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.

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.

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."

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.

Senior lawyer and former Mizoram governor Swaraj Kaushal, husband of former Union Minister Late Sushma Swaraj and father of BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, passed away on Thursday. He was 73.

In a social media post, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj paid a tribute to him and said, “Papa Swaraj Kaushal ji, your affection, your discipline, your simplicity, your patriotism, and your boundless patience are the light of my life that will never dim.”

President Droupadi Murmu is expected to share her views on the crucial link between human rights and equitable and dignified access to public services while launching celebrations on Human Rights Day here on December 10, an official said on Thursday.

President Murmu will be the Chief Guest at the Human Rights Day function planned by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at Bharat Mandapam, the official said.

Human Rights Day is marked worldwide on December 10 each year, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The day highlights the enduring significance of the landmark document, which set out a universal commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all individuals across the globe.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday reported significant progress in Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with 99.87 per cent of Enumeration Forms (EFs) already distributed across 12 states and Union Territories.

According to the ECI's daily bulletin, the nationwide EF distribution has reflected strong field mobilisation by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and participation from Booth Level Agents (BLAs).

During the ongoing enumeration phase, which runs from November 4 to December 11 (earlier the last date was December 4) -- a total of 50.90crore EFs have already been distributed out of the eligible 50.97 crore electors.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday launched a pole-mounted mist spray system for dust and pollution control in the ITO area in the central parts of the Capital, an official said.

She said that at ITO, nearly 35 poles have been equipped with mist sprayers.

"The government is preparing to install mist sprayers on 305 poles at nine hotspots where pollution is a very serious problem,” said CM Gupta, referring to the constitution of a panel to tackle the city's pollution.

Around 50 lakh names in West Bengal have been identified for exclusion in the voters’ list as per the latest trend available during the digitisation of the enumeration forms in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the Election Commission of India (ECI) that started from November 4.

The same figure was a little over 46 lakh as per the trend of digitisation completed till Tuesday evening, and by Wednesday night, it reached nearly 50 lakh. This means that a total of around four lakh names have been included in the list of names eligible for exclusion from the voters' list within 24 hours.

The Election Commission of India has identified three polling booths in West Bengal which do not have a single “self” voter. A voter in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the ECI is considered a “self” if he or she has his or her name in the voters’ list for 2002, the base year for the ongoing revision exercise.

In these three booths, 100 per cent of the voters are “progeny” voters, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, have said.

A voter is considered a “progeny” voter if his or her parents’ names appear on the voters’ list for 2002.

Considering it a near-impossible scenario, the ECI has directed a fresh review of the situation in all three booths.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday that the UT cabinet in its meeting has made recommendations for rationalisation of the reservation policy in government jobs and professional institutions.

Speaking to the media after he chaired a cabinet meeting here, Omar Abdullah said, “There were 22 items on the cabinet agenda today, including the construction of a new Kashmir house in Dwarika (Delhi), promotions of chief engineers in the R&B department and the steps to be taken to revive the cooperative societies in J&K”.

The celebrations and exuberance in the BJP camp over a thumping poll victory in 7 out of 12 wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Wednesday, got marred by allegations of electoral fraud, levelled by the rival Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The AAP’s Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that his party’s candidate Seema Goyal was first declared as the ‘winner’ on the Election Commission (EC) portal but then the results were “reversed” during recounting, making the BJP nominee victorious.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday that society must reaffirm its commitment to removing barriers, promoting equal opportunities to make the society accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities.

L-G Manoj Sinha said on the social media platform X, "On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us reaffirm our commitment to remove barriers, promote equal opportunities and contribute to an inclusive, accessible society, ensuring dignity and full participation for everyone, in our journey towards a Viksit Bharat."

The message by Manoj Sinha comes on a day the World is observing the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

Trinamool Congress will start mobilising public opinion from Wednesday against the proposal from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to set up new polling booths within private housing complexes having multiple high-rise towers.

