Jimpa issues strict instructions to complete Surface Water Schemes on time

Chandigarh, June 19, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

On the guidelines issued by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bram Shankar Jimpa presided over a high-level meeting at Punjab Bhawan today to review the department’s works.

Chairing the meeting he stressed that no village should face a water shortage this summer and that alternative arrangements should be made immediately made in areas with scant drinking water supply. He also instructed that work on 15 surface/canal water schemes in Punjab should be completed within the stipulated time.

The minister was informed that 15 surface water schemes, costing Rs. 2940 crore, are operational in different areas of Punjab. Most of these schemes will be completed by the end of this year, with some extending into next year. These schemes will benefit 24,73,261 people in 4,33,055 houses across 1,706 villages.

The schemes are located in Mandoli and Pabra (Patiala), Nanowal (Fatehgarh Sahib), Parowal and Kunjar (Gurdaspur), Chawinda Kalan, Gonsal Afghana, and Kandowali (Amritsar), Sangana, Bhuchar Kalan (Taran Taran),

Manakpur (Rupnagar), Patrewala and Ghateya Wali Bodla (Fazilka), Sohangarh Rattewala (Firozepur), and Talwara (Hoshiarpur). Jimpa instructed that these schemes should be completed and dedicated to the public on time to ensure a clean water supply to every villager.

During the meeting, senior department officials reported that out of 1,463 complaints received in May on the toll-free number 1800-180-2468 regarding water supply issues, 1,433 have been resolved and 947 complaints received till June 17, 548 have been resolved.

Jimpa also directed higher officials to involve local representatives like MLAs, MCs, and Sarpanch-Panch in the public presentation of pro-people works and schemes. He reviewed existing schemes, RO plants, tube wells, and other works, issuing necessary guidelines.

Jimpa inquired about the Bajwara Sewerage Project in Hoshiarpur, which is scheduled for completion by August 2025. He emphasized that the project should be completed within the stipulated time and handed over to the public. The project should be well-monitored to ensure minimum disruption to city residents during the sewage installation.

The Minister of Water Supply and Sanitation also directed to conduct a campaign for waste management in rural areas on a large scale.

He said that the cooperation of the people is very important for the proper management of waste, so the department should take effective steps to make the villages of Punjab clean by motivating and making people aware. Principal Secretary Neelkanth Awad, Head of Department Amit Talwar, all Chief Engineers and other officials were present in the meeting.

Govt cancels UGC-NET held on June 18, orders CBI probe

New Delhi, June 19 2024-

The Ministry of Education said on Wednesday cancelled the UGC-NET 2024 (University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test) held on Tuesday in different cities of the country after inputs suggested that the process of “the conduct of examination may have been compromised”, adding that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been tasked to probe the matter.

The UGC-NET on June 18 was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in two shifts.

In a statement, the Ministry of Education said that the UGC received certain inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs on the examination, with prima-facie indication that the integrity of the aforesaid test may have been compromised.

“To ensure the highest level of transparency and sanctity in the examination process, the Ministry of Education has decided that the UGC-NET 2024 be cancelled. A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately. Simultaneously, the matter is being handed over to the CBI for a thorough investigation,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education also said on Wednesday night that in the matter pertaining to the NEET-UG 2024, the issue related to grace marks has already been addressed.

As regards certain irregularities alleged in the conduct of the examination in Patna, a detailed report has been sought from the Economic Offences Unit of Bihar Police.

“The government will take further action on receipt of this report. The government is committed to ensuring the sanctity of examinations and protecting the interests of the students. It is reiterated that any individual/organisation found involved in this matter will face the strictest action,” the statement read. (Agency)

Jouramajra inspects Shahpur Kandi Dam project, directs completion at the earliest

Chandigarh/Pathankot, June 19, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Water Resources Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra today inspected the under-construction Shahpurkandi Dam and associated power houses and directed to expedite the construction work to ensure timely completion of the project so that its complete benefits in the shape of irrigation and power can be accrued.

