Category Archives: Punjab

Patients with complex urological cancers successfully treatedvia advanced robot-aided surgery at Fortis Mohali

Chandigarh, September 18

The Department of Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mohali, has successfully treated multiple patients suffering from complex urological cancers via the world’s most advanced 4th Generation Robot – Da Vinci Xi.

Dr Dharmender Aggarwal, Consultant, Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospital Mohali, has treated two such patients through robot-aided surgeries.

In the first case, a 56-year-old patient, who had undergone a renal transplant in 2018 due to chronic kidney disease, found a 3-cm tumour in his transplanted kidney. He approached Dr Aggarwal at Fortis Mohali where following subsequent examinations, Dr Aggarwal performed Robot-assisted transplant kidney partial nephrectomy (removing part of the kidney to treat a disease). The Patient’s renal vessels were dissected and the tumour was removed, while preserving the kidney. He had good urine output post-surgery and did not require transfusion or dialysis. The Patient started walking 10 hours after the surgery and was discharged on the third day. He has recovered fully and leading a normal life today.

Discussing the case, Dr Aggarwal, said, “The case was complex as it was difficult to dissect around the transplanted kidney and make proper planes. Most of the times, the kidney and surrounding tissues are stuck due to previous surgeries. Any delay in medical intervention would have caused the tumor to grow in size and impact the other organs.”

In another case, a 62-year-old patient was experiencing blood in his urine from the last 10 days. On subsequent evaluation, he was found to have a large tumor in his right kidney (14 cm) along with a thrombus in his renal vein and a large blood vessel inferior vena cava. The Patient approached Dr Aggarwal where following a PET scan and other medical investigations, Dr Aggarwal suggested robot-aided surgery was a line of treatment to the patient. The team of doctors led by Dr Aggarwal performed Robotic Radical Nephrectomy with IVC Thrombectomy of large kidney lesion and were able to completely remove the entire tumour along with thrombus in the large vein. The case was complex as the tumour involved a large vein going towards the heart, which posed a risk that the tumour thrombus could get dislodged and go into the heart, causing a cardiac arrest.

Discussing the case, Dr Aggarwal, said, “The entire IVC was dissected and control was taken at three points to avoid any such problem. The Patient had a smooth post-operative recovery post surgery and was able to walk within 8 hours of the procedure. He was discharged after three days.”

On the benefits of robot-aided surgeries, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Compared to the usual stay of 8-10 days in an open surgery, Robot-aided surgery allows a patient to walk on the same day of the procedure. With the help of newer technologies, we are now able to remove only the tumour and save the kidney in most of the cases. Robot-aided surgery is the latest form of minimal invasive surgery and provides a 3D view of the operative field via a special camera inserted into the body of the patient. Parts of the body which are difficult to reach with the human hand can be accessed through robot-assisted arms that can rotate 360 degrees.”

Dr Dharmender Aggarwal has undergone training in complex cancer surgeries and Robot-aided Surgery from London, and has performed more than 550 robotic surgeries cases till now.

PVR INOX launches Mohali’s First 4D Cinema experience with cutting-edge 4K laser and 7-screen multiplex

Chandigarh: PVR INOX Limited, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India has announced the opening of its third cinema in Mohali today featuring the multi-sensory format 4DX. The new 7-screen multiplex at Mohali Walk, Sector 62, Mohali, Punjab would offer city residents yet another out-of-home entertainment destination to watch movies in the best of immersive environment.​ With this opening, PVR INOX will strengthen its foothold in Punjab with 90 screens in 17 properties continuing its expansion in the Northern part of India with 466 screens in 101 properties.

Strategically located near the PCA Stadium Mohali, the new property has a total seating capacity of 1022 audiences and all its audis equipped with the next-generation 4K laser projection that delivers exceptional presentation quality with vivid colours, improved screen brightness, and clear on-screen images. The cinema will also offer a fully immersive cinematic experience with its 4D auditorium that incorporates on-screen visuals with synchronized motion seats and environmental effects such as water, wind, fog, scent, snow, and more, to enhance the action on screen. Furthermore, the audis feature last-row plush recliners, advanced Dolby 7.1 audio, and Next-Gen 3D technology.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited, said, “Punjab holds a lot of promise for our growth plans in the North and we are thrilled to announce the launch of our third property in Mohali which will provide a fully immersive movie-going experience to audiences. The evolving demand from audiences keeps us assertive for bringing innovations and global standard of cinematic experience to every part of the country. We are confident that our patrons will appreciate our new cinema for a holistic movie-going experience.’’

