Category Archives: Haryana

SINGLE THEME WORKSHOP ON NEONATAL NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Chandigarh:

A Single Theme Workshop on Neonatal Neurological Disorders will be held at the Advanced Pediatric Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), on 4th and 5th April 2026. The workshop will be conducted by the Newborn Unit, Department of Pediatrics.

The workshop will be inaugurated by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director of PGIMER. The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee is Prof. Praveen Kumar; the Organizing Secretary is Prof. Sourabh Dutta; and the Joint Organizing Secretary is Dr. Jogender Kumar. Other faculty members include Dr. Naveen Jain from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Dr. Naveen Gupta from New Delhi; Prof. Deepak Chawla, Prof. Suksham Jain, and Dr. Supreet Khurana from Government Medical College, Chandigarh; and Dr. Sajan Saini, Dr. Bijaylakshmi Behera, Prof. Naveen Sankhyan, Dr. Arushi Saini, Dr. Anupriya Kaur, Dr. Chirag Ahuja, and Dr. Bharti Sharma from PGIMER.

Neonatal neurological disorders include diseases affecting the nervous system of newborns, primarily the brain. There was a time when the primary focus of newborn specialists was to save the lives of premature babies or full-term babies born with asphyxia. With significantly improved survival rates today compared to a few decades ago, the focus has shifted from mere survival to ensuring “neurologically intact survival.”

“Neurologically intact survival” refers to surviving into childhood and adulthood as a mentally and physically normal individual who can function independently and contribute to society. There is little value in expending enormous family and societal resources to save a newborn baby if the child grows up with severe disabilities such as intellectual impairment or cerebral palsy and remains dependent on caregivers throughout life.

A systematic analysis of data from low- and middle-income countries published in 2021, including India, reported that the average survival rate of babies weighing less than 1 kg was about 30%, with approximately 20% of survivors having abnormal neurological development. Data from major centers in India suggest that very to moderately premature babies have nearly five times the risk of brain disorders compared to full-term babies, and about 35–40% of babies weighing less than 1 kg either die or develop serious brain impairments.

Newborns are particularly vulnerable to neurological disorders because their brains are delicate. In premature babies, the brain is prone to internal bleeding due to fragile blood vessels, white matter damage due to inadequate blood supply or inflammation, and impaired growth and development. In full-term babies, brain injury may occur due to birth asphyxia, metabolic disturbances, or severe jaundice.

Significant advances have been made in the prevention, diagnosis, management, and follow-up of neonatal brain disorders in recent years. These include therapeutic hypothermia (external cooling of the brain) for selected asphyxiated babies, newer anti-epileptic medications, advanced ultrasound and MRI techniques, bedside EEG monitoring, improved recognition and prevention of factors leading to bleeding and white matter injury, diagnosis of complex metabolic disorders using sophisticated laboratory techniques, optimization of antibiotic duration for brain infections, and establishment of standardized follow-up protocols for early detection of cerebral palsy. Together, these advances have contributed to improved neurologically intact survival. Strategies to protect the vulnerable brains of premature babies begin well before birth and continue for months afterward.

Keeping these considerations in mind, the Neonatal Unit of the Department of Pediatrics has organized this two-day workshop dedicated entirely to neonatal brain disorders. The workshop will be highly practical and hands-on. It will include three practical workstations focusing on therapeutic hypothermia, EEG recording, and neuroimaging (ultrasound and MRI). There will also be six real-life clinical case discussions highlighting the management of newborns with serious neurological conditions.

The participants are pediatric specialists with a special interest in neonatal care. Lectures on the first day will cover the basics of neurological examination in newborns (which differs significantly from that in adults and older children), an approach to the stuporous neonate, and the diagnosis and management of brain injury due to asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, and white matter injury. The second day will include lectures on the management of neonatal seizures, hydrocephalus, preventive strategies, neonatal stroke, brain injury due to hypoglycemia or severe jaundice, and long-term follow-up.

