The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has detailed the financial compensation provided to Indian families affected by the West Asia conflict. During the 2026 conflict, 16 Indians lost their lives while 75 were injured. Families of deceased seafarers are receiving between 10 to 12 lakh rupees via DG Shipping and maritime unions. Additionally, 2 lakh rupees each from the PMNRF has been approved for 12 Indians killed in a separate Qatar gas plant accident. The government highlighted its rescue operations and 24x7 help desks that facilitated the safe return of citizens. https://punjab.news18.com/news/national/mea-reveals-compensation-details-for-16-indians-in-west-asia-conflict-skm-991407.html

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

July 31, 2026, is the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for salaried individuals and non-audit cases. Missing today's deadline could lead to a penalty of up to ₹5,000, though late returns can be filed until December 31. Over 5 crore taxpayers have already filed their returns as of Thursday. Filing is mandatory for high-value spenders, including those with electricity bills over ₹1 lakh or expenditures exceeding ₹2 lakh. Businesses requiring audits have later deadlines in August or October. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/business/310726/today-is-the-last-date-to-file-itr-late-filing-will-attract-a-penalty.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 Punjab government has released the duty list for the 2026 Independence Day celebrations. CM Bhagwant Mann will hoist the national flag in Ferozepur, while Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan will lead the event in Rupnagar. Other cabinet ministers have been assigned various districts including Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Patiala to hoist the flag and take the salute. The administration has been directed to ensure security and cultural arrangements, and freedom fighters will be honored during the ceremonies. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/punjab/punjab-independence-day-2026-flag-hoisting-duty-list-chief-minister-ministers/3278798

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/

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has announced the expansion of the 'Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana' starting August 1. Under this scheme, the state government will provide free pilgrimage trips to Khatu Shyam, Salasar Dham, Vrindavan, and Rishikesh. The government will cover all expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals. During an event titled 'Ek Sham Bhagwan Shiv De Naam' in Mohali, the CM emphasized religious harmony in Punjab and stated that the government has decided to organize similar programs across 22 cities in the state to spread the message of Lord Shiva during the holy month of Sawan. https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/state/punjab-govt-to-provide-free-pilgrimages-to-khatu-shyam-salasar-vrindavan-and-rishikesh-from-august-1-cm-bhagwant-singh-mann-pbs26073101320

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/

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