Chandigarh, December 13- Union Minister of State for Statistics, Programme Implementation and Planning, Rao Inderjit Singh, on Saturday reviewed the progress of the under-construction All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Majra village in Rewari district. During the inspection, the Union Minister directed officers to ensure that the Outpatient Department (OPD) at AIIMS is made operational by March 2026, in line with the prescribed guidelines.

Rao Inderjit Singh directed the AIIMS authorities and the executing agency to complete the construction work with high quality standards, stressing that the early start of OPD services would provide significant relief to residents of Rewari district and adjoining areas. He also directed that the remaining construction activities be expedited and that faculty-related arrangements be completed well in time.The Union Minister further directed that medical classes should commence from the next academic session.

During the inspection, he also reviewed the proposed construction of a railway overbridge (ROB) over the railway line and directed officers to initiate the work at the earliest. He inspected the OPD building along with the entire under-construction AIIMS campus.

AIIMS coming up on 210 acres

Director, AIIMS, Dr. D.N. Sharma informed the Union Minister that construction of the 750-bed AIIMS at Majra is progressing at a rapid pace. Being developed over 210 acres at an estimated cost of around Rs. 1,700 crore, the institute will be equipped with all facilities available at other AIIMS across the country. He further said that medical classes at Majra AIIMS are proposed to begin from the June–July 2026 academic session. As per existing norms, the institute will initially offer 50 MBBS seats, which will later be increased to 100.

Chandigarh, December 13 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Anil Vij launched a sharp counterattack on Congress leader Randeep Surjewala’s tweet claiming that Haryana is in the hands of mafias and gangs while the government sits idle. Sh. Vij said that the Haryana government is running a massive campaign against criminals.

Speaking to media persons today, he said that the DGP has repeatedly provided figures, and nearly 5,000 anti-social elements have been apprehended.Minister Anil Vij remarked whether Surjewala can’t see these figures, doesn’t know how to read them, or fails to notice the continuous actions being taken by the government.

Chandigarh, December 13, 2025

The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today presided over and delivered the convocation address at the 73rd Convocation of Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh. Medals, prizes and degrees to the PU students passing examinations in 2025 were awarded at the convocation.

During the convocation, Doctor of Science Honoris Causa degrees were conferred upon Prof. K.N. Pathak and Dr Vijay P. Bhatkar, while Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel was conferred the Doctor of Laws. The PU Vigyan Ratna Award was presented to Prof. Pradeep Thalappil, the PU Khel Ratna Award was conferred upon Sarabjot Singh, and the PU Sahitya Ratna Award was presented to Amarjit Grewal.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, appreciated the achievements of the graduating students and awardees. “The fact that nearly 75 per cent of graduating students today are women is a powerful reflection of women empowerment through education.” He further linked it to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for increasing women’s participation in higher education.

Appreciating Panjab University’s number of achievements in national and international rankings, the Governor said that while the University has a strong national standing, it also has the potential to emerge as a globally leading institution.

Mentioning the illustrious alumni of the University like former Prime Ministers Dr Manmohan Singh and Shri I.K. Gujral, former President Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma, Olympian Neeraj Chopra, cricketer Kapil Dev, Nobel laureate Dr Har Gobind Khorana, actors Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher, and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, he said their achievements continue to inspire future generations.

Referring to the conferment of 350 PhDs in a span of less than a year, the Governor described the achievement as a testament to the dedication of students, parents and faculty members.

In her address, the PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig said that Panjab University continues to strengthen its academic and research profile in alignment with national priorities. Highlighting recent achievements, she mentioned 33 patents, major research grants, expansion of national and international collaborations, strong alumni support, and an impressive performance at the Khelo India 2025 events.

Earlier, the ceremony commenced with a group photograph of gold medallists, followed by the donning of robes by dignitaries and an academic procession led by the Vice-Chancellor, Deans of University Instruction and senior functionaries.

The Education Minister of Punjab, Shri Harjot Singh Bains, DUI Prof. Yojna Rawat, PU Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma, along with senior officers of the University, faculty members, students and their family members, were also present on the occasion.

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, an alumnus of Panjab University, said Panjab University is a leading university in the nation, noting that it has produced distinguished professionals across fields.

Receiving the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), Indian computer scientist Dr Vijay P. Bhatkar said, “I have never worked for ranks or prizes, but I understand that performance is integral,” reflecting on his lifelong contribution to national supercomputing, digital inclusion and institution-building.

Prof K.N. Pathak, former PU Vice-Chancellor, who was also conferred the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), recalled his long association with the university, saying, “I have been associated with Panjab University since the 1970s, starting as a Reader and later serving as Professor, Dean and Vice-Chancellor. Physics remains one of the strongest departments with a distinguished faculty.”