West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Mayor Firhad Hakim will hold a meeting with the officer bearers of various housing complex associations in and around Kolkata in the second half of Wednesday.

Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that first Hakim will listen to the opinions expressed by the office bearers on the ECI's proposal for setting up new polling booths within private housing complexes, which have multiple high-rise towers.

Over 46 lakh names in West Bengal have already been identified for exclusion in the voters’ list as per the latest trend available during the digitisation of the enumeration forms in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the Election Commission of India (ECI) that started from November 4.

The total number of names found eligible for exclusion from the voters' list currently stands at 46.30 lakh, and this is as per the trend of the digitisation of the enumeration forms completed till Tuesday evening.

The same figure was 43.50 lakh as per the trend of digitisation completed till Monday evening. This means that a total of 2.70 lakh names have been included in the list of names eligible for exclusion from the voters' list within 24 hours.

To tackle Punjab’s drug crisis, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a game-changing strategy. The government will no longer limit its fight against drugs to police stations and courts but will send trained warriors into every village and neighborhood. Through India's first-ever ‘Leadership in Mental Health Fellowship,’ Punjab will prepare 35 young professionals dedicated to rescuing people from addiction and raising awareness in society. Developed in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, this program—called the Yudh Nashe Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign—is set to be the biggest weapon in the fight against substance abuse. This is not just a training program but a revolutionary step towards a drug-free Punjab.

The Rajya Sabha experienced a heated standoff on Tuesday as opposition leaders, led by Congress veteran Mallikarjun Kharge, called for an urgent debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They accused the process of causing suicides and voter disenfranchisement across 12 states and union territories.

On the other hand, the government responded in a positive manner but declined to initiate debate on SIR instantly.

The confrontation, unfolding shortly after 2.00 p.m. when proceedings resumed, pitted the opposition's pleas for immediate action against the government's insistence on prioritising a commemorative discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

The Jammu and Kashmir cabinet headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will be meeting here on Wednesday to take some important decisions, including changes in the job reservation policy.

Official sources said the chief minister has called the meeting at 9 a.m. at the civil secretariat in the winter capital Jammu, where major decisions, including an increase in the open merit quota in government jobs and professional institutions, are likely to be taken.

”To amend the Reservation Rules to rationalise quotas in certain categories, especially Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), to accommodate the proposed hike in Open Merit quota by capping the EWS quota at a maximum of 10 per cent, will be announced.

As per the trend of digitisation of the enumeration forms collected by the booth-level officers (BLOs), the Election Commission of India (ECI) has estimated that 43.30 lakh names will be excluded from the draft voters' list, set to be published on December 16.

However, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, pointed out that this estimated figure is based on the trend of digitising the collected enumeration forms till Monday evening, and the final number might increase after the digitisation process is completed.

The total number of voters in West Bengal, as per the electoral roll as of October 27, is 7,66,37,529.

 Around 15,000 additional polling booths, a large chunk of which is likely to be within the private housing complexes, will be set up for the 2026 Assembly in West Bengal, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) have said.

It is learnt that during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the total number of polling booths in West Bengal was 80,681, which will increase to 95,668 for the Assembly elections next year. This means that there will be 14,987 additional polling booths in the state next year.

Amid this increase, instructions from the Election Commission of India (ECI) have already reached District Magistrates (also the District Electoral Officers), to identify big housing complexes with high-rise towers where the election booths could be set up.

With campaigning for the elections to the nagar parishads and nagar panchayats ending at 10:00 PM tonight, and voting scheduled for December 2, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appealed to the State Election Commission to reconsider the revised election schedule issued on November 29.

The revised schedule calls for a re-election for approximately 24 posts of Nagar Parishad chiefs and 204 posts of members across various Nagar Parishads and Nagar Panchayats in the state.

The State BJP chief, Ravindra Chavan, in his letter to the SEC, has objected to the blanket implementation of this order, arguing that the decision to postpone the elections at the final stage of campaigning and one day before polling is inappropriate.

