The active monsoon in Uttarakhand has caused a 30% decline in the number of pilgrims visiting Hemkund Sahib and the Char Dham shrines. From July 1 to July 5, total pilgrim numbers dropped from 27,232 to 19,202. Kedarnath saw the biggest impact with a 65% decrease due to difficult terrain and landslide risks. Despite this seasonal dip, the yatra has set a new record this year with over 41.56 lakh pilgrims visiting the Char Dham and 1.76 lakh visiting Hemkund Sahib since the season began. The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rain in the coming days. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/amritsar/hemkund-sahib-yatra-number-of-pilgrims-drops-by-30-percent/

Counter Intelligence Amritsar busted two drug smuggling networks, arresting three individuals with 13 kg of heroin. DGP Gaurav Yadav informed that 8 kg was seized from a house in Kherabad, while 5 kg was recovered from a car on the Amritsar-Jhabal road. The suspects, residents of Tarn Taran and Moga, were allegedly supplying drugs across Punjab. Two cases have been registered under the NDPS Act. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/amritsar/punjab-news-three-arrested-with-13-kg-heroin-in-drug-smuggling-cases/

Unlimited health insurance plans are seeing a massive 300% surge in adoption between FY25 and FY27. These plans offer coverage without an annual expenditure limit. Data shows that 9 out of 10 buyers are under 45, with millennials accounting for 57% of total sales. Interestingly, Tier-3 cities lead the demand with over 41% share. The trend is driven by rising medical costs and lifestyle changes, with increasing participation from NRIs and women as well. https://punjab.news18.com/news/health/no-matter-how-high-the-expenses-are-your-insurance-will-cover-everything-find-out-what-an-unlimited-health-insurance-plan-is-ak-985018.html

Former Congress MLA from Ghanaur, Madan Lal Jalalpur, has been issued a disciplinary notice for making objectionable remarks against party high command leaders K.C. Venugopal and Bhupesh Baghel. Disciplinary Committee Chairman Avtar Henry has sought a response within three days, failing which disciplinary action will be initiated. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/punjab/060726/former-congress-mla-madan-lal-jalalpur-made-objectionable-remarks-agai.html

Iran has expressed gratitude to the Indian government and its people for participating in the state funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. A high-level Indian delegation, including the Governor of Bihar, the Minister of State for External Affairs, and several religious leaders, visited Tehran to pay their respects. The Iranian Embassy in India described this gesture as a reflection of strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations, stating that Tehran will never forget this display of friendship and sympathy. https://propunjabtv.com/khameneis-last-journey-in-iran-lakhs-of-people-gathered-for-the-last-rites-on-a-10-km-long-route/

In Uttar Pradesh, a newlywed bride revealed to her husband on their wedding night that she loved someone else and was married against her will. Despite attempts by elders to persuade her over three days, she remained firm. A panchayat was convened on June 28, where her lover was also called, and with mutual consent from both families, she was allowed to go with him. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/india/bride-told-her-husband-that-she-was-in-love-with-another-young-man-on-the-wedding-night-875045

Internal conflict in Punjab Congress has escalated as former CM Charanjit Singh Channi's faction boycotted a meeting with state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel. Channi held a parallel meeting in Mohali with his supporters, including 6 MLAs and an MP, before heading to Delhi to meet the high command. Currently, Channi is seeking the state president post, backed by several leaders, while current president Raja Warring faces a lack of open support from MLAs. Baghel is on a five-day visit to resolve the crisis. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/punjab-congress-crisis-channi-absent-during-bhupesh-baghel-meeting-speculation-about-channi-visiting-delhi-875043

The Indian Armed Forces have proposed increasing the permanent retention limit for Agniveers from the current 25% to up to 75%. While the Indian Navy suggested a 75% retention rate, the Army and Air Force recommended increasing it to 50%. The first batch of Agniveers is set to complete its four-year tenure this year. The move aims to retain experienced personnel and strengthen national security. Additionally, plans are underway to recruit 90,000 new Agniveers in the next phase. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/big-news-for-agniveers-not-25-75-percent-can-get-permanent-jobs-first-batch-will-retire-this-year-875041

According to a CREA analysis, the El Nino phenomenon is expected to significantly increase electricity demand in India, potentially requiring an additional 18 TWh of coal power within a year. Reduced rainfall and wind speeds will impact hydropower and wind energy production, while rising temperatures will boost AC usage. India recently hit a record peak demand of 270 GW. Experts emphasize the need to accelerate solar energy and battery storage goals to meet the 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030 and mitigate health risks from increased coal pollution. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/chandigarh/electricity-demand-will-increase-in-india-due-to-el-nino/

Villagers and environmental activists in Har Raipur, Bathinda, strongly opposed a proposed private cement plant during a public hearing organized by the PPCB. Concerns were raised regarding air pollution and health hazards, as the site is allegedly only 250 meters from residential areas and a Gurudwara. The hearing saw heated moments over the delayed arrival of the ADC and allegations of forged signatures on project documents. While the administration emphasized industrial growth for employment, they assured that environmental laws would not be violated. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/punjab/bathinda-opposition-to-proposed-cement-plant-during-public-hearing-in-har-raipur/