As Artificial Intelligence transforms industries, technology leaders are urging engineering students to focus on strong programming, data analytics and cybersecurity fundamentals rather than chasing AI trends alone. Speaking at an orientation programme at SVKM's NMIMS Chandigarh, experts highlighted the growing importance of critical thinking, ethical innovation, communication and continuous learning. They emphasised that while AI will reshape careers, long-term success will depend on adaptable professionals with solid technical foundations and problem-solving skills.
Hockey India announces squads for Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat
Hockey India announced sub-junior men's and women's squads for the inaugural Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship. This significant tournament serves as the official Asian qualifier for the FIH U18 Youth Hockey5s World Cup. Seven teams will compete in both the men's and women's categories during the event. The selected players underwent rigorous training camps in Bhopal and Chandigarh. Coaches expressed confidence in the teams' ability to perform well in Muscat.
Man accused in sacrilege case hacked to death in Punjab
Mewa Singh, accused in a 2020 sacrilege case, was murdered at his home. Unidentified assailants attacked him with sharp weapons between 1:30 AM and 2:00 AM. Police are investigating the incident, which involved two attackers according to initial statements. Investigations are exploring possible links to the past sacrilege incident and other motives. The assailants remain at large as police gather further evidence.
I believe art is political, and so is my existence: Sarvagya Soni
Stage artist Sarvagya Soni merges storytelling with theatre to create impactful performances. His work reflects his journey as a trans man from a small city and has evolved into advocacy due to frustrations with current laws. Aiming to represent marginalized narratives frequently ignored in the mainstream, Soni is thrilled by the noticeable shift in audience reception after a series of successful shows.
CS reviews formulation of cancer care strategy for J&K
Srinagar, Jul 13: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to assess the initial formulation of a comprehensive Cancer Care Strategy for the Union Territory aimed at creating an integrated, accessible and technology-enabled cancer care ecosystem across Jammu & Kashmir. Among others, the meeting was attended by Director, SKIMS; Mission Director, National Health Mission; Director, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Chandigarh; Principals of Government Medical Colleges; Director, Health Services, Kashmir/Jammu; Faculty Members of GMCs and other senior officers of the Health & Medical Education Department. The strategy, prepared by the Health & Medical Education Department in consultation with leading oncology experts and national institutions, envisages a holistic framework covering cancer prevention, early detection, screening, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, research, capacity building and digital health interventions. Reviewing the proposed roadmap, the Chief Secretary observed that cancer is emerging as a major public health challenge and called for a coordinated, evidence-based and patient-centric response to improve health outcomes across the Union Territory. He directed the department to ensure time-bound implementation of all proposed interventions through effective institutional coordination, regular monitoring and measurable outcomes. The Chief Secretary underscored the importance of establishing a robust preventive oncology framework across all Government Medical Colleges in the Union Territory to promote early detection and timely intervention against cancer. He stressed the need for simultaneously strengthening both human resource capacity and the requisite healthcare infrastructure so that quality diagnostic and treatment facilities are made available closer to the patients, thereby minimizing the need for travelling to distant facilities. He directed the Health Department to undertake a phased capacity-building programme by training the required specialist manpower, including Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)-certified personnel, while concurrently upgrading the necessary medical equipment and infrastructure in all medical colleges. He observed that these interventions would significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of cancer care services across Jammu & Kashmir. The Chief Secretary further instructed that the entire strategy should be implemented in a well-defined, phase-wise manner over the coming years to ensure equitable distribution of oncology facilities across the Union Territory. He also directed each of the expert committees constituted under the Cancer Care Strategy to prepare detailed, time-bound implementation plans within their respective domains. He said that these implementation plans should be examined and harmonised by the Apex Committee chaired by Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai and other experts here to ensure their technical soundness, feasibility and effective execution. Highlighting the strategic collaboration with the Tata Memorial Centre, the Chief Secretary observed that the partnership with one of the country's premier cancer care institutions would provide invaluable technical guidance, facilitate adoption of national best practices and significantly accelerate the implementation of the Cancer Care Strategy on the ground, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes across Jammu & Kashmir The meeting was informed by MD, NHM, Akriti Sagar that a Steering Committee-cum-State Cancer Registry Coordination Unit has already been constituted to establish a robust Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) and Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) network across Jammu & Kashmir. She added that the initiative would facilitate systematic collection of cancer