Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal launched a ₹650 crore irrigation scheme for 102 villages in the Nurpur Bedi block. The project aims to provide lift irrigation facilities and manage rainwater by constructing dams on the Swan river and Sutlej, covering 2,785 acres in the first phase. This initiative is expected to reduce groundwater dependency and protect villages from annual floods, marking a significant step for local agriculture since independence. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/punjab/nurpur-bedi-irrigation-project-rs-650-crore-102-villages-barinder-kumar-goyal/3271688

The Chandigarh administration has successfully halted the auction of the city's heritage furniture in Barcelona, Spain, scheduled for July 2026. Following instructions from Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, the Cultural Affairs Secretary engaged the Ministry of External Affairs for diplomatic intervention. The Indian Embassy in Spain ensured the items were withdrawn from the auction. The administration aims to verify and repatriate these items, which are considered integral to the city's architectural heritage. https://punjab.news18.com/news/punjab/auction-of-chandigarh-heritage-furniture-in-spain-halted-major-success-for-the-administration-skm-988964.html

A major accident occurred in Sikkim's Namchi district where around 27 workers were trapped inside an under-construction tunnel after a landslide at the main gate. The trapped individuals include 21 employees from Patel Engineering and 6 from NHPC. Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF are underway, but challenges persist due to suspected methane gas leakage and low visibility. Special gas-mask teams from West Bengal have been called in to assist. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/nation/200726/27-workers-trapped-in-tunnel-after-landslide-in-sikkim-rescue-operati.html

Punjab farmers have postponed their march to Delhi after reaching an agreement with the Haryana government on two key demands: the release of arrested farmer leaders and a scheduled meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan within 8-10 days. Earlier, Haryana police had sealed the Shambhu and Khanauri borders with heavy barricading and security forces to prevent farmers from advancing. Following the successful meeting with Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, farmers began returning from the border points. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/haryana-punjab-news-farmers-protest-shambhu-border-delhi-march-strategy-check-all-details-inside-876170

The protective glass cover of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's statue at Jalandhar Bypass Chowk in Ludhiana was broken by miscreants using stones. This led to a massive protest by BSP workers and locals who accused the administration of negligence. Protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits and threatened to block the national highway. Police have initiated an investigation using CCTV footage and have deployed forces in the area to maintain law and order. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/punjab/glass-installed-to-protect-ambedkars-statue-broken/

Light to moderate rainfall in various parts of Tarn Taran district has provided relief from humid heat. Farmers and agricultural officers state that the rain is highly beneficial for paddy, basmati, and fodder crops. While areas like Rasulpur and Sabhra witnessed rain, farmers in Chohla Sahib offered prayers at a Gurdwara as their area remained dry. Health experts noted the weather change is also beneficial for preventing children's illnesses. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/punjab/punjab-weather-relief-from-the-scorching-heat-rain-a-boon-for-crops/

The Punjab Cabinet, led by CM Bhagwant Mann, approved major decisions including direct recruitment of ASIs in Punjab Police. The sports quota in police recruitment has been increased from 3% to 10%. Additionally, the Monsoon Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha is scheduled to be held from August 3 to August 10. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/punjab/major-decisions-approved-in-punjab-cabinet-meeting-big-announcement-regarding-punjab-police-recruitment/3272232

Security has been tightened at Haryana's borders with Punjab, Delhi, and UP due to a planned farmer protest. Several farmer leaders have been detained, and Section 163 is in effect at the Shambhu border. Following a meeting with Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, farmers were assured of the release of detained leaders. Future strategies and discussions with Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan are expected in the coming days. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/haryana/210726/farmers-going-for-delhi-march-stopped-at-haryana-borders.html

Protests have intensified against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET exam. Protesters organized a 'Cockroach Party' protest to condemn the Education Ministry's handling of the situation. Opposition parties and student groups are demanding the Minister's resignation, raising questions about the credibility of the NTA and the future of students. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/cockroach-party-protest-news18-punjab-988685.html