Chandigarh/ SAS Nagar, February 28:

Reaffirming Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to fostering innovation, The Education and Information & Public Relations Minister, S. Harjot Singh Bains, today asserted that the trajectory of a developed nation is defined by its scientific discoveries. He called upon the youth to embrace the spirit of inquiry to propel the nation’s growth story onto the global stage.

Inaugurating the annual Science Fest “TATTVA” at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, on the occasion of National Science Day, Minister Bains urged students to view science not merely as a subject, but as the ultimate tool for national resurgence.

“From the invention of the wheel to the advent of Artificial Intelligence, every leap in human progress has been a leap in scientific thought. The progress of our nation is written in the language of science,” said Minister Bains, addressing a gathering of young.

Drawing a direct line from historical breakthroughs to contemporary ambitions, the Education Minister highlighted that India’s advancement in high-speed rail, aerospace, medical sciences, and digital infrastructure is the direct result of scientific temper. He urged students to draw inspiration from the giants of Indian science—Dr. C. V. Raman, whose discovery of the Raman Effect we celebrate today; the Father of Fibre Optics, Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany; nuclear pioneer Dr. Piara Singh Gill; and Nobel laureate Dr. Har Gobind Khorana.

“These visionaries did not just solve problems; they built the foundational pillars of modern India. I urge you to make scientists your icons and books your lifelong companions. The goal is not just to secure admission to prestigious institutions like the IITs, IIMs, or IISER, but to emerge from them as nation-builders,” he added.

The Education Minister Harjot Bains emphasised the critical role of curiosity in driving national development, encouraging students to question the “why” and “how” of everyday phenomena. He expressed pride in the fact that the Punjab Government’s focus on quality infrastructure and competitive coaching is yielding results, with over 300 government school students qualifying JEE Mains this year alone.

In a move to strengthen the science ecosystem, the Education Minister assured IISER Mohali Director Dr. Anil Kumar Tripathi of the Punjab Government’s full cooperation. He expressed a strong desire for a formal collaboration between the state’s school education department and premier research institutes to inculcate scientific temper at the grassroots level.

“Institutions like IISER are the engines of innovation. We want our students to have direct access to these engines—to work in their labs, to learn from their faculty, and to dream of walking their corridors as students one day,” he stated.

During the event, the Minister released the science magazine ‘Meraki’ and unveiled the IISER Mohali alumni website. He later toured the student exhibition, engaging enthusiastically with young innovators and appreciating their scientific models.

Earlier, Dr. Anil Kumar Tripathi welcomed the Education Minister S. Bains and highlighted the significance of National Science Day in commemorating the Nobel-winning discovery of the Raman Effect, which put Indian science on the world map.

Chandigarh, February 28:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking continuous, concrete and people-centric steps to ensure the health, security and dignity of senior citizens, treating them as a valuable asset of society. As part of the state-level campaign “Our Seniors, Our Pride”, more than 22,000 senior citizens have been registered through health check-up camps and connected with various government welfare schemes.

Sharing this information, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the Senior Citizen Action Plan, a budget provision of ₹7.86 crore has been made during the financial year 2025–26 to ensure comprehensive care for the elderly, with a special focus on taking healthcare services closer to their doorstep.

She informed that during the health camps, 6,622 senior citizens underwent general health check-ups, 2,544 received orthopedic examinations and eye check-ups were conducted for 4,719 beneficiaries. In addition, 2,267 senior citizens participated in yoga sessions, 1,676 availed homeopathic treatment and 2,054 benefited from Ayurvedic treatment along with assistive devices, significantly strengthening both physical and mental well-being.

The Cabinet Minister further stated that under the ALIMCO scheme, 421 senior citizens were registered, out of which 89 were provided with wheelchairs, spectacles and hearing aids. Besides this, old-age pension forms of 566 senior citizens were prepared and senior citizen cards were issued to 455 beneficiaries.

She added that health camps have been successfully organized in most districts of the state, while camps will soon be conducted in Faridkot and Sangrur. At these camps, senior citizens were sent for further treatment for cataract surgery, provided free assistive devices, pension-related services, senior citizen cards, yoga camps and legal awareness programmes — all under one roof.

