SAD forms 9-member manifesto committee for 2027 Punjab poll
BJP, SAD slam AAP govt over 'power cuts'
MC clears 87 illegal vendors in morning drive
Sector 45 walkways set for 50L makeover
Drug hotspots raided, 12 arrested in Chandigarh
Heroin, Banned Injections Seized; Over 3,000 People Verified During Citywide Anti-drug Drive
Hospital data deleted, doctor blackmailed for Rs 6L, man held in Hisar
20,000 run for a drug-free Punjab in Bathinda
Two Punjab pilgrims on way to Manimahesh yatra die as bike falls into gorge
Water bomb: Chenab-Beas link hydro project triggers disaster alarm in Himachal
With BJP in crosshairs, Haryana women Congress set to mark foundation day
Surjewala targets BJP over recruitment, cites HC verdict on assistant prof posts
BJP sets up darbar at Panchkamal amid workers complaints
Gursharan Singh: The playwright who took theatre to rural Punjab amid turmoil
Blast at Punjabs Fazilka police station leaves 2 cars damaged
Punjab Congress slams AAP for misleading people on drugs
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IANS) Slamming the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, the main Opposition Congress on Sunday alleged that the ruling party is misleading the people on the issue of drugs, systematically persecuting weaker sections and shielding influential figures involved in serious crimes. Welcoming Rajendra Pal Gautam, Chairman of the Central Scheduled Castes Department, state party President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring thanked Rajkumar Verka and Gurpreet Singh Lucky Pakho for their struggle for the rights of marginalised communities. Warring said that under the BJP at the Centre and the AAP government in Punjab, poor Dalit families are falling victim to administrative apathy and targeted exploitation. Raising the tragic suicide of Gulzar Singh, the Congress leaders said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has expressed concern over the incident. They noted that Gulzar Singhs only fault was speaking out to save his son from drugs and opposing the open sale of narcotics in villages. Instead of taking action against drug traffickers, the administration subjected him to relentless harassment, which ultimately drove him to suicide. Despite the Finance Minister being explicitly named in the dying declaration, no legal action or accountability has been fixed so far, leaving the victim's family running from pillar to post for justice. The Congress leadership also raised the issue of brutal police torture inflicted on Mohanjeet Singh, who was subjected to inhuman cruelty merely for showing black flags during a peaceful, democratic protest. The Congress leaders cited this as clear evidence of an authoritarian regime under AAP rule. Targeting the ruling party directly over law and order, Rajendra Gautam said AAP came to power in 2022 on promises of eradicating drugs and transforming traditional politics within months. He said during its tenure in Delhi, AAP evaded accountability for law and order under the pretext of not having full statehood. However, in Punjab, despite having full control over the police, the drug trade has spiralled out of control. Gautam questioned how drugs could spread to every village and even circulate openly inside Punjabs jails without direct political and administrative patronage.
