British Dy High Commissioner meets Punjab Governor & UT Administrator
Chandigarh: Caroline Rowett, British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, on Tuesday met with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at Punjab Raj Bhavan to discuss various areas of collaboration between Punjab, the Union Territory of Chandigarh, and the United Kingdom. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation to address key challenges and foster mutual growth. According to a statement, the Governor and Rowett emphasized the need to intensify collective efforts to curb illegal migration and immigration frauds. Punjab, UT Chandigarh and UK police are already working together to tackle these issues in an effective manner. The Governor stressed the importance of expanding education exchange programmes between Punjab, Chandigarh, and the UK. These programmes aim to enhance higher and school education by adopting innovative practices. The Governor also proposed the introduction of sports exchange programmes between the UK and UT Chandigarh to promote cultural and sports ties. Both dignitaries agreed to work on starting sports exchange programmes in hockey and cricket.
Final Electoral roll 2025 of Punjab published: CEO
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C has handed over the CDs of the final electoral roll (without photographs) to all the representatives of the recognized political parties of Punjab. During the meeting at CEO Office, he said that, the total number of voters in Punjab in final voter lists as on 7 January, 2025 are 2,13,80,565. Out of which, male voters are 1,12,31,744, female voters are 1,01,48,076, third gender 745, NRI 1611, PWDs 1,56,130 and service voters are 1,01,257. At present the total number of polling stations in Punjab are 24,446, out of which the number of urban polling stations is 8062 and the number of rural polling stations is 16,384. All the polling stations are facilitated with coverage of assured minimum amenities such as ramps, drinking water, lighting, chairs and toilets have been arranged for voters. During the meeting, the CEOnappealed to the representatives of the political parties to appoint their booth level agents at each polling station so that the process of publishing voter lists can be continued in a transparent manner.
Cold weather conditions persist in Punjab, Haryana
Chandigarh: There was no let-up in cold weather conditions in Punjab and Haryana on Tuesday with Gurdaspur district recording the lowest minimum temperature at 5 degrees Celsius. Some parts of the two states were shrouded in fog early in the morning. In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a low of 6.5 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal, according to a meteorological department report. Faridkot recorded a minimum temperature of 6.9 degrees Celsius, Bathinda 8 degrees Celsius, Ludhiana 10.2 degrees Celsius, Patiala 10.4 degrees Celsius and Pathankot 10.7 degrees Celsius. In Haryana, Narnaul recorded a low of 6.5 degrees Celsius, Karnal 10 degrees Celsius, Bhiwani 10.4 degrees Celsius, Ambala 11 degrees Celsius, Hisar 11.6 degrees Celsius and Rohtak 11.8 degrees Celsius. Chandigarh recorded a low of 11.6 degrees Celsius.
Haryana CS Office issues advisory on fire safety, power saving measures in Civil Secretariat
Chandigarh: The Haryana Chief Secretary Office has issued an advisory with regard to fire safety measures in the Haryana Civil Secretariat. In an order issued on Tuesday, the Chief Secretary Office has said that it has been found during inspection that several electrical appliances like tube lights, computers/UPS, printers, oil heaters, heat pillars, room heaters and electric kettles were found in running mode. Such carelessness is resulting in wastage of electricity, which is likely to contribute to high electricity bills and may lead to damage of electrical equipment as well as fire incidents. All officials and officers of Haryana Civil Secretariat have been requested to ensure that all the electric points should be switched off while not in use and while leaving the office, this being their moral responsibility. The order further states that the branch in charge shall be held responsible for any ignorance of this circular.