Simple measures that the general public can adopt to promote neurologically intact survival include regular antenatal check-ups, adherence to medical advice during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, prevention of infections, and seeking immediate medical attention if a newborn shows abnormal movements, lethargy or severe jaundice.

CLF Literati Spring Fest 2026 Celebrates the Power of Words, Ideas and Cultural Dialogue

Chandigarh, March 28

The Spring Edition of CLF Literati 2026, organised by the Chandigarh Literary Society (CLS), unfolded to a jam-packed audience at Hyatt Centric, Sector 17, Chandigarh. The literary fiesta showcased a vibrant confluence of ideas, creativity and dialogue and brought together an eclectic mix of celebrated authors, poets, policymakers and thinkers for a day of stimulating conversations, cultural exchange and literary celebration.

Delivering the inaugural address, Dr Sumita Misra, IAS, Founder Chairperson of Chandigarh Literary Society and Festival Director, set the tone for the day by eloquently reflecting on the enduring power of literature.
Dr Sumita Misra in her inaugural address said, “Even in an age shaped by algorithms and artificial intelligence, literature reminds us that the human heart cannot be reduced to data. When poets, authors, and storytellers create, they express depths no machine can truly replicate.”

She added, “While technology continues to transform our world, literature remains irreplaceable in capturing human emotion—because storytelling and creative expression will always transcend algorithmic boundaries.”
A key highlight of the festival was the session ‘The Changing Face of Leadership, with Smriti Irani’, this saw the former Union Minister Smriti Irani discussing evolving leadership paradigms in an engaging conversation with Dr Sumita Misra. Smriti Irani shared some interesting personal anecdotes, including her insider experience working with PM Modi, especially during the COVID pandemic. She said that PM Modi has an inclusive leadership style, focuses on technology, and lays emphasis on innovation.
She recounted how under PM Modi’s leadership, during the pandemic, she got a lot of support for her out-of-the box thinking that helped in giving shape to an innovative effort to develop indigenous PPE kits, reducing costs dramatically, without additional government expenditure.

Another interesting session was that of ‘A World Adrift’, which featured local MP Manish Tewari in conversation with senior journalist Manraj Grewal Sharma, offering insights into contemporary global and political challenges. The discussion focused on the MP’s book ‘A World Adrift.’   
In ‘Doordarshan Diaries: The Golden Era of Indian Television’ which celebrated nostalgia and media history with the well-famed news anchor and veteran journalist from the golden era of Doordarshan, Sheila Chaman. Sheila was engaged in conversation by Aradhika Sharma, as she elaborated on the charm and cultural impact of India’s iconic television era.
Literary exploration continued with ‘Opening the Chest of Stories’, featuring author Jonathan Gil Harris and Dr Urvi Sharma. The discussion explored the nuanced intersections of syncretic history and personal narrative in Jonathan’s latest book, ‘The Girl from Fergana’.
Young voices and contemporary relationships took centre stage in ‘Between Friendship and Forever,’ featuring IPS officer & author Arsh Verma and Sonia Chauhan in conversation with Dr. Jasmine Anand.
‘Book Buzz’ saw the launch of ‘Catharsis: A Symphony of Sighs’ by Mukul Kumar.
In ‘The Veil and the Sword,’ author Ranjit Powar discussed her book ‘The Veil and the Sword Women in the Court & Life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’ with Navneet Garewal.

Themes of love and emotional expression unfolded in ‘Heartbreak Unfiltered’ with Mills & Boon’s first Indian romance author, Milan Vohra in conversation with Annurani Sharma, and ‘Prem Geet aur Kahaniyan,’ where the critically-acclaimed poet and novelist, Geet Chaturvedi was seen in conversation with Shayda Bano.
The intersection of technology and future thinking was explored in ‘Craft and Creativity in the Age of AI,’ the session featured Victor Ghoshe and Affan Yesvi in conversation with Ivneet Kaur Walia.

