Category Archives: Haryana

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Expanding access to rural areas the next big Fintech idea; mobikwik co-founder Bipin Preet Singh hopes for easing of regulatory compliance for fin sector

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CHANDIGARH, MARCH 7: Broadening the resource base of our financial system by developing a culture of savings among large segments of rural population is going to serve as a vehicle to drive innovation in India’s Financial Technology (FINTECH) landscape. 

There is a big opportunity waiting to happen in the FINTECH arena and that could be expanding the financial access-net to our citizens living beyond big cities, he said adding that he hoped for easing of regulatory compliance for the Financial sector.

The views are expressed by MobiKwik co-founder and CEO Bipin Preet Singh here on Friday during a discussion held as part of TIECON 2025. Session was moderated by General Secretary TIE Chandigarh Brahm Alreja. 

TiECON Chandigarh is the brainchild of leading entrepreneurs and thinkers to provide a thriving ecosystem to budding and aspiring entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, education, incubation and funding. The 10th edition of TiECON Chandigarh is taking place in the Hyatt Regency here. 

“There is a difference in being aiming for less cash economy than the target of achieving a Cashless economy, he remarked on being nudged to respond about the practicality of the latter. 

Founded in 2009, MobiKwik has seen considerable success which has not been without challenges too. “When we started in 2009, we faced challenges which we endured to be where we are today, he said adding that if he had to recreate the company from scratch today he would talk to more number of people than what he did in 2009. 

“I am an engineer and like any engineer I am an introvert. Back then, I did not use to mingle with people much, which if I start a venture today i would do that certainly to have a broader canvas of views and perspectives, he added.

On being asked to bet on one between UPI and Wallet, he said he has a soft corner towards wallet but he advocates use of both.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Punjab Governor hands over STPI awards to deserving entrepreneurs

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CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Thursday lauded the exemplary role being played by TIECON in promoting and sustaining the Startup culture in Punjab and Chandigarh while exhorting budding entrepreneurs to fully leverage the thriving IT ecosystem.
“It is a matter of huge satisfaction that Chandigarh has come up as a congenial platform for all IT enabled service industries which has also led to creation of jobs for related sectors as well,” Punjab Governor said here this evening.
The Governor shared his thoughts while delivering his keynote address on the inaugural day of the much-anticipated TiECON 2025 being organised here in the City Beautiful. On the occasion, the Governor also gave away STPI awards to deserving entrepreneurs who have done exceedingly well in their fields.
Earlier, President TIE Chandigarh Satish Kumar Arora welcomed the Chief Guest and expressed gratitude towards him for taking time out to motivate and encourage the budding IT leaders. Speaking on the occasion, Arora said entrepreneurship is not only a career option now and it has catapulted into a movement to make the lives of our citizens better through service.
TiECON Chandigarh is the brainchild of leading entrepreneurs and thinkers to provide a thriving ecosystem to budding and aspiring entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, education, incubation and funding. The 10th edition of TiECON Chandigarh is taking place in the Hyatt Regency here.
Acknowledging the immense potential of our region in contributing towards national growth, the Governor noted that central projects envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi including Start Up India, Make In India, Atam Nirbhar Bharat have laid the strong launchpad for realisation o bigger goals in these sectors.

Expressing his appreciation for the organisers for their emphasis on contributing towards the national theme of women empowerment, Kataria said women are equal partners in the nation’s growth story and their greater participation in the work force is imperative for equal growth and prosperity.
“I always feel great pride when as Punjab Governor during all convocation ceremonies when girl students bag the top ranks in their examinations,” Kataria shared to a loud cheer from a packed hall here.
Urging the organisers and entrepreneurs to carry on working with dedication, Kataria said we as a nation have the potential and all our children need is opportunities to show their talent. “I remember during COVID when we launched 2 vaccines which not only saved the lives of our citizens but also of people of other countries too,” he added.
On the occasion, the Governor also gave away STPI awards to deserving entrepreneurs who have done exceedingly well in their fields.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Vice-President Puneet Verma said that their organisation is committed to contribute their best towards nation building by mentoring entrepreneurs to create wealth and opportunities. Verma expressed gratitude towards the Governor for the latter’s support in making the event a success.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Trust and safety guardrails crucial to harness true potential of artificial intelligence: Anil Arora

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CHANDIGARH, MARCH 6: Ubiquitous revolutionary influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on human lives is irrevocable and that greater synergy & cohesion is required to institutionalise guardrails and regulatory capacity to ethically harness its true potential to the benefit of businesses and societies.

