Chandigarh: The Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry Unit, Oral Health Sciences Centre (OHSC), PGIMER, Chandigarh, secured second place in the National Pediatric Dentistry Quiz held during the 47th National Conference of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry (ISPPD) at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, New Delhi, from September 21–23, 2026.

The team comprising Dr.Pavithra Devi, Assistant Professor and final-year JuniorResidents Dr. Sanjana and Dr.ShifaliTrikha participated in the national-level quiz and secured second place, representing the institute among participating pediatric dentistry teams from across the country.

The Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry Unit, OHSC, PGIMER, has been actively involved in advancing comprehensive oral healthcare for children through specialized clinical care, academics and research. Its key areas of work include early childhood care preventive strategies, early interventions for developing malocclusions, management of pediatric dental trauma and specialized dental care for children with special healthcare needs and complex medical conditions. The Unit continues to strengthen evidence-based pediatric dental care and postgraduate training while expanding specialized services aimed at improving oral health outcomes and quality of life among children.

Chandigarh, September 25: The Quality Assurance Authority (QAA), Haryana, has been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing and enforcing quality norms and standards in engineering works, conducting technical audits and inspections, developing Standard Operating Methods and Procedures (SOMPs), accrediting and monitoring quality testing laboratories and third-party quality assurance agencies, recommending best engineering practices, promoting capacity building of engineers, and fostering the adoption of modern technologies and sustainable construction practices in public infrastructure.

Technical Audits and Inspections Across Departments

Sh. Sameer Pal Srow, IAS (Retd.), Chairman of the Authority, informed that since its establishment, the Authority has been actively carrying out technical audits and inspections of infrastructure projects across various departments. These inspections are undertaken both on the basis of complaints received from the public and wherever considered necessary to independently assess the quality of works being executed.

The Authority has already audited and inspected projects relating to roads, bridges, buildings, water supply, sewerage, irrigation, power transmission and other critical infrastructure sectors. Detailed technical audit reports have been submitted, highlighting deficiencies, good practices and recommendations for corrective action.

Coordination with National Organisations

As part of its long-term vision of developing a comprehensive quality ecosystem, the Authority has established close coordination with reputed national organisations, including the Quality Council of India (QCI), and premier testing laboratories such as the Shri Ram Institute for Industrial Research and other nationally recognised institutions.

The objective is to establish a state-of-the-art quality testing laboratory in Haryana equipped with modern facilities for testing construction materials and infrastructure components in accordance with national and international standards.

Collaboration with IIT Roorkee and Other Institutions

The Authority also proposes to collaborate with premier academic and research institutions, including IIT Roorkee and other leading centres of excellence specialising in highways, bridges, buildings, irrigation, sewerage, water supply, power transmission and power distribution.

These collaborations are aimed at adopting best engineering practices, strengthening technical expertise, incorporating modern construction technologies and continuously improving quality standards in public infrastructure.

Mandatory Stage-Wise Inspections

Sh. Srow further informed that, in another major initiative aimed at strengthening quality assurance at the field level, the Government has approved a comprehensive inspection framework for infrastructure projects being executed across Haryana. The new framework seeks to institutionalise regular inspections by senior engineering officers during the execution stage itself so that deficiencies can be identified and rectified at an early stage rather than after project completion.

Under the new inspection mechanism approved by the Authority, mandatory inspections will be carried out at different stages of construction depending on the cost of the project. Projects costing above ₹50 crore will be inspected by the Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) at approximately 50 per cent and 90 per cent stages of physical progress, that is, twice during execution. Projects costing ₹25 crore and above will be inspected by the Chief Engineer (CE) at approximately 20 per cent, 40 per cent, 60 per cent and 80 per cent stages of physical progress, that is, four times. Similarly, projects costing ₹10 crore and above will be inspected by the Superintending Engineer (SE) at approximately 15 per cent, 30 per cent, 45 per cent, 60 per cent, 75 per cent and 90 per cent stages of physical progress, that is, six times.

