Saturday, December 06, 2025 ਪੰਜਾਬੀ हिंदी

Archive News of December 05, 2025

BSF apprehends smuggler along India-Bangladesh border; seizes gold valued at over Rs 5.47 crore

In a major success, the Border Security Force (BSF) apprehended a smuggler and seized gold biscuits valued at over Rs 5.47 crore from his possession along the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in West Bengal's Nadia district, an official said on Friday.

"Troops of the 32 Bn BSF, posted at the Banpur Border Outpost in Nadia, successfully foiled yet another smuggling attempt. Acting on specific intelligence, the troops apprehended an Indian smuggler red-handed and recovered 36 gold biscuits, weighing 4234.98 grams and valued at approximately Rs 5,47,37,117. This operation marks a significant setback to the cross-border smuggling network," said N.K. Pandey, DIG, BSF, South Bengal Frontier.

One Video, Instant Action: Work Resumes on Small Irrigation Canal in Jhandeval and 4 Other Villages

The Punjab Mann government has shown another example of quick public response and action. Villages in Moga district, including Jhandeval and 4 surrounding villages, had shared a video highlighting their water supply problems. In the video, villagers explained they had no proper water system and the old water infrastructure had completely collapsed. As soon as the video came out, MLA Amandeep Kaur Arora from Moga constituency took immediate action and restarted the water system construction work. The project is now being completed properly and local people are praising this initiative.

Punjab Govt Rescues Farmers: Cotton Prices Surge from ₹5,700 to ₹7,500+ After Swift Action

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government has once again proven its strong commitment to the state’s hardworking farmers. This year, when cotton (narma and desi) prices in the market were falling below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), the Mann government quickly stepped in and saved farmers from massive losses.

11 ITIs to be built in Punjab prisons; new initiative by the Punjab government to provide skills training and a new lease of life to prisoners

The High Court of Punjab and Haryana, in collaboration with the Department of Prisons, Punjab, and the Department of Technical Education & Industrial Training, Punjab, is launching a major correctional reform initiative titled “Empowering Lives Behind Bars: Real Change – The New Paradigm of Correctional Justice” on December 6, 2025 at Central Jail, Patiala. The programme will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Mr. Justice Surya Kant, in the presence of Judges of the Supreme Court of India, Judges of the High Court, and senior State officials.

Raghav Chadha slams ‘10-minute delivery’ culture, calls gig workers ‘invisible wheels of Indian economy’

Raising a hard-hitting issue during Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha on Friday, Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha from Punjab demanded immediate government intervention to protect millions of delivery boys who he said are “gig workers”.

He also demanded the abolition of the “dangerous” 10-minute delivery model pushed by “quick-commerce platforms.”

Describing delivery executives of Zomato, Swiggy, etc and service partners of Urban Company as the “invisible wheels of the Indian economy”, Chadha said unicorn companies have achieved billion-dollar valuations on the “broken backs and risked lives” of these workers.

Delhi blast: NIA custody of accused Soyab extended by 10 days

In the Red Fort blast case in which 13 people were killed and dozens were injured, a Delhi court on Friday extended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of accused Soyab by 10 days.

Soyab, arrested in connection with the November 10 blast in the national Capital, was produced before the NIA court at Patiala House after his earlier custodial remand expired. He had been sent to 10 days' NIA custody on November 26.

According to the NIA, Soyab allegedly sheltered key conspirator Dr Umar Mohammad, also known as Umar un Nabi, and arranged logistical support shortly before the blast. He is the seventh person arrested in the case.

Delhi: Illegal bar busted in Samaypur Badli; 25 detained, liquor and hookahs seized

 A late-night operation by the Delhi Police’s Outer-North district led to the busting of an illegal bar running in the Samaypur Badli area, resulting in the apprehension of 25 people and the seizure of liquor, hookahs and sound equipment, the Delhi Police said on Friday.

The action was taken after police received specific information about an unauthorised bar operating at Samaypur Main Chowk.

According to officials, the raid was carried out in the intervening night of December 3 and 4 after a team was constituted under Inspector Shailendra Singh Jakhhar, SHO of Samaypur Badli police station.

Kajol says 'DDLJ has become kind of a touch stone for Indians living abroad'

Even after 3 decades of release, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)" continues to rule the hearts of movie buffs.

Celebrating their iconic roles in one of Indian cinema’s most beloved films, SRK and Kajol unveiled a new bronze statue in London's Leicester Square.

Talking about this, Kajol revealed that when they were making the film, they never imagined it would become a global phenomenon for Indians and South Asians.

She further added that "DDLJ" has turned into a kind of touchstone for all the Indians living abroad.

RBI’s 25 bps rate cut to boost growth as inflation stays low: Economists

The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points on Friday received a strong positive response from economists, who believe the move will support growth at a time when inflation is at exceptionally low levels.

Experts said the policy action, along with the liquidity measures announced, shows that the central bank wants to use the current window of low inflation to strengthen economic momentum.

Rajani Sinha, Chief Economist at CareEdge Ratings, said the rate cut and the decision to maintain a neutral stance were in line with expectations.

