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Amit Shah to Visit Punjab on October 20; Bittu Calls for Decisive Action Against Drugs

BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposed visit to Punjab on October 20, saying the state needed decisive action, strong leadership and a firm resolve to tackle the drug menace and safeguard its youth. He claimed that the AAP government had lost its mandate well before completing its term and appealed to Punjabis to support Shah and have faith in the BJP’s mission to make Punjab drug-free. Calling for unity to protect the state’s youth, Bittu said Punjab must reclaim its future. It will be Shah’s second visit to Punjab within a month. He had visited Jalandhar on September 30 and addressed a rally marking the culmination of the BJP’s ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’, which began on September 18. On Friday, Shah said the Centre would seek the Punjab government’s response over two incidents in the state — the alleged suicide of a father under pressure in Dirba and the broad-daylight killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Parvinder Singh Jhota, a 42-year-old anti-drug activist from Mansa, campaigned against the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating drugs and medicines. He was shot dead on October 13 during a confrontation with medical store owner Ashwani Kumar, who was arrested in Rajasthan. His killing triggered a Punjab bandh on October 15, with various groups demanding justice and a CBI probe. His father, Bhim Singh, has refused to cremate the body, which remains in Mansa Civil Hospital’s mortuary, until justice is delivered and those responsible are held accountable.

National

Amit Shah to Visit Punjab on October 20; Bittu Calls for Decisive Action Against Drugs

Business

India’s Trade Deficit with China Widens as Imports Surge; Market Access Remains a Concern

Bangkok/New Delhi: India’s widening trade deficit with China and the limited access available to Indian products in the Chinese market remain major concerns for New Delhi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman indicated during the IMF-World Bank annual meeting in Bangkok. Sitharaman highlighted the growing imbalance in bilateral trade, noting that India has been seeking better market access for its products for several years without significant progress. Non-tariff barriers, including regulatory and phytosanitary requirements, have emerged as a major obstacle for Indian exporters seeking to enter the Chinese market. India sees considerable export potential in generic medicines, bovine meat, vegetables and other perishable products, but gaining access to China remains a challenge. The issue assumes significance as the value of goods India purchases from China continues to far exceed its exports to the neighbouring country. India’s trade deficit with China reached $112.16 billion in the financial year 2025-26, according to trade figures, as imports rose to $131.63 billion against exports of $19.47 billion. The deficit reflects the substantial dependence of Indian industries on Chinese manufactured goods, machinery and intermediate products. Electronics and electrical components constitute a major share of India’s imports from China. Other important categories include industrial machinery, chemicals, pharmaceutical ingredients, plastics and automobile components. These products are widely used by Indian manufacturers across sectors such as electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure. India’s exports to China, meanwhile, include iron ore and other minerals, petroleum products, chemicals, engineering goods, seafood and selected agricultural commodities. Although Indian exports have increased, their overall value remains considerably below the cost of imports. The imbalance also highlights the difficulties Indian businesses face in expanding their presence in the Chinese market. Greater access for Indian pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial products could create opportunities for exporters and help reduce the trade gap. Sitharaman indicated that India favours resolving trade differences through discussions rather than relying primarily on punitive tariffs and countervailing duties. However, the lack of progress on market access and the persistence of non-tariff barriers continue to complicate efforts to correct the imbalance. The growing deficit has added to the importance of strengthening domestic manufacturing, diversifying supply chains and expanding India’s export base. At the same time, Chinese components and raw materials remain significant inputs for several Indian industries, making the trade relationship economically important for both countries.

