Punjab Cabinet gives nod to stilt-plus-four floors in urban areas

Chandigarh, Oct 28, 2025

In an initiative aimed at giving a fillip to urban development by allowing the construction of stilt-plus-four floors in all new constructions, the Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Tuesday, gave its nod to the Punjab Unified Building Rules of 2025.

A spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s Office said the building rules aim to introduce a comprehensive and uniform regulatory framework governing building and development activities across the state.

These rules apply equally to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Local Government, ensuring consistency and simplification in approvals and enforcement.

The key reforms focus on ease of doing business, efficient land utilisation, and vertical urban growth. These rules will stipulate raising the permissible height for low-rise buildings from 15m to 21m and enabling third-party self-certification for plan approval and completion.

The Cabinet also gave approval for the rationalisation of stamp duty and registration fee on instruments of hypothecation and equitable mortgage by amending the Indian Stamp Act of 1899 (Punjab) and Registration Fee Rules.

This step is a progressive and business-friendly initiative aimed at reducing financial burden on industries. It also promotes ease of doing business and improves access to affordable credit, besides enhancing the state’s competitiveness and overall economic environment.

The Cabinet also gave its concurrence to the Punjab Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Counselling and Rehabilitation Centres Rules of 2025, replacing the existing 2011 Rules and First Amendment Rules of 2020, to strengthen the regulation of de-addiction and rehabilitation centres across the state. The rules overcome the shortcomings in the 2011 rules and subsequent amendments in the 2020 rules to regulate 36 government and 177 licensed private de-addiction centres, along with OOAT clinics.

It will help in strengthening licensing, renewal, and inspection processes, biometric attendance, and mandatory online data reporting.

The Cabinet also approved filling of 14 Group-A, 16 Group-B and 80 Group-C posts in the Punjab Sports Medical Cadre to strengthen the sports medical support system across districts. It will also help improve injury management, recovery, and performance of sportspersons, along with the promotion of scientific sports development and alignment with national standards. These professionals will be deployed in major sports districts such as Patiala, Sangrur, Bathinda, Faridkot, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, SAS Nagar, Ropar and Hoshiarpur, where the concentration of players is higher.

To provide quality and affordable healthcare to employees working in factories and industrial units of Dera Bassi and nearby areas, the Cabinet gave its nod to lease around four acres of land for setting up a 100-bed ESI hospital in Dera Bassi. At present, employees in Dera Bassi and adjoining industrial zones rely on ESI facilities in Ludhiana, Mohali, and Chandigarh, which are insufficient to meet the growing healthcare demand. This step will reduce the patient load on existing ESI hospitals and promote industrial welfare and social security in the state’s key industrial belt.(Agency)

Supreme Court to hear Sonam Wangchuk’s detention case today

New Delhi, Oct 29, 2025

The Supreme Court will hear the petition challenging the detention of Ladakh-based climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) on Wednesday.

The case, filed by Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J. Angmo, questions the legality of his detention and the procedure followed by the authorities.

Earlier this month, a Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria allowed Angmo to amend her writ petition after her counsel, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, sought permission to include new details provided by the government.

Sibal informed the court that the Central government had since furnished the grounds of detention to Wangchuk, necessitating modifications to the original plea. “I’ll amend the petition so that the matter can continue here,” he said. Following this, the court listed the matter for further hearing on Wednesday.

The petition, filed before the Supreme Court, originally contended that the authorities had failed to furnish the grounds of detention as required under Section 8 of the NSA, which mandates that detainees must be informed of the reasons for their detention within a stipulated time. However, the Leh administration, in its affidavit filed through District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk, claimed that the grounds were duly communicated to the detainee within the prescribed period.

Meanwhile, the Advisory Board constituted under the NSA recently reviewed Wangchuk’s detention. The three-member panel, comprising former judge M.K. Hujura (Chairman), District Judge Manoj Parihar, and social activist Spal Jayesh Angmo, held a three-hour closed-door hearing at Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan. Wangchuk and his wife were both present during the proceedings.

The hearing reportedly focussed on the administration’s justification for invoking the NSA and on Wangchuk’s representation, which challenged the same.

Sonam Wangchuk, celebrated for his sustainable innovations and environmental activism in Ladakh, was detained under the NSA, a move that sparked nationwide protests and drew criticism from civil rights groups, who called his detention arbitrary and unjustified.(Agency)

Canada Post to Unveil New Stamp Honouring Sikh Canadian Soldiers at Remembrance Ceremony

Kitchener, On, 29 Oct, 2025(Yes Punjab News)

A special Remembrance Day theme stamp honouring Sikh Canadian soldiers produced by Canada Post will be unveiled to the general public for the very first time at the 18th annual Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony hosted by the Sikh community on Sunday November 2nd.

