Following complaints of contaminated water supply during the rainy season in Pathankot, the Health Department collected 12 water samples from Ghar tholi, Kazipur, and Anandpur. Samples were taken from both household taps and tube wells and sent to Kharar for testing. This follows previous reports where several water samples in the region failed quality tests, raising health concerns among residents. https://punjab.news18.com/news/pathankot/pathankot-health-department-collects-12-drinking-water-samples-after-dirty-water-complaints-monsoon-alert-local18-993544.html

A report presented in the Punjab Assembly reveals that 43.44 crore Buprenorphine tablets (de-addiction pills) have been consumed in the state over the last four and a half years. There has been a significant surge in supplies to state prisons, rising from 1.17 crore pills in 2022 to 8.87 crore this year. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh attributed this to the establishment of de-addiction centers and OOAT clinics within jails. The number of registered patients in clinics has risen to 3.17 lakh, prompting the government to increase bed capacity in treatment centers to 5,000. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/sangrur/punjab-43-44-crore-punjabis-have-taken-the-drug-free-pill/

Monsoon has become active again in Punjab and Chandigarh, with the meteorological department predicting intermittent rainfall until August 12. Recent showers have brought relief from heat and humidity, causing a dip in temperatures. Chandigarh recorded significant rainfall at the airport area, while Ludhiana recorded the lowest temperature in the state. No heavy rain alert has been issued yet, but light to moderate showers with thunderstorms are expected over the next few days. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/chandigarh/punjab-chandigarh-weather-monsoon-rain-update-12-august/3284363

The daily Hukamnama from Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib features a hymn by Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in Raag Sorath. The verse emphasizes seeking refuge in the Divine, citing historical examples of Ganika, Dhru, and Ajamal who were saved through meditation. It encourages devotees to remember the Lord to overcome worldly suffering and achieve spiritual liberation. https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/hukamnama/daily-hukamnama-from-sri-darbar-sahib-9-august-2026-amrit-wele-da-hukamnama-pbs26080900242

A tragic incident occurred in Khanyan village of Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, where two minor children, including a 13-day-old infant and a 4-year-old boy, died after inhaling toxic fumes from pesticide tablets stored in a nearby wheat drum. The family was sleeping with the air conditioner on when the incident happened. Three other family members are in critical condition and have been shifted to a hospital in Chandigarh. Police and administrative officials have collected samples from the spot for further investigation. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/children-die-in-fatehgarh-sahib-due-to-toxic-fumes-876298

Gursimran Singh Mand was attacked and his vehicle was vandalized by a crowd at Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib in Ambala, Haryana. Mand, known for speaking against hardliners, stated he was attacked after paying obeisance. He claimed that he had received threats from associates of Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and had previously complained to both Ludhiana and Haryana police, but no action was taken. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/haryana/070826/gursimran-singh-mand-attacked-in-haryana.html

Tensions have risen within the Punjab BJP following the appointment of Kewal Singh Dhillon as State President and new district heads. Veteran party leaders are protesting against the prioritization of newcomers from other parties over long-term loyalists. Protests erupted in Patiala, and several mandal presidents resigned in Faridkot. While senior leaders aim to resolve the issue, the internal rebellion poses a significant challenge ahead of the elections. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/punjab/a-challenge-of-its-own-making-for-the-bjp/

In Purnia, Bihar, a unique tradition exists where the National Flag is hoisted at 12:01 AM on the night of August 14th at Jhanda Chowk. This tradition dates back to 1947, when freedom fighter Rameshwar Prasad Singh and his companions hoisted the tricolor immediately after hearing news of India's independence on the radio. Even today, hundreds of people gather at midnight to celebrate this historic moment with the national anthem and slogans. https://punjab.news18.com/photogallery/lifestyle/independence-day-2026-the-tricolor-is-hoisted-only-at-this-place-in-india-on-14th-august-know-the-reason-ak-993803.html

Sangeetha, the wife of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, has withdrawn her divorce petition filed in the Chengalpattu family court. During a hearing on Friday via video conferencing, she informed the court that she does not wish to proceed with the divorce. Following her statement, the court disposed of the case, putting an end to ongoing rumors about the couple's relationship status. The reasons for the withdrawal remain private. https://punjab.news18.com/news/national/tamilnadu-cm-tvk-chief-c-joseph-vijay-wife-divorce-petition-withdrawn-family-court-tamil-nadu-case-disposed-2-sk-993753.html

Banks across India will remain closed today, Saturday, August 8, due to it being the second Saturday of the month. According to RBI rules, banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays. While physical branches are closed, digital services like ATM, UPI, and net banking remain operational. The article also lists upcoming holidays in August including Independence Day and Rakhi. https://punjabi.abplive.com/photo-gallery/business/bank-will-be-closed-on-today-8-august-2026-877362