Sangrur, Apr 2 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday inaugurated the Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj Hospital in Cheema village.

This marks a significant expansion of grassroots healthcare infrastructure, as a state-of-the-art 30-bed facility built at a cost of Rs 11.70 crore begins serving a large number of people across the region, an official statement said.

Speaking on the occasion, Mann emphasised that the hospital will benefit around 50,000 people across 15 villages, while also strengthening access to affordable and quality treatment for nearly 35,000-“40,000 residents in nearby areas.

During his visit, Mann also interacted with patients and their families at the hospital, inquiring about their well-being and reviewing the facilities on the ground.

Highlighting the transformation, he stated that earlier, due to lack of facilities, patients were routinely referred to Sangrur, Patiala and Ludhiana, but will now receive treatment locally, with the hospital equipped with modern machines and dedicated emergency and mother-child wards.

Mann further stated, “The work on the medical college in the name of Sant Baba Attar Singh will also be started soon and the state government has already finalised arrangements for it.” “The sole motive is to give fillip to medical education in the region and ensure quality health facilities to the people. The state government will not leave any stone unturned for accomplishing this project on war footing.” Speaking about the newly inaugurated healthcare facility, he said, “Today, the Community Health Centre has been inaugurated at the birthplace of Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj in village Cheema.” He said Sant Attar Singh Maharaj made significant contributions in the fields of education and social service and in his honour this Community Health Centre has been named after him.

This center will have a capacity of 30 beds and an expenditure of Rs 11.75 crore has been incurred on this project, Mann said.

Detailing its expansion, CM Mann added, “This centre was originally established in 1975 with a capacity of 10 beds and later its capacity was increased to 20 beds, and now it has been expanded to 30 beds.

Highlighting medical services at the facility, he said, “Pediatric specialists will be available for the treatment of children’s diseases along with ENT and dental services. Free maternal and child healthcare services, facilities for X-rays and blood tests will be provided. Treatment for patients seeking de-addiction services will also be provided in the CHC.” Emphasising the impact of the ongoing anti-drug drive, he said, “The Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign has already broken the backbone of the drug trade in the state. The supply line of the drugs has been snapped, drug smugglers have been put behind bars and their properties have been confiscated.” “The AAP government will soon embark on a campaign to felicitate the brave hearts who have given vital information against the drug smugglers,” the CM said. PTI CHS NB NB

Surat, Apr 2 (PTI) A month after 1,400 kilograms of paneer was seized in Gujarat’s Surat and was later found to be adulterated, police have filed a case against the supplier, an official said on Thursday.

The paneer was seized following a raid conducted in the first week of March at a unit located in Bhidbhajan Society in Pandesara area of the city, he said.

Surat Special Operation Group, along with food safety officials, had seized 1,400 kg paneer worth Rs 3 lakh during the raid. The laboratory reports of the seized product confirmed that it was of sub-standard quality, Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajdeepsingh Nakum said.

Following the confirmation, police registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 274 (adulteration of food or drink intended for sale), 275 (sale of noxious food or drink) and 318 (4) (cheating) against supplier Mahesh Sharma, he said.

The supplier allegedly sold loose, adulterated paneer at Rs 220 per kg to several small dairies, the official said.

During the raid, police also seized machinery, industrial-grade acetic acid, and palm oil collectively valued at Rs 28 lakh. PTI KVM PD NP

Bhubaneswar, Apr 2 (PTI) The Odisha government on Thursday decided to expedite transitioning to piped natural gas for urban households while also focusing on implementing strict digital safeguards against irregularities in LPG supply.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting that was attended by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister KC Patra, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and senior officials of major oil and gas corporations.

Notably, the meeting was held two days after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced in the Assembly that there is no scarcity of cooking gas in the state and the government was committed to protecting people’s interests.

“The Centre has asked the state government to accelerate a transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) from LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and implement rigorous digital safeguards to protect consumers,” Patra told reporters after the meeting.

He clarified that once a household receives a PNG connection, its existing LPG connection must be decommissioned to optimise resources.

The government aims to provide PNG to all the households in urban areas, and LPG will be served to rural consumers, he said.

