If there is more than one eligible woman in one family, each woman will receive this honorarium: Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi (22nd June, 2026): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal welcomed Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s decision to transfer three months’ honorarium in one instalment to beneficiaries under the ‘Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna’. Congratulating the mothers, sisters and daughters of Punjab, the AAP Chief hailed the scheme, which provides ₹1,000 per month to women and ₹1,500 per month to women from SC communities, as the world’s largest women’s empowerment programme. Under the initiative, the Bhagwant Mann Government will transfer three months’ payments together into the accounts of all eligible women on July 1.

AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal took to ‘X’ and stated, “On July 1, women will receive three months’ worth of honorarium together in their bank accounts. Women will receive ₹3,000, while every woman belonging to the SC Categories will receive ₹4,500. If there is more than one eligible woman in a family, each woman will receive this honour amount. This is the world’s largest women’s empowerment programme.”

Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had announced during a Lok Milni programme held at Chanarthal Kalan in the Fatehgarh Sahib constituency that three months’ worth of honorarium would be transferred together into women’s bank accounts. During the programme, he had asked women whether they preferred to receive ₹1,000 or ₹1,500 every month or receive payments for two to three months together. The women had expressed their preference for receiving three months’ payments at one time.

Accepting their demand, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had said, “Now, mothers and sisters will receive three months’ honorarium amount together in their bank accounts. On July 1, women will receive ₹3,000 in their accounts, while women from the SC communities will receive ₹4,500. If more than one woman in a family is eligible, each of them will receive ₹3,000 or ₹4,500 accordingly.”

The Punjab CM also said, “Receiving ₹1,000 will not make women rich. Rather, this amount is meant to help meet their small customs, traditions and everyday needs. Whether it is giving some money or a toy to grandchildren when they visit, or buying fruits from the city when going to meet daughters, this money will be useful. This is entirely about the dignity and respect of mothers and sisters. Every person is a king in their own home, but sometimes there is a lack of financial means to uphold that dignity and respect. It is the duty of the government to provide that support.”

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According to a post shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on social media platform X, the next of kin of each deceased victim will receive an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh, while those injured in the incident will be provided financial assistance of ₹50,000 each.

The PMO quoted the Prime Minister as saying, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the fire in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance.”

The fire department received information about the blaze at around 3 pm from a building located on Usha Mehta Marg in Lucknow’s Aliganj area. A massive firefighting operation was launched, with 14 fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, deployed to control the flames. Local police teams and personnel from nearby fire stations also rushed to the spot with water tankers and firefighting equipment.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak reached the site soon after the incident and said the administration’s immediate priority was to rescue those trapped inside the building.

While fire officials stated that the blaze originated in a coaching centre, the Deputy Chief Minister said the affected premises housed an animation centre. He added that several children had been rescued safely, but information received from students suggested that three to four people could still be trapped inside.

Firefighters conducted extensive searches of the upper floors, rooms and washrooms of the building. However, thick smoke inside the structure made rescue operations extremely difficult. To gain access, emergency teams reportedly broke through a wall of an adjacent building and entered the premises from the rear side.

According to officials, the ground floor of the three-storey building housed a pet shop, while the upper floor was being used as an animation and training centre. Medical teams, ambulances and hospitals were placed on high alert to ensure prompt treatment for the injured.

Eyewitnesses said some firefighters entered the smoke-filled building carrying wet blankets and helped evacuate victims, who were then rushed to hospitals. After the fire was brought under control, stretchers and body bags were taken inside the building as search operations continued.

A woman who operates a paying guest accommodation nearby said panic and chaos gripped the area immediately after the incident. Another local resident said thick black smoke was seen billowing out of the building and several students managed to escape on their own.

Some eyewitnesses claimed that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit and that several students jumped from the building in a desperate attempt to save themselves. Rescue agencies continued combing through the structure amid concerns that more people could still be trapped inside.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.

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In the video, Gurindervir delivers an inspiring message, saying, “Sabse aage, sabse tez hone ke liye lagta hai focus, lagan aur hard work,” highlighting the dedication and discipline required to achieve success.

The clip was shared with the tagline “Alpha meets an Alpha,” linking the film’s theme with Gurindervir’s achievements on the athletics track.

During the interaction, Alia Bhatt asked the sprinter about his sporting journey and the inspiration behind his success. Reflecting on his early days, Gurindervir revealed that legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt played a major role in motivating him to pursue athletics.

He said watching Bolt’s performances inspired him to take up sprinting and work towards becoming one of India’s top track athletes.

The collaboration has generated considerable interest on social media, bringing together two personalities from different fields who have excelled through determination, hard work and perseverance.

Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt in the lead role, is one of the most anticipated upcoming Bollywood releases, and the promotional campaign is now reaching audiences through unique collaborations with achievers from various walks of life.

