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

The Punjab Congress Minority Department held its first state-level meeting chaired by Dr. Emmanuel Nahar. Around 250 representatives discussed key issues like empowering the Minority Commission, providing land for graveyards, and social welfare schemes. The party plans to include these demands in its upcoming manifesto. Meenakshi Singh accused the BJP of religious politics affecting Muslims and Christians, while Jaiswinder Singh Vicky announced plans to strengthen the organization at the district level across Punjab. https://punjab.news18.com/news/punjab/chandigarh-punjab-congress-minority-department-meeting-manifesto-minority-issues-local18-989942.html

Filmmaker Shailendra Singh shared a surprising anecdote about Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's hair treatment. In a podcast, Singh claimed that Salman underwent PRP therapy for hair loss at his home during a time when such procedures were reportedly illegal in India. He described an incident where Salman was eating biryani while receiving an injection in his scalp, remarking that being a star comes with a price. The actor is currently preparing for his upcoming film Matrubhoomi, set for a 2026 release. https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/entertainment/salman-khan-ate-biryani-while-getting-hair-injections-recalls-producer-pbs26080101435

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/

The article discusses rumors circulating in Punjab regarding the potential suspension of a financial aid scheme for women. It addresses public concerns about whether a court has stayed the scheme and if future payments will be halted. The report aims to clarify the facts behind these claims and provide the latest updates on the legal and governmental status of the initiative as of August 2026. https://khalastv.com/today-again-will-the-women-not-get-money-after-this-did-the-court-stop-the-scheme-big-news/

During the Miri Piri Khalsa March, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gadgaj emphasized that religious decisions of the Sikh Panth will only be made according to Panthic traditions, not government interference. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami also spoke on the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The march, aimed at connecting youth with Sikh heritage, moved from Ferozepur to Faridkot with great enthusiasm from the devotees. http://www.quamiekta.com/2026/07/31/66506/

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

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

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