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Former Punjab IPS officer shoots himself after falling victim to Rs 8.10 crore cyber fraud
CHANDIGARH: After falling victim to an alleged online fraud by cyber criminals to the tune of Rs 8.10 crore, former Inspector General of Police Amar Singh Chahal shot himself in Patiala on Monday and is in a critical condition. Sources said that Chahal was rushed to Park Hospital with a serious chest injury and is undergoing treatment. A handwritten note recovered from the scene said that he was a victim of an online fraud. The note, written in the form of a letter and addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alleges that he was defrauded by what he described as a 'very sophisticated group of scamsters'. Chahal had recently joined a WhatsApp group where members were promised exceptionally high returns on investments. He expressed deep distress over his inability to repay those who had extended financial support to him in good faith. In a twelve-page note sent by him to his friends and well wishers, which was also addressed to Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, he wrote, With sorrow, pain and despair, I have to bring it to your kind notice that I have been cheated by cyber thugs posing as 'wealth equity advisers' to the tune of Rs 8.10 crore. At the outset, I regret that I did not use due caution while parting with my money. Actually I saw that this group was very active on WhatsApp and Telegram. They were claiming to represent a group that is authorised by the government of India and SEBI (as per them) to educate and help retail investors earn good money from capital markets. Chahal writes in the note that starting from October 28, 2025, a person posing on behalf of a senior executive of a private bank was giving tips on capital markets every day, explaining the stock market and other factors affecting Indian markets. The details of the beneficiaries to whom money was transferred are given in my diary. Also, the details of amounts I borrowed from different people are there. The details of the bank accounts are also given where money was transferred. This can give a clear picture about the money trail, it stated. The note reads, Since this is a very sophisticated group of scamsters, only a dedicated SIT can break the network and bring them to book. If your good self may find it proper, it could even be entrusted to the CBI or a specialized cell in Punjab Police. I would be grateful that if any culprits are caught and recoveries effected, some could be got passed on to my family so that they are able to pay the persons from whom I borrowed the money. While advising people to be aware of scamsters, I have myself fallen victim to their sophisticated method. I am left with no choice but to end my life, it adds. The note further read, I have used the rifle of my gunman who is not at all at fault. He is a sincere boy. Since I do not have any private weapon, I used to keep this rifle in my almirah for the night while at home. Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala Varun Sharma said, When we received information about the gunshot, police teams rushed to his residence. He was shifted to a private hospital in a critical condition. A detailed investigation is underway. A suicide note has been recovered from him and we are checking the facts. Chahal is one of the accused in the 2015 Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing cases in Faridkot. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by additional director general of police L K Yadav had filed a chargesheet in a Faridkot court on February 24, 2023, naming Chahal along with several others including former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal (now deceased), his son and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, and five police officers including former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, IGP Paramraj Singh Umranangal, former SSPs Sukhminder Singh Mann and Charanjit Singh Sharma.
CHANDIGARH: A patient was allegedly assaulted by a doctor at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla triggering protests by his kin outside the hospital premises. Medical superintendent of the hospital Rahul Rao said that action against the accused doctor has been initiated and a report has been sought. Further action will be taken after the report is received, he said, adding that the victim has lodged a police complaint and an FIR has been filed against the doctor who is a specialist in pulmonary medicine. The patient, who belongs to a village in the Kupvi subdivision of Shimla district, told the media that he had visited the hospital after experiencing breathing problems. When the doctor arrived, he spoke to me rudely. When I requested him to speak respectfully, he started beating me, he alleged. A video of the alleged assault was recorded and has since gone viral on social media. Following the incident, the patient's kin raised slogans outside the hospital, demanding the suspension of the doctor. State health minister Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil assured that strict action would be taken following a thorough inquiry into the incident, which took place on Sunday. Shandil said that such conduct was unacceptable and went against the ethics of the medical profession. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. An explanation has been sought from the Health Secretary, IGMC Medical Superintendent, and the Principal. A detailed investigation will be conducted, and strict action will be taken to ensure such incidents are not repeated anywhere, he said. Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur termed the incident unfortunate and disturbing. He said such episodes raise serious concerns about professional conduct in public healthcare institutions.