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, who was conferred the Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), described the honour as deeply personal, stating, “I am fortunate to receive an Honoris Causa degree from Panjab University. I have a 50-year association with PU, having pursued my education here. I am proud to belong to PU and believe there is no comparable university to PU in the world.”

Vigyan Ratna awardee Prof Pradeep Thalappil, Padma Shri recipient and IIT Madras professor, emphasised the role of education in nation-building, saying, “The Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and the future of Panjab University are integrally linked to education, which remains the core of development.”

Khel Ratna awardee and Olympic medallist Sarabjot Singh credited the university for his journey, saying, “Panjab University has supported me since 2018 through my UG, PG and diploma, including managing exam clashes. I hope more athletes join PU and bring laurels to the university.”

Sahitya Ratna recipient Amarjit Grewal highlighted the university’s cultural significance, remarking, “True recognition lies in creativity itself, and universities must encourage dialogue among different disciplines.”

Chandigarh, December 13, 2025

Vice President of India and Chancellor of Panjab University (PU), Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, today said that PU’s 143-year legacy continues to strengthen the standards of education in the country.

Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan was addressing the 73rd Convocation of Panjab University via a video message.

Referring to the institution’s long academic journey, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan said, “The fact that this is the 73rd Convocation itself shows that Panjab University is one of the most historic and distinguished universities.” He noted that the university has produced Prime Ministers (PMs), PM of a neighbouring country, Governors, Chief Justices, Members of Parliament, sportspersons and scientists who proudly call it their alma mater.

Highlighting the university’s global outlook, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan said that Panjab University’s vision and mission are “forward-looking, globally oriented and internationally relevant.” He added that these aspirations are firmly grounded in the Institutional Development Plan 2025 and the National Education Policy 2020, noting that “it is because of this vision that PU has published 11,000 research papers in the past five years,” contributing to the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 under PM Shri Narendra Modi.

Congratulating students and honourees, Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan said the convocation marked an important milestone not only for graduates but also for their parents, teachers and friends, stating that “this day belongs to you and to all those who inspired and encouraged you under this institution which shaped you.” He also referred to the conferment of Honoris Causa degrees on distinguished individuals during the ceremony.

Addressing the graduating students, the Vice President said they were completing their education at a time of unprecedented global change, remarking that “Bharat is no longer only an adopter of technology; we are emerging as creators of technology.” Referring to PM Shri Narendra Modi’s initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India and Make in India, he said these programmes have made the entrepreneurial ecosystem more vibrant and urged students to shape the next wave of innovation and sustainable development.

Emphasising self-reliance, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan called upon students to pursue innovation rooted in Indian knowledge systems, asserting that “true Atmanirbharta comes when our innovation reflects national identity and serves our people.” He also advised graduates to stay away from drugs, be mindful of social media usage, and remember that “your degree is not the end goal but the beginning of new responsibilities,” wishing the batch of 2025 a successful and meaningful future.

CHANDIGARH, December 13:

 Carrying forward Punjab’s glorious tradition of producing brave soldiers under the able guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, five alumni of the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), Mohali, were commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces on Saturday.

 Four cadets were commissioned into the Indian Army at the Passing Out Parade of the 157th Regular Course at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, which was reviewed by General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Army Staff.

 Those commissioned into the Indian Army are Gurkirat Singh (Amritsar), son of an ex-serviceman from the Corps of Engineers; Barjinder Singh (Gurdaspur), son of a school principal and son of a PSPCL Superintendent; Sukhdev Singh Gill (Gurdaspur), son of a retired PSPCL JE; and Vinayak Sharma (Pathankot), whose parents are in private employment.

 Another cadet, Kush Pandeya (Ludhiana), was commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force from the 216th Course at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad. The parade was reviewed by General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff. Kush comes from a distinguished services background, with his father being a retired IAF Group Captain and his mother a serving Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Medical Corps.

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora extended his heartiest congratulations to the former cadets of MRSAFPI on their commissioning into the Indian Armed Forces. He exhorted them to work even harder in their careers as service officers and make the State of Punjab proud. He further stated that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working tirelessly to support the aspirations of the youth, providing them with opportunities to excel in various fields, including the armed forces.

Director of Maharaja Ranjit Singh AFPI,       Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM (Retd), while congratulating the former cadets on their commissioning, called upon them to live up to the ideals of the Indian Defence Services and do the Nation, State and Alma Mater proud. With the commissioning of these five cadets, a total of 186 cadets of MRSAFPI have now been commissioned into the Indian Armed Forces since its inception, he added.

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on late Friday  evening chaired a high-level review meeting here today regarding  the progress of various Chief Minister’s announcements and budget commitments related to the Education Department. During the meeting, departmental officers presented detailed progress reports on ongoing schemes, projects, and CM announcements.

