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Digi Punjab Portal Brings 300+ Government Services to Citizens Online: Bhagwant Mann

Bhagwant- Mann
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The Bhagwant Mann government is promoting Digi Punjab, the Unified Citizen Portal, as a single digital platform through which citizens can access more than 300 government services with just a few clicks.

Digi Punjab Portal Brings 300+ Government Services to Citizens Online: Bhagwant Mann

The initiative aims to make government services easier and more convenient to access by bringing a wide range of citizen services under one digital platform. Instead of relying on multiple service channels, residents can use the unified portal to access the services available through Digi Punjab.

The development is part of the broader push towards digital governance in Punjab

The development is part of the broader push towards digital governance in Punjab, with technology being used to make public service delivery more accessible to citizens. The availability of multiple services through one portal can also make it easier for people to find and access government-related facilities online.

According to the message shared by AAP Punjab, Digi Punjab provides access to more than 300 government services through its Unified Citizen Portal. The party highlighted the platform as a digital initiative aimed at putting government services within easier reach of citizens.

The unified nature of the platform is particularly significant for citizens who need to access different government services. Having multiple services available through a common digital interface can simplify the process and provide a more convenient way of interacting with government departments.

The portal also reflects the growing use of online platforms for citizen-government interaction. Digital access can help citizens initiate or access services remotely, reducing dependence on traditional in-person processes wherever online services are available.

The announcement comes as governments across India continue to expand digital platforms for public service delivery. Such initiatives are aimed at improving accessibility and making government services more citizen-centric through technology.

CM Yogi Adityanath to Launch ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ from September 17 to October 17

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting in Lucknow to discuss the action plan for the upcoming ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, which will be conducted across the state from September 17 to October 17.

CM Yogi Adityanath to Launch ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’

The month-long campaign aims to highlight the public welfare achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 25 years of public service and encourage citizens to participate in the broader national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ from September 17 to October 17

During the meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to transform the campaign into a large-scale people’s participation initiative. He stressed the need for effective coordination among the state government, the Chief Minister’s Office and district-level administrations to ensure smooth implementation.

A dedicated control room will be established at the Chief Minister’s Office to monitor the campaign. Daily progress reports will be compiled and made available to the Chief Minister, according to the official statement.

The Uttar Pradesh government is expected to focus on coordinated outreach and public engagement throughout the campaign, with the objective of connecting citizens with the national development goals outlined under Viksit Bharat 2047.

Bhagwant Mann Conducts 598 Raids in Statewide Anti-Gangster Crackdown, 370 Arrested

Punjab Police, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), has intensified its statewide operation against organised gangster networks, carrying out 598 targeted raids across the state.

Bhagwant Mann Conducts 598 Raids in Statewide Anti-Gangster Crackdown

According to the Punjab Police, the latest operation resulted in the arrest of 370 individuals, including five proclaimed offenders. Law enforcement agencies also recovered four weapons during the raids.

The operation forms part of the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling criminal networks operating across Punjab.

With the latest arrests, the total number of people arrested since the campaign was launched has reached 67,207, reflecting the scale of the statewide crackdown.

Punjab Police said the coordinated action is focused on locations identified and mapped as being linked to gangster activities. The force reiterated its commitment to tackling organised crime and strengthening public safety across the state.

Police have also appealed to citizens to share information about gangster activities. Information can be provided anonymously through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946.

Punjab Police Anti-Gangster Drive: Key Figures

  • 598 targeted raids conducted
  • 370 people arrested
  • 5 proclaimed offenders apprehended
  • 4 weapons recovered
  • 67,207 total arrests since the campaign began

Oil Market on Razor’s Edge Yet Again as US Iran War Escalates, Who Controls Strait of Hormuz

Strait- of- Hormuz
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US Iran War:Oil markets worldwide have been hit by another wave of tension due to new incidents of military confrontation between Iran and the United States, which have sparked concerns about the possibility of further disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz region.

Why Is the Strait of Hormuz Important?

