Chandigarh:

PGIMER Chandigarh today successfully conducted a dry run of the Neurology and Neurosurgery Outpatient Departments (OPDs) from Level-2 of the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, marking a significant step toward the formal inauguration scheduled on April 30, 2026.

The dry run witnessed a total of 581 patient registrations, including 181 new patients and 400 follow-up (old) patients, reflecting a smooth transition and robust patient response on the very first day.

Describing the initiative as a forward-looking step, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, stated, “The successful dry run marks a critical milestone in our journey toward creating a truly integrated, patient-centric neuroscience facility. It allows us to fine-tune systems and workflows ahead of the formal inauguration, ensuring that patients receive seamless, efficient, and high-quality care from day one.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, said, “Today’s dry run has provided valuable operational insights and reaffirmed our preparedness for the formal inauguration. To further facilitate patient movement and accessibility, exclusive parking arrangements and dedicated routes are being worked out, ensuring smoother navigation and reduced congestion in and around the Advanced Neurosciences Centre.”

Following the planned transition, Outpatient Departments (OPDs) of Neurology and Neurosurgery (except Trauma OPD of Neurosurgery) have commenced operations from the new facility to identify and address any operational gaps ahead of the formal launch. The services had ceased functioning from the New OPD Block after the afternoon of April 18, 2026, to facilitate this shift.

The OPD schedules and timings remain unchanged. Neurology OPDs will continue on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, along with a Special Clinic on Thursday (11:30 AM to 1:00 PM), while Neurosurgery OPDs will function on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with general OPD timings from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Patients and attendants can access the Advanced Neurosciences Centre via Gate No. 3, near SBI Bank and Gol Market. Adequate signage and support systems have been put in place to guide visitors and ensure a hassle-free experience.

PGIMER appeals to all stakeholders to take note of the change and extend their cooperation as the institute moves toward formally dedicating this advanced facility to the nation.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 20:

          In a major breakthrough 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 a cross-border and MP-based illegal arms supply module with the arrest of three accused persons and recovered six pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Deepak Singh alias Deepu (22), a resident of Kashmir Avenue in Amritsar; Arun Kumar alias Sabu (26), a resident of Narayangarh in Amritsar; and Sukhjinder Singh alias Sukha (29), a resident of Rehana Jattan in Kapurthala. Recovered pistols include one .30 bore PX5, three .32 bore and two .30 bore pistols along with seven live cartridges.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused were procuring illegal weapons from Madhya Pradesh. Accused were also in contact with Pak-based smuggler through social media platforms, who were facilitating supply of illegal weapon through drones and coordinating distribution through local handlers, he said, while adding that the network was actively operating in the Majha and Doaba regions.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to dismantle the entire network.

          Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that in a targeted operation based on secret information, police teams initially arrested Deepak alias Deepu and recovered one pistol from his possession, while another two pistols were recovered from a location pinpointed by him. On his disclosure, his two accomplices identified as Arun alias Sabu and Sukhjinder alias Sukha were also arrested and three pistols were recovered from their possession, he said.

          The CP said that preliminary investigation has also revealed that the accused had procured these illegal weapons to execute a major criminal act, which has been successfully averted due to timely police action. Accused Deepak alias Deepu and Arun alias Sabu have a previous criminal involvement in cases pertaining to attempt to murder, theft and other serious offences, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 61 dated 04-04-2026 under section 25 of the Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Civil Lines in Amritsar.

Panchkula,April 19

On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the Purushottam Das Rungta Charitable Trust organised its 212th ‘Ann Bhandara’,  or community kitchen, at Phase I, Panchkula Industrial Area, continuing its longstanding commitment to serving the community.

Highlighting the significance of the day, social worker and Founder of the Trust, Amitabh Rungta, said, “On Akshaya Tritiya, offering food to those in need is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the festival. Such acts of kindness are believed to bring enduring merit and contribute to the well-being of society.”

Akshaya Tritiya is a sacred festival symbolizing prosperity, generosity, and eternal abundance. Acts of charity, especially donating food, are considered highly meritorious and are believed to bring lasting blessings.

The Bhandara saw active participation from volunteers and community members, who came together to serve freshly prepared meals to a large number of people, reflecting the spirit of compassion and selfless service.

Chandigarh, 18th April 2026 : GCC School, an initiative of KC Globed, in collaboration with the Punjab Unaided Colleges Association (PUCA), hosted a press conference in PHD Chamber, Chandigarh under the theme “From Campus to Corporate: Creating Global Financial Leaders.” bringing together key voices from academia, government, and industry.