ISWAI Launches National Movement - 'I-pledge to Never-Drink-and-Drive'
The International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI), a key advocate for the Indian Premium Alcoholic Beverage Industry, announced a nationwide digital movement, I-pledge to Never-Drink-and-Drive (I-Pledge NDAD), reinforcing its continued commitment to community well-being. The I-Pledge NDAD initiative is aimed at engaging the public to promote a culture of never to drink and drive, and encourage responsible consumption across India. Starting with an impactful Never-Drink-and-Drive campaign in Lucknow and Chandigarh earlier this year, the movement now expands its national footprint, leveraging digital media to drive a sustained behavioural change. pledge.iswai.in ), the campaign enables citizens to take a simple online pledge and receive a personalized certificate acknowledging their commitment to this important cause. A real-time pledge counter highlights growing public participation, while social sharing with #NeverDrinkAndDrive helps amplify the message nationwide. Speaking on the roll-out, Sanjit Padhi, CEO, ISWAI, said, The I-pledge movement is not just a digital initiative, it is a collective call for responsible behaviour. By empowering individuals to make a conscious commitment to never drink and drive, we aim to build a culture where safety is prioritised. The power of I-pledge reinforces the fact that change begins with you. Sanjit Padhi further added, Driving under the influence continues to be a leading cause of road accidents in India. Through the I-pledge platform, we encourage citizens to choose safer alternatives, such as a designated driver, a cab, or not driving after drinking at all. With over 1,800 citizens already committed, the campaign calls on many more to take the pledge, spread awareness, and help make our roads safer for everyone. As a responsible industry body, ISWAI continues to create awareness among the public on safe consumption and safe driving through various campaigns, especially during festive seasons and celebrations, when socialising is common. ISWAI calls upon citizens across India to take the I-Pledge and be part of this important movement.
Himachal targets over 90% renewable energy; aims to become Green Energy State by 2026
CHANDIGARH: With the objective of making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant in the energy sector, the state government has set a target to meet over 90 per cent of its energy requirements through renewable sources and transform Himachal Pradesh into a Green Energy State by March 2026. As part of this initiative, 500 kW ground-mounted solar power projects will be installed in all panchayats across the state, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla on Monday. At present, the states annual energy consumption is around 13,000 million units. He said Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a massive shift towards solar energy due to the governments green initiatives and has set a target of installing 500 MW of solar power projects over the next two years. Under the Green Panchayat Programme, Gram Panchayats have been placed at the centre of the initiative, under which 500 kW ground-mounted solar power projects will be installed in all panchayats across the state. In the first phase, approval has been granted for setting up 500 kW solar power plants in 24 Gram Panchayats, with work already underway in 16 of them. Under this programme, a total solar power generation target of 150 MW has been set. Out of the total revenue generated from electricity produced by these projects, 20 per cent will be utilised by the state government to provide assistance to orphan children and widows of the respective Gram Panchayats, Sukhu said. The Chief Minister further said that the Pekhubela Solar Power Project in Una district commenced commercial operations on April 15 last year. So far, it has generated 79.03 million units of net electricity and earned revenue of Rs 22.91 crore. Power generation from the Aghlour Solar Power Project in Una district began on May 21 this year and has so far produced 5.89 million units of net electricity. Meanwhile, the Bhanjal Solar Power Project in Una district began commercial operations on November 30 last year and has generated 8.57 million units of net electricity, earning revenue of Rs 3.10 crore to date. Currently, three solar power projects with a combined capacity of 31 MW are under execution, while four projects with a total capacity of 41 MW are at the tendering stage. In addition, a 200 MW solar power plant will be established on barren land in the Damtal area of Kangra district. Solar off-grid systems have also been installed in 148 households under Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in remote and tribal villages of Spiti, including Mud, Langza, Hikkim and Kaumik. Under the First Come, First Served policy, solar power projects ranging from 250 kW to 5 MW are being allotted, with electricity generated from these projects to be purchased by the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL). So far, 547 investors have been allotted ground-mounted solar power projects with a total capacity of 595.97 MW. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have already been signed for projects with a capacity of 403.09 MW. In addition, HIMURJA has allotted solar power projects with a total capacity of 728.4 MW to HPSEBL, of which 150.13 MW capacity of rooftop-mounted solar projects has already been allocated. Apart from this, the state government is making concerted efforts to promote alternative energy projects in areas such as green hydrogen, compressed biogas, geothermal energy and other emerging sectors. Through these sustained and comprehensive initiatives, the state government is steadily moving towards its vision of making Himachal Pradesh a leading Green Energy State in the country by 2026, Sukhu reiterated.