People in Punjab want development, employment, not jokes: Haryana CM
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, saying the people there want development, employment, security for industries and solutions to their problems, not jokes, publicity and advertisements. There has never been any shortage of ability or hard work among the people of Punjab, but the policies, intentions and leadership of governments that have failed to provide the state with the right direction have pushed Punjab behind in the race for development, he said. CM Saini was addressing a public meeting in Kakrala village in Patiala. Former Union minister Preneet Kaur, Prof Malkit Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. On the occasion, hundreds of people joined the BJP, and the Chief Minister welcomed them. CM Saini said that although Punjab and Haryana are two separate states, their roots, culture and heritage are one. Paying homage to this great land of Gurus, Pirs and martyrs, he said the people of Punjab are now asking why Punjab has fallen behind despite having fertile land, hardworking people and immense potential. The Chief Minister said at one time, Punjab was counted among the most prosperous states in the country. Haryana, which came into existence nearly 19 years after Punjab was formed, today has moved far ahead of Punjab in terms of economic progress. In 2025-26, Haryanas real economic growth rate is estimated at 9.5 per cent, while Punjabs growth rate is only 6.1 per cent. Thus, Haryana is progressing 3.4 percentage points faster than Punjab. Similarly, in 2026-27, Haryanas economy is estimated at approximately Rs 15.18 lakh crore, while Punjabs is estimated at approximately Rs 9.81 lakh crore. There is a difference of approximately Rs 5.38 lakh crore in the economic size of the two states. This difference is due to the right policy, clear intent and accountable leadership, said CM Saini. He said in 2023-24 Haryanas share in the countrys GDP was approximately 3.6 per cent, while Punjabs share was approximately 2.4 per cent. Haryanas per capita income was estimated at 176.8 per cent of the national average, while Punjabs was estimated at 106.7 per cent. The Chief Minister said at one time, Punjabs per capita income used to be nearly twice the national average, but the situation has changed today. He said the people of Punjab wanted an answer as to why the states economic potential is not being fully utilised. The Chief Minister said the Aam Aadmi Party government has given Punjab more publicity than work and more advertisements than results. Repeating false claims does not strengthen an economy. An economy becomes strong when industries receive security, youth get employment, traders have confidence, farmers receive remunerative prices, and the benefits of government schemes reach people directly without discrimination, he said. The CM said, It is the governments responsibility to go among the people, listen to their problems and resolve them. Jokes work in cinema halls, but among the people, the discussion is about work, development and solutions to public problems. He said the Congress had also made big promises to the people of Punjab but failed to fulfil them. The Aam Aadmi Party also made numerous promises, but they remained merely promises, and people did not get relief from their problems. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP government in Haryana has been working to fulfil the promises made to the people. Out of the 217 promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections, 70 have already been fulfilled within 18 months of the governments tenure.
Two gangsters shot dead in Punjab; shooting bid averted
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, a joint team of the Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Ludhiana Commissionerate Police on Sunday averted a shooting bid and neutralised two armed operatives belonging to the Doni Bal gang during an encounter near Atam Park in Ludhiana. Ludhiana Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma has identified the deceased assailants as Karanjot Singh, alias Nona, and Sandeep Singh, both residents of Amritsar. Police teams have recovered three sophisticated automatic pistols along with around 50 cartridges from their possession. Sharing operation details, Sharma said that acting on precise intelligence inputs regarding a planned attack, joint teams laid a special checkpoint at the Under Bridge near Atam Park and intercepted two suspects approaching on a black-coloured motorcycle without a registration number. Upon being signalled to stop, the assailants attempted to flee and opened indiscriminate fire at the police personnel, he added. During the chase, the assailants continuously fired multiple shots at the joint police party, and two bullets hit the official police vehicle. Exercising retaliatory fire in self-defence, the police team neutralised both armed attackers on the spot, he said. Sharma added that preliminary investigations showed the neutralised assailants were directly in touch with gangsters Doni Bal and Shaganpreet Singh, and were tasked with orchestrating a mass shooting at a blood donation camp, organised at Marryland Palace on Dugri Road in Ludhiana on Sunday. Sharing the criminal antecedents of the deceased, the Ludhiana Commissioner of Police said that Karanjot Singh was a history-sheeter facing two previous criminal cases registered under the Arms Act, Robbery, and the NDPS Act. The second deceased, Sandeep Singh, was facing one criminal case. He said that more accomplices are being traced and will be nabbed soon. A case was registered under Sections 109, 221, 132, 62 and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 25 of the Arms Act in Ludhiana.
