Chandigarh, May 16 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, continuous development works are being carried out in the country and the state. He said the benefits of government schemes are directly reaching eligible people. The government is dedicated to public service, nationalism, and the welfare of farmers and all sections of society.

The Agriculture Minister was interacting with media persons during the launch of the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Prashikshan Maha Abhiyan programme held at Kaithal on Saturday.

The Minister said that the purpose of the training camps being organised across the state is to spread awareness about government schemes among the public through party workers so that eligible people can avail their benefits. He said the camps also aim to strengthen the spirit of nationalism and contribute towards building a stronger nation.

He said the government is implementing various schemes for the welfare and upliftment of poor people, farmers, labourers and all other sections of society. The government is also committed to making women self-reliant and prosperous.

The Agriculture Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that a grand programme will be organised at Shahzadpur in Ambala on May 17 to mark Maharana Pratap Jayanti. He appealed to people in large numbers to participate in the event and make the programme a success.

He said Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to reduce the consumption of petrol and diesel so that the impact of global situations and wars can be minimised on the country. He added that Chief Minister, Sh.Nayab Singh Saini is also working in the same direction. He appealed to people to reduce the use of personal vehicles and travel through public transport.

The Minister said that he himself reached the programme in an escort vehicle instead of a private vehicle and the number of vehicles in the convoy was also reduced to save fuel. He also appealed to people attending the Maharana Pratap Jayanti programme to use public transport.

Replying to questions from journalists, the Minister said the government is continuously implementing new schemes to increase farmers’ income. He said Minimum Support Price (MSP) is announced before sowing of crops and payments are directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts through online mode. He added that the government is ensuring timely facilities so that farmers do not face any inconvenience.

MLA, Sh. Satpal Jamba, Sh. Sushil Rana, Former Minister, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda, along with other dignitaries, remained present.

Chandigarh, May 16 – Haryana Cooperation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, said that the State Government is fulfilling its responsibility by providing pilgrimage tours to elderly people. He said the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana reflects the government’s respect towards senior citizens. The government is continuously working for public welfare and Antyodaya.

The Cooperation Minister said this while flagging off a special train from Charkhi Dadri railway station for Sri Nanded Sahib. Wishing the devotees, he said that sending the Sri Nanded Sahib pilgrimage train under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana is not just a government programme, but a celebration of faith, service and respect. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini flagged off the train carrying devotees for Sri Nanded Sahib from Sirsa.

He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister and said that under his leadership, the State Government is continuously working with the spirit of public welfare and Antyodaya.

Under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, senior citizens are being given the opportunity to undertake free pilgrimage tours. The government is bearing the full cost of travel, food, accommodation and other arrangements. With the support of IRCTC, special trains have been arranged to take devotees to pilgrimage sites. He said this is not just a facility, but a mark of respect for the elderly.

He said the holy journey beginning today will take devotees to Sri Nanded Sahib, one of the five Takhts of the Sikh community. Therefore, Sri Nanded Sahib is not just a pilgrimage site, but a symbol of faith, courage, sacrifice and spiritual awareness.

He further said that a free pilgrimage tour to Somnath will also be organised soon.

Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Munish Nagpal, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Logesh Kumar P, SDM, Dr. Virender Singh, Vice Chairman Sh. Sandeep Phogat and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, May 16 – The Government of India has started the nationwide Census work in the state from May 1, 2026. During this period, authorised enumerators appointed by the administration are visiting houses to collect general information from citizens. People are requested to cooperate with the census staff and provide accurate and updated information. Citizens should check the identity cards of the enumerators and should not share any bank account-related information.

Sharing information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that the Census is a work of national importance. After the self-enumeration phase, enumerators are now conducting door-to-door surveys, which will continue till May 30. The spokesperson clarified that all information provided by citizens will be kept completely confidential and will not be shared with any person or organisation.

The spokesperson appealed to citizens to cooperate in the Census process and remain alert while sharing information. Officials will not ask for Aadhaar number, PAN number, bank account details or any OTP information. Citizens have also been advised to verify the identity card of the concerned official before sharing any details. The administration expects participation and cooperation from all citizens to ensure the success of the census.

