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.
With 329 research papers published during last one year on display, 35 researchers winning awards in the surgical, medical, and basic sciences fields for ‘Research publications’ and 59 researchers being awarded in the ‘Innovations’ category for their exemplary and credible research work, PGIMER’s 12th Annual Research Day, the big ticket medical research showcase, concluded on an upbeat note here at PGIMER today.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Prof. Nikhil Tandon, Dean, AIIMS New Delhi, praised the depth, diversity and quality of research being carried out at PGIMER as he stated, ““After going through the scope and breadth of research being carried out at PGIMER, I can say with confidence that the quality of work being done here is truly exceptional. The scientific community in this institution clearly understands what needs to be done to advance medical knowledge and improve patient care.”
Prof. Tandon delivered a special address titled “Wearing Two Hats: Doctor’s Dilemma,” where he reflected on the complex responsibilities faced by clinician-scientists.“Most medical professionals in India wear two hats—one of providing patient care and the other of pursuing research. Balancing these responsibilities is not easy, but it is essential if we want to improve healthcare and generate meaningful scientific knowledge.”
“Research is never a short journey. It demands patience—sometimes over years or even decades—before its real impact becomes visible. The work we do today may not transform healthcare immediately, but with commitment and rigour it eventually contributes to knowledge that benefits society, ” as Prof. Tandon spoke about the nature of scientific discovery, emphasizing that impactful research requires patience and sustained effort.
The Chief Guest also highlighted the importance of mentorship and collaborative academic environments as he stated, “Great research rarely happens in isolation. Institutions that nurture mentorship, collaboration and a critical mass of researchers create an environment where ideas flourish and innovation becomes possible.”
Underscoring the true purpose of scientific inquiry, Prof. Tandon concluded, “The most sustainable motivation for research is genuine curiosity and the desire to improve patient care. Publications and recognition may follow, but they should never be the sole driving force. Research must remain connected to real health challenges so that the knowledge we generate ultimately improves outcomes for our patients and communities.”
Earlier, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, welcoming the Chief Guest, highlighted the institute’s strong culture of scientific inquiry and research excellence as he stated, “Despite the enormous clinical workload handled by the institute, PGIMER stands on a very high pedestal when it comes to patient care. With an annual patient footfall of nearly 40 lakh, our clinicians remain deeply engaged in delivering healthcare services. Yet, despite this tremendous pressure, our faculty, residents and healthcare professionals continue to pursue high-quality research with remarkable dedication.”
Describing the Annual Research Day as the “Diwali of research” at PGIMER, Prof. Lal said, “Research Day is when the entire scientific effort of the institute comes together. It reminds us that beyond the intense demands of patient care, there is an equally strong commitment among our faculty and residents to push the frontiers of knowledge.”
Director PGIMER also stressed the need for deeper collaboration between leading medical institutions in the country when he stated, “We are now moving towards a research colloquium between PGIMER and AIIMS because the future of science lies in collaboration. Instead of working in silos on similar problems, we must sit together, pool our ideas and resources, and produce research that can have a stronger global impact.”
Prof. Lal further acknowledged the contributions of the institute’s founding leaders whose commitment to academic excellence continues to inspire generations of researchers at PGIMER.
Highlighting the institute’s research achievements, Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research), presented the annual research overview stating, “Over the past year alone, our institute initiated 250 externally funded research projects through agencies such as ICMR, DBT, DST and CSIR, securing nearly ₹140 crore in grants. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent hundreds of questions being explored and solutions being sought to improve patient care.”
Prof. Jain further highlighted, “This year we are showcasing 329 research papers published in national and international journals, along with 59 innovations currently in the pipeline, seven of which have already been granted patents. Each of these represents the dedication of our faculty and young researchers striving to translate ideas into meaningful healthcare solutions.”
The academic extravaganza began with poster viewing from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the area adjoining the NINE Auditorium, where a wide spectrum of research undertaken at PGIMER was displayed. The posters showcased studies conducted and published between April 2025 and March 2026, reflecting the institute’s vibrant research ecosystem and strong interdisciplinary collaborations.
Awards were presented across several categories including medical specialties, surgical specialties, pre- and para-clinical sciences, senior residents, PhD scholars and systematic reviews, recognising outstanding contributions from faculty members and young investigators.
In the Medical Specialties – Professors category, Dr Ajay Duseja from the Department of Hepatology secured the First Prize, followed by Dr Sonu Goel from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, who received the Second Prize. The Third Prize was awarded to Dr Ravindra Khaiwal, also from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, for his significant research contribution.