The views were expressed by Senior Solution Specialist, Microsoft Anil Arora here during the session ‘AI Unlocked – Masterclass on Artificial Intelligence’ on the first day of TiECON 2025.

TiECON Chandigarh is the brainchild of leading entrepreneurs and thinkers to provide a thriving ecosystem to budding and aspiring entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, education, incubation and funding. The 10th edition of TiECON Chandigarh is taking place in the Hyatt Regency here.

Charting the incredible journey from Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 1950s to Generative Intelligence (GI) in 2025 where the machines can now create content by not only seeing, listening and speaking only but also through remembering and thinking as well.

This is an era of conversation of machines with human beings where the computer is vying with the human brain, Arora added who made a detailed power point presentation on the subject to a packed audience.

“AI is going to help drive equitable outcomes and that it can be a great leveller, Arora said while adding that greater trust and safety is the need of the hour in promoting AI accessibility to reduce digital divides.

On being asked to respond about the pitfalls of AI, Arora said the incalculable potential of AI raises tangible challenges and threats which need to be tackled by a common concern for the privacy and safety of those using it. For businesses to succeed, they must make cultural transition towards AI a norm, he added.

According to him, Artificial Intelligence can imitate human intelligence but can never replace the role of a human brain. “The cognitive ability of the human brain is irreplaceable and any attempt to do so is fraught with pitfalls,” Arora cautioned.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Fortis Mohali to organize ‘ENT Surgical Conclave’ from March 8

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Chandigarh, March 6, 2025: To highlight the latest advancements in Robotic-Aided surgery for the treatment of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) disorders, the Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, is organising a two-day conference, ENT Surgical Conclave 2025, at the Fortis Mohali hospital from 8th to 9th March 2025.

Conceptualized by Dr Ashok Gupta, Director, Head, ENT, Fortis Hospital Mohali, the surgical conclave will be organised in collaboration with the All-India Rhinology Society and the Punjab Medical Council. The conference will witness the presence of renowned otolaryngologists and welcome more than 200 delegates including junior and senior residents from various medical colleges across the country.

Shri Aman Arora, President of Aam Aadmi Party Punjab and Cabinet Minister, Punjab will be the chief guest at the conference.

Talking about the conclave, Dr Ashok Gupta, said, “The conference will focus on the latest advancements in otorhinolaryngology and use of robot-aided surgery in the treatment of ENT disorders and head & neck cancer surgeries. The conference will also showcase Live Surgery sessions, one-to one-interaction with the operating faculty, panel discussions, poster presentation and quiz.”

Echoing a similar view, Dr Anuragini Gupta, Consultant, ENT, said, “The aim of organising the conference is to train ENT specialist doctors to revolutionise and learn the latest advancements in otorhinolaryngology.”

Dr Gupta’s organising team comprises of Dr Anuragini Gupta, Dr Neha Sharma and Rishav Kumar, ENT Department, Fortis Mohali. The operating faculty includes Dr Ashok Gupta, Padmashree awardee Prof. (Dr) JM Hans, Dr KR Meghanadh, Dr Rajiniganth MG, Dr Mohnish Grover, Dr Gaurav Gupta and Dr Anuragini Gupta.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Meeting held under the chairmanship of Director General of Police regarding crime control

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Chandigarh, March 5. Haryana Director General of Police,  Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur held a meeting of the officers of the State Crime Branch (SCB). In this meeting, he sought a report from the officers regarding the action taken so far regarding the pending major cases in the State Crime Branch. In the meeting, the DGP directed the officers to complete the investigation of the pending cases in a time-bound manner.

