The Punjab Cabinet, led by CM Bhagwant Mann, is expected to finalize the dates for the upcoming Monsoon Session, likely to be held from August 3 to August 10, 2026. This will be the last monsoon session of the current AAP government's term. Key agendas include an amendment to the 'Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Satkar Act' to strengthen laws regarding the protection of religious scriptures. https://punjabi.newsd5.in/%E0%A8%AA%E0%A9%B0%E0%A8%9C%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%AC-%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%BF%E0%A8%A7%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%A8-%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%AD%E0%A8%BE-%E0%A8%A6%E0%A8%BE-%E0%A8%AE%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%A8%E0%A8%B8%E0%A9%82%E0%A8%A8/

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 Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organized a Parliament march in Delhi demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The protest turned violent as police used lathi-charge and tear gas, leading to several injuries and over 100 detentions. Despite a meeting between CJP leaders and Union Minister J.P. Nadda, where a memorandum was submitted, the protesters decided to continue their sit-in until all demands are met. Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuck's hunger strike reached its 24th day. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/liveblog/delhi/cjp-parliament-march-live-updates-dharna-continues-even-after-meeting-with-jp-nadda/

Protests have erupted again at the Shambhu border as farmers oppose the proposed India-US trade agreement. Farmers fear that the deal will allow cheap US agricultural imports to flood Indian markets, making it impossible for small Indian farmers to compete. Organizations like SKM and BKU argue that the dairy sector and crop prices will be severely hit. This unrest poses a fresh political challenge for the BJP ahead of upcoming elections, recalling the 2020-21 farmers' movement. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/nation/india-us-trade-agreement-smoke-rises-from-new-farmers-movement/

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has deteriorated on the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. According to the medical bulletin, his weight dropped by 350 grams in 24 hours to 56.55 kg. Doctors reported mild dehydration and weakness, though vital signs remain stable. He is protesting under the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) banner, demanding education reforms and accountability in paper leak cases. Political leaders and student unions have extended their support to the movement. https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/bharat/sonam-wangchuk-loses-350-grams-in-24-hours-on-20th-day-of-hunger-strike-pbn26071703921

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

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

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/

A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) involving 23,665 participants has revealed that 9 out of 10 Indian adults have abnormal cholesterol levels. The data shows that 87.3% of adults suffer from dyslipidemia, which includes high bad cholesterol or low good cholesterol. Surprisingly, the prevalence is highest among young adults aged 30-39. Women (91.1%) are more affected than men (83.5%). The study emphasizes that appearing healthy or thin does not guarantee heart health, as 40% of people without obesity or diabetes also had abnormal levels. Experts recommend regular lipid profile tests and lifestyle changes to mitigate risks of heart attack and stroke. https://punjabi.abplive.com/lifestyle/health/icmr-cholesterol-study-9-out-of-10-indians-have-low-cholesterol-a-major-revelation-in-a-study-by-icmr-876153