Accompanied by Chief Engineer (Dams Administration) S. Sher Singh and other senior officials, the Cabinet Minister reviewed the progress of work at the main dam site as well as the power houses facilities being built in the villages of Kamuyal and Madhopur.

During the visit, Jouramajra was apprised that the dam administration has already initiated the process of filling the reservoir lake since October last year.

Irrigation water is also being supplied to low-lying areas by increasing power generation from the Ranjit Sagar Dam Project. The project was conceived during the year 1999 and could not progress due to various reasons, however about 65% works of this project have been completed during the last two years only, the officials mentioned.

S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra instructed the officials to complete the remaining construction work of the barrage dam on a priority to enable complete filling of the reservoir during the upcoming monsoon season. He also directed them to expedite the construction of the power houses.

Addressing the media, Chetan Singh Jouramajra said that upon completion, the Shahpurkandi Barrage Dam will significantly augment Punjab’s power generation capacity. The project is expected to produce 206 MW of electricity from the Shahpurkandi Power Houses, in addition to the 600 MW generated by the Ranjit Sagar Dam Project.

The Punjab government is committed to the timely completion of the Shahpurkandi Dam project, which holds immense importance for meeting the state’s irrigation and power requirements, the Cabinet Minister affirmed.

Earlier, the Cabinet Minister paid tributes at the memorial built in the memory of those who were martyred during the construction of the dam, at the Ranjit Sagar Dam.

T20 World Cup: Just wait and watch, he will perform, says Irfan Pathan on Virat Kohli

New Delhi, June 19 2024-

As India gear up for their first Super Eight stage game in the T20 World Cup 2024 against Afghanistan on Thursday in Barbados, the spotlight is firmly on the team’s batting form, particularly that of former captain Virat Kohli. The New York group stage saw Indian batters struggle on tricky pitches, with Kohli managing only single-digit scores in all three matches. Yet, former cricketer Irfan Pathan remains unperturbed.

Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan exuded confidence in Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion. “He knows how to stand up in big matches, isn’t he? That’s what makes him really, really special,” Pathan asserted.

“He’s a special player and I’m sure he’s going to put his hand up and say OK, I’m going to do this for Team India. When the time comes, especially in the big matches, we have always seen Virat Kohli perform. Just wait and watch, the slog sweep will come out now. He will definitely use those shots because, look, those conditions in New York were challenging. But now things will be different, and you’ll see a real Virat Kohli coming to the fore.”

Pathan’s optimism isn’t unfounded. Kohli has a history of delivering when it matters most, and his aggressive approach in the group stage, despite not yielding significant scores, hints at a strategic shift designed to unsettle bowlers early on. Fans, who have longed for this aggressive mindset reminiscent of his IPL exploits, may finally see it pay off against Afghanistan.

However, India’s batting lineup faces a formidable spin challenge from Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi.

Another former India player, Ambati Rayudu provided insights on how India might approach Rashid Khan, who hasn’t been his lethal self post-surgery following the ODI World Cup 2023.

“I think the biggest challenge against Rashid Khan is trying to be too aggressive against him. That is where you land in trouble,” Rayudu explained. “As a batter, you need to just wait for those loose balls and capitalize on them. After his injury, I don’t think his pace is the same. So, you have enough time now, and people have been getting after Rashid. Also, the Indian batsmen know him very well.”

Rayudu’s analysis suggests a more measured approach against Rashid, exploiting any dip in his pace and capitalising on rare errors. This strategic mindset, coupled with Kohli’s anticipated resurgence, could be crucial for India as they navigate Afghanistan’s spin threat. (Agency)

Punjab CS Anurag Verma bats for a multi-pronged strategy to break backbone of drugs network

Chandigarh, June 19, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

On the directions of the Punjab Chief Minister S.Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Verma on Wednesday batted for a multi-pronged strategy based on principles of coordination and cooperation amongst all the key departments for wiping out the menace of drugs from the state.

