Chandigarh, June 11:

Proper and professional training of polling officials is an integral part of the preparation for elections. The primary objective of training is to equip the polling personnel with the required knowledge and skills to conduct elections strictly as per Law, Rules and instructions. For this purpose, two rounds of training are conducted in smaller groups so that there is adequate opportunity for interaction and doubt clearing. In the training programmes, hands-on-training related to their role/duties on use of EVMs is also conducted as per guidelines of the Election Commission of India.

Punjab CEO Sibin C informed that First Training of polling and presiding officers to be deployed at 194 polling stations for conducting poll on 19-06-2025 for Bye election 064-Ludhiana West was organized on 04-06-2025 at Auditorium Khalsa college for women. 1552 polling personnel in Two Shifts at morning 09.00AM and Afternoon at 02.00 PM were trained during the training programme.

As a part of hands-on-training on use of EVMs, a mock drill on EVM voting was conducted by every Presiding Officer/polling officer individually on separate machines. In the mock drill voting, 388 Presiding Officers participated.

During the mock drill, individual Presiding Officers cast at least 100 votes in EVM for dummy candidates on a random basis. After completion of mock voting, Presiding Officers personally tallied manual record of votes cast with electronic result of Control Unit and thereafter, electronic result from Control Unit with respective VVPAT slips count. No mismatch was found in manual record of votes cast, electronic result of EVM and VVPAT slips count.

The Presiding and Polling officers thanked the Election Commission for this hands-on training and came out fully satisfied and showed complete confidence in the functioning of the EVM machines.

Chandigarh, June 11:

Due to the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to provide better administration, the state’s Transport Department has collected an additional revenue of Rs. 5375.65 crore during the year 2022-2025 as compared to the year 2019-2022, which is a testament to the better administration of the State Government.

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar while sharing this information said that the non-commercial wing of the Punjab Transport Department, PUNBUS and Roadways and PEPSU have registered a significant increase in revenue collection, which reflects the efforts of the department to better its financial performance. He said that the Punjab Transport Department is committed to continue its efforts to increase revenue collection and improve its services to the public.

The Transport Minister said that in the last three years, the non-commercial wing (STC) of the Transport Department has generated a total revenue of Rs. 9037.49 crore. He said that in contrast, the revenue generated during the years 2019-2020, 2022-2021 and 2021-2022 was Rs. 5825.38 crore. Reiterating the state government’s commitment to better governance, he said that an additional revenue of Rs. 3212.11 crore has been collected during the years 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, which is a record.

The Cabinet Minister said that PUNBUS and Punjab Roadways have collected an additional revenue of Rs. 2323.21 crore during the three years of 2022-2025 as compared to Rs. 1332.03 crore in the year 2019-2022, which is an increase of Rs. 990.91 crore.

S. Bhullar said that PEPSU Roadways Transport Corporation has collected a revenue of Rs. 2894.15 crore during the year 2022-2025 as compared to Rs. 1721.52 crore in the year 2019-2022. He said that the revenue for the year 2022-2025 is Rs. 1172.63 crores more than the previous three years.

S. Bhullar further said that this impressive performance by the Transport Department is a testament to the department’s commitment to improve its revenue collection methods. He said that due to the sincere efforts of the State Government, Punjab is continuously moving forward in the direction of all-round development. He said that the government led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has been working towards making Punjab a Rangla Punjab since the past 3 years.

CHANDIGARH, June 11:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 102 days, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 113 drug smugglers and recovered 1.5 kg heroin and Rs 15040 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 16,982 in just 102 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 96 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 505 locations across the state leading to the registration of 83 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 525 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 93 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, June 11:

The Punjab Government successfully supplied a record-high electricity demand of 16,711 MW across the state without any power cuts on June 11, 2025. This was disclosed by Punjab Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in a press statement issued here today.

He stated that the previous record of 16,192 MW, set just a day earlier on June 10, 2025, was surpassed within 24 hours. Prior to that, the highest peak demand was 16,058 MW, recorded on June 29, 2024.He said today new Record Set for Electricity Demand in the State.

The Power Minister emphasized that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the officers and employees of PSPCL and PSTCL have been working tirelessly to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the people of Punjab. He lauded their efforts and said they deserve special appreciation for their dedication and commitment.

