Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab Government Provides Comprehensive Support to Farmers in Horticulture Sector : Mohinder Bhagat

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Chandigarh, February 1

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working swiftly to increase farmers’ income and ensure crop diversification. To fulfill this objective, the Horticulture Department, under the guidance of Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat, is providing all possible support to farmers to encourage them to move towards the horticulture sector.

With the continuous support from the Punjab Government’s Horticulture Department, Tirth Singh, a progressive and hardworking farmer from village Sandaur in Sangrur district, has made a unique mark in the field of horticulture. By embracing agricultural diversification and growing vegetables, Farmer Tirth Singh has successfully increased his income.

In 1996-97, Farmer Tirth Singh with the help the Horticulture Department, shifted from traditional crops to growing vegetable seedlings. Today, he supplies high-quality seedlings to more than 800 farmers. He now grows onion seedlings, hybrid peppers (CH-1, CH-2), and several other varieties on 4 acres of land. His efforts have not only increased his own income but have also inspired other farmers to adopt crop diversification and move towards horticulture.

Farmer Tirth Singh’s efforts have received full support from the Punjab Government through the Horticulture Department. He has been honored by agricultural institutions and received several district-level awards. Although Tirth Singh has only completed his 10th grade, his hard work and determination to learn have brought him to this position of success.Farmer Tirth Singh has shared his message with other farmers, saying, “We must take care of our natural resources and move away from traditional farming to horticulture and vegetable production. This will not only increase income but also maintain soil fertility.”

Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat emphasized the need for farmers to shift from the wheat and rice crop cycle and adopt crop diversification, focusing on other profitable crops. This approach will help preserve underground water levels and natural resources. He mentioned that the Horticulture Department, in addition to providing technical knowledge, is running various schemes to promote horticulture, including the establishment of new orchards, hybrid vegetable cultivation, flower farming, mushroom production units, vermicomposting units, polyhouses/net houses for safe farming, and beekeeping projects. He stated that farmers can coordinate with relevant horticulture officers or district heads to take full advantage of these schemes.

Chandigarh

Revised Budget Estimates for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and 2025-26 for PGIMER Announced

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Chandigarh:

The Government has announced revised budget estimates for the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) for the fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, allocating Rs. 2240 crores, with an increase to Rs. 2400 crores for FY 2025-26. This revision represents an overall increase of 7.10% in funds allocated for government initiatives.

In addition, the Capital Expenditure (Capex) allocation has seen a significant enhancement, rising by 25%, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.

*Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER*, expressed his satisfaction with the revised budget estimates, stating, “We are extremely pleased with the increased allocation for PGIMER, as it underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare services. This additional funding will enable us to further develop our infrastructure, invest in advanced medical technologies, and ultimately provide better care to our patients.”

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab to be honored with ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ Awards under Green Schools Programme

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Chandigarh, January 31

Punjab has once again set a benchmark in environmental sustainability by securing the prestigious ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ awards under the Green Schools Programme. These accolades, facilitated by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) and the Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Government of Punjab, will be conferred during the ‘Green Schools Awards Ceremony’ organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on February 4 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The awards celebrate Punjab’s exemplary efforts in fostering environmental awareness and sustainability among school communities, reinforcing its leadership in the nationwide initiative. 

The Green Schools Programme spearheaded by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is a nationwide initiative aimed at transforming schools into models of sustainability. Through comprehensive environmental audits, schools evaluate their resource usage across six key domains: air, energy, food, land, water, and waste. The programme empowers schools to adopt eco-friendly practices, optimize resource management and reduce their environmental footprint.

Chandigarh, Haryana

ALL INDIA SERVICES ATHLETICS, SWIMMING AND YOGASANA TOURNAMENTS; TRIALS OF PUNJAB TEAMS FOR ON 11th FEBRUARY

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Chandigarh, January 31:

          Central Civil Services Cultural and Board are organizing the All India Services Athletics, Swimming and Yogasana (Men & Women) tournament from 19th February to 8th March 2025 at Chandigarh and Gujarat.