Chairing a meeting of the top brass of the Civil and Police administration, the Chief Secretary laid stress on identifying the hotspots of drugs in the state along with taking strict action against the chemists selling banned drugs in the state.

He also asked the Health department to enhance the strength of the drug controllers through new recruitment and promotions. Mr. Anurag Verma also said that the state government is also mulling to introduce several reforms for ensuring strict punishment to the drug smugglers in the state.

Mr Verma also said that the NDPS act must be zealously implemented and exemplary punishment to the drug peddlers and confiscation of their property must be ensured.

He asked the Revenue Department and Police to work in tandem with each other to ensure that every property acquired through drug money is confiscated, adding that the meetings of NCORD must be held at regular intervals both at the state and district levels.

Mr. Anurag Verma also underscored the need for channelling the unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction by enhancing sports activities in the state.

The Chief Secretary was apprised that the new sports policy stipulated of setting up 1000 new sports nurseries, to cater for villages within a radius of 3-4 kilometres.

He also asked the Youth Services department to enhance its activities in the form of trekking, trails, tours and others to inspire the youth for good health adding that the Rural Development and Panchayat department must encourage the Panchayats to take a pledge for drug free villages.

Mr. Anurag Verma asked the departments of Higher Education and School Education to motivate and educate the students about the ill effects of drugs and encourage them to live a healthy life adding that anganwari workers and staff must be made a part of an anti-drug mass contact program.

The Meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary Sports Saravjit Singh, Special Chief Secretary Social Security, Women and Child Development Raji P Srivastwa, DGP Gaurav Yadav, Special DGP Special Task Force Kuldeep Singh, Secretary Health Ajoy Sharma, Secretary Home Gurkirat Kripal Singh,

Commissioner Food and Drug Administration Abhinav Trikha, Director General School Education Vinay Bublani, Director Higher Education Amrit Singh, ADGP Intelligence RK Jaiswal, Director SCERT and Director Elementary Education Amaninder Kaur Brar and Additional Director Rural Development Sanjeev Garg.

Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Temple not to open on July 8: Odisha Minister clarifies

Bhubaneswar, June 20 2024-

Hours after a senior Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official said that the Ratna Bhandar (treasury trove) of Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri will be opened on July 8, Odisha Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Wednesday said that the government was yet to take a decision on the matter, adding action will be taken against the official “who misled all” by making the announcement.

“No decision has been taken regarding the opening of Ratna Bhadara in the meeting of Chhatisa Nijog, the apex body of servitors. An ASI official has indiscreetly given a statement in this regard. The government is still in the process of making a decision on this issue. Stringent action will be taken against the official concerned as per the law for making the misleading statement,” the Minister said.

Earlier on Wednesday, speaking to mediapersons, D.B. Garnayak, the Superintending Archaeologist of ASI, had claimed that Ratna Bhandar will be opened on July 8.

The missing keys of Ratna Bhandar was one of the major poll planks of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had assured to initiate a probe into the mystery behind the missing keys and carry out an inventory of the ornaments stored in the treasure trove if the party wins the elections.

“The Ratna Bhandar will be opened on July 8 in the presence of the technical core conservation committee of ASI and the 12-member Ratna Bhandar committee formed by the state government. Following the inspection and assessment of the condition of the treasury trove of the 12th century shrine, decisions will be taken regarding the immediate steps needed for conservation and preservation of Ratna Bhandar,” Garnayak said.

Notably, the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath temple has two chambers.

The inner chamber contains precious ornaments used on rare occasions, while those ornaments needed during daily rituals and particular festivals are kept in the outer chamber of the Temple’s treasury.

The inner chamber was last opened around 39 years ago, on July 14, 1985.

The inventory of precious ornaments kept in the treasury of Jagannath Temple was conducted in 1978 for the last time. (Agency)

India calls for universal condemnation of countries providing arms to terrorists

United Nations, June 20 2024-

Warning about the increased sophistication of small arms and the use of drones to get them to terrorists, India has called for universal condemnation of countries providing weapons to terrorists.

