Latest news with #Jaspal
Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Paddy transplanted in 1.75 lakh hectares so far — a 4-fold jump from last year
Paddy transplantation in Punjab has gained momentum, with official data showing nearly 1.75 lakh hectares covered by June 10 — more than fourfold of 40,000 hectares recorded in the consecutive period last year, indicating a substantial shift in the sowing patterns driven largely by a change in the state government's policy. On the contrary, agricultural experts and officials of the Punjab Agriculture Department have raised serious concerns over the implications of this policy, particularly due to the predominance of long-duration paddy varieties like Pusa-44 and Peeli Pusa in the early sowing phase, as these varieties typically require nearly 160 days from nursery to harvest and are known to be highly water-intensive. Also, these varieties are not recommended for sowing in Punjab. The early surge is attributed to the Punjab government's decision to advance official paddy transplantation date — from earlier June 10 or around mid-June to June 1 this year — aimed at reducing the moisture level in the crop at the time of harvesting in October. Groundwater concerns amid heatwave 'The early sowing of long-duration varieties under heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 44°C in several parts of the state, is problematic,' a senior officer of the Punjab Agriculture Department told The Indian Express. 'High temperatures evaporate water fast. As these varieties require frequent irrigation, especially in the initial 4-5 weeks, maintaining 2-3 inches of standing water is essential for the growth of paddy under the puddled transplanting system.' The ban on cultivating Pusa-44, previously imposed due to its high-water consumption and contribution to stubble burning, appears to have been ignored by a considerable number of farmers, facilitated by the earlier transplanting window. This has further aggravated groundwater depletion concerns, particularly in central and southern Punjab, already categorised as 'over-exploited zones' by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). Sharing his experience, Jaspal Singh, a farmer from Patiala, said, 'Out of 10 acres, I've transplanted Pusa-44 on five acres. I began in the first week of June, and the crop would be ready by around October 15. It's a long-duration crop, but I prefer it because it gives a good yield and I can manage it better when sown earlier.' 'On the remaining five acres, I am planning to sow short and mid-duration varieties, which take around 120 to 140 days, including nursery time. These varieties are generally less water-intensive and align better with environmental recommendations, but give less yield than Pusa-44,' Jaspal added. Electricity demands spiked The early and widespread transplantation, on the other hand, has spiked electricity demand, as irrigation requirements soar, across the state. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has recently recorded a record-breaking power consumption triggered by agricultural load in some parts. Officials anticipate continued pressure on the grid amid mercury rising and intensified paddy transplantation. The Punjab Agriculture Department, which is closely monitoring the situation, has reiterated its advisory for staggered sowing to help balance water and electricity usage. Experts also encourage the use of short-duration and water-efficient paddy varieties, which reduce the crop cycle to around 120-130 days and are less taxing on groundwater. In light of the ongoing climate crisis, growing energy demand and critical groundwater depletion, environmentalists and agronomists emphasise the need for urgent crop diversification and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. 'We are trying our best to convince farmers to do away with long-duration paddy varieties because the consequence they face in terms of boring their tubewells deeper into the ground every few years,' Punjab Agricultural Department Director Jaswant Singh said. 'As the paddy season progresses, the state finds itself standing at a crucial juncture, balancing the economic imperatives of farmers with the environmental sustainability of its agricultural heartland,' another official said.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
547Agniveers inducted into Army after passing out parade at BRC
1 2 Patna: Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) at Danapur Cantonment witnessed a proud moment on Thursday as 547 young recruits were inducted into the Indian Army during the passing out parade (POP) of its 5th Agniveer batch. The newly inducted soldiers participated in a grand passing out parade held at the BRC ground after completing 31 weeks of rigorous military training. During the POP, these Agniveers took an oath to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, placing their hands on holy scriptures. Commandant of the BRC, Brigadier Kamaldeep Jaspal, reviewed the parade and took the salute. Addressing the parade, Jaspal congratulated the Agniveers and urged them to serve the nation with unwavering sincerity, discipline and devotion. He reminded them of the sacred pledge they had taken under the national flag and encouraged them to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Among the newly inducted Agniveers, several were feted for their outstanding performances during the military training period. Dhurva Rajehwar Dilip was adjudged the best Agniveer in the firing segment, while Ramchandra Jojo received the best physical training (PT) award. Similarly, Premkant Vishwakarma was honoured for excellence in drill category and Shubham Tiwari was declared the best overall Agniveer of the batch, BRC official said. In addition, the passing out parade was witnessed by proud families of the Agniveers, senior army officers, and local dignitaries, marking a proud moment in the lives of the Agniveers as they embark on their journey in service to the nation, a BRC official said. It may be recalled that the Agneepath scheme was launched by the Indian govt on June 14, 2022. The scheme basically aims to recruit individuals between the ages 17 to 21 years into the armed forces for a period of four years, sources said. Patna: Bihar Regimental Centre (BRC) at Danapur Cantonment witnessed a proud moment on Thursday as 547 young recruits were inducted into the Indian Army during the passing out parade (POP) of its 5th Agniveer batch. The newly inducted soldiers participated in a grand passing out parade held at the BRC ground after completing 31 weeks of rigorous military training. During the POP, these Agniveers took an oath to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, placing their hands on holy scriptures. Commandant of the BRC, Brigadier Kamaldeep Jaspal, reviewed the parade and took the salute. Addressing the parade, Jaspal congratulated the Agniveers and urged them to serve the nation with unwavering sincerity, discipline and devotion. He reminded them of the sacred pledge they had taken under the national flag and encouraged them to uphold the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Among the newly inducted Agniveers, several were feted for their outstanding performances during the military training period. Dhurva Rajehwar Dilip was adjudged the best Agniveer in the firing segment, while Ramchandra Jojo received the best physical training (PT) award. Similarly, Premkant Vishwakarma was honoured for excellence in drill category and Shubham Tiwari was declared the best overall Agniveer of the batch, BRC official said. In addition, the passing out parade was witnessed by proud families of the Agniveers, senior army officers, and local dignitaries, marking a proud moment in the lives of the Agniveers as they embark on their journey in service to the nation, a BRC official said. It may be recalled that the Agneepath scheme was launched by the Indian govt on June 14, 2022. The scheme basically aims to recruit individuals between the ages 17 to 21 years into the armed forces for a period of four years, sources said.
