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If you’re stepping out in Punjab this morning, honestly, just be careful. The air is thick. I mean, "can't-see-your-own-feet" thick. This Sunday, January 18, 2026, isn't just another cold winter day; it’s a chaotic mix of major political shifts at the border and a weather system that has basically brought the state to a standstill.
Visibility is the big story. It’s down to almost zero in places like Bathinda and Ludhiana. Today news for Punjab is dominated by the tragic reality of these conditions, with reports coming in of a massive pile-up on the Bharatmala Expressway. Five tourists from Gujarat, including a woman police constable named Amita, lost their lives when their SUV hit a divider near Gurthari village. It’s heartbreaking. The Met department says visibility was barely 40 meters. When it’s that bad, your reaction time at 40kmph is basically non-existent.
The Border Fence Is Finally Moving
Something big happened in Chandigarh today. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann just announced a massive relief for farmers living near the International Border. For years, thousands of acres of fertile land were "trapped" behind the security fencing, making it a nightmare for farmers to cultivate their own soil.
After a meeting with the Union Home Minister, the Centre has finally agreed to shift the fencing closer to the actual zero line. This isn't just red-tape talk; it’s a game-changer for the border belt.
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Mann also raised some serious heat regarding the proposed Seed Act. He’s worried that the new central law might sideline Punjab’s interests, especially since the state is the country's breadbasket. The CM basically told the Centre that if Punjab doesn't have a seat at the table in the Central Seed Committee, the farmers here are the ones who will suffer. It’s a classic "state vs. center" tug-of-war, but with high stakes for the 2026 Kharif season.
Crime Bust: The Goldy Brar Connection
On the security front, DGP Gaurav Yadav shared some intense updates this morning. The Ludhiana Police just busted an extortion module directly linked to gangster Goldy Brar.
- 10 operatives arrested after a three-week sting.
- Foreign-made weapons recovered, including two Austrian Glock pistols.
- Targeted killings were allegedly being planned to stir up trouble.
It’s a reminder that while things look quiet under the fog, the police are working overtime. In a separate incident in Phagwara, four people were nabbed for the murder of a young drummer named Avinash. The SP, Madhvi Sharma, confirmed they’ve recovered the 7.65 mm pistol used in the crime.
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Health and Politics: Sunil Jakhar Hospitalized
The political circle in Punjab got a bit of a scare today. Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar was rushed to Fortis Hospital in Mohali after complaining of chest pain.
Current reports say he’s stable and under observation, but it definitely adds a layer of tension to the state's political climate. Meanwhile, the BJP and AAP are at each other's throats again. This time it's about a video involving Delhi's Atishi and comments regarding Sikh Gurus. AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang has written to PM Modi, claiming the video was doctored by BJP’s Kapil Mishra to incite disharmony.
Schools, Tennis, and Potash
If you have kids, you've probably heard the news: winter timings are officially revised. The Punjab government (on both sides of the border, curiously enough) is tightening up schedules. In West Punjab, schools are set to reopen on January 19, but with a strict "no extension" policy.
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Why Potash Matters
You might have missed a small but vital meeting chaired by Barinder Kumar Goyal. Punjab is ramping up potash exploration in Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib. Why? Because India spends a fortune importing it. If the GSI (Geological Survey of India) finds what they’re looking for in the Shergarh-Dalmirkhera blocks, it could slash fertilizer costs for every farmer in the state.
Sports Amidst the Chill
Despite the biting cold, the Punjab Junior Tennis Championship kicked off at Bagh-e-Jinnah in Lahore. Youngsters like Hadi Adeel and Daniyal Afzal Malik are already posting wins. It’s nice to see some normalcy while the rest of the province is huddled under blankets.
What You Need To Do Right Now
If you’re navigating today news for Punjab, here are the boots-on-the-ground takeaways:
- Check the Motorway App: The M-2, M-3, and M-11 are facing periodic closures. If you don't have to drive to Lahore or Sialkot today, don't.
- Fog Lights are Mandatory: If you are driving, use your low beams and fog lights. High beams actually make it harder to see in dense fog because the light reflects off the water droplets.
- Border Farmers: Keep an eye on local Patwari offices for updates on the fencing realignment; the survey for the new positions is expected to start shortly.
- Health Watch: With temperatures hovering around 1.6°C in places like Bathinda, the "Yellow Alert" for cold waves is real. Keep the elderly indoors.
Punjab is in a weird spot today—balancing infrastructure wins at the border with a safety crisis on the roads. Stay warm, stay informed, and maybe just stay off the highways until the sun actually decides to show up.