Blackouts in Amritsar, Hoshiarpur; schools shut in border dists
Punjab border districts
on Monday night amid reports of drones spotted in Samba, Jammu, near the border, and in Jalandhar on Monday evening, two days after India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire to stop all military actions.Jalandhar deputy commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal said a surveillance drone was brought down near Mand village of Jalandhar at 9.20pm.
No drone activity seen in the district since 10 pm, the DC added.The Amritsar administration re-implemented a blackout at 8.45 pm after sounding air raid sirens, asking the public not to panic. Hoshiarpur deputy commissioner ordered a blackout in Dasuya and Mukerian, urging people to voluntarily switch off their lights in the rest of the areas of the district.Electricity was also switched off in some areas of Jalandhar, officials said."As a precautionary measure, lights have been switched off in some areas around Suranassi as there have been reports of drone sightings. We are verifying them. There is no (total) blackout as of now. There is nothing to worry, as confirmed by armed forces officers. They are on regular vigil as always," said the Jalandhar DC.Meanwhile, district administrations across the border belt—including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Pathankot, Ferozepur, and Fazilka—announced the closure of all government and private schools on Tuesday. The decision comes in light of mock drills being carried out under the Civil Defence Act of 1968, aimed at bolstering preparedness for any potential emergency.Earlier in the day, the DCs of Ferozepur and Fazilka had announced that schools would reopen on Tuesday, but both later reversed the decision around 7 pm, saying they would remain closed for 48 hours.While physical classes remain suspended, teachers have been advised to conduct online lessons from home. The Gurdaspur district administration, however, confirmed that schools in the area would open on Tuesday.Delhi-Asr night flight returnsEven as seven key airports in northern region among 32 in the country reopened, a Delhi-Amritsar flight returned to the national capital owing to a blackout due to suspected drone activity on Monday evening.Sources said the IndiGo flight that took off at 8.26 pm went back to Delhi at 9.15 pm."No flights went up north on Monday night. Srinagar and Jammu do not have night flights. Amritsar was to get this flight, which has been sent back to Delhi," said sources.Airports now operational include Chandigarh, Amritsar, Shimla, Ludhiana, Jammu, Srinagar, and Leh.The three airports of Himachal Pradesh — Bhuntar in Kullu, Gaggal in Kangra, and Jubbarhatti in Shimla — also reopened on Monday. The notice to airmen (NOTAM) barring Indian and Pakistani aircraft from each other's airspace is not gone. Indian flights to and from the West will continue taking the longer route.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
4 minutes ago
- India.com
Balochistan people are not terrorists...: Baloch leader slams US over BLA terror designation, warns not to trust Pak Army chief Munir because...
Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch (L) slammed the US for designating the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organization. (File) Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch lashed out at the United States for designating the Balochistan Liberation Army as a terrorist organization, asserting that the people of Balochistan are not terrorists, but victims of Pakistan-sponsored terror outfits that have brutalized the region at Islamabad's behest. What did Mir Yar Baloch say? In a post on X, Mir Yar Baloch warned the US against trusting Pakistan, stating the Balochistan rebel movement has had good faith towards the US, while Islamabad has historically been a backstabber who sheltered America's enemies, including Osama bin Laden. 'The people of Balochistan are not terrorists. They are a nation that has suffered 78 years of state terrorism, economic plunder, radioactive poisoning caused by Pakistan's nuclear tests, foreign invasion and occupation by Pakistan's extremist and artificial state,' he wrote. Mir Yar said that Baloch people have been victimized by the IS-Khorasan, an offshoot of the notorious Islamic State terror group allegedly sponsored by Pakistan's ISI and deep state. 'IS-K is a branch of the terrorist organization ISIS, which is being allowed to flourish by Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI,' he alleged, adding that the group recently issued a fatwa (decree) calling for violence against Baloch political activists. 'Baloch are friends of US' The Baloch leader accused Islamabad of supporting radical armed groups to 'crush legitimate political voices, stifle democratic aspirations, and destabilize the region'. 'Throughout history, the Baloch people have shown unwavering goodwill towards the US, and never took up arms against any side, even during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan,' he said. Showcasing Baloch people as US-friendly, Mir Yar noted there wasn't a single attack on US personnel or convoys by Baloch fighters or civilians, when NATO supply lines passed through Balochistan after 9/11. 'In contrast, the Pakistan Army and the ISI orchestrated anti-US rallies during the time,' he alleged. Why Mir Yar cautioned US against trusting Pakistan? Meanwhile, the Baloch leader also cautioned the US against trusting Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, reminding Washington about Islamabad's betrayal when it sheltered Osama bin Laden, who lived in Pakistan's Abbottabad for nearly a decade under the protection of the Pakistani army. 'Pakistani leaders have admitted to waging a fake jihad against US interests, betraying allies and promoting extremism. Yet, these same extremists are being described as 'strategic partners', while the real owners of the land in resource-rich Balochistan are being defamed as terrorists,' he said. Mir urged the US to recognize Balochistan as an independent, sovereign nation, asserting that it would give the US a liberal and stable ally in the region, who is rooted in democratic values. The Baloch leader's comments came after the US on Monday designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as a foreign terrorist organization for carrying terror attacks, including the recent train hijacking, in Pakistan. The US on Monday designated the BLA in the list of foreign terrorist organizations. It has been put on the list of terrorist attacks for carrying out train hijacking and many other attacks in Pakistan recently.