Site Order Book for Accountability

To ensure proper documentation and accountability, every project site shall maintain a Site Order Book, which will remain available at the site office for recording observations, technical directions and compliance instructions issued during inspections.

Officers of the rank of Executive Engineer and above shall specifically record the shortcomings observed at the site along with detailed remedial measures required for their rectification.

Inspection Reports Within Three Working Days

All inspecting officers shall submit their inspection reports to the Authority within three working days of inspection in the prescribed format. The reports shall also include project-wise assessment based on the technical quality parameters and marking system prescribed in the Standard Operating Methods and Procedures (SOMPs) issued by the Authority.

Quality Scores for Objective Monitoring

The quality scores will become an integral part of the inspection process and will facilitate objective monitoring of project quality. The system will provide a structured mechanism for assessing compliance with prescribed technical quality parameters during the execution of infrastructure projects.

Inspection Records to Promote Accountability

The inspection records maintained by various departments may also be considered by the competent authority while assessing the performance of the concerned officers. The mechanism is aimed at promoting greater accountability and encouraging proactive supervision of works.

The comprehensive framework, along with technical audits, quality testing, institutional collaborations and standardised inspection procedures, is intended to strengthen the overall quality assurance system for infrastructure projects in Haryana.

Chandigarh, September 26: The Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA) is working to improve the city’s infrastructure, greenery and civic facilities. As part of these efforts, PMDA CEO Sh. K.M. Pandurang inspected several areas of Panchkula on Saturday, including green belts, pedestrian paths and major junctions. He also gave directions to officials for their improvement and proper maintenance.

Sh. K.M. Pandurang visited the green belts in Sectors 1, 3, 21, 4, 2, 6 and 7. He reviewed their condition with the concerned officials and discussed ways to make them more useful and convenient for residents.

He directed officials to prepare a proper plan for the development of green belts across all sectors. He said that green belts should not only provide greenery but should also offer useful public spaces, including seating areas and other basic facilities wherever required.

He also stressed that existing trees and vegetation must be protected during development work. The design of the green belts should improve both their appearance and usefulness.

*Better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists*

The CEO directed officials to give special attention to pedestrians and cyclists while planning green belt development.

He asked officials to develop proper pedestrian paths and cycle tracks along green belts so that residents can walk and cycle safely and comfortably. He also directed them to consider the width of the paths, entry points and the overall development of the surrounding areas.

*Inspection of Mata Mansa Devi Singh Dwar and T-junctions*

The PMDA CEO also inspected the area around Mata Mansa Devi Singh Dwar and several T-junctions. He reviewed traffic movement, road safety, pedestrian movement and the beautification of these areas. Officials were directed to identify the improvements needed to make the junctions safer and better organised. He said that while planning these junctions, pedestrian safety and convenience should be given due importance along with smooth movement of vehicles.

*Regular testing to ensure quality of major projects*

The CEO also reviewed the progress of major ongoing development projects in Panchkula, including the Shooting Range in Sector 32, Atal Park and the Jaldhara project. He sought information from officials about the progress, construction quality and timelines of these projects. He directed that regular testing of construction materials and workmanship be carried out to ensure quality.

He made it clear that there should be no compromise on the quality of major projects. Officials were also directed to complete the projects within the stipulated time and give proper attention to their maintenance and beautification. The CEO also reviewed various roundabouts in Panchkula and the ongoing beautification and maintenance work.

During a meeting with representatives of the concerned companies, he directed them to maintain the roundabouts properly, with good greenery, landscaping and beautification. He said the work should help strengthen Panchkula’s identity as a well-organised and beautiful city, with standards aimed at going beyond those seen in Chandigarh. A meeting was also held with officials of the Horticulture Wing. Directions were issued to improve the city’s green belts, parks, plantation activities and overall landscaping.

