<p>Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.</p>

<p>The arrest has come as a jolt for Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already facing a barrage of criticism for running the province of over 100 million people through his 'puppet' Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.</p>

<p>"We have arrested Punjab senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income and he will be presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Thursday," National Accountability Bureau spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said in a statement.</p>

<p>The NAB has been probing Aleem Khan in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so.</p>

<p>Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party will not protest over the NAB's decision to arrest the minister. "Unlike the opposition, we will not surround the NAB offices," he said.</p>

<p>Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We want PM Khan to sack all those cabinet members who are facing NAB investigation on corruption charges," PML-N senior leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said.</p>

<p>PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is also in jail in NAB's custody in a corruption case.</p>


Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income.

Pakistan's anti-graft body on Wednesday arrested Punjab government's powerful senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income. The arrest has come as a jolt for Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already facing a barrage of criticism for running the province of over 100 million people through his 'puppet' Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. "We have arrested Punjab senior minister Abdul Aleem Khan for possessing assets beyond his known sources of income and he will be presented before an accountability court in Lahore on Thursday," National Accountability Bureau spokesperson Nawazish Ali Asim said in a statement. The NAB has been probing Aleem Khan in multiple inquiries, including his offshore company Hexam Investment Overseas Ltd, owning assets beyond his known sources of income and his two housing societies - Park View housing society and River Age Housing Society in Lahore - for the last one year or so. Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party will not protest over the NAB's decision to arrest the minister. "Unlike the opposition, we will not surround the NAB offices," he said. Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has welcomed the arrest of the minister and said that there should be across the board possibility. "We want PM Khan to sack all those cabinet members who are facing NAB investigation on corruption charges," PML-N senior leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said. PML-N president and opposition leader in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is also in jail in NAB's custody in a corruption case.

Pakistan's anti-graft body arrests Punjab government's senior minister

<p>Pakistani authorities on Tuesday sacked the head of the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) after a probe into a weekend shootout revealed that three members of a family were killed in a fake encounter on a highway.</p>

<p>Terrorism and murder charges were also registered against five CTD officials present during the encounter, police said.</p>

<p>"In the light of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), five senior officers, including CTD Punjab Chief Additional Inspector General Rai Tahir, have been sacked and five officials of the CTD who took part in the encounter booked under terrorism and murder charges," Punjab Law Minister Basharat Raja told a press conference here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CTD officials on Saturday last killed four persons, including a teenage girl, in an encounter in Sahiwal, 200 km from Lahore, suspecting them to be terrorists.</p>

<p>The CTD team opened indiscriminate fire on the car in which a couple along with their four children and the driver were sitting. Three children survived the firing.</p>

<p>The anti-terror department initially termed the victims as "terrorists of the Islamic State", but later declared three of them — the couple and their 13-year-old daughter — innocent civilians.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Raja said action against more officials would be taken after completion of the investigation.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Replying to a query on whether any action has been taken against the ISI officials on whose lead the operation was conducted, the minister said: "The investigation is still underway."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said the fourth victim, Zeeshan Javed, was a terror suspect and the government would give a detailed briefing of his alleged links with terrorists on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CTD had said Javed was an active member of the IS (Daesh) and a phone call was recorded from Afghanistan in which an IS commander was directing another member of the network to ask others to hide after the killing of Zeeshan.</p>

<p>Saturday's shootout had drawn nationwide condemnation and Prime Minister Imran Khan had also vowed to award exemplary punishment to the culprits.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistani authorities on Tuesday sacked the head of the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) after a probe into a weekend shootout revealed that three members of a family were killed in a fake encounter on a highway.

Pakistani authorities on Tuesday sacked the head of the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) after a probe into a weekend shootout revealed that three members of a family were killed in a fake encounter on a highway. Terrorism and murder charges were also registered against five CTD officials present during the encounter, police said. "In the light of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), five senior officers, including CTD Punjab Chief Additional Inspector General Rai Tahir, have been sacked and five officials of the CTD who took part in the encounter booked under terrorism and murder charges," Punjab Law Minister Basharat Raja told a press conference here. The CTD officials on Saturday last killed four persons, including a teenage girl, in an encounter in Sahiwal, 200 km from Lahore, suspecting them to be terrorists. The CTD team opened indiscriminate fire on the car in which a couple along with their four children and the driver were sitting. Three children survived the firing. The anti-terror department initially termed the victims as "terrorists of the Islamic State", but later declared three of them — the couple and their 13-year-old daughter — innocent civilians. Raja said action against more officials would be taken after completion of the investigation. Replying to a query on whether any action has been taken against the ISI officials on whose lead the operation was conducted, the minister said: "The investigation is still underway." He also said the fourth victim, Zeeshan Javed, was a terror suspect and the government would give a detailed briefing of his alleged links with terrorists on Wednesday. The CTD had said Javed was an active member of the IS (Daesh) and a phone call was recorded from Afghanistan in which an IS commander was directing another member of the network to ask others to hide after the killing of Zeeshan. Saturday's shootout had drawn nationwide condemnation and Prime Minister Imran Khan had also vowed to award exemplary punishment to the culprits.

Pak authorities sack chief of Punjab's anti-terror dept in fake encounter case

<p>Air quality in the national capital nosedived to 'very poor' on Sunday morning and is likely get worse in the next couple of days.</p>

<p>According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data, the air quality of Delhi showed levels of prominent pollutants PM (particulate matter) 10 at 369, which is considered as 'very poor'.</p>

<p>An AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the poor category, whereas 401-500 range is severe.</p>

<p>The organisation has advised the people residing in Delhi to avoid all physical activities outdoors and warned asthmatics to keep relief medicines handy. "Stop any activity level if you experience any usual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue," it added.</p>

<p>In November last year, SAFAR had conducted a study which revealed that 41 per cent of the pollution in Delhi was caused by the transport sector. It had also stated that "after transport, wind-blown dust is the second major contributor with 21.5 per cent followed by Industries at 18.6 per cent."</p>

<p>"The other minor contributors are Power and Residential sectors contributing about 4.9 and 3 per cent respectively. Others contribute about 11 per cent. Residential Sector includes slum, crop Residue, cow dung, a street vendor, household, DG Set, wood burning, etc while other Sector includes MSW Plants, MSW Open Burning, Crematory, Aviation, Incense Stick, Brick Kiln," the state-run body had revealed.</p>

<p>Air quality in Mumbai has gotten worse with the climatic change after hazy conditions covered the regions' skyline yesterday. The AQI is hovering at 259 and is likely to get higher in the next few days.</p>

<p>During winter season each year, most of northern India suffers from a spike in toxicity in the air due to the change in weather patterns and crop residue burning in states such as Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Not only that, a dip in temperature along with low wind speed also tends to trap air pollutants closer to the ground.</p>


According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data, the air quality of Delhi showed levels of prominent pollutants PM (particulate matter) 10 at 369, which is considered as 'very poor'.

Air quality in the national capital nosedived to 'very poor' on Sunday morning and is likely get worse in the next couple of days. According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data, the air quality of Delhi showed levels of prominent pollutants PM (particulate matter) 10 at 369, which is considered as 'very poor'. An AQI between the range of 51 to 100 is considered as satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 falls under the poor category, whereas 401-500 range is severe. The organisation has advised the people residing in Delhi to avoid all physical activities outdoors and warned asthmatics to keep relief medicines handy. "Stop any activity level if you experience any usual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue," it added. In November last year, SAFAR had conducted a study which revealed that 41 per cent of the pollution in Delhi was caused by the transport sector. It had also stated that "after transport, wind-blown dust is the second major contributor with 21.5 per cent followed by Industries at 18.6 per cent." "The other minor contributors are Power and Residential sectors contributing about 4.9 and 3 per cent respectively. Others contribute about 11 per cent. Residential Sector includes slum, crop Residue, cow dung, a street vendor, household, DG Set, wood burning, etc while other Sector includes MSW Plants, MSW Open Burning, Crematory, Aviation, Incense Stick, Brick Kiln," the state-run body had revealed. Air quality in Mumbai has gotten worse with the climatic change after hazy conditions covered the regions' skyline yesterday. The AQI is hovering at 259 and is likely to get higher in the next few days. During winter season each year, most of northern India suffers from a spike in toxicity in the air due to the change in weather patterns and crop residue burning in states such as Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Not only that, a dip in temperature along with low wind speed also tends to trap air pollutants closer to the ground.

Toxic air leaves Delhiites gasping for breath

Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal: How people welcome harvest season across India

<p>In a first, a Sikh has been appointed as the public relations officer (PRO) to the governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, it was announced on Friday.</p>

<p>The announcement of the appointment of Pawan Singh Arora was made by Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar.</p>

<p>"For the first in history of Governor House, Lahore, first Sikh Public Relations Officer, Pawan Singh Arora, has assumed charge as PRO to Governor, Punjab," Sarwar tweeted.</p>

<p>He also said that Arora was previously working as District Information Officer of Nankana Sahab district.</p>

<p>Sikhs are a small minority in Pakistan and most of them live in Punjab province.&nbsp;</p>


Sikhs are a small minority in Pakistan and most of them live in Punjab province.

In a first, a Sikh has been appointed as the public relations officer (PRO) to the governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, it was announced on Friday. The announcement of the appointment of Pawan Singh Arora was made by Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar. "For the first in history of Governor House, Lahore, first Sikh Public Relations Officer, Pawan Singh Arora, has assumed charge as PRO to Governor, Punjab," Sarwar tweeted. He also said that Arora was previously working as District Information Officer of Nankana Sahab district. Sikhs are a small minority in Pakistan and most of them live in Punjab province.

Sikh appointed as public relations officer to Pakistan Punjab governor

<p>Security has been beefed up in Haryana and parts of Punjab in the wake of Special CBI court in Panchkula's likely verdict on Friday in the journalist murder case in which jailed Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is an accused.</p>

<p>Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Haryana especially in Panchkula, Sirsa (headquarter of Dera) and Rohtak districts with several companies of the state armed police, anti-riot police and commando force being deployed to deal with any law and order situation.</p>

<p>Security has been enhanced in Haryana, said Haryana ADGP (Law and Order) Muhammad Akil.</p>

<p>Directions have been issued to police in all the districts not to allow any unnecessary gathering and maintain extra vigil, said police official adding that police barricade have also been laid at several places.</p>

<p>Additional police force has also been deployed near the headquarters of Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa in Haryana, police said.</p>

<p>Violence had erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana in August 2017 following the conviction of Dera sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leaving over 40 persons dead and scores of people injured.</p>

<p>The 51-year-old sect head is currently serving a 20-year prison term in Rohtak's Sunaria jail for raping two of his women followers.</p>

<p>In Punjab where there are sizeable numbers of Dera followers, elaborate security arrangements have been made in Bathinda and Ferozepur ranges.</p>

<p>We have made elaborate security arrangements in Bathinda range, said Punjab Inspector General (Bathinda Range) M F Farooqui told.</p>

<p>Around 2,000 security personnel have been deployed in Bathinda range, he further said.</p>

<p>In Ferozepur range as well, security has been tightened by Punjab police, police said.</p>

<p>Police have been keeping a close watch in sensitive areas like Faridkot, Moga, Baghapurana, Jaitu, Kotkapura, police said.</p>

<p>10 companies of Punjab police have been deployed in Ferozepur range, said Punjab IG M S Chhina.</p>

<p>The verdict in 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhattrapati is likely to come on January 11.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, the special CBI court in Panchkula had accepted the state's plea and allowed presence of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh through video conferencing for a January 11 hearing in the murder case of a journalist.</p>

<p>Gurmeet Ram Rahim will appear through video conferencing for the hearing in journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati's murder case on Friday, when the court is likely to pronounce its verdict.</p>

<p>He has been named as the main conspirator in the case which dates back to 2002.</p>

<p>Chhatrapati was shot at in October 2002 after his newspaper, 'Poora Sach', published an anonymous letter narrating how women were being sexually exploited by Gurmeet Ram Rahim at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa.</p>

<p>The journalist later succumbed to injuries and a case was registered in 2003. The case was handed over to the CBI in 2006.&nbsp;</p>


Security has been beefed up in Haryana and parts of Punjab in the wake of Special CBI court in Panchkula's likely verdict on Friday in the journalist murder case in which jailed Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is an accused.