The Chief Minister directed the officers  to accord top priority to all announcements and ensure their completion within the stipulated timelines so that the announcements made in public  interest  are delivered with full transparency and efficiency.

The Chief Minister was apprised that out of the 15 budget announcements, *6 have been successfully completed,  while work on the remaining 9 announcements is progressing swiftly.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini  gave  special emphasis on regular monitoring and strict adherence to timelines for each pending announcement.

The Chief Minister said that the education sector forms the foundation of a state’s prosperity and development. Therefore, it is the government’s core responsibility to ensure that every initiative related to education. Whether infrastructure expansion, facility upgradation, or quality-improvement programmes, reaches students promptly and equitably. He reiterated that the government’s approach rests on speed, transparency, and accountability, and it is the responsibility of officers to ensure that each announcement yields visible outcomes on the ground.

Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar,  Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi,  Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Sh. Vineet Garg and senior officers of the department.

Chandigarh, December 13, 2025: Haryana Police’s state-wide campaign ‘Operation Hotspot Domination’ continues to reach new heights of success. Determined to dismantle the nexus of crime and narcotics from its roots, police teams across the state simultaneously raided 805 identified drug and gambling hotspots on December 12. During this action, 210 individuals were arrested and 69 new cases registered. Over the past 12 days, police have registered 1,117 FIRs and arrested 2,006 offenders, including 430 involved in violent crimes and 139 charged with illegal possession of arms. During this period, 99 fresh cases related to illegal weapons were also registered. Additionally, Haryana Police strengthened inter-state coordination by sharing 606 intelligence reports with other states to ensure that criminals cannot evade the law by crossing borders.

Major Crackdown on Narcotics and Illegal Assets

During the campaign, police struck at the financial backbone of criminal networks by seizing a massive cache of narcotics, cash, and illegal property. So far, ₹21.20 lakh in cash, 60.9 kg of ganja, 1.6 kg of heroin, 92 kg of opium husk, 3.8 kg of charas, and 282 kg of poppy husk have been recovered. Police have also seized 12 cars and 51 two-wheelers. On December 12 alone, recoveries included 183.3 grams of heroin, 15 kg of opium husk, 1 kg of charas, and 29.9 kg of ganja. In addition, police seized more than 10,000 narcotic tablets, 29,574 bottles of English liquor, 8,884 bottles of country-made liquor, and 1,801 liters of illicit alcohol. In the arms category, police confiscated 49 country-made pistols, 63 handguns, and 146 live cartridges. Overall, illegal assets worth around ₹16 lakh have been seized so far.

The Humane Face of the Police

Alongside its tough crackdown on crime, the campaign also set an inspiring example of community policing. Adopting a humanitarian approach, police assisted 7,210 needy and distressed individuals during patrols and checks. In districts such as Gurugram, Panchkula, and Bhiwani, officers distributed blankets and food to those in need to help them face the harsh winter. Traffic police, meanwhile, handed out helmets at intersections to promote road safety. This compassionate initiative has beautifully embodied the police motto — ‘Service, Security, and Cooperation’.

Bhiwani Police’s Big Breakthrough: Three Main Accused in Rohit Bodybuilder Murder Case Arrested from Bengaluru

Under this operation, Bhiwani Police achieved a major breakthrough in crime control. The CIA-1 team of Bhiwani successfully arrested three absconding accused from the Rohit Bodybuilder Murder Case thousands of kilometers away in Bengaluru. Acting on the directives of DGP Haryana O. P. Singh, a special team comprising the Sadar Police Station, Crime Unit, and Cyber Cell carried out the operation jointly. The case dates back to November 27, when an argument broke out during a wedding after some miscreants made indecent remarks toward women. When Rohit protested, the accused attacked him later that night near Rewari Khera–Bamla Road railway crossing by ramming his vehicle and brutally assaulting him, leading to his death during treatment. The case was registered at Sadar Police Station, Bhiwani, under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). After persistent pursuit, the police team raided Bengaluru on December 12 and arrested the three accused — Varun, Tarun (both brothers), and Deepak, all residents of Tigadana village in Bhiwani. The police are currently interrogating them on remand to recover weapons and other evidence. This swift and effective operation by Bhiwani Police has reinforced law and order and instilled fear among violent offenders.

Decisive Blow Against Cybercrime

Haryana Police have also launched a major offensive against cybercriminals, arresting 19 fraudsters across the state. Based on 341 complaints received on the Cyber Helpline 1930, a total of ₹2.60 crore worth of online frauds were reported. Swift action by the cyber teams resulted in ₹65.94 lakh being frozen before it could reach the fraudsters’ accounts, and ₹15.83 lakh was successfully refunded to victims — a significant relief that has strengthened public trust in the police.

