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Chandigarh

Grand Finale of Sardar Bhagwant Singh Memorial Basketball Trophy Held

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Chandigarh, November 13, 2025: The Sardar Bhagwant Singh Memorial Basketball Trophy, organized by Vivek High School, Mohali, concluded at Sector 42 Sports Complex, Chandigarh. Throughout the tournament, players showcased remarkable enthusiasm, teamwork, and sporting excellence.

The chief guest for the final matches was Vikramjeet Singh Mamik, Administrator of Vivek High School, who congratulated the winning teams and lauded the players’ dedication and discipline.

In the Boys U-17 category’s final match Vivek High School, Mohali defeated Vivek High School, Chandigarh 53–43. Aditya scored 24 points for the winners, while Veer Hriday scored 16 for the runners-up.

In the Girls U-17 category GNPS, Chandigarh triumphed over KV High Ground School 51–43. Sukhman scored 26 points for the winners, and Seerat scored 21 for the runners-up.

Meanwhile, in the finals of the Under – 14 Boys St. Kabir School, Chandigarh beat Strawberry Fields School, Chandigarh 45-38. Main scorer for the winning team was Vardan – 27 while the main scorer for the runners-up was Riyansh – 15.

In the final of Under -14 Girls Sacred Heart School, Chandigarh triumphed over Learning Paths School (LPS), Mohali 32-19.  Callista with 09 points scored highest for the winners while for the runners-up Khushnoor scored 16 points.

The result of Boys U-12 went in favour of YPS, Mohali who’s cagers outplayed Vivek High School, Mohali 22–8 to lift the trophy. Samarth with 20 points was the highest scorer for the winners and Vedant with 6 points was the best scorer for the 1st Runners-up.

In the Girls U-12 category Learning Paths School, Mohali secured a victory over YPS, Mohali with a score of 20-6. Vanisha scored 10 points for the winning team and Liana scored 3 points for the 1st runners-up.

In the Boys U-10 category Saupin’s School, Chandigarh emerged as champions and in the U-10 Girls segment LPS, Mohali were the winners. The U-10 tourney was played on the league format and the matches for U 12, 14 and 17 on the knock-out format.

After the finals, an award ceremony was held to felicitate the winning teams. Principal Jaswinder Gandhok of the host school, Vivek High School, Mohali, and Administrator of Vivek High School, Vikramjeet Singh Mamik, presented trophies, cash prizes, medals, and certificates to the winners across various categories. In total, cash prizes worth ₹2,70,000 were distributed among boys and girls across all age groups.

Vikramjeet Singh Mamik said that the tournament serves as a unique platform for aspiring basketball players who wish to pursue the sport as a career. He added that more than 73 teams from leading schools across the region participated in this inter-school basketball tournament.
Notably, prizes were also given for man-of-the-match  in the finals of different age categories for both boys and girls. Moreover, ‘player of the tournament’ award was also given under all age groups for both boys and girls. 

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Ninth PGI Gastrointestinal Emergencies Update to be held from Nov 14-16

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Chandigarh: The Department of Gastroenterology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is organizing the 9th  PGI Gastrointestinal (GI) Emergencies Update from November 14 to 16, 2025. This national-level academic event will bring together leading gastroenterologists, physicians, and trainees from across the country for focused discussions and hands-on learning on the theme of Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

The conference aims to enhance understanding and promote evidence-based management of emergencies related to the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Gastrointestinal emergencies are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and timely, goal-directed intervention during the crucial early hours can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The scientific program will cover a wide range of emergency conditions, including gastrointestinal bleeding, acute pancreatitis, complicated gallbladder disease, and complications of liver failure such as bleeding, infection, and hepatic encephalopathy. Dedicated sessions will also address intestinal obstruction, severe inflammatory bowel disease, corrosive ingestion, and critical care management of patients in the intensive care unit.