In the Medical Specialties – Additional Professors category, Dr Madhumita Premkumar from the Department of Hepatology was awarded the First Prize, while Dr Pankaj Gupta from the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging secured the Second Prize. Dr Jayanta Samanta from the Department of Gastroenterology was conferred the Third Prize.
The Medical Specialties – Associate Professors category witnessed Dr Tanvi Kiran from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health being awarded the First Prize. The Second Prize was presented to Dr Bijaya Kumar Padhi, also from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, while Dr Rakesh Kumar Pilania from the Department of Paediatrics received the Third Prize.
In the Surgical Specialties – Professors category, Dr Divya Jain from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care secured the First Prize, followed by Dr Preethy J Mathew, also from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, who was awarded the Second Prize. The Third Prize was conferred upon Dr Jaspreet Sukhija from the Department of Ophthalmology.
Among the Surgical Specialties – Additional Professors, Dr Ankur Luthra from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care received the First Prize. Dr Vishal Kumar from the Department of Orthopaedics secured the Second Prize, while Dr Manjul Tripathi from the Department of Neurosurgery was awarded the Third Prize.
In the Surgical Specialties – Associate Professors category, Dr Ajay Singh from the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care was awarded the First Prize. The Second Prize went to Dr Savleen Kaur from the Department of Ophthalmology, while Dr Himanshu Bhayana from the Department of Orthopaedics received the Third Prize.
In the Pre- and Para-Clinical Specialties – Professors category, Dr Shivaprakash M. Rudramurthy from the Department of Medical Microbiology secured the First Prize. Dr Neelam Taneja, also from the Department of Medical Microbiology, was awarded the Second Prize, while Dr Lekha Saha from the Department of Pharmacology received the Third Prize.
Among the Pre- and Para-Clinical Specialties – Additional Professors, Dr Amol N. Patil from the Department of Pharmacology secured the First Prize. The Second Prize was awarded to Dr Ashok Kumar Yadav from the Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, while Dr Sheetal Sharma, also from the Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, received the Third Prize.
In the Pre- and Para-Clinical Specialties – Associate Professors category, Dr Gaurav Sharma from the Department of Translational and Regenerative Medicine was awarded the First Prize. Dr Praveen Sharma from the Department of Haematology secured the Second Prize, while Dr Priya Datta from the Department of Medical Parasitology received the Third Prize.
In the Senior Resident category, Dr Pritam Halder from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health secured the First Prize, while Dr Vibhu Jain from the Department of General Surgery was awarded the Second Prize.
In the PhD Scholar / Pool Officer / Research Associate category, Divya Sharma from the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health secured the First Prize, while Nimran Kaur, also from the same department, received the Second Prize.
In the Others category, Yogesh Rathore from the Department of Nuclear Medicine secured the First Prize, while Dr Ashok Kumar from the National Institute of Nursing Education was awarded the Second Prize.
In the Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis category, Dr Jogender Kumar from the Department of Pediatrics secured the First Prize, while Dr Rimesh Pal from the Department of Endocrinology was awarded the Second Prize.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of three distinguished PGIMER faculty members who have been honoured with the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards for their outstanding scientific contributions.These included Prof. Ritesh Aggarwal from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2020) for his pioneering research on Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA); Prof. Jitendra Kumar Sahu from the Department of Paediatrics, who received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Vigyan Yuva Puraskar (2024) for his work in paediatric epilepsy; and Prof. Suresh Kumar, also from the Department of Paediatrics, who received the 2025 award for his research demonstrating the life-saving potential of probiotics in critically ill children admitted to intensive care units.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. R. K. Ratho, Dean (Academic), followed by the National Anthem.
Through initiatives such as Annual Research Day, PGIMER continues to strengthen its role as a leading centre for medical research, innovation and evidence-based healthcare, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical science and improved patient outcomes in India.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said the upcoming Budget of the Punjab Government will introduce several new pro-people initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth while strengthening welfare measures for the people. Addressing a gathering during a Lok Milni in District Sangrur and later speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government has utilised public money responsibly over the past four years, delivering free power to more than 90% households, establishing 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, and providing over 63,000 government jobs without bribe or recommendation.
Taking a swipe at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Chief Minister said the Akali leadership has lost touch with the realities of Punjab and should stop daydreaming about returning to power. He remarked that while Punjab’s youth need employment opportunities, Sukhbir Singh Badal is busy talking about organising card tournaments in villages.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said traditional political parties burdened Punjab with debt and worked for their own interests, whereas the Punjab Government is using every rupee from the state exchequer for the welfare of the people. He also criticised the Union Government for withholding Punjab’s rightful funds while simultaneously attempting to divide people through politics of polarisation.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a Lok Milni programme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated. “The ensuing budget of the Punjab Government will introduce several pro-people initiatives besides propelling economic growth of Punjab. The Punjab Government has judiciously spent the taxpayers’ money in the last four years with a focus on the holistic growth of Punjab. The upcoming budget will also focus on citizen-centric initiatives so that the people can get major relief. For the first time in the history of Punjab, the budget will be presented on Sunday and it will further accelerate the economic development of Punjab.”
