CHANDIGARH:

With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 92nd day, Punjab Police on Sunday arrested 113 drug smugglers and recovered 2.09 kg heroin, 530 grams opium, 32679 intoxicant pills and Rs 1.8 lakhs drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 14,944 in just 92 days.

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

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.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1400 police personnel, under the supervision of 86 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 461 locations across the state leading to the registration of 83 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 382 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 92 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Meanwhile, Police teams have also conducted checking at as many as 106 pharmaceutical shops in five districts including Fazilka, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot and Moga to ensure that they are not selling intoxicant tablets or any other habit-forming drugs, and are adhering to the prescribed norms and regulations regarding the sale of medicines.

Chandigarh:

Punjab’s financial position continues to strengthen impressively, with the state registering a record 25.31% growth in net GST collection for the month of May 2025, as compared to the same month last year. This marks the highest-ever GST collection for the month of May in Punjab’s history. The net GST revenue rose to ₹2,006.31 crore in May 2025, up from ₹1,601.14 crore in May 2024 — showing a remarkable increase of ₹405.17 crore. In comparison, May 2024 had seen a growth of ₹121 crore (8.17%) over ₹1,480 crore collected in May 2023. This year’s performance clearly indicates a robust and accelerating growth trend in Punjab’s fiscal health.

Announcing these figures on Sunday, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema attributed the impressive growth to strong tax administration, enhanced compliance, and a resilient economic environment fostered under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He emphasized that the AAP Government’s commitment to financial prudence and economic reform has led to this consistent upward trend in revenue.

Minister Cheema further noted that this surge not only represents the highest year-on-year monthly growth in recent years but also outpaced the national average GST growth, establishing Punjab among the top-performing states in tax mobilization. “We have curbed tax evasion, improved field-level enforcement, and enabled a seamless taxation framework that supports businesses while safeguarding state revenues,” he added.

This fiscal milestone is particularly commendable given the challenges Punjab faced as a border state, including heightened India-Pakistan tensions and a war-like situation during the period. Despite these constraints, the state achieved a growth rate that more than tripled the corresponding growth of 8.17% in May 2024.

The Finance Minister emphasized that Punjab’s record GST growth in May 2025 was driven by a combination of improved compliance, proactive taxpayer engagement, and robust enforcement by the Taxation Department. Key actions included the physical verification of 195 bogus firms, leading to the blocking of ₹75.79 crore in fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC); detection of major tax evasion in the coal sector, involving off-book transactions exceeding ₹225 crore and ₹11.65 crore in evaded tax; and the uncovering of ₹900 crore in bogus gold bullion transactions in Ludhiana, with ₹21 crore of ineligible ITC blocked.

Finance Minister Cheema applauded the efforts of the Taxation Department’s officers and field staff for their dedication and impactful enforcement. He stated that this additional revenue would provide further strength to the State Government’s development initiatives and enhance public service delivery.

Looking ahead to June 2025, the department is committed to maintaining this momentum and achieving even higher growth, building on the solid foundation of policy reform, administrative efficiency, and fiscal discipline.

Chandigarh: The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is consistently striving to provide the best road infrastructure to the people of the state. This was stated by Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. in a press statement issued here today. He informed that foundation stones of road projects worth ₹21.53 crore were laid across the state on June 1, 2025.

Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. said that the construction work of the Gehri Mandi–Jabbowal–Dehriwal–Mehsampur Road, located on Mehta Road in Amritsar district, has commenced today at a cost of ₹17.65 crore.

He stated that the total length of this road is 20.80 km. The project has been allotted to the concerned contractor, with a completion deadline of six months.

The Minister added that the construction of this road will greatly ease traffic congestion for local residents.

Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. further shared that, similarly, under the Bhoa Assembly Constituency, the construction of a 6.5 km road at a cost of ₹3.58 crore was inaugurated today by Cabinet Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak. The road will be constructed with a width of 18 feet, improving road connectivity and transportation facilities for residents of villages Serpur, Panjod, Phulpiara, Sujanpur, and surrounding areas.