Security has been beefed up in Haryana and parts of Punjab in the wake of Special CBI court in Panchkula's likely verdict on Friday in the journalist murder case in which jailed Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is an accused. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Haryana especially in Panchkula, Sirsa (headquarter of Dera) and Rohtak districts with several companies of the state armed police, anti-riot police and commando force being deployed to deal with any law and order situation. Security has been enhanced in Haryana, said Haryana ADGP (Law and Order) Muhammad Akil. Directions have been issued to police in all the districts not to allow any unnecessary gathering and maintain extra vigil, said police official adding that police barricade have also been laid at several places. Additional police force has also been deployed near the headquarters of Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa in Haryana, police said. Violence had erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana in August 2017 following the conviction of Dera sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leaving over 40 persons dead and scores of people injured. The 51-year-old sect head is currently serving a 20-year prison term in Rohtak's Sunaria jail for raping two of his women followers. In Punjab where there are sizeable numbers of Dera followers, elaborate security arrangements have been made in Bathinda and Ferozepur ranges. We have made elaborate security arrangements in Bathinda range, said Punjab Inspector General (Bathinda Range) M F Farooqui told. Around 2,000 security personnel have been deployed in Bathinda range, he further said. In Ferozepur range as well, security has been tightened by Punjab police, police said. Police have been keeping a close watch in sensitive areas like Faridkot, Moga, Baghapurana, Jaitu, Kotkapura, police said. 10 companies of Punjab police have been deployed in Ferozepur range, said Punjab IG M S Chhina. The verdict in 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhattrapati is likely to come on January 11. On Tuesday, the special CBI court in Panchkula had accepted the state's plea and allowed presence of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh through video conferencing for a January 11 hearing in the murder case of a journalist. Gurmeet Ram Rahim will appear through video conferencing for the hearing in journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati's murder case on Friday, when the court is likely to pronounce its verdict. He has been named as the main conspirator in the case which dates back to 2002. Chhatrapati was shot at in October 2002 after his newspaper, 'Poora Sach', published an anonymous letter narrating how women were being sexually exploited by Gurmeet Ram Rahim at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. The journalist later succumbed to injuries and a case was registered in 2003. The case was handed over to the CBI in 2006.

Security beefed up ahead of verdict in scribe murder case in which Gurmeet Ram Rahim an accused

<p>As many as 18 Khalistani terror modules were busted in Punjab and 95 people arrested in the last two years, the Rajya Sabha was informed Wednesday.</p>

<p>Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said as per available information, the involvement of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) has come to the notice in a recent incident of a grenade attack on a religious congregation in Amritsar.</p>

<p>On November 18, three people were killed and over 20 injured when two motorcycle-borne men threw a grenade on a religious congregation on the outskirts of Amritsar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A total of 18 Khalistani terror modules have been neutralised in Punjab during the last two years, wherein a total of 95 accused persons have been arrested," he said replying to a written question.</p>

<p>The Punjab Police has arrested two persons involved in the grenade attack in Amritsar and has also identified three other persons, residing in other countries as accused, in respect to whom open dated warrants of arrest have been procured, the minister said.</p>

<p>The government had declared KLF as a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act last week.</p>


The government had declared Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) as a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act last week.

As many as 18 Khalistani terror modules were busted in Punjab and 95 people arrested in the last two years, the Rajya Sabha was informed Wednesday. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said as per available information, the involvement of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) has come to the notice in a recent incident of a grenade attack on a religious congregation in Amritsar. On November 18, three people were killed and over 20 injured when two motorcycle-borne men threw a grenade on a religious congregation on the outskirts of Amritsar. "A total of 18 Khalistani terror modules have been neutralised in Punjab during the last two years, wherein a total of 95 accused persons have been arrested," he said replying to a written question. The Punjab Police has arrested two persons involved in the grenade attack in Amritsar and has also identified three other persons, residing in other countries as accused, in respect to whom open dated warrants of arrest have been procured, the minister said. The government had declared KLF as a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act last week.

18 Khalistani terror modules busted in Punjab; 95 arrested in 2 years: Hansraj Ahir

Punjab: Youth Akali Dal leaders vandalise, blacken Rajiv Gandhi's statue in Ludhiana

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-one-ultra-killed-in-encounter-between-security-forces-and-maoists-176612">The Border Security Force (BSF) </a>on Sunday seized 17 kgs of heroin along with two arms, three magazines and 26 live rounds of ammunition from Karma post in Ferozepur sector of Punjab.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-bsf-jawans-injured-in-militant-attack-in-srinagar-174265">BSF troops</a> on duty observed some suspicious movement ahead of the border security fence in the Karma post following which a special search operation was launched.</p>

<p>Keeping in view the vulnerability of the border, the setting of fog and smog and heightened activities of smugglers and anti-national elements on the border, Inspector General, BSF Punjab Frontier Mahipal Yadav, issued operational guidelines for further strengthening the border domination so as to effectively check illegal activities on Punjab border with Pakistan.</p>

<p>The Deputy Inspector General, Sector BSF Ferozepur directed field commanders to maintain extra vigil on the border to thwart the attempts of anti-national elements. Tactical operations are being mounted to foil the attempts of the smugglers.</p>

<p>According to an official statement, this year, the BSF has seized 221.3 kg of heroin (including today`s seizure) on the Punjab Border and 435 grams of opium while 66 people have been held for illegally crossing the border and five smugglers have been apprehended.</p>

<p>"As many as 31 Pakistani SIM cards were recovered by the BSF, while five two Pakistani smugglers were apprehended. Furthermore, two Pakistani smugglers were interdicted. Apart from this, 10 mobile phones from Pakistan were seized," the statement further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 19 different types of weapons have been seized, while 502 rounds of ammunition of various calibres have been recovered by the BSF so far.&nbsp;</p>


The Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday seized 17 kgs of heroin along with two arms, three magazines and 26 live rounds of ammunition from Karma post in Ferozepur sector of Punjab.

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday seized 17 kgs of heroin along with two arms, three magazines and 26 live rounds of ammunition from Karma post in Ferozepur sector of Punjab. BSF troops on duty observed some suspicious movement ahead of the border security fence in the Karma post following which a special search operation was launched. Keeping in view the vulnerability of the border, the setting of fog and smog and heightened activities of smugglers and anti-national elements on the border, Inspector General, BSF Punjab Frontier Mahipal Yadav, issued operational guidelines for further strengthening the border domination so as to effectively check illegal activities on Punjab border with Pakistan. The Deputy Inspector General, Sector BSF Ferozepur directed field commanders to maintain extra vigil on the border to thwart the attempts of anti-national elements. Tactical operations are being mounted to foil the attempts of the smugglers. According to an official statement, this year, the BSF has seized 221.3 kg of heroin (including today`s seizure) on the Punjab Border and 435 grams of opium while 66 people have been held for illegally crossing the border and five smugglers have been apprehended. "As many as 31 Pakistani SIM cards were recovered by the BSF, while five two Pakistani smugglers were apprehended. Furthermore, two Pakistani smugglers were interdicted. Apart from this, 10 mobile phones from Pakistan were seized," the statement further said. Around 19 different types of weapons have been seized, while 502 rounds of ammunition of various calibres have been recovered by the BSF so far.

17 kg heroin, ammunition seized by BSF in Ferozepur

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarinder-singh-hails-sajjan-kumars-conviction-in-1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-184802">Amarinder Singh</a> said that Badals, who lead Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), were running around like "scared rabbits with no hole to hide", fearing defeat in the Lok Sabha polls next year.<br />
<br />
"Faced by imminent defeat in 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Badals were running around like scared rabbits, with no hole to hide," said the Punjab Chief Minister on Friday, adding that if they continued with their desperate efforts to cheat people, they would be thrown into political oblivion forever by the electorate.<br />
<br />
Amarinder's remark came a day after SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the recent loan waivers announced by Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh were "farce".<br />
<br />
The Punjab Chief Minister, in response, also urged the Akali leader to give up such theatrics if he wanted his party to remain a serious contender in the political arena.<br />
<br />
Lashing out at the SAD president for his continued efforts to exploit the sentiments of farmers, to whom, he claimed, the former regime failed to deliver even an iota of benefits, Amarinder said the former deputy chief minister was trying to mislead the farming community in a desperate bid to wean it away from the Congress.<br />
<br />
He pointed out that Congress president Rahul Gandhi had already promised waiver of loans for the beleaguered farmers across the country if the party was elected to power in the forthcoming elections. "It was evident that the SAD-BJP combine was scared out of their wits by the Congress leadership's promise and their track record of delivering on their poll promises in all the states in which the party had been elected to power," he claimed.<br />
<br />
The Punjab Chief Minister ridiculed Sukhbir's blatant attempts to divert public attention from the erstwhile Akali-BJP regime's failure on all counts. "For 10 years, the Badals did not take cognisance of the plight of the farmers and were now shedding crocodile tears for them, he added. Having gone through extreme pain and suffering under the SAD-BJP government for a decade, neither the farmers nor any other section of Punjab's populace was now willing to be deceived by the SAD leadership," he said.<br />
<br />
Countering Badal's baseless allegation with facts and figures, Amarinder pointed out that his government had delivered on its promise of loan waiver despite the severe financial constraints and fiscal mess it had inherited from the Badal regime. "Not just the farmers of Punjab but those of the entire nation had appreciated his government's initiative, which had been replicated now by the newly installed Congress regime in three other states," he added.<br />
<br />
The Chief Minister pointed out that his government had so far disbursed Rs. 3595.04 crore to 428246 farmers against their debts, with the process for loan waiver to 159632 small farmers also initiated. Of this, Rs. 1815.78 crore had been disbursed to 317965 marginal farmers against loans taken from cooperative banks and Rs. 1779.26 crore to 110281 marginal farmers towards loans from commercial banks.<br />
<br />
"These are hard facts that no amount of fabrications by Sukhbir or anyone else can negate," said Amarinder, challenging the SAD president to cite even one example of any benefit provided by their government to the farmers.<br />
<br />
"Sukhbir's brazen attempts to lie his way out of the current mess in which his party and leadership are caught at present were nothing more than a sign of frustration and desperation. With SAD completely marginalised in Punjab, and their ally, the BJP, also clearly losing political ground, the Akali chief was looking for a way out of the political alienation which the coalition was facing ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," Amarinder claimed.</p>


Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that Badals, who lead Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), were running around like "scared rabbits with no hole to hide", fearing defeat in the Lok Sabha polls next year.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said that Badals, who lead Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), were running around like "scared rabbits with no hole to hide", fearing defeat in the Lok Sabha polls next year. "Faced by imminent defeat in 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Badals were running around like scared rabbits, with no hole to hide," said the Punjab Chief Minister on Friday, adding that if they continued with their desperate efforts to cheat people, they would be thrown into political oblivion forever by the electorate. Amarinder's remark came a day after SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the recent loan waivers announced by Congress governments in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh were "farce". The Punjab Chief Minister, in response, also urged the Akali leader to give up such theatrics if he wanted his party to remain a serious contender in the political arena. Lashing out at the SAD president for his continued efforts to exploit the sentiments of farmers, to whom, he claimed, the former regime failed to deliver even an iota of benefits, Amarinder said the former deputy chief minister was trying to mislead the farming community in a desperate bid to wean it away from the Congress. He pointed out that Congress president Rahul Gandhi had already promised waiver of loans for the beleaguered farmers across the country if the party was elected to power in the forthcoming elections. "It was evident that the SAD-BJP combine was scared out of their wits by the Congress leadership's promise and their track record of delivering on their poll promises in all the states in which the party had been elected to power," he claimed. The Punjab Chief Minister ridiculed Sukhbir's blatant attempts to divert public attention from the erstwhile Akali-BJP regime's failure on all counts. "For 10 years, the Badals did not take cognisance of the plight of the farmers and were now shedding crocodile tears for them, he added. Having gone through extreme pain and suffering under the SAD-BJP government for a decade, neither the farmers nor any other section of Punjab's populace was now willing to be deceived by the SAD leadership," he said. Countering Badal's baseless allegation with facts and figures, Amarinder pointed out that his government had delivered on its promise of loan waiver despite the severe financial constraints and fiscal mess it had inherited from the Badal regime. "Not just the farmers of Punjab but those of the entire nation had appreciated his government's initiative, which had been replicated now by the newly installed Congress regime in three other states," he added. The Chief Minister pointed out that his government had so far disbursed Rs. 3595.04 crore to 428246 farmers against their debts, with the process for loan waiver to 159632 small farmers also initiated. Of this, Rs. 1815.78 crore had been disbursed to 317965 marginal farmers against loans taken from cooperative banks and Rs. 1779.26 crore to 110281 marginal farmers towards loans from commercial banks. "These are hard facts that no amount of fabrications by Sukhbir or anyone else can negate," said Amarinder, challenging the SAD president to cite even one example of any benefit provided by their government to the farmers. "Sukhbir's brazen attempts to lie his way out of the current mess in which his party and leadership are caught at present were nothing more than a sign of frustration and desperation. With SAD completely marginalised in Punjab, and their ally, the BJP, also clearly losing political ground, the Akali chief was looking for a way out of the political alienation which the coalition was facing ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," Amarinder claimed.