Today, an unusual sense of unrest pervades the country regarding elections. People are raising questions, discussing, and openly expressing their doubts. This is no small matter—when the public, who are the true owners of democracy, begin to lose faith in their own electoral system, it suggests the problem is profound. Amidst this scenario, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recently made a statement that resonated deeply with the people. Addressing the doubts surrounding the electoral process and the SIR (Systematic Improvement of Representation/Registration/etc. - based on context, likely an election related system or process), he voiced the sentiment of millions of Indians: "Why should the public provide the proof? The Election Commission should provide the answer."

Reiterating its commitment to securing and strengthening the future of Punjab's youth, the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has taken a revolutionary and historic step. With the launch of the "Young Scientists Travel Assistance Scheme," the government has opened the doors to global platforms for the state's talented scientists and researchers. This visionary initiative is injecting new energy into the field of science and technology in Punjab, clearly demonstrating a strong desire to give the state's youth international recognition.

As the Winter Session of Parliament witnessed heated exchanges over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday said that raising public concerns in Parliament cannot be termed as “drama”.

Responding to remarks made during the session, she said urgent matters such as pollution and the SIR exercise are crucial for democracy and must be discussed openly in Parliament.

Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Urgent issues like pollution, the SIR process, and other matters are extremely important for democracy. Whether it is the election situation or the SIR, these are major issues. What is Parliament for if not to discuss them? Let the government allow a discussion. Speaking about issues or raising questions is not drama.”

Around 30 lakh names of deceased, untraceable and duplicate voters will be deleted from the electoral rolls by the Election Commission of India (ECI), according to the trend of the enumeration forms digitisation during SIR in West Bengal.

As per the commission's observation, of the estimated 30 lakhs of deleted names, around 16 lakhs are deceased voters, and the rest are untraceable voters, duplicate voters, or voters who have permanently shifted to other states.

However, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, pointed out that this estimate is based only on the percentage of digitisation of the enumeration forms completed so far, and the estimated number on this count might increase further after digitisation is fully completed.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday that he was not aware of the demolition drive carried out by Jammu Development Authority (JDA) during which the house of a journalist was demolished.

Asked about the alleged selective demolition of the house of the local journalist in Jammu, the Chief Minister said, "It was not brought to our attention that they were going to do this, nor were we consulted."

Claiming that officers carrying out these demolitions are posted by Raj Bhawan, he said, "They have not taken the minister concerned into confidence. This is a large conspiracy to defame and humiliate the elected government."

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday reported significant progress in Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2025 of electoral rolls, with 99.43 per cent of Enumeration Forms (EFs) already distributed across 12 states and Union Territories.

According to the Daily Bulletin, the nationwide EF distribution has reached 99.43 per cent, reflecting strong field mobilisation by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and participation from Booth Level Agents (BLAs).

During the ongoing enumeration phase, which runs from November 4 to December 4 -- a total of 50.68 crore EFs have already been distributed out of the eligible 50.97 crore electors.

Digitisation of EFs is also picking up, with 37.77 crore forms digitised so far, marking an overall digitisation rate of 74.10 per cent.

Under the Chief Minister's Women Employment Scheme, financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each was transferred to the bank accounts of 10 lakh women in Bihar on Friday.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar participated in the event and released the funds directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

A special programme was organised at the Chief Minister's residence, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, senior officials, and representatives from various departments.

According to officials, the beneficiaries include around 9.5 lakh rural women and 50,000 urban women.

Contractual employees of the state-owned Punjab Roadways, Punbus and Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) went on strike on Friday after police picked up several union leaders, protesting the opening of tenders under the Kilometre Scheme, leaving commuters across the state stranded as over 3,000 buses stayed off roads.

People, especially women, faced inconvenience across the strike by contractual employees on all 27 depots of both the roadways.

