News / Author / Rajanbir Singh

Rajanbir Singh

Articles by Rajanbir Singh

TiECon 2025: Chandigarh an IT hub, fuelling startup surge, says governor

The two-day TiECon event kicked off on Thursday, and the event brought together prominent industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the country

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 07, 2025 09:06 AM IST

ByMandeep Kaur Narula, Rajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

EWS seat admissions: Pvt schools’ body writes to education dept over ‘partial’ reimbursement

As per the letter (copy with HT), the association alleges that the department has specifically mentioned the quantum of reimbursement which will be done, and the money has been sanctioned

The ongoing case in the Punjab and Haryana high court between private schools and the UT education department is scheduled for the next hearing on March 25. (iStock)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 06, 2025 10:00 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

As winter wraps up, brace for a scorching summer in Chandigarh

IMD has also calculated the anomaly for heatwave days in the country and Chandigarh is in the area that will experience the maximum heatwaves

Officials caution that it is likely that multiple heat records will be broken between March and May. (Sant Arora/HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 03, 2025 09:00 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: February ends with 12.5 mm rain, 47% deficit

According to the monthly weather report prepared by IMD, Chandigarh received 17.8 mm rain in the month against the normal of 33 mm

Chandigarh

Published on Mar 01, 2025 08:24 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh records hottest Feb night in 14 years as mercury climbs to 18.5°C

Chandigarh’s minimum temperature went up from 17.5°C on Wednesday to 18.5°C on Thursday, 6.6 degrees above normal and highest in the month since 2011 when it had gone up to 18.7°C on February 7

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 28, 2025 09:32 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

PU convocation on March 12; President Droupadi Murmu likely to attend

For the first time, PU will introduce traditional attire for the event, following a 2019 UGC directive to replace conventional gowns

If confirmed, President Murmu will preside over the ceremony and confer degrees upon graduates.(HT)

India News

Published on Feb 26, 2025 03:21 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: MEA says no to hosting Lahore varsity at PU Jhankar Fest

The initiative was proposed by PUCSC president Anurag Dalal, who submitted a memorandum to Panjab University vice-chancellor Renu Vig in January

Panjab University Campus Students Council president Anurag Dalal said, “We had earlier checked with the Union ministry of external affairs regarding permission but in a letter, they have denied the permission.” (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 22, 2025 09:08 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh grenade attack: NIA gets production warrants of 2 accused

Allowing NIA’s application for custody of accused Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, the court of special NIA judge Alka Malik directed the superintendent of Model Jail to present the duo before court on February 25 when it will decide on the length of custody to be granted to NIA

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 20, 2025 08:54 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

‘Fortunate to study at PU’: Kiran Bedi reflects on lasting memories

The event also witnessed the release of the Punjabi-translated edition of her book “Fearless Governance”, titled “Nidar Prashasan”; the translation has been done by journalist and PU alumnus Arvind Chhabra

(From left) former Himachal DGP Sanjay Kundu, former lieutenant governor of Puducherry and Panjab University (PU) alumna Kiran Bedi, dean of university instruction Rumina Sethi and dean of college development council Sanjay Kaushik during the release of Bedi’s book ‘Nidar Prashasan’ at the varsity in Chandigarh on Tuesday. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 19, 2025 08:10 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: PUTA urges Dhankhar to raise superannuation age to 65

PUTA president AS Naura and general secretary Mritunjay Kumar presented the demand, highlighting the disparity between PU teachers and their counterparts in UT-run colleges, where the superannuation age is already 65

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Mohali. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 18, 2025 08:54 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Post-Matric Scholarship: PU asks students to hand over funds disbursed by Punjab

In November 2024, Punjab had informed the court that they will release ₹2.7 crore within two weeks; while Punjab has paid this amount, PU officials said majority of the dues were pending

Centrally sponsored, the Post-Matric Scholarship scheme is implemented by state governments. But Punjab has failed to clear <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>21 crore owed to PU and its constituent colleges between 2014-15 to 2019-20. (HT File Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 17, 2025 08:50 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Panjab University to name Arts Block 3 after illustrious alumnus, teacher Manmohan Singh

Following former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s demise on December 26, 2024, PU vice-chancellor prof Renu Vig had constituted a committee to look into how the university could pay tribute to him

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh continued engaging with Panjab University even after his teaching tenure and returned to the campus in 2018 at the age of 85 to deliver the inaugural Prof SB Rangnekar Memorial Oration. (HT File Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 15, 2025 09:52 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: 850 EWS applicants allotted seats, Vivek High School again not on board

Vivek High School chairperson HS Mamik has confirmed that even though 27 seats are allocated to the school as EWS seats for the 2025-26 session, they will not admit EWS students

Vivek High School has once again this year objected to enrolling EWS students even as a case is already going on in the Punjab and Haryana high court. (HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 14, 2025 09:32 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Child rights panel sounds alarm about drugs sold as candies outside Chandigarh schools

The advisory recommends increased police patrolling outside schools, inspections, awareness programmes, and counselling sessions for students

UT police officials said they haven’t received the advisory so far, but they will work with health authorities and others officials to ensure students’ safety. (iStock)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 12, 2025 09:16 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Despite SC order, no slash in PU’s NRI quota seats

PU offers reservation of 10% seats over and above the sanctioned strength for NRIs and NRI wards. A candidate must fulfil the criterion for NRI status under the Income Tax Act, in the year in which he/she seeks admission in PU.

