Daily News
Punjab Sees Record Spike in Stubble Fires as Harvesting Picks Up
Punjab has been facing a serious problem with stubble burning.
The Punjab sees record spike in stubble fires, raising major concerns about air quality and public health across the state. On a single day, authorities recorded 31 cases of stubble burning, the highest this season so far. Data from the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) shows a sharp rise in farm fires, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Among the most affected areas, Tarn Taran reported 47 incidents this season, including 20 in a single day. However, Amritsar remains the worst-hit district, with 68 farm fires already reported. Officials warn that as the paddy harvesting season continues, the number of such fires will likely increase further.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) monitors stubble burning from September 15 to November 30 every year. Farmers burn leftover straw to quickly clear their fields before the wheat sowing window, which runs from October 15 to November 15. In 2024, Punjab recorded 10,909 farm fire cases, with Sangrur alone reporting 1,725 incidents.
Authorities say that despite awareness campaigns, many farmers continue to burn stubble because they lack affordable alternatives. Although laws prohibit the practice, enforcement remains difficult. Officials have made 43 “red entries” in land records of those caught burning stubble. These records prevent violators from taking loans or selling land. Additionally, the state imposed ₹3.45 lakh in fines in 70 cases, with ₹2.55 lakh already collected.
The rise in farm fires has worsened the state’s Air Quality Index (AQI). It has increased from 50-60 to over 100 in several cities, moving air quality from “satisfactory” to “moderate.” Jalandhar recently recorded an AQI of 113, the worst in Punjab, followed by Ludhiana at 111 and Patiala at 110. Experts warn that such levels are unsafe for people with heart and lung conditions.
AQI measures pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, and ozone in the air. The recent spike is largely due to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. During October and November, smoke often travels long distances, even affecting Delhi’s air quality.
The PPCB fears pollution levels may rise further during Diwali, as colder weather traps smoke and pollutants near the ground. Health experts are advising residents to take precautions. Dr. Sumeet Singh recommends that people with asthma carry inhalers and that children and the elderly limit outdoor activity, especially in the morning and evening when pollution is highest.
Authorities are increasing field inspections and using satellite monitoring to detect fires quickly. They are also planning stricter penalties and incentives to encourage farmers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives, such as stubble management equipment and bio-decomposers. However, experts stress that long-term solutions must include better government support, subsidies, and awareness programs.
In conclusion, the Punjab sees record spike in stubble fires, posing a serious environmental and health challenge. As harvest season continues, cooperation between farmers, government agencies, and citizens is essential to reduce air pollution and protect public health.
Daily News
Chandigarh Doctors Explain How to Reduce Stroke Risk for a Healthier Lifestyle
Doctors at PGIMER in Chandigarh are worried about strokes.
Chandigarh doctors explain how to reduce stroke risk as PGIMER specialists raise awareness about this serious health condition. A stroke occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough blood due to blocked vessels or bleeding. According to the World Stroke Organisation, strokes rank as the second leading cause of death worldwide, making prevention crucial for saving lives.
Over the years, PGIMER has witnessed an increasing number of stroke patients, indicating a growing health concern. However, Dr. Dheeraj, a neurology expert, emphasizes that early detection can lead to complete recovery. Therefore, recognizing symptoms quickly becomes essential for effective treatment and positive outcomes.
Common stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, especially affecting the face, arm, or leg. Additionally, people may experience sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. Furthermore, victims might have problems seeing in one or both eyes, walking difficulties, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.
Since 2002, PGIMER has developed a comprehensive stroke care system to help patients effectively. Moreover, in 2003, the hospital became a pioneer in stroke treatment by successfully dissolving a blood clot blocking brain blood flow. This breakthrough established PGIMER as a leader in emergency stroke management.
The hospital runs an ongoing public education program about stroke awareness. Additionally, they established a dedicated helpline at 7087009500 for managing stroke cases, follow-up care, and medication queries. This service provides crucial support for patients and their families throughout the recovery process.
Dr. Dheeraj explains that strokes share many risk factors with heart attacks. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, unbalanced cholesterol levels, obesity, and lack of physical exercise. Furthermore, tobacco use significantly increases stroke risk. Specific heart conditions like rheumatic valve disease and atrial fibrillation also elevate the danger considerably.
Fortunately, adopting a healthy lifestyle can dramatically reduce stroke risk. Doctors recommend eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Regular exercise, even simple activities like walking for 30 minutes daily, proves highly beneficial. Moreover, monitoring blood pressure and diabetes levels helps catch problems early.
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are equally important preventive measures. Studies show that smokers face twice the stroke risk compared to non-smokers. Meanwhile, excessive alcohol intake damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure, both contributing factors to strokes.
Early medical intervention makes a significant difference in stroke outcomes. When symptoms appear, every minute counts because brain cells die rapidly without oxygen. Therefore, calling emergency services immediately improves chances of full recovery and minimizes permanent damage.
Overall, Chandigarh doctors explain how to reduce stroke risk through education, lifestyle changes, and early detection. With proper awareness and healthy habits, many strokes can be prevented. Understanding warning signs and seeking immediate medical help saves lives and improves recovery outcomes significantly.