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman as well as the Arabian Sea. A major portion of all oil movements in the world normally go via this strait. Recently, the amount of maritime activity in the Strait has dropped significantly compared to previous levels due to the ongoing conflict.

Who Controls the Strait of Hormuz?

The answer is more complicated than simply saying Iran controls the waterway. The Strait runs through the territorial waters of both Iran and Oman, while its navigation is governed by international maritime rules. Iran has nevertheless claimed increasing operational control during the conflict, while the United States has maintained that international shipping should remain open. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy recently claimed “full control” over the Strait and said restrictions would continue until its demands concerning US military actions are addressed. At the same time, US forces have been involved in securing shipping routes and responding to threats against commercial vessels.

Oil Prices Feel the Pressure

US Iran War: The renewed confrontation has quickly translated into higher oil prices. Brent crude moved above the $90 mark as markets priced in the possibility of longer disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies. The concern is not only about Iran’s own exports. Any sustained disruption through Hormuz could affect shipments from several major Gulf producers, increasing supply risks for refiners and consumers worldwide.

Former IPS Officer Kiran Bedi Slams Authorities Over Delhi Bus Minor Gang Rape Case, Demands Accountability

Delhi- Bus
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The alleged gang rape of a minor girl on a moving sleeper bus in Delhi has reignited a familiar and painful debate over women’s and children’s safety in public transport, with former IPS officer Kiran Bedi among the most vocal critics of what she calls a repeatedly ignored systemic failure. 

Bedi’s remarks add a fresh push for structural accountability at a time when the incident has already drawn sharp reactions from political leaders, rights activists, and the National Human Rights Commission.

Bedi Flags a Recurring Pattern

Reacting to the case, Bedi said India is witnessing a troubling resurgence of reported rape cases involving girls of varying ages, from teenagers to young children. 

She noted that the transport sector, including school buses, vans and public transport, keeps surfacing as a recurring category in such incidents, pointing to a systemic gap rather than isolated failures.

Demand for Mandatory Verification

The former police officer highlighted that in nearly every such case, the accused turns out to have a prior criminal record that surfaces only after the crime. 

She called for mandatory police verification before hiring drivers and conductors for school and public transport, arguing that no appointment should be finalised until a background check is completed.

The Incident That Sparked Outrage

The case involves a 17-year-old girl from Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, who was allegedly raped by the driver and conductor of a sleeper bus while travelling to Noida on the night of August 4. 

The bus reportedly travelled nearly 47 kilometres before the girl was dropped near Ring Road in Delhi, following which she approached the police herself. Both accused were arrested within hours with the help of CCTV footage.

The case has also drawn scrutiny from the National Human Rights Commission, which flagged long-standing safety violations in sleeper coach bus designs, and from several political leaders and women’s rights activists. 

Pakistan Cries ‘Water Weaponisation’ At SCO Summit 2026, India Refuses to Budge on Indus Water Treaty

Indus- Waters- Treaty
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SCO Summit: Pakistan renewed its accusation of “water weaponisation” against India. Addressing the summit shortly after Pakistan assumed the SCO’s Council of Heads of State chairmanship for 2026–27, Sharif warned that water “must never be weaponised” and “must never be used as an instrument of coercion nor can it ever be exploited for political leverage.” He described the region’s shared water treaties as binding international commitments that cannot be discarded for political convenience and insisted they must be honoured in full.

Background: The IWT Standoff

India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance after 26 people were killed in an April 2025 attack in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing Pakistan of involvement — a charge Islamabad denies. Intense fighting followed in May before a US-brokered ceasefire. Since then, Pakistan has repeatedly raised the issue at international forums, including the UN and a glaciers conference in Tajikistan, framing India’s move as unlawful “water weaponisation.”

India’s Firm Stand

India has consistently rejected Pakistan’s framing. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, has said the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan ends its support for terrorism, and that Islamabad must uphold the sanctity of human life before raising treaty concerns. India has also rejected a Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that set aside its abeyance decision, calling the tribunal “illegally constituted” and without jurisdiction.

