MUMBAI, 4th February 2026:

On the second day of the Mumbai Investment Roadshow, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government stepped up its investment outreach with a clear and deliberate focus on translating capital inflows into jobs for the State’s youth, as part of its build-up to the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026.

Beginning with high-level engagements and moving through sector-specific and financial discussions, the Government of Punjab presented a coherent chain of opportunities, from strengthening MSMEs and enabling their transition into large enterprises to attracting global investors in manufacturing, logistics, and emerging sectors.

The series of outcome-oriented meetings reflected a calibrated strategy to deepen partnerships with corporates and financial institutions, expand industrial capacity, and lay the foundation for sustainable, skilled, and long-term employment, positioning Punjab as a hub for youth-led industrial growth and entrepreneurship-driven economic expansion.

The delegation began the day with high-level one-to-one meetings with leading industry groups, including Sanathan Textiles and Mahindra Group, where discussions centred on opportunities in textiles, automotive, farm equipment, defence manufacturing, and supply-chain integration. The meetings explored possibilities for new investments as well as expansion of existing operations in Punjab, leveraging the State’s skilled workforce, industrial infrastructure, and policy stability.

A key highlight of the day was the CXO Roundtable with leading private equity firms and financial institutions, convened to deliberate on financing pathways, growth capital, and structured support for scaling Punjab’s MSMEs into large and globally competitive enterprises. Senior leadership from Baring Private Equity India Investment Managers LLP, JM Financial Ltd, Avendus Wealth Management, Neo Wealth and Asset Management, OAKS Asset Management, Alvarez & Marsal, and Think Law participated in the roundtable. Discussions focused on strengthening the MSME-to-large-enterprise pipeline through patient capital, governance support, and strategic market access, positioning Punjab as a preferred destination for MSME-led industrial growth.

During the roundtable, the CEO of Invest Punjab made a detailed presentation on Punjab’s reform-driven governance framework, the FastTrack Punjab single-window system, and time-bound approvals, while the Administrative Secretary, Investment Promotion, highlighted the State’s commitment to policy certainty and investor facilitation. The session concluded with an interactive open house and networking luncheon, enabling direct dialogue between investors and the Government of Punjab delegation.

Following the roundtable, the delegation held focused meetings with UAE-based DP World to discuss logistics, rail-linked inland terminals, and multimodal infrastructure aimed at strengthening Punjab’s export competitiveness. This was followed by interactions with Avenue Supermarts, UPL Limited, and the International Institute of Sports Management, covering sectors such as organised retail, agri-inputs, food systems, and sports education and infrastructure. These engagements underscored Punjab’s diversified sectoral opportunities across manufacturing, services, agri-business, logistics, and emerging industries.

A representative from Invest India also participated in the day’s engagements alongside the Government of Punjab delegation, reinforcing collaborative efforts to attract domestic and global investments into the State and align Punjab’s investment outreach with national investment promotion initiatives.

The Mumbai Investment Roadshow continues to serve as a strong platform for engaging institutional investors, industry leaders, and financial partners, while formally extending invitations for their participation in the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026. The engagements showcased Punjab’s readiness to scale businesses, promote research and development, and integrate with national and global markets through a stable and investor-friendly ecosystem.

CHANDIGARH: Commenting on the recent announcement of an 18% tariff framework between India and the United States, RS AAP MP and Founder Chancellor, Lovely Professional University, Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal expressed cautious optimism while highlighting the need for greater clarity on its real-world impact.

“While the proposed tariff correction signals some easing of trade pressures, serious questions remain about how this framework will operate in practice. We do not yet have certainty on how India’s farmers and MSMEs, the backbone of our economy, will be protected during implementation,” Dr Mittal said.

He noted that prior to the trade war, effective US tariffs on Indian exports averaged around 2.5%, which later escalated to 50%, and are now expected to stabilise reportedly at 18%. “This remains significantly higher than the conditions under which Indian exporters previously operated,” he added. Dr Mittal also pointed out that the agreement reportedly extends beyond tariffs, including commitments on non-tariff barriers and large-scale procurement of American goods. “Much will depend on the final legal text, safeguards, and timelines. The key question is whether this framework delivers stable, predictable gains, or merely manages the fallout of an avoidable crisis,” he said. He urged policymakers to ensure that national interests, export competitiveness, and domestic livelihoods remain central to all negotiations.

Chandigarh, February 4

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh’s ambitious smart parking initiative — MC One Pass — has crossed an impressive 2,000 subscriber milestone, marking a major leap in citizen adoption of digital urban services. Achieved within a short period of launch, the milestone underscores the growing public confidence in the Corporation’s commitment to transparent, efficient and citizen-friendly governance.

