Chandigarh, December 3 – The 8th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. The meeting approved several important proposals aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation and enhancing protection measures across the state.

While presiding over the meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to place special focus on reinforcing wildlife conservation and ensuring robust security mechanisms to protect and preserve the state’s wildlife. Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh and MLAs, Sh. Randhir Panihar and Sh. Tejpal Tanwar were also present.

The Chief Minister appreciated the ongoing efforts of the department and emphasized timely implementation of conservation-related programmes to safeguard Haryana’s rich biodiversity.

A detailed presentation was given on the various activities and progress of the department, covering conservation initiatives, habitat improvement works, wildlife protection measures, promotion of eco-tourism, reduction of human-wildlife conflict, and research-based habitat management.

It was informed in the meeting that in August, the foundation stone for a waterbody, biodiversity park, and eco-tourism centre was laid in the Saraswati Conservation Reserve. Additionally, in November, a forest named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was established in Kalesar National Park, along with the inauguration of the Safari Gate and Kalesar Safari. Further, more than 3 lakh saplings were planted during the financial year 2025–26.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta; and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, Dec 3 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed officials to establish Milk Producers’ Societies in villages to enhance income opportunities for economically weaker families. He said that widows, self-help groups, and Antyodaya families should be given priority in these societies.

The Chief Minister was chairing a meeting to review the progress of the budget announcements of Cooperation Department on Wednesday.

Nayab Singh Saini said that arrangements must be made to ensure the timely disbursement of incentives to societies under the Chief Minister’s Milk Producer Incentive Scheme. He said that Cooperation Department and the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department to coordinate and develop schemes that offer maximum benefits to livestock farmers. He added that the government aims to create sustainable income sources for poor families and strengthen the rural economy.

He further directed officials to explore new options for selling additional milk-based products at Vita booths to boost milk consumption. The Chief Minister also stressed the need to take proactive measures to make all cooperative sugar mills in the state profitable.

During the meeting, it was informed that, as per the budget announcement, milk collection centers have been set up in three blocks and milk chilling centers in two districts during the current financial year. In addition, the process of establishing a mustard oil mill and a sunflower oil mill by HAFED is underway.

Reviewing other announcements, the Chief Minister instructed the concerned officials to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe and ensure effective on-ground implementation.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Arun Kumar Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary of Cooperation Department, Vijendra Kumar; Commissioner and Secretary of Finance Department, Mohammad Shayin; Managing Director of Haryana State Cooperative Sugar Mills Federation, Shakti Singh; Managing Director of Haryana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation, Rohit Yadav and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, December 3

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday announced that the state Finance Department has granted its approval to the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department’s proposal for the drafting of ‘The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025.’

Announcing this pivotal decision in a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Act marks a significant step towards urban greening and environmental conservation, ensuring the state’s legislative commitment to tree preservation. He emphasised that the draft legislation, which proposes stringent measures and heavy fines for unauthorised felling of trees, will strengthen the state’s efforts to combat environmental degradation.

“We have thoroughly reviewed the proposal for ‘The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025. Not only does it formalise our commitment to protecting urban greenery, but the Forest Department has also confirmed that its implementation will not place any additional financial burden on the state exchequer”, said Cheema.

Highlighting the financial aspect of the Bill, the Finance Minister said that the Act is designed to generate funds through penalties and fines. “These funds will be strategically channelled back into urban areas specifically for greening projects, creating a self-sustaining mechanism for environmental maintenance and development across Punjab”, he added.

Reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s commitment to enacting effective legislation for tree preservation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the swift approval of the draft Bill underscores the state government’s dedication to upholding its environmental and legal obligations. He said that the Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025, will now undergo the necessary legislative process, paving the way for its presentation before the Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly.

CHANDIGARH/GURDASPUR, December 3:

          In yet another major breakthrough in Gurdaspur Grenade Attack Case amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Bathinda, in coordination with Gurdaspur Police, has apprehended one more key accused involved in the attack, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Mohan Singh, a resident of Ramuwal in Bathinda.