Diplomatic Deadlock Continues

SCO Summit: With both nations entrenched — Pakistan pushing for restoration through global forums like the SCO, and India tying any resumption to counter-terrorism guarantees — the Indus Waters Treaty dispute shows little prospect of resolution in the near term, leaving one of South Asia’s oldest water-sharing arrangements in limbo.

Week One Ends With a Twist, Toxic Box Office Collection Day 7 Keeps Yash’s Film in the Spotlight, Check Why

Toxic- Box- Office- Collection- Day- 7
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Toxic Box Office Collection Day 7: With Yash’s Toxic completing one full week at theaters, the action drama keeps going strong in terms of its performance. 

Toxic Box Office Collection Day 7

The collection of Toxic during its Day 7 performance has come to ₹7.85 crore net across India via 12,894 shows. The latest collection brings the India Net collection of the film to ₹229.60 crore. The India gross collection has gone further up to ₹274.25 crore. This indicates the fact that the film has been performing well and registering the audience interest despite having crossed its opening days and weekdays.

Overseas Collection Strengthens Total

The film’s performance outside India has also contributed to its overall box-office numbers. On Day 7, Toxic earned ₹1.50 crore from overseas markets. Following this latest overseas addition, the film’s total overseas gross collection has reached ₹40.75 crore. The international performance has therefore played an important role in pushing the movie’s overall worldwide earnings higher. When the domestic and overseas figures are combined, Toxic has reached a worldwide gross of ₹315 crore so far.

Film Enters into a New Phase Due to First Week

The film is now entering into a new phase due to the fact that the first week of the film has been completed. Generally speaking, the first week indicates the performance of a film in the coming days.In case of Yash’s film, the figures of Day 7 indicate that the film has continued collecting money even after completing the initial days of release. In addition, the worldwide gross collection of the film, ₹315 crore, also maintains its status in the list of major box-office films.

Warning Bells for Chirag Paswan? Death Threat Prompts Home Ministry Probe Demand and Security Review, Check

Chirag- Paswan
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Union Minister Chirag Paswan has been threatened with death, which has raised serious concerns regarding the security of the minister. This threat appears as an unsigned letter sent to him on September 1.

Chirag Paswan Threatened with Death

It appears that the unsigned letter directly threatens the life of the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries. It has reportedly mentioned two mobile numbers along with the claim that Paswan will soon be murdered by “hardcore terrorists.” The seriousness of the matter has led the office of the Union Minister to alert the Union Home Ministry immediately.

Home Ministry Called Upon for an Inquiry

The additional private secretary to Paswan, Alok Kumar Singh, wrote to Home Secretary Govind Mohan about this threat being a serious matter. This was because of the seriousness and potential implications the threat had on Paswan’s life. There is an urgent need for a probe into the source, authenticity, and the context of the threatening letter.

A Need for Security Assessment Arises for Chirag Paswan

Apart from the threat, there has been a call for a review of his security measures. Paswan’s office has sought an assessment and enhanced his security if necessary due to this incident. Paswan has Z-category security provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Authorities Put on Alert

The matter has also been brought to the attention of senior security authorities, including the CRPF and the Bihar government. The Union Home Minister’s office and Delhi Police have also been informed about the communication. For now, the authenticity and source of the threat remain subject to investigation. The probe is expected to determine whether the communication represents a genuine security risk or an attempt to intimidate the Union minister.The development has nevertheless raised fresh questions about Paswan’s security, particularly as he continues to maintain a busy public and political schedule.

After Heavy Trolling, Swara Bhasker’s BIG Clarification on Padmaavat Jauhar Remark, Says Her Comments Were Mistranslated

Swara- Bhaskar
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Swara Bhaskar has commented on the issue pertaining to the recent comments made by her regarding the Jauhar sequence in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Padmaavat. 

Swara Bhasker Explains Her Padmaavat Comment

Swara uploaded a video clarifying the circumstances surrounding her comment. She stated that she had been asked about an open letter she had written to the film maker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali after watching the movie Padmaavat. As per Swara, she was criticizing the depiction of Jauhar in the movie and the implications that this might have for victims of sexual violence. Swara clarified that she never called Rani Padmaavati and the other women who were doing Jauhar as cowards. The actress further requested the public to hear her original statement before responding to translations being circulated online. She said that if a person does not know the language in which a statement is made, then one must verify the meaning of the statement.

