In a significant blow to the nefarious network of foreign-based gangster Arsh Dalla, Punjab Polices Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with Faridkot Police, apprehended two of his close associates, recovering two illegal weapons from their possession. The development is seen as a critical step in the ongoing crackdown on organized crime, being carried out on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure a safe and secure Punjab.   Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav identified the arrested individuals as Vishal Singh of Sri Muktsar Sahib and Onkar Singh of village Gamewala, Ferozepur. From them, the police recovered two .30 bore pistols along with six live cartridges.   DGP Yadav revealed that preliminary investigations have uncovered an alarming plot. Vishal, recently released on bail, was actively conspiring to eliminate a rival gang member. He was in regular contact with his foreign-based handler, Arsh Dalla, and was awaiting instructions to execute a targeted killing in Punjab.   Swift action by AGTF has potentially prevented a sensational crime, said DGP Yadav, adding that investigations are ongoing to identify additional associates and trace both backward and forward linkages in the criminal network.   Additional DGP AGTF Promod Ban informed that acting on human and technical intelligence, AGTF teams led by DSP Rajan Parminder, with support from Faridkot Police, arrested the accused from near Dana Mandi chowk in Sadiq.   Faridkot SSP Dr Pragya Jain confirmed that both accused have criminal pasts, with cases under attempt to murder, cheating, and Arms Act already registered. FIR No. 52 dated May 21, 2025, has been lodged under Section 25 of the Arms Act at Sadiq Police Station.   Haryana govt approves establishment of 12 new Labour Courts: Anil Vij Chandigarh: Haryana Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said to ensure the speedy resolution of industrial disputes, the state government has approved the establishment of 12 new Labour Courts across 12 districts. With this addition, the total number of labour courts in Haryana will increase to 26, the transport and labour minister said. The minister had sent a proposal to the chief minister recommending the establishment of labour courts in 12 additional districts -- Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Jind, Sirsa, Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Fatehabad and Mewat (Nuh). Vij said about Rs 12 crores will be spent on infrastructure, furniture, and vehicles for the establishment of these 12 Labour Courts.  At present, nine labour courts are operational across six districts -- one each in Ambala, Panipat, Hisar, and Rohtak; two in Gurugram; and three in Faridabad. One labour court is currently under construction in Bawal, Rewari district. According to the 2025-26 budget speech of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the Finance portfolio, approval has already been granted for the establishment of one labour court each in Sonipat, Jhajjar, Palwal, and Rewari. This brings the total to 14 labour courts either operational, under construction, or approved across 10 districts. Agniveer from Himachal dies in landslide in Kargil Dharamshala:  A 25-year-old Agniveer from Himachal Pradesh died in a landslide while he was on duty in the Drass sector of Kargil, officials said on Wednesday. According to officials, Naveen Kumar (25) was serving with the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and lost his life in a landslide on May 20.  The mortal remains of the deceased soldier are expected to reach his native Halun village in Thural Panchayat of Himachals Kangra on Thursday, where his last rites will be conducted with full military honors, they said. Naveen Kumar had joined the Army two years ago through an open rally recruitment under the Agnipath scheme. The news of his death was conveyed to the family on Tuesday evening by another soldier from the area. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri have also expressed profound sorrow over the martyrdom of Agniveer Naveen Kumar. In a statement, Sukhu offered his condolences and prayed for peace for the departed soul, along with strength for the family to bear this irreparable loss. Women for Trees campaign launched in Chandigarh Chandigarh: City Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla launched Municipal Corporations Women for Trees campaign—a flagship initiative under the AMRUT Mitra programme initiated by MoHUA. This campaign was officially launched from the Community Centre, Sarangpur in the presence of Amit Kumar, Commissioner. Inspired by the Government of Indias Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, this gender-inclusive programme aims to strengthen urban green spaces and build climate resilience by actively engaging Self-Help Groups (SHGs), particularly women, in tree plantation and environmental stewardship. The implementation of the campaign is being led by teams from AMRUT and DAY-NULM under the MC Chandigarh, a statement said. Kataria felicitates meritorious students of Raj Bhavan employees Chandigarh: In a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday felicitated 16 meritorious students—children of Group B, C, and D employees of Raj Bhavan—for their exemplary performance in the Class 10 and 12 board examinations of the 2023–24 session. Apart from this, the Governor also felicitated aspiring NEET/JEE students and those enrolled in professional courses (post-Class 12), and postgraduates preparing for competitive exams with award money. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor lauded the students for their hard work and perseverance, and expressed deep appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of their families. He remarked that the Raj Bhavan is like a family to him, encompassing every employee, from Class IV staff to Class I officers. As the head of this family, he said, he has to ensure that all members receive the support they need, especially in empowering their children to pursue excellence in education and beyond.  

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