Speaking about the event, Prof Usha Dutta, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that the ninth edition of this program reflects the department’s sustained commitment to bridging the knowledge gap between frontline doctors managing emergencies and specialists in the field. “Our goal is to empower the first-contact physicians with the skills and confidence needed to handle GI emergencies effectively and improve patient outcomes,” she said.

Gastrointestinal bleeding—a common but potentially life-threatening emergency—will be one of the key focus areas. Experts will discuss the causes, including peptic ulcers, esophageal tears, and variceal bleeding in chronic liver disease, as well as the latest endoscopic techniques and therapeutic tools available for effective management.

Acute pancreatitis, another major GI emergency, will be covered extensively. This condition, often triggered by alcohol intake, gallstones, or high lipid levels, requires prompt recognition and early intervention, particularly in the first 72 hours. Sessions will address preventive strategies, early diagnosis, and comprehensive management protocols.

The conference will also feature deliberations on liver-related emergencies, including acute liver failure, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (infected ascites), and renal and cerebral complications of chronic liver disease. Other topics include acute severe ulcerative colitis, biliary obstruction and cholangitis, and foreign body ingestion—all of which demand timely, multidisciplinary management.

A hands-on training workshop will be held on November 14 2025 at Hotel Radisson RED, Mohali, led by Prof. S.K.Sinha, Dr. Jayanta Samanta, Dr. Abhirup Chatterjee. Participants will receive practical training through simulated models and case-based discussions. A special session on POCUS (Point-of-Care Ultrasound) will also be conducted to help residents and trainees enhance bedside diagnostic and procedural skills essential for managing GI emergencies.

The Organizing Chairperson of the conference is Prof. Usha Dutta, with Dr. Vishal Sharma and Dr. Jimil Shah served as Organizing Secretaries. The faculty includes distinguished experts from across India who will share the latest insights, research findings, and best practices in the management of gastroenterological emergencies.

Patients with gastrointestinal emergencies are often critically ill and require rapid, standardized care. This conference aims to provide a platform for meaningful knowledge exchange between experts and young physicians, ensuring that cutting-edge evidence and practical expertise translate into better patient outcomes. With rapid advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, such programs play a vital role in keeping healthcare professionals updated and prepared to deliver high-quality emergency care.

Chandigarh, Haryana

M3M Foundation Tops Gurugram’s Philanthropy Charts with Rs 70 Crore Social Investment; Featured on EdelGive–Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025

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Gurugram, 12 November 2025 :  In FY 2024–25, M3M Foundation invested an impressive ₹70 crore in high-impact programmes, positioning itself among India’s foremost private philanthropy contributors. M3M Foundation proudly announces its inclusion in the prestigious EdelGive–Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025, recognising a total social investment of ₹70 crore during the review period. This milestone places M3M Foundation at the forefront of philanthropic activity in Gurugram, contributing a significant share to the city’s cumulative giving of ₹90 crore — marking Gurugram’s highest philanthropic contribution this year. With the Foundation’s work guided by Dr. Payal Kanodia, daughter of Shri Basant Bansal, alongside Trustees Shri Basant Bansal and Shri Roop Bansal, M3M Foundation solidifies its commitment to catalysing large-scale social impact across education, health, livelihoods, environment, and sports.

“We believe that education is the first multiplier of change” said Dr. Payal Kanodia. “Our strategic investments aim to create pathways that strengthen communities—through quality learning, health access, environmental resilience, and inclusive sports. This recognition reflects our deep resolve to transform potential into possibility”.

Alongside legacy business enterprises like Ashirvadam NGO (Ashok Soota), Jindal Steel and Power (Naveen Jindal & family), Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy (Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw), CESC (Sanjiv Goenka & family), Micro Labs (Dilip Surana & Anand Surana), Muthoot Finance (George Jacob Muthoot & family), and Ashraya Hastha Trust (K. Dinesh), M3M Foundation, led by Dr. Payal Kanodia, Shri Basant Bansal and Shri Roop Kumar Bansal, has earned its place among India’s top 10 philanthropists with a ₹70 crore contribution recognised on the EdelGive–Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 who donated between INR 50 Cr – INR 100 Cr.