Mint
4 minutes ago
- Mint
Independence Day 2025: How a Har Ghar Tiranga selfie can earn you a national certificate
As part of the nationwide celebration of Har Ghar Tiranga ahead of India's 79th Independence Day on August 15, the Union Ministry of Culture is encouraging citizens to hoist the national flag and share their participation through a government portal. The ministry on August 11 announced the 4th edition of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, launched under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, to inspire citizens across the nation to bring the Indian national flag, the Tiranga, into their homes and hearts. The campaign is being carried out across the country, with over 5 lakh young people registering in the fourth year of the campaign, according to a statement from the ministry. Under this campaign, people are advised to hoist the national flag at their home, office, or institution, take a selfie or photo, and upload it to a government portal. By completing the online process, people can earn a digital certificate and an optional e-card. –Hoist the national flag at your home, office, institution, or at any convenient place on Independence Day. –Take a selfie or photo with the national flag and upload it on the official portal –Register by entering your name and mobile number when requested and fill the required details. –Download your digital certificate after getting registered and uploading a photo or selfie. –The participant will also have the option to download Har Ghar Tiranga e-card. –The Tiranga e-card is a customised electronic badge that honours your involvement in the campaign. –The participants can share the e-card on their social media handles and WhatsApp groups. Chief Ministers of several BJP-led states took part in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign on Wednesday and hoisted the tricolour at their residences ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hoisted the tricolour at his residence and wrote on X, "The proclamation of our unity, the resolve of our integrity, the eternal symbol of our sovereignty and pride... 'Our Tricolour' Let us join the #HarGharTiranga Hind!" Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini hoisted the tricolour at his residence in Chandigarh, while Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel hoisted the flag in Gandhinagar. Earlier on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with his wife Sonal Shah, hoisted the flag at their residence in Delhi's Krishna Menon Marg and participated in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga campaign'.
Hindustan Times
32 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Tiranga Yatra a salute to Bharat Mata, says Yogi Adityanath
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign from his official residence in Lucknow ahead of Independence Day, calling it a symbol of national pride and gratitude towards freedom fighters, revolutionaries and soldiers. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath at the launch of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in Lucknow on Wednesday. (Deepak Gupta/HT Photo) Urging people to participate enthusiastically, Adityanath said, 'The Tiranga (tricolour) should be hoisted in every Indian home as a symbol of respect for the country.' After the launch, the streets of Lucknow resonated with patriotism as citizens marched holding the tricolour high. The chief minister himself marched alongside his cabinet colleagues and public representatives, leading the Tiranga Yatra through the streets of the state capital with the tricolour amid chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'. Before flagging off the march from his residence, he interacted with and took selfies with schoolchildren, NCC cadets, scout guides and enthusiastic youth. Adityanath said Tiranga Yatra was not just a march but also an expression of gratitude to Bharat Mata, great leaders, revolutionaries and brave soldiers. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal, the August 13 to 15 campaign, along with Tiranga Yatras across villages, towns, and districts, aims to spread reverence for the Constitution, national symbols, freedom fighters, and great leaders during Amrit Kaal, the chief minister remarked in his address. 'From villages to towns and districts, Tiranga Yatras are setting an inspiring example. In Uttar Pradesh too, people are enthusiastically participating in Har Ghar Tiranga and selfie with Tiranga campaigns,' he stated. Highlighting India's global standing, he said, 'The world has witnessed India's courage, strength, and might during Operation Sindoor. This recognition also places a responsibility on every Indian to uphold the nation's honour.' He appealed to 140 crore citizens to rise above personal interests, dedicate themselves to the nation and actively participate in the grand celebration of independence. He cautioned against forces attempting to fracture social unity through divisions based on region, language, or caste, and urged that such elements must be exposed. Referring to the ambitious goal of 'Viksit Bharat – Atmanirbhar Bharat' by 2047 set by the Prime Minister, Yogi reaffirmed his commitment to making 'Viksit Uttar Pradesh – Atmanirbhar Uttar Pradesh' a guiding mantra for life. The event was attended by deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Kapildev Agarwal, MLAs Neeraj Bora, Jaya Devi, OP Srivastava, MLCs Mahendra Singh, Mukesh Sharma, Umesh Dwivedi, BJP Mahanagar president Anand Dwivedi and senior BJP leader Neeraj Singh, among others.