Border security: Anti-drone technology enables heroin smuggling decline in Punjab
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IANS) The Punjab Police said on Sunday that the multi-layered response to counter drone-based narcotic smuggling across the international border with Pakistan in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) has led to a decline in availability of heroin in Punjab. The police are deploying nine anti-drone systems, with three 'Baaj Akh' systems that have been operational in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur since August 2025, providing early detection and jamming of rogue drones. Three units of Drone Sense D200 Pro, a long-endurance mobile drone detection platform, deployed at strategic locations in border districts on September 3 showing results. The system precisely detects and pinpoints drone-related activity and actual dropping locations, enabling timely ground intervention. For immediate ground action, 52 drone response teams (DRT) with 147 police personnel work in close coordination with the BSF responding to drone alerts, reaching suspected drop locations, conduct searches and intercept persons collecting the dropped consignments. This response is supported by 64 second-line defence nakas with 600 police personnel and 2,367 CCTV cameras at 585 locations, a police spokesperson said. The Village Defence Committees (VDCs) in border areas have been integrated with the drone response teams. The VDCs serve as eyes and ears of the police. The Yudh Nashiyan Virudh campaign has resulted in arrest of nearly 80,000 people since March 1, 2025. A total of 486 drones have been recovered. Financial investigation is being used to disrupt the economic base of drug network with freezing of property worth more than Rs 336 crore. The reward policy for anti-drug information provides cash reward of Rs 25,000 for every drone recovery and nearly Rs 2 crore has been disbursed under the reward policy this year. The spokesperson said latest trends indicate that pharmaceutical drugs smuggled from other states have emerged as the most important challenge in drug law enforcement in Punjab. According to data analysed from pharmaceutical seizures in the state, most of the pharmaceutical drugs are not manufactured in Punjab and are manufactured in Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, etc.
Karan Singh clinches back-to-back ITF M15 titles in Bali
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 13 (IANS) Indian tennis player Karan Singh continued his impressive run on the ITF circuit, winning back-to-back ITF M15 singles titles at the Bali Beach Country Club in Bali, Indonesia. The 23-year-old Roundglass Tennis Academy athlete successfully defended his crown by beating USAs Chang (ATP 1296) 7-6(5), 7-5 in a closely contested final on the hard courts. The victory earned Singh another 15 ranking points, taking his tally to 30 from his consecutive title triumphs in Bali. It also took his career tally to five ITF singles titles, while he has three doubles crowns to his name. The fifth-seeded Indian had to overcome compatriot and fourth seed Digvijay Pratap Singh (ATP 557) in the semifinals. Karan prevailed 6-4, 7-6(2) in an all-Indian encounter to book his place in the final. He had earlier defeated Hayden Jones (ATP 1475) 7-5, 6-1 in the quarterfinals. Karans remarkable fortnight began with his title-winning campaign at the same venue last week. He defeated three local players Gunawan Trismuwantara 6-3, 7-5, Rafalentino Ali Da Costa 6-3, 6-2 and Nathan Anthony Barki 6-1, 6-4 before overcoming Japans seventh seed Ryotaro Taguchi 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals. In the final, Singh defeated New Zealands fifth seed Isaac Becroft 7-5, 7-6(3) to claim his first title of the two-week run. Singh completed the fortnight with an unbeaten 10-0 win-loss record and did not drop a single set across his two title-winning campaigns, finishing with a remarkable 20-0 record in sets. The consecutive singles titles add to an encouraging 2026 season for Singh. In August, he also won the ITF M15 Astana doubles title in Kazakhstan alongside Russias Martin Borisiouk. The pair defeated local duo Danial Rakhmatullayev and Damir Zhalgasbay 6-3, 6-2 in the final.
New Delhi Declaration gives push to traditional medicine cooperation among BRICS
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) The New Delhi Declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit has given a push to international cooperation in Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), with member countries welcoming the proposed establishment of a BRICS Expert Working Group on the subject, an official statement on Sunday. The proposed working group under the BRICS Health Track is envisaged as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and exchange among member states on traditional medicine, the Ministry of AYUSH said. The Declaration also calls for greater cooperation in research on medicinal plants and herbal preparations used for therapeutic and preventive purposes. It recognises the shared traditional pharmacopoeias of BRICS countries as a potential foundation for developing safe, effective and affordable therapeutic products, according to the ministry. Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav said the recognition of TCIM in the declaration was an important step towards strengthening global cooperation in traditional medicine. The proposed expert working group would provide a platform for member states to share knowledge, strengthen research and advance evidence-based approaches, he said. India remains committed to taking forward Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine through scientific research, quality assurance and international collaboration, Jadhav said. Meanwhile, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said the declaration marked an important step towards advancing structured cooperation on TCIM among BRICS countries. He said the proposed working group could provide a focused platform for sharing evidence, strengthening research collaboration and improving quality and regulatory approaches. Moreover, the Declaration reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of TCIM practices and products through evidence-informed approaches and appropriate regulatory frameworks, in accordance with the national contexts of member states, the ministry said. It further said that the development follows the BRICS Meeting on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine held in Chandigarh on July 21 under India's BRICS Chairship. The focus on medicinal plants and herbal preparations could also open avenues for deeper scientific and technical collaboration among BRICS countries, including in documentation, pharmacopoeial standards, quality assurance and development of therapeutic products, the government said.