What Does Swara Bhaskar’s Interpretation Really Say?

According to Swara, while watching the end scene in Padmaavat, she felt like imagining herself as a rape survivor. Her major worry was that such a scene might make a rape survivor think of survival after rape as something shameful. Thus, the entire point of her comment was that there should be the freedom to stay alive after suffering from sexual assault. She wondered whether a raped woman’s honour depends on the fact that she chose death instead of life.

Why Does Swara Bhasker Get so Much Flak Online?

Swara Bhaskar: All this happened after her speech at the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ event held in India International Centre, New Delhi, on August 31. She said something about the Jauhar scene, and people began sharing it online. Many of them criticized her interpretation of the scene and related historical facts. Now, Swara has spoken up for herself and said that the viral interpretation was not her statement. She said that people can criticize her, but only if they do that according to her true statement.

New Car Insurance Calculator: Estimate Your First-Year Premium

Car Insurance

Buying a new car is an important financial decision, and insurance forms an important part of the overall ownership cost. Knowing the potential premium in advance can help you plan your budget and choose suitable coverage.

A new car insurance calculator can provide an estimated first-year premium based on key policy and vehicle details. The calculation may include Own Damage cover, Third-party cover, selected add-ons and applicable GST.

This blog explains how a new car insurance calculator works and how its consolidated estimate can help you understand the potential cost of different coverage options before finalising your car insurance policy.

What is a New Car Insurance Calculator?

A new car insurance calculator is an online tool that estimates the premium for insuring a new vehicle. It uses vehicle and policy details to calculate an estimated insurance cost.

The calculation generally considers the car’s ex-showroom price, Insured Declared Value (IDV), registration location, policy type, and selected add-ons. The estimate may include Own Damage, Third-Party cover, add-ons, and GST.

For a new car, the IDV is typically around 95% of the ex-showroom price. A higher IDV generally results in a higher Own Damage premium.

How Does a New Car Insurance Calculator Work?

A new car insurance calculator considers the components that contribute to the total premium. A simplified calculation is:

Final Premium = Own Damage Premium – NCB + Discounts + Third-Party Premium + Add-ons + GST (18%)

For a new car, NCB generally does not apply if the owner has no eligible previous insurance history.

A new car also requires three-year Third-Party insurance to be paid upfront. The calculator can then factor in the selected Own Damage cover and add-ons to estimate the total cost.

How to Use a New Car Insurance Calculator

Using a new car insurance calculator requires basic vehicle and policy information.

  1. Enter Vehicle Details

Provide the make, model, variant, and fuel type. You may also enter the registration number if available.

  • Select the Registration Location

Enter the RTO or registration location. Premiums can vary between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.

  • Provide Policy Details

For a new car, select the applicable new-vehicle option. Previous policy and NCB details are generally relevant when renewing or transferring an existing policy.

  • Select Coverage and Add-ons

Choose the required policy type and add-ons. Zero depreciation and Roadside Assistance (RSA) are examples of optional covers that can affect the premium.

Factors That Affect New Car Insurance Premium

The premium calculated by a new car insurance calculator depends on several factors.

  1. IDV

IDV represents the insured value of the vehicle. A higher value can result in a higher Own Damage premium.

  • Engine Capacity

Engine capacity affects the mandatory Third-Party premium. Higher engine capacity can result in higher applicable Third-Party rates.

  • Registration Location

The registration location can affect the premium, with different considerations for metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.

  • Fuel Type

Petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric vehicles can have different insurance premium calculations.

  • Add-ons

Optional covers increase the premium. Select add-ons based on the protection required for the vehicle.

  • Anti-Theft Devices

An ARAI-approved anti-theft device may qualify for a premium discount, subject to applicable conditions.