Launched to streamline parking operations and eliminate the inconvenience of daily cash payments, MC One Pass offers commuters seamless monthly parking at highly affordable rates — ₹250 for two-wheelers and ₹500 for four-wheelers — across designated Municipal Corporation parking sites in the city.

While speaking about the initiative, the MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS said here today that the rapid growth from launch to over 2,000 subscribers reflects the success of technology-driven initiatives focused on ease of living, accountability and convenience. The digital pass ensures cashless transactions, reduced on-ground disputes, quicker access at parking sites, and enhanced transparency in parking management.

He said that the overwhelming response from citizens has further encouraged the Municipal Corporation to intensify outreach efforts and progressively expand the coverage of MC One Pass, enabling more commuters to benefit from a smarter and hassle-free parking experience.

MC One Pass can be conveniently availed through scanning QR code provided in the parking lots,  official website www.mcchandigarh.gov.in digital platform, reinforcing Chandigarh’s position as a leader in smart, citizen-centric urban mobility solutions.

Chandigarh: Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday addressed a press conference at Punjab Lok Bhavan in Chandigarh to share details of an intensive anti-drug awareness campaign being undertaken to strengthen the fight against drug abuse in the state. The campaign includes a four-day awareness padyatra across the border districts of Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka, aimed at mobilizing public participation against drugs.

The Governor emphasized that, with the efforts of the Punjab Red Cross Society, the padyatra aims to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse. He reiterated that rehabilitation and employment generation must remain the central pillars in the fight against drugs, alongside strict enforcement of the law and sustained public awareness. He appealed to all sections of society to make this a people’s movement.

The detailed schedule of the Padyatra is as follows: February 9, 2026 (11:30 a.m.) – Tarn Taran: From Shri Guru Arjan Dev School to Police Lines via Police Guards February 10, 2026 (11:30 a.m.) – Ferozepur: From Saragarhi Memorial to Government School of Eminence, Ferozepur City February 11, 2026 (12:00 noon) – Fazilka: From Sanjeev Cinema, Fazilka to Clock Tower, Fazilka February 12, 2026 (11:30 a.m.) – Abohar (Fazilka): From Municipal Corporation Office, Abohar to D.A.V. College, Abohar

Interacting with the media, the Governor highlighted that drug abuse is not merely a local or state issue, but a global challenge that requires sustained and collective efforts.

The Governor stressed that the fight against drugs must be continuous and sincere, and called upon social, religious, political and educational institutions, NGOs, and other organizations to actively participate and support this mass movement. The campaign seeks to unite all sections of society towards the common goal of making Punjab drug-free.

He reiterated that meaningful change can only be achieved through continuous and persistent efforts, community involvement, and a strong focus on rehabilitation, ensuring that affected individuals are reintegrated into society with dignity and employment opportunities.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, February 3:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled an illegal arms smuggling module with the arrest of three operatives and recovered seven sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Resham Singh alias Ghulla (30), a resident of village Daleri in Tarn Taran, Sumit alias Sachin (28), a resident of Gumanpura in Amritsar and Vishal Kumar (22), a resident of Bhikhiwind in Tarn Taran. The recovered pistols include three 9MM Glock Pistols, one 9MM Beretta made in Italy, one 9MM Zigana made in Turkey, one 9MM PX5 Glock made in Turkey and one .30 bore pistol.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused persons were directly in contact with a Pakistan-based smugglers through social media platforms, who used to send consignments of illegal arms via drones. As per directions of their handlers, arrested accused persons further delivering these illegal weapons to intended recipients, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

          Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on specific and reliable secret information, police teams carried out a well-planned operation during which accused Resham Singh alias Ghulla was apprehended and two 9mm Glock pistols were recovered from his possession, while three more pistols were recovered from a spot pinpointed by him in his disclosure statement, he said.

          The CP said that during further interrogation, arrested accused Resham alias Ghulla revealed about his accomplice identified as Sumit alias Sachin, who was also arrested during the operation and two pistols were recovered from his possession. On further investigation, accused Vishal Kumar was also arrested in the late evening, he added.

          He said that arrested accused persons had common handler on whose directions accused Resham used to pick-up the consignments from near the border, while Sumit alias Sachin was delivering them further in the disguise of his car sale/purchase business.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 18 dated 01-02-2026 has been registered under sections 25(1-A), 6, 7 and 8 of the Arms Act at Police Station Cantonment in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, February 3:

Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab today bid a warm farewell to Information and Public Relations Officer (IPRO) ND Sharma who retired after an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades. Mr. Sharma’s journey with the department began in 1998, when he joined as Hindi translator. Over the years, his dedication, linguistic expertise, and passion for work propelled him to key roles, culminating in his most recent position as Public Relations Officer and Hindi Desk Incharge.