The rapid advancements in the world of technology in recent decades have completely transformed the global landscape of higher education and today, the academic institutions world over are laying extensive focus on research in imparting education. As a result, unlike in the past, the universities have been transformed into not just knowledge dissemination centers but also modern hubs of knowledge creation as well. Realizing the importance of research in education, Chandigarh University has nurtured an academic ethos centered on research. Delivering yet another strong performance in research, Indias No. 1 private university, Chandigarh University, has secured the 9th position in International Research among all private universities in India and 12th rank among all universities nationwide, as per the QS Asia University Rankings 2026. Chandigarh University also delivered a stellar performance on its debut in the Research category of the NIRF Rankings 2025, securing the 7th rank among private universities and the 34th position among all universities in India. Chandigarh University with its research-intensive, innovation-driven and unique experiential learning model has been nurturing next-generation of leaders in emerging domains. Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh Inaugurating Kalpana Chawla Centre for Research in Space Science and Technology (KCC) at Chandigarh University Over 5,000 Research Publications, 1247 Patents Filed & 943 Published in 2025 Chandigarh University students and faculty members have authored over 20,000 research publications and filed more than 5519 patents out of which 5212 patents published, and 238 patents were granted in diverse domains. In 2025 alone, CU students filed 1247 patents, 943 published and 25 patents were granted. During January to December 2025, Chandigarh University students filed patents across diverse domains including Computer Science Engineering 734, Electronics Engineering 81, Mathematics 78, Physics 72, Mechanical Engineering 40, Aerospace Engineering 33, Electrical Engineering 29, Biotechnology 26, Optometry 23 and Chemistry 21. As per Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications (report 2023-24), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Chandigarh Universitys Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI) has secured 1 st place by filing highest 1126 patent applications in 2023-24, among all scientific research and development organizations in India. CU has also been ranked among the top 5 institutions in filing the highest number of patents in the last 5 years. CU-TBI provides an opportunity to incubate at the varsity and mobilize Rs 5 crore to catalyze growth in the startup ecosystem at CU which has 200 departmental research groups. CU has more than 2100 visiting international faculty members including 560 international research network scholars. In the last 5 years alone, CU has received INR 90 Crores for research and innovation projects from the Ministry of Science & Technology. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development cell (IEDC) facilitates the student with financial support from the university to fund their projects. Chandigarh University Nurturing Future Scientists: 44 Faculty Members Features in Stanford UniversityElsevier 2025 List of Worlds Top 2% Scientists Showcasing the growing global research impact and influence of Chandigarh University, as many as 44 faculty members from varied academic domains were featured among the worlds top 2 per cent scientists as per the Stanford UniversityElsevier list released in 2025. These prestigious institutions release a large database that identify scientists whose published work is in the top 2% by citation impact in their field based on Scopus citation data and composite citation indicators. This list is an important benchmark for assessing scientific excellence and used globally for academic recognition, funding opportunities and international collaborations. CU faculty members have been featured in the coveted StanfordElsevier list of the worlds top 2% scientists, representing a wide spectrum of disciplines. These include Artificial Intelligence; Optoelectronics and Photonics; Mechanical Engineering and Transport Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Environmental Sciences; Materials Science; Applied Physics; Legal and Forensic Medicine; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry; Microbiology; and Neurology and Neurosurgery among others. 