The travel of women is free in the state roadways buses. There were reports of a scuffle between the police and the strikers in Patiala and Sangrur towns.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday batted for strategic tie up with Japan in key sectors of advanced manufacturing, mobility, electronics, food processing, renewable energy, and global services.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, virtually held a detailed deliberation with a high level delegation of Japan comprising representatives of the Embassy of Japan, JETRO, JCCII, and over 25 leading Japanese companies operating across India such as Panasonic, Sumitomo, Nippon, NEC, Toyota and others.

The interaction formed a key part of Punjab’s international outreach in the run-up to the 6th Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit scheduled from March 13-15, 2026 at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Mohali. Invest Punjab showcased the state’s economic landscape and the unique Invest Punjab unified regulatory model, which integrates powers of multiple departments under a single authority.

Names of the electorate in the Assembly constituencies in and around Kolkata are not matching with the voter list of 2002, sources in the office of Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said.

Currently, digitisation of the enumeration forms for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) collected from voters was underway.

The sources said that till Wednesday afternoon, 26 lakh voters have been identified whose names or their parents' names do not match the voter list of 2002.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday reported significant progress in Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2025 of electoral rolls, with 99.25 per cent of Enumeration Forms (EFs) already distributed across 12 states and Union Territories.

According to the Daily Bulletin issued at 3 p.m., the nationwide EF distribution has reached 99.25 per cent, reflecting strong field mobilisation by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and participation from Booth Level Agents (BLAs).

During the ongoing enumeration phase, which runs from November 4 to December 4 -- a total of 50.59 crore EFs have already been distributed out of the eligible 50.97 crore electors.

Digitisation of EFs is also picking up, with 32.23 crore forms digitised so far, marking an overall digitisation rate of 63.23 per cent.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab President Mr. Aman Arora, today took exception to the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi for their "deliberate and telling absence" from the recently concluded month-long 'Shahidi Samaroh' in Punjab to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

While addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan on Wednesday, Mr. Aman Arora expressed deep disappointment and dismay, stating that the BJP's leadership, despite personal invitations, displayed a "blatant disregard" for the sacrifice of the Ninth Sikh Guru, who laid down His life to protect the fundamental rights and religious freedom of Hindus.

Mr. Aman Arora said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government had conceived the commemorative events as a totally non-political to educate future generations about the unparalleled sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

On the historic occasion of Constitution Day, Aam Aadmi Party Punjab President Shri Aman Arora extended his warmest greetings to the people of India and also marked the day with a special message celebrating AAP’s Foundation Day.

Aman Arora said that thirteen years ago, Arvind Kejriwal began a movement that has today grown into a powerful institution dedicated to clean, transparent and people-centric governance. He recalled how Kejriwal took upon himself the monumental mission of ending corruption, dismantling high-handed systems, and establishing a governance model rooted in honesty and public service.

Arora stated, “What began as a struggle led by Arvind Kejriwal has today transformed into a national force. AAP reached the status of a national party in record time and earned the privilege of forming governments in two states. These achievements reflect the commitment, sacrifice and collective effort of our party leadership, volunteers and supporters.”

Another historic initiative has taken place on Punjab's sacred land. The Man government has made a big decision to make e-rickshaw and bus services completely free in Anandpur Sahib, Amritsar, and Talwandi Sabo. This decision is like a blessing for the millions of pilgrims who come daily to bow at the Gurudwara Sahib. This step is not just to make travel easier but also reflects Punjab government's dedication to public service and respect for the sanctity of the Guru's house.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a major announcement on Tuesday from the holy land of Shri Anandpur Sahib. He declared that free transport service will soon start in the three cities recently declared as "holy cities" by the Punjab Assembly — Shri Amritsar Sahib, Shri Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo. This plan includes free mini-buses and e-rickshaws for the convenience of pilgrims and residents.

The aim of this service is to ensure easy and hassle-free travel in these historic and religious cities, especially at major religious sites and places frequently visited by devotees. Mann said this step is part of the government's promise to improve access to spiritually important cities, make travel easier for pilgrims, and provide better public facilities.