2019 polls: Badals running around like 'scared rabbits with no hole to hide', says Amarinder

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said Tuesday a purported statement by a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-claim-to-bust-isi-backed-terror-module-in-punjab-174957">pro-Khalistan outfit,</a> seeking support from Pakistan to "liberate" Punjab from India, has exposed its "nefarious designs" and nexus with the Pakistani Army and the ISI.</p>

<p>The chief minister made the remarks after a section of media reported that US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a separatist outfit, had allegedly sought support from the Pakistan government for 'Referendum 2020', a campaign to "separate Punjab from India".</p>

<p>Attacking SFJ's legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief minister said, "The cat is now well and truly out of the bag, and the truth of the deep-rooted connection between the SJF and the Pakistani Army is out in the open."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amarinder Singh has also taken strong exception to SFJ's reported plans to hold a 'Kartarpur Sahib Convention 2019', coinciding with the auspicious occasion of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.</p>

<p>The whole affair is a "bigger conspiracy" by the Pakistan Army, which is persistently trying to revive militancy in Punjab, the CM said, reiterating his stand on the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amarinder Singh also said that Punjab and the Indian Army were well prepared to counter any such plans of the neighbouring country.<br />
"Punjab is today much better equipped than it was in the 80s and 90s when Pak-backed terrorism had swept the state," he said, warning Islamabad against extending any further support to SFJ or other such outfits that are bent on disturbing the state's hard-earned peace.</p>

<p>The Pakistan Army would do well to remember the ignominious defeats it had suffered at the hands of the Indian Army on every occasion it had tried to take on the might of the latter, right from the 1965 and 1971 wars to the more recent Kargil battle, warned Amarinder Singh.</p>

<p>Asserting that he was all in favour of the Kartarpur Corridor to fulfil the long-pending aspirations of the Sikh community in India, the chief minister said it was the "misuse" of the initiative that he was opposed to.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'If Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was truly in favour of opening the doors for long-lasting peace with India through this corridor, he should not only unequivocally condemn the SFJ statement but should also ensure that Pakistan soil is not used by the anti-India outfit to further its campaign,' he said, urging the Pak leader to put a stop to the plan of 'Kartarpur Sahib Convention 2019'.</p>

<p>'Let the two countries build a corridor of peace in the true sense of the word, without the auspicious occasion of the 550th 'Prakash Purb' being allowed by Islamabad to be abused by anti-Indian forces,' the CM said.</p>


Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said Tuesday a purported statement by a pro-Khalistan outfit, seeking support from Pakistan to "liberate" Punjab from India, has exposed its "nefarious designs" and nexus with the Pakistani Army and the ISI.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said Tuesday a purported statement by a pro-Khalistan outfit, seeking support from Pakistan to "liberate" Punjab from India, has exposed its "nefarious designs" and nexus with the Pakistani Army and the ISI. The chief minister made the remarks after a section of media reported that US-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a separatist outfit, had allegedly sought support from the Pakistan government for 'Referendum 2020', a campaign to "separate Punjab from India". Attacking SFJ's legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief minister said, "The cat is now well and truly out of the bag, and the truth of the deep-rooted connection between the SJF and the Pakistani Army is out in the open." Amarinder Singh has also taken strong exception to SFJ's reported plans to hold a 'Kartarpur Sahib Convention 2019', coinciding with the auspicious occasion of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. The whole affair is a "bigger conspiracy" by the Pakistan Army, which is persistently trying to revive militancy in Punjab, the CM said, reiterating his stand on the issue. Amarinder Singh also said that Punjab and the Indian Army were well prepared to counter any such plans of the neighbouring country. "Punjab is today much better equipped than it was in the 80s and 90s when Pak-backed terrorism had swept the state," he said, warning Islamabad against extending any further support to SFJ or other such outfits that are bent on disturbing the state's hard-earned peace. The Pakistan Army would do well to remember the ignominious defeats it had suffered at the hands of the Indian Army on every occasion it had tried to take on the might of the latter, right from the 1965 and 1971 wars to the more recent Kargil battle, warned Amarinder Singh. Asserting that he was all in favour of the Kartarpur Corridor to fulfil the long-pending aspirations of the Sikh community in India, the chief minister said it was the "misuse" of the initiative that he was opposed to. 'If Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was truly in favour of opening the doors for long-lasting peace with India through this corridor, he should not only unequivocally condemn the SFJ statement but should also ensure that Pakistan soil is not used by the anti-India outfit to further its campaign,' he said, urging the Pak leader to put a stop to the plan of 'Kartarpur Sahib Convention 2019'. 'Let the two countries build a corridor of peace in the true sense of the word, without the auspicious occasion of the 550th 'Prakash Purb' being allowed by Islamabad to be abused by anti-Indian forces,' the CM said.

SFJ seeking help to ‘liberate’ Punjab exposes its nexus with Pak army: Amarinder Singh

<p>The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution on Friday, suggesting the swapping of land with Pakistan to bring the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara across the border within the Indian territory.</p>

<p>The resolution was initially aimed at praising the efforts of the Punjab government and the Centre for opening a cross-border passage to facilitate Indian Sikh pilgrims in visiting the gurdwara on the banks of Ravi river in Pakistan.</p>

<p>But Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, during a discussion on the resolution in the House, demanded that land swap with Pakistan be made a part of the resolution.<br />
The House accepted it and passed the resolution unanimously.</p>

<p>Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, MLA from Dera Baba Nanak, from where the corridor is proposed to start, suggested land from his constituency could be handed over to Pakistan in the swap.</p>

<p>The assembly also urged the Centre to complete the work for opening the corridor before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November 2019. The founder of Sikhism is believed to have spent 18 years at the gurdwara and opening a cross-border corridor was a long-pending demand of Sikhs.</p>

<p>India laid the foundation stone of the corridor on November 26 and Pakistan did it two days later.</p>

<p>During the discussion in the House, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh slammed the Pakistan Army, raising questions on its intention to open the corridor and also for trying to revive terrorism in the state.</p>

<p>He warned state political parties against its "ulterior motives".</p>

<p>"Do you really think that the Pakistan Army is our sympathiser when it is continuously killing our soldiers at the border with the ultimate aim of destabilising the border state," he said, referring to the leaders in the assembly and urged them to contribute to maintaining peace in Punjab.</p>

<p>"Why did Pakistan Army chief broke news about the corridor even before the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan? What was his interest?" he said.</p>

<p>Singh had refused to visit Pakistan for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, citing terrorist attacks by Pakistan-backed terrorists in India and killing of Indian soldiers on the Kashmir border.</p>

<p>But his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu had attended the ceremony. Singh did not take Sidhu's name during the discussion in the House on Friday.</p>

<p>The chief minister, however, said he hopes the corridor would become a "bridge of peace" and reiterated he would accompany the first 'Jatha' to Kartarpur next year.<br />
He also asked Pakistan Prime Minister Khan to "reign in his army".</p>

<p>"I want to congratulate the Pakistan prime minister (on the decision to open the corridor). My only request to him is that you are a newly elected prime minister and people have high hopes from him; he should rein in his army," Singh said.</p>

<p>Though Congress leaders shared Singh's concern about Pakistan Army's designs to revive militancy in Punjab, opposition leaders said there should be no "negativity" on the Kartarpur corridor issue.</p>

<p>"It is a historic resolution and we unanimously support it. But there should not be any negativity. Terrorists do not have religion and they only follow their mission. It is the government of India which will ensure foolproof security," said SAD chief Badal.</p>

<p>Akali leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala said there should be no room for scepticism on the issue. AAP MLA Kultar Singh Sandhwan praised Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for pushing for the opening of the corridor.</p>

<p>However, BJP legislator Som Prakash said the chief minister's fears cannot be overlooked. He said Pakistan has never been sincere in mending ties with India and cited terrorist attacks in Kashmir, Pathankot and Mumbai.</p>


The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution on Friday, suggesting the swapping of land with Pakistan to bring the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara across the border within the Indian territory.

The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution on Friday, suggesting the swapping of land with Pakistan to bring the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara across the border within the Indian territory. The resolution was initially aimed at praising the efforts of the Punjab government and the Centre for opening a cross-border passage to facilitate Indian Sikh pilgrims in visiting the gurdwara on the banks of Ravi river in Pakistan. But Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, during a discussion on the resolution in the House, demanded that land swap with Pakistan be made a part of the resolution. The House accepted it and passed the resolution unanimously. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, MLA from Dera Baba Nanak, from where the corridor is proposed to start, suggested land from his constituency could be handed over to Pakistan in the swap. The assembly also urged the Centre to complete the work for opening the corridor before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November 2019. The founder of Sikhism is believed to have spent 18 years at the gurdwara and opening a cross-border corridor was a long-pending demand of Sikhs. India laid the foundation stone of the corridor on November 26 and Pakistan did it two days later. During the discussion in the House, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh slammed the Pakistan Army, raising questions on its intention to open the corridor and also for trying to revive terrorism in the state. He warned state political parties against its "ulterior motives". "Do you really think that the Pakistan Army is our sympathiser when it is continuously killing our soldiers at the border with the ultimate aim of destabilising the border state," he said, referring to the leaders in the assembly and urged them to contribute to maintaining peace in Punjab. "Why did Pakistan Army chief broke news about the corridor even before the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan? What was his interest?" he said. Singh had refused to visit Pakistan for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, citing terrorist attacks by Pakistan-backed terrorists in India and killing of Indian soldiers on the Kashmir border. But his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu had attended the ceremony. Singh did not take Sidhu's name during the discussion in the House on Friday. The chief minister, however, said he hopes the corridor would become a "bridge of peace" and reiterated he would accompany the first 'Jatha' to Kartarpur next year. He also asked Pakistan Prime Minister Khan to "reign in his army". "I want to congratulate the Pakistan prime minister (on the decision to open the corridor). My only request to him is that you are a newly elected prime minister and people have high hopes from him; he should rein in his army," Singh said. Though Congress leaders shared Singh's concern about Pakistan Army's designs to revive militancy in Punjab, opposition leaders said there should be no "negativity" on the Kartarpur corridor issue. "It is a historic resolution and we unanimously support it. But there should not be any negativity. Terrorists do not have religion and they only follow their mission. It is the government of India which will ensure foolproof security," said SAD chief Badal. Akali leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala said there should be no room for scepticism on the issue. AAP MLA Kultar Singh Sandhwan praised Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for pushing for the opening of the corridor. However, BJP legislator Som Prakash said the chief minister's fears cannot be overlooked. He said Pakistan has never been sincere in mending ties with India and cited terrorist attacks in Kashmir, Pathankot and Mumbai.

Punjab House passes resolution on Kartarpur corridor, suggests land swap with Pak

<p>Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu is likely to face the heat during the state Cabinet meeting today. Many leaders, opposition and party members alike, are upset over Sidhu's comment wherein he called Congress chief Rahul Gandhi his captain, adding that "he is the captain of the captain."</p>

<p>"Rahul Gandhi is my captain. It is he who sent me to Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is the captain of the captain (Amarinder Singh) also," Sidhu had said last week.</p>

<p>Sidhu's remark has irked many political leaders. According to reports, Punjab ministers have also been pressing for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sidhu-faces-flak-over-jibe-at-punjab-cm-ministers-call-for-his-resignation-180815">Sidhu's resignation</a> from the state cabinet.</p>

<p>While it is not clear if the cricketer-turned-politician will be present during today's state Cabinet meeting, a decision on him by the Cabinet is likely to be expected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sidhu has been in the spotlight for his controversial remarks.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Sidhu's Kartarpur visit to Pakistan had riled Amarinder Singh, who said he tried to dissuade Sidhu, following a grenade attack in Amritsar that left three people dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh refrained from attending the Pak ceremony <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/citing-terror-attacks-in-state-punjab-cm-declines-invitation-to-kartarpur-corridor-ceremony-179299">citing terror attacks in the state</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since his return from Kartarpur, Sidhu has been criticised for lavishing praise on Imran Khan, who too showered special attention on him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sidhu holds the local bodies and tourism portfolios in Punjab.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu is likely to face the heat during the state Cabinet meeting today. Many leaders, opposition and party members alike, are upset over Sidhu's comment wherein he called Congress chief Rahul Gandhi his captain, adding that "he is the captain of the captain.

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu is likely to face the heat during the state Cabinet meeting today. Many leaders, opposition and party members alike, are upset over Sidhu's comment wherein he called Congress chief Rahul Gandhi his captain, adding that "he is the captain of the captain." "Rahul Gandhi is my captain. It is he who sent me to Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is the captain of the captain (Amarinder Singh) also," Sidhu had said last week. Sidhu's remark has irked many political leaders. According to reports, Punjab ministers have also been pressing for Sidhu's resignation from the state cabinet. While it is not clear if the cricketer-turned-politician will be present during today's state Cabinet meeting, a decision on him by the Cabinet is likely to be expected. Sidhu has been in the spotlight for his controversial remarks. Sidhu's Kartarpur visit to Pakistan had riled Amarinder Singh, who said he tried to dissuade Sidhu, following a grenade attack in Amritsar that left three people dead. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh refrained from attending the Pak ceremony citing terror attacks in the state. Since his return from Kartarpur, Sidhu has been criticised for lavishing praise on Imran Khan, who too showered special attention on him. Sidhu holds the local bodies and tourism portfolios in Punjab.

