Chandigarh, November 20

Announcing a significant decision aimed at bolstering the Homeopathic Department by approving the proposal for the revival and recruitment of various technical and administrative positions, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday said that the Finance Department has approved the revival and subsequent recruitment for a total of 115 posts across different cadres within the department. He said that this move is designed to enhance the department’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services across the state.

Revealing this in press communiqué issued here, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the recruitment for 115 posts includes 42 posts for Homeopathic Medical Officer (HMO), 72 posts for Dispenser (Homeopathic), and 1 post for and  Clerk. He said that the recruitment process for these 115 posts will be implemented in a phased manner, spread over two years.

The Finance Minister, who is also chairman of of cabinet subcommittee formed to address the employees issues, said that this issue was discussed at length during the meeting with the Homeopathic Medical Officers Association. He said that the Homeopathic department highlighted its operational constraints, noting that despite managing the Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital and various dispensaries at 100 percent capacity, it had only 22 permanent posts filled in the past. He said that the revival is deemed crucial for the continued efficient functioning and expansion of homeopathic services.

“This initiative marks a decisive step by the Punjab Government towards strengthening its public healthcare infrastructure and creating essential employment opportunities”, he added.

CHANDIGARH: Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, AAP RS MP and LPU Founder-Chancellor, announced a Rs. 25 lakh Entrepreneurship Competition at the 68th Association of Schools for the Indian School Certificate (ASISC) Conference, offering Rs. 5 lakh and mentorship to each of the top five student teams.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest of the Conference which drew over 1800 principals and senior educators from across India, he underscored the urgent need to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset.

Speaking to the gathering, Dr. Mittal said that Entrepreneurship today is a mindset, not a profession. It must begin in classrooms, as confidence, curiosity and the freedom to try.

Additionally, he announced the rollout of a free Entrepreneurial Skills Builder App developed by Masters’ Union in collaboration with Tetr College of Business and VP Outgrow for ASISC-affiliated schools, enabling students to assess their strengths, track their innovations over time.

Reflecting on the day’s commitments, he added, “Our children must be equipped not just to take jobs, but to create them. With this app, seed funding and dedicated career guidance, we want every student to discover their strengths and convert ideas into meaningful solutions.”

Delegates expressed appreciation for the initiatives and noted that these will significantly strengthen the future readiness of school students across the country.

Chandigarh, November 20, 2025: HS Oberoi, one of India’s most respected dairy technologists and a globally recognised authority on cheese, ghee, and butter, has passed away, at 83, his family confirmed. His cremation took place in Chandigarh on Thursday.

Widely hailed as the man who “gave birth to cheese in India,” Oberoi dedicated six decades to reshaping the country’s dairy processing landscape.

His early and defining contributions came from Punjab, where he began his career with Punjab Milkfed. He served in Hoshiarpur as GM, Punjab Milkfed and was also MD at Ludhiana in 1983. He  again served as MD, Milkfed at Patiala  from 1985-89 . He played a key role in strengthening the cooperative dairy movement and setting new benchmarks for product quality and processing excellence. His work with Milkfed is still remembered for advancing Punjab’s reputation as a leader in dairy innovation.

After Milkfed, he worked with Milkfood in Patiala and Modern Dairies. He contributed a lot to the white revolution in Punjab. After serving in Punjab, Oberoi went on to contribute to some of India’s most iconic dairy and food brands. He played a pioneering role in the development of ‘Go Cheese’, now among the country’s most recognised cheese brands. Colleagues fondly remember him as a visionary who transformed India’s dairy processing environment, especially during the period when cheese was still a nascent category in the country.

Oberoi shared a warm bond with Amul’s Managing Director RS Sodhi, who frequently sought his advice during new product launches. Industry observers often note that two Sikhs — HS Oberoi and RS Sodhi — together contributed to more than half of India’s modern dairy development, shaping the sector for future generations.

His unmatched technical expertise enabled breakthrough advancements across ghee, butter, cheese, paneer, and milk powder production, making him a valued figure behind several major food companies.