PU vice-chancellor prof Renu Vig said in their legal opinion, they concluded that the order was for medical colleges in Punjab and not for PU, which is why they have gone ahead with a similar admission policy for NRI students for the 2025-26 session. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 11, 2025 09:54 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Students’ mental health on Panjab University’s mind

Panjab University is also set to appoint a yoga instructor for the varsity soon for which the interviews will be held on February 17 and officials hope to hire the instructor by the end of this month

The psychiatrist will assess serious cases, which can later be followed up by the two mental health counsellors. (iStock)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 10, 2025 08:30 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: At 27.1°C, Sunday was hotter than all February days last year

While some Western Disturbances are expected to affect Chandigarh, they won’t be strong enough to bring rain to the city; the extended forecast indicates no rain for the next two weeks.

IMD officials predict that day temperatures will remain above normal in the coming days as well. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 10, 2025 08:20 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Panjab University yet to send invite to Lahore varsity for student fest in March

Panjab University has yet to officially send out an invite to their counterparts in Pakistan even with just a month left for the much-anticipated festival

The Jhankar student fest is organised annually by the president of the campus student council. Being hosted by the president, it is usually the biggest student fest at Panjab University in the academic year, organised with great fanfare. (HT File Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 07, 2025 10:00 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Now, retired teachers at Panjab University can serve as guest faculty 65

The Panjab University vice-chancellor has approved that the superannuated teachers may also be considered for appointment as guest faculty at Panjab University, subject to maximum age limit of 65 years

A teacher said that those who have superannuated at 60 can make use of this, and stay at Panjab University and continue with their research till they turn 65. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 06, 2025 09:40 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Overnight rain helps improve air quality in Chandigarh

As per the daily AQI bulletin released by the Central Pollution Control Board, Chandigarh’s AQI on Wednesday was 167

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 06, 2025 09:34 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh’s PGs leave much room for improvement

Baljinder Singh Bittu, chairperson of Federation of Sector Welfare Associations Chandigarh (FOSWAC) reveals that many PGs house more than the permissible number of people in a single room

As per a rough estimate, at least one lakh youngsters are currently enrolled in some form of higher education, coaching or vocational centre in Chandigarh. But there aren’t enough hostels to accommodate them all. (HT File/Image for representational purposes only)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 05, 2025 09:40 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh, After a balmy January, expect a warm, dry February too, says IMD

Both the maximum and minimum temperatures will remain above normal in February in Chandigarh, according to the long-range forecast (LRF) from the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 03, 2025 08:04 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

This January was warmest in over 14 years in Chandigarh

The average maximum temperature of 20.1°C was the highest since 2011, bringing a cosy vibe to the month; in contrast, January 2024 was remarkably colder, with the lowest average maximum temperature of 14.9°C in recent years, as per records readily available

At 8.7°C, even the average minimum temperature of the city was highest since 9.3°C in 2022. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Chandigarh

Published on Feb 01, 2025 08:26 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: 867 gold medals not awarded since 2019, PU’s ex-senator writes to Kataraia

Panjab University vice-chancellor Renu Vig said the Centre’s Government e-Marketplace portal, under which medals are procured, led to the delay

While Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad had earlier urged the Panjab University authorities to award the medals to students, former senator Davesh Moudgil, who is also the former Chandigarh mayor, has now raised the issue in a letter to Chandigarh administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. (HT File)

Chandigarh

Published on Jan 31, 2025 10:00 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

AI system to track staff attendance in Chandigarh’s government schools

There are a total of 111 government schools in Chandigarh, where around 5,000 teachers are working in different capacities

A soft launch of the app was done on Thursday to fine tune the system as the system will now be officially launched and implemented Friday onwards. All employees in Chandigarh’s government schools will have to use the AadhaarBAS app for this. It will work using the employees’ Aadhaar information and will have geo-fencing. (HT Photo)

Chandigarh

Published on Jan 31, 2025 09:56 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: Thursday was hottest January day in over 13 years

Before this, with a maximum temperature of 25.8°C, January 5, 2021, held the record, as per IMD that started maintaining records at its Sector 39 station in Chandigarh from 2012 onwards

Chandigarh

Published on Jan 31, 2025 09:42 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh’s AQI turns poor again

As per the daily AQI bulletin released by the Central Pollution Control Board, Chandigarh AQI was 210, making it more polluted than Delhi, which had an AQI of 174

Muzzafarpur in Bihar was the most polluted city in India on Saturday with an AQI of 306. (HT File Photo/for representation only)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jan 26, 2025 08:50 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: PUTA forms five-member panel to review draft UGC regulations

The regulations were discussed during a PUTA meeting and a five-member sub-panel was formed to prepare a report for further deliberations on the rules during open house