With the visually dazzling interior, the cinema is styled with gold and black metal with a feature ceiling in gold, enhanced by vertical linear wall paneling. The foyer displays a modern design theme with opulent satvario tile cladding on walls, having gold metal inlays and grey flooring. The use of text and screens in the foyer along with the framed and custom wall lights and plasmas, celebrating legendary actors and actresses enhances the ambience of the cinema. Additionally, the cinema will offer an extensive range of gourmet delicacies with the ease of ordering with digital kiosks to cater to varied customer preferences.

Expressing his views on the launch announcement, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited said, ‘’It is extremely gratifying to introduce yet another advanced cinema concept for our patrons in Mohali, Punjab. While we look forward to extending our footprint across the country, we will continue to focus on smaller towns and cities to bring them to par with the highest global standards of out-of-home entertainment. We are confident that our latest venture will become a prime destination for all movie lovers in Mohali and Chandigarh while giving a boost to the local Punjabi film industry.”

Navdeep Kaur wins Mrs. India Supranational, to represent India in the global competition

Punjab government’s single mother Navdeep Kaur has set an extraordinary example for women. In a press interaction at the Chandigarh Press Club, accompanied by her mentor and Mrs. India Supranational founder Zoya Siraj Sheikh, Navdeep shared her journey. As the single mother of a 4-year-old, she narrated her inspiring victory story. She emphasized how single parenting fosters a strong bond between parent and child. Single parents tend to be more attentive, ensuring their children never feel the absence of a second parent, which often makes them more alert and devoted.

“Perhaps this attentiveness helped me answer the contest questions with precision and win the title,” Navdeep said. “Self-defense and self-reliance are essential for every woman, enabling them to face challenges with ease and turn them into opportunities.”

Navdeep believes her challenging life story can serve as an inspiration for other single mothers or widowed women. Representing Punjab in Mrs. India Supranational, she has now won the national title and will represent India on the international stage.

“Women must also learn to say ‘no’ to avoid uncomfortable situations and prevent unnecessary difficulties,” she added.

Her ultimate goal is to send a message to women in India and across the world that they are not weak but strong. “This is why God has blessed me, standing by me in my hard work, and helping me succeed,” Navdeep concluded.

Fastway announces launch of Next Gen IPTV Set Top Box

Chandigarh: Fastway, a leading provider of digital cable TV & broadband services, has announced the launch of Next Gen IPTV Set Top Box, that is set to revolutionize the way consumers experience entertainment.  The all-new IPTV STB offers a wide array of features designed to enhance the overall entertainment experience. Subscribers will have access to over 500+ live TV channels, Including 100+ channels with popular regional content ensuring that there is always something to watch for every member of the family.  The powerful Catch Up TV feature allows users to access content up to 7days, ensuring they never miss out on their favorite shows.Whether you missed a live broadcast or want to re-watch your favorite part of a show, Catch Up TV has you covered.

 The Video on Demand (VOD) feature provides access to a staggering 10,000+ movies giving users unlimited options for entertainment, said Dr Prem Ojha, CEO.

 He expressed his excitement about the launch of the IPTV STB. “We are extremely delighted to bring to you next gen IPTV STB and offers world class  converged services including high speed unlimited Broadband , Video , Voice and OTT on a single platform .Launch of IPTV services will further enhance value for our consumers and take their experience to next level.

Gurdeep Singh, Founder & Chairman, Jujhar Group commented, “This launch represents a power-packed value proposition that the brand proudly offers to its consumers. It delivers the most cost-effective and affordable form of entertainment. The brand is deeply committed to understanding and addressing the needs of its customers, consistently providing the best solutions tailored to enhance their viewing experience.”

The IPTV STB, will also facilitate access to OTT content, thereby presenting a variety of premium regional and national content from top providers such as Hotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Chupal, and many more. From regional and national channels to truly unlimited data and free OTT apps, with HD voice calls, IPTV STB offers something that is really versatile and facile.

