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Harpal Singh Cheema Sets ₹12,800 Crore Revenue Goal for 2026–27 Fiscal Year

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harpal singh cheema
harpal singh cheema

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said the state’s Excise and Taxation Department has recorded strong revenue growth in the financial year 2025 to 26, highlighting the impact of policy reforms and improved administrative efficiency.

He stated that the department collected Rs 11,782 crore by March 31, 2026, exceeding the revised target of Rs 11,200 crore by Rs 582 crore.

Cheema credited the achievement to proactive governance and business friendly policies introduced by the state government. He noted that excise revenue has seen a sharp rise over the past four years, increasing from Rs 6,254.84 crore to Rs 11,782 crore. He added that the government has now set a higher target of Rs 12,800 crore for the financial year 2026 to 27, reflecting its focus on strengthening revenue while maintaining transparency and compliance.

Outlining the plan for the upcoming fiscal year, the minister said the new excise policy aims to generate Rs 10,520 crore through licence fees, compared to Rs 9,877 crore in the previous year. He also pointed out that all 207 retail liquor groups in the state have already been allotted for 2026 to 27, indicating strong confidence among licence holders in the government’s policy framework. According to him, the overall response to the policy has been positive, ensuring stability in the liquor trade along with a steady flow of revenue to the state.

Speaking about future plans, Cheema said the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is targeting total excise revenue of Rs 12,800 crore in 2026 to 27. He expressed confidence that this goal will be achieved through stricter enforcement, better compliance systems and carefully designed policy measures that balance revenue growth with effective regulation.

Nora Fatehi Gets Final Opportunity to Appear Before NCW Over ‘Sarke Chunar Teri’ Row

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nora fatehi
nora fatehi

In March, a major controversy broke out over the song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from the Kannada pan-India film KD: The Devil. Featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, the track drew sharp criticism for its suggestive lyrics and choreography. The National Commission for Women subsequently issued summons to Nora Fatehi, Sanjay Dutt, and others over allegations of obscenity and vulgarity.

What the NCW said

According to a PTI report, the National Commission for Women has granted Nora Fatehi a final chance to appear before it in person in connection with the song, scheduling the next hearing for April 27.

The commission had taken suo motu cognizance of the issue, citing objectionable lyrics. A hearing was held on April 6, where Fatehi’s lawyer appeared on her behalf. However, the commission declined to accept representation through counsel and directed the actor to appear personally. It stated that this would be the final opportunity for her to do so. The proceedings were chaired by NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar.

During the hearing, lyricist Raqueeb Alam, director Prem, and representatives of KVN Productions, Gautam K M and Suprith, appeared before the panel. Rahatkar raised concerns over the song’s lyrics, stating that they undermined the dignity of women. She also rejected claims by those summoned that they were unaware of the meaning of the lyrics.

The commission said those present submitted a written apology and acknowledged the song’s negative social impact. They also assured the panel that they would undertake initiatives for women’s empowerment over the next three months and submit a report.

About the song and the controversy

Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke is part of KD: The Devil, directed by Prem. The song features Nora Fatehi, with Sanjay Dutt also appearing. Its opening lines use double entendre with graphic undertones, which later shift to refer to a drink and bottle rather than what the earlier verses seem to imply. Despite this, both the lyrics and choreography have faced criticism for being overly suggestive and objectifying.

Call for Statewide Water Conservation Drive by Andhra Pradesh CM

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andhra

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday urged people across the state to take part in a large-scale effort to conserve, store, and use water efficiently for agriculture, drinking purposes, and sustained economic growth.

He made the appeal while launching a 100-day water conservation action plan at Yadiki village in the Tadipatri constituency of Anantapur district, stating that his government is determined to make Andhra Pradesh drought-free by treating water conservation as a core mission.

The plan will be carried out in four stages. The first phase, from April 6 to 15, focuses on identifying works. This will be followed by administrative approvals between April 16 and 20. Execution of projects is scheduled from April 21 to July 9, with completion reports to be submitted between July 10 and 14.

