Barnala, October 11:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday underscored the need to channelise unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction to contribute in the socio-economic progress of the country and the state.

Addressing participants at the Regional Youth Festival held at SD College, Barnala, the Chief Minister exhorted youngsters to draw inspiration from revolutionary icons like Shaheed Bhagat Singh and other martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. He said that the ideals and sacrifices of these youth icons serve as guiding principles for the youth to render selfless service to the nation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for the well being of the youth.

The Chief Minister said that on one hand unprecedented steps have been taken to provide jobs to the youth and on the other several endeavours have been made to channelise their unbounded energy in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as runways at the airports facilitate an airplane for its smooth take off in the same manner the state government is helping the youth to realize their dreams.

The Chief Minister asserted that every effort is being made to give wings to the ideas of youth and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann made a fervent appeal to youth to make all out efforts for carving an identity of their own to make a place in society adding that sky’s the limit for them. He urged the youth not to feel proud of their victory but to stay humble and work hard for more success adding that confidence and a positive approach should be basic traits of everyone’s personality but there should be no pride in it.

The Chief Minister, while recalling his college days, said that the youth festivals act as a platform for grooming the overall personality of the youth. He said that these youth festivals have helped him to excel in life as an artist and now as a politician. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the youth must use these platforms for their comprehensive growth and development.

Reminscing his college days, the Chief Minister said that he had performed in various youth fest and won trophies for college. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that winning was his only passion and he always had a positive mindset of winning. He exhorted the youth to stay grounded and believe in hard work as it is the sole key to success.

Highlighting the rich literary and cultural heritage of Barnala, the Chief Minister said that the district may be geographically small but has earned immense fame. He said that eminent literary personalities such as Sant Ram Udasi, Ram Sarup Ankhi, Om Parkash Gasso and Balwant Gargi, founder of the Praja Mandal Movement Sewa Singh Thikriwala, Megh Raj Mittar and others hailed from this district only. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that it is because of these luminaries that Barnala has long been known as the “Literature Capital of Punjab’.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also lauded the contribution of SD College in nurturing countless students who have made their mark across various fields globally. He acknowledged the institution’s vital role in shaping the lives and futures of young Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the college will continue to serve the society by imparting quality education to the youth.

Chandigarh:

The General Secretary of All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has said that the BJP government of Haryana must answer in the case of IPS Y. Pooran Kumar’s suicide. “Why did this happen? Why were his repeated warnings ignored?” she asked. The government itself stands in the dock and must answer before the nation. Kumari Selja said that this was not an isolated incident. “The officers named in his letter were the same ones he had been raising concerns about repeatedly in the past. Unfortunately, neither the government nor the system paid attention to his pain. Kumari Selja said Instead, he was continually harassed and subjected to action.

Imagine a senior officer who served with utmost honesty being mentally broken to such an extent that he felt he had no way out. This is not just the tragedy of one person, it is a stark example of the entire system’s insensitivity. Kumari Selja said that What his family, his wife Amneet, herself a senior IAS officer, and his children are going through cannot be expressed in words.

Kumari Selja said that the bereaved family has sought security and even filed an FIR, yet the question remains: Does the voice of a senior bureaucrat or even an ordinary citizen hold no value in this country anymore? Will officials be punished instead of protected for seeking justice?” She said it was shameful that action was taken only after the family refused to perform the last rites. The BJP government must answer why, despite repeated warnings, no one listened. It stands accountable before the nation.

:-The Every Citizen Has the Right to Justice and Equality:-Kumari Selja

Kumari Selja said that the Constitution guarantees justice and equality to every citizen, but under the BJP government, justice is being divided on the basis of class and privilege. Can someone be denied justice simply because they belong to a weaker section, even if they have risen through hard work, merit, and constitutional rights?

Kumari Selja said that Even the Chief Justice of India has been targeted, and senior IPS officers like Y. Pooran Kumar have faced such extreme harassment that they were driven to end their lives.

:-The Banning Women Journalists Is an Insult to Democracy and Freedom of Expression:-Kumari Selja

Kumari Kumari Selja condemned the ban on the entry of women journalists at the international press conference of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, calling it a disgrace to democracy and freedom of expression.

She said that On the eve of International Day of the Girl Child, this decision exposes the hollowness of the BJP government’s slogans about ‘women empowerment’. When women journalists are barred from asking questions or reporting freely, who will hear the voice of half the nation’s population?