WHO Director-General thanks PM Modi for warm welcome, hails BRICS 2026 health commitments
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Sunday, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the warm welcome at the 2026 BRICS summit in New Delhi and lauded the blocs commitments to strengthening global health cooperation and delivering Health For All, as outlined in the New Delhi Declaration. In a post on X, Ghebreyesus said: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, thank you for the warm welcome to the 2026 BRICS Delhi Summit. I very much appreciate the BRICS Leaders strong support for WHO and multilateralism, and the commitment, as reflected in the declaration, to universal health coverage, resilient health systems, the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Annex to the Pandemic Agreement, efforts to end TB, strengthening the health workforce, digital health, the integration of traditional medicine, and delivering Health For All. The New Delhi Declaration 2026, adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit in the national capital on Saturday, welcomed the deepening of cooperation in global health initiatives and reaffirmed the blocs commitment to advancing universal health coverage through resilient, inclusive, and people-centred approaches. We recognise the significance of continued cooperation among the BRICS members and the necessity of sharing valuable experiences, innovations and best practices for improving health outcomes across the BRICS countries. We reiterate our shared conviction that multilateral cooperation in health must be preserved and reinforced, emphasising the vital coordinating role of the World Health Organisation, read the declaration. While welcoming the outcomes of the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting held in Chandigarh in July, BRICS leaders recognised tuberculosis (TB) as a critical global public health challenge requiring coordinated action, sustained investment in research and effective mechanisms for cross - learning and innovations. We reiterate that individual countries and institutions have a key role to play in the path to end TB, which is possible through mutual collaboration, shared technology, and a unified front to foster TB research, the declaration noted. Director-General of the World Trade Organisation Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for his support towards the Multilateral Trading System (MTS) and meaningful WTO Reform. An engaging conversation and catch-up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India on the state of the Multilateral Trading System (MTS) and the WTO, including the opportunities and challenges for the Reform of the organization. Prime Minister Modi stated his support for the MTS and also for meaningful WTO Reform. Thank you for this, Mr. PM, Iweala posted on X. As BRICS Chair 2026, India is hosting the two-day 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, which began on Saturday. India's BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of Humanity First, according to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Saragarhi heroes remembered in Pak as Sikh community plans global event
Punjab rainfall 40% deficient, rains likely Sep 16-17
1,051 MW shortfall from Centre, tripping of private units behind power outages: Minister
PSPCL issues notices to Punjab IPPs over coal stock lapses; chief secretary to chair crisis meeting
CM pushes for time-bound disposal of complaints
Punjab reeling under 'man-made' power crisis due to AAP mismanagement: Rana Gurjit
Property dealer abducted; wife comes to his rescue
At Balachaur, Sukhbir flays AAP govt over power crisis, corruption
Firing accused rams cop cars, gets shot at in Sec 52
Govt employees breach barricades, lay siege to Punjab health ministers house in Patiala
2 youths injured in attack over parking dispute
Lok adalat settles over 26k cases worth 46cr in Patiala
Mansa Devi temple readies for Navratras, over Rs 9cr works underway
Untreated waste from Baddi polluting Punjabs water, spreading cancer: AAP MLA
Chandigarh stays hot, humid at 36.8 degrees; rain likely over next 5 days
B&B policy gets zero takers, but citys homestay trade thrives online