“The increase in volume and the quality of the arsenal acquired by these terrorist organisations reminds us time and again that they cannot exist without the sponsorship or support of States,” R. Ravindra, the Charge d’Affaires of India’s UN Mission, said.

“This aspect needs to be unequivocally condemned,” he said on Tuesday at the UN Conference reviewing the progress of the programme against illicit small arms. He did not name any country arming terrorists, but Pakistan is principally behind the flow of weapons to terrorists operating against India.

“For several decades, my country has suffered immensely due to cross-border terrorism and violence carried out by terrorist groups using these illicit weapons smuggled across our borders, including now through the use of drones,” Ravindra said.

“India views illicit possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons by non-state groups and terrorists as a violation of state sovereignty,” he said.

Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu, speaking earlier, mentioned the dangers of terrorists getting small arms.

“There is nothing ‘small’ or ‘light’ about the damage these weapons cause,” she said. “They aggravate crime, displacement and terrorism.”

She warned: “The situation is growing worse, as new developments in the manufacturing, technology and design of small arms — such as 3D printing — make their illegal production and trafficking easier than ever before.”

Nakamitsu noted that the New Agenda for Peace proposed last year by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “calls for regional efforts across borders to stem the flow and trafficking of small arms and light weapons”.

Ravindra proposed a novel programme, Regional 911, bringing together countries in a region to dismantle arms trafficking, and improve tracking and security of small and light weapons to keep them out of the reach of “wrong hands”. He spoke of the scourge of the illicit trade and the transfer of small and light arms in vulnerable areas.

“In post-conflict situations, we often witness that non-State actors continue to possess these weapons illegally, which hinders disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration efforts,” he said.

“India maintains strict export controls over all munitions and related items, including small arms and light weapons,” he said.

He offered to share the nation’s expertise with countries New Delhi, he noted, is a member of the Wassenaar Arrangement, an international pact against the illegal transfer of arms and dual-use items. (Pakistan and China are not participants in it).

India has also signed all the thirteen counter-terrorism conventions and has ratified the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime and its Protocol on Firearms, he added. (Agency)

No pressure to change SPP in Darshan fan murder case, says Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru, June 20 2024-

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday asserted that there is no pressure on him to change the special public prosecutor (SPP) in the Renukaswamy murder case involving actor Darshan, his girlfriend, and his 15 associates.

“There is no pressure on me to change the SPP by any minister and MLAs. I wouldn’t care if anyone tries to put pressure,” he told reporters here on the alleged pressure to change SPP Prasanna Kumar.

Siddaramaiah termed the news of changing the SPP as false and far from the truth.

“We will do exactly what the law says. The police are given a free hand and directed to carry out investigations as per the law. There is no proposal to change the SPP,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, Home Minister G. Parameshwara again emphasised that there is no intention to weaken the case against Kannada superstar Darshan in the fan murder case.

Darshan, his ‘partner’ and co-star Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others have been arrested on charges of murdering Renukaswamy (33), a resident of Chitradurga. The probe so far revealed that Renukaswamy was a big fan of Darshan and had sent derogatory messages to Pavithra Gowda on social media. He was allegedly kidnapped, brought to Bengaluru, kept in a shed, and brutally tortured to death.

Asked if the police were mulling to replace the SPP, Parameshwara said: “We are investigating the matter without succumbing to any pressure. If there is a need to change the SPP, there must be a valid reason. The decision to change the SPP won’t be made without a reason.”

“We will take proper legal advice and act accordingly. As far as I know, there is no proposal to change the SPP,” he said. However, he also said that in case the SPP is replaced, it should not be viewed as a wrong move.

Prasanna Kumar has represented the prosecution for agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) before and secured convictions. He also represented the prosecution in Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s case and various bomb blast cases.

Asked about Darshan’s reported confession to the crime, Parameshwara said he was not aware of it.

