*AMAN ARORA OFFERS PLUG-AND-PLAY BASE TO UK BUSINESSES DURING STRATEGIC TALKS WITH BRITISH DELEGATION*

*•Industries Minister showcases Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026 and FTA & Export Facilitation Cell to boost bilateral trade*

*• Punjab eyes high-growth sectors to tap zero-duty access under CETA*

*•Punjab not just food bowl but emerging hub of modern industry & innovation: Aman Arora*

CHANDIGARH, October 30:–Positioning Punjab as a prime manufacturing base for UK businesses to leverage zero-duty access under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Punjab Industries & Commerce Minister Mr Aman Arora held strategic talks with a high-level British delegation led by Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, Ms Alba Smeriglio at Invest Punjab, showcasing the state's new Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026 and dedicated FTA & Export Facilitation Cell to boost bilateral trade and investments.

The British delegation comprised Ms Alba Smeriglio, First Secretary Trade- India Dr Nicholas Gribit and Senior Trade Adviser, British High Commission Mr Anup Narayan.

While chairing the meeting, Mr. Aman Arora showcased Punjab's industrial resurgence and readiness to integrate with UK supply chains, with deliberations focused on high-growth sectors including agri-business, food processing, engineering, auto components and industry-linked skilling.

Mr. Aman Arora said that Punjab's strategic advantage as a gateway to North India makes it an ideal base for UK businesses. “Punjab is not just the food bowl of India, but is rapidly emerging as a hub of modern industry and innovation. Our dialogue with the UK delegation focused on leveraging vast opportunities under the India-UK CETA. Punjab's strengths in agri-business and engineering are a natural fit for UK expertise,” he said.

Highlighting the state’s investor-friendly governance, the Industries Minister detailed the Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026, aimed at creating a frictionless ecosystem for global investors. He also highlighted the dedicated FTA & Export Facilitation Cell set up to handhold international businesses in leveraging trade agreements and maximising export potential from Punjab.

“With Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026 and our dedicated FTA & Export Facilitation Cell, we are offering a plug-and-play ecosystem for UK businesses to Make in Punjab for the world. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government is committed to being the preferred investment destination for the UK,” Mr Aman Arora stated, while adding that this partnership will drive industrial growth and create high-quality jobs for youth.

The British delegation evinced keen interest in Punjab’s skilled workforce and the state’s efforts to align skilling with industry requirements, particularly in manufacturing and food processing.

Elaborating on Punjab's investment readiness, Administrative Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Dr Basant Garg said the state offers seamless market access, logistics connectivity and a highly skilled workforce. He emphasised that the FTA & Export Facilitation Cell will provide end-to-end support to UK firms for regulatory compliance, market linkages and export promotion under the CETA framework. He further shared that both sides will maintain sustained engagement and facilitate structured B2B interactions between Punjab industry and British businesses to translate discussions into investments on the ground.

Director Industries Mr. Jaspreet Singh, MD Punjab Financial Corporation Ms. Senu Duggal and other officials were also present in the meeting.

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*Hockey Fever Grips Punjab as Asian Champions Trophy Electrifies Jalandhar*

*Families of Indian players and hockey legends throng Olympian Surjeet Stadium*

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann hailed for delivering the ultimate gift to hockey fans: Nitin Kohli*

*Over 70 young volunteers serve the tournament*

Chandigarh/Jalandhar, October 30:The hockey world is abuzz with unparalleled excitement as Punjab hosts its first-ever international hockey tournament, the Asian Champions Trophy. At the Olympian Surjeet Hockey Stadium, the atmosphere is electric, not just among fans, but also among the family members of the Indian team's Punjabi players and former hockey greats who are arriving in large numbers to cheer on the players.

The tournament has been described as a dream come true for Indian hockey players who have long wished to play an international competition on home soil. The event is the result of the concerted efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, whose vision has brought top-tier Asian hockey to the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Kohli, President of Hockey Punjab, stated, "Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann has given the biggest gift to hockey lovers. For the first time in Punjab's history, a tournament of this magnitude is being held, allowing fans to watch Asia's best teams play right before their eyes. This is a historic moment for the sport in our state." He added that Punjab has now also staked its claim to host the 2030 Hockey World Cup, a testament to the world-class infrastructure developed in the state. Bhola Nath, Secretary General of Hockey India, echoed this sentiment, praising Punjab's hockey infrastructure as being of international standard.