“To facilitate this shift, district collectors have been tasked with providing full administrative support to gas companies to ensure swift laying of pipelines,” the minister said.

Housing and urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra said that all major cities, such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Berhampur, Balasore, and Sambalpur, would be provided with PNG connectivity soon to reduce heavy dependency on LPG.

He urged all government and commercial establishments to switch to PNG connections immediately, and underlined that his department would provide expedited clearances for such transitions.

Mohapatra directed officials to prioritise setting up PNG supply infrastructure in Puri to meet the heightened demand expected during the Rath Yatra festival.

To combat the issue of “ghost deliveries”, where consumers receive false delivery notifications, the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department’s Principal Secretary, Sanjay Kumar Singh, directed agencies to ensure full compliance with the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system.

There is no cause for panic about cooking gas availability, as the government is monitoring the situation around the clock, he said, adding the state has identified schools, anganwadis, Ahaar Kendra, and hospitals as priority sectors to receive uninterrupted gas supplies. PTI AAM AAM NSD

New Delhi/ Lucknow, Apr 2 (PTI) Hanuman Janmotsav passed off peacefully in the national capital amid tight security while the streets of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh came alive on Thursday with vibrant celebrations as devotees thronged temples to celebrate Lord Hanuman’s birth anniversary.

From bustling Lucknow to the spiritually rich Ayodhya and Varanasi, long queues of worshippers participating in the festivities filled the Hanuman temples in UP.

Several leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of UP, Delhi and Andhra Pradesh greeted people on the occasion.

The Delhi Police was on high alert as several Hindu organisations held processions in Uttam Nagar and Jahangirpuri to celebrate Hanuman Janmotsav. It heaved a sigh of relief as the processions passed off peacefully.

Heavy security forces were deployed in both areas to maintain law and order, according to a senior police officer.

In Uttam Nagar, the heightened arrangements came in the backdrop of the March 4 murder of a 26-year-old man in the area following a clash between his family and their neighbours in JJ Colony during Holi celebrations.

The violence broke out after water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun’s family splashed on a woman from the neighbouring household. Sixteen people, including two minors, were arrested.

Earlier, the Delhi Police also carried out an intensive flag march and bike patrolling exercise across the northwest district ahead of Hanuman Janmotsav, an officer said. Officials added that an Aman Committee meeting was held in Jahangirpuri to ensure communal harmony ahead of the festival, in view of the 2022 violence in the area during a Hanuman Janmotsav procession, when several people, including police personnel, were injured in stone-pelting and arson incidents.

In Lucknow, long lines of worshippers were witnessed at temples in Aliganj and at Hanuman Setu. In Varanasi, special prayers and rituals were held throughout the city.

Vishwambhar Nath Mishra, the mahant of the renowned Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple, announced a 10-day festival at the temple.

To mark Chaitra Shukla Purnima, special adornments (shringar), processions (jhankis), aarti, and rituals dedicated to Lord Hanuman were performed.

Devotional singing will continue throughout the night at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple premises, and a Ramayana conference is scheduled from April 3 to 5, where noted scholars from Kashi and other regions will deliver daily discourses at 5 pm, he said.

A massive ‘dhwaj yatra’ (flag procession) is being organised by devotees from the Bhikharipur area of the city. It will feature tableaux from seven states and around one lakh flags prepared for the event. Devotees, many of whom will walk barefoot, will carry the flags to the Sankat Mochan temple to offer them to Lord Hanuman, he added.

In Ayodhya, about two lakh devotees lined up for ‘darshan’ and worship, with queues stretching from the Ram temple to Hanumangarhi. To manage the massive crowd, the administration implemented extensive security arrangements, including barricading at various points to ensure smooth and orderly darshan for the devotees. Several leaders wished devotees on the auspicious day.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Heartfelt wishes to all fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav. May this sacred occasion bring renewed energy and vitality into everyone’s life.

“It is my sincere wish that Pawanputra Hanuman blesses everyone abundantly with strength, wisdom, and knowledge, thereby further enhancing the nation’s capabilities. Jai Bajrangbali!” In another post, PM Modi said Lord Hanuman is the “unparalleled symbol of devotion, strength and unwavering dedication”.

“May the grace of the mighty infuse courage and positivity into all his devotees,” he added.