Legal action may be taken in case of non-cooperation

The spokesperson said that the Census is a national responsibility, as development policies and distribution of resources are planned based on Census data. The spokesperson cautioned that refusing to provide information to Census officials or not cooperating with them is a punishable offence under the Census Act.

For any information related to Census 2027, citizens can contact the national toll-free helpline number 1855. Through this helpline, people can get answers in their own language regarding house listing and housing census-related queries.

These 33 questions will be asked during the Census

The spokesperson said that enumerators will ask questions related to building number or census number, house number, material used for the floor, walls and roof of the house,(e.g., cement, granite, or marble) use and condition of the house, family number, number of family members, name and gender of the head of the family, category (General, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, OBC), ownership status of the house, number of rooms, number of married couples, source and availability of drinking water, source of electricity, availability and type of toilet, drainage system, availability of bathroom, gas connection, main cooking fuel, availability of radio/transistor/TV, internet facility, laptop/computer, telephone/mobile/smartphone, bicycle/scooter/motorcycle, car/jeep/van, main cereal consumed and mobile number.

Chandigarh, May 16 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday inaugurated the two-day Prashikshan Maha Abhiyan-2026 in Yamunanagar. Earlier, the Chief Minister offered prayers at Saraswati Udgam Sthal Shri Adi Badri Narayan Temple and prayed for the progress and prosperity of the state. He also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the development works of Haryana.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana to provide economic and social security to women and girls. Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs. 2,100 is being provided. So far, Rs. 1,415 crore has been given to around 9.76 lakh women beneficiaries. Poor women are also being provided LPG cylinders at Rs. 500 every month to help manage household expenses. Under this scheme, Rs. 243 crore has been transferred to the bank accounts of around 14.38 lakh eligible women in the state.

He said that farmers’ welfare is at the centre of the government’s policies. All 24 crops are being purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). So far, Rs.1,80,000 crore has been transferred into the accounts of 12 lakh farmers for crop procurement. During the last 11 years, farmers have been given compensation worth Rs. 16,160 crore under compensation schemes and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop losses.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, around 20.18 lakh farmers have received Rs. 7,562 crore in 22 instalments directly into their bank accounts. To support stubble management, crop residue management machines are being provided to farmers at 50 percent subsidy. Since 2018-19, around 1,10,767 machines have been distributed on subsidy.

The Chief Minister said that the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana was introduced to protect farmers from fluctuations in market prices. The government has abolished the Abiana system, ending a practice that had continued since the British era. Paperless registration of land and property has been initiated across the state, making the registry process completely digital, he added.

He said that the creamy layer income limit for Backward Classes has been increased from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh. Reservation has also been provided to Backward Class-B in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.

The Chief Minister said that people living in houses built on Panchayati land up to 500 square yards in villages have been given ownership rights. Under the Happy Haryana Yojana, around 18.20 lakh Happy Cards have been issued to poor families, allowing them to travel free up to 1,000 kilometres annually in Haryana Roadways buses. He said that no poor person will now be deprived of medical treatment due to lack of money.

He further said that under the Pradhan Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, free solar rooftops have been installed on 54,958 houses. Under the Mhara Gaon-Jagmag Gaon Yojana, 24-hour electricity supply is being provided to 6,019 villages. Line losses in the state have reduced from 30 percent to 9.97 percent. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Har Ghar Nal Se Jal scheme has been provided to 30.41 lakh households.

The Chief Minister said that in the last one year, 36,000 youth have been given government jobs without “parchi-kharchi”. With this, a total of 1.80 lakh jobs have been provided during the last 11 years. Job security has also been ensured for 1.18 lakh youth appointed through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam. To assist youth seeking jobs abroad, the Haryana Overseas Employment Cell has been established, which is benefiting many people.