          The development came close on the heels of Punjab Police arresting four accused persons— Pradeep Kumar, Gurdit, Naveen Chaudhary and Kush— in connection with a grenade attack at Gurdaspur City Police Station which took place on November 25, 2025 at around 7.30 pm. Police teams had recovered one P-86 hand grenade and two pistols from their possession. With this arrest, the total number of persons held in the case has risen to five.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that Mohan Singh was in contact with Pakistan-based ISI-sponsored gangster Shehzad Bhatti. Acting under his instructions, the accused played a role in carrying out the grenade attack with the intention of spreading terror in the state of Punjab, he said.

          The DGP said that the investigation remains active, and further leads are being pursued to dismantle the entire network.

          Sharing operational details, AIG CI Bathinda Avneet Kaur Sidhu said that based on technical and human intelligence, CI Bathinda shared secret information with the Gurdaspur Police, on the basis of which accused Mohan Singh was apprehended.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurdaspur Aditya said that on the disclosure of arrested accused Mohan police teams have also recovered one .32 bore pistol along with live cartridges, besides, impounding a black Splendor motorcycle, which the module had used in the crime.

          In this regard, a case FIR no. 289 dated 26/11/2025 had already been registered under sections 109, 324(4) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosives Substances Act at Police Station City Gurdaspur.

Chandigarh/ Ludhiana, December 3:

 In a major boost to the horticulture sector, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Wednesday announced that the Punjab Government is establishing a state-of-the-art Horticulture Technology Development Centre at Ladhowal, Ludhiana

Inaugurating the State-Level Seminar-cum-Exhibition organised by the Department of Horticulture in Ladhowal, the Minister stated that the upcoming Horticulture Technology Development Centre will serve as a one-stop knowledge hub for farmers across Punjab. The latest hi-tech cultivation practices for every type of fruit, vegetable, and flower will be demonstrated live, and hands-on training will be imparted at the demonstration sites here. The centre will motivate farmers to adopt horticulture on a large scale.

Mr.Bhagat, while addressing hundreds of progressive farmers, emphatically stated that Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to shifting farmers from the wheat-paddy cycle to high-value horticultural crops. He added that the horticulture alone has the potential to double farmers’ income in the shortest possible time and bring prosperity. He emphasized that this centre will become the heartbeat of that transformation. 

The Minister urged farmers to diversify into horticulture without any hesitation and assured them of complete departmental support at every step. He personally listened to individual problems raised by farmers on the spot and directed officers for immediate redressal. He also inspected all the stalls and upcoming infrastructure units at the Ladhowal centre.

Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailinder Kaur reiterated that the department stands shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers and is ready to extend financial assistance under Horticulture Mission, RKVY, and all other schemes. She laid special emphasis on reducing input costs through adoption of precision and digital technologies.

During the exhibition, Topcon Company showcased GPS-based Auto-Steering technology through a live field demonstration, highlighting uniform sowing, spraying and harvesting with drastic savings in time, fuel, seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. Hygroxis Humidia Lab Pvt. Ltd. demonstrated instant digital soil testing and on-the-spot Soil Health Card generation. The exhibition received overwhelming response from progressive farmers across the state.

Among others present included Joint Director Horticulture Dr. Harmel Singh, Joint Development Commissioner Dr. Gursharan Singh, Deputy Director Horticulture Dr. Harpreet Singh Sethi, Deputy Director Horticulture Dr. Dalbir Singh, Assistant Directors Dr. Vijay Partap, Dr. Nikhil Ambish Mehta, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dr. Navjot Kaur, Dr. Shaili Sandhu, and Horticulture Development Officer Jaspreet Kaur Gill.

Chandigarh, December 3:

In a major boost to industrial development in the state, the leading Japanese company Toppan Speciality Films Private Limited (TSF) on Wednesday signed Memorandum of Agreement with the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to invest Rs 400 crore in the state as a part of their expansion plan.

Giving the details, the Chief Minister, who is on tour to Japan, said that TSF and Invest Punjab has agreed to support and collaborate in initiating a Skilling Excellence Centre in Punjab, to provide utmost level of training and development of skilled/ semi-skilled persons/ workers/ youth. He said that this will be pivotal  for strengthening industry-relevant skills and enhance employability opportunities within the State of Punjab. Giving details of areas of Collaboration Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will give thrust on imparting training aligned with current and emerging industry needs.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that it will also focus on high-end and technical skills not widely available and imparting training certifications to meet industry and global standards. He said taut the MoU will also facilitate Apprenticeship opportunities and consideration for absorption in TSF’s and other large scale industries in and around Punjab & across India. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will also lay thrust in academic collaboration in terms of joint development and delivery of training with a Polytechnic/Technical Institute.

