Punjab

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv averted a midair disaster after an altercation inside the cockpit resulted in Indian pilot Captain Smit Machhar being stabbed multiple times by his Omani co-pilot, who attempted to seize control of the aircraft.

Authorities in Delhi NCR have initiated measures to combat winter pollution, enforcing a strict rule denying petrol, diesel, and CNG to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate. Automated camera systems linked to the Parivahan portal have been deployed across nearly 500 petrol pumps in the national capital to detect expired certificates and announce non-compliant vehicles. Motorists failing to renew their certificates face fines of up to ten thousand rupees. The broader anti-pollution initiative also targets old vehicles, tightens regulations on interstate vehicular movement, mandates cleaner bus fuels, and plans the phase-out of diesel autos. Additionally, steps are underway to curb stubble burning across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, along with increased mechanical road sweeping and camera-based traffic congestion monitoring. While residents acknowledge the necessity of strict curbs ahead of worsening air quality, on-ground challenges persist as some fuel station managers report awaiting official circulars while offering testing camps.

Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Majahar and attempted to seize control of the aircraft, which descended 14,000 feet and issued distress codes 7700 and 7500 before passengers and crew restrained the assailant. In New Delhi, leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc met to launch nationwide demonstrations seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the withdrawal of the SIR exercise, amid ongoing seat-sharing disputes between Congress and the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the conclusion of the BJP Nashamukt Punjab Yatra in Jalandhar, pledging to eliminate narcotics in Punjab by December 31, 2029, as political leaders and former law enforcement officials debated governance, de-addiction infrastructure, and narcotics seizure data ahead of state elections.

In an interview with India Today, former Director General of Punjab Police Shashi Kant addressed the pervasive crisis of narcotics trafficking in Punjab and the systemic challenges obstructing its eradication. Highlighting the monetary networks driving the trade, Kant noted, 'No political party in Punjab was or is sincere about this particular crisis because of the drug money.' He recounted how the illicit trade evolved from earlier smuggling networks into a lucrative nexus patronized by cartels and political interests. Pointing out that various government departments must work together across healthcare, employment, and rehabilitation, Kant expressed skepticism regarding deadlines set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to eliminate drugs by 2029, emphasizing that rhetoric cannot substitute for a concrete, multi-departmental blueprint. He called for a time-bound national strategy capable of tackling both external supply routes from Pakistan and the internal nexus sustaining addiction across the state.

The drug menace in Punjab has resurfaced as a major political controversy ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the culmination of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Nashamukt Punjab Yatra in Jalandhar, pledged that the state would be made drug-free by December 31, 2029, if his party is voted to power. Shah accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government of allowing the trade of illicit synthetic drugs, locally known as Chitta, to flourish. The Congress labelled the campaign an ineffective exercise, while the Aam Aadmi Party defended its administrative record against the narcotics trade. The issue gained traction following incidents including a suicide in Sangrur and protests targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

In an interview with India Today, senior Trinamool Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Sougata Roy defended the INDIA bloc's joint strategy demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the Chief Election Commissioner. Roy stated, "We are trying to move, uh, an impeachment motion, which is the constitutional way of, uh, removing the Chief Election Commissioner." Addressing concerns over targeting the executive alongside a constitutional office, he argued that since the government amended the appointment law to secure a majority in the selection panel, questioning the CEC naturally involves the Prime Minister and Home Minister. Furthermore, Roy dismissed suggestions that member parties would boycott upcoming assembly elections in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, asserting that the alliance will stick to a coordinated six-month program of action while extending moral support to civil society demonstrations.

Addressing a public rally in Jalandhar at the culmination of the Bharatiya Janata Party's 13-day yatra covering 117 assembly constituencies, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the party will contest the upcoming Punjab elections solely on the plank of creating a drug-free state. Pledging to eliminate the synthetic drug trade by 31 December 2029, Shah assured mothers and youth that zero illicit drug trade would remain under BJP governance. He contrasted the national seizure figures between the previous Congress administration and Narendra Modi's tenure, noting a jump from 26 lakh kilograms to 1.20 crore kilograms of seized narcotics. Criticising Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party government, Shah alleged severe administrative failures, unfulfilled promises regarding jobs, mohalla clinics, and minimum support price implementation, alongside lack of enforcement under the PIT-NDPS Act and NCORD meetings. He urged the people of Punjab to grant the BJP an opportunity to restore security and economic prosperity.