Punjab and CHD

Akal Takht Declares AAP MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura ‘Tankhaiya’

Akal Takht Declares AAP MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura ‘Tankhaiya’ Amritsar, October 16: Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Friday declared Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Payal, Manwinder Singh Giaspura, a tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) over allegations of violating Sikh maryada, making false claims of caste-based discrimination against sevadars of Akal Takht Sahib and Darbar Sahib, and using objectionable language. The Sikh community was directed to maintain distance from him. The decision was announced from the ramparts of Akal Takht Sahib in the presence of other senior Sikh clergy following a meeting of the Panj Singh Sahibaan at the Akal Takht Secretariat. The action follows the controversy surrounding the October 12 visit of Punjab AAP MLAs to Amritsar to submit a memorandum seeking action against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Delhi Police's handling of protesters who had taken refuge inside Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi. During the visit, Giaspura was reportedly prevented from entering the Akal Takht Secretariat. He subsequently alleged that he had been denied entry because of his Dalit identity. The Akal Takht took exception to his allegations, maintaining that they were contrary to Sikh principles and amounted to an attack on the institution and its sevadars. Addressing the Sikh Sangat, Jathedar Gargaj reiterated that the foundation of Sikhism, laid by Guru Nanak Dev, rests on equality, brotherhood and respect for all. He said the four entrances of Darbar Sahib symbolise the absence of discrimination on the basis of caste, social status or wealth. The matter was examined by the Sikh clergy, which concluded that Giaspura had violated Sikh maryada. Consequently, he was declared tankhaiya, and the community was directed not to associate with him. In a related decision, Akal Takht Sahib imposed a complete ban on Jeevan Singh Bagichiwale, who identifies himself as a Sikh preacher, from conducting religious discourses (prachar) and performing kirtan. The clergy expressed concern over his alleged controversial statements concerning Gurbani, Sikh history and the Sikh Rehat Maryada, as well as remarks challenging the supreme authority of Guru Granth Sahib. The Sikh leadership observed that he lacked a proper understanding of Gurbani and Sikh principles. The meeting also expressed serious concern over the growing drug menace in Punjab. Jathedar Gargaj paid tribute to Bhai Parvinder Singh Jhota, who lost his life after raising his voice against drug traffickers. He said Jhota's struggle was motivated by the desire to protect Punjab's youth from drugs rather than by any personal interest. He also cautioned individuals who interpret Gurbani and Sikh history on podcasts and social media without adequate study or understanding. He stressed that personal opinions must remain within the framework of the Sikh Rehat Maryada and established Panthic traditions. The proceedings concluded with prayers before Guru Granth Sahib for Chardi Kala (the ever-rising spirit) of the Panth and the promotion of mutual brotherhood.

Punjab and CHD

Akal Takht Jathedar Declares Parvinder Singh Jhota a Martyr, SGPC to Bear Medical Expenses of Injured

16 October Mansa. Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Friday accorded martyr status to anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was shot dead in Mansa, describing his sacrifice as a fight to protect Punjab’s youth from the drug menace. Giani Gargaj, accompanied by Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Tek Singh, visited Jhota’s family to offer condolences and express solidarity with their struggle for justice. The Jathedars also visited the protest site at Tikoni, near the Deputy Commissioner’s residence in Mansa, where demands for action against drug trafficking have been raised. Questioning whether the suspension of the local Station House Officer (SHO) was sufficient action, Giani Gargaj called for concrete measures to dismantle the drug trade. He emphasised that the issue went beyond politics and concerned the future and survival of Punjab’s younger generation. Jhota was shot dead while livestreaming on Facebook after confronting medical store owner Ashwani Kumar over the alleged sale of addictive substances to an elderly man. Kumar was subsequently arrested in Rajasthan’s Salasar. The Jathedar said the Punjab bandh observed on Wednesday reflected the collective determination of people from different communities to fight drugs. He alleged that young people raising their voices against the menace were increasingly becoming targets of violence. During his visit, Giani Gargaj embraced Jhota’s two sons and encouraged them to remain strong. He appealed to the Sikh community and people across Punjab to support the bereaved family and continue the campaign against drug trafficking. He also said that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) would bear the medical expenses of everyone injured in the incident. SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami is expected to visit the area to assess the situation and ensure that the necessary assistance is provided. Offering prayers for the family, the Jathedar sought strength for those pursuing justice and success for the anti-drug movement initiated by Jhota. Giani Gargaj said that while a person’s life could be taken, the ideas and principles for which they stood would continue to inspire others. He urged the government to address drug trafficking at its roots and take effective steps to prevent further loss of life.

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Punjab and CHD