Punjab ministers likely to address Sidhu issue during Cabinet meeting today

<p>Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday called Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh a "fatherly figure", adding that he doesn't want "to wash dirty linen in public" and that he will sort the matter by himself.</p>

<p>"You don't want to wash dirty linen in public. He (Capt Amarinder Singh) is a fatherly figure, I love him, I respect him, I will sort it out myself," he told media.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Navjot Singh Sidhu in Jhalawar, Rajasthan: You don't want wash dirty linen in public. He (Capt Amarinder Singh) is a fatherly figure, I love him, I respect him, I will sort it out myself. <a href="https://t.co/u5PNLs1E20">pic.twitter.com/u5PNLs1E20</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1069481309477720064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Punjab ministers Saturday called for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-ministers-likely-to-address-sidhu-issue-during-cabinet-meeting-today-181084">Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation</a> from the state cabinet over his jibe at Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, a fallout of the controversial politician's recent trip to Kartarpur in Pakistan.</p>

<p>The row over the trip escalated in the state even as Sidhu backtracked on his claim that Congress president Rahul Gandhi was involved in his decision to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kartarpur corridor.</p>

<p>"Rahul Gandhi is my captain. It is he who sent me to Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is the captain of the captain (Amarinder Singh) also," Sidhu had said last week.</p>

<p>Sidhu's remark has irked many political leaders. According to reports, Punjab ministers have also been pressing for Sidhu's resignation from the state cabinet.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>


Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday called Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh a "fatherly figure", adding that he doesn't want "to wash dirty linen in public" and that he will sort the matter by himself.

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday called Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh a "fatherly figure", adding that he doesn't want "to wash dirty linen in public" and that he will sort the matter by himself. "You don't want to wash dirty linen in public. He (Capt Amarinder Singh) is a fatherly figure, I love him, I respect him, I will sort it out myself," he told media. Navjot Singh Sidhu in Jhalawar, Rajasthan: You don't want wash dirty linen in public. He (Capt Amarinder Singh) is a fatherly figure, I love him, I respect him, I will sort it out myself. pic.twitter.com/u5PNLs1E20 — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2018 × Punjab ministers Saturday called for Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation from the state cabinet over his jibe at Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, a fallout of the controversial politician's recent trip to Kartarpur in Pakistan. The row over the trip escalated in the state even as Sidhu backtracked on his claim that Congress president Rahul Gandhi was involved in his decision to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kartarpur corridor. "Rahul Gandhi is my captain. It is he who sent me to Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is the captain of the captain (Amarinder Singh) also," Sidhu had said last week. Sidhu's remark has irked many political leaders. According to reports, Punjab ministers have also been pressing for Sidhu's resignation from the state cabinet.

Don't want to wash dirty linen in public, will sort it out myself: Sidhu on row with 'Captain' Amarinder

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday attacked Pakistan army Chief Qamar Bajwa asking, "which army teaches to violate ceasefire and kill jawans on the other side?"</p>

<p>"Which army teaches to send people to attack Pathankot and Amritsar? This is cowardness," he stated.</p>

<p>The Chief Minister further added, warning General Bajwa, that he "will not be allowed to enter and vitiate the atmosphere."</p>

<p>"I am warning you (Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Bajwa), we are also Punjabis, you will not be allowed to enter here and vitiate the atmosphere," Singh reacted.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I would like to ask Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Bajwa something, as a soldier. Which Army teaches to violate ceasefire and kill jawans on the other side? Which Army teaches to send ppl to attack Pathankot and Amritsar? This is cowardness: Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh <a href="https://t.co/mwtDvrRVqm">pic.twitter.com/mwtDvrRVqm</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066959777157255168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Singh, on Sunday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/citing-terror-attacks-in-state-punjab-cm-declines-invitation-to-kartarpur-corridor-ceremony-179299">declined Pak Foreign Minister’s invitation</a> to attend the foundation stone laying for Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan which will take place on November 28, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, Singh has cited continued terrorist attacks in Punjab and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan armed forces as his reason to skip the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj on Saturday announced that she will not travel to Pakistan to attend the event due to prior commitments, including campaigning for the Telangana assembly elections.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am warning you( Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Bajwa), we are also Punjabis, you will not be allowed to enter here and vitiate the atmosphere: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh <a href="https://t.co/zPzWBSeb35">pic.twitter.com/zPzWBSeb35</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066960751099809798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-welcomes-pak-foreign-ministers-invitation-deputes-two-ministers-179224">India will be sending two ministers</a> to take part in Kartarpur corridor's groundbreaking ceremony on November 28, which will be done by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the construction of Dera Baba Nanak-Karatarpur Sahib road corridor.</p>

<p>The corridor will reach up to the international border with Pakistan. The foundation stone laying ceremony was performed in the Mann village of Gurdaspur district in Punjab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vice President Naidu was accompanied by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.</p>


Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday attacked Pakistan army Chief Qamar Bajwa asking, "which army teaches to violate ceasefire and kill jawans on the other side?

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday attacked Pakistan army Chief Qamar Bajwa asking, "which army teaches to violate ceasefire and kill jawans on the other side?" "Which army teaches to send people to attack Pathankot and Amritsar? This is cowardness," he stated. The Chief Minister further added, warning General Bajwa, that he "will not be allowed to enter and vitiate the atmosphere." "I am warning you (Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Bajwa), we are also Punjabis, you will not be allowed to enter here and vitiate the atmosphere," Singh reacted. I would like to ask Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Bajwa something, as a soldier. Which Army teaches to violate ceasefire and kill jawans on the other side? Which Army teaches to send ppl to attack Pathankot and Amritsar? This is cowardness: Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh pic.twitter.com/mwtDvrRVqm — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2018 × Singh, on Sunday, declined Pak Foreign Minister’s invitation to attend the foundation stone laying for Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan which will take place on November 28, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Singh has cited continued terrorist attacks in Punjab and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan armed forces as his reason to skip the ceremony. Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj on Saturday announced that she will not travel to Pakistan to attend the event due to prior commitments, including campaigning for the Telangana assembly elections. I am warning you( Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Bajwa), we are also Punjabis, you will not be allowed to enter here and vitiate the atmosphere: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh pic.twitter.com/zPzWBSeb35 — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2018 × India will be sending two ministers to take part in Kartarpur corridor's groundbreaking ceremony on November 28, which will be done by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan. Meanwhile, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the construction of Dera Baba Nanak-Karatarpur Sahib road corridor. The corridor will reach up to the international border with Pakistan. The foundation stone laying ceremony was performed in the Mann village of Gurdaspur district in Punjab. Vice President Naidu was accompanied by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

Punjab CM lashes out at Pak army chief: 'Which army teaches to violate ceasefire and kill jawans?'

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has declined Pakistan Foreign Minister’s invitation to attend the foundation stone laying for Kartarpur Corridor, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, Singh has cited continued terrorist attacks in Punjab and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan armed forces as his reason to skip the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh has declined Pakistan Foreign Minister’s invitation to attend the foundation stone laying for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KartarpurCorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KartarpurCorridor</a>, citing continued terrorist attacks in his state and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan armed forces. <a href="https://t.co/G4PmgfqGrs">pic.twitter.com/G4PmgfqGrs</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066590356777652224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu has accepted the invitation to the event. "I look forward to meeting you on this historic occasion. My application for permission to attend is now lodged with MEA," he wrote in his reply to the invite.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Responding to invitation of Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to attend opening ceremony of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KartarpurCorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KartarpurCorridor</a> corridor,Navjot Singh Sidhu writes "I look forward to meeting you on this historic occasion. My application for permission to attend is now lodged with MEA" <a href="https://t.co/4NexsNPtxS">pic.twitter.com/4NexsNPtxS</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066589819839619074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj on Saturday announced that she will not travel to Pakistan to attend the event due to prior commitments, including campaigning for the Telangana assembly elections.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-welcomes-pak-foreign-ministers-invitation-deputes-two-ministers-179224">India will be sending two ministers</a> to take part in Kartarpur corridor's groundbreaking ceremony on November 28, which will be done by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swaraj thanked Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi for an invite to attend the ceremony. Union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Puri will travel to Pakistan instead.</p>


Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has declined Pakistan Foreign Minister’s invitation to attend the foundation stone laying for Kartarpur Corridor, news agency ANI reported.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has declined Pakistan Foreign Minister’s invitation to attend the foundation stone laying for Kartarpur Corridor, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Singh has cited continued terrorist attacks in Punjab and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan armed forces as his reason to skip the ceremony. Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh has declined Pakistan Foreign Minister’s invitation to attend the foundation stone laying for #KartarpurCorridor, citing continued terrorist attacks in his state and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan armed forces. pic.twitter.com/G4PmgfqGrs — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × Meanwhile, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu has accepted the invitation to the event. "I look forward to meeting you on this historic occasion. My application for permission to attend is now lodged with MEA," he wrote in his reply to the invite. Responding to invitation of Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to attend opening ceremony of #KartarpurCorridor corridor,Navjot Singh Sidhu writes "I look forward to meeting you on this historic occasion. My application for permission to attend is now lodged with MEA" pic.twitter.com/4NexsNPtxS — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj on Saturday announced that she will not travel to Pakistan to attend the event due to prior commitments, including campaigning for the Telangana assembly elections. India will be sending two ministers to take part in Kartarpur corridor's groundbreaking ceremony on November 28, which will be done by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan. Swaraj thanked Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi for an invite to attend the ceremony. Union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Puri will travel to Pakistan instead.

Citing terror attacks in state, Punjab CM declines invitation to Kartarpur corridor ceremony

Punjab CM Confirms Pakistan's link to Amritsar attack

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has taken over the Environment portfolio in the state Cabinet, news agency ANI reported. &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the portfolio, which was previously held by OP Soni, has been allocated to Singh as Soni has now been handed over the Food Processing department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>OP Soni will continue to hold School Education portfolio.</p>

<p>CM Singh, earlier in the day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-delhi-court-announces-death-penalty-to-convict-yashpal-singh-178412">welcomed the Delhi court's verdict</a> on convicting the accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has taken over the Environment portfolio. The portfolio was earlier held by OP Soni, who has now been allocated the Food Processing department. Soni will also continue to hold the School Education portfolio. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/dW5Uwso3Fk">pic.twitter.com/dW5Uwso3Fk</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1064887249689632771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Welcome the first conviction by a Delhi court in the 1984 riots case. Justice has finally been meted out to the perpetrators of the heinous crimes. Hope the others involved in the attacks are also soon brought to book for their horrendous and inhuman acts," his tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Delhi court on Tuesday announced death penalty to convict Yashpal Singh in the anti-Sikh riots case. This was the first ever capital punishment in the case. Co-convict Naresh Sherawat has been given life-term by the court.</p>


Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has taken over the Environment portfolio in the state Cabinet, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the portfolio, which was previously held by OP Soni, has been allocated to Singh as Soni has now been handed over the Food Processing department.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has taken over the Environment portfolio in the state Cabinet, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the portfolio, which was previously held by OP Soni, has been allocated to Singh as Soni has now been handed over the Food Processing department. OP Soni will continue to hold School Education portfolio. CM Singh, earlier in the day, welcomed the Delhi court's verdict on convicting the accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. #Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has taken over the Environment portfolio. The portfolio was earlier held by OP Soni, who has now been allocated the Food Processing department. Soni will also continue to hold the School Education portfolio. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/dW5Uwso3Fk — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × "Welcome the first conviction by a Delhi court in the 1984 riots case. Justice has finally been meted out to the perpetrators of the heinous crimes. Hope the others involved in the attacks are also soon brought to book for their horrendous and inhuman acts," his tweet read. A Delhi court on Tuesday announced death penalty to convict Yashpal Singh in the anti-Sikh riots case. This was the first ever capital punishment in the case. Co-convict Naresh Sherawat has been given life-term by the court.

Punjab: CM Amarinder Singh gets Environment portfolio 

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Sunday vowed that he will not let the "forces of terror" destroy the hard-earned peace in the state even as he condemned the grenade attack on a religious congregation in Amritsar that left three persons dead and many injured. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While making an appeal to the people "not to panic and remain calm," the chief minister tweeted, "We will not let the forces of terror destroy our hard-earned peace."</p>

<p>"I appeal to the people of Punjab to maintain peace in wake of Amritsar bomb blast. I urge them not to panic and to remain calm," he added.</p>

<p>Amarinder Singh's tweet followed soon after Punjab police chief Suresh Arora told that the incident "appears to have a terror angle... We will take it as a terrorist act."</p>

<p>Three persons were killed and at least 10 injured in a grenade attack on a prayer hall brimming with around 200 devotees on the outskirts of the city on Sunday.</p>

<p>The attack occurred during a religious gathering of the Nirankari sect at Nirankari Bhavan in Adliwal village near Amritsar's Rajasansi, which is close to the international airport.</p>


Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Sunday vowed that he will not let the "forces of terror" destroy the hard-earned peace in the state even as he condemned the grenade attack on a religious congregation in Amritsar that left three persons dead and many injured.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Sunday vowed that he will not let the "forces of terror" destroy the hard-earned peace in the state even as he condemned the grenade attack on a religious congregation in Amritsar that left three persons dead and many injured. While making an appeal to the people "not to panic and remain calm," the chief minister tweeted, "We will not let the forces of terror destroy our hard-earned peace." "I appeal to the people of Punjab to maintain peace in wake of Amritsar bomb blast. I urge them not to panic and to remain calm," he added. Amarinder Singh's tweet followed soon after Punjab police chief Suresh Arora told that the incident "appears to have a terror angle... We will take it as a terrorist act." Three persons were killed and at least 10 injured in a grenade attack on a prayer hall brimming with around 200 devotees on the outskirts of the city on Sunday. The attack occurred during a religious gathering of the Nirankari sect at Nirankari Bhavan in Adliwal village near Amritsar's Rajasansi, which is close to the international airport.