“I don’t know about the internal aspects of the probe. The media often gets news before I do. This is a serious matter and actions will be taken without any hesitation,” he said.

Sources claimed on Wednesday that Darshan has reportedly admitted to his involvement in the murder case as per the remand copy submitted to the 24th ACMM court. As per the remand copy, Darshan gave Rs 30 lakh to Pradosh, an accused in the case, to manage the police and lawyers, and to pay those who disposed of the body. The police have reportedly seized the money from Pradosh’s residence.

Replying to a question about the disappearance of actor Darshan’s manager Mallikarjun for the past one and a half years, Parameshwara said the police would verify the matter.

“The SIT will decide if it wants a probe into this. If they seek permission from the government, we will grant it,” he said. About the suicide case of Sridhar, one of Darshan’s employees, Parameshwara said the matter will be probed if a connection with the actor in this matter is established. (Agency)

7 more CBG projects in pipeline, to be operational by end of 2024: Aman Arora

Chandigarh, June 19, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

With an aim to make Punjab a frontrunner state in clean and green energy production in the country, Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that seven more Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects are expected to be operationalised by end of this year.

On commissioning, these projects will produce 79 Ton CBG per day by consuming at least 4.20 lakh ton paddy straw annually.

Mr. Aman Arora, while chairing a meeting to review ongoing projects being executed by Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) in the state, here at his office, said that Punjab Government has allotted 38 CBG projects of total capacity 469.50 TPD, wherein agriculture residue is used as feedstock.

These projects will supplement the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s efforts to reduce the stubble burning cases to zero, besides creating an extra source of income for farmers and generating job opportunities for skilled and unskilled workforce.

He further added that there is an ample scope for CBG projects as around 20 million ton paddy straw is produced every year in the state, out of which about 10 million Ton is disposed of scientifically. Secretary New and Renewable Energy Sources Mr. Ravi Bhagat apprised Mr. Aman Arora that 32 more projects of total capacity 462 Ton CBG per day are in the process of allocation.

These projects will consume around 14.04 lakh ton paddy straw annually.

Mr. Aman Arora also reviewed the status of the solar pump scheme under which 20,000 new solar pumps to be provided for agriculture purposes in the state.

Notably, these solar pumps will be allotted to those farmers, who have a sprinkler and drip irrigation system in dark zones to save precious groundwater. Farmers will get a 60 percent subsidy for the solar pumps.

He also asked the Director PEDA Mr. MP Singh to expedite the execution of ongoing green energy projects in the state.

Why is Raja Warring so disturbed by transfers in Police Department?: Malvinder Kang

Chandigarh, June 19, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab questioned the objections raised by Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring about the transfers in the Punjab police department. AAP said that it is a routine matter but the perturbed state of Raja Warring indicates that his personal interests are at stake due to these transfers.

In a press conference, on Wednesday, at the party office in Chandigarh, the newly elected MP and chief spokesperson of the AAP Punjab Malvinder Singh Kang said that the Mann government received feedback from the common people.

Some police personnel are part of the drug nexus, so to curb this nexus, chief minister Bhagwant Mann decided to do transfers. Kang questioned the reaction of Congress leader and asked why is he disturbed by these transfers. Kang said that it appears that Warring’s personal settings in the system are disarranged.

Kang also criticised Raja Warring for his statement that the Mann government is transferring the police personnel who voted for the Congress. Kang asked how Punjab Congress leaders know who voted for whom.

He said that first Sher Singh Ghubaya said that he will only work for the people who voted for them, now Warring is giving the similar statement. Kang said that there is no way to know in democracy who voted for whom. But such continuous irresponsible statements from the Congress leaders are concerning.

Kang further said that the Punjab Congress and the BJP leaders are generally mum on the issues of Punjab and its people.

He said that Raja Warring and Sunil Jakhar are not raising issue of Lawrence Bishnoi’s video that surfaced from Gujarat jail. But they are objecting to some routine functioning of the police department. Kang said that it is not surprise because Congress and BJP leaders often patronize corrupt people.

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