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Sukhbir Badal assures all help to family in suicide case
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 11 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Friday assured all help to the family of Gulzar Singh, who committed suicide after being allegedly intimidated by the panchayat and pressurised to issue an apology to Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema for questioning him on the rampant sale of synthetic drugs (chitta). Gulzars son Lakhwinder met the Akali Dal chief at the latters residence on Friday and narrated the tale of horror which had led to the death of his father. He disclosed in detail how the Punjab Police, on the directions of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, had forcibly carried out Gulzars cremation by using brute force. Lakhwinder said the family was not permitted to see Gulzar in his final moments and even the latters cremation was carried out without its consent. We were even denied the right to perform isnaan and ardas and Gulzars mother, wife and children were not allowed to even bid him a final farewell, he claimed. Expressing shock at the turn of events, Badal said the disclosures had both pained and angered him. The family has suffered an unimaginable ordeal at the hands of a callous and cruel government which has no concern for the people and is only worried about protecting Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, who is responsible for the death of Gulzar. He said since Gulzar had implicated the Finance Minister in his dying declaration, the police would eventually have to register an abetment to suicide case against him. I have assured Lakhwinder that SAD will take this case to its logical conclusion and have also assured him of all legal, financial and social assistance to help this family recover from the trauma and humiliation they have endured at the hands of the AAP government, Badal said. He also made it clear that the officers who inflicted cruelty on the family of the suicide victim would also have to answer for their misdeeds. No one has the right to trample on the rights of a grieving family in this manner. He said action should be taken against each and every person guilty of humiliating Gulzar and forcing him to take his life. This should start from the top and cover all the guilty, Badal added.
Govt cheated suicide victim's family, says Punjab Congress chief Warring
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 11 (IANS) Punjab Congress President, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, on Friday said the Aam Aadmi Party government had cheated the family of Gulzar Singh, who died of suicide after being allegedly insulted by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, about the job offer, when there was no actual offer. He said the family was provided a recommendation letter from the local Deputy Commissioner to the government for a job to one of the family members. He said the family was made to believe that it was an offer letter before Gulzar Singhs cremation. He said, It is a clear case of cheating and fraud done with the family of a person who was forced to commit suicide after being intimidated and humiliated by the henchmen of Finance Minister Cheema. Warring reiterated the Congress demand for immediate dismissal of Cheema from the ministry and his arrest after registration of a case for abetment to suicide. He said the government will have to take action eventually, pointing out that in an earlier case related to another minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, the government had also tried to protect him but had eventually to sack him and put him behind bars. Later replying to the media, Warring rejected the government's charges that the Opposition was doing politics on the matter. Warring pointed out that a helpless poor man, whose son has fallen prey to drug addiction, was forced to commit suicide and in the dying declaration he had named the minister. Warring said as the leader of the principal Opposition party it is my duty to stand by the family. He said he had assured the family that the Congress will ensure justice, including punishment to all those guilty. Warring said the entire rank and file of the Congress, right from the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to the grassroots, stood by the family for getting justice. He said Congress workers staged demonstrations all over the state seeking action against Cheema.
CBI court sends Agra railway official to 4-year jail for taking Rs 35,000 bribe
Digital Desk | Ghaziabad, Sep 11 (IANS) A Special CBI Court in Ghaziabad sentenced the then railway official posted in Agra to four years imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 in a case related to taking a Rs 35,000 bribe in 2016, an official said on Friday. The Special CBI Court sentenced Sukh Deo Sharma, the then senior section engineer (electrical), traction distribution (TRD), headquarters, Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer Office, Agra Cantonment, UP, to four years' imprisonment with a fine on Thursday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered the instant case on January 1, 2016 against the accused Sharma, said the official in a statement. It was alleged that Sharma demanded an illegal gratification of Rs 70,000 from the complainant for providing approval in respect of five trailers/vehicles of a Mumbai-based private firm to cross the railway track from Rail Gate Patholl, Agra. The CBI laid a trap on January 1, 2016 and caught Sharma red-handed while demanding and accepting an illegal gratification of Rs 35,000, other than legal remuneration, as the first instalment of the demanded illegal gratification, said the statement. After completion of investigation, the CBI filed a charge sheet against the accused on February 23, 2016 and charges were framed on March 21, 2016. In a separate case, the CBI filed a charge sheet against an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, the then CEO of Chandigarhs green energy society CREST, his wife and a company in which she worked as director in a case linked to misappropriation of Rs 75 crore official funds from IDFC First Bank accounts. A CBI official said the charge sheet was filed against the then chief of Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) and forest service officer Navneet Srivastava, who is already in judicial custody, Vipam Consultancy and its director. The accused have been charged with offences of criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, criminal breach of trust, cheating, forgery, using forged documents as genuine under BNS and offences of bribery, criminal misconduct and abetment under the Prevention of Corruption Act 2018, the CBI said.