PUTA is likely to hold a general house meeting after the committee prepares its report. (File)

Chandigarh

Updated on Jan 24, 2025 09:52 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh: 40-yr-old man jailed for sexually harassing teen

The victim was awarded a ₹50,000 compensation by the District Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh, under the Victim Compensation Scheme

Chandigarh

Updated on Jan 24, 2025 09:46 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Panjab University: Students lock DSW office over senate elections

The door on the first floor, from where the offices of DSW, DSW women and associate DSW can be accessed, was locked by the students who also put up a “missing” poster for a “vice-chancellor who cares”

Chandigarh

Updated on Jan 22, 2025 08:48 AM IST

ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

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Rajanbir Singh

The two-day TiECon event kicked off on Thursday, and the event brought together prominent industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the country

As per the letter (copy with HT), the association alleges that the department has specifically mentioned the quantum of reimbursement which will be done, and the money has been sanctioned

IMD has also calculated the anomaly for heatwave days in the country and Chandigarh is in the area that will experience the maximum heatwaves

According to the monthly weather report prepared by IMD, Chandigarh received 17.8 mm rain in the month against the normal of 33 mm

Chandigarh’s minimum temperature went up from 17.5°C on Wednesday to 18.5°C on Thursday, 6.6 degrees above normal and highest in the month since 2011 when it had gone up to 18.7°C on February 7

For the first time, PU will introduce traditional attire for the event, following a 2019 UGC directive to replace conventional gowns

The initiative was proposed by PUCSC president Anurag Dalal, who submitted a memorandum to Panjab University vice-chancellor Renu Vig in January

Allowing NIA’s application for custody of accused Rohan Masih and Vishal Masih, the court of special NIA judge Alka Malik directed the superintendent of Model Jail to present the duo before court on February 25 when it will decide on the length of custody to be granted to NIA

The event also witnessed the release of the Punjabi-translated edition of her book “Fearless Governance”, titled “Nidar Prashasan”; the translation has been done by journalist and PU alumnus Arvind Chhabra

PUTA president AS Naura and general secretary Mritunjay Kumar presented the demand, highlighting the disparity between PU teachers and their counterparts in UT-run colleges, where the superannuation age is already 65

In November 2024, Punjab had informed the court that they will release ₹2.7 crore within two weeks; while Punjab has paid this amount, PU officials said majority of the dues were pending

Following former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s demise on December 26, 2024, PU vice-chancellor prof Renu Vig had constituted a committee to look into how the university could pay tribute to him

Vivek High School chairperson HS Mamik has confirmed that even though 27 seats are allocated to the school as EWS seats for the 2025-26 session, they will not admit EWS students

The advisory recommends increased police patrolling outside schools, inspections, awareness programmes, and counselling sessions for students

PU offers reservation of 10% seats over and above the sanctioned strength for NRIs and NRI wards. A candidate must fulfil the criterion for NRI status under the Income Tax Act, in the year in which he/she seeks admission in PU.

Panjab University is also set to appoint a yoga instructor for the varsity soon for which the interviews will be held on February 17 and officials hope to hire the instructor by the end of this month

While some Western Disturbances are expected to affect Chandigarh, they won’t be strong enough to bring rain to the city; the extended forecast indicates no rain for the next two weeks.

Panjab University has yet to officially send out an invite to their counterparts in Pakistan even with just a month left for the much-anticipated festival

The Panjab University vice-chancellor has approved that the superannuated teachers may also be considered for appointment as guest faculty at Panjab University, subject to maximum age limit of 65 years

As per the daily AQI bulletin released by the Central Pollution Control Board, Chandigarh’s AQI on Wednesday was 167

Baljinder Singh Bittu, chairperson of Federation of Sector Welfare Associations Chandigarh (FOSWAC) reveals that many PGs house more than the permissible number of people in a single room

Both the maximum and minimum temperatures will remain above normal in February in Chandigarh, according to the long-range forecast (LRF) from the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

The average maximum temperature of 20.1°C was the highest since 2011, bringing a cosy vibe to the month; in contrast, January 2024 was remarkably colder, with the lowest average maximum temperature of 14.9°C in recent years, as per records readily available

Panjab University vice-chancellor Renu Vig said the Centre’s Government e-Marketplace portal, under which medals are procured, led to the delay

There are a total of 111 government schools in Chandigarh, where around 5,000 teachers are working in different capacities

Before this, with a maximum temperature of 25.8°C, January 5, 2021, held the record, as per IMD that started maintaining records at its Sector 39 station in Chandigarh from 2012 onwards

As per the daily AQI bulletin released by the Central Pollution Control Board, Chandigarh AQI was 210, making it more polluted than Delhi, which had an AQI of 174

The regulations were discussed during a PUTA meeting and a five-member sub-panel was formed to prepare a report for further deliberations on the rules during open house

The victim was awarded a ₹50,000 compensation by the District Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh, under the Victim Compensation Scheme

The door on the first floor, from where the offices of DSW, DSW women and associate DSW can be accessed, was locked by the students who also put up a “missing” poster for a “vice-chancellor who cares”

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