15 Industry-Sponsored High-Tech R&D Labs, COEs and 60 Research Centres at CU Nurturing Future Leaders in Emerging Areas Chandigarh University houses as many as 32 Industry-sponsored Advanced Research Labs and Centers of Excellence (COEs) established by leading multinational corporations such as Microsoft, Cisco, Hyundai, Adobe, LinkedIn, Tech Mahindra, Capgemini and IBM among others that play a crucial role in elevating capabilities of students and faculty members through exposure to live industry projects. Apart from this, CU also houses 60 research centers. For Engineering students, CU has tied-up with industry leaders that provide hands-on training to students with high-tech labs including Microsoft Innovation Center, Google Android Lab, Adobe Express Lounge Lab, Cloud Computing Lab, Oracle Academy, Tech Mahindra IMS Academy, Unisys Innovation Lab, EMC Academic Alliance, Microsoft Global Technical Support Center, Red Hat Academy Lab, SAP Next Gen Lab, Infor Lab and Microsoft Azure LAAS (Learning as a Service) platform, BOT lab, Bosch Bridge Centre and Cisco Networking Lab among others. For Automobile Engineering students, CU has tied-up with industry giants that established high-tech labs including Mahindra and Mahindra T-School, Honda Research and Skill Development Centre, Hyundai Professional Development Centre, VE Commercial Training Centre, MG Motors Lab, Eicher CU Centre of Excellence in Automobile engineering lab, Vehicle Maintenance and Diagnostic Lab. Pushing frontiers of space science, CU students at the state-of-the-art Kalpana Chawla Centre communicate with all countries' Ground Station, which are members of SatNOGS, research on 3D Printed Aluminum/Plastics Structures that can be used in SPACE explorations Model Rocketry Lab and Star Gazing Center are all providing them platform to become space scientists. Launched Campus Tank, Indias First University-led Startup Launchpad with $6 Million Funding Pool for Young Innovators The academic ethos nurtured here at Chandigarh University does not stop at filing patents but translates its research output from papers to products, nurturing a culture where innovation moves from laboratories to the marketplace. Strengthening this robust innovation-to-enterprise ecosystem, Chandigarh University, Indias leading private university in collaboration with leading job platform Apna and prominent investment firm Venture Catalysts (VCats) has launched Campus Tank, Indias first university-led startup launchpad aimed at empowering young innovators to ideate, validate, and scale disruptive start-ups. CU students have successfully launched over 250 start-ups in diverse domains; to arm its students with research-intensive learning, the varsity allocates an annual funding of Rs 15 crores to carry out research and innovation-related projects. Research at Glance Patents Filed: 5519 Patents Published: 5212 Patents Granted: 238 Research Publications: 20,000+ Industry Sponsored R&D Labs: 15 Annual Research Budget: 15 Crores Sponsored Projects from DST (In last 5 years): 90 Crores Top 10 Departments of Chandigarh University (Patents Filed in 2025) Discipline/Stream No of Patents Computer Science Engineering 734 Electronics Engineering 81 Mathematics 78 Physics 72 Mechanical Engineering 40 Aerospace Engineering 33 Electrical Engineering 29 Biotechnology 26 Optometry 23 Chemistry 21 About Chandigarh University Chandigarh Universityis a NAAC A+ GradeUniversityand QS World RankedUniversity. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located nearChandigarhin the state of Punjab. It is the youngestuniversityin India and the only privateuniversityin Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as TheUniversitywith Best Placements by WCRC. www.cuchd.in
Badal demands rollback of VB-G RAM G Act, says its will adversely impact poor
CHANDIGARH, Dec 22: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday demanded that the Centre withdraw the VB-G RAM G Act, saying it will adversely impact the poor and put additional financial burden on states. Badal also demanded that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme be restored. The former deputy chief ministers remarks came a day after President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission [] The post Badal demands rollback of VB-G RAM G Act, says its will adversely impact poor appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Cold weather persists in Punjab, Haryana; temperatures stay above normal
Chandigarh, the joint capital of both States, recorded a low of 8.3 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal
Samagra Shiksha, Chandigarh has declared the SSA Chandigarh TGT written examination result for Recruitment 2025. Candidates can download the result PDF and check their merit status online. The recruitment aims to fill 104 Trained Graduate Teacher posts across various subjects through a written test-based selection process. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to document verification and medical examination as per the notified recruitment procedure.
IMD weather update: The IMD has said dense fog is likely to tighten its grip in northern India and dense fog conditions are likely in Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim. A cold day warning has been issued for Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab. The dense fog has also disrupted rail and air travel across the country.
