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Business Standard
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Diaspora body slams Punjab govt for acquiring farmland around Ludhiana
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), representing the Punjabi diaspora across the US, Canada, and the UK, has strongly criticised the Punjab government's decision to acquire 25,000 acres of agricultural land surrounding Ludhiana. In a statement released on Saturday (May 24), NAPA executive director Satnam Singh Chahal demanded that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Cabinet withdraw the proposal without delay. "The move to acquire nearly all farmland within a kilometre radius of Ludhiana — one of Punjab's most fertile regions — poses a catastrophic threat to the livelihood of farmers," said Chahal. According to him, the land acquisition will impact over 150 villages and approximately 50,000 farming families in Ludhiana district. He said these families have depended on these lands for generations. 'Alarming disconnect between AAP and rural Punjab' Chahal further alleged that Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema played a role in influencing the decision. He claimed that the market value of agricultural land in the region is between ₹5 crore and ₹10 crore per acre, and once taken, farmers would be left without viable means to sustain themselves. "This decision reflects an alarming disconnect between the AAP leadership and the rural backbone of Punjab," Chahal said. NAPA estimates that the overall economic fallout from the land acquisition could cross ₹2 trillion, calling it one of the largest forced land transfers in recent memory in Punjab. "Punjab is already grappling with the consequences of unchecked urbanisation. This large-scale land grab will only deepen the ecological crisis," Chahal added. Diaspora plans global opposition The association has pledged to mobilise the global Punjabi community through peaceful protests, legal steps, and international awareness campaigns. NAPA has also sought an urgent meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to voice its concerns. Meanwhile, local resistance to the land acquisition proposal is also gaining strength. On Wednesday (May 21), the Punjab chapter of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) held a gathering in Bhanohar village, attended by farmers from nearly 30 villages. Political leaders including Dakha MLA and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) rebel Manpreet Singh Ayali, and Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira also joined the meeting. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has begun visiting the affected villages and has announced a protest outside the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) office on May 29. Farmer organisations such as Bhartiya Kisan Union Dakaunda have declared their opposition to the acquisition, warning that it threatens their land rights and livelihoods. NAPA's broader advocacy This is not the first time NAPA has taken up issues affecting Punjab. In February this year, the organisation urged the state government to create a rehabilitation fund for young people deported from the United States. This followed the arrival of a US military aircraft at Amritsar airport carrying undocumented immigrants from Punjab and neighbouring states. Earlier, NAPA also appealed to the Centre to officially grant 'martyr' status to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. Notably, NAPA describes itself as a global organisation -- with chapters in USA,Canada and United Kingdom -- working to serve and empower the Indian diaspora across continents.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ron Capps Shares His Passion for Racing—and Hawaii
Ron Capps, one of the most recognized names in NHRA drag racing, has enjoyed a long and successful career fueled by speed, passion, and a strong connection to his sponsors and fans. A key part of that journey has been his relationship with NAPA Auto Parts, which has backed him for many years. 'NAPA has been with me through so many chapters of my racing life,' Capps says. 'They're more than a sponsor—they're family.' he told John Veneri in an interview on Living808. In 2021, Capps took a bold step and launched his own team, Ron Capps Motorsports. 'Starting my own team was a dream come true,' he shares. 'It's been a lot of work, but incredibly rewarding.' His website, details the team's accomplishments and the vision that drives them forward. Beyond the track, Capps has formed a deep bond with Hawaii. 'I've been coming to the islands for over a decade,' he says. 'Whether it's making appearances at NAPA stores or visiting local tracks, I've always felt the aloha spirit from fans here.' As for racing, Capps describes the thrill of hitting speeds over 330 mph as 'something you never quite get used to—it's an adrenaline rush every time.' Preparation is key, both mentally and physically. 'Staying focused, staying fit, and respecting the car—that's how you stay safe and competitive.' Looking ahead, Capps is focused on climbing the NHRA standings and adding more championships to his resume. 'I still have goals I want to chase, records to break. And I hope to keep sharing that journey with fans—especially in Hawaii.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Metro
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
I attended Eurovision 2025 in Basel - here's what you don't see on TV
Will she? won't she? That was the big question on everyone's lips at this years Eurovision Song Contest. The electric intrigue that was pulsing through Basel referred, of course, to Celine Dion and whether or not she would perform. Speculation further fuelled by rumours that a private jet had landed at the nearby airport. It wasn't just my first time in the Swiss city, it was the first time I've ever been to watch the competition live. For context, I'm Australian so I wasn't exposed to the wild and wacky music event until 2015 when my home country was invited to participate. Over the following decade, my fandom has grown so much that I was on a super fan flight with other die-hard Eurovision fans having a singalong at 35,000 feet. Once I was on terra firma, I was impressed how Basel – a city with a population of 173,000 – had pulled out all the stops to almost treble in size welcoming 300,000 visitors. And not just Europeans or Aussies like me – I met people from as far afield as Mexico and Canada. It gave me a feeling of international unity that I'd never really understood before. Seeing fans so proudly (and quite literally) wearing their nations was heartening. My hotel was in the