Srinagar Garhwal:

A strong linkage between industry and academia is essential for the creation of intellectual property (IP), emphasized Prof. Rana Pratap Singh, Vice Chancellor of Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, as the Chief Guest at the valedictory session of the week-long Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Intellectual Property Rights: Drivers of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” The event, organized by the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, concluded today, September 15, 2025. Prof. Singh highlighted the critical role of industry-academia partnerships in advancing new technologies and materials, noting that the protection of these innovations through intellectual property rights (IPR) is equally crucial for sustaining innovation ecosystems. He cited real-world examples to underscore the need for robust IP frameworks to drive technological advancements.
Dr. Vishal Chaudhary, Scientist F, at the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, New Delhi, delivered the Guest of Honor address. He discussed several government initiatives aimed at promoting IPR and entrepreneurship, including the i-STEM program, designed to support innovation in science and technology.
Presiding over the session, Prof. Shri Prakash Singh, Vice Chancellor of HNB Garhwal University, emphasized the importance of IPR cells within universities and their role in disseminating knowledge about intellectual property rights. He also called for simplifying and making the patent filing process more cost-effective to encourage greater participation from innovators and researchers.
In his remarks, Dr. Rahul K. Singh, Director of MMTTC, stressed that IPR is vital for recognizing and protecting the creativity of innovators. He pointed out that the FDP served as an excellent platform for participants to deepen their understanding of IPR and its role in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, marking the successful conclusion of the week-long academic initiative. Dr. Somesh Thapliyal, Assistant Director, MMTTC, welcomed the dignitaries and moderated the session.
Dr. Saurabh Yadav, Course Coordinator, presented the technical report, noting that 30 faculty members from across the country participated in the program, receiving training from 22 eminent resource persons from seven states. He concluded the session with the vote of thanks.

On the concluding day of International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies week, celebrated on 13^th  September 2025, the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health organized a vibrant event featuring collage-making, awareness sessions, lectures, and interactive discussions. The event centered around this year’s United Nations theme: Run for Clean Air, which highlights the urgency of collective and sustained action to combat air pollution for a healthier and more resilient future.

The event included keynote lectures by Prof. RavindraKhaiwal and Dr.Bijaya Kumar Padhi. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. RavindraKhaiwal highlighted that ‘Run for Clean Air’ represents the ongoing, collective responsibility to combat air pollution through sustained action. He emphasized practical, science-based solutions such as promoting clean and renewable energy, improving public transport, reducing vehicular emissions, adopting sustainable urban planning, and managing waste responsibly. Dr Khaiwal encouraged individuals to take simple but impactful steps like carpooling, using bicycles, planting trees, and reducing indoor pollutants. Prof. Khaiwal urged the audience, especially youth, to be active champions for clean air, stressing that the journey must be continuous, driven by innovation, policy support, and community engagement. Dr.Bijaya Kumar Padhi emphasized the serious health risks of both indoor and outdoor air pollution, urging urgent, multisectoral action. Aligning with the theme, he called for community awareness, behavior change, and policy integration to protect public health and ensure cleaner air for future generations.

A session on breathing exercises was conducted to highlight the vital role of clean air in maintaining lung health and overall well-being. The practice emphasized how ancient Indian techniques support respiratory function while fostering air quality awareness, encouraging participants to reflect on the connection between breath and environment. Dr.HarmanjeetKaur, Senior Demonstrator, and Dr.Vibha Sharma, Junior Demonstrator, of Environmental Health jointly coordinated the program. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of over35 students and staff, including Bachelor’s and Master of Public Health, MD students, PhD scholars, and staff.

In addition, the department’s field practice areas also organized public awareness sessions on the health effects of air pollution, motivating community members to contribute toward controlling and minimizing emissions in their daily lives.The event concluded with the message that individual and community-level efforts are essential to achieve cleaner skies and a healthier future.

Panchkula, 13 September 2025: Purushottam Das Rungta Charitable Trust organised its 182nd weekly ‘Ann Bhandara’, or Community Kitchen,  at Industrial Area Phase-1, Panchkula with great reverence and service spirit.