An unidentified speaker addressed the public in Punjab, raising concerns over the state's financial condition and alleging widespread corruption across multiple civic and rural schemes, including smart city initiatives, advertising contracts, and land unions. The speaker questioned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding unmet commitments, including employment targets, establishment of clinics, widow pensions, medical colleges, and agricultural Minimum Support Price implementation. The address heavily focused on the drug problem in the state, alleging that enforcement under the narcotics control framework has been lacking and questioning the lack of state coordination meetings. Urging the electorate to back the Bharatiya Janata Party, the speaker promised comprehensive measures to eradicate the drug menace by December 2029, set up regional Narcotics Control Bureau infrastructure, support farmers, and revive industrial growth.

Addressing a public gathering in Jalandhar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party will contest the upcoming Punjab elections on the single agenda of making the state drug-free. He promised that if the party is voted to power, Punjab will be completely rid of the illicit chitta trade before 31 December 2029. Criticising the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party government for allowing the narcotics business to operate openly, he stated that strict action would ensure no drug peddler is spared and offenders are put behind bars. Highlighting the central government's nationwide anti-narcotics campaign under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he compared enforcement statistics, stating that seizures rose significantly from 26 lakh kilograms worth 40,000 crore rupees under the United Progressive Alliance regime to 1.2 crore kilograms valued at 1,90,000 crore rupees between 2014 and 2024. Shah asserted that only the BJP holds the resolve to eliminate drugs and safeguard Punjab's youth.

Cracks within the INDIA bloc surfaced ahead of its scheduled meeting at the Constitution Club in Delhi, with key regional allies opting out. Parties including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Samajwadi Party, and Aam Aadmi Party maintained distance from the deliberations, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray chose to participate virtually. The Bharatiya Janata Party mounted an aggressive attack on the opposition grouping, questioning its cohesion and leadership acceptance. Political developments following state elections and recent alignments, including the Congress party's overtures toward Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu, have intensified rivalries with regional partners across multiple states.

A Bharatiya Janata Party leader criticized the Congress party for targeting constitutional institutions and the Election Commission instead of introspecting its electoral defeats. Addressing the media, the speaker questioned Congress leadership over its objections concerning the electoral roll, asking why the opposition wants duplicate names or names of deceased individuals retained. Reference was made to the Election Commission's clarification stating that Booth Level Officers will visit homes to collect documents and verify notices issued under the Special Intensive Revision process. The speaker also questioned whether Congress gives a clean chit to the Election Commission in states where the Bharatiya Janata Party is not in power, such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Karnataka. Highlighting historical aspects, the leader claimed the Congress was formed under suggestions to preserve the British Empire, calling its attacks on constitutional systems shameful.

Lovely Professional University in Punjab witnessed widespread unrest and arson following student protests over alleged rape rumours, which the university authorities dismissed as fake news. Protests escalated as over 2,000 students blocked the national highway for more than 18 hours. CCTV footage from UniMall within the university premises captured mobs looting shops, stealing laptops, mobile phones, and damaging ATMs. Shop owners claimed damages amounting to crores of rupees. While the university alleged that outsiders with vested interests breached campus gates to vitiate the atmosphere, shopkeepers stated that regular students were among those involved in the vandalism. Punjab Police registered a First Information Report and constituted a Special Investigation Team to investigate the violence. Simultaneously, the university administration formed a three-member disciplinary action committee to identify 30 to 40 students suspected of leading the arson and loot.

A midnight shootout has been reported inside Badrukhan Gurdwara in Sangrur, Punjab, where four masked assailants entered the premises and shot an on-duty langar sevadar. CCTV footage captured the attackers entering the gurdwara, which was built in memory of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and carrying out the assault. The attack has raised concerns over gurdwara security in the area. A police investigation is currently underway to ascertain the motive behind the attack and track down the unidentified suspects.