10 extraditions in 7 months, 21 pending with Centre: AAP lauds Amritpals return
Randhawa writes to finance minister over use of gangster money to influence opinion
Punjab BJP to organise month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan from Sep 17
Haryana tops India in blood donation for third year, to receive National Award
SAD opposes removal of 4 Punjab history papers from PU PG syllabus
125-year-old historic gurdwara restored in Malaysia
Haryana clears Rs 9,700cr road push, fast-tracks Rs 2,000cr startup fund
Sampat Singh slams HERC report, warns private power licence will hit farmers
AAP using proxy CJP to divert attention from Gulzar suicide: Warring
Himachal eyes Japan partnership to boost youth skills, jobs
Rain to continue across HP till Sept 18
Fatehabad police freeze 2 SUVs worth Rs 30 lakh linked to drug case
3 held with 114g cocaine in fatehabad
Parveen Chauhan appointed secretary law as HC transfers 15 judicial officers
Illegally acquired drug wealth will be returned to society: CM Sukhu
HC upholds cancellation of rape case against Haryana BJP ex-chief, singer
FTA: Farmers protest outside homes of 4 Punjab ministers, BJP leaders next
Erratic power supply hits paddy irrigation, farmers take to roads in Mansa, Moga
Power crisis exposes AAP govts false electricity revolution: Jakhar
Nihal Cheema wins with 4-under 68, Aaradhya shoots 69; Avni logs hole-in-hole at US Kids Golf
Digital Desk | Gurugram, Sep 11 (IANS) Nihal Cheema, who has had phenomenal success at the US Kids Series events and otherwise, once again stood out with an excellent 4-under 68 that won him a second straight title at the US Kids India (North) title in the Boys' 9 section at the Classic Golf and Country Club, Gurugram. The nine-year-old Chandigarh lad, who is coached by Jesse Grewal and mentored at times by Gaganjeet Bhullar among others, had six birdies, two of them on the last two holes, against two bogeys for a 12-shot win over Shivraj Singh and Jamraudh Singh Sidhu, who were tied at 80 each. Another standout winner with an under-par score was Drona Singh Dhull (Boys 12) with a second successive 1-under 71. Dhull had three birdies on the first, 14th, and 17th, and an eagle on the 18th against four bogeys. Cheema, who has been prodigious and has been playing since the age of two, is seen as an excellent talent. He was the runner-up at the 2026 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst No. 1, where he had three under-par rounds and finished 10-under par. He was also second at the 2026 FCG Callaway World Championship and won the 2024 U.S. Kids Golf European Championship in Scotland, while being in the Boys-7 division. He won the FCG International Championship 2025 in California. Avni Atreya, one of the seven players to win back-to-back titles after having taken the honours in the first leg, also registered the first hole-in-one of 2026. She holed out from the tee on the Par-3 fifth hole from 140 yards. She had another birdie and six bogeys, but still won with 4-over in Girls 15-18. The most keenly fought section was the Girls' 11-12, where the top three shot under-par scores. Aaradhya Bhatnagar (69) with seven birdies, including a four-in-a-row streak from 11th to the 14th, against four bogeys, beat Aadya Kaushal (69) in a play-off, while the first-leg winner, Hissi Besra (70), was just one shot back. Starting from the tenth, Aaradhya was 6-under at one stage after 15 holes, but three closing bogeys saw her finish at 3-under and get into a play-off, which she won. Aadya also had seven birdies against two bogeys and a double bogey. Hissi opened with an eagle two on Par-4 first and had four other birdies against four bogeys for a 2-under 70. The seven players who won back-to-back titles in the first two legs were Arjun Adiya (Boys Under 6), Lakshith A (Boys 7), Nihal Cheema (Boys 9), Drona Singh Dhull (Boys 12), Sidhak Handa (Boys 15-18), Prisca Sachdeva (Girls 13-14) and Avni Atreya (Girls 15-18). Boys and Girls up to the age of eight played nine-hole rounds, while all others played full 18 holes. The US Kids Golf India (North) series will continue with Legs 3 and 4 in October at the Classic Golf and Country Club, Gurugram.
