CHANDIGARH, December 23:

          Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has successfully maintained peace and harmony across the state in 2025, while achieving unprecedented breakthroughs in terror front, crime control and anti-drugs campaign— Yudh Nashiyan Virudh.

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, in his Year Ender video, said that by proactive action against ISI-sponsored terror modules, all attempts to disturb peace in the state have been foiled with the solving of 12 terror incidents and arrest of 50 module members. These included hand grenades attacks at various places and one RPG attack on a Police Station, he said, while adding that other than these incidents, Punjab Police busted additional seven modules.

          Divulging details on action against terrorists, he said that the Internal Security Wing has busted a total of 19 modules with the arrest of 131 persons this year and recovered nine rifles, 188 revolvers/pistols, 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 11.62 kg RDX, 54 hand grenades, 32 detonators, four rocket propelled grenades, one sleeve of disposed rocket launcher, two timer switches, three walkie-talkie sets and eight remote controlled devices from their possession.

*YUDH NASHIYAN VIRUDH*

          Highlighting the state’s relentless fight against drugs under the “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign launched on March 1, 2025, DGP Gaurav Yadav informed that Punjab Police registered 29,784 FIRs and made 39,867 arrests resulting in recovery of highest ever 2,021 kg of heroin in one year. Apart from recovering big haul of heroin, police have also 26 kg ICE, 698 kg opium, 35,000 kg poppy husk, 55.78 lakh intoxicant pills/capsules and Rs 16.81 Crores drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, he said.

          He highlighted that Punjab Police has conducted investigations in a scientific and professional manner to achieve a conviction rate of 88 percent, which is amongst the highest in the country. In the current year 5,901 cases out of 6,728 decided cases have been convicted, he said.

          The DGP said that the “Safe Punjab” helpline emerged as a game-changer, registering 10,889 FIRs based on 28,952 tips, with a 38% conversion rate. Property worth ₹263 crores belonging to 548 smugglers was frozen under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act, he said.

          In the current year, heroin seizures in Punjab are nearly 2/3rd of the total heroin seizures in the country, he said, while highlighting the Punjab’s share in national NDPS arrests stood at 25%, with nearly 20% of all NDPS cases registered in the state.

          As part of the prevention, the police also facilitated the admission of 23,940 individuals to de-addiction centers and referred 59,840 persons to OOAT clinics, underscoring the focus on rehabilitation.

*ACTION AGAINST GANGSTERS*

          Recounting the achievements of Punjab Police against the gangsters front in 2025, the DGP said that the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) along with field units has succeeded in busting 416 gangsters/criminals modules after arresting 992 gangsters/criminals, and recovered 620 weapons and 252 vehicles used in criminal activities from their possession.

          He informed that the AGTF has further upgraded its technical capabilities with Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS 2.0) now supporting voice analysis, besides other state-of-art features.

          The DGP said that there has been a sustained focus on issuing of Red Notices, Blue Notices, and in coordination with CBI and central agencies for extradition and deportation of foreign-based criminals, which resulted in issuance of 11 Red Notices and 2 Blue Notices this year. Anmol Bishnoi was geo-located by the Punjab Police which shared information with the Central Agencies resulting in his deportation, he said, while adding that Parminder Singh alias Pindi involved in terror activities has been deported in 2025 and two other criminals who were country-hopping (Sukhdev Kumar alias Manish Bedi and Sajan Masih alias Goru) were tracked across countries and arrested in Mumbai.

*OVERALL REDUCTION IN CRIME*

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that in year 2025, substantial reductions were recorded across major crime heads in comparison to corresponding figures of year 2024, with murders decreased by 8.7% (745 to 680), kidnappings and abductions by 10.6% (1770 to 1583), snatching by 19.6% (2321 to 1866), and thefts by 34.3% (6714 to 4410). There has been increase in cases under the Local and Special Laws like the Excise Act, Arms Act and NDPS Act, indicating strong push against crime and better detection.

*LAW AND ORDER*

          The DGP said that the law and order situation remained stable and well under control throughout the year, with elaborate security arrangements were ensured for Sri Amarnath Ji and Manimahesh Yatras, the 350th Martyrdom Commemoration of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji at Anandpur Sahib, six IPL and two ODI matches. State wide Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Elections were held peacefully, as also the Tarn Taran and Ludhiana Bye-Elections, he said.

