CHANDIGARH, August 18:

          Striking a decisive blow to International drug nexus amidst the ongoing anti-drug campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, a Blue Corner Notice of Infamous Canada-based drug smuggler Satpreet Singh Thiara alias Satta has been published following the meticulous efforts of the Special Investigation Team.

          Following his involvement in drug trade, Satpreet Singh alias Satta, a native of village Banga in Nawanshahr, was nominated as co-accused in the NDPS Act case registered against Bikram Singh Majithia in 2021. Notably, a case FIR No. 02 dated 20/12/21 had been registered under sections 25, 27A and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Punjab State Crime, SAS Nagar.

          The investigations had found that accused Satpreet Satta had regularly visited India between the years 2007 to 2013, when international Infamous Bhola drug racket was active in the state of Punjab. The accused was linked with Rs 6000 Crores International drug racket and linked to various political persons of that time.

          Official Spokesperson of the Punjab Police said that following the request from the Special Investigation Team, the competent authority has issued a Blue Corner Notice against Satpreet Satta.

WHAT IS BLUE CORNER NOTICE?

          A Blue Corner notice, issued by Interpol, is used to gather additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities during the course of a criminal investigation.

CHANDIGARH, August 18:

          In a relentless pursuit to eradicate the drug menace from Punjab as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Monday conducted a statewide Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at identified drug Hotspots— the points of sale of drugs and psychotropic substances— across the state as part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh, marking the 170th day of the intensified anti-drug campaign.

          The CASO was conducted simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

          During the daylong operation, police teams have conducted raids at 272 drug hotspots across the state leading to arrest of 196 persons after registration of 164  first information reports (FIRs). Police teams have also recovered 2.4 kg heroin, 2 kg opium, 30 kg Ganja, 13,451 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 15,020 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally overseeing the operation, said that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched on March 1, 2025, has resulted in arrest of 26085 drug smugglers after registration of 16705 first information reports (FIRs) across the state and led to recovery of 1076 kg heroin, 372 kg opium, 217 quintals poppy husk, 415 kg ganja, 32.53 lakh intoxicant tablets/capsules, 6 kg ICE and Rs 12.38 crores drug money from the possession of drug smugglers.

          He informed that the ‘Safe Punjab’ Anti-Drug WhatsApp Chatbot— 97791-00200— launched by the Punjab Police has received an overwhelming response with over 5000 first information reports (FIRs) registered following the tips from general public.

          The Special DGP exhorted more people to make maximum use of Safe Punjab helpline, which allows to citizens to report drug related activities anonymously.

Chamkaur Sahib (Rupnagar), August 18:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday dared the Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal to stop boasting about fake achievements of their government and explain that who will take the responsibility of the barbaric incident like Bargadi and lakhs of deaths of youth due to drugs which took place during their rule.

Addressing the gathering after giving a bonanza of several developmental projects to Chamkaur Sahib Assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that Sukhbir is very fond of boasting that a lot of development had taken place during their rule whereas he is mum over the incident of Bargadi where bullets were fired on innocent people or the drug menace which resulted in genocide of young generations is reflective of the long misrule of Akalis. He, while taking a jibe at Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, said that Badals had only worked for expanding their business without bothering about the state and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the period from 2007-2017 was the darkest period of the state when Transport, cable, sand, drug and other mafias flexed their muscles in the state.

The Chief Minister said that it is on record that the drug menace spread its tentacles after it was patronized during the Akali regime. He said that the state government will adopt no leniency towards the ‘Jarnails’ who were the perpetrators behind the genocide of youth through the curse of drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders not only used to patronize drug trade across the state but ironically they even sold/ supplied the drugs in their official government vehicles.

The Chief Minister said that known for their opulence- acquired through illegal means, these leaders are now demanding facilities in the jail. He categorically said that those responsible for laying the pyres of youth in Punjab don’t deserve any sort of comfort in jail as they have to pay for their misdeeds.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a thorough enquiry has reflected that these leaders have amassed huge wealth through the drug trade adding that strictest punishment will be ensured to them for this crime.

Targeting leaders of traditional parties who supported a former Akali minister currently in Nabha jail on drug charges, the Chief Minister said that it is shocking that Congress leaders Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh, and Ravneet Singh Bittu are openly speaking in his favour. He said that this exposes the collusion between traditional political parties adding that when in power, they’ve covered up each other’s wrongdoings. Bhagwant Singh Mann once again challenged them to make it clear to the people of Punjab that whether they are with the drug traffickers or against them.