Ranked No. 7 on EdelGive–Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 nationally among philanthropists who donated between INR 50 Cr – INR 100 Cr. By channeling ₹70 crore of focused capital within Gurugram and beyond, the Foundation exemplifies how regional anchors can power India’s expanding philanthropy ecosystem, contributing meaningfully to the nation’s collective giving of ₹10,380 crore in 2025.

With a strong emphasis on education-led giving, the Foundation continues to align with national priorities through initiatives in school enablement, teacher capacity building, digital learning, and scholarships—empowering communities with the tools to thrive.

Beyond education, M3M Foundation’s work spans migrant-worker welfare (through cooked meals and health services), wildlife conservation and water security (Tipeshiwar, Kolhu Chaur), sports and inclusive athletics (para-athlete partnerships), and artisan livelihoods (Sea Buckthorn enterprise in Nubra).

With its inclusion in the EdelGive–Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025, M3M Foundation stands as a powerful example of outcome-driven giving rooted in purpose and impact. Under the leadership of Dr. Payal Kanodia, alongside Shri Basant Bansal and Shri Roop Bansal, the Foundation is poised to deepen its interventions and widen its footprint across India. Going forward, M3M Foundation aims to scale education access and quality through digital platforms and “school-plus” models, strengthen sustainable livelihoods by linking skilling and entrepreneurship to market access, expand wildlife conservation efforts into new regions such as the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, and build inclusive sports ecosystems to nurture India’s next-generation champions. As Dr. Kanodia aptly states, “This is not simply an accolade—it is a reminder of our responsibility. Philanthropy must not stay static; it must grow, adapt and deliver. We are ready for the next chapter”.

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Gurugram Becomes a ‘Stroke-Ready City’: Marengo Asia Hospitals Launches 24×7 Brain Stroke Helpline with a Soulful Sufi Concert

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Gurugram, 12 November 2025 : In a unique initiative to raise awareness about stroke and the importance of timely treatment, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram has launched the city’s first 24×7 Brain Stroke Helpline – 1800-309-0247, under its campaign “Strike Out Stroke (SOS)”. The helpline aims to provide immediate medical assistance to patients and their families when every second counts.

The campaign began with a special Sufi music concert designed to spread awareness about the early symptoms of stroke and the critical importance of the ‘golden hour’ in treatment. Renowned Sufi singer UstadMa Zila Khan performed at the event, touching hearts and conveying a message of healing through her soulful renditions. The concert was held at Orana Conventions, Gurugram.

Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, said, “Many patients reach hospitals late because their families fail to recognize the early signs of stroke. This helpline connects patients instantly with neurologists and emergency teams, leading to better treatment outcomes.”

Dr Raajiv Singhal, Founding Member, Group Managing Director and CEO, Marengo Asia Hospitals, added,

“At Marengo Asia Hospitals, our objective is not just to deliver advanced neuro care, but to build a strong ecosystem around it – an ecosystem powered by clinical expertise, continuous training, and a deep commitment to innovation. Over the years, we have made a focused efforts towards developing specialised teams, nurturing talent, and creating platforms like the Haryana Neuro Conclave that encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Neuro sciences remain a core strategic priority for us, and we are consistently strengthening our capabilities — from infrastructure and technology to research and skill enhancement. This journey is rooted in effort, discipline, and an unwavering belief in our purpose — to make world-class neurological care accessible, outcomes-driven, and future-ready for every patient we serve.”

Dr Saurabh Lal, Vice President and Facility Director, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram added, “Our vision is to make Gurugram a ‘Stroke-Ready City’. With a 250-bed multi-super specialty hospital, stroke ICU, rehabilitation unit, and a 24×7 expert neuro team, we are equipped to deliver comprehensive and advanced stroke care.”