This meeting was held at the Police Headquarters located in Sector-6, Panchkula. ADGP-SCB, Mamta Singh, along with DIG-SCB Hamid Akhtar, SsP Mohit Handa, Amit Dahiya, Pooja Dabla, Dhaarna Yadav, Sandeep Malik along with DSsP and Inspectors participated in this meeting.

In the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding major cases related to economic crimes and corruption. During the meeting, officers gave detailed information about the investigation or police action taken so far in the cases. Sh. Kapur said that before investigating any case, the officer should go to its root and prepare a blueprint of when, what and how they have to investigate the case so that appropriate action can be taken against the guilty person. He also guided the officers regarding solving the pending cases. He clearly said that the investigation of the case should be fair so that no innocent person faces any kind of problem.

 Sh. Kapur asked the officers to set a time limit for the investigation of the case and try to ensure that the investigation is completed during this period. He asked ADGP Mamta Singh, who was present in the meeting, to review the pending cases in SCB every week so that the investigation process can be expedited. Legal experts can also be consulted for the investigation of cases.

Sh. Kapur said that the State Crime Branch is a strong and important unit of Haryana Police, so it is very important to investigate any case thoroughly. He said that the team of the State Crime Branch should study all aspects of the cases carefully. Along with this, they should work by establishing better coordination with their subordinate officers and employees.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Strict action by Haryana State Enforcement Bureau against illegal miners

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Chandigarh, March 5

The Haryana State Enforcement Bureau took strict action against vehicle drivers involved in illegal mining and overloading and issued challans to 22 truck drivers in Yamunanagar district. These challans were issued by the Bureau team between Radaur-Ladwa National Highway. Through this action, the Enforcement Bureau has given a clear message to those involved in illegal mining that vehicle drivers involved in illegal mining and overloading in the state will not be spared and strict action will be taken against them as per rules.

This is the biggest action taken by the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau in the year 2025 so far, in which challans have been issued to 22 trucks simultaneously for illegal mining and overloading. As per the directions of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau is taking action by conducting a special campaign to stop illegal mining in the state. In January 2025, 238 cases were registered by the Bureau against those involved in illegal mining and overloading and 136 accused were arrested. During this period, a fine of Rs 127.86 lakh was imposed on illegal mining land mafias, out of which a fine of Rs 63.54 lakh was recovered in January 2025.

Head of Haryana State Enforcement Bureau, said that the campaign against illegal miners will continue in future also. Strict action will be taken against such people by adopting a policy of zero tolerance. He also appealed to the general public to ensure that they provide information related to illegal mining to the Enforcement Bureau. The name of the person giving the information will be kept confidential.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Minister Vipul Goyal reviews various projects of Civil Aviation Department

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Chandigarh, March 5 – Haryana Civil Aviation Minister, Mr. Vipul Goyal has stressed the importance of strengthening the state’s civil aviation infrastructure. Today, Mr. Goyal reviewed various projects within the department at his office in the Haryana Civil Secretariat and provided essential guidance to the officers.

The Minister received updates on the completion of formalities for the operation of Hisar Airport. He instructed that after obtaining the necessary license, landing trials should commence immediately to ensure that flights can begin from the airport as quickly as possible. Additionally, he sought detailed information about Ambala Airport and the Aero Sports Hub in Narnaul.

He also received progress updates on starting helicopter services from Gurugram, Hisar, and Faridabad. He urged officials to expedite the required work for this initiative. He said that a permanent helipad will be built in Sikar after discussions with the Rajasthan government to start helicopter service for Salasar and Khatu Shyam Dham. During the meeting, the Minister also covered a range of other department-related topics and provided further instructions to the officials.

Advisor and Special Secretary of the Department, Sh Narhari Singh Bangar and other officers were also present.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Government’s landmark decision to support Farmers 

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Chandigarh, March 5 – In a significant move to support the welfare of farmers, the Haryana Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, has made a significant decision to increase the limit of average production per acre for Rabi crops for the year 2024-25. This decision will directly benefit farmers who, due to higher yields than the previously set limits, were unable to sell their crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

To address this issue, the Haryana Government formed a dedicated committee to assess and recommend changes to the production limits for Rabi crops. Based on the committee’s findings, the Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has approved an increase in the production limits per acre, which will be implemented for the Rabi procurement season of 2025-26.