          Trials for the selection of Athletics and Yogasana teams will be held at Polo Ground Patiala on 11th February at 11 am and Swimming teams will be held at Multipurpose Stadium, Sector 78 SAS Nagar (Mohali) on 11th February at 11 am.

          The spokesman of the sports department further informed that in these trials security services personnel/para-security organizations/central police organizations/police/RPF/CISF/BSF/ITBP and NSG etc., autonomous parties/undertakings/public sector Banks including central ministry run banks, excluding casual/daily workers, temporary office workers, newly recruited employees who have been in regular services for less than 6 months, Government employees (regular), government officials (regular) of different departments can participate only after receiving NoC from their departments. The cost of travel, accommodation and food in this tournament will be paid by the player personally.

Chandigarh, Haryana

KILA RAIPUR RURAL OLYMPICS KICKS OFF WITH A BANG

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Chandigarh/Kila Raipur (Ludhiana), January 31 

The Kila Raipur Rural Olympics 2025, one of Punjab’s premier sporting events, got off to an exciting start on Friday with Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond inaugurated the games in the local stadium.

In his address, Tarunpreet Singh Sond emphasized that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is dedicated to elevating sports in Punjab to ensure it becomes a leader in the nation. He noted that the government has been making significant efforts to foster a sports-friendly environment in the state, prioritizing the restoration of Punjab’s previous sports glory.

Minister Sond also announced that the Punjab government has kept a substantial budget of Rs. 75 lakh for organizing these historic games, which will significantly benefit sports and athletes in the state.

 He expressed optimism that the event will contribute positively to establishing a sports culture throughout Punjab, uncovering talent from every corner of the state. Additionally, he mentioned that the government has also increased cash awards for athletes securing medals at the Olympics and other international competitions.

 Additionally, the annual “Kheda Watan Punjab Diyan” event has garnered an overwhelming response from the youth. The Minister announced that the state government will soon resume bullock cart races at the famous rural Olympics. He mentioned that these races have been a very popular sport and a major attraction at the games. The government is considering issuing a notification regarding this and he has also requested the Chief Minister’s support for the same.

Sond encouraged sports enthusiasts to gather at the stadium to witness this grand event. He also emphasized that the rural Olympics provide a platform for children, youths, senior citizens, and everyone else to showcase their talents across various sports. He praised the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, for making sufficient arrangements for both the event and its participants.

The opening day featured athletes of all ages competing in ten different activities, including men’s and women’s hockey matches, Kabbadi (NS) events for girls under 14 and under 17, 60m and 100m races for boys and girls, 1500m races for men and women, 400m race heats and finals, Kho-Kho matches, volleyball for men, shooting events, and various traditional rural games.

Earlier, the Minister was welcomed at the stadium by Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal and other civil officials. 

The festivities will continue with a musical performance by popular Punjabi singer Preet Harpal today in the evening followed by performances from singers Virasat Sandhu on February 1 and Kulwinder Billa on February 2.

Chandigarh, Haryana

CM expresses shock over tragic road mishap on Ferozepur-Fazilka road

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Chandigarh, January 31:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday expressed deep shock and anguish over tragic road accident on Ferozepur- Fazilka road in which 11 people were killed and 15 were injured.

Expressing profound grief and sorrow over this disastrous accident, the Chief Minister shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families and prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss in the hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed souls. Meanwhile, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he was in constant touch with the administration and was regularly monitoring the situation. The Chief Minister said that he had already directed district administration to provide free treatment to all the injured adding he wished them a speedy recovery.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana pins high hopes on big projects in Union Budget

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Manoj Kumar Chandigarh

With the Central Government set to present the Union Budget on Saturday, Haryana has high expectations from it. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament on Saturday. As per information, her speech will start at 11 am in the Lok Sabha.
Moreover, apart from Haryana Government, ordinary taxpayers to tech, healthcare, insurance, and finance sectors, in Sitharaman’s eighth Budget speech, expectations are high for significant announcements aimed at reviving the economy, the job market, and boosting consumer sentiments.

