Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai leads candlelight march in Lucknow against paper leaks

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai led a candlelight march in Lucknow on Friday, protesting question paper leaks and alleged police violence against youth in Delhi. He condemned the government's inaction on the NEET leak, linking it to student deaths, while highlighting the youth's anger. The Congress reaffirmed its support for student demands against governmental repression.

War of words erupts as Himachal Congress targets BJP over ‘paper leak’

A fierce debate unfolded between Congress and the BJP over the Centre's proposed anti-paper leak law. Congress minister Jagat Singh Negi argued existing laws suffice if properly enforced, while BJP criticized Congress for recruitment irregularities. Both parties exchanged blame, highlighting the government’s struggles with accountability and public trust regarding employment transparency in Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu launches thematic garden project in Kangra

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the “Thematic Garden Project” at Durgesh Aranya International Zoo, announcing ₹4 crore for its development. Spanning 22,247 square metres, it aims to enhance biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and eco-tourism. The project will feature diverse flora collections and serve as a hub for conservation and research efforts, reflecting sustainable development goals.

Miri Piri Khalsa march commences with call for panthic unity

The Miri Piri Khalsa march, held from Akal Takht to Takht Damdama Sahib, emphasized Akal Takht sovereignty and panthic unity. Led by Akal Takht’s acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, SAD leaders joined to promote Sikh principles, particularly among youth. The march, featuring Nihang Singh groups and students, celebrated the enduring Miri-Piri philosophy central to Sikhism's resilience throughout history.

17 get life for 2014 Dalit man’s murder in Yadgir

A Yadgir district court convicted 20 individuals for the 2014 murder of Dalit leader Devendrappa Bhimappa Dalapati, sentencing 17 to life imprisonment. Eyewitness testimony and medical evidence solidified the prosecution's case. The violence stemmed from a festival banner dispute on January 15, escalating to a brutal murder two days later, marked by caste-based assaults on the victim.

Sirhind Canal lining project: Forest dept recovered ₹10.9L fine for illegal tree felling, forest land damage, NGT told

The Punjab forest department reported recovering ₹10.99 lakh in environmental compensation from violators for illegal tree felling during the Sirhind Canal project in Ludhiana. Actions included ₹9.32 lakh for 113 felled trees and further penalties against unauthorized batching plants. The department aims to restore 4,000 saplings with a ₹27.22-lakh plan, asserting compliance with NGT orders. This follows violations of forest protection laws during the project's execution.

2 more held for Panchkula youngster’s murder

District police have arrested two more suspects, Vivek Kumar and Sanjay, in connection with the fatal stabbing of 20-year-old Kapil, raising the total to six arrests. The incident, rooted in an old rivalry, occurred on July 16. Investigations revealed a dispute over a comment about protein powder as the trigger. Police are pursuing additional suspects.

SAD (Punar Surjit) constitutes youth wing, Talwandi appointed president

The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) established its Youth Akali Dal, appointing Gurjit Singh Talwandi as president to bolster its youth presence in Punjab. Tasked with completing organizational structures swiftly, the team includes notable members like Advocate Surtej Singh Bassi. Talwandi, a law graduate with a rich family legacy in the Akali movement, will lead efforts to engage young voters.

Bandh over NEET leak shuts schools, colleges in Telangana

Educational institutions in Telangana shut down Friday due to a statewide bandh led by student organizations protesting the alleged NEET-UG question paper leak and examination irregularities. Backed by multiple coalitions, the protest halted classes and postponed exams. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of the education minister and called for justice amid accusations of police violence against students.

These 7 cotton kurta sets for girls are pretty and comfy for humid summers

Cotton kurta sets offer lightweight, breathable comfort for young girls, making them ideal for humid weather. Available in vibrant prints and elegant embroidery, these outfits blend ethnic appeal with playfulness. Several notable options include floral-printed designs and palazzo sets, praised for their quality and comfort, ensuring your little ones look adorable at any occasion.