He also noted that the Serpur–Panjod–Phulpiara–Sujanpur road is being constructed after a gap of 25 years, and its completion will benefit nearly 20,000 people. The work is scheduled to be completed by February 2026. The maintenance of these roads will be undertaken by the contractor for the next five years.

In addition, Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. highlighted that yesterday, keeping in mind the convenience of residents in the Dirba Assembly Constituency and nearby areas, the inauguration of a 15.60 km road project from Dirba to Baghrol via Samuran, Saifipur Khurd, and Saifipur Kalan, costing ₹7.85 crore, was carried out by Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema.

This road serves as a crucial link for the local population and farmers to access the Dirba grain market and city. It also connects the religious site Dera Baba Amarnath located in village Safipur, thus offering enhanced connectivity and convenience to the residents.

Chandigarh:

Hon’ble Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, today announced that the Punjab Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann, has taken a historic decision to observe the 350th Shaheedi Centenary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the 450th Foundation Day of Sri Amritsar Sahib with unprecedented grandeur and modern global outreach.

Speaking at a special media interaction, the Speaker emphasized that the martyrdom and spiritual legacy of Guru Sahib is not only a matter of faith for Punjab, but a universal message of sacrifice, courage, and humanity. “If we begin to speak about the greatness of our Gurus, even months would fall short. This is our legacy — glorious and unmatched — and it is our responsibility to take it to the next generations,” he stated.

Commemorate With Global Outreach

The Punjab Government has committed to observing these historic occasions using modern tools, technology, and global platforms so that the legacy of the Gurus transcends beyond Punjab and India, reaching every corner of the world.

A WhatsApp number, email ID, and official website have already been set up and published in newspapers to invite suggestions from the Sangat, religious organizations, and citizens. These commemorations will be shaped by the will of the people, not just administration.

The Speaker appealed to the media and all communities to come forward and contribute to making these events globally impactful.

Mass Outreach: Speaker to Lead from the Front

S. Sandhwan announced that starting today, he will personally meet various religious sects, organizations, and civil authorities to gather suggestions. “You will see me holding daily meetings with personalities and institutions. This is not just a government event — this is a community movement,” he said.

The government has already resolved to convene a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, where the teachings, sacrifices, and principles of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, as well as the importance of heritage preservation, will be discussed in depth.

Inclusive Suggestions, AI & Technology for Global Programs

The programs will integrate artificial intelligence and digital media for worldwide impact. The government is open to receiving suggestions from SGPC, religious bodies, civil society groups, and citizens, with a promise to act on those ideas seriously.

Call for Unity, Responsibility, and Global Message

“This is not just a commemoration; this is a call for unity, shared responsibility, and carrying forward the message of Guru Sahib. The government will first collect suggestions — and if needed, also seek active collaboration,” said the Speaker.

“These milestones — 350 years of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Shaheedi and 450 years of Amritsar Sahib — belong to all of humanity. We must commemorate them together, meaningfully, and powerfully,” the Speaker concluded.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, June 1:

Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has successfully busted a terror and extortion module linked to Pakistan’s ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Jeevan Fauji with the arrest of two of his associates, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Sunday.  

Those arrested have been identified as Karajpreet Singh alias Karaj (23) of Vairowal in Tarn Taran and Gurlal Singh alias Harman (23) of Goindwal Sahib in Tarn Taran. Police teams have also recovered one .30 bore pistol along with one live cartridge, besides impounding their motorcycle used in the crime.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that Jeevan Fauji— an active BKI member, has been running an extortion racket targeting individuals in Punjab’s border districts. 

Jeevan Fauji had provided a .30 bore pistol to Karajpreet and Gurlal, and directed them to fire at a furniture shop in the Amritsar area, he said, while adding that this firing incident was part of an extortion attempt, with Jeevan Fauji demanding ransom from a relative of the shop owner based in Canada.

The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish backward and forward linkages in this case to completely dismantle this terror network.

Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that both the accused persons were arrested during an intelligence led operation from the areas of Tarn Taran and Fazilka.