The Canada Post stamp honours the service of Sikh soldiers in the Canadian military for over 100 years dating back to the 10 Sikh soldiers accepted in the military during the First World War. The stamp also pays tribute to Sikhs serving in today’s Canadian Armed Forces.

The annual Sikh Remembrance Day ceremony, where the stamp will be officially unveiled, is now in its 18th year. Hosted by the Sikh community, the ceremony remembers the Canadian soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country as well as Sikh soldiers who fought and died fighting alongside their Canadian allies in the World Wars as part of the British Indian Army. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Police Services, Royal Canadian Legion branches, veterans and elected officials will join the general public for this annual ceremony of Remembrance.

The Remembrance Ceremony is held at a very special place, the military grave of Canadian World War I hero, Private Buckam Singh, the only known military grave in Canada of a Sikh soldier from the World Wars. While thousands of Sikhs tried to join the Canadian military at the advent of the First World War, most were turned away and told that they were not wanted, only 10 Sikh soldiers would be accepted in all of Canada. Private Buckam Singh was one of those 10 and the first to join an Ontario regiment. Private Singh fought with the 20th Canadian Infantry Battalion in France and Belgium during the First World War and was wounded in two separate battles. He died at a Canadian military hospital in Kitchener, Ontario in 1919 and was buried by the military with full honours.

The Sikh Remembrance Day Ceremony allows all Canadians the opportunity to appreciate the inclusive nature of our country and the sacrifices made by heroes from diverse backgrounds in keeping our nation safe. It is the largest annual gathering of active Sikh soldiers and veterans in North America.

The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence along with Senator Baltej Singh Dhillon, who was the first RCMP officer in Canada allowed to wear a turban will be joined by Sikh members of the Canadian Armed Forces for the stamp unveiling following a wreath laying during the ceremony program.

Fire breaks out at SBI’s branch in Kolkata

Kolkata, Oct 29, 2025

A fire broke out on the second floor of the State Bank of India’s branch in the Dhakuria area of Kolkata on Wednesday.

Locals and bank security guards observed smoke emanating from the bank and immediately notified the Fire Department.

After receiving information, six fire engines rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control.

No one was injured in the incident.

The Fire Department has started investigating the cause of the fire.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a short circuit might have caused the fire.

It is learnt that the fire broke out in the bank at 5.45 a.m. Since it was not the bank’s opening time, no employees or customers were in the bank. As a result, the Fire Department said that a major disaster has been averted. However, there are various financial documents in the bank. The Fire Department is trying to ensure that those documents are not damaged too much.

An official of this bank branch said, “There was no damage to the customers’ documents. The fire mainly damaged the furniture. We received information about the fire at 6.15 a.m. The security guards who are stationed at the ATM below informed us.”

Local Left councillor Madhuchanda Deb reached the bank after hearing the news of the fire. She said, “I came here as soon as I got the information. I learned that no one was injured. The fire has been brought under control.”

Customers also came after hearing news of the fire at the bank. They came to know if their documents were damaged.

A customer told a section of media persons, “I came to know whether there was any damage to the locker. The bank said that there was no damage to the locker. There was a fire on the second floor of the bank. I will come after 10 o’clock to know if any documents were damaged.”

Further investigation was underway.(Agency)

Ajj Da Hukamnama – Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar – October 29, 2025

350th Martyrdom Day of the Ninth Guru: Dr. Ravjot Singh invites Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha to join event

Chandigarh, October 28, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today met Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha in Agartala to give him formal invitation to join in the mega event dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Day of the Ninth Guru, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Dr. Ravjot Singh gave information about the series of state-level events being organized to pay homage to the unparalleled martyrdom of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, who sacrificed his life for religious freedom and human values.

The Cabinet Minister also highlighted the main aspects of these commemorative events, including the religious events to be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25. He said that the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is not only a part of Sikh history, it is a message of freedom, tolerance and justice for all humanity.

Dr. Ravjot Singh told the Tripura Chief Minister that through these month long events, the life, teachings and philosophy of Guru Sahib will be conveyed to the people across various walks of life. He said that the President of India, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of various states and foreign ambassadors are also being invited to participate in these events.

Chief Minister Manik Saha, accepting the invitation, paid homage to the unparalleled martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. He said that the eternal message of Guru Sahib of peace, religious freedom, harmony and mutual brotherhood will continue to inspire humanity.