Chandigarh, October 11, 2025: The Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College & Hospital, Sector 32 (GMCH), here hosted the Golden Jubilee Annual Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society – North Zone (IPS-NZ 2025).

The two-day Golden Jubilee celebration of the Indian Psychiatric society- North zone marks not just fifty years of academic excellence, but also five decades of service, compassion and commitment to improving mental health care in India.

The theme for this year’s conference is, “Severe Mental Illness: Beyond Psychopharmacology”, encouraged a broader, more holistic approach towards the illness, to help persons having mental illness regain confidence and independence promoting personal and social recovery.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Savita Malhotra, President, Indian Psychiatric Society, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. G.P. Thami, Director-Principal, GMCH, Chandigarh, as the Guest of Honor. During the ceremony, several important releases also took place, including the souvenir, the IPS-NZ newsletter, and the book “Nai Roshini”, authored by Dr Gurvinder Pal Singh, immediate past president, IPS-NZ. Distinguished individuals were felicitated for their contribution to psychiatry, including past presidents of IPS NZ and alumni of the Department of Psychiatry, GMCH Chandigarh. Dr Shivangi Mehta, organizing secretary of the conference proposed vote of thanks.  

The main highlight of the conference was Theme Symposium, led by Dr. Ajeet Sidana HOD, Dept of Psychiatry, GMCH, Chandigarh and also the organizing president for the conference along with Dr Gurvinder Pal Singh (AIIMS, Bathinda), Dr. Shubh Mohan Singh (PGIMER Chandigarh), and Dr. Amrit Pattojoshi (AIIMS Bhubaneshwar). The session focused on new and holistic ways to help people with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Experts discussed regarding the DART Model, providing outpatient rehabilitation services in Chandigarh since more than a decade now. Dr Sidana gave a detailed overview of the services provided at Disability Assessment Rehabilitation and Triage (DART) services like Day care centre, vocational training, social skills training, neurocognitive rehabilitation, family intervention, peer support group etc.  

The one and a half day scientific program featured multiple symposia, workshops, invited lectures, award sessions, and paper presentations by experts from across the country. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. Rajesh Sagar and Dr. N.N. Wig Oration was delivered by Dr. Roop Sidana,

Multiple award paper sessions such as the Dr. G.D. Koolwal Award, Dr. R.K. Solanki Award, and BPSSJ Award sessions were also held along with poster sessions and free paper presentations that gave students opportunity to showcase their research work.

Over 400 delegates from across India participated in the conference making it scientifically rich and a huge success.

Chandigarh 11 October 2025:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Kultar Singh Sandhwan attended  the 68th Commonwealth Parlimentary Association(CPA) General Assembly which  took place at Barbados  where he held pivotal discussions on parliamentary resilience and the Commonwealth’s global impact. He said that he will be  grateful for the diverse voices shaping our shared future.

Chandigarh, October 11: Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Sh.Anil Vij today offered prayers for the eternal peace of the late IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar. The Minister visited the family’s residence in Chandigarh to personally convey his condolences and express solidarity with the grieving family.

During the visit, Sh. Vij paid floral tributes before the portrait of the late officer.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, Sh.Vij said he had come to share the sorrow of the bereaved family in their difficult time.

It is noteworthy that Sh. Vij met IAS officer Smt. Amanit P. Kumar, wife of the late Y. Puran Kumar, and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies. He also interacted with her brother, the couple’s two daughters, and Y. Puran Kumar’s brothers and other family members, expressing deep condolences on the irreparable loss.

Chandigarh October 11: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the ‘Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana’ and ‘Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission’ will play a pivotal role in strengthening and making agriculture self-reliant, thereby transforming the lives of farmers. He said that the Pradhan Mantri Dhan -Dhanya Krishi Yojana has been launched in 100 districts across the country, including Haryana’s Nuh district.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a state-level function organized under the “Kisan Bhai Bahno Ko Krishi Pariyojnao Ka Uphar by the Prime Minister”, at the Indradhanush Auditorium, Sector-5, Panchkula, here today. On this occasion, the Chief Minister paid tributes to Loknayak Shri Jayaprakash Narayan on his birth anniversary and extended his greetings and best wishes to the people of the state.

During the program, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, along with Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, and farmers, watched and listened to the live address of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi from New Delhi through video conferencing. The Prime Minister launched the ‘Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana’ and ‘Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission’ at an event held at the National Agricultural Science Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for more than 1,100 agriculture projects worth Rs 42,000 crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Food Processing sectors.