The launch of IPTV STB underlines Fastway’s commitment to delivering innovative and high-quality digital services to consumers. With its unparalleled features and content offerings, the IPTV STB is certainly going to rewrite the rules of entertainment and present an unrivaled viewing experience to users.

About Fastway: Fastway services is a leading cable service provider offering a seamless blend of entertainment and connectivity. With their cutting-edge digital TV services .Users enjoy a vast array of live TV channels, on-demand content, and streaming services, all in high definition. Fastway’s commitment to innovation ensures an intuitive user experience, featuring easy navigation, personalized recommendations, and multi-device access.

Mission Rojgar for three lakh youth

Chandigarh: The State of Working India 2023: Social Identities and Labor Market Outcomes report said that although the unemployment rate managed to touch the trough created by the pandemic, it remained as high as 42.3 per cent for graduates under 25 years of age.
More than three lakh youth of the country will get employment under the Super Thirty Rojgar Mission. This mission is to provide employment to those youth who are facing problems for employment due to lack of skills. A Square has come up with this mission. Mission will not only develop the skills of the youth and make them employable within thirty days for just Rs 30, but will also give them a platform through which the youth can get employment.

In a press conference organized at Hotel Mountview, Chandigarh, educationist Ankit Malhotra said that there is no shortage of employment in the country. There is employment but there is a shortage of skilled people for employment. He said that if a youth develops his command only on a foreign language, he will earn seventy to eighty thousand rupees in a month. He said that no special degree is required for this. He said that he himself is an expert in French and before launching this scheme, he had done a trial run on some youth.

He said that during the skill training, he will provide air ticketing training, software training, visa filing practical course, digital marketing training, foreign language training, artificial intelligence as well as stock market training. Especially for the financially challenged children, his plan is to provide training to these children at an amount of Re 1 per day. Some standards have definitely been set for this. Those who have to follow. He said that he has done Masters in French from Punjab University, Chandigarh and has obtained a degree in Foreign Languages from Embassy Private College. Along with this, he has done Diploma in Air Ticketing from Montreal, Canada.

A Square MD Maninder Kaur said that she got the most benefit from the vocational course. It was always her desire to teach as many vocational courses as possible to the youth. She said that the youth in Punjab are getting disoriented. they dream of going abroad, but they probably do not know that they can earn more money in their own country than abroad, provided they have special skills.

Completion of various canal water supply projects will significantly enhance the state’s water supply network: Balkar Singh

IEP Chandigarh

          Reviewing the ongoing canal water supply projects, Minister Balkar Singh emphasized the commitment of the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to improving civic amenities for residents. He said that with completion of ongoing canal water supply projects in cities, there will be a major improvement in the State’s water supply network.

          During the review at Municipal Bhawan Chandigarh today, the Minister directed the India Heads and Project Managers of L&T Company to expedite the completion of these projects.

          In the presence of senior department officers, the Cabinet Minister highlighted the ongoing project to provide canal water supply to Amritsar and Jalandhar residents, along with the initiative for 24×7 canal water supply in Patiala.

          The Minister urged L&T Company to implement innovative ideas in urban areas to minimize disruption to city dwellers.

          Principal Secretary of the Local Government Department Ajoy Sharma, PMIDC CEO Deepti Uppal, and Director of the Local Government Department Uma Shankar Gupta, along with other officials, were present on this occasion.

VB nabs MC employee for taking Rs 6,000 bribe

IEP Chandigarh February 7

          Aiming to curb the menace of corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Wednesday nabbed Harish Kumar, a part time employee of the Municipal Corporation (MC) Ludhiana red handed  while he was accepting second instalment of bribe of Rs 6,000.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned accused has been apprehended on the complaint of Jagdish Singh, a resident of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Ludhiana.

