Dalit man’s ‘suicide’: Pilot to lead protest march to Cheema’s Chandigarh residence on Sept 15

Congress in-charge Sachin Pilot will lead a protest in Chandigarh on September 15, demanding the dismissal of AAP minister Harpal Singh Cheema and an independent investigation into the death of a Dalit man who died by suicide after confronting Cheema about drug issues. The protest tests Pilot’s leadership amidst Punjab Congress's internal strife, as calls for accountability grow.

7-year-old boy crushed to death by school bus in Gorakhpur

A seven-year-old boy, Himanshu, was killed by a school bus near Naichpar village on Saturday as he attempted to board the vehicle. Villagers reacted with outrage, chasing and assaulting the driver. Police detained the driver and seized the bus, while officials initiated inquiries into safety protocols and driver negligence. The incident has raised significant concern among the community.

Cyber fraud ring busted, ₹5,600 cr trail uncovered in Kanpur; two held

Two suspects, Shahzeb Waris (24) and Mohd Salman (31), were arrested in Jajmau after police uncovered a cyber fraud network linked to ₹5,600 crore. The gang lured victims with false investment promises and used fake firms and intricate banking schemes. With ties to 18 states, the investigation revealed over 86 related complaints, prompting ongoing efforts to apprehend five more suspects.

Punjab blames Centre for prevailing power shortage

Punjab's Power Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated the state is receiving 1,051 MW less power from the central pool and has requested restoration of its rightful share, crucial for farmers during paddy season. The Centre rejected claims of coal shortages affecting thermal generation. Punjab maintains adequate coal due to the Pachhwara mine, facing supply issues for private plants relying on Coal India.

Punjab industry hit by 8-10-hour power cuts as 2 private thermal units remain shut

Punjab is facing a severe power crisis, with the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) imposing 8 to 10-hour cuts on industries due to the shutdown of private thermal plants, affecting 1,360 MW daily generation. Peak demand has surged to 16,519 MW amid high temperatures and coal shortages, impacting both industrial and agricultural consumers and provoking criticism of the AAP government for insufficient generation capacity and inadequate preparations.

Conserving 125-year-old Sikh heritage: Historic Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Malaysia reopens after restoration

The 125-year-old Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Penang, Malaysia, reopened after extensive restoration, coinciding with its anniversary and the Prakash Purab of Guru Granth Sahib. Akal Takht's Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj performed the enshrinement, emphasizing Sikh heritage preservation. Established in 1901, the gurdwara symbolizes the Sikh community’s century-long presence in Malaysia. The jathedar urged initiatives to teach Gurmukhi Punjabi and document Sikh contributions to the nation.

Himachal govt to widen key roads in Shimla to ease traffic congestion

To alleviate traffic congestion in Shimla, around 200 families face displacement due to a land acquisition notification from the public works department for road widening. The project will acquire 20,444.10 square meters of land across critical routes. PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that current infrastructure cannot support the city’s high population and visitor influx, which peaks at 5 lakh.

Poster controversy: Probe panel at IIT Mandi recommends counselling, sensitisation of students

IIT Mandi faces backlash over a poster depicting a caste hierarchy during a student-organized event, prompting a three-member committee to recommend student counselling and the establishment of guidelines for campus activities. The committee found no intent to offend and clarified that the poster did not represent the institute's views, which emphasizes equality and non-discrimination.

No illegal wealth earned through drug trade will stay with criminals: Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a crackdown on illegal wealth amassed through drug trafficking, emphasizing that seized assets, including properties worth ₹3.27 crore in Nurpur, will account for the harm caused to communities. The government is committed to dismantling drug networks and has empowered law enforcement to act decisively against offenders at all levels.

Dharamshala MLA demands probe into Kullu’s Beas River dredging operations

BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma has called for a high-level inquiry into dredging operations in the Beas River, alleging improper execution by the forest department, bypassing necessary financial protocols. He questions the cabinet’s expedited approval and demands transparency regarding permissions and extracted materials, implicating an influential Kullu leader. Sharma seeks clarity on revenue losses and the legality of these operations.

