Chandigarh, December 8:

With a view to give impetus to the conservation, development and enhancement of existing forest & tree cover in the State under Greening Punjab Mission, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department led by the Minister in charge Lal Chand Kataruchak, is sparing no efforts. The department has carried out plantation of saplings under various schemes throughout the State as part of its endeavour to expand green cover in Punjab.

As many as 12,55,700 saplings have been planted under multiple novel initiatives. These include 3,31,000 saplings planted under urban forestry including plantation on institutional land and under Agro Forestry (Single row plantations in farmers fields adjoining link roads), 2,50,000 Poplar/Drek and 3,00,000 Eucalyptus trees. Furthermore, 20,800 plantations have been carried out as part of developing Pavittar Van with barbed wire as well as developing Nanak Bagichis with barbed wire. Besides, 46,500 saplings stand planted at industrial undertakings while the Schools have seen plantations up to 1,44,500. Apart from this, 1,62,900 Tall Plants have also been planted.

The objective of the plantations is the creation of green cover by planting maximum possible number of saplings on all available lands in the State, To raise nurseries, Generating awareness among the public regarding the initiatives of State Government to increase forest cover,, Making necessary arrangements for protection of plantations, Setting Up and maintenance of forest awareness parks in State & carrying out Forestry research as well as training activities.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, December 8:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has dismantled a Pakistan-operated cross-border arms smuggling module with the arrest of its six operatives, including one juvenile, and recovered six sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Gurbir Singh alias Sonu (28), a resident of village Kotli Vasava Singh in Tarn Taran; Gurpreet Singh alias Gopa (32), Gorka Singh alias Gora, Rajwinder Singh alias Raju— trio residents of Khem Karan in Tarn Taran; Jaspal Singh alias Jass (24), a resident of Bachiwind in Amritsar and Sultanpur Lodhi based 16-years-old Juvenile. The recovered pistols include five .30 bore pistols and one 9mm PX5 pistol.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused persons were in direct contact with a Pak-based handler through social media platforms, who were sharing coordinates to retrieve and further supply of weapon consignments. The organised gang had been supplying these weapon consignments to criminals operating in the Majha and Doaba regions to carry out nefarious activities, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigation is in progress to establish network’s backward and forward linkages and to identify receivers and financial channels in this case.

          Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that the first breakthrough came when a police team, in an intelligence led operation, arrested suspects Gurbir alias Sonu and Gurpreet alias Gopa and recovered two .30 bore pistols.

          Their interrogation opened up the entire network, he said, while adding that follow-up raids led to the arrest of their associates Gorka alias Gora with one .30 bore pistol, Jaspal alias Jass with one .30 bore pistol and Rajwinder alias Raju with one 9MM PX5 pistol. A juvenile associate was also detained with one .30 bore pistol, he added.

          The CP said that arrested persons Gorka alias Gora and Rajwinder alias Raju have previous criminal cases registered against them, including NDPS Act offences and charges related to rape and the POCSO Act.

          Two accomplices from Kapurthala district have been identified as receivers of illegal weapons, he said, while adding that raids are being conducted to nab them.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 260 dated 30-11-2025 has been registered under sections 25(6,7,8) of the Arms Act at Police Station Cantonment Amritsar.

CHANDIGARH, December 8:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 282nd day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 298 locations on Monday leading to the arrest of 89 drug smugglers after registration of 70 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 39,711 in 282 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 6.7 kg heroin, 350 grams opium, 2382 intoxicant pills and Rs 5080 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 900 police personnel, under the supervision of 63 gazetted officers have conducted 298 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 311 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 27 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, December 8:

          In a landmark event completing a tri-services military display, a scaled-down model of the Indian Navy’s premier Kolkata-Class Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kochi (D64), was inaugurated at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI). The model, presented by the Indian Navy on Navy Day 2025, was unveiled by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, AVSM, NM, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.

          With the installation of this ship model, the MRSAFPI campus now hosts major equipment representations from all three armed services, creating a comprehensive environment to inspire its young cadets. The Institute has a proud record of 22 of its ex-cadets serving as commissioned officers in the Indian Navy, including two from the most recent Passing Out Parade at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.

          Addressing the cadets of MRSAFPI and students of Shemrock Senior Secondary School, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan highlighted the maritime legacy of Punjab, inspiring the youth from the landlocked state by citing examples like former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh. He elaborated on the Indian Navy’s critical role in national defence, safeguarding maritime interests, and projecting India’s stature globally.

          Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the interaction with Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan and the exposure to real-life military equipment will help cadets develop essential skills, such as leadership, teamwork and problem-solving. The event would instil a sense of discipline, patriotism and service among the cadets,  preparing them for challenging careers in the defence services and beyond. He reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is committed to support the State’s youth who aspire to join Armed Forces by ensuring they receive the necessary resources and opportunities to fulfill their dreams.

          Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM (Retd), Director of MRSAFPI, expressed profound gratitude to the Vice Chief of Naval Staff for the generous gift. He affirmed the Institute’s commitment to nurturing more officers for the Indian Navy who would bring honour to the nation, the state, and the Indian Navy.

Chandigarh, December 8:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday extended invitation to the leading Koran firms like Daewoo E&C, GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C), Nongshim, Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA), Seoul Business Agency (SBA) and others to invest in the state.

During meeting with Chairman of Daewoo E&C Jung Won Joo during his visit to South Korea, the Chief Minister batted for cooperation in the fields of Renewable energy projects including offshore wind farms, solar power plants and hydrogen production facilities. Likewise, he said that there was a huge potential of collaboration in the areas like development of energy infrastructure such as LNG terminals, petrochemical complexes and fertilizer plants, Urban development and smart city projects with integrated housing and advanced infrastructure solutions and civil infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, railways, ports and airports. Bhagwant Singh Mann also underscored the need for strengthening cooperation in sectors like

technology transfer for modular and prefabricated construction methods to enable faster and cost-effective building solutions.

During strategic meeting with Daewoo E&C, one of South Korea’s foremost engineering and infrastructure companies, the Chief Minister highlighted Punjab’s strong industrial momentum, modern infrastructure initiatives, and the unique Unified Regulator framework under Invest Punjab. He encouraged the Global Business Group, to explore opportunities in large-scale infrastructure development, adoption of modern construction technologies, and upcoming industrial townships in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann also laid stress on cooperation in ESG and green hydrogen initiatives through joint ventures aligned with global sustainability standards.

In another meeting with Vice President of GS Engineering & Construction (GS E&C) Young Ha Ryu (Daniel), the Chief Minister underscored the need for tie up in sector of Renewable Energy Projects (solar, wind, hydrogen), Infrastructure Development (roads, bridges, smart cities) and Industrial Complexes and EPC Services. He also said that there was a huge scope in the key sectors like Technology Transfer for Modular Construction and Green Hydrogen and Clean Energy Initiatives. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured fulsome support and cooperation in these key sectors to give impetus to the development of the state.

In a meeting with Nongshim Holdings, a leading Packaged Foods and Beverages company, the Chief Minister batted for Food and Food processing adding that Joint development of new instant noodle flavors tailored for Indian tastes should be done. Likewise, he also batted for expansion of Nongshim’s presence in Indian supermarkets and e-commerce platforms and collaborating on campaigns targeting health-conscious and youth segments. Bhagwant Singh Mann also advocated tie up with local suppliers for eco-friendly packaging solutions and partnering on research for longevity foods and plant-based alternatives.

During parleys with Vice Chairman Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA) Lee Sung kyu, the Chief Minister batted for exploring opportunities for collaboration in defense manufacturing and technology transfer to strengthen industrial capabilities. He also batted for collaboration in Cybersecurity and advanced defense technologies such as AI, robotics, and unmanned systems for knowledge exchange and cooperation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab and Korea

 can consider joint efforts in skill development and training programs to enhance workforce expertise in defense engineering and production.

In a meeting with Director, Startup Division Seoul Business Agency (SBA) Jong Woo Kim, the Chief Minister said that there was a huge scope for collaboration in startup incubation and acceleration programs offered by SBA. He also discussed SBA’s global marketing and export support initiatives to help Punjab-based startups access international markets adding that  knowledge exchange on innovation ecosystems and best practices for fostering entrepreneurship is the need of hour.  Bhagwant Singh Mann also underscored need for exploring cooperation in branding and certification programs like Seoul Awards to enhance product credibility for Punjab enterprises.

Meanwhile, during Roundtable meeting on ease of doing business in Punjab, the Chief Minister held deliberations with key Korean companies Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (BKL), Yulchon LLC, Buddtree Management Group, SK Securities, Kim & Chang, Shin & Kim, Lee & Ko, Dentons Lee, Korea International Trade Organization (KITA), Korea Association of Robot Industry (KAR), Korea Trade Investment Promotion Association (KOTRA), Korea Auto Parts Industry Cooperative (KAP), Yuanta Securities, Capstone Asset Management, NH Investment & Securities Co., Ltd, Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) and others. During the meeting, he showcased Punjab as the most preferred investment destinations and apprised them about the key reforms introduced by the state government. Bhagwant Singh Mann also solicited the views of the leading companies to further streamline this mechanism to give boost to industrial development.