Pacer Darcie Brown targets Australia comeback through upcoming 'A' tour of India
Digital Desk | New Chandigarh, Sep 11 (IANS) Stung by her surprise omission from Australia's 2026 T20 World Cup-winning squad, fast bowler Darcie Brown is banking on the upcoming 'A' tour of India to regain her consistency and push her case for a recall to the national team. Darcie was a notable omission from Australia's successful campaign in England earlier this year, with youngster Lucy Hamilton taking her place in the squad. Darcie then spent the off-season fine-tuning her mechanics in Adelaide, and focusing on technical tweaks to address the control issues that cost her a spot in the side. Now part of the Australia A squad in India for a multi-format series starting with the first T20I in New Chandigarh on Saturday, Darcie sees the tour as a timely opportunity to get back into the main team ahead of the inaugural Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in India next February. It was disappointing for sure, you always want to be part of a World Cup squad, but the girls did such a great job, and everyone that was there fully deserved to be there. They said it was a tough call, but it was just that (lack of) consistency that squeezed me out. Hopefully the work I've done over the last little bit has helped me with that and I can take a few more wickets. The last few tours hadn't been as successful so hopefully with that consistency, I can get batters to make more mistakes and hopefully push my name for selection in upcoming tours. It's a really hard team to break into, so I'll work my butt off, but at the end of the day, as long as I'm putting in 100 per cent effort, that's what I can control, Darcie was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au on Friday. Having toured India on three previous occasions with the senior team, Darice had limited game time in subcontinental conditions. She believes this 'A' series will allow her to adapt her high pace to subcontinental pitches while stepping into a senior role. I was here last year for the one-day World Cup but didn't get to play a whole lot, so hopefully I can get a bit more experience and learn off the other girls as well, and also help (other bowlers) in a leadership way. It's a really great challenge for me as a pace bowler to learn different things to help me become effective (in these conditions). Detailed technical adjustments formed a major part of Darcies pre-tour preparations back home. I've worked on a few technique things just to help with some consistency, and even hopefully to get a bit more bounce and pace behind the ball. I'm trying to be a bit stronger on my back foot to propel myself towards the batters, which will hopefully help my consistency out a lot, so we'll wait and see. I haven't played for a long time, so I'm really keen to see everything that I've worked on for the last few months put into action, she added. Darcie forms part of a potent Australian pace unit alongside Tayla Vlaeminck, who continues her comeback from a shoulder injury, Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, and Hayley Silver-Holmes. Meanwhile, fast bowler Maitlan Brown was ruled out of the tour with a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Milly Illingworth. The Australia A womens tour of India features distinct captains across formats, with Nicole Faltum leading the T20 side, followed by Tahlia Wilson for the 50-over matches and Rachel Trenaman for the four-day fixture.
Heavy rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR, red alert issued ahead of BRICS Summit
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) Several parts of the national capital received rain on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting more spells of showers, thunderstorms, and lightning in Delhi over the coming hours and also issuing a red alert for the city. The IMD had predicted light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in northern Delhi, with moderate to heavy showers expected in several other parts of the capital. The latest spell of rain comes just a day before the BRICS Leaders Summit is scheduled to begin in New Delhi. The Met Department has forecast further rainfall during the two-day summit, which will be held on September 12 and 13. For Saturday, September 12, the IMD has forecast one or two spells of very light to light rain at several places from early morning to the forenoon, along with thunderstorms and lightning. Another spell of light to moderate rain is likely from evening through the night. The rainfall is also expected to bring some relief from the prevailing heat. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 36.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while the maximum temperature is likely to remain below 33 degrees Celsius from Saturday. According to meteorologists, the prevailing weather conditions are linked to the movement of the monsoon axis over the region. The axis is expected to shift southward, while easterly winds are likely to become dominant from Friday. These conditions may result in intermittent spells of moderate rain across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan over the weekend. However, the rainfall is expected to remain largely localised, with only around 30-40 per cent coverage, indicating that several areas across the plains may remain dry. The weather conditions are particularly significant as Delhi prepares to host the BRICS Leaders Summit on September 12 and 13. The summit will bring several world leaders and delegations to the capital, with events scheduled at Bharat Mandapam. Saturdays programme includes a closed-door leaders session, the Bharat Innovates Exhibition, a family photograph, a tree-planting ceremony and a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The main open session will be held on Sunday, followed by the release of the New Delhi Declaration.
