Speaking in Amritsar, the Jathedar appealed to Sikh organisations, sects and Panthic groups to rise above internal differences. He stressed that the community must act collectively to safeguard Sikh institutions and traditions.

He alleged that corruption, maryada violations and administrative decline within the SGPC have deepened. Therefore, he argued, only a united and decisive response can restore accountability. He also raised concerns about missing sacred saroops and other alleged irregularities. According to him, open and collective deliberation offers the only credible solution.

Emphasising the historic importance of Sarbat Khalsa, he described it as the highest temporal forum of the Sikh community. He said such a gathering can restore sanctity, independence and public trust in religious bodies.

Furthermore, he urged groups such as Damdami Taksal, Nihang Singh organisations, Nirmala and Udasi sects, as well as farmers’ unions and Sikh bodies in India and abroad, to prioritise Panthic unity.

Following his appeal, political and religious circles have become active. While several Panthic and youth groups welcomed the call, unease reportedly surfaced within the SGPC and the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal).

The post Giani Raghbir Singh Seeks Sarbat Khalsa for SGPC Reform appeared first on India Podcast.

Senior IPS officer Jagatpreet Singh will lead the SIT. The team includes senior police officers from Amritsar, Patiala, and Ludhiana. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar will supervise the investigation. Officials said the probe will examine records, responsibilities, and past handling of the sacred saroops.

The government stated that the investigation aims to uncover facts and ensure transparency. Authorities want to identify lapses and fix responsibility without delay. Police officials said more details may emerge as the probe progresses.

The move has triggered a sharp reaction from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami accused the state government of interfering in Sikh religious affairs. He said an Akal Takht-appointed panel had already taken action against the accused.

Dhami claimed the issue involved financial misappropriation by staff members. He alleged that the government was giving the case a political colour. He also said the move challenges the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and could hurt Sikh sentiments.

The issue remains sensitive, with religious bodies and the state now at odds.

The post Punjab Forms SIT Probe Into Missing Guru Granth Sahib Saroops appeared first on India Podcast.

The situation was equally intense in Sangrur, where police conducted a major crackdown ahead of the agitation. Nearly 30 farmer leaders, including BKU Ekta Azad’s working state president Jaswinder Longowal, were detained. Others taken into custody include Paramjit Singh Medewas, Sant Ram Chajli, Balwinder Singh, Makkhan Singh, Happy Namol, Hardeep Singh, Baldev Singh, Raj Singh and Gurcharan Singh. All have been placed under preventive detention across different police stations.

Following the arrests, the union expressed strong resentment. Farmer leader Jasveer Singh said the government’s “high-handedness” would be strongly resisted. He asserted that farmers would try to reach the railway tracks “at any cost” to register their protest.

With the possibility of disruption to rail services, security has been heightened across districts. Police personnel have been deployed at sensitive points, and surveillance has been increased to prevent gatherings near railway lines.

The post Punjab Rail Roko Stir Today: Farmers Stopped by Police in Amritsar, Leaders Detained in Sangrur appeared first on India Podcast.

The resolution was passed unanimously during a special session at Sri Anandpur Sahib, marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Hotels and restaurants within these spiritual zones will also not be allowed to serve prohibited items.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the move fulfils a decades-old demand of the Sikh community and will help transform the areas into world-class religious tourism destinations. The government has also prepared detailed development plans for all three cities.

However, the Shiromani Akali Dal claimed that these cities were declared holy during the tenure of former CM Parkash Singh Badal, calling the new announcement political drama. Experts say the decision strengthens Sikh heritage, improves conservation and enhances facilities for millions of pilgrims arriving from India and abroad.

The post Punjab Declares Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as Holy Cities; Ban on Meat, Alcohol and Tobacco in Sacred Corridors appeared first on India Podcast.

The police team stopped the duo near village Ranike and searched their motorcycle. During the search, officers found an Improvised Explosive Device and two mobile phones used for communication with their handler. The brothers tried to conceal their route; however, the teams closed in on them before they could move any further. Officials also seized the motorcycle to prevent any escape attempt.

Investigators say the two men stayed in contact with a Pakistan-based handler who guided them step by step. Moreover, digital evidence shows that the handler pushed them to carry out a major terror strike in the border district. Their encrypted chats and late-night calls strengthened the suspicion, prompting officers to escalate the operation.