The Chief Minister said that the traditional parties had mercilessly plundered the state and its people due to which they were ousted by the Punjabis. He said that all the big guns of these parties like former Chief Ministers Parkash Singh Badal and Charanjit Singh Channi, Akali leaders Sukhbir Singh Badal, Bikram Majithia and others were shown the door. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now these leaders are squabbling for power and are vying to outdo their rivals for the sake of power.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that a foolproof mechanism has been adopted by the state government for the entire recruitment process due to which not even a single appointment out of these more than 55,000 jobs have been challenged so far in any court. He said that it is a proud moment for the government of Punjab that these youth have been given government jobs completely on the basis of merit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that transparent recruitment has increased the faith of youth in working for the state government due to which they have shunned the idea of moving abroad and are preparing for government jobs here.

The Chief Minister said that 90% of households in Punjab are receiving zero electricity bills, which has provided huge economic relief to the public. He said that the farmers of the state have been getting uninterrupted power for the paddy cultivation due to which they are not facing any problem. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has taken care of the interest of every section of the society due to which Punjab is marching forward.

Talking about Sadak Surakhya Force, the Chief Minister said that hundreds of lives have been saved since its inception adding that during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, data indicated that over 5,000 lives were lost annually in road accidents in Punjab. He said the formation of the SSF has led to a 48% reduction in such deaths, setting an example for other states as well adding that the force consists of specially recruited and trained personnel, including women, and is equipped with 144 modern vehicles. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the force is working very effectively and that even several states and the Government of India have appreciated this initiative.

The Chief Minister said that to provide quality education, government schools are being upgraded to Schools of Eminence and it is a proud moment that Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala. He said that 848 government school students have qualified for the NEET exam, 265 students cleared JEE Mains, and 45 cleared JEE Advanced exam. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that no freebee or concession cards can eliminate poverty or other social maladies in the state but education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has increased the number of beds in the Chamkaur Sahib hospital from 30 to 50 and upgraded its status from a Community Health Center to a Sub-Divisional Hospital. Additionally, he said that the number of specialist doctors in this hospital has been increased from five to ten so that people can receive services from modern doctors. Previously, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there used to be only two Medical Officers (General) in this hospital, but now there will be four Medical Officers (General).

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that, earlier, there was only one operation theatre in the hospital, but now another operation theatre has been constructed. He said that five Aam Aadmi Clinics and 20 Ayushman Arogya Centers have been connected with the Chamkaur Sahib hospital. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that, today, a STEM mobile bus was also flagged off which will go to schools and help clear students’ concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The Chief Minister said that equipped with modern facilities, this bus will increase children’s interest in learning and showcase interactive activities in Science and Mathematics for students from 6th to 12th grade. He said that through this, students will also be able to perform experiments, which will spark curiosity in them. Bhagwant Singh Mann also inaugurated new Sub Divisional Hospital, Sports Kits to the budding players at the stadium.

On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh and others were also present.

Chandigarh, August 17, 2025

The law and order situation in Haryana has completely collapsed. On Sunday, Aam Aadmi Party’s senior leader and National Media Incharge Anurag Dhanda issued a sharp statement attacking the BJP government in Haryana, saying that the common man today feels unsafe across the state, criminals are operating with impunity, and the government is nowhere to be seen. One after another, incidents of murder, ransom calls, shootings, kidnappings, and gang wars are surfacing. The brutal murder of innocent Manisha from Bhiwani has shaken the conscience of the state, but those in power seem completely apathetic. No strong action is being taken, nor is anyone being held accountable.

Anurag Dhanda pointed out that recent police data reveals that over 4,100 people went missing in the first half of 2025 alone, which means an average of 45 disappearances per day. Kidnapping cases have crossed the thousand mark. The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo moto cognizance and demanded a response from the state DGP. Meanwhile, reports of ransom calls, daylight shootings, and gang violence continue to pour in from across Haryana. Criminals are so emboldened that they are openly flaunting weapons on social media platforms.

He further stated that what’s more disturbing is the fact that CM Nayab Singh Saini has become nothing more than a symbolic figure, while the actual power remains in the hands of former CM and now Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Every major administrative decision bears the imprint of this “Super CM”, reducing the current Chief Minister to a mere rubber stamp. The people of Haryana are asking—if Nayab Saini is indeed the Chief Minister, why hasn’t he spoken out on the deteriorating law and order? Is he silent just to protect his chair?

