The Kila Raipur Rural Olympics 2025, one of Punjab’s premier sporting events, on Friday got off with Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond inaugurating games in the Kila Raipur stadium.

In his address, Sond emphasised that the government is dedicated to elevating sports. “The government has been making significant efforts to foster a sports-friendly environment, prioritising the restoration of Punjab's previous sports glory.” Sond also announced the government has kept a substantial budget of Rs 75 lakh for organising these games, which will significantly benefit sports and athletes in the state.

He expressed optimism the event will contribute positively to establishing a sports culture, uncovering talent from every corner of the state. Additionally, he mentioned that the government has also increased cash awards for athletes securing medals at the Olympics and other international competitions.

Additionally, the annual ‘Kheda Watan Punjab Diyan’ event has garnered an overwhelming response from the youth.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit back at the statement made by Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Bittu regarding the raid on the Delhi residence of Punjab’s Chief Minister. AAP MP and senior spokesperson Malvinder Singh Kang criticized the incident, stating that the BJP is continuously trying to defame Punjabis as part of its larger conspiracy.

Malvinder Kang said that ever since the Delhi elections were announced, the BJP has been targeting Punjabis. "Sometimes they have problems with vehicles from Punjab, and at other times, they target Sikhs and people from Punjab. The statements of BJP leaders reflect their hatred towards Punjabis," Kang said.

At least nine people were killed and 11 injured in a collision between a pick-up van and canter truck while transporting workers of a catering service provider in Punjab's Ferozepur district on Friday, police said.

The police said the pickup van was ferrying workers from Guru Har Sahai, a subdivision in Ferozepur district, to Jalalabad in neighbouring Fazilka district when the accident occurred.

Prima facie the cause of the accident was a tyre burst of the canter.

According to the police, about 25 to 30 people, mainly waiters, were in the pickup truck. They were travelling from Guru Har Sahai to Jalalabad to attend a programme when the accident occurred near Golu Ka Mod within the Guru Har Sahai Assembly constituency area.

Punjab has once again set a benchmark in environmental sustainability by securing the prestigious ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ awards under the Green Schools Programme. These accolades, facilitated by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) and the Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Government of Punjab, will be conferred during the ‘Green Schools Awards Ceremony’ organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on February 4 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The awards celebrate Punjab’s exemplary efforts in fostering environmental awareness and sustainability among school communities, reinforcing its leadership in the nationwide initiative.

After the election of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Mayor in Chandigarh, the Aam Aadmi Party has leveled serious allegations against Congress. Senior AAP leader and spokesperson Neel Garg, stated that Congress councilors indulged in cross-voting, leading to the election of BJP's Mayor.

Neel Garg said that Congress councilors have betrayed us. He added that Congress and BJP are secretly in collusion. This incident has made it completely clear. Both are two sides of the same coin.

He further stated that the public should not trust Congress either because if they vote for Congress, their councilors will later support the BJP. He claimed that Congress will do the same in Delhi as well. There too, they will end up supporting the BJP. Hence, voting for Congress is equivalent to wasting one’s vote.

He added that the councilors from the Aam Aadmi Party supported Congress. Their Deputy Mayor and Senior Deputy Mayor were elected with our votes. But they have betrayed us.

Dhruve Pandove Cricket Trust organised annual blood donation camp on Thursday, in the memory of Late Ace Cricketer Dhruve Pandove.

Baldev Singh Sran, CMD/PSPCL, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Sran said blood donation is one of the most selfless acts a person can do, as it has the power to save lives. A single unit of blood can make a difference for multiple patients, whether they are accident victims, those undergoing surgeries, or individuals battling severe illnesses. He said, “Your willingness to donate today reflects your compassion and commitment to society.” He commended the efforts of the organisers, volunteers, and medical professionals who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible, ensuring a safe and smooth donation process.

Sran urged everyone to continue supporting such life-saving causes beyond today. Blood cannot be manufactured; it can only be given by generous donors like you. By making regular donations, you are not only helping those in need but also improving your own health. He said, “Let us spread awareness and encourage more people to join this mission of saving lives.”

Centre for Scientific Research and Innovation at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib (CSRI-SGGSWU) organized one day workshop on 'Tech Startup Connect & Grow' in collaboration with Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST) on Jan 28, 2025. The aim of the workshop was to motivate and inspire girl students, female researchers and women entrepreneurs in Punjab and to make them aware of the funding schemes in this direction. Dr. Tejbir Singh, Chairman, CSRI-SGGSWU welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, Joint Director, Research Innovation and Startup Facilitation Division, PSCST, Chandigarh was the guest of honour for the workshop. She discussed the importance and success of previous Women Entrepreneurship Program under SHE (Startups’ Handholding and Empowerment) initiatives. She also told that this is the first workshop under SHE cohort 3.0 of PSCST in the region. Dr. Prit Pal Singh, Vice Chancellor of University presented presidential address during the workshop and emphasized that Women Entrepreneurship is the need of the time. Eminent speakers including  Paramjit Singh, Director, Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (RCED),