incidence data, strengthen disease surveillance and support evidence-based planning under the National Cancer Registry Programme. The MD further informed that following the notification declaring cancer as a notifiable disease in the Union Territory, the Government has initiated the process for executing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), Bengaluru, for technical support in establishing a modern cancer registry system here. The meeting also reviewed the existing oncology infrastructure available in the Union Territory, including the State Cancer Institute at Government Medical College Jammu, SKIMS Soura, Government Medical College Srinagar, AIIMS Vijaypur, newly established Government Medical Colleges and district-level Day Care Chemotherapy Centres established under the National Health Mission. To strengthen diagnostic capabilities, the strategy proposes establishment of advanced Molecular Oncology Laboratories across Government Medical Colleges equipped with modern technologies including molecular pathology, immunohistochemistry, genomic profiling and next-generation sequencing. The meeting was apprised that proposals have already been submitted to ICMR under the DiaMONDs Project for establishment of molecular oncology laboratories in selected medical colleges while additional funding support is being explored for expansion across the UT. The strategy also recommends augmentation of cancer imaging facilities through phased establishment of mammography units, PET-CT scanners, MRI facilities, gamma cameras and endoscopy services to ensure timely diagnosis and improve early detection of various cancers. The Chief Secretary reviewed proposals for strengthening cancer treatment services through expansion of radiotherapy infrastructure, enhancement of surgical oncology services, establishment of additional Bone Marrow Transplant and Stem Cell Transplant facilities and creation of multidisciplinary oncology teams across major tertiary healthcare institutions. The meeting further reviewed proposals for extensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns through print, electronic and digital media, schools, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Anganwadi Centres and community-based platforms to promote awareness regarding cancer risk factors, warning signs, screening services and healthy lifestyle practices. As proposed the Cancer Care Strategy seeks to build an integrated continuum of care covering prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care and research, with the ultimate objective of reducing cancer burden, improving survival outcomes and ensuring equitable access to quality oncology services for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
Chandigarh State Shooting Cship from July 25
CBSE expands AI curriculum, but Centre rejects Chandigarhs Rs 95L plan for govt schools
Safai workers demand Rs 40,000 wage
Man gets 4-year RI for smuggling 700g charas
Dry taps, muddy water spell double trouble in Mohali
Rain to lash city; keep away from trees and electric poles: MC
Jammu and Kashmirs top ranking among Union Territories in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas YojanaUrban (PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0) is a milestone that cannot be brushed aside as mere statistical noise. With 45,112 houses sanctioned and Central assistance of Rs 534.75 crore released against an approved Rs 714.86 crore, the UT has clearly emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the flagship urban housing programme in its category. At a time when shelter insecurity and informal housing continue to scar our urban landscape, this performance deserves acknowledgement. The latest Annual Report 202526 of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs underlines how far J&K has moved ahead of its peers. Delhi follows with 31,670 houses sanctioned, while Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Chandigarh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep are far behind. On paper, then, J&K is not merely a participant but the frontrunner in the race to secure a pucca roof for every eligible urban family. Yet, as always in our context, the real story begins where the numbers end. The report itself points to steady progress over the previous accounting period, with Central assistance climbing from Rs 523.48 crore to Rs 534.75 crore, and completion of 31,173 houses out of 39,153 sanctioned under the Housing for All banner. This raises a set of questions that must now dominate the public conversation: Who exactly is getting these houses? Are the most vulnerable urban poor, slum dwellers, migrant workers, widows and single women being prioritised, or do the benefits disproportionately accrue to the better connected? Equally important is the quality and location of these units. A house on paper is one thing; a liveable home with a reliable water supply, sanitation, power, access roads, schools and healthcare nearby is quite another. If PMAY-U houses are pushed to peripheral locations without supporting infrastructure or livelihood opportunities, they risk becoming vertical slums of tomorrow. The Housing for All slogan must therefore be interpreted as Habitable Housing for All, integrated, serviced and dignified urban habitats. Transparency in beneficiary selection, grievance redressal and social audit of these projects is crucial. J&Ks leading position should come with higher standards of disclosure, not complacency. Urban local bodies and the Housing and Urban Development Department must open their data and planning processes to scrutiny from councillors, civil society and resident groups. J&K has shown that it can absorb Central funds and execute a large housing programme better than other UTs. The next challenge is to ensure that these houses do not become mere entries in a report, but anchors of dignity and stability for the poorest urban families. Only then will the UTs impressive ranking translate into a genuinely transformative housing story.