Akali Dal opposes removal of papers on Punjab history by Panjab University
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 12 (IANS) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday expressed concern over the removal of four papers covering the history of Punjab from the postgraduate history syllabus of the Panjab University in Chandigarh, contending that the move would do a disservice to preserving the state's rich historical heritage. Giving details on the issue, senior Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema said the four papers, which provided students an opportunity to study the history of Punjab from the 15th to the 17th century, the 18th century, the 19th century, and the 20th century, should not be tinkered with in any form. He said he had taken up the issue with the Vice-Chancellor as well as the Head of the Department of History, both of whom had assured him that the decision was being reversed shortly and the entire earlier syllabus would be restored. Stressing that such decisions, which had deep cultural and historical sensitivities for Punjabis, are not repeated in future, Cheema said: Punjabs history must remain an integral and respected part of the academic study. Panjab University, where 75 per cent of graduating students are women, is a 143-year-old varsity with its alma mater including former Prime Ministers Dr Manmohan Singh and I.K. Gujral, and former President Shankar Dayal Sharma. In Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, a beautiful red sandstone campus was designed for the varsity by Pierre Jeanneret under the guidance of Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. The university moved here from 1958 to 1960. Till the re-organisation of Punjab in 1966, the university had its regional centres at Rohtak, Shimla, and Jalandhar, and its affiliated colleges were located in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. With the re-organisation of Punjab, the university became an Inter-State Body Corporate catering to the newly organised states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and Chandigarh. Gradually, the colleges of Himachal and Haryana were affiliated to the universities in the respective states, and Panjab University was left with the affiliated colleges in the Union Territory of Chandigarh and parts of Punjab. The Panjab University Campus, located in Sectors 14 and 25, spreads across 550 acres.
Punjabs power sector ruined: BJP leader Jakhar blames AAP govt
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 12 (IANS) Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Saturday targeted the Bhagwant Mann-led state government over the power situation in the state, saying that its mismanagement and financial handling of the power corporation had contributed to the electricity crisis. Jakhar said the government had financially weakened the power corporation to serve its political interests, and claimed that this had left Punjab facing the threat of blackouts. He said after the so-called advertised revolutions in education and healthcare, the truth behind what he described as the Aam Aadmi Party governments false electricity revolution had also been exposed. Not only are industries facing prolonged power cuts, but domestic consumers are also experiencing long outages. This is evidence of the governments poor management and the financial damage inflicted on the power corporation to serve its political interests, Jakhar said in a statement here. The BJP leader said the electricity shortage was affecting the states economy and claimed that farmers were not receiving adequate power supply even at night, let alone during the day, at a time when irrigation requirements had increased because of the weak monsoon. Jakhar also warned that the coming period could be even more difficult for Punjabs power sector. He further said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, instead of focusing on the problems facing the state, was preoccupied with saving his position. Jakhar said a government could not be run through jokes and blamed the present situation on what he described as the governments failure to focus on its administrative responsibilities. He further said that the government had attempted to reshape the financial structure of the power corporation to suit its political requirements, which, according to him, had contributed to the current situation. Jakhar said the time had come for the people of Punjab to hold the government accountable.
