To increase green cover and protect the wildlife in Punjab, the state Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department has undertaken several initiatives this year, Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said on Tuesday.

This involved the plantation of 2.84 lakh saplings under various schemes such as the State Authority CAMPA and Greening Punjab Mission and furthermore, 3153.33 hectares have been brought under forests, an official statement said on Tuesday.

Kataruchak said the Tree Preservation Policy for Non-Forest Government and Public Lands 2024 was okayed by the Cabinet in order to save the trees in non-forest and government lands from illegal felling, besides saving the environment from pollution and promoting afforestation.

In a grand tribute to the legendary singer Mohamad Rafi Saheb, the Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society organized the Rafi Memorial Nite-2024 to mark his 100th birth anniversary. The event featured an enchanting evening of soulful melodies, with renditions of iconic songs sung by Rafi.The event was graced by Harbhajan Singh ETO, cabinet minister Punjab chief guest and distinguished guests of honor, Dr. Zora Singh, Chancellor of Desh Bhagat University and Dr. Tajinder Kaur, Pro-Chancellor, who paid homage to the legendary artist.

Samyukt Kisan Morcha chief Sarwan Singh Pandher on Monday urged the Punjab government not to "misuse" its power against the farmers and instead support them in their fight pushing their demands.

Farmers in Punjab staged a statewide shutdown, 'Punjab Bandh,' on Monday, significantly impacting road and rail traffic between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The bandh, organised by Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, is part of ongoing protests at Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13.

The farmers were stopped by security forces during their march to Delhi, prompting a push for their longstanding demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

While Speaking, Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasised the strong support for the bandh, stating, "Three crore Punjabis have joined this protest, and around 95-97 per cent of the traffic across Punjab is halted. At Golden Gate, langar was organised from 5:00 a.m. to support the cause. Reports indicate roadblocks at multiple locations in Amritsar."

Farmers have announced a 'Punjab Bandh' on Monday leading to the expected closure of all shops across the state and disruptions in road and rail services. However, emergency services will continue to operate.

There will also be no supply of milk, fruits, and vegetables until the protest ends on Monday evening as several trade organisations lent their support to the bandh.

"Farmer union leaders will enforce a chakka jam on roads and rail lines from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Government and private institutions are requested to stay closed. Only emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, marriage vehicles, or anyone in a dire emergency, will be allowed to pass," reports quoted a senior farm leader as saying.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has taken significant steps in 2024 to strengthen the cooperative sector. These initiatives include providing loan relief to defaulter borrowers, upgrading cooperative banks, addressing storage issues through new warehouse construction, and supporting Punjab’s cultural heritage.

Under the visionary leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann leading cooperative of the state-Milkfed further got strengthened during the year 2024.

The massive efforts of state government to give remunerative price to milk producers, expansion of Verka mill plants and launch of new products strengthened the Milkfed. The Chief Minister, who is holds the portfolio of Cooperation, has sanctioned big ticket projects to Milkfed to supplement the income of farmers through milk production on one hand and to make dairy farming a profitable venture on the other. For bailing out the milk producers the state government has enhanced fat per kilogram in milk to Rs 25 during April 1 to October 31.

A seven-day NSS special camp was organised at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, from December 23 to 29, 2024, under the inspiring theme 'Youth for My Bharat and Digital Literacy.' The camp was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. Pritpal Singh, and Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Sukhwinder Singh Billing. The camp emphasized on the role of youth in driving social transformation through community service, digital literacy, and ethical leadership.

On Wednesday, the Aam Aadmi Party Punjab held a massive protest in Jalandhar and demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister and the Union Education Minister over the rigging in the NEET exam.