Chandigarh, August 9:

On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, announced a major gift for Anganwadi workers and helpers, promoting 435 Anganwadi Helpers to the position of Anganwadi Workers.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that departmental directions have been issued to promote 10th pass Anganwadi Helpers with over 10 years of service to the post of Worker.

She further informed that the Punjab Government is committed to addressing the genuine demands of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. Accordingly, approval has been granted to offer compassionate appointments to dependents of Workers and Helpers who have become permanently disabled during service or are suffering from life-threatening diseases. All District Programme Officers have been instructed to settle pending compassionate appointment cases and transfer cases by August 31, 2025.

The Cabinet Minister announced that the recruitment process to fill nearly 5,000 vacant posts of Anganwadi Helpers and Workers will commence on September 1, 2025, in a transparent and merit-based manner. All district officials and Child Development Project Officers have been strictly warned that any negligence or corruption in the recruitment process will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken upon receiving any complaint. The recruitment process will be completed by September 30, 2025.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that empowering women is a top priority of the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. She added that such promotions are another significant step towards this goal, enabling women to achieve economic and social empowerment and play an active role in the development of their families and society.

New Delhi/Chandigarah, August 9

Rajya Sabha Member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement regarding the imposition of a 25% tariff, said that intimidating poor nations and economically exploiting them does not befit a powerful nation like America. He stated that while such tariffs will not significantly impact India, they will surely tarnish America’s image — a stain that history will remember. Speaking on Trump’s attitude, Sant Seechewal remarked that when one gains weapons or wealth, instead of embracing people around the world, they start following a policy of fear and extraction. He warned that the poor countries of the world will have to bear the consequences of Trump’s wrong decisions.

Sant Seechewal made strong remarks against U.S. President Donald Trump, even calling him a “bandit.” He recalled that Trump had earlier announced a 25% tariff, which was implemented on August 7, and has now announced an additional 25% tariff — revealing his true mindset. Trump’s statement that there will be no trade discussions until the tariff dispute with India is resolved reflects his approach.

Sant Seechewal emphasized that India is no longer the same as before, when its arm could be twisted at will. India has faced economic sanctions in the past with resilience and will continue to do so in the future. He stated that the farmers and laborers have been feeding the nation’s 1.4 billion people, and that the people of India are hardworking and believe in honest labor. According to him, Trump cannot push India into an economic crisis merely by imposing such tariffs.

It is worth noting that during Trump’s second term, major changes have been observed, causing financial markets to stagger. Economic experts believe that if the current situation continues, the consequences could be extremely dangerous. If confidence in the U.S. dollar declines, major businesses may plan to leave America and shift to other countries. In such a scenario, it will be up to the American people themselves to strongly oppose Trump’s anti-global economic policies.

Tarn Taran, August 9:

In a path breaking initiative to check supply of drugs from across the border, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday flagged off Baaj Akh- Anti Drone System (ADS) after which Punjab became the first state in the country to deploy this system at the international border.

Interacting with the media, the National Convener of AAP said that another glorious chapter has been added in the crusade against the drugs. He said that previous regimes hobnobbed with the drug smugglers due to which this curse flexed its muscles in the state. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that now a massive crackdown has been launched against drugs and big fishes involved in this trade have been put behind the bars.

The National Convener of AAP said that drugs have been supplied to Punjab from across the border and to check them this anti-drone system has been launched. He said that three ADS have been launched and six others will be launched very soon to make Punjab free from this scourge. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has strictly implemented a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers.

The National Convener of AAP said that properties acquired by drug smugglers through the illegal drug trade are being demolished. He further said that the most notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind the bars by an honest government in the state led by Bhagwant Singh Mann. Arvind Kejriwal said that these smugglers, who celebrate with luxuries at home while poisoning society, are the real enemies of our people and the state government will not spare them at any cost.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that under the “War Against Drugs” (Yudh Nasheyan Virud) campaign, Punjab has today launched a battle to stop drug smuggling from across the border. He said that Punjab shares a 553-kilometer border with Pakistan, which is considered one of the most sensitive zones for the smuggling of narcotics and weapons. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to strengthen border security and tackle the challenges posed by drone-based smuggling, nine anti-drone units are being set up along the international border.