With these initiatives, Marengo Asia Hospitals has not only strengthened the landscape of advanced neuro care but has also used the power of music to deliver a strong message of health awareness to the community.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

COLORS presents “Tu Juliet Jatt Di” – Ek new-age kahani jaha likhe jayenge pyaar ke naye rules!

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Chandigarh, November 2025: College is usually where love stories begin with friendships, crushes, canteen banter, and late-night confessions. However, COLORS’ latest offering Tu Juliet Jatt Di completely flips the narrative where a marriage happens first… then they go to college… and then love happens! This new-age campus romance follows two opposites whose lives are set to collide in the most unexpected way. Set against the lively backdrop of Chandigarh Prime University, this love story is filled with chemistry, chaos, and charm — turning ‘never’ into ‘forever.’ Meet Nawab (Syed Raza), a wealthy, carefree Jatt who lives life on his own terms – bold, spontaneous, and allergic to commitment. Heer (Jasmeet Kaur) is his complete contrast: ambitious, disciplined, practical, and determined to build a better future for her mother. Love is not a priority for her – it’s not even on the schedule. But when circumstances force them into marriage before college life even begins, the journey that follows is emotional, humorous, and full of unexpected sparks. Because sometimes, love doesn’t start with a feeling – it starts with fate.

Ahead of the show’s premiere, the lead cast- Sangita Ghosh, Jasmeet Kaur, and Syed Raza visited Chandigarh to celebrate the spirit of young love with students. The actors joined an engaging interaction at Underpass, Sector 17, where students came together to share their ‘Never Se Forever’ love stories, participate in a lively flashmob, and enjoy impromptu jamming sessions. The evening was filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt conversations as the cast connected with fans, bringing alive the show’s youthful energy and romantic essence.

Sameer Gogate, Business Head, Jiostar says, “At COLORS, we’ve always strived to bring stories that are bold, raw, heartfelt, and zinda-dil — narratives that strike a chord with audiences across generations. ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ perfectly embodies that spirit. It captures the pulse of today’s youth while staying rooted in the vibrant culture of Punjab. More than just a campus romance, it’s a celebration of resilience, identity, ambition and young love — a reflection of how today’s generation balances ambition, friendship, dreams, and responsibility in their journey of growing up.”

Producer Sargun Mehta from Dreamiyata Entertainment says, “College is where identities are built – where you figure out who you are, who you refuse to be, and what you’re willing to fight for. With ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’, we wanted to explore a kind of love that is unusual, inconvenient, and transformative. Heer and Nawaab don’t complete each other; they challenge each other. The college romance unfolds in Chandigarh, a city that has given me so much love in my own journey. This is our fun and light-hearted take on love in which enemies become classmates, classmates become unexpected allies, and every test teaches a lesson no textbook can cover.”

Essaying the role of Nawab, Syed Raza says, “Usually, college is where love stories begin, with crushes, canteen banter, and late-night confessions. But Tu Juliet Jatt Di flips the script completely and that’s what makes the show so unique and unpredictable. Nawab is a guy who lives by his own rules. For him, college was supposed to be about fun, freedom, and fame until the studious Heer rattles him in a way no one ever has. ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ is love in reverse, unpredictable, and refreshingly real.”

Taking on the role of Heer, Jasmeet Kaur says, “This show exquisitely captures the tug-of-war between responsibility and emotion, logic and heart. It’s about how life doesn’t always ask for your permission before turning upside down, and in that chaos, you might just find something real. ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ doesn’t pretend that love is easy or picture-perfect — and that’s what makes it real. Heer is a girl who lives by plans and priorities; love was never on her timetable. Suddenly finding herself married to someone like Nawab—impulsive, unpredictable, and everything she isn’t—throws her world off balance. What I love about her is that she stands her ground: sharp, ambitious, and unafraid to call out nonsense, even when it comes from her own husband.”