Benefits of Using a New Car Insurance Calculator

A new car insurance calculator helps estimate the premium without manual calculations. It allows you to see the effect of coverage choices on the total cost.

You can use it to:

  1. Estimate your first-year insurance expense
  2. Review the effect of selected add-ons
  3. Understand the components of the premium
  4. Compare available insurance options
  5. Plan your vehicle ownership budget

How to Manage Your Car Insurance Premium

Using a new car insurance calculator before purchasing a policy helps you identify the factors affecting your premium.

For future renewals, maintaining an eligible NCB can reduce the Own Damage premium. A voluntary deductible can also reduce the premium, but it increases the amount you pay towards an eligible claim.

Avoiding unnecessary claims for minor repairs can help preserve an eligible NCB, subject to policy terms. Reviewing your coverage at renewal can also help you remove add-ons that are no longer required.

Estimate Accurate Premium with a New Car Insurance Calculator

A new car insurance calculator helps estimate the first-year premium using vehicle, location, and coverage details.

For new cars, the premium is influenced by the IDV, three-year Third-Party cover, Own Damage protection, selected add-ons, and GST. Entering accurate information provides a relevant estimate and helps you understand the cost before purchasing a policy. Add-ons should be selected based on the protection required, as they increase the premium.

For future renewals, factors such as vehicle depreciation and eligible NCB can affect the premium. Online insurance brokers like Jio Insurance Broking Ltd. help you explore car insurance options and select coverage based on your requirements.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Calls for Massive Awareness Drive to Curb Stubble Burning

CM Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday called for a massive, multi-level information and awareness campaign to further check paddy straw burning in the state, as Punjab’s sustained government-led efforts have already delivered an 86% decline in such incidents from 2023 to 2025. Directing officers to take the campaign deep into villages and blocks, the Chief Minister stressed that active participation of NGOs, social workers, Panchayats and farmers, backed by large-scale social media outreach and stronger ex-situ and in-situ paddy straw management, is essential to consolidate these gains and protect Punjab’s environment.

Chairing a meeting on the Paddy Straw Management Strategy, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that around 30 lakh hectares of paddy has been sown in Punjab this year, which is expected to generate 18.81 million tonnes of paddy straw. “Due to the strenuous efforts of the Punjab government, Punjab has witnessed an 86% reduction in stubble fire incidents from 2023 to 2025. The incidents have come down from 36,663 in 2023 to 10,909 in 2024 and further to 5,114 in 2025. We have to take this progress further and ensure that stubble burning incidents are reduced even more this year,” he said.

Calling for an intensified grassroots campaign, the Chief Minister stated, “A massive information and awareness campaign must be launched at the village and block levels to make farmers aware about the hazards of paddy straw burning. Every stakeholder must work together to motivate farmers to adopt sustainable alternatives to stubble burning.”

He said NGOs and social workers should be actively involved in the campaign to strengthen efforts to motivate farmers. “NGOs and social workers should be roped into motivating farmers. Machinery demonstrations, Nukkad Nataqs, meetings with Sarpanches, pledge-taking activities and other awareness programmes must be organised extensively so that the message reaches farmers at the grassroots level,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also called for a comprehensive digital and multimedia strategy to complement field-level activities. “A detailed digital plan should be implemented covering radio jingles, print media, television, mobile SMS and outdoor media. The social media awareness campaign should also be conducted on a big scale to create wider awareness about the harmful effects of paddy straw burning and the available management options,” he said.

Emphasising the need to encourage farmers and village institutions that perform well, the Chief Minister stated, “Progressive farmers, best-performing Panchayats, PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) and other stakeholders should be felicitated for their contribution. Such recognition will encourage others to adopt better practices and make paddy straw management a collective movement.”

He further stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholders and districts for effective implementation of the strategy. “Perfect coordination should be ensured among all stakeholders and districts so that the entire plan is implemented smoothly and effectively. Every department and stakeholder must work in a coordinated manner to achieve the desired results,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of both ex-situ and in-situ management of paddy straw. “Ex-situ and in-situ management of paddy straw should be encouraged so that farmers can benefit in a big way while the environment is also protected. Our objective should be to provide farmers with practical and sustainable alternatives to stubble burning,” he said.

