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Punjab Declares Three Takhts in Punjab as Holy Cities with Ban on Meat and Liquor

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Punjab Declares Three Takhts in Punjab as Holy Cities with Ban on Meat and Liquor
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The Punjab declares three Takhts in Punjab as holy cities, marking a historic decision in the state’s religious and cultural landscape. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann moved the resolution during a special session held in Anandpur Sahib on Monday, November 24, 2025. Furthermore, the Assembly unanimously passed the resolution, which designates Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, and the Galiara area around the Golden Temple in Amritsar as sacred cities.

Consequently, the government has banned the sale and consumption of meat, liquor, tobacco, and other intoxicants in these cities. This decision fulfills a long-standing demand from devotees and religious communities across Punjab. Moreover, Chief Minister Mann emphasized that people have been seeking holy city status for these towns for decades.

The special session itself made history. Indeed, it was the first time the Punjab Vidhan Sabha convened outside the state capital, Chandigarh. Additionally, the government organized this session to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.

The three cities house important Sikh Takhts. Specifically, Sri Akal Takht Sahib sits in Amritsar’s Galiara area, Sri Damdama Sahib stands in Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district, and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib is located in Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district. These represent three of the five Takhts of Sikhism, which serve as centers of religious authority for Sikhs worldwide.

AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal joined Chief Minister Mann in making the announcement. Together, they explained that these cities are not merely religious centers but symbols of civilizational heritage. Therefore, this declaration represents an essential step toward preserving and globally promoting cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister described Anandpur Sahib’s special significance. He noted that Guru Tegh Bahadur purchased the land with his own hands to establish the city. Subsequently, his son, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, lived on this sacred land for nearly thirty years. Additionally, Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth here to fight against tyranny and oppression.

Importantly, three of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s four sons were born in Anandpur Sahib. Their sacrifices remain unparalleled in world history. Moreover, the Chief Minister emphasized that Guru Tegh Bahadur made the supreme sacrifice to protect the religious rights of humanity.

The state government has committed to the comprehensive development of these holy cities. In particular, officials will focus on cleanliness, security, and promoting religious tourism. Additionally, the government will allocate the necessary budget and seek funds from the Central Government for these initiatives.

The Assembly also passed another significant resolution. This resolution encourages drawing inspiration from Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life and teachings. Furthermore, it aims to promote peace, tolerance, and harmony in society while working toward the welfare and prosperity of Punjab’s people.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, who is also the local MLA for Anandpur Sahib, moved this resolution. He shared that school students across Punjab learned about the Guru’s history during morning assemblies. Similarly, colleges and universities organized seminars dedicated to Guru Tegh Bahadur.

An interfaith committee will be formed for all religious institutions in these holy cities. This committee will include representatives from all faiths, ensuring inclusive governance. Meanwhile, the government has organized various events from November 23-25 to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary.

These events include Nagar Kirtans, Kirtan Darbars, light and sound shows, drone shows, and a Sarv Dharam Sammelan (interfaith conference). The Chief Minister announced that such events will continue annually to perpetuate the glorious legacy among future generations.

Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa participated in the discussion, praising Guru Tegh Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice. He described it as a moving testament to unwavering commitment to religious freedom and human dignity. Additionally, he urged all Punjabis to unite for the state’s rights.

BSP MLA Nachhatar Pal went further, demanding that Rupnagar district be renamed after Guru Tegh Bahadur or changed to Anandpur Sahib. This suggestion reflects the deep reverence people hold for the ninth Sikh Guru.

The special session was held at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial Park, which served as the Assembly venue. This location choice added symbolic significance to the proceedings. The Chief Minister said the state government made elaborate arrangements for facilitating devotees coming to pay their reverence.

Chief Minister Mann stressed that the revered Sikh Gurus always upheld Sarbat da Bhala, meaning the welfare of all. He explained that Guru Tegh Bahadur accepted martyrdom in Delhi to defend human rights. Consequently, the Guru became a true symbol of secularism, unity, and universal brotherhood.