Taking on the role of Gulaab, Sangita Ghosh says, “I’m portraying Gulaab – a mother whose love knows no boundaries and no brakes. She’s used to being the centre of every room she walks into and expects everyone, including her son, to move in her orbit. In protecting him from every scolding, failure, and harsh realities, her love has turned into control. What makes the character fascinating is that she believes every act of manipulation comes from love. As Nawab steps into college life with dreams, freedom, and love, Gulaab’s fear of losing influence deepens. It’s a story today’s youth will relate to – the tug between freedom and family expectations. Gulaab may be flawed and obsessive, but her heart beats only for her son and I hope viewers will feel the emotion behind every action that she takes.”

Juliet aur Jatt keh rahe hain never… par kya kismet isse bana degi forever? Dekhiye ‘Tu Juliet Jatt Di’ 17th November se har raat 7 baje, sirf COLORS aur JioHotstar par

About ‘COLORS’:
COLORS is a prominent Hindi general entertainment channel within the JioStar network. Launched on July 21, 2008, the channel offers a rich blend of emotions and variety, delivering content that resonates deeply with its viewers. From fiction and format-based shows to reality TV and blockbuster movies, the channel offers varied ‘Jazbaat Ke Rang’. COLORS is dedicated to promoting cohesive viewing, through shows such as Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav, Binddii, Mangal Lakshmi, Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki, Manpasand ki Shaadi, Pati Patni Aur Panga, Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment, Bigg Boss, and Khatron Ke Khiladi amongst others.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Capacity Building Plan launched for Officers and Officials of Haryana Vidhansabha Secretariat

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Chandigarh, November 10
A comprehensive Capacity Building Plan for officers and employees of the Haryana Legislative Assembly was formally launched at the Assembly premises on Monday.

The event was marked by an inaugural ceremony, where Speaker Shri Harvinder Kalyan and Shri Manoj Yadava, Director General of the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), presented an outline of the training programme. HIPA will serve as the nodal agency for the initiative and establish a dedicated wing for legislative training.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said that the Assembly is carrying forward several initiatives started in the past, in collaboration with the Lok Sabha, while also introducing new measures to enhance the quality of work. Drawing an analogy to the operation of a transport service, he emphasized that as members of a great institution, everyone bears unique responsibilities, and the Assembly’s success depends on the collective fulfillment of these roles.
He further remarked, “Government work is divine work, and it must be performed with complete dedication.” Comparing the institution to a family, he noted that the head of a family remains committed to the welfare of all members, and collective effort, discipline, and a sense of responsibility are key to progress.
Kalyan described the capacity building initiative as a concrete step aligned with the Prime Minister’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, aimed at fostering efficiency and dynamism in institutional work culture.

He added that efforts are underway to strengthen the Assembly’s Research Wing and to contribute meaningfully to realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘One Nation, One Legislature Framework.’ He acknowledged the guidance of Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla in ensuring the systematic execution of these reforms.
Through this capacity building programme, officials of the Legislative Assembly Secretariat will gain deeper insights into legislative processes and become better equipped for transparent, technology-driven operations. The initiative seeks to enhance administrative efficiency, transparency, and technological competence among officers and staff.

“An administration can only remain effective when it embraces continuous learning, innovation, and accountability,” Kalyan observed, adding that the Assembly is not just a center of legislative activity but also a laboratory for good governance, accountability, and public service excellence.
HIPA Director General Shri Manoj Yadava said the training programme will make the Secretariat’s work processes more structured and outcome-oriented. Special sessions will cover topics such as administrative leadership, communication skills, decision-making, and digital management. He clarified that the pre-training assessment should not be seen as an exam but as an evaluation tool to design more effective training sessions. The event saw enthusiastic participation from officers, and the Assembly premises resonated with the spirit of good governance and administrative empowerment.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Assembly Secretary Rajiv Prasad extended a vote of thanks to all dignitaries, officers, and media representatives.
Later, addressing the media, Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said the initiative would prove to be a milestone in transforming the Haryana Legislative Assembly into a modern, technology-enabled, and efficient institution.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh Literary Society announces the Longlist for CLF Literati Awards 2025

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Chandigarh, November 9– Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS) has announced the longlist for the inaugural CLF Literati Awards 2025, instituted to honour outstanding works of fiction and non-fiction in English and Hindi. Festival Director Dr. Sumita Misra informed that the CLF Literati Book Awards aim to celebrate creativity, originality, and the cultural impact of contemporary writing in India. The longlist features an impressive line-up of celebrated authors and emerging voices whose works reflect the depth and diversity of Indian literary expression.

