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Tarunpreet Singh Sond Calls for Carrying Forward Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh’s Legacy of Sacrifice and Nation-Building

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Punjab State Food Commission today commemorated the Martyrdom Day of Shaheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat Singh with solemnity and patriotic fervour at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Chandigarh. Punjab Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Rural Development and Labour Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that the ideals of Shaheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat Singh continue to guide society towards justice, equality and fearless expression.

He asserted that the younger generation must imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and commitment towards nation building. He also highlighted the role of cultural platforms in preserving the rich legacy of martyrs and strengthening collective identity. “His message encourages young minds to question injustice, pursue knowledge and contribute meaningfully towards the progress of the nation, making him a timeless source of inspiration for generations to come”, he added.

Meanwhile, Punjab State Food Commission Chairman Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma, while outlining the initiatives of the Commission, stated that focused efforts are being made to ensure both food security and nutrition security across the State. He informed that nutrition gardens have been established in 5723 schools, enabling students to understand the importance of balanced diets and sustainable practices.

Paying rich tributes to Shaheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat Singh, speakers noted that his life stands as a symbol of courage, intellectual strength and unwavering dedication to the freedom struggle. His writings and actions continue to ignite a sense of responsibility among youth to uphold democratic values and social harmony. They further stated that S. Bhagat Singh’s vision of an equitable and progressive society remains relevant in contemporary times.

Prominent amongst others who were present included Members of the Commission Jasvir Singh Sekhon, Vijay Dutt and Chetan Parkash Dhaliwal, former Members Preeti Chawla and Indira Gupta and Member Secretary Kanu Thind.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: CM Fadnavis questions Zero FIR filed in Karnataka

Mumbai, March 25, 2026
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that the Zero FIR registered in Bengaluru in connection with the plane crash in which former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others died was a “strategic attempt” to malign Maharashtra’s image.

He dismissed the validity of the Zero FIR filed in Karnataka, labelling it a political move. Under the law, a Zero FIR is typically reserved for instances where the victim is unable to reach a local police station; he argued that Karnataka lacks jurisdiction in this specific context.

Replying to a motion moved last week by the opposition, which included the issue raised by NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar regarding the FIR in the plane crash being filed in Karnataka and not in Maharashtra, the Chief Minister reiterated that a Zero FIR is legally valid only when a victim is unable to reach their local police station or when the incident occurs in a grey area.

He warned that if such a precedent of filing FIRs in neighbouring states is set, Maharashtra leaders could similarly file Zero FIRs against Karnataka officials in Mumbai police stations.

Addressing concerns raised by Rohit Pawar regarding the filing of an FIR, he clarified the legal “set the law in motion” process.

“Currently, the case is registered as an Accidental Death Report (ADR). If the inquiry reveals foul play or negligence, the ADR will be converted into an FIR during the chargesheet stage,” he said.

CM Fadnavis provided a status update on the multiple layers of inquiry into the plane crash currently underway. CCTV footage from Mumbai and Baramati confirms Ajit Pawar’s boarding.

Forensic reports (DNA and viscera) have ruled out alcohol, poison, or the illegal carriage of extra fuel. The preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) notes that visibility was 3,000 metres, below the required 5,000 metres. He acknowledged the controversial history of pilot Sumit Kapoor (suspended in 2010 and 2017) but noted that he was legally recertified after undergoing training in the US.

According to the Chief Minister, the post-mortem reports cite “burn injuries” as the cause of death. DNA samples of all five victims have been matched with their relatives.

Viscera and blood analysis confirmed no traces of alcohol or poison in any of the deceased. Investigators found no evidence of external fuel cans being transported on the aircraft. The aircraft was a 2010 model with a valid airworthiness certificate. The operator, VSR Company, maintains a fleet of 16 aircraft and 20 pilots.

Responding to Rohit Pawar’s emotional appeal for a “murder” investigation, CM Fadnavis adopted a stern tone.

“I assure this House that we will move heaven and earth (aakash paataal) to find the truth. If there is a conspiracy, even if the person involved is highly influential, we will dig them out. My intensity for justice is no less than yours,” he said.

