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Two Linked to Narcotics Smuggling Module Held With 7 kg Heroin in Amritsar: DGP Gaurav Yadav

Chandigarh/Amritsar, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug-free state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a narcotics smuggling module with the arrest of two operatives and recovered 7 Kg Heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

Those arrested have been identified as Inderjeet Singh, a resident of Kalsian Khurd in Tarn Taran and Ravinder Sharma, a resident of Gurbaksh Nagar, Nawan Kot in Amritsar.

Apart from recovering the contraband, police teams have also impounded their Maruti Suzuki Brezza car bearing registration number PB39L7651 and a Motorcycle Hero Passion bearing registration number PB02BU2253, which were being used for transporting the consignment.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were actively involved in transporting heroin consignments and are likely part of a wider narcotics network operating in the region.

Sharing operational details, he said that police teams from CI Amritsar received specific information that suspects Inderjeet Singh and Ravinder Sharma were coming in the area situated on Amritsar to Jhabal road, near Adda Bohru, on the pathway alongside the river in Amritsar, in connection with the delivery of a huge consignment of heroin.

Acting swiftly, police teams laid Nakas around the location and intercepted both the suspects, said the DGP, while adding that during the search, 4 kg of heroin was recovered from under the driver’s seat of Inderjeet Singh’s car, and 3 kg of heroin was recovered from Ravinder Sharma.

Further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 19 dated 25-03-2026 has been registered under sections 21, 25, and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

LIC gets Rs 71,000 crore tax demand from income tax department

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on Wednesday said that it has received a massive tax demand from the Income Tax Department for the financial year 2021–22.

In its disclosure in a regulatory filing, LIC said the Assessment Unit of the tax department has raised a demand of Rs 61,46,71,18,015 as income tax, along with an additional interest amount of Rs 9,53,25,87,935.

The insurer clarified that it plans to challenge this order and will file an appeal before the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) through the legal process available.

The tax demand has arisen due to several adjustments made by the tax authorities during the assessment.

These include treating interim bonuses as income, adding losses from the Jeevan Suraksha Fund as income, and considering negative reserves as income.

The department has also disallowed certain deductions claimed by LIC under Section 80M, along with interest expenses linked to delays in depositing tax deducted at source (TDS).

Despite the large amount involved, LIC stated that the order will not have any material impact on its overall operations or business activities.

The financial implication, it said, is limited to the tax and interest amounts mentioned in the demand.

The disclosure was made in compliance with Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, which requires listed companies to inform stock exchanges about significant developments.

LIC also confirmed that the information has been shared with stock exchanges and uploaded on its official website.

Following the update, LIC’s shares closed higher on the market. On the NSE, the stock ended at Rs 779.60, gaining Rs 20.90 or 2.75 per cent, while another recorded closing price showed it at Rs 781.10, up Rs 22.40 or 2.95 per cent.(Agency)

Two more including a woman arrested in Vijayawada terror network case

Vijayawada, March 25, 2026
Andhra Pradesh police have arrested two more accused including a woman in the alleged terror network case.

Intensifying its probe into the case, in which three youth from Vijayawada were arrested on Tuesday, the police on Wednesday nabbed Sayeeda Begum from Hyderabad and Abdul Salam in Ballari, Karnataka.

Both the accused were brought to Vijayawada and produced before a local court, which remanded them to judicial custody. They were subsequently shifted to Rajahmundry Central Jail.

Sayeeda Begum (38), accused number five in the case, was arrested from Chanchalguda area in Hyderabad.

She was allegedly following the teachings of the leaders of banned terrorist outfits and forwarding the content on ‘Jihad activities’ to other members of the group.

Abdul Salam, accused number 11, was arrested from Ballari.

Intelligence agencies were reportedly keeping a tab on the activities of the accused who had formed a group over social media platforms.

The police were conducting a thorough investigation into the financial transactions of the accused.

The counter-intelligence cell of Andhra Pradesh police had Wednesday busted the network with the arrest of three accused. They had allegedly developed contacts with the suspected ISIS activists in various states.