“Literature shapes how we see our world and ourselves,” said Dr. Sumita Misra, Chairperson, CLS. “Through the CLF Literati Awards, we aim to honour stories and ideas that enrich our collective imagination and uphold the spirit of creative excellence.”

The awards are part of the 13th edition of the Chandigarh Literature Festival – Literati 2025, to be held on November 22–23 at Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh. “We received 350+ entries from all leading publishers all over India,” added Dr Sumita Misra.

A distinguished jury will evaluate the long-listed titles to select the shortlist and ultimately the winners, who will be felicitated at the festival with a cash award, citation, and trophy.

CLF Literati Book Awards 2025 – Longlist

In the English Non-Fiction category, the longlisted authors include Ajay Bisaria for Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship between India and Pakistan (Aleph Book Company); Alka Pande for Devi and Her Avatars (Rupa Publications India); Amitabh Kant for How India Scaled Mt G20 (Rupa Publications India); Amitav Ghosh for Wild Fictions: Essays (HarperCollins Publishers India); Amrita Shah for The Other Mohan in Britain’s Indian Ocean Empire: A Personal Journey into History (HarperCollins Publishers India); Devdutt Pattanaik for Ahimsa: 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization (HarperCollins Publishers India); Gopalkrishna Gandhi for The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India (Aleph Book Company); Ira Mukhoty for The Lion and the Lily: The Rise & Fall of Awadh (Aleph Book Company); Najma Heptulla for In Pursuit of Democracy: Beyond Party Lines (Rupa Publications India); Peter Heehs for The Mother: A Life of Sri Aurobindo’s Spiritual Collaborator (HarperCollins Publishers India); Pushpesh Pant for From the King’s Table to Street Food: A Food History of Delhi (Speaking Tiger Books); Ramachandra Guha for Speaking with Nature: The Origins of Indian Environmentalism (HarperCollins Publishers India); Ruskin Bond for Another Day in Landour: Looking Out from My Window (HarperCollins Publishers India); Shashi Tharoor for A Wonderland of Word: Around the Word in 101 Essays (Aleph Book Company); and Stephen Alter for The Cobra’s Gaze: Exploring India’s Wild Heritage (Aleph Book Company).

In the English Fiction category, the longlist features Amarjit Sidhu (A River Runs Back, Speaking Tiger Books); Amitabha Bagchi (Unknown City: A Novel, HarperCollins Publishers India); Anita Desai (Rosarita, Pan Macmillan India); Annie Zaidi (The Comeback: A Novel, Aleph Book Company); Anuradha Marwah (Aunties of Vasant Kunj, Rupa Publications); Ashwin Sanghi (The Ayodhya Alliance: Bharat Collection 8, HarperCollins Publishers India); Bhaichand Patel (Across the River, Speaking Tiger Books); Farrukh Dhondy (Deccan Queen Take Two, Om Books International); Hamish Morjaria (The Curse of Muziris, Pan Macmillan India); Jeet Thayil (The Elsewhereans: A Documentary Novel, HarperCollins Publishers India); Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri (Swallowing the Sun: A Novel, Aleph Book Company); Manjul Bajaj (Once Upon A Summer, HarperCollins Publishers India); Rashmi Narzary (Whistles of the Siphoong: Tales from the Bodo Heartland, Om Books International); Shabir Ahmad Mir (The Last Knot, Pan Macmillan India), and Stephen Alter (The Greatest Game: Being the Further Adventures of Kimball O’Hara, Aleph Book Company).