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The delegation raised concerns over the police action following a clash that took place in Karnaprayag town of Uttarakhand on June 16. According to the Sikh leaders, the dispute began over a minor issue between local residents and Nihang Sikh youths visiting the area.

They alleged that Uttarakhand Police acted in a one-sided manner by registering a case only against the Nihang Sikhs while ignoring the role of others involved in the confrontation.

The delegation also objected to the manner in which the arrested youths were produced before a court, claiming that they were presented without their turbans, an act they said had deeply hurt Sikh religious sentiments.

The issue has already drawn strong reactions from several Sikh religious and community bodies. The matter was taken up by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, while leaders of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Damdami Taksal and various Sikh organisations also expressed concern over the incident.

The Sikh leaders urged the Uttarakhand Police chief to ensure a fair investigation and review the arrests, maintaining that justice should be delivered without bias. The delegation said it would continue to pursue the matter until the concerns of the Sikh community are addressed.

Police officials have not yet issued a detailed response to the demands raised during the meeting.

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Jalandhar News (June 21): Nitin Nabin, National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, said that Punjab not only protects India’s borders but also safeguards the soul of India. Bringing Punjab out of the present crisis and making it secure, prosperous and strong is the core agenda of the BJP. He was interacting with saints and spiritual leaders from across Punjab during the Sant Sammelan in Jalandhar.

He said Punjab is not merely a state; it is the land of the Gurus’ teachings, the penance of saints, and the blood of martyrs. It represents a living tradition of service, dedication and sacrifice.

He said that Punjab is currently grappling with the menace of drugs, and appealed to every Gurdwara committee, Ashram, Dera head and temple committee to take a pledge to help people come out of addiction. He added that it has been India’s tradition for saints to guide society. If all religious organisations come forward, no force can stop Punjab’s situation from changing.

Nitin Nabin said the Sikh tradition gives the message of “Na Ko Bairi, Nahi Begana” (No one is an enemy, no one is a stranger). This is the true spirit of Punjab, and this is the true spirit of India.

He said that Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught all humanity the values of unity and equality. This land bears witness to the penance of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and bows to the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. It carries the immortal message of the bravery of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the unparalleled sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, and Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all).

He said every grain of Punjab’s soil reminds us that a nation is not sustained merely by power; it is shaped by the values imparted by saints, and the soul of India resides in them.

Nitin Nabin further said that rulers may change, but the soul of India has never changed. Whenever society has gone astray, saints have shown the right path. Whenever darkness increased, saints lit the lamp of hope, and whenever divisions arose in society, saints worked to unite people.

He said that Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas (Together with all, development for all, trust of all, efforts by all) is our pledge, embodying the great principle of Sarbat da Bhala. We want to provide Punjab with a governance model where every religion, every sect, every dera and every community moves forward with equal dignity and respect.

A Punjab where there is peace in society, brotherhood among people, and where the hands of the youth hold education and employment—not drugs.

This appeal is not political. As a humble servant, I stand before all of you saints seeking your guidance so that we can build a Punjab where the teachings of Nanak resonate, where society is shaped by the principles of Guru Ravidas Ji, where the dignity of Maharishi Valmiki is upheld, and where the sacrifice of Baba Jiwan Singh inspires the youth.

On this occasion, Kewal Singh Dhillon, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, former Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, Avinash Rai Khanna, Rajya Sabha MP Vikram Sahney, and BJP Punjab State Media Head Vineet Joshi, along with several other leaders, were also present.

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According to Tiruvallur District Collector S. Kavitha, a total of 67 workers were affected by the gas leak and were immediately shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Officials said 46 workers are being treated at Vels Hospital, while 21 others have been admitted to Venkateswara Hospital. Nine critically ill patients were later referred to Chennai’s Government Stanley Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment.

A senior doctor at a private hospital said most of the affected workers are women aged between 24 and 25 years. He added that medical teams are closely monitoring their condition, including pulse rate and blood pressure levels, which remain low in some cases.

“The patients are alive and under constant observation. Since they are young, we are hopeful of their recovery. We are also making arrangements to shift four to five critically ill patients to a government hospital for advanced treatment,” the doctor said.

Meanwhile, District Collector S. Kavitha visited the factory to assess the situation and later met the injured workers at hospitals. Authorities have ordered a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the suspected valve malfunction that led to the ammonia leak.

The inquiry will also examine whether there were any lapses in safety measures at the export-oriented seafood processing unit. Officials said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

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According to police, the incident took place on Saturday when the Nihang devotees sought the release of their associates who were arrested following a confrontation in Karnaprayag market on June 16. The protesters were reportedly carrying traditional Sikh weapons, including spears, swords, axes and kirpans.

