Chandigarh/Ludhiana 29 October 2025:

The ground-breaking ceremony for the manufacturing facility of Munjal STP Industries Limited, a Joint Venture between Hero Motors Limited (“HML”) and Vermogensverwaltung Plettenberg GmbH and CO KG along with its  group  companies (“STP  Group”) held today at Dhanasu, Ludhiana.In this way,  Punjab will receive investment of Rs. 260 crores in the first phase through joint venture and employment for 400 people.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by  Shri Sanjeev Arora, Industry and Commerce Minister of Punjab, Ms. Seema Bansal, Vice-Chairperson of the Punjab Development Commission, along with several other dignitaries from Industry & Government of Punjab.

Minister Arora said that Punjab Government is tirelessly working in close tandem with industry for overall development of Punjab. HML and STP Group entered into a joint venture agreement in March 2025 to develop, manufacture and sell forging components for the automotive sector. The STP Group, a renowned German forging specialist with six facilities across Germany, produces high-precision forged and machined components for automotive and industrial applications. HML, a technology driven, automotive components company engaged in highly engineered powertrain solutions and alloys & metallics, with R&D spanning India and the United Kingdom and manufacturing facilities spanning India, the United Kingdom, and Thailand.

Arora & Seema have assured Joint Venture proponents of full cooperation from Punjab Govt and approvals in record time. Pankaj Munjal Chairman of HMC praised Punjab Govt for all the cooperation and also applauded all the new policies being envisaged.

Pankaj Munjal, Chairman, HML, said, “Munjal STP Industries Limited represents our drive to strengthen manufacturing in India through collaboration with STP Group. The facility is being set up at Hero Industrial Park, Ludhiana, alongside other key automotive and EV units such as HMC HIVE, HYM Drive Systems Private Limited, and Spur Technologies Private Limited.”

Amit Gupta, MD and CEO, HML, stated, “The new facility will further strengthen our Powertrain Solutions manufacturing footprint, building on our capabilities in supplying gears and transmission solutions to global customers across automotive, aerospace, defence, and industrial segments. It will feature semi-automatic forging lines for complex components, with a focus on cost efficiency and stringent quality standards.”

Cornel Mueller, Chairman and CEO, STP, added, “Our partnership with HML marks a significant step in extending STP’s presence and leveraging India’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The collaboration is designed to combine STP’s expertise in high-precision forging with HML’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities, fostering technology exchange and operational excellence between our teams in Germany and India.”

Hero Group was represented by Pankaj Munjal, SK Rai, Ashwairya Munjal, Aditya Munjal, Amity Gupta amongst others.

Chandigarh, October 27 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini issued clear directives to strengthen the campaign against drug abuse, stating that police officers and staff in areas where commendable work is being carried out will be recognized and honoured. The Chief Minister also said that strict action will be taken wherever negligence or laxity is observed. He added that the impact of action taken against negligent officials should be clearly visible, sending a strong message that those performing exemplary work against drug abuse will be rewarded, while strict measures will be taken in areas where drug abuse persists.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting to review the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan scheme here today.

He directed that villages declared drug-free be regularly re-evaluated and that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau’s presence be strengthened in border areas. He also instructed that experts be included in the teams to ensure effective control over the drug supply. The Chief Minister called on all concerned departments to intensify the joint campaign against drugs, focusing equally on enforcement, de-addiction, and awareness, and to actively involve Panchayats as partners in the effort.

Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, in coordination with other relevant departments, should launch a comprehensive campaign to ensure the thorough screening of youth affected by drug addiction. He called for detailed investigations to identify the sources and routes through which drugs are being supplied, enabling the complete disruption and control of the drug supply chain. The objective, he said, is not only to prevent drug abuse but also to reintegrate affected youth into mainstream society.

He said that the Narcotics Control Bureau, SEWA Department and the Health Department should jointly intensify efforts to eradicate drug abuse at its roots. In addition, all concerned departments must ensure the active participation of Panchayats in this vigorous campaign. Panchayats and Sarpanches who make notable contributions should be recognized and honoured. He said that all departments should work in close coordination and take concrete measures to make Haryana a drug-free state.

