Veteran Telugu actress Pavala Shyamala passed away at the age of 75 due to a cardiac arrest at a hospital in Hyderabad. She had been battling various health issues including heart disease, Parkinson's, and hypertension. Despite a successful long-standing career in the Telugu film industry, she reportedly faced severe financial difficulties in her later years. Her demise has left the film fraternity and fans in deep mourning. https://punjab.news18.com/news/entertainment/veteran-telugu-actress-pavala-shyamala-passes-away-at-75-cardiac-arrest-cited-as-the-cause-ak-990659.html

Tamil Nadu leads India in debt with 10.42 lakh crore, followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Punjab ranks 12th with an estimated debt of 4.13 lakh crore by March 2026. The Punjab government plans to borrow an additional 13,900 crore in the second quarter of the current fiscal year to repay legacy debts. In comparison, Haryana has a debt of 4.02 lakh crore, while Mizoram has the lowest debt at 14,516 crore. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/punjab/300726/tamil-nadu-ranks-first-nationwide-in-terms-of-borrowing.html

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 annual Amarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes due to inclement weather and ongoing track restoration work. Heavy rains in the Baltal area triggered flash flood-like conditions on Thursday night, though no casualties were reported. Authorities have halted the movement of pilgrims until repair works are completed. Since starting on July 3, approximately 4.5 lakh devotees have visited the holy cave. The pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 28. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/nation/amarnath-yatra-update-amarnath-yatra-postponed-due-to-bad-weather/

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

The 24th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme is expected to be released in October 2026. Under this initiative, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually in three installments of ₹2,000 each. To receive the benefits, farmers must complete their e-KYC. Income taxpayers and retirees receiving a pension over ₹10,000 are ineligible. While an official date is pending, preparations are underway to transfer funds to millions of farmers across India. https://punjabi.abplive.com/business/pm-kisan-yojana-october-2026-when-will-farmers-receive-the-24th-installment-of-pm-kisan-yojana-check-all-details-inside-876830

Shaheed Udham Singh, born Sher Singh in 1899, witnessed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 and vowed revenge. After years of struggle, he traveled to London and assassinated Michael O'Dwyer at Caxton Hall on March 13, 1940. He was executed on July 31, 1940, becoming an immortal symbol of Indian independence and bravery. https://www.ptcnews.tv/news-in-punjabi/shaheed-udham-singh-the-story-of-sher-singh-becoming-shaheed-udham-singh-goes-something-like-this-4427546

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

The Punjab government has released the list of dignitaries for the 2026 Independence Day celebrations. CM Bhagwant Mann will hoist the national flag in Ferozepur. Other ministers and leaders, including Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Harpal Singh Cheema, have been assigned various districts like Rupnagar and Ludhiana respectively. In remaining districts, Deputy Commissioners will perform the honors. https://punjab.news18.com/news/punjab/punjab-independence-day-2026-flag-hoisting-list-cm-bhagwant-mann-firozpur-skm-991353.html