The Hindi Fiction/Non-Fiction longlist includes Anju Ranjan (Sheetal Dhoop, Vijaya Books); Anurag Anant (Muhavare Ki Maut, Lokbharti Prakashan); Balram (Shubh Din, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.); Geetashree (Kaamnaon Ki Munder Par, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.); Kaifi Hashmi (Shea Butter, Lokbharti Prakashan); Manoj Kumar Pandey (Pratiroop, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.); Padmaja (Main Koi Aur, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.); Renu Behl (Raat Ka Chautha Pahar, Educational Publishing House); Kailash Wankhede (Ujla Andhera, Rajkamal Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.), and Yatish Kumar (Borsi Bhar Aanch, Radhakrishna Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.).

Chandigarh

Energy Minister Anil Vij orders strict action against agents involved in illegal trafficking to Russia 

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Chandigarh, November 9 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij has directed the police to take strict action against two agents who allegedly sent two youths from Ambala Cantt’s Defence Colony to Russia through illegal means.

Sh.Vij was redressing the grievances at his residence in Ambala Cantt. A complainant from Defence Colony stated that two agents from Panjokhra Sahib and Dayalbagh lured him with a promise to send him to Georgia and demanded Rs. 5 lakh. The complainant paid the amount, but instead of sending him to Georgia, the agents first sent him to Mecca. Later, they illegally sent him to Russia on a tourist visa, where he was arrested by local authorities. He was imprisoned for nearly two months before being deported back to India. He alleged that the agents cheated him of around Rs.8.5 lakh.

Similarly, another youth also accused the same agents of illegal trafficking and fraud. He said that after reaching Russia, he did not receive the promised work permit. When he contacted the agents, they threatened him, and soon after, Russian police detained and deported him back to India. He claimed to have been cheated of approximately Rs. 9 lakh.

Taking serious note of both incidents, Minister Sh. Anil Vij instructed the police to start an immediate investigation and take stringent action against the culprits.

During the grievance hearing, several other complaints were also presented before the Minister. Sh. Anil Vij directed the concerned departments and officers to take immediate and effective action.

Chandigarh

Special focus will be laid on last-mile connectivity along with expansion of metro services: Manohar Lal

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Chandigarh, November 9 – Union Minister for Housing, Urban Affairs and Power Sh. Manohar Lal said the expansion of metro services is being undertaken to ease traffic congestion in the country’s crowded cities. He announced that a separate licence for last-mile connectivity will no longer be required, as it will now be integrated within the metro service licence itself. Emphasizing the importance of last-mile connectivity, especially in busy urban areas, he said this will ensure that people can easily reach their destinations.

The Union Minister was addressing representatives from various states during the valedictory session of the 18th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition held in Gurugram. He congratulated all participants for the successful completion of the three-day conference and said that the event was not limited to discussions but aimed at implementing practical ideas shared by experts.

Sh. Manohar Lal underlined the need to increase the number of electric vehicles and address challenges such as charging infrastructure. He said that India has surplus electricity, which will ensure sufficient power for charging stations, and stressed adopting new technologies like superchargers that can charge vehicles quickly. He added that with the projected rise in India’s urban population by 2047, it is essential to work in a planned and innovative manner from now on. The Minister also encouraged the use of National Common Mobility Cards and QR codes to simplify payment systems.

He spoke about parking challenges in big cities like Delhi and said there is a need to address them effectively. He suggested that next year’s conference include new topics and focus more on digital accessibility. He assured participants that the ideas and recommendations discussed during the conference will be taken forward at the ministerial level to ensure the event’s objectives are fulfilled. He said the government is working actively to develop better infrastructure and is committed to providing improved services in every sector.

GMRL Managing Director Dr. Chandra Shekhar Khare welcomed Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal during the valedictory session and said that the three-day conference in Gurugram brought together participants, experts, and city representatives from across the country. They not only deliberated on the future of urban mobility policies but also expressed a shared commitment to giving a new direction to India’s mobility. Dr. Khare said the insights, innovative ideas, and policy suggestions emerging from the conference would help state governments and municipal bodies take concrete steps to strengthen urban mobility in their regions. He urged all participants to implement the learnings from the conference to make Indian cities not only smart but also sustainable and people-centric.

