Darpan Chandigarh

Day: June 11, 2025

Astronomy Olympiad OCSC 2025 Concludes Successfully at IISER Mohali; Team India Announced for IOAA 2025
Mohali, June 11, 2025: The prestigious Astronomy Olympiad Orientation Cum Selection Camp (OCSC) 2025 concluded today at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, marking a major milestone in India’s science outreach calendar. The event aimed to nurture and evaluate some of the country’s brightest young minds in the field of astronomy, and culminated with the announcement of the five-member Indian team set to participate in the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2025, to be held in Mumbai this August.
Out of nearly 500 students who competed nationwide through the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad, 54 were shortlisted for the OCSC based on their ranks and academic levels. Ultimately, 37 students attended the camp, which featured rigorous academic training and assessments across theory, data analysis, and observational astronomy.
The intensive two-week camp included lectures, problem-solving tutorials, telescope handling sessions, and guided night-sky observations. While traditionally hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE-TIFR), this year’s OCSC was conducted at IISER Mohali, as HBCSE prepares to host the IOAA itself.
A collaborative team of astronomers from reputed institutes, such as the Central University of Haryana, IIT Kanpur, Ashoka University, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and others, contributed to the training and mentorship. Esteemed resource persons also joined from premier research institutions, including the Raman Research Institute and the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The valedictory function, held on June 11, featured a keynote address by Professor Dipankar Bhattacharya of Ashoka University on “Imaging in Different Wavebands in Astronomy.” Medals were awarded by Professor Kulinder Pal Singh of IISER Mohali, and certificates by Professor Bhattacharya, under the auspices of the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT).
The five students selected to represent India at IOAA 2025 are:
- Aarush Mishra – Winner of the C.L. Bhat Memorial Award for overall best performance
- Sumant Gupta – Recognized for best performance in observational tests
- Banibrata Majee
- Panini
- Akshat Srivastava – Winner in both theory and data analysis
Read also: Ferozepur’s top students spend ‘inspirational day’ with DC, SSP
The Indian team will be guided at IOAA by veteran leaders Professor Jasjeet Singh Bagla and Dr. Harvinder Kaur Jassal. Accompanying scientific observers will include Dr. Kinjalk Lochan, Dr. Pankaj Kushwaha, Dr. Jaswant Yadav, and Dr. Mamta Gulati.
With the successful conclusion of OCSC 2025, India gears up with renewed vigor and high hopes for an inspiring performance on the international stage.
June 11, 2025
PGI Cardiologist Launches Book on Complex CTO Intervention Techniques at Indo-Japanese Meet
PGI Cardiologist Launches Book on Complex CTO Intervention Techniques at Indo-Japanese Meet
Chandigarh, June 11, 2025
At the recently concluded Indo-Japanese CTO Club Meeting held in Lucknow from May 30 to June 1, Prof. Himanshu Gupta from the Department of Cardiology, PGIMER Chandigarh, released a significant academic contribution to the field of interventional cardiology — a book titled “Decoding CTO (Chronic Total Occlusion): Case-Based Discussion”.
Co-authored by Dr. Sharath Reddy of Medicover Hospitals, Hyderabad, the book was officially unveiled by Dr. Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, in the esteemed presence of renowned cardiologists from both India and Japan.
The book offers an in-depth, case-based exploration of various advanced techniques used in treating Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) — one of the most complex and challenging procedures in cardiac interventions. It covers critical strategies such as the Antegrade approach, Retrograde approach, and Dissection Re-entry techniques, among others.
Read Also: PGIMER’s training affects pleasure in healthcare practice
Opening CTO blockages demands a high level of expertise, advanced equipment, and refined procedural judgment. With its practical, case-oriented format, the book aims to serve as a valuable reference for cardiologists, particularly those engaged in interventional cardiology and complex coronary procedures.
The release of this book marks an important milestone in bridging clinical knowledge with real-world case applications, reinforcing Indo-Japanese collaboration in the field of cardiovascular care and education.
June 11, 2025
Now Get Instant Customs Clearance for International Parcels at Chandigarh GPO
Now Get Instant Customs Clearance for International Parcels at Chandigarh GPO
Chandigarh, 11 June: Darpan Chandigarh //
In a major boost to international shipping efficiency, the Chandigarh General Post Office (GPO), Sector-17, has launched an On-Spot Customs Clearance facility for international parcels. This move eliminates the earlier dependency on New Delhi for customs processing, significantly reducing delays and enhancing delivery speed.