Misuing traditions to create hate: Akal Takht, SGPC slam disruption of Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand
Cold wave sweeps Himachal Pradesh as snowfall brings cheer to tourists
Greatest sacrifice in world history: CM Saini salutes bravery of Sahibzadas
CM launches intensified pulse polio campaign, announces health sector upgrades
Roadblock to cleanliness: Rs 3cr waste facility in Panchkula stuck in the mud
CJI to inaugurate new judicial courts in Barwala and Narnaund
Security agencies step up vigil in border districts ahead of New Year celebrations
HP govt expands welfare scheme for small shopkeepers
Five months after custodial death, cops file murder case
Haryana govt fails to provide data on industries closed since Covid
Weekend raid: Haryana Police arrest 162 criminals, seize illegal drugs arms & liquor
Punjabs holy cities: Meat, alcohol, tobacco now officially prohibited; Mann calls decision historic
Saini urges youth to become job creators, highlights govt support for entrepreneurship
Adampur MLA demands establishment of AIIMS, IIT, & improved infra in Hisar
No sovereign immunity for negligent Army drivers: HC
732 cases, 835 arrests: Chandigarh police tighten grip on drug cartels
Dense for engulfs region, western disturbance to bring rain
Gurugram administration issues work-from-home advisory for private offices amid GRAP-IV curbs
CHANDIGARH: The Gurugram Administration has issued an advisory recommending that private institutions and corporate offices encourage employees to work from home from December 22 until further orders, following the Commission for Air Quality Managements Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan. The advisory has been issued following a sustained spike in air pollution across Delhi and the National Capital Region, with authorities tightening controls to limit emissions and prevent further deterioration in air quality. As per directions issued on December 13 by the CAQM, offices were allowed to operate at only 50 per cent strength, with the remaining staff working remotely. Following these directions, Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram Ajay Kumar advised private offices to adopt work-from-home arrangements and ordered staggered office timings for all public offices under the state government to reduce vehicular movement and emissions, in compliance with GRAP Stage IV measures. In addition to the advisory for private offices, the district administration has also revised working hours for government offices in Gurugram. According to the new schedule, state government offices in Gurugram will operate from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm during this period. Offices under the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram, Municipal Corporation of Manesar, Sohna Municipal Council, Pataudi Mandi Municipal Council and Farrukhnagar Municipal Committee will operate from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. These timings will remain in force for the duration of GRAP Stage IV. Sources added that coordinated action by government offices, private institutions and employees is crucial for the effective implementation of GRAP measures and for improving air quality across Gurugram and the National Capital Region.
Car owner foils theft bid in Sector 29, 1 accused nabbed
Fire breaks out at Sindhi Sweets
Firm to pay accident benefit to parents of minor policyholder
Prep in full swing for Shahs visit to Panchkula on Dec 24
Flower show concludes with shower of awards & rewards
Scheme name change an insult to Mahatma Gandhi, says Congress
PGIMER critical care block gets UTs green clearance
PU VC asks UT to process pending CAS promotions
MC cracks down on illegal vendors in mkts
49 drug samples collected from HP failed quality test: CDSCO report
Bains joins Dashmesh March in Anandpur sahib
Ayali now denies disagreement with any leader of SAD (Revived)
Punjab bans sale of meat, tobacco, alcohol in 'holy cities'
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government said that the sale of meat, tobacco, alcohol, and other intoxicants is now prohibited in the 'holy cities' of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo and Anandpur Sahib in a video message shared by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday. The CM said that there are five takhts that are of significance to Sikhs, three of which are in Punjab: Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar), Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda) and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Sri Anandpur Sahib). These cities are not only religious centres, but also important symbols of our cultural heritage. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Sikh sangat, Mann said. Mann said that strict regulations will now be implemented in the holy cities. Sale of meat, alcohol, tobacco, and any intoxicating substances will be completely prohibited, he said. He assured that the cities will have appropriate development. The Punjab government will make all necessary arrangements and provide facilities, including e-rickshaws, mini-buses, shuttle buses and other public transport services, to ensure that devotees arriving from across the world do not face any inconvenience, he added. Last month, a resolution was passed unanimously during a special session of the Punjab Assembly held in Anandpur Sahib, which was convened to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. On December 15, a notification was issued by the state government granting holy city status to Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda and the Galiara area around the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Haryana Private Universities Bill likely to be passed; to impact functioning of Al Falah University
CHANDIGARH: The BJP-led Haryana Government has tabled the Haryana Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the state assembly, outlining stringent measures, including dissolution of the management body of the university and taking over its functioning through the appointment of an administrator. Sources said that the bill, which was introduced in the state assembly on Friday by State Higher Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda and is likely to be passed by the assembly on Monday will have a direct impact on the functioning of Al Falah University. Al Falah University has been under the scanner for allegedly facilitating a white-collar terror module. The government will exercise these special powers under certain circumstances. Dhanda asserted that under the current provisions, there was no provision for the dissolution of the university and the appointment of the administrator and thus now a new provision needs to be incorporated to streamline the procedure. As per the proposed bill the inquiry officer or committee shall conduct an inquiry and submit the report to the government within 30 days. After the government receives the report, it can issue a show cause notice giving the university seven days to reply if it is of the opinion that the university had contravened the law. Upon consideration of the reply to the show-cause, if the government is not satisfied, it may appoint an administrator for a period of three years, it added. The university shall not commence the first enrolment of the students without specific authorization of the government. It has been authorized to cancel the permission to continue the course after an inquiry, the bill added. Other penalty is the minimum penalty of Rs 10 lakh. The committee will be vested with the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. The Higher Education Department, through another provision, has been authorized to conduct an annual academic and administrative audit of the university to ascertain the standards of teaching, examination, and research. The bill reads, The circumstances under which government can act include any grave lapses, including matters relating to national security, sovereignty and integrity of India, public security, law and order, misuse of university premises for unlawful and anti-national activities or any other serious act prejudicial to public interest. If any such act has occurred, the government may order any inquiry into any such act, contraventions, or lapses and appoint an inquiry officer or a committee consisting of not more than five persons for this purpose.