He said that during a follow-up recovery operation in the area of Sultanwind, accused Gurlal Singh retrieved the concealed weapon and attempted to open fire at the police party. In self-defence, the police party retaliated, resulting in a bullet injury to Gurlal’s left leg, he said, while adding that the injured accused was immediately shifted to Civil Hospital Amritsar, where he is undergoing treatment.

The CP said that investigations revealed the accused were acting on Jeevan Fauji’s instructions to terrorise locals and extort money. Efforts are underway to dismantle the entire network and trace further linkages, he added.

A case FIR No. 88 dated 17-05-2025 has already been registered under sections 109, 324(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station B-Division in Amritsar.

Chandigarh: In a deeply moving and emotionally charged gathering at Plaza, Sector 17, Chandigarh, the city stood united in remembrance and gratitude for the heroes of Operation Sindoor and the innocent lives lost in the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The tribute event, titled “Sindoor Ka Sandesh – Na Bhooleinge, Na Maaf Kareinge”, was organized by Kartavyanisht and brought together citizens, families of martyrs, and dignitaries in a solemn expression of national solidarity.

The Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, addressed the gathering with words that stirred hearts and ignited a sense of patriotic pride. Paying homage to the brave soldiers and the 28 innocent victims of the April 22 attack, he said:

“The soil of Pahalgam is soaked in the blood of our own—innocents who never came back. Operation Sindoor was our nation’s tearful yet determined response. It was not revenge—it was justice. A motherland can weep, but it cannot kneel. And India did not kneel.”

He saluted the courage of the armed forces who crossed all barriers to eliminate those responsible for the attack. Referring to the precision strike on May 6–7, Governor Kataria said:

“Our forces didn’t speak. They acted. Quietly, swiftly, with the might of righteousness. Every bullet they fired carried the weight of 140 crore prayers. And that is why India won—not just on the battlefield, but in every Indian heart.”

The Administrator also expressed deep concern over narco-terrorism, calling it a slow poison attacking the nation from within. He urged youth to stand guard against drugs and addiction:

“Drugs are the enemy’s new weapon. They don’t come with guns but with syringes. They don’t bomb cities, but destroy families. We must rise—not just as a defense force—but as a society that refuses to fall.”

Thousands gathered at Plaza stood in silence to honour the martyrs, many with tears in their eyes as the national flag waved proudly behind the stage. Families of slain soldiers were presented with tokens of respect, and emotional patriotic performances added to the poignant atmosphere.

Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh Sh Gulab Chand Kataria led everyone in a mass pledge, reaffirming the nation’s collective resolve never forget the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack and to stand united against terrorism and drugs

Also present at the ceremony were Mayor of Chandigarh, Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Municipal Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, Chandigarh BJP President Sh. Jatinder Pal Malhotra, and BJP National General Secretary Sh. Tarun Chugh, who all stood in solemn solidarity.and Lieutenant General Kamal Jit Singh, PVSM, AVSM & Bar.

Chandigarh, June 1, 2025: Merchant Navy Officers’ Association (MNOA), Chandigarh, has got a new team with Capt. L C Dharmani being elected as President. He has taken over from Rakesh Mittal. The new office bearers were elected during an Annual General Meeting(AGM) of MNOA held here.

Er. Ajit Singh has been elected as Vice President of MNOA, while Capt. Raman Gupta is the new General Secretary. Er. Tirlochan Singh will be the Treasurer.

The new team of office bearers will work for the next 2 years for betterment of the Association and its members. Capt. Dharmani said seafarers’ welfare, social and professional engagements for members, overall growth & wellbeing through experience sharing and seminars, addressing social responsibilities through various drives like organising blood donation camps, ⁠promoting Merchant Navy as a profession for young men and women through career counselling sessions, shall be the priority for him and his team.

Dharmani added, “We plan to organise free health check-up and special eye check-up camps for our members at regular intervals. Sporting activities like marathon runs, cycling events, off-roading trips and golf tournaments will also be held. To increase social contact, outdoor picnics for members and their families will also be organised.