Nationwide protests by opposition parties against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls lead the day's political developments, with the BJP defending the exercise. Former judges Justice Sanjiv Banerjee and Justice Gupta examine the constitutional validity of the electoral revision and the burden of proof placed on voters. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of five rape cases reported in Delhi over five weeks and directed authorities to conduct safety audits of public spaces. The court also addressed concerns over street lighting and police patrolling. Reports from Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata and Bengaluru highlight women's concerns over safety. In Punjab, Lovely Professional University suspended classes and examinations following student protests over sexual assault allegations. In corporate news, Noel Tata has proposed merging operating entities with Tata Sons to address non-banking financial company regulations. In sports, Indian shooter Esha Singh secured a silver medal at the Asian Games.

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to decide the Trinamool Congress name and symbol dispute between the factions led by Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee within three months. Meanwhile, Congress and opposition parties are holding protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the revision of electoral rolls. In Delhi, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma has come under political scrutiny following an altercation during a road inspection in Tilak Nagar, with AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Jarnail Singh criticising the incident. In Punjab, student unrest and police action at Lovely Professional University following sexual assault allegations have prompted a Special Investigation Team probe. The coverage also tracks Supreme Court observations on women's safety, Delhi's winter anti-pollution measures and Congress's reaction to the DUSU election results.

A violent clash erupted at Lovely Professional University (LPU), leading to arson, widespread damage to police vehicles, and the suspension of classes for ten days. Speaking on the situation, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) stated that the ground situation is under control, explaining that a clash between students and police personnel occurred following provocation near the university gate. The officer dismissed allegations that the police prolonged the unrest, maintaining that senior officials continuously engaged in negotiations while exercising maximum restraint. He further noted that authorities are examining video footage to identify the culprits and ascertain the presence of outside elements among the protesting crowd. Meanwhile, mid-term examinations have been disrupted, and students were seen packing their luggage and leaving the campus amid heavy police presence, including a flag march conducted to restore public order.

A special report from Lovely Professional University reveals extensive unrest following student agitation, violence, and arson that resulted in damaged police vehicles. ADG Law and Order stated that the situation remains under control after clashes occurred between police forces and students near the main gate. Responding to allegations of police lathi charges and delays in de-escalating tension, the officer stated that police observed restraint and officers spent forty-eight hours negotiating alongside senior district officials. Authorities are currently reviewing video recordings to identify instigators and ascertain the presence of outside elements among the protesting crowds. Meanwhile, the university has suspended academic classes for ten days, prompting students to vacate the campus hostels. Several students voiced concerns over disrupted mid-term examinations and claimed external persons escalated the destruction.

Protests over an alleged rape claim at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara escalated into violence on the second day, with students blocking the Phagwara-Jalandhar stretch of National Highway 44. Demonstrators pelted stones and vandalised vehicles, setting a Punjab police vehicle on fire and leaving several personnel injured. Police registered an FIR and formed a special investigation team to examine CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and phone records, stating that no corroborating evidence has been found so far. The university administration denied the incident occurred, while authorities called in additional forces to assess and control the situation.

Tension escalated at Lovely Professional University in Punjab as student protests over rape rumours turned violent, leading to intense clashes with the police. Protesters pelted stones, shattered vehicle window panes, and set a Punjab Police vehicle ablaze, leaving several police personnel injured, including one with a head injury. In response, police personnel resorted to a mild lathi charge before retreating to seek reinforcements from Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. Protesters had earlier blocked the national highway for hours and ransacked shops on campus while demanding the registration of an FIR, the constitution of a Special Investigation Team, and meetings with university authorities. While university administration refuted the allegations of rape and labelled them as rumours, police registered an FIR and formed an SIT to conduct an investigation. Senior police officers on the ground confirmed efforts to stabilise the area and identify individuals involved in arson and vandalism.

Tension escalated at Lovely Professional University in Punjab following unrest triggered by rumours of rape. Protesting students clashed with law enforcement personnel on campus, resulting in stone pelting, arson, and damage to several vehicles, including media and police vehicles. Heavy projectiles were thrown at officers in riot gear, prompting police to deploy mild lathi charge to push back crowds. Protesters torched a Punjab Police vehicle as smoke billowed across the campus. The university administration denied the allegations of rape, stating that no such incident occurred, while an FIR has been registered and a Special Investigation Team constituted. Senior police officers, including Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora, arrived on the ground to take stock of the situation as additional forces were mobilised across university hostels to restore order.