Home Minister Amit Shah prayed to Lord Hanuman to bestow upon “fellow citizens” happiness, peace and prosperity.

“Heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on the occasion of Shri Hanuman Janmotsav! May Lord Bajrangbali, the unparalleled devotee of Lord Shri Ram and the symbol of valour, devotion and service, remove the troubles of all fellow citizens and bestow upon them happiness, peace, and prosperity. Jai Shri Ram!” he wrote on X.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also wished people on the occasion.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Heartfelt congratulations and boundless best wishes to all devotees and residents of the state on the auspicious occasion of ‘Shri Hanuman Janmotsav’—the birth day of Shri Hanuman Ji, the ‘Sankatmochan’ (Remover of Troubles) and the unwavering devotee of Lord Shri Ram.” Delhi CM Rekha Gupta offered prayers at the Hanuman temple in Karol Bagh “for the happiness, peace and prosperity of every family in Delhi”.

“Hanuman Ji’s unwavering devotion and selfless service to Lord Shri Ram and unparalleled valour are the highest ideals of Sanatan life values. His life teaches us that when the remembrance of Ram resides in the heart, every crisis dissipates on its own,” she wrote on X.

Extending Hanuman Janmotsav greetings to the people, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu described Lord Hanuman as the supreme devotee of Lord Rama and a symbol of immense strength, wisdom and courage. He said devotees believe worshipping Lord Hanuman removes fear, grants courage and good health, and alleviates difficulties, wishing that the Lord fills lives with light.

Hanuman Janmotsav also saw Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor’s first look as Lord Rama from producer Namit Malhotra’s “Ramayana” getting unveiled.

The makers of one of the most ambitious cinematic events in the history of Indian cinema released a two-minute-38-second teaser titled ‘Rama’ on the occasion, offering audiences their first glimpse into Lord Rama’s world, from the battlefields to the grand palaces and dense forests, with Kapoor donning royal robes adorned with heavy gold jewellery as the king and warrior of Ayodhya.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, best known for “Dangal” and “Chhichhore”, the film has been seven years in the making. PTI TEAM KSS KSS

Manamadurai/Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Apr 2 (PTI) DMK leader Kanimozhi on Thursday took a swipe at the AIADMK over its alliance with the BJP, saying its leader Edappadi K Palaniswami would face the same fate as JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, and wanted the party “at least” in the opposition.

The Lok Sabha MP, addressing a public meeting here for the April 23 polls, claimed it was not a mere Assembly election but a battle between “Keeladi and Nagpur, the headquarters of RSS.” She was referring to the Keeladi archaeological excavations in this district, and claimed the findings have proven the heritage value of Tamil, which the “BJP does not want to accept.” She said Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin had asked the Centre to accept the report of the findings, which it has not.

“They (BJP-led Centre) didn’t accept it since that would reveal the significance of Tamils and the Tamil race to the world. The BJP cannot accept it; (a government) which keeps imposing Hindi on Tamil Nadu, gives pittance as allocation for Tamil compared to Sanskrit,” she said.

She lashed out at the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP.

“As a Tamil, Palaniswami should have said that the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should accept the research report. Palaniswami thinks he will be made to sit in the (CM) seat. Just think what happened to Nitish Kumar. Someone who should have been CM is sitting in the Rajya Sabha,” she said. Kanimozhi was referring to Kumar’s decision to step down as Bihar CM and move to the Upper House of Parliament.

Further mocking the AIADMK chief, she said, “If you have a favourite place (state), let Amit Shah know about it. He will only send you as governor there.” She further said it was “well-known” what has happened to the other allies of the BJP.

“I am concerned, Tamil Nadu needs an opposition party, no? We believe in democracy; you (AIADMK) should at least be in opposition, and I am saying this out of concern. Please take care,” the Lok Sabha MP said.

The victory of the ruling DMK and CM Stalin is “decided”. The upcoming fight was not merely confined to the hustings, Kanimozhi said.

“Beyond polls, there is going to be a battle; that of Keeladi vs Nagpur, which is the headquarters of RSS. It is a Nagpur vs Tamil battle,” she said.