CM Fadnavis confirmed that the state government has officially requested the Central government to involve the CBI. He noted that while the state CID is currently probing the Accidental Death Report (ADR), the final AAIB report will be the deciding factor in converting the case into a full-scale criminal FIR if negligence or foul play is established.(Agency)

LPU Distance and Online Education Admissions for February 2026 Session Closing Soon

Jalandhar, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Admissions for Distance and Online Education programmes at Lovely Professional University (LPU) for the February 2026 academic session are approaching their final phase, with the university reporting strong interest from aspiring learners across the country. Thousands of students have already enrolled in more than 20 distance education programmes and 14 online programmes offered by the university.

The Centre for Distance and Online Education at LPU provides a wide range of academic options across disciplines such as Management, Computer Applications, Information Technology, Commerce, Sciences, Arts, and Library & Information Sciences. The programmes are available at undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma levels, allowing learners to pursue higher education while balancing professional and personal commitments.

Under the Distance Education mode, students can choose from programmes in Management and Commerce such as MBA, BBA, M.Com., B.Com., and DBA. In the field of Computer Applications and IT, the university offers MCA, M.Sc. (IT), BCA, B.Sc. (IT), and DCA. The Arts and Library Sciences stream includes M.A. programmes in Economics, Education, English, Hindi, History, Mathematics, Political Science, Punjabi, and Sociology, along with B.A., MLIS, BLIS, and DLIS.

The Online Education mode is designed to provide a flexible and interactive digital learning experience. The programmes offered include MBA, MCA, M.Sc. (Mathematics), M.Sc. (Economics), M.Com., M.A. (English, History, Sociology, Political Science), BBA, BCA, B.A., DBA, and DCA, enabling learners to pursue their studies from anywhere.

LPU’s distance and online mode programmes also feature a wide range of discipline-specific electives aligned with evolving industry demands. The MBA programme is available in both single and dual specializations across 12 career-oriented domains, including Human Resource Management, Finance, Marketing, Data Science, Operations Management, International Business, Information Technology, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Hospital & Healthcare Management, and Banking & Financial Services. Similarly, the MCA programme offers advanced electives such as Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Full Stack Web Development, and AR/VR (Game Development), aimed at preparing learners for emerging technology-driven careers.

In addition to academic learning, students enrolled in these programmes also gain access to various campus events, co-curricular activities, and hybrid engagement opportunities, helping them remain connected with the broader university ecosystem.

Lovely Professional University continues to strengthen its reputation as one of India’s leading higher education institutions. The university is accredited with NAAC A++ with a score of 3.68 and has been granted the UGC First Category 1 Graded Autonomy status. In national rankings, LPU secured the 31st position in the NIRF 2025 rankings.

Internationally, it is ranked 5th among Indian universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 (501–600 globally) and 31st in India in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (901–950 globally). LPU’s Distance and Online programmes are also globally considered by World Education Services (WES).

Aspiring students interested in applying can visit www.lpude.in for Distance Education programmes or www.lpuonline.com for Online Education programmes. For further assistance, applicants may contact the university helpline numbers 01824-521350 or 01824-520001.

MP Manish Tewari Pushes for Accountability in Chandigarh Recruitment in Lok Sabha

New Delhi/Chandigarh, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Raising the issue of livelihood security in Chandigarh, MP Manish Tewari has sought detailed accountability mechanisms in the Lok Sabha to ensure transparent and fair recruitment for local inhabitants.

Taking up the matter in the Lok Sabha vide unstarred question number 4971, Tewari asked the Minister for Labour and Employment to provide year‑wise details of persons registered with the Employment Exchange, Chandigarh, during the last five years and the current year.

Tewari also questioned the manner in which registered candidates were provided employment in Chandigarh Administration Departments on temporary, contractual and outsourced basis.

The MP further inquired whether the Chandigarh administration has issued any rule or order mandating that 20–25 per cent of outsourced recruitment be routed through the Employment Exchange and if so, the details of such rule or order.

Tewari finally sought details of the monitoring mechanism put in place by the Government to ensure compliance with outsourcing norms by the agencies concerned.

Though the Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje did respond to the queries raised by Tewari, most of the substantive concerns were left unaddressed. The only concrete information she provided was the number of persons registered with the Employment Exchange over the last five years and during the current year.

While the Minister furnished year‑wise registration figures with the Employment Exchange, Chandigarh, the reply fell short of addressing the core issues raised by Tewari.