The Indian team boasts eight players from Punjab, including Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Krishan Bahadur Pathak. Their families have become a constant and heartwarming presence in the spectator gallery.

Harmanpreet Singh’s parents, Sarbjit Singh and Rajvinder Kaur, his wife Amandeep Kaur, her parents, and their daughters Ruhani and Mehr are all in attendance. In a touching moment, Harmanpreet’s four-month-old daughter, Mehr, visited the hockey field for the first time and was lovingly cradled by her father after the match. Hardik Singh's father, Varinder Singh, not only watched the matches but also performed his duties as part of the Chief Minister's SPG security detail during the first game. Hardik’s mother, Onia Rai, and his younger brother, who recently won the Junior Asia Cup for India, are also present. Other family members cheering from the stands include Mandeep Singh’s father Ravinder Singh and Davinderjit Kaur, Sukhjeet Singh’s parents Ajit Singh and Kuldip Kaur, Jarmanpreet Singh’s parents Balbir Singh and Kulwinder Kaur, and Dilpreet Singh’s parents Balwinder Singh and Sukhwant Kaur.

The tournament has also become a pilgrimage for hockey legends. Three-time Olympian and former Indian Captain Baljit Singh Dhillon called the event a "good omen" for Punjab's hockey, noting it will inspire a new generation of players. Olympians Harpreet Singh Mander and Gurbaz Singh, both serving in senior positions in Punjab Police, were seen enjoying the matches from the stands. Moscow Olympics gold medalist Surinder Singh Sodhi met with players on the third day of the competition, while Olympians Gurjant Singh and Gurwinder Singh Chandi presided over the 'Man of the Match' ceremonies.

Adding to the tournament's spirit is a dedicated team of over 70 young volunteers, all players from the Surjeet Hockey Academy. These youngsters are serving in various capacities, including acting as ball boys and carrying the national flags during team line-ups. Poignantly, many current Indian team stars, including Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Hardik Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Krishan Pathak, once played on this very same stadium as academy wingers.

The Asian Champions Trophy features teams from India (hosts), Korea, Japan, Malaysia, China, and Bangladesh. All league matches will be played at Jalandhar's Olympian Surjeet Hockey Stadium from October 27 to November 2. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for November 4 and 5, respectively at Mohali.

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*Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Zero Tolerance Against Illegal Mining: 1,845 FIRs, 3,988 Seizures Across Punjab in Just 5 Years*

*₹28.70 Crore Penalties Imposed, ₹27.33 Crore Recovered in Crackdown on Illegal Mining: Barinder Kumar Goyal*

*Five Arrested, Heavy Machinery & Vehicles Seized in Recent Statewide Raids: Barinder Kumar Goyal*

CHANDIGARH, 30th October 2026:The CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, with sustained enforcement drives resulting in 1,845 FIRs and 3,988 seizures across the state over the last five years. The Mining Department has imposed penalties worth ₹28.70 crore against illegal mining activities, out of which ₹27.33 crore has already been recovered, Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said on Friday.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Punjab Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal shared year-wise details of enforcement action, including FIRs registered, vehicles and machinery seized, penalties imposed and amounts recovered. “The department, in close coordination with the police, has intensified its action to curb unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals and ensure strict compliance with mining regulations,” he asserted.

Sharing the year-wise performance, the Mines and Geology Minister said, “In 2022, a total of 735 FIRs were registered and 802 seizures of vehicles and machinery were made, with penalties of ₹89 lakh imposed and ₹88 lakh recovered. In 2023, the department registered 458 FIRs and made 987 seizures, imposing penalties of ₹6.64 crore and recovering ₹6.17 crore. During 2024, 294 FIRs were registered and 1,077 seizures made, with penalties of ₹9.74 crore imposed and ₹9.56 crore recovered. In 2025, 111 FIRs were registered and 454 seizures made, with penalties of ₹2.76 crore imposed and ₹2.70 crore recovered.”