Under this initiative, 5,110 senior citizens were also made aware of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. To promote socially active and dignified ageing, productive and inter-generational activities were organized, in which 459 senior citizens participated in active ageing camps, while 2,192 took part in cultural and inter-generational activities such as Giddha, Bhangra, poetry and theatre. Additionally, 3,005 senior citizens adopted a healthier lifestyle through yoga camps.

The Punjab Government has also launched a dedicated helpline number 14567 for senior citizens. Any elderly person can call this helpline to seek immediate assistance.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said that senior citizens are an invaluable treasure of society and caring for them is both a moral and social responsibility of the Mann Government. She appealed to families and social organizations to actively support senior citizens by helping them avail these government welfare facilities.

CHANDIGARH, February 28:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) SAS Nagar has busted a foreign-based terror module and foiled a major terror conspiracy with the arrest of two operatives and recovered one fully assembled RDX-laden Improvised Explosive Device (IED), weighing approximately 2.5 kg, and Glock pistol along with four live cartridges from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Mahavir Kumar alias Kaka, a native of village Qalam in SBS Nagar and currently residing at Ghanuali in Rupnagar and Manpreet Singh alias Mani, a resident of village Qalam in SBS Nagar. The recovered IED was fitted with dual detonation mechanisms— remote and timer.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were acting under the directions of foreign-based handlers and had concealed the IED near the SBS Nagar bypass after retrieving the consignment for further instructions regarding the intended target. The device was fully assembled and ready for use, indicating an imminent threat to public safety, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network and trace the supply chain and funding links.

          Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek said that acting on specific intelligence inputs police teams have arrested suspects Mahavir alias Kaka and his associate Manpreet Singh from District SBS Nagar. At the time of arrest, one Glock pistol was recovered from possession of Mahavir alias Kaka, he said.

          The AIG said that during sustained interrogation, Mahavir disclosed that he had retrieved a consignment containing the IED, which he had concealed near SBS Nagar bypass and was awaiting further instructions regarding the intended target. Acting promptly on his disclosures, police teams have recovered the IED and a remote control device from the spot pinpointed by the accused, he said.

 In this regard, a case under relevant sections of Explosive Substances Act and Arms Act at Police Station SSOC Mohali.

CHANDIGARH, February 28:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 39th day, Punjab Police on Saturday conducted 548 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

          As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 39, Police teams arrested 224 individuals and recovered 17 weapons from their possession, taking the total arrests to 12,024 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 111 persons, whereas, 136 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested four proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

          People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 364th day with 89 drug smugglers arrested on Saturday and recovered 2.3 kg heroin, 1.8 kg opium, 1766 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 15,980 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 51,616 in just 364 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 35 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH, February 28:

          In a major blow to an organised international drug trafficking network, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Punjab Police has busted an international narcotics network operating across the Tricity region and Ludhiana, with the arrest of six key operatives involved in the supply of highly potent, foreign-origin party drugs targeting urban youth, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Rishav, Mukesh Kumar, Lakhwinder Singh, Ravi Kumar, Baljinder Singh and Talwinder Singh.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that the scale of the seizure is unprecedented, marking one of the largest MDMA tablet recoveries in the country.

          The seized contraband includes 1,215 MDMA tablets, 263 grams cocaine, 82 grams methamphetamine (ICE), 1.2 kg of various THC variants, 16 grams magic mushrooms, and 400 grams of opium, he said, while adding that drug proceeds amounting to ₹9 lakh were also recovered from the possession of the accused persons.

          The DGP said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the syndicate sourced narcotics from abroad through air courier channels and used encrypted social media platforms to coordinate distribution and evade detection.Further investigation is underway to trace backward and forward linkages and identify other associates, he added.

          Sharing operational details, AIG ANTF Ashwini Gotyal said that the action was initiated following specific human intelligence inputs indicating that a drug supplier, identified as Rishav, was operating from an apartment in Kharar and distributing narcotics within club and party circuits, primarily targeting youth in the Tricity area.

          Acting swiftly on this information, police teams conducted a well-planned raid at the identified premises, leading to the arrest of suspect Rishav with 1215 MDMA tablets, 155 gram cocaine, 82 gram ICE, 10 variants of THC weighing 973 grams, 16 grams of magic mushrooms, 400 grams of opium and ₹3 lakh drug money from his possession.

