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),

On the Punjab and Haryana High Court's dismissal of the petition regarding the Amritsar Municipal Corporation Mayor elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior leader and spokesperson Neel Garg stated that Congress intentionally created high-voltage drama for three days, even though there was no irregularity in the elections.

Neel Garg said that the High Court's decision has proven that Congress leaders were spreading lies about the Mayor elections, but the court has made everything clear and transparent. Garg added that the truth always prevails.

He further said that the Aam Aadmi Party elected its Mayor in Amritsar following proper electoral procedures. The majority was with us, and the election was conducted transparently in front of cameras. Everything is on record. Congress was trying to tarnish the image of the Aam Aadmi Party on this issue. Congress leaders should abandon such low-level tactics and focus on raising public issues instead.

The newly elected Mayor of Amritsar, Jatinder Singh Motia Bhatia, assumed office on Tuesday during a swearing-in ceremony. The event was attended by Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal, along with several local party leaders and MLAs.

Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal addressed a press conference alongside Mayor Jatinder Bhatia. Dhaliwal said that today is a very historic day for Amritsar and a moment of great pride for the Aam Aadmi Party.

Dhaliwal said, "I want to assure the residents of Amritsar that our Mayor and councilors will work tirelessly to meet your expectations. We will resolve all the city's issues and ensure that residents face no difficulties. Development and the smooth functioning of the city will be our top priorities."

Delhi CM Atishi and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann have written to the Election Commission demanding the restoration of Punjab Police security for Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. CM Atishi asserted that Arvind Kejriwal faces grave danger from BJP and Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting that the BJP is orchestrating the removal of Punjab Police security before elections.

Citing past attacks on Arvind Kejriwal by the BJP functionaries, CM Atishi affirmed that the BJP's attempts to target Arvind Kejriwal have only deepened public support for the AAP Chief.

Delhi CM Atishi and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann held a joint press conference over the withdrawal of Punjab Police security for AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on the orders of the central government. CM Atishi stated, “A massive conspiracy is being orchestrated to assassinate Arvind Kejriwal. There are two key players in this plot. On one side, there are BJP workers who, in different parts of Delhi, attack Arvind Kejriwal. They throw stones at him, come armed with sticks, and even use spirit sprays. On the other side is the Delhi Police, which operates under the BJP and Amit Shah.” 

The Delhi Chief Minister asserted, “The collusion between the BJP and the Delhi Police has created a situation where repeated attempts are being made to take Arvind Kejriwal’s life.”

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday called for unified efforts to combat the drug menace, particularly in Punjab.

Addressing a gathering here, the Governor expressed concern with regard to the escalating drug abuse problem.

The Anti-Drug Programme, organised by the National Commission for Women, focused on raising awareness and fostering a collaborative approach to effectively combat this societal threat.

The Governor said while drug abuse is a nationwide issue, Punjab faces a disproportionately grave risk, making it a matter of immense concern.

Desh Bhagat University (DBU) hosted an engaging session on “Academic Career Opportunities in University of North America (UONA)”, graced by  Jill Ku Martin, President, and Kirit Udeshi, Director Outreach of UONA. The event aimed to introduce innovative twinning and pathway programs for DBU’s Engineering and Management students, highlighting tremendous global academic and career prospects.The collaboration offers unique pathways, including1+1 MS Computer Science with specializations in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Analytics. 2+2 BS Programs in Computer Science and Business, ensuring seamless credit transfers and exposure to U.S. education standards.During the session, UONA representatives elaborated on the academic and professional advantages of pursuing education at their institution. They addressed students’ queries on employment opportunities in the U.S., pathways to advanced degrees, and the benefits of international exposure.

The Centre for Internship and Social Outreach, Department of Education, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, successfully organized a Life Skill Training and Career Counseling Program in GSSS Panjoli Kalan, GSSS Mata Gujri Fatehgarh Sahib, GSSS Kotla Bazwara, GSSS Badali Ala Singh, GSSS Sangatpur Sodhyian, GSSS Baghsikander, GSSS Kalour, GSSS Ghumandgarh. The initiative aimed to empower students with essential life skills and provide valuable career guidance, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.

On Thursday morning, the weather changed in Chandigarh and many districts of Punjab. A light rain in the morning has caused tremors. During the light rain, dense fog fell due to which the motorists faced inconvenience. In Rupnagar, light rain in the early hours left people shivering and motorists were disturbed due to the blanket of fog.

An alert has been issued regarding fog in Punjab. In the last 24 hours, the average maximum temperature has dropped by -0.5 degree and minimum temperature by 1 degree. However, the temperature in the state is close to normal. Two Western Disturbances (WD) are active near Punjab. Due to which the Meteorological Department has predicted the possibility of light rain in some areas today.

According to the weather center, a yellow alert was issued in Chandigarh due to fog. Apart from this, smoke alert has been issued in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala in Punjab. While yellow alert continues in other cities of Punjab.