ND Sharma also overlooked Hindi Jagriti magazine as an editor which was also a testament to his skills and hard work. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in documenting high-profile government events and the cultural heritage of Punjab.

A brief retirement ceremony was also held to honor Sharma’s outstanding contributions to the department which was attended by Additional Director Randeep Singh Ahluwalia, Joint Directors Ishwinder Singh Grewal, Preet Kanwal Singh & Manvinder Singh and Deputy Directors Navdeep Singh Gill and Narinderpal Singh Jagdeo. The DIPR team extended heartiest congratulations to Sharma PN his superannuation.

Chandigarh / Sri Anandpur Sahib, February 3:

Punjab Education Minister and Sri Anandpur Sahib MLA S. Harjot Singh Bains on Tuesday announced the issuance of the final notification for the long-awaited four-laning of the Nangal-Kiratpur Sahib road, paving the way for the project to commence shortly. Terming it as a “long-cherished public demand and a personal commitment, S Bains said the project would significantly improve safety, connectivity and economic activity in the region.

S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the land acquisition process would be completed within next two months, after which tendering and on-ground construction would begin at the earliest.

In a video message, S. Bains recalled that the project’s groundwork began with a detailed survey in July 2022. He underscored the urgent need for the upgrade, particularly at the Nangal-Ganguwal stretch, which has remained accident-prone for years and has resulted in the loss of several lives.

“This road is not merely an infrastructure project. It is a lifeline for the people of the region as it serves daily commuters and thousands of pilgrims travelling to prominent religious destinations such as Mata Bagla Mukhi, Baba Balak Nath and Mata Chintpurni. Based on strong survey data and continuous follow-up with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the case for four-laning was firmly established.”

The Cabinet Minister attributed the project’s progress to persistent engagement with authorities at all levels. “This was a people-driven demand. From senior officials to project directors, the matter was pursued relentlessly. As an elected representative, my priority has always been to deliver development on the ground,” he said.

With the final notification issued and land records now being published, S. Bains said all preliminary formalities have been completed. “Our target is to finish land acquisition within a record time of two months and proceed swiftly towards tendering and execution,” he added.

Highlighting the broader impact of the project, S. Harjot Singh Bains said the four-lane road would act as a catalyst for economic growth across the region. Citing Bharatgarh’s development, he noted that improved connectivity attracts hotels, businesses and investments, generating employment opportunities for local youth.

“The improved road network will benefit nearly 100 surrounding villages by enabling easier access to markets. Tourism will also see a major boost, positively impacting small traders, shopkeepers and local entrepreneurs,” he said.

Minister Bains also listed several infrastructure initiatives already undertaken in the constituency, including construction of a uniquely designed foot overbridge near Sarsa Nangal, development of service roads from Bara Pind to Bharatgarh.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the project, stating, “This road represents my vision for the future of our region. With the blessings of the Guru Sahib and people, we will ensure its timely completion and usher in a new era of safety, connectivity and prosperity.”

Chandigarh February 3, 2026:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against the corruption in the state, has apprehended Mohammad Yasin, Rent Collector posted at Punjab Waqf Board office, Garhshankar and Mohammad Talim, Contract based Peon posted at  Punjab Waqf Board office, Garhshankar,  red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 18000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of  Balachaur, district Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab.

He said that the complainant who is an agriculturalist, had taken 10 kanals of land belonging to the Punjab Waqf Board situated at village Bhaddi, tehsil Balachaur, on lease for the period 2018 to 2021. After the lease expired in 2021, the complainant approached accused Mohammad Yasin at the Punjab Waqf Board office, Garhshankar, for renewal of the lease.

He further informed that the accused Mohammad Yasin demanded a bribe of Rs. 50,000/- for preparing the file for renewal of the lease. Complainant expressed his inability to pay the said amount, then the demand of bribe was reduced to Rs. 20,000/-. Out of this, Rs. 2,000/- as bribe was taken by accused Mohammad Yasin on the spot, and the complainant was asked to pay the remaining Rs. 18,000/-later. The complainant recorded the conversation.

After a preliminary enquiry of his complaint, the VB team SBS Nagar laid a trap during which both accused were arrested red handed while accepting  bribe money of Rs 18000/-  from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Jalandhar and further investigation into this case is under progress.