The Chief Minister said that an amount of ₹51.4 crore is being spent on these units. He said that although our country’s armed forces and BSF have already been using such systems, Punjab is the first state in the country to deploy anti-drone systems at the international border. He said that the anti-drone system will give a strong response to drug smugglers from across the border adding that anti-national elements always use technology for anti-social activities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the enemies of the country have turned drones into weapons to destroy Punjab’s youth, and drones are being used for drug smuggling from across the border.

Extending congratulations to the security forces, the Chief Minister lauded them for working tirelessly to stop this cross-border drug trafficking. He said that in 2024, a total of 283 drones loaded with heroin, weapons, and ammunition were seized adding that in 2025, so far, 137 drones have already been recovered. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone system will be deployed along the border from Pathankot to Fazilka as a Second Line of Defense.

The Chief Minister said that with this, any drone entering the state through the border can be immediately neutralized. He said that the Second Line of Defense refers to the deployment of Punjab Police in the border districts, who work behind the BSF stationed at the international border. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone systems will assist the security forces in combating the smuggling of drugs and weapons.

The Chief Minister said that these systems will be deployed at those specific border points where high drone activity has been observed. He said that previously, Punjab Police did not have any such system to neutralize drones, but now, Punjab Police has become capable. Bhagwant Singh Mann  said that the anti-drone system is equipped to accurately detect the drone’s position and its ground control stations.

The Chief Minister said that these systems come with automated alert technology, which immediately notifies authorities upon detecting drone movement, thus eliminating the need for manual monitoring. He said that to ensure the successful implementation of this advanced system, coordination will be maintained with BSF, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army, and other agencies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that anti-drug curriculum has been already introduced in Schools under “War Against Drugs” with an aim to make 8 lakh students aware against the menace of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s war against drugs has now reached a crucial stage and as part of the third phase of the state government’s campaign “Yudh Nashean De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), a special syllabus has been introduced in all government schools for students from classes 9 to 12. He said that through this syllabus, 8 lakh students from 9-12 classes will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this anti-drug program will involve 3,658 schools and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students.

The Chief Minister said that that the drug menace was deliberately spread in the state after 2009 through a conspiracy backed by political leaders. However, he said that his government has acted tough against this menace through meticulous planning, putting even high-profile offenders behind bars. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those who were hand in glove with the drug smugglers and who patronized them during their heydays of power are today behind the bars.

On the occasion Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav and others were also present.

Chandigarh:  In a significant step towards providing timely medical assistance to needy patients, the NGO ‘Life Line’ today inaugurated three new ambulance services donated by Round Table India and Stylam Industries Ltd .

The event was held at the Director’s Office in the Kairon Block of PGIMER and was inaugurated by PGI Director, Dr. Vivek Lal. On the occasion, Dr. Vivek Lal said, “Every moment is precious when it comes to saving lives. This initiative by ‘NGO’s will make a meaningful contribution in ensuring timely medical facilities reach patients, and it stands as an excellent example of social responsibility.” Life Line President T.N. Singla and Secretary Rajinder Bansal shared that the organisation has been serving poor and destitute patients at PGI for many years. The addition of these new ambulances by Round Table India and Stylam Industries will greatly help in transporting patients safely and quickly to the hospital. The event was attended by several doctors, volunteers, and dignitaries. The new ambulance services will further strengthen the organisation’s mission of “Helping the Helpless.” 

Chandigarh, August 9 – Haryana Irrigation Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry said at midnight, the water level in the Tangri River reached 9.5 feet (about 20,900 cusecs), which is above the danger mark of 7.0 feet (15,400 cusecs). In previous years, such high water levels would submerge several colonies of Ambala Cantonment, causing losses worth crores of rupees. However, due to timely excavation work and the department’s foresight, the danger was averted this time.

She said that this year, before the monsoon, the Irrigation Department began excavation work in the river, which allowed the water to flow safely and brought great relief to thousands of people. Before the rains began, the department started deepening and widening the riverbed. Although only half the work could be completed due to rainfall, the river’s water-carrying capacity increased significantly. Once the monsoon ends, the work will be fully completed.