The Chief Minister also visited Pangyo Techno Valley, widely known as the “Silicon Valley of Korea,” to study one of Asia’s most advanced innovation ecosystems. Officials from the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA) briefed the Chief Minister on Pangyo’s integrated model for nurturing deep-tech innovation, startups, and high-value research. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is heartening to learn that with over 1,780 companies, 83,000 professionals, and 25,000 researchers, Pangyo represents a globally successful innovation district.

The Chief Minister noted the effectiveness of Pangyo’s structured accelerator programmes, specialised testbeds, and performance-driven evaluation mechanisms. He said that similar approaches can be adapted in Mohali to strengthen Punjab’s startup ecosystem, R&D capabilities, and high-skilled employment generation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the need of hour to give further fillip to the comprehensive development of Mohali.

The Chief Minister said that through these extensive engagements, Punjab government reinforced its commitment to welcome Korean companies, promoting innovation-led industrial development, and building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. He said that there is a huge scope for collaboration in varied sectors like manufacturing, technology, food processing, and research. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Seoul roadshow marks an important milestone ahead of the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, where global investors will be invited to explore Punjab’s rapidly expanding economic and industrial opportunities.

New Delhi:
Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma today endorsed the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, calling it a timely intervention at a moment when India’s public health indicators demand bold, well-financed action.
He said the Bill reflects a clear policy shift: healthcare is no longer viewed as a cost, but as a strategic investment in the nation’s future. By placing a cess on harmful products with proven links to severe health outcomes, and then channeling that revenue directly into health programmes, the government has created a model that is both fair and future-oriented.
India’s cancer challenge is becoming a national security concern
Sharma noted that India records over 14 lakh new cancer cases every year and nearly 9 lakh deaths, according to the National Cancer Registry Programme. Between 1990 and 2023, cancer incidence has risen 26 percent and mortality 21 percent, a trajectory that, he said, demands urgent structural intervention.
He pointed out that breast cancer alone accounts for 27 percent of all female cancer cases in India, while cervical cancer continues to claim 70–77 thousand lives every year, with more than 80 percent of detections happening in late stages. In Haryana, cervical cancer contributes 12–14 percent of all women’s cancer cases, affecting rural and economically weaker women who often have limited access to regular healthcare services.
PM Modi’s vision: Swasth Nari, Shashakt Parivar
Sharma underlined that the philosophical backbone of the Prime Minister’s broader vision of Swasth Nari Shashakt Abhiyaan. The idea is simple yet transformative: if women are healthy, families get stronger; and when families are strong, the nation becomes resilient.
This, he said, is not just a slogan. It is the governing spirit behind some of the most impactful health and social-welfare initiatives of recent years.
NaMo Shakti Rath: A model for community-driven women’s healthcare
Sharma elaborated that this national philosophy inspired him to conceptualise and launch the NaMo Shakti Rath in Haryana. The initiative brings preventive healthcare to the doorstep of women who often cannot spare the time, money or mobility to get screened for Breast and Cervical cancers – diseases often considered to be a taboo to even talk about.
Here’s the thing. While most programmes ask people to come to healthcare, NaMo Shakti Rath takes healthcare to the people.
The project will operate 20+ fully equipped mobile vans, supported through a combination of MPLADS funds and personal contributions. Each unit is staffed with doctors, trained technicians and field teams who conduct cancer screenings, basic diagnostics and awareness sessions across villages. The vans have already covered dozens of gram panchayats, enabling thousands of women to get screened early and understand their health risks.
Sharma said the response on the ground has been eye-opening. Women who had never undergone a single screening in their life are now getting tested in their own village, often within minutes of stepping out of their home. Many cases requiring further medical attention have been identified early, which is exactly where India’s fight against cancer must begin.
He added that NaMo Shakti Rath is not just a health intervention. It is a demonstration of what happens when parliamentary intent meets on-ground execution. It mirrors the core philosophy of the Bill: invest in early detection, invest in awareness, and invest in the health of India’s women to secure the nation’s future.
Policy meets ground reality
Sharma stressed that parliamentary policies gain meaning only when they reach the people who need them most. MPs, he said, must ensure that schemes originating in Delhi translate into real outcomes in districts, blocks and villages. For him, NaMo Shakti Rath is his personal commitment to bridge that gap.
He concluded by saying that a nation cannot be secure if its people are unwell. Strengthening health security strengthens national security. This Bill, he said, will become the backbone of India’s next-generation screening, prevention and awareness programmes.
“With this legislation, India is taking a firm step toward a healthier, safer and more confident future,” Sharma said.