With the setup of a dedicated Foreign Post Office (FPO) at the Chandigarh GPO, international shipments booked directly from the city can now be cleared and processed locally, ensuring faster turnaround times and improved customer satisfaction.
To further streamline the parcel experience, a Parcel Packaging Facility is now operational at the GPO, offering affordable packing services for both domestic and international shipments. Booking counters are open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, making services more accessible to the public.
Read Also: 10% Job Quota for Agniveers, Hike Compensation for Armed Forces Families
Beyond parcel services, Chandigarh GPO offers a range of modern amenities including:
- Banking & Insurance: Internet banking, NEFT/RTGS, PPF, RD, SSA, PLI/RPLI premium payments via India Post Payments Bank.
- Savings Schemes: Senior Citizen Saving Scheme, Monthly Income Scheme, NSC, KVP, and Time Deposits with attractive interest rates.
- Citizen Services: Aadhaar enrolment/updation, railway ticket booking (even on Sundays), Panjab University fee payments, and AEPS services.
The Department of Posts continues to modernize its services, integrating advanced technologies and expanding its global reach to 219 countries and territories. With these upgrades, Chandigarh GPO is emerging as a one-stop hub for postal, financial, and essential citizen services.
June 11, 2025
BBC Releases Two-Part Sidhu Moosewala Documentary on YouTube Amid Ongoing Court Case
The documentary was released on Wednesday, coinciding with Sidhu Moosewala’s birth anniversary.
Amid an ongoing legal dispute, the BBC World Service has released a two-part documentary on the life and death of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala on YouTube. The release took place on Wednesday, June 11—Moosewala’s birth anniversary—just hours before its planned screening in Mumbai. The move has reignited controversy, especially as Moosewala’s father has filed a petition in a Mansa court seeking to halt its screening.
Born on June 11, 1993, Sidhu Moosewala rose from a rural village in Punjab to global stardom, blending Punjabi music with modern hip-hop influences. The documentary, which has sparked controversy, dives deep into Moosewala’s life, legacy, and untimely death. The first episode, titled “The Killing Call”, explores his early years, musical journey, and the controversies that followed his rise to fame.
The second episode delves into his assassination on May 29, 2022, in Jawahar Ke village, Mansa district—a killing allegedly orchestrated by gangster Goldy Brar. The documentary includes an audio interview with Brar, who remains a fugitive and has claimed responsibility for the murder.
The film features exclusive interviews with Moosewala’s close friends, journalists, and senior police officials from Punjab and Delhi. Some of the voices heard in the film are speaking publicly for the first time. The BBC describes the project as a deep investigation into how Moosewala’s music, political aspirations, and outspoken nature may have led to his untimely death.
In its YouTube video description, the BBC World Service wrote:
“On 29 May 2022, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala was murdered by hired hitmen who trailed his vehicle, shot him through the windscreen, and left him to die. As news of the killing spread across India and the world, gangster Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for the attack. Yet, three years later, no one has been convicted, the motives remain unclear, and Goldy Brar is still on the run. BBC Eye Investigations has spoken to people closest to Sidhu Moosewala—tracing his journey from obscurity to stardom, uncovering how he clashed with India’s most feared gang, and asking why they wanted him dead.”
The description further adds, “It’s a story that spans from the villages of rural India to the hip-hop scene in eastern Canada, from Punjab’s turbulent history to the complex politics of modern India, and from the dark underworld of organised crime to a chilling phone call with the fugitive gangster who claims he ordered the killing. Drawing from hours of unseen archival footage and exclusive interviews with Sidhu Moosewala’s friends and musical collaborators, the film features voices that have never spoken to the media before.”
Read Also: Sidhu Moosewala’s Father Seeks Stay on Documentary; Mansa Court to Hear Matter on June 12
Meanwhile, Moosewala’s family is expected to release a special extended play (EP) featuring some of his unreleased songs, marking what would have been his 31st birthday and continuing his musical legacy.
June 11, 2025
Rajkummar Rao Unveils Manushi Chhillar’s Graceful New Avatar in Maalik Poster — A Bold Shift from Glam to Grit
Rajkummar Rao Unveils Manushi Chhillar’s Graceful New Avatar in Maalik Poster — A Bold Shift from Glam to Grit
Manushi Chhillar is stepping into uncharted territory — and turning heads while she’s at it. The former Miss World is all set to surprise audiences with her traditional and understated look in the upcoming gangster drama Maalik, slated for release on July 11.