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Drug trafficking accused escaped from NCB Jammu custody arrested in Punjab
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police and Punjab Police, on Thursday traced and apprehended Aqib Bashir, a notorious drug trafficker who had fled from NCB custody in Jammu. The operation is a strong example of three-day sustained search and tracking operation across J&K and Punjab and prompt coordination and intelligence sharing between J&K Police, Punjab Police and NCB besides the valuable support of the media fraternity in disseminating the alert, said an NCB Jammu spokesperson. It also reflected strong coordination between Central and state and UT agencies, spokesperson said. After fleeing from Jammu, the accused, according to the spokesperson, reached Jalandhar via the Pathankot route. He initially attempted to evade detection by taking shelter under the cover of darkness and hiding in a forest area near Narwal Fruit Mandi, Jammu. To conceal his identity, he clean-shaved, changed his clothes and altered his appearance. He subsequently used his contacts in Jalandhar to seek shelter and evade the search teams. Continuous intelligence inputs and coordinated field efforts enabled the agencies to track and narrow down his location. The NCB (Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh)Punjab Police team apprehended him when he was reportedly preparing to move towards Delhi or another state, spokesperson said, adding that the successful operation reflected the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination, real-time information sharing, sustained efforts and public cooperation.
Aryans Group of Colleges organises blood donation camp
Srinagar, Sep 10:The Aryans Group of Colleges, Rajpura, near Chandigarh, successfully organised a Blood Donation Camp at its campus, witnessing enthusiastic participation from students, faculty and staff members. Dr Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, presided over the camp, while Ajay Jain, Samvedna Trust (R), Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, was also present on the occasion. Students from Engineering, Law, Pharmacy, Nursing, Allied Healthcare, Physiotherapy, Management, Business Studies, Computer Applications and Education came forward for the noble cause. A total of 88 units of blood were collected during the camp. A medical team from Guru Nanak Charitable Hospital, Ludhiana, comprising Harish Kumar, Medical Officer; Sandeep Kaur, Staff Nurse; Ritik Sharma, Lab Technician; and Arshdeep Singh, Lab Technician, conducted health screening and eligibility assessments of the prospective donors. Dr Anshu Kataria, as per a statement, said that blood donation is one of the most meaningful forms of service to humanity, and educational institutions have a responsibility to develop socially conscious and compassionate citizens. He said, A single act of blood donation can bring hope to patients and their families during critical situations. We are proud to see our students and staff voluntarily participating in this humanitarian initiative. Among those who donated blood were Aditya Kaur (B.Tech), Abdullah Ansari (RIT), Shashi Gupta (RIT), Awqat Ahmad (B.Tech), Swati (Staff), Balbir Singh (E), Rohan Gupta (OT), Amandeep Singh (Student), Tarun Singh (B.Pharm), Adnan Hazari (B.Tech), Rammek Singh (B.Pharm), Krishna Madhdesiya (B.Tech), Zahid Abdullah (B.Pharm), Wajheed Ahmad (B.Pharm), Abhney Guleria (B.Tech), Vikas Shukla (B.Tech), Vishal Kumar Panday (B.Tech), Shoukat Bashir (Staff), Akhtar Ansari (B.Pharma), Ayaz Ahmad (B.Pharma), Mohd. Mohsin Dar (B.Pharma), Sushil Kumar (RIT), Suhel Ali (B.Pharm), Neeraj Kumar (B.Pharm), Jagdeep Singh (B.Pharm), Fayeez Singh (B.Pharm), Jugal Dumolia (Student), Lutman Nabi Lone (RIT), Tauseef (RIT), Manish Kumar (B.Tech), Lovdeep Singh (B.Tech), Abdishak (RIT), Faizaan (RIT), Ali Shoaib (Staff), Amit (RIT), Taranpreet Kaur (Nursing), Kunika (Nursing), Javed (Staff), Dr. Vallari (Staff), Imran Khan (Nursing), Barun Sharma (Nursing), Gursharanpreet Singh (GNM Nursing), Mohammed Vami (CSE), Irfan Ansari (OT), Aamir Anir Choudhary (RIT), Dr. Vinay Thakur (Staff), Abhijeet Kumar (RIT) and Danish Majeed Mir (RIT). Their participation reflected the collective commitment of the Aryans community towards social responsibility and humanitarian service.
