Authorities in Amritsar ordered an immediate shutdown of several private schools after administrators reported receiving an email threatening bomb attacks on campus. The message, sent to multiple institutions early Tuesday, triggered evacuations and a large-scale police deployment. Local officials said at least 15 well-known private schools were identified in the threat. Police teams, including the bomb squad and fire services, secured school grounds while investigators worked to verify the credibility of the email. The Deputy Commissioner directed schools to release students for the day as a

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann says his government is focused on attracting international investment even as political tensions in the state intensify following recent remarks from Navjot Kaur Sidhu. Speaking to reporters, Mann said his administration is working to bring global companies to Punjab to expand opportunities in technology, health care, agriculture, and research. He contrasted that with what he described as the opposition Congress party’s focus on internal disputes and claims about the value of political positions. The Chief Minister returned this week from a visit to Japan

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar is calling for a time bound inquiry into allegations of corruption in the state, urging Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to order an investigation under the supervision of the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Jakhar said an independent process is needed to examine all leaders, including himself, so the public can see a full accounting of the claims. He questioned the Chief Minister’s recent remarks suggesting he has files related to wrongdoing, asking why those documents have not been opened or shared with an impartial authority. Jakhar said b

The Punjab unit of the Indian National Congress has suspended former MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu from its primary membership following public controversy over comments she made this week about political leadership and alleged financial dealings. Party president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring announced the disciplinary action through a social media post, saying the remarks violated organisational discipline. Sidhu’s statement, in which she alleged that only those who offer substantial financial backing could become chief minister, triggered strong criticism from political opponents and renewed tensio

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has announced that he intends to run from the Gidderbaha constituency in the 2027 Punjab assembly election, shifting from his long-standing seat in Jalalabad. His decision comes as major political parties in Punjab begin early preparations for the next provincial vote. Badal said the move followed repeated requests from residents of Gidderbaha, a constituency he previously represented before moving to Jalalabad more than a decade ago. The riding has been the focus of speculation since former SAD leader Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon joined the Aam

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a two-day official visit that New Delhi says will centre on trade, defence co-operation and broader geopolitical issues. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received Putin at Palam Air Force Station and accompanied him to the prime minister’s residence, a gesture Indian officials described as a sign of the long-standing bilateral relationship. The visit comes ahead of the 23rd India–Russia annual summit scheduled for Friday, where both sides are expected to review defence procurement, energy collaboration and efforts to s

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed a bail application filed by senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former state minister Bikram Singh Majithia in a case alleging assets disproportionate to his known income. The ruling upholds an earlier decision by a Mohali court, which had also declined to grant him relief. Majithia has been in judicial custody since June 25, when the Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested him in connection with an alleged money laundering matter linked to proceeds from drug trafficking. He is currently lodged at the New Nabha Jail in Patiala. The allegations form pa

A Bathinda court has postponed the scheduled appearance of actor and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kangana Ranaut, who was expected to attend proceedings on Thursday in a defamation case linked to comments made during the 2020–21 farmers’ protest. The court has now directed her to appear on December 15. Her legal counsel informed the court that Ranaut is currently occupied with the ongoing Lok Sabha session and is unable to attend in person. The court accepted the submission and granted an extension. Complainant Mahinder Kaur, along with a witness, appeared before the court on Thursday. Kaur f

Punjab representatives in the Lok Sabha have renewed demands for a dedicated federal relief package to support farmers whose crops were damaged during this year’s monsoon flooding. The call was raised by Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Aam Aadmi Party MP Malvinder Singh Kang, who urged the Union government to release recovery funds without further delay. Kang told the House that intense rainfall in August and September left extensive losses across six districts, affecting more than 2,500 villages. He said the state has yet to receive any portion of the assistance that was expected foll