BRICS must address Himalayan climate risks, says Vikramaditya

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh urged that climate change and disasters in the Himalayas be included in BRICS discussions, highlighting the region's rapid changes due to construction and hydropower projects. Noting recent tragedies in Himachal Pradesh and Nepal, he emphasized the need for collaborative dialogue among Himalayan nations, particularly involving China, to address shared ecological concerns effectively.

BJP-Congress clash over BRICS declaration: ‘Diplomatic win’ vs ‘Modi’s failures’

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration sparked a political clash between BJP and Congress, with the BJP touting it as a diplomatic victory, particularly for condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. Congress criticized the government's summit management. Amid the exchanges, BJP leaders emphasized India's commitment to the Global South, while Congress invoked historical references to challenge the ruling party's narrative.

Anurag Thakur slams Himachal govt over delay in releasing ₹65-crore Himcare funds

Former Union minister Anurag Singh Thakur criticized the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government for failing to clear ₹65 crore in dues under the Himcare and Ayushman Bharat schemes, which is hampering AIIMS Bilaspur's operations. Thakur emphasized that this financial mismanagement affects citizens' access to healthcare and urged immediate payment to restore these crucial services. These issues undermine the intentions of central welfare programs.

Two Jalandhar youths held with 5kg heroin, ₹1.5 lakh drug money

In a significant drug bust, Jalandhar police arrested two youths, Dilpreet Singh and Kamaldeep Singh, recovering 5 kg of heroin and ₹1.5 lakh in suspected drug money. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted them near Patwari Dhaba. The duo awaits further investigation as police seek to dismantle their drug trafficking network, with additional accomplices identified.

Kashmiri Pandits employed under PM scheme write to Shah amid security threats

Kashmiri Pandit employees have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to investigate recent threatening letters targeting them, citing fears reminiscent of the 1990s. They expressed concerns over their safety and social integration after 16 years of resettlement efforts amidst rising violence. The letter calls for enhanced security measures and accountability for those behind the threats, emphasizing employees' urgent need for protection.

Ladakh board bins report on protected area boundaries; LG says settle claims in 2 months

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has mandated the resolution of local rights and claims within two months across three protected wildlife areas in Ladakh, enhancing participation in boundary finalization amid longstanding community demands. This directive arose during a State Board for Wildlife meeting, addressing previous miscalculations in boundary delineation and emphasizing important strategic considerations for national security and local habitation rights.

Amritsar police seize 12 kg heroin, 4 kg opium in 2-day anti-drug operations

Punjab Police escalated its anti-drug efforts in Amritsar, executing major cordon-and-search operations that led to the recovery of 12 kg of heroin and 4 kg of opium, alongside the arrest of 170 individuals tied to drug-related crimes. This operation, part of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, targeted both urban and rural areas, underscoring ongoing law enforcement efforts.

NIA raids 10 locations in J&K in LeT-linked cross border terror case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at 10 locations across Jammu and Kashmir, targeting a cross-border terror conspiracy linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and local operatives. This investigation follows the arrest of an LeT associate with weapons. The NIA aims to uncover the broader network facilitating terrorism, analyzing financial and logistical connections.

Owl attacks leave 6 injured at Greater Noida society

Residents of La Residentia society in Greater Noida West report being attacked by owls, with six injuries over four days, prompting calls for intervention from the forest department. The birds, often seen in trees and streetlights, may be aggressive due to nesting. Authorities caution that removal could worsen aggression and advise residents to take protective measures.

Gzb woman ‘thrown’ from in-laws’ house, dies; 2 detained

A 23-year-old woman died after allegedly being thrown from her in-laws' roof in Muradnagar, prompting an FIR for dowry death. Two suspects, including her husband and father-in-law, were detained. The woman's family reported ongoing abuse and unmet dowry demands. CCTV shows the woman’s fall; she succumbed to injuries at the hospital on September 10. The couple married in March after a prior dowry dispute.