BJP Kurukshetra District President, Sh. Tejinder Singh Goldy, BJP District President, Sh.Rajesh Sapra, former Cabinet Minister, Sh. Subhash Sudha, former Cabinet Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal, BJP State Vice President, Smt. Banto Kataria, Mayor, Smt. Suman Bahmani, Sarasvati Heritage Board, Vice Chairman, Sh. Dhuman Singh Kirmich, Zila Parishad Chairman, Sh. Ramesh Thaska and several other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, May 16 – Following the call given by Prime Minister, Sh.Narendra Modi regarding fuel conservation and environmental protection, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini had directed departments to take appropriate steps for limited use of government vehicles and fuel saving. In line with these directions, Haryana Public Health Engineering and Public Works (Buildings and Roads) Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa has taken a major step by initiating effective action regarding the use of government vehicles in both departments.

On the directions of Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, a review of government vehicles being used in the departments was conducted. During the review, orders were issued by the Minister’s office to immediately withdraw nine vehicles from the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department and eight vehicles from the Public Works Department (PWD B&R). These vehicles were being used at the department headquarters and related offices. The Minister has also removed the pilot vehicle from his own convoy.

Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that in line with the vision of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government is working towards fuel conservation, environmental protection and responsible use of government resources.

He said that government vehicles should be used only for essential official and public welfare work.

He directed officerls to promote virtual meetings wherever possible, avoid unnecessary travel and adopt vehicle pooling to ensure fuel saving. He also directed all departmental officers to regularly monitor vehicle log books and fuel expenses.

He said that ensuring transparent and accountable use of public resources is the government’s priority. He made it clear that misuse of government resources will not be tolerated at any level.

As per the government orders, the process to withdraw 9 vehicles from the Public Health Department and 8 vehicles from the PWD Department has started with immediate effect.

Chandigarh

Ai+ Smartphone has announced the sale commencement of its latest device, Nova 2 Ultra, as part of the newly launched Nova Series. Designed as the most complete expression of the Nova lineup, the Nova 2 Ultra will be available exclusively on Flipkart and select retail outlets starting April (Day 1 of Sales). Post Day 1, Nova 2 Ultra will again go on sale on April 24, 2026, giving an opportunity to the fans to catch hold of one of the most promising smartphones from the Ai+ Smartphone repertoire.

Furthermore, the launch of Nova 2 Ultra builds on the strong momentum of Nova 2, which witnessed an exceptional Day 1 response with all units selling out within 15 minutes underscoring robust consumer demand and growing affinity for the Nova series.

Nova 2 Ultra will be available at the following pricing:

6GB + 128GB | ₹14,999* onwards
8GB + 128GB | ₹16,999* onwards

*Exchange any phone and get ₹2,000 additional off (working or damaged phone)

“With Nova 2 Ultra, we wanted to push what is possible at this price point — a Sony camera system, a flagship-grade display, and a design that actively responds to how you use your phone. This is for users who want everything, without having to choose between performance and personality,” said Madhav Sheth, CEO, Ai+ Smartphone and Founder, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies.

Performance and Display Built for More
The Nova 2 Ultra is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset with an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.6GHz and Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, paired with VC cooling for sustained performance through demanding tasks. It runs on Android 16 with NxtQuantum OS, delivering a smooth, optimised experience with real-time privacy transparency through the NxtPrivacy Dashboard. The 6.78-inch 1.5K punch-hole AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1800 nits HBM peak brightness delivers vivid, true-to-life visuals with fluid scrolling whether users are streaming content or navigating everyday tasks. Backing it all is a 6000mAh battery with 40W fast charging, ensuring the device keeps up through even the most demanding days.

A Camera and Design Built to Stand Out
The Nova 2 Ultra is equipped with a 50MP Sony Sensor IMX752 primary camera and an 8MP wide-angle lens, backed by Matrix AI Camera processing for detailed, accurate images across conditions. A 13MP front camera ensures sharp selfies and high-quality video calls. The IP68-rated build features dynamic, customizable lights in the back panel for calls & notification and more. It also has customizable action keys for gaming and storage expandable up to 1TB. Available in Blue, Green, Purple, Black, and Red, each finish is designed to make a statement.

What’s in the Box
The Nova 2 Ultra comes with free earbuds inside the box with 18W charger, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, a transparent TPU case, a screen protection film, and a SIM card tray ejector, user guide.

