February 17, 2026 - Darpan Chandigarh

Saksham 2026 concludes with a strong call for energy conservation

Darpan News Network / February 17, 2026

The nationwide fuel conservation campaign held in Punjab and Chandigarh saw widespread participation. Officials urged citizens to adopt energy-saving habits throughout the year. Chandigarh: Saksham 2026, a nationwide campaign on fuel conservation and energy efficiency, concluded with widespread public participation in Punjab and Chandigarh—the two-week campaign aimed to promote responsible energy use and inspire people towards a greener future. Oil and gas public sector undertakings under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas organized this initiative. Students, industry representatives, transporters, farmers, RWAs, and common citizens actively participated in various awareness programs. At the closing ceremony held at Rani Lakshmi Bai Bhawan, Punjab State Level Coordinator and Executive Director and State Head of Indian Oil, Ashutosh Gupta, emphasized the need to continue the campaign. He stated that energy conservation should not be a two-week initiative, but rather become a daily habit. He also emphasized that responsible fuel use is crucial given India’s growing energy demand and dependence on crude oil imports. According to him, efficient use of oil and gas can strengthen the country’s energy security and reduce environmental impact. Meanwhile, Sushant Goyal, Chief Regional Manager (Retail), Chandigarh Retail RO, appealed to students, industry, and the media to spread the message widely. He urged people to incorporate fuel-saving measures into their daily routine. Jaideep Jain, DGM, Chandigarh Zonal Office, GAIL, and Ramlal, DGM (Retailing Initiatives), BPCL, also addressed the gathering. They emphasized collective responsibility to reduce fuel consumption. This year, Saksham 2026 included walkathons, cyclothons, fuel-efficient driving sessions for drivers and mechanics, and awareness programs at petrol pumps and CNG stations. In addition, school and college competitions, LPG safety and clean kitchen programs, and social media campaigns were also conducted. During the event, students and oil industry officials took a pledge to save fuel. The organizers also honored the students who participated enthusiastically. The ‘Samvad Theatre Group’ presented a play based on fuel efficiency and environmental protection. Stakeholders emphasized simple steps such as not leaving vehicles running unnecessarily, adopting carpooling, using public transportation, performing regular vehicle maintenance, and using energy-efficient appliances. The campaign concluded with a collective pledge to promote oil conservation and environmental protection throughout the year. The message was clear: “Save Oil and Gas, Go Green.”

Chandigarh

Aakash Chandigarh’s outstanding performance in JEE Main 2026

Darpan News Network / February 17, 2026

20 students scored above the 99th percentile in JEE Main 2026 Session 1. 38 students from the Chandigarh region scored above the 98th percentile. Chandigarh: Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) has once again recorded excellent results in the JEE Main 2026 Session 1. According to the results announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on February 16, 20 students from the Chandigarh region scored above the 99th percentile. Additionally, 38 students scored above the 98th percentile. This achievement reflects the institute’s strong academic performance in the region. Arshpreet Singh achieved a 99.92 percentile. He was followed by Amitoj Turka with a 99.91 percentile, while Bharat Malik and Mahit Singla each scored 99.80 percentiles. Anish Kumar scored a 100 percentile in Physics with a 99.77 percentile. Similarly, Paras Raina scored a 99.77 percentile, and Ojasvi scored a 99.67 percentile. Anmol Verma scored a 99.65 percentile, Jiya a 99.56 percentile, and Sarthak Gautam a 99.50 percentile. Other students also performed remarkably well. Meet Garg scored a 99.38 percentile, Kirat Singh a 99.33 percentile, and Atul Rai a 99.29 percentile. Ajay Pratap Singh scored a 99.26 percentile. Rachit Singla, Samar Singla, and Mayank Mittal scored 99.23 percentiles. Pavit Mukhija scored 99.08, Ayushman Angiras scored 99.03, and Anshika scored 99.00 percentiles. An AESL spokesperson said, “The excellent results of Chandigarh students reflect their hard work and the strength of our educational system. We are proud of their achievements.” The students attributed their success to self-discipline and regular practice. They said that timely guidance and regular assessments helped them continuously improve. Additionally, the structured curriculum and mock tests helped them identify weaknesses. Overall, the Aakash Chandigarh JEE Main 2026 results have once again proven the region’s strong presence in competitive engineering entrance exams.

Chandigarh

22nd Century Technologies acquires BT Federal, launches 22nd Century Networks

Darpan News Network / February 17, 2026

Chandigarh-rooted 22nd Century Technologies acquires BT Federal, launches 22nd Century Networks to strengthen U.S. federal missions Chandigarh: In a landmark global move, 22nd Century Technologies acquires BT Federal, the U.S. government contracting subsidiary of BT Group, marking a significant milestone for the Chandigarh-rooted IT company. Following the acquisition, BT Federal will operate under the new name 22nd Century Networks, further strengthening trusted connectivity and support for U.S. federal missions. The announcement carries special importance for the Chandigarh–Mohali region. The CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, Anil Sharma, is an alumnus of Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology. His journey from Chandigarh to leading a major U.S. acquisition reflects a deep connection with the region’s educational and technological roots. Strengthening U.S. Federal IT Infrastructure As 22nd Century Technologies acquires BT Federal, the move combines BT Federal’s telecom and networking expertise for U.S. government agencies with 22nd Century Technologies’ strengths in IT modernization, cybersecurity, and mission support. Under the banner of 22nd Century Networks, the company aims to deliver secure, reliable, and high-performance network systems that U.S. federal agencies can depend on for daily operations. This strategic acquisition is expected to enhance federal IT infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity, secure communications, and advanced digital transformation capabilities. From Public Service to Global Leadership The story behind 22nd Century Technologies acquires BT Federal is also a story of perseverance and ambition. Born into a humble family and raised among six siblings, Anil Sharma’s early life was shaped by shared responsibilities and modest beginnings. His professional career began in public service with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Government of India. Between 1989 and 1997, he served as District Informatics Officer and Systems Analyst. As the first District Informatics Officer of Chandigarh, he established the NIC district office and introduced IT systems across government departments. His consultancy support to departments in Punjab and Chandigarh laid early foundations for e-Governance in the region. Boost for Chandigarh–Mohali IT Ecosystem With 22nd Century Technologies acquires BT Federal, Sharma emphasized that the achievement is not only corporate success but also an inspiration for the Chandigarh–Mohali IT ecosystem. He highlighted that globally competitive companies emerging from the region can attract international investment, create high-value employment, and position Chandigarh and Mohali as credible technology hubs on the global map. The acquisition stands as a powerful example of how regional talent, supported by education and hard work, can achieve international success while continuing to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and technology leaders.