Thursday, 15 October 2026

States asked to assess resources before clearing data centres

States should assess the availability of electricity, water, land and supporting infrastructure before approving data centre projects, says a new framework released by NITI Aayog on Wednesday, which aims to help states balance investment with long-term sustainability as digital infrastructure expands across the country

Hindustan Times

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States asked to assess resources before clearing data centres States should assess the availability of electricity, water, land and supporting infrastructure before approving data centre projects, says a new framework released by NITI Aayog on Wednesday, which aims to help states balance investment with long-term sustainability as digital infrastructure expands across the country Published on: Oct 15, 2026, 07:50:10 IST By Jasjeev Gandhiok, New Delhi Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link

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Punjab Bandh Today: What's open what's closed?

Punjab Bandh Today Timings: Punjab is observing a bandh on Thursday, October 15, following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. The shutdown has been called from 6 am to 5 pm, with protesters demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing and accountability from the state government. The bandh is expected to affect markets, road traffic, buses and educational institutions in several parts of Punjab. However, the impact may vary from one district to another, and residents should check local advisories before stepping out. Police have put security arrangements in place around Mansa, including barricades on roads leading to the town. Bus services have already faced disruption on some routes, leaving passengers waiting at stops. Punjab Bandh Today: Timing and Reason The Punjab band on October 15 will be observed from 6 am to 5 pm. The protest follows the killing of Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug activist who died in a shooting incident in Mansa on October 13. Four other people were reportedly injured in the incident. Jhota's family and supporters are demanding a CBI investigation into the killing. They have also sought accountability from the state government and police administration. Punjab Band October 15: What's Open and What's Closed? The shutdown could affect everyday activities, particularly in areas where traders, transport operators and protesters participate. Here is what residents need to know before making travel or work plans. Service Expected status Schools and colleges Closures or disruptions expected; check local notices Markets and shops May remain closed in affected areas Banks No confirmed statewide bandh-related closure Government and private offices May operate, subject to local conditions Buses Disruptions likely on affected routes Trains Check live status; disruptions cannot be ruled out Hospitals Expected to remain operational Medical shops Expected to remain operational Ambulances and fire services Emergency services are exempted from the shutdown Are Banks Open or Closed in Punjab Today? Banks are not automatically closed because of a bandh. October 15 is not listed as a scheduled bank holiday in Punjab, and no blanket statewide bank closure specifically for the protest has been confirmed in the available reports. Bank branches may therefore operate according to their usual schedules, although local roadblocks or disruptions could affect access to some locations. Customers planning important transactions should contact their branch before visiting. Mobile banking, internet banking, UPI and ATMs may remain available, subject to normal service conditions. Live Events Are Schools and Colleges Closed Today? Schools and colleges could be affected by the bandh, but a uniform closure order covering every educational institution in Punjab has not been confirmed. Parents should check messages from their children's schools and verify any district-level instructions before sending them to class. Colleges and universities may issue separate notices depending on their location and the local situation. Are Buses Running in Punjab Today? Bus services are among the transport options most likely to face disruption during the bandh. Reports from the Mansa area indicated that buses were not operating on some routes even before the shutdown began, while police barricaded roads leading to the town. Further disruptions could occur if demonstrations or roadblocks affect major routes. Passengers travelling by Punjab Roadways, Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) or private buses should confirm their departure details before leaving home. Those travelling to or through Mansa should allow extra time and consider postponing non-essential journeys. Are Trains Running in Punjab Today? There is no confirmed blanket suspension of all train services across Punjab in the available reports. However, the possibility of demonstrations or track blockades means passengers should not assume that every service will run without disruption. Check the latest train running status through official Indian Railways channels before travelling to a station. Passengers should also account for possible traffic congestion on roads leading to railway stations. Are Markets, Shops and Offices Open? Markets and commercial establishments may remain closed in areas where traders support the bandh. The response may differ across cities and towns, so a statewide shutdown of every shop or business should not be assumed. Government and private offices may continue to operate unless their management or the local administration announces otherwise. Employees should check with their workplaces before commuting. Will Hospitals, Medical Shops and Emergency Services Remain Open? Hospitals, medical shops, ambulances and fire services are expected to remain operational during the bandh. Emergency services have been exempted from the shutdown. People who need urgent medical assistance should contact emergency services rather than delay treatment because of the protest. Residents should also check local traffic advisories to identify accessible routes to hospitals. Punjab Band: What Should Commuters Do Today? Residents planning to travel on October 15 should check local traffic updates and confirm bus or train schedules before leaving home. Travellers heading towards Mansa should be particularly cautious because of the reported barricades and security deployment. Keep essential medicines and emergency contact details handy, and avoid protest sites or roadblocks. The actual impact of the bandh may vary by location and could change during the day as the situation develops. Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

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