Giving information in this regard here today, an official spokesperson said that with this decision, the crop production limit for barley has been increased from 15 quintals to 16 quintals per acre. The production limit for gram has been raised from 5 quintals to 6 quintals per acre, while the sunflower limit has been increased from 8 quintals to 9 quintals per acre. In addition, the average production limit for the summer moong crop has been raised from 3 quintals to 4 quintals per acre.

Furthermore, the committee has established a fixed production estimate for lentils/masur, which previously had no set limit. The committee has determined the average production of lentils/masur to be 4 quintals per acre. However, the production limit for wheat remains unchanged at 25 quintals per acre.

The spokesperson said that these changes were made in response to the increased average yields, and that the decision would significantly benefit farmers cultivating gram, barley, sunflower, moong, and lentils, providing them with greater economic advantages.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Chief Minister holds key meeting with Vice Chancellors of Government Universities to discuss education sector improvements

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Chandigarh, March 5 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini held an important meeting with the Vice Chancellors of State Government Universities here today to discuss the reforms to be made in the education sector. The Chief Minister said that the state budget for 2025-26 will prioritize education, ensuring that quality education is provided to children in line with the National Education Policy. He also invited suggestions from all Vice Chancellors to enhance the education system.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government has committed in its Sankalp Patra to offer full scholarships to Haryana students belonging to  Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes pursuing medical and engineering studies at any government college in India. He urged that a framework be developed for this initiative as soon as possible. He said that all provisions of the National Education Policy should be fully implemented across universities and colleges, with the goal of transforming Haryana into a global education hub, offering specialized training in AI and modern skills.

Horticulture University should start research on fruits and vegetables

While interacting with the Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, the Chief Minister said that the future lies in horticultural crops and stressed the need to raise awareness among farmers about adopting crop diversification instead of traditional farming. He mentioned that the Horticulture University could play a pivotal role in this initiative. The first phase of the India International Horticulture Market, currently being built in Ganaur, will soon be inaugurated, bringing significant benefits to horticulture farmers. The increased export of fruits and vegetables will enhance their income. In this direction, the Horticulture University should focus on research related to the fruits and vegetables grown in various regions of Haryana.

The Chief Minister has directed the formulation of a plan to establish sports schools in every district to enhance the sports proficiency of the state’s youth. He said that universities should also be equipped with appropriate sports facilities. He further stated that the youth of Haryana should be trained from now onwards for the 2036 Olympics, with the aim of bringing glory to both the state and the country on the global stage.

Education Minister urges collaboration between Education Department and Universities to create research support framework for students

In the meeting, Education Minister Sh Mahipal Dhanda said that there is no shortage of talent among the youth of Haryana, with children bringing accolades to both the state and the country in various fields. However, he pointed out that many children often fall behind due to a lack of proper opportunities. He suggested that during exhibitions organized in schools and colleges, students who create exceptional models related to science, the environment, and other fields should be provided with proper guidance and funding to pursue research in those areas. To achieve this, he said that the department officials and the university work together to develop a comprehensive framework.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Yash Pal, OSD to Chief Minister Raj Nehru, Chairman Haryana Higher Education Council, Vice Chancellors of Kurukshetra University, Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, Sri Krishna Ayush University, Indira Gandhi University, Maharishi Dayanand University, Maharishi Valmiki Sanskrit University, Sports University, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Science and Technology University, National Law University, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University and Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

10th Edition of TiECON Chandigarh to be held on March 6, 7

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CHANDIGARH: Unfurling an enriching and transformative experience for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their horizons, the 10th essay of the TiECON Chandigarh is set to take place here in the City Beautiful on March 6 and March 7; with the Punjab Governor H.E. Gulab Chand Kataria along with the Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Maan amongst a wide array of thought leaders. 

The two-day gala event to be held at the Hyatt Regency here would focus on our time-proven legacy of providing top notch funding and mentorship to all budding entrepreneurs by fostering a global mindset and facilitating meaningful connections amongst attendees, the President TiE Chandigarh Chapter Satish Kumar Arora and Co – Founder Appsmartz said here during the pre-event press conference earlier in the day.

