PunjabENews

Category: Edu / Immi

  • Unique Initiative: Free Coaching Classes Launched by District Administration under ‘Chetna – Tayari Jit Di’

    Unique Initiative: Free Coaching Classes Launched by District Administration under ‘Chetna – Tayari Jit Di’

    Jalandhar News: With the aim of providing coaching to young boys and girls for competitive examinations, the District Administration today launched a unique initiative, “Chetna – Tayari Jit Di”, at Ambedkar Bhawan.

    While inaugurating the coaching classes, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal urged students to take the benefit of this opportunity and shape their future. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Jasbir Singh and AAP leader Nitin Kohli were also present on the occasion.

    Dr. Aggarwal informed that, after an entrance test, a batch of 50 students has been started today, comprising 30 girls and 20 boys. The three-month coaching will be provided free of cost to girls, while boys will be charged a nominal fee.

    Candidates will be prepared for examinations as per the notifications issued from time to time by the Central and Punjab Governments for various jobs. The aim, he said, is to better equip the youth for competitive exams so they can fulfil their dream of securing government jobs — a means to not only become self-reliant but also contribute to society’s betterment.

    Expert coaching with proper computer facilities will be provided, along with relevant books and study material. Last year too, the administration had offered similar coaching, and earlier this year, a batch was trained for Punjab Civil Services.

    Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for youth welfare, Dr. Aggarwal said such efforts will continue in future also. A special batch for economically weaker boys will also start soon, with minimal fees. Interested boys can apply through the link: https://forms.gle/cytqHq3FfgDjtMbRA.

    Senior AAP Leader Nitin Kohli also offered free-of-cost books to aspirants preparing for competitive examinations. He said that these books will help students prepare for various exams.

    Deputy Director DBEE Neelam Mahe, District Programme Officer Gurmit Singh, Red Cross Society Secretary Surjit Lal and others were present.

  • UK adds India to list of countries under ‘deport now, appeal later’ scheme

    UK adds India to list of countries under ‘deport now, appeal later’ scheme

    London: In a major step to tighten immigration controls, the UK has added India to a list of countries whose nationals, if convicted of crimes, will face immediate deportation without the option to appeal from within the country.

    Under the expanded “deport now, appeal later” scheme, foreign offenders will be sent back to their home countries and allowed to participate in appeal hearings remotely via video link. The move aims to prevent convicted criminals from using the UK appeals process to delay removal.

    The scheme’s scope has been increased from eight countries to 23, enabling faster deportations and reducing pressure on detention and prison facilities. Foreign nationals whose human rights claims are rejected will now be removed before their appeals are heard.

    Previously, offenders from these countries could remain in the UK for months or years while their cases moved through the appeals system, costing taxpayers even after prison sentences were completed. Since July 2024, nearly 5,200 foreign criminals have been removed — a 14% rise compared to the previous year.

    The government also announced measures to allow foreign offenders to be deported immediately after sentencing and plans to strip asylum seekers convicted of notifiable sex offences of their right to claim refugee protection under new powers in the Borders Security, Asylum & Immigration Bill.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said, “For far too long, foreign criminals have been exploiting our immigration system, remaining in the UK for months or even years while their appeals drag on. That has to end. Those who commit crimes in our country cannot be allowed to manipulate the system.”

  • Haryana to provide free sanitary pads in government schools

    Haryana to provide free sanitary pads in government schools

    Chandigarh: In a meeting of the High Powered Purchase Committee (HPPC) chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana government approved a decision to provide free sanitary pads to all girl students from classes 6 to 12 in government schools across the state.

    Procurement proposals worth over Rs 1,763 crore were cleared in the meeting, covering key sectors including health, education, transport, and power. Officials said the move aims to improve the health and hygiene of school-going girls.

  • Three children of Bishop Cotton School in Shimla kidnapped, rescued within 24 hours

    Three children of Bishop Cotton School in Shimla kidnapped, rescued within 24 hours

    Shimla: Three Class VI students of the famous Bishop Cotton School (BCS) in Shimla were kidnapped on the pretext of giving them a lift in a car. The accused, Sumit Sood, was armed with a loaded gun and knife, which he used to threaten the children, police said.

    Sumit Sood planned the kidnapping to demand ransom to repay loans after losing lakhs of rupees in the stock market. Acting swiftly, police arrested him within 24 hours with the help of CCTV footage, phone records, and virtual numbers, and safely rescued the children.

    The kidnapped children — Angad from Karnal (Haryana), Hitendra from Mohali (Punjab), and Vidansh from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) — had stepped out of the school gate on August 9 for an outing.