A heavy police force was deployed at the site, while Rudraprayag District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police reached the spot to monitor the situation and hold talks with the protesters in an effort to restore normalcy.

Officials said the dispute stems from an altercation that occurred near Krishna Palace Hotel in Karnaprayag when a group of Nihang Sikhs returning from Sri Hemkund Sahib allegedly got into an argument with local residents over vehicle parking. The clash left four local residents and one Sikh devotee injured.

Following the incident, police arrested four Sikh devotees from Mohali district in Punjab. Claiming that the police action was one-sided, a section of Nihang Sikhs from Punjab had announced plans to stage a protest and sought support from the management of the Nagrasu gurdwara.

Sources said tensions escalated after the protesters allegedly did not receive the support they expected from the gurdwara management. They reportedly created a ruckus inside the premises, damaged property and confined a gurdwara functionary before climbing onto the roof and raising slogans.

Authorities said efforts were continuing to persuade the protesters to come down peacefully while maintaining law and order in the area.

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“Yoga Should Become an Integral Part of Daily Life, not Remain Confined to an Annual Observance”: Shri Chanchal Kumar

Punjab E News: To mark the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026, a yoga session was organised at the National Media Centre, New Delhi. Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Chanchal Kumar, led the observance and participated in the session along with other officers and staff members of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Press Information Bureau. The event was organised in line with the theme of the 12th International Day of Yoga, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Chanchal Kumar, emphasized that yoga should not remain confined to an annual observance but should be adopted as an integral part of daily life. He stated that regular self-practice of yoga is essential for the holistic development of the body and contributes significantly to both personal and professional well-being. Emphasizing that yoga is relevant for people across all professions and age groups, he urged citizens to imbibe its values and practice it every day, rather than limiting it to a single occasion.

The session, led by trained yoga instructors, included demonstrations of various asanas, breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation practices. Participants enthusiastically took part in the activities conducted in accordance with the Common Yoga Protocol, reaffirming their commitment to health and well-being.

The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21 following its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, pursuant to a proposal put forward by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Over the years, the observance has evolved into a global movement, highlighting the importance of yoga in fostering physical fitness, mental resilience and holistic health.

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Punjab E News: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, today celebrated the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi, with enthusiastic participation from officers and staff of the Department. The event was organised as part of the nationwide observance of International Day of Yoga under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”

The yoga session was conducted by expert instructors from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY). Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary, DoT along with senior officers and more than 100 officials and staff members of the Department, participated in the yoga session and performed various yoga asanas, breathing exercises and meditation practices.

Similar events were also organized across various field offices of the Department of Telecommunications throughout the country, including the Licensed Service Areas (LSAs), Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA) offices and Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO) units, reflecting the Department’s commitment to promoting health and wellness across its nationwide network.

The theme for International Day of Yoga 2026, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlights the transformative role of yoga in promoting physical vitality, mental resilience, emotional well-being and social connectedness throughout life. In the context of increasing life expectancy and the growing importance of healthy ageing, yoga offers an accessible, cost-effective and evidence-based approach to enhancing quality of life and fostering active ageing.

The participants collectively reaffirmed their commitment to adopting yoga as a way of life and promoting holistic health and well-being. The session provided an opportunity for officers and staff to experience the benefits of yoga for physical fitness, mental wellness and stress management.

International Day of Yoga continues to serve as a global platform for raising awareness about the importance of yoga in achieving harmony between mind and body. Over the years, yoga has emerged as a worldwide movement for health and wellness, bringing together people across cultures and communities.

The Department of Telecommunications remains committed to promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles among its workforce and is proud to be part of the nationwide celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga.

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The President said that Yoga is a powerful medium for connecting the individual to self, society to nature, and humanity to the vast universal consciousness. At a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, Yoga can play a significant role in guiding humanity towards peace, balance, harmony and collective well-being.

The President said that the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 due to India’s initiative. That declaration has further strengthened the recognition of yoga as a powerful medium for global well-being. Today, millions of people across many countries are making yoga a part of their daily lives.

The President said that the theme for International Yoga Day 2026, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, highlights the role of Yoga in ensuring a healthy, active, self-reliant and dignified life for the elder members of society. The lifestyle we adopt today forms the foundation of our future health and well-being. Yoga helps individuals remain active and self-reliant even as they age. At the same time, it fosters mental peace and emotional balance.

The President said that the Government of India is continuously working to take yoga to the masses through yoga education, research, training and public awareness. She was happy to note that numerous organizations are inspiring people across the globe to adopt yoga practices. She said that driven by the dedicated efforts of yoga-related organizations, yoga will reach every individual and become a cornerstone for the well-being of entire humanity. She urged people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives. She said that by doing so, they will contribute to the noble goal of building healthy individuals, healthy families, healthy society, healthy nation and a healthy world.

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