Also reviews projects progress on State Pragati Portal, Directs timely completion

Following this, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reviewed the progress of seven different projects costing more than Rs 75 crore each on the State Pragati Portal. He directed officials to invite representatives from departments whose projects are being delayed due to inter-departmental issues to the upcoming meeting. The Chief Minister said that the presence of the relevant departments at such meetings will ensure the prompt resolution of these issues, facilitating timely project completion and the swift delivery of benefits to citizens.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of key infrastructure projects, including the four-lane road from National Highway-9 to National Highway-52 through Mirzapur Road in Hisar district, the Budhlada-Ratia-Fatehabad-Bhattu-Bhadra road, construction of two-lane relief road from Ghogripur to the Haryana-Delhi border, construction of master road from Noida to Gurugram via Faridabad, construction of two link roads providing seamless connectivity from West Faridabad to East Faridabad, the new judicial complex (Tower of Justice) in Gurugram and the 200-bed hospital in Sector-9, Fatehabad. He directed that all these important projects be completed within the stipulated timelines to further accelerate the pace of development across the state.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Home Department Dr Sumitra Misra, Additional Chief Secretary Environment Department Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary SEWA Department G Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Department A.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Public Works Department Anurag Agarwal, Additional Director General of Police Sanjay Kumar and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, October 27 – Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Sh. Manohar Lal said that the memorial at Lohgarh, Yamunanagar, will not only immortalize the indomitable courage and sacrifice of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji but will also serve as a centre to showcase the glorious heritage of the Sikh community for future generations and as a hub of Indian culture. He said this memorial will become a place of faith and inspiration not only for the people of Haryana but also for devotees from across the country and the world.

The Union Minister was addressing a gathering as the Chief Guest at the event organized at Lohgarh, Yamunanagar, on the occasion of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji’s birth anniversary.

He said that after his victory over Sirhind, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur established Lohgarh as his capital and brought relief to farmers by abolishing the feudal system. Banda Singh Bahadur fought bravely against injustice and sacrificed his life for religion and justice. His sacrifice continues to be a source of inspiration for future generations.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana and Public Health Engineering and Public Works (Building and Roads) Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa were also present on this occasion.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that many brave heroes have laid down their lives to protect the culture and religion of our nation. The country will always remember the sacrifices of these valiant warriors.

At the event, the foundation stone for the construction of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial and state-of-the-art museum was laid, marking the formal commencement of the project. On this occasion, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa and Sh. Shyam Singh Rana each announced a donation of Rs 21 lakh to the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Trust.

Welcoming the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, Director General of Information, Public Relations & Languages Department, Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang, said that on this sacred land, the foundation of the memorial dedicated to the great warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur has been laid today. He added that this memorial would serve as a symbol of the unwavering resolve that connects us to our history, culture, and the glorious tales of our martyrs.

Also present on the occasion were former Cabinet Minister and Founder Trustee of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Trust, Sh. Kanwar Pal Gurjar, former MP from Karnal and Founder Member of the Trust, Sh. Sanjay Bhatia, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Ambala Division Commissioner Sh. Sanjeev Verma, and other distinguished guests.

Memorial to be Built on 20 Acres

The historic Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial will be constructed on approximately 20 acres of land provided by the Gram Panchayat of Bhagwanpur. In addition, a grand statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur will be constructed through a global design competition.

Chandigarh, October 27 – Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said the state government has issued an advisory to all allopathic drug manufacturers regarding the use of risky solvents. Continuous inspections are being conducted, and notices have been issued to drug manufacturers found deficient in prescribed standards. Union Health Minister Sh. J.P. Nadda also appreciated the efforts being made by the state government in the health sector.

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao was briefing Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda virtually from Chandigarh about the various initiatives being undertaken by the state government in the health sector.

Present on the occasion were Health Department Secretary Dr. R.S. Dhillon, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration Department Dr. Manoj Kumar, State Drug Controller Sh. Lalit Kumar Goel, and Assistant State Drug Controller Sh. Rakesh Dahiya.

The Health Minister informed that all allopathic drug manufacturers in the state have been instructed to exercise caution in the procurement, storage, and use of risky solvents such as propylene glycol, glycol, and glycerin. She said that inspections for verification of these solvents had already been initiated by the state government. So far, 37 inspections have been conducted and 54 samples have been collected and sent for testing.