Mohammad Rahamatullah Sharif (23), Md. Danish (27) and Mirza Sohail Baig (23) are all residents of Vijayawada and were working as App-based drivers.

The youth were produced before the court, which sent them to judicial custody till April 6.

The trio are suspected to have links with ISIS and AQIS and allegedly formed ‘Al Malik Islamic Youth’ to radicalise youth.

The accused were allegedly attempting to influence and radicalise youth through Instagram, Telegram and other social media to indulge in terrorist activities.

A case has been registered against the accused under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), BNS and the Information Technology Act at Vijayawada Two Town Police Station.

The FIR named 12 accused, hailing from various states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

Meanwhile, the family of Sayeeda Begum said they have not been informed of any concrete evidence or her exact role in the case.

Amjed Ullah Khan, Spokesman of Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), visited the residence of Sayeeda Begum and met her parents, Shaik Moula and Sabera Begum.

He said Sabera Begum, who is battling cancer and is physically unable to move without assistance, told him that her daughter is a widow and the sole breadwinner of the family.

She takes care of her four-year-old son, Shayan Khan, and works as a housemaid to sustain the household. In addition, Sayeeda Begum runs Instagram account and creates promotional videos to earn supplementary income.

The family has alleged that the police team that came to arrest Sayeeda Begum did not disclose any details regarding the case or grounds of arrest, leaving them in complete shock and confusion.

Amjed Ullah Khan assured the family that all possible legal assistance would be provided and emphasized that while the law must take its course, due process, transparency, and the rights of individuals must be upheld.(Agency)

IPL 2026: Focused on contributing to the team, instead of personal wicket targets, says DC’s Mukesh

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
Delhi Capitals (DC) fast bowler Mukesh Kumar said he is focused on contributing to the team’s success in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season rather than chasing personal targets. Mukesh made his IPL debut in 2023 after being picked up for Rs 5.5 crore.

He was retained for the 2024 season and finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for DC with 17 scalps. His price rose to Rs 8 crore in 2025, as DC retained him via the RTM option. In IPL 2025, Mukesh claimed 12 wickets in 11 matches, the third-most for the franchise.

However, he struggled with the new ball, taking only three wickets in the Power-play despite bowling more than half his overs in that phase. He also endured a tough time in the death overs, conceding at 16.3 runs per over.

“All the main pacers are here. Nattu, me, and Lungi. So we will work together, and we will focus on what the team demands. As far as the target of wickets is concerned, there is no such target.

“My main focus is on my skills and on my variations. I want to contribute as much as I can to my team. This is my target, and I want to contribute as much as I can to my team and try to win as much as I can,” Mukesh told reporters on the sidelines of DC’s practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.

Capped in all three formats for India, Mukesh featured in only three matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury and picked up one wicket at an economy of 12.1. But on gaining full fitness, he showed improvement in the Vijay Hazare Trophy by taking 10 wickets in six games at 5.8.

“Obviously, I am working on everything, along with the length ball, which is required in a T20. If it’s a yorker or a wide yorker, then it’s optional. For every bowler, if the dew is falling or if you are getting hit, then you have to put that thing to use. So I am working on everything.”

“When I had an injury, I started to focus more and practice purposefully. I am more focused on these things. As far as the World Cup, WTC, and Olympics are concerned, I don’t think about it that much. I think about what I have to do in today’s match.

“What variations can I bring in what I am practising? What do I have to bowl to the batters? I am more focused on these things. I have it in the back of my mind that I have to do well and come back to the (Indian) team in the future,” he added.

Mukesh also said he draws inspiration from senior Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, describing him as an elder brother figure in his life and career. “I have been associated with him for a long time. We played matches together – T20, one-day, and Ranji Trophy. So I get to learn something from him. He has played for India for so many years and is still playing.

“As far as my bonding with him is concerned, he is like an elder brother to me. He keeps telling me something or the other. For example, if nothing is happening from one end, then I go and ask him what he is doing and what he is not doing. He helps me in this, and he is a very helpful person.”

