Home Blog Page 60

After Pellet Gun FIR, Rahul Gandhi’s Visit Puts Pune College in the Spotlight, NSUI and ABVP Members Clash Ahead of Event

Rahul- Gandhi
Google

Rahul Gandhi: Pune’s College of Engineering Pune (COEP) Technological University campus saw some tension in the run-up to an interaction session between Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi and students called “Chhatron Ki Goonj”. Members of National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) fought each other at the college’s hostel campus last Friday.The fight happened in the context of Rahul Gandhi’s program in Pune city. A large contingent of police was posted on the campus after the fight between the two student organizations.

Allegations Exchanged Between NSUI and ABVP

The two student organizations gave different versions of how the fight occurred. The ABVP claimed that workers of Congress party were pressurizing female students to register themselves for the Rahul Gandhi program.On the other hand, the Congress party leaders claimed that two female students supporting the program were locked up and threatened by ABVP members. One senior leader of Congress party, Vijay Wadettiwar visited the hostel after the incident and sought action against the allegations.

Rahul Gandhi’s Student Outreach Under Spotlight

Rahul Gandhi’s Chhatron Ki Goonj programme is aimed at engaging directly with students and discussing issues affecting young people. His Pune visit comes amid heightened political activity surrounding student concerns.The campus clash has added another layer of political tension ahead of the event, with both NSUI and ABVP putting forward competing claims over the incident.The development comes shortly after Rahul Gandhi’s protest in Delhi over a pellet-gun injury case involving a student protester. Delhi Police subsequently registered an FIR following his demand for action.With additional police deployment in Pune, attention remains on Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled student interaction and the political atmosphere surrounding his visit.

Jantar Mantar Protest Puts Reservation Reform in the Dock! Demonstrators Seek New Economic-Based Approach

Jantar- Mantar- Protest
Google

The Jantar Mantar protest has brought India’s reservation debate back into focus. Protesters are demanding reforms and greater emphasis on economic conditions when providing government benefits, education, scholarships, coaching, and other support. 

Protesters ask for reforms in the current system

The protest was held under the banner of the Reservation Reform Andolan. The protesters asked for a review of the reservation system based on caste and related policies. As per reports, the protesters included individuals from unreserved communities and youths. It was said that people in difficult economic conditions must get help without taking into account the social standing of a person. The protests also had demands regarding changes to the existing laws and reservation policies concerning various communities.

Economic Criteria Takes Centre Stage

A key demand of the Jantar Mantar protest was greater emphasis on economic status. Demonstrators argued that financial hardship should be an important factor when deciding eligibility for certain government support and opportunities. The call reflects a broader and long-running debate over how India’s reservation system should balance social justice, historical disadvantage, and economic need. While the protesters supported a greater focus on economic criteria, the issue remains politically and socially complex.

Reservation Debate Returns to the Spotlight

The protest at Jantar Mantar has once again highlighted the different views surrounding reservation reform. Supporters of an economic-based approach believe financial conditions should receive greater importance, while others continue to stress the role of caste-based reservation in addressing historical and social inequality. Security personnel were deployed at the protest venue, and reports said that some protesters were detained during the demonstration. The latest protest shows that the debate over reservation continues to remain a major public and political issue

Noida International Airport Highlights Convenient Air Connectivity Between Amritsar and Noida

Noida International Airport
Image Credit: Google

Noida International Airport is promoting convenient air connectivity between Amritsar and Noida, offering travellers an additional option for business, family visits, leisure trips and quick getaways.

Noida International Airport Highlights Convenient Air Connectivity

The airport highlighted the route as a convenient travel option for passengers looking to connect the two important destinations. With air travel offering a faster alternative to long-distance road and rail journeys, the connectivity is expected to appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

For passengers travelling from Amritsar to the Delhi-NCR region, connectivity through Noida International Airport can provide access to Noida and surrounding areas. Similarly, travellers from Noida and nearby parts of the National Capital Region can use the connection when planning trips to Amritsar.

The airport is positioning the service as part of its broader focus on improving domestic air connectivity and providing passengers with a seamless travel experience. The availability of direct connectivity can also make travel planning more convenient for families, professionals and tourists.

Amritsar is a major tourism and pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors throughout the year. Better connectivity with the Delhi-NCR region can support travel for people visiting the city for tourism, religious purposes, business and personal commitments.