Naidu said that 5,697 villages have been identified as facing groundwater stress, and the government aims to raise groundwater levels by at least 1.5 meters by filling tanks and improving storage capacity.

He added that the target is to ensure groundwater availability within six meters before summer and within three meters after the monsoon. According to him, groundwater levels have already increased by an average of 1.92 meters over the past 21 months due to conservation efforts and soil protection measures.

Highlighting improvements in Anantapur district, he said groundwater that was earlier available at a depth of 13 meters can now be accessed at around 11 meters, marking an improvement of 2.2 meters.

The chief minister said multiple departments, including irrigation, agriculture, panchayat raj, forest, and animal husbandry, will work together to implement the initiative, with water users’ associations playing a key role.

The campaign will focus on capturing runoff, storing surface water, and recharging groundwater through steps such as building percolation pits, check dams, and farm ponds, along with desilting tanks and canals, undertaking watershed works, and promoting sprinkler systems and micro irrigation.

Naidu described micro irrigation as a major success in the state, noting that Andhra Pradesh is currently spending ₹1,031 crore in this sector and leads the country in its implementation. He pointed out that widespread adoption of drip irrigation, particularly in drought-prone regions like Anantapur, has helped transform Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub, supported by earlier subsidies of up to 90 percent.

He also outlined the state’s annual water requirement at nearly 1,300 TMC, including 547 TMC for the Kharif season, 343 TMC for Rabi crops, 28 TMC for industries, and 158 TMC for drinking water.

Emphasizing the importance of scientific planning and integrated water management, Naidu directed officials to use satellite imagery and hydrological mapping to link water bodies. He also asked irrigation associations to prepare water budgets and conduct regular water audits.

Calling water security a shared responsibility, the chief minister encouraged farmers, irrigation bodies, gram panchayats and citizens to actively participate and turn the Jaladhara initiative into a mass movement. He stressed that water is a valuable resource and its careful use is key to prosperity.

President Murmu Approves Amendment, Amaravati Becomes Andhra Pradesh’s Only Capital

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Amaravati
Amaravati

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization (Amendment) Act, 2026, was officially published in the Gazette on Tuesday following the President’s assent, formally declaring Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu shared the Gazette notification on X and confirmed the development, stating that Amaravati is now the capital of the state.

Welcoming the move, Naidu expressed his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their support in recognizing Amaravati as the state’s only capital.

In a post on X, he thanked the President for granting assent to the legislation and described it as the fulfillment of a long-standing aspiration. He also acknowledged the Union government, Members of Parliament who backed the Bill, state leaders and citizens, calling it a significant moment for the people of Andhra Pradesh, especially the farmers of Amaravati.

The amendment introduces a key change to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 by explicitly stating that Amaravati shall be the new capital.

Under the original 2014 Act, Hyderabad was designated as the joint capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period of up to ten years following the creation of Telangana. After this period, Hyderabad was to remain the capital of Telangana while Andhra Pradesh would establish its own capital.

On March 28, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed a resolution supporting Amaravati as the single capital, clearing the path for the legislation to be introduced in Parliament.

The Lok Sabha approved the Bill on April 1, followed by its passage in the Rajya Sabha the next day. Members of the YSR Congress Party staged a walkout during the proceedings.

YSRCP MP Golla Babu Rao criticised the legislation, describing it as a drama and questioning its intent. He argued that any decision regarding the capital should be made only if it ensures justice for the people and raised concerns about the need for broader constitutional considerations.

History Made: Artemis II Crew Travels Beyond Apollo 13, Sets New Distance Record in Space

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Artemis
Artemis

In a historic milestone, the four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission have achieved the greatest distance ever travelled by humans, breaking a record that had remained unchallenged for more than fifty years.

At 12:56 p.m. CDT on Monday, the crew crossed 248,655 miles from Earth, surpassing the distance reached during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, NASA said in an official statement.