          The AIG said that further investigation uncovered a broader distribution module based in Ludhiana, which was functioning as a key supply and

redistribution hub for the Tricity region. Subsequent coordinated raids resulted in the arrest of key operatives— Mukesh Kumar, Lakhwinder Singh, Ravi Kumar, Baljinder Singh and Talwinder Singh and 108 grams cocaine, 278 grams of THC, and ₹6 lakh in drug money was recovered from their possession, she said.

          AIG Ashwini Gotyal said that several of the seized substances are recognised globally as highly potent and dangerous, and have been subject to public health advisories and enforcement warnings in their countries of origin owing to their severe psychological and physiological effects.

 In this regard, a case FIR No. 42, dated 27.02.2026 has been registered under sections 18, 20, 21, 22, 22 (C), 27 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station ANTF in SAS Nagar.

CHANDIGARH, 28th February 2026:

In a major stride for Punjab’s dairy and agro economy, the Bhagwant Mann Government has brought into operation Cargill’s ₹300 crore cattle feed plant at Industrial Park, Wazirabad in Mandi Gobindgarh, the largest of its kind in South Asia. The commissioning of this mega facility marks a significant industrial achievement ahead of the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026 and reflects the growing faith of global investors in Punjab.

The state-of-the-art plant strengthens Punjab’s agro-industrial ecosystem, generates employment, and delivers direct benefits to farmers through improved milk yield and higher dairy productivity. The project underscores the Punjab Government’s firm resolve to accelerate industrial growth, deepen agri-processing capacity and rebuild a vibrant ‘Rangla Punjab’ through sustained investment and policy-driven development.

On this occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Set up with an investment worth ₹300 crore, this plant reaffirms the Punjab Government’s firm commitment to industrial growth and investor facilitation. The state-of-the-art plant of Cargill Private Limited has started its operations at the Industrial Park, Wazirabad in Mandi Gobindgarh. Punjab is witnessing substantial industrial investments through the Invest Punjab initiative, and these investments are generating employment opportunities for the youth and accelerating Punjab’s overall economic development.”

The Chief Minister further stated that the growing investor confidence clearly reflects that Punjab is emerging as a preferred destination for investments, particularly in the agriculture and food processing sectors. “The Punjab Government is fully committed to providing every possible support and ensuring a business-friendly ecosystem through progressive policies and a peaceful industrial environment,” he said.

Highlighting the scale of the project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Spread over 15 acres, the Cargill plant has an annual production capacity of 4.5 lakh metric tonnes and is the largest cattle feed plant in South Asia.”

The Chief Minister added that after Bathinda, this marks Cargill’s second major unit in Punjab, further strengthening the agro-industrial value chain of Punjab. “The project will offer direct benefits to farmers by ensuring the local availability of high-quality cattle feed, thereby improving milk yield, quality and farmers’ income. The scientifically developed feed will enhance animal health and productivity, helping Punjab’s dairy sector scale new heights,” he said.

Sharing a video clip on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “The South Asia’s largest animal feed plant of Cargill, built at a cost of ₹300 crore, has been inaugurated at Wazirabad (Mandi Gobindgarh). This major project will boost the income of our dairy farmers and create hundreds of new employment opportunities for the youth of Punjab. Ahead of the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, this stands as a significant achievement of our government in the industrial sector. We remain fully committed to rebuilding a ‘Rangla Punjab’.”

Chandigarh, February 27 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while speaking during the Budget Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, firmly defended the use of the word “naagrik” (citizens) in the Address and described the objection raised by Congress MLA Pooja as reflective of a fundamental difference in thinking rather than a mere semantic issue.

Responding to the written suggestion made by the Congress legislator to replace the word “naagrik” (citizens) with “nivaasi” (residents) in the Governor’s Address, the Chief Minister stated that the term “citizen” is intrinsically linked to the spirit of the Constitution, democratic rights, and duties, whereas the term “resident” merely indicates geographical presence. He emphasized that a resident may simply live in a place, but a citizen is an active participant in the state’s progress, policy-making, democratic processes, and social responsibilities.

The Chief Minister asserted that the people of Haryana are not merely inhabitants of the state but are its strength, identity, and architects of its future. He underlined that the word “citizen” reminds people not only of their rights but also of their duties, including the right to vote, respect for the rule of law, tax obligations, and responsibility towards society.

Highlighting Haryana’s proud legacy, he said the state has given the nation brave soldiers, hardworking farmers, world-class athletes, and enterprising entrepreneurs. Referring to such distinguished contributions, he remarked that limiting these accomplished individuals to the term “residents” would diminish the magnitude of their role and achievements.