Won't let 'forces of terror' destroy peace: Punjab CM on Amritsar attack

<p>Former Indian cricket team opener Virender Sehwag is no longer associated with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 40-year-old, who was a mentor with the side for the last three years, announced the news on his Twitter handle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per several reports, things started falling apart for Sehwag after Punjab appointed former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson on a two-year contract earlier this week, replacing Australian Brad Hodge.</p>

<p>“All good things must come to an end and I’ve had a wonderful time at Kings 11 (sic) Punjab, for 2 seasons as a player and 3 as a mentor. My association with Kings 11 (sic) comes to an end and I am thankful for the time I have had here and wish the team all the very best for the times ahead,” tweeted Sehwag.</p>

<p>Punjab have never won the IPL and their last appearance in the play-offs came in 2014, when they lost to Kolkata in the final.</p>


Former Indian cricket team opener Virender Sehwag is no longer associated with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab. The 40-year-old, who was a mentor with the side for the last three years, announced the news on his Twitter handle.

Former Indian cricket team opener Virender Sehwag is no longer associated with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab. The 40-year-old, who was a mentor with the side for the last three years, announced the news on his Twitter handle. As per several reports, things started falling apart for Sehwag after Punjab appointed former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson on a two-year contract earlier this week, replacing Australian Brad Hodge. “All good things must come to an end and I’ve had a wonderful time at Kings 11 (sic) Punjab, for 2 seasons as a player and 3 as a mentor. My association with Kings 11 (sic) comes to an end and I am thankful for the time I have had here and wish the team all the very best for the times ahead,” tweeted Sehwag. Punjab have never won the IPL and their last appearance in the play-offs came in 2014, when they lost to Kolkata in the final.

IPL: Virender Sehwag steps down as Punjab mentor

<p>Punjab police Thursday claimed to have busted a Pakistan-backed terrorist module operating in the state with the arrest of a person from Patiala.</p>

<p>Shabnamdeep Singh alias Maninder Lahoria was asked by his Pakistan-based handlers to target police posts and crowded places during the upcoming festival season, they said adding a pistol, a hand grenade, a motorcycle and letter pads in the name of "Khalistan Gadar Force" and other terrorist outfits were seized from his possession.</p>

<p>DGP Suresh Arora said Singh's arrest has exposed the nexus between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency and Gurpatwant Singh Pannu's fringe outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as one of his handlers had identified himself as an SFJ operative.</p>

<p>Arora said Singh hails from Daftari Wala Burar village in Patiala district and was out on bail in a case registered in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>Singh was operating a Facebook account under a pseudonym&nbsp;"Lahoria Jatt Gill". The account had a profile picture of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the DGP said.</p>

<p>A preliminary investigation has revealed that Singh was contacted by Javed Khan Wazir, a suspected Pakistani intelligence officer, in July 2018 and was introduced to a Pakistani Sikh, the DGP said.</p>

<p>Singh was then introduced to Nihal Singh, who identified himself to him as an SFJ operative, Arora said.</p>

<p>Nihal and Wazir communicated regularly with Singh and used to incite him to indulge in arson, he said adding they asked him to record his acts of arson and share with them the videos with details of news reports about the incidents.</p>

<p>Wazir shared the logo and name of "Khalistan Gadar Force" with Singh and asked him to get letter pads printed to use them for issuing statements claiming acts of arson, the DGP said.</p>

<p>Singh and his handlers created a Facebook page in the name of "Khalistan Gadar Force", he said.</p>

<p>Wazir asked Singh to carry out targeted killings and also promised him Rs 10 lakh for each act of violence, he said.</p>

<p>In the second week of October 2018, Singh was asked by his handlers to procure a new phone and install a new messaging application for further communication, the DGP said.</p>

<p>Around October 24, a pistol and grenade were delivered to Singh, the DGP said.&nbsp;</p>


Punjab police Thursday claimed to have busted a Pakistan-backed terrorist module operating in the state with the arrest of a person from Patiala. Shabnamdeep Singh alias Maninder Lahoria was asked by his Pakistan-based handlers to target police posts and crowded places during the upcoming festival season, they said adding a pistol, a hand grenade, a motorcycle and letter pads in the name of "Khalistan Gadar Force" and other terrorist outfits were seized from his possession.

Punjab police Thursday claimed to have busted a Pakistan-backed terrorist module operating in the state with the arrest of a person from Patiala. Shabnamdeep Singh alias Maninder Lahoria was asked by his Pakistan-based handlers to target police posts and crowded places during the upcoming festival season, they said adding a pistol, a hand grenade, a motorcycle and letter pads in the name of "Khalistan Gadar Force" and other terrorist outfits were seized from his possession. DGP Suresh Arora said Singh's arrest has exposed the nexus between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency and Gurpatwant Singh Pannu's fringe outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as one of his handlers had identified himself as an SFJ operative. Arora said Singh hails from Daftari Wala Burar village in Patiala district and was out on bail in a case registered in Rajasthan. Singh was operating a Facebook account under a pseudonym "Lahoria Jatt Gill". The account had a profile picture of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the DGP said. A preliminary investigation has revealed that Singh was contacted by Javed Khan Wazir, a suspected Pakistani intelligence officer, in July 2018 and was introduced to a Pakistani Sikh, the DGP said. Singh was then introduced to Nihal Singh, who identified himself to him as an SFJ operative, Arora said. Nihal and Wazir communicated regularly with Singh and used to incite him to indulge in arson, he said adding they asked him to record his acts of arson and share with them the videos with details of news reports about the incidents. Wazir shared the logo and name of "Khalistan Gadar Force" with Singh and asked him to get letter pads printed to use them for issuing statements claiming acts of arson, the DGP said. Singh and his handlers created a Facebook page in the name of "Khalistan Gadar Force", he said. Wazir asked Singh to carry out targeted killings and also promised him Rs 10 lakh for each act of violence, he said. In the second week of October 2018, Singh was asked by his handlers to procure a new phone and install a new messaging application for further communication, the DGP said. Around October 24, a pistol and grenade were delivered to Singh, the DGP said.

Police claim to bust ISI-backed terror module in Punjab

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has said his state could use the know-how and technology of Israel to solve issues of farmers and water conservation, describing his first day of official engagements in the Jewish nation as “extremely productive”. &nbsp;Singh, who is on a three-day visited to Israel, reached Sunday evening.</p>

<p>“Had an extremely productive 1st day in Israel, beginning with some major investment talks, followed by field visits to NaanDanJain Irrigation farms, &amp; Dan Region Wastewater Treatment Plant. &nbsp;“Impressed by the Homeland Security presentation on latest technologies to prevent crime,” he tweeted Monday.</p>

<p>The Punjab chief minister started his official engagements seeking Israeli investments in his state in areas such as infrastructure development, housing, energy, water supply and irrigation. He met officials of Israel’s Tyros International Group Ltd to discuss investments opportunities in Punjab’s infrastructure sector.</p>

<p>Singh and his accompanying high-level delegation on Tuesday will be participating in a seminar “Investment Opportunities in Punjab”.The seminar aims to attract Israeli investors to Punjab. The chief minister then went to visit facilities of NaanDan Jain Irrigation Ltd, accompanied by officials of the state, to witness the latest technology deployed in precision farming and horticulture.</p>

<p>The company is among the leading global producers and providers of irrigation solutions, and its expertise drives higher crop yields, minimising risks and saving precious non-renewable resources . “Really interesting to see NaanDanJain Irrigation use precision agriculture to deliver increased productivity in Israel.</p>

<p>“Will brainstorm with them on how we can use their micro-irrigation technology effectively in Punjab to help our distressed farmers,”Singh said.<br />
He also visited the waste water treatment plant (Shafdan) in the Dan region.The Shafdan is the largest wastewater treatment plant in Israel.<br />
Singh said identifying water conservation techniques is a priority area for his state.</p>

<p>The chief minister also met Ehud Hallel, chief executive officer of Israel’s National Water Company Mekorot. Singh and the delegation were give a tour of the waste water treatment and effluent reuse plant. “What an innovation! The Dan Region Wastewater Treatment Plant I visited in Shafdan, Israel, is an amazing example of use of technology to collect, treat &amp; reclaim municipal wastewater. Discussed with Mekorot officials the possibility of using it for Punjab’s urban areas”, the chief minister tweeted.</p>

<p>Singh is heading a the delegation to Israel to strengthen cooperation with the Jewish nation in the field of agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming and waste water management, besides trying to attract investments in the state. &nbsp;The delegation has also interacted with Israeli companies having expertise in homeland security sector to boost Punjab’s internal security preparedness.</p>

<p>The chief minister was also shown a presentation on homeland security and he latest technologies to prevent crime on Monday evening. He is also scheduled to visit the academy of a leading Israeli defence company on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will be meeting the Punjab leader and his delegation on Tuesday morning. &nbsp;He will then visit the cemetery of Indian soldiers who laid their lives during the War of Liberation of Haifa in 1918.</p>

<p>Haifa celebrated the centenary year of its liberation by Indian cavalry units in September paying warm tributes to the courage shown by them in what is considered by most of the War Historians as the “last great cavalry campaign in history”.</p>

<p>Singh, a well-acclaimed military historian who has penned books like Saragarhi and The Defence of the Samana Fort, will also be visiting the Haifa Historical Society for presentation on the battle of Haifa. The Haifa municipality has immortalised the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers in the liberation of Haifa by including a chapter on their bravery in history textbooks taught at schools.</p>

<p>The Punjab Agricultural University will also be signing three agreements of cooperation with Tel Aviv University, Arava Institute and Galilee International Management Institute on Tuesday evening.</p>


Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has said his state could use the know-how and technology of Israel to solve issues of farmers and water conservation, describing his first day of official engagements in the Jewish nation as “extremely productive”.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has said his state could use the know-how and technology of Israel to solve issues of farmers and water conservation, describing his first day of official engagements in the Jewish nation as “extremely productive”. Singh, who is on a three-day visited to Israel, reached Sunday evening. “Had an extremely productive 1st day in Israel, beginning with some major investment talks, followed by field visits to NaanDanJain Irrigation farms, & Dan Region Wastewater Treatment Plant. “Impressed by the Homeland Security presentation on latest technologies to prevent crime,” he tweeted Monday. The Punjab chief minister started his official engagements seeking Israeli investments in his state in areas such as infrastructure development, housing, energy, water supply and irrigation. He met officials of Israel’s Tyros International Group Ltd to discuss investments opportunities in Punjab’s infrastructure sector. Singh and his accompanying high-level delegation on Tuesday will be participating in a seminar “Investment Opportunities in Punjab”.The seminar aims to attract Israeli investors to Punjab. The chief minister then went to visit facilities of NaanDan Jain Irrigation Ltd, accompanied by officials of the state, to witness the latest technology deployed in precision farming and horticulture. The company is among the leading global producers and providers of irrigation solutions, and its expertise drives higher crop yields, minimising risks and saving precious non-renewable resources . “Really interesting to see NaanDanJain Irrigation use precision agriculture to deliver increased productivity in Israel. “Will brainstorm with them on how we can use their micro-irrigation technology effectively in Punjab to help our distressed farmers,”Singh said. He also visited the waste water treatment plant (Shafdan) in the Dan region.The Shafdan is the largest wastewater treatment plant in Israel. Singh said identifying water conservation techniques is a priority area for his state. The chief minister also met Ehud Hallel, chief executive officer of Israel’s National Water Company Mekorot. Singh and the delegation were give a tour of the waste water treatment and effluent reuse plant. “What an innovation! The Dan Region Wastewater Treatment Plant I visited in Shafdan, Israel, is an amazing example of use of technology to collect, treat & reclaim municipal wastewater. Discussed with Mekorot officials the possibility of using it for Punjab’s urban areas”, the chief minister tweeted. Singh is heading a the delegation to Israel to strengthen cooperation with the Jewish nation in the field of agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming and waste water management, besides trying to attract investments in the state. The delegation has also interacted with Israeli companies having expertise in homeland security sector to boost Punjab’s internal security preparedness. The chief minister was also shown a presentation on homeland security and he latest technologies to prevent crime on Monday evening. He is also scheduled to visit the academy of a leading Israeli defence company on Wednesday. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will be meeting the Punjab leader and his delegation on Tuesday morning. He will then visit the cemetery of Indian soldiers who laid their lives during the War of Liberation of Haifa in 1918. Haifa celebrated the centenary year of its liberation by Indian cavalry units in September paying warm tributes to the courage shown by them in what is considered by most of the War Historians as the “last great cavalry campaign in history”. Singh, a well-acclaimed military historian who has penned books like Saragarhi and The Defence of the Samana Fort, will also be visiting the Haifa Historical Society for presentation on the battle of Haifa. The Haifa municipality has immortalised the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers in the liberation of Haifa by including a chapter on their bravery in history textbooks taught at schools. The Punjab Agricultural University will also be signing three agreements of cooperation with Tel Aviv University, Arava Institute and Galilee International Management Institute on Tuesday evening.