On this occasion, Trust founder Amitabh Rungta said, 

“By organising or helping in holding  a  ‘Community Kitchen’, one shows the spirit of service and philanthropy. In Hinduism, donating food to the needy is considered sacrosanct.”  

Rungta added, “It is said in the scriptures – ‘Annam Brahmaeti’ 

which means – food is the form of Brahma Himself. The person who gives food to the underprivileged, actually serves God.”
A large number of people  participated in the ‘Bhandara’ and consumed food. The volunteers of the Trust played an important role in making the ‘Bhandara’ a success.

Chandigarh, 9th September 2025 – The Resource Centre for Tobacco Control (RCTC), PGIMER Chandigarh, in collaboration with Vital Strategies, organized a high-level virtual National Webinar titled “Towards a Tobacco-Free India: The Role of Taxation in Curbing the Epidemic”. The event brought together distinguished experts, researchers, policymakers, and senior leaders from 10 national institutes—including AIIMS, NICPR, ICMR, NIOH, and NIIR-NCD—to deliberate on the critical role of tobacco taxation in reducing tobacco consumption and strengthening public health outcomes in India.

Prof. Sonu Goel, Director of RCTC, welcomed participants and emphasized that the webinar was organized at a pivotal moment, following the Government of India’s recent reforms in tobacco taxation policy. He noted that the session aimed to provide clarity amidst fragmented media reports and misinformation surrounding the new tax rates, particularly addressing misleading claims about uniform tax hikes and the reduction in GST on bidis. Dr. L. Swasticharan, Deputy Director General (DDG), MoHFW, Government of India, appreciated the efforts of RCTC in organizing the webinar and underlined taxation as one of the most cost-effective “best buys” for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and tobacco control. Dr.P.C.Gupta, Director Healis-Sekhsaria Institute of Public Health,Mumbai emphasised that without targeted reforms and uniform tax rates across all tobacco products, the full potential of tobacco taxation as a public health intervention will remain unreleased. Dr. Rana J. Singh from Vital Strategies further emphasized that Article 6 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) represents the single most effective tobacco control strategy. He called for evidence-based implementation and sustained stakeholder’s commitment to strengthen the taxation framework.

The technical sessions offered an in-depth exploration of tobacco taxation history and existing policy gaps. Dr. Upendra Bhojani traced the evolution of tobacco taxation from Mughal-era levies to the complex excise system of modern India, culminating in the introduction of GST in 2017. Dr. Rijo John presented evidence from a joint study, showing that while GST reforms modestly reduced smokeless tobacco and bidi use, the recent proposal to lower bidi taxes from 28% to 18% threatens public health, given bidis’ widespread use among low-income populations.

The high-level panel discussion featured distinguished directors and experts including Prof. Saurabh Varshney, Prof. Ashutosh Biswas, Prof. Meenu Singh, Dr. Madhabananda Kar, Dr. Bhavesh Modi, Dr. Shalini Singh, and Dr. Pankaj Bhardwaj. The panelists unanimously agreed that tobacco taxation should be treated primarily as a public health intervention, rather than a revenue-generation tool. Their key recommendations included implementing uniform taxation across all tobacco products by eliminating differential tax rates, closing GST loopholes, and preventing tax reductions on cheaper products like bidis. They further recommended reinvesting tax revenues into cessation services, community health programs, and supporting alternative livelihoods for tobacco farmers, along with enhancing intersectoral coordination between the health and finance departments. Additionally, they stressed the need for strong advocacy and translational research to effectively counter industry interference.

Experts highlighted that tobacco remains one of the leading preventable causes of death globally, responsible for more than 8 million lives lost annually. They stressed taxation as the most effective, evidence-based strategy to reduce tobacco use, particularly among youth and low-income populations, while also contributing to government revenue for health and social development programs. Dr. Pankaj Bhardwaj remarked, “The recent tax reduction on bidis leads to detrimental health outcomes or burden in the poorest segment of the society.It is crucial to narrow the tax gap between cigarettes and bidis and provide cessation services alongside taxation measures.”

Beyond taxation, the expert discussions emphasized the importance of complementary tobacco control measures, including clear health warnings, standardized packaging, campus-level tobacco-free policies, regulation of points of sale, and accessible cessation services.