Noida, meanwhile, is an important business and commercial centre in the National Capital Region. Improved connectivity with cities such as Amritsar can benefit professionals and businesses by making inter-city travel more convenient.

Noida International Airport has urged travellers to plan their journeys and check the latest flight schedules and availability before booking their tickets.

Amritsar-Noida Air Connectivity: Key Highlights

  • Convenient air connectivity between Amritsar and Noida
  • Useful for business, family and leisure travel
  • Easier access between Punjab and the Delhi-NCR region
  • Supports domestic tourism and business travel
  • Offers travellers a convenient alternative for inter-city journeys

Jammu-Srinagar Route to Get Third Vande Bharat Train via Udhampur: Check Route, Timing and Fare

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
Image Credit: Google

Travel between Jammu and Srinagar is set to become more convenient with the introduction of a third Vande Bharat Train on the route. Indian Railways has approved the new service, which will operate via Martyr Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur, giving passengers in the Udhampur region another direct rail connectivity option.

The approval comes amid strong demand for the existing Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat services. Two Vande Bharat trains are currently operating on the corridor, with the services extended from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Jammu Tawi in 2026.

Third Vande Bharat Train Number and Route

The newly approved service is expected to operate as Train No. 26407/26408, connecting Jammu Tawi and Srinagar via Udhampur. The inclusion of Udhampur as a stoppage is expected to benefit local residents and improve access to the Kashmir Valley.

The existing Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat route covers around 269 km and includes stops at Udhampur, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi and Banihal.

Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Timing

The currently operating Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat services include:

  • Train 26401: Jammu Tawi 6:20 AM → Srinagar 11:10 AM
  • Train 26403: Jammu Tawi 1:20 PM → Srinagar 6:05 PM

The journey takes roughly 4 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 50 minutes, depending on the service.

Important: The detailed departure and arrival timings for the newly approved third Vande Bharat 26407/26408 have not yet been officially announced in the sources available today. Therefore, passengers should wait for the Railways’ timetable before planning travel on the new service.

Punjab Schools To Lead Year-Long ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ Campaign With Anti-Drug Awareness Activities

Harjot Singh Bains

As part of the Bhagwant Mann Government’s campaign against drugs, ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh,’ schools across Punjab have been asked to undertake a structured series of activities to create awareness among students about the risks and consequences of drug abuse and promote healthier, drug-free lifestyles as part of this ongoing initiative.

According to the activity calendar issued by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), schools will undertake activities involving students, teachers and the wider school community throughout the academic year. For the month of August, students will make posters carrying anti-drug messages.

September will be dedicated particularly to involving parents in the anti-drug campaign. Schools have been asked to use Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) to make parents aware of the risks associated with narcotic substances and the importance of early identification and intervention.

In October, poetry writing and quiz competitions would be held. From November to February, local community members would be invited to share their experiences, apart from organising anti-drug abuse awareness workshops. An anti-drug abuse pledge would be taken in the morning assemblies and interactive sessions with students would be organised to make them aware of the risks of drugs and how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

The schools have also been directed to establish drug-free clubs, with teachers, headmasters and non-teaching staff being nominated as members. They have also been asked to undertake awareness activities through creative and interactive formats, allowing students to engage with the issue beyond conventional lectures. Activities focusing on healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making form an important part of the programme.

Another major focus is to identify teachers who understand how to respond to drug-related concerns among students. More than 21,000 teachers are being equipped with the capacity and practical skills needed to identify early signs of mental health concerns and drug abuse among students and to intervene in time.

Also, the schools will use a video-based anti-drug curriculum to educate students about the risks and consequences of substance abuse. Alongside awareness activities, schools have been encouraged to install anonymous tip-off boxes, enabling students to report suspected substance abuse or related issues.

On this, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains’ stated, “The fight against drugs must begin in classrooms. Education and prevention are our most powerful weapons in this decisive war on drugs. Guarding young minds through awareness, values and discipline is the only sustainable way to eliminate the drug menace in Punjab.”

Under the directions, schools have further been asked to ensure a 500-metre drug-free zone around school premises and periodically report compliance. A mechanism for monitoring the activities has also been mandated, with school heads and mentors required to review the work and maintain records, including photographs.