*These schemes reflect the Prime Minister’s commitment to making India the world’s ‘food basket’*

On this occasion, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, stating that under the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership, a new era of prosperity and well-being has begun for the farming community. He said this day will be remembered as a historic milestone in India’s agricultural journey. These schemes, he added, are a testament to the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to ensuring national food security, enhancing farmers’ income, providing nutritious grains, and making India the world’s “food basket.”

*Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana’ to give new impetus to Mewat’s rural economy*

The Chief Minister said that since 2014, India has made remarkable progress in the agricultural sector. There was a time when the country had to import grains to meet its food needs, but today India is completely self-sufficient in the production of wheat and rice and is even exporting several agricultural products. He added that the Prime Minister has launched the Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana in 100 districts across the country, including Haryana’s Nuh district. The state government’s primary objective, he said, is to ensure that Nuh district avails maximum benefits under this scheme, thereby giving a strong boost to the rural economy.

*Haryana’s farmers to play a key role in advancing the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission*

He said that the objective of the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission is to promote the cultivation of major pulses such as tur, urad, and masur. He expressed satisfaction that farmers in the state are swiftly adopting innovations and new government schemes. Farmers are embracing crop diversification in line with market demand, while the share of allied activities such as animal husbandry, beekeeping, and fisheries is also steadily increasing. He expressed confidence that just as Haryana’s hardworking farmers played a pivotal role in making the Green Revolution a success, they will once again play a vital role in advancing the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission.

*Government to further expand area under pulses cultivation*

The Chief Minister said that to ensure the success of the Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission, high-quality seeds will be provided to farmers. In 2019–20, the state had approximately 1.95 lakh acres under pulses cultivation, which increased to over 2.67 lakh acres in 2024–25. The government will continue its efforts to further expand this area.

*Farmers can now generate e-gate passes from home through the e-procurement application to sell their crops*

The Chief Minister stated that the Haryana government has consistently extended all possible support to farmers from seed to market through its progressive policies and decisions. He said that to ensure direct benefits to farmers, Rs 1.48 lakh crore has been transferred to the accounts of 12 lakh farmers over the past 10 crop seasons through the e-procurement portal for purchases at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Farmers can now conveniently generate e-gate passes from home using the e-procurement application to sell their crops, and payments for their produce are made within 48 hours of the issuance of exit gate passes.

*Haryana government enacts law to curb sale of fake seeds and pesticides in farmers’ interest*

He said that, in the interest of farmers, the Haryana government has enacted a law to prohibit the sale of counterfeit seeds and pesticides. Additionally, the long-standing practice of Abiyana, prevalent since the British era, has been eliminated. The Chief Minister informed that in Haryana, 24 crops are purchased at the Minimum Support Price. He further stated that the government has provided a bonus of Rs 1,345 crore to farmers for all Kharif crops at the rate of Rs 2,000 per acre, a first-of-its-kind achievement in the state’s history. Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, the Chief Minister said that Rs 6,563 crore has been transferred to the accounts of around 20 lakh farmers in Haryana. Moreover, Rs 15,145 crore has been provided as compensation for crop losses and insurance claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister urged everyone to come together and contribute towards making the Prime Minister’s mission of achieving self-reliance in pulses a success.

Haryana Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Education Minister Sh Mahipal Dhanda, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sh Rajesh Nagar, BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Badoli, MLAs Sh Mool Chand Sharma, Sh Randhir Panihar, Sh Om Prakash Yadav, and Sh Ram Kumar Gautam, former Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Sh Gian Chand Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the Cooperation Department Sh Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Director of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Sh Raj Narayan Kaushik, Deputy Commissioner Sh Satpal Sharma, along with other dignitaries and a large number of farmers, were present.

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Breast Cancer Awareness month celebration

The Chandigarh NCD Registry, established as the first integrated Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) Registry in the WHO South-East Asia Region, serves as a unique model for comprehensive NCD surveillance. The registry compiles and analyses data from multiple sources, including government and private hospitals, laboratories, and death records, to track the burden, outcomes, and trends of major NCDs such as cancer, stroke, Heart attacks, young diabetes, aplastic anemia, chronic kidney disease and RF/RHD initiated from July 2018 onwards.