Punjab declares three Takhts in Punjab as holy cities representing a landmark decision that balances religious sentiment with cultural preservation, ensuring these sacred places receive the respect and development they deserve for generations to come.

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Punjab Visitor Convicted of Harassing Schoolgirls in Canada Faces Deportation and Lifetime Ban

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Punjab Visitor Convicted of Harassing Schoolgirls in Canada Faces Deportation and Lifetime Ban
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A Punjab visitor convicted of harassing schoolgirls in Canada will face deportation and a permanent ban from re-entering the country. Jagjit Singh, a 51-year-old man from Punjab, visited Ontario on a six-month tourist visa in July 2025 to meet his newborn grandchild. However, his visit took a dark turn when he began targeting teenage girls outside a local high school in Sarnia.

According to police reports, Singh started frequenting the designated smoking area outside the high school shortly after his arrival. Between September 8 and September 11, he repeatedly approached teenage girls in this area. Moreover, he attempted to take photos with them and made inappropriate comments about drugs and alcohol.

Officers noted that Singh’s behavior escalated to harassment and unwanted physical proximity. Specifically, investigators said he followed female students as they left school property. Additionally, Singh, who is not fluent in English, continued approaching young girls despite the language barrier.

One teenage victim described her uncomfortable encounter to the police. Initially, she refused to take a photo with Singh. However, she eventually agreed after he persisted, hoping he would leave her alone. Instead, Singh allegedly moved into her personal space and attempted to put his arm around her.

Feeling extremely uncomfortable, the girl stood up and pushed his hands away. Subsequently, she reported the incident to authorities, triggering a police investigation. Meanwhile, other complaints from teenage girls began surfacing.

Police arrested Singh on September 16, 2025. Furthermore, they charged him with sexual interference and sexual assault. He received bail a couple of days later. However, authorities rearrested him shortly after when another complaint from the same date surfaced.

Singh received bail again the next day. Nevertheless, he had to spend one additional night in custody because no interpreter was available at the time. This delay occurred due to his limited English proficiency.

On September 19, Singh appeared in a Sarnia courtroom before Justice Krista Lynn Leszczynski. During the proceedings, he pleaded not guilty to sexual interference. However, he admitted guilt to the lesser charge of criminal harassment. This plea bargain allowed prosecutors to secure a conviction while addressing the severity of his actions.

Justice Leszczynski strongly condemned Singh’s conduct during sentencing. She observed that Singh had “no business attending at the property of that high school.” Additionally, the judge emphasized that such behavior targeting minors would not be tolerated in Canada.

“This type of conduct will not be tolerated,” Justice Leszczynski remarked while delivering her decision. Her statement reflected the court’s firm stance on protecting children from predatory behavior.

Singh’s defense lawyer informed the court about his client’s travel plans. Specifically, Singh had already booked a return flight to India for December 30, 2025. Nevertheless, the judge rejected this arrangement and ordered immediate deportation proceedings.

Furthermore, Justice Leszczynski imposed a permanent ban on Singh’s future entry into Canada. This means Singh can never return to Canadian soil, even for family visits or tourism purposes. Consequently, he will be unable to see his grandchild grow up in Canada.

The court also imposed a comprehensive three-year probation order with several strict conditions.

  • First, Singh is banned from talking to either victim or being near where they live, work, or attend school.
  • Second, he cannot be around or communicate with anyone under age 16, except his newborn grandchild.
  • Third, Singh must stay at least 100 meters away from any pool, school, playground, park, or community center.

These restrictions aim to protect children from any future contact with him. Additionally, violating these conditions could result in further criminal charges.

Canadian authorities emphasized that visitors to the country must respect local laws and social norms. Similarly, they stressed that targeting minors would result in swift legal action and deportation. Moreover, this case serves as a warning to other visitors about the consequences of inappropriate behavior.

The Sarnia Police Service praised the teenage victims for their courage in coming forward. Furthermore, investigators encouraged other potential victims to report similar incidents. They also reminded parents and school administrators to remain vigilant about strangers near school properties.

School officials have since increased security measures around the smoking area. Additionally, they have reminded students about reporting suspicious behavior to authorities immediately. Meanwhile, local community members expressed relief at the swift justice delivered in this case.