Punjab FC appoint Greek coach Pavlos Dermitzakis
Farmers rally chokes city and Mohali again
Student alleges assault, gun threats outside Sector 7 nightclub; 5 booked
CM launches statewide cleanliness drive from Panchkula ahead of PMs Haryana visit
3 schools, mayors office receive bomb threat ahead of PM visit
Nigerian national sold cocaine in Tricity for Rs 5,000 per gm, say police
Panchkula MC flags Rs 37cr property tax dues; hotels, IT firms, govt bodies among top defaulters
Man awarded 20 yrs jail for raping, impregnating minor
Franchises finalise squads at Chandigarh Golf League auction
Car battery saves the day as outage hits Gidderbaha hospital mid-surgery
Punjabs anti-sacrilege law worries echo in Hong Kong
Old bombshell unearthed in Ferozepur, diffused
Congress seeks special package for Haryana, urges PM to address governance crisis
MDU suspends physical education HoD over illegal fines, harassment
Manishas family meets Bhiwani SP; threatens sit-in
2 convicted for hoisting Khalistani flag at DC office in Moga
2nd boys body recovered in Rohtak canal tragedy
2 friends killed after bike hits parked truck in Sonipat
Ex-DSPs release? Lawyer asks if 2nd sentence was served
Man posed as IPS officer, cheated woman & her family of Rs 31.5L
Khalras wife asks jathedar to set up peoples commission to probe disappearances
NEET paper leak shattered students dreams: Sukhu
Shongtong-Karchham hydro project to be ready by Apr 2027: Sukhu
Himachal cop suspended for social media earnings; debate over why others spared
After Kishau project, HP intensifies bid to recover BBMB dues
BJP sees Solan zila parishad win as indicator for 2027 HP polls
Opposition calls Jind rallys eco-friendly tag an eyewash
21,159-page chargesheet pegs Panchkula funds scam at Rs 339cr
Haryana extends HSVP dispute settlement scheme till Dec 31
61 NCC Cadets Commissioned as Officers in Indian Armed Forces from Chandigarh University
61 NCC Cadets Commissioned as Officers in Indian Armed Forces from Chandigarh University
Traffic restrictions in several parts of Chandigarh in view of farmers' protest
Chandigarh police have announced traffic restrictions for Monday, July 13, from 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on several major roads across the city.
Gill, Hossain, Smith Nominated For ICC Player Of The Month Award For June 2026
ICC Player: India captain Shubman Gills spectacular run with the bat has earned him a nomination for the ICC Mens Player of the Month award for June, the game's governing body announced on Monday. For the monthly honour, Gill faces competition from Bangladesh all-rounder Mossadek Hossain and New Zealand fast bowler Nathan Smith, who have also been shortlisted following their standout performances. Gill was in sublime form during India's home assignment against Afghanistan, leading from the front in both Test and ODI formats. The elegant right-hander kickstarted the month with a commanding 126 in India's innings victory in the one-off Test in New Chandigarh. The knock marked his 11th Test century, punctuated by 15 boundaries and a six. Gill carried his red-hot form into the subsequent ODI series, where he amassed a staggering 238 runs in just two innings. After a brisk 66-ball 84 in the opening ODI in Dharamshala, Gill smashed a magnificent 154 off 110 balls in Lucknow. Despite battling severe cramps during the innings, he accelerated brilliantly to anchor India's victory, ultimately walking away with both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series accolades, as the hosts completed a 3-0 sweep with a win in Chennai. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's Hossain made a fairytale return to international cricket after a four-year hiatus. The all-rounder was named Player of the Series in Bangladeshs historic 2-1 ODI series triumph over Australia. Despite battling severe cramps during the innings, he accelerated brilliantly to anchor India's victory, ultimately walking away with both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series accolades, as the hosts completed a 3-0 sweep with a win in Chennai. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On the other hand, Smith was rewarded for spearheading a depleted Kiwi pace bowling attack to clinch a memorable 2-1 Test series win in England. Smith finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 16 scalps, including a sensational 6-70 at Lord's, and earned the Player of the Series award. Article Source: IANS
Housing For All: J&K tops UTs in PMAY-U implementation