Daily News
Key Suspect Arrested in Murder of RSS Leader’s Son in Punjab
In the early hours of Thursday, the Ferozepur Police made an important arrest.
Suspect arrested in murder of RSS leader’s son after Ferozepur Police captured Gursimran Singh, also known as Jatin Kali, in the early hours of Thursday. He is the prime suspect in the shooting death of Naveen Arora, who was killed on Saturday evening. This tragic incident has shocked the community and raised serious concerns about rising violence in Punjab.
Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh explained that police received a tip-off about Gursimran’s location near Sodhiwala in Arif Ke village. Subsequently, police teams surrounded the area and established checkpoints to apprehend him. Quick action proved crucial in preventing his escape.
During the operation, a motorcycle sped toward the checkpoint. Although police signaled the rider to stop, he attempted to flee. Consequently, officers pursued him immediately. During the chase, Gursimran fired shots at police, hitting the windscreen of a Bolero vehicle and narrowly missing the driver. Therefore, police returned fire and injured Gursimran in the leg before arresting him.
After his arrest, authorities took Gursimran to Civil Hospital for treatment. Moreover, police recovered a .32 bore pistol from him. Investigators are now examining whether this weapon was used to kill Naveen Arora. Forensic tests will determine if the bullets match.
This murder highlights the worrying rise in gang-related violence across Punjab. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, Punjab recorded 79 murders in 2022. Additionally, the state has witnessed several high-profile shootings in recent years, leaving residents deeply concerned about their safety and law enforcement effectiveness.
Before capturing Gursimran, police had already arrested two other suspects named Harsh and Kanav on Monday. Furthermore, investigators have identified another accused whose identity remains undisclosed to protect the investigation. Meanwhile, one suspect named Badal remains at large, and police continue their active search for him.
The murder of Naveen Arora carries particular significance because he was the son of a respected RSS leader. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is a prominent organization in India known for promoting Hindu values and culture. Consequently, this incident has drawn widespread attention to rising crime rates and the urgent need for improved safety measures.
The local community demands swift justice and wants assurance that such violence will not continue. Many residents remember Punjab’s troubled past during the late 20th century when the state faced significant militant activities. Therefore, people hope law enforcement will effectively curb current violence and restore peace to their daily lives.
Overall, the case where the suspect arrested in murder of RSS leader’s son represents progress in the investigation. However, it also underscores ongoing challenges with gang violence in Punjab. As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers and meaningful changes to ensure everyone’s safety and security.
Daily News
Understanding Campus Politics in Punjab: A 55-Year Journey
Jalandhar: Recently, on November 10, 2023, thousands of people from Punjab marched to Chandigarh.
Campus Politics in Punjab took center stage on November 10, 2023, when thousands of people marched to Chandigarh demanding that Panjab University remain under Punjab’s control. This massive demonstration reflects deep-rooted tensions over educational governance that have shaped the state’s political landscape for decades.
Interestingly, this situation mirrors events from 55 years ago. In 1970, similar political battles erupted over Guru Nanak University in Amritsar. Specifically, the conflict centered on the university’s jurisdiction over DAV institutions controlled by Arya Samaj. Consequently, these disputes led to significant political upheaval in the state.
During that period, the Jana Sangh, an earlier version of today’s BJP, withdrew from the coalition government with the Shiromani Akali Dal. Moreover, the two parties had fundamental ideological disagreements about government control over educational institutions. Additionally, language issues added fuel to the fire after Punjab became a unilingual Punjabi-speaking state in 1966.
The Jana Sangh advocated for Hindi to be used alongside Punjabi in administration. Their manifesto promised that “Punjabi would be introduced at all administrative levels, but there would be no restrictions on Hindi.” Therefore, this linguistic debate became intertwined with educational governance disputes.
Political tensions escalated significantly in June 1970. Reports indicate that bitter feelings existed between the Jana Sangh and Akali Dal regarding Guru Nanak University’s status. Furthermore, the Jana Sangh accused the Akali Dal of collaborating with the Central government to create a Sikh homeland, which sparked widespread controversy.
In March 1970, Parkash Singh Badal replaced Justice Gurnam Singh as Chief Minister. Subsequently, this change shifted political alliances, but the university governance issue remained unresolved. Meanwhile, DAV College and HMV College challenged the Guru Nanak University Act in the Supreme Court, arguing that it violated their rights.
Eventually, Jana Sangh ministers withdrew from the Punjab cabinet. They felt the Akali Dal was introducing “the poison of sectarian politics” into education. Although they initially supported establishing a university to honor Guru Nanak’s 500th anniversary, they believed the Akali Dal betrayed them by expanding jurisdiction without proper consultation.
Today, the ongoing protests over Panjab University connect deeply with this historical context. Demonstrators fear increased central control and “saffronisation,” referring to Hindu nationalist influence. These concerns appear prominently on protest posters and social media platforms.
Education remains an emotionally charged topic in Punjab because universities and schools represent vital centers for identity, culture, and political power. Since Punjab’s reorganization in 1966, educational institutions have consistently been battlegrounds for political influence and cultural preservation.
Overall, Campus Politics in Punjab demonstrates how historical struggles continue shaping present circumstances. Understanding this history helps explain why communities view educational governance as crucial to their cultural survival and political autonomy.
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