SC upholds Chandigarh’s decision of ban on apartmentalisation across city

The Supreme Court has upheld Chandigarh’s ban on converting residential buildings into floor-wise apartments and selling portions outside the family. This decision aligns with a January 2023 ruling that designated the city’s first 30 sectors as heritage zones. The ban, initially announced in February 2023, has stirred debate and political controversy, impacting residents' property rights and prompting potential administrative review for future relaxations.

Punjabi singer Dilpreet Dhillon booked for assault in Mohali

Punjabi singer Dilpreet Singh Dhillon has been accused of assaulting Melodic House owner Amant Marwaha over a failed music deal, reportedly threatening him with a pistol during the incident. Marwaha claims Dhillon attacked him in Mohali after demanding action on the deal. A police investigation has commenced, with charges filed under multiple sections, but no arrest has been made yet.

Hoshiarpur: Murdered AAP sarpanch’s family holds protest, alleges police inaction

Three days after the fatal attack on Aam Aadmi Party sarpanch Satpal, 52, family members and locals protested outside Sadar police station, demanding justice and alleging police inaction. Four of six suspects have been arrested, but protesters vowed to halt cremation until all culprits are apprehended. SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik denied negligence, asserting police efforts to locate the absconders.

Improving public healthcare in Uttar Pradesh: Experts prescribe focus on non-communicable diseases, patient safety

Experts have called for a dedicated technical division and permanent framework to enhance healthcare delivery in Uttar Pradesh, as discussed at the SHSRC-UP Roundtable Meet. Prioritized focus areas include non-communicable diseases and digital health. The proposed centre aims to become a hub for health systems research and policy support, ensuring improved healthcare accessibility and quality across the state.

Chandigarh: Brace for heavy rain next week

City residents will receive relief from the heat next week, with the IMD predicting heavy rain on Tuesday and issuing an orange alert. This season, 240.2 mm of rain has been recorded, a 33% deficit from the normal 359.6 mm for June and July. El Niño has weakened the monsoon, but rain activity may improve later this month.

Youth protesters seek fair exams, march from Parivartan Chowk to Shaheed Smarak in Lucknow

Scores of students and professionals protested in Lucknow, demanding accountability in examination systems against heavy police presence. Participants highlighted critical issues like recruitment irregularities and their impacts on employment, urging the resignation of the education minister. The protest culminated peacefully with the national anthem, echoing a historical sense of resistance and calling for a fairer educational framework.

Punjab: 8,069 cancer patients treated under cashless CM health scheme

As of July, 8,069 cancer patients in Punjab have benefited from cashless treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, with those aged 36-60 making up over half of the recipients. The government has spent ₹20.22 crore as demand surged from 842 treatments in January to 1,468 in June, prompting officials to emphasize early medical intervention for better outcomes.

Allahabad HC refuses to discharge man accused of posting casteist remarks against Nagina MP

The Allahabad High Court upheld the charges against Chandra Prakash Singh, accused of casteist remarks against MP Chandra Shekhar Azad, emphasizing the presence of a prima facie case. Despite Singh's appeal citing vague allegations, the court noted witness statements and evidence supported the accusations under relevant laws, rejecting his discharge request and not conducting a "mini-trial."

Chandigarh: Man gets 5-year jail in snatching case

A sessions court sentenced Dinesh, one of two motorcycle-borne snatchers, to five years in prison for snatching a labourer’s wallet in Sector 48. The court emphasized the reliability of the victim’s testimony despite a hostile witness. Snatching is prevalent, prompting the court to impose strict penalties to deter such crimes. The incident occurred on August 22, 2023.

Isha Gramotsavam, rural sports festival to make Haryana debut

The Isha Gramotsavam rural sports festival launches in Haryana to empower village communities, focusing on rural youth and women. Participants can register for free at isha.co/gramotsavam, with cluster matches in Panipat, Karnal, and Ambala, leading to a grand finale with over ₹1 crore in prizes. Previous events have spurred community transformation and healthier lifestyles.