Chandigarh, December 8 – The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved amendments to the Haryana State Prosecution Department Legal Service (Group A) Rules, 2013, paving the way for a strengthened and modernised prosecution cadre aligned with the requirements of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

In view of the new criminal laws enacted by the Parliament, the BNSS-2023 introduces several provisions related to Public Prosecutors and the Directorate of Prosecution at both State and District levels. To meet these statutory requirements, the State Government had earlier sanctioned 48 new posts, including 24 posts of Deputy Directors and 24 posts of Assistant Directors. These posts are essential for the creation and functioning of the Directorate of Prosecution as mandated under Section 20 of the BNSS, 2023.

In order to fill up these posts, the Haryana State Prosecution

Department Legal Services (Group A) Rules, 2013 have been amended for the purpose to prescribe the mode of recruitment, eligibility conditions, experience, etc.

With these amendments, the Haryana Prosecution Department is set to operate with a more robust, clearly structured and legally compliant framework, ensuring effective implementation of the BNSS-2023 and strengthening the administration of criminal justice in the state.

Chandigarh, December 8- In a major administrative reform aimed at ensuring faster, easier and more effective delivery of citizen services, 17 villages in six districts of Haryana will be reorganized aimed at ensuring better service delivery.

The State Cabinet which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today accorded approval to a proposal regarding shifting of villages from one sub-tehsil/tehsil to another sub-tehsil/tehsil in districts Mahendergarh at Narnaul, Rewari, Yamunanagar, Faridabad, Sirsa and Jhajjar.

The move not only aims to provide better access to citizen services and to bring about administrative efficiency but will also ensure synergy across different levels of the governance and better delivery of services. The State Re-organization Committee has approved and recommended transfer of the villages from one sub-tehsil/tehsil to another sub-tehsil/tehsil in these districts in its 3 different meetings.

The Deputy Commissioners of Districts Mahendergarh at Narnaul, Rewari, Yamunanagar, Faridabad, Sirsa and Jhajjar have submitted a report recommending the shifting of 1  village of District Mahendergarh at Narnaul, 1 village of Rewari, 3 villages of Yamunanagar, some area of Faridabad, 9 villages of Sirsa and 3 villages of District Jhajjar in view  of the geographic contiguity and administrative convenience.

Sr. No.	Village	Tehsil/Sub-Tehsil	Proposed Tehsil/Sub-Tehsil
1	Mandola	Satnali	Mahendragarh
2	Bareli Kalan	Palhawas	Rewari
3	Gundiyana	Radaur	Saraswati Nagar
4	Rupoli	Radaur	Saraswati Nagar
5	Chaharwala	Saraswati Nagar	Byaspur
6	Sector 15, 15A,16A	Badhkhal	Faridabad
7	Sector 21A, 21B	Faridabad	Badhkal
8	Ranga	Kalanwali	Sirsa
9	Lehngewala	Kalanwali	Sirsa
10	Mattad	Kalanwali	Sirsa
11	Alikan	Kalanwali	Sirsa
12	Malikpura	Kalanwali	Dabwali
13	Kingra	Kalanwali	Dabwali
14	Naurang	Kalanwali	Dabwali
15	Banwala	Kalanwali	Dabwali/Gauriwala
16	Mithri	Kalanwali	Dabwali
17	Bilochpura	Matanhail	Jhajjar
18	Bhindawas	Matanhail	Jhajjar
19	Shahjahanpur	Matanhail	Jhajjar

Chandigarh, December 7: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini urged scientists to take science beyond the walls of laboratories and ensure that its benefits reach the last person in society. He said that science brings true prosperity only when knowledge helps a farmer increase crop yield, when research cures a patient’s illness, and when innovation empowers an entrepreneur.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest on the second day of the four-day 11th India International Science Festival, being held in Sector-5, Panchkula.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Students’ Science and Technology Village at the event, describing it as the “New Nalanda” of modern India. On this occasion, he also visited the science exhibition and showed keen interest in the latest technologies in the fields of science and innovation.