He also spoke glowingly about Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi joining the DC team after being acquired for Rs 8.4 crore. “For a bowler who has done so well in the domestic circuit, it feels good to get money and all these things. It feels good that a bowler is struggling and coming from such a small place and making such a big name.

“It feels good for everyone that a bowler has come to play on this side. As far as the bowler is concerned, he is a very good bowler, and you can sense that he’s down to earth by talking to him. He works hard on his batting and bowling in practice sessions. Everything now depends on his mindset and preparations for the match, and for that, only he can speak.”

Mukesh signed off by praising the backing he’s got from DC captain Axar Patel. “First of all, he is a very good person, and we always talk positively. We stay together, and I get to talk to him about field placement and all these things. He says, ‘Play freely’, and ‘I am behind you’. If a captain says this, it is a great achievement for a player. If he is doing a new experiment, he will say yes and support that.”(Agency)

Oppn stands united with govt after detailed West Asia briefing: Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
In a significant demonstration of political consensus amid rising tensions in West Asia, the government convened an all-party meeting on Wednesday to brief opposition and allied parties about the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking to reporters after the session, described the discussions as detailed and productive, highlighting the unity displayed by parties across the political spectrum.

Rijiju stated that the government provided comprehensive information regarding the crisis and addressed queries raised by opposition members. “Today, by calling an all-party meeting, the government held a detailed discussion with the opposition and all allied parties, providing information about the crisis in West Asia.

I want to thank all party leaders; everyone attended and actively participated,” he said. According to him, the party leaders shared their perspectives on behalf of their parties and voiced concerns about the escalating conflict in the region.

Rijiju also underlined that the session allowed the government to provide detailed clarifications on strategic issues, such as the security of energy supplies.

“Many members wanted to know the details of the gas and petroleum supply through the Strait of Hormuz. And they all were satisfied that India has secured four ships already. So the opposition members were satisfied with the effort made by the government,” he said.

Addressing the overall outcome of the meeting, Rijiju said it reinforced the message of national unity. “I believe that after the detailed information and answers provided by the government in today’s all-party meeting, even the opposition will stand united during such a crisis. The Prime Minister has appealed that the entire country should remain united, and the message of unity should be conveyed from the Parliament,” he added.

Rijiju noted that discussions were extensive, covering both government responses and opposition suggestions. “I have heard in detail all the suggestions made by the opposition party, and from the government side, all the queries and all the confusion, whatever was there, all were clearly explained by the government.

The opposition party at the end of the meeting stated, which is very important, that they thank the government for calling this all-party meeting, and they also asserted that in such a difficult, challenging situation, we will all have to stand together,” he said.

The Minister confirmed that representatives from all major political parties participated in the meeting, except for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which did not attend. “Only the TMC party did not participate. I was informed, and when I inquired twice, they said they would not join the meeting because they were going elsewhere. All other political parties, including major opposition and ruling parties, participated in the all-party meeting,” he said.

The all-party consultation comes amid heightened concerns over the West Asia conflict, with India closely monitoring developments that could impact energy supplies, trade, and the safety of Indian citizens in the region.(Agency)

HM Amit Shah to release white paper against Trinamool govt in Bengal on March 28

Kolkata, March 25, 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will release a “charge sheet” or a “White Paper” against the West Bengal government and the ruling Trinamool Congress on March 28, during his two-day visit to the poll-bound state amid the upcoming two-phased Assembly elections next month, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sources said on Wednesday.

A state BJP committee member said that although it was initially decided that the manifesto, which the party is describing as “Sankalp Patra” now will be released either on April 3 or April 4.

The state committee member also said that all attempts are made so that the Union Home Minister himself releases the “Sankalp Patra”, considering that during one of the recent ‘Parivartan Yatra’ programmes of the BJP at Raidighi in South 24 Parganas district this month, Amit Shah highlighted the programmes to be undertaken by the party if the latter comes to power in West Bengal after the upcoming polls conclude.