Arti Singh Rao further said that joint inspections with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) have also been initiated. Till now, 14 inspections have been carried out, and 31 samples have been taken for testing. Notices have been issued to all firms where discrepancies were found. In addition, 267 samples related to solvents have been collected from Haryana’s sale units and sent for testing.

She also informed the Union Minister that Haryana’s Health Department is already operating on the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS). All licences related to manufacturing and sales are being issued through this portal.

Sh. J.P. Nadda appreciated the excellent work being carried out by the Haryana Government on this portal.

The Health Minister further shared that 33 risk-based inspections (RBI) of drug manufacturing units have been conducted, and action has already been taken in all cases. Twelve firms have been ordered to stop production, and two manufacturing licenses have been cancelled. Additionally, 17 risk-based inspections (RBI) of drug testing laboratories have been conducted, and action has been taken in all cases. The licence of one laboratory has been cancelled.

She also mentioned that a new drug laboratory equipped with all necessary instruments is being established, which will become operational within the next four months. A proposal is being sent to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization to further strengthen the drug regulatory system, which includes setting up three new laboratories in Gurugram, Hisar, and Karnal, with an estimated cost of Rs 91.9 crore.

Arti Singh Rao reiterated that the state government is committed to ensuring the best healthcare for the people of Haryana, and necessary medicines and medical equipment are being provided as required.

Chandigarh 27th October 2025:

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora today held a comprehensive meeting with the Shri. Santosh Kumar Yadav Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), accompanied by the DGM (Technical) and other officials from NHAI, to review progress and resolve pending infrastructure issues across Punjab.

Minister Arora began by underlining the urgent need to develop the approximately three-kilometre approach area near Adampur Airport, pointing out that this stretch falls under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) jurisdiction and it must be taken up by NHAI immediately to ensure safe and efficient airport connectivity. The Ludhiana–Ropar highway project was also a major focus of discussion; the Minister noted significant delays in execution and stressed that the project be re-tendered and fast-tracked so that long-pending works can be completed without further slippage. Arora promised to help in getting soil filling for projects a per Punjab Govt Mining Policy.

On the NHLML parking project, Minister Arora highlighted bureaucratic delays that have held up the tender and construction; the NHAI Chairman responded by immediately directing concerned officials of NHLML to grant the necessary approvals so work can commence at the earliest. Expressing concern over the slow progress of the Ludhiana cycle track, the Minister urged stronger supervision and direct intervention by the Regional Office (RO) Punjab to ensure NHAI’s pilot project is completed on schedule for the benefit of commuters and cyclists.

The meeting also addressed recurring fund-release and portal issues affecting the Delhi–Katra highway, with Minister Arora emphasizing that technical problems on the central funds portal are stalling work and causing financial uncertainties; the Chairman instructed the RO Punjab to resolve all portal-related issues promptly and ensure uninterrupted fund flows.

A detailed review was held on the Jalandhar–Amritsar highway, where both officials discussed outstanding works regarding repairs and agreed on accelerated action plans to clear pending items and improve traffic flow and safety. With commercial operations set to commence at Halwara Airport shortly, Minister Arora stressed the importance of robust road connectivity to the airport to serve the transportation needs of the entire Malwa region; NHAI assured coordinated planning to prioritize approaches and access roads.

The Minister drew attention to chronic congestion around SPS Hospital and Sherpur, noting that incomplete works are causing daily traffic snarls and inconvenience to residents; the NHAI Chairman committed to expediting the remaining work to relieve congestion and restore normal traffic movement. Sidhwan bridges were discussed in detail, with both sides urging immediate completion of residual works to ensure structural safety and uninterrupted connectivity for local communities of Ludhiana.

Minister Arora also pressed for improved routine maintenance of NHAI highways across Punjab, including timely repair of surfaces and prompt restoration and upkeep of street lighting to enhance road safety during night hours. The NHAI Chairman gave categorical assurances that all issues raised by Minister Arora will be addressed on a priority basis, directed concerned regional officials to act without delay, and appreciated the Minister’s proactive engagement and commitment to the development and connectivity of Punjab.