The National Webinar was attended by approximately 400 participants from across India, including state nodal officers, civil society representatives, and researchers. The event concluded with a broad consensus that a comprehensive, evidence-driven approach integrating taxation, prevention, cessation, and implementation is key to supporting India’s ambition of achieving a tobacco-free future.

Chandigarh. September 13, 2025
PCA Blue won the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Trophy and PCA Red lost by 5 wickets. In response to Team Red’s 148/9 runs, Team Blue achieved the target in 18.3 overs.
In the match played at PCA Mohali, PCA Red batted first and scored 148 runs losing 9 wickets in 20 overs. Kartik Sharma scored 34 runs and Anil Yadav also contributed 34 runs. Mridul added 27 runs. Gaurav Chaudhary walked 4 batsmen, while Mehakjot Brar took 2 wickets. Ramandeep and Yuvraj got 1-1 wickets.
In response, PCA Blue team, batting first, achieved the target by losing 5 wickets in 18.3 overs. Uday Saharan lost his wicket on a score of 36, but Harpreet Brar scored an unbeaten 42 off 23 balls and Gवurav Chaudhary scored an unbeaten 37 off 15 balls to ensure the team’s victory. Lovekirat Singh, Madhav Singh, Mayank Markande, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Arun Kalia dismissed 1 batsman each.

Chandigarh / 13th, September.

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has said that paddy crops in 12 districts of the state, including Sirsa, have been completely destroyed due to floods and waterlogging, but insurance companies are outright refusing to acknowledge the losses. Farmers who honestly paid premiums under the crop insurance scheme are now being abandoned when it comes to compensation, as both the companies and the government are turning their backs on them. In such a situation, the BJP government must frame strict rules to curb the arbitrariness of these insurance companies and take action against the culprits. 

In a statement released to the media, Kumari Selja said this is open injustice against farmers. She questioned who gave insurance companies the right not to consider submerged crops as “damage.” She asked why the BJP government is not taking action against these companies and why they are being allowed such arbitrariness. It appears that the government and the insurance companies are working hand-in-glove and misleading farmers in the name of compensation. MP Kumari Selja said that farmers pay premiums with the belief that they will receive compensation in times of crisis, but due to collusion between the BJP government and the insurance companies, farmers are being deprived of their rights. This is a clear example of the government’s anti-farmer mindset. 

Kumari Selja demanded that the state government immediately conduct a special survey (Girdawari) and ensure fair assessment of the damaged crops, provide compensation to all affected farmers without delay, enforce strict rules to prevent the arbitrariness of insurance companies, and take action against those responsible. She added that the Congress Party will fight for farmers’ rights both on the streets and in the Parliament, and the struggle will continue until the affected farmers receive justice. Kumari Selja said that if the government steps back from helping farmers in this time of crisis, it has no right to call itself pro-farmer. The BJP government’s ill-intentions towards farmers have been visible from the very beginning.

:-MP Kumari Selja to visit Ellenabad on 15th, September.

On September 15, MP Kumari Selja will participate in various programs in the Ellenabad Assembly constituency. On Monday at 9:30 AM, she will reach the residence of Sunil Godara near Ashoka Bakery, Gandhi Chowk, Ellenabad (Sirsa district). Thereafter, at 10:00 AM, she will tour the flood-affected villages of Gudiya Khera, Ludesar, Manak Diwan, Dadba Kalan, Shahpuriya, and Shakkar Mandori in the Ellenabad region.

चंडीगढ़, 13 सितंबर।

अखिल भारतीय कांग्रेस कमेटी की महासचिव, पूर्व केंद्रीय मंत्री एवं सिरसा की सांसद कुमारी सैलजा ने कहा है कि सिरसा सहित प्रदेश के 12 जिलों में धान की फसल बाढ़ और जलभराव से पूरी तरह बर्बाद हो चुकी है, लेकिन बीमा कंपनियां इसे नुकसान मानने से साफ इंकार कर रही हैं। जिन किसानों ने पूरी ईमानदारी से फसल बीमा योजना के तहत प्रीमियम भरा, परंतु जब मुआवजा देने की बारी आई तो कंपनियां और सरकार दोनों ही किसानों से मुंह मोड़ रही हैं। ऐसे में भाजपा सरकार बीमा कंपनियों की मनमानी रोकने के लिए सख्त नियम बनाए जाएं और दोषियों पर कार्रवाई की जाए।