On the condition of anonymity, a senior BJP leader said that Nayab Singh Saini government has high hopes from the Union Budget 2025-26. Haryana is expecting an increase in the National Capital Region (NCR) budget. Any increase in the infrastructure budget for the NCR will help improve facilities there as the state government will have more funds for such developmental activities. Though the state government is planning to undertake more such projects on public private partnership mode, the state still needs additional funds to improve such facilities, he added.

Another BJP leader said that any increase in the allocation for the social sector, too, will indirectly benefit Haryana. The BJP Government in Haryana has undertaken a number of social welfare projects in sectors like health and education, for which more funds are required. We are hoping the announcements in the Central Budget would provide more opportunities of growth in the social sector in Haryana. The Goods and Service Tax (GST) is another issue that Haryana is expecting the Centre to take a sympathetic stand on.”

He further said that big projects and special grants for the execution of major projects in the National Capital Region (NCR) are on the Haryana Government’s wish list, which has already been ‘conveyed’ to the Central government and the Finance Ministry. Some of these projects include the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, a 122-km project from Palwal to Sonepat, 1,000-acre integrated multi-modal logistics hub at Narnaul, India International Horticulture Market at Ganaur (Sonepat) and the Delhi-Panipat fast rail corridor, as part of the regional rapid transport system.

Chief Minister Nayab Saini, who also holds the finance portfolio on Friday exuded confidence that adequate allocations would be made for various Haryana projects. Talking to Reporters, He said, “We have high hopes from the Union Budget, though it is prepared keeping in mind the country as a whole.”

Talking to Reporters in Ambala Cantt, the Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Anil Vij said that every budget presented by the Central Government prioritizes all-round and holistic development. He said that the government is committed to uplifting every section of society and region, with special focus on the development of backward areas.

Sources said the Chief Minister had already conveyed the state’s wish list to the Union Government. In fact, at the pre-Budget consultations of the state finance ministers at Jaisalmer last month, Saini brought to the notice of Sitharaman and her team from the Finance Ministry various projects for which the state needed resources to realise the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Being closer to Delhi, Haryana is invariably a major beneficiary of any national level project announced in the Union Budget. In fact, various projects announced by the Finance Minister for several sectors, including rural development and agriculture, have benefited the state directly or indirectly, a senior officer said. However, this time, the state government was expecting a big-ticket project in the Union Budget, which would be a perfect reward for people of Haryana, who had voted for the saffron party for the record third term in office, a senior BJP functionary stated.

Moreover, Sumitra Malhotra, Student of MA, PU (Economic) said that stakeholders from the healthcare sector, specifying their expectations from the upcoming Union budget, sought higher budget allocation for the sector; reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) and import duties on critical medical equipment and supplies; lower treatment costs for patients; and easy accessibility to various schemes introduced by the government.

She further said that increasing healthcare spending to 2.5 percent of the GDP is essential in order to strengthen infrastructure and expand access, particularly in underserved areas, even as they called for enhanced access to health services through improved Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

Armaan Kapoor, another PU student (Commerce) said, “With inflation showing no signs of abating within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range in the near future, I believe the finance minister will implement necessary policy measures to curb price increases. This could involve reducing taxes on consumer goods such as packaged food and edible oils. This would boost household disposable income and positively impact private consumption. Furthermore, I believe the Budget should include measures to encourage savings through tax rationalisation and stimulate loan growth. A separate announcement on developing future-proof digital infrastructure for the financial sector in the era of artificial intelligence is also anticipated.”

Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haryana, Punjab

‘A Life-Saving Namaste’ Fortis Mohali Introduces a Unique Stroke Detection Technique

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Mohali, January 29

Can a simple Namaste help save lives in the case of an acute stroke? A new technique definitely can. Fortis Hospital, Mohali has launched a groundbreaking initiative to spread awareness about early stroke detection using this traditional greeting.

Explaining the technique, Dr. Shriram Varadharajan, an eminent neurologist, said, “A simple Namaste can save lives during an acute stroke. By performing a Namaste, individuals can quickly check for key stroke symptoms. Joining hands can help detect arm weakness or drift, standing straight with a smile can reveal facial droop or asymmetry, and saying ‘Namaste’ aloud can highlight slurred speech. Additionally, closing your eyes can test for vestibular or sensory issues.”

Dr. Varadharajan highlighted that current pre-hospital stroke assessment scales focus on facial droop, arm drift, grip weakness, and slurring of speech – all of which can be tested simultaneously through the traditional Namaste. He added, “If someone is alone, self-assessment can be done in front of a mirror. Closing one’s eyes while performing the Namaste can also help detect sensory or balance abnormalities, which may indicate posterior circulation strokes.”

Breaking it down further, Dr. Varadharajan explained, “The Namaste posture involves flexion with abduction at the shoulder, flexion at the elbows, and wrist extension with palms pressed together. This position can reveal arm drift and grip weakness. Smiling and saying ‘Namaste’ aloud helps detect facial asymmetry and slurred speech. The simplicity of this technique makes it adaptable, with regional greetings like ‘Vanakkam’ in Tamil serving as effective alternatives.”

Fortis Hospital Mohali envisions this technique as a simple, accessible prehospital screening method to promote early stroke detection. Dr. Varadharajan stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate people on stroke symptoms, emphasizing that timely detection and intervention within the narrow treatment window can be lifesaving.

“Stroke is a growing national epidemic,” Dr. Varadharajan said. “The first step to combating it is raising awareness and empowering people with tools like this to act swiftly.”

Fortis Hospital Mohali’s innovative initiative underscores the power of blending tradition with medical science to improve health outcomes on a large scale. Ashish Bhatia, Executive Vice President, Fortis Healthcare; Abhijit Singh, Head-SBU, Fortis Hospital Mohali; Dr Vivek Gupta, Additional Director of Interventional Neuroradiology, Fortis Hospital Mohali; Dr HS Mann, Director, Department of Neurology, Fortis Hospital Mohali; Dr Sudesh Prabhakar, Director, Neurology; Dr Nishit Sawal, Consultant – Neurology and the entire team of neurology and neuro sciences were also present on the occasion.


About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Do Taare: A Captivating Blend of Punjabi Rhythms and Deep Emotion Released by Abhilaksh Sharma Lakshi

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Chandigarh, January 28, 2025: Abhilaksh Sharma Lakshi, also known by his stage name ASL Boyy, has unveiled his highly anticipated new song, “Do Taare”. Making his debut in October 2020, ASL Boyy has since released 12 songs in Punjabi and English. He has continued to impress listeners with his distinctive ability to blend emotion with cultural depth. “Do Taare” marked his 13th release and served as a heartfelt tribute to the love, sacrifices and wisdom passed down by grandparents, capturing the essence of Punjabi culture through powerful lyrics and a soulful melody. The song is all set to create an unforgettable impact with its emotional resonance and cultural richness.

The music video for “Do Taare” was filmed in the beautiful, serene locations of Film City, behind Mehl Farms, Bondi Village, Samrala, Punjab. The picturesque backdrop complements the song’s emotional themes, reflecting the deep cultural roots and familial bonds it celebrates.