Immigration experts note that criminal convictions, especially those involving minors, result in automatic deportation for visitors. Furthermore, individuals banned from Canada face extreme difficulty overturning such decisions. Therefore, Singh’s conviction effectively ends any possibility of future visits to his grandchild.

The Punjab visitor convicted of harassing schoolgirls in Canada now awaits deportation to India, where he will face the consequences of his actions and the permanent separation from his Canadian family.

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US Judge Dismisses Charges Against Former FBI Director James Comey in Constitutional Ruling

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US Judge Dismisses Charges Against Former FBI Director James
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A US judge dismisses charges against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, ruling that their prosecution violated the Constitution. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie found that Lindsay Halligan, appointed by President Trump to prosecute the cases, lacked legal authority to bring the charges.

The ruling specifically targeted Halligan’s appointment as interim US Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia. Moreover, Judge Currie determined that Attorney General Pam Bondi violated federal appointment rules when she installed Halligan in the position. Consequently, all actions stemming from Halligan’s appointment became legally invalid.

Judge Currie dismissed both cases “without prejudice,” which means prosecutors could potentially file new indictments with a different prosecutor. However, legal experts note that the statute of limitations may have expired for some charges against Comey, making re-prosecution difficult.

The Trump administration strongly disagreed with the decision. Furthermore, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced plans to appeal quickly. She argued that Halligan received a legal appointment and accused the judge of protecting political figures from accountability.

James Comey served as FBI Director during investigations into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Additionally, he later publicly criticized Trump, calling him unfit for office. The indictment charged Comey with lying to Congress during 2020 testimony about authorizing media leaks regarding sensitive political investigations.

Similarly, Letitia James, an elected Democrat, successfully sued Trump and his family’s real estate company for fraud. Prosecutors charged her with bank fraud and making false statements in loan documents. Both Comey and James pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The charges emerged approximately two weeks after Trump posted on social media on September 20, demanding action against both individuals. In those posts, which many interpreted as direct messages to Attorney General Bondi, Trump wrote that “nothing was being done” to pursue charges against the pair.

The appointment controversy began when Erik Siebert, a Trump-appointed US attorney, refused to pursue the charges. Specifically, Siebert cited a lack of credible evidence for declining the case. Shortly afterward, Trump replaced him with Halligan, his longtime personal attorney.

Halligan had no previous experience prosecuting criminal cases. Nevertheless, she quickly pursued charges against both Comey and James after her appointment. In fact, career prosecutors in the Justice Department refused to participate in the cases, with some losing their jobs as a result.

Judge Currie’s ruling centered on the Appointments Clause of the US Constitution. She explained that federal law allows interim US attorneys to serve only 120 days before requiring Senate confirmation or approval from district judges. Since Siebert’s 120-day period began on January 21, 2025, it expired on May 21, 2025.

Therefore, when Bondi appointed Halligan on September 22, 2025, she lacked the legal authority to do so. Judge Currie warned that accepting the government’s position would allow officials to “evade the Senate confirmation process indefinitely by stacking successive 120-day appointments.”

Following the dismissal, Comey released a video statement expressing gratitude. He described the prosecution as “based on malevolence and incompetence.” Additionally, he praised career prosecutors who refused to participate, even though some lost their jobs protecting their integrity.

James also issued a statement celebrating the victory. She emphasized that the case represented more than personal vindication. Instead, she argued it highlighted concerns about a weaponized justice system being used as a tool of revenge.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced immediate plans to appeal the ruling. During a press conference in Memphis, Tennessee, she promised to take “all available legal action” to hold both Comey and James accountable. Bondi described their alleged actions as “a betrayal of public trust.”

The ruling created significant confusion within the Justice Department. Initially, supervising prosecutors decided to halt new filings in cases. Prosecutors questioned whether they had authority to work with grand juries or move investigations forward. Later in the day, officials instructed prosecutors that First Assistant Robert McBride could sign new filings.