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NCSC panel visits suicide victims family, takes stock of action by Punjab govt
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 10 (IANS) A team of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on Thursday visited a village in Sangrur district and met the family of late Gulzar Singh at his residence. The team interacted with the family and took stock of the action taken by the government. Opposition parties have been calling for registration of an abetment of suicide case against state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and others named by suicide victim Gulzar Singh in his dying declaration over the rampant sale of drugs in his village, Toor Banjara. In a statement, Deputy Commissioner of Sangrur, Poonamdeep Kaur, said, During the interaction, the family expressed satisfaction with the action taken so far by the Punjab government and the authorities. The family also informed that the assistance assured by the government was being provided to them. She said Rs 5 lakh compensation has already been released to the family. The government has also assured employment to a family member, and this has been conveyed to the NCSC team during the meeting. She said the family also expressed satisfaction with the action taken by the police. Four people have been arrested, while further efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an officer of Additional Director General of Police rank, is conducting an investigation into the matter, and strict action is being taken in accordance with the law. The NCSC team took note of the steps taken by the Punjab government and the district administration. The administration apprised the commission of the assistance extended to the family as well as the ongoing investigation and assured full cooperation with the commission in the matter, said the Deputy Commissioner. It was stated that the district administration remains committed to ensuring all necessary assistance to the bereaved family and facilitating the implementation of all assurances made by the government. She said the administration would continue to extend full cooperation to the NCSC and ensure that all further action in the matter is taken strictly in accordance with law.
Punjab BJP chief Dhillon's convoy attacked by AAP workers
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 10 (IANS) The convoy of Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Kewal Singh Dhillon was allegedly attacked by workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday, but he and other senior party leaders escaped unhurt. The attack took place when Dhillon was on his way to Toor Banjara village in Dirba in Sangrur district to offer condolences to the family of Gulzar Singh, who had allegedly died by suicide after being allegedly distressed by the state government. He was accompanied in the vehicle by BJP National Vice-President Manpreet Singh Badal, former State Presidents Sunil Jakhar and Ashwani Sharma. Dhillon said in a statement that the tenure of the Aam Aadmi Party had turned into a rule of hooliganism, where no one was safe. He noted that today AAP workers stopped and attacked his vehicle. This was not an attack on me, but an attack on democracy, Dhillon was quoted as saying. He said he was going with senior leaders of BJP to raise his voice for justice for Gulzar Singh's family, but on the way AAP workers, allegedly acting at the behest of their masters in Delhi, surrounded his vehicle. He added that even more shocking was the fact that the police administration stood just 100 metres ahead and watched the entire incident as a mute spectator. The (AAP) government is attempting to silence not only the voice of the people but also that of the Opposition. The Aam Aadmi Party has resorted to politics of 'saam, daam, dand, bhed'. The State BJP Chief said that the Aam Aadmi Party had crossed all limits of oppression and that its end was now near. The self-respecting people of Punjab are ready to give a befitting reply to this high-handedness. He said the BJP would not be intimidated by such attacks by the AAP government and would firmly confront every act of high-handedness by the Punjab government. During their return journey to Chandigarh, the route of Dhillon and the accompanying BJP leaders was also blocked by AAP workers. However, Dhillon and the other BJP leaders got out of their vehicles, proceeded towards the road blocked by the AAP workers, and crossed the route on foot along with the convoy, the statement added.
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Drug trafficking accused arrested after fleeing from NCB custody in J&K
Digital Desk | Jammu, Sep 10 (IANS) Officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said on Thursday that the drug trafficking accused, who had escaped from custody in J&Ks Jammu city on September 7, has been re-arrested. The officials said the NCB, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Punjab Police, has re-arrested the drug trafficking accused, who had fled from custody in Jammu. The accused had fled from Jammu and travelled towards Jalandhar via the Pathankot route, the officials said. He allegedly took shelter in a forested area near Narwal Fruit Mandi before altering his appearance by shaving his beard and changing his clothes. The official said that following a three-day search and tracking operation across Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, a joint team of NCB Jammu, NCB Amritsar, NCB Chandigarh and Punjab Police traced and apprehended him in Jalandhar. The accused was identified as Aqib Bashir. The accused was preparing to move towards Delhi or another state when he was apprehended. The accused used his contacts in Jalandhar to seek shelter and evade the search teams. Intelligence inputs and field efforts helped the agencies track his location. Aqib Bashir was arrested when he was preparing to move towards Delhi or another state. His initial arrest was part of a month-long operation by the NCB in the Jammu division, which exposed two distinct routes used by narcotic smugglers to push heroin into the union territory from Pakistan through the Uri sector and indirectly via Punjab. The NCB had earlier arrested him with 522 grams of heroin from a passenger bus in Samba district on September 3, the officials said. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances of his escape and identify those who allegedly provided him shelter and facilitated his movement. Intelligence agencies believe that the major portion of narcotics smuggled into the country from Pakistan is used to sustain terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir
Slow Korean courts present tough hurdle, but India ready for Davis Cup challenge: Rohit Rajpal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) Expecting a stern challenge on 'slow courts', Indias Davis Cup non-playing captain Rohit Rajpal believes his unified squad is well-prepared to counter South Koreas home advantage when the two sides meet in the World Group Qualifiers Round 2 in Seoul on September 18 and 19. The games will be at the Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Center and carry huge importance the winner will advance to the prestigious Davis Cup Final Eight, to be played in Bologna, Italy, in November. India, ranked 19th, last met 16th-ranked South Korea a decade ago in 2016 and secured a 4-1 victory on grass in Chandigarh. India, who trails 6-5 in the head-to-head between the two nations, booked its place at this stage in similarly dramatic fashion, beating the Netherlands with a Dhakshineswar Suresh-inspired comeback. As a captain obviously, I have very high expectations. But I do sort of recognize that this is going to be a very tough tie because Koreans are playing in Korea and I'm sure being the hosting team, they're preparing the courts to be very slow, which are not in our favour and much more in their favour and that is the home advantage the home team gets to exercise. So, that will make it tougher. But the Koreans are known to be very tough to beat in Korea. So, but we are preparing accordingly. We are getting there early and trying to get as much as possible used to the local conditions that have been prepared for us, Rajpal told IANS in an exclusive conversation, facilitated by subscription-free OTT platform VETO. India have retained the core of the squad that stunned the Netherlands 3-2 in Bengaluru in February to reach the second round of the qualifiers for the first time since the current competition format was introduced in 2019. The five-member team in Seoul comprises Sumit Nagal, Dhakshineswar Suresh and a maiden call-up given to Manas Dhamne. Doubles duty rests with specialists Yuki Bhambri and N. Sriram Balaji, while Sidharth Rawat and junior Grand Slam campaigner Arnav Paparkar join as reserves. Addressing the inclusion of Dhamne, Rajpal said it was done with an eye for the future. So, Manas is young and energetic and what we are trying to do is also so that there is no transition in the team as we go because some of the best teams in the world go through a transition period. We want to make sure that we have a good mix of younger and experienced player so that the transition period, whenever it does happen, we are through with it and Manas, from that point of view, brings a lot of value to the team and he is playing well. He is transitioning at the moment from being a junior into the men's area. So, I think it will do him a lot of good by being there. He has been there earlier in the squad. But now, for the first time he has made it to the team. He is improving a lot and so, I think it will be a very good experience to see and to play under these kind of pressure situations. Managing player availability amid a demanding professional calendar can be tricky, but Rajpal praised the commitment of the Indian players. Well, we are here, which itself shows that all the players are here. The Indians are known to be very emotional about their country and it is my job as a captain to make sure that the team is unified. In this team, all the energies are together and we are firing as one machine. So, we try to push each other and a lot of the team building exercises are put into place in the last few years and that is paying rich dividends now. There is a lot of leg pulling and a lot of fun jokes are directed at each other. All those things which are necessary to take the pressure off right before a tough match, they do happen. We eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together all the time, as they are all coming from different places in the world. So, the idea to get there early as well is to get everybody together and synergize and fire as one firing good machine. India have historically thrived in doubles rather than singles, something which Rajpal agrees with. I mean, the format itself offers you four singles and one doubles. So, it clearly shows that you need to win many more singles and there is only one doubles. But doubles does play an important role. Every point is important there because you need to get to three matches first to win. Sometimes doubles does change the momentum of teams as well . Sometimes, you have seen teams down love two and then the minute the doubles is in your favour, the next day, you get off to a better start. So, Indians have had a good history with Leander (Paes), Mahesh (Bhupathi), Rohan (Bopanna), all these guys really playing and making a career out of doubles, which frankly is fantastic. After you're done with your singles, it does give you many more years to be able to continue on the tour and still survive. So, they showed the world that you could all be a doubles specialist and still do very well for yourself on the tour. Both teams enter the contest on the back of stunning upset wins - while India stunned the Dutch, South Korea fought back to eliminate 2016 champions Argentina 3-2 in Busan. Asked about the ideal benchmark for success in Korea, Rajpal stressed a pragmatic, match-by-match approach over distant targets. Benchmarks are difficult to pinpoint. I mean, I set very high benchmarks for myself and for the boys. Only if you aim for the top, do you reach somewhere near the top. But if you don't aim for the top, you're nowhere, you know, because everything is target-oriented. So, if you set a target, then your body and mind and everything else works in tandem to be able to get you there or close to that. Sometimes you fall short, maybe for skill, stamina, for whatever reasons and you can fix that and come back again. But at the same time, I'd like to be realistic and we take it one match at a time. I tell the boys that please take it one match at a time. Don't think of the next match and don't think what's going to happen after because we need to first cross that hurdle to be able to then look and prepare for the next one. So, realistically speaking, we're not thinking ahead. We're just going to be focused on getting this tie home and bringing it home.