Dhanda highlighted the prevailing fear across the state, where people are now afraid to step out of their homes. In Jind alone, over 17 murders were reported within a month. Heinous crimes such as mutilation of women’s bodies have been reported from Hisar and Rohtak. These are not ordinary crime stats; they are living proof of the government’s administrative failure.

He further said that Haryana is fed up with the BJP’s flawed policies. In order to hide its failures, the current government is manipulating figures and spinning a web of false data. The reality is that crime in Haryana has become more organized, more terrifying, and completely out of control.

The Aam Aadmi Party demands immediate arrest of the culprits in the Manisha murder case, the release of a public report on the kidnapping and missing persons cases, and clear accountability on the state’s deteriorating law and order, especially women’s safety. Furthermore, CM Nayab Singh Saini must clarify whether he is an independent Chief Minister or merely a puppet of Union Minister Khattar, misleading the people of Haryana.

Anurag Dhanda concluded by saying that the people of Haryana will not tolerate this farce any longer. The Aam Aadmi Party will take the truth of the state to every village, every street, every stage, and expose the harsh reality that without accountability and honest political intent, Haryana cannot be made safe.

Mohali: As many as 130 ENT experts from tricity and Punjab took part in a CME on redefining hearing with cochlear implants here today. The CME, which was organized by Max Hospital Mohali in association with Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) , Mohali shed light on the latest advancements in cochlear implants.

Among others, Dr. Naresh Kumar Panda director ENT at Max and Dr. Manish Gupta professor and head ENT at AIMS Mohali and Col. Harinder Singh Chehal, senior director- COO Max Healthcare were present.

During CME, Dr. Panda emphasized the importance of learning, innovation, and collaboration in healthcare.

SAS Nagar, August 17:
In a major initiative to promote and preserve the Rich Punjabi mother tongue, the Punjab School Education Board, under the guidance of Education Minister Mr. Harjot Singh Bains, has announced the launch of the International Punjabi Olympiad 2025.

Board Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh informed that the registration process for the Olympiad will be open online from August 18 to October 31, 2025. The dedicated registration portal https://olympiad.pseb.ac.in/ will go live on August 18.

Divulging the Categories & Registration Fees, Dr Amarpal Singh said that for Primary Group (8–12 years), Registration fee reduced from Rs 100 to 50 while for Middle Group (12–14 years), and for Secondary Group (14–17 years) it would be Rs 100. Students desirous to participate across the globe will have to pay a fee of Rs 800, he added.

Dr. Amarpal Singh further stated that unlike the previous editions (2023 & 2024), where questions were based only on prepared content, this year’s Olympiad will also draw from age-appropriate syllabi in addition to the prescribed content. This will ensure students remain connected with their curriculum while preparing for the Olympiad.

Another significant change this year is that the examination will be conducted in both online and offline modes, whereas in earlier years, it was held only online.

Announcing the incentives for participation, Borad Chairman added that winners will be honored with cash prizes. Similarly, schools and teachers who secure the highest number of registrations and positions at the district level will receive special recognition.

It may be recalled that more than 35,000 students participated in the Punjabi Olympiad held in 2023 and 2024. The Board expects even greater participation this year.

Earlier, to encourage affection for the mother tongue, a special conference on the theme “How the Punjabi Mother Tongue Can Become the Heartbeat of the Youth” was organized, which received overwhelming response. The upcoming International Punjabi Olympiad 2025 is expected to play a key role in enhancing students’ interest in Punjabi, strengthening their linguistic skills, and showcasing Punjabi on a global platform.

SAS Nagar, August 17:
In view of the overwhelming response from urban residents towards clearing their property tax dues, the Department of Local Government, Punjab, has further extended the One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme till August 31, 2025.

Sharing details, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said that under this scheme, residents can clear their pending property tax dues without any fine or interest. She informed that the Local Bodies in SAS Nagar district have made remarkable progress, collecting Rs 24.82 crore between July 1 and August 15, 2025.

Breaking down the collection figures, the DC said that Municipal Council Zirakpur contributed the highest with Rs 15.47 crore, followed by Kharar with Rs 4.26 crore and Derabassi with Rs 2.39 crore. Other councils also registered significant collections — Lalru Rs 1.03 crore, Kurali Rs 62 lakh, Naya Gaon Rs 60 lakh, and Banur Rs 44 lakh.

Appealing to residents, DC Komal Mittal urged them to take advantage of this opportunity and deposit their property tax dues before August 31, 2025, at their respective Municipal Councils, to avoid additional penalties in the future.

