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.

Desh Bhagat University, renowned for its vibrant cultural festivities, recently hosted a spectacular celebration of Maghi on campus, bringing together students, faculty, and distinguished guests for a day filled with joy and tradition. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Jill Ku Martin, President of the University of North America (UONA), and Kirit Udeshi, Director of Outreach at UONA, who served as the chief guests.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced to set up a state of the art Surjit Patar Centre for ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Guru Nanak Dev University.

Chairing a function to pay homage to the eminent writer here today, the Chief Minister said that this centre will be equipped with the latest ultra modern technology. He assured fulsome support and cooperation to the University for this Noble Cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced to institutionalise an Award in the memory of great writer which will be given to the budding writers to encourage them.

The Chief Minister said that appointments in the universities are being made for the sole purpose of promoting academics in these prestigious institutions. He said that the single point agenda is to ensure that education, and not groupism, gets boost in these premier institutions. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the great Gurus, saints and martyrs have taught us to fight against tyranny, oppression and injustice.

Braving cold, tens of thousands of devotees converged at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and other gurudwaras across Punjab to pay obeisance and for a holy dip in the 'sarovar' to mark Maghi or Makar Sankranti on Tuesday.

Makar Sankranti, a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of the country, also marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights.

Devotees in the Golden Temple started assembling much before sunrise and some preferred to stay overnight on the temple premises to take holy dip early in the morning.

"January 14 is the first day of the traditional Punjabi month of Maghi and devotees feel blessed to have started it by taking a dip in the holy sarovar," a temple priest told.

The festival of Lohri, celebrated with enthusiasm and vigor across Punjab, brought warmth and cheer to Rana Group today as the entire team came together to commemorate this joyous occasion. The event was marked by traditional fervor, with all staff members actively participating in the celebrations. Dr. Hitender Suri and Dr. Deepika Suri, Managing Directors of Rana Group, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the entire team on this auspicious occasion.