On NC founder’s birth anniversary, Farooq Abdullah says J&K govt working on ‘razor’s edge’

Former Chief Minister and president of the ruling National Conference (NC), Dr Farooq Abdullah, said on Friday that the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir was working on the ‘razor’s edge’ as, according to him, all powers are vested in the Lt Governor.

Addressing the media on the 120th birth anniversary of NC founder, late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, at his mausoleum in Hazratbal area of Srinagar city, Dr Abdullah said, “Whatever could be done during the last year after our government came to power has been done despite a sword hanging over our head. All powers lie with the Lt Governor, and we have to walk on the razor’s edge under these circumstances. When we demand statehood, we don’t do it for ourselves. We want it to be restored so that the people benefit here."

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India posts 23 pc surge in domestic sales in Nov

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has posted domestic sales of 5,33,645 units in November, up 23 per cent from 4,32,888 units in the same month last year.

Total sales for the month touched 5,91,136 units, up 25 per cent from 4,72,749 units in November 2024, while exports rose 44 per cent to 57,491 units from 39,861 units a year earlier, the company said.

The sales data showed sustained demand in overseas markets and strong domestic retail traction.

Temperature expected to dip by 2-4 degrees C across Bihar in next 48 hours, cold wave alert issued

With December setting in, winter has tightened its grip across North India, including Bihar, where cold conditions are expected to intensify further in the coming days.

According to the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in several districts is likely to drop by 2-4 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours, making nights significantly colder. The mercury has already been sliding across the state, including in Patna, which recorded a minimum of 14.0 degrees C and a maximum of 27.0 degrees C on Friday. Bhagalpur remained the coldest, shivering at 8.4 degrees Celsius.

The Bihar Meteorological Service Centre has indicated that temperatures may stay below normal this winter, with multiple districts already reporting minimum temperatures under 10 degrees C. Moderate morning fog and persistent westerly winds throughout the day and night are adding to the chill.

Air pollution can heighten anxiety and trigger panic-like symptoms: Doctors

Amid continuing poor air quality in the national capital, doctors on Friday noted that air pollution can not only harm your lungs or lead to cardiac illness but can also heighten anxiety and trigger panic-like symptoms.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 323 at 8 am on Friday morning, keeping the city in the “very poor” category, as residents woke up to a thick layer of haze.

RBI slashes India’s inflation forecast to 2 pc for 2025-26

The RBI’s monetary policy committee (MPC) on Friday slashed its forecast for India’s inflation rate for the financial year 2025-26 to 2 per cent -- from 2.6 per cent predicted in October due to the sharp decline in food prices and the GST rate cuts playing out.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said that “the MPC noted that headline inflation has eased significantly and is likely to be softer than the earlier projections, primarily on account of the exceptionally benign food prices. Reflecting these favourable conditions, the projections for average headline inflation in 2025-26 and Q1 2026-27 have been further revised downwards.”

Alia Bhatt's November dump is all about celebrating your loved ones

For actress Alia Bhatt, the month of November has been full of blessings and some precious moments with the family.

Alia's latest social media post showed the netizens what the month gone by looked like for the 'Jigra' actress.

Alia gave a sneak peek into daughter Raha's third birthday celebration on November 6.

RBI raises India’s GDP growth forecast to 7.3 pc

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday raised its GDP growth forecast of the Indian economy to a robust 7.3 per cent for 2025-26 from 6.8 per cent earlier, on the back of an improved outlook driven by strong agricultural prospects, GST rate cuts continuing to play out, low inflation and strong balance sheets of corporates and banks.

Addressing a press conference after the monetary policy committee meeting here, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the surge in economic growth to 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of the current financial year and the sharp decline in inflation to 1.7 per cent had provided a rare “Goldilocks period” for the Indian economy.

Apple announces 2025 app store award winners

Apple on Friday announced the winners of the 2025 App Store Awards, honouring 17 developers whose apps and games have made a strong impact this year.

The awards recognise creators who delivered outstanding experiences through innovative technology, smooth design and meaningful features that helped users work smarter, explore new ideas and enjoy immersive entertainment.

The winners were chosen from 45 finalists by App Store editors.

Man jumps on Metro track in Bengaluru's Kengeri station; dies

A man committed suicide by jumping in front of a moving Metro train at Kengeri Metro Station in Bengaluru on Friday. Services were affected as the operations were halted between Mysuru Road (Nayandanahalli) Metro Station and Challaghatta Metro Station.

The deceased was identified as 38-year-old Shantagoud Police Patil, a resident of Devarahipparagi in Vijayapura district. According to the police, he jumped in front of a moving train at the station. Kengeri police rushed to the spot, retrieved the body from under the train, and shifted it to a hospital.

More details on the incident are awaited.

Man killed in targeted shooting in Australia's Queensland

A man has died following a targeted shooting in the Australian state of Queensland in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) said that emergency services attended a property in the suburb of Slacks Creek, 20 km southeast of the state capital of Brisbane, at around 1:15 a.m. local time on Friday and located a man with an apparent gunshot wound.