Janata Darshan: Yogi asks officials to intensify action against land mafia

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reaffirmed Uttar Pradesh's zero-tolerance stance on crime and illegal land occupation, urging officials to combat the land mafia and expedite legal actions. During a public hearing at Gorakhnath Temple, he pledged timely justice for around 150 grievances and announced significant development projects worth ₹1,753 crore, enhancing infrastructure and supporting women’s empowerment initiatives.

Kanwar Yatra: Yogi orders uniform arrangements across Uttar Pradesh, warns rumour mongers

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has mandated uniform arrangements for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra to prioritize devotees' safety and convenience. Officials must enforce food safety norms, close meat and liquor shops along the routes, and utilize drones and CCTV for security. Amid rising river levels, Adityanath emphasized preparedness for floods, while also addressing governance issues and public grievances. The Yatra starts on July 30.

ED raids 9 places across J&K, Punjab in narco-terror funding case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir linked to a money laundering probe involving narco-terror funding, identifying a network operating between the regions. Key operatives were involved in smuggling heroin from Pakistan, with proceeds funding terrorism. The ED seized incriminating documents and froze bank accounts totaling approximately ₹49.9 lakh. Investigations continue.

Ashirwad Scheme: Punjab releases ₹14.12 crore for 2,769 beneficiaries

The Punjab government has allocated ₹14.12 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme, granting ₹51,000 each to 2,769 beneficiaries for the marriage of girls from economically weaker families in the 2026-27 fiscal year. Applicants must be permanent residents below the poverty line. The Direct Benefit Transfer system ensures timely and transparent financial assistance across 19 districts, with Patiala having the highest beneficiaries.

Sanitation workers’ strike: DCs empowered to invoke emergency provisions: Punjab tells HC

The Punjab government has instructed deputy commissioners to activate emergency provisions in response to a sanitation crisis caused by a workers' strike since July 8, demanding job security and salary increases. As garbage accumulates in public areas, sanitation unions threaten a statewide strike starting July 26. The high court has sought governmental measures to prevent disruptions amid health concerns.

Punjab attracts 25% more domestic tourists, but foreign arrivals halve

Punjab saw a 25% rise in domestic tourist visits over five years, reaching 3.32 crore in 2025, but foreign arrivals plummeted by 47%, declining to 1.63 lakh. The tourism department will investigate causes, including limited offerings and weak international marketing. Amritsar remains the main attraction, but Punjab lags behind neighboring states in drawing foreign tourists.

No shortage of staff but 64 ventilators lying idle at GMCH-32: Ministry

Chandigarh hospitals have sufficient nursing and paramedical staff, the Union health ministry confirmed, responding to MP Manish Tewari's concerns about shortages. Although 99 ventilators were supplied to GMCH-32 during the pandemic, only 35 are functional. Tewari noted the strain on healthcare services due to high patient demand, raising concerns over idle equipment and repair timelines.

Ludhiana: Khanna police detain six foreign women in raids on spa centres

Khanna police have dismantled an alleged flesh trade racket disguised as wellness centres, detaining six foreign women and a manager during coordinated raids at three spa centres following complaints. Two suspects, Kaptan Singh and Manoj, fled before police arrived. Authorities registered an FIR and are actively pursuing the absconding suspects linked to the racket's operations in the City Centre area.

Punjab govt exonerates former Vigilance Bureau chief Parmar

The Punjab government has exonerated IPS officer Surinder Pal Singh Parmar of all charges related to misconduct in a corruption investigation of the transport department. Following surprise raids revealing widespread bribery, Parmar was suspended along with two officers. An inquiry found no evidence against him, leading to the closure of departmental proceedings after nearly a year. This suspension marked a significant disciplinary action in the state's recent history.

Bittu quits Union ministry, set to get key organisational role in Punjab BJP

BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu resigned from the Union council of ministers after his Rajya Sabha term ended, aiming to strengthen the party in Punjab ahead of upcoming state elections. He received direction from Prime Minister Modi to refocus on party organization. Bittu, a significant Jat Sikh figure, has a legacy influencing BJP's outreach in Punjab politics.