          He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and stated that he had to procure Tax Superintendent Register Number 1 (TS-1) certificate from MC Ludhiana for getting transfer an ancestral house in his name. He met an employee Harish Kumar who introduced himself as a clerk in House Tax branch of the corporation and he demanded bribe money of Rs 10,000 from him for getting issued TS-1 of his house from the concerned junior engineer. The complainant further alleged that the accused employee has took Rs 4000 from him on the spot and told to give the balance money Rs 6000 at the time of handing over TS-1 to him. The complainant informed that the accused employee was demanding the remaining amount through GooglePay but he didn’t know how to use the same and asked him to take the cash. He recorded the entire conversation in his mobile and handed over the VB as evidence so that the accused could be get trapped.

          The spokesperson informed that after preliminary investigation of this complaint a VB team from Ludhiana range laid a trap and the above mentioned accused apprehended while he was accepting bribe of Rs 6,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under section 7, 7A of Prevention of Corruption Act and 420 of IPC has been registered against the said accused at VB police station Ludhiana. He would be produced in the competent court tomorrow. Further investigation into this case was under progress and role of other officials would also be probed, he said.

Dr Baljit Kaur holds meeting regarding  formulation of policies for welfare of transgender persons

IEP Chandigarh, February 7

          Social Security, Women and Child Development and Social Justice, Empowerment and Minority Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur held a meeting with the officials of the department at her office in Civil Secretariat to formulate policies for the welfare of transgender persons.

          During this meeting, Special Chief Secretary Social Security, Women and Child Development Mrs. Raji P. Srivastava, Additional Chief Secretary Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Mr. D.K Tiwari, Director of Social Security, Women and Child Development Dr. Shena Aggarwal, Special Secretary Mrs. Vimmi Bhullar, Director-cum-Joint Secretary, Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Mr. Raj Bahadur Singh and Deputy Director of Social Security, Women and Child Development Amarjit Singh Bhullar engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the formulation of policies for the welfare of transgender persons.

          The Cabinet Minister said that the aim of these policies is to create an environment of respect, dignity and support for transgender persons. She said that policies will be formulated by the Punjab Government  to prevent discrimination against these individuals and to establish an equitable and supportive environment for the transgender community. She mentioned that efforts are being made by the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to improve the lives of transgender people.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur directed the officials to conduct inter-deparmental meetings with the Health Department, Home Department, Finance Department and NGOs to formulate policies for the welfare of transgender persons.

CM announces to abolish clause of NOC for registration of land and property

IEP Chandigarh, February 6

In a big relief to the residents of the state, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has decided to do away with the clause of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for registration of any land and property.

Divulging the details, the Chief Minister said that the decision has been taken in larger public interest to ensure that people do not face any sort of inconvenience. He said that the legal mechanism for this decision has already been worked out and the details will be shared very soon. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this decision has been taken in due consultation with the general public and is aimed solely at ensuring their benefit.

The Chief Minister said that currently the public both from urban and rural areas in the state were facing lot of problems due to non availability of NOC. He said that this resulted in non execution of registration of land thereby creating lot of problems for the common man. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now this problem will be solved as the requirement of NOC for the registration of land and property has been abolished by the state government.

In a first- cm launches ‘Aap Di Sarkar, Aap De Dwaar’ scheme in Punjab

IEP Bhankharpur (SAS Nagar), February 6

In another major citizen centric initiative aimed at offering the government services at doorsteps of people, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday launched ‘Aap Di Sarkar, Aap De Dwaar’ scheme which stipulates holding of camps at village/ mohalla level to benefit the people.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described it as a ‘red letter day’ in the history of the state as people will no longer, have to rush to government offices for their routine administrative works. Rather, he said that the government officers will come at the doorsteps of the people and offer services to them thereby immensely benefitting them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the real empowerment of people where government will wholeheartedly work for the well being of the masses.

The Chief Minister envisioned that Punjab will once again lead the country as this citizen centric initiative will be replicated in various other states in the coming times. He said that the state Government had in December 2023 started a flagship scheme regarding doorstep delivery of major Government services by starting delivery of 43 important services to Citizens. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per that scheme Citizens can call 1076 number, give appointment as per its own convenience and official visits at doorstep of citizen, apply service and finally delivers certificate to citizen.

The Chief Minister said that now going beyond that the state Government has taken other important initiative ‘Aap ki Sarkar, Aap Ke Dwar’ to reach out to the citizen by organizing Camps across the state. He said that more than 11600 camps will be organized across the state in this month covering rural area and urban area of state adding that four Camps will be organized in every tehsil of the state daily. Bhagwant Singh Mann all types of measures have been taken for public awareness about information about camps like Venue, Date, Time and others adding that the public can view today’s camps and forthcoming camps on the portal too.