Meanwhile, on the second day of his two-day visit to West Bengal on Wednesday, BJP President Nitin Nabin chaired a series of high-level organisational and strategic meetings with the party’s state election management team, along with representatives from women, youth NGOs, club, religious organisations, scheduled caste, scheduled tribe and other backward class (OBC) groups.

“These discussions focused on strengthening booth-level management, expanding grassroots outreach, and sharpening the party’s election strategy,” a statement issued by the West Bengal unit of the BJP on Wednesday evening said.

According to the West Bengal BJP statement, BJP President Nabin expressed confidence that the people of West Bengal were ready for a change and were determined to move towards a future free from fear, corruption, and instability.

“He (Nitin Nabin) highlighted issues such as governance, development, women’s safety, employment opportunities, and effective implementation of central welfare schemes as key concerns of the electorate and said that the upcoming state election is a decisive moment for West Bengal, where people will choose progress, security, and good governance.

He urged all party workers to actively engage with citizens, take the party’s vision and manifesto to every household, and work tirelessly over the coming weeks to ensure victory,” the BJP’s state committee member added.(Agency)

Spanish PM affirms opposition to war in Middle East, defends economic measures

Madrid, March 25, 2026
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to the war in Iran, which has spread across the Middle East, criticising the military actions of the United States and Israel.

The Spanish premier also defended his government’s economic package aimed at mitigating the impact of the conflict.

Sanchez stressed that his country will not support military actions that violate international law. “Spain will not be complicit in illegal aggressions, nor in lies disguised as freedom – not while I am prime minister,” he said, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Addressing relations with allies, Sanchez underlined the need for an independent and critical stance, questioning what it means to be an ally. It does not imply blind obedience, he underlined, but rather the courage to stand up when the path is wrong and to tell partners the truth, “even when it is uncomfortable.”

Sanchez also warned of the risk of the conflict expanding in the region, saying that Israeli military actions could lead to a replication of “the destruction and suffering seen in Gaza” in Lebanon.

“Spain today is a benchmark in the defence of peace and international law,” he said, calling for an end to the conflict. “We are going to demand that this war stop. It is not fair that some set the world on fire while the rest of us swallow their ashes.”

On the economic front, Sanchez defended a package of anti-crisis measures worth more than five billion euros, warning of the conflict’s impact on the economy.

The package, approved by the government and pending parliamentary ratification, includes an extension of reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on energy, direct aid to sectors such as transport and agriculture, and measures to protect households and businesses.

“This is not a vote on this government; it is a vote on whether we protect our families and businesses with these five billion euros or leave them to face the uncertainty of war on their own,” he said.

“This war is a colossal mistake whose cost we neither accept nor are willing to pay,” Sanchez said. Its consequences will not translate into “higher wages or more affordable housing,” he said, adding that it is the “true tragedy.”(Agency)

ED attaches Rs 4 crore agricultural lands in MP’s Dhar and Khargone in PNB scam

Indore, March 25, 2026
The Enforcement Directorate (ED)’s Indore Sub-Zonal Office has provisionally attached three immovable properties valued at around Rs 4 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with a significant bank fraud case.

The attached assets are agricultural lands located in Dhar and Khargone districts of Madhya Pradesh.

The action targets Ram Patidar, proprietor of M/s Narmada Sheit Grih based in Dhar.

The ED launched its probe following an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Jabalpur against Ram Patidar and other accused persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

The investigation revealed that Ram Patidar had secured a term loan of Rs 3.5 crore from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) for the construction of a cold storage facility in the name of his firm, the ED said in a press statement.

However, instead of utilising the funds for the intended purpose of building the cold storage, the loan amount was allegedly diverted to multiple bank accounts controlled and managed by Patidar himself and his close associates, including Parmanand Patidar, Mahendra Patidar, Mithun Dawar and others.

“This systematic diversion of funds resulted in a wrongful loss of nearly Rs 3.36 crore to the Punjab National Bank, while the accused derived corresponding wrongful gains,” the ED said.

The ED’s probe established that the diverted money constitutes the proceeds of crime, which were allegedly layered and integrated into legitimate-looking assets, including the agricultural lands now attached.