In recognition of excellence in urban transport, states, Union Territories, and city authorities were honoured during the valedictory session. Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal presented awards to the winners. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation Limited, Chennai, received the award for the City with the Best Public Transport System, while BRTS Company Limited, Hubballi–Dharwad, received a commendation certificate. Udaipur Smart City Limited, Udaipur, was awarded in the City with the Best Non-Motorised Transport category, with Thrissur (State Mission Management) receiving a special mention. The Municipal Corporation Pimpri Chinchwad was honoured as the City with the Most Innovative Financing. Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation Limited (TGREDCO), Hyderabad, won the City with the Best Green Transport Initiative award, while Kochi Metro Rail Limited, Kochi, received a commendation certificate. Chennai Metro Rail Limited received the Metro Rail with the Best Multi-Modal Integration award, while the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Delhi, was recognized for Best Passenger Service, with Chennai Metro Rail Corporation also receiving a commendation certificate in this category. The Running Trophy for the State/UT Implementing the Best Urban Transport Project (Last Year) was jointly awarded to West Bengal Electronics Industry Development Corporation Limited, Kolkata, and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Mysuru, with a special mention for Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), Bhubaneswar. Aizawl (Town and Country Planning Department, Mizoram) received a special award for Traffic Management.

On this occasion, Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal launched the logo and official website of the PM e-Bus Service. He said this initiative marks a new revolution in India’s urban transport system, making public transport cleaner and more modern, while also contributing significantly to pollution control and environmental protection.

The Union Minister also announced that the 19th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Exhibition will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from October 23 to 25, 2026, under the theme “Urban Accessibility and Livability in the Digital Age.”

The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Sh. Tokhan Sahu, Tamil Nadu Minister for Transport and Power S. S. Shivashankar, Rajasthan Urban Housing Minister Jhavar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Shrinivas Katikithala, Principal Advisor to the Urban Development Department, Haryana, Sh. D.S. Dhesi, OSD, MoHUA Sh. Jaydeep, Additional Chief Secretary, Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana, Sh. A.K. Singh, Managing Director, Gurugram Metro Rail Limited, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Khare, Managing Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Sh. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, National Capital Region Transport Corporation, Sh. Shalabh Goyal, DC Ajay Kumar, CP Vikas Arora, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Manesar, Ayush Sinha, and HSVP Administrator Vaishali Singh, among other dignitaries.

Chandigarh

Massive Public Support for NDA in Bihar: CM Nayab Singh Saini

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Chandigarh, November 9 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today held a grand election roadshow in support of the NDA alliance candidate in the Bagaha Assembly constituency of Bihar. A huge crowd gathered to welcome him. The Chief Minister said that there is tremendous enthusiasm among the people of Bihar in favour of the NDA, and the people are once again going to elect the NDA government in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that in Haryana, the triple-engine government is setting new benchmarks of public welfare and development. He added that the NDA government in Bihar is fully committed to strengthening law and order, providing more employment opportunities to the youth, and giving a new direction to development. He said that keeping in view the policy of clean governance, transparency, and accountability, the people of Bihar will once again ensure NDA’s victory in the elections.

The Chief Minister stated that Bihar has always prioritized good governance. The NDA government accelerated the pace of development in the state, upheld the rule of law, and made remarkable achievements in the fields of women’s safety, education, and health. He said that the people of Bihar had placed their trust in the NDA and gave it the opportunity to govern, and today the results are evident — development is taking place, and there is an atmosphere of security and stability.

He said with the formation of the NDA government once again, Bihar will gain the strength of a “triple-engine” government, which will further accelerate the pace of development. He appealed to the people to ensure the victory of the NDA alliance and continue this journey of good governance. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that with the blessings of the people, the NDA will once again receive a clear mandate and lead Bihar on a new path of progress.