Gurpreet Singh, Author at National Times

27 Feb

Punjab Government Doubles Ex-Gratia Assistance for Disabled Soldiers

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabDefence Services, Disabled Soldiers, ex-gratia assistance, Punjab government

Chandigarh, February 27, 2025 – In a major welfare initiative, the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has doubled ex-gratia financial assistance for disabled soldiers from the Defence Services and Paramilitary Forces. This move aims to provide greater financial security to those who suffer disabilities while on duty during war or operations.Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat announced the revised policy, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting and recognizing the sacrifices of armed forces personnel.Revised Ex-Gratia Assistance:76% to 100% disability: ₹40 lakh (previously ₹20 lakh)51% to 75% disability: ₹20 lakh (previously ₹10 lakh)25% to 50%…

27 Feb

Punjab Police Demolishes Illegal Properties of Drug Peddlers in Patiala and Rupnagar

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabPunjab Police, War Against Drugs

Chandigarh, February 27, 2025 – In a major crackdown on the drug mafia, Punjab Police, with the assistance of local authorities, demolished illegal houses of two notorious drug peddlers in Patiala and Rupnagar districts. The action is part of the state government’s ongoing War Against Drugs, initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Patiala Operation In Patiala, a police team led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Nanak Singh took stern action against Rinky, a habitual drug smuggler from Rodi Kut Mohalla. Rinky has been booked in at least 10 FIRs under the NDPS Act between…

27 Feb

Punjab Police Busts BKI-ISI-Backed Terror Module, Arrests Two Operatives

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabBabbar Khalsa International, Punjab Police, Terror Module Busted

Chandigarh, February 27, 2025 – In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police has successfully dismantled a terror module linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The group was behind the recent attacks in Batala, Jaintipur, and Raimal, carried out on January 15 and February 17, 2025.The Batala Police arrested two operatives, Mohit and Vishal, who were key members of the terror network. The module was orchestrated by USA-based terrorist Happy Passian and Pakistan-based Harvinder Rinda, both known for their links to extremist activities.During the operation, one of the operatives—who had previously hurled an explosive—opened fire at…

27 Feb

Punjab Approves New Excise Policy for 2025-26, Targets ₹11,020 Crore Revenue

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabBhagwant Mann, e-tendering, liquor vends, Punjab excise policy

Chandigarh, February 27, 2025 – The Punjab cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has approved the excise policy for 2025-26, aiming to boost revenue by ₹800 crore over the previous year. The government has set a target of ₹11,020 crore in excise duty collection for the upcoming fiscal year, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema announced. Key Highlights of the Excise Policy Return to E-Tendering for Liquor Vends: The government is reverting to its 2022 policy of allotting liquor vends through e-tenders, ensuring transparency in the process.Open Quota for IMFL Continues: The policy will maintain an open quota for Indian Made…

27 Feb

Punjab & Haryana HC Slams Man for Challenging Rs 5,000 Maintenance to Elderly Mother

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabElderly Maintenance, Family Dispute, Punjab High Court

Chandigarh, February 27, 2025 – The Punjab and Haryana High Court has strongly criticized a man from Sangrur, Punjab, for challenging a family court’s order directing him to pay ₹5,000 per month as maintenance to his 77-year-old widowed mother. The court labeled it a "classic case of ‘Kalyug' in action" and imposed a ₹50,000 fine on the petitioner. Court Denounces Son’s Attempt to Evade Responsibility The case involved Sikander Singh, who moved the HC against a ruling that required him and his late brother’s widow, Amarjit Kaur, to each pay ₹5,000 to their mother, Surjit Kaur. Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri…

27 Feb

NHAI Terminates Ceigall India Limited’s Amritsar Connectivity Project Contract

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndia, PunjabAmritsar, Punjab News

Amritsar (National Times) – Ceigall India Limited has announced the termination of its contract with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the construction of a four-lane Greenfield Amritsar connectivity project. The project, executed in partnership with Ms Krishna Constructions, was intended to link Amritsar with the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. The termination was officially communicated by NHAI through letter No. NHAI/PIU/ASK/DAK/PKg-1/File-207962, dated February 25, 2025. The contract was ended under Clause 3.4 of the agreement, primarily due to insufficient land acquisition along the designated project stretch. Despite Ceigall India Limited’s request to revoke the termination, NHAI upheld its decision. However,…

27 Feb

Elon Musk’s Grok AI Sparks Debate by Favoring Sikhism in Hypothetical Religious Supremacy Question

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabGrok AI, Punjab, Sikhism

Chandigarh (National Times): A recent interaction on social media platform X has stirred discussions about religion, governance, and AI decision-making. When user @x/gurkarn_gill posed a thought-provoking question to Elon Musk's AI system, Grok—asking which religious supremacy should rule over Earth—the AI's response favoring Sikhism ignited widespread debate. Grok's reasoning emphasized Sikhism's core values of equality and selfless service, citing the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib and the tradition of langar, where free meals are offered to all regardless of background. The AI noted, “It’s less about domination and more about coexistence,” advocating for governance based on unity and justice…

27 Feb

Punjab Government Makes Punjabi Compulsory in All Schools Across the State

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabPunjab, Punjab News, Punjab School

Chandigarh (National Times): In a major decision to promote Punjabi language and culture, the Punjab government has made it mandatory for all schools in the state—regardless of their affiliation—to teach Punjabi as a main subject. Punjabi Now a Compulsory Subject in All Boards As per the new directive, all schools affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) must ensure Punjabi is part of the curriculum as a primary subject. Announcing the decision, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that the AAP-led state government…

26 Feb

Polluted Rivers Threaten Lives and Crops: Kumari Selja Blames Govt Negligence for Rising Diseases and Environmental Damage

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndiaBJP, Haryana, INC, Kumari Selja, Polluted Rivers, Yamuna

Chandigarh, February 26, 2025: The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Member of Parliament from Sirsa Kumari Selja said that due to the indifference of the BJP government in the state, the water of Yamunanagar is becoming polluted. About 113 factories in the state are dumping untreated chemical-laden dirty water into the Yamuna River. Waterborne diseases are spreading, crops are being destroyed, and livestock are dying. On the other hand, the polluted water of the Ghaggar River is becoming the leading cause of cancer, and thousands of people are affected. The government should take…

26 Feb

YFC Rurka Kalan and GA Foundation Partner to Launch Multi-Sports Facility, Expanding Opportunities for Football Players

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabGA Foundation, Multi Sports Complex, YFC Rurka Kalan

Chandigarh, February 26: In a major boost to grassroots football development, YFC Rurka Kalan and Generation Amazing Foundation have joined hands to establish a state-of-the-art multi-sports facility. This initiative aims to nurture young talent and provide aspiring footballers with top-tier training and world-class infrastructure. The agreement for the Generation Amazing Community Club (GACC) multi-sports facility was signed in Chandigarh today, marking a significant step in advancing sports culture in Punjab. The signing ceremony saw the presence of Member of Parliament Malwinder Singh Kang, with GA Foundation’s Executive Director Jassim Al Ali and Youth Football Club (YFC) Rurka Kalan’s President Gurmangal…