Delhi Public School, Chandigarh, organised a two-day CBSE Capacity Building Programme in English under the able guidance of the school Director, Mrs Reema Dewan. Emphasising the importance of continuous professional growth, Mrs Dewan highlighted that regular upskilling of teachers is essential to keep pace with evolving educational trends. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening teachers’ soft skills through such initiatives.
The interactive programme for secondary-level teachers was conducted by eminent resource persons Mrs Kulwant Kaur Rehal and Ms Arti Sharma and proved to be highly enriching. Mrs Rehal, a renowned educationist with over 30 years of experience, holds a B.Ed and a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance. Ms Arti Sharma, PGT English and Head of Department at Satluj World School, Derabassi, brings over 15 years of teaching experience.
The sessions focused on innovative strategies for teaching reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and story writing through engaging activities. Teachers also received practical, hands-on techniques to make language learning more effective. The programme received positive feedback, with participants appreciating the fresh insights and classroom-ready strategies.
Chandigarh, January 10. Haryana’s decisive crackdown on organized crime and extortion rackets is now yielding strong, visible results. Compared to 2024, the state recorded a remarkable 40% reduction in extortion-related incidents in 2025. Not only this, but police teams successfully foiled nine major targeted-murder conspiracies, preventing large-scale criminal violence and restoring public confidence.
High-Level Review at Police Headquarters
These developments were shared during a high-level review meeting chaired by Director General of Police Ajay Singhal at the Police Headquarters. Opening the session, DGP Singhal highlighted the growing threats posed by gangsters and their overseas handlers, making it clear that no individual spreading fear or intimidation in the state will be spared.
Zero Tolerance for Terror-Like Activities
Emphasizing an uncompromising approach, DGP Singhal stated that individuals who create an atmosphere of fear among citizens will be treated on par with terrorists and dealt with under the harshest provisions of law. He stressed that the only effective way to dismantle organized crime is to examine the entire structure of these gangs and strike at the core sources of their power.
STF Presentation Highlights International Links
During the meeting, IG STF Satish Balan delivered a detailed presentation outlining the operational architecture and technological mechanisms used by organized criminal groups. He revealed that several gangsters operate from foreign locations, managing their network through social media platforms, encrypted applications and internet-based calling systems. Using virtual numbers and fake online identities, these criminals issue instructions, coordinate operations and even attempt recruitment from abroad.
Close Surveillance on Criminals Operating From Overseas
IG Balan informed attendees that STF is maintaining continuous surveillance on such individuals and is working in close coordination with international agencies to facilitate their deportation. DGP Singhal stressed the need to strengthen this coordination further, noting that no country wants to shelter criminals, and cooperation at the global level is essential.
Rising Influence of Gangsters on Youth a Serious Concern
The meeting also raised concern over the growing trend of young people being influenced by gangsters through rapidly expanding social media channels. Criminals lure impressionable youth into performing minor tasks and gradually push them into serious offences, while gang leaders remain protected in remote or foreign locations.
Focus on Prevention and Public Awareness
To counter this trend, officials recommended expanding awareness and counselling programs among youth alongside ongoing technical surveillance. They also emphasized the need to map specific regions where criminal influence is rising, enabling targeted prevention measures at the grassroots level.
Directive to Strike at the Root of Organized Crime
The meeting concluded with a strong directive from DGP Singhal to intensify and sustain the campaign against organized crime. He stated that this fight cannot end with arrests alone—it must continue until the entire ecosystem of organized crime, including its financial foundation, is dismantled completely.
All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Sirsa Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja accused the Narendra Modi-led Central Government of deliberately weakening MGNREGA. She said the BJP government is systematically conspiring to dismantle the constitutional and legal rights granted to the poor during the Congress regime. Kumari Selja said the MGNREGA has not merely been renamed; rather, its very spirit especially the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi is being destroyed, something the Congress will never tolerate at any cost.
MP Selja was addressing journalists at the Congress Bhawan in Sirsa on Tuesday. Earlier, she also addressed a press conference at Hotel Ganga in Fatehabad, where she raised several serious questions regarding the Centre’s intentions toward MGNREGA. Kumari Selja said through MGNREGA, the Congress had provided the poor with a legal guarantee of minimum wages, but the Central Government is now trying to dismantle this guarantee by altering rules and procedures. This, she said, is a clear reflection of an anti-poor mindset. She emphasized that weakening MGNREGA would directly impact rural poor families, laborers, and women, something the Congress will never accept. Kumari Selja informed that the Congress is conducting a nationwide agitation against the Centre’s anti-MGNREGA decisions, and as part of this movement, strong protests will be held at all district headquarters across Haryana on January 11.
