Punjab Police Counter Intelligence team seized 25kg of heroin in Amritsar, which was allegedly smuggled from Pakistan via drone. Three individuals, including a member of the Sonu Khatri gang, were arrested from a Verna car near Mehta Road. The main accused, Bhupinder Singh, has 9 prior criminal cases. Police are investigating the international drug network and the local supply chain involved in this cross-border smuggling operation. https://punjab.news18.com/news/punjab/amritsar-25kg-heroin-seized-from-pakistan-via-drone-three-smugglers-arrested-ak-985312.html

Amid internal strife in Punjab Congress, state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel announced that there will be no leadership change, confirming Amarinder Singh Raja Warring will continue as PCC chief. This move led Charanjit Singh Channi's faction to accuse Baghel of misleading the party high command. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi's team visited Chandigarh to gather feedback on the crisis, while Raja Warring warned of strict action against those breaching party discipline. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/punjab-congress-political-crisis-update-bhupesh-baghel-said-there-will-be-no-changes-in-the-punjab-congress-875150

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has rejected the Punjab government's argument of financial burden regarding the payment of Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears to employees. The court questioned why common employees are being deprived of DA when high-ranking officials and judges are receiving it at prescribed rates. The court emphasized that administrative orders must be honored and that all government functionaries are equal under the law. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for July 9, 2026. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/punjab/punjab-high-court-strict-on-da-of-employees-financial-burden-argument-rejected/3262746

Former MLA Balwinder Singh Laddi from Sri Hargobindpur Sahib has left the BJP to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He joined in the presence of AAP leaders Manish Sisodia, Aman Arora, and Hardeep Singh Mundian. Laddi previously served as the Chairman of BJP's Panchayati Cell and General Secretary of the SC Morcha. This move is seen as a significant political shift in Punjab. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/punjab/big-blow-to-bjp-former-mla-balwinder-singh-laddi-joins-aap/3262722

A violent clash over an old rivalry in Dhuri, Sangrur, resulted in the death of two young men aged 22 and 25. The incident occurred on Kakkarwal Road and has created panic in the area. Police recovered a sharp weapon from the spot and are scanning CCTV footage to identify the culprits. Investigations are ongoing. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/sangrur-bloody-clash-over-old-enmity-in-dhuri-two-youths-killed-875152

An investigation into government veterinary hospitals in Mohali district has revealed severe neglect, with facilities in villages like Mirzapur, Karoran, and Parach turning into ruins. Staff absenteeism is rampant, and some buildings have reportedly become hubs for drug use. While cattle owners are forced to seek expensive private treatment, local authorities have promised an inquiry following reports of infrastructure decay and 'ghost' services. Animal welfare groups are now demanding a systemic audit and biometric attendance to fix the crisis. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/chandigarh/veterinary-health-crisis-government-veterinary-hospital-in-mohali-has-become-a-ruin-some-staff-are-absent-and-some-buildings-have-been-converted-into-drug-dens/

A tragic road accident on the Bharatmala Expressway near Mohali claimed three lives, including a newlywed couple and a High Court lawyer. The victims, identified as Pratyush Jain, his wife Harsarita, and Suresh from Una, Himachal Pradesh, were returning home from a wedding in Jind, Haryana. Their Creta car rammed into a canter that suddenly applied brakes. The impact was so severe that two died on the spot while the third succumbed to injuries later. Police have shifted the bodies to Kharar Civil Hospital for post-mortem. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/mohali-car-collides-with-canter-three-dead-including-newlywed-couple-family-was-travelling-from-jind-to-una-875149

Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora has received an official invitation for the AIM Congress 2026 to be held in Dubai from September 7-9, 2026. This prestigious annual investor meeting serves as a global platform for policymakers and investors. The Punjab government plans to showcase its investment-friendly policies to attract foreign capital, boost industrial growth, and create employment opportunities for the youth under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/punjab/070726/official-invitation-received-to-attend-the-annual-investor-meeting-ai.html

Chandigarh has secured the top rank in the Ministry of Education's school education report card. Following Chandigarh, Punjab, Delhi, and Kerala share the second position. The rankings were based on education quality, infrastructure, and facilities. Seven districts from Punjab and four from Delhi were highlighted for excellent performance, along with Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh and Diu. The report attributes these successes to government efforts and safe environments provided by the administration. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/chandigarh/chandigarh-education-ranking-union-education-ministry-report-chandigarh-leads-the-country-in-school-education/

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has adjourned the hearing regarding the pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears for Punjab government employees and pensioners to July 9. Previously, a single bench ordered payment by June 30, which the government challenged. The court has now asked for a payment roadmap. Employees are currently facing an 18% DA gap compared to central government rates. Unions have threatened a state-wide protest and strike on July 17 if their demands are not addressed. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/punjab-government-employees-da-arrears-issue-no-decision-in-high-court-hearing-will-now-take-place-on-july-9-875143