Over an illustrious career, Oberoi contributed to the manufacturing of milk powder for Nestlé, butter for Britannia, cheese for Jubilant Foods and Pizza Hut, and paneer for KFC, among several other collaborations that helped shape India’s modern dairy ecosystem.

Known for his integrity, he often helped dairy plants establish new lines and products without ever accepting financial compensation. Despite multiple offers from international companies, he chose to dedicate his life’s work to India.

His contributions also reached the global stage. He once appeared on the front page of a leading Danish newspaper during his participation in the International Dairy Conference in Denmark—an honour that brought pride to India’s dairy community.

HS Oberoi is survived by a large community of students, colleagues and admirers who credit him with inspiring, mentoring, and uplifting the field of dairy technology in India. His life remains a testament to dedication, patriotism, and his belief that great work is done not for money, but for purpose.

Chandigarh:

In a major step toward sustainable waste management and clean energy generation, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a state-of-the-art Segregated Organic Municipal Solid Waste (SOMSW)-based Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant at Daddumajra under the Design–Build– Finance–Operate (DBFO) model.

The MoU, signed at the Municipal Corporation Office, marks a significant push toward scientific waste processing, reducing landfill burden, and promoting renewable energy in the city. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organizations, including Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner, Sh. Himanshu Gupta, Joint Commissioner, Sh. C.B. Ojha, Chief Engineer; and Dr. Inderdeep Kaur, Medical Officer of Health from MC Chandigarh as well as Dr. Ajit Thakur, Executive Director, Sh. Alok Kumar, General Manager and Sh. Sachin Swami, Manager from IOCL.

 The agreement was formalized by Sh. C.B. Ojha, Chief Engineer on behalf of MCC and Dr. Ajit Thakur on behalf of IOCL.

Under the collaboration, MC Chandigarh will supply 200 TPD of segregated organic waste and 30 TPD of cow dung, while IOCL will design, construct, finance, and operate the CBG plant. Additionally, MCC will provide 10 acres of land at the Daddumajra Dumping Ground on a nominal lease. The project also includes 33% green belt development, adherence to CPCB norms, and acceptance of up to 10% mixed unsegregated waste.

 Officials of both entities emphasized that the plant will strengthen Chandigarh’s environmental goals by improving waste processing capacity, reducing landfill emissions, and lowering dependence on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to the city’s long-term vision for sustainable development.

Chandigarh, 20 November 2025:

The Sixteenth Punjab Legislative Assembly has been summoned by the Governor of Punjab to meet for its 10th (Special) Session on Monday, the 24th November, 2025 at 1.00 P.M., at Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial, Sri Anandpur Sahib, District Roopnagar.

Jammu/Pathankot/Chandigarh, November 20:

The Nagar Kirtan commemorating the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji received a spirited Khalsai welcome from the sangat in Jammu before the procession advanced towards next destination at Pathankot. Devotees accompanied the Nagar Kirtan barefoot for long stretches both during last night’s reception and at the time of its onward journey today, infusing the city with a deeply spiritual atmosphere. A dedicated stopover was arranged for the Nagar Kirtan at Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Chand Nagar, Jammu.

Sikh youth showcased the martial art Gatka skills as the procession departed from Jammu while the local sangat showered flowers upon the palanquin of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. A large group of devotees also joined the procession heading towards Sri Anandpur Sahib to pay homage during the main events.

As the procession passed through Jammu city, various gurdwaras extended a warm welcome. Singh Sabha Gurdwara Akali Kaur Singh Nagar in Digiana greeted the Nagar Kirtan with full devotion. Rajinder Singh Wazir, Rajinder Singh Raina, Narinder Singh Wazir, Sandeep Singh along with a sizeable gathering were present. At Sri Sant Mela Singh Ji Dastkari Ashram, devotees welcomed the Nagar Kirtan alongside Mahant Manjit Singh. The sangat of Singh Sabha Gurdwara Digiana Camp along with President Charanjeet Singh, Manjeet Singh, Suraj Singh also extended a hearty welcome.

