IRDAI's proposed commission curbs well-intentioned but flawed: Rajya Sabha MP to regulator

Rajya Sabha MP Praveen Chakravarty has urged the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to reconsider its proposed commission cuts for insurance intermediaries, arguing that such measures could undermine critical incentives for brokers and lead to mis-selling. He emphasized the need for a balanced, simpler regulatory framework that supports financial stability and broader insurance access, especially in rural areas.

Circular water management essential for water security, says Haryana irrigation research institute

Dr. Satbir Singh Kadian, principal director at HIRMI, emphasized the need for regulators to transition from unregulated water extraction to circular water use by addressing regional variations. He called for higher tariffs on commercial water extraction and adopting fit-for-purpose quality standards for treated wastewater. Haryana’s initiatives exemplify successful integrated water management and infrastructure development for treated water usage.

Panchkula, Karnal, Rohtak to be developed as next growth centres: Saini

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, during his Singapore visit, emphasized the state's investment potential in semiconductors, green energy, and infrastructure, inviting collaboration from over a dozen Singaporean firms. He outlined plans for developing cities as technology hubs, assuring speedy investor support. Saini aims to strengthen investment ties with Singapore, citing successful collaborations and future opportunities in various sectors.

Messi remembers father in emotional farewell, calls teammates ‘warriors’: ‘Never stopped fighting’

Lionel Messi's poignant farewell from Argentina came after a stellar final match against Benin, where he scored a goal and made two assists in a 3-0 victory. Remembering his late father, Messi reflected on his 20-year journey, expressing gratitude for his teammates and the honor of wearing the national jersey, leaving a legacy of 126 goals and countless memories.

Special enrolment drive for left-out, 1st time voters in Chandigarh

The final photo electoral roll-2026 for Chandigarh was published on September 22, 2026, following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Citizens should verify their names online or through local officers, with enrolment camps running from October 7-11, 2026. Support will be provided to ensure accurate voter registration, particularly targeting young and first-time electors.

Centre starts land acquisition process for Delhi-Ambala rail line project

The Indian government has initiated land acquisition for the ₹5,983 crore Delhi-Ambala railway project, spanning 198 km, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity. This important initiative will impact seven villages in Samalkha and six in Panipat, promoting tourism and generating employment. Approved in February, the project is expected to complete within four years, strengthening northern India's transportation links.

Mayors take back ‘wonderful memories’ of City Beautiful

Chandigarh's urban landscape, outstanding greenery, and effective waste management impressed mayors from across India during the 118th All India Mayors’ Conference. Highlights included the city's world-class cycling infrastructure and impressive garbage collection system. The conference concluded with the "Chandigarh Sankalp," advocating for empowered mayors and consistent five-year tenures, reflecting Chandigarh’s exemplary practices in urban planning.

Nauni university standoff: HP govt backs registrar, sets aside VC’s order divesting him of powers

The Himachal Pradesh government has reinstated Siddhartha Acharya as registrar of Dr Y.S. Parmar University, nullifying Vice Chancellor Dr H.S. Baweja's order that stripped him of his powers due to alleged misconduct. This decision aims to uphold statutory governance principles and restore operational integrity after tensions between faculty and administration escalated. Background disputes have involved management communications and procedural compliance.

Next Gen e-challan system rolled out in Haryana

Haryana Police launched a Next Gen e-challan system to enhance traffic enforcement transparency, issuing notices within three days and requiring responses within 45 days. Grievances must be resolved in 30 days, fostering accountability. Implemented on June 16 per Union directives, the system aims to digitize processes, improve road safety, and support vehicle scrapping initiatives, promoting compliance and efficiency.

Paddy procurement: High moisture content, millers’ shortage triggers distress sales in Haryana

The procurement of Parmal paddy in Haryana is lagging, with only 45% of the 8.92 lakh metric tonnes auctioned due to high moisture, a shortage of active rice millers, and unresolved previous stocks. Farmers face distress sales, prompting protests. The government’s moisture limit of 17% and new procurement conditions further complicate matters. Farmers advocate for higher moisture allowances.