Encompassing the underlying theme of “Thrive, Empower and Nurture”, TiECON 2025 would lead a congenial platform for substantive discussions by experts over Technology, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how to share the existing domain expertise to ensure a more sustainable development by alleviating poverty by fostering entrepreneurship worldwide for the greater good of whole humanity, Arora added. 

 Further Arora informed that the announcement of ₹5 crore instant funding during TiECON Chandigarh 2025 has received an overwhelming response, making this 10th edition of the event truly remarkable. More than 150 applications have been received from diverse business sectors, including SaaS, Direct-to-Consumer (D2C), Electric Vehicles, and AgriTech. Entrepreneurs from cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh have shown keen interest in this funding opportunity. This instant funding initiative is being organized in collaboration with TiE Chandigarh and Chandigarh Angels Network (CAN), he informed. He also announced that, for the first time, TiECON will feature over 26 female speakers.

Sharing the event profile in detail and list of speakers adorning the stage during the much-awaited 2025 edition, TiE Chandigarh Vice President and Founder, Cybrain Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Puneet Verma said that India- backed by its youth talent pool and demographic dividend – is poised at the cusp of incremental growth in the Tech sector over the next decade. 

We are happy to have played a constructive role in India’s growth trajectory by infusing synergy and incentive to business models and new beginnings and would be carrying on with this legacy even more aggressively this year and onwards, Puneet said further.

Led by the Governor Punjab HE Gulab Chand Kataria, CM Punjab Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce and Information Technology Tejveer Singh, IAS, IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, Pro-Chancellor Chitkara University Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Founder and Chairman Ethos Watch Boutiques Yashovardhan Saboo, TiE Global Board of Trustees Murali Bukkapatnam, TEDx Speaker and Mountaineer Baljeet Kaur besides Founder Neemans Taran Chhabra,  Co-founder and CEO FlexiCloud Internet Anooja Bashir, and Senior Solutions Specialist Microsoft Anil Arora would be setting the stage of fire with their griping and motivational thoughts and perspectives, Puneet added.

Top Punjabi Singer Harbhajan Mann and renowned Punjabi TV personality Satinder Satti would also be present to enthral the audiences, he further said. 

In addition to discussions and plenary sessions, the exclusive exposition at TiECON Chandigarh 2025 will provide an ideal platform for early stage to later stage companies to showcase its products & services to the attendees during the much-anticipated Startup-SHARK SOIREE on Day 1, which also would see the Punjab Governor presenting the Keynote address. 

“TiECON 2025 will feature a series of master classes covering a wide range of insightful topics designed to empower and inform participants. Among the highlights are ‘The Journey from Idea to IPO: Scaling Your Business,’ ‘Masterclass on Cybersecurity Resilience,’ ‘Building Strategic Alliances & Partnerships for Sales Growth,’ and ‘Brand Warfare.’ These sessions will provide valuable knowledge and practical strategies to help entrepreneurs and business leaders thrive in today’s competitive landscape’ stated Advait Upadhyay, Joint Secretary and Treasurer, TiE Chandigarh and Founder Talentelgia Technologies.

The Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann is slated to address the gathering on March 7, which would be followed by exciting sessions including TBC Fireside with Tycoons, Cash to Clicks – Future of Digital Payments, Thriving on Digital Gold and Deep Tech in AI Era. 

The aim is to leverage our true potential towards betterment of society by providing better Tech services to all citizens, TiE Chandigarh General Secretary and Founder and Director Innovative Incentives Brahm Alreja said while delineating the overall aim of the organisers. We are supremely delighted to be contributing towards our national growth by our efforts through TiECON, Brahm Alreja averred while inviting everyone to be part of this journey this coming Thursday and Friday.

Harit Mohan, Co-  Lead, TiE University Program at TiE Global and Founder and CEO Signicent spoke about the robust ecosystem that supports startups led by college and university students. He also emphasized how TiE Global is creating innovative platforms that transcend boundaries, while also showcasing the potential Chandigarh holds on the global stage through these initiatives.