Srinagar, Jul 12: Jammu & Kashmir continues to remain at the top of the Union Territories in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U & PMAY-U 2.0), recording the highest number of houses sanctioned and the largest amount of Central assistance among all Union Territories. According to the Annual Report 2025-26, released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in June 2026, on the physical and financial progress of PMAY-U and PMAYU 2.0, a total of 45,112 houses have been sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir. The Union Territory has received Rs 534.75 crore as Central assistance against an approved assistance of Rs 714.86 crore. The figures place J&K well ahead of all other Union Territories. Delhi ranks second with 31,670 houses sanctioned, followed by Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNH&DD) with 10,338 houses, Chandigarh with 1,277 houses, Andaman & Nicobar Islands with 377 houses, while Lakshadweep has no sanctioned houses under the scheme. The data also indicated steady progress over the previous reporting period ending March 31, 2025. During the nine-month period, the number of sanctioned houses in J&K increased from 47,040 to 45,112 under the updated accounting framework. The report revealed that the Central assistance released rose from Rs 523.48 crore to Rs 534.75 crore, reflecting an additional release of Rs 11.27 crore till last year. Among Union Territories, J&K has also secured the highest Central assistance. Delhi has received Rs 698.53 crore against an approved assistance of Rs 714.86 crore, while DNH&DD has received Rs 209.87 crore, Chandigarh Rs 28.85 crore, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rs 3.72 crore. Nationally, PMAY-U has sanctioned over 1.25 crore houses, with more than 98.6 lakh houses completed. The revamped PMAY-U 2.0, launched in September 2024, aims to provide financial support for one crore additional urban families over five years while continuing the completion of previously sanctioned projects. The data underscore Jammu & Kashmir's dominant position among Union Territories in both the physical and financial implementation of the flagship urban housing programme. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed the completion of 31,173 houses under the much-hyped Housing for All scheme, out of a total of 39,153 sanctioned units.
Farmers march today: Traffic curbs on key Chandigarh roads from 10.30am
Police Advise Commuters To Use Alternate Routes; Protest Likely To Affect Traffic till 3pm
Shatabdi among 5 trains to switch platforms during Chandigarh station upgrade
Changes To Remain In Effect From July 20-25 As Redevelopment Work Triggers Traffic Blocks
NCB seeks retired cops for trial court work in drug cases
Four Consultant Posts Open In Chandigarh Zone; Applications Invited Till July 15
5 new sewage plants planned for Panchkula
HSVP To Provide Land Free Of Cost; Projects Aimed At Boosting Wastewater Treatment And Curbing Sewage Discharge
Police bust Delhi-Tricity cocaine racket; nab Nigerian national
Jammu youth dies in Kharar SUV crash; dad sniffs foul play
Merc driver masks plates, plows into 2 men after tiff outside Chandigarh nightclub
As Sukhna inches to danger mark, admn sets up 24x7 control room
Mans body fished out of Ghaggar, search on for other
CII, PHDCCI seek one-time migration window to Punjab Industrial Policy-2026
26-year-old woman found hanging at Sector 23 home
40,000 visitors, 200 mango varieties mark grand finale of Pinjore Mango Mela
Opposition to Punjab head remains the glue holding Congress factions together
Punjab to raise fresh Rs 1k crore loan; opposition says state put on EMI
SAD (Punar Surjit) seeks truth commission on Punjab militancy
BJP joins Congress infighting, seeks Warrings apology over remark
2 minor cousins drown in water tank in Abohar
Mustafa urges Congress high command to revisit Warring decision
Second Himachal engineer found dead in Wayanad landslide
4 year degree programme in HP colleges: Teachers express concern over staff shortage, poor infra
Central varsity rolls out Chinese language, Buddhist & Tibetan studies courses
Top-performing BLOs of Jhajjar to be honoured on I-Day: DC
How bankers & babus pulled off Haryanas Rs 590cr fraud
Haryana Congress begins grassroots overhaul, Dutt to tour 5 districts
Lasting tribute to environmental legacy: Saini inaugurates Khejadli sacrifice memorial at GJUST
Rights panel takes cognisance of newborns death, orders state-wide review
Another accused held in Rs 75L narcotics tablets seizure case
Indira Gandhi assassins MP son pledges Rs 1cr for Khalra memorial
Govt betrayed Chanot residents, claims Hooda
Class X Navodaya student found dead in hostel; family alleges murder
Cyber fraud complaints up 44x in 7 years in Bathinda
Shopkeeper arrested after viral video shows minor tortured over suspected theft
On Camera, Mercedes Runs Over Man In Chandigarh. He Walks Seconds Later
These are scenes from mobile footage that has emerged from a hit-and-run case in Chandigarh's posh Sector 26.