Meanwhile, Past President of MNOA Capt Bhagat Singh applauded the out-going team for doing an excellent job during their tenure and congratulated the incoming team.

Capt T S Bhatia, another Past President of MNOA said, “I am sure the new team will do its best to take the rich legacy of MNOA forward with the support and guidance of all.”

Notably, MNOA Chandigarh has about 800 members from tricity and nearby towns of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

Chandigarh:

The 2nd PGI Arthroplasty Course, under the aegis of the Arthroplasty Society of Tricity, commenced today at PGIMER, Chandigarh, drawing an overwhelming response from orthopedic surgeons nationwide. With the theme “Simplifying the Complexity,” the course offers high-value insights into challenging hip and knee arthroplasty procedures.

Day 2, of the event was focussed on hip arthroplasty, hands-on workshops involving robotics, navigation, and sawbone techniques, as well as further academic presentations.

The event began with a warm welcome from Prof. Vijay G Goni, Head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Organising Chairman, and General Secretary of the Arthroplasty Society of Tricity. .

Highlights of Day 2:

Signature & Master Class Sessions (Hip Focus): In-depth discussions on complex THA and it’s evaluation,role of spinopelvic alignment in THA, bone loss management were led by renowned speakers including Dr. Anand jindal, Dr. Vishnu Baburaj and Dr Atul malhotra who shared advanced approaches to primary hip arthroplasty (THA).

Robotics & Navigation Sessions: Dedicated modules on the integration of robotics and computer-assisted navigation in both Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Total Hip Replacement (THR) showcased the precision and reproducibility of modern arthroplasty techniques.

Expert Edge Session: Complex cases involving THA in post traumatic hip,protrusio hip ,dysplastic hip,ankylosed hip and difficult revisions were presented, highlighting contemporary solutions through technology and surgical innovation.

Panel Discussion: Eminent surgeons including Dr Ramesh Sen, Dr Avtar Singh, Dr. Vijay G Goni, Dr. Vijay Kumar, and Dr. Aditya Aggarwal engaged in interactive debates on THA in acetabular fractures and pelvicc discontinuity, enhancing clinical reasoning through peer dialogue.

Paper & Poster Presentations: A wide array of scientific papers and posters were presented by trainees and young consultants, fostering academic exchange and encouraging research-based learning.

Thanking note and certificate distribution: The day concluded with valedictory session and  certificate distribution.

The  PGI Arthroplasty Course continues to affirm its place as a premier educational platform promoting excellence in joint replacement surgery across India.

Chandigarh:

momentous celebration of athleticism, strategic prowess, and technological innovation.

Over 600 spirited participants from across departments competed fiercely in 13 diverse sports events, with the event this year making a pioneering addition — e-gaming — for the first time ever.

For the first time, the event also introduced e-gaming, reflecting PGIMER’s commitment to integrating modern digital platforms into traditional sports.

Addressing the gathering at the Felicitation Ceremony, the Chief Guest, Major D.P. Singh, expressed his admiration for the event’s spirit as he stated, “GLADIUS 4.0 has exemplified the true essence of sportsmanship and innovation. It’s inspiring to see our resident doctors and staff come together in such enthusiastic competition, blending tradition with the digital future. Events like these foster camaraderie, resilience, and holistic development—qualities that are vital in the medical profession and beyond.”

Major D.P.Singh further added, “This event is a movement—a celebration of unity, skill, and forward-thinking. I congratulate all the winners and participants, and I look forward to seeing GLADIUS grow even more in the coming years.”

The Guest of Honour, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, shared his thoughts as he said, “It is heartening to witness the diverse array of sporting activities and the inclusion of e-gaming, which signifies PGIMER’s progressive outlook. Such events not only promote physical health but also strengthen teamwork and strategic thinking among our residents. I commend everyone involved for their dedication and enthusiasm.”

Prof. Sandeep Bansal, Institute Sports Chairperson, concluded by saying, “GLADIUS has set a new benchmark in fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative environment. I eagerly anticipate the next edition and the continued success of this wonderful initiative.”