    Sumit convinced them he would drop them at Mall Road. However, after they entered his car, he blindfolded them and taped their mouths to prevent their cries for help.

    Angad’s uncle is a Haryana Congress leader and current councillor, adding to the public interest in the case. Police continue their investigation into the incident.

  • 280 arrested in UK crackdown on illegal delivery riders

    280 arrested in UK crackdown on illegal delivery riders

    London: Hundreds of arrests have been made across the UK following a week-long Home Office crackdown on riders working illegally for delivery firms.

    Under Operation Equalize, Immigration Enforcement teams carried out a nationwide intensification drive between 20 and 27 July, targeting illegal working hotspots in the gig economy. A total of 1,780 individuals were stopped and questioned, leading to 280 arrests.

    As a result, 53 people are having their asylum support reviewed, which could lead to the withdrawal of accommodation and financial assistance. The Home Office warned last month that asylum seekers caught working illegally risk losing their support and could face removal from the UK.

    The government on Friday announced a £5 million funding boost for Immigration Enforcement, drawn from the £100 million border security package unveiled earlier this week. Officials said the funding will allow more frequent visits to illegal working hotspots, improve intelligence gathering, and increase frontline enforcement activity.

    The operation comes weeks after the Home Office reached an agreement with Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat to share information on the locations of asylum hotels to help identify illegal workers.

    Minister for Border Security and Asylum Dame Angela Eagle said the government was “cracking down hard” on illegal working, adding, “This operation is just one example of our relentless efforts to bear down on organised immigration crime at every level in our communities.”

    During the week-long operation, officers made three arrests in Dumfries, Scotland, during a joint action with police and Trading Standards on tobacco control. In Birmingham, police seized five e-bikes on 25 July, with two riders of Bangladeshi and Ethiopian nationality arrested for illegal working offences.

    Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at the Home Office, said his teams had been working “around the clock” to tackle the issue. He welcomed the extra funding, saying it would “strengthen enforcement efforts” to ensure offenders are caught.

    The government is also introducing new measures through the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which will require all companies, including gig economy platforms, to check workers’ right to work in the UK. Officials said the move is aimed at ending the abuse of flexible work arrangements and undermining smuggling gangs who promise jobs to migrants.

    This week, the UK-France treaty to curb small boat crossings came into force, allowing immediate detention and return to France of anyone arriving in the UK by such means. The Home Office said detentions have already begun.

    Since taking office a year ago, the government claims to have returned 35,000 people with no right to remain in the UK and reduced the number of asylum hotels in operation, saving millions in public funds.

  • PSO of former Rajasthan CM, son arrested in 2021 SI recruitment paper leak case

    PSO of former Rajasthan CM, son arrested in 2021 SI recruitment paper leak case

    Jaipur: The Special Operations Group (SOG) has arrested head constable Rajkumar Yadav and his son Bharat Yadav, alias Nunu, in connection with the 2021 Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination paper leak.

    Officials said Rajkumar Yadav, who had served as the personal security officer (PSO) to former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, allegedly obtained the leaked paper and provided it to his son.

    Bharat Yadav had cleared the written exam but failed the physical test.

    Rajkumar Yadav continued to serve as Gehlot’s PSO even after the BJP came to power in the state, and had earlier been the PSO of former cabinet minister Mahendrajit Malviya.

    Both accused have been remanded in police custody till August 12. “If a person is involved in a crime, the law should take its own course. I hope the SOG will investigate the matter without any pressure and come to a logical conclusion,” an official said.

    According to police, Rajkumar Yadav was acquainted with Kundan Kumar Pandya, the then personal secretary to Malviya, who is accused of receiving the leaked SI recruitment paper from then Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) member Babulal Katara.

    Pandya allegedly passed the paper to two associates, including Rajkumar Yadav. Pandya was arrested by the SOG on June 5 in the same case.

    The high-profile recruitment scam has so far led to more than 120 arrests, including 54 trainee sub-inspectors.

    The Rajasthan government had formed a cabinet sub-committee last year to decide on the future of the examination.

    The committee informed the high court that the probe is still underway, and cancelling the exam at this stage would not be appropriate.

  • Man arrested for killing Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Canada gang shootout

    Man arrested for killing Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Canada gang shootout

    Toronto: Canadian police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the killing of 21-year-old Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa, who was fatally shot by a stray bullet during a gang shootout in Hamilton, Ontario earlier this year.

    The accused, Jerden Foster, was taken into custody in Niagara Falls on Tuesday and has been charged with first-degree murder, Hamilton police said. He also faces three counts of attempted murder.