123-year-old clock gifted by Lord Curzon to Golden Temple restored
CHANDIGARH: The 123-year-old manual clock, which was gifted to the Golden Temple by Lord Curzon, who was the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, has now been restored after two years and will be put back in the sacred sanctum in January 2026. The clock is now ticking. It was in 2023 that the Birmingham-based Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) took out this brass-made, one-foot-wide and one-and-a-half-feet-tall manual clock, weighing ten kilograms, from the Golden Temple to Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had handed over the restoration and conservation of frescoes, wall paintings and golden plates of the shrine to GNNSJ, led by Bhai Mohinder Singh. The clock, which was made on order for Lord Curzon in 1900, has now been fully restored and is working again. The clock carries the inscription: This clock was presented to the Golden Temple at Amritsar by Lord Curzon, Viceroy & Governor General of India, on the occasion of his first official visit, April 1900. This clock was concealed on the northeast side entrance of the Golden Temple inside one of the spans in the wall and was hidden behind another modern clock as this clock was not in working condition. When we removed that clock, we found this clock. We took this clock to Elkington & Co Limited at Birmingham, from where this clock was made on order. We do not know when it stopped working. Thus, the original mechanical movement system of this manual clock, hands and dial had been removed and replaced long back with a quartz mechanism and dull aluminium dial, but it supposedly also did not work. The brass housing bore dents, cracks, scratches and missing decorative elements, said Inderjit Singh, representative of GNNSJ, while talking to TNIE . Singh added that after removing the clock, extensive research was carried out and the officials and employees of the company made a brand-new manual system of the watch piece by piece and assembled the clock again. Now gold patras will be put and the clock will be placed at the same spot in January 2026 where it was earlier installed. Around 80,000 (approximately Rs 96 lakh) has been spent on the restoration of this clock, he said, adding that Bhai Mohinder Singh brought it back to India after restoration in November and it is now fully functional. The aluminium face with hand-painted Punjabi numerals has been replaced with a brass face and Roman numerals, just the way it was when Lord Curzon handed it over. Also, special brushes have been given by the company to clean it, he added. It was on April 9, 1900, that Lord Curzon and his wife visited the Golden Temple and saw what he described as an unworthy appearance of the clock which used to hang upon the walls of the Harmandir. Curzon then expressed his desire to replace it with a more fitting timepiece designed specifically to harmonise with the sanctity of the temple. A clock was subsequently ordered from Elkington & Co Limited in Birmingham. It took two years to make and was shipped to India. On October 31, 1902 (Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas), the timepiece was presented through the then Lahore commissioner. Restoration of the clock movement, hands and dial design was undertaken by Alastair Chandler, Director of The Clock Clinic. In January 2024, I was contacted by the project, who shared an incredible story about the discovery of a clock at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, that had been gifted by Lord Curzon. However, it soon became evident that the clock, in its current state, was severely damaged, he narrates in Clock Within the Golden Temple: A Restoration Project . Upon examining the cases design, I determined that the new movement needed to be of exceptional quality and British craftsmanship, featuring what is known as a single fusee. A further challenge was the absence of space to accommodate a traditional pendulum mechanism, which required me to search for a fine single fusee movement with a balance wheel escapementtypically used in ships bulkhead clocks. After weeks of searching, I was thrilled to discover a perfect match -- a movement crafted by the esteemed clockmaker James Muirhead. The superb craftsmanship of this movement made it an ideal match for the clock case. After a series of meticulous adjustments by both Kam Lawla and myself, it fit seamlessly into place. With the movement secured, we fully dismantled it for cleaning and a complete overhaul. It was then reassembled, lubricated, and, once the balance was set, began ticking away, ready to be housed in its new case, he added.
