Ludhiana

Stretch remains choked with traffic during peak hours

Protest marked by black flags, slogans and emotional appeals

To be held from October 4 to 13

Sewer line cleaning is underway in Ludhiana's Ward 79 after water receded due to a drain blockage and subsequent flooding. Residents criticize the Municipal Corporation (MC) for delaying the cleanup until after monsoon-related waterlogging caused black water to enter streets and homes.

Ludhiana's canal-based water project, LSWSS, is progressing rapidly, with 14.8% completion in six months. The Rs 1,305 crore project, supported by the World Bank and AIIB, aims to finish by 2028. It includes a new water treatment plant, pipeline installation, OHSR construction/rehabilitation, and community engagement.

Punjab Agricultural University launched the English digital edition of its fortnightly magazine, Kheti Sandesh, to provide farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and policymakers with timely information. The magazine aims to bridge science and farming, boost PAU's visibility, and offer practical solutions. The inaugural issue covers wheat varieties, diversification, climate advisories, and enterprise models.

Jagraon and Raikot zones will compete in the girls' U-14 kho-kho final after winning their respective semifinals. In the boys' U-14 event, Ludhiana-I zone will face PAU zone in the final.

Police arrested Ashish Kumar, a drug peddler, in Ludhiana. He was caught with 100 grams of heroin and a motorcycle. Kumar allegedly sold drugs to laborers while working at a factory. The arrest occurred on Monday.

The PCCTU will hold a two-day protest next week to address teachers' rights in aided colleges. On September 16, campus rallies will raise student awareness about the state's financial impact on education. September 19 will see mass casual leave and a dharna at the Higher Education Minister's residence.

Sharn Pal Singh Makkar and Minister Sanjeev Arora discussed boosting Ludhiana's industrial sector, focusing on small and medium enterprises. Makkar raised power issues and infrastructure improvement needs. The meeting emphasized collaborative efforts for economic growth.

A dumping ground has formed near the Lakkar bridge flyover, behind the compactor site, creating an unsanitary and foul-smelling environment. The problem is aggravated by recent rains. Locals report accumulating garbage and disregard by municipal authorities, citing the unbearable stench and impact on nearby activities.

Accused had severed victim’s head and thrown it into canal to destroy evidence

Senior Deputy Mayor Prashar instructed tehbazaari officials to prevent encroachments, especially during the upcoming festival season. They were directed to meet with shopkeepers, ensure products are displayed without obstructing traffic, and regularly monitor roads and markets. Tehbazari fees will not be collected during the season, and action will be taken against those hindering traffic.

Bhupesh Mehta emphasizes lifelong education focused on values, not just marks. He critiques government education, highlights private education's role, and warns about the brain drain from studying abroad. Mehta urges philanthropists and NGOs to prioritize education by supporting teachers, aiding students, and advocating for the 'one child, one teacher, one book and one pen' outlook.

PAU Ludhiana secured a Rs 55-lakh ICAR project for student development. The project, led by Dr. Sandeep Jain, will utilize a digital platform with training modules, performance tracking, and mentoring to enhance career readiness and bridge the gap between theory and practical application.

CBSE is increasing student counseling, focusing on mental health and well-being, in line with the National Education Policy 2020. This includes guidance for students, teachers, and parents through a 'hub and spoke' model. A recent workshop for educators focused on positive parenting and parental involvement to create supportive learning environments.

Dr. Dharampal Sahil, a retired principal and writer from Hoshiarpur, will be a subject expert for the Hindi-Punjabi Idioms Dictionary project. The project, led by Padma Shri Dr. Harmohinder Singh Bedi, is under the Central Hindi Institute, Agra. Dr. Sahil has prior experience and promotes linguistic harmony.

16.55 lakh metric tonnes of paddy expected to arrive

Schools in flood-affected villages in Punjab face significant challenges. Infrastructure damage, particularly at schools like Baupur Jadid, requires teacher-led cleanup. While Dhakka Basti is being cleaned, its students are temporarily attending classes elsewhere, though attendance is low due to displacement. Recurring floods hinder education in these areas.

The illegal transaction was allegedly conducted in connivance with Rita’s mother, Prema Devi, ASHA worker Renu, a PRO of a Private Hospital, and some accomplices yet to be identified

Group offers feed, vet care to affected districts

Fifty teachers were honored at a Hindi Diwas event in Ahmedgarh for promoting Hindi and their teaching excellence. They pledged to improve students' lives and contribute to regional socio-economic development, also promising to adopt latest teaching methods to meet global standards.

The National Lok Adalat resolved numerous cases, including matrimonial disputes and an accidental death claim, with a total of 94,482 cases settled. Awards worth over 234 crore rupees were issued. The event involved 39 benches in local courts and 10 at sub-divisional levels.

NDA/NA and CDS exams occurred peacefully in Ludhiana. NDA/NA had two sessions with 2184 of 3,214 candidates appearing. CDS had three shifts with 2385 of 1,604 candidates appearing. Police security was in place at all exam centers.

Punjab farmers face urgent need for spraying after floodwaters recede. Demand for spraying services surges, causing price increases and delays. Farmers, already suffering flood losses, struggle with higher costs and time constraints, risking further crop damage if spraying is delayed.