Punjab can use Israeli tech to solve issues of farmers, water conservation, says CM Amarinder Singh

<p>More than 50 died in a tragic accident that took place over a railway crossing in Punjab's Amritsar on Friday.</p>

<p>According to reports, people were burning Dussehra effigy near the railway track in Choura Bazar area in Amritsar when a train ran into the crowd.</p>

<p>According to CPRO, Northern Railways, "Ravan effigy was being burnt 70-80 m from the gate, when the effigy fell, people present there ran towards the railway track, at the time a train was passing and level crossing there was shut. As per initial info 30-35 people injured."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ravan effigy was being burnt 70-80 m from the gate,when the effigy fell, people present there ran towards the railway track, at the time a train was passing&amp;level crossing there was shut. As per initial info 30-35 ppl injured: CPRO, Northern Railways on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> train accident <a href="https://t.co/s0sgR3dwEJ">pic.twitter.com/s0sgR3dwEJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053316887306792962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Operations Incharge at the accident site in Amritsar has told me that only one train was passing from the area. We have issued helpline numbers," the official added.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has ordered an inquiry into the train accident in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> which has claimed 50 lives and has left 30-35 people injured.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053324555211755520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The train bound for Amritsar was coming from Pathankot.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Punjab CM has set up a Crisis Management Group to monitor the relief and rehabilitation efforts. The Group is led by Health Min Brahm Mohindra, with Revenue Minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria&amp;Technical Edu Min Charanjit S Channi as members.The team has rushed to the accident site</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053327179818385410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;"There are more than 50 casualties. We are evacuating people, injured taken to the hospital", Punjab police told media.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> CM has directed Home Secretary, Health Secretary and ADGP Law and Order to immediately rush to Amritsar. Revenue Minister Sukhbinder Sarkaria deputed to immediately reach Amritsar to oversee rescue operations. CM to visit Amritsar tomorrow to access the situation.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053299959968206849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Punjab's Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has directed Home Secretary, Health Secretary and ADGP Law and Order to immediately rush to Amritsar. Revenue Minister Sukhbinder Sarkaria has been deputed to immediately reach Amritsar to oversee rescue operations.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Punjab CM Amarinder Singh says " today's incident has been absolutely tragic. I am going to Amritsar tomorrow. The state is on full alert." <a href="https://t.co/RHLO2LxAoa">pic.twitter.com/RHLO2LxAoa</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053307322821423105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Chief Minister will visit Amritsar tomorrow to access the situation, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a>: At gate no. 27 b/w Amritsar &amp; Manawala. As Dussehra celebration was taking place some incident had occurred&amp; people started rushing towards closed gate number 27 while a DMU train number 74943 was passing the closed gate: CPRO Northern Railway; Visuals from accident site <a href="https://t.co/TMJILYC6Or">pic.twitter.com/TMJILYC6Or</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053296863246512128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the tragic accident.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and I pray that the injured recover quickly. Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1053302267884027904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and I pray that the injured recover quickly. Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required," the Prime Minister noted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I spoke to Home Secretary of Punjab and DGP of the state regarding the train accident in Amritsar. They are rushing to the spot. Centre is ready to provide all possible assistance to the state at this hour of grief.</p>
— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1053297916230676480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled the loss of people in the mishap.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Approximately more than 60 injured people including children have received medical treatment till now. Most people have suffered orthopedic injuries, abrasions, head trauma and eye injuries: Dr Sandeep, Emergency Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> <a href="https://t.co/VV6DGiJwwe">pic.twitter.com/VV6DGiJwwe</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053336786754252805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


More than 50 died in a tragic accident that took place over a railway crossing in Punjab's Amritsar on Friday. According to reports, people were burning Dussehra effigy near the railway track in Choura Bazar area in Amritsar when a train ran into the crowd.

More than 50 died in a tragic accident that took place over a railway crossing in Punjab's Amritsar on Friday. According to reports, people were burning Dussehra effigy near the railway track in Choura Bazar area in Amritsar when a train ran into the crowd. According to CPRO, Northern Railways, "Ravan effigy was being burnt 70-80 m from the gate, when the effigy fell, people present there ran towards the railway track, at the time a train was passing and level crossing there was shut. As per initial info 30-35 people injured." Ravan effigy was being burnt 70-80 m from the gate,when the effigy fell, people present there ran towards the railway track, at the time a train was passing&level crossing there was shut. As per initial info 30-35 ppl injured: CPRO, Northern Railways on #Amritsar train accident pic.twitter.com/s0sgR3dwEJ — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × "Operations Incharge at the accident site in Amritsar has told me that only one train was passing from the area. We have issued helpline numbers," the official added. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has ordered an inquiry into the train accident in #Amritsar which has claimed 50 lives and has left 30-35 people injured. — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × The train bound for Amritsar was coming from Pathankot. Punjab CM has set up a Crisis Management Group to monitor the relief and rehabilitation efforts. The Group is led by Health Min Brahm Mohindra, with Revenue Minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria&Technical Edu Min Charanjit S Channi as members.The team has rushed to the accident site — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × "There are more than 50 casualties. We are evacuating people, injured taken to the hospital", Punjab police told media. #Punjab CM has directed Home Secretary, Health Secretary and ADGP Law and Order to immediately rush to Amritsar. Revenue Minister Sukhbinder Sarkaria deputed to immediately reach Amritsar to oversee rescue operations. CM to visit Amritsar tomorrow to access the situation. — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × Punjab's Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has directed Home Secretary, Health Secretary and ADGP Law and Order to immediately rush to Amritsar. Revenue Minister Sukhbinder Sarkaria has been deputed to immediately reach Amritsar to oversee rescue operations. #WATCH Punjab CM Amarinder Singh says " today's incident has been absolutely tragic. I am going to Amritsar tomorrow. The state is on full alert." pic.twitter.com/RHLO2LxAoa — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × The Chief Minister will visit Amritsar tomorrow to access the situation, news agency ANI reported. #Punjab: At gate no. 27 b/w Amritsar & Manawala. As Dussehra celebration was taking place some incident had occurred& people started rushing towards closed gate number 27 while a DMU train number 74943 was passing the closed gate: CPRO Northern Railway; Visuals from accident site pic.twitter.com/TMJILYC6Or — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the tragic accident. Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and I pray that the injured recover quickly. Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2018 × "Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and I pray that the injured recover quickly. Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required," the Prime Minister noted. I spoke to Home Secretary of Punjab and DGP of the state regarding the train accident in Amritsar. They are rushing to the spot. Centre is ready to provide all possible assistance to the state at this hour of grief. — राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) October 19, 2018 × Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled the loss of people in the mishap. Approximately more than 60 injured people including children have received medical treatment till now. Most people have suffered orthopedic injuries, abrasions, head trauma and eye injuries: Dr Sandeep, Emergency Medical Officer, Civil Hospital, #Amritsar pic.twitter.com/VV6DGiJwwe — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 ×

Over 50 dead in railway crossing accident in Amritsar, Punjab CM orders probe

<p>Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday extended his sympathies with the farmers of the state over the prohibition on stubble burning but told them that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) laws must be followed.</p>

<p>Addressing a presser here, Singh said, "This is a law of National Green Tribunal. My sympathies are with the farmers, but law is law and the law must take its course. I have written twice to the Prime Minister, Agriculture Minister and the Food Processing Industries Minister to compensate farmers who do not burn stubble with an additional Rs 100 per quintal."</p>

<p>Singh further stated that if the Centre does not provide Rs 100 per quintal compensation to the farmers, it will be difficult to control stubble burning. Although many farmers have stopped burning stubble as they have resorted to converting it into bio-fuel, the practice still, to a limited extent, remains active in the state, the chief minister added.</p>

<p>As autumn sets in, bringing along with it the harvesting period for Kharif crops, the increasing cases of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana are worsening the air pollution crisis in New Delhi and the neighbouring National Capital Region.</p>

<p>This in turn has necessitated the NGT to implement strict norms on the burning of stubble.However, farmers in Punjab on Saturday claimed that industries and vehicles majorly contribute to air pollution and not stubble burning.&nbsp;</p>


Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday extended his sympathies with the farmers of the state over the prohibition on stubble burning but told them that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) laws must be followed.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday extended his sympathies with the farmers of the state over the prohibition on stubble burning but told them that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) laws must be followed. Addressing a presser here, Singh said, "This is a law of National Green Tribunal. My sympathies are with the farmers, but law is law and the law must take its course. I have written twice to the Prime Minister, Agriculture Minister and the Food Processing Industries Minister to compensate farmers who do not burn stubble with an additional Rs 100 per quintal." Singh further stated that if the Centre does not provide Rs 100 per quintal compensation to the farmers, it will be difficult to control stubble burning. Although many farmers have stopped burning stubble as they have resorted to converting it into bio-fuel, the practice still, to a limited extent, remains active in the state, the chief minister added. As autumn sets in, bringing along with it the harvesting period for Kharif crops, the increasing cases of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana are worsening the air pollution crisis in New Delhi and the neighbouring National Capital Region. This in turn has necessitated the NGT to implement strict norms on the burning of stubble.However, farmers in Punjab on Saturday claimed that industries and vehicles majorly contribute to air pollution and not stubble burning.

Punjab CM advises farmers to abide by NGT laws on stubble burning

<p>Pakistan interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk on Wednesday approved the names of new chief secretaries and inspector generals of police (IGP) in all four provinces.</p>

<p>As per a Dawn report, Mulk chaired a federal Cabinet meeting, which was attended by the members of Election Commission of Pakistan and members of provincial governments of the concerned constituencies to discuss the choices for the given posts.</p>

<p>Akbar Hussain Durrani was appointed as the chief secretary of Punjab. He was previously posted as Secretary of Federal Education and Professional Training Division and is due to retire in 2021.</p>

<p>Retired Major Azam Suleman Khan was appointed as chief secretary of Sindh. He was previously posted with Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) and will retire in 2021.</p>

<p>Former PAS officer Naveed Kamran Baloch was appointed as chief secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while Dr Akhtar Nazir is made the chief secretary of Balochistan.</p>

<p>Further, Dr Kaleem Imam was designated as Punjab's Inspector General of Police (IGP), while Amjad Javed Saleemi would take charge in Sindh. Muhammad Tahir and Mohsin Hassan Butt were appointed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan respectively.</p>


Akbar Hussain Durrani was appointed as the chief secretary of Punjab

Pakistan interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk on Wednesday approved the names of new chief secretaries and inspector generals of police (IGP) in all four provinces. As per a Dawn report, Mulk chaired a federal Cabinet meeting, which was attended by the members of Election Commission of Pakistan and members of provincial governments of the concerned constituencies to discuss the choices for the given posts. Akbar Hussain Durrani was appointed as the chief secretary of Punjab. He was previously posted as Secretary of Federal Education and Professional Training Division and is due to retire in 2021. Retired Major Azam Suleman Khan was appointed as chief secretary of Sindh. He was previously posted with Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) and will retire in 2021. Former PAS officer Naveed Kamran Baloch was appointed as chief secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while Dr Akhtar Nazir is made the chief secretary of Balochistan. Further, Dr Kaleem Imam was designated as Punjab's Inspector General of Police (IGP), while Amjad Javed Saleemi would take charge in Sindh. Muhammad Tahir and Mohsin Hassan Butt were appointed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan respectively.