The festival culminated with ‘Mehfil-e-Sukhan,’ a vibrant celebration of languages and cultural pluralism, featuring a multilingual poetry recital in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English by Dr. Madhav Kaushik, Kasturika Mishra, Savita Singh, Mukul Kumar, and Bubbu Tir, promising an enriching and inclusive cultural experience.
Over the years, the Chandigarh Literary Society has played a significant role in promoting literature, arts and culture in the ‘City Beautiful’ Chandigarh. CLF Literati has evolved into one of the most eagerly awaited literary festivals in the region, attracting distinguished writers and enthusiastic readers from not just the region but even other parts of India.

IPL 2026: Highland Group & Punjab Kings Reinforce Partnership Further

Chandigarh, March 26

Building on a successful first season, Highland Group has continued its partnership with Indian Premier League(IPL) cricket team Punjab Kings as the official real estate partner for IPL 2026—The announcement of continuation of partnership and its further reinforcement, was made during a press conference here, which was addressed by Highland Group’s Directors Vishal Goyal and Harjinder Singh Rangi, who were joined by Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings. 

The group also unveiled ‘The Address of Kings’ campaign, which will bring leading lifestyle and sports creators to experience Highland’s projects before exclusive match-day interactions with players like Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh during IPL 2026. Details of the group’s upcoming project Highland Mayfields were also shared. 

Speaking at the press conference, Director Vishal Goyal said, “Cricket has been a defining part of my journey, having played at the under-19 Ranji level, and it continues to shape how I view discipline, performance, and teamwork. This association with Punjab Kings is therefore deeply personal as well as strategic. The second-year association brings ‘The Address of Kings’ to life with ultra-luxury living at Highland Mayfields, Mohali. Through ‘The Address of Kings’, we are creating a bridge between the energy of the sport and the lifestyle we are building—one that reflects ambition, passion, and the spirit of Punjab.”

The highlight of the press conference was a peek given to media into Highland Group’s flagship project, Highland Mayfields, which is being positioned as a sports-centric residential development. The event also witnessed the formal launch of a high octane ‘anthem’ specially created by Highland Group for Punjab Kings. 

Goyal emphasized that sports, particularly cricket, are deeply embedded in the philosophy of their flagship project, Highland Mayfields.

Director Harjinder Singh Rangi said, “Our collaboration is growing stronger, season by season. Through this, we aim to integrate the energy of professional sports into our residential ecosystem, making Highland Mayfields not just a place to live, but a vibrant community built around active lifestyles.”

He added, “This tie-up is about more than just two brands coming together—it is about representing Punjab & its culture on a larger stage. As two ‘Made-in-Punjab’ brands, we are building spaces that truly reflect the modern, high-energy identity of our home state.”

Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon, while welcoming the continued partnership, said, “We are delighted to extend our association with Highland Group. Partnerships like these help us deepen our connection with communities and create meaningful engagement beyond the field of cricket,” he said.

The company shared updates on the construction progress at Highland Mayfields, stating that development is progressing steadily as per timelines. Notably, Mayfields is a 15-acre low-density development in Sector 118, Mohali, offering exceptional privacy with just two residences per floor. The project combines the exclusivity of a villa with the advantages of a luxury high-rise. With expansive balconies, premium finishes, and over 85 world-class amenities—including three sprawling clubhouses, rooftop horizon pools, and skyscape gyms—Mayfields delivers a five-star living experience.

Looking ahead, Highland Group will roll out a series of integrated marketing initiatives with Punjab Kings during the IPL season under ‘The Address of Kings’ campaign, combining fan engagement, on-ground activations, and digital initiatives to deepen brand recall and community connect.

Panchkula’s Rakhi Sharma shines—wins three medals at Khelo  Masters National Games

Panchkula , March 25, 2026: Renowned master athlete Rakhi Sharma from Panchkula delivered an outstanding performance at the recently held 5th Khelo Masters National Games 2026 in Chandigarh, winning three medals. She clinched a gold medal in the 400 meters, a silver medal in the 200 meters, and a bronze medal in the 100 meters in the master athletics category, bringing pride to the region. Rakhi trained under Indian Army coach Lokendra Pachera.