The Chief Minister said that in the camp, all important officers like SDM, Tehsildar, District Social Security Officer (DSSO), District Food Supply Officer (DFSO), Station House Officer (SHO), District Welfare Officer (DWO), Kanugo, Patwari, SDO, Xen and others will be available to accept applications and deliver services. Citing an example, he said that if someone wants to get an affidavit attested or any other document attested, Officer will sit in the camp only and he will instantly attest and provide the same to citizens in camp only. Similarly, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that if someone wants Residence certificate for getting admission in college, he/she just needs to bring original documents like Aadhar card, Voter card and others, his/her application shall be applied in camp only, Patwari shall be there for verification and Teshildar/Naib Tehsildar will approve certificate and certificate shall be provided on the spot.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that 44 major services which the public needs most like Residence Certificate, Caste certificate, Income certificate, Birth/Death certificate, Fard, Labour Registration, Pension, Rural area certificate and others can be applied and delivered in camps. He said that other than that Citizens will be able to give their complaints too in the camps which will be redressed on the spot only. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this first of its kind initiative will go a long way in facilitating the people adding that Deputy Commissioners have been given ample of funds to resolve minor issues on the spot.

The Chief Minister said that these camps will go a long way in making the government more accessible and responsive to the needs of its citizens. Likewise, he said that it will also help in enhancing Transparency and Accountability within governmental operations. More importantly, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will provide a direct channel for citizens to voice their concerns, complaints, and suggestions regarding government services or issues.

The Chief Minister said that the previous governments had never bothered to take any such pro-people initiatives due to which masses had to suffer a lot. However, he said that with this initiative a new revolution of public empowerment has been embarked. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now people won’t have to make rounds in the government offices for getting their works done rather government will now come at their doorsteps.

Taking a jibe over the Punjab Bachao yatra of Akali Dal, the Chief Minister said that the real name of this gimmick of Akali Dal is parivar bachao yatra adding he dared the Akali leaders to explain that after looting the state for 15 years, from whom they are trying to save the state from. He said that Akalis have plundered the state mercilessly besides bruising the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronizing several mafias in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people are well aware of the dubious character of the Akalis and Badal family due to which their theatricals won’t work now.

The Chief Minister said that to impart quality health services to people, the state government has set up Aam Aadmi Clinics in Punjab. He said that around one crore people have so far availed the facilities of free healthcare in these clinics. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a new revolution in the healthcare sector adding that efforts are afoot to give a facelift to this sector.

The Chief Minister quipped that a former Finance Minister of state chanted rhetoric of ‘empty state exchequer’ for nine long years thereby jeopardising development of the state. However, he said that after assuming charge of the state government every single penny is being spent on development of state and welfare of its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government has checked the pilferage in the state exchequer to ensure that every single penny is spent judiciously for well being of people.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab don’t need any NOC of patriotism from anyone especially those in power at centre today. He said that they had rejected the tableaus of the state during Republic Day parade irrespective of the fact 90% sacrifices for freedom struggle were made by Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this step motherly treatment against the state is intolerable as they don’t have any right to reject the tableaus of the state showcasing patriotism and nationalism in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the Modi government is suffering from anti-Punjab syndrome due to which they are hell bent on ruining the state. He said that if the will of BJP led NDA government prevails then they will omit the name of Punjab from the national anthem also. Bhagwant Singh Mann assailed the Union government for meting out step motherly treatment to the state adding that it is unwarranted and undesirable.

The Chief Minister said that the traditional parties are envious of him because he hails from a common family and is working tirelessly to ensure welfare of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders had always believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. He said that these leaders have befooled the people for a long time but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda.

The Chief Minister said that BJP had murdered the democracy during the elections for Mayor in Chandigarh but the intervention by the Supreme Court of India is the triumph of democracy. He said that the AAP will fight against all sort of high handedness by the BJp and they will not be allowed to undermine the democratic process. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that intervention of Apex court is the victory of the people and democracy.