Providing the figures for 2026, he said, “The department has registered 247 FIRs and made 668 seizures of machinery and vehicles during the year. Penalties amounting to ₹8.67 crore have been imposed, out of which ₹8.02 crore has already been recovered. These figures reflect the intensified enforcement and sustained field-level action being undertaken by the department.”

Elaborating on the enforcement action during the current year, the Minister said that up to July 2026, the department had registered 77 FIRs and recorded 192 challans under Rules 74 and 75 of the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013. Penalties amounting to ₹2.06 crore were imposed during this period, out of which ₹1.93 crore was recovered.

“From July to October 2026, the department registered another 170 FIRs and recorded 476 challans under the relevant provisions. Penalties worth ₹6.61 crore were imposed during this period, with ₹6.17 crore recovered. Thus, the total enforcement action during 2026 stands at 247 FIRs and 668 challans, with ₹8.67 crore in penalties imposed and ₹8.02 crore recovered,” he added.

Sharing details of recent enforcement operations conducted across Punjab in close coordination with the police, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said that on October 6, 2026, the department intercepted an unnumbered tipper loaded with sand during a night operation in the Sidhwan Bet area of Ludhiana. The vehicle was handed over to the local police, and FIR No. 283/2026 was registered at Police Station Sidhwan Bet.

On October 7, a joint team of mining officials and police detected illegal sand excavation at village Kot Sidhu in Tehsil Lopoke, Amritsar. During the operation, three identified JCB excavators, one unnumbered excavator and seven tippers were identified in connection with the illegal activity. FIR No. 160/2026 was registered at Police Station Bhindi Saidan.

Similarly, on October 11, a joint team conducted a night operation in the Sri Chamkaur Sahib area of Rupnagar district, during which five persons involved in illegal mining were arrested. The team also seized three excavators/backhoe loaders and two tippers. FIR No. 178/2026 was registered under Sections 4(1) and 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

On October 16, the Mining Department took action at village Swara in Sri Anandpur Sahib and seized an orange-coloured Tata Hitachi EX 110i Poklan machine allegedly used for unauthorised excavation. The machine was handed over to the police, and FIR No. 152/2026 was registered against the landowner. On the same day, legal action was also initiated against two persons involved in illegal sand excavation at village Kohali in the Lopoke area of Amritsar district, with FIR No. 328/2026 registered in the matter.

The Cabinet Minister further informed that on October 17, a late-night raid was conducted at Trehan Stone Crusher in village Jaswan, Pathankot, where a Pokalin machine and an unnumbered tipper carrying approximately 400 cubic feet of gravel were seized. “The crusher has been suspended earlier but is found operating and selling mineral material in violation of prescribed norms. FIR No. 156/2026 was registered at Police Station Taragarh under the relevant provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” he added.

In another operation on the same day, the Mining Department’s Flying Squad, along with the local police, raided village Khijarpur in Kapurthala district and seized six tippers, one Pokalin machine and one tractor. Two of the seized tippers were carrying approximately 800 cubic feet of sand each. FIR No. 76/2026 was registered against Mical of Lamba Pind, Jalandhar, and five unidentified persons. One person was also arrested in connection with the case.

On October 24, the department’s Flying Squad conducted another operation near village Bhalan in the Nangal area of Sri Anandpur Sahib, taking action against suspected illegal mining and transportation of mineral material. Two vehicles, including a Hyundai vehicle and a Tata vehicle associated with Singh Trader Crusher, were involved in the case. FIR No. 195 dated October 24, 2026, was registered at Police Station Nangal, Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Reiterating the Bhagwant Mann government’s firm commitment to curbing illegal mining, Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said, “The department will continue its coordinated enforcement drives with the police and take strict legal action against everyone found violating mining regulations. The Punjab Government is committed to eliminating illegal mining through sustained field surveillance, stringent enforcement and accountability at every level.”

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