In response to Tewari’s query on the monitoring mechanism for outsourcing agencies, the Minister offered only a generic statement that compliance is overseen by departments as per contracts and guidelines. “This reply, while formally correct, smartly ducked the core of the question – it failed to spell out any specific monitoring system, checks or enforcement measures”, stated Tewari.

Regarding Tewari’s query about the existence of any rule mandating 20–25 per cent outsourced recruitment through the Employment Exchange, the Minister simply stated that no such instructions exist. “While technically clear, the reply evaded the larger concern of why such a safeguard has not been instituted, leaving unanswered the question of how transparency and fairness in outsourced recruitment will be ensured”, Tewari observed.

Expressing his views on the matter and the Minister’s response, Tewari said that the reply underscores the lack of clarity and transparency in the government’s approach to ensuring fair employment opportunities for Chandigarh residents.

Bhagwant Mann Govt Committed to Resolving Employees’ Grievances With Urgency and Fairness: Harpal Cheema

Punjab Cheema meets unions to address employee

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, serving as the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee grievances, on Wednesday convened a series of crucial meetings at his office to address the pending demands and concerns of various employee union representatives across Punjab.

During the meetings, the Finance Minister interacted directly with delegations from multiple unions including the Meritorious School Teachers Union, Adhyapak Insaf Committee, Fire Brigade Outsource Employees Union, Fire Brigade Contract Employees Union, and the Forest Workers Union.

The Finance Minister held detailed discussions on their issues in the presence of senior officers from the concerned departments and issued clear directions to ensure that all legitimate demands raised by the unions are addressed and resolved at the earliest.

“Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of employees and ensuring that their rightful demands are addressed in a time-bound manner,” stated Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann government’s commitment, he emphasised that the Cabinet Sub-Committee is actively engaging with employee representatives to ensure that their concerns are heard and resolved through a transparent and responsive mechanism.

The meetings witnessed active participation from union leaders including Dr. Tina and Ajay Kumar from the Meritorious School Teachers Union; Vikram Dev Singh, Digvijay Pal Sharma, Sukhwinder Singh Chahal, and Baz Singh from the Adhyapak Insaf Committee; Sahib Singh, Gurviryam Singh, and Sukhjit Singh from the Fire Brigade Outsource Employees Union; Sobha Singh from the Fire Brigade Contract Employees Union; and Makhan Singh Wahidpuri, Amrik Singh, Jaswinder Singh, Satnam Singh, Ravi Kumar, and Shinderpal Singh from the Forest Workers Union.

India and UK explore joint initiatives to bolster peace and security

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi held a meeting with UK’s Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth in New Delhi on Wednesday, discussing the current geostrategic situation and issues of mutual interest.

In a post on X, Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) stated, “Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force, United Kingdom, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS. During the interaction, they deliberated on the current geostrategic situation and discussed issues of mutual interest, focusing on strengthening bilateral Defence Cooperation and exploring joint initiatives to bolster peace and security.”

On Tuesday, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth visited Air Force Station in Gwalior, where he gained a first-hand insight into IAF fighter base operations and interacted with air warriors.

“Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, RAF (UK), visited Air Force Station Gwalior on 24 Mar 2026, gaining first-hand insight into IAF fighter base operations and interacting with air warriors. He was received by Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command. The visit reinforced mutual understanding and explored avenues for enhanced convergence and interoperability between the two Air Forces,” Indian Air Force – Media Co-ordination Centre posted on X.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth held a meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, with discussions focused on progress in training exchanges, intelligence collaboration and integrated military engagement between two nations.

In a statement on X, High Commission of India in London stated, “Advancing future-ready India UK defence engagement! General Anil Chauhan, CDS interacted with Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of Air Staff, Royal Air Force, with discussions focusing on progress in training exchanges, intelligence collaboration and integrated military engagement.”

During the meeting, General Anil Chauhan commended the successful conduct of the 17th Military Sub Group Meeting and expressed confidence in advancing a deeper, more integrated and future-ready defence engagement between India and the UK.

UK’s High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron and other officials were also present during the meeting.

“General Anil Chauhan, CDS interacted with Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, Chief of Air Staff, Royal Air Force, reaffirming the growing strength of India–United Kingdom Defence Partnership. Exchange of Instructors continues to be a key pillar of the bilateral cooperation matrix, alongside significant strides in enhancing Defence Intelligence collaboration,” Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff wrote on X.