*Development plans based on local needs*

Sh. K.M. Pandurang directed officials to study the local conditions of each sector and junction and prepare development plans accordingly. Officials were asked to identify works based on priority and prepare the required proposals. He stressed that quality, public use and long-term maintenance should be kept in mind while planning and carrying out development works.

Other PMDA officials, including ACEO Bharat Bhushan and Chief Engineer Rajiv Sharma, were also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, September 26, 2026: Chandigarh BJP is gearing up to paint the city in colourful hues with a series of grand rangoli-making programmes from October 1 to October 11 under the ‘Sewa Ke Rang, Rashtra Ke Sang’ initiative, being organised as a tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s service to the nation.
The announcement was made following a meeting held under the stewardship of Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon, in which Chandigarh BJP workers and leaders from the Zila, Mandal and State levels participated. Leaders and workers of the Mahila Morcha also took part in the meeting. Notably, 

Tandon is the convenor of the programme.
Sanjay Tandon said, “As part of the campaign, Zila and Mandal-level teams will create 51-foot diameter rangoli, while Chandigarh BJP at the State level will create a giant 105-foot diameter rangoli. The programmes will be organised at different locations across the city between October 1 and October 11.”
The meeting also discussed preparations for the programmes and participation of BJP workers at different organisational levels to ensure their successful execution.
The Mahila Morcha will also organise a special rangoli-making programme, with a 17-foot diameter rangoli, adding another colourful dimension to the ‘Sewa Ke Rang, Rashtra Ke Sang’ celebration.
The ‘Sewa Ke Rang, Rashtra Ke Sang’ initiative is being organised as part of the ‘Sewa Sankalp Abhiyan’ celebrations marking 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service, with rangoli serving as a creative expression of the spirit of service and celebration. The ‘Sewa Sankalp Abhiyan: Sewa Ke Rang, Rashtra Ke Sang’ is also an initiative to contribute towards making the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 a reality.
The campaign commenced on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on September 17 and will conclude with a month-long celebration of service and public participation.

Chandigarh, September 26 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that austerity, restraint and self-discipline are the greatest assets in human life. He said true victory does not lie in defeating someone else, but in conquering the anger, greed, ego and hatred within oneself.

The Chief Minister was the chief guest at the Sarv Dharam Sammelan organised in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, on the sacred occasion of the 532nd Prakash Parv of Baba Sri Chand Ji Maharaj, the elder son of First Patshah Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and Purnamashi.

Welcoming the saints and religious leaders attending the programme, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the forms of worship, ways of offering prayers, attire and languages of different religions may vary, but the ultimate goal is the same- to awaken love within human beings, overcome ego, serve those who are suffering and connect with the Almighty. He said the Sarv Dharam Sammelan conveys the living message of Punjab’s great culture, which brings hearts together and places humanity above all.

Shedding light on the life of Baba Sri Chand Ji Maharaj, the Chief Minister said that born in 1494, Baba Sri Chand Ji’s life was an extraordinary example of renunciation, austerity and spiritual practice. He said that during difficult times, the saints made an invaluable contribution by taking care of religious places and taking the messages of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji to the people.

The Chief Minister thanked revered Baba Sukhdev Singh Bedi Ji, a 16th-generation descendant of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the organiser of the programme, for connecting the sacred Prakash Parv with the Sarv Dharam Sammelan and bringing people from all sections of society together on one platform.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana and Punjab were not only geographically close but also shared a common civilisation, culture and heritage of saints. He said the sacred memories of the Guru tradition and Udasi saints remained alive at several places in Haryana, including Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Kaithal, Jind, Sirsa and Ambala. He added that on the soil of Punjab, he had always experienced a sense of belonging and brotherhood.

The Chief Minister expressed concern that drugs, violence, stress and growing distraction were weakening the youth. He urged young people to imbibe self-discipline from Baba Sri Chand Ji Maharaj, the spirit of service from Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and courage from the Guru tradition, and channel their energy towards education, sports, employment, entrepreneurship and nation-building.