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
3 abducted Punjab men rescued in Tehran, kin heave sigh of relief
The three Indian nationals from Punjab, who had gone missing in Iran last month after having been duped by a travel agency, have been rescued by the Tehran police, the Iranian Embassy in India has reported. In a post on X, it confirmed that the Tehran police have freed the missing Indians. The three men, Amritpal Singh, Jaspal Singh, and Hushanpreet Singh, hailing from Punjab's Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Sangrur, had been abducted and held captive shortly after they had landed in Tehran on May 2. They had been promised a safe pathway to Australia via Iran by the travel agents. After hearing about their abduction from their wards and subsequent calls by the abductors for ransom, the families of the three men lost touch with them. They approached the Indian government for help after which the Indian Embassy in Iran had taken up the matter with its counterpart in Iran. The Iranian Embassy in India has stated that the case was pursued by the consular affairs department of Iran's ministry of foreign affairs. Bhagowal resident Amritpal spoke to his family on Tuesday and informed them about the safe rescue of all three. His uncle, Gurdev Singh, said the Iranian police officials made Amritpal call home from their phone. 'He has not divulged details but said that he was safe and was being taken for medical check-up. Let him come home safely and then our minds will rest', said village sarpanch and Amritpa's uncle Gurdev Singh. Amritpal said that the kidnappers had also been arrested and were in police custody. His mother Gurdip Kaur said that it was like a second birth for her son. 'It feels like I have got the ultimate happiness', she said. The family had reportedly paid ₹18 lakh to the travel agents to send Amritpal to Australia. The family of 33-year-old Jaspal Singh heaved a sigh of relief after they received information from the ministry of external affairs about his release early on Tuesday. Hailing from Langroya village, 3km from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district headquarters, Jaspal left home a month ago to reach Australia via Iran, knowing little that he along with two other Punjabi men were being trapped by aides of illegal travel agents. 'The past month remained most traumatic as we thought that we were talking to Jaspal for the last time every time the abductors showed him and other youth on the video call. The accused first demanded the ransom of ₹1 crore but later settled for ₹18 lakh,' said his relative, Balwinder Singh. He added that Jaspal had a brief conversation on Tuesday morning in which he said he was safe. 'We were told that the kidnappers had torn their passports and the authorities are trying to procure fresh passports for their safe return to India,' he said. His wife, Kuldeep Kaur, said she was relieved that her husband would return safely back to his family, including two daughters. 'We are thankful to the Government of India and the ministry of external affairs for concerted efforts for the rescue of my husband and two other missing men,' she added. Balwinder Kaur, the mother of Hushanpreet Singh, said: 'They have been rescued by the police. I spoke to my son on Tuesday evening, he said that due to the injuries, they are now in the hospital, it may take up to a week for his return.' Hushanpreet's father died two years ago. Ramesh Sharma, Hushanpreet's maternal uncle, said the family received a call on Monday from their son and his mates who were abducted. 'A police officer there allowed them to call and inform us,' he said. 'We received the call, in which the three said that police had rescued them safely from the abductors and that the accused Pakistani kidnappers were arrested,' said Sharma, adding that efforts of the external affairs ministry played a pivotal role in the release of the three for which they are thankful to PM Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar. A first information report (FIR) has been registered against the Hoshiarpur-based travel agent brothers and their woman accomplice at Model Town police station, but they continue to be at large. Hoshiarpur senior superintendent of police Sandeep Kumar Malik has constituted a special investigation team (SIT), headed by a deputy superintendent, to probe the case and arrest the accused.
