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virsa-singh-valtoha-makes-self-exit-from-shiromani-akali-dal-amid-controversy
IndiaOct 15, 2024

Akal Takht orders expulsion of SAD leader Virsa Singh Valtoha; leader resigns ahead of formal action

In a major development within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), senior leader and spokesperson Virsa Singh Valtoha has resigned from the party shortly after the Akal Takht Sahib issued directives for his 10-year expulsion over allegations of misconduct and disrespect toward Sikh leadership. According to the order issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, Valtoha was to be removed from the primary membership and all organizational posts of the Shiromani Akali Dal within 24 hours. The directive cited “serious violations of Sikh principles” and remarks that allegedly disrespec
eci-announces-by-elections-for-4-assembly-seats-in-punjab
IndiaOct 15, 2024

By-elections for four Punjab Assembly seats to be held on November 13

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for by-elections to four Vidhan Sabha constituencies in Punjab, setting the polling date for November 13 and counting of votes for November 23. According to details shared during the ECI’s press conference in New Delhi, the Barnala, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, and Gidderbaha assembly seats will go to the polls next month. Of the four seats, three were previously held by the Congress and one by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The vacancies were created after the sitting MLAs were elected to Parliament during the 2024 Lok Sabha elect
panchayat-elections-ended-in-punjab-clashes-and-firing-in-many-places
IndiaOct 15, 2024

Panchayat elections ended in Punjab, clashes and firing in many places

The panchayat elections in Punjab concluded today, but polling was marred by clashes and firing incidents at several locations across the state. At Khuda village near Sanour in Patiala district, one person was reported injured after shots were fired during a dispute near a polling booth. In multiple districts, there were allegations of booth capture and intimidation by supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), prompting police intervention in some areas to maintain order. This year’s elections were held under the backdrop of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s appeal to hold non-partisan and una
the-real-farmer-is-trapped-in-the-markets-ravneet-bittu
IndiaOct 11, 2024

Real farmers are suffering in mandis, says Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has said that the real farmer of Punjab is trapped in the mandis (grain markets) due to ongoing procurement delays and political interference. Speaking to reporters, Bittu said that while politics is being played over Minimum Support Price (MSP) and procurement issues, it is the ordinary farmer who faces losses and hardships. He accused the Punjab government of mismanagement, saying farmers are forced to wait for days to sell their paddy as the state administration fails to coordinate effectively with procurement agencies. “Instead of blaming others, the Pu
mayawatis-big-announcement-bsp-will-never-form-an-alliance-with-any-party
IndiaOct 11, 2024

BSP ends alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal; Mayawati announces party to contest elections independently

In a major political shift, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President Kumari Mayawati has announced that her party will no longer contest elections in alliance with any regional party, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਅਕਾਲੀ ਦਲ) in Punjab. Addressing a party meeting after the recent Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir election results, Mayawati said the decision was taken following an internal review which found that BSP’s vote share was being transferred to its alliance partners, leaving party workers demoralized. She stated that from now on, the BSP w
punjab-farmers-to-block-roads-on-october-13
IndiaOct 11, 2024

Punjab Farmers to Block Roads on October 13

The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has come under sharp criticism from farmers after the delayed start of paddy procurement across the state. In protest, the United Kisan Morcha has announced a statewide three-hour road blockade on Sunday. Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said the Punjab government had earlier assured that paddy procurement would begin without delay, but “no significant progress has been seen on the ground.” He said the road blockade is intended as a warning to the government to fulfill its commitment. Rajewal further stated that several farmers who cultivated PR-12
sukhbir-badal-is-also-active-in-panchayat-elections-in-punjab
IndiaOct 10, 2024

Sukhbir Badal is also active in Panchayat elections in Punjab

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of widespread intimidation during the ongoing panchayat elections, warning that the ruling party will “pay a heavy price” in the upcoming Giddarbaha by-election. Speaking to reporters, Badal said that in his four decades of political life, he had never witnessed such levels of bullying and pressure tactics against opposition candidates. He alleged that the state government was misusing administrative power to suppress democratic participation in rural areas. Meanwhile, controv
cm-maan-expressed-grief-over-the-death-of-industrialist-ratan-tata
IndiaOct 10, 2024