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Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 9 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday called for collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to accelerate sustainable crop residue management, strengthen horticulture through knowledge and technology exchange, and build a skilled workforce to drive industrial growth in the state. At a meeting with a CII delegation, the Chief Minister emphasised sustainability, resource efficiency, climate resilience and green technology for the benefit of farmers, while pitching focused efforts in the Malwa region, particularly Sangrur and Barnala districts, along with new skill and technology initiatives, including the proposed Multi-Skill Training Institute in Ludhiana and Centre of Excellence for Technical Textiles with an ultra-modern laboratory in Jalandhar. Chairing the meeting with the CII delegation here, CM Mann called upon the CII to scale up sustainable cultivation efforts in the Malwa region, particularly Sangrur and Barnala, where the Parmal variety of paddy is cultivated, apart from other parts of Punjab. Punjab is committed to adopting sustainable and technology-driven solutions for crop residue management. There is a need for the government, industry and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that farmers get practical, affordable and effective solutions while the state moves firmly towards a cleaner and greener future, he said. The Chief Minister assured full support and cooperation to the CII for facilitating the visit of World Horti India during CII Agro Tech India 2026. Punjab would be immensely benefited from such visits through the exchange of knowledge and expertise in both the agriculture and industrial sectors, he said. CM Mann also advocated further knowledge exchange and technology collaboration to strengthen Punjabs horticulture sector and benefit the farmers of the state. He also laid emphasis on strengthening industrial and urban infrastructure across key focal points to improve ease of doing business and quality of life. The Chief Minister said that modern and well-planned infrastructure is essential for improving ease of doing business, reducing costs and attracting investment to the state. The Punjab government is committed to ensuring reliable and quality power supply to industrial areas, particularly during peak demand periods, besides addressing critical infrastructure bottlenecks affecting industrial operations, he added.
Chennai Open: Ajeetesh Sandhu opens two-shot lead
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) Ajeetesh Sandhu fired a six-under 66 to open a two-shot lead after the second round of the INR 1 crore Chennai Open 2026, here at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. The 37-year-old from Chandigarh (65-66), who began the day sharing the lead, made eight birdies against two bogeys to reach 13-under 131 at the halfway stage. Sandhu, a five-time winner on the DP World PGTI and a former Asian Tour champion, moved two strokes clear of overnight co-leader Stepan Danek. The 29-year-old Czech Republic golfer (65-68) made six birdies and two bogeys in a four-under 68 to take sole possession of second place at 11-under 133. Delhis Rashid Khan (66-68), winner of the Telangana Open in Vikarabad two weeks ago, occupied third place at 10-under 134. His four-under 68 included an eagle on the par-five 18th, four birdies and two bogeys. Sandhu played both nines in three-under but particularly enjoyed the front nine, which was his second nine of the day, because it contains some of the courses more demanding holes. The front nine is a little trickier and has a few holes that really demand your attention, Sandhu said. I managed to make birdies on a couple of those holes, so that was enjoyable. Sandhu felt he struck the ball better than during the opening round and found his rhythm earlier. A couple of timely par saves helped him settle before his late setback, a three-putt bogey on the eighth. Overall, it was a pretty solid round, he said. I found my rhythm early and made a couple of important saves, which helped build momentum. After that, it was fairly smooth sailing. The three-putt bogey on the eighth was disappointing, but there are still two rounds to play. This is Sandhus first appearance at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. His only previous tournament in Chennai came during his first season as a professional. I liked the course as soon as I played it during the Pro-Am, he said. It suits my eye. It is tree-lined and tricky, so Im pleased with how Ive played so far. Sandhu has also enjoyed the local cuisine, turning to idlis and dosas as part of his preparation for the humid conditions. Im a big fan of South Indian food, he said. Ive been having plenty of dosas and idlis, especially at breakfast. Idlis are good fuel for the round, so Ill continue with that. Current Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar (67-68) moved up from tied sixth to tied fourth at nine-under 135, alongside Noida golfers Gaurav Pratap Singh (69-66) and Amardeep Malik (67-68). Defending champion N Thangaraja of Sri Lanka followed his opening 69 with a 70 to move into a share of 11th place at five-under 139. The halfway cut fell at even-par 144, with 52 players from the field of 132 advancing to the final two rounds.