About Ai+ Smartphone

Ai+ Smartphone is a next-generation brand built in India, delivering reliable and high-performance mobile experiences. Powered by NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign mobile operating system. The brand focuses on delivering a clean design, ensuring long battery life, and maintaining trusted software performance, all while keeping prices accessible without compromising the user experience.

From redefining smartphones to pioneering AIoT products as part of the company’s Connected Ecosystem, Ai+ Smartphone is creating a new standard for trust, immersive experience, and accessibility. Rooted in a privacy-first architecture and a commitment to equitable access, Ai+ Smartphone stands for more than specs — it stands for India’s next era of user-owned, future-ready technology.

About NxtQuantum Shift Technologies
NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is a deep-tech Indian company building secure, sovereign digital platforms for a digital-first world. Founded by Madhav Sheth, the company develops NxtQuantum OS, India’s first sovereign operating system, and is committed to building technology that is authored in India and globally competitive

The Department of Translational & Regenerative Medicine, under the headship of Prof. Reena Das, organized a one day seminar cum workshop (14.05.26) in collaboration with MTPL on the characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from biological fluids and stem cell secretome. The event was aimed to introduce faculty and students to the growing importance of EVs in modern biomedical research. The programme began with expert talks by Dr. Aruna Rakha from the Department of Translational & Regenerative Medicine and Dr. Priyanka Srivastava from the Advanced Paediatric Centre, who explained the biological role of EVs and their emerging clinical relevance in a manner accessible to researchers, clinicians and students.

Extracellular vesicles are tiny particles released by cells that carry important biological information, such as proteins and genetic material. Since EVs can be found in easily accessible body fluids such as blood, urine and other biological samples, their study may help in developing less invasive methods for disease detection and monitoring. In the future, EV-based tests may support early diagnosis, help doctors understand disease progression and allow better tracking of treatment response without the need for repeated invasive procedures. EVs are being explored as biomarkers in several metabolic, neuronal, cardiac and immune-mediated diseases, and have also entered  as therapeutic intervention  in clinical trials for conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, dry eye disease and wound healing.

A key highlight of the workshop was the hands-on training session on Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) using the ZetaView TWIN platform. Mr. Chaitanya from MTPL explained the working principles and applications of NTA, demonstrating how this powerful technique can measure and characterize EVs based on their size, concentration and fluorescence tagged identifying antibodies. The practical session provided faculty and students valuable exposure to advanced technology used in EV research and helped bridge the gap between laboratory-based discoveries and their possible clinical applications for patient benefit.

CHANDIGARH, MAY 15, 2026 — Former Cabinet Minister and Member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Vijay Inder Singla, has reached out to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab through a formal letter, advocating for a robust drive to register young voters during the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Singla highlighted that the timing of the revision, coming so close to the Assembly elections, often leads to a trust deficit between the Election Commission, political parties, and the public. He stressed the necessity for the process to be conducted with absolute fairness and transparency to prevent the recurrence of issues previously seen in other states.
Expressing deep concern over the low engagement of the younger generation, Singla pointed out that according to 2024 data, only about 40% of eligible youth in the 18-19 age group were enrolled as voters. He emphasized that the vision of a “New Punjab” can only be realized through the fresh ideas of young minds. He further noted that the state requires innovative policy approaches to tackle pressing issues such as crime, drug addiction, the agricultural crisis, and unemployment, all of which demand the active participation of the Punjabi youth in the democratic process.
To address the existing enrollment gap, Singla suggested that the State Election Commission should launch targeted social media campaigns to reach out to the tech-savvy younger demographic. He also called for the sensitization of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who will be tasked with door-to-door physical verification from June 25 to July 24, to ensure they actively enlist new voters. Closing his appeal, the former MP expressed his hope that the Commission would treat this matter with the highest priority to ensure every eligible young voter is empowered to shape the future of Punjab.