Responding to a question, Kumari Selja said that whenever elections are held in any state, central agencies such as the ED and CBI suddenly become active. Money is deposited into people’s accounts, and once elections are over, everything is conveniently forgotten. She said in Haryana, the Lado Laxmi Scheme is being weakened, MGNREGA is being diluted, and farmers have still not received compensation, clearly exposing the intentions of the BJP government. Raising the issue of the Fatehabad–Sirsa railway line, she said the government announcements regarding this project are completely hollow, as no concrete work has taken place on the ground so far. She said that if the Haryana government is claiming a budget allocation of ₹1,400 crore for this project, it is misleading. She assured that she would once again raise this issue forcefully in Parliament.
Daughters and sisters are not safe in Haryana
Targeting the Haryana government, Kumari Selja said that corruption in the state has crossed all limits. Officials are unchecked, women and girls are unsafe, and the common people are struggling with basic problems. Despite tall claims of cleanliness drives, conditions in cities and villages are worsening, putting public health at serious risk.
Selja said instead of providing basic amenities, the BJP government is trying to divert public attention through superficial publicity. The Congress’s policy is clear to protect the rights of the poor, laborers, and farmers. By weakening MGNREGA, the Central Government is snatching away the rights of the poor and forcing them to beg once again, which the Congress will never allow to succeed. During the press conference at the Congress Bhawan in Sirsa, Kalanwali MLA Shishpal Keharwala, District President Santosh Beniwal, senior Congress leader Dr. K.V. Singh, Women’s District President Krishna Phogat, Rajkumar Sharma, Naveen Kedia, Rajesh Chadiwal, Sandeep Nehra, and a large number of Congress workers were present. At the press conference held at Hotel Ganga in Fatehabad, MLA Balwan Singh Daulatpuria, District President Arvind Sharma, former MLA Prahlad Singh Gillakheda, Jaipal Singh Lali, Mangat Ram Lalwas, Mahesh Sharma, and several other senior leaders were also present.
The Congress party has adopted an aggressive stance against the Central Government’s attempts to alter the original structure of MNREGA. Under the “Save MNREGA Campaign,” the party has begun organizing press conferences across the state as part of a well-planned strategy. As part of this campaign, press conferences were held simultaneously at all district headquarters, including Narnaul, under the leadership of State Congress President Rao Narendra Singh. Addressing the press conference, Rao Narendra Singh said that MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), implemented by the UPA government in 2005, is a rights-based law that provides every rural household with a legal right to demand employment. He said that for the past 20 years, MNREGA has remained the lifeline of rural India. Rao Narendra Singh stated that during the difficult period of the COVID pandemic, MNREGA provided employment to 4.6 crore families. The scheme functions as the backbone of rural livelihood security. Every year, 5 to 6 crore families receive employment under MNREGA, which helps reduce migration from rural areas to cities. He added that women’s participation accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total person-days generated under MNREGA. The State President said that the UPA government ensured that even the last person in society had the right to demand work. Any unemployed person in rural areas could demand work from the government without any qualification, and employment had to be provided within 15 days. He alleged that the Central Government is now preparing to scrap MNREGA and replace it with the (GRAM G) – Viksit Bharat Rozgar Aajeevika Guarantee Mission Bill, which abolishes the legal guarantee of work, weakens village communities and panchayats, and gives the Central Government the authority to decide in which states the scheme will be implemented and in which it will not. Rao Narendra Singh said that earlier, nearly 90 percent of MNREGA expenditure was borne by the Central Government, with only 10 percent borne by state governments. Now, however, up to 40 percent of the burden is being shifted to the states. State governments are already under heavy debt, and in such a situation, they will be unable to make payments, leading to the gradual shutdown of MNREGA. He warned that this would result in a sharp increase in rural unemployment, exploitation of families without minimum wages, increased migration to cities, and the erosion of powers and rights of gram panchayats. During the press conference, District President Satbir Yadav said that this is a well-planned conspiracy by the BJP government against MNREGA. He termed it the daylight murder of MNREGA, a robbery of the rights of crores of workers, and a direct attack on the livelihood of the working class. He said the right of the poor to demand work is being snatched away. He added that over 90 percent of MNREGA beneficiaries come from Dalit and backward classes, and this is a conspiracy to deprive them of social justice. State Youth Congress President Nishit Kataria said that under the MNREGA scheme introduced by the Congress government, every family was guaranteed a minimum of 100 days of work by law. Now, beneficiaries will be left without any legal guarantee, and work will be available only in villages selected by the Central Government. District Women Congress President Dr. Raj Sunesh said that MNREGA legally guaranteed minimum wages, but after the changes made by the Modi government, work will not be available during crop-harvesting seasons and wages will be fixed arbitrarily by the government. Calling the situation extremely shameful, Rao Narendra Singh said that gram panchayats are now being sidelined. Earlier, development work in villages was carried out through gram panchayats with the support of MNREGA mates and employment assistants. Now, the government will decide who works where and on what, and workers will not even receive assistance from mates or employment assistants. He asserted that the Congress party will continue its struggle—from the streets to Parliament—to protect MNREGA and the rights of rural workers. Those present on the occasion included Mahender Ratan, Manoj Patikara, Youth Block President Ravindra Mandi, Ram Singh Joya, Tota Ram Kohli, Advocate Kuldeep Bhardgarh, OBC President Vikram Awana, former judge Rakesh Yadav, Professor Bhup Singh, Seva Dal President Ajit Yadav, Avinash Mandi, Shyam Sunder Soni, Chairman Dalip Singh, Professor Rajbir, Shakti Mandhana, Rewari Youth President Raj Prakash, and several other Congress workers.
Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 315th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 301 locations on Saturday leading to the arrest of 82 drug smugglers after registration of 61 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 43,950 in 315 days.
The raids have resulted in recovery of 7.7 kg heroin, 8759 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 12,790 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
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.
Over 100 Police teams, comprising over 800 police personnel, under the supervision of 57 gazetted officers have conducted 301 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 470 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.
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 28 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to the welfare of every section of society. The elderly are our treasure. For their care and service, the Punjab Government has constructed a “Satkar Ghar” Senior Citizen Home at a cost of ₹9.12 crore.
The Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur said this while inaugurating the government-run “Satkar Ghar” for senior citizens here today.
She said that this “Satkar Ghar,” with a capacity of 72 beds, offers free facilities to the elderly, including day care, meals, medical assistance, a library, yoga room and recreation hall. She further said that the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development is launching special programs for senior citizens, while health camps will also be organized in the coming days.
On this occasion, Dr. Baljit Kaur met the senior citizens residing at “Satkar Ghar” and honored them. She also honored 21 newborn baby girls during the state-level “Dhiyan Di Lohri” celebration organized on this occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Budhlada MLA Principal Budh Ram said that the Punjab Government is making tireless efforts for the welfare of all sections of society. Along with the ongoing campaign against drugs, development projects worth crores of rupees are also in progress.
Speaking on the occasion, Mansa MLA Dr. Vijay Singla said that the Punjab Government has made a major initiative to ensure the care and support of needy elderly persons in their old age. He added that while a sewerage project worth over ₹40 crore is underway in Mansa, several road construction works are also in progress and will be completed within next 3–4 months.
Director of the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Mrs. Vimi Bhullar, said that the department is continuously working on various projects for the welfare of senior citizens, women and children.
Deputy Commissioner Madam Navjot Kaur IAS expressed gratitude to Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur and all attendees, assuring that senior citizens will be well cared for in a homelike environment at the facility.
On this occasion, the chief guest Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed wheelchairs and spectacles to persons with disabilities in collaboration with ALIMCO and Neki Foundation. She also honored meritorious girls excelling in education, sports and other fields and distributed pension approval letters to senior citizens. Prior to this, she visited departmental stalls showcasing various schemes and medical camp services. Students from different schools presented cultural performances during the event.
Among those present were Joint Secretary, Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Shri Anand Sagar Sharma, Additional Director Charanjit Singh Mann, SSP Bhagirath Singh Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Anuprita Johal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Akash Bansal, IAS (under training) Gurleen Kaur, SDM Mansa Kala Ram Kansal, SDM Sardulgarh Harjinder Singh Jassal, SDM Budhlada Gagandeep Singh, District Planning Board Chairman Mansa Gurpreet Singh Bhuchar, Budhlada Market Committee Chairman Satish Singla, Bhikhi Market Committee Chairman Varinder Soni, Mansa Municipal Council President Sunil Kumar Neenu, Women’s Wing President Sharanjit Kaur, Zone In-Charge Jaswinder Kaur, Deputy Director Inderpreet Kaur, District Social Security Officer Naveen Garhwal, District Programme Officer Khushveer Kaur and other departmental officials and local residents.