PIL in Delhi HC seeks safeguards on release of film ‘The Taj Story’

New Delhi, Oct 28, 2025
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking safeguards against the release of the upcoming film “The Taj Story”, alleging that it distorts historical facts and could disturb communal harmony.

The petition, filed by advocate Shakeel Abbas, contended that the film — scheduled for nationwide release on October 31 — is “totally based on fabricated facts” and “a step to create communal disturbance among different communities in India”.

“The film’s teaser and promotional posters show a depiction of the Taj Mahal dome being lifted to reveal a figure of Lord Shiva emerging therefrom. These elements have generated considerable public debate and concern about communal harmony and the veracity of historical claims,” the petition stated.

The petitioner has arrayed the Union of India, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the film’s producers, Swarnim Global Services Pvt. Ltd., producer C.A. Suresh Jha, director Tushar Amrish Goel, writer Saurabh M. Pandey, Zee Music Company, and actor Paresh Rawal as respondents.

“The respondents are trying to mislead the exact history by spreading misinformation about the Taj Mahal. However, the CBFC and other authorities have not taken any action against the said film,” the plea alleged.

The film, according to the petition, “purports to challenge the conventional narrative regarding the origins of the Taj Mahal” and promotes “speculative or debunked theories” associated with late historian P.N. Oak.

“When such claims are presented in mass media, especially film, they carry the potential to mislead the public and erode faith in scholarly standards,” the petition stated.

Invoking Article 51A(f) of the Constitution — which enjoins citizens to preserve India’s composite culture — the PIL urged the Delhi High Court to direct the CBFC to review its certification and impose disclaimers or restrictions to prevent communal disharmony.

The plea also warned that the movie’s release “may lead to public unrest or disturbance in Agra and beyond”, and that “speculative portrayals” of the UNESCO World Heritage monument could harm tourism and public order.

The PIL has prayed that the film’s makers be directed to add a prominent disclaimer stating that “The Taj Story” is “a contested narrative and not a definitive historical account”, and that the authorities ensure no communal incidents arise following its release. (Agency)

Nick Jonas wishes niece Valentina with an adorable pic

Los Angeles, Oct 28, 2025
Hollywood singer and actor Nick Jonas decided to wish his niece Valentina on her birthday with a sweet picture.

In the photo dropped by Nick on his Instagram Stories, he can be seen standing with Valentina on the stage. While Nick is making a goofy face, Valentina is all smiles in the pic captioned, “Happy Birthday Valentina,” followed by a red heart emoji.

For those who do not know, Valentine is the daughter of Nick’s brother, Kevin Jonas, and his wife Danielle Jonas.

Earlier today, Nick’s better half, Priyanka Chopra, dropped an adorable birthday message for her niece, Valentina.

PeeCee took to social media and shared a photo from what appeared to be a Jonas Brothers concert. The click had the ‘Barfi’ actress holding Valentina adorably.

The diva captioned the picture, ‘You’re pure magic, Valentina.’ Wishing you the happiest birthday ever. Love you (sic)”. She also tagged Kevin Jonas and Daniel Jonas in the post.

Believed to enjoy a close bond with the Jonas family, PeeCee is often seen attending concerts of the Jonas brothers and family gatherings with in-laws.

Earlier, Priyanka celebrated Karwa Chauth with her husband Nick in New York.

She even treated her InstaFam with a couple of heartwarming photographs from the intimate celebration.

Posing in a beautiful attire with a red dupatta covering her head, PeeCee was seen pointing to the moon with Nick by her side.

In another pic, she placed her mehendi-clad hand over Nick’s face.

Their daughter Malti was seen occupied in her colouring book while Priyanka affectionately rested her hand on Nick’s head. Another photo showed Nick helping little Malti with her drawing.

“Surprise!! Daddy came home for Chauth. In the middle of intense touring when he comes back home to make sure he spends Karva Chauth (sic),” she wrote the caption.(Agency)

India poised to emerge as global oil refining and energy hub: Hardeep Puri

Hyderabad, Oct 28, 2025
Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday that India’s oil refining capacity currently stands at about 258 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) and is on track to reach around 310 MMTPA by 2030, with long-term plans to scale further to 400-450 MMTPA to become a global refining and energy hub.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Energy Technology Meet here, the minister said this expansion will consolidate India’s position among the top three refining hubs globally, as around 20 per cent of existing global refining capacity faces potential closure by 2035, with over 100 refineries expected to shut down worldwide.

While the global energy market is expected to grow at a slow pace, India stands out as a bright spot, projected to contribute nearly 30-33 per cent of global energy demand growth in the coming decades, he added.

Puri also observed that India’s refineries are world-class, globally integrated, and export-ready. India is already the fourth-largest refining nation and among the top seven exporters of petroleum products, exporting to more than 50 countries worth over $45 billion in FY 2024-25.