The Chief Minister further said that TSF will also provide financial assistance, technical inputs, training support, and curriculum designing based on needs of industry.  Likewise, he said that it will also facilitate apprenticeships and consider suitable trainees for employment.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government TEF has formally expressed its intent to expand its existing manufacturing facility in Punjab with an estimated investment of approximately Rs 400 Crores.

The Chief Minister said that the investment aims at enhancing capacity, facilitating fresh employment, integrating advanced technologies, and strengthening their long-term presence in India. He said that the objective of investment is Capacity expansion, Increase Employment Opportunities and technology enhancement as TSF has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured fulsome support and cooperation to the TSF for their operations and expansions in the state.

Meanwhile, sharing their experience of operating in the state, the TSF group said that it has been characterised by a strong industry government partnership, seamless facilitation, high-quality workforce availability, stable power supply, and a consistently investor-friendly environment. They said that the group looks forward to further strengthen this partnership through their  proposed expansion in the state. They expressed continued support from the Government of Punjab and Invest Punjab to facilitate necessary approvals and operational requirements for this project.

Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, taking cognizance of the reported grave irregularities in the construction of the LUVAS Diploma College at Lakhnaur Sahib in Ambala, on Wednesday immediately ordered strict action. In this matter, orders have been issued to suspend three engineers with immediate effect.

On the directions of the Chief Minister, Nishant Kumar, Executive Engineer; Puneet Mittal, Sub-Divisional Engineer; and Naseem Ahmad, Junior Engineer have been suspended, said the government spokesperson. He informed that the construction work of the Diploma College of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS) at Lakhnaur Sahib in Ambala district was found incomplete and below prescribed standards. Not only this, the concerned agency was also paid more than the required amount for this project. Therefore, after these irregularities came to light, the Chief Minister suspended the aforementioned officers.

The spokesperson further stated that as per the directions of the Chief Minister, accountability will be fixed at every level, and strictest possible action will be taken against anyone found involved in such irregularities.

Chandigarh

A total of 136 criminals arrested in the under ‘Operation Hotspot Domination’ over the last 24 hours. After ‘Operation Trackdown’, Haryana DGP OP Singh has launched ‘Operation Hotspot Domination’ by identifying areas across the state where antisocial elements tend to gather. On the very first day of the campaign, police teams intensified combing operations, morning-evening patrolling, lighting arrangements in dark stretches, and joint monitoring with the civil administration in sensitive pockets of villages and cities.

The police spokesperson said that the objective is to bring these hotspots completely under police dominance and curb the movement and activities of criminals, said a police spokesperson.

Amid this tightened vigil, Haryana Police achieved significant success in the past 24 hours by arresting 136 criminals, including five notorious offenders. These swift arrests demonstrate that the impact of the campaign has begun to reflect strongly on the ground from day one, added the spokesperson.

Faridabad Police played the most proactive role by arresting 25 criminals and sending them to jail, while other districts continued conducting coordinated raids to clamp down on crime. During search operations, the police recovered 1 pistol, 1 rifle, 2 magazines, and 37 live cartridges, preventing several potential criminal incidents.

The Anti-Illegal Mining Team of Panchkula Police, along with local police units, continued strong crackdowns with rigorous patrolling and surprise checks. Between November 22 and 29—within just eight days—police seized 17 tippers, 1 JCB machine, and 2 tractor-trolleys involved in the illegal transportation of mining material.

CCTV monitoring in sensitive stretches, 24×7 deployment of the Commando and Flying squads, and regular patrolling are ongoing to ensure immediate action against any suspicious vehicle.

Faridabad Cyber Police cracked two significant cyber fraud cases within 24 hours, arresting four accused from Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. In Sector-14, three accused—Ajay Kumar, Abhishek Das, and Abhishek Tiwari—were arrested from Dhanbad after duping a woman of Rs 11,22,799 by posing as Airtel agents and fraudulently upgrading her SIM to 5G/E-SIM.