Sandhu Extends Lead At Chennai Open Golf Tournament
Ajeetesh Sandhu has established a two-shot lead after the second round of the Chennai Open, firing a six-under 66 to reach 13-under 131. The Chandigarh golfer is ahead of Stepan Danek and Rashid Khan, with two more rounds to play.
UK-based author Simarjit Kaurs novel Harvir Singh Forever Five was released in Chandigarh on Harvir Singhs first death anniversary. Speakers reflected on the mothers grief and called for stronger measures to prevent crimes against children. The post Novel on Crimes Against Children Released on First Death Anniversary of Innocent Hoshiarpur Boy Harvir Singh appeared first on Sikh Siyasat News .
'Thoroughly enjoyed journey': Australian envoy Philip Green takes train ride to Chandigarh
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 9 (IANS) Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, travelled to Chandigarh by Shatabdi Express on Wednesday and said he horoughly enjoyed the journey. Green termed the train journey a great opportunity to interact with people and recalled Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's earlier remarks that anyone who wants to understand India should get on a train. He shared glimpses of his train journey to Chandigarh on X. While sharing a video from the railway station on X, Green said, Our Prime Minister says, if you want to get to know India, get on a train. So, I do as often as I can and today, I'm off on this Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh. It will get me to Chandigarh, which is the capital both of Punjab and of Haryana, where I got a day of meetings. It's a great opportunity to meet people, have a conversation. Invariably, we talk about cricket. Sometimes, a charming Indian family offers me some food. That's the way it is here in India. That's the way it is on the train. So, get on the train, enjoy India, he added. Green said that he looked forward to exploring opportunities in Punjab and Haryana to further deepen ties between India and Australia. While sharing the video on X, Green wrote, My Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, often says the best way to get to know India is by travelling on its trains. So it was fitting to arrive in Chandigarh by train - a journey I thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to exploring opportunities in Punjab and Haryana to further deepen Australia-India ties. In May, PM Albanese recalled his first visit to India in 1991, describing it as a wonderful experience and suggesting to travel by bus or train if you want to understand India. In his address at the Australian Parliament, Albanese said, India, of course, has the largest population in the world, but it will also grow to be the third largest economy in the world over this decade. That is an extraordinary opportunity for us in our region. We are a Pacific nation, but we are also an Indian Ocean nation as well. Our trading relationship has been enhanced by the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, and we are further drawn together through culture, education, and, of course, the international language of cricket. One of my great honours has been my two visits so far to India as Prime Minister. When I first visited India as a backpacker way back in 1991, a long time ago, I travelled a bit differently in those days. I do want to say, if you want to understand India, get on a video bus or train. It is a wonderful experience to see firsthand the warmth that is there, he added.
Uber, Ola, Rapido, inDrive all major cab apps suspended in Chandigarh, but wheres Plan B?
India's gross manufacturing leasing posts 49 pc CAGR since 2021
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) India's gross manufacturing leasing has reached a cumulative 69 million sq ft, registering a compound annual growth rate of 49 per cent since 2021, a report said on Wednesday. Indias manufacturing sector is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, with leasing demand for industrial spaces projected to capture 40 per cent of the market by 2030, the report from commercial real estate services firm JLL said. Manufacturing has now emerged as the second-largest occupier segment after third-party logistics (3PL), signaling a fundamental restructuring of Indias industrial real estate hierarchy. Gross absorption touched 19.2 million sq. ft. in 2025, and H1 2026 recorded 10.2 million sq. ft.a 19 per cent year-over-year increase for the first half. With manufacturing leasing absorption forecast to reach approximately 46 million sq. ft. by 2030, the sector's trajectory underscores India's evolution toward becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse aligned with its Vision 2047 aspirations, the report noted. The growth in the manufacturing real estate asset class reflects two distinct yet complementary strategies shaping India's industrial landscape. Tier-I cities are witnessing aggressive leasing of Grade-A facilities as manufacturers prioritise speed-to-market and be capex-light due to paucity of affordable land, said Yogesh Shevade, Managing Director, Industrial & Logistics, India, JLL. Simultaneously, Tier-II markets are seeing manufacturers opt for land acquisition, seeking greater customisation and long-term operational control, Shevade said. Both approaches signal robust manufacturing commitment; whether through leasing or ownership, India is becoming the factory floor of choice, he added. Grade-A properties captured 90 per cent of manufacturing leasing in 2025 and the shift toward high-specification facilities reflects stringent adherence to enhanced building standards, hygiene protocols, and safety norms. Nearly 14 emerging markets including Lucknow, Jaipur, Chandigarh tri-city, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Surat, Nagpur, Nashik, Goa, Indore, Sambhajinagar, Tuticorin, Coimbatore & Vizag are witnessing manufacturers prioritise land transactions over leasing, reflecting diverse regional strategies aligned with specific operational requirements.