She further informed that lists of property owners who have not paid property tax in the past years have already been prepared, and the Urban Local Bodies are contacting them individually to encourage timely payment under this scheme. She cautioned that those who fail to clear their dues within the OTS period will face action as per rules.

Chandigarh, August 17:

In light of rising water levels in Punjab’s dams due to persistent rainfall over several days in the mountainous regions of neighboring Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today reviewed the prevailing situation in several districts through detailed telephonic conversations with the concerned Deputy Commissioners. The Minister issued strict instructions to ensure swift mitigation measures and safeguard lives and property.

Divulging further details while addressing the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan, the Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that flood-like conditions have emerged within the land between embankments of rivers passing through Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Fazilka and Ferozepur districts due to rising water levels in rivers and breaches in temporary embankments constructed by farmers within the flood plains.

He said that that around 14,200 acres across Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Fazilka districts have been affected by floodwaters. He specified that among the affected areas, Kapurthala district’s impacted land comprises residential settlements, while the affected areas in Fazilka and Ferozepur are primarily agricultural land under cultivation. He said that both the state government and district administration are fully committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected population.

Discussing the departmental surveillance management system, the Cabinet Minister informed that field operations involve continuous 24-hour monitoring by four Superintending Engineers (SEs), 10 Executive Engineers (XENs), 20 Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and 200 field staff members (including Junior Engineers). He explained that the entire vulnerable region has been systematically divided into sectors to facilitate immediate response and intervention measures.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal directed Deputy Commissioners to immediately set up relief camps in the affected regions to provide shelter, food and medical facilities to the displaced population. He stated that the embankments built by the department are safe and no water has overflowed from these embankments. Strict vigilance is being maintained 24×7 over these embankments by strong roster-based teams.

The Cabinet Minister further instructed Deputy Commissioners to make special arrangements for the safety and well-being of livestock, including setting up separate shelters, ensuring fodder and drinking water supplies and deploying veterinary teams in affected areas. He stressed that vulnerable groups such as children, elderly persons and pregnant women must receive priority medical assistance. He directed that arrangements for clean drinking water, mobile health units and uninterrupted supply of essential medicines must be ensured to prevent any outbreak of waterborne diseases.

The Cabinet Minister also instructed the Deputy Commissioners of Tarn Taran and Ferozepur to personally monitor the Harike headworks round-the-clock in view of increased water inflow from the Sutlej and Beas rivers due to heavy rains in upper areas.

Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Government, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal assured that every possible measure is being taken to protect the people of Punjab and that continuous monitoring of the situation is underway.

The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineer (Drainage) S. Hardeep Singh Mendiratta and Chief Engineer (Canals) S. Sher Singh.

Chandigarh, August 17:

An official spokesperson of the Directorate Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, informed that the written entrance examination for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun for the July 2026 Term will be conducted on 7th December 2025 (Sunday) at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan, Sector-15, Chandigarh.

The spokesperson further added that the prospectus-cum-application form can be obtained through online payment at www.rimc.gov.in or by sending a written request with Demand Draft in favour of The Commandant RIMC Fund. Completed applications must reach the Directorate Defence Services Welfare, Punjab, Sainik Bhawan, Sector 21-D, Chandigarh on or before 15th October 2025. Applications received after this date will not be entertained.

He said that for further information and application details, candidates may visit the official websites:

 www.rimc.gov.in

 www.dsw.punjab.gov.in

Chandigarh, August 17:

The Punjab Government has extended the One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) for property tax defaulters till August 31, 2025. Under this scheme, the government has given an opportunity to pay the outstanding tax with limited penalty.

Disclosing this, Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that the state government has extended the One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS) till August 31, 2025, which was earlier applicable till August 15. He said that property owners will now be exempted from interest penalty on depositing outstanding property tax till August 31.

The Cabinet Minister said that this scheme is applicable on total pending tax or partially paid. He said that property owners can pay their outstanding taxes with a waiver of interest and penalty based on the payment deadline.

The Local Government Minister said that the OTS scheme was initially available from May 15 to August 15, 2025, which has been extended till August 31, 2025. He said that after August 31, a 50 percent penalty will be applicable on outstanding amount.

The Cabinet Minister further said that property owners can settle their outstanding taxes without paying the full penalty and interest. He said that the aim of this scheme is to encourage property owners to pay their dues and avoid other penalties.

Giving information about the payment process of this scheme, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that property owners can pay their taxes online through the MSeva portal (mseva.lgpunjab.gov.in) or visit the Municipal Corporation office of their city. He said that it is mandatory for all property owners to file their property tax return.