In another case, Waseem Khan (20) from Sitapur, UP, who supplied bank accounts to cyber fraudsters for Telegram ‘review task’ scams, was arrested and taken on a 3-day police remand after cheating a victim of ₹1,58,700.

The Sirsa Police achieved a major breakthrough with the arrest of Lakhvir Singh alias Lucky, a rewarded criminal carrying a bounty of ₹5,000 and wanted for kidnapping, murdering, and disposing of the body of Gurpreet alias Guri. The CIA Ellenabad team apprehended the absconding accused after he had been frequently changing hideouts across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Delhi.

The accused, along with his associates, had abducted Guri from Sirsa, brutally assaulted him in a field, then took him to Rawatsar (Rajasthan) where they strangled him with a rope and dumped the body into the Raj Canal after tying it with stones to destroy evidence. This gang-war-linked case had earlier led to the arrest of 12 accused, after Sirsa Police uncovered the entire conspiracy using crucial leads.

During preliminary interrogation, Lakhvir confessed to the crime. He has been taken on police remand, and special teams have been formed to arrest the remaining absconding accused involved in this gruesome murder and evidence destruction.

Chandigarh, 1 December. Former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala has termed the removal of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) Rohtak’s A+ NAAC rating, and the fact that students were kept in the dark about it, as an extremely serious matter. He said that the loss of NAAC accreditation will negatively impact the higher education prospects and careers of thousands of students. Chautala stated that political interference has deteriorated the standards of several universities in Haryana, including MDU. He was speaking to mediapersons in rural areas of Hisar district during a public outreach programme.

Dushyant Chautala said that, according to available information, MDU Rohtak’s A+ NAAC rating was withdrawn as early as November 2024. As per norms, an inspection was required during the current session to renew the NAAC accreditation, but the university administration failed to conduct it due to negligence. He said that strict action should be taken against the Vice-Chancellor and other responsible officials, as this incident has damaged the reputation of MDU and pushed the future of enrolled students into uncertainty.

The former Deputy Chief Minister directly held the Vice-Chancellor of MDU Rohtak responsible for the development and alleged that, in an attempt to please his political masters, the VC deliberately avoided the inspection so that a decline in the university’s rating during his tenure would not come to light. He further alleged that the Vice-Chancellor’s own degree is under scrutiny, with Kurukshetra Police and Kurukshetra University currently investigating the matter. Chautala said that INSO, the student wing of JJP, will raise this issue strongly, and a demand will also be made before the Hon’ble Governor to take cognisance of the matter in his capacity as Chancellor. Chautala added that earlier, two other universities in the country had witnessed similar incidents, and strict action was taken in those cases.

Speaking on the death of two basketball players, Dushyant Chautala said that such a tragic incident has never occurred on a sports field before, and it happened due to poor maintenance of stadiums. He demanded that all old sports complexes and equipment be immediately repaired. JJP leader Chautala said that ahead of the party’s Foundation Day celebrations on 7 December, he and all party leaders are actively conducting public outreach. He said that the rally in Julana will see JJP workers taking a renewed pledge to move forward with fresh energy. Chautala stated that people from across the state will gather in Julana and that the Foundation Day event will be a historic one.

Chandigarh, November 30 – Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi expressed his delight over his experience at the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra five days ago. During his Mann Ki Baat programme on Sunday, he shared his impressions of the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra in Kurukshetra with the nation.

Addressing the nation, the Prime Minister said that we all know that the battle of the Mahabharata took place in Kurukshetra, Haryana. But now, visitors can experience this historic battle firsthand at the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra. The epic saga of the Mahabharata is brought to life through a 3D light and sound show, along with advanced digital technology. When I visited Kurukshetra on November 25, the experience at the Anubhav Kendra filled me with immense joy, he added.

He further remarked that attending the International Gita Mahotsav at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra was a particularly special experience for him. “I am deeply impressed to see how people from around the world are being inspired by the divine granth, the Gita. The Mahotsav has attracted participants from numerous countries, including those in Europe and Central Asia,” he added.

The Prime Minister also said that earlier this month, the Gita was performed on a public stage for the first time in Saudi Arabia. A memorable Gita Mahotsav was also held in Latvia, Europe, with enthusiastic participation from artists representing Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Algeria.