Wisconsin Ironman 70.3 death: Athlete passes away after medical emergency

An athlete died during the IRONMAN 70.3 Wisconsin race after a medical emergency was reported during the swim section. Organisers expressed their condolences but did not disclose the athlete's identity. The event, a 70.3-mile endurance challenge, attracts participants nationwide, and while fatalities are rare, medical risks are inherent in such races, with response teams on site.

ACB books 11 in ₹4.87cr Sohna streetlight project case

The Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has charged 11 individuals, including a former chief engineer, over irregularities in a ₹4.87 crore streetlight project from 2015, leading to an estimated ₹80 lakh loss to the government. Allegations include overpricing and procurement violations. Municipal officials claim ignorance as relevant files are with the ACB, dating back almost a decade.

Family dispute triggers stone pelting in NE Delhi

A case of mischief occurred in northeast Delhi's Nand Nagri when a family dispute led to relatives allegedly throwing stones at two homes, damaging a car and three scooters while causing no injuries. Police initiated a case of mischief, and forensic teams are analyzing CCTV footage to identify the suspects. The incident underscores ongoing family tensions.

Men posing as tax officials rob truck carrying ₹4 cr of rebars, kidnap driver

Five suspects posing as sales tax officials allegedly looted reinforcement bars worth ₹4 crore from a truck on Sohna-Palwal road, kidnapping its driver, who was later released in Rajasthan. The driver was forced into their SUV at gunpoint while the truck was driven away. Police are investigating and scanning CCTV footage to identify the suspects.

Haryana approves 47-acre Sector 33 land transfer for Gurugram metro depot

The Haryana government has approved the permanent transfer of 47 acres of land in Sector 33 for the Gurugram metro project, aiming to connect Millennium City Centre with Cyber Hub. The nominal rent will be ₹1 per square metre. GMRL is negotiating additional land in Islampur village, with a tender for depot construction currently in final stages.

Minister Rao Narbir Singh reviews ₹366 cr projects, directs MCG to expedite

Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh urged Municipal Corporation of Gurugram officials to expedite projects worth ₹366.40 crore covering essential civic infrastructure like roads, sewerage, and drainage to avoid monsoon waterlogging. Key initiatives include stormwater drains and sewage treatment plants, with completion deadlines from September 25, 2026 to December 31, 2026. Singh emphasized quality and coordination in ongoing works.

Gurugram mayor announces strict measures against stray cattle menace

Mayor Raj Rani Malhotra announced stringent measures to combat the cattle menace in Gurugram following safety concerns from ward councillors. The Municipal Corporation plans to form a dedicated committee to address the issue, which includes over 7,000 stray cattle causing disruptions. Previous efforts included a campaign with four teams deployed to catch and relocate stray animals.

Man killed after trailer truck rolls backwards on Faridabad bridge

A 43-year-old man, Inderjit Kumar, died after being run over by his trailer truck on a bridge in Faridabad while trying to stop it from rolling backwards. The incident occurred when the truck's engine stalled, leading to his loss of balance. An investigation confirmed the death was accidental, and eyewitnesses corroborated his family's account.

Gurugram District Bar Association elects new president after keen contest

Advocate Kulbhushan Bhardwaj was elected president of the Gurugram District Bar Association, winning by 244 votes against competitor Vinod Rao, with a total of 1,834 votes. The election, drawing participation from 4,963 voters, featured tight contests for other positions, including a two-vote victory for vice-president. Background information includes ongoing advocacy for improved court facilities and addressing lawyers' concerns.

BRICS and the question of ensuring energy security

In light of rising crude oil prices and the complexities of India’s geology, BRICS leaders should reconsider the traditional “drill, baby, drill” approach. Despite high probabilities of finding hydrocarbons, past exploration yields have been disappointing, and international interest is dwindling. Instead, investment in energy integration and transnational partnerships may offer better economic viability and sustainability for energy security.