On this occasion, Rakhi Sharma said, “This is a moment of pride and happiness for me. I thank my coach Lokendra Pachera & my family members  for their support, which helped me achieve this success. My goal is to continue bringing glory to my country and my city. I want to convey to everyone that age is just a number—if you have passion and discipline, any goal can be achieved.”

This prestigious competition was held in Chandigarh , and saw participation from around 3,500 athletes representing 28 states across India. More than 1,000 athletes competed across various age groups and athletic events, showcasing their talent. Rakhi Sharma achieved this feat by competing strongly against experienced athletes from different states.

At 44, Rakhi Sharma is not only a successful athlete but also an entrepreneur. She runs a gym in the tricity . Her gym offers modern facilities and focuses on scientific training methods to prepare athletes.

Notably, Rakhi  has been actively participating in national and international master athletics competitions for several years and has won numerous medals. She has competed in 9 national events, 1 open international, and 1 Asian-level competition.

Farm Debt of Rs 32.65 Lakh Crore a Matter of Serious Concern:-Kumari Selja

Sirsa:

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union minister and MP Sirsa, Kumari Selja launched a sharp attack on the central government over the rising debt burden on farmers across the country. She said that farmers are currently burdened with an estimated ₹32.65 lakh crore debt, describing the situation as extremely alarming. 

Kumari Selja alleged that the government neither has a concrete loan waiver plan nor shows the willingness to provide meaningful relief to farmers. Kumari Selja accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government of making tall claims while farmers continue to struggle with severe financial distress at the ground level. She said that farmers are not receiving a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), which is leading to declining incomes instead of growth. Kumari Selja said that the promise of doubling farmers’ income has turned out to be hollow. Outlining the Congress party’s stance, she said it supports loan waivers, legal guarantee for MSP and comprehensive agricultural reforms, and will continue to fight for farmers’ rights both inside and outside Parliament.

:-The LPG Shortage Peaks in Haryana:-Selja

Kumari Selja Criticised the Centre and the state government over the worsening LPG shortage in Haryana. She said that people are being forced to stand in long queues for gas cylinders, affecting daily life. Alleging a complete breakdown of the supply system, she said black marketing is on the rise, with cylinders being sold at arbitrary prices. She demanded immediate steps to streamline supply, curb black marketing and provide relief to the public.

Akhil Bhartiya Gurjar Mahasabha to launch anti-drugs campaign in Punjab; Kamaldev Chauhan appointed as state president

Chandigarh:

पंजाब में नशे के खिलाफ जारी जंग में अब अखिल भारतीय गुर्जर महासभा ने भी अपनी सक्रिय भागीदारी सुनिश्चित करने का ऐलान किया है। संगठन पूरे राज्य में युवाओं को नशे के खिलाफ जागरूक करने के लिए ‘नशा मुक्ति यात्राएं’ निकालेगा। इस अभियान की शुरुआत औद्योगिक शहर लुधियाना से की जाएगी। यह अहम फैसला चंडीगढ़ में आयोजित अखिल भारतीय गुर्जर महासभा की पंजाब कार्यकारिणी की बैठक में लिया गया। इस मौके पर संगठन के राष्ट्रीय संगठन मंत्री बच्चू सिंह बैंसला विशेष तौर पर उपस्थित रहे। बैठक के दौरान सर्वसम्मति से कमलदेव चौहान को संगठन की पंजाब इकाई का प्रदेश अध्यक्ष नियुक्त किया गया और उन्हें इस पूरे अभियान की कमान सौंपी गई।