The Minister underlined the importance of innovation and indigenisation in India’s energy ecosystem, with the country achieving nearly 80 per cent import substitution across the energy value chain.

Puri further noted that India’s progress in green hydrogen has been particularly promising. Recent tenders by Indian Oil and Hindustan Petroleum have reduced the price of green hydrogen from around $5.5/kg to nearly $4/kg, marking a major step toward commercial viability.

He said that green hydrogen, natural gas, and biofuels will be central to India’s energy transition, with the Global Biofuels Alliance expected to catalyse international trade and adoption of biofuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

The minister stressed that India’s energy strategy encompasses both fuel and petrochemical growth as part of a calibrated transition towards sustainability. He said that while the share of traditional fuels will gradually reduce, they will continue to play a major role for decades as India moves towards its 2047 goals.

Simultaneously, the share of natural gas in the energy mix is being raised from 6 per cent to 15 per cent, green hydrogen is being scaled up, and renewables are expanding rapidly—all underlining India’s commitment to meeting its climate goals without compromising energy security.

The Minister said that post-2014 reforms and ecosystem strengthening have unlocked a new era of growth and innovation. He highlighted ongoing projects such as the Barmer Refinery and Andhra Refinery as key examples of the sector’s forward momentum.

With over 100 biogas plants operational and 70 more in the pipeline, he said that India is building an ecosystem that connects technology, investment, and sustainability.

Puri concluded that as India advances towards becoming a $10 trillion economy, its energy sector will not only meet domestic requirements but also serve global markets.

The Minister expressed confidence that by 2035, India will move from being the world’s fourth-largest to possibly the second-largest refining power.

He emphasised that India’s young demography, rising energy demand, and proactive policy environment will ensure that the country not only participates in but actively shapes the global energy future.(Agency)

Punjab To Hone English Skills of Govt School Students With “The English Edge”: Harjot Bains

Chandigarh/Amritsar, October 28, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

Marking a significant leap towards redefining the future of the state’s youth, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, along with Aam Aadmi Party, Punjab Incharge Sh. Manish Sisodia, today launched ‘The English Edge – Learn Smart, Speak Sharp’, a flagship program to empower government school students with world-class English communication skills.

While addressing the gathering at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, S. Bains said that currently, this ambitious program has rolled out to empower 3 lakh students in Grades 9 to 12 across 500 government schools in Punjab, equipping them with confident English speaking, reading and thinking skills, besides enhancing their employability and access to the global market.

Describing it as a milestone under Punjab Sikhya Kranti, a mission to revolutionise Punjab’s education system, S. Harjot Singh Bains said the program combines in-school digital reading lessons with home-based speaking practice. Through guided reading, pronunciation support and daily 10-minute practice sessions, it would help to enhance comprehension and spoken fluency, empowering students to excel in English. The program integrates classroom learning with digital technology to make English learning joyful, inclusive and practical.

The initiative is being implemented by Punjab School Education Department in collaboration with EnglishHelper, a global EdTech organisation that has worked across several Indian states to improve English proficiency and language confidence, he added.

The Education Minister emphasised that while mother tongue lays the foundation, English proficiency is the key to unlocking global opportunities. To equip students for success in today’s fast-paced world, we’re introducing’The English Edge’ program, designed to bridge the language gap and empower them to thrive in a globalized landscape.

This program complements ongoing reforms such as Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum, Drug De-Addiction Curriculum, and Business Blasters Program, all designed to make Punjab’s classrooms hubs of creativity, communication, and critical thinking, S. Harjot Singh Bains added while stating, “Punjab’s students are brimming with talent and potential.

This flagship program will empower every child, regardless of background, to express themselves confidently in English. This program isn’t just about language skills – it’s about unlocking Punjab’s future. Under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s visionary leadership, We’re ensuring every child in government schools has the same confidence and competence to shine on the world stage, on an equal footing with anyone else.”

Commending the Punjab Government’s initiative, Sh. Manish Sisodia said that the tagline “Learn Smart, Speak Sharp” encapsulates the program’s vision – to help students evolve with the evolving world, think independently and communicate confidently in every sphere of life.

The launch of program is a testament to Punjab’s commitment to a holistic education revolution. By empowering its youth with the power of language, Punjab is investing in its most valuable asset—its children. This initiative will unlock countless opportunities in higher education and the global job market, ensuring that Punjab’s talent is not just local, but global.

The program focuses on a holistic learning approach, moving beyond rote memorisation to foster critical thinking, articulate expression, and practical communication skills, he added.