Punjab

Artisans create terracotta items like diyas and idols for Diwali. These traditional clay lamps reflect Punjabi culture. Though labor-intensive, potters struggle to get fair prices. Sales increase during festivals, and quality items are valued.

Ropar Bar Association and social activists oppose creating Anandpur Sahib as a new Punjab district, fearing Ropar's diminishment. Garhshankar residents also protest potential annexation. The BJP supports the move. Officials remain silent.

Employees move high court terming move ‘illegal’

Punjab's Chief Minister Mann urged industrialists to invest, highlighting the state's industry-friendly policies and economic growth. He emphasized Punjab's contribution to GDP, resilient workforce, and investment opportunities in sectors like food processing and IT. Investment proposals since March 2022 total Rs 1.23 lakh crore, with a job potential of over 4.7 lakh.

Smuggling of arms, explosives up multiple times

Punjab launched the 'Business Bibas' initiative to support women-led agri-enterprises. The program aims to transform farming into successful businesses by providing entrepreneurial skills, market assessment, e-commerce support, and financing opportunities for women farmers.

Every year post Diwali, hospitals are full of people, mostly children, with fireworks injuries causing severe eye damage in half of the cases. Caution and common sense are the only preventive measures

First Person: Dr Harinder Singh Bedi, a cardiovascular endovascular surgeon, shares how bodybuilders are at greater risk of heart attack

Brain haemorrhages, often from ruptured aneurysms, are life-threatening emergencies. Misdiagnosis is common, delaying treatment. Symptoms include sudden, severe headaches. Timely intervention, utilizing advanced methods like endovascular therapy, significantly improves survival rates, crucial given high mortality rates.

Winter's cold and pollution increase health risks, especially for asthmatics and cardiac patients. Breathing difficulties and heart strain are more common. Children are also vulnerable to cold-related illnesses. Experts recommend precautions: staying warm, avoiding cold exposure, wearing masks, maintaining a healthy diet and seeking timely medical advice.

The Punjab Mandi Board is installing solar power plants in 40 grain markets across four districts (Patiala, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Ludhiana) for modernization and renewable energy. The Rs 24.42 crore project aims to save Rs 8.33 crore annually in electricity costs. Capacity varies by district, with a total of 2854 kW being installed.

The Punjab government released the first Rs 209 crore instalment for flood-affected farmers, offering Rs 20,000 per acre in compensation. Rs 40,000 will be provided for each damaged house. The Finance Minister urged the Centre to release the promised Rs 1,600 crore. The Health Minister accused the Centre of discrimination.

Muktsar district, home to the Agriculture Minister, lacks a Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO) for 15 days, hindering vital approvals and meetings. Despite harvesting and efforts against farm fires, no one holds even additional charge. Pending files and reliance on junior officers highlight the administrative vacuum. A new CAO is expected within two days.

Punjab saw a decrease in farm fires on Wednesday, with 11 incidents compared to Tuesday's 31. Amritsar and Tarn Taran have the most fires this season. Officials expect a rise in the coming weeks. A CPCB flying squad is monitoring and curbing stubble burning.

SSP Maninder Singh said the recovery appeared to be part of a plot to disturb peace during the festive season

The relief efforts are being led by Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal

Separate cases registered under Arms Act; one accused has five previous FIRs

The accused were running an inter-district gang of weapon smuggling and were in contact with a Pakistan-based handler

Diljit Dosanjh to appear on KBC hosted by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, which is set to air this month

The tanker sustained extensive damage, with large portions charred and melted by the fire

While Chaturvedi has alleged that Punjab Police attempted to abduct him from a Chandigarh police station, Punjab Police have sought directions to stop Chandigarh authorities from interfering in the execution of valid arrest warrants

Chaman Lal’s scarf gets entangled with the passing train, pulling him towards the tracks

Despite repeated summons, Arshpreet Kaur failed to appear in the court, leading to her being declared a proclaimed offender on July 31, 2025

Navneet Chaturvedi has been kept in the police station by Chandigarh Police, who say they are protecting him

Tree originally stood on about 4.5 acres of land owned by farmer Balbir Singh, which was acquired by NHAI for Bharat Mala project