Defense attorneys for both Comey and James argued the prosecutions were politically motivated. They pointed to Trump’s repeated social media posts calling for charges against both individuals. In one September post, Trump wrote directly to Bondi that “They’re all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done.”

Judge Currie, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, ordinarily sits in South Carolina. However, she received this assignment because other judges in Virginia’s Eastern District play a role in appointing their district’s top prosecutor. The chief judge made this decision “in the interest of maintaining public confidence in the impartial administration of justice.”

The US judge dismisses charges against former FBI director and New York’s attorney general, marking a significant setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to prosecute perceived political enemies through unconstitutional appointments.

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Bollywood Superstar Dharmendra Dies at 89, Ending an Era in Indian Cinema

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Bollywood Superstar Dharmendra Dies at 89
Photo sourced from Dharmendra's Instagram Account

Bollywood superstar Dharmendra dies at age 89, leaving behind a legacy that shaped Indian cinema for over six decades. The actor passed away at his Mumbai home on Monday, November 24, 2025, just weeks before what would have been his 90th birthday on December 8.

In recent weeks, an ambulance was spotted outside his Juhu residence, and he had spent time receiving medical treatment. His family confirmed the sad news, sending shockwaves through the film industry and among millions of fans worldwide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on the social media platform X described his passing marked the conclusion of an important chapter in Indian cinema. Additionally, the Prime Minister noted that Dharmendra brought both charm and substance to his diverse roles, connecting deeply with audiences.

The veteran actor earned the title of Bollywood’s “He-Man” through his unique ability to balance action-hero strength with romantic sensitivity. Over his remarkable career, he appeared in more than 300 films, becoming one of the most beloved figures in Indian entertainment.

Born on December 8, 1935, in Nasrali, Punjab, Dharmendra came from humble beginnings. His father worked as a schoolteacher. Meanwhile, young Dharmendra dreamed of becoming a film star. In 1958, he won a talent contest organized by Filmfare magazine, which opened the door to his film career. Subsequently, he made his debut in 1960 with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere.

His breakthrough role came in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, where he starred alongside Amitabh Bachchan as lovable criminals Veeru and Jai. Furthermore, this film became a cultural phenomenon, and audiences still consider it one of India’s greatest movies. The film held the record as the highest-grossing Hindi film for 19 years. Interestingly, Dharmendra was the highest-paid cast member, earning 1.5 lakh rupees.

That same year, he showed his versatility by starring in the comedy Chupke Chupke, playing botany professor Parimal Tripathi. In contrast, other memorable films included Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Seeta Aur Geeta (1972), and Satyakam (1969), which demonstrated his range as an actor.

His personal life attracted significant attention too. Dharmendra married Prakash Kaur in 1954 and had four children with her, including actors Sunny and Bobby Deol. However, in 1980, he married actress Hema Malini, his frequent co-star. Together, they appeared in over two dozen films and had two daughters, Ahana Deol and actress Esha Deol.

Bollywood Superstar Dharmendra and his family

Photo sourced from Instagram Account of Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Ahana Deol, and Esha Deol.

Between 1978 and 1997, he continued his success through action films and ensemble casts, later transitioning to fatherly roles. Additionally, he founded Vijayta Films production company, which produced the 1983 hit Betaab, launching his son Sunny’s career.

He served in India’s Parliament from 2004 to 2009, representing Bikaner for the Bharatiya Janata Party. Nevertheless, he later admitted politics wasn’t his true calling and returned to focus on films.

In 2012, India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award. Moreover, he received numerous accolades throughout his career for his contributions to Indian cinema.

His final film, Ikkis, a biographical war drama directed by Sriram Raghavan, will be released posthumously on December 25, 2025. In this film, he stars alongside Agastya Nanda, the grandson of his Sholay co-star Amitabh Bachchan.

Sunny and Bobby Deol performed their father’s last rites at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans Crematorium. Similarly, numerous Bollywood celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan, gathered to pay their final respects.

Bollywood superstar Dharmendra dies, leaving an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema. His legacy lives on through his films, his family, and the millions of hearts he touched throughout his extraordinary six-decade career.

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