The Minister informed that on August 6 at 11:00 am, the river had 11,000 cusecs of water, which rose to 15,400 cusecs by 4:00 pm and reached 20,900 cusecs by midnight. Earlier, at such levels, areas like New Tagore Garden, New Ekta Vihar, Prabhu Prem Puram, Rampur, Sarsehri, Chandpura, and Kardhan would be flooded, but this time no such flooding occurred.

She said the department is deepening and widening the Tangri River from village Ramgarh Majra to village Bhunni, and temporary dams have been built at Sarsehri and Chandpura. These measures ensured that despite higher water levels this time, Sarsehri, Chandpura, and nearby areas remained safe.

Earlier, the gates of the Maheshnagar Pump House would close when the river water level reached just 2.5 feet, causing rainwater to accumulate in the city. This time, due to the excavation, the gates closed only at 4.5 feet, which provided major relief to the public.

Minister Shruti Choudhry assured citizens that the government and the Irrigation Department will continue to take timely measures to ensure public safety. She said the government stands with the people during any natural disaster, and there is no need for the public to worry. She added that instructions have been issued to department officials to take all necessary steps for water drainage in flood-prone areas, and she herself has visited waterlogged zones. Continuous heavy rains for several days have caused waterlogging issues.

Chandigarh, August 9 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with joy and enthusiasm at Sant Kabir Kutir on Saturday. On this occasion, the Vice Chairperson of Haryana State Council for Child Welfare and the Chief Minister’s wife, Smt. Suman Saini, was also present. On this special and auspicious day, little girls from two government primary schools of Panchkula district and from the Welfare Centre for Persons with Speech and Hearing Impairment in Raipur Rani, along with their teachers, tied Rakhi on the Chief Minister’s wrist as a symbol of love, trust, and protection.

When the girls, dressed in school uniforms, tied colourful silk threads of affection on the Chief Minister’s wrist, he presented them with gifts and blessings. The Chief Minister interacted warmly with the girls, asking about their studies, sports activities, and future aspirations. He encouraged them to excel in education and to make a mark for themselves in society.

Among them were 12 girls from Government Model Sanskriti Primary School, Sector-26 and Sector-4, Panchkula city, and 8 girls from the Welfare Centre for Persons with Speech and Hearing Impairment, Raipur Rani. Accompanying them were District Education Officer Sandhya Chhikara, District Science Specialist Pooja, District Cultural Coordinator Deepa Rani, and teachers from the respective schools. Women teachers also tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister.

On the occasion, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said, “Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival for brothers and sisters, but a symbol of love, sacrifice and protection. Such occasions connect us with our culture and traditions, and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and harmony in society.”

He added that the innocent smiles and affection of children give him new energy and enthusiasm, inspiring him to work even harder for the development of the state and the bright future of children.

At the end of the programme, sweets were distributed to the girls, and a group photograph was taken to make the event memorable.

Chandigarh, August 9 – Haryana’s Development and Panchayat Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan at the Brahma Kumaris Seva Kendra located in Thirana village of Panipat district. On this occasion, he got a rakhi tied on his wrist by the Brahma Kumari sisters and extended greetings for Raksha Bandhan to the people of the state.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that this festival is not only a symbol of the love between brothers and sisters but also a celebration of the soul’s protection. This festival is connected not just by relationships but also at the spiritual level. Panwar said that he has been visiting the Brahma Kumaris Ashram on this occasion for over three decades. Continuing this tradition, today, for the 32nd year, he came to get a rakhi tied by the sisters at the Brahma Kumaris Ashram.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Institution is not only working for the welfare of humanity in every corner of India but also in more than 120 countries across the world. Visiting this institution from time to time has become not only a tradition for him but also a spiritual duty. He said that when the Brahma Kumari sisters tie a rakhi on his wrist, the thread gives him new divine energy and God’s blessings.

The Brahma Kumaris Institution’s work in the fields of education, health, women empowerment, climate change, and the promotion of cultural values is highly commendable. Appealing to the public, he said that the festival of Rakhi also reminds us that it is our important responsibility to protect not only our sisters but also every weak, neglected, and oppressed section of society.