राज्यपाल की मुहिम से जुड़ने का ऐलान


नवनियुक्त प्रदेश प्रधान कमलदेव चौहान ने कार्यभार संभालने के बाद स्पष्ट किया कि गुर्जर समाज का मुख्य उद्देश्य युवाओं को नशे के दुष्प्रभावों से बचाकर उन्हें एक सकारात्मक दिशा देना है। उन्होंने बताया कि पंजाब के राज्यपाल गुलाब चंद कटारिया पिछले कुछ समय से प्रदेश के सीमावर्ती जिलों सहित पूरे राज्य में ‘नशा मुक्त पंजाब’ के लिए लगातार पदयात्राएं कर रहे हैं। गुर्जर समाज भी राज्यपाल की इस मुहिम में सक्रिय भूमिका निभाएगा और कदम से कदम मिलाकर चलेगा। संगठन की ओर से इस अभियान की रूपरेखा और सभी तैयारियां पूरी कर ली गई हैं। इसके साथ ही, इस पूरे प्रयास और आगामी यात्राओं के विषय में राज्यपाल को भी विस्तृत जानकारी दे दी गई है। चौहान ने कहा कि यदि पंजाब को फिर से विकास और प्रगति के रास्ते पर ले जाना है, तो सबसे पहले नशा मुक्ति को ही प्राथमिकता देनी होगी।

2027 के चुनावों पर नजर, गांव-गांव करेंगे प्रचार


सामाजिक जागरूकता के साथ-साथ गुर्जर समाज ने पंजाब की राजनीति में भी अपनी मजबूत दावेदारी पेश की है। महासभा के नेताओं ने दावा किया है कि पंजाब में गुर्जर समाज की आबादी लगभग 9 प्रतिशत है, जो एक बड़ा वोट बैंक है। यह समुदाय 2027 के आगामी पंजाब विधानसभा चुनावों में निर्णायक भूमिका निभाने की तैयारी कर रहा है। प्रदेश अध्यक्ष ने कहा कि अब समाज के नेता और कार्यकर्ता गांव-गांव जाकर अपने लोगों को एकजुट करेंगे। चुनाव के समय संगठन अपनी पूरी ताकत दिखाएगा और जिस भी पार्टी या प्रतिनिधि का समर्थन करेगा, उसका खुलेआम मंच से ऐलान किया जाएगा। संगठन का मानना है कि नशे से मुक्त होकर ही युवा सही मायने में आत्मनिर्भर बन पाएंगे और समाज के साथ-साथ प्रदेश के राजनीतिक व आर्थिक विकास में अपनी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकेंगे।

Chief Minister reviews CMGGA field work at Forum 1, announces new focus areas

Panchkula, March 20:  Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, chaired a review meeting of the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Associates (CMGGA) at the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management (SJHIFM), Sector-3 Panchkula here today. The meeting was attended by Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh Yashpal, Director General, SJHIFM Dr. Raj Nehru, GVF CEO Sh. Sumit Kumar, Rishihood University CEO Sh. Sahil Aggarwal and Head of Programmes, GVF Ms. Vasundhara.

During the review, the Chief Minister assessed the previous month’s field work carried out by CMGGAs under two modules – Solid Waste Management and Human Resources. He appreciated the work undertaken by the associates so far and encouraged them to continue contributing actively to the state’s governance and development priorities.

The Chief Minister also directed that a meeting with Deputy Commissioners be convened to discuss key issues emerging from the field. He emphasized the importance of stronger coordination with district officials to ensure effective resolution of challenges identified by the associates.

The review also marked the introduction of new focus areas for CMGGAs. In the health sector, associates will work to strengthen the implementation of Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu Yojana in Haryana. In education, the focus will be on school infrastructure and implementation of the National Education Policy. In the water sector, priority areas will include water management, rainwater harvesting, and pond rejuvenation.

The associates will now return to their respective districts to resume work on both the newly introduced and ongoing modules, which remain key pillars of the state’s development agenda. The Chief Minister further instructed the associates to engage closely with officials, with special emphasis on water and sewerage-related issues, and to incorporate official feedback after submission of their reports.

CMGGA Forum 1 is being held from March 14 to March 21, 2026, following ten weeks of field immersion by CMGGAs. The forum enables associates and senior leadership to review progress, identify field-level challenges, and align future action with Haryana’s governance priorities.