World NCD Federation in collaboration with Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh and Health Department, Chandigarh Administration, released the 2nd Report of the Chandigarh NCD Registry including Chandigarh Cancer Registry on 11th October 2025 at the Advanced Eye Centre Auditorium, PGIMER Chandigarh. The Chandigarh NCD Registry started as Chandigarh Cancer Registry in 2013 and was upscaled to include 5 diseases from July, 2018.

The main event marked the release of the 2nd Report of the Chandigarh Noncommunicable Disease Registry (2018–2021), including the Chandigarh Cancer Registry. Prof. JS Thakur, President, World NCD Federation, delivered the Welcome Address and presented the Key Highlights of the report, emphasizing the role of registry data in guiding targeted interventions and health system strengthening. He highlighted the Burden of NCDs and mentioned that from July 2018 to December 2021, the maximum cases reported for cancer (n=4166, 62.9%), of all the cases reported under Chandigarh NCD Registry. This was followed by cases of acute cardiac events (n=1835, 27.7%), stroke (n=547, 8.3%), young diabetes (n=54, 0.8%) and aplastic anemia (n=20, 0.3%). Regarding the NCD risk factors 20% were smokers and 3% reported using smokeless tobacco products. Alcohol consumption was noted in 24% of individuals. In terms of dietary habits, approximately 54% of males and 53% of females reported consuming fruits and vegetables daily, reflecting a moderate adherence to healthy dietary practices. Regarding physical activity levels, 73.9% of males and 65.1% of females were classified as physically active, indicating a relatively high proportion of the population engaging in regular physical exercise.

For Chandigarh: The age adjusted incidence among cancer cases reported from UT was 97.33 per 1,00,000 for males and 98.74 per 1,00,000 for females. The age adjusted mortality rate was 50.02 per 1,00,000 for males and 46.88 per 1,00,000 for females. Majority of the male patients were diagnosed with the lung cancer (14.7%), followed by Prostate (13.9%), Urinary bladder (6.7%). Majority of the male patients were died with the lung cancer (15.6%), followed by liver cancer (5.6%), Prostate (5.6%). Majority of the female patients were diagnosed with the breast cancer (36.3%), followed by cancer of ovarian cancer (7.4%), cervix uteri (6.6%) Endometrium (6.1%), and Gall bladder (4.1%). Majority of the female patients were died with the breast cancer (20.7%), followed by Gall bladder (9.2%) and ovary (6.4%).

The key dignitaries included, Dr Manish Bansal, DGHS, Haryana; Prof. Gurvinder Pal Thami, Director Principal, GMCH-32; and Dr Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The key dignitaries released the  Report and Fact sheet of Chandigarh NCD Registry including Chandigarh Cancer Registry. Dr Manish Bansal in his address sought the guidance from PGIMER for operating a tertiary care hospital in Ambala, training of manpower, establishing stroke units in all district hospitals and help of PGIMER in planning of next PIP and he highlighted that they are setting Integrated NCD Registry in few districts. Prof GP Thami, expressed that this release ceremony is an important milestone for Chandigarh NCD Registry and GMCH-32 is honoured to be a part of this and extend full support of GMCH-32 Administration for the registry.

To mark the celebration of breast cancer awareness month, a Poster Competition on Breast Cancer Awareness: Prevention, Screening, and Control was organized. This competition received an overwhelming response, with a total of 16 entries from enthusiastic participants showcasing creativity and scientific understanding of breast cancer awareness. The first, second and third prize were given to Ananya Sharma, DCM &SPH; Dr Dheenadhayalan, JR, DCM &SPH; and Dr Vignesh, JR, DCM &SPH respectively. Two consolation prizes were also given to Rohini Kumari and Vijayshree Singh, NINE, PGIMER.

The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Prof. Rakesh Kapoor, Secretary, World NCD Federation, acknowledging the valuable contributions of all experts, partners, and participants.