The leadership meet scheduled after the press conference in the evening was graced by Chief Guest S. Harpal Singh Cheema, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Government of Punjab. The gathering aims to foster meaningful dialogue on building globally aligned career pathways for commerce graduates through stronger academia–industry collaboration. More than 15 commerce teachers were felicitated by the Hon’ble Minister, S. Harpal Singh Cheema for their outstanding services in the region, in the presence of over 100 academic leaders from across Punjab at the event.

GCC School is the brainchild of Dr. Kamal Chhabra, a well-known name in international finance education and the Founder and CEO of KC GlobEd. With GCC School, Dr. Chhabra has extended this vision further, building a structured pathway that connects education directly with employability in Global Capability Centres and multinational organisations.

Dr. Kamal Chhabra, Founder & CEO, GCC School and KC GlobEd said, “Punjab’s current GDP stands at approximately $110 billion, growing at around 6-7% annually, with a per capita income of about inr 2.3 lakh per annum. While country like India have significantly scaled their Global Capability Centers (GCCs)—with India hosting around 1,850 centers employing 2.6 million people and contributing around $65 billion—Punjab lags behind with only 5–7 GCCs, fewer than 1,000 employees, and less than $200 million in contribution in state gdp. The objective is to bridge this gap by creating over 10,000 jobs in Punjab and driving an additional year-over-year contribution of approximately $2 billion to strengthen the province’s GDP, particularly through the growth of the services sector in finance, accounts,audit and tax domain.”

“At KC GlobEd, we began by training students for global finance roles through certifications like US CPA, US CMA, US EA, and UK ACCA. However, we soon realized that training alone wasn’t enough—there was a need to directly connect talent with real corporate opportunities. This led to the creation of GCC School and our unique philosophy ‘Get Hired First, Then Trained’ approach, bringing the Global Capability Centre model into education. Here, students are selected, hired, and then trained in line with industry needs—making them job-ready for global roles while working from India. This model is truly one of its kind.” added Dr. Chhabra.

Prof. (Dr.) Manpreet S. Manna, Executive Director, GCC School and Former Director, AICTE, highlighted the model’s industry-first approach, stating, ““GCC School is built around real industry expectations, with a structured pathway—from the National Finance Entrance Test to assessments and industry interactions—ensuring both aptitude and readiness. With globally aligned learning, including the UK ACCA curriculum and communication training with the British Council, the focus remains on outcomes, with students securing placements starting at ₹10 lakh per annum,” he said, adding that this integrated approach prepares graduates for roles in Big firms and MNCs through a curriculum aligned with evolving industry needs.

Representing the academic ecosystem, Dr Anshu Kataria Chairman Aryans Group of Colleges Chandigarh President Punjab Unaided Colleges Association, said, “Colleges today are focused on improving student career outcomes, and such partnerships open doors to global opportunities. PUCA is pleased to collaborate with GCC School, as initiatives like these demonstrate how aligned efforts between academia and industry can create meaningful, real-world impact for students.”

The conference saw participation from Dr. Kamal Chhabra, Founder and CEO of KC GlobEd. With GCC School, Prof. (Dr.) Manpreet S. Manna, Executive Director, GCC School and Former Director, AICTE, Shri Anshu Kataria, President, PUCA & Chairman, Arya Group of Colleges, Mrs. Sonal Goel (IAS), Resident Commissioner, Tripura Bhawan, New Delhi and senior academicians alongside institutional leaders and young finance aspirants across Chandigarh and Punjab.

The dialogue concluded with a shared perspective that commerce education in India is entering a phase of redefinition. As global finance roles continue to expand, the emphasis is gradually shifting toward structured preparation coupled with international alignment & early exposure to professional environments.

Chandigarh, April 18

In a significant boost to the region’s sporting ecosystem, Dikshant International School has unveiled a world-class cricket academy at its Dera Bassi campus in collaboration with CricKingdom, mentored by Rohit Sharma. The academy aims to bring structured, international-standard coaching to aspiring cricketers across Tricity and Punjab. Details of the academy which was inaugurated by Vishal Sharma, Rohit Sharma’s brother who is also Director of Operations for CricKingdom Academy By Rohit Sharma. Later details of the academy were shared with media by Mitul Dikshit, Chairman of Dikshant Group of Schools, Vishal Sharma & Gururaj YS Sales Head for CricKingdom Academy by Rohit Sharma.