Referring to the Gurbani message, “Pavan Guru, Paani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat,” the Chief Minister emphasised the need to link religious programmes with cleanliness, water conservation and tree plantation. He said that planting a sapling, helping a person in need and helping a young person become free from drugs on the occasion of the Prakash Parv would be a true expression of devotion to Baba Sri Chand Ji Maharaj.

Chandigarh, September 26 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Indian men’s kabaddi team on winning the gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He especially congratulated the eight players from Haryana who were part of the gold-winning team and said that their outstanding performance had made the country and Haryana proud across the world.

The Chief Minister said that the Indian players displayed remarkable strength, exceptional skills and unwavering team spirit in the thrilling final against Iran to secure the historic victory.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the outstanding performance of Haryana’s youth at the Asian Games was the result of the state’s effective and encouraging sports policy as well as the players’ relentless hard work. He said that the players, with their excellent sporting ability and discipline, had brought laurels to both the country and the state at the global level.

The Chief Minister wished all the players a bright future and reiterated that the state government remained fully committed to encouraging medal winners and providing them with excellent sports facilities and all possible support.

The Indian men’s kabaddi team secured the gold medal after defeating Iran in an exciting final at the Asian Games 2026. Haryana made a significant contribution to the victory, with eight talented players from the state being part of the Indian team.

Chandigarh, September 25: Thousands of Haryana Congress workers and leaders staged a massive protest today at the State Election Commission office. Police, present in large numbers, stopped the Congress members, who had arrived to gherao to the office, using barricades and force.

Water cannons were also deployed against them in a dangerous manner. Several Congress leaders and workers sustained injuries due to police high-handedness. Police detained a large number of party leaders and workers and took them to the police station. The protesters raised slogans to condemn the dictatorial attitude of the police and the government.
The protest was led by the party’s state in-charge Sanjay Dutt, former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and state Congress president Rao Narendra. Also present on the occasion were MP Deepender Singh Hooda, Jaiprakash JP, Varun Mulana, Satpal Brahmachari, and Karamveer Baudh, along with various MLAs, former MLAs, district presidents, office-bearers, and senior leaders.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhupinder Singh Hooda stated that public trust in the Election Commission’s functioning has eroded, with revelations about it surfacing one after another. “Following Rahul Gandhi’s statements, media reports have now made it clear that the BJP formed governments in several states, including Haryana, by stealing votes,” he stated.
“Media reports clearly indicate that Gyanesh Kumar treated the Election Commission as his personal fiefdom to aid the BJP. He completely disregarded the other two Election Commissioners as well. Under these circumstances, Gyanesh Kumar has no right to continue in his post, he must resign immediately,” he added.

Hooda noted that the Congress had raised several questions with the Election Commission following the Haryana election results but has received no response to date. “For instance, on the night of the 5th, the Commission announced a voter turnout of 61.19% for Haryana. However, the figure was raised to 65.65% the following day, and further increased to 67.9% on the 7th, just a day before the vote count. It is baffling how the vote count could rise so significantly overnight,” he said.
The Leader of the Opposition stated that Rahul Gandhi had also exposed irregularities in the voter lists, backed by evidence. “The extent of the manipulation was such that, in some places in Haryana, 501 votes were registered against a single house; elsewhere, 223 votes (or in some instances, 100 votes) were created using the photograph of the same woman. Furthermore, 22 votes were registered using the photograph of a Brazilian model,” he pointed out.

“These are merely a few examples; the actual scale of the manipulation involves hundreds of thousands of votes. Electoral irregularities occurred not only in the constituencies where the Congress lost but also in those where it won. Otherwise, Congress MLAs would have secured victories with much larger margins,” he noted.
Hooda remarked that the BJP did not merely steal votes in Haryana but effectively stole the entire government through such tactics. “This amounts to a subversion of the country’s democracy and Constitution. The Congress will raise its voice against this on every platform,” he said.