The programme highlighted two high-level panel discussions that addressed crucial aspects of cancer and NCD registry strengthening. First Panel Discussion on the “Role Cancer Registries for Cancer Control” chaired by Prof. Rakesh Kapoor, Unit Head, Dept of Radiotherapy and Oncology and Prof. Samir Malhotra, Head, Dept of Pharmacology at PGIMER, moderated by Prof Pankaj Malhotra, Head, Dept of Clinical Haematology and Medical Oncology. Dr. Awadhesh Pandey (GMCH-32) shared insights on how Hospital-Based Cancer Registries (HBCRs) can be effectively linked to population data to enhance early detection, follow-up, and treatment outcomes. Prof. Radhika Srinivasan (PGIMER) emphasized the importance of standardized reporting, including ICD-O coding and histopathological classification, in ensuring the accuracy and comparability of registry data. Addressing the challenge of high mortality from lung cancer, Dr. Navneet Singh (PGIMER) discussed how registry data can be utilized to monitor tobacco use trends and environmental exposures and non availability of such specific data, and to support the development of lung cancer screening programs. Highlighting the concerns related to liver cancer, Dr. Ajay Duseja (PGIMER) focused on using registry data to identify high-risk populations and develop early detection strategies. Dr. Usha Singh (PGIMER) spoke about integrating the Retinoblastoma Registry within broader cancer and NCD registry frameworks to aid national planning, standardize treatment, and ensure long-term survivor follow-up. On the aspect of data management, Dr. Pankaj Arora (PGIMER) elaborated on the need to strengthen medical records and accelerate digitalization processes to support population-based registries and the accreditation of the institutions for data management standardizations. Finally, Dr. Sukhpal Kaur (NINE, PGIMER) underlined the critical role of nursing professionals in cancer registration and advocated for the inclusion of cancer registry concepts within nursing education and clinical training.

The second panel discussion on “Strengthening of NCD Registries for NCD Prevention and Control “Chaired by Prof. Dheeraj Khurana and moderated by Prof. JS Thakur, this panel explored the integration of NCD registries for comprehensive disease monitoring and policy formulation. Dr. Vivek Kumar (PGIMER) emphasized how registries can support early identification of vulnerable patients such as diabetics and hypertensives, while also discussing operational challenges in maintaining longitudinal follow-up data for CKD cases. Dr. Ashutosh N. Aggarwal (PGIMER) drew attention to the underreporting of chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma, and discussed the feasibility of their inclusion in registries along with the integration of spirometry and environmental exposure data. Prof. Sanjay K. Bhadada (PGIMER) shared valuable experience from the Young Diabetes Registry program and discussed which indicators—such as diagnosis, HbA1c trends, complications, or treatment adherence—should be prioritized in diabetes registries. Dr. O. P. Saini (Haryana) presented key findings from the NCD STEPs Survey in Haryana and explored the potential for including the Chandigarh NCD Registry in the state’s surveillance framework. Dr Nidhi Sharma, State Program Officer, Chandigarh  highlighted the importance of Chandigarh NCD Registry in strengthening of NP-NCD in Chandigarh. Dr. Nandita Kakkar (PGIMER) addressed the rising incidence of breast cancer—now the leading cancer among women in Chandigarh—and emphasized the role of screening and early detection in achieving cancer downstaging and improved outcomes. The panel collectively underscored that the success of NCD registries lies in multidisciplinary collaboration, digital integration, and sustained efforts in early detection, surveillance, and preventive care.

The program witnessed active participation from faculty members, researchers, students, and public health professionals, reaffirming the collective commitment toward strengthening NCD surveillance, enhancing cancer control, and promoting breast cancer awareness.

Chandigarh, October 11:

As the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji approaches, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains has made an impassioned plea to the Central Railways Ministry to substantially boost in rail services to the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib to facilitate seamless travel for millions of devotees converging to pay homage to the 9th Guru and his devoted disciples Bhai Mati Das ji, Bhai Sati Das ji and Bhai Dayala ji’s  supreme sacrifice.

In a letter written to Railways Minister Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State (MoS) Sh. Ravneet Singh Bittu, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains highlighted the anticipated arrival of over 1 crore devotees in Sri Anandpur Sahib for the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. S. Bains has demanded the doubling of Vande Bharat Express services from New Delhi between November 15 and 30, 2025. He also urged the operation of special pilgrim trains from major spiritual centres across country, including Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded (Maharashtra), Sri Amritsar Sahib and other major cities, to facilitate seamless travel for devotees attending the grand events scheduled from November 22 to 25, 2025 at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Highlighting the religious significance and sacred history of Sri Anandpur Sahib, the Education Minister noted that the city was founded by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, served as the sanctuary where Kashmiri Pandits facing religious persecution, sought refuge and protection. From the very soil of Sri Anandpur Sahib the Guru Sahib embarked on his final journey to martyrdom in Delhi for the cause of humanity and freedom of conscience. Later, His sacred “Sees” was reverently brought back to Sri Anandpur Sahib by Bhai Jaita Ji (Baba Jiwan Singh Ji) and cremated here making this soil a living testimony to one of the most revered chapters in the world history.