Pakistan interim PM appoints chief secretaries, IGPs of 4 provinces

<p>Several flight&nbsp;operations were suspended following the dust storm in Chandigarh causing the low visibility news agency ANI reported on Thursday.</p>

<p>ANI further reported that Air India flight bound for Chandigarh flying from Mumbai was left stranded at Delhi airport due to the sandstorm.</p>

<p>The meteorological department, however, has said that that the situation would improve only by Friday afternoon.</p>

<p>"No flight landed or took off from Chandigarh (airport) until today afternoon due to bad weather," a Chandigarh International Airport Limited official was quoted as saying by PTI.</p>

<p>The weather department here said that a ground-level dust storm in Rajasthan, with the wind, speeds up to 40 kmph, had led to a spike in the levels of coarse particles in the air in most parts of Haryana and Punjab, including Chandigarh, since yesterday.</p>

<p>Director of Chandigarh's MeT Department Surinder Paul told PTI that a western disturbance approaching the region was likely to clear the air.</p>

<p>"A western disturbance is approaching the region and the dusty weather should dissipate by tomorrow afternoon," Paul said.</p>

<p>The northern part of India including Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab is witnessing dust storms from past two days.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, the mercury hit 46.2 degrees Celsius in Punjab. Heatwave also prevailed in most part of the state.</p>

<p>The Patiala recorded the hottest day with 46.2 temperature while in Ludhiana the temperature was recorded at 43.1.</p>

<p>According to reports, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in an upcoming week.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Flight operations suspended at Chandigarh Airport due to poor visibility following dust storm.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1007169110248120320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Air India Mumbai-Chandigarh flight stranded at Delhi airport due to sandstorm at Chandigarh.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1007161644164661248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The meteorological department, however, has said that that the situation would improve only by Friday afternoon

Several flight operations were suspended following the dust storm in Chandigarh causing the low visibility news agency ANI reported on Thursday. ANI further reported that Air India flight bound for Chandigarh flying from Mumbai was left stranded at Delhi airport due to the sandstorm. The meteorological department, however, has said that that the situation would improve only by Friday afternoon. "No flight landed or took off from Chandigarh (airport) until today afternoon due to bad weather," a Chandigarh International Airport Limited official was quoted as saying by PTI. The weather department here said that a ground-level dust storm in Rajasthan, with the wind, speeds up to 40 kmph, had led to a spike in the levels of coarse particles in the air in most parts of Haryana and Punjab, including Chandigarh, since yesterday. Director of Chandigarh's MeT Department Surinder Paul told PTI that a western disturbance approaching the region was likely to clear the air. "A western disturbance is approaching the region and the dusty weather should dissipate by tomorrow afternoon," Paul said. The northern part of India including Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab is witnessing dust storms from past two days. On Wednesday, the mercury hit 46.2 degrees Celsius in Punjab. Heatwave also prevailed in most part of the state. The Patiala recorded the hottest day with 46.2 temperature while in Ludhiana the temperature was recorded at 43.1. According to reports, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in an upcoming week. (With inputs from PTI) Flight operations suspended at Chandigarh Airport due to poor visibility following dust storm. — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 × Air India Mumbai-Chandigarh flight stranded at Delhi airport due to sandstorm at Chandigarh. — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 ×

Several flights were suspended in Chandigarh due to low visibillity

<p>In a boxing match, a player sometimes fends off the opponent, sometimes defends, and then, at the apt moment, he attacks.</p>

<p>As momentum gathers for the 2019 general election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seems to be playing the political game just as carefully, say leaders of his Aam Aadmi Party and political observers.</p>

<p>In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp</p>

<p>He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in&nbspagainst the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.</p>

<p>"When Kejriwal changed strategy in 2017, post Uttar Pradesh poll results, the charisma of Modi was intact. You don't attack a leader who is popular because that will backfire. But when he is becoming unpopular, change the strategy,&nbspa senior AAP leader told PTI.</p>

<p>The rising fuel prices that has resulted in anger among the people, the recent defeats in the bypolls and the opposition banding together against the BJP have prompted the change, he said.</p>

<p>On May 31, the day of the bypoll results in which the BJP won one parliamentary seat and one assembly seat of 14 constituencies, Kejriwal posted a carefully timed tweet in praise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the target of his anti-graft campaign during the 2013 Delhi Assembly polls and the Lok Sabha polls the following year.</p>

<p>Taking a swipe at Modi, Kejriwal said people were missing an "educated prime minister" like Manmohan Singh.</p>

<p>"It's dawning on people now that the PM should be educated," Kejriwal tweeted, posting a Wall Street Journal article on the falling rupee.</p>

<p>This was a clear dig at Modi, reminiscent of his past attacks on the prime minister and reiterating doubts on the authenticity of his educational qualifications.</p>

<p>After the bypoll results became known, Kejriwal said the results were a reflection of people's anger against the prime minister.</p>

<p>The BJP had earlier lost Karnataka and the Gorakhpur and Phulpur parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>On May 31 itself, Kejriwal tweeted a video about people in Varanasi criticising the prime minister. He sought to link the CBI raid on state Health Minister Satyendar Jain's residence to steps the Delhi government is planning to take to reduce the charges by hospitals.</p>

<p>On the raid that took on place on May 30, he tweeted, "What does PM Modi want?"</p>

<p>A few days before that, on May 26, responding to a tweet on the performance of Delhi government schools, Kerjiwal said, "This is despite the obstacles created by the LG, the BJP and the PM. Congratulations to all students, principals and teachers."</p>

<p>On May 22, he attacked the prime minister's insurance scheme on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). "PM's crop insurance scheme is a complete fraud on the farmers. Its sole objective is to benefit some insurance companies,"&nbspthe AAP chief said.</p>

<p>"Attacking a leader when he is popular will backfire. When the opposition is uniting against Modi, the bypoll results suggest that anti-incumbency is setting in, he is jumping on the bandwagon and mounting an attack,"&nbspsaid political analyst Sanjay Kumar.</p>

<p>AAP's Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said Kejriwal was a human being and was bound to hit back.</p>

<p>"How long will you push him against the wall? After all he is a human being, he is bound to hit back. They have not allowed the Delhi government to function,"&nbsphe said.</p>

<p>"We also tried to use the strategy of minimising our attacks and instead focus on work, but the incidents over past one year reflect that the strategy has not worked,"&nbspBharadwaj added.&nbsp</p>

<p>He was referring to the recent raids on Jain's residence by the CBI, the interrogation of the chief minister and his deputy Manish Sisodia in the case of an alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs, the removal of Delhi government advisors, including Atishi Marlena, and the arrest of Kejriwal's kin in an alleged irregularity in the PWD related work.&nbsp</p>


Kejriwal kept mum in 2017 after AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the the BJP's sweep of Uttar Pradesh. But now, with Modi on the backfoot, the Delhi Chief Minister has renewed his attacks with the same level of acerbity as earlier

In a boxing match, a player sometimes fends off the opponent, sometimes defends, and then, at the apt moment, he attacks. As momentum gathers for the 2019 general election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seems to be playing the political game just as carefully, say leaders of his Aam Aadmi Party and political observers. In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in&nbspagainst the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. "When Kejriwal changed strategy in 2017, post Uttar Pradesh poll results, the charisma of Modi was intact. You don't attack a leader who is popular because that will backfire. But when he is becoming unpopular, change the strategy,&nbspa senior AAP leader told PTI. The rising fuel prices that has resulted in anger among the people, the recent defeats in the bypolls and the opposition banding together against the BJP have prompted the change, he said. On May 31, the day of the bypoll results in which the BJP won one parliamentary seat and one assembly seat of 14 constituencies, Kejriwal posted a carefully timed tweet in praise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the target of his anti-graft campaign during the 2013 Delhi Assembly polls and the Lok Sabha polls the following year. Taking a swipe at Modi, Kejriwal said people were missing an "educated prime minister" like Manmohan Singh. "It's dawning on people now that the PM should be educated," Kejriwal tweeted, posting a Wall Street Journal article on the falling rupee. This was a clear dig at Modi, reminiscent of his past attacks on the prime minister and reiterating doubts on the authenticity of his educational qualifications. After the bypoll results became known, Kejriwal said the results were a reflection of people's anger against the prime minister. The BJP had earlier lost Karnataka and the Gorakhpur and Phulpur parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. On May 31 itself, Kejriwal tweeted a video about people in Varanasi criticising the prime minister. He sought to link the CBI raid on state Health Minister Satyendar Jain's residence to steps the Delhi government is planning to take to reduce the charges by hospitals. On the raid that took on place on May 30, he tweeted, "What does PM Modi want?" A few days before that, on May 26, responding to a tweet on the performance of Delhi government schools, Kerjiwal said, "This is despite the obstacles created by the LG, the BJP and the PM. Congratulations to all students, principals and teachers." On May 22, he attacked the prime minister's insurance scheme on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). "PM's crop insurance scheme is a complete fraud on the farmers. Its sole objective is to benefit some insurance companies,"&nbspthe AAP chief said. "Attacking a leader when he is popular will backfire. When the opposition is uniting against Modi, the bypoll results suggest that anti-incumbency is setting in, he is jumping on the bandwagon and mounting an attack,"&nbspsaid political analyst Sanjay Kumar. AAP's Delhi unit spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said Kejriwal was a human being and was bound to hit back. "How long will you push him against the wall? After all he is a human being, he is bound to hit back. They have not allowed the Delhi government to function,"&nbsphe said. "We also tried to use the strategy of minimising our attacks and instead focus on work, but the incidents over past one year reflect that the strategy has not worked,"&nbspBharadwaj added. He was referring to the recent raids on Jain's residence by the CBI, the interrogation of the chief minister and his deputy Manish Sisodia in the case of an alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs, the removal of Delhi government advisors, including Atishi Marlena, and the arrest of Kejriwal's kin in an alleged irregularity in the PWD related work.

After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi 

<p>A day after farmers in the country went on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">strike</a>, the prices of fruits and vegetables have reportedly shot up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI reported vendors at Delhi's Okhla mandi as saying prices had risen.</p>

<p>PTI added that the arrival of vegetables at various market committees and the collection of milk in Maharashtra's Nashik district had also been affected.</p>

<p>"All milk dairies in the (Nashik) district are closed and collection centres for milk has been affected. Agitating farmers poured milk on the roads at Visapur in Yeola taluka in the morning today. Arrival of vegetables at APMC is also low," PTI quoted Raju Desale, working president of the All India Kisan Sabha, as saying.</p>

<p>The farmers began their 10-day strike — called Gaon Bandh — on Friday, saying they would not transport their produce to the cities. The farmers have also threatened a Bharat Bandh on the last day of their strike, June 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The farmers are demanding a waiver of their loans, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report, and a minimum income guarantee scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Farmers were seen in Punjab and Maharashtra dumping fruit, vegetables, and milk on the streets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI reported that farmer organisations have called for a boycott of mandis&nbsp;in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mahrashtra, but that Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh convenor Shivkumar Sharma claimed in Bhopal that the farmer strike is being observed across 22 states.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: Vendors at Okhla vegetable market say prices have shot up due to country-wide farmers' protest. <a href="https://t.co/beS3IxBN9L">pic.twitter.com/beS3IxBN9L</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002759175087067136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, despite photographic evidence to the contrary, a number of politicians on Saturday continued to say there was no farmer strike taking place in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Madhya Pradesh: Farmers in Mandsaur on 10-day 'Kisan Avkash' strike prepared 'Kheer' and distributed it among villagers. The farmers during the ten-day strike are not supplying vegetables, fruits, grains and milk to cities. (01.06.2018) <a href="https://t.co/c9aCnb4zKf">pic.twitter.com/c9aCnb4zKf</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002833759014551553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Its 2nd June today,where is the strike happening? No farmers are participating in the strike. Farmers are happy with the schemes CM has launched for them.They have faith that state¢ral govt will solve their problems: Balkrishna Patidar, Madhya Pradesh minister for Agriculture <a href="https://t.co/EKmKVowGAJ">pic.twitter.com/EKmKVowGAJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002783290024067073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar speaks on farmers' strike, says, 'they don't have any issues, they are just focusing on unnecessary things, not selling produce will bring losses to farmers.' (01.06.2018) <a href="https://t.co/CFY7dzgj2g">pic.twitter.com/CFY7dzgj2g</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002773802013503488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Wholesalers at Delhi's Okhla mandi said prices had risen. PTI reported that the arrival of vegetables at various market committees and the collection of milk in Maharashtra's Nashik district had also been affected

A day after farmers in the country went on strike, the prices of fruits and vegetables have reportedly shot up. ANI reported vendors at Delhi's Okhla mandi as saying prices had risen. PTI added that the arrival of vegetables at various market committees and the collection of milk in Maharashtra's Nashik district had also been affected. "All milk dairies in the (Nashik) district are closed and collection centres for milk has been affected. Agitating farmers poured milk on the roads at Visapur in Yeola taluka in the morning today. Arrival of vegetables at APMC is also low," PTI quoted Raju Desale, working president of the All India Kisan Sabha, as saying. The farmers began their 10-day strike — called Gaon Bandh — on Friday, saying they would not transport their produce to the cities. The farmers have also threatened a Bharat Bandh on the last day of their strike, June 10. The farmers are demanding a waiver of their loans, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report, and a minimum income guarantee scheme. Farmers were seen in Punjab and Maharashtra dumping fruit, vegetables, and milk on the streets. PTI reported that farmer organisations have called for a boycott of mandis in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mahrashtra, but that Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh convenor Shivkumar Sharma claimed in Bhopal that the farmer strike is being observed across 22 states. #Delhi: Vendors at Okhla vegetable market say prices have shot up due to country-wide farmers' protest. pic.twitter.com/beS3IxBN9L — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 × Meanwhile, despite photographic evidence to the contrary, a number of politicians on Saturday continued to say there was no farmer strike taking place in the country. Madhya Pradesh: Farmers in Mandsaur on 10-day 'Kisan Avkash' strike prepared 'Kheer' and distributed it among villagers. The farmers during the ten-day strike are not supplying vegetables, fruits, grains and milk to cities. (01.06.2018) pic.twitter.com/c9aCnb4zKf — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 × Its 2nd June today,where is the strike happening? No farmers are participating in the strike. Farmers are happy with the schemes CM has launched for them.They have faith that state¢ral govt will solve their problems: Balkrishna Patidar, Madhya Pradesh minister for Agriculture pic.twitter.com/EKmKVowGAJ — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 × #WATCH: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar speaks on farmers' strike, says, 'they don't have any issues, they are just focusing on unnecessary things, not selling produce will bring losses to farmers.' (01.06.2018) pic.twitter.com/CFY7dzgj2g — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 ×