The Chief Minister emphasised that the Punjab Government is carefully utilising public funds for the welfare of the people. He highlighted that major initiatives such as free power and daytime electricity supply for farmers have brought significant relief to households and the farming community. “The Punjab Government is judiciously utilising every single penny of the state exchequer for the well-being of the people. Today more than 90% households in Punjab are getting free power and farmers are receiving power during daytime, which has been unprecedented. At a time when the assets of the country are being handed over by the Union Government to their blue-eyed friends at throwaway prices, the Punjab Government has created history by purchasing a private thermal plant,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting improvements in healthcare, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government has significantly strengthened public health infrastructure and expanded access to medical services. “As many as 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened in Punjab to provide free healthcare to people and quality healthcare services are being ensured in government hospitals.”
The Chief Minister noted, “To provide comprehensive healthcare, the Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab. Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage, which has significantly reduced the financial burden on the public while ensuring quality health services.”
Speaking about the campaign against drugs, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government has launched an aggressive movement to eliminate the menace from Punjab. “The Punjab Government has launched the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign under which the supply line of drugs has been snapped and drug smugglers involved in this heinous crime have been put behind bars. The menace of drugs is being wiped out at the micro level with the active support and cooperation of the people. This campaign has now become a mass movement with the help of the common masses,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that the present financial situation of Punjab is the result of policies adopted by previous governments, which placed a heavy debt burden on the people. “The previous regimes mounted huge debt on Punjab as those leaders never worried about the common man. In the last four years, the Punjab Government has reduced more than 35% of the debt of Punjab. Every government takes loans but those loans must be for productive purposes. Every single penny from the state exchequer is being utilised for the welfare of the people and the progress of Punjab,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Criticising the BJP, the Chief Minister said that divisive politics is being used to polarise people instead of addressing genuine concerns. “The BJP has always tried to divide the country on the basis of religion to push its agenda of hatred. The statement made by the Union Home Minister regarding religious conversion in Punjab is aimed at polarising people, which is the strategy of the BJP. Instead of indulging in such dirty politics, the Union Government should be generous in allocating funds to Punjab instead of withholding the legitimate share of Punjab,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that despite Punjab’s immense contribution to the nation, the Union Government has stalled key funds meant for the development of Punjab. “Punjab has played a stellar role in the national freedom struggle, in making the country self-reliant in food production and in defending the borders of the nation. Despite this, the share of Punjab in RDF and other funds has been stalled by the Centre, which is hampering development. Rather than indulging in such cheap tactics, the Union Government should immediately release the funds so that the development of Punjab can be further accelerated,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Referring to Punjabis stranded in the Gulf region amid the ongoing war, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government is actively coordinating with the Union Government to ensure their safe return. “The Punjab Government has identified 370 Punjabis who are stranded in the Gulf region amidst the ongoing war. We have already taken up this issue with the Union Government and efforts are being made to bring them back. The Punjab Government is firmly committed to bringing back the Punjabis stuck in the Middle Eastern countries and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause,” he said.