The first look poster, unveiled by co-star Rajkummar Rao, introduces Manushi as Maalik Ki Dhadkan — a character that promises more depth than her serene expression and modest attire reveal. Draped in simple, traditional Indian wear, Manushi’s transformation from glam queen to grounded performer is drawing applause across social media. Her natural elegance, paired with Rao’s intensity, has already set the tone for a chemistry-rich narrative.
Sharing the poster, Rajkummar Rao wrote, “Jinke bina chalti nahi #Maalik ki dhadkan, unse hogi aaj mulaqaat.” The post has sparked intrigue and speculation, with fans eager to discover the layers behind Manushi’s enigmatic role.
Directed by Pulkit and produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani, Maalik marks a significant pivot in Manushi’s film career. Known for her glamorous roles, this shift signals her ambition to establish herself as a versatile actress unafraid to challenge expectations.
The film also features a powerhouse ensemble cast including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Swanand Kirkire, all playing pivotal roles in what is expected to be an emotionally intense gangster saga.
Insiders reveal that Manushi’s character has been deliberately kept under wraps, as it plays a crucial role in the film’s larger narrative. The makers are keen on maintaining the mystery until the release.
With her grounded portrayal in Maalik and another action-packed appearance lined up in Tehran alongside John Abraham, Manushi Chhillar is clearly on a mission to redefine her on-screen identity — and from the looks of it, she’s well on her way.
June 11, 2025
Power Line Delay Derails Baddi-Nalagarh Highway Expansion, Industries and Commuters Bear the Brunt
Power Line Delay Derails Baddi-Nalagarh Highway Expansion, Industries and Commuters Bear the Brunt
The much-needed four-laning of the Pinjore-Baddi-Nalagarh National Highway-105 has hit yet another roadblock — this time, due to the prolonged delay in shifting high-tension power lines and related electrical infrastructure.
Already lagging behind schedule, the project has now stalled at two key bridge sites — one near the popular Annapurna eatery and the other at Marrawala in Haryana — as work cannot proceed without the relocation of overhead high-tension lines. The delay is severely affecting daily commuters and industries in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) region, one of Himachal Pradesh’s key industrial zones.
Officials say that while the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) deposited several crores for the power line shifting three to four months ago, work is yet to begin. Tenders have only recently been floated.
“The responsibility of relocating the lines lies with the Haryana Government and HP Power Corporation Limited. Even after fund allocation, no progress has been made. Once contracts are awarded, it could take another six months to complete the task,” said Anand Dahiya, Project Director, NHAI, Shimla.
The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) is also facing hurdles in upgrading its infrastructure, as the ongoing highway work is complicating access and logistics.
Meanwhile, the under-construction highway is causing daily gridlocks, with over 20,000 vehicles trying to navigate the narrow, partially built stretch. The construction delays have led to serious inconvenience for both local commuters and industries that rely on smooth transport in the region.
The project, awarded in April 2022 to Gujarat-based Patel Infrastructure Limited, was initially scheduled for completion by September 2024. However, progress has been slow — only 38% of financial and 35% of physical targets have been achieved in the 30-month timeframe.
A key reason behind the lag, according to sources, is the decision to award the contract at a 37% discounted rate. This cost-cutting approach appears to have backfired, with the contractor struggling to manage resources and meet deadlines.
Rajiv Aggarwal, President of the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Industries Association, has urged authorities to expedite the project, citing mounting logistical and operational challenges faced by local industries due to prolonged delays.
As it stands, the completion of this critical infrastructure project remains uncertain, with fresh delays likely unless immediate action is taken to resolve the power line issue.
June 11, 2025
Wall of Protest: Haryana Farmer Builds Barrier on Highway Over Land Compensation Dispute
Wall of Protest: Haryana Farmer Builds Barrier on Highway Over Land Compensation Dispute
In a dramatic protest against delayed and inadequate compensation, a resident of Pehowa, Haryana, took matters into his own hands—quite literally. Balwinder Singh, accompanied by his family and a group of labourers, began constructing a brick wall right in the middle of the Kurukshetra-Pehowa state highway on Tuesday, aiming to block traffic and draw attention to his long-pending land compensation case.
