Surajkund mela to be held from Feb 7 to 23
Chandigarh: Haryana Tourism Corporation Principal Secretary Kala Ramachandran on Monday said the 38th International Surajkund Crafts Fair will be organized in a grand scale and all preparations are in full swing for this fair, which will be organised from February 7 to February 23. Presiding over a meeting with the administrative officers regarding the preparations of the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair, the Principal Secretary said the Surajkund Fair has been digitized. For the first time, the booking of stalls has been done online. While maintaining complete transparency, the crafts fair of Surajkund is getting ready to welcome the general public through a digital platform. Information about every aspect of the fair will be available on surajkundmela.co.in. This time, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh are the theme states and BIMSTEC-Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are the partners while North East Handloom and Handicraft Association is the cultural partner for the fair.
Punjab ignored in budget announced: Rana Gurjeet Singh
Kapurthala: MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh said that the budget for the financial year 2025-26 has completely ignored Punjab which is a cause of disappointment for the people of the state. In a statement, he said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab also failed to pursue its case to convince the Government of India that Punjab is a border state and it should be given special benefits and treated as a special case, said the Kapurtala MLA.
AI-driven screening colonoscopy enhances polyp detection rate, finds study
Mohali: On the occasion of World Cancer Day, Fortis Hospital, Mohali unveiled a study that revealed AI-assisted colonoscopy significantly enhances polyp (a projecting growth of tissue) detection, outperforming high-definition white light colonoscopy. The findings underscore the critical role of AI in early cancer prevention, with a notably higher detection rate of 55.1% compared to 27.3% using conventional methods. The study, which examined the screening results collected from 501 patients between November 2022 and December 2024, also highlights the importance of screening asymptomatic patients, as nearly half were found to have polyps, enabling early removal and reducing cancer risk. AI proved especially effective in high-risk individuals with a family history of cancer. These results reinforce AI’s potential in revolutionizing colorectal cancer screening, ensuring timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
No mining or water exploitation in Ramalwas village of Charkhi Dadri: Minister
Chandigarh: Haryana Mines and Geology Minister Krishan Lal Panwar on Monday said that currently, no mining activities or water exploitation are taking place in Ramalwas village, in the Charkhi Dadri district. He further said that instructions have been issued to the concerned officials to prioritize and address any issues raised by the local villagers without delay. The Minister assured that villagers can directly communicate with him or department officials at any time regarding their concerns, and these issues will be resolved promptly. The Minister said that villagers have been protesting for several days at the closed mine in Ramalwas village. They had complained that the mine owner was conducting illegal mining activities and exploiting water resources, which led to a decrease in the groundwater level in the area.
Working women to get Sakhi Niwas in Hry; Day care facility for children too
Chandigarh: To improve facilities for working women, the Haryana government is set to construct women’s hostels in Faridabad Sector-78 and Gurugram Sector-9 under the Sakhi Niwas Yojana. This initiative aims to address the accommodation needs of working women by providing them with safe and convenient housing options at Sakhi Niwas. Haryana Mahila Vikas Nigam is currently preparing an action plan for the project. Women residing in Sakhi Niwas will have access to a range of facilities, including daycare services. They will also be able to bring their children with them. The accommodation facility will be available for boys up to 12 years old and girls up to 18 years old. The scheme will benefit all types of working women, including unmarried, married, and divorced individuals. Special priority will be given to women from underprivileged backgrounds and those with physical disabilities.
National Defence College study team calls on UT Administrator
Chandigarh: The Study Team of 65th NDC Course of National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi called on Governor, Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria on Monday. The visit was arranged as part of the annual course of NDC which aims to provide a deeper understanding of the social, political, economic and administrative system of India to the participating officers. A 17-member Study Team of 65th NDC Course led by Commander NDC Air Marshal Hardeep Bains AVSM, VSM comprised military officers from India, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Republic of Korea, Oman and Russia who are undergoing intensive training in the field of National Security and Strategic Studies. On this occasion, Kataria welcomed the study team of NDC and underlined their role in the National security of India. He highlighted the historical, social and economic aspects of Punjab and apprised about the issues related to the major policies, development initiatives of the State Administration.
City Mayor holds meeting with Councillors & officials
Chandigarh: Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor of Chandigarh on Monday expressed the need for time bound work by the Municipal Corporation and requested all the councillors and officers to call her for any kind of issues related to MCC and developmental work of their respective wards and departments. She said that overall development is her priority and remaining development works would be completed soon with the co-operation of councilors and officials of the Municipal Corporation. Public participation to ensure the beautification of city is necessary, the Mayor said. The Mayor discussed other important issues including status of provisions of funds, issues be prepared to take up in the coordination meeting of UT Administration and MCC, improvement in Solid Waste Management projects, work for better rank in Swachh Survekshan 2024, works related to Ward Development Funds be taken up as priority.