World kidney Day PGI reaches to the community

Chandigarh:

Recognizing the growing burden of kidney diseases and the importance of early awareness on the occasion of World Kidney Day 2026, the PGIMER,
 Chandigarh, decided to reach out to the people instead of people having to reach the hospital. The Director, Prof. Dr. Vivek Lal has always been a strong proponent of outreach campaigns for promoting public health. The Department of Nephrology therefore undertook a community outreach interactive initiative to spread awareness about kidney health.

The outreach programme was conducted at three locations: Panjab University, Chandigarh; Gian Jyoti Institute, Mohali; and Dadu Majra. The National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGIMER, enthusiastically collaborated with the Department of Nephrology in conducting these activities.

At Gian Jyoti Institute, Mohali,
 Prof. Dr. HS Kohli and the team of Department of Nephrology conducted an informative and interactive session with students. Prof. Kohli addressed the students on the increasing use of protein supplements and explained the types of supplements available in the market. He cautioned against adulterated or unregulated supplements that may potentially harm the kidneys and stressed the importance of a balanced and wholesome diet. He also warned against the indiscriminate use of over-the-counter painkiller medications. The team educated the youngsters on the early signs and symptoms of kidney disease and emphasized the importance of adequate hydration.

At Panjab University, PGIMER team interacted with students and spoke in simple and practical terms about maintaining kidney health through healthy lifestyle habits and avoidance of modifiable risk factors. They emphasized sustainable dietary practices and highlighted natural, balanced sources of protein rather than relying on unnecessary supplements.

Students across these institutions displayed enormous curiosity about kidney health, dietary practices, and protein supplements, leading to engaging discussions. In response to their questions, the team also discussed recent advances in kidney disease treatment and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in nephrology.

At Dadu Majra, Department of Nephrology PGIMER team, in collaboration with the Nursing teams lead by Dr. Sukhpal Kaur and Dr. Naina Singh, conducted a session addressing common questions regarding kidney health, lifestyle practices, and prevention of kidney disease beautified by hand made posters and slogans on kidney care.

The outreach programme witnessed enthusiastic participation and engagement. The large turnout and active interaction from students and community members made the World Kidney Day outreach initiative a meaningful and successful effort in promoting kidney health awareness.

Early Detection of Sleep Apnea Essential to Prevent Rising Burden of Lifestyle Diseases and Key to Preventing Non-Communicable Diseases in India

Chandigarh:

On the occasion of World Sleep Day, sleep specialists have called upon policymakers and healthcare systems to prioritize early detection and management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as an important strategy to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India.OSA is a common but underdiagnosed sleep disorder characterized by repeated obstruction of the airway during sleep, leading to intermittent oxygen deprivation and fragmented sleep. Globally, nearly one billion adults aged 30–69 years are estimated to suffer from OSA, and India is expected to carry a significant share of this burden.Indian studies suggest that around 9–13% of adults may have moderate to severe OSA, translating to over 100 million individuals potentially affected in the country, with the majority remaining undiagnosed.

Untreated OSA has been strongly linked with several major non-communicable diseases including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Repeated episodes of oxygen deprivation during sleep trigger sympathetic activation, inflammation, insulin resistance, and vascular dysfunction, which accelerate cardiometabolic diseases.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Professor & In-charge Sleep Lab, Department of Otolaryngology, and President of the Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnea(IASSA), said:

“India cannot effectively fight the epidemic of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease without addressing the silent epidemic of sleep apnea. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea can play a crucial role in preventing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in our population.”

“ Sleep health remains one of the most neglected pillars of preventive medicine in India. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not merely a problem of snoring but a serious medical condition strongly linked with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Early identification and timely treatment of OSA can significantly reduce the burden of these non-communicable diseases. Integrating sleep disorder screening into national NCD programs could become a powerful preventive strategy for public health.”

He further emphasized that habitual loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and witnessed breathing pauses during sleep should not be ignored and require medical evaluation.

