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/

Hockey India has changed the jersey color of the Indian men's and women's hockey teams from blue to saffron, sparking a political controversy. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the move, linking it to RSS influence and ideological shifts. Former captain Viren Rasquinha also expressed disappointment, calling the decision shameful. Hockey India defended the change, stating it was a technical decision based on player feedback to improve visibility against the blue turf. President Dilip Tirkey clarified that the jersey could be changed again after the World Cup if needed. https://www.ptcnews.tv/news-in-punjabi/hockey-india-jersey-shifts-from-blue-to-saffron-priyanka-gandhi-targets-rss-dilip-tirkey-comes-to-its-defense-4427516

The Valmiki community has called for a statewide shutdown (Punjab Bandh) today to protest against a recent lathi-charge incident in Barnala. The shutdown is supported by various political parties and is expected to impact markets, schools, and colleges across several districts. While emergency services remain operational, authorities have heightened security and advised citizens to check travel updates. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/punjab/channi-vs-warring-9-punjabi-news-punjab-band-jathedar-on-beadbi-bill-991148.html

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/

Today's top Punjab news features significant updates on former CM Charanjit Singh Channi, the Beadbi (sacrilege) law, and Jathedar Gargaj. The report covers the latest political developments and religious legal discussions currently shaping the state's landscape. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/today-punjab-news-charanjit-channi-beadbi-law-jathedar-gargaj-991392.html

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