Investment Scam Worth ₹61 Lakh Busted in Panchkula

In Panchkula, police exposed a major cyber fraud case in which two accused duped a woman of ₹61 lakh under the pretext of online trading. Acting under the leadership of Cyber Police Station SHO Yudhveer Singh, the team arrested Vijay Rathi (resident of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh) and Ashok Kumar (resident of Palwal). During interrogation, police obtained crucial leads that could lead to more arrests in the near future.

Fake Trading App Scam Exposed in Faridabad

In Faridabad, police busted an inter-state gang involved in online investment fraud through a fake app named ‘ELVN Institution’. The Cyber Police Station (Central) team arrested five accused — Kapil Dev, Arun Chauhan, Rohit Rai, Guraikbal Singh, and Ajay Kumar — from different districts of Punjab. Investigation revealed that the accused had provided their bank accounts to the main fraudsters in exchange for commission. A transaction of ₹3.69 lakh related to the fraud was traced to Kapil Dev’s account.

‘Task Fraud’ Racket Busted in Hansi

Hansi Police acted swiftly to arrest two accused involved in an online “task completion” scam, where victims were duped of ₹5.41 lakh. The accused — Aniket (resident of Hazira) and Mohan (resident of Gwalior) — were caught with two mobile phones and cash used in the crime.

Haryana Police’s extensive operation has sent a strong and clear message to criminals — escaping the law is no longer possible. Operation Hotspot Domination has not only dealt a heavy blow to crime and narcotics networks but also rekindled citizens’ faith in safety, justice, and cooperation.

Chandigarh

The slow progress of the Smart City Mission was strongly questioned in the Lok Sabha by Sirsa MP Kumari Selja, who stated that 22 projects worth ₹577 crore in Karnal and Faridabad are still incomplete, even though their stipulated deadline is December 2025. 

In reply to the question raised by Selja, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu acknowledged that a total of 161 projects were approved in both cities at a cost of ₹2,136 crore. Of these, 139 projects have been completed, and ₹1,559 crore has been spent so far. The remaining 22 projects, worth around ₹577 crore, are still under construction. The minister further informed that Karnal and Faridabad together had claimed central assistance of ₹980 crore, out of which ₹921 crore has been utilized. The ministry has advised the SPV companies of both cities to ensure that all projects are completed by December 2025 under all circumstances.The city of Karnal had 117 approved projects, of which 105 projects worth ₹801 crore have been completed, while 12 projects worth ₹406 crore are still pending. Karnal has so far failed to utilize central assistance amounting to ₹59 crore. The city of Faridabad has completed 34 out of its 44 approved projects, worth ₹758 crore, while 10 projects worth ₹171 crore are still under construction. Questioning the government’s working style, Kumari Selja said, “A Smart City does not merely mean releasing funds, but ensuring transparency, accountability, and time-bound development in public interest. The BJP government’s policies have reduced this mission to incomplete projects and unanswered questions.

The MP also asked the Centre what effective steps are being taken to ensure adherence to timelines and quality standards, especially when such significant delays are occurring in an important urban development programme like the Smart City Mission.

Chandigarh

The proposed “Vote Thieves, Vacate the Throne” mega rally of the Congress party at Delhi’s historic Ramlila Maidan is set to send a strong message across the country’s political landscape. Haryana Pradesh Congress President Rao Narendra Singh described it as a decisive step towards safeguarding democracy and the Constitution, stating that the mega rally will serve as a strong rebuttal to the BJP government’s alleged campaign of repression and will give a new direction to national politics.

Launching a sharp attack on the BJP, Rao Narendra Singh said that the present government is weakening the country’s social fabric through the misuse of power. He alleged that the BJP’s real objective is to undermine democratic institutions and strike at the very soul of the Constitution. “Investigating agencies are being continuously misused for political purposes, and now even the Election Commission is being put under pressure to capture power in state after state through alleged vote theft,” he said.

The Congress mega rally will focus on serious issues such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and the alleged theft of votes. The party says that questions are being raised about the fairness of electoral processes, thereby affecting the credibility of democracy. To be held under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the rally will witness the participation of lakhs of Congress workers from across the country, who will reiterate their resolve to protect the Constitution. Haryana will play a significant role in this mega rally, with a large number of aware and committed workers from the state taking part.

In addition, large contingents of Congress workers from Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and several other states are reaching Delhi. Rao Narendra Singh stated that this show of strength, led by several senior leaders, could prove to be a major political challenge for the BJP.

This mega rally will write a new chapter in the nation’s politics. Under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the massive surge of Congress supporters will certainly shake the very foundations of the corrupt ruling establishment.