The year-long calendar is part of Punjab’s broader ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign and seeks to create a sustained prevention ecosystem in schools by combining student engagement, teacher capacity-building, educational content and community participation.

Hemant Soren Government to Host Grand Drone Show During Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026 in Deoghar

The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government is set to present a spectacular blend of devotion and technology during the Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026, with a grand drone show scheduled in Deoghar on August 24.

Hemant Soren Government to Host Grand Drone Show

The state’s Information & Public Relations Department said the advanced drone show will be held at the Shivlok premises, where hundreds of drones will create illuminated formations depicting Baba Baidyanath and Lord Shiva in the night sky.

The event is expected to offer devotees and visitors a unique visual experience while adding a modern technological attraction to the annual religious fair.

Drone Show Details

  • Date: August 24, 2026
  • Venue: Shivlok premises, Deoghar
  • Highlight: Hundreds of drones forming images of Baba Baidyanath and Lord Shiva
  • Occasion: Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026

The drone spectacle will showcase the convergence of faith, culture and modern technology, inviting devotees and visitors to witness the special event in Deoghar.

Bhagwant Mann Government Begins Initiative to Make Punjab Free of Electricity Poles, Starting From Satauj

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has initiated a drive to reduce the presence of electricity poles and overhead power lines in the state, with the work beginning from Satauj village.

Bhagwant Mann Government Begins Initiative to Make Punjab Free of Electricity

According to AAP Punjab, the initiative is progressing rapidly, with residents expressing satisfaction over the ongoing work. The party said the move is aimed at improving safety and protecting people from accidents associated with overhead electricity wires.

AAP Punjab highlighted the initiative as an important step towards creating safer village environments and modernising Punjab’s electricity infrastructure.

Key Highlights

  • The initiative has been launched from Satauj village.
  • Work to remove or shift electricity poles and overhead wires is progressing rapidly.
  • Local residents have welcomed the development.
  • The move is intended to reduce the risk of accidents caused by electricity wires.
  • The Punjab government aims to expand the initiative across the state.

The AAP Punjab government said the initiative reflects its focus on improving public safety and upgrading essential infrastructure across Punjab.

Anurag Dhanda Accuses BJP Supporters of Attacking Team Over Government School Conditions

Anurag- Dhanda
Google

A political controversy has erupted over the condition of a government school in Kanwarpura, Rampura, with Aam Aadmi Party leader Anurag Dhanda alleging that BJP supporters attacked members of his team who were highlighting the school’s condition.

Anurag Dhanda Accuses BJP Supporters of Attacking Team

Dhanda, in a social media post, criticised the BJP and alleged that instead of addressing shortcomings in government schools, the party was targeting people who raised concerns about them.

BJP Supporters of Attacking Team Over Government School Conditions

The allegation followed a post by Ashutosh Ranka, who claimed that a government school in Rampura, Kanwarpura had been operating from a buffalo shelter for several years. Ranka said he was travelling to the location and alleged that some members of his team who had already reached the site were assaulted by people he described as BJP supporters.

Dhanda further alleged that the incident demonstrated the BJP’s unwillingness to improve educational facilities for children from economically weaker sections.

The claims have added to the political debate over the condition of government schools and the quality of education, with the AAP leader calling for greater public attention to school infrastructure.

The allegations made in the social media posts could not be independently verified from the information provided.

Bhagwant Mann Police Conducts 663 Raids in Statewide Crackdown on Gangster Networks

Bhagwant- Mann
Google

Bhagwant Mann, in coordination with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, intensified its statewide crackdown on gangster networks as part of its ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign.

According to Punjab Police, targeted raids were carried out at identified and mapped locations across the state on Day 212 of the campaign. The operation resulted in 663 raids and 420 arrests, while 10 proclaimed offenders were also apprehended.

With the latest action, the total number of arrests made since the launch of the campaign has reached 62,641, according to the police.

The Punjab Police said the continued operations are aimed at dismantling organised gangster networks and strengthening public safety across the state.

Bhagwant Mann ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ Campaign: Key Figures

  • 663: Raids conducted
  • 420: Individuals arrested
  • 10: Proclaimed offenders apprehended
  • 62,641: Total arrests since the campaign began
  • Day: 212

The Punjab Police reiterated its commitment to taking sustained action against gangster networks and maintaining a safer environment for residents.