Hindustan Times
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
3 abducted Punjabi men rescued in Iran, families heave sigh of relief
The three Indian nationals from Punjab, who had gone missing in Iran last month after having been duped by a travel agency, have been rescued by the Tehran police, the Iranian Embassy in India has reported. In a post on X, it confirmed that the Tehran police have freed the missing Indians. The three men, Amritpal Singh, Jaspal Singh, and Hushanpreet Singh, hailing from Punjab's Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Sangrur, had been abducted and held captive shortly after they had landed in Tehran on May 2. They had been promised a safe pathway to Australia via Iran by the travel agents. After hearing about their abduction from their wards and subsequent calls by the abductors for ransom, the families of the three men had lost touch with them. They had approached the Indian government for help after which the Indian Embassy in Iran had taken up the matter with its counterpart in Iran. The Iranian Embassy in India has stated that the case was pursued by the consular affairs department of Iran's ministry of foreign affairs. Amritpal spoke to his family on Tuesday and informed about the safe rescue of all the three. His uncle, Gurdev Singh, said the Iranian police officials made Amritpal call home from their phone. 'He has not divulged details but said that he was safe and was being taken for medical check-up', said Gurdev Singh. Amritpal said that the kidnappers had also been arrested and were in police custody. The family of 33-year-old Jaspal Singh, who was abducted in Iran's Tehran, heaved a sigh of relief after the family received information from ministry of external affairs about his release early on Tuesday. Hailing from Langroya village, 3km from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district headquarters, Jaspal left home a month ago to reach Australia via Iran, knowing little that he along with two other Punjabi men were being trapped by aides of illegal travel agents. 'The past one month remained most traumatic as we thought that we were talking to Jaspal for the last time every time the abductors showed him and other youth on the video call. The accused first demanded the ransom of ₹1 crore but later settled for ₹18 lakh,' said his relative, Balwinder Singh. He added that Jaspal had a brief conversation on Tuesday morning in which he said he was safe. 'We were told that the kidnappers had torn their passports and the authorities are trying to procure fresh passports for their safe return to India,' he said. His wife, Kuldeep Kaur, said she was relieved that her husband would return safely back to his family, including two daughters. 'We are thankful to the Government of India and ministry of external affairs for concerted efforts for the rescue of my husband and two other missing men,' she added. Meanwhile, Balwinder Kaur, the mother of Hushanpreet Singh from Sangrur, said they came to know about the rescue from news channels. Ramesh Sharma, Hushanpreet's maternal uncle, said the family received a call on Monday from their son and his mates who were abducted. 'A police officer there allowed them to call and inform us,' he said. 'We received the call, in which the three said that police had rescued them safely from the abductors and that the accused Pakistani kidnappers were arrested,' said Sharma, adding that efforts of the external affairs ministry played a pivotal role in the release of the three for which they are thankful to PM Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar. A first information report (FIR) has been registered against the Hoshiarpur-based travel agent brothers and their woman accomplice at Model Town police station, but they continue to be at large. Hoshiarpur senior superintendent of police Sandeep Kumar Malik has constituted a special investigation team (SIT), headed by a deputy superintendent, to probe the case and arrest the accused.
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Indian Express
Promised Australia jobs, 3 Punjab men held ‘captive' in Iran; kin allege torture, seek help
Armed with 'work visas', three men from Punjab who set out for Australia in April, ended up in Iran, with their families alleging that they have been kidnapped by a network of travel agents from Pakistan who are now demanding a ransom of Rs 18 lakh each for their release. The three — Amritpal Singh (23) from Bhagowal Luda in Hoshiarpur; Jaspal Singh from Langroya in Nawanshehar; and Husanpreet Singh (27) of Sanagatpura in Sangrur — were promised jobs in Australia on work visas by a Hoshiarpur-based travel agents, the families said, adding they are now held captive in Tehran. The travel agents have now demanded Rs 18 lakh from each and wants the money transferred to bank accounts in Pakistan for their release, the families have alleged. According to a complaint lodged with the Model Town Police Station in Hoshiarpur, Amritpal was 'kidnapped' in Iran earlier this month. Based on the complaint, the Model Town police station in Hoshiarpur has registered an FIR against district-based travel agents and brothers Dheeraj Atwal and Kamal Atwal, and their employee Saavita Soya, under Sections 143, 318(4), 61(2) BNS, and Section 13 of the Punjab Travel Professional Regulation Act. Station House Officer, Inspector Gursahib Singh, said all three are absconding. 'We have conducted raids at their residences and workplace,' he said. All three were in touch with their families on video calls till May 17, 2025. Ashok Kumar, Jaspal's brother, said that they paid Rs 19 lakh to the agents. He said that Jaspal was flown to Dubai on April 1 and was made to stay their for a month. When Amritpal and Husanpreet reached Dubai on April 25, all three were taken to Tehran on May 1.