S. Harbhajan Singh ETO further informed that the state government had already made arrangements for 17,000 MW of electricity in anticipation of the summer and paddy sowing seasons. This preparedness ensured that the peak demands recorded over the last two days were successfully met without any disruptions.

The third day of the 4th Postgraduate International Vaccinology Course (PGIVAC 2025), hosted by PGIMER Chandigarh, focused on the complex landscape of regulations, ethics, and methodologies across the phases of vaccine development. Dr. Madhu Gupta, Course Director, opened the day with a recap, setting the stage for discussions on regulatory frameworks and ethical concerns in vaccine trials. Dr. Nusrat Shafiq addressed the ethical considerations in conducting trials, followed by a case study exploring real-world dilemmas in vaccine development. Dr. Rubina Bose, Deputy Drugs Controller, CDSCO, provided insights into the role of national regulatory bodies. Statistical methodologies critical to vaccine trials were unpacked by Ms. Maria Abraham from EMMES, emphasizing practical approaches to sample size calculation and data analysis.

A detailed overview of vaccine trial phases was delivered by Dr. Badri Narayan Patnaik of Bharat Biotech. He covered methodologies for Phase I and II trials, followed by group exercises on trial design, recruitment, and result analysis using SARS-CoV-2 as a case study. Post-lunch, Dr. Temsunaro Rongsen Chandola led the session on Phase III trials with a focus on rotavirus vaccines. Another interactive group session guided participants through planning and evaluating Phase III trials. Discussions on Phase IV trials centred on post-licensure surveillance and pharmacovigilance. The concluding sessions highlighted cutting-edge topics: Dr. John Clemens (IVI, South Korea) spoke on assessing herd protection and vaccine effectiveness. Mr. Sourabh Sobti (CEPI) shared insights on platform technologies for pandemic preparedness. Dr. Raju Sunagar discussed codon deoptimization technology. It was discussed that to meet the objective to be prepared for 100 days to deal with the pandemics, newer vaccine technology should be used like AI based vaccine development and codon deoptimization technology. Dr. Nithya Gogtay, Member of NTAGI, examined ethical issues in human challenge trials. The day ended with a wrap-up and participant feedback session led by Dr. Madhu Gupta. PGIVAC 2025 continues to bridge science, policy, and innovation to strengthen India’s vaccine ecosystem. With a mix of theory, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises, Day 3 provided a comprehensive understanding of the vaccine development lifecycle, preparing participants to tackle the complex challenges of global immunisation.

Jalandhar, June 11 :

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday announced an intensified crackdown on drugs through the promotion of sports, under the ongoing Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign.

Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone for the Burlton Park Sports Hub—an ambitious project to be developed at a cost of approximately ₹78 crore—Chief Guest Arvind Kejriwal called it a historic day. He stated that this initiative will provide thousands of people with opportunities to engage in sports and maintain a healthy lifestyle. He also mentioned that this would be the first-of-its-kind sports complex in the country and would be completed within a year.

Arvind Kejriwal emphasized that Punjab was once a leader in multiple fields, including sports, but regressive policies by traditional political parties caused its decline. He blamed these parties for enabling the drug menace, asserting that Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh has now broken the backbone of the drug network. He highlighted the government’s bold actions, such as confiscating and demolishing the properties of drug smugglers through Operation Bulldoze.

Arvind Kejriwal said the upgrade of Burlton Park is a strategic move under the anti-drug campaign, and that ultra-modern stadiums will soon be established in every village to steer the youth away from drugs. He reiterated that the initiative aims to position Punjab as a frontrunner state in the country. Arvind Kejriwal also noted the state’s industry-friendly stance, which has attracted significant investment.

Arvind Kejriwal mentioned the establishment of new focal points across Punjab and the launch of the FastTrack Punjab Portal to ensure investors receive all necessary approvals within 45 days of application. He said Punjab, known for its courage, enterprise, and resilience, is now poised to lead India’s industrial resurgence. Over the past three years, the state government has launched several initiatives benefiting all sections of society, and this momentum will continue in the future, he added.

In his address, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted Jalandhar’s legacy of producing exceptional athletes who have brought international acclaim to the country, particularly in hockey. He pointed out that many players of India’s national hockey squad hail from the district, with three generations of athletes having emerged from its grounds. However, the Chief Minister said that political mismanagement over the years caused Punjab to fall behind in sports.

Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that the state’s lost glory in athletics would be restored through committed and strategic efforts. Reviving sports is a central pillar of Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh, he said that it aims to channel the youth’s energy into positive avenues. The Chief Minister also announced that historic Burlton Park would be renamed after a legendary Punjabi athlete, shedding its colonial legacy.

The Chief Minister added that international cricket stadiums would soon be developed in Jalandhar and Amritsar, following the one in Mullanpur. Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly noted that the captains of India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams, as well as the football team skipper, hail from Punjab. He asserted that Punjab would soon become the number one state in sports, and the government would leave no stone unturned in upgrading infrastructure and promoting athletic excellence.

The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to the holistic development of Punjab and its people. He said that pristine glory of the state will be restored by all means and no stone will be left unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far away when Punjab will lead the country in every sphere.

Jalandhar, June 11 :

In a proud and historic moment for Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday flagged off a shipment of 25,000 rugby balls destined for global matches, in the prestigious 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Speaking on the occasion, both leaders expressed immense pride in being present at the heart of India’s sports manufacturing hub—Jalandhar. They emphasized that it is a matter of great honor for Punjab that rugby balls manufactured by Savi International, a Jalandhar-based company, will be used in an international sporting event of such magnitude. They said, “It’s a proud moment for Punjab that Jalandhar-made rugby balls will be used in the World Cup.

Both the leaders added that the sports industry is playing a vital role in fueling thousands of jobs and positioning Punjab as a global manufacturing powerhouse. Highlighting the global reputation of Jalandhar’s sports industry, the leaders lauded the hardworking, resilient, and visionary manufacturers who have consistently delivered world-class products. They reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to giving a strong impetus to this vibrant sector.

“Punjab has always been a land of courage, enterprise, and resilience and today, it is poised to lead India’s industrial resurgence with that same spirit.” They added.  For the first time in the state’s history, the leaders noted, Punjab’s industrial policies have been specifically designed in consultation with industrialists, ensuring a truly facilitative and business-friendly environment. They emphasized that the government has efficiently delivered on all the major demands of the industry.

Both leaders highlighted that Punjab currently boasts one of the best law and order situations in the country, which is further attracting significant industrial investment. They said that the state has already secured investments worth over ₹1.05 lakh crore, with the potential to generate employment for around 5 lakh youth. They said that Leading companies such as Tata Steel and Sanatan Textiles are making a beeline to invest in Punjab, taking full advantage of the state’s business-friendly environment, robust infrastructure, reliable power supply, skilled workforce, and strong industrial work ethic.

Commending Savi International for its contribution, the leaders said the company exemplifies how Punjabis, with their hard work, commitment, and vision, continue to make their mark on the global stage. They noted that Punjabis are truly global citizens, renowned for their spirit of resilience and enterprise. Extending their heartfelt congratulations to the industrialists for this remarkable achievement, both Kejriwal and Mann expressed confidence that they would continue to raise the bar in the industry. They also assured full support and cooperation from the state government to help the sports manufacturing sector achieve even greater heights.

Nainital:

Prof. H.S. Dhami, Former Vice Chancellor of Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, underscored the urgent need to integrate experiential learning into higher education curricula. The program was organized by the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC) at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, through hybrid mode under the aegis of the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme of UGC and Ministry of Education, Govt. of India.

Addressing a distinguished virtual gathering of newly inducted faculty from across the country, Prof. Dhami emphasized that “experiential learning is not just a pedagogical trend but a foundational necessity for India’s higher education system to remain relevant and responsive in today’s rapidly evolving knowledge economy.” He further noted that while traditional classroom-based teaching remains important, it must be complemented with hands-on, problem-based, and project-oriented approaches that foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and real-world application. Citing examples from leading global education models, Prof. Dhami urged institutions to redesign curricula that align with NEP 2020’s vision of holistic and multidisciplinary education.

Chairing the valedictory session, Prof. H.C. Nainwal, Dean, School of Earth Sciences, HNB Garhwal University, made a profound statement on the irreplaceable role of teachers in the modern educational landscape. “Artificial Intelligence can replicate information, but it lacks the empathy, intuition, and human connection that a teacher brings into the classroom. Teachers possess emotional intelligence—something no algorithm can simulate,” remarked Prof. Nainwal, underlining the unique and irreplaceable value of human educators.