The Chief Minister further stated that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the double-engine government is committed to empowering, securing, and honoring every citizen. He said that the expression “citizens of Haryana” is not merely a form of address but a proclamation of equal rights, equal opportunities, and shared responsibility, which embodies the true spirit of democracy.

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said there is no need for any amendment to the Governor’s Address, as the meaning and sentiment of the word “citizen” are clear and constitutionally appropriate. He also assured the members of the House that the development needs raised by them during the discussion would be addressed with utmost seriousness and that every possible effort would be made to fulfill their demands. He appealed to the House to pass the Governor’s Address unanimously.

Chandigarh/Amritsar, February 27 –

 The three-day Rangla Punjab Utsav organized by the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of the Punjab Government at Ranjit Avenue in Amritsar began today.

The mega event was inaugurated by the PWD Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO.

The purpose of this three-day Rangla Punjab Utsav is to promote the cultural heritage, lifestyle and food of Punjab at the global level, said Mr. ETO adding that every color of the colorful Punjab is being seen in this cultural extravaganza. He said that Punjabi culture is one of the richest and vibrant cultures in the world, which is known for its unique lifestyle, food, folk dances (Bhangra-Giddha), traditional arts, dialects and hospitality, in the country and abroad.

Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that special efforts are being made by the state government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the state. He said that the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs is organizing such programs in different parts of the state so that the young generation can be connected with the rich traditions of Punjab heritage. He appealed to the people to come to this Rangla Punjab Utsav along with their families and appreciate the beautiful colors of the colorful Punjab.

On this occasion, Director of the Tourism Department, Mr. Sanjeev Tiwari said that this Rangla Punjab Utsav, which started today at the Ranjit Avenue ground in Amritsar, will continue till the late evening of March 1, 2026. He said that the Rangla Punjab Utsav is dedicated to Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat and a beautiful glimpse of the cultural heritage, lifestyle and food of Punjab can be seen in it. He said that a beautiful craft market has been set up during the Rangla Punjab festival, where shopkeepers are selling traditional Punjabi and other goods. Apart from this, 30 stalls of different dishes have been set up in the food court during the festival. He said that special swings have been set up for the entertainment of children during the festival. Apart from this, various government departments are also setting up their stalls in the Rangla Punjab festival and providing information about the welfare schemes being run by the government.

Director Tourism Mr. Sanjeev Tiwari further said that on all three days of the Rangla Punjab festival, famous singers of Punjab will entertain the audience. Along with this, other forms of Punjabi culture like Giddha-Bhangra will also be performed.

He said that on the evening of the first day of Rangla Punjab Utsav on February 27, world famous folk singers Virasat Sandhu, Jaspinder Narula and Jayji B are performing their singing in the open arena. On the evening of the second day of the festival, singers Meet Kaur, Kaur B and singer Kulwinder Billa will perform. On the evening of the third and last day of Rangla Punjab Utsav, singers Harjit Harman, Bani Sandhu and Manmohan Waris will add color through their singing. He said that special arrangements have been made for the audience to sit in this open arena.

Director Tourism Mr. Sanjeev Tiwari said that there will be a drone show during Rangla Punjab Utsav on the evening of February 28 and March 1.

He said that the entry of the general public during Rangla Punjab Utsav is absolutely free. He appealed to all the pepole to attend the Rangla Punjab Utsav being held at Ranjit Avenue Ground in Amritsar and see and enjoy the beautiful glimpse of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat.

On this occasion, MLA of Amritsar East constituency Jeevanjot Kaur, MLA of Amritsar West constituency Dr. Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Chairman of PUNSUP Mr. Prabhbir Singh Brar, Chairman of District Planning Committee Gur Partap Singh Sandhu, Vice Chairman of Punjab State Industrial and Export Corporation Jaskaran Singh Bandesa, Director of Tourism Department Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Mr. Rohit Gupta, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Rupinder Pal Singh, SDM Alka Kalia, Gurmander Singh besides Cabinet Minister Sardar Harbhajan Singh ETO’s wife Mrs. Suhinder Kaur, sister Mrs. Balwinder Kaur, District Tourism Officer Sukhman Singh, Public Relations Director of Guru Nanak Dev University Praveen Puri and other officials were also present.