Chandigarh:

Chandigarh Science Congress (CHASCON) 2024 started at Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, today. The conference begin with an inaugural ceremony, followed by keynote addresses from Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President, Indian National Science Academy (INSA), and Ms. Shweta Khurana, Senior Director, Asia-Pacific and Japan, Global Government Affairs.

The theme of the three day Congress is “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat”. As many as 1200 academicians, scientists and researchers from various institutions and industrial houses from Chandigarh region and various other parts are participating in the conclave to exchange ideas, foster collaborations, and inspire the next generation of scientists. The Congress would conclude on November 8.

An exhibition of research activities of various institutes of Chandigarh region and departments of PU also started at the Law Auditorium ground. “Breaking the Shell and Soaring High: Startup Journeys”, a book captivating exploration into the world of entrepreneurship, showcasing the inspiring stories of eight startups that have emerged from the entrepreneurial hub of Panjab University, was also released at the inaugural ceremony.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig emphasised that technology is continuously evolving, improving the quality of our lives and offering better products with enhanced features across almost every field. This evolution presents a challenge and an opportunity, especially for young people like the students, who will work on the technologies of the future.

Addressing the students, researchers and faculty members, INSA President Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, who was the chief guest, emphasised on the need for people-centred technology and sustainability in development. He highlighted the significance of the recent geospatial policy in India that removes restrictions on surveying and mapping, potentially unlocking tremendous economic growth, as seen with initiatives like the “Swamitva” scheme, aimed at providing ownership certificates for land in rural areas.

Prof. Sharma outlined key technological priorities, including AI, IoT, and Large Language models, as essential for a self-reliant India (Viksit Bharat). He also discussed the need for disruptive innovation in India’s educational system, stating that true development requires a societal mindset that prioritises India-centric research. He said that while technology is important, society must focus on self-respect, confidence, and a critical understanding of its own strengths and weaknesses. These “three cultural pillars” — confidence, self-respect, and introspection — are crucial for fostering innovation and excellence in India’s scientific landscape. He challenged the notion that increased funding alone could drive success. Excellence in fields like theoretical sciences and mathematics, which require minimal infrastructure, remains under-realised in India due to cultural rather than financial limitations, he added.

In her address, Senior Director of Intel Corporation Ms. Shweta Khurana discussed how indigenous technologies, especially in AI, are crucial to our mission at Intel: to improve the lives of people around the globe through technology that meets their needs effectively and provides practical solutions. AI can be a force for progress, prosperity, and resilience in India, she added.

Motivating the students, Ms. Khurana said that the students as future scientists have the opportunity to lead this AI revolution. Imagine transforming India into a nation not only consuming AI but also pioneering new knowledge in AI. This impact can be profound, not only by innovating but by leading change responsibly, ethically, and sustainably, as we bridge ancient sciences with modern breakthroughs, she added.

Ms Khurana also connected the AI-enabled era mean with Viksit Bharat. Innovation goes beyond tools and technologies; it’s about creating tailored solutions for our unique challenges. It can foster local communities, create employment, and strengthen India’s global position in AI. Imagine AI-powered solutions that help farmers analyse soil health and maximise crop yields at a fraction of the cost. Frugal AI can enable such advancements, making technology accessible, affordable, and available for those who might otherwise be left out of the digital revolution, she further added.

Prof. Y. K. Rawal, Coordinator of the conference highlighted the origin and significance of CHASCON in bringing together distinguished scientists, innovators, and young researchers. The Inaugural function ended with the vote of thanks by Prof Sonal Singhal, Co-Coordinator, CHASCON-2024.

Chandigarh, November 6

          The Punjab Government has announced that sugarcane crushing in the state will begin from November 25, 2024 onwards.

          This decision was made during a meeting of the State Sugarcane Control Board, chaired by Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian at his office, on Wednesday.

Khudian said that Punjab has witnessed a 5% increase in the area under sugarcane crop. This year, sugarcane crop has been cultivated on 1 lakh hectares area, which is up from around 95,000 hectares previous year. There are 15 sugar mills in Punjab, comprising nine cooperative and six private mills, which are expected to crush around 700 lakh quintals of sugarcane. The state is projected to produce 62 lakh quintals of sugar this season, he added.