Earlier addressing the gathering during the Lok Milni programme, the Chief Minister said that such events are organised in village saths to ensure direct interaction with villagers and resolve issues at the grassroots level. “These programmes are organised in village saths to directly interact with people of the villages. Such places hold great importance in rural life as key decisions regarding development are taken here and disputes among villagers are resolved amicably,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Taking a dig at Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Chief Minister criticised the suggestion of organising card tournaments in villages. “Sukhbir Singh Badal says that they will organise card tournaments and the winning village will get a ₹10 lakh grant. Instead of making such statements, he should explain why he cannot promise jobs for the youth who play these cards. The former Deputy Chief Minister is unaware of ground realities because he studied in convent schools in hill stations or abroad,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab have rejected traditional political parties due to their anti-people policies. “Sukhbir Singh Badal should stop daydreaming because the people of Punjab will never vote them back to power. The Punjab Government will complete four years of service to the people on March 16 and during this period several pro-people initiatives have been taken. Today more than 90% households in Punjab are getting free power and farmers are receiving power during daytime, which is unprecedented,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting issues related to power generation and past decisions of previous governments, the Chief Minister said, “The supply of coal from the Pachwara coal mine in Jharkhand was stopped because Sukhbir Singh Badal wanted to benefit a firm close to him. The Akali leadership supplied solar power to Punjab at exorbitant prices by signing agreements with their own companies, which caused huge losses to the state exchequer. Earlier farmers had to spend nights in their fields waiting for electricity, but today they are receiving power during the daytime,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister also spoke about improvements in irrigation and water management. “When the Punjab Government assumed office, only 21% of canal water was being used for irrigation. Today 68% canal water is being utilised for irrigation in Punjab. As many as 6,900 km of water channels and 18,349 water courses have been revived to ensure water reaches the tail ends, which has immensely benefited farmers,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting employment and education reforms, the Chief Minister noted, “More than 63,000 government jobs have been given to the youth without any bribe or recommendation, which has brought satisfaction across all sections of society. In the education sector, Schools of Eminence have been established across Punjab to provide quality education to students. These schools have smart classrooms, modern laboratories and playgrounds for scientific learning,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
He further said that teachers and principals are being sent abroad for training to improve teaching standards. “Special programmes have been launched under which teachers and principals are sent abroad for training so that they can adopt modern teaching practices and prepare students for global competition. Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala. Students are also being given specialised coaching for competitive examinations such as Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that students from government schools have already begun achieving significant academic milestones. “Students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools have successfully qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and NEET examinations. The Akali leadership misused religion for political interests, which the people of Punjab will never forgive. Traditional political parties are unable to accept that the son of a common man is effectively governing Punjab,” said Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab have rejected traditional parties because they prioritised family interests over public welfare. “The people of Punjab have lost faith in traditional political parties because of their anti-people and anti-Punjab approach. Previous rulers were more concerned about their families rather than Punjab and Punjabis, which is why people removed them from power. After assuming office, the Punjab Government has focused on the progress and prosperity of Punjab and its people,” he said.
Criticising the Akali leadership further, the Chief Minister said, “Those leaders who cannot even find 11 members to form a committee in their own party are dreaming of winning all 117 seats in Punjab. These leaders patronised gangsters in Punjab and injected drugs into the veins of youth by protecting drug smugglers,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister added that the people of Punjab will continue to reject the Akali leadership for its past actions. “Akali Dal has become a party of political deadwoods rejected by the people again and again. They may try to misuse religion, but Punjabis will not be misled by it. The Akali leadership is building castles in the air to mislead people, but Punjabis will teach them a befitting lesson again,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Referring to past controversies, the Chief Minister said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal claims that all development in Punjab took place during their regime, but they turn a blind eye to sacrilege incidents such as Bargari and Behbal Kalan. By using religion for political interests, they have deeply hurt the sentiments of the people. The Akali leadership remains hand in glove with forces that are inimical to the Panth and Punjab,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday called up Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and impressed upon him to ensure the safe evacuation of Punjabis stranded in the strife-torn Middle East. During the telephonic conversation, the Chief Minister shared comprehensive data pertaining to Punjabis languishing in Gulf countries due to the sudden outbreak of war and urged that immediate steps be taken to bring them home.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “I spoke over the phone with Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu. NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh had also gone to meet him in person. The Union Minister has assured that necessary arrangements will be made for the safe return of Punjabis from Arab countries, including the operation of special flights. I have shared the list of all concerned persons along with their contact numbers. Soon, these Punjabis will return safely to their families. For any kind of information or assistance, please contact: NRI Wing 24/7 Control Room: *0172-2260042*, *0172-2260043*, WhatsApp: *+91 94787 79112*.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “During my telephonic conversation with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, I shared all the data related to Punjabis stranded in Gulf countries due to the sudden war. I urged him that these Punjabis must be evacuated at the earliest so that they can reunite with their distressed families back in Punjab. The Union Minister has assured all possible help, and I hope that the Punjabis stuck in the war-torn Gulf region will soon be with their families.”
Reiterating the firm commitment of the Punjab Government to evacuate Punjabis stuck in the strife-torn Middle East, theChief Minister asserted, “Punjabis have played a stellar role in making the country self-reliant in food production and in safeguarding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. It is unfortunate that a large number of Punjabis are stuck across the Middle East due to the sudden eruption of war. The Union Government must arrange special aircraft carriers to bring the stranded Punjabis back.”
The Chief Minister further stated, “Cabinet Minister of Punjab Dr. Ravjot Singh has been deputed to meet Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu and impress upon the Union Government to leave no stone unturned in bringing Punjabis back to their native land. The Punjab Government is duty bound to bail out Punjabis in this hour of crisis, and concerted efforts are already being made. The safe return of our Punjabis stranded in Arab countries is the Punjab Government’s highest priority.”
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government is committed to providing all necessary support and assistance to the stranded people as soon as possible. We stand firmly with the aggrieved family members of youth and students stuck in Gulf countries in this hour of crisis. I hope that the Indian Government will take necessary steps to extend a helping hand to all those who have been stuck in the war-hit Gulf region.”