CM Saini reviews progress towards operationalising Haryana Startup Fund of Funds
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 12 (IANS) In a major push to Haryanas rapidly growing startup ecosystem, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday reviewed progress towards operationalising the proposed Haryana Startup Fund of Funds with a corpus of Rs 2,000 crore. The fund is envisaged as a robust financial mechanism to support startups at different stages of growth, attract private capital and give further impetus to innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat here, the Chief Minister said in view of Haryanas consistent progress in innovation and entrepreneurship, it is essential to put in place a strong financial mechanism to provide financial support to startups at various stages of their growth. He said timely access to capital is a key factor in the success of startups and directed that the process for the establishment and operationalisation of the Haryana Startup Fund of Funds be taken forward in a time-bound manner. CM Saini said the fund would play an important role in promoting investment and innovation, attracting private capital and supporting high-potential startups emerging from Haryana. Meanwhile, in a major push to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity across the state, CM Saini has approved the development of ring roads and National Highways outside cities and towns with a population of more than one lakh. The state will also take forward major bypass projects in Hisar, Kurukshetra, Narnaul, Jind and Sohna-Palwal, with an estimated investment of Rs 9,700 crore. The Chief Minister was chairing a meeting at the Secretariat on the adoption of a financial model for state contribution under the master plan aimed at reducing congestion in urban areas along National Highways. The Chief Minister directed that a policy for developing outer ring roads and National Highways under the master plan be formulated in accordance with the Central governments policy framework so that road projects aimed at reducing traffic pressure in cities and towns can be implemented effectively.
Punjab Police secures first-ever extradition from Europe
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 12 (IANS) In a first-ever extradition from Europe and a major breakthrough against transnational organised crime, Punjab Police with the assistance of central agencies secured the extradition of fugitive criminal Amritpal Singh, alias Amrit Dalam, a key operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, from the Republic of Moldova, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Saturday. He is wanted in multiple cases of murders, attempt to murder, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act and Narcotic offences, etc, the DGP wrote on X. He said this was the first-ever extradition secured by Punjab Police from a European country, marking a significant milestone in the fight against organised crime. The success of Operation Eastern Reach, a six-month Intelligence-led international manhunt, was made possible through sustained surveillance and close coordination of the AGTF (Anti-Gangster Task Force) Punjab and OFTEC (Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell) Punjab with central agencies and international partners, the DGP said. He commended the AGTF and the OFTEC for their relentless efforts. The DGP also thanked the Moldovan authorities, Azerbaijan authorities, the International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs and all other central agencies as part of the international cooperation. Meanwhile, the Punjab Police's Gangstran Te Vaar campaign entered its 235th day on Saturday. A day earlier, the police conducted 601 raids at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state. As per the information, after the campaign was launched by the Punjab DGP on January 20, police teams from all the districts in coordination with the AGTF have been conducting special operations across the state. On Friday, police recovered four weapons and arrested 261 individuals, taking the total arrests to 69,703 since the launch of the campaign. Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 236 people. Police teams have also arrested eight proclaimed offenders during the operation, an official statement said.
Bank operations hit in Chandigarh as staff join nationwide strike for 5-day week
PU student council takes office, oath ceremony held
Civic woes dominate Manimajra camp; Kataria demands swift case disposal
National honour for PGI doc behind rapid extra-pulmonary TB tests
Transgender community protests police bid to arrest accused in assault case
Mohali: Case vehicles become targets, thefts raise questions over police security
Cyber fraudsters dupe two Chandigarh residents of 4 lakh
Teen killed, friend injured as bike rams into tree
Snatchers strike twice in UT; Rs 20k, gold chain stolen
2 held with 517g heroin, 2 country-made pistols
CBI chargesheets former CEO, wife in Crest scam
Power woes haunt Mohali: 3-day outage in Nayagaon, cuts hit Zirakpur
MC ward draw reshuffles poll prospects, 16 seats reserved
HC stays transfer of cop, issues contempt notice to Punjab Bureau of Investigation director
No talks on Amarinders return to Congress, says Pilot
How effective is cab licence cancellation?
HC directs Punjab to allot sites to Op Blue Star oustees at Rs 1k/ sq yd
BJP announces Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras from Sept 18
Citing medical check-up, Badal skips Behbal Kalan SIT questioning
Punjab flags flaws in new Bhakra-Pong rule curves
Farmers block roads as anger mounts against poor power supply
2 held with over 12 kg heroin in Faridkot
Contractor, Mansa civic officials face FIR over poor road work
HC restores anganwadi worker services of SAD women wing president
Haryana steps up food safety checks ahead of festive season, 265 convictions this year
Rights body takes GMDA, Gurugram civic body to task over recurring waterlogging