“This holy land is a living testament to a sacrifice that defines the conscience of India. It is our sacred duty to ensure that every devotee wishing to pay obeisance during this historic anniversary can do so without any hardship,” stated S. Bains.

S. Harjot Singh Bains hailed the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a momentous occasion to honour the Guru’s unparalleled sacrifice for religious freedom and human dignity, while noting that one Vande Bharat Express currently connects Delhi to Amb Andaura via Sri Anandpur Sahib. He stressed the need to augment rail services for the Sangat on this historic occasion.

This initiative is not just about logistics, S. Bains added while stating,”By facilitating the journey of pilgrims to the feet of the Guru who gave his life for the rights of all faiths, we honour an act of supreme moral courage that continues to be the bedrock of our pluralistic nation.”

HANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, October 11:

          In an intelligence led operation amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a cross-border weapon smuggling module with links to Pakistan with the  arrest of its three operatives and recovered eight sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Mahesh alias Ashu Masih and Angrej Singh, both residents of village Marhi Megha in Tarn Taran; and Arshdeep Singh, a resident of Bhikhiwind in Tarn Taran. The recovered weapons include three 9MM pistols and five .30 bore pistols along with magazines. Apart from this, police team have also impounded their Hero Splendor Motorcycle, being used for transporting the consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested accused persons were acting upon the directions of Pakistan-based arms smuggler, who has been using drones to drop the contrabands from across the border. The arrested accused were supplying the arms and ammunition to criminals and gangsters in Punjab with the intention to fuel criminal activities in the state, he said.

          Sharing operation details, he said that CI Amritsar had received a specific intelligence about the retrieval a huge consignment of illegal weapons from Indo-Pak border, which was delivered from across the border with the help of drones in the area of village Marhi Kamboke, PS Khalra, Distt. Tarn Taran. Acting swiftly, police team of CI Amritsar intercepted three suspects near village Bhoose in Amritsar Rural, and recovered the consignment of illegal weapons, which they were going to deliver to the next party in the area near Gharinda in Amritsar, he said.

          The DGP said that the arrested accused persons— Mahesh alias Ashu Masih and Angrej Singh— were also wanted in previous cases registered under Arms Act at Police Station SSOC Amritsar, in which 5 pistols were earlier recovered. Further investigation is underway to establish backward and forward linkages in this case to expose and dismantle the entire network, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 59 dated 11-10-2025 has been registered under sections 25, 25(1)(a) and 25(1)(b) of the Arms Act and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

Chandigarh, October 11:

Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is giving top priority to strengthening public infrastructure for providing improved public services and for  ensuring that all ongoing projects are completed within stipulated timelines with high-quality standards and complete transparency in fund utilization.

The PWD Minister reviewed the progress of major building projects being undertaken by PWD for  various government departments across the state. The projects, amounting to Rs.2097.03 crore, are currently at different stages of construction, with Rs.915.55 crore already released to executing agencies, he added.

Sharing more details, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that a total of 211 buildings are being constructed under the supervision of the Public Works Department. The Higher Education Department leads with 35 projects worth Rs.477.13 crore, followed by Medical Works with 39 buildings amounting to Rs.565.87 crore and the Revenue Department with 32 structures worth Rs.237.76 crore. The Minister was also  informed that the planning & designing of these buildings was being done by Architectural Department

Sharing more details he informed that the department was executing 13  School Education projects valued at Rs.119.37 crore, while 11 buildings of the Department of Technical Education costing Rs.52.33 crore are under execution. Further PWD is also developing  Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department a project worth Rs.84.13 crore and Sports Department’s 16 building projects are being built with an allocation of Rs.110.66 crore.

Besides this, for providing better public services two projects worth Rs.83.92 crore of  the Home Affairs Administrative Department are in progress. Highlighting other initiatives, the PWD Minister mentioned that five projects  of Indra Kumar Gujral PTU costing Rs.56.82 crore, 12 SIPDA project works worth Rs.33.43 crore and other 45miscellaneous buildings works of  various departments totalling Rs.275.61 crore are in progress.

The PWD Minister directed officials to accelerate the pace of construction and ensure time-bound completion of all works under execution.