Gurpreet Singh, Author at National Times

30 Jul

Parliament Enacts Stricter Anti-Paper Leak Legislation to Safeguard Examination Integrity

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndiaAnti-Leak Law, Education Ministry, Exam Malpractice, Government Of India, NEET, Parliament

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Parliament officially granted approval on Thursday to the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing severe criminal and financial penalties to combat systemic malpractice in public examinations. The legislation was passed in the Rajya Sabha via a voice vote, following its approval in the Lok Sabha a day earlier, despite a walkout by Opposition members. The newly enacted law aims to serve as a strong deterrent against the paper leaks that have frequently disrupted academic calendars and impacted student futures. Under the provisions of the amendment, individuals found guilty of leaking question papers…

30 Jul

Supreme Court Grants Interim Protection to Student Protesters Amid NEET-UG 2026 Controversy

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndiaCJP Protests, Education Ministry, FIR, Indian Law, NEET-UG 2026, Student Rights, Supreme Court

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued an interim directive to all states, strictly prohibiting any coercive action against students who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests regarding the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. These demonstrations, which centered on demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, have reignited a significant legal discussion regarding the finality of First Information Reports. While the court's order provides necessary temporary relief for the protesters, it does not function as a cancellation of the existing criminal records. Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, an FIR serves as the…

30 Jul

India Condemns Attacks on Black Sea Shipping Following High-Level Talks with Ukraine

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndiaBlack Sea, Global South, India, Maritime security, S Jaishankar, Ukraine

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on Thursday to address the intensifying security crisis in the Black Sea. The discussion focused on the safety of international commercial shipping and the welfare of Indian seafarers, who have increasingly been caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict. Minister Jaishankar issued a firm condemnation during the exchange, declaring that attacks on commercial vessels by any party are absolutely unacceptable and reiterating New Delhi's stance advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path forward. The diplomatic outreach follows…

30 Jul

Punjab Government to Amend Sacrilege Law; AAP Assures No Interference in Religious Affairs

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabGuru Granth Sahib, Legislation, Malvinder Singh Kang, Punjab, sacrilege, SGPC, Sikhism

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang on Thursday categorically clarified that the Punjab Government's law against sacrilege is aimed solely at ensuring the strictest punishment for those who deliberately commit acts of sacrilege and has no intention of interfering in Sikh religious affairs, Sikh Rehat Maryada, or the rights of religious institutions. Addressing a press conference, Kang said the Bhagwant Mann Government brought the legislation in response to the long-standing demand of the Sikh community for a strong legal framework to prevent repeated incidents of sacrilege and ensure that those responsible do not…

30 Jul

Canal Irrigation Projects Worth ₹80.35 Crore Inaugurated in Punjab’s Shutrana Constituency

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAgriculture, flood control, irrigation, Punjab, Shutrana, Water resources

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Water Resources and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today inaugurated canal irrigation projects at villages Buta Singh Wala and Badshahpur in the Shutrana Assembly constituency. The Cabinet Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is expanding canal irrigation across the state. He informed that canals, distributaries and sub-minors measuring 137.13 km have been renovated in Shutrana at a cost of Rs.80.35 crore, benefiting nearly 68,500 acres of agricultural land in 56 villages. In addition, 53.9 km of pipelines have been laid at a cost of…

30 Jul

Punjab to Open Applications for Second Cohort of Mental Health Fellows to Combat Substance Abuse

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAddiction, Fellowship, Healthcare, mental health, Public Health, Punjab, rehabilitation

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Reinforcing its commitment to tackling drug addiction through a comprehensive approach, the Punjab government launched India’s first fellowship against substance abuse, the Leadership in Mental Health Programme (LMHP) in February 2026. Thirteen fellows from the first cohort of the programme are now working across Punjab to strengthen mental healthcare services. LMHP fellows work across the state under the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative, supporting healthcare services and integrating a health- and community-first perspective in the state’s fight against drugs. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening the state’s mental healthcare system and ensuring…

30 Jul

Path of Devotion Made Easier: Vrindavan Parikrama Marg to Get a Rs 100 Crore Facelift

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndiaInfrastructure, Parikrama Marg, Pilgrimage, Tourism, Vrindavan

Vrindavan (Gurpreet Singh/Rajeev Sharma): A major initiative is underway to bring significant relief to the millions of devotees visiting the sacred town of Lord Krishna. To address growing crowds and traffic congestion, a comprehensive development plan valued at approximately ₹100 crore has been drafted to modernize and streamline the Vrindavan Parikrama Marg. The initiative aims to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience by offering safer, smoother, and more accessible routes while fully preserving the spiritual sanctity of Vrindavan. Every year, Vrindavan draws millions of pilgrims from across India and around the globe. Heavy footfall at renowned spiritual landmarks such as the…

30 Jul

Ajinkya Rahane Retirement: Veteran Indian Batter Bids Farewell to International Cricket

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsSportsAjinkya Rahane, Indian cricket, international cricket, retirement, Test cricket

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has officially announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning over a decade. The 38-year-old middle-order stalwart confirmed his decision through an emotional message shared on social media, stating that he felt the timing was right to move forward. Rahane leaves behind a rich legacy as one of India’s most dependable performers in overseas conditions and a respected leader who guided the national team through pivotal moments. Representing India across 85 Tests, 90 One-Day Internationals, and 20 T20 Internationals, Rahane amassed over…

30 Jul

Ramayana Trailer Out: Nitesh Tiwari’s Mythological Spectacle Unveils Star-Studded First Look

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsEntertainmentA R Rahman, Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana trailer, Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash

Mumbai (Gurpreet Singh): The cinematic world reached a major milestone as the official trailer for director Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated mythological epic, Ramayana, was officially released. Produced by Namit Malhotra, the four-minute preview was launched precisely at 4:15 AM IST during the auspicious Brahma Muhurat, offering global audiences a grand glimpse into one of the most ambitious Indian film productions to date. The trailer stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and KGF actor Yash delivering a powerful presence as Ravana, all framed against a dramatic musical score composed jointly by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. The…

30 Jul

40 Lakh Women Registering for First Time to Receive Rs 1,000 on August 1: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPolitics, Punjab, Trending

RUPNAGAR (Gurpreet Singh): A sea of devotees converged at the Government College grounds on Tuesday as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann joined the grand ‘Ek Sham Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ Bhajan Sandhya, where chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echoed across the venue. The Chief Minister also joined the devotees in raising the chants, while renowned singer Hansraj Raghuwanshi enthralled the gathering with devotional hymns. During this, the Chief Minister said that Punjab’s tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood remains its greatest strength, asserting that people of all faiths celebrate every festival together and that no seed of hatred can…