Mohali: IAS academy told to refund fees to aspirants

The district consumer disputes redressal commission has ordered Plutus IAS Academy and Argasia Education Pvt Ltd to refund ₹55,000 to two UPSC aspirants due to inadequate teaching promised by the academy. The commission also awarded ₹15,000 for mental distress and litigation costs. Complaints highlighted inconsistent faculty and merged classes, undermining the coaching's effectiveness.

Man arrested for robbing Shimla women after throwing chilli powder in their eyes

Police in Shimla have arrested 26-year-old Jail Singh for three jewellery thefts where he used chilli powder to blind women. Singh surveilled victims before attacking, taking advantage of isolated areas. The first incident occurred on August 31, followed by similar attacks on September 14 and 26, prompting multiple complaints and investigations. He targeted remote locations to evade cameras.

Haryana: Contractor shot dead at solar plant in Sirsa

A 45-year-old contractor, Subhash Chandra, was shot dead at a solar power plant in Jamal village, Sirsa district, on Tuesday afternoon. Investigations suggest a financial dispute may be the motive. The assailants, three motorcycle-borne youths, fled the scene. Subhash had returned to the village a year ago and had a criminal record. Police are pursuing leads and reviewing CCTV footage.

Haryana: INDIA bloc to hold district-level protests on October 8 against CEC

The INDIA alliance will protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 8, demanding his resignation due to alleged collusion with the BJP in vote manipulation, including the removal of 326,000 votes in Rohtak. Senior Congress leaders will coordinate the demonstrations, which include burning his effigy. Critics claim that 13 crore votes, mostly from women and poor communities, were deleted nationally.

Human rights panel seeks report from officials in Ambala building collapse case

The Haryana Human Rights Commission has requested reports from local officials following the collapse of a building in Ambala, which resulted in seven worker fatalities. The commission is investigating construction safety norms, approval processes, and responsibilities of involved parties, including the builder and contractor. The next hearing is scheduled for November 12, 2026, to discuss findings.

Chandigarh: Pact to exchange municipal best practices with 3 cities

Mayor Saurabh Joshi signed Expressions of Intent (EoIs) with counterparts from Guwahati, Kolhapur, and Gangtok to foster inter-city cooperation and share innovative municipal practices during the 118th All India Mayors’ Conference. This initiative aims to enhance urban cleanliness, waste management, and digital governance while promoting knowledge exchange through virtual discussions. The mayors also adopted the 'Chandigarh Sankalp' for empowered urban local bodies.

9 students, driver hurt as truck rams into school bus in Karnal

Nine students and a bus driver sustained minor injuries when a speeding truck hit their private school bus in Gharaunda, Karnal, as it stopped to drop off a student. The truck, registered in Rajasthan, caused the bus to mount the footpath and damage a parked two-wheeler. Local officials and police took the injured to the hospital, where they are stable.

AIIMS Bilaspur’s 1st convocation: President urges graduates to serve in remote areas

President Droupadi Murmu urged graduates from AIIMS Bilaspur to serve in remote areas, highlighting their unique responsibility as the first graduating class. She emphasized the importance of empathy in healthcare and praised the historical significance of Bilaspur. Murmu's address coincided with the increase in medical education in India, reflecting a commitment to quality healthcare access.

Mohali: Biker killed after crashing into stationary truck in Zirakpur

A 26-year-old motorcyclist, Prince from Kurari village, was killed in a collision with a stationary truck on Patiala road, Zirakpur, late Sunday. His pillion rider, Gurtej Singh, was injured. The accident occurred due to poor visibility from oncoming headlights and the truck's unactivated parking lights. The truck driver fled the scene. A case has been registered.

Tampering with varsity autonomy a direct blow to academic system: Himachal teachers’ body

The Himachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Welfare Association (HPUTWA) has been protesting for over 30 days against the Himachal Pradesh State University (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which they claim undermines university autonomy. The bill, passed by the legislative assembly, alters recruitment processes by transferring many appointments to state commissions. The government argues it boosts transparency and reduces political influence, which HPUTWA disputes as a fundamental threat to academic integrity.