Selena Gomez preps for her first Christmas with Benny Blanco as a married couple

Actress-singer Selena Gomez is all set to celebrate her first Christmas with Benny Blanco as a married couple.

Selena took to social media and posted sneak peeks into preparations going on around the house before the festive season. The videos and photos shared by Selena on her IG show her and Benny working on decorating their Christmas tree together.

Both Selena and Benny were seen dressed in comfy attires as they worked as a team to get the house ready.

Blast in illegal firecrackers unit in Ghaziabad village, several injured

A massive explosion occurred in Masuri village in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, where firecrackers were being illegally manufactured inside a residential property. The blast resulted in the collapse of a portion of the house, leaving a man critically injured.

According to initial reports, firecrackers were being secretly assembled in a rented house when the sudden explosion took place on Thursday. The blast was so powerful that it destroyed a part of the building’s structure, shattering doors and blowing apart the roof, triggering panic in the area.

Residents rushed out of nearby houses fearing additional explosions, as thick smoke filled the area.

RBI cuts repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent to spur growth

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced on Friday that the monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting has unanimously decided to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 per cent from 5.5 per cent earlier to spur growth in the economy.

The RBI Governor also said that the Central Bank would inject more liquidity in the economy by undertaking open market operations with the purchase of government securities to the tune of Rs 1 lakh crore. Besides, the RBI would also put in place a dollar-rupee swap arrangement of $5 billion.

Malhotra said that the surge in economic growth to 8.2 per cent growth in the second quarter of the current financial year and the sharp decline in inflation to 1.7 per cent had provided a rare “Goldilocks period” for the Indian economy.

North Korea's Kim inspects regional factories ahead of official opening

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has visited several regional factories ahead of their official opening, stressing the construction of such facilities is a "gigantic revolution" designed to improve people's livelihoods, state media reported Friday.

Kim inspected regional-industrial factories in several counties of South Phyongan Province, including the Sinyang and Pukchang counties, on Wednesday, as their official openings are nearing, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Bengal SIR: 99 pc digitisation of enumeration forms completed; nearly 53 lakh to be excluded

With almost 99 per cent of digitisation of enumeration forms collected from the voters by the booth-level officers (BLOs) during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal being already completed, the number of voters enlisted in the current voters’ list found to be suitable for exclusion stands at around 53 lakh.

Till Thursday evening, 98.84 per cent of the duly filled enumeration forms collected from the voters had already been completed, and as per the trend of the digitisation of those forms, the number of voters in the existing voters’ list found eligible for exclusion till that period is 52,99,663.

Rupee opens higher ahead of RBI policy; MCX gold slips

Gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) slipped slightly in morning trade on Friday, as investors waited for the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy decision.

However, a weaker US dollar and steady demand in the spot market helped limit the fall in gold rates.

During early trade, before the policy announcement, MCX gold February futures were down 0.14 per cent at Rs 1,29,892 per 10 grams, while MCX silver March contracts were up 0.74 per cent at Rs 1,79,461 per kg.

Premier League: Late Magassa goal helps West Ham hold Man Utd to 1-1 draw

Soungoutou Magassa’s first goal for West Ham United salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

United had chances throughout, with Joshua Zirkzee seeing an effort cleared off the line before Bruno Fernandes hit a post in the first half.

But West Ham profited from a set-piece late on, thanks to Magassa’s composed finish, to ensure they did not leave Manchester empty-handed, Premier League reports.

Mohit Chauhan on new track ‘Heer’: It has old-school charm that doesn't try too hard

Known for belting out chartbuster hits such as “Pee Loon”, “Kun Faya Kun,” “Matargashti” and “Saiyaara” to name a few, singer Mohit Chauhan has lent his vocal prowess for a new track titled “Heer”, which he says has a gentle, old-school charm that doesn't try too hard.

"Heer," a beautiful musical composition that brings together Mohit Chauhan and Kavita Seth. The track, composed by the talented Raaj Aashoo, is a romantic melody that captures the essence of love, longing, and connection.

Delhi Airport issues passenger advisory, urges flyers to check flight status amid IndiGo crisis

Delhi Airport on Friday issued a passenger advisory urging travellers to verify their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport. The announcement comes as IndiGo faces one of its most severe operational disruptions in recent years, resulting in widespread cancellations and delays.

This comes as more than 500 flights were cancelled on Thursday, with several others delayed. In November alone, IndiGo recorded 1,232 cancellations across its network.

The advisory shared on the social media platform X said, "Please be advised that operational challenges affecting certain domestic services are resulting in flight delays and cancellations."

Sensex , Nifty open lower as investors await RBI’s MPC decision

Indian equity markets opened slightly lower on Friday, as investors awaited the Reserve Bank of India’s key interest rate decision.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will announce the repo rate at 10 AM after concluding its three-day meeting, keeping traders cautious at the start of the session.

At the opening bell, the Sensex was at 85,187, down 79 points or 0.09 per cent. The Nifty also saw a mild decline, slipping 12 points or 0.05 per cent to 26,021.