Abhilaksh shared his thoughts on the song, saying, ‘Do Taare is a tribute to the unwavering love and sacrifices of parents. Through this song, I wanted to express my gratitude for everything they do for us, and I hope listeners can connect with the emotional journey it takes them on. I connect deeply with the lyrics because, as someone who is rooted with the culture, this song reflects values that are incredibly close to my heart. I’m proud to see that the love, respect, and reverence for our grandparents and culture are still very much alive today.”  “I’m incredibly proud of the team behind this project—Suraj Kumar, Ashish Sharma, Dilbir Saggu, and the amazing cast, including Dalbir Singh, Manjeet Kaur, Sahib Singh, and Avyan Kaushik, who have brought this vision to life”, he added.

Under the direction of Suraj Kumar, the music video has become more than just a visual accompaniment. It is an integral part of the song’s storytelling. Kumar, known for his ability to evoke deep emotions through imagery, has crafted a video that amplifies the song’s message of love, respect, and family. The project was expertly managed by Dilbir Saggu, ensuring seamless execution and bringing the vision to life.

The heartfelt lyrics of “Do Taare” were penned by Ashish Sharma, a well-known poet who has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including World Record Holder by World Book of Records UK for writing 100 Poems in 100 Days on Environment and the Proud Indian Award 2016 by The Consulate General of India in Medan, Indonesia. His extensive contributions to both literary and musical projects showcase his mastery of language, ensuring that the song resonates on both an emotional and cultural level, making it a standout release for ASL Boyy.

Ashish Sharma also shared his thoughts, saying, ‘The beauty of ‘Do Taare’ lies in its simplicity. While writing these lyrics, I wanted to capture the essence of what it means to be a part of a family, to honor the bonds that shaped us and to celebrate the sacrifices made out of love. I’m grateful to be part of a project that not only tells this story but also reminds us all of the strength that comes from family and our cultural roots.’

The music video also featured stellar performances from Dalbir Singh, Manjeet Kaur, Sahib Singh, and Avyan Kaushik, whose acting brought the song’s themes to life. The cast’s powerful portrayals of love, reverence, and connections further enhanced the song’s impact, offering audiences a chance to connect deeply with the message of the track. Produced by Yogita Sharma and Ashish Sharma, the project benefited from their creative direction and commitment to delivering a meaningful and captivating experience.

“Do Taare” is more than just a song, it’s a tribute to the powerful connection between grandparents and their grandchildren, a theme that transcends language and culture. ASL Boyy hopes this release will inspire listeners to reflect on their own relationships and honor the enduring love that shapes their lives.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB GOVERNOR SH. GULAB CHAND KATARIA HOSTS ‘AT HOME’ RECEPTION ON 76TH REPUBLIC DAY

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CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 26:

The annual ‘At Home’ reception hosted by the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, on the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, was a celebration of the nation’s unity in diversity.

The event at Punjab Raj Bhavan, Chandigarh, was a tribute to the nation’s achievements and aspirations as it continues its journey of progress and development.

The Punjab Raj Bhavan was exquisitely decorated with tricolor-themed lighting and floral arrangements, creating a patriotic ambiance. The Governor personally greeted and interacted with every guest, fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and camaraderie.

A mesmerizing cultural program presented by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) captivated the audience with traditional dances and musical performances, celebrating the rich heritage of North India. The vibrant performances added grandeur to the evening and were met with immense applause from the guests.

The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Sh. Sheel Nagu, Sh. Satya Pal Jain Additional Solicitor General of India,Punjab Cabinet Minister Sh. Mohinder Bhagat, Member of Parliament Sh. Vikramjit Singh Sawhney, Member of Parliament Sh. Manish Tewari, Member of Parliament Sh. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Mayor Chandigarh,Sh Kuldeep Kumar,Chief Secretary Chandigarh Sh. Rajeev Verma,Sh. Diprava Lakra ,Finance Secretary, Chandigarh,Director General of Punjab a Police Gaurav Yadav, DGP Chandigarh Sh.Surendra Singh Yadav,  former Chief of Army Staff General V.P. Malik and GOC Western Command,Sh.Manoj Kumar Katiyar. Their presence further elevated the significance of the celebration, underscoring the collective commitment to the nation’s progress.