perfect position for a bit of star gazing – right across the road from the Eurovision Village at the MesseQuartier exhibition centre. I can't tell you how many performances I listened in on, or the number Eurovision icons I met – think last year's winner, Nemo, Switzerland's Zoë Më, and of course, Australia's Milkshake Man Go-Jo. But my highlight was meeting Portugal's NAPA who, the night before shocked the world – and themselves – by securing a spot in the final. And yet here they were, on the brink of performing to 160 million people, just casually meeting fans, posing for selfies in a city park. Performances that move you to tears (Italian act Lucio Corsi's Volevo Essere Un Duro about the struggles to fit in and be a 'tough guy' caught me off guard), crowds filling in the blanks for Malta (their track, Serving, was censored from Serving Kant), and massive speakers, you'd think Eurovision is a constant wall of sound. But then there are moments of deafening silence. After all the camp glory of the songs, the dancing, the costumes, the staging, it is remarkable that so many people – 6,500 in the stadium and 36,000 watching over the road at St Jakob Park – stopped everything to listen to the results. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video And then just as dramatically, all hell breaks loose again with heartbreak for Spain when Melody was given just 10 points; gasps as the UK and Switzerland hear the dreaded 'nul point'; and rampant joy when Austria's JJ was crowned winner. He'd been favourite to win in the months leading to the competition. Even still, he told me he'd broken down in tears and described the result as 'surreal'. On the night, the St Jakobshalle stadium – not as big as I thought, but they pack a punch with their pyrotechnics and wind machines – all the mishaps from rehearsals were forgotten. Finlands' Erika Vikman's massive golden microphone lifted her across the stage (in practice it stayed stubbornly on the ground) and Denmark's Sissal was able to rest enough to get her voice back. And between each performance, while viewers around the world watch the commentary, in rolls the prop team with just 30 seconds to disassemble and rebuild the stage. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video How fast could you swap out a five-metre chandelier staircase and a pair of massive red sparkly lips holding a disco ball? More Trending On the night of the final, rumours about Celine potentially performing continued to spread. At one point a photo started circulating between journalists showing a dressing room backstage with the sign 'Top Secret' plastered above it. That was the confirmation we'd been waiting for! Until when speaking to a Swiss journalist he quickly realised one of the acts in the night's line-up were the Basel based Top Secret Drum Corps… Celine, who won in 1988, didn't end up performing, and I'd love to know her thoughts on it all. But that hasn't stopped me from converting from a casual sceptic to a die-hard fan, filled with the absurd, camp and glorious joy of Eurovision. View More » The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is streaming on BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Prime Minister of Spain calls for Eurovision to ban Israel to end 'double standard' MORE: Eurovision's Remember Monday singer's wedding ring 'goes missing' following performance MORE: Who came last in Eurovision 2025 as Austria secures victory for third time
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Who is the favourite to win Eurovision 2025?
It has arrived in Basel in style as this year's Eurovision song contest takes place in Switzerland and the bookies have a clear favourite in this year's edition The anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. After a rollercoaster ride of national selections, rigorous rehearsals, and two nail-biting semi-finals, the Grand Finale of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is set to dazzle us all in Basel, Switzerland this evening. Semi-Final 1 was dominated by Claude's 'C'est la vie' representing the Netherlands, which has now catapulted into the top five favourites. However, it was a night of high drama as much-touted entries from Croatia and Belgium were unexpectedly eliminated. On a brighter note, Albania's Zjerm electrified the crowd with its high-octane electro-folk tune. Meanwhile, Iceland's Róa and Portugal's NAPA defied predictions to secure their berths in the grand showdown. The second Semi-Final saw Latvia's Tautumeitas earning their ticket to the finale for just the third time in their history. They were joined by surprise qualifiers from Denmark and Armenia. However, the night's biggest shocker was Australia bowing out prematurely despite strong support from bookmakers for Go-Jo's viral sensation 'Milkshake Man'. In stark contrast to previous years where victories for acts like Loreen (2023) and Kalush Orchestra (2022) seemed almost preordained, this year's contest is teetering on a knife-edge. The stage is set for surprises, upsets and perhaps even a historic first victory for a novelty act. Who is the favourite to win Eurovision? Sweden stands tall as the bookmakers' favourite, with AKBets offering odds of 21/20. Their entry, "Bara Bada Bastu," is a vibrant fusion that celebrates the beloved Scandinavian sauna culture through an irresistible pop lens. Sung entirely in Swedish—a refreshing change from recent trends—this track has taken the streaming world by storm, amassing over 44 million plays on Spotify and topping charts throughout Scandinavia. Sweden's edge in this year's contest isn't solely due to the song's widespread appeal. The country's rich Eurovision history is a formidable factor, boasting seven victories, with notable wins as recent as 2012 and 2023. This track record of success is reflected in their current performance, as "Bara Bada Bastu" leads fan polls like OGAE and Eurovisionworld, dominates social media conversations, and enjoys widespread backing from fans and bettors alike. Gamble responsibly Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit
CBS News
16-05-2025
- CBS News
Man found dead in front of auto parts store in Placerville
PLACERVILLE — There were no signs of foul play when a man was found dead in front of a Placerville business, police said Thursday. An employee at NAPA Auto Parts in the Discovery Plaza shopping center at Placerville and Ray Lawyer drives made the discovery around 11 a.m. Though police say there were no signs of foul play, a cause of death has not been determined. The man's name has not been released. Placerville said the next of kin has not been notified. Placerville police said the investigation remains active.