At Dogyal and Amar, Kashmiri Sikh Sangat including Sarpanch Vikram Singh, Swarn Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Surjit Singh, Jagdeep Singh, Darbari Singh and others arranged a special kahwa langar. At Mata Vaishno Devi Bypass, the sangat of Kunjuwani welcomed the religious procession, while the sangat of Sarore area also offered greetings and organised langar.

Besides this, at Vijaypur in Samba district, former Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister S. Manjeet Singh, Giani Harpal Singh, Jasvir Singh, Harnam Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Gurdeep Singh along with the local Sikh sangat welcomed the Nagar Kirtan and arranged langar. Likewise, the sangat at Bari Brahmana Adda in Samba also extended a warm reception to the Nagar Kirtan.

The sangat of Rajbagh in Kathua district, along with the District Gurdwara Management Committee Kathua, welcomed the Nagar Kirtan at Rajbagh. On this occasion, Daljit Singh (Treasurer), Kuldeep Singh, Gurnam Singh, Amarjeet Singh and Jagjit Singh were present.

The sangat of Kalibari warmly received the Nagar Kirtan and arranged a langar serving chilled sweet lassi. A separate langar was also organised by the Gupta Hospital.

The District Gurdwara Management Committee Kathua further welcomed the Nagar Kirtan at Hatli Morh. Those present included Charanjeet Singh Bhola from the District Gurdwara Management Committee Kathua, MLA Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan, Tehsildar Kathua Jatinder Sharma and General Secretary Praveen Singh.

Notably, upon its late-night arrival in Jammu, special religious congregation was organised at Manda for the reception of the Nagar Kirtan. The District Gurdwara Management Committee Jammu led the collective arrangements. The preparations were jointly supported by Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Guru Nanak Nagar Jammu, Gurdwara Yadgar Sri Bala Pritam Ji Trikuta Nagar Jammu, Gurdwara Yadgar Chhevin Patshahi Talab Tillo Jammu, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Bakshi Nagar Jammu, Gurdwara Yadgar Sri Guru Angad Patshah Ji Preet Nagar Jammu, Gurdwara Kalghidhar Sahib Rehari Jammu, Gurdwara Yadgar Sant Sundar Singh Ji Tapo Sthan Akhnoor and Surinder Singh Kala, President of Vegetable and Fruit Association Narwal Mandi.

RTO Jammu Jasveer Singh, Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji President Ranjit Singh Tohra, Sant Tejwant Singh Dannewale, General Secretary Master Ranbir Singh, Jagpal Singh (Treasurer), Taranjeet Singh (Dharam Prachar Committee Incharge), Balwinder Singh, Surjit Singh (General Secretary) and others were present on this occasion.

Chandigarh: Doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali successfully treated a 63-year-old man diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, leading to weakness and paralysis. The life-saving treatment was led by Dr. Sawan Kumar Verma, associate director neurology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali and his team.

Satpal Singh (63) from Patran in Punjab was brought to the emergency of Max with rapidly progressing weakness in his limbs. He initially developed weakness in both lower limbs, which then progressed to involve the upper limbs over a duration of 5–7 days. Within the next few days, his condition had worsened to the point where he could barely stand or move independently. After a detailed neurological evaluation and diagnostic tests, Dr. Verma and his team diagnosed GBS.

The patient was immediately started on immunoglobulin therapy according to his body weight, administered over 5 days from the day of his admission. This immunotherapy was aimed at halting the immune system’s attack on the nerves and promoting recovery.

Dr. Sawan Kumar Verma said, “GBS is a challenging condition where early recognition and prompt treatment can make all the difference. In Satpal’s case, our goal was to stop the disease progression quickly and support his body’s natural healing process. By the end of the immunoglobulin course and at the time of discharge, he had started showing minor improvement. With continued intensive medical care, rehabilitation and physiotherapy, he went on to make significant recovery, and on follow-up after two months, he had regained his strength and mobility and was largely able to walk again independently.”

Following comprehensive treatment and physiotherapy support, Satpal has now returned to his normal life, a heartening outcome for both the patient and the medical team. 