    Harsimrat, a second-year physiotherapy student at Mohawk College, was shot on April 17 while waiting at a bus stop near the intersection of Upper James Street and South Bend Road.

    She had reportedly just left a local gym and was on her way home when gunfire erupted between individuals involved in a gang conflict. She succumbed to her injuries in hospital.

    Police said at least seven individuals were involved in the gang war, which unfolded across four vehicles. Multiple shots were fired and at least two firearms were used in the incident.

    “Harsimrat was an innocent passerby,” Acting Detective-Sergeant Daryl Reid said at a press conference on Thursday. “She was on her way home from a local gym when she was shot dead.”

    Reid added that Foster was previously known to police and had links to the Hamilton, Halton, and Niagara regions, where he had lived in various short-term rental properties.

    “The investigation is still ongoing and we will do everything we can to identify, find, and arrest all of the people involved in this death,” Reid said. No further arrests have been made so far.

  • Two Indian nationals arrested for illegal entry into US near Maine border

    Two Indian nationals arrested for illegal entry into US near Maine border

    Washington: Two Indian nationals were arrested by US authorities after illegally crossing the international border near Maine, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a statement.

    According to the agency, the Houlton Sector Border Patrol agents apprehended the men on August 1 after they crossed into the United States on foot. The northeastern state of Maine shares a border with Canada.

    “These arrests are unique because border patrol agents in Maine have encountered only 15 Indian nationals in the last three financial years,” the CBP said.

    The two individuals are expected to face trial and deportation proceedings.

    “While the U.S. Border Patrol is experiencing a record low number of people crossing the border illegally, some individuals still try to violate our laws,” said Craig Shapley, acting chief patrol agent for the Houlton Sector. “If you cross our borders illegally, you will be arrested, prosecuted and deported to your country of origin.”

  • SSC phase 13 exam won’t be cancelled, re-test likely for affected candidates: Chairman

    SSC phase 13 exam won’t be cancelled, re-test likely for affected candidates: Chairman

    New Delhi: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will not cancel the recently held Selection Post Phase 13 examination, but a re-examination is likely for candidates who were denied a fair chance due to technical or logistical issues, SSC Chairman S Gopalakrishnan said on Monday.

    Addressing the protests over poor arrangements during the exam, Gopalakrishnan said, “We are analysing the data. If we find even a single candidate who was wronged, we will conduct a re-examination for them.”

    The Phase 13 recruitment examination was conducted between July 24 and August 1 across 194 centres in 142 cities, with around five lakh candidates appearing.

    However, several examinees reported problems such as software crashes, biometric verification failures, and incorrect centre allotments.

    Following the disruptions, the SSC has written to the examination vendor, Eduquity Career Technologies, directing the firm to address all issues encountered during the test window.

    The irregularities sparked widespread protests, with students taking to the streets in Delhi last week. Images and videos of the demonstrations have since gone viral on social media.

    The SSC is a central agency responsible for recruiting staff to various posts in ministries, departments, and other government organisations.

  • BHAGWANT MANN AND ARVIND KEJRIWAL LAUNCH ANTI-DRUG CURRICULUM TO BE INTRODUCED IN SCHOOLS UNDER “WAR AGAINST DRUGS

    BHAGWANT MANN AND ARVIND KEJRIWAL LAUNCH ANTI-DRUG CURRICULUM TO BE INTRODUCED IN SCHOOLS UNDER “WAR AGAINST DRUGS

    Arniwala (Fazilka News): In a path breaking initiative Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal on Friday unveiled the anti-drug curriculum to be introduced in Schools under “War Against Drugs” with an aim to make 8 lakh students aware against the menace of drugs.

    Addressing the gathering, the National Convener of AAP said that this marks the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s battle against drugs from the border district of Punjab. He said that Punjab’s war against drugs has now reached a crucial stage and as part of the third phase of the state government’s campaign “Yudh Nashean De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), a special syllabus is being introduced in all government schools for students from classes 9 to 12. Arvind Kejriwal said that through this syllabus, 8 lakh students from these classes will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances.

    The National Convener of AAP said that this anti-drug program will involve 3,658 schools and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students. Arvind Kejriwal said that the curriculum will include 35-minute sessions, to be conducted fortnightly over 27 weeks and will include documentaries, quizzes, posters, and interactive activities. He said that these sessions will focus on major themes such as busting myths about drugs, strategies to say no to drugs, and resisting peer pressure.

    The National Convener of AAP said that the state government has already launched the “War Against Drugs” campaign and under this initiative, more than 15,000 drug traffickers have been sent to jail, properties have been seized, and over 1,000 kilograms of heroin have been recovered. Arvind Kejriwal said that properties acquired by drug smugglers through the illegal drug trade are being demolished. He said that the most notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind the bars by an honest government in the state.

