Gurpreet Singh, Author at National Times

16 Jan

imposes Rs 1.54 crore fine on Ludhiana Municipal Corporation over improper waste management

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabLudhiana, Punjab News

National Times Bureau :- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of Rs 1.54 crore on the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation for failing to manage waste effectively. The penalty was imposed after the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) reported negligence by the municipal body in adhering to proper solid waste management practices over the past two years. According to the authorities, the lapses have caused significant environmental damage in Ludhiana. PPCB and NGT officials highlighted that the improper handling of waste has had a detrimental impact on the city’s environment. The municipal corporation has been directed to recover the…

16 Jan

silver prices slip after three-day rally as investors book profits

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndia

National Times Bureau :- After registering strong gains for three consecutive sessions, gold and silver prices witnessed a sudden decline on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), mainly due to profit booking by investors. The correction led to a drop ranging from nearly Rs 1,000 in gold to around Rs 10,000 in silver, even as prices in the physical bullion market remained largely stable. On Thursday, January 15, gold prices on MCX fell by nearly Rs 1,000 per 10 gram, while silver prices declined by close to Rs 10,000 per kg. Market experts attributed the fall to investors locking in profits…

16 Jan

Punjabi actress Mandy Takhar, husband Shekhar Kaushal granted mutual divorce

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsEntertainment, Punjab, TrendingMandy Takhar

National Times Bureau :- Punjabi film actress Mandy Takhar has officially ended her marriage with Shekhar Kaushal through mutual consent, with the Saket Court in Delhi approving their divorce on Friday. The development brings a close to their brief marital journey. Mandy and Shekhar had tied the knot in 2024, but reports suggest that the couple had been living separately since last year due to personal differences. On Friday, the duo filed a joint petition for mutual divorce, which was promptly approved by the court. Mandy’s lawyer, Advocate Ishaan Mukherjee, confirmed the court’s decision to IANS but refrained from sharing…

16 Jan

Severe cold wave grips Punjab and Chandigarh; dense fog alert issued, rain expected from Jan 18

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabPunjab News

National Times Bureau :- Punjab and Chandigarh continue to reel under intense cold weather conditions as temperatures dipped close to the freezing point for the second time this winter season. The Chandigarh Meteorological Centre has issued an Orange Alert for dense fog and cold wave conditions, warning residents to remain cautious over the next few days. According to the Meteorological Department, Punjab witnessed a further drop of 0.3 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures on Thursday. Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 0.9°C, followed by Hoshiarpur and Bathinda at 3°C, Amritsar at 3.2°C, while Chandigarh…

16 Jan

Senior AAP Functionary Among Key Leaders Who Cross Over to BJP in Punjab Ahead of 2027 Polls

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAAP, Akali Dal, BJP, Congress, Political Shift

Chandigarh: In a major political churn ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday strengthened its ranks with the induction of several prominent leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, underlining the party’s renewed focus on expanding its base in the state. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini presided over the joining ceremony at the BJP’s Chandigarh office, where former Congress MP Jagmeet Brar formally entered the party. He was joined by Ankur Sidhu, former Officer on Special Duty to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and senior Akali leader…

16 Jan

BJP Poised for Punjab Push as Five Senior Leaders Expected to Join Party

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPolitics, Punjab, TrendingBJP, Punjab

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a development that could alter political alignments in Punjab, five seasoned politicians are expected to formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party later today, according to sources familiar with the plans. The group is said to include a former Member of Parliament, a former legislator and two individuals who earlier served as Officers on Special Duty to senior political figures in the state. Their induction is likely to take place in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, underscoring the significance the BJP is attaching to the move. Although the party has not yet disclosed…

16 Jan

Punjab Assembly Speaker Flags Export Crisis, Urges Centre to Act on Stalled Basmati Shipments

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPolitics, Punjab, TrendingKultar Singh Sandhwan

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): With geopolitical tensions involving Iran disrupting trade routes, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has approached the Prime Minister seeking immediate intervention to address mounting losses faced by the state’s Basmati rice sector. Sandhwan said consignments valued at more than ₹2,000 crore are currently held up due to the crisis, leaving exporters unable to receive payments and triggering a chain reaction across the agricultural economy. He noted that the uncertainty has already begun to reflect in domestic markets, where Basmati prices in mandis are witnessing a steady decline. Calling the situation alarming, the Speaker said farmers,…

15 Jan

Bhagwant Mann Govt takes decisive step to introduce Digital Electronic Ticketing Machines to modernise Punjab’s bus services

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjab

Punjab moves towards cashless, technology-enabled public transport with digital ticketing rollout CHANDIGARH, 15th January 2026: Continuing its decisive push towards modern, citizen-first governance, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has taken another major step to transform public transport by approving the procurement of Digital Electronic Ticketing Machines across state-run bus services. The initiative reflects the government’s clear focus on leveraging technology to make everyday public services more efficient, transparent and convenient for citizens. The introduction of Digital Electronic Ticketing Machines marks a significant upgrade in the way passengers access bus services in Punjab. With this reform, commuters will be able…

15 Jan

Punjab Chief Minister Appears Before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Reaffirms Faith in Supreme Sikh Authority

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabPunjab Chief Minister, religious accountability, Sikh authority, Sikh Rehat Maryada, Sri Akal Takht Sahib

Amritsar, January 15, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, bowing with humility and reaffirming his complete faith in the supreme temporal authority of the Sikhs. Walking barefoot while reciting prayers, the Chief Minister devoted the day to the Takht Sahib and presented his clarification before the Jathedar at the Akal Takht Secretariat. Interacting with the media after the appearance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said he had come in compliance with the directions issued by the Jathedar Sahib and had placed his position as a humble Sikh. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is…

15 Jan

Akal Takht Orders Forensic Examination of Viral Video Linked to Punjab CM

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAkal Takht Sahib, forensic investigation, Punjab Chief Minister, viral video probe

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): The Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib on Thursday announced that a forensic probe will be conducted into a controversial video circulating on social media in connection with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, even as the Chief Minister’s explanation on related concerns has been accepted. After holding a meeting with the Chief Minister, the Acting Jathedar told reporters that the video will be subjected to scientific examination at two recognised forensic laboratories, the names of which have been sought from the Chief Minister. He said the objective of the investigation is to establish facts with complete transparency…