Citizens have also been encouraged to share information related to gangster activities anonymously through the Anti-Gangster Helpline: 93946-93946.

CM Yogi Adityanath: Uttar Pradesh-Japan Investment Summit 2026 to Strengthen Economic Partnership and Investment Opportunities

The Uttar Pradesh-Japan Investment Summit 2026 is being organised in Lucknow as part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with Japan and position Uttar Pradesh as a leading global investment destination.

The event is being held under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. The summit will bring together a nearly 200-member Japanese delegation, including Yamanashi Prefecture Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, CXOs, managing directors, country heads, business leaders and key decision-makers.

The summit aims to connect Japanese businesses with Uttar Pradesh’s investment potential, industrial capabilities and growth opportunities. The state government is also seeking to expand cooperation in areas such as investment, innovation, technology and cultural engagement.

CM Yogi Adityanath: Focus on Investment, Innovation and Technology

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, the partnership seeks to combine the state’s policy framework, improving infrastructure, skilled workforce and business-friendly environment with Japan’s technological expertise, quality standards and innovation capabilities.

The government said stronger cooperation with Japanese industries could create new opportunities for investment and industrial collaboration, while also supporting employment generation, technology adoption and economic growth in the state.

Uttar Pradesh-Japan Investment Summit 2026

  • Date: August 21, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Venue: Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow
  • Japanese delegation: Nearly 200 members
  • Key focus: Investment, industrial cooperation, technology, innovation and economic growth

The summit is expected to provide a platform for Japanese business leaders and Uttar Pradesh stakeholders to explore partnerships and identify new avenues for long-term investment and industrial development.

AAP Bhagwant Mann Marks World Senior Citizens Day, Highlights Welfare Measures for Elderly

Bhagwant- Mann
Google

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab extended its greetings and respect to senior citizens on the occasion of World Senior Citizens Day, highlighting the importance of their dignity, health, safety and overall well-being.

AAP Bhagwant Mann Marks World Senior Citizens Day

In a social media message, AAP Punjab described senior citizens as a source of pride and said their needs deserve continued attention and support.

The party highlighted various initiatives of the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann aimed at supporting the elderly. According to AAP Punjab, these measures focus on areas including daily living needs, healthcare, safety and access to legal assistance.

The party said several government schemes have been introduced to make essential services more accessible to senior citizens, with thousands of elderly people benefiting from these initiatives.

AAP Punjab’s Message for Senior Citizens

AAP Punjab emphasised that senior citizens should be treated with respect and dignity, while their access to healthcare, security and essential services should remain a priority.

The party said its commitment is aimed at ensuring that elderly citizens can lead their lives with greater security, dignity and access to necessary support.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Government Focuses on Modernising Schools and Strengthening Learning Environment

CM- Yogi- Adityanath
Google

The Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath government is highlighting its efforts to transform the state’s education system by improving facilities, introducing modern technology and strengthening the quality of teaching in council and secondary schools.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Government Focuses on Modernising Schools

According to the Uttar Pradesh government, the initiative is being carried out under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with a focus on creating a modern and supportive learning environment for students.

The government said improved infrastructure, technology-enabled education and better teaching practices are being promoted across schools to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed for the future.

The initiative aims to make schools more conducive to learning while preparing the younger generation to pursue higher aspirations and achieve their goals.

Key Focus Areas of UP’s School Education Push

  • Improved facilities in council and secondary schools
  • Greater use of modern technology in education
  • Focus on quality teaching and learning
  • Creation of a student-friendly learning environment
  • Preparing students for future opportunities

The Uttar Pradesh government says these measures are part of its broader vision of building a new Uttar Pradesh with stronger and more accessible educational opportunities for the next generation.

Bhagwant Mann Life Story to Be Featured on Discovery Channel in Seven Languages

Bhagwant- Mann
Google

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced that a special show based on his life journey will be aired on the Discovery Channel across seven different languages.

Bhagwant Mann Life Story to Be Featured on Discovery Channel

Sharing the announcement on social media, Mann said the programme, titled “Satauj Ton Sansad” (From Satauj to Parliament), will chronicle his journey from his native village of Satauj to the Parliament of India.