    The National Convener of AAP said that ironically all the political parties have come in the support of this drug lord which has exposed their ugly face. He said that these political parties have remained mum on the plight of the state due to drugs but are supporting the kingpin of drugs. Arvind Kejriwal said that Nasha Virodhi Yatra has reached more than 10,000 villages and wards of the state adding that the desired results are coming.

    The National Convener of AAP said that it is the responsibility of every youth to support this unique and noble initiative of the state government. He said that the youth should resist the peer pressure of tasting the drugs for the first time as it can be fatal for them. Arvind Kejriwal said that it is the high time that everyone should come forward and join the crusade against drugs adding that efforts are also being made for the rehabilitation of individuals who have quit drug use, so they can stand on their feet again and lead lives of dignity and respect.

    The National Convener of AAP said that it is unfortunate that no state or country has remained untouched by the menace of drugs. He envisioned that this path breaking initiative will be replicated in other states too for wiping out the menace of drugs. Arvind Kejriwal said that Punjab’s misfortune lies in its geographical location along an international border, which made it a drug route for smugglers.

    The National Convener of AAP exhorted the people of Punjab to unite and pledge to make our society drug-free. He also said that the state government has strictly implemented a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers. Arvind Kejriwal said that the smugglers, who celebrate with luxuries at home while poisoning society, are the real enemies of our people and the state government will not spare them at any cost.

    In his address, Chief Minister said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government complete facelift of government schools has taken place. He said that students are leaving the private schools and joining government schools, which shows people’s trust in them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such events should not have taken place but it is unfortunate that such conditions have emerged in Punjab due to which these events have been necessitated.

    The Chief Minister said that the blot of drugs have been put on the face of the state by the previous governments. He said that after assuming charge of the state it took us time to formulate a strategy adding that the state government started de-addiction centers to ensure treatment for those giving up drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is also working to skill them and enable them to live life with dignity and pride.

    The Chief Minister said that crusade against drugs has been ongoing for the past 150 days and hundreds of panchayats have passed resolutions pledging that they will never support drug traffickers. He said that this war against drugs has now transformed into a mass movement adding that as a part of it the state government has introduced anti-drug education into the school syllabus. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that students will be made aware of the symptoms and dangers of drug addiction as the first use of drugs marks the beginning of a ruined life.

    The Chief Minister said that the state government doesn’t do vote-bank politics adding that School children don’t even vote but still, we want to make them aware against this curse. On the contrary, he said that the previous regimes ruined the youth by selling and patronizing the drug trade adding that these leaders used to party and buy lands in the hills. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the kids of these leaders went to school escorted by armed guards adding that the state government has taken decisive action against these leaders.

    The Chief Minister said that when Majithia was caught, Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP all came out in his support adding that some of these leaders used to say they would drag Majithia by his collar, but now they’re backing him. He said that Punjab was looted and ruined by these leaders for their lust of minting the money illegally as drug packets were supplied in official cars of Ministers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that drug traffickers were considered close friends of the rulers due to which drugs spread their tentacles in the state.

    The Chief Minister said that the state government will strongly continue the legal fight against Majithia till he gets exemplary punishment for his sins. He said that Sukhbir Badal only knows his relatives’ names and he is not aware of the basic topography of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people elected Badals umpteen times but these people never cared about the masses or the state.

    The Chief Minister said that to keep the youth of the state away from the temptation of drugs, the Punjab government is constructing playgrounds and gyms in every village. He also said that a WhatsApp number – 9779100200 has been issued for people to report information about drug trafficking adding that the identity of the informants is kept strictly confidential. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that efforts are also being made for the rehabilitation of individuals who have quit drug use, so they can stand on their feet again and lead lives of dignity and respect.

    In his address senior AAP leader, Manish Sisodia said that Punjab has always been a leader in every field and now school children from state will lead the nation in saying no to drugs. He said that after government schools, the syllabus will also be introduced in the private schools adding that basic infrastructure of Punjab’s schools has been strengthened and state now holds the top position in the country in the field of education. Manish Sisodia warned the drug traffickers to stop the heinous crime immediately or be ready to face strict consequences.

    Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that the Education sector is witnessing revolutionary changes during the current regime. He said that the scourge of drugs spread its tentacles in the state during the Akali-BJP regime. Harjot Singh Bains said that the AAP government led by Chief Minister has launched a massive crackdown against the menace of drugs and the introduction of syllabus against drug menace will help in complete elimination of drugs from state.

    On the occasion Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Secretary Education Anindita Mitra and others were also present.