concerned states for tighter regulation of manufacturing, sales and transportation to prevent diversion into the State.

A Punjab Police Spokesperson stated that the multi-layered response to counter drone-based narcotic smuggling across the international border with Pakistan by Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police has led to a sharp decline in availability of street heroin in Punjab. Punjab Police is deploying 09 Anti-Drone Systems, with 03 “Baaj Akh” systems presently operational in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur since August 2025, providing early detection and jamming of rogue drones. 03 units of Drone Sense D200 Pro, a long-endurance mobile drone detection platform have been deployed at strategic locations in border districts since 03-09-2026, showing immediate results.

The system precisely detects and pinpoints drone-related activity and actual dropping locations, enabling timely ground intervention. For immediate ground action, 52 Drone Response Teams (DRT) with 147 police personnel work in close coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) responding to drone alerts, reaching suspected drop locations, conduct searches and intercept persons collecting the dropped consignments. This response is supported by 64 second-line defence nakas with 600 police personnel and 2367 CCTV cameras at 585 locations.

The Spokesperson further stated that the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) in Border areas have been integrated with the Drone Response Teams (DRTs). The VDCs in border areas serve as “eyes and ears” of the police. The “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” (YNV) campaign has resulted in arrest of nearly 80,000 persons since 01-03- 2025. 486 drones have been recovered. Financial investigation is being used to disrupt the economic base of drug network with freezing of property worth over Rs. 336 crores. The reward policy for anti-drug information provides cash reward of Rs. 25,000 for every drone recovery and during the current year nearly Rs. 02 crores have been disbursed under the reward policy.

The Punjab Police Spokesperson stated that the multi-layered response of Punjab Police based on anti-drone technology, rapid response teams, coordination with BSF, community vigilance, CCTV surveillance, depth nakas, intelligence-led arrests, financial disruption, rehabilitation and prevention has led to sharp fall in the street availability in Punjab of drugs smuggled from across the international border. Concurrently, the latest trends indicate that pharmaceutical drugs smuggled from other states have emerged as the most important challenge in drug law enforcement in the state of Punjab.

According to data analysed from pharmaceutical seizures in Punjab, most of the pharmaceutical drugs are not manufactured in Punjab and are manufactured in states like Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi etc.

The Spokesperson stated that a substantial quantity of pharmaceutical narcotics is entering the State of Punjab from other states. Since 2025 onwards, 11.54 lakh pharmaceutical tablets/capsules were recovered from consignments linked to other States, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi and Himachal. It is roughly estimated that 80% of the pharmaceutical drugs available in Punjab are coming from the States of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi etc, showing reversal of the earlier trend of 80% drugs being smuggled in Punjab from across the international border with Pakistan.

The Punjab Police Spokesperson further stated that the emerging pattern of pharmaceutical drug abuse highlights the importance of inter-state coordination. There is need for continued coordinated action with source and transit States against manufacturers, distributors and organised pharmaceutical drug networks. Punjab police would take up the matter with concerned states for better regulation of manufacturing units, continuous monitoring of all sale, purchase and transportation of all pharmaceutical drugs, to avoid these being diverted to the State of Punjab.

Bathinda Hosts Punjab’s Biggest Youth Run With 20,000 Youngsters & Players Sending Strong Message Against Drugs

Punjab News

Punjab’s youth have delivered a powerful answer to the “Udta Punjab” narrative, with a record 20,000 youngsters and players turning up for Punjab’s biggest ‘Youth Run Punjab-2026’ in Bathinda and sending a clear message against drugs and in favour of sports. Giving a major boost to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, the massive participation reflected a Charda Punjab, Khed’da Punjab and Bhajda Punjab — Rangla Punjab.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from children, youngsters, women and senior citizens. Cash prizes of up to ₹11,000 were given to the winners, while all participants received T-shirts and participation medals.

On this, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal took X and wrote: “This is the new Punjab. That lost hope is back. You can see the spark in our youth. With the support of the Punjab govt, the youth are taking the lead to clear the drug menace from Punjab. This is heartwarming.”

Talking to the media, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s OSD (Officer on Special Duty) Rajbir Singh Ghuman said the marathon was being organised under the directions of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. “This is the third marathon in this series. It was launched from Mohali and today, Bathinda has witnessed the participation of nearly 20,000 people,” he said.

Rajbir Singh Ghuman said, “People of all ages and from all walks of life have participated with great enthusiasm. This shows the love and enthusiasm of Punjabis towards sports and fitness.”

Taking a direct swipe at narratives that have sought to portray Punjab negatively, Rajbir Singh Ghuman said, “The massive participation in the marathon has given a befitting response to those who tried to portray Punjab negatively through narratives such as ‘Udta Punjab’, today we want to show them ‘Charda Punjab, Khed’da Punjab and Bhajda Punjab – Rangla Punjab,” he said.

Rajbir Singh Ghuman said, “This participation is completely organic. People have registered themselves and come here on their own. The kind of enthusiasm that we are seeing today is a very strong message that Punjab is moving towards sports, fitness and a drug-free future.”

Congratulating the people of Bathinda for the overwhelming response, Rajbir Singh Ghuman said, I congratulate the people of Bathinda for this tremendous response. The participation here has set a new target for our upcoming marathons in Patiala and Ludhiana.”

Rajbir Singh Ghuman said, “We will continue to organise such events across Punjab. I appeal to the people to keep supporting this initiative and continue encouraging our youth to choose sports and fitness over drugs.”

The massive participation in Bathinda reflected the growing enthusiasm among Punjab’s youth towards sports, fitness and a drug-free future, reinforcing the message of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign that Punjab’s youngsters are saying no to drugs and yes to sports.

Lucknow Development Authority Offers Up to ₹2 Lakh Discount on Flats Under First Come First Serve Scheme

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The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has announced a limited-period discount offer on residential flats under its “First Come, First Serve” scheme, giving homebuyers an opportunity to purchase 1BHK, 2BHK and 3BHK flats at selected locations in Lucknow.

The offer is applicable to flats in the Shravan, Smriti, Purva and Sunrise (Mrigashira) apartments. According to the LDA, the properties are located in prime areas of Lucknow and are being offered under the authority’s ongoing housing scheme.

Under the discount structure, buyers purchasing flats priced between ₹20 lakh and ₹50 lakh will receive a discount of ₹1 lakh. For properties priced between ₹50 lakh and ₹75 lakh, the discount has been fixed at ₹1.5 lakh.

Homebuyers purchasing flats priced above ₹75 lakh will be eligible for a discount of ₹2 lakh, according to the development authority.

Lucknow: Offer Available Until September 14

The LDA said the special discount offer will remain valid until September 14, 2026. Since the properties are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis, interested buyers have been encouraged to enquire about availability before the deadline.

The scheme provides options across different apartment sizes, allowing prospective homebuyers to choose between 1BHK, 2BHK and 3BHK units depending on their requirements and budget.

How to Get More Information

Detailed information about the available properties and the scheme can be accessed through the LDA’s property portal. Buyers can also contact the authority’s sales team for queries related to the flats.

The LDA has provided sales enquiry numbers 7081100260 and 7081101181, while its toll-free number is 1800-1800-5000. The helpline is available from Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 5 pm.