          He said that 174 CASO Operations/Special Operations/Checkings were conducted across all districts and Commissionerates against NDPS offenders, criminals and other anti-social elements. Punjab Police has also played a pivotal role in flood rescue operations. In this season, 5,119 stubble burning incidents have been reported in 2025, which are 50% less than from the previous year, he added.

          He informed that Rs 25 crore have been allocated (FY 2025-26) for upgradation of Dial 112- ERSS. As many as 46.14 lakh calls have been handled till date, with drastic reduction of average response time from 25 minutes to less than 11 minutes, he added.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that Anti-Drone Systems have been deployed at Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Amritsar Rural districts. A total of 2,367 CCTV Cameras are also being installed at 585 identified locations on the Second Line of Defence at the International Border at a cost of Rs 49.58 Crores to act as a force multiplier to combat the influx of drugs, arms and explosives from across the International Border, he said, while adding that 896 personnel, SOG Hit, Ghatak, SSG and ARP teams have been deployed in border districts.

*CYBER CRIME*

          In cyber crime, the DGP said that Punjab secured a lien amount in cyber fraud cases to ₹79.96 crores (out of defrauded amount of Rs. 418.29 cr)— reflecting a lien marking percentage of over 19% which is currently the 4th highest in the country. The DITAC lab of State Cyber Crime Wing won the 2025 Excellence Award in Digital Evidence Summit 2025 in New Delhi, he said, while adding that 18 inter-state cyber crime gangs involved in multi-crores cyber fraudulent activities were busted in the current year and 300 mule accounts used for crypto frauds were neutralised.

*ROAD SAFETY*

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following the launch of Sadak Surakhiya Force, Punjab recorded a decline in road accident fatalities from 4,829 in 2023 to 4,759 in 2024, and a decline in road accidents from 6,269 to 6,063 in 2024, thus coming amongst nine States/UTs to achieve reduction in both the metrics. City Surveillance and Traffic Management System was launched in SAS Nagar in 2025 at a cost of Rs. 22.21 crores. There has been a significant increase in over speeding challans by 500% and drunk-driving challans by 430% in the current year, reflecting stricter enforcement.

          Punjab also emerged as a leader in implementing new criminal laws and tech-driven policing, ranking first in launching the Nyaya Setu Application and leading in CCTNS performance. Over 20,000 personnel were trained in new criminal laws, and more than 55,000 in CCTNS.

          Meanwhile, Police welfare remained a priority, with ₹11.25 crores allocated for infrastructure and ₹10.62 crores disbursed as loans to 741 personnel.

—

BOXES:

1. ACTION AGAINST TERRORISTS

· Modules busted: 19

· Arrests: 131

· Rifles: 9

· Revolvers/Pistols: 188

· IEDs: 12

· RDX: 11.62 kg

· Hand grenades: 54

· Detonators: 32

· Rocket Propelled Grenades: 4

2. ACTION AGAINST DRUGS

· FIRs Registered: 29,784

· Arrests: 39,867

· Heroin Seized: 2,021 kg

· NDPS Conviction Rate: 88%

· Property Frozen: ₹263 crores (548 smugglers)

3. ACTION AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME

· Modules Busted: 416

· Gangsters Arrested: 992

· Weapons Recovered: 620

· Vehicles Recovered: 252

· Red Notices Issued: 11

· Blue Notices Issued: 2

Chandigarh, December 9:

The Punjab State Information Commission has expressed displeasure over the conduct of a PCS officer from the state.

Sharing details, a spokesperson of the Commission said that in case number 5555/2023, which was listed for hearing before State Information Commissioner Mrs. Pooja Gupta, the Regional Transport Officer Amritsar was summoned multiple times but did not appear before the Commission even once.

The spokesperson stated that despite the issuance of bailable warrants against this officer, he still failed to appear before the Commission.

The spokesperson further informed that due to non-compliance with the orders of the Commission, State Information Commissioner Mrs. Pooja Gupta has directed that the penalty previously imposed on the then officer (under whose tenure the RTI application was filed) be increased from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000.

In addition, the Commission has expressed displeasure over the current Regional Transport Officer, Khushdil Singh Sandhu, PCS, for his irresponsible behavior and failure to comply with the orders issued by the Punjab State Information Commission. The Commission has informed the Principal Secretary, Transport, about the non-compliance and the casual attitude of the RTI Wing of the Transport Department toward the Commission’s directions.

Chandigarh, 19 November 2025: Young author and innovator Shaurya Prabh Sharma officially launched his debut book “PANJAB INC” in Chandigarh on Wednesday, presenting a powerful new narrative of Punjab not as a land defined by conflict but as a civilisation built and sustained by commerce, enterprise and innovation, student’s entrepreneur.