Chandigarh, May 15

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh strongly criticized the BJP government over the continuous increase in petrol and diesel prices, stating that the anti-people policies of the Central Government have forced citizens to bear the double burden of inflation. He said that the constant rise in fuel prices is pushing the common man’s life into crisis and severely disturbing household budgets across the country.
Rao Narendra Singh said that on May 15, the Central Government increased fuel prices by more than ₹3 per litre, thereby imposing an unnecessary burden on the public.
He stated that the increase in diesel prices has the greatest impact on transportation and the prices of essential commodities. Rising costs of trucks and goods carriers make fruits, vegetables, milk, grains, and daily necessities more expensive, directly affecting the pockets of the poor and middle-class families.
The State Congress President further said that higher petrol and diesel prices are also increasing fares of auto-rickshaws, buses, and taxis, making travel difficult and costly for ordinary citizens. Operating private vehicles is also gradually going beyond the reach of common families.
He added that the agricultural sector is also facing serious consequences. The rising cost of diesel-operated tractors, tube wells, and irrigation pumps is continuously increasing farming expenses, pushing farmers deeper into financial distress. He remarked that while the BJP government talks about doubling farmers’ income, in reality it is increasing their expenditure and debt burden.
Rao Narendra Singh said that the industrial and business sectors are also suffering due to rising fuel prices. Increased transportation costs for raw materials and finished products are making production more expensive, the burden of which is ultimately falling on consumers.
He said that every family in the country today is troubled by inflation. Household kitchen expenses have increased, spending on children’s education and healthcare has gone up, while incomes remain stagnant. As a result, people are being forced to cut down on essential expenditures.
He demanded that the Central Government immediately reduce the heavy taxes imposed on petrol and diesel so that relief can be provided to the common people and inflation can be brought under control.
The Haryana Congress President also informed that instructions have been issued to all District Congress Committee Presidents to organize protest demonstrations at their respective district headquarters on any one day between May 18 and 20 against the increased petrol and diesel prices, and to submit memorandums addressed to the Hon’ble President of India in order to build pressure on the Central Government to roll back the price hike.

Chandigarh, May 14, 2026: Senior BJP leader and National Council Member of Bharatiya Janata Party, Sanjay Tandon, on Thursday met Amit Kumar, Municipal Commissioner, Chandigarh, along with a delegation of  Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Chandigarh Administration, and MC Employees & Workers, Chandigarh; led by its convener Surmukh Singh to discuss various long-pending issues concerning civic employees.

“We apprised the Municipal Commissioner of four major demands related to the welfare and service conditions of employees working in different departments of the Municipal Corporation. The first issue pertained to tube well operators, who, according to the delegation, were not being granted casual leave or weekly offs,” he said.

According to Tandon, taking immediate cognisance of the matter, the Commissioner summoned the Chief Engineer during the meeting itself and directed that necessary arrangements be made without delay to ensure that all tube well operators receive casual leave and weekly offs.

Tandon informed that the second demand concerned the promotion of tube well operators who have completed three years of service and are eligible to be considered for promotion as trade mates. On this matter, the Commissioner instructed the Chief Engineer to examine all legal and labour law aspects and submit a decision within the current month.

The third issue related to the Horticulture Department, where eleven posts of Head Mali are lying vacant. The delegation highlighted that eligible employees had not been promoted despite vacancies existing for a considerable period. The Commissioner directed the concerned officials to convene a Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting and complete the promotion process for eligible candidates from among the existing gardeners at the earliest.

The fourth matter raised was regarding sanitation workers engaged in toilet maintenance, whose wages were allegedly not being paid according to prescribed DC rates. The Commissioner sought detailed information regarding the locations and wage structures concerned so that the matter could be addressed effectively and expeditiously.

Tandon said, “We placed the concerns of employees in a very constructive manner and I appreciate the positive response shown by the Municipal Commissioner Mr Amit Kumar. It is encouraging that immediate directions were issued on key issues concerning the welfare of employees.”

He further said, “Employees working at the grassroots level are the backbone of the city’s civic infrastructure. Their genuine demands deserve timely attention and resolution. We will continue to ensure that their voices are heard at every appropriate forum.”

The employees’ delegation expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the meeting and thanked Sanjay Tandon for facilitating the discussion with the Municipal Commissioner. Among those present in the delegation were the JAC’s Chairman Raja Ram, Convener Surmukh Singh, Co-Conveners Jagmohan Singh and Swaran Singh, Patron Surinder Sharma, Secretary Ravinder Bindu, besides Kamal Kumar and Raj Kumar.