The spacecraft is projected to reach a peak distance of approximately 252,756 miles before beginning its return journey, establishing a new benchmark in human spaceflight.

What comes next

Now six days into its journey, Artemis II marks NASA’s first crewed mission under the Artemis programme. The crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

As the spacecraft travels deeper into space, the astronauts have been documenting the Moon, capturing images and gathering data that will aid future missions.

Journey to the Moon

The mission lifted off on April 1 from Kennedy Space Center aboard NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, with the crew travelling in the Orion spacecraft. After leaving Earth’s orbit, Orion set course for the Moon.

During the lunar flyby, the spacecraft is expected to pass within about 4,067 miles of the Moon’s surface. The crew will have a direct view of parts of the Moon’s far side and will also witness a solar eclipse as the Moon moves between the spacecraft and the Sun.

A communication blackout lasting around 40 minutes is anticipated when the Moon blocks signals between Orion and Earth. Communication will be restored once the spacecraft re-emerges, reconnecting with mission control at Johnson Space Center.

After completing the flyby, Orion will follow a free return trajectory back to Earth. The mission is expected to conclude with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near California after roughly ten days in space.

Two Prime Suspects in Chandigarh Grenade Blast Nabbed in Haryana; Arrest Count Hits 7

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chandigarh blast
chandigarh blast

Continuing its crackdown in the Chandigarh grenade attack case as part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s push to ensure a safe and secure Punjab, the Counter Intelligence wing of Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Chandigarh Police and with support from Haryana Police, has arrested the two main accused. The suspects, who allegedly hurled a hand grenade outside the Bharatiya Janata Party office in Sector 37, Chandigarh, were apprehended in Rewari, Haryana, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Sunday.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Gurtej Singh and Amanpreet Singh, both residents of Rattangarh in Rupnagar. Amanpreet Singh has a prior criminal record, with cases of theft and snatching registered against him in SAS Nagar and Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh.

These arrests come a day after five other accused in the case, Balwinder Lal alias Shami, Jasvir Singh alias Jassi, Charanjit Singh alias Channi, Rubal Chauhan and Mandeep alias Abhijot Sharma, were taken into custody. Police had also recovered a hand grenade and a .30 bore Zigana pistol from their possession.

Addressing a press conference, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that with the latest arrests, all seven accused involved in the case are now in police custody. He was accompanied by senior officers including ADGP Counter Intelligence Amit Prasad, ADGP Internal Security SK Verma, IGP Intelligence Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill and AIG SSOC SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek.

He further revealed that the accused were allegedly guided and influenced by foreign based handlers linked to the ISI, identified as Baljot Singh alias Jot in Portugal and Harjeet Singh Laadi in Germany. The suspects were reportedly promised a payment of two lakh rupees to carry out the attack.

According to the DGP, the accused coordinated both the delivery of arms and the execution of the attack under instructions from these handlers, using multiple intermediaries and sub modules to carry out the plan.

During preliminary interrogation, Gurtej Singh disclosed that he had come into contact with a foreign based handler about six months ago through a social media platform. Acting on the handler’s directions, Gurtej, along with co accused Rubal Chauhan and Mandeep alias Abhijot Sharma, collected a consignment of weapons and grenades from Jasvir alias Jassi at Village Bharapur in SBS Nagar on March 28, 2026. He later involved Amanpreet Singh in carrying out the attack.

On April 1, after conducting reconnaissance of the area, Amanpreet Singh allegedly threw the grenade while Gurtej Singh recorded the incident on his mobile phone on the instructions of the handler. Both fled the scene immediately after the attack.

DGP Gaurav Yadav also thanked the Directors General of Police of Chandigarh and Haryana, and acknowledged the crucial role played by Chandigarh Police and the Special Task Force of Haryana Police in uncovering the conspiracy and arresting the accused.