मीडिया को जारी बयान में कुमारी सैलजा ने कहा है कि यह किसानों के साथ खुला अन्याय है। बीमा कंपनियों को यह अधिकार किसने दिया कि वे डूबी हुई फसल को ‘नुकसान’ ही न मानें? उन्होंने सवाल उठाया कि भाजपा सरकार इन कंपनियों पर कार्रवाई क्यों नहीं कर रही है और आखिर इन्हें इस तरह की मनमानी करने की छूट क्यों दी जा रही है। ऐसा लग रहा है कि सरकार और बीमा कंपनियां आपस में मिली हुई है और किसानों को मुआवजे के नाम पर गुमराह कर रही है। सांसद कुमारी सैलजा ने कहा है कि किसान इस विश्वास में प्रीमियम भरते हैं कि विपरीत परिस्थिति में उन्हें मुआवजा मिलेगा लेकिन भाजपा सरकार और बीमा कंपनियों की मिलीभगत से किसानों को उनके अधिकार से वंचित किया जा रहा है। यह सरकार की किसान विरोधी मानसिकता का जीता-जागता उदाहरण है।

सांसद कुमारी सैलजा ने प्रदेश सरकार से मांग की है कि तुरंत विशेष गिरदावरी करवाई जाए और बर्बाद हुई फसल का उचित मूल्यांकन किया जाए, सभी प्रभावित किसानों को बिना किसी देरी के मुआवजा दिया जाए, बीमा कंपनियों की मनमानी रोकने के लिए सख्त नियम बनाए जाएं और दोषियों पर कार्रवाई की जाए। सांसद ने कहा कि कांग्रेस पार्टी किसानों की लड़ाई सड़क से सदन तक लड़ेगी और जब तक प्रभावित किसानों को उनका हक़ नहीं मिल जाता, तब तक यह संघर्ष जारी रहेगा। साथ ही सांसद ने कहा कि अगर सरकार संकट की घड़ी में किसानों की मदद करने से पीछे हट रही है तो उसे स्वयं को किसान हितेषी कहने को कोई हक नहीं है। किसान हितों को लेकर भाजपा सरकार की नीयत में शुरू से ही खोट दिखाई दे रहा है।

Chandigarh, September 13: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that players should set their goal of winning medals at the Olympic Games. He said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has set a target of establishing India as a sports superpower in the 2036 Olympic Games, and the state government has already begun preparations in this direction.

The Chief Minister was addressing players from across the country at the inaugural ceremony of Yonex-Sunrise Ashwani Gupta Memorial All India Sub-Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament 2025 in Panchkula today. On this occasion, the Chief Minister declared the Badminton Tournament open and announced to give Rs 11 lakh to the Sports Promotion Society, Panchkula from this discretionary fund.

        Former Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha and Chairman of the Sports Promotion Society, Panchkula, Sh Gian Chand Gupta; Director General, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Sh Alok Mittal; Commissioner and Secretary, Finance Department, Mohammed Shayin ; Deputy Commissioner, Sh Satpal Sharma, Joint Secretary, Haryana Badminton Association Sh Jatinder Kumar Mahajan, Vice President of Badminton Association of India Sh Ajay Kumar Singhania, President, Sports Promotion Society Panchkula Sh D.P Soni were also present.

        Welcoming around 2,000 players from different states to Haryana, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that victory and defeat are part of the game, but your passion and sportsmanship are what makes you a great player. He added that the players’ goal should not be limited to the Asian Junior Badminton Tournament, but should extend to winning medals for India at the Olympic Games.

        Describing Haryana as a sports hub, the Chief Minister said that players from the state have brought laurels to both the country and Haryana by winning medals at international competitions. He said that about 11 years ago, a vision for sports was formulated in Haryana, under which players have been encouraged with the mantra ‘Khele Haryana–Badhe Haryana’ and extensive sports infrastructure has been developed. Whether it is stadiums, indoor halls, or residential sports academies, the government has ensured the establishment of modern sports facilities in every district of the state.