The meeting concluded with an agreement for regular follow-ups and monitoring to ensure timely implementation of decisions and swift resolution of technical, administrative and funding bottlenecks.

Chandigarh,   October 27:

The pious book on religious heritage titled  “ Spiritual Journey of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib” – A Pictorial Depiction  Dedicated to 350th Martyrdom of Sacred Legacy of Ninth Sikh Guru was  presented to the Honble Chief Justice High Court Mr Justice Sheel Nagu by State Information Commissioner Punjab Harpreet Sandhu, who is the author of this book  today at Chief Justice chambers in High  Court Chandigarh. The pictorial compilation is dedicated to the upcoming 350th Martyrdom Year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, showcasing the sacred shrines where Guru Sahib left footprint from his birth till Martyrdom.

The book , “Spiritual Journey of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib”, reflects an inspiring visual narrative of the Guru’s travels, spiritual teachings, and supreme martyrdom. Through an artistic blend of photographs and brief historical insights, the book aims to evoke reverence towards the Guru’s message of universal brotherhood, compassion, and religious freedom. The author, Harpreet Sandhu, has meticulously captured the essence of these holy sites, creating a visual pilgrimage for the readers while promoting awareness about Sikh heritage and history. a set of books were also presented for the library of  Judges of High Court as a tribute to the ninth Sikh Guru sahib ‘s supreme sacrifice for the nation .

Hon’ble  Chief Justice Punjab & Haryana High Court Mr Justice Sheel Nagu, while acknowledging the book , applauded  State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu’s devoted efforts in artistically portraying the sacred journey of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He stated that the book is a significant contribution towards preserving and propagating the spiritual and historical legacy of the Ninth Sikh Guru, who stood as a beacon of courage and righteousness. The Chief Justice Punjab High  Court much appreciated the initiative for its educational and cultural value, emphasizing that such creative work for the diverse communities  to connect with India’s spiritual and moral religious heritage.

Chandigarh October 27, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Monday, arrested Jatinder Singh, a Security Guard posted at the Civil Hospital Baba Bakala Sahib, Amritsar district, red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 15000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the accused was apprehended following a complaint of Resham Singh. The complainant has alleged to the VB that said accused has demanded bribe of Rs 15000 for facilitating the issuance of a negative dope test certificate for an arms licence.

He informed that after a preliminary examination of this complaint a Flying Squad team from VB laid a trap during which the aforementioned accused was arrested while he was taking the bribe of Rs 15000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under Section 7-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at the VB Flying Squad, police station at Mohali against the aforesaid accused.

The spokesperson further informed that the questioning of the arrested accused is currently underway. The modus operandi and the involvement of other accused in the crime, based on revelations made during interrogation, are under investigation.

The accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow. Further investigation in the case is under progress, he added.

CHANDIGARH, October 27:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 240th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 280 locations on Monday leading to the arrest of 56 drug smugglers after registration of 51 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 34,275 in 240 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 2 kg heroin, 14 kg poppy husk, 231 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 7800 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.

          Over 100 Police teams, comprising over 800 police personnel, under the supervision of 51 gazetted officers have conducted 280 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 289 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          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 13 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, October 27:

As part of the Punjab Government’s initiative to invite leaders from across the Nation for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, along with Advisor to Tourism & Cultural Affairs Department Deepak Bali, called on the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mr. Omar Abdullah at Srinagar on Monday evening, and extended a formal invitation to attend the main events scheduled at Sri Anandpur Sahib next month.

The Education Minister briefed Mr. Abdullah about the series of state-level events being organized to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who laid down his life to protect the values of religious freedom and human dignity. He also apprised him about the key highlights of the commemoration ceremonies, including the main events from November 23 to 25 at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Accepting the invitation, the Chief Minister acknowledged the profound significance of Guru Sahib’s martyrdom and His eternal message of peace, harmony and universal brotherhood, which continues to inspire humanity.

Apprising about the series of commemorative programmes, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that these special events are being held across various sacred sites associated with the life, divine teachings and supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and His disciples- Bhai Sati Das ji, Bhai Mati Das ji, Bhai Dayala ji and Bhai Jaita ji (Baba Jiwan Singh ji).