Massive wildfires are causing widespread destruction across Norway, Canada, and Spain following extreme heatwaves. In Norway's Drammen region, more than 100 houses were destroyed, forcing over 400 residents to evacuate. Canada is facing uncontrollable fires in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, with 191 active fires in Ontario alone. Spain's Zaragoza province has seen 12,000 hectares burned, leading to the displacement of 1,100 people. Experts attribute these intensifying fires to climate change, dry vegetation, and strong winds. https://punjab.news18.com/photogallery/international/why-did-the-biggest-fire-of-the-century-break-out-in-a-country-where-the-sun-does-not-rise-for-six-months-of-the-year-spain-and-canada-are-also-in-a-dire-situation-skm-988209.html

In the Mehatpur Nagar Panchayat elections, a tie occurred as both sides received 7 votes each. Following the deadlock, a draw of lots (slip system) was conducted under SDM Nakodar's supervision. AAP's Praveen Mehta, a Congress rebel, was elected President, while Congress's Kashmiri Lal became Vice-President. The election saw high drama after Mehta shifted sides, leading to the eventual tie between the Congress and the AAP-supported group. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/jalandhar/mehatpur-nagar-panchayat-election-the-contest-was-tied-at-7-7-votes-and-the-decision-was-made-through-ballot-paper/

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini launched a 'Track and Trace' system using QR codes on liquor bottles to prevent illegal sales and tax evasion. Eight new online services were introduced, including temporary permits for weddings and events, ensuring processing within 7 working days. The CM also reviewed the Haryana Vision 2047 roadmap and urged taxpayers to utilize the OTS-2026 scheme for interest waivers. Haryana reported a 32% growth in GST collection for the first quarter of 2026-27. https://punjabi.ajitweekly.com/%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%BC%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%AC-%E0%A8%A6%E0%A9%80-%E0%A8%B9%E0%A8%B0-%E0%A8%AC%E0%A9%8B%E0%A8%A4%E0%A8%B2-%E0%A8%A4%E0%A9%87-%E0%A8%B2%E0%A9%B1%E0%A8%97%E0%A9%87%E0%A8%97%E0%A8%BE-qr/

A Bathinda court has scheduled the next hearing for the defamation case against actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut for August 3. The case was filed by Mohinder Kaur over controversial remarks made against women farmers. The court will record testimonies from Mohinder Kaur and her grandson, and will also hear a plea regarding the seizure of Ranaut's passport. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/punjab/180726/defamation-case-against-kangana-ranaut-to-be-heard-on-august-3-s.html

Defending champions Argentina secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final by defeating England 2-1 in a dramatic semifinal. After trailing 0-1, Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time. Argentina will face Spain in the final on July 20. Lionel Messi also set a record as the oldest outfield player to play in a World Cup semifinal at 39. https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-semifinal-argentina-into-another-world-cup-final-beat-england-2-1-pbs26071603754

The roof lintel for the Sri Akhand Path Sahib rooms was recently laid at the historic Gurdwara Gurusar Kaunke Patshahi Chevin near Jagraon. Under the leadership of Baba Balwinder Singh and Baba Narinder Singh, and with the support of the local community, the construction reached this significant milestone. SGPC member Bhai Gurcharan Singh Grewal honored the donors and volunteers for their contributions to the religious project. https://www.ptcnews.tv/news-in-punjabi/lantern-of-rooms-of-sri-akhand-path-sahib-installed-in-gurdwara-gurusar-kauke-6th-patshahi-4427043

The Punjab government's 'Mukhya Mantri Maan-Dhiyan Satkar Yojana' is providing significant financial relief to women amid rising inflation. Around 70 lakh women have registered, with 33 lakh already receiving funds directly in their bank accounts. Data shows over 50% of beneficiaries fall in the 36-59 age group, using the aid for children's education and medical costs. Remaining eligible women will receive payments starting August 1. https://punjab.news18.com/news/punjab/cm-bhagwant-mann-mukh-mantri-mawan-dhiyan-satkar-yojana-financial-assistance-women-skm-988346.html

Aamir Khan has broken his silence regarding Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike. During the London Indian Film Festival, Khan expressed concern for Wangchuk's health and hoped for a quick end to his strike. Importantly, he clarified that his hit film '3 Idiots' was not based on Sonam Wangchuk, stating he did not even know him during the film's production. This comes after social media questions regarding the actor's silence on the matter. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/entertainment/bollywood/170726/concerned-about-sonam-wangchuks-health-and-hope-she-ends-her-hunger-s.html

Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal visited the historic Jahaz Haveli of Diwan Todar Mall in Fatehgarh Sahib to review restoration efforts. He emphasized preserving its ancient look as a national heritage. Discussions included repairing the failed sewerage system and widening the 5km road leading to the haveli. MLA Lakhbir Singh Rai stated that CM Bhagwant Mann is overseeing the project and assured that there would be no shortage of funds for the restoration work. https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/state/rajya-sabha-member-balbir-singh-seechewal-visited-the-jahaz-haveli-and-reviewed-the-ongoing-work-pbs26071806549

The Delhi government has announced a compensation of ₹75,000 per hectare for farmers whose crops were damaged due to heavy rains and floods. A budget of over ₹33.31 crore has been approved for this relief measure. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed the revenue department to initiate the fund distribution process directly into the bank accounts of registered landowners. However, corporate-owned farmhouses and panchayat lands are excluded from this scheme. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/agriculture/farmers-relief-crop-damage-compensation-of-75000-rupees-per-hectare-will-be-given-to-farmers-check-all-details-inside-876000