Canada based Punjabi Abhinandan Gill warns against misuse of artificial intelligence in politics
Abhinandan Singh Gill is developing AI ethical standards for Punjab elections. He aims to prevent the unethical use of AI-generated content in politics. This initiative seeks to protect people's emotions and prevent distress. Gill's work addresses the real-world consequences of artificial intelligence. His efforts will help ensure responsible AI deployment in Punjab.
BJP is intensifying preparations for Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Jind. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Bhatia is personally supervising all rally arrangements and logistics. He formally inaugurated the pandal construction, marking the start of work. The party aims to showcase its organizational and management capabilities during this event. Prime Minister Modi will flag off a hydrogen train and inaugurate development projects.
Maternity leave constitutional right, not state charity: J&K HC
Srinagar, Jul 11: In a landmark judgmentregardingconstitutional rights of working women, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakhhasquashed a government communication that denied pay and allowances to Senior Residents and Tutors during maternity leave, holding that maternity benefits are a constitutional right and not an act of state charity. Justice Rajnesh Oswal, while deciding a writ petition filed by Dr Sonakshi Gupta and other doctors, ruled that the Health and Medical Education Department's communication dated October 14, 2025, which withheld salaries during maternity leave based on Finance Department advice, was illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional. The petitioners, engaged as Senior Residents and Tutors under the Jammu and Kashmir Medical and Dental Education (Appointment on Academic Arrangement Basis) Rules, 2020, had availed maternity leave in accordance with Government Order No. 451-JK(HME) of 2024. The order extended maternity leave benefits to postgraduate students, Senior Residents, Tutors and DNB trainees in Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. However, despite the policy, their salaries were withheld after the issuance of the impugned communication. The court observed that while the government had permitted maternity leave under its 2024 order, it could not subsequently deny salary during the leave period by relying on a Finance Department clarification. Justice Oswal held that Rule 41(1) of the J&K Civil Services (Leave) Rules, amended through SRO-353 of 2015, grants female employees up to 180 days of maternity leave with full leave salary equivalent to the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave. Calling the Finance Department's communication a latant administrativeoverreach,the court remarked that in its attempt to reduce public expenditure, the departmenthadignored constitutional safeguards protecting motherhood. The judgment stated that penalising a woman because of the nature of her appointment while she undergoes the same biological realities as any other employee amounts to discrimination and violates the principles of equality. The court also relied on an earlier Division Bench judgment in Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd. versus Tanu Gupta, which held that women employees cannot be subjected to financial disadvantage merely because they avail maternity leave. Referring to Articles 15, 38, 39 and 42 of the Constitution, as well as Supreme Court judgments in Municipal Corporation of Delhi v. Female Workers (Muster Roll), Deepika Singh v. PGIMER Chandigarh and Kavita Yadav v. State (NCT of Delhi), the court underscored that maternity leave provisions must be interpreted in a manner that advances gender justice and protects the dignity of motherhood. Maternity leave cannot be reduced to a matter of state charity; it is an unassailable constitutional right anchored in the dignity of women, the court observed, adding that the government cannot adopt contradictory positions after incorporating existing rules granting maternity leave benefits. Allowing the petition, the High Court quashed the October 14, 2025 communication to the extent it denied pay and allowances during maternity leave and directed the Health and Medical Education Department to release full salary and allowances to the petitioners not only for the maternity leave period but also for the extended residency period corresponding to the leave availed.
Another road cave-in exposes MCs monsoon challenge
Portion of Sector 33-45 dividing road sinks; residents demand permanent fix instead of repeated patchwork
Bulk waste generators in Chandigarh jump from 19 to 164 under new waste rules
Stray dog attacks surge in Pkl, over 7,000 cases in five months
MC cracks down on encroachments in industrial area
Renting a house in Chandigarh likely to soon go fully digital
Digital Rent Records, Quicker Dispute Resolution On The Cards
10-year-old goes out to play, found dead in pond
GMCH-32 gets green light to raise MBBS intake to 200
Expansion Ensures OBC Quota Without Cutting General Seats
Cultural events, mango showcase draw crowds on Day 2 of Mango Mela
