Here are the key news headlines from Punjab for Friday, May 22, 2026:
1. Punjab Government Offices and Schools to Shut Early
Amid a severe heatwave sweeping the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that all government offices and schools will operate from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM starting Monday, May 25, to protect the public and employees from peak afternoon temperatures.
2. Summer Vacations Officially Announced
The Punjab government has declared the official summer holiday schedule for schools. Due to escalating temperatures, vacations will commence on May 25 and run through July 1, 2026.
3. Orange Alert Issued for Severe Heatwave
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Punjab as intense heatwave conditions persist. Temperatures are crossing $45^\circ\text{C}$ in several regions, with no immediate relief expected over the next few days.
4. Fuel Supply Concerns Across the State
The Petrol Dealers Association has reached out to the state government via an official letter highlighting logistical disruptions impacting petrol and diesel supplies, urging immediate intervention to prevent shortages.
5. Jalandhar Blast Case: Major Breakthrough
Police interrogation of the prime suspect arrested in connection with the recent Jalandhar blast has revealed critical leads. Officials report that the perpetrator allegedly executed the crime in exchange for financial incentives.
6. Major Relief for NRI Community with OCI Rules
In a major development benefiting Punjab’s massive diaspora, the central government has scrapped the mandatory 6-month India residency stay requirement. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now apply for and obtain an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card immediately upon their arrival in the country.
7. Shift Towards 30% Ethanol-Blended Fuel
As part of environmental policies to cut down carbon emissions and decrease reliance on crude oil imports, foundational infrastructure work has progressed in Punjab to transition toward a 30% ethanol-blended petrol standard.
8. Introduction of the First Amrit Bharat Express
Commuters in Punjab look forward to enhanced regional connectivity with the rollout of the state’s first Amrit Bharat Express. The new weekly train connects Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri, providing high-comfort, budget-friendly travel through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
7. High-Stakes Legal Battle in Supreme Court
The legal dispute involving state energy entities reached the highest court today, with the Supreme Court scheduling further hearings regarding the contractual case between Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Talwandi Sabo Power Limited.
10. Linguistic Disagreement Over Panjab University Signage
Regional tension remains high after social and student activists blackened official university signboards to protest the omission of the Punjabi language. An AAP MP has officially written to the Punjab Governor demanding immediate linguistic reinstatement on campus.