Mohali, January 10, 2026: Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, India’s largest specialty coffee brand, has announced the launch of Blue Tokai Origins at HLP Galleria, Sector 62, Mohali. With this opening, the brand takes its most immersive coffee experience beyond metros to a
fast-growing, culturally curious market. Guests can explore some of India’s rarest micro-lots, chef-curated meals, and immersive experiences that present coffee in a new light.
At the launch event, co-founder and COO, Shivam Shahi said, “WithOriginsMohali, we’rebringingthestoryofIndiancoffeeclosertoanewaudience…onethat’scurious, evolving,andreadytoengagedeeplywiththecraft.It’swhereweslowcoffeedownso peoplecantrulyunderstandthework,people,andthejourneybehindeverycup”.
Celebrating Indian Coffee at Scale, Without Losing Craft
While focusing on increasing footprint in a rapidly growing industry, Origins stands as Blue Tokai’s proof that scale and craft can co-exist. This flagship experience store highlights Indian estates, regional terroirs, and a wide range of brewing methods,
reinforcing the brand’s farmer-first philosophy.
At The Play Bar, some of the rarest coffee lots roasted by Blue Tokai, frozen at peak flavour, are preserved in a temperature-controlled space. Guests can taste their way through seven distinct brewing methods, including Chemex, Syphon, Slow Drip, and more.
Adding to this experience is the Nitro Cold Brew tap, serving chilled, nitrogen-infused single-origin cold brew crafted using patented technology that extracts a wider range of flavour compounds.
A Comfort-First, Craft-Led Menu
The menu is designed in collaboration with Chef Auroni Mukherjee, one of India’s most celebrated young chefs, known for his flavour-first approach to modern Indian cuisine. Highlights include:
· Handmade pastas with twists such as Chilli Crunch Carbonara
· Gourmet club sandwiches and open-faced toasts built on signature sourdough
breads by Suchali’s Artisan Bakehouse
· A selection of desserts featuring familiar comforts and sweet surprises such as classic tiramisu and a light-yet-decadent Coconut Berry Lamington
It blends warmth and technique, reflective of the brand’s own identity—rooted in mastery without losing accessibility for a wide audience.
A Space Brewing Community
Origins is designed as a community-driven space. Cuppings, workshops, collaborations, and cultural events position it as a hub for learning and exchange.
The space encourages dialogue between baristas and guests, as well as between
farmers’ stories and everyday drinkers.
“Origins is where coffee becomes a shared language, bringing together growers,
brewers, and drinkers in one space.”, said Shivam Shahi.
About Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters
Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters is India’s largest specialty coffee brand, founded in 2013 and dedicated to sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee from more than 80 of India’s finest coffee farms. Its mission is rooted in making high-quality Indian specialty coffee accessible to more people through its cafés and products. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the brand has built a loyal community of coffee lovers and continues to redefine coffee culture in India.
Panchkula, January 9: Deputy Commissioner Sh Satpal Sharma today chaired a meeting of the District Task Force and Vigilance Committee constituted for the prevention of child labour and bonded labour in the district. The meeting was held at the conference room of the Mini Secretariat. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed the task force to conduct regular surprise inspections at locations where child labour is likely to occur, with the objective of making the district completely free from child labour.
The Deputy Commissioner said that his objective is to make Panchkula district completely free from child labour. He emphasized that along with taking strict measures to curb child labour, spreading awareness in society is equally important.
He directed that surprise inspections should be carried out at roadside eateries, brick kilns, industrial units, shops, traffic light points, and other locations where instances of child labour are likely to occur. If children are found employed at any such place, strict action should be taken against the offenders as per the prescribed rules. In addition, he instructed that awareness programmes should be organized at regular intervals at these locations to sensitize people about the social evil of child labour. The Deputy Commissioner also directed the police department to maintain special vigilance at various traffic points.
While reviewing the action taken by the District Task Force, the Deputy Commissioner directed that a detailed report on the measures taken to prevent child labour be presented at the next meeting. The report should also include details of the locations where raids were conducted by the task force.
He stated that to completely eradicate this social evil, strict action must be taken against those who force children into labour. Along with action under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, public awareness campaigns should be conducted to sensitize people about this illegal practice. He further emphasized that under the Child Labour Act, employing children below the age of 14 years in any form of business or work is strictly prohibited.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the steps being taken by the Vigilance Committee constituted to prevent bonded labour in the district and issued necessary directions. He instructed that it must be ensured that no bonded labour exists anywhere in the district.