Exuding confidence of the ruling party-led bloc’s win in the election, she said, “Our win is for all the people of India.” “It will give hope to every Indian that they can also defeat the divisive forces and those who are against the country’s development.” Further, the ruling DMK’s poll promises, including “Muthalvar Padaippagam,” have been made by Stalin, and they were implementable, she said.

Assuring a number of development initiatives for the regions, including Tirubuvanam and Ilayankudi in the district, she also referred to the DMK’s poll promise of “Muthalvar Padaippagam.” The said initiative includes 24 hour wi-fi facility for youth who want to work, but don’t have a place to do so, besides books.

“Who has given these assurances–Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin. They are implementable,” she added.

Later, addressing a similar meet at Madurai for her party’s Tirupparankundram candidate, Kiruthika Thangapandi, she said the town reminds of the attempts to “create a riot” by the BJP and AIADMK recently. She was referring to the deepam lighting row at the Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple.

“In Tamil Nadu, people of all faiths live as brothers and sisters. Here there are different religions, but no hatred or vendetta based on religion. TN people are keen only about development; focus on national development, women’s development, importance to self respect. But the BJP has repeatedly created communal violence to come to power (and) tried the same game in Tirupparankundram. But people here gave a fitting lesson saying this is Tamil Nadu, there is no place for you,” she added.

Responding to Palaniswami’s poser asking why the DMK, which was criticising his party’s alliance with the BJP, joined hands with the saffron party in the past, she said the ties were determined based on a Common Minimum Programme (CMP). This ensured the minorities did not suffer, she claimed.

Hitting back at the AIADMK chief, she wondered if he opposed the CAA, Waqf Board related amendments, the now withdrawn farm laws, and other issues related to the current BJP dispensation.

The DMK was fighting the April 23 polls on its five-year performance, she said, while referring to the various development initiatives undertaken in and around Tirupparankundram.

Meanwhile, canvassing votes for her party’s Madurai South candidate, she said people of the state were not ready to vote for AIADMK and pick DMK which will secure their future.

Ridiculing Palaniswami’s charge that the DMK copied his party’s manifesto, she said that even if copying is ok, “you copy from a performing student.” “You (AIADMK) have no chance of passing, so why should we copy from you. You are not going to come to power to implement the promises,” she said.

She accused the AIADMK of “copying” from her party by borrowing from late DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s words.

The DMK government has retrieved 7,000 acres of temple lands and held consecration of over 4,000 Hindu shrines.

At a meeting held to canvass votes for her party’s Madurai Central candidate, IT Minister PTR Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, she paused briefly as prayers were held at a nearby mosque. She said the request to do so came from some ‘Hindus’ in the audience and said “this is Tamil Nadu.” BJP’s “hate politics” will not happen in the state, she asserted. PTI SA KH

New Delhi, Apr 2 (PTI) Around 43 per cent of trees transplanted for the government’s ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project have perished, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said a total of 3,609 trees were transplanted as part of the project, of which 1,545 trees have perished post-transplantation.

According to data provided by the minister in response to the question by TMC MP Mahua Moitra, from the new Parliament Building site, 402 trees were transplanted to NTPC Eco Park in Badarpur and the Parliament House complex, while 38 trees from GPOA-2 were shifted to the Yamuna river bank.

A significant share — 1,734 trees — from the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings 1, 2 and 3 were relocated to NTPC Eco Park.

Similarly, 390 trees from the Vice President Enclave were transplanted to NTPC Eco Park and within the enclave area.

As many as 143 trees from Executive Enclave plots A and B were moved to Ghitorni. Besides, 458 trees from the sites of CCS 6 and 7 were relocated to NTPC Eco Park, the data showed.

The government has also incurred expenditure on transplantation and afforestation over the years.

Sahu said that an amount of Rs 35.86 lakh was spent in 2023-24, which increased to Rs 122.92 lakh in 2024-25. The allocation saw a substantial rise to Rs 370.30 lakh in 2025-26.

Under its ambitious Central Vista redevelopment plan, the government has completed major components of the project, including the new Parliament building, the Vice President Enclave, a new Prime Minister’s Office, the revamp of the 3-km stretch from Vijay Chowk to India Gate and three buildings of the Common Central Secretariat. PTI BUN BUN KVK KVK