The attachment order aims to prevent the accused from disposing of or dealing with these properties during the ongoing investigation.

The move sends a strong message against those who misuse public money and banking facilities for personal benefit, the ED said in the statement.

Further investigation into the case, including tracing any additional proceeds of crime and examining the roles of all involved parties, is continuing.

The ED is likely to file a detailed charge sheet in the competent court once the probe reaches its logical conclusion.

This case highlights the agency’s continued focus on cracking down on bank frauds and money laundering activities in Madhya Pradesh.(Agency)

With 68 pc approval ratings, PM Modi is world’s most popular leader: Morning Consult

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again topped the global list of most popular leaders by achieving approval ratings of 68 per cent, according to a survey by the Morning Consult, a reputed US-based data analytics firm.

According to the survey conducted by Morning Consult, between March 2 and 8, PM Modi has stayed well ahead of his global counterparts by garnering a commanding approval rating of 68 per cent.

The latest rankings reinforce PM Modi’s sustained charisma and leadership, not just domestically but also internationally, as he continues to occupy the top spot despite three consecutive terms in power.

In a stark contrast, American President Donald Trump features nowhere in the Top Ten rankings, having earned just 39 per cent approval ratings.

Other global leaders trailing PM Modi include Switzerland President Guy Parmelin, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, both occupying the second spot with 62 per cent approval ratings.

Those following in close succession at third and fourth spots are the Czech Republic and Argentine counterparts with 57 and 56 per cent approval ratings respectively.

Besides the US President, other European counterparts are seen trailing behind by a big margin. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has earned just 24 per cent approval ratings. Among other leaders, French President Emmanuel Macron fares poorly with 17 per cent approval ratings and is seen relegated to the bottom of the list.

Notably, PM Modi has consistently dominated the approval ratings ever since taking office. The latest rankings assume significance as it comes in the backdrop of him achieving the feat of being the longest serving head of government.

PM Modi achieved a historic milestone in Indian politics this Sunday by becoming the longest-serving head of government in the country. He completed 8,931 days as head of government this weekend, combining his tenure first as Chief Minister of Gujarat and then as Prime Minister, thereby entering his 25th year in a key leadership role.

Notably, the Morning Consult ratings reflect a seven-day moving average of adult opinions across the countries surveyed.(Agency)

MP: Female RTO constable and her male aide arrested for bribery

Jabalpur, March 25, 2026
The Lokayukta police of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday said it has arrested a woman RTO constable and one of her private male aides for allegedly taking bribes from a vehicle owner.

The action came when the constable and her aide were caught red-handed while accepting Rs 4,500 bribe on the Jabalpur-Nagpur Highway under the pretext of facilitating the vehicle’s passage.

A complaint regarding the demand for money was filed with the Lokayukta by Prashant Dattatray Jadhav Jeevansagar, a vehicle owner from Mumbai.

Acting on the complaint, the Lokayukta team set up a trap operation and apprehended the female constable, Shweta Ahirwar, and Mohit Sahu while they were accepting the bribe.

A senior official of the Lokayukta police said the investigation substantiated the allegations, confirming the veracity of the complaint.

Consequently, on March 25, Ahirwar and Sahu were caught red-handed accepting the bribe of Rs 4,500 from the vehicle driver.

The officer added that further legal proceedings are being initiated against both individuals.

The officer added that the amount was demanded to facilitate the passage of approximately 10 trucks from the jurisdiction of Bargi police station in Jabalpur district.

The arrested persons have been booked under Sections 7, 12, 13(1)B, and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. During the investigation, Lokayukta police found that both individuals had been consistently extorting money from passing vehicles.

Madhya Pradesh’s RTO department had hit the headlines after 52 kilograms of gold and piles of cash amounting to Rs 10 crore were recovered from Saurabh Sharma, an ex-RTO constable, in January last year from Bhopal.

The multi-layer scam was investigated by multiple agencies, including the Lokayukta, ED and the Income Tax Department.

Saurabh and his two associates, Chetan Singh Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal, were arrested.(Agency)

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