        He informed that the state government has set up sports nurseries to nurture talent from an early age, due to which Haryana is known as the ‘nursery of sports. Financial assistance and professional training are being provided to budding players through these nurseries. At present, 1,489 sports nurseries are operational in the state, where 37,225 players are receiving training. In these nurseries Players aged 8 to 14 years are given Rs 1,500 per month, while those between 15 and 19 years receive Rs 2,000 per month.

        Referring to the achievements of Haryana’s sportspersons, the Chief Minister said that whether it is the Olympic Games, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games, players from Haryana have made the nation proud by raising the tricolor on every stage. He highlighted that out of the six medals won by India at the Paris Olympics 2024, five were secured by Haryana’s players. Similarly, in the Tokyo Olympics 2020, four out of the seven medals for India came from Haryana. He added that the state’s performance in the Asian Games has also been highly commendable.

        The Chief Minister said that the state government has implemented the ‘Haryana Utkrisht Khiladi Seva Niyam, 2021’ to ensure secure employment for outstanding sportspersons. Under this, 550 new posts have been created in the Sports Department. In addition, 224 players with commendable performances at the international level have been provided government jobs. Provision of reservation for sportspersons has been made in direct recruitment to posts from Class I to Class III.

        Congratulating and extending his best wishes to all the badminton players, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that badminton is a sport which not only sharpens physical skills and technical proficiency, but also reflects mental toughness, discipline, and dedication. He described badminton as a unique blend of speed, strategy, and stamina. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also motivated the players by playing badminton himself.

He said that badminton has gained unprecedented popularity in India over the last few decades, credit for which goes to the legendary players who have made the nation proud on the world stage. These include stalwarts like Prakash Padukone, Pullela Gopichand, Saina Nehwal, P.V. Sindhu, and Lakshya Sen, who have also inspired lakhs of young people to take up the sport.

The Chief Minister urged all players to play as a team, support one another, and learn from each other, emphasizing that their unity is their greatest strength.

Addressing the gathering, former Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha and Chairman of the Sports Promotion Society, Panchkula, Sh Gian Chand Gupta said that the Society was established 15 years ago to promote sports among youth and steer them away from drug addiction. He informed that since its inception, the Society has been organizing annual sports competitions such as Kabaddi, Badminton, and Cricket in the district, while also felicitating medal winners to recognize and encourage their achievements.

Panchkula, September 13

Purushottam Das Rungta Charitable Trust organised its 182nd weekly ‘Ann Bhandara’, or Community Kitchen,  at Industrial Area Phase-1, Panchkula with great reverence and service spirit.

On this occasion, Trust founder Amitabh Rungta said, “By organising or helping in putting up an ‘Ann Bhandara’, one shows the spirit of service and philanthropy.” In Hinduism, donating food to the needy is considered sacrosanct . It is said in the scriptures – “Annam Brahmaeti” i.e. food is the form of Brahma Himself. He said that the person who gives food to the underprivileged, actually serves God.
A large number of people  participated in the ‘Bhandara’ and consumed food. The volunteers of the Trust played an important role in making the ‘Bhandara’ a success.

Chandigarh, September 13

The Department of Nursing, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector-32, has rolled out a two-week Induction Training Programme for 245 newly recruited Nursing Officers. The training, which began on September 11 under the chairpersonship of Nursing Superintendent Amanvir Kaur, aims to enhance professional skills and strengthen patient care services.

 At the inaugural session, Director Principal Prof. G.P. Thami and Medical Superintendent Prof. Dasari Harish addressed the participants, emphasizing patient care, documentation, and adherence to hospital protocols. They lauded the Nursing Department for implementing the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s model for induction training. The program includes modules on infection control, biomedical waste management, nursing documentation, basic life support, disaster preparedness, and fire safety. Forty resource persons from various departments are conducting sessions combining theory with hands-on practice. Now in its third day, the training has covered unit readiness, IV line care, and pre- and post-operative nursing protocols.