Youth, students, and scientists represent the generation that will transform India into a developed nation

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that science is not just a career but a medium for nation-building. Interacting with youth, students, and scientists, he said that they are the generation that will shape India into a developed nation. He urged all scientists, research institutions, industry partners, the start-up community, and young innovators to work together to create a science-based development model that provides a better quality of life to every citizen, gives India global leadership, and ensures a sustainable and environmentally responsible future for the planet.

Haryana honored to host the Science Festival for the second time

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh for giving Haryana the opportunity to host this major science festival for the second time. He said that more than 40,000 participants from India and abroad are taking part in this four-day ‘Science Mahakumbh’. The Chief Minister said he was pleased that special attention has been given to the youth particularly from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and the northern and western states so that every region of the country can move forward together on the path of scientific progress.

This science festival is a significant step toward fulfilling the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation

Referring to the Science Festival, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that it is a confluence of science, innovation, start-up energy, future technologies, and the aspirations of a New India. He said that the theme of this year’s festival, ‘Science for Prosperity for a Self-Reliant India’, is extremely relevant. He said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has pledged to make India a developed nation by 2047, and under his leadership, the country is progressing at an unprecedented pace in the field of science and technology. India has emerged as one of the leading nations in lunar, solar, and space research, as well as in areas such as quantum technology, deep-tech, AI, drones, and biotechnology. He said that this Science Festival is also a concrete step toward fulfilling the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation.

Science is not limited to laboratories but touches every sphere of life

The Chief Minister said that events like the India International Science Festival send a clear message that science is not confined to laboratories. It is present in the fields, in factories, and in our villages. Science is in our mobile phones, healthcare services, education, and governance—in every sphere of life. Today, science forms the foundation of policy-making, and new technology is the driving engine of development. He added that another key objective of this festival is to showcase India’s scientific excellence on the world stage under the able leadership of the Prime Minister.

The government is prioritizing STEM education, AI and robotics, start-up development, cybersecurity, agritech, biotech, and space technology in its policies

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana, despite being an agrarian state, is rapidly emerging as a center of science, education, and innovation. The government is prioritizing STEM education, AI and robotics, start-up development, cybersecurity, agritech, biotech, and space technology in its policies.

He said that cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, Panchkula, and Hisar are becoming major IT and R&D hubs in the country. Gurugram has already established itself as a leading center for IT, AI, and cyber technology. High-tech research and innovation centers have been set up in Faridabad and Panchkula, while cities such as Karnal, Hisar, and Rohtak are emerging as important hubs for agricultural technology and climate services. Recently, the Mahabharata-based Anubhav Kendra developed in Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, has opened a new chapter in science tourism.

He further said that universities and technical institutions in Haryana are conducting cutting-edge research in drones, biotechnology, machine learning, robotics, environmental science, and space studies. Farmers in Haryana are also increasingly adopting sensor-based irrigation and practicing climate-smart agriculture.

The Government aims to make Haryana a leading state in the country not only in industrial development but also in science-based development

The Chief Minister said that their goal is to make Haryana a leading state in the country not only in industrial development but also in science-based development. To foster students’ interest in science, a Science Talent Search Scholarship Scheme is being implemented in schools. Under this scheme, 1,500 students studying science in Classes 11 and 12 receive a scholarship of Rs 1,000 per month. Undergraduate students receive Rs 4,000 per month, while postgraduate students receive Rs 6,000 per month.

In addition, a separate scheme has been introduced to honor students who win medals or participate in the International Science Olympiad, under which cash prizes of up to Rs 5 lakh are awarded. Similarly, gold medal winners of the Junior Science Olympiad are given cash prizes of up to Rs 2.5 lakh.

The Government is also encouraging young scientists

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government is also encouraging young scientists. For this purpose, two eminent scientists above the age of 40 are honored each year with the ‘Haryana Vigyan Ratna’ award, while two distinguished scientists from the state below the age of 40 are conferred the ‘Haryana Yuva Vigyan Ratna’ award annually.

Present on the occasion were Secretary DBT Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Joint Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences Sh D.S. Pandian, National Organizing Secretary of Vigyan Bharati Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, General Secretary Sh Vivekananda Pai, Director IITM Dr. Suryachandra Rao, Executive Director of the Indian National Science Academy Dr. Brijesh Pandey, Scientists from Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Jagveer Singh and Dr. Vinu Valsala, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh Praveen Atrey, scientists, representatives of Indian science institutions, Industry representatives, researchers, start-ups, and students.