The special programme is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, August 30, at 7 PM on the Discovery Channel. The show is expected to offer viewers an insight into Mann’s personal and public journey, including the experiences that shaped his career in public life.

Announcing the programme, Mann urged viewers to watch the special presentation in its seven-language format on Discovery Channel.

“Satauj Ton Sansad”: Bhagwant Mann Journey on Discovery

The programme’s title reflects the journey highlighted by Mann—from Satauj to Parliament—and presents a glimpse into his life and rise in public life.

When: August 30, Sunday
Time: 7 PM
Platform: Discovery Channel
Languages: Seven

The announcement has drawn attention as the programme offers viewers an opportunity to learn more about Bhagwant Mann’s life journey through a dedicated television presentation.

Batwara 1947 Vs Awarapan 2 Box Office Collection Day 7: Emraan Hashmi’s Film Crosses Rs113 Crore, Sunny Deol’s Film Crawls at….

Batwara- 1947- Vs -Awarapan- 2- Box- Office- Collection- Day- 7
Google

Batwara 1947 Vs Awarapan 2 Box Office Collection Day 7: A week after their shared Independence Day release, the gap between Awarapan 2 and Batwara 1947 has turned into a chasm, with Emraan Hashmi’s sequel closing in on the coveted Rs 100 crore net club and beyond, while Sunny Deol’s period drama struggles to stay afloat.

Awarapan 2 Keeps Its Momentum

Having already crossed the Rs 100 crore net mark within five days, Awarapan 2 continued its steady weekday run, adding roughly Rs 6-7 crore on Day 7 alone to push its opening week total past Rs 113 crore net in India. Trade analysts now project the film could finish its first week in the Rs 116-118 crore range, an emphatic result for a film made on a reported Rs 45 crore budget.

Batwara 1947 Struggles to Find Footing

Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947 managed just Rs 1.4 crore on Day 6 and is estimated to add a similarly modest Rs 1.5-2 crore on Day 7, taking its week-one total to roughly Rs 33-34 crore net. Trade trackers now expect the film to miss the Rs 50 crore mark altogether, with its first-week total likely settling around Rs 35-36 crore, a discouraging outcome against a reported budget of Rs 120-150 crore.

Why the Gap Keeps Widening

Batwara 1947 Vs Awarapan 2 Box Office Collection Day 7:Industry observers point to Batwara 1947’s sharp reliance on the Independence Day holiday crowd, with collections crashing once the extended weekend ended, as the core reason for its collapse. Awarapan 2, by contrast, has sustained strong occupancy through the week, helped by positive word of mouth and Emraan Hashmi’s continued pull with audiences.

“Congress Has Always Been Anti-Women”: Kangana Ranaut’s Sharp Attack Amid ‘Vande Mataram’ Row, Slams Sharmila Tagore

Kangana- Ranaut
Google

Kangana Ranaut; Sharmila Tagore recently said in an interview that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram should be recited, arguing that the later verses, which reference Hindu deities, could be difficult for people who follow monotheistic faiths. Responding on Instagram, Kangana said she respected Tagore for sharing her view but was “shocked as an artist” by what she called a narrow reading of poetry. She argued that the song uses metaphor and imagery that should not be interpreted literally, and asked Tagore to look beyond a “Hindu Muslim” lens while engaging with the composition.

The “Anti-Women” Remark That Started The Row

Kangana’s latest comments follow an earlier flashpoint from a Lok Sabha debate marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, where she accused the Congress of stripping out portions of the song that mention Goddess Durga. She told reporters outside Parliament that the party had “always been anti-women,” linking the alleged edit to a broader pattern she said reflected the Congress’s attitude toward women.

A Song Caught Between Politics And Poetry

Kangana Ranaut; The Vande Mataram debate has drawn in politicians, historians and now Bollywood veterans, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress of altering the song’s original form decades ago, while Congress leaders maintain the decision to retain only the first two stanzas was made collectively by freedom-era stalwarts, including Rabindranath Tagore himself. Kangana’s intervention adds a fresh celebrity dimension to what has largely been a parliamentary and historical dispute.

Neither Sharmila Tagore nor the Congress has issued a formal response to Kangana’s latest remarks. The debate over Vande Mataram’s verses, and who gets to decide how it is sung, looks set to continue as the song’s 150th anniversary commemorations carry on through the year.