Recusal Plea Filed by Arvind Kejriwal in HC; Will Argue Excise Case Personally Today

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Arvind Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal

Aam Aadmi Party chief and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with others accused in the excise policy case, has filed a recusal application before Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma in the Delhi High Court, the party said in a statement on Sunday. The statement also noted that Kejriwal is set to argue the matter himself on Monday.

The development follows the Delhi High Court’s March 16 order granting Kejriwal and the other accused additional time to respond to the Central Bureau of Investigation’s plea challenging their discharge in the case. The matter was scheduled for hearing on April 6.

Reacting to the recusal plea, the Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the move, calling it a sign of disregard for the judiciary. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said the step reflects frustration after Kejriwal’s earlier request to transfer the case to another bench was rejected, and questioned whether such actions demonstrate respect for the judicial process.

Earlier, on March 11, Kejriwal and the other accused had written to Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya seeking transfer of the case from Justice Sharma’s bench. They argued that they had a serious and reasonable apprehension that the proceedings would not be impartial. Their concern stemmed from the March 9 hearing, where the court issued notice and observed that the trial court’s order discharging the accused appeared prima facie erroneous, despite not hearing them.

The request for transfer was declined on March 13 through a communication issued by the high court’s registrar general, Arun Bhardwaj.

The case traces back to February 27, when a trial court discharged Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and 21 others, stating that the CBI’s material did not disclose even a prima facie case. In a detailed 601 page order, Special Judge Jitendra Singh also directed a departmental inquiry against the investigating officer, observing that charges were framed without sufficient evidence and that the officer had misused his position.

Challenging this decision, the CBI approached the Delhi High Court, arguing that the trial court had overlooked key evidence, including documents, witness statements, emails and WhatsApp chats, and that its findings were fundamentally flawed.

During the March 9 hearing, Justice Sharma issued notice on the CBI’s appeal and stayed the trial court’s order until March 16. She also remarked that the trial court’s observations appeared prima facie erroneous and questioned the basis of its directions against the investigating officer at the stage of framing charges.

Additionally, the high court asked the trial court to defer proceedings in the Enforcement Directorate’s related money laundering case until the outcome of the CBI’s appeal is decided.

Sehat Yojna Covers ₹4 Lakh Life-Saving Surgery Cashless, Marks One of the Highest Claims Under Mann Govt

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Mann
Mann

In a notable example of the reach of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a life-saving surgery worth nearly ₹4 lakh was carried out without any upfront payment, showcasing how the scheme is enabling timely medical care on the ground.

The patient, 37-year-old Sukhpal Kaur from Chandigarh, was admitted to PGIMER Chandigarh after being diagnosed with a severe aortic dissection, a life-threatening condition involving the heart and blood vessels that required urgent surgery. The estimated cost of the procedure, along with hospital stay and specialized treatment, was close to ₹4 lakh, a sum that would have been difficult for the family to arrange at such short notice.

Once her Sehat Card was verified at the hospital, doctors were able to begin treatment immediately without waiting for financial arrangements. The entire procedure was covered under the scheme, which provides health insurance of up to ₹10 lakh per family.

A member of her family shared that the situation escalated very quickly, and doctors stressed the need for immediate surgery. Arranging such a large amount instantly was not feasible, but the Sehat Card ensured there was no delay in starting treatment.

Explaining the medical urgency, Dr. Sachin Mahajan from PGIMER Chandigarh said that aortic dissection is an extremely critical condition where even a brief delay can increase the risk significantly. He added that under the scheme, once eligibility is confirmed, doctors can proceed without waiting for financial approvals, allowing uninterrupted care in such high-risk cases.

Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said that saving a life in such circumstances is deeply fulfilling. He noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the scheme is making a tangible difference by ensuring that families can access immediate medical treatment without the burden of arranging funds.