At just 18 years of age, Shaurya traces the region’s business history from the 9th century to the modern day, arguing that the driving force behind Punjab’s resilience has always been trade not war. The book highlights how commercial networks endured through periods of upheaval and how the same spirit continues to define the global Punjabi footprint today.

Shaurya has been a keen observer of national and global economic developments since childhood. A regular newspaper reader since grade five and a participant in multiple business forums, he brings both academic curiosity and grassroots entrepreneurial experience to his debut work. He holds a design patent for a plastic incinerator and is the founder and director of ROOT RICH, a venture he launched during his school years that later grew into an independent company.

Speaking at the launch, Shaurya said that Punjab’s economic history has been long overshadowed by dramatic events, even though trade networks continued to function remarkably through periods of instability.

“Look closer and you will see that even in moments of despair, trade thrived,” he said. “History remembers the battles but overlooks the bazaars. PANJAB INC is about a mindset of courage, creativity and community. Trade, not conflict, built Panjab.”

The book highlights how commerce shaped Punjab’s social and political life across centuries. A major section revisits the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, portraying him not just as a military strategist but as a ruler who understood that long-term peace depended on economic stability.

 “Governance was never just about armies or fortresses,” Shaurya mentioned. “It was about building an architecture of commerce.”

The book explains how Singh’s administration protected and empowered merchants and artisans, enabling safe and predictable trade across regions.

The continuity of business culture from Multan’s indigo and Amritsar’s shawls to Ludhiana’s bicycles, forms a central theme of the book. Shaurya connects this legacy to today’s global Punjabi enterprise visible in renewable-energy firms in Chandigarh, retail chains in Delhi, trucking companies in California and tech ventures in Toronto.

The book also focuses on the rise of regional newspapers and the business leaders who founded them, situating print media within Panjab’s broader commercial landscape. He said the book identifies a set of recurring values that have shaped Punjabi business culture: reinvestment, resilience, hospitality and honour, anchored by a belief that “tomorrow will bring another harvest, another customer, another chance”.

According to author, these values formed an “invisible inheritance” that Punjabi migrants carried with them across continents, shaping success stories from family-owned neighbourhood stores to internationally recognised corporations.

“Panjab does not teach you how to do business; it teaches you how to live business,” he added.

Shaurya dedicates PANJAB INC to both known and unknown entrepreneurs from craftsmen, farmers, traders and publishers to modern industrialists and the Punjabi diaspora, whose contribution turned Punjab from a regional market into a global commercial network.

“This book is your mirror,” he said. “The story of Panjab’s enterprise is not distant; it remains alive in each of us.”

Chandigarh:

On the occasion of the World Diabetes Day, The Department of Endocrinology, PGIMER in collaboration with ADITI (Association of Diabetes(young) in Tricity) and RSSDI (Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India) organized a special awareness programme for the patients living with diabetes in the New OPD Block of PGI, Chandigarh.

Diabetes- A pandemic of unprecedent magnitude: Diabetes, now being identified as a pandemic According to the latest data of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 1 in 10 people in the world is living with diabetes. In India alone there are 77 million people living with diabetes in 2025. This figure is projected to become 134 million by 2045.

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism in which the human body is unable to regulate the blood glucose level in the body. The glucose which serves as the source of energy is regulated by Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot utilize it efficiently, the glucose level builds up in the blood. Persistent high glucose levels affect vital organs such as heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Diabetes is a result of combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. The condition can be effectively managed with regular monitoring, timely and appropriate treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

World Diabetes Day: To remember and honor the contribution of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of Insulin in the management of Diabetes, The World Health Organization observes November 14th every year as world Diabetes Day. The day is dedicated to raise awareness about the disease and to promote prevention, management and access to quality care for the patients suffering from Diabetes. The theme of this year’s Diabetes Day is- DIABETES AND WELL-BEING.

The Department of Endocrinology conducts special awareness drive every year on this occasion. This year, under the leadership of Dr. Sanjay K. Bhadada, Professor & HoD, the Department of Endocrinology conducted an interactive session in the OPD where the doctors from the department discussed the various aspects related to diabetes with the patients in an open forum.