Dr. Vishnu Jinja, President ARD, expressed his elation at the successful culmination of the event and said, “Throughout the event, awards were presented to 200 medalists and 50 trophy winners, celebrating excellence across all categories. The vibrant award ceremonies underscored the participants’ dedication and spirit of achievement.”

Dr. Vishnu Jinja added, “As we look forward to GLADIUS 5.0, the event’s success underscores PGIMER’s commitment to nurturing not only medical excellence but also sportsmanship, teamwork, and innovation among our resident doctors.” 

The event’s success highlights PGIMER’s ongoing dedication to fostering a well-rounded environment that promotes physical health, strategic thinking, and collaborative spirit among its medical community.

Chandigarh, May 31- The State-Level celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga will be held on June 21, 2025, at Brahma Sarovar, Kurukshetra. Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Yog Guru Baba Ramdev Ji, and other dignitaries will participate in the event. The occasion will also feature an address by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. The event is expected to witness participation from over 1 lakh people at the state level and more than 10 lakh individuals at district and block-level functions across Haryana. Apart from this, the foundation stone for a Meditation Centre at Shri Krishna AYUSH University, Kurukshetra, will be laid by the Chief Minister on the same day.

Sharing information in this regard an official spokesperson said that Haryana, under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini  and the active involvement of the Department of AYUSH, has already taken significant steps and is in full swing with its preparations to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2025. Several activities have already been conducted to build momentum for the upcoming celebrations. Three-day training programmes for DPE/PTI of the Education Department (26th – 28th May 2025) and for school children (28th – 30th May 2025) have been successfully organised. Further, Jan Bhagidari events involving departments like Secondary Education, Higher Education, Police Lines, Jails, Army, and various other groups have commenced from May 29 onwards, seeing enthusiastic participation from thousands of individuals each day.

The spokesperson said that to enable smooth registration and maximum public engagement, a digital platform (www.internationalyogadayhry.in) and a toll-free missed call number (9501131800) have been launched. Besides this, live streaming arrangements are being finalised to ensure that the celebrations can be accessed by people across the state. Various committees including State and District-level Organising Committees, Purchase Committees, and Reception Committees have been formed to oversee seamless execution of events.

The spokesperson further said in the run-up to the main event on June 21, the state has planned a series of significant activities. The YogJagarnYatra will take place on June 19, 2025 in all villages and wards By Panchayat Department/Urban Local Bodies to create further awareness and mobilize community support. Three-day training programmes for officers, employees, Sarpanches, Panchs, and NCC cadets (12th – 14th June) and for Ministers, MPs, MLAs, officers, employees, and the general public (16th – 18th June) are scheduled to ensure inclusive participation. A series of yoga Sangosthis or seminars will also be conducted between 16th and 19th June at AYUSH and Medical Universities. District-wide Yoga Marathons are planned for June 19, followed by a final rehearsal and marathon on June 20, 2025.

The spokesperson said that aligned with the theme of health and environmental stewardship, a ‘Harit Yoga Plantation Drive’ targeting the plantation of 10 lakh medicinal and fruit-bearing plants will be carried out at all venues. The Forest Department of each district will ensure the availability and supply of plants for this green initiative, while dignitaries and Chief Guests will participate in the ceremonial plantation activities following the yoga sessions. Further, all Deputy Commissioners have been directed to undertake cleanliness drives in their respective districts in the lead-up to the event, ensuring that all venues are properly cleaned and prepared. Medical Colleges across the state will conduct a ‘YogSamavesh’ study assessing the benefits of yoga for patients with hypertension and diabetes, with findings to be submitted by June 21. Additional initiatives include virtual Global Summits titled “Yog Connect,” the “Yog Unplugged” campaign to engage youth in creative yoga activities and combat substance abuse, the spokesperson added.

Haryana’s comprehensive preparations for the 11th International Day of Yoga underscore the state’s commitment to promoting wellness, environmental sustainability, and vibrant community participation, making it a grand and inclusive celebration for all.