Chandigarh:

“Academic collaboration is strengthening radiology education and translating advances in imaging into better patient care,” Prof.Akshay Kumar Saxena, Head, Radiodiagnosis & Imaging, PGIMER,

The longstanding academic collaboration between three premier medical institutions—AIIMS New Delhi, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi, and PGIMER Chandigarh—will continue with the 5th AIIMS–MAMC–PGI Series: Course on Musculoskeletal and Breast Imaging, being hosted by PGIMER on September 26–27, 2026.

Addressing the media at a curtain-raiser programme today, Prof.Akshay Kumar Saxena, Professor & Head, Department of Radiodiagnosis& Imaging, PGIMER, said, “The AIIMS–MAMC–PGI teaching course is a unique academic tradition built on the shared commitment of three premier institutions to excellence in radiology education. This edition brings together contemporary knowledge, practical case-based learning and multidisciplinary perspectives in musculoskeletal and breast imaging. Our endeavour is to strengthen the academic foundation of young radiologists while also helping practicing clinicians incorporate newer developments into diagnostic decision-making and patient care.”

The AIIMS–MAMC–PGI Teaching Course Series was initiated in 1996 with the vision of creating a strong academic platform for knowledge exchange, postgraduate teaching and professional development in radiology. Earlier editions were organised in 2000, 2005, 2013 and 2020. The present fifth edition marks another milestone in this enduring academic association.

The two-day course will focus on musculoskeletal and breast imaging, two dynamic and clinically important areas of modern radiology. Rapid advances in imaging technology, image-guided interventions, artificial intelligence, radiomics and functional imaging have considerably expanded the role of radiology—from diagnosis to treatment planning, intervention and multidisciplinary patient management.

Detailing on the highpoints,Prof. Mahesh Parkash, Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis& Imaging, PGIMER, said, “The strength of the AIIMS–MAMC–PGI series lies in its collaborative academic spirit and meaningful exchange of knowledge. This edition provides an opportunity for faculty, practicing radiologists and postgraduate residents to learn together, discuss challenging cases and engage with evolving concepts in musculoskeletal and breast imaging. Such platforms are essential for fostering continuous learning and ensuring that postgraduate training keeps pace with the rapidly changing landscape of modern radiology.”

The programme has been designed with contributions from faculty members of AIIMS, MAMC and PGIMER and will combine didactic lectures, multidisciplinary case-based discussions, film-reading sessions, a resident quiz and practical clinical insights. The sessions will address both established imaging principles and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on their application in routine clinical practice.

Highlighting advances in breast imaging, Prof.VeenuSingla, Professor, Department of Radiodiagnosis& Imaging, PGIMER, said, “Breast imaging is evolving rapidly with the integration of advanced imaging techniques, image-guided biopsy and artificial intelligence. AI-assisted technologies can support radiologists in analysing breast imaging, identifying areas requiring closer evaluation and improving the precision and efficiency of image-guided procedures. Modern biopsy techniques also enable more targeted tissue sampling with fewer needle insertions, making procedures more patient-friendly.”

Prof.VeenuSingla further said, “These technologies also have an important role in teaching and training residents by helping them understand imaging findings and build confidence in interpretation. However, AI should remain an aid to clinical expertise and not a replacement for the radiologist. Alongside technological advances, awareness of breast cancer warning signs and timely medical evaluation remain equally important, as early detection and appropriate diagnosis are central to effective patient care.”

The course is expected to bring together radiologists, postgraduate residents, faculty members and clinicians from across the country, providing a platform for academic interaction, professional exchange and collaborative learning.

With a special focus on postgraduate education, the programme will also offer practicing radiologists and clinicians an opportunity to update their knowledge of emerging imaging techniques and understand their practical clinical applications.

The continuation of the AIIMS–MAMC–PGI Teaching Course Series underscores the enduring value of academic collaboration among leading medical institutions and their shared commitment to excellence in medical education, continuing professional development and patient-centred care.