Dr Bhadada, in his opening address highlighted the importance of patient participation in management of this disease. Dr. Linta Thomas talked about the various types of Diabetes, the signs and symptoms and treatment modalities available. In her talk, she stressed upon adherence to timely and right treatment and underscored the need and importance of Insulin therapy. Dr Benjamin discussed the various complications of Diabetes and highlighted the importance of self-care in its management. Dr Sunil Mishra emphasized the role of a healthy lifestyle in slowing the disease progression and educated the audience regarding diabetic diet. Dr Prabhat Rijal told the patients about hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening complication in the patients undergoing treatment of Diabetes.

Diabetic foot ulcer is another frequent and serious complication in diabetes patients which is a result of combination of loss of sensation and poor wound healing commonly seen in the patients with long history of Diabetes with poor glycemic control. Dr Varun discussed the causes and consequences of foot ulcers in diabetics and underscored the importance of foot care. Dr Soham Mukherjee explained the measures to prevent injuries to foot and importance of regular self-inspection in preventing Diabetic foot ulcers. Nursing officer Mrs Sabpreet Kaur taught patients correct techniques for taking insulin injection and highlighted the importance of site rotation i.e. changing the injection sites in the patients who are regularly taking insulin injection.

The talk session was followed by interaction with patients where doctors took questions and resolved their doubts regarding the disease and its treatment. The participation of patients was positive and encouraging. Dr Sanjay K. Bhadada and the organizing team thanked the audience for their constructive participation in the event. The event was coordinated by Dr. Soham Mukherjee .

Mohali: The third and final day of Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 concluded at NIPER Mohali with powerful reflections on the theme “Bharat @ 2047,” envisioning India’s educational roadmap for the centenary of independence. The Chief Guest Kavinder Gupta, LG, UT of Ladakh, said that, “ Education is the foundation of a self-reliant and prosperous Bharat. The Bharat of 2047 will be defined by the minds we nurture today, Let education be the force that bridges our glorious heritage with a luminous future.” Dilaram Chauhan, General Secretary, Vidya Bharti (North Zone), delivered the Keynote Address, highlighting the importance of integrating national vision with local action.

Bal Kishan, Joint Organising Secretary, Vidya Bharti , North Zone said, “The Shiksha Mahakumbh has become a living example of collaboration—between schools, universities, and society,”

Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, shared his three-day experience of hosting the Shiksha Mahakumbh. He said that as India envisions Bharat @ 2047, academia must lead with scientific rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal relevance. He emphasized that the true purpose of education is to transform knowledge into impact.

Prof. Pawan Kumar Singh emphasized, “Education must integrate competence with character and research with responsibility. The goal of higher learning is to prepare leadership capable of nation-building.”

A report outlining the key takeaways and the roadmap for future editions of the Shiksha Mahakumbh was presented by Prof. (Dr.) Thakur S.K.R , Director, DHE. The event also featured an award ceremony recognizing outstanding educators, researchers, and student innovators for their exemplary contributions to the field of education

The event was concluded with the symbolic handover of the Shiksha Mahakumbh baton from NIPER Mohali to NIT Hamirpur which will be the host institute for Shiksha Mahakumbh 2026, marking the continuation of this educational movement.

Mohali: Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 began today at NIPER Mohali with the inspiring theme “Classroom to Society: Building a Healthier World through Education” The first day of the three-day event set the tone for a transformative dialogue on community participation, values-based learning, and national development through education.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. R.P. Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, as the Guest of Honour. The dignitaries were welcomed by Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, who emphasized the role of academia in shaping responsible citizens for nation building.

Shri Deshraj Sharma, General Secretary, Vidya Bharti, spoke about the Shiksha Mahakumbh initiative and its mission to foster holistic, value-based education. Delivering the Keynote Address, Shri K.N. Raghunandan, Organising Secretary, Vidya Bharti (Ucch Shiksha Sansthan), highlighted the importance of connecting schools with communities to rekindle India’s ancient gurukul ethos.

“Education must not be confined to classrooms—it must touch hearts, homes, and communities,” said Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab. “Our schools should inspire not just academic growth but national consciousness.”

“Community engagement is the soul of education,” added Prof. R.P. Tiwari. “When society takes ownership of education, learning becomes deeply rooted and meaningful.”

The afternoon sessions featured 7 Conclaves including Vice-Chancellor and Directors conclave, Media conclave and Civil Society conclave. More than 110 Research Papers were presented on 7 tracks. Over 30 Invited Speakers shared their views on Democracy, Development and Governance. A grand exhibit of the Student Projects was done , where students presented innovations inspired by sustainable development and cultural values. The day concluded with networking sessions, exhibition visits, and an exchange of ideas that underlined collaboration as the key to transforming education.