State Bank of India (SBI) has launched the 'Har Ghar Lakhpati' scheme, a customized recurring deposit (RD) variant aimed at helping small and medium-income groups build a corpus of ₹1 lakh or more. Investors can choose a tenure between 3 to 10 years with interest rates ranging from 6.50% to 6.75% for general citizens, while senior citizens get an additional 0.50%. The scheme allows a loan facility up to 90% of the deposit amount. Accounts can be opened via the YONO app or at any SBI branch with basic documents like Aadhaar and PAN. https://punjab.news18.com/news/business/sbi-har-ghar-lakhpati-rd-scheme-deposit-rules-interest-rate-calculator-sk-991754.html

In Nakte village near Bhawanigarh, eight cattle belonging to farmer Pargat Singh died due to electrocution. The incident occurred at night when a short circuit caused electric current to flow through the iron grills of the fodder manger. The deceased animals included four buffaloes and four cows. SDM Bhawanigarh Manjit Kaur dispatched a team of veterinary doctors for the post-mortem. The affected farmer and villagers have appealed to the government for financial compensation. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/sangrur/wreckage-in-village-nakte-8-mutes-die-due-to-electrocution/

On August 2, 2026, Rahu will transition into the Dhanishta constellation (Nakshatra). According to Vedic astrology, this shift is set to benefit four specific zodiac signs: Aries, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. These signs may experience financial growth, career advancement, and success in property investments. The article also suggests traditional remedies like chanting Rahu mantras and offering black sesame seeds to Lord Shiva to enhance positive outcomes. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/religion/sawan-2026-rahu-transit-dhanishta-nakshatra-lucky-zodiac-signs-2-august-2026/3278714

The Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh, has written to the Punjab Assembly Speaker and Sikh MLAs regarding the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026. He urged them not to agree to any amendments in the upcoming August 3 session without Panthic consensus. The Takht rejected the Punjab government's recent response as unsatisfactory and expressed concerns over potential misuse of the law against Sikhs, similar to TADA or UAPA. A committee of Sikh experts has been formed to coordinate with the government and reach a consensus within two months. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/amritsar/letter-from-sri-akal-takht-sahib-to-punjab-vidhan-sabha-speaker-sikh-mlas-and-cabinet-ministers/

Baba Balbir Singh, head of Budha Dal, praised the Punjab government's anti-sacrilege law, calling it beneficial for the Sikh religion. He noted that the law has helped curb incidents of sacrilege in the state and suggested incorporating suggestions from the Sikh community to make the law even stronger and more effective. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/punjab/290726/buddha-dal-chief-baba-balbir-singh-praised-the-sacrilege-law.html

Arvind Kejriwal, the National Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party, has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to block his scheduled town hall event. He alleged that the police tried to cancel the booking at the Constitution Club. Kejriwal claimed that the government is forcing E20 petrol on citizens despite automobile companies failing to provide written assurance regarding its impact on vehicle mileage and engine health. He warned the Prime Minister to withdraw the E20 petrol initiative, stating that the public would otherwise force the government to do so. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/national/arvind-kejriwal-e20-petrol-town-hall-bjp-allegations-punjabi-news/3277828

The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain alert for Punjab and Chandigarh for the next four days starting July 27. An orange alert has been declared for July 28 and 29, forecasting very heavy rainfall in several districts including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur. The weather shift is due to a low-pressure area over Rajasthan and a Western Disturbance. While water levels in Bhakra and Pong dams are rising, they currently remain well below the danger mark. This rain has provided much-needed relief from the humid heat. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/punjab-and-chandigarh-weather-update-on-27-july-2026-876580

Punjab MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar announced that the state government has accepted most demands of striking sanitation workers. Key decisions include regularizing contract workers with 5 years of service, moving outsource workers with 3 years experience to contracts, and doubling contract salaries from 10,500 to 20,520 rupees. Nijjar urged workers to end their strike and return to work, expressing optimism that remaining issues and the planned train protest will be resolved through dialogue. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/punjab/inderbir-singh-nijjar-cleanliness-workers-strike-punjab-government-accepted-demands/3279499

The Water Resources Department has invited online bids for the fishing contract of the 7,750-acre Ranjit Sagar Dam lake after eight failed attempts. The reserve price has been reduced from Rs 1.02 crore to Rs 92.50 lakh to attract bidders. The deadline is August 4. The contract aims to curb illegal fishing activities that have caused financial losses to the government since the previous contract ended. Payment terms include a 25% upfront deposit within three days, with the remainder payable in five installments. https://punjab.news18.com/news/pathankot/ranjit-sagar-dam-fishing-contract-online-bidding-reopened-until-august-4-government-tender-auction-2-local18-991297.html