*TWO MRSAFPI CADETS JOIN INDIAN NAVY AS OFFICERS*

*• Induction of Dhuri’s Arpit and Mohali’s Vishesh takes MRSAFPI’s Navy officer count to 24*

*• Aman Arora congratulates duo & wishes them success in service of the nation*

Chandigarh/ SAS Nagar, MAY 28:Punjab’s military legacy added a new chapter today as two cadets of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI)- Arpit Parashar (9th Course) and Vishesh Sood (10th Course)- were commissioned as officers in the Indian Navy today at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala. The parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command.

Cadet Arpit, a native of Dhuri in Sangrur district and Cadet Vishesh, from SAS Nagar (Mohali), completed two years training at MRSAFPI, followed by three years at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and one year of service-specific training at INA. Now, they will join operational duties in Indian Navy shortly.

Congratulating the duo, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government is committed to turning youth aspirations into armed forces excellence. These officers have made Punjab proud. Many more will follow. With this induction, 24 cadets from the MRSAFPI have commissioned as officers in the Indian Navy, a milestone for the Institute, he shared.

Director of MRSAFPI Major General Ajay H Chauhan, VSM (Retd) said that beyond today’s success, 24 more cadets of our institute have cleared their SSB interviews and are awaiting joining letters for courses starting June 2026 at various training academies. He wished the young officers success in the service of the nation.

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*Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Condoles Demise of Renowned Urdu Poet Dr. Bashir Badr*

CHANDIGARH, MAY 28, 2026 : Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has expressed deep grief over the sad demise of the world-renowned Urdu poet Dr. Bashir Badr.

In a condolence message issued, Speaker Sandhwan described Dr. Bashir Badr as a luminary of modern Urdu literature who brought the ghazal genre out of complex metaphors and closer to the hearts of the common people.

"Dr. Bashir Badr’s departure marks the end of a glorious era in Indian literature. His iconic couplets, celebrated for their unique simplicity, emotional depth, and reflection of human realities, will continue to inspire generations of poetry lovers across the globe. His monumental contributions towards literature will always inspire future generations.

Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, friends, and countless admirers of the legendary poet worldwide, the Speaker prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

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*PPCB Holds Interactive Session with Builders to Promote Sustainable Urban Development in Zirakpur*

Zirakpur/Chandigarh, May 28:In a proactive initiative aimed at strengthening environmental compliance through awareness and collaboration, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Regional Office SAS Nagar, organised an interactive meeting with the Builder Welfare Association at Zirakpur.

The session was conducted under the supervision of Er. Gursharan Dass Garg, Superintending Environmental Engineer (SEE), and Er. Kanwaldeep Kaur, Executive Engineer (EE).

The meeting focused on simplifying environmental norms and guiding builders on regulatory compliances related to construction and housing projects.

The officials emphasized that the objective of the Board is not merely enforcement, but facilitating environmentally responsible and sustainable urban development through better coordination and transparency.

During the session, the SEE stressed the importance of complying with Environmental Clearance (EC) conditions during both construction and operational phases of projects. It was advised that the environmental norms of the construction phase be put on wide display to constantly remind the workforce to implement and enforce. Builders were encouraged to independently read, understand and fill application forms accurately instead of depending entirely on third parties, thereby improving communication and ensuring smoother compliance processes.

Special emphasis was laid on preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season. Builders were advised to clean rainwater harvesting pits and ensure that only surface runoff water enters recharge systems to protect groundwater quality. The Board also highlighted the need for efficient operation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), reuse of treated water in dual plumbing and gardening, and strict avoidance of unauthorized discharge of domestic effluent.

The officials further encouraged extensive plantation drives within and around residential complexes and advocated for minimizing solid waste generation by adopting eco-friendly materials and sustainable lifestyle practices.

Participants appreciated the Board’s transparent and approachable communication style.

Mr. Harish Gupta, President of the Builders Association, Zirakpur, assured full cooperation from the builders’ fraternity and emphasized the need for regular stakeholder interactions. He also highlighted the growing requirement for additional STPs in Zirakpur to support sustainable urban expansion.

The Board Chairperson Reena Gupta commented:

"Environmental protection becomes truly effective when regulators and stakeholders work together with trust and shared responsibility. Our aim is to build a culture of environmental compliance through awareness, transparency and practical guidance so that Punjab’s urban growth remains sustainable, resilient and citizen-friendly. Such dialogues are essential to bridge communication gaps and create long-term environmental stewardship." Appreciating the initiative, Harish Gupta said, “It was really an educative session for builders and I hope there will be improvement to contribute for the better environment in the area. We are also thankful and grateful to the visionary honourable Chairperson madam, who took initiative to fill the communication gap between pollution control board Punjab and builders."