He elaborated that in an age where technology is rapidly transforming pedagogy, it is emotional intelligence—the ability to understand, motivate, and connect with students on a human level—that remains the core of effective teaching. He cautioned against an over-reliance on AI-driven platforms and stressed the importance of human mentorship in shaping character, values, and emotional resilience among learners.

In this month-long Guru Dakshta Program (May 13 to June 11, 2025), attended by 60 faculty participants from 19 different states of the country, the eminent educationists from various institutions and disciplines deliberated on various topics focused on equipping new faculty with values, tools, and innovative practices essential for today’s classrooms and shared their experiences. In his closing remarks, Dr. Rahul Kunwar Singh, officiating Director of the Centre, reiterated the commitment of MMTTC to promote transformative teacher training initiatives that uphold the spirit of ‘Acharya Devo Bhava’ and contribute meaningfully to national educational goals. During the session, feedback from th eparticpants were also taken.

The valedictory session was coordinated by the Assistant Director of the Centre, Dr. Somesh Thapliyal. Dr. Amar Jeet Singh and Dr. Kavita Bhatt and other staff of the centre, were also present during the session. The whole program was organized under the guidance of Prof. M.M.S. Rauthan, Vice-Chancellor, HNBGU and executed under the leadership of Dr. Rahul Kunwar Singh, the officiating Director of MMTTC, HNBGU.

Chandigarh, June 9 – The Lokayukta in Haryana will now adopt Video Conferencing (VC) facilities for its proceedings. This directive comes as part of a broader state government initiative aimed at leveraging audio-visual electronic means for all official interactions, aligning with new central criminal laws and Supreme Court guidelines. A letter in this regard has been issued by Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi to all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, board/corporation managing directors, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, sub-divisional officers, and the Registrar of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, emphasizing strict compliance with these new instructions.

The decision to integrate VC facilities is rooted in the enabling provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Specifically, Section 336 (Evidence of public servants, experts, police officers in certain cases) and Section 530 (Trial and proceedings to be held in electronic mode) explicitly promote the use of audio-visual electronic means for all proceedings. Furthermore, the Supreme Court of India’s ruling in Civil Appeal Nos. 23-24 of 2024, titled “The State of Uttar Pradesh & Others Vs. Association of Retired Supreme Court and High Court Judges at Allahabad & Others,” has formulated a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that actively encourages the appearance of government officials through video conferencing.

In response to these developments, the State Government, through Notification No. 2/18/2024-5JJ (1) dated January 31, 2025, from the Department of Administration Justice, has officially notified the establishment of Designated Conferencing Facilities.

Chandigarh, June 10 — Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry said that the state is gearing up for the upcoming monsoon season and has directed officers to stay alert and active on the ground to effectively manage any situation of flooding or waterlogging. All flood-related projects must be completed on time so that the state is well-prepared and people do not face inconvenience during heavy rains. Besides this she also directed that there should be no shortage of drinking water in any district of Haryana.

Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, held a meeting with officers from the Irrigation and Public Health Departments to review the preparations for the rainy season and water supply arrangements across the state, at her residence office in Chandigarh today.

During the meeting, officers informed the Minister that out of 873 drains in the state, 676 need to be cleaned before the monsoon. So far, 470 have been cleaned, and the rest are expected to be cleared by June 20, 2025. She also reviewed district-wise reports from Deputy Commissioners regarding short-term, medium-term, and long-term flood control projects.

The Minister was also informed that in the 56th meeting of the Haryana State Drought Relief and Flood Control Board, 209 short-term projects were approved. Work is currently in progress on 194 of them, and 8 have already been completed. She appealed to officers to work efficiently and ensure all projects are completed within deadlines. Strict action would be taken against those who fail to deliver on time.

Commissioner and Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Sh. Mohammed Shayin  informed the minister that in areas where flooding is more likely, steps are being taken to improve drainage. This includes the purchase of pumps, motors, control panels, laying pipelines, and cleaning drains and sewer lines. All of which will be completed as soon as possible.

Smt. Shruti Choudhry also directed that Superintendent Engineers, must visit sites where drain-cleaning work is happening. She directed that progress should be shared with the public through social media posts and live updates, so people can see that the work is being done with full transparency. Smt. Shruti Choudhry assured that the state government is giving top priority to the safety and comfort of every citizen.

Chairperson, HWRA, Smt. Keshani Anand Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Satbir Kadian and other officers of the department also remained present.