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: I am sending Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh Ji to Central Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Ji. We demand that special arrangements be made for a plane for Punjabis. The safe return home of our Punjabis stranded in Arab countries is our government’s topmost priority.”
In a significant administrative decision, the Haryana Raj Bhavan has assigned Professor Som Nath Sachdeva, Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, the additional charge of Vice-Chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University. The order has been issued by Professor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Governor of Haryana and Chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak. It will come into effect from February 21, 2026, and remain in force until the appointment of a regular Vice-Chancellor. Expressing his gratitude, Professor Sachdeva thanked the Hon’ble Governor and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for reposing their trust in him, stating that the responsibility is both an honour and a matter of great accountability. Deputy Director, Public Relations, Dr Jimmy Sharma informed that Professor Sachdeva has been serving as Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University since November 2020. He also held the officiating charge of Vice-Chancellor of Ch. Ranbir Singh University, Jind, and Shri Krishna AYUSH University, Kurukshetra, for over one and a half years.
A distinguished academic leader, Professor Sachdeva has been recognised at the national level for his contributions to higher education. He was conferred the Outstanding Vice-Chancellor of India Award (2025) by the Indian Education Network and was also honoured with the Champion of Education Award (2024) in New Delhi for his significant contributions to entrepreneurship and skill development. Under his dynamic leadership, Kurukshetra University has achieved several notable milestones. It became the first and only state university in Haryana to secure the highest A++ grade from NAAC, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The university was also conferred the prestigious Platinum Award by the Haryana State Higher Education Council (HSHEC) for the exemplary and comprehensive implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Kurukshetra University has demonstrated strong progress in research and innovation, filing more than 60 patents over the last three years, most of which have been granted or published. During this period, the university also introduced 23 new academic programmes to meet evolving educational and industry demands. Significantly, under Professor Sachdeva’s leadership, Kurukshetra University became the first university in the country to successfully implement all provisions of the National Education Policy 2020 across both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including its campus and affiliated colleges.
Cricketer, cancer survivor and philanthropist Yuvraj Singh’s YouWeCan Foundation, with support from Xiaomi India, has successfully completed Phase 1 of the Swasth Mahila Swasth Bharat preventive healthcare programme in Nuh district, screening 10,000 women for breast cancer and strengthening early detection and access to care for women in underserved regions of Haryana. The success of this campaign led to the launch of Phase 2 of the programme wherein the Foundation has screened 4,000 more women in the region.
Through structured community outreach and screening camps, the initiative also educated more than 21,000 women, including all those screened, on breast health awareness and self-breast examination practices. The programme identified 111 suspected cases and ensured counselling and diagnostic follow-up.
Highlighting the objective of the Swasth Mahila Swasth Bharat programme, Yuvraj Singh said,“Breast cancer outcomes in India are often shaped not by lack of treatment, but by how late the disease is detected. Swasth Mahila Swasth Bharat was created to change that reality by taking awareness, screening and follow-up closer to women who are most vulnerable to delayed diagnosis. By combining community engagement with technology-enabled screening and strong grassroots partnerships, we are working to normalise preventive health conversations and enable early, confident action. Our focus has remained on scale, continuity of care and building systems that support long-term public health impact.”
Launched in July 2024, Swasth Mahila Swasth Bharat was conceptualised as a large-scale preventive healthcare programme aimed at addressing delayed breast cancer diagnosis caused by low awareness, stigma and limited screening access. Implemented by the YouWeCan Foundation with support from Xiaomi India across 15 aspirational districts in 15 states, the initiative focused on regions where healthcare indicators remain below the national average, ensuring that CSR investments reached communities most in need.
At the national level, the programme has till date educated over 5,00,000 people on breast health and importance of self-examination, screened more than 2,00,000 women, identified over 2,700 suspected cases and confirmed 13 breast cancer cases, while ensuring timely referral and continuity of care.
Building on the strong impact and learnings from Phase 1, the YouWeCan Foundation has announced the launch of Swasth Mahila Swasth Bharat Phase 2.0, which will focus on expanding screening coverage, deepening community engagement and strengthening integration with public health systems to ensure long-term sustainability and wider reach.
As the programme’s supporting partner, Xiaomi India enabled the deployment of technology-enabled screening solutions, supported capacity building at the grassroots level and scaled awareness efforts across diverse geographies, demonstrating how responsible corporate engagement can complement government healthcare priorities and drive measurable public health outcomes.