The PPCB reaffirmed its commitment to continuing such outreach initiatives across Punjab to promote participatory governance and environmentally conscious development practices.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Emerges as Lifeline Amid Surge in Seasonal Illnesses Across Punjab*

*Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana Ensures Cashless Treatment for Thousands as Seasonal Fever Cases Rise in Punjab*

*Acute Febrile Illness Tops Claims Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana in Punjab*

CHANDIGARH, May 28:The arrival of shifting temperatures and humid summer air has brought with it a familiar unease across Punjab. Government hospitals, already crowded with patients seeking relief from everyday ailments, are now witnessing a fresh surge of fever-related illnesses, respiratory infections and stomach disorders, the sort of seasonal wave that doctors say returns year after year with worrying predictability.

Acute febrile illness is not one disease but a broad medical condition marked by the sudden onset of fever. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such illnesses can stem from viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. In many cases, patients arrive at outpatient departments with fever as the primary symptom, while the underlying infection remains undiagnosed in its early stages.

Recent figures in Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana show that in the last four months, acute febrile illness emerged as one of the largest categories of cashless lntreatment claims. As per recent data received from the State Health Agency (SHA), Punjab recorded 5,840 cases under acute febrile illness, with claim payments touching a striking ₹1.31 crore.

Additionally, the figures reveal cases in water-borne and respiratory illnesses. Enteric fever accounted for 1,396 registrations and claims worth ₹30.47 lakh. Pneumonia followed with 377 cases worth ₹11.06 lakh while acute bronchitis recorded 326 cases costing over ₹9.24 lakh. Interestingly, diseases that often dominate public concern during monsoon months remained relatively limited. These included dengue fever, which recorded 12 cases with claims worth ₹40,880, malaria just 3 cases, and chikungunya 6 cases. Heat stroke was reported in only 4 cases, reflecting comparatively lower incidence of extreme heat-related hospitalisations in the dataset.

Public health experts, however, caution against complacency. A study in the National Institute of Health show that seasonal outbreaks can shift rapidly depending on rainfall, mosquito breeding and local sanitation conditions.

Dr Vikas Goyal, Medical Superintendent, Civil Hospital, Patiala, said the current trend reflects the “predictable seasonal load” seen in OPDs every year, adding that most cases are manageable at the primary care level. He noted that extreme heat leads to a rise in acute febrile illnesses, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, respiratory infections, and skin or eye allergies, often worsened when people delay medical consultation due to hot weather.Dr Vikas Goyal said that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana can act as a major boost, enabling patients to access cashless indoor treatment without financial burden. “It ensures that people can receive timely medical consultation and care without worrying about arranging money in advance,” he explained, adding, “Immediate diagnosis and treatment under the scheme can help save many lives, as patients are less likely to delay seeking medical help due to cost concerns,” informed Dr Vikas Goyal.

Children remain particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat and humidity. Dr. Shashi Kant Dhir, Professor and Head, Pediatrics, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot, warns that infants and young children are especially susceptible to infections. The warning signs, says Dr. Shashi Kant Dhir, include poor feeding, repeated vomiting, fast breathing, dehydration, seizures and persistent fever, and they should never be ignored. “Any fever in a baby below three months requires urgent medical attention,” Dr. Shashi Kant Dhir said.

Dr. Shashi Kant Dhir also emphasised the role of parents, ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff and schools in preventing outbreaks through awareness campaigns, hygiene education, vaccination drives and mosquito-control measures.

For now, as Punjab braces for another long summer, hospital corridors remain crowded reminders of how seasonal illness continues to test both families and the public health system alike.

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*All security arrangements have been made for free, fair and transparent counting: State Election Commission Punjab*

*Instruction have been issued to all Deputy Commissioners for suitable arrangements for convenience of accredited Press at the counting centres*

*As and when the final results of wards are declared, the same shall be uploaded on the website of the Commission*

Chandigarh 28 May 2025:Arrangements have been made by the State Election Commission for the free, fair and transparent counting of votes on 29.05.2026, commenced from 08:00 A.M. Counting Supervisors and Counting Assistants will be deputed after randomisation by the Election Observer in each district. Two Micro Observers, for each Counting Centre have been deputed who will be working under the direct supervision of General Observer of that district and the Micro Observer will submit his/her report to the General Observer. Entry into Counting Hall shall be restricted to the authorized persons only. Link for viewing the Ward wise declared results will be available on State Election Commission's website < https://sec.punjab.gov.in > under "Results of Municipal Elections 2026" Tab.

All due security arrangements have been made for free, fair and transparent counting. One counting agent of each candidate will be allowed at each counting table. Candidate or his election agent will be allowed to enter counting hall and to sit at the Returning Officer's table. Instructions have been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners for suitable arrangements for convenience of accredited Press at the counting centres. As and when the final results of wards are declared, the same shall be uploaded on the website of the Commission.