Day after country's farmers go on strike, fruit & vegetable prices shoot up

<p>Dealing a body blow to the ruling BJP, opposition parties on Thursday emerged victorious in 9 out of 10 Assembly seats even as the BJP asserted that the PM -- which it described as 'P' for performance and&nbsp; 'M' for Mehnat (hard work) -- would decide the Lok Sabha polls next year.</p>

<p>Figures for the 10 assembly bypolls came as a big setback for the ruling party which could win just one (in Uttarakhand). The Congress bagged three (in Meghalaya, Karnataka and Punjab) and others got six -- JMM two in Jharkhand CPI (M), SP, RJD and Trinamool one each in Kerala, UP, Bihar and West Bengal, respectively.</p>

<p>The Congress also won one assembly seat in Maharashtra without contest after all other parties withdrew their candidates.</p>

<p>The party, which retained RR Nagar assembly in Karnataka and another in Meghalaya, termed the bypoll results as the people's mandate against four years of the Modi rule and the beginning of the end of the BJP empire.</p>

<p>"The writing on the wall is clear. The BJP's exit and success of the Congress and its allies are guaranteed," Congress leader Pramod Tiwari told reporters.</p>

<p>The BJP and its allies failed to retain Noorpur in UP and Shahkot in Punjab, while Congress, CPI (M), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Trinamool retained their respective seats.</p>

<p>The BJP retained Tharali in Uttarakhand, but lost Noorpur in UP. SP's Naeemul Hasan trounced BJP's Avni Singh in Noorpur.</p>

<p>In Bihar, RJD won minority-dominated Jokihat by defeating BJP ally JD(U) by a huge margin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A buoyed Tejashwi Yadav of RJD said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who dumped the RJD and Congress last year to join hands with the BJP to form a new coalition government in the state, should resign if he has some conscience left.</p>

<p>Congress president Rahul Gandhi congratulating all the winners said valuable lessions to be learnt from the victories and defeats for all the parties.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to all the winners in the by polls, across India. Valuable lessons to be learnt from the victories & defeats for all parties. I want to thank all the workers & leaders of the Congress party for their hard work & dedication in these elections. God bless you all.</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1002206574918688768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said one has to take two steps backward before a big leap and the BJP is "going to take a massive leap."</p>

<p>BJP's Subramanian Swamy, however, had a word of caution for the party and said the "this huge setback in by polls is due to Hubris".</p>

<p>"But the trend is easily reversible if party stops rewarding sycophancy and has more participatory decision-making ethos amongst those leaders whom the public find credible. BJP has the infrastructure to bounce back but needs a new ethos," he said.</p>

<p>AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the results reflect the anger against the Modi government.</p>

<p>Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav called the results "a defeat of divisive politics" and congratulated all opposition parties for the results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RLD's Jayant Chaudhary said the opposition unity will continue and the results showed that "Jinnah hara, Ganna jeeta" -- referring to the recent controversy over the Pakistan founder's portrait and the problems being faced by sugarcane farmers.</p>

<p>CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechuri said BJP's loss at its "laboratory of communal and hate politics", Kairana, clearly showed that people did not accept the ruling party's politics but warned that the loss could push the RSS-BJP to spread communal tensions to consolidate the "Hindutva vote bank".</p>

<p>In Punjab, Congress' Hardev Singh Ladi wrested Shahkot from the Shiromani Akali Dal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trinamool's Dulal Das won Maheshtala bypoll in West Bengal, defeating BJP's Sujit Kumar Ghosh. The Left came third.</p>

<p>In Kerala, Left's Saji Cheriyan won Chengannur bypoll. The Congress came second and the BJP third.</p>

<p>JMM retained Silli and Gomia seats in Jharkhand. In Gomia, JMM's Babita Devi defeated AJSU nominee Lambodar Mahto, while BJP came third. In Silli, JMM's Seema Mahto defeated AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With PTI inputs)</em></p>


The Congress also won one assembly seat in Maharashtra without contest after all other parties withdrew their candidates.

Dealing a body blow to the ruling BJP, opposition parties on Thursday emerged victorious in 9 out of 10 Assembly seats even as the BJP asserted that the PM -- which it described as 'P' for performance and 'M' for Mehnat (hard work) -- would decide the Lok Sabha polls next year. Figures for the 10 assembly bypolls came as a big setback for the ruling party which could win just one (in Uttarakhand). The Congress bagged three (in Meghalaya, Karnataka and Punjab) and others got six -- JMM two in Jharkhand CPI (M), SP, RJD and Trinamool one each in Kerala, UP, Bihar and West Bengal, respectively. The Congress also won one assembly seat in Maharashtra without contest after all other parties withdrew their candidates. The party, which retained RR Nagar assembly in Karnataka and another in Meghalaya, termed the bypoll results as the people's mandate against four years of the Modi rule and the beginning of the end of the BJP empire. "The writing on the wall is clear. The BJP's exit and success of the Congress and its allies are guaranteed," Congress leader Pramod Tiwari told reporters. The BJP and its allies failed to retain Noorpur in UP and Shahkot in Punjab, while Congress, CPI (M), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Trinamool retained their respective seats. The BJP retained Tharali in Uttarakhand, but lost Noorpur in UP. SP's Naeemul Hasan trounced BJP's Avni Singh in Noorpur. In Bihar, RJD won minority-dominated Jokihat by defeating BJP ally JD(U) by a huge margin. A buoyed Tejashwi Yadav of RJD said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who dumped the RJD and Congress last year to join hands with the BJP to form a new coalition government in the state, should resign if he has some conscience left. Congress president Rahul Gandhi congratulating all the winners said valuable lessions to be learnt from the victories and defeats for all the parties. Congratulations to all the winners in the by polls, across India. Valuable lessons to be learnt from the victories & defeats for all parties. I want to thank all the workers & leaders of the Congress party for their hard work & dedication in these elections. God bless you all. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 31, 2018 × Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said one has to take two steps backward before a big leap and the BJP is "going to take a massive leap." BJP's Subramanian Swamy, however, had a word of caution for the party and said the "this huge setback in by polls is due to Hubris". "But the trend is easily reversible if party stops rewarding sycophancy and has more participatory decision-making ethos amongst those leaders whom the public find credible. BJP has the infrastructure to bounce back but needs a new ethos," he said. AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the results reflect the anger against the Modi government. Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav called the results "a defeat of divisive politics" and congratulated all opposition parties for the results. RLD's Jayant Chaudhary said the opposition unity will continue and the results showed that "Jinnah hara, Ganna jeeta" -- referring to the recent controversy over the Pakistan founder's portrait and the problems being faced by sugarcane farmers. CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechuri said BJP's loss at its "laboratory of communal and hate politics", Kairana, clearly showed that people did not accept the ruling party's politics but warned that the loss could push the RSS-BJP to spread communal tensions to consolidate the "Hindutva vote bank". In Punjab, Congress' Hardev Singh Ladi wrested Shahkot from the Shiromani Akali Dal. Trinamool's Dulal Das won Maheshtala bypoll in West Bengal, defeating BJP's Sujit Kumar Ghosh. The Left came third. In Kerala, Left's Saji Cheriyan won Chengannur bypoll. The Congress came second and the BJP third. JMM retained Silli and Gomia seats in Jharkhand. In Gomia, JMM's Babita Devi defeated AJSU nominee Lambodar Mahto, while BJP came third. In Silli, JMM's Seema Mahto defeated AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto. (With PTI inputs)

Assembly bypoll results: Opposition scoops 9 leaving one seat to BJP

<p>Heat wave condition is likely to prevail in Gujarat for the next couple of days as there are no chances of rain, according to the India Meteorological&nbsp;Department (IMD).</p>

<p>"We have given heatwave alert for Gujarat for today. Many places have seen the temperature above 44 degree Celsius in Gujarat," IMD Gujarat Director Jayant Sarkar said.</p>

<p>"Tomorrow and day after tomorrow temperature will decrease because the wind pattern will change from northwesterly to southwesterly, but after that maximum temperature will again rise. We have today given orange alert for Ahmedabad," Sarkar added.</p>

<p>The temperature in Surendra Nagar was the highest on Thursday, recording a maximum of 45.7 degree Celsius. Deesa was at 45.2 while Ahmedabad, Idar and Kandla airport registered maximum temperatures of 44 degree Celsius, the&nbsp;IMD&nbsp;stated.</p>

<p>Besides Gujarat, the&nbsp;IMD&nbsp;had also stated that heat wave condition will prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan too until Monday.</p>

<p>The central and northern India continues to remain under the grip of a heat wave.</p>


The central and northern India continues to remain under the grip of heatwave

Heat wave condition is likely to prevail in Gujarat for the next couple of days as there are no chances of rain, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). "We have given heatwave alert for Gujarat for today. Many places have seen the temperature above 44 degree Celsius in Gujarat," IMD Gujarat Director Jayant Sarkar said. "Tomorrow and day after tomorrow temperature will decrease because the wind pattern will change from northwesterly to southwesterly, but after that maximum temperature will again rise. We have today given orange alert for Ahmedabad," Sarkar added. The temperature in Surendra Nagar was the highest on Thursday, recording a maximum of 45.7 degree Celsius. Deesa was at 45.2 while Ahmedabad, Idar and Kandla airport registered maximum temperatures of 44 degree Celsius, the IMD stated. Besides Gujarat, the IMD had also stated that heat wave condition will prevail in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan too until Monday. The central and northern India continues to remain under the grip of a heat wave.

Heatwave condition to prevail in Gujarat

<p>Water in Ludhiana's Buddha Nulla, also known as Buddha Nala, has turned black due to industrial and chemical waste drained into the stream.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several deaths have been reported in surrounding villages in the past four years. Cases of deaths reported were triggered due to hepatitis among other diseases.</p>

<p>Buddha Nulla is a seasonal water stream that drains into Sutlej river after passing through Ludhiana, Punjab. It runs through the Malwa region of Punjab.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Visuals from Buddha Nullah in Ludhiana, where the water has turned black due to industrial & chemical waste that has been drained into the nullah. Several deaths have been reported due to hepatitis & other diseases in surrounding villages in the past four years. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> <a href="https://t.co/TQ8Fo07ENy">pic.twitter.com/TQ8Fo07ENy</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/999521198881976321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Over the years, the stream has turned into an open drain with most of the industrial and chemical waste from Ludhiana district dumped into it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Water from Buddha Nullah enters various canals and affects the population of the nearby areas that use it for irrigation purposes.</p>

<p>Despite scores of efforts, the stream has continued to get filthier over the years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ludhiana district administration imposed article 144 around the nullah in the year 2009. People were banned from littering and polluting the nullah. The same year, Punjab government allotted Rs 500 million for cleaning the nullah. Illegal encroachments around the stream were removed in August 2009.</p>

<p>An In Situ Bio-Remediation Project was launched to clean the nullah in April 2011.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


An 'In Situ Bio-Remediation Project' was launched to clean the nullah in April 2011

Water in Ludhiana's Buddha Nulla, also known as Buddha Nala, has turned black due to industrial and chemical waste drained into the stream. Several deaths have been reported in surrounding villages in the past four years. Cases of deaths reported were triggered due to hepatitis among other diseases. Buddha Nulla is a seasonal water stream that drains into Sutlej river after passing through Ludhiana, Punjab. It runs through the Malwa region of Punjab. Visuals from Buddha Nullah in Ludhiana, where the water has turned black due to industrial & chemical waste that has been drained into the nullah. Several deaths have been reported due to hepatitis & other diseases in surrounding villages in the past four years. #Punjab pic.twitter.com/TQ8Fo07ENy — ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2018 × Over the years, the stream has turned into an open drain with most of the industrial and chemical waste from Ludhiana district dumped into it. Water from Buddha Nullah enters various canals and affects the population of the nearby areas that use it for irrigation purposes. Despite scores of efforts, the stream has continued to get filthier over the years. Ludhiana district administration imposed article 144 around the nullah in the year 2009. People were banned from littering and polluting the nullah. The same year, Punjab government allotted Rs 500 million for cleaning the nullah. Illegal encroachments around the stream were removed in August 2009. An In Situ Bio-Remediation Project was launched to clean the nullah in April 2011.

Punjab: Water in Buddha Nulla stream turns black due to pollution

punjab

Punjab, News on Punjab, stories on Punjab, articles on Punjab, Punjab stories at Wion, Punjab news, Punjab latest news