Chandigarh:

Capitalizing on India’s accelerating financial growth story, Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited announced the launch of its Banking and Financial Services Fund, an open-ended equity scheme investing in Banking and Financial services sector. The New Fund Offer (NFO) opens for subscription on 10^th November 2025 and closes on 24^th November 2025. The fund is benchmarked against the NIFTY Financial Services TRI.

India’s Banking and Financial services (BFSI) sector is transforming at an unprecedented pace, expanding well beyond traditional banking to include NBFCs, insurers, AMCs, capital markets, and cutting-edge fintechs. Over the past two decades, the sector’s market capitalization has skyrocketed nearly 50X^#, powered by rapid digitization, rising credit penetration, financial inclusion, and bold regulatory reforms. Today, the sector stands at the heart of India’s economic momentum, offering investors a gateway to participate in the country’s financial transformation and long-term wealth creation story.

Built on Bajaj FinservMutual Funds’ Megatrends strategy, the fund aims to capture opportunities from India’s evolving financial ecosystem through a diversified portfolio spanning banks, NBFCs, insurers, AMCs, and other capital market participants. It will invest in 45–60* stocks shortlisted from a ~180-200-stock Megatrends universe aligned with long-term structural trends.Backed by megatrends such as UPI adoption, digital lending, Jan Dhan initiatives, and rising participation across NBFCs, mutual funds, and insurance, this scheme is designed for long-term investors with a higher risk appetite seeking wealth creation through focused exposure to the BFSI sector.

Ganesh Mohan, Managing Director, Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited, said, “As India marches toward Viksit Bharat and becomes a Top 3 economy globally, the financial services sector will play a significant role in enabling this growth. India’s increasing affluence and aspirations will drive significant growth across different financial services like lending, insurance, investments, payments and capital market products. BFSI will increasingly be central to India’s growth & will attract both domestic and foreign pools of capital as the economy expands. We believe this gives investors a great opportunity to participate in this megatrend through a dedicated thematic fund which will identify opportunities across the entire financial services spectrum and look to benefit from the future growth in these sectors.”

Nimesh Chandan, CIO, Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Limited, said, “Our investment approach for the Bajaj Finserv Banking and Financial Services Fund is anchored in rigorous research and disciplined stock selection. The fund will invest in 45–60 curated companies from a universe of 180-200 megatrends powered companies, across banking, NBFC, insurance, capital market intermediary, and asset management segments, ensuring both breadth and depth of exposure. While the sector offers multiple growth avenues, we believe superior outcomes are achieved by identifying businesses with sustainable competitive advantages, prudent capital allocation, and strong governance. By focusing on quality and maintaining a long-term orientation, we aim to deliver consistent risk-adjusted returns while giving investors access to the most compelling opportunities within India’s evolving BFSI landscape.”

The equity portion of the fund is managed by Mr. Nimesh Chandan (CIO) and Mr. Sorbh Gupta (Head- Equity), while its debt investments are managed by Mr. Siddharth Chaudhary (Head- Fixed Income). The minimum application amount is ₹500 (Plus multiples of Re.1), with a minimum additional application of ₹100 (Plus multiples of Re.1). An exit load of 1% is applicable if the investment is redeemed within three months of the date of the allotment. The fund offers both Growth and IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) options.*The portfolio count is indicative, and actual number will depend on market conditions at the time of making investment.

Chandigarh, November 20:-* In a continued effort to strengthen community participation in waste management, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today conducted a Swachhata Ki Karyashala at Government School, Sector 37-B. The workshop aimed to sensitize students on the importance of waste segregation at the source and encourage them to adopt home composting techniques for a cleaner, healthier environment.

During the interactive session, students were educated on the correct methods of segregating wet, dry, and domestic hazardous waste, alongside practical demonstrations on converting kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost. Officials emphasized how small behavioral changes at the household level can significantly reduce landfill burden and support the city’s vision of sustainable waste management.

The workshop witnessed active participation and enthusiasm from students and teachers, who pledged to carry forward the message of Swachhata in their homes and communities. MCC officials highlighted that such educational initiatives play a key role in shaping environmentally responsible citizens and achieving long-term cleanliness goals.