Cabinet Ministers Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Secretary Science and Technology KK Yadav, Principal Secretary to CM Dr. Ravi Bhagat, Secretary Agriculture Arshdeep Singh Thind and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.

AAP Protests Across Punjab Against BJP Over Its Leaders Paying Tribute to 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Convict Sajjan Kumar

Punjab news

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Tuesday held protests across Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Bathinda against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the participation of its three MPs, Ramvir Bidhuri, Yogender Chandolia and Kamaljeet Sehrawat, in the tribute sabha of Sajjan Kumar, a convicted accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Strongly condemning the participation of the BJP MPs, AAP leaders said the 1984 massacre remains a deep and unhealed wound for Sikh families and that paying tribute to Sajjan Kumar has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.

The AAP demanded that the BJP take action against the three MPs and questioned how elected representatives holding responsible public positions could visit the residence of a person convicted in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and pay their respects. The AAP leaders questioned how BJP MPs holding responsible public positions could visit the residence of a person convicted in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and pay their respects.

In Amritsar, AAP karyakartas held a protest outside the residence of Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh and attempted to ‘gherao’ his residence. Heavy police deployment and barricading were put in place, with the police stopping the protesters from reaching the residence.

Addressing the protesters, AAP MLA Jeevan Jyot Kaur said, “The 1984 massacre remains a deep and unhealed wound for Sikh families. Both the BJP and Congress have repeatedly acted against the interests of Punjab and the Sikh community. How can BJP leaders honour a person whose name remains associated with the 1984 massacre?”

Jeevan Jyot Kaur said, “The participation of BJP leaders in Sajjan Kumar’s tribute is deeply hurtful to the families of the victims. The families who lost their loved ones continue to carry the pain of that tragedy, and their sentiments must be respected.”

In Jalandhar, AAP MLA Balkar Singh said, “The 1984 pogrom left an extremely painful memory for the Sikh community. Innocent Sikhs were brutally killed, and their families have carried that pain for decades. At such a time, the participation of senior BJP leaders in Sajjan Kumar’s tribute demonstrates where the BJP stands on the issue of justice for the victims.”

The AAP MLA said, “The BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal should not try to play politics over the wounds of Punjab. The pain of the families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cannot be used for political convenience.”

In Ludhiana, AAP leaders, MLAs, councillors, chairpersons, directors and party office-bearers staged a protest against the participation of the three BJP MPs in Sajjan Kumar’s last rites.

Ludhiana East MLA Daljit Singh Grewal said, “Punjab is the land of the Gurus, saints and martyrs. Punjabis will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the pain of Sikh families affected by the 1984 massacre.”

Daljit Singh Grewal said, “The participation of BJP MPs in Sajjan Kumar’s tribute has further hurt the sentiments of the victims’ families. The BJP and Congress have joined hands politically against Punjab, and the people of Punjab will not accept such politics.”

In Bathinda, AAP karyakartas held a protest and raised slogans against the BJP over what they described as the party’s proximity to those associated with the 1984 massacre.

AAP karyakartas demanded that the BJP take action against Ramvir Bidhuri, Yogender Chandolia and Kamaljeet Sehrawat and respect the sentiments of the Sikh community.

AAP leaders said, “The 1984 anti-Sikh riots remain an unhealed wound for thousands of families. The Aam Aadmi Party will continue to raise its voice for justice and dignity for the victims and their families. Any attempt to disregard their pain and sentiments will be strongly opposed.”

The AAP Punjab leaders reiterated that the party would continue to stand with the victims and families of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and fight for justice, dignity and accountability.

Over 3,000 Sports Grounds in Punjab Highlighted as Key Step in Tackling Drug Abuse: Anurag Dhanda

Anurag -Dhanda
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Aam Aadmi Party leader Anurag Dhanda has highlighted the development of more than 3,000 sports grounds across Punjab, describing the initiative as a major achievement of the Bhagwant Mann-led government.