IPS Officers Posted Earlier in Jammu Kashmir Get New Assignments in Chandigarh
SRINAGAR: The Chandigarh Police has ordered a reshuffle of four senior officers, including several officers who have served in or recently been transferred from Jammu and Kashmir, with the new assignments taking effect immediately. Rajesh Kumar Sharma, IPS (2014 batch), who joined Chandigarh on transfer from Jammu and Kashmir, has been posted as SSP Operations, []
Teachers Need the Courage of the Overman, Not the Comfort of the Last Man
Every Teachers' Day, we celebrate the indispensable role of teachers in shaping society. We honour them as mentors, guides and nation-builders. However, celebration should also invite reflection. What kind of teacher does contemporary society encourage? More importantly, what kind of teacher does democracy require? The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche offers an unexpected but illuminating framework through his distinction between the bermensch (Overman) and the Last Man . While these ideas emerged in a different historical context, they provide a powerful metaphor for understanding the changing nature of teaching today. The Last Man, in Nietzsche's philosophy, is not an immoral person. Rather, the Last Man chooses comfort over courage, conformity over creativity, and approval over excellence. Content with security and social acceptance, such a person avoids risk, conflict and difficult questions. The Overman, by contrast, is defined by continual self-overcoming. The Overman questions inherited assumptions, creates new possibilities and refuses to allow comfort to replace intellectual growth. The distinction is not between good and bad teachers. It is between two educational cultures. Across the world, higher education and schooling are increasingly shaped by market-oriented reforms, performance indicators, student satisfaction metrics, accreditation frameworks and institutional branding. These developments have undoubtedly expanded access and accountability. Teachers are increasingly expected to satisfy stakeholders, minimise complaints, produce measurable outcomes and maintain favourable evaluations. Success is often quantified through feedback scores, pass percentages, employability statistics and institutional rankings. While these indicators have administrative value, they cannot fully capture the transformative purpose of education. Education is not just the transmission of information. Its deeper purpose is the cultivation of independent judgment. This requires teachers who are willing to ask unsettling questions, challenge intellectual complacency and expose students to ideas that may initially be uncomfortable. Genuine learning rarely occurs without some degree of cognitive discomfort. It demands that students reconsider assumptions, confront contradictions and engage with perspectives different from their own. However, an educational culture centred primarily on satisfaction can unintentionally discourage precisely these practices. A teacher who fears poor evaluations may avoid difficult discussions. A curriculum designed around measurable outcomes may leave little room for experimentation. Intellectual risk gradually gives way to pedagogical safety. In this sense, Nietzsche's metaphor becomes relevant. The concern is not that teachers themselves have become Last Men, but that educational institutions increasingly reward Last Man qualities: predictability instead of originality, compliance instead of critical inquiry and managerial efficiency instead of philosophical imagination. Teachers should not be reduced to service providers in a competitive marketplace. Their responsibility extends beyond delivering content or preparing students for examinations. They are custodians of curiosity, critical thinking and democratic dialogue. A teacher's highest achievement is not to produce agreement but to cultivate the intellectual confidence to disagree thoughtfully. This is particularly significant in an age shaped by artificial intelligence, algorithmic recommendation systems and instant access to information. Facts are increasingly available at the click of a button. What remains uniquely human is the capacity to interpret, question, synthesise and exercise ethical judgment. These capacities cannot be automated; they must be nurtured by teachers who themselves embody intellectual courage. Teachers, however, cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. Educational policy must create conditions that allow them to innovate without fear, experiment without penalty and engage students in meaningful dialogue without reducing every educational outcome to a numerical indicator. Professional autonomy is not a privilege for teachers; it is a prerequisite for quality education. On Teachers' Day, therefore, the challenge is not merely to celebrate teachers but to ask whether our educational institutions empower them to become creators of minds rather than managers of performance. Nietzsche believed that civilisation advances when individuals possess the courage to overcome inherited limitations and imagine new possibilities. Education requires precisely such courage. The teacher who merely satisfies expectations preserves the present. The teacher who inspires students to question, create and think independently helps shape the future. The greatest tribute we can pay teachers is not only to honour their work but also to create an educational culture that rewards intellectual courage over conformity, critical inquiry over comfort and self-overcoming over complacency. If education is to remain a transformative public institution, it must continue to nurture teachers who aspire to the spirit of the Overman rather than settle for the ease of the Last Man. (The author is teaching Political Sociology at UILS, Chandigarh University, Punjab. Feedback: ashwinsociology@gmail.com )
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