Soon after detaining them, the Special Cell called forensic teams to examine the explosive. Experts neutralised the IED safely and handed over the spot for detailed documentation. With this swift action, the police successfully stopped a possible attack that could have caused widespread panic.

Now, teams are interrogating both brothers to identify every person connected to this module. Officials are already checking money trails, deleted messages, and other communication patterns. Since the case involves cross-border links, senior officers expect more arrests as the investigation expands.

The police registered an FIR under the Explosive Substances Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Police Station Gharinda, marking the beginning of a deeper and more aggressive probe into the network.

The post Amritsar Brothers Held With IED in Cross-Border Terror Plot appeared first on India Podcast.

Mann said the three cities hold deep spiritual value for Punjabis. The resolution seeks a complete ban on the sale and consumption of liquor, meat, and tobacco in these sacred zones. The Chief Minister added that the goal is to preserve the purity, heritage, and spiritual character of these historic towns.

The resolution also includes a plan to create a Sarv Dharam Committee in each city. These interfaith groups will include representatives from all religions and will guide the development of the towns in a respectful and inclusive manner.

Mann announced that the state will allocate dedicated funds for the revival and beautification of all three places. He also urged the Centre to support this initiative with financial assistance. After the Chief Minister’s speech, members of the House began a detailed discussion on the proposal.

The post Punjab Declares Three Holy Cities appeared first on India Podcast.

Eyewitnesses said the clash between the bus crews continued for several minutes before one of the employees pulled out a gun and opened fire. Makhan Singh collapsed instantly. He was rushed to a private hospital but was declared dead.

The firing created panic at the busy terminal, forcing passengers to flee for safety. Police reached the spot and recovered six empty bullet shells. CCTV footage from nearby cameras is being scanned for clues.

ACP Gagandeep Singh confirmed that the dispute stemmed from bus timings and picking passengers first. The accused employee escaped after the shooting. A search operation is underway, and further investigation is in progress.

The post Punjab: Conductor Sher Picking Up Passengers appeared first on India Podcast.

Recent GPS signal disruptions were observed around Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, which manages over 1,500 flights daily. The DGCA’s latest directive asks airlines and pilots to record the date, time, route, and coordinates of affected areas.

They must also specify the type of interference such as jamming, spoofing, or signal loss. Evidence like screenshots, flight logs, or system data can help investigators analyze the problem more effectively.

Between November 2023 and February 2025, about 465 interference cases were reported, mostly near Amritsar and Jammu. Similar incidents were also seen in conflict zones abroad. The DGCA is working with international aviation bodies like ICAO and IATA to strengthen protection against GNSS disruptions.

The post DGCA Issues Alert Over GPS Spoofing appeared first on India Podcast.

Amritsar follows with 135 cases, while Ferozepur reported 66. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has fined violators ₹13.25 lakh and recovered ₹8.95 lakh. Police have filed 215 FIRs under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for stubble burning violations. Tarn Taran alone saw 68 FIRs.

The farm fire issue in Tarn Taran also worsened Punjab’s air quality. The AQI levels stood at 198 in Ludhiana, 165 in Jalandhar, and 200 in Mandi Gobindgarh— all in the ‘moderate’ range.

Meanwhile, 18 farmers in Sangrur were honoured for avoiding stubble burning. Officials praised them as local heroes for protecting nature and inspiring others.

The post Tarn Taran Leads in Farm Fire Incidents appeared first on India Podcast.

In Patiala, Nabha and Bhadson are the most affected areas, recording 146 and 77 cases, respectively. Dr Sumeet Singh, District Epidemiologist, said over 100 cases in Nabha were detected through door-to-door health surveys. He added that the city’s four ELISA testing labs and 71 Aam Aadmi Clinics are actively testing samples. Health teams destroyed mosquito larvae at 9,541 sites, nearly 1.5 times more than last year’s number.

Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh assured that enough beds and facilities are available. The situation, he said, has now stabilised.

Meanwhile, Amritsar reported only 33 cases, though sources claim ELISA confirmations are pending. In Mansa, the Health Department stepped up testing after a complaint about unreported cases. Ropar district has recorded 40 cases so far.

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