According to Sudhin Mathur, COO, Xiaomi India,“At Xiaomi India, we believe technology should do more than innovate – it should create real, meaningful impact. We reaffirm our commitment to bridging the gap between awareness and action. Through our Swasth Mahila, Swasth Bharat programme in partnership with YouWeCan Foundation, we are leveraging innovation, scale and partnerships to empower women with critical knowledge and early detection tools. With over 4 lakh women empowered so far, and more than 2 lakh women screened for breast cancer already, this initiative reflects how technology, purpose and scale can come together to enable timely intervention and tangible societal change. As a brand deeply rooted in India, we remain committed to driving impact where it matters most, and to supporting healthier, stronger communities across the country.”
Beyond quantifiable outputs, the initiative contributed to long-term social impact by reducing fear associated with breast cancer, normalising preventive health conversations and empowering women to take charge of their health. The programme also strengthened the capabilities of ASHAs, Anganwadi workers and local health personnel, reinforcing the grassroots healthcare ecosystem.
Reflecting on the programme’s community impact, Dr. Atiq Aslam, ESI – Nuh, said, “The YouWeCan Foundation has carried out impactful and sincere work in Nuh district by taking breast cancer awareness and screening directly to communities. Their team engaged with women across villages, often through door-to-door outreach, helping overcome hesitation and misinformation around screening. Such sustained, grassroots-driven initiatives play a critical role in strengthening preventive healthcare and can significantly improve health outcomes in underserved regions.”
The YouWeCan Foundation is a non-profit organisation working across the cancer care continuum through awareness, early detection, patient support and survivor empowerment. Over the past decade, the Foundation has screened over 3.4 lakh women for breast cancer, supported treatment for more than 340 underprivileged children, established over 1,000 critical care beds across government hospitals in multiple states, provided scholarships to cancer survivors and sensitised over one million citizens on preventive health practices, reaffirming its commitment to advancing equitable access to cancer care across India.
Placing culture at the centre of Punjab’s identity and continuity, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to preserving the state’s rich civilisational heritage for future generations, while addressing the Mahinder Singh Randhawa Literature and Arts Festival in Chandigarh.
Paying tribute to Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa’s role in shaping modern Punjab after Partition and leading the Green Revolution that saved India from famine by keeping the farmer and grain at the centre, the Chief Minister emphasised that promoting the Punjabi mother tongue, literature and culture is a shared societal duty and not a political act.
Addressing the festival,CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab, since its inception, has been a cradle of civilization. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that we have inherited a glorious cultural heritage along with an unmatched spirit of hard work and resilience.” He said that preserving and celebrating this legacy was essential to ensure that the coming generations remain rooted in their cultural ethos.
Expressing gratitude to the officials of the Punjab Arts Council for organising the festival, the Chief Minister said, “Such endeavours are the need of the hour to keep our younger generations aware of and connected with our rich culture.” He said that platforms like this festival play a crucial role in sustaining Punjab’s literary, artistic and cultural traditions.
Recalling the life and legacy of Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa, the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the event had been organised to honour a personality who had sown seeds of hope in the fields of Punjab. “Remembering Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa from the depths of my heart, I consider him the architect of modern Punjab’s destiny after the 1947 Partition,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that hailing from a village in Hoshiarpur district, Dr Randhawa was not only a capable administrator but also a profound philosopher.
Highlighting Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa’s vision, the Chief Minister said, “He was blessed with rare qualities of both head and heart. He believed that if a nation’s stomach is empty, it cannot fight, but if its soul is empty, it cannot live.” the CM said that guided by this understanding, Dr Randhawa established the Punjab Agricultural University on one hand, while on the other he set up the Chandigarh Art Gallery and cultural centres across Punjab.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Whenever we recall the Punjab Agricultural University, our farmers, our litterateurs, and the people displaced during the 1947 Partition, one name that comes to mind, holding their hands, is Dr Randhawa.”
He described Dr Mahinder Singh Randhawa as the pioneer of the Green Revolution in Punjab and said that due to his farsighted vision, Punjab saved India from famine during a critical period. “Thanks to Dr Randhawa, the focal point of the Green Revolution was always ‘grain’ and ‘farmer’,” he added.
Stressing that the programme was not a political gathering, the Chief Minister said, “Today’s event is a celebration of the development of the Punjabi mother tongue and language.” He asserted that every individual must promote their mother tongue through every possible medium and said that the state government is duty bound to work tirelessly for this noble cause.
Recalling the influence of literature and culture on his own life, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that poetry, literature, art and culture had played a profound role in shaping his thinking and journey. He also recalled eminent literary and cultural figures including Sant Ram Udasi, Devinder Satyarthi, Rasool Hamzatoz, Narinder Kapoor, Keats, Shiv Batalvi and others, acknowledging their immense contribution to the fields of literature, art and culture.