Haryana set to allot residential plots to 7,000 landless families
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Court declines bail to former Cong MLA Chhokar
125-year-old timekeeper finds its heartbeat again
AAP MLA Pathanmajra declared proclaimed offender
Kaithal double murder: 2 accused persons surrender, arrested
Seechewal seeks special package for de-silting of Harike Pattan
Mohali mayor and two others acquitted in 15-year-old murder case
HC slaps Rs 5L fine on officials for delay in implementing tribunal order
Cotton prices decrease after import duty exemption
HC flags lapses in Haryana power utilities appointments, orders review of retired engineers claim
Sikh religious procession in NZ confronted by protestors
BJP for use of EVMs in local body polls
Air hangs thick as AQI slips into very poor category
This winter leaves tricity Cold & Breathless
Rs 116cr crop insurance claims pending in Haryana
Punjab Police arrest 153 drug peddlers in state-wide CASO
2 held for snatching phone, documents at knifepoint
Bldg lawS & property misuse among 1K cases resolved by UT
Teachers body flags concerns over attendance of PUs College Devpt Council dean
Electrical installations up to 650 volts can now be self-certified
Villagers allege chemical leak from factory, officials deny
PU hosts panel from Pb varsities
Bus conductors bag stolen at ISBT-43
UICET hosts & fetes its alumni
Now first come, first served at estate office
Burglar nabbed; stolen gold & silver jewellery recovered
Compensation for hit-and-run: 3,300 cases pending in Pb
MC challans 126 unregistered vendors
New district civil hospital to come up on 21 acres near Airport Chowk in Hisar
Vij orders probe into fog-related bus accident in Karnal
Ambala STF arrests four shooters linked to Bishnoi gang
Restoration story of a 125-year-old historic clock presented by Lord Curzon at Sri Darbar Sahib
Post-matric scholarship scam: ED files 2 more prosecution complaints
HP earned a revenue of Rs 26,683cr in last two and a half years: CM
ISRO Completes Drogue Parachutes Tests For Gaganyaan Mission | Video
ISRO completed successful drogue parachute tests for Gaganyaan mission in Chandigarh, marking a key milestone for Indias first human space mission with support from DRDO and VSSC.
Drogue parachute deployment tests for Gaganyaan mission successful: ISRO
These tests were completed at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, on December 18 and 19, says the ISRO
Chandigarh University organised its Annual Convocation for the 2024 and 2025 pass out students of management and commerce programs in which 3301 students received their postgraduate (PG) degrees. Chandigarh University students celebrating their success after receiving degrees during Annual Convocation 2025 at Gharuan Campus Presiding over the Convocation ceremony as the Chief Guests, Satish Chandra Jha, Managing Director, Accenture and Rajesh Dhuddu, Partner and Emerging Tech Leader, PwC awarded PG degrees to students of management and commerce along with Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Dr Raghuveer VR, Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Chandigarh University and Prof (Dr) SS Sehgal, Pro VC, Chandigarh University. The 3301 students were conferred degrees included 3032 students of MBA in HR, Finance, Marketing, International Business, Entrepreneurship, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, 251 students of MBA (Business Analytics) in association with IBM and 18 students of Master of Commerce. Three students of Master of Business Administration (MBA) and one Master of Commerce (M Com) were awarded Gold Medals for academic excellence. These students included Varun Kumar (MBA-Finance & Marketing), Aanchal Pawar (MBA-Finance and Human Resources), Deepika (MBA- Business Analytics) and Mattery (M Com). In his keynote address, the Chief Guest, Satish Jha, Managing Director, Accenture Services , said, The tech world is growing at a very fast pace and you will have to keep re-skilling, up-skilling and cross-skilling yourself because the technology will keep on changing. So, given the opportunity we have globally based on the knowledge and experience, let's capitalize on the emerging market that we have." Sharing mantra for success, Jha said, Be digital and technology focused going forward because the revolution is happening in the digital space that is where you know people are talking about AI and we all are witnessing how AI is actually shaping our life and can reshape our life in future. Maybe in four or five years, you will witness a different paradigm of life itself. Be part of a solution than a problem. Always own a problem and try to be a guy who can actually fix the problem. And that's how you will be known for solving problems. Embrace changes and competition because that's where innovation happens. Unless we accept the fact that change is inevitable and we have to keep a pace with the change which is happening globally and in the market place. That will bring lot of innovations, lot of prosperity in our life. Be honest to yourself and more importantly help each other. Help others to grow as well. That should be the core values of any individual because we all are human beings. We should be known by our human values that we practice ." Sharing his