“The CDS commended the successful conduct of the 17th Military Sub Group Meeting and expressed confidence in advancing a deeper, more Integrated and future-ready Defence engagement,” it added.

On Monday, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth, who is on an official visit to India, met Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, with discussions focused on enhancing operational cooperation, interoperability and strengthening air power ties.

“Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force, on an official visit to India, called on Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force. Discussions focused on enhancing operational cooperation, interoperability and strengthening bilateral air power ties,” the IAF stated.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth also paid homage to bravehearts of Indian Armed Forces at National War Memorial in New Delhi on Monday.(Agency)

ED files chargesheet against six KVIC employees for siphoning off Rs 3.89 crore funds

Ranchi, March 25, 2026
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ranchi Zonal Office, has filed a chargesheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, against six persons in connection with the alleged misappropriation of government funds at the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) State Office in Ranchi.

The prosecution complaint was filed on March 24, 2026, before the Special Judge, CBI-cum-Special Judge under the PMLA, Ranchi, against Sunil Kumar (then Executive, KVIC Ranchi), Aman Kumar, Shahil, Priya, Binod Kumar Baitha (then Senior Executive, Administration and Human Resource, KVIC Ranchi), and Banku Nishad.

The ED initiated the money laundering investigation on the basis of an FIR and chargesheet filed by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch, Ranchi. The predicate offences include criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and criminal misconduct under the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

According to the ED, Sunil Kumar, in conspiracy with his relatives and other co-accused, created fictitious entities, including a shell company using a forged Corporate Identification Number (CIN).

They allegedly diverted funds totalling approximately Rs 3.89 crore sanctioned under the Khadi Reform and Development Programme (KRDP) into the personal bank accounts of his relatives without executing any actual work.

The co-accused relatives reportedly surrendered their banking credentials and signed blank cheques, facilitating the acquisition, possession, and layering of the proceeds of crime through multiple proxy accounts.

The laundered money was later integrated into immovable assets purchased in the name of Sunil Kumar’s wife at Ormanjhi in Ranchi, with the actual sale consideration allegedly concealed through deliberate undervaluation in registered deed documents.

During the investigation, the ED conducted a search on March 20, 2025, at the residential premises of Sunil Kumar under Section 17 of the PMLA.

The agency provisionally attached immovable and movable properties worth Rs 71.91 lakh, which was later confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority.

Additionally, Rs 31.11 lakh transferred to the Ashram Kalyan Nidhi Nyas Trust, Ranchi, out of the proceeds of crime, was voluntarily disgorged by the trust and deposited with the ED.(Agency)

India clinch double bronze at Asia Cup Archery stage I in Bangkok

Bangkok, March 25, 2026
India opened their medal account at the Asia Cup Archery Stage I tournament with two bronze medals on Wednesday, courtesy of strong performances in the recurve women’s team and compound men’s team events here at the SAT Football Stadium.

The Indian women’s recurve trio of Ruma Biswas, Kirti, and Ridhi secured a convincing 5-1 win over Malaysia to finish on the podium. The team had earlier placed third in the qualification round with a combined score of 1915, led by Ruma’s 650, alongside Kirti’s 638 and Ridhi’s 627.

Their campaign included a 6-2 victory against Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals before they were outplayed 5-1 by the People’s Republic of China in the semi-finals.

India’s second bronze came through the compound men’s team, where Rajat Chauhan, Uday Kamboj, and Rishabh Yadav edged past Bhutan 234-232 in a tightly contested playoff. The trio had earlier beaten Chinese Taipei 238-228 in the quarter-finals but fell short by a single point (234-233) against Vietnam in the semi-finals.

The Indian men’s compound side had dominated the qualification stage, topping the standings with 2126 points. Rajat Chauhan led the field with a score of 712, followed closely by Rishabh Yadav (708) and Uday Kamboj (706), underlining India’s depth in the discipline.

Looking ahead, India remains firmly in medal contention across multiple categories. The mixed team competitions are scheduled for Thursday, with Indian pairs competing in both recurve and compound events.