Over 3,000 Sports Grounds in Punjab Highlighted as Key Step

In a social media post, Dhanda shared an image capturing an evening in a Punjab village and said the growing availability of sports facilities is encouraging young people to move away from drugs and return to playing fields.

Key Step in Tackling Drug Abuse: Anurag Dhanda

Dhanda credited the state government with creating a stronger sporting environment in rural Punjab, arguing that access to modern playgrounds can provide young people with healthier recreational and career opportunities.

The initiative comes amid continued concerns over drug abuse in Punjab, particularly among young people. Supporters of increased investment in sports infrastructure say that well-maintained playgrounds and greater access to organized sports can help promote physical activity and community participation.

The development of thousands of sports grounds is therefore being positioned by the government and its supporters as part of a broader effort to strengthen grassroots sports while encouraging healthier lifestyles among the state’s youth.

The remarks also underline the political significance of rural sports infrastructure, with the Punjab government presenting investment in village-level facilities as an important component of its development agenda.

Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Sees Improvement in Groundwater Status as Over-Exploited Blocks Decline, Canal Water Reaches Tail Ends

Bhagwant- Mann
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Bhagwant Mann has reported encouraging signs in groundwater management, with the number of over-exploited groundwater blocks in the state declining from 115 to 110 over a two-year period, according to a study cited by The Tribune.

Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Sees Improvement in Groundwater Status

The development has been highlighted by the AAP Punjab government as an indication that efforts to improve water management and reduce dependence on groundwater are beginning to show results.

One of the key developments is the increased availability of canal water at the tail ends of irrigation networks. Better access to canal water can help farmers reduce their reliance on groundwater for agricultural activities, particularly in areas where groundwater extraction has remained high.

One of the key developments is the increased availability of canal water at the tail ends

According to the figures shared by AAP Punjab, groundwater use for agriculture has declined in 95 blocks. The reduction is being seen as an important step towards easing pressure on the state’s rapidly depleting underground water reserves.

The study also indicates that five blocks previously categorised among the critically over-exploited areas have moved out of the list. The change points towards an improvement in groundwater conditions in these areas.

Punjab has long faced concerns over excessive groundwater extraction, largely because of the state’s agriculture-intensive economy and heavy dependence on groundwater for irrigation. In several parts of the state, farmers have traditionally relied on tube wells to meet irrigation requirements.

The growing availability of canal water at the farthest ends of irrigation networks could help address this dependence. When canal supplies reach tail-end villages more consistently, farmers have greater access to surface water and may need to operate groundwater pumps less frequently.

Jharkhand and Bihar Reach Agreement on Long-Pending Son River Water Sharing Issue: Hemant Soren

A long-standing dispute over the sharing of Son River water between Jharkhand and Bihar has moved towards resolution, with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren saying that both states have reached an agreement following years of discussions and technical consultations.

Jharkhand and Bihar Reach Agreement on Long-Pending Son River

Soren said the development came during a meeting held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He described the agreement as an important step towards resolving the issue that has remained pending between the two neighbouring states for several years.

Water Sharing Issue: Hemant Soren

According to Soren, the water-sharing matter has been the subject of prolonged deliberations, technical discussions and efforts by both sides. The latest consensus is being seen as a significant development in inter-state water management.

The Jharkhand Chief Minister said the agreement would protect the state’s interests concerning the use of Son River water while also addressing the requirements of farmers and irrigation systems.

Water availability is particularly important for agriculture, and a clearer framework for sharing the river’s resources could help improve irrigation planning in areas dependent on the river and its water systems.

Soren also emphasised that the agreement is important from the perspective of Jharkhand’s future water requirements. He said the understanding would help strengthen the state’s ability to plan for its long-term water needs while safeguarding its interests.

The agreement follows years of engagement between Jharkhand and Bihar. Technical assessments and consultations have reportedly played a role in bringing the two sides closer to a mutually acceptable arrangement.

Inter-state river water-sharing issues can involve complex technical, agricultural and administrative considerations. Reaching consensus between the states is therefore significant for ensuring more predictable management of shared water resources.