Chandigarh-February 5, 2026-The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken suomotu cognizance of an extremely heart-rending and inhuman incident and has expressed strong concern over the grave insensitivity of the State’s public health system and administrative machinery. The matter pertains to a news report dated January 30, 2026, published in a leading daily newspaper titled “Woman dies in hospital, cash-strapped kin take body home on cart.”
According to the news report, a 35-year-old woman, Anuradha, died during treatment at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital, Faridabad. Owing to the family’s extremely poor financial condition, the relatives were unable to arrange money for transportation of the dead body. As no ambulance or hearse was provided by the hospital or the administration, the body of the deceased was taken to village Sarurpur on a motorised open pushcart.
The Commission, headed by Justice LalitBatra, described the incident as a direct assault on human dignity, constitutional values and the very concept of a Welfare State.
Human Dignity Does Not End With Death
In its order, the Full Commission comprising Chairperson Justice LalitBatra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia observed that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India is not confined merely to existence, but also includes the right to live—and die—with dignity. Forcing a family to transport a dead body in degrading conditions due to poverty reflects a serious abdication of the State’s constitutional and moral responsibilities.
Heart-Rending Scene: Seven-Year-Old Son Holding His Mother’s Shroud
Referring to the circumstances described in the news report, the Commission noted that the motorised cart was being driven by the aged father-in-law of the deceased, while her husband and mother-in-law walked alongside in mourning. The deceased woman’s seven-year-old son was holding tightly onto the sheet covering his mother’s body to prevent it from being blown away by the wind. The Commission observed that such scenes compel deep introspection for any civilised and sensitive society.
Policy Vacuum and Administrative Apathy Exposed
The Haryana Human Rights Commission also expressed grave concern over statements made by health officials claiming that government ambulances are not meant for transporting dead bodies. According to the Commission, such statements reveal a policy vacuum and administrative insensitivity. The Commission clarified that the real issue is not whether the family made a request, but whether the State has any assured, accessible and dignified mechanism for transporting the bodies of deceased persons belonging to economically weaker families.
Not an Isolated Incident, but a Systemic Failure
The Commission observed that similar incidents have repeatedly surfaced across the country, where impoverished families are compelled to transport sick relatives or dead bodies using carts, rickshaws, motorcycles or other makeshift means. Such incidents are not isolated lapses but reflect a deep-rooted systemic failure of the health and administrative framework.
Dignity in Death Is a Right, Not Charity
Based on the above facts, the Commission, headed by Justice LalitBatra, categorically stated that no Welfare State can permit poverty to determine how a citizen’s body is treated after death. Ensuring dignity in death is not an act of charity but a constitutional and human rights obligation.
Recommendation to Frame a New Policy
The Commission noted that the Government of Haryana already provides free ambulance services to pregnant women for transportation to and from Civil Hospitals. On the same lines, the Commission has recommended that the Health Department, Government of Haryana, frame a policy ensuring that in cases where a patient from an economically weaker family dies during treatment in any Civil Hospital, the dead body is transported to the residence of the deceased free of cost and in a dignified manner.
Action Taken Reports Sought From Senior Officers:
The Commission’s Assistant Registrar Dr.PuneetArora informed that the Commission has directed the Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department,Haryana; Director General, Health Services, Haryana; and the Civil Surgeon-cum-Chief Medical Officer, Faridabad to submit their respective action taken reports at least one week prior to the next date of hearing.
The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for April 2, 2026.
Owing to the proactive strategy and focused operations of Haryana Police, a significant decline of 8.24 percent has been recorded in total registered crimes in January 2026 as compared to January 2025. While 10,115 cases were registered in January 2025, this number came down to 9,492 in January 2026. Moreover, rape cases declined by 54.55 percent, SC/ST cases by 32.91 percent, robbery by 77 percent, along with a substantial reduction in other major crimes, clearly reflecting the effectiveness of proactive policing by Haryana Police. Sharing his Vision-2026, Director General of Police, Haryana Ajay Singhal stated that the objective of Haryana Police is not merely to control crime, but to create a secure, sensitive and trustworthy environment where every citizen—especially women, children and vulnerable sections—feels completely safe. He emphasized that by the year 2026, Haryana Police will further strengthen proactive, technology-driven and intelligence-based policing, giving priority to crime prevention so that offences are effectively curbed even before they occur. He added that by 2026, Haryana Police will expand technological innovations in the fields of cyber crime control, road safety, emergency response and public interface, making the police force faster, more transparent and more accountable. Strengthening police-public partnership, trust-based policing will be promoted further to deepen cooperation and confidence between society and the police.