          The Agriculture Minister directed the concerned officials to ensure that all arrangements are in place before the commencement of crushing operations, while emphasising that farmers should not face any inconvenience in selling their produce and timely payments should also be made to them.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, November 6

          Striking a big blow to the gangster-narco nexus, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted a trans-border narcotic smuggling racket with the arrest of three drug smugglers and recovered 1kg Ice (Methamphetamine) and 1kg Heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Karandeep Singh (22), a resident of village Bhakna Kala in Amritsar, Jeewan Singh (19) and Manjinder Singh (21), both resident of Chohla Sahib in Tarn Taran. Police teams have also impounded their car Toyota Etios in which they were travelling.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that arrested accused Karandeep had been living in Dubai and Moscow in Russia before returning back to Punjab after six years.

          After returning to Punjab, accused Karandeep has established contacts with the Pak-based drug smugglers using various social media apps and started smuggling narcotics from across the border to further supply them in Amritsar and neighbouring districts, he said, while adding that drones were being used by Pak-based smugglers to influx narcotics into the territory of the state.

          The DGP said the the probe has also found that the accused Karandeep was also in touch with foreign-based Gangster Gurdev alias Jaisal. An FIR under NDPS Act registered at Police Station Airport Amristar and Investigations ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages, he added.

          Pertinently, Gurdev Jaisel is a key operative of Canada-based terrorists Lakhbir alias Landa and Satbir Singh alias Satta, who were behind the Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack at Police Station Sarhali and numerous plots to commit targeted killings in Punjab.

          Sharing operation details while addressing a press conference, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting swiftly on a secret input, police teams from CIA Staff-1 under the supervision of DCP Investigation Harpreet Singh Mander laid a naka near Puli Sua at Ajnala road in Amritsar and arrested trio accused persons after recovering drug consignments from their vehicle.

          The CP said that further investigations are going on. More arrests and recoveries are expected in coming days, he added.

          A case FIR no 44 dated 05.11.2024 has been registered under sections 21C,22C and 23 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Airport Amritsar.

Mohali: There is no problem that cannot be solved. Hard times and tough situations make a person stronger. There is no need to go to anyone to make yourself strong, but you need to recognize your inner strength. Only by recognizing their inner strength, young students can fly in the sky and fulfill their every dream. These views were expressed by Raj Lali Gill Chairperson Punjab State Commission for Women, who was present as the chief guest on the last day of the ongoing Youth Festival at Doaba Group of Colleges while motivating the students. At this time, he also made the students aware about drugs, difficulties faced by students in foreign countries and difficulties of live in relationship. Along with this, this regional youth fair, which has been going on for three consecutive days, ended with colorful memories. On the third day of the program, Punjabi University Patiala Dean Dr. Narinder Kaur Multani and Educationist Dr. Gunamala Suri attended as special guests. More than 1500 students from 65 colleges participated in this three-day regional youth fair. Mata Gujri College Fatehgarh Sahib won the overall championship trophy by beating other colleges in this regional youth fair of the session 2024-25 by Punjabi University Patiala.

The guests who came earlier were welcomed by Director Principal Dr. Minu Jaitley. On the third day, all the teams were given an opportunity to present their art effectively. In this festival, various programs like classical dance, mime, skit, giddha, debate, poetic recitation, declamation etc. were organized as per the schedule. The most attractive offering of the last day was the vulture. The main objective of organizing this festival was to know the hidden talent of the students. Dr. Narinder Kaur Multani and educationist Dr. Gunmala Suri, who were present as special guests on this occasion, talked about the rich culture of Punjab and appreciated the energy of the youth in their speech. They also congratulated Doaba Group of Colleges for completing 25 years of Silver Jubilee. During this regional youth fair which lasted for three consecutive days, DGC Chairman S. M.S. Bath, Managing Vice Chairman of DGC. SS Sangha, Executive Vice Chairman Manjit Singh, Dean Student Welfare Maninderpal Kaur Gill, DGC. All the Director-Principals and Principals of various colleges and other staff members were present and contributed to the successful completion of this program.