CM Maan expressed grief over the death of industrialist Ratan Tata

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, describing him as a visionary leader whose legacy transformed India’s industrial landscape. In a condolence message shared on social media platform X, Mann said Ratan Tata’s “hard work, commitment, dedicated spirit and simplicity will continue to inspire young generations to achieve excellence in their chosen fields.” The Chief Minister said Tata’s death marks the end of an era in Indian industry and that his absence has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
singer-and-actor-diljit-dosanjh-paid-tribute-to-ratan-tata
IndiaOct 10, 2024

Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh paid tribute to Ratan Tata

Punjabi singer and global performer Diljit Dosanjh stopped his live concert in Germany to pay tribute to industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away in Mumbai earlier this week at the age of 86. Addressing the crowd, Dosanjh said Ratan Tata was a man of humility and integrity. “From everything I read about him, he never spoke ill of anyone. If we can learn anything from Ratan Tata ji, it is to work hard, think well, and be useful to someone,” the singer told the audience. Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons and one of India’s most respected business leaders, died Wednesday night a

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canada-issues-travel-advisory-for-saudi-arabia-after-drone-and-missile-attacks
CanadaOct 15, 2026

Canada Issues Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia After Drone and Missile Attacks

The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory following drone and missile attacks by Houthi rebels targeting airports in Riyadh and Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Global Affairs Canada has advised Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. Canadians currently in the country have also been urged to consider arranging travel through neighbouring countries such as Bahrain and Qatar. The government warned that the attacks could affect international flights and that the security situation could deteriorate at any time. Canadians in Saudi Arabia have been advised to monitor local news re
driving-at-120-km-h-in-an-80-zone-corvette-impounded-for-30-days
BCOct 15, 2026

Driving at 120 km/h in an 80 Zone, Corvette Impounded for 30 Days

A 55-year-old driver in Coldstream, near British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, is facing at least $2,400 in fines and impound-related fees after allegedly speeding while impaired. According to police, at around 8:30 a.m. on September 26, a red Corvette passed a B.C. Highway Patrol officer at 120 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on Highway 6. Sergeant Michael McLaughlin said other motorists were pulling over after seeing the police vehicle’s emergency lights, but the Corvette driver continued driving. The vehicle eventually stopped near a small shopping mall and was impounded for 30 days. The driver i
lethbridge-man-arrested-on-human-trafficking-charges
BCOct 15, 2026

Lethbridge Man Arrested on Human Trafficking Charges

Lethbridge police have arrested a 42-year-old man on multiple charges related to human trafficking. Police said the investigation began on September 29 after they received suspicious information about possible human trafficking. Investigators determined that a woman was being trafficked in Lethbridge, with evidence suggesting she had also been exploited in other parts of Canada since 2018. Cody James Barnes was arrested without incident on October 1. At the time of his arrest, he was allegedly violating court-imposed release conditions related to a previous human trafficking case. Barnes faces
pm-modi-expected-to-visit-canada-on-december-11-12-carney-confirms
CanadaOct 15, 2026

PM Modi Expected to Visit Canada on December 11–12, Carney Confirms

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada from December 11 to 12. Carney made the announcement Thursday morning while speaking with members of the public at a restaurant in Calgary, where he was meeting Alberta residents ahead of Monday’s referendum. Carney said he had recently spoken with Modi over the phone. The planned two-day visit is expected to focus mainly on Toronto and Ottawa, although the Canadian government will try to extend the itinerary to other cities. The visit is also expected to be significant for
mark-carney-to-attend-calgary-rally-in-support-of-alberta-staying-in-canada
AlbertaOct 15, 2026

Mark Carney to Attend Calgary Rally in Support of Alberta Staying in Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend a rally in Calgary tonight aimed at encouraging Albertans to vote in favour of remaining part of Canada. The referendum, organized by Premier Danielle Smith, is scheduled for Monday. Carney will join the Forever Canadian group, led by former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, to address pro-unity rallies in Calgary and Edmonton. Meanwhile, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre and Premier Danielle Smith are also scheduled to address a conference in Calgary on Friday.