During an official visit to Japan, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Industries Minister Anmol Gagan Mann positioned Punjab as a high-potential investment hub for global corporations seeking stable, growth-oriented markets in India. Mann highlighted the state’s expanding industrial landscape, improved infrastructure, and streamlined regulatory framework as core pillars attracting foreign capital. The delegation emphasized the state’s emerging strength in manufacturing, agro-processing, electric mobility, and renewable energy.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its first list of 961 candidates for the upcoming Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Punjab, marking the beginning of an expansive grassroots campaign. The list covers candidates across multiple districts as the party seeks to strengthen its rural presence and consolidate administrative influence at the panchayat level. AAP leaders claim the selection process prioritized local credibility, transparency, and community representation.

The Punjab government has firmly rejected the request for the temporary release of MP Amritpal Singh for the upcoming Parliament session, warning that his appearance—even briefly—could inflame tensions across the state. Authorities argue that Singh’s past speeches have demonstrated the ability to rapidly mobilize crowds and potentially destabilize sensitive regions. They contend that allowing him to step out of custody would pose significant risks to law and order at a time when security agencies are working to maintain stability.

Punjab’s brick kiln sector is facing unprecedented financial strain as rising taxes, costly technological requirements, and expensive raw materials converge to erode profitability. Industry operators report that the combination of GST on coal, increased mining royalty on earth, and mandatory upgrades to cleaner technologies has sharply escalated their operating expenses. Many kilns, especially smaller units, are struggling to stay viable amid shrinking margins, inconsistent supply chains, and intensifying regulatory pressure.

In a groundbreaking discovery, Indian astronomers have identified an ancient spiral galaxy, now named ‘Alaknanda’, located billions of light-years from Earth. The galaxy’s unique structure and composition provide critical insights into early cosmic evolution, shedding light on star formation, galactic morphology, and interstellar dynamics in the young universe. Using advanced telescopes and spectroscopic analysis, scientists have mapped its spiral arms, estimated its stellar population, and traced its chemical makeup.

NASA is pioneering autonomous exploration technologies by testing drones and legged robots capable of navigating extraterrestrial terrains without human intervention. These trials aim to enhance planetary reconnaissance, sample collection, and hazard assessment on moons, asteroids, and Mars. Drones provide aerial perspectives, while legged robots offer unprecedented mobility over uneven or rugged surfaces.

In a pioneering step for female health in space, menstrual cups have been successfully tested in microgravity environments, signaling a major advancement for long-duration space missions. Researchers have confirmed that these reusable devices function effectively without leakage, discomfort, or operational challenges, even in zero-gravity conditions. The successful trials address a critical gap in sustainable menstrual management for astronauts, reducing dependency on disposable hygiene products and minimizing waste.

In a groundbreaking astronomical discovery, scientists have identified a ring system encircling the exoplanet Jabal Arkanū, marking a significant advancement in exoplanetary studies. Observed from a network of Sahara-based telescopes, the planet exhibits a complex ring structure reminiscent of Saturn, providing unprecedented insights into planetary formation beyond our solar system.

A team of international scientists has identified organic compounds and key chemical ingredients essential for life in samples retrieved from asteroid Bennu by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. The discovery provides compelling evidence that asteroids may have played a crucial role in delivering the raw materials necessary for life to early Earth. Analyses reveal complex carbon-based molecules, including amino acids, which are fundamental to biological processes.

NASA has launched a public participation initiative inviting individuals worldwide to have their names included on the upcoming Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight in the agency’s Artemis lunar program. This initiative aims to deepen public engagement with space exploration and foster a sense of global participation in humanity’s return to the Moon. Participants can submit their names through NASA’s official platform, with the digital boarding passes slated to travel aboard the spacecraft.