Gurpreet Singh, Author at National Times

29 Dec

Severe Fog and Pollution Grip North India, Air Traffic Faces Disruptions in Capital

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjab, TrendingNorth India

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Large stretches of north India began the week under a heavy cover of fog, with low temperatures and worsening pollution creating difficult conditions for daily life. Parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi experienced dense fog on Monday morning, reducing visibility and adding to winter-related challenges across the region. The national capital recorded a cold and hazy start as air quality levels dropped further into the danger zone. Data showed Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index reaching 402 by early morning, categorising the air as “severe” and triggering health advisories. Environmental experts warned that prolonged exposure could pose serious…

28 Dec

Punjab Speaker Slams Cut in Import Duty on New Zealand Apples, Calls It Anti-Farmer

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabapple import duty, Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker

Chandigarh, December 28, 2025: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Sunday strongly criticised the Central Government’s decision to reduce the import duty on apples from New Zealand from 50 per cent to 25 per cent under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a betrayal of Indian farmers and a move against the principles of Swadeshi. Sandhwan said that while the Centre repeatedly talks about promoting indigenous products and strengthening domestic manufacturing, its policies are instead favouring foreign producers at the cost of Indian farmers. He remarked that such decisions resemble the colonial-era practices of the East India…

28 Dec

Anand Karaj Only in Gurdwaras, AI-Based Films on Sikh Themes Banned: Panj Singh Sahiban Issue Firm Directives

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAkal Takht Sahib, Anand Karaj rules, Panj Singh Sahiban, SGPC approval, Sikh maryada

Amritsar, December 28, 2025: In a major step to protect Sikh religious traditions and maryada, the Panj Singh Sahiban on Sunday announced a series of strict resolutions following a high-level meeting held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib under the leadership of Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.Addressing the media after the meeting, the Acting Jathedar declared that Anand Karaj ceremonies will be permitted exclusively within Gurdwara premises. He clarified that conducting Sikh marriage ceremonies in parks, hotels, resorts, or any commercial or open venues will no longer be allowed, and the Sikh sangat has been directed to strictly adhere to…

28 Dec

Mann government has made 2025 the year of prosperity for farmers: Punjab government’s historic initiative is bringing significant changes to Punjab’s farms

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabBhagwant Mann government, CM Bhagwant Mann, Punjab

Chandigarh, 28 December 2025: As the year of 2025 concludes, Punjab's agricultural landscape stands transformed, driven by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led the state government's bold initiatives. The year has been marked by record farmer remuneration, significant strides in crop diversification and a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices, setting a new benchmark for farm prosperity in the state. Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, highlighted the year’s landmark achievements, stating that the government’s resolve to empower farmers is matched by its commitment to ecological sustainability. "Our schemes have driven transformative change, and the…

28 Dec

Progressive Punjab Investor Summit-2026: ₹1.50 lakh crore investment in Punjab since 2022, 5 lakh jobs created

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabCabinet Minister Sajeev Arora, Punjab, Punjab government

Chandigarh, 28 December, 2025: Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora today said that Punjab has attracted ₹1.50 lakh crore (approximately USD 19 billion) in investments since the formation of the AAP Government, resulting in the generation of more than five lakh employment opportunities across the State. He said this reflects the Government’s firm commitment to making Punjab a preferred destination for investors and a leading industrial hub. Major Investments announce for Punjab in last 5 months areHPCL Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) – ₹2,600 Crores, Vardhman Steels- ₹3,000 Crores, Trident Group – ₹2,000 Crores, IOL Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited – ₹1,400 Crores, Happy…

28 Dec

SHO of Sangat Police Station Suspended for Negligence in Drug-Related Cases

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabDrugs, Punjab, SHO, Suspend

National Times Bureau :- In a strict move against negligence in handling drug-related cases, the SHO of Sangat Police Station, Daljit Singh, has been suspended. The action comes following allegations that Singh failed to take appropriate measures against drug trafficking in his jurisdiction, which lies along the Punjab-Haryana border—a known route for narcotics entering Punjab from neighboring states. Based on a report submitted by the DSP of Bathinda Rural, SSP Amneet Kaur ordered the suspension and directed a departmental inquiry into Singh’s conduct. Police officials have confirmed that the investigation is underway, highlighting the administration’s zero-tolerance approach toward lapses in…

28 Dec

NCB Declares Reward for Information Leading to Arrest of Three Drug Traffickers in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndiaChandigarh, NCB

National Times Bureau :- The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has announced a reward for information leading to the arrest of three drug traffickers operating across Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Two of the accused hail from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, while the third is reportedly linked to Moga in Punjab. The bureau has assured complete confidentiality for informants and has set a reward of ₹25,000 for each case. Citizens can provide information either via phone or by visiting the bureau’s office. This initiative underscores NCB’s ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in the region and encourages public participation in law enforcement…

28 Dec

Unnao sexual assault case: SC to hear on Monday plea challenging Kuldeep Sengar’s suspension of life sentence on Monday

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndia

National Times Bureau :- A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday, December 29, the CBI’s appeal against the Delhi High Court’s decision to suspend the life sentence imposed on former Uttar Pradesh MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The case will be taken up by a vacation bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice J K Maheshwari and Justice Augustine George Masih. The Supreme Court is presently on its winter recess and will reopen for regular hearings on January 5. On December 23, the Delhi High Court put…

27 Dec

Mann Government strengthens the future of 2.37 lakh Orphaned and Dependent Children by creating a Security cover of Rs. 314 crore

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjab

Chandigarh, 27 December 2025: Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to the welfare of all sections of society. In this direction, sustained and focused efforts are being made to ensure the safety, dignity and holistic development of orphaned and dependent children in the state.Sharing details, Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has so far released ₹314.22 crore as financial assistance for orphaned and dependent children, bringing stability and security to thousands of young lives.She further informed that under this scheme,…

27 Dec

Saints, Great Souls and Martyrs Inspire Society: Krishna Bedi

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsHaryanaBaba Bhuman Shah Maharaj, Haryana, Krishna Bedi, Sirsa, Social Justice Minister

Chandigarh, December 27: Haryana’s Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Krishna Kumar Bedi, on Friday said that the lives of saints, great personalities and brave martyrs continue to inspire society and provide moral strength to future generations. He said such spiritual and historical figures show the path of service, sacrifice and commitment towards the nation. The minister was addressing devotees after paying obeisance at the main shrine of Baba Bhuman Shah Maharaj at Sangar Sadha in Sirsa on the occasion of the 278th Mahaparinirvan Day. He also sought blessings from Gaddinashin Baba Brahmdas Maharaj and prayed for peace, prosperity and…