QUICKREADS

32-year-old killed in chemical factory blast, another critical

A chemical factory blast in Palghar killed a 32-year-old worker and critically injured another. The incident occurred during chemical manufacturing when a metal-acid reaction caused an explosion, prompting an investigation by safety officials.

Chandigarh: Parents protest ₹20 lakh deposit, urge one-year fee cap for Group Home

Parents of individuals with mental illness and intellectual disabilities are advocating for a one-year security deposit for admission to a Group Home, contrasting with the administration's two-year requirement. A decision will be made at an upcoming governing body meeting. A public interest litigation has also prompted a reassessment of the deposit, which could significantly decrease from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 2-4 lakh.

Chandigarh roads need urgent repair: Councillors

The municipal corporation approved a Rs 170.92 lakh project for re-carpeting roads and parking in Transport Area, Sector 26. Heated discussions highlighted the city's deteriorating road conditions, with councillors urging urgent repairs. AAP councillor Jaswinder Kaur expressed frustration over unaddressed issues in her ward, while officials promised that all roads would soon be included in repair plans.

PU withdraws ‘anti-protest’ affidavit after week-long students’ agitation

Panjab University withdrew its controversial “anti-protest” affidavit following student protests, including a hunger strike by PUCSC general secretary Abhishek Dagar. The affidavit restricted students' rights to protest and faced backlash from various student groups and political leaders. While the affidavit's withdrawal is seen as a victory, students plan to continue their agitation against proposed senate reforms.

Accident or murder? 8 yrs on, Mohali court issues summons to 6 in woman’s death case

A Mohali court has summoned six individuals, including a teacher, for the alleged pre-meditated murder of Surinder Kaur in 2017, initially deemed a hit-and-run. Evidence presented by her son, including CCTV footage and witness statements, suggests a conspiracy linked to the teacher's alleged affair with the cab driver involved in the incident. The accused face trial under murder and conspiracy charges.

Chandigarh Master Plan against flyover construction: Petitioner to HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court heard petitions opposing flyovers in Chandigarh, citing the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031's vision for a pedestrian-friendly city. Petitioners argue the administration ignored alternative solutions and fresh traffic studies. The court questioned the project's alignment with the master plan, while the UT administration defended it as necessary for decongesting Dakshin Marg.

Panjab University slips to 276 in QS Asia Rankings, 7 places lower than last year

Panjab University has dropped to 276th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, scoring 42.6. Private universities in Punjab, like Chandigarh University (109th) and Shoolini University (159th), outperformed PU, attributed to higher weightage on academic reputation. The rankings assess 1,526 universities based on research, global engagement, and learning experience parameters.

Man dies after setting himself on fire inside police post in Faridabad: Cops

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Faridabad for attempting to kill his former girlfriend and disrupt her wedding. After being detained, he set himself on fire inside a police post and later died from his injuries. Authorities revealed he had concealed petrol in his backpack, misrepresenting it as water. A judicial inquiry into the incident is underway.

Haryana: DU girl found dead in Rewari hotel

A 20-year-old Delhi University student was found dead in a Rewari hotel room, having been missing since Monday. She was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan, with a suicide note expressing struggles with mental health and uncertainty about her future. The student, originally from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, had checked into the hotel the day before.

HC orders release of drugs case accused Karnal man from preventive detention

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has quashed the preventive detention of a Karnal man accused of drug offenses, citing insufficient evidence linking him to heroin possession. The court criticized the detaining authority for relying on incorrect assumptions and failing to consider relevant facts. The petitioner is now free to seek damages for the wrongful detention.

Maha approves ₹11.25 crore in funds to address growing man-animal conflict in Pune district

The Maharashtra government has approved ₹11.25 crore to address rising leopard attacks in Pune's Junnar, Ambegaon, Khed, and Shirur talukas. The funding will enhance rescue operations and establish specialized teams to manage human-animal conflict. The decision follows recent fatal leopard encounters, with officials aiming to ensure human safety while conserving wildlife.

CM leads roadshow in Tarn Taran, targets Badals, Cong

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann campaigned in Tarn Taran for AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu, criticizing past governments for corruption and neglect. During his roadshow, Mann addressed issues like drug abuse and infrastructure failures, emphasizing a vision for self-reliant Punjab focused on education and employment. He targeted SAD and Congress leaders for their past misdeeds, advocating for unity and development.

Punjab International Trade Expo in Amritsar from Dec 4 to 8

The 19th Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) will take place in Amritsar from December 4 to 8, featuring around 550 exhibitors and delegations from three Indian states and four foreign countries. The event will include business seminars and the Punjab Tourism Recognition Awards. Organizers emphasize its role in boosting the local economy and empowering artisans.

PSPCL director sacked over ‘high fuel costs’ at state-run thermal plants

The Punjab government terminated Harjit Singh, director of power generation at PSPCL, over alleged fund misappropriation leading to inflated fuel costs at thermal plants. This follows the suspension of chief engineer Harish Sharma on similar charges. The actions, ordered by new CMD Basant Garg, have faced criticism from the PSEB Engineers’ Association, defending Singh's integrity.

Amritsar: 2 AK rifles, 1 pistol seized near Indo-Pak border

Amritsar rural police have dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling operation linked to Pakistan, recovering two AK-series rifles, a .30-bore pistol, and significant ammunition near the Indo-Pak border. Following a tip-off, a combing operation led to the seizure at Ghonewal village. Investigations are ongoing to trace the network and potential additional recoveries. An FIR has been filed.

Senior Kashmir journalistTariq Bhat passes away

Tariq Bhat, a senior journalist and J&K bureau chief for The Week, passed away at 54 from cardiac arrest. Known for his insightful reporting on Kashmir’s political issues, Bhat's death has prompted widespread mourning across political and journalistic circles. He leaves behind a wife and three children, with tributes highlighting his integrity and dedication to journalism.