With a growing number of families benefiting from the program and several high-cost treatments being covered, the initiative continues to improve access to healthcare across the state. The Punjab Government has also urged residents to register for the Sehat Card at designated centers so they can take advantage of cashless treatment under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

Punjab’s Industrial and Green Energy Growth to Get ₹1,100 Crore Boost From Jogindra Group: Sanjeev Arora

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Punjab
Punjab

Punjab Cabinet Minister for Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power, and Local Government, Sanjeev Arora, said that Jogindra Group has unveiled a strategic expansion plan worth ₹1,100 crore, which is expected to significantly strengthen Punjab’s industrial growth and accelerate its shift towards green energy. He noted that this move highlights the rising confidence of industries in the state’s progressive policies and business-friendly environment.

Arora further explained that the investment will include ₹700 crore in the steel sector through Jogindra Castings and Vardhman Adarsh, along with ₹400 crore allocated to renewable energy through Jogindra Green India. He reiterated that this development reflects strong industry trust in Punjab’s supportive ecosystem for businesses.

Speaking about the scale of the expansion, Arora said that Jogindra Group’s turnover is expected to grow from ₹3,000 crore to ₹5,000 crore. He added that the workforce will increase from 1,800 to 3,000 employees, generating substantial employment opportunities. In addition, the group’s renewable energy capacity is set to rise from 37 MW to 120 MW.

Providing context, he mentioned that Jogindra Group, established in 1992, is a prominent industrial conglomerate in North India with a strong presence in steel manufacturing and an expanding footprint in renewable energy. He also noted that the group is led by CMD Adarsh Garg along with Directors Sanjay Gupta and Nimit Gupta.

Highlighting the regional significance, Arora said that Mandi Gobindgarh has long been the backbone of Punjab’s steel industry and is now regaining momentum under the Bhagwant Mann government through fresh investments, modernization and a push for cleaner and more efficient production. He described the Jogindra Group’s expansion as a clear indication that Gobindgarh is once again emerging as a key driver of Punjab’s industrial growth.

He added that Punjab continues to establish itself as a preferred destination for manufacturing and green energy investments. According to him, this ₹1,100 crore investment will further strengthen the state’s industrial base, create jobs and support sustainable development.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Arora said that the Bhagwant Mann government remains focused on fostering a supportive environment for industries by ensuring ease of doing business and encouraging environmentally responsible investments across the state.

MEA Says Over 1,150 Indians Exit Iran Through Land Routes Amid West Asia Tensions

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MEA
MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday that more than 1,150 Indian citizens have exited Iran over the past month, using land routes through Armenia and Azerbaijan amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also confirmed that three Indian nationals were injured in attacks reported in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

Speaking at a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian embassy in Tehran has helped 1,171 citizens, including 818 students, leave Iran via land routes into Armenia and Azerbaijan. He added that these individuals are now returning to India on flights from those neighboring countries.

Jaiswal further detailed that 977 Indians crossed into Armenia, while another 194 entered Azerbaijan.

Official figures indicate that nearly 9,000 Indians, many of them students, were present in Iran when the conflict began after strikes on Iranian targets by Israel and the United States on February 28.

Providing an update on recent incidents, Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the MEA, said three Indians sustained minor injuries in attacks in Dubai. He noted that all of them are undergoing treatment at local hospitals, with one already discharged.

So far, eight Indian nationals have lost their lives in the ongoing West Asia conflict. Earlier this week, one Indian was killed in Kuwait following an Iranian strike on a power and water desalination facility.

In another incident last week, an Indian citizen was among two people killed in the UAE when debris from intercepted missiles fell onto a street. On March 18, an Indian national was killed in an Iranian strike on Riyadh.

On March 13, a drone attack in Sohar, Oman, claimed the lives of two Indians and injured ten others. Additionally, three Indian sailors have died in earlier attacks on merchant vessels.

Mahajan also confirmed that the mortal remains of two Indian seafarers arrived in India on Wednesday. One of them was killed in an attack on the merchant vessel Safesea Vishnu near Iraq on March 11, while the other died in Kuwait on March 29.

Over the past few weeks, India has intensified its diplomatic outreach to ensure the safety and security of nearly 10 million Indian nationals residing across West Asia.

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