Mitul Dikshit, said that the initiative underscores a strong commitment to nurturing young talent. “At Dikshant, we believe in creating meaningful pathways for young talent. Alongside the academy, we are developing a dedicated sports hostel and will actively scout talent across North India, offering structured training and scholarships to promising players,” he said.

The academy is designed around the philosophy and approach associated with Rohit Sharma’s cricketing excellence. CricKingdom’s globally standardised training framework, which combines professional coaching with advanced technology and performance analytics is all set to ensure holistic player development. Rohit Sharma will also visit the academy at regular intervals to share tips with young trainees, special camps too will be held.

Speaking on the launch, Vishal Sharma, said, “CricKingdom’s focus is on producing world-class cricketers from the region by bringing global best practices to grassroots training. This academy is a step towards building a strong pipeline of talent equipped to compete at the highest levels.”

He added, “Punjab and the Tricity region have immense untapped potential. With the right infrastructure, coaching, and exposure, we aim to create a new generation of disciplined, high-performing cricketers ready for competitive and professional platforms.”

The academy was inaugurated by Vishal Sharma, as Rohit Sharma is currently engaged with commitments during the Indian Premier League season. It is open to all aspiring students & young cricketers from the region.

Adding a market perspective, Gururaj YS said, “We expect an extremely encouraging response from the region. Our aim is to make world-class cricket training accessible, structured, and scalable.”

With this collaboration, Dikshant International School, Dera Bassi positions itself as an emerging hub for cricketing excellence, offering players the opportunity to train under a globally recognised system and pursue the sport at a competitive level.

Chandigarh, April 18, 2026

EPIC 2026, a premier national medical conference, took off here at Hyatt Regency Chandigarh, witnessing participation from over 600 doctors and healthcare professionals across the country. The event was graced by Kiran Bedi, India’s First Woman IPS Officer and Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry as the Chief Guest.

In her keynote address, she spoke with great conviction on leadership, perseverance, and integrity, highlighting courage and resilience as essential values in both public service and the medical profession—leaving a strong impression on the audience.

Advocating women empowerment, she encouraged greater representation of women in leadership roles and acknowledged their significant contribution to nation-building. She also appreciated Chandigarh for its urban planning, cleanliness, and tourism appeal, while thoughtfully addressing the importance of effective traffic management and responsible civic participation.

Chandigarh:

The Sirsa MP, General Secretary of All India Congress Committee and former Union minister Kumari Selja launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging that attempts were being made to weaken democratic institutions under the guise of women’s reservation. Kumari Selja claimed that the opposition had foiled what she described as an effort to alter political balance through the delimitation process. Kumari Selja said that this is not just about women’s rights but about protecting the constitutional framework and federal structure. She alleged that the government was trying to link women’s reservation with delimitation in a manner that could reshape electoral representation to its advantage. She added such moves undermine the spirit of democracy and the Constitution.

Referring to the 2023 law on women’s reservation, Kumari Selja demanded that 33% quota for women be implemented from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections without delay. Any postponement, she said, would amount to injustice to women. Kumari Selja further alleged that the ruling party has repeatedly used the issue of women’s empowerment for political gains without taking substantial steps on the ground. According to her, women and youth are now increasingly aware of these concerns. Calling the issue larger than politics, Kumari Selja said it relates to safeguarding democratic values and the country’s future. She asserted that the Congress would continue to press for effective implementation of women’s reservation and protection of constitutional principles.

Chandigarh:

In a significant step towards strengthening patient care and hospital efficiency, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh has received 25 barcode printers from Know Thyself as Soul Foundation.

The donation supports PGIMER’s newly implemented barcode-based system for laboratory and radiology services, aimed at streamlining processes, reducing waiting times, and minimizing crowding at Medical Record counters. The installation of these printers at the ward level is expected to significantly enhance patient convenience and operational efficiency.

Expressing gratitude, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, stated, ““This thoughtful contribution marks a meaningful step towards strengthening our patient-centric systems. The integration of barcode technology at the ward level will significantly enhance efficiency, reduce waiting times, and ensure a smoother experience for patients. We deeply appreciate such collaborations that align with our vision of delivering seamless, technology-driven healthcare.”

Mr. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), added, “The addition of these barcode printers will greatly improve operational flow, particularly in lab and radiology services. By decentralizing key processes, we are minimizing crowding at record counters and bringing convenience closer to the patient. We commend Know Thyself as Soul Foundation for their valuable support in advancing hospital administration and patient care.”

Such initiatives by Know Thyself as Soul Foundation reflect a strong commitment to social responsibility and meaningful contribution to the healthcare sector.