Terming women’s safety and protection of vulnerable sections as the highest priority, the DGP stated that a “zero tolerance” policy has been adopted towards crimes against women and children in the state, resulting in nearly 100 percent detection rate in such cases. He informed that rape cases witnessed a sharp decline of 54.55 percent, reducing from 99 cases to 45. Additionally, cases of attempt to rape declined by 14.29 percent, while crimes registered under the SC/ST Act decreased by 32.91 percent. A continuous downward trend has also been observed in cases under the POCSO Act and molestation.
The DGP stated that effective control has been established over heinous, violent and property-related crimes in the state. As per data, burglary cases declined by 31 percent, theft by 23 percent and snatching incidents by 20 percent. Similarly, violent crimes also recorded a significant reduction, including a 45 percent decline in cases of grievous hurt, 29 percent in attempt to murder and 15 percent in murder cases.
Highlighting the stringent action taken against organized crime, gangsters and drug traffickers, the DGP informed that 17 encounters were conducted by the police in January, leading to the arrest of 26 criminals, including 9 rewarded offenders. During this period, a total of 9,561 criminals were arrested, including 810 heinous offenders, 450 proclaimed offenders and 49 rewarded criminals. Under the Arms Act, 191 cases were registered with 293 arrests, leading to the recovery of 237 illegal weapons, 512 cartridges and 20 magazines. Under the NDPS Act, 395 cases were registered and 707 drug traffickers were arrested, with a huge quantity of narcotic substances seized. As part of stringent action against gangsters, 13 LOCs (Look Out Circulars) were issued and data of 162 high-profile criminals was shared with inter-state agencies.
The DGP highlighted the public service and humanitarian initiatives of Haryana Police, stating that out of 1,15,342 calls received on Dial-112, 1,05,618 calls were successfully resolved, achieving a satisfaction rate of 92 percent. To strengthen security arrangements, approximately 5,460 police personnel were deployed daily at 424 checkpoints. During the severe cold wave, humanitarian assistance was provided to 15,757 needy persons. In the field of road safety, 3,38,953 challans were issued and 2,413 accident victims were provided immediate on-the-spot assistance. Additionally, 2,073 awareness programmes were organized on cyber crime, women’s safety and social awareness, benefiting more than 1.66 lakh citizens.
Appealing to all citizens of the state, Director General of Police, Haryana Ajay Singhal said that building a safe and crime-free Haryana is not possible through police efforts alone, but requires active participation from every section of society. He urged citizens to cooperate with the police in maintaining law and order, immediately report any suspicious activity, and actively participate in spreading awareness against drug abuse, cyber crime and crimes against women.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has termed the Union Budget 2025-26 as discriminatory towards Haryana, calling it completely hollow and disappointing. He said Haryana has been left empty-handed in the budget, while the common man, farmers, laborers, and villagers have received no relief. Speaking at a press conference, Hooda said that this budget has completely failed to meet the expectations of the common man. “Nothing has been done to provide relief from inflation, and no exemption has been given in income tax. While tax is being collected on cryptocurrency, the government is not clarifying whether it is considered legal or illegal,” he stated. Neglect of Education and Health Sectors: “Looking at the percentage of GDP spent on education, after the removal of the cess in 2002-03, the total expenditure was 2.3 percent, which has now decreased to only 1.1 percent—less than half. Similarly, in 2017, the target was to spend 2.5 percent of the GDP on health, but currently, it is below 1 percent. Budget cuts have been made in these sectors,” he said. Neglect of Farmers: “Farmers have been completely ignored in the budget. There is neither any provision for loan waiver nor any arrangement to fix the Minimum Support Price (MSP) according to the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. Farmers are already in distress, but the central government has not paid any attention to their plight,” he pointed out. Significant cuts across various sectors Rural Development: ₹53,067 crore Urban Development: ₹39,573 crore Social Welfare: ₹9,999 crore Agriculture: ₹6,985 crore Education: ₹6,701 crore Health: ₹3,686 crore He said revenue expenditure decreased by ₹75,168 crore, while capital expenditure saw massive cuts—₹25,335 crore at the central level and ₹1,19,041 crore at the state level. The central government’s capital expenditure as a percentage of GDP fell from 3.2 percent to 3.1 percent. Not a single word was mentioned about this poor performance in the budget speech. Threat to MGNREGA: Hooda warned that preparations are underway to dismantle MGNREGA. This would be a direct attack on the rights of Dalits, backward classes, and rural people, as this scheme is a major support system for rural employment and poverty alleviation. He said this budget is proof of the BJP’s anti-people policies. “The common man is struggling with inflation, unemployment, and economic crisis, but the central government has only paid lip service. This budget has been prepared by ignoring the interests of Haryana and the entire country,” he noted.