Chandigarh, August 8 – The Haryana Government has taken another major step towards providing more employment opportunities for youth at both global and domestic levels. The 11th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL) was held today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, in which proposals to implement a training-based foreign employment model and the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme in the state were approved.

The meeting discussed in detail the possibilities of a training-based employment model in collaboration with international recruitment agencies in various countries. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi said these initiatives will open new doors for global careers for the state’s youth and will also prove to be a milestone in providing institutional support to industrial needs.

It was also decided in the meeting that under the Haryana Youth Employment and EPF Reimbursement (HYEER) Scheme, youth registered with the HKRNL and employed in the private sector, along with their employers, will receive 12 percent EPF contribution from the government/corporation for one year.

This step by the state government will not only increase employment opportunities for the youth but will also give new momentum to better talent utilization in the private sector and to industrial development.

Chandigarh, August 8 – Haryana Government has taken numerous steps to upgrade State and Regional FSL infrastructure, the State is fully geared to meet the demands of the New Criminal Laws, emerging as a model of capacity, and scientific precision.

While stating this here today, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, said that Haryana’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has significantly reduced its backlog of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases. The FSL has cut its pending cases significantly. The lab is now processing cases faster than new ones are being submitted. This impressive progress puts Haryana on a path to having zero pending cases by September 2025, an achievement that is uncommon for forensic labs in the country.

Dr. Misra stated that this remarkable turnaround reflects a visionary revamp of the state’s forensic ecosystem powered by more manpower, stronger infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology. The average monthly disposal rate has surged by nearly 49%, from 1,526 cases in 2023 to 2,273 in 2025, even as new criminal laws have pushed case inflow to record high.

She further said that one of the most significant improvements has been in NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases, where suspects often remain in custody until the FSL report is submitted to court. In just six months, the NDPS backlog has been reduced by 70% from 2,306 to 683 cases, and the reporting time has been cut to just 3–4 weeks for most cases (15 days for commercial quantity cases). Faster forensic reports mean speedier trials, quicker bail decisions, and justice delivered when it matters most. After all, justice delayed is justice denied, she added.

ACS Home briefed that a 70.7% increase in sanctioned strength and doubling of posted staff has been central to this success. Recruitment for 22 Senior Scientific Assistants and 17 Scientific Assistants is underway through the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC). 47 Group A & B scientific posts have been advertised through the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC). The Cyber Forensic Division has expanded from 1 to 6 reporting officers, with 24 more under recruitment, enhancing capacity to handle digital evidence in cybercrime, financial fraud, and online abuse cases.

To strengthen on-ground response, Haryana has proposed 17 additional Mobile Forensic Science Units (MFSUs) a 150% boost in Scene of Crime (SOC) capacity. At present 23 MFSUs are functioning across the state. These mobile labs will travel directly to crime scenes across districts, ensuring rapid evidence collection, contamination-free transport, and on-spot preliminary analysis—critical for crimes like homicides, sexual assaults, and serious accidents etc.

Dr. Sumita Misra, highlighted significant infrastructure and technology upgrades to the state’s forensic system. A new Regional FSL in Gurugram is in the works with a dedicated DNA analysis facility to handle sexual assault and unidentified body cases. The Hisar Regional FSL has an additional block sanctioned and its new Ballistics Unit, which started in May 2025, is already speeding up firearm investigations. Furthermore, a Physics Division is being established at the Moginand FSL in Panchkula to focus on technical cases for the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

To boost speed and accuracy, Haryana has invested Rs. 14.55 crore in new equipment across its forensic labs. This includes three GC-MS units for drug investigations, three comparison microscopes for ballistics, and advanced DNA sequencers and automated extraction systems. The FSL has also deployed four Mobile Forensic Vans equipped with FTA card systems for secure, on-scene sample collection. An additional Rs. 3 crore worth of new instruments is in the final stages of being procured.

Dr. Misra said Haryana’s forensic reform is not just about numbers—it is about restoring public trust in justice through science-led, time-bound investigations. With a zero-backlog target at earliest and a goal to keep pendency below one month thereafter, the state is setting a national benchmark in forensic governance. With these advances, Haryana is proving that modern forensics can be both fast and flawless, ensuring that justice is not delayed and certainly not denied.