mantra of success with students, Rajesh Dhuddu, Partner and Emerging Tech Leader, PwC , Its imperative to have purpose and passion in life. When you do your work as a worship, it becomes enjoyable. If you work for a company which pays you one rupee, give at least two rupees worth of work back to the company. And I can assure you when you inculcate this kind of a skill, no AI can replace you. I repeat, no AI can replace you. When I hire people, I don't look for skill but for will because if you have will, the skill will come automatically.Eklavya (legendary figure from the Hindu epic Mahabharata) has a burning will to learn and the skill came automatically to him. If you are able to get that will in a proper place, then skill will come automatically.Be a giver in life. The most important gift that a person can give to others is time. Never ever sacrifice or become subservient when it comes to matters of integrity. Lift everyone who comes in your path. If you can't lift them, at least don't hurt them ." Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University said, Chandigarh University stands tall in terms of its achievements made in the last 13 years. From 2012 till now in 2025, remarkable progress has been by the University in academics, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, sports and culture. With these achievements, Chandigarh University has become a global hub of education with students from all over India and over 2500 students from foreign countries. For the last three years consecutively, Chandigarh University has been ranked Indias number 1 private university in the most trusted global ranking QS University Asia Rankings.That is really an extraordinary accomplishment. Not only the QS, if you look at India today, the most trusted ranking of the government of India, National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), CU is in the 19th place which is a big achievement for a very young university like Chandigarh University because other Universities have taken like 50 to 100 years to reach to that top 20 position.Chandigarh University has published more than 21,000 publications and filed more than 5,300 patents. CU is the first private university to win MAKA trophy for two years in a row. All these things are possible because of the hard work of our leadership, faculty, and definitely the students.All this is not possible without very consistent constant effort, leadership commitment, and the effort by students and the faculty. " About Chandigarh University Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC. www.cuchd.in .
ISRO completes drogue parachute qualification tests for human spaceflight mission
ISRO's Gaganyaan mission achieved a significant milestone with successful qualification tests for its drogue parachutes. Conducted at Chandigarh's Rail Track Rocket Sled facility, these tests evaluated the crucial deceleration system's performance under extreme conditions. This advancement brings India closer to its human spaceflight aspirations, ensuring crew safety during re-entry.
ISRO completes qualification tests of drogue parachutes critical for Gaganyaan crew module
BENGALURU: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday announced the successful completion of a series of qualification tests for the drogue parachutes, a critical component of the deceleration system for the Gaganyaan Crew Module. The tests were conducted on December 18 and 19, 2025, at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh. According to ISRO researchers, the test series involved a total of ten parachutes of four different types. The descent sequence began with two apex separation parachutes, which remove the protective cover of the parachute compartments. This was followed by the deployment of two drogue parachutes that stabilise and slow down the Crew Module. Upon the release of the drogue parachutes, three pilot parachutes were deployed to extract the three main parachutes, which further reduce the modules speed to ensure a safe touchdown. They explained that the deployment of the drogue parachutes is a crucial part of the system, as these parachutes play a vital role in stabilising the Crew Module and reducing its velocity to a safe level during re-entry into Earths orbit and during splashdown. The objective of this specific test series was to rigorously evaluate the performance and reliability of the drogue parachutes under extreme conditions. We have achieved all the test objectives and have confirmed their robustness even under the situation of significant variation in flight conditions, the researchers said. Earlier in August, ISRO conducted the first Integrated Air Drop Test to ensure the safety of crew recovery as part of the Gaganyaan mission. Another test on the main parachutes for the Gaganyaan Crew Module was conducted in November at the Babina Field Firing Range in Jhansi. This test was part of the Integrated Main Parachute Drop Test to ascertain the qualification of the parachute system for the mission. In July, the ISRO team also carried out service module propulsion system hot tests to verify and ascertain the performance of engines and thrusters in space, particularly during boosting and de-boosting phases.
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