The country has already assured itself of further podium finishes, with both the women’s compound team, featuring Chikitha Taniparthi, Raj Kaur, and Tejal Rajendra Salve, and the men’s recurve team of Devaang Gupta, Sukhchain Singh, and Juyel Sarkar advancing to their respective gold medal matches against Kazakhstan on Friday.

In individual events, Tejal Rajendra Salve will compete for bronze in the women’s compound category, while an all-Indian final in the men’s compound event is guaranteed, with Prathamesh Jawkar set to face Uday Kamboj. Rajat Chauhan also has a chance to add to the tally if he wins his bronze medal match.

Meanwhile, Ridhi Phor will vie for bronze in the women’s recurve event. However, India will not feature in the men’s recurve individual medal rounds.

A 16-member Indian contingent, comprising eight men and eight women, has been competing across recurve and compound disciplines at the ongoing continental meet, continuing to showcase the nation’s growing strength in archery on the international stage.(Agency)

Protecting minors from alcohol addiction is moral and statutory duty of pubs: K’taka HC

Bengaluru, March 25, 2026
The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday stated that safeguarding minors from alcohol addiction is both a moral and statutory obligation of pub and brewery managements.

The bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna made the observation while hearing a petition filed by a brewery owner seeking to quash a case registered against him for allegedly supplying liquor to a minor in Bengaluru.

The High Court refused to quash the case and underscored that protecting minors from alcohol addiction is a moral and statutory obligation in the interest of society.

The court observed that at the time of entry, management must compulsorily verify customers’ ages, and while serving liquor, staff should exercise due caution.

It added that warning boards stating that liquor will not be supplied to minors must be prominently displayed in every brewery.

The bench stated that in cases where minors consume liquor stealthily in breweries, the respective managements are responsible, and owners cannot escape liability.

The petition was filed by V. Chittibabu, who owns a brewery in RR Nagar in Bengaluru.

Earlier, the Karnataka High Court granted an interim stay on criminal proceedings against the brewery licensee, arising from a teenager’s suicide after alleged consumption of alcohol from its premises. Justice M. Nagaprasanna heard both parties at length before granting the interim stay until the next date of posting.

The court suggested orally that the Bengaluru Police Commissioner enforce strict measures to prevent minors from entering breweries and pubs.

Justice Nagaprasanna said the commissioner should issue a direction to all breweries and pubs in Bengaluru that any establishment failing to verify visitors’ age using official identification, such as an Aadhaar card, will have its operating licence cancelled.

The case stems from the death of a 15-year-old Class 10 student on January 31.

According to police reports, the student had visited the pub with classmates following a school farewell event. The boy reportedly died by suicide later that evening, allegedly driven by fear of reprimand by his parents.(Agency)

11-year-old girl crushed to death with stone in Jharkhand

Hazaribagh, March 25, 2026
In a gruesome incident, an 11-year-old girl in the Vishnugarh police station area of Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district was murdered. The incident has sent shockwaves across the entire area following the gruesome crime.

It is suspected that the accused first sexually assaulted her and then brutally killed her by crushing her with a stone and strangling her in an attempt to destroy evidence.

On Wednesday, the mutilated body of the girl was found near a bamboo grove, about 500 metres away from the village, triggering outrage among local residents. Upon receiving the information, Vishnugarh police reached the spot, took the body into custody, and sent it for post-mortem examination.

On Tuesday evening, a Mangla procession was taken out in the village on the occasion of the Ram Navami festival. The girl had also gone to watch the procession, but when she did not return home till around 8 p.m., her family began searching for her. Despite an overnight search in the village and nearby areas, no trace of her was found.

On Wednesday, when villagers went out to collect mahua, they spotted the child’s body near the bushes. The condition of the body was so horrific that her face had been badly crushed with a heavy stone. Based on the condition of the body, villagers have suspected that she was raped before being murdered. Considering the sensitivity of the incident, police called in a dog squad and a forensic team to collect scientific evidence from the spot.

The incident has left the village in mourning and tension. The cries of the family members have made the atmosphere grief-stricken, while locals are demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits. Vishnugarh police station in-charge Sapan Kumar Mahto said that the police are probing the case from all angles and have detained some suspects for questioning.

He assured that the accused would be identified soon and strict legal action would be taken against them. The police have also appealed to people to maintain peace and not pay attention to rumours.(Agency)

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