Symptoms of OSA Daytime Symptoms  Nighttime Symptoms

Excessive daytime sleepiness Loud snoring Waking in the morning with a dry mouth or sore throat Pauses in breathing during sleep (often noticed by a partner) Morning headaches Waking during the night gasping or choking Trouble focusing  Needing to urinate often during the night Mood changes such as feeling depressed or being easily upset         

Prof.Jaimanti, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology, highlighted that improving awareness about sleep disorders among both healthcare professionals and the public is essential. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of sleep apnea can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

The theme for World Sleep Day — “Sleep Well, Live Better” — highlights the vital role of healthy sleep in maintaining physical and mental well-being.

Experts reiterate that recognizing and treating sleep apnea early can help prevent serious health complications and contribute to a healthier nation.

Modern treatment options—including lifestyle modification, weight reduction, CPAP therapy, oral appliances, and advanced airway surgeries—can effectively control the disease and reduce long-term health risks when diagnosed early.

On this World Sleep Day, Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnea(IASSA) call upon policymakers to:

Integrate OSA screening into national NCD prevention programs

Promote sleep health awareness among the public and healthcare providers

Expand access to sleep diagnostic facilities across the country

Encourage research and surveillance on sleep disorders in India

Recognizing sleep apnea early can play a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, thereby improving population health and reducing healthcare costs.

Healthy sleep is essential for a healthy nation. Addressing sleep apnea today can help prevent the NCD epidemic of tomorrow.

Impact of the Gulf War Reaches India; Rising LPG Prices and Shortage Troubling the Public: Rao Narendra Singh

Chandigarh

The impact of the Gulf conflict (particularly the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran) is now clearly visible in India. Disruptions in the international supply of crude oil and LPG have deepened the energy crisis, and the burden is being directly felt by common consumers.

Haryana Congress President Rao Narendra Singh, while interacting with journalists, expressed serious concern over the issue. He said that due to the Gulf conflict, disruptions in crude oil and LPG supplies have led to an increase in domestic gas cylinder prices in the country. Recently (from March 7, 2026), the price of the domestic 14.2 kg LPG cylinder has increased by ₹60, reaching ₹913 in Delhi, while the commercial 19 kg cylinder has become ₹115 costlier, rising to ₹1,883.

Rao Narendra Singh stated, “People who are already suffering from rising inflation are now facing a double burden due to the increasing prices and shortage of LPG cylinders. This has completely disturbed the household budget.” He warned that if the central government does not reduce prices and ensure smooth supply, the Haryana Congress will launch a statewide agitation.
The shortage of domestic LPG cylinders in Haryana has become extremely worrying. According to reports, the state currently has only about seven days of stock remaining (around 3.5 days with Indian Oil, 7.1 days with Bharat Petroleum, and 5.8 days with Hindustan Petroleum). Long queues are being seen outside gas agencies, and people are facing serious inconvenience.
Under directions from the central government, a minimum gap of 25 days has now been made mandatory between domestic cylinder bookings, while the supply of commercial cylinders has been halted until further orders. With the ongoing wedding season, the situation has become even more serious, creating an atmosphere of chaos.

In addition, around 250 gas-based textile and handloom industries in Panipat have reportedly shut down. Prices of polyester yarn have increased by nearly 20%, and businesses related to the food sector are also facing a severe crisis. If timely solutions are not found, both the general public and industries may suffer heavy economic losses.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had earlier warned about this crisis. He stated that tensions in the Gulf region threaten India’s energy security, as more than 40% of India’s oil imports and most LPG supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Now the impact is becoming visible—LPG prices have increased, and petrol and diesel prices may also be affected in the near future.

He also criticized the central government, saying that the policies of the Modi government and its agreements with the United States have weakened India’s position, worsening the energy crisis.

The Congress party has demanded that the central government take immediate and concrete steps—boost LPG production, reduce prices, ensure smooth supply, and protect the public from hardship. If necessary, the party will also take the path of public protest.

This crisis is not limited to Haryana alone but is being felt across the country, with fears that hotels and restaurants in several cities may face closures. The government must prioritize energy security, public welfare, and alternative import sources, and take swift action.