Gurpreet Singh, Author at National Times

05 Apr

Government Schools Are No Less Than Private Ones: MLA Randhawa

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabGovernment schools, MLA Kuljit Randhawa, Punjab education, Smriti Verma

Dera Bassi, April 5 – MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa emphasized that government schools now provide education on par with private institutions. He made this statement while honoring Smriti Verma, a student of Government High School, Karkaur, who secured the top position in Mohali district and ranked sixth in Punjab with 99.17% in the Class 8 exams conducted by the Punjab School Education Board.MLA Randhawa visited the school to personally award Smriti with ₹11,000 and a crown in recognition of her achievement. He announced that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann would also honor Smriti during his upcoming visit to Dera…

04 Apr

Farmers’ Protest Intensifies in Punjab as Dallewal Vows to Continue Struggle

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabFarmers’ protest, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, MSP Bill, Punjab

Ferozepur, April 4, 2025 — The farmers' movement in Punjab gained fresh momentum as the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) organized a massive conference at Dana Mandi Cantonment in Ferozepur. Hundreds of farmers, including women, gathered in support of their demands, with Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the center of the agitation.Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since November 26 over the MSP Bill and other issues, addressed the gathering despite his deteriorating health. Arriving in an ambulance, he was taken to the stage on a stretcher, vowing to continue the fight against what he called repeated betrayals…

04 Apr

Bhagwant Mann Pushes for Anandpur Sahib–Naina Devi Ropeway to Ease Pilgrim Travel

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAnandpur Sahib, Bhagwant Mann, Naina Devi, Ropeway Project

Naina Devi, April 4, 2025 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced a renewed push to kickstart the long-pending ropeway project between Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Naina Devi ji, aiming to ease travel for thousands of pilgrims.Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the revered Shaktipeeth Sri Naina Devi ji temple during Navratras, Mann said he would soon request the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister to form a joint task force of officers to fast-track the project. He called the ropeway a vital step for improving connectivity between the two major pilgrimage sites separated by tough terrain.Mann expressed disappointment…

04 Apr

Farewell to ‘Bharat Kumar’: Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Dies at 87

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsBusinessManoj Kumar

Mumbai (National Times): Bollywood has lost one of its most iconic figures. Manoj Kumar, revered for his deeply patriotic roles and powerful performances, has died at the age of 87 in Mumbai. The actor passed away peacefully early Friday morning at Kokilaben Hospital, due to heart complications and liver cirrhosis. Known as 'Bharat Kumar' for his memorable roles in Upkaar, Kranti, and Purab Aur Paschim, Manoj Kumar was more than an actor—he was a symbol of national pride. His work inspired generations, blending cinema with a strong sense of social responsibility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X,…

03 Apr

Punjab CM Announces Police Upgrades, Anti-Drone Measures to Tackle Smuggling

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAnti-drone Technology, Drug Smuggling, Punjab Police modernization

Phillaur (Jalandhar), April 3, 2025 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced a major push to modernize Punjab Police with new infrastructure and advanced technology to strengthen law enforcement.At an event marking the launch of 139 new police vehicles, Mann emphasized that Station House Officers (SHOs) at 454 police stations are now equipped with upgraded vehicles, ensuring frontline officers have the necessary resources. He noted that Punjab, as a border state, faces security threats but assured that the police force is being strengthened with modern tools and scientific investigation techniques.Mann highlighted the growing use of drones for drug…

03 Apr

Punjab’s Progress Unstoppable After Years of Neglect, Says CM Mann

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabBhagwant Mann, Punjab progress, World Skill Campus

National Times Bureau, April 3, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann declared that the state is firmly on the path of progress after three years of tackling issues left by previous governments. Speaking at the inauguration of the World Skill Campus of Excellence, he emphasized that poor governance in the past led to industrial decline, a thriving drug mafia, and stalled development.Mann highlighted his government's achievements, including shutting 17 toll plazas to ease financial burdens while accusing the BJP-led NDA of continuously increasing toll rates. He pointed out that groundwater levels had dropped to dangerous levels in 117 of…

02 Apr

Kejriwal Urges Punjab’s Youth to Join War Against Drugs

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAAP, anti-drug campaign, Arvind Kejriwal, drug-free Punjab, Punjab drug crisis

Ludhiana, April 2, 2025: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called upon Punjab's youth to take an active role in eradicating the drug menace from the state. Speaking at an awareness march against drugs, Kejriwal urged young people to reject drugs and help authorities fight the crisis.He warned that if the issue is not tackled decisively, it could lead to devastating consequences for future generations. Accusing previous governments of shielding drug cartels, Kejriwal claimed that corrupt political leaders had allowed the trade to flourish for financial gains. He vowed that such leaders…

01 Apr

Sukhbir Badal Slams AAP Govt for Withdrawing Bikram Majithia’s Security

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAAP Punjab government, Bikram Majithia security cover, Sukhbir Badal

Chandigarh, April 1, 2025 – Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal has strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government for revoking the security cover of former minister Bikram Singh Majithia.Calling the move a “dangerous and deadly design,” Badal accused the government of targeting the SAD leadership. He linked the decision to a "massive witch-hunt" against Majithia, alleging that the AAP government was attempting to falsely implicate him in drug-related cases.Badal also reminded that AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal had previously apologized in writing for making false allegations against Majithia over the drug issue.

31 Mar

Toll Hike: Azizpur Plaza to Cost More for Commuters

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAzizpur Toll Plaza, highway toll, NHAI, road maintenance, Toll hike

Zirakpur, March 31 – The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced an increase in toll rates on national highways, effective from April 1. The decision aims to generate additional revenue for highway maintenance and development. As a result, commuters will now have to pay an extra ₹5 to ₹10 in toll tax.According to an official circular issued by NHAI, toll rates have been revised across all plazas in the country. This includes the Azizpur Toll Plaza on the Zirakpur-Patiala National Highway, where the toll for a single trip is now ₹50, while a round trip will cost ₹70.…

31 Mar

Excise Department Allocates Liquor Shops for 2025-26, Warns Against Illicit Liquor

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabFerozepur liquor revenue, liquor shop allotment, Punjab excise department

Ferozepur, March 31, 2025 – The Excise Department has completed the online allotment of liquor shops for the 2025-26 financial year in Ferozepur district. Assistant Commissioner of Excise, Randhir Singh, announced that the district has been divided into three excise groups, with all contracts awarded digitally.The Ferozepur City Liquor Group was allotted to Ferozepur Liquor Firm for ₹59.22 crore, the Ferozepur Rural (CAT) Group to Universal Liquor for ₹55.55 crore, and the Jhirak-Jhugian Group for ₹52.52 crore. The total excise revenue for the district is set at ₹167.31 crore, marking an increase of ₹29.55 crore from the previous year.Strict Action…