Patiala, June 10 -- Punjab has witnessed a sharp surge in power demand, reaching an unprecedented 15,600 MegaWatt (MW) - the highest this year so far - as an intense heatwave coincides with the ongoing paddy transplantation season. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported extreme temperatures across the state, with Ludhiana recording a scorching 46.1degC on Monday. Several districts have consistently registered temperatures above 45degC, pushing the state-wide average to nearly 4degC above normal. The rising heatwave, marked by a 1.2degC rise within 24 hours, has driven up electricity consumption, as residents increase the use of air-conditioners, fans and other cooling appliances to beat the oppressive heat.P2...