Rehabilitation of addicts into mainstream society should be key focus: Shimla DC

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap convened a meeting with drug de-addiction centre operators to bolster the district's fight against drug abuse. He stressed the necessity of comprehensive rehabilitation, emphasizing treatment and societal reintegration as vital. Operators were urged to improve services and ensure the safety of patients amid rising drug-related complaints, highlighting the need for trained medical professionals.

Corruption, law & order to be major poll issues in Punjab, Himachal: BJP

BJP state media in-charge Randhir Sharma condemned the AAP government in Punjab and the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh for corruption and law enforcement failures, asserting that public discontent is rising. He emphasized the BJP’s commitment to raising these issues during upcoming elections, demanding accountability and investigations into state authorities, amid ongoing dissatisfaction with governmental performance.

8 FIRs registered over Form-7 disputes, no ERO complaint

Following an Election Commission directive, Karnataka police registered eight cases regarding alleged voter deletions linked to false Form 7 applications. None originated from Electoral Registration Officers, raising concerns about legal alignment. Violations of Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act can lead to a year’s imprisonment. The cases involve claims of deceit, complicating police inquiries as political tensions escalate.

HRTC employees threaten statewide ‘chakka jam’ alleging graft by official

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation Drivers and Employees Union threatened a statewide "chakka jam" starting Friday if their demands for action against corrupt officials and overdue payments remain unmet. Union president Mansingh Thakur alleges an officer in Chamba extorted money and called for their termination. The union also opposes a new 48-hour work roster. Background includes prior promises of overtime payment.

UDF convenor submits written complaint to Kharge over issues in coordination

United Democratic Front convenor Adoor Prakash has lodged a complaint with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, citing poor communication and lack of coordination between the State government and UDF. He expressed dissatisfaction with CM VD Satheesan’s unilateral decision-making. Limited support emerged from Congress leaders, with only Jebi Mathew backing Prakash amidst frustrations over governance style.

1st this season: Chandigarh’s air quality slips to moderate levels

The city's air quality has fallen to a moderate level (102) for the first time this season after a week of satisfactory conditions, attributed to dropping temperatures and weaker winds, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials. Temperature inversion and anticyclonic movements are trapping pollutants, with worsening expected in November as stubble burning increases. Light rain from a Western Disturbance may provide temporary relief.

4 injured at stir against Sangh leader at Keralam varsity event

Four students were injured during clashes with police at the Central University of Kerala in Kasaragod on Tuesday, where protests erupted against RSS ideologue J Nandakumar's presence at a seminar celebrating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Various student unions opposed this, leading to demonstrations. Protests centered on restricted access for registered attendees. Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the seminar's political motivations.

Pikachu on ISS: 5 times astronauts including Shubhanshu Shukla flew plush toys into space and why

The tradition of carrying toys into space dates back to 1985, when the STS-51D crew took items like a Slinky and a Yo-Yo. Recently, a Pikachu plush became a viral zero-gravity indicator, highlighting the practice's significance. Toys serve not only as fun companions but also as cultural symbols, as seen with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s swan, “Joy.”

Chandigarh: Court denies bail to former CREST chief in IDFC First Bank case

A local CBI court denied bail to former CREST CEO Navneet Kumar Srivastava, citing evidence of his significant involvement in the diversion of ₹205 crore in government funds. The allegations include fraudulent transactions and corruption, with Srivastava in custody since June. This case unfolds against a backdrop of serious financial misconduct within the Chandigarh agency's operations.

CM alleges oppn destroyed over 100,000 Form 7 applications

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accused BJP and JD(S) workers of withdrawing over 100,000 Form 7 applications during electoral roll revisions, demanding an investigation into their origins. The BJP refuted these claims, seeking action against Shivakumar for alleged baselessness. Background discussions included concerns over electoral integrity and the process of objection verification by the Election Commission.