As bricks were stacked and the wall rose, commuters were forced to detour through nearby fields. Soon, police and Public Works Department (PWD) officials arrived at the scene, urging Balwinder to stop. But he stood firm, demanding justice and market-rate compensation for his 22 marla land acquired by the government for the road project over a decade ago.
“This land was wrongfully taken. The government must either compensate us fairly or return it,” said Balwinder, highlighting a legal battle that has stretched over 15 years.
According to his advocate, Mithun Attri, Balwinder’s struggle began in 2010 after a demarcation revealed that the highway cut through his land. A court case followed, and in 2013, the Pehowa court ordered the government to either compensate him or return the land. However, despite subsequent court directions—including a possession order in 2018—adequate compensation never arrived.
While the government claims to have paid ₹5.5 lakh, Balwinder maintains that the amount is far below market rates. The matter has bounced between courts, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court and sessions court both recently dismissing the state’s applications.
Frustrated by the ongoing delay, Balwinder staged a similar protest in 2023 but had called it off after receiving assurances from local officials. This time, however, he says he won’t back down without action.
Police later cleared the obstruction and detained four individuals involved in the wall construction. No arrests were made, but a case has been registered under charges of blocking public movement without informing the administration.
“We are committed to providing rightful compensation, as per the court’s directions,” said Executive Engineer Rishi Sachdeva of PWD (B&R), adding that the matter is under process.
For Balwinder, however, the issue is about more than just money. “It’s about justice. We’ve waited too long,” he said.
June 11, 2025
Amritsar’s Tourism on the Mend: Hotels Hope for Full Recovery by Year-End
Amritsar’s Tourism on the Mend: Hotels Hope for Full Recovery by Year-End
After a sharp dip in footfall triggered by recent border tensions, Amritsar is slowly welcoming tourists back, though the numbers are still far from pre-crisis levels
Last month’s four-day standoff between India and Pakistan, sparked by India’s strikes on terror camps in response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, had an immediate impact on tourism in the region. The sudden escalation made many travelers wary of visiting the border city.
“Occupancy at luxury hotels dropped to just 10% of what we usually see,” said Jitender Pal Sohal, general manager of a premium hotel in Amritsar. “There is hope now, but the pace of recovery is painfully slow. We expect things to normalize only by the end of the year.”
Tourist guide Gurinder Singh Johal noted a visible shift in travel preferences. “Many tourists from the southern states are skipping Amritsar altogether. They’re heading to hill stations in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and the Northeast instead,” he said.
Surinder Singh, who owns a couple of hotels near the Golden Temple, observed that current visitors are mostly from within Punjab. “They often return the same day or opt for budget stays,” he explained.
While Amritsar’s spiritual and historical significance continues to draw visitors, it’s clear that full recovery will take time. The local hospitality industry remains cautiously optimistic, keeping its eyes on the year-end for a potential revival.
June 11, 2025
Chandigarh Administration Announces 10% Job Quota for Agniveers, Hikes Compensation for Armed Forces Families
Chandigarh Administration Announces 10% Job Quota for Agniveers, Hikes Compensation for Armed Forces Families
In a move aimed at honouring military service and supporting defence personnel, the Chandigarh administration has decided to offer a 10% reservation in government jobs for Agniveers in all direct recruitment to Group B and Group C posts. This policy comes following a recommendation from the Zila Sainik Board (ZSB), Chandigarh, and is designed to ensure better post-service employment opportunities for Agniveers, recognising their contribution to national security.
The announcement was made during a recent meeting of the ZSB, chaired by Deputy Commissioner-cum-President of the Board, Nishant Kumar Yadav. Attendees included senior defence officials and veterans such as Brig BS Dhillon (retd), Lt Col Sanjeev Sharma, Lt Col RK Singh (retd), Col HS Ghuman (retd), and social worker Shri KK Sharda.
Key welfare initiatives were proposed during the meeting, most notably a recommendation to double the ex gratia compensation for families of martyred personnel, from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. Additionally, the board proposed a new scheme offering ₹1 lakh in one-time financial assistance to the next of kin of soldiers who die in non-combat situations while in service.
The ZSB also discussed the urgent renovation of the Sainik Rest House in Sector 21, with the deputy commissioner directing officials to coordinate with the chief engineer and expedite the tender process to begin renovation as per the approved plan.
These initiatives mark a strong step forward in recognising the sacrifices of defence personnel and improving the welfare of their families in the Union Territory.
June 11, 2025