QUICKREADS

Monday Musings: At 82, Sharad Pawar faces toughest challenge of his political career

Sharad Pawar, the leader of India's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is facing a difficult period as many of his colleagues, including his own family members, have deserted him. Pawar's party, which has spent most of its existence enjoying power, is now in uncharted territory. With serious health challenges and at the age of 82, Pawar is fighting a lonely battle as most of his trusted lieutenants have sided with his nephew, Ajit Pawar. The rebellion has put a question mark on Pawar's ability to keep his close aides on his side.

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.

IGP Kumar’s PSO shifted to Ambala jail after wife flags ‘threat to life’

Sushil Kumar, an exemptee assistant sub-inspector facing extortion charges linked to the suicide of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, was transferred from Rohtak's Sunaria jail to Ambala jail after his wife alleged threats to his life. She claimed he is a crucial witness in the case and is being targeted by influential officials to silence him. An internal inquiry is underway.

Uttar Pradesh: Man beats daughter to death after noticing her lover’s name written in mehndi

A 17-year-old girl in Shahjahanpur was killed by her father after he discovered her talking to her boyfriend and saw his name written in mehndi on her hand. The father, who fled after the incident, confessed to his daughter-in-law. Authorities are actively searching for him, and investigations reveal the girl had been in a persistent relationship despite her father's objections.

AAP’s Sham Lal Jain elected sr dy mayor of Bathinda MC

Sham Lal Jain of the Aam Aadmi Party was elected as the senior deputy mayor of Bathinda municipal corporation, defeating Congress's Harvinder Singh Laddu with 30 votes. Jain, a former Congress councillor, received support from expelled Congress members. The election follows a recent no-confidence motion against the previous deputy mayor and hints at AAP's ambitions for the vacant deputy mayor position.

Ludhiana again: Man shot dead in 2nd targeted attack in a week

A 22-year-old man was killed, and a friend injured in a shooting by four men on motorcycles in Samrala. The attack, linked to an old rivalry, follows another recent murder of a kabaddi player. Police have identified and booked the suspects, who have criminal records, while ongoing raids aim to apprehend them.

SIR begins in Meerut, over 8L voters may need to submit valid documents

The Election Commission of India has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh after 22 years, aiming to update voter lists. In Meerut, over 8.56 lakh voters may need to provide documentary proof. Booth Level Officers will conduct door-to-door visits to collect verification forms, emphasizing cooperation from the public and political parties to ensure a smooth process.

Haryana CLP leader demands CBI probe into cops’ suicide

Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda has called for a CBI investigation into the suicides of Haryana IPS officer Y Puran Kumar and assistant sub-inspector Sandeep Lathar, urging high court supervision. During a CLP meeting, issues of corruption, unemployment, and declining law and order were discussed, with resolutions condemning government policies affecting farmers and a memorandum to be submitted to the governor.

With 321 fresh farm fires, Punjab’s tally rises to 2,839

Punjab reported 321 new stubble burning cases, bringing the total to 2,839 this season, surpassing last year's 262 incidents. Sangrur led with 43 new cases. The Punjab Pollution Control Board registered 131 FIRs against farmers. Meanwhile, light rainfall improved air quality, although some areas still reported poor AQI levels. Authorities are increasing enforcement against stubble burning to mitigate pollution.