Gurpreet Singh, Author at National Times

21 May

IMD warns of heatwave in Punjab, Haryana till May 23, Light Rain from May 24 onwards

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabHaryana, Punjab

Chandigarh (National Times): While a searing heatwave grips Punjab and Haryana between May 21 and 23, relief may be in sight as the weather department predicts light rain and thunderstorm activity from May 24 onwards. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that isolated pockets in both states may witness light rain on May 21, 23, and 24. Moderate rainfall at several places is expected by May 25 and 26. These showers are likely to be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph. “Thunderstorm activity with lightning and strong gusty winds will hit isolated parts of…

21 May

Centre Reduces Punjab’s Borrowing Limit by Rs 16,676 Crore, Citing Unpaid Power Subsidies

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjab

New Delhi (National Times): In a significant financial jolt to the Punjab government, the Central Government has slashed the state's borrowing limit by a massive Rs 16,676 crore for the current financial year, citing unpaid power subsidies and rising debt liabilities. As per a report in The Tribune, the Punjab government had sought approval for borrowing up to Rs 47,076.40 crore for the fiscal year 2025–26. However, the Centre has sanctioned only Rs 30,400.40 crore, leaving a substantial gap in the state's borrowing capacity. Shortfall in Quarterly Borrowing AllocationFor the April–December 2025 period, Punjab had requested a borrowing limit of…

21 May

“My Pain Changed Me”: Sidhu Moosewala’s Father Balkaur Singh Pens Emotional Tribute Remembering His Son

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabSidhu Moosewala

Mansa (National Times): Three years after the tragic death of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, his father, Balkaur Singh Sidhu has released a heartfelt message that has once again touched millions across the globe. In a deeply emotional note, Balkaur Singh poured out his grief, reflecting on the pain, betrayal, and permanent changes that losing his only son has brought into his life. “I have changed a lot,” he wrote. “In these three years, I made the mistake of trusting people who were never truly ours. Each time someone’s real face was revealed, it shook me to the core.” In his…

21 May

Pakistani National Apprehended by BSF Near Amritsar Border

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAmritsar border, BSF, Pakistani intruder

Amritsar, May 21, 2025 — The Border Security Force (BSF) arrested a Pakistani intruder who illegally crossed the International Border near Karimpura village in Amritsar district on the evening of May 20.The individual identified himself as Pakistani and was found carrying ₹330 in Pakistani currency during his capture. The BSF carried out an initial interrogation to understand the reasons behind his unauthorized crossing.After the preliminary questioning, the Pakistani national was handed over to local police for further investigation and legal proceedings.The BSF continues to keep strict watch along the border to prevent such incidents and maintain regional security.

21 May

Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale’s Apology Accepted at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Preaching Ban Lifted

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjab

Amritsar (National Times): In a major religious development, Sikh preacher Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale appeared before the Panj Singh Sahibs at Sri Akal Takht Sahib and offered a heartfelt apology for his past controversial remarks. Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj officially accepted his apology, and the preaching ban previously imposed on him has been lifted. During the meeting at the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, Baba Dhadrianwale humbly acknowledged his mistakes and sought forgiveness from the Sikh community and religious leadership. Recognizing his expression of remorse, the Akal Takht Jathedar permitted him to resume Gurbani preaching, while also reminding him to…

20 May

Chandigarh Schools to Close for Summer Vacation from May 23 Amid Heatwave

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabChandigarh

Chandigarh (National Times): With temperatures soaring across the region, the Chandigarh Education Department has officially announced summer vacations for all government schools, starting May 23, 2025. The break will last 39 days, with schools scheduled to reopen on July 1, 2025, according to an official notification issued Monday. Heatwave Triggers Early Holidays The move comes amid intensifying heatwave conditions that have raised serious concerns about student health and safety. On Saturday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 40.8°C, nearly 2°C above the seasonal average, the Meteorological Department reported. Weather experts have warned of further increases in the coming days.…

20 May

Hemkund Sahib Yatra to Begin on May 25; First Pilgrim Group to Depart on May 22

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndia

Chamoli (National Times): The annual pilgrimage to Sri Hemkund Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh shrines located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, is set to begin on May 25, 2025. As per tradition, the first jatha (group of pilgrims), led by the Panj Pyare, will depart on May 22, officially marking the commencement of this year's yatra. Army Arrives to Clear Trekking RouteIn preparation for the pilgrimage, personnel from the Indian Army have reached Govindghat and begun the task of clearing snow from the trekking path. Their efforts are focused on ensuring a safe and unobstructed route for thousands of…

20 May

Indian Army’s Statement Of Deploying Air Defence Guns at Sri Harmandar Sahib is Shockingly Untrue: Head Granthi

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAmritsar, Punjab

Responding to the recent claim made by Indian Army Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha during an interview with a channel—where he stated that air defence guns were deployed at Sri Harmandar Sahib amid the recent India-Pakistan tensions—Giani Amarjeet Singh, Additional Head Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, has called the statement shockingly untrue and outrightly rejected it. He clarified that the management of Sri Harmandar Sahib had cooperated with the district administration’s guidelines regarding the city-wide blackout by switching off exterior and upper lights of the complex within the specified time frame. However, lights at locations where religious code of…

19 May

BSF to Resume Flag Retreat Ceremonies at Amritsar and Fazilka Borders from Tuesday

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsIndiaAttari-Wagah, BSF, Flag Retreat Ceremony, Sadqi border

National Times Bureau, May 19, 2025: After a temporary suspension due to heightened security concerns, the Border Security Force (BSF) will resume the iconic evening flag retreat ceremonies at both the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar and the Sadqi border in Fazilka starting Tuesday, May 20, 2025.The move comes nearly two weeks after the BSF halted public access to these ceremonies following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which had raised nationwide security alarms. The decision to resume was taken following a review of the current security situation.The ceremonies, which showcase the lowering of the national flags of India and Pakistan in a…

19 May

Punjab Hikes Pay, Extends Retirement Age for 804 Rural Dispensary Employees After Nearly 20 Years

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabPunjab government, Retirement Age Extension, Rural Dispensaries, Salary Hike

Chandigarh, May 19, 2025: In a long-awaited relief, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has increased salaries and extended the retirement age for 804 employees serving in rural dispensaries under Zila Parishads. The decision, affecting 441 Pharmacy Officers/Paramedical Staff and 363 Attendant-cum-Class IV employees, comes nearly two decades after their appointment on contract in 2006.As per the new policy, effective April 1, 2025, these employees will now serve until the age of 58. Pharmacy Officers’ monthly pay will increase from Rs. 11,000 to Rs. 20,000, with 5% annual increments until Rs. 30,000, followed by 3% thereafter.…