663 MORE AGRI-SOLAR PUMPS TO BE INSTALLED WITHIN 120 DAYS: AMAN ARORA
Chandigarh: To give further impetus to natural energy for decarbonising the state’s agricultural sector,Punjab Government will install additional 663 solar water pumps for agricultural use within the next 120 days, Aman Arora, Minister of New and Renewable Energy Sources said on Tuesday. Arora handed over the work order to AVI Renewables Energy Pvt. Ltd. for the installation of 663 solar pumps for agricultural use in the state and also mentioned that a work order for the installation of 2,356 solar pumps had already been issued last month. He directed the PEDA officials to make all-out efforts to achieve the target of installing 20,000 agricultural solar pumps in the state for the welfare of the farmers. A subsidy of 60% is available for general category farmers, while Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers can receive an 80% subsidy for solar pumps with capacities of 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 HP. In dark zones (over-exploited groundwater blocks), these pumps will be installed to farmers who already have micro irrigation systems, such as drip or sprinkler systems, set up on their bore-wells, he added. With the installation of these solar pumps, Arora said that this will not only reduce fuel costs but also lead to zero carbon emissions, promoting more sustainable farming practices.
Himachal Health department fully prepared to deal with Human Metapneumovirus : Health Minister
Shimla: Himachal Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil chaired a meeting of health officials on the health concerns related to Human Metapneumovirus (HPMV) and stated that it was a common virus and there was no need to panic. It was not a new virus as its prevalence in India and other countries had been registered since the year 2001. The Health Minister said that the HPMV wasn't a virus of concern and it must be treated as a common and regular viral. "The union Health Ministry and states Health Department was continuously keeping an eye over the spread or severity of the HPMV. No uncommon spike had been registered anywhere across the country in the cases related to influenza disease and other serious breathing related diseases. Even in Himachal Pradesh, no uncommon spike has been registered so far," stated the minister. Shandil said that cough, fever and cold were the common symptoms of the HPMV and it spreads by coming in close contact with infected people. While asking the people to remain cautious, he asked them to visit nearby health centres in case they develop similar symptoms. He also asked the people to take precautionary measures like wearing masks, wash hands with soap at regular intervals and rest at home in case they feel sick.
PGIMER launches "Project Saarathi" to assist Patients
Chandigarh: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh on Tuesday launched "Project Saarathi," a volunteer-based program aimed at improving patient navigation within the hospital. This initiative is designed to assist first-time visitors, who often face challenges navigating the large campus and accessing various services. In this regard, Director PGIMER and Professor of Neurology, Prof Vivek Lal has addressed a letter to the Haryana Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi, seeking support for the widespread promotion of "Project Saarathi" throughout the state. The institute seeks assistance in mobilizing District Collectors and public representatives to raise awareness about the program among the public. Prof Lal informed that "Project Saarathi" involves the participation of NSS students and NGOs, who volunteer their time to guide patients, reduce waiting times, and improve the overall patient experience. An impact study conducted by the PGIMER has shown promising results, with the average waiting time in Outpatient Departments (OPDs) decreasing significantly since the program's inception in May 2024.
Chandigarh mayor poll to be held on Jan 24 via secret ballot
PNS Chandigarh
The Chandigarh mayoral election will be held on January 24. The election will be conducted via secret ballot despite the AAP and the Congress demanding a show of hands given last year’s controversy. The election is expected to witness a tough contest between the AAP-Congress combine and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
It is scheduled to take place at 11 am on January 24 in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation’s Assembly Hall and the presiding officer will be Ramneek Singh Bedi, officials said on Tuesday.
Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav who has issued notification regarding the election, visited the Municipal Corporation office in Sector 17 on Tuesday to review the arrangements for the mayoral election.
The Deputy Commissioner held discussions with corporation officials, emphasising the importance of a fair, transparent, and efficient election process. He also reviewed preparations for the election, including security arrangements, logistics, and compliance with the prescribed guidelines.
Instructions were given to the staff to coordinate effectively and address any potential challenges that may arise during the election process.
The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring that the election is conducted in a peaceful manner. Special instructions were given to the staff to coordinate effectively and address any potential challenges that may arise during the process.
Last year, the controversy surrounding the mayor election reached the Supreme Court. Anil Masih, who was the returning officer, was caught in a storm after he was caught on camera invalidating eight votes of the AAP mayor candidate.
While he declared the BJP candidate the winner, the Supreme Court later overturned the result and found the AAP-Congress pick to be the winner.
It should be mentioned here that in a letter to Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria two days ago, Mayor Kuldeep Kumar urged him that mayoral poll be conducted by raising of hands, instead of ballot.