Present on the occasion were SDM Panchkula, Sh Chanderkant Kataria; SDM Kalka, Sh Sanyam Garg; ACP Sh Vikram Nehra; Assistant Labour Commissioner Smt Anjana; Chairperson of the Child Welfare Council Panchkula, Smt Veena Rani Arora; members Smt Ritu Agarwal and Sh Dinesh Jangra; Tehsildar Sh Suresh Kumar; ASMO Sh Mohit Sharma; Labour Inspectors Sh Tejbir Singh and Sh Krishna Kumar Saini; Sh Rahul Deswal from DLSA; Smt Navjeet Kaur from the DCPO office; and other non-governmental members of the committee.
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Assistant Sub-Inspector Sarabjit Singh posted at Police Station City Phagwara, district Kapurthala red handed while accepting bribe of Rs. 5000/- in lieu of helping in granting the bail to complainant’s parents.
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 village Issarwal, district Jalandhar.
He said that the complainant’s parents were booked at Police Station City Phagwara and the accused ASI called the complainant to the court complex, Phagwara, in connection with joining the investigation of his parents. During this meeting, the accused demanded illegal gratification, threatening that in case of non-payment, the complainant’s parents would be sent to jail. The complainant paid Rs. 2,000/- as bribe to the accused on the spot under duress.
Subsequently, the complainant along with his parents visited Police Station City Phagwara, wherein his parents joined the investigation, above accused ASI demanded a further bribe of Rs. 10,000/ for helping in granting the bail to the complainant’s parents. As the complainant expressed inability to pay the entire amount, he paid another Rs. 2,000/- as bribe and was asked to pay the remaining amount later, he added.
He further informed that the accused ASI again called the complainant near the Rawalpindi Police Station and obtained bribe money of Rs. 2,000/- and asked him to pay the remaining amount. Even after the parents of the complainant were granted regular bail. The accused continued to demand the balance of the bribe amount. In this way, the accused had taken Rs. 6000/- as bribe from the complainant in three installments.
The spokesperson added that after a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused was arrested while accepting bribe money of Rs 5000/- 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.
Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian on Friday said that the Easy Registry initiative has emerged as a game-changer in Punjab’s property registration system, delivering strong and consistent outcomes across the state.
Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that from its inception in July 2025 till December 2025, a total of 3,70,967 property documents were registered, marking a major push towards transparent, corruption-free and citizen-friendly land services. “The response to Easy Registry clearly shows that people trust a system that is transparent, time-bound and free from harassment. In just six months, more than 3.70 lakh property documents have been registered, which itself proves the success of these reforms,” he noted.
Sharing month-wise figures, the Revenue Minister said that 64,965 documents were registered in July 2025, followed by 62,001 in August, 55,814 in September and 53,610 in October. He said the momentum strengthened further with 58,200 registrations in November, while December recorded the highest figure with 76,377 documents. “This steady rise in registrations reflects growing public confidence in a simplified and technology-driven property registration framework,” he said.
Explaining the structural reforms, He said that Easy Registry has introduced online pre-scrutiny of documents, significantly reduced procedural delays and improved accessibility at Sub Registrar offices. “Unsigned copies of sale deeds are now scrutinised online within 48 hours, which has effectively closed avenues for harassment and corruption,” said the Minister, adding that all objections raised during scrutiny are monitored by Deputy Commissioners and SDMs to ensure accountability and action against frivolous practices.
The Revenue Minister said that the implementation of the First In First Out principle has ended queue-jumping and favouritism, thereby dismantling the VIP culture in property registration. “Citizens now have the freedom to register documents at any Sub Registrar office within their district. This has broken monopolies and ensured fair and equal access to services for all,” said Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian.
Highlighting the citizen-centric nature of the initiative, Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that applicants receive automated WhatsApp updates at every stage of the process, including scrutiny, payments and appointment scheduling. He said a direct complaint mechanism has also been put in place to report any demand for bribes, with immediate redressal ensured at the district level.
Detailing additional facilities, Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that citizens can draft sale deeds through the ‘Draft My Deed’ module, avail services at Sewa Kendra counters established in every Sub Registrar office, or opt for doorstep drafting and registration through helpline 1076. “Online payment of stamp duty and registration fees through 25 banks in a single transaction has further simplified the process and enhanced convenience for people,” he said.
The Minister said that an Integrated Token Management System has also been implemented to prioritise citizens with scheduled appointments and complete documentation. “This has reduced waiting time and ensured uniform service delivery across both urban and rural Punjab,” he said, adding that upgraded servers, trained staff and standardised processes have strengthened public trust and improved revenue collections for the state.
