Punjab News

Anandpur Sahib likely to become 24th district of Punjab, may include seats from Hoshiarpur constituency

Anandpur Sahib likely to become 24th district of Punjab, may include seats from Hoshiarpur constituency

National Times Bureau :- The Punjab government is likely to declare Anandpur Sahib as Punjab's 24th district to mark 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The region holds significant religious revarence and residents have long been demanding district status for it.  Currently, the Anandpur Sahib region is divided between the assembly constituencies of Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar (Ropar) districts. Local citizens, religious bodies, and public representatives have been consistently urging the government to create a separate district.  The proposal is also being considered substantial from administrative convenience and regional development perspective.  A high-level committee formed by the government has…
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Heavy rain in Chandigarh and Punjab; IMD issues orange alert in 13 districts as rivers swell

Heavy rain in Chandigarh and Punjab; IMD issues orange alert in 13 districts as rivers swell

National Times Bureau :- Chandigarh witnessed heavy rainfall since early Monday morning, bringing a noticeable drop in temperature and relief from recent humidity. Similar weather conditions were reported in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar,  where morning downpours led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas. Mohali is also likely to witness a strong likelihood of more rain throughout the day. Meanwhile, in Sri Anandpur Sahib’s Gambirpur village, hailstorm activity was reported around 1 am. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 13 districts in Punjab, warning of heavy rainfall due to an active Western Disturbance. According to weather…
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Mansa District Bans Sale of Pregabalin Capsules Above 75 mg to Curb Misuse

Mansa District Bans Sale of Pregabalin Capsules Above 75 mg to Curb Misuse

National Times Bureau :- Mansa District Magistrate Navjot Kaur has imposed a complete ban on the sale of Pregabalin capsules exceeding 75 mg in the district under Section 163 of the Indian Citizens Security Code. Magistrate Kaur directed that chemists must stamp prescription slips and clearly mention the date of dispensing whenever the medicine is sold. The decision comes after the Civil Surgeon of Mansa highlighted the widespread misuse of 300 mg Pregabalin capsules, which are reportedly being used recreationally as a drug known locally as “Signature.” Authorities noted that the medicine was being taken by some individuals without medical…
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Ravi River Swells, Ajnala Region on Flood Alert; Administration Issues Warnings

Ravi River Swells, Ajnala Region on Flood Alert; Administration Issues Warnings

National Times Bureau :- The water level in the Ravi River has risen sharply, putting the Ajnala region of Punjab on flood alert once again. Officials have started taking precautionary measures as the Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in the coming days, which could worsen the situation. Ajnala SDM Ravinder Singh Arora held an emergency meeting with village sarpanches, instructing residents not to cross the river until October 12. People living near the riverbanks have been advised to move their livestock, tractors, and essential belongings to safer places. Authorities said that the area had suffered major losses during previous…
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Punjab proposes special house session at Anandpur Sahib to commemorate 350th martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji

Punjab proposes special house session at Anandpur Sahib to commemorate 350th martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji

National Times Bureau :- The Punjab government has proposed a special Vidhan Sabha session to be convened in Anandpur Sahib on November 24 to commemorate 350th martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. The session is a part of series of events to mark the event.  If held, this will be first time in the history of Punjab that a Vidhan Sabha session will be held outside the state capital.  This was announced by the Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains and Advisor in state Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Deepak Bali, here today after they held a meeting with religious leaders…
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Punjab on high alert: Ranjit Sagar Dam releases water; early October could bring record-breaking rains

Punjab on high alert: Ranjit Sagar Dam releases water; early October could bring record-breaking rains

National Times Bureau :- Punjab, still recovering from recent devastating floods, is now facing the threat of yet another flood. Following a fresh forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting heavy rainfall from October 4 to 7 across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu, the Ranjit Sagar Dam has released additional water into the Ravi river. Senior engineers and technical experts from the Punjab Water Resources Department discussed the situation with top IMD officials during a virtual meeting. Meanwhile, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has initiated internal deliberations and strategic planning to manage the expected water surge.…
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NRI Husbands Rally Against Marital Fraud in Punjab: Aawaz Power of Men Welfare Society Leads Protest

NRI Husbands Rally Against Marital Fraud in Punjab: Aawaz Power of Men Welfare Society Leads Protest

National Times Bureau :- A massive protest was held at Gandhi Palace in Bagha Purana, where NRI husbands raised their voices against the growing cases of fraud in overseas marriages. The demonstration was led by Aawaz Power of Men Welfare Society, which extended full support to the victims. Led by Aawaz Power of Men Welfare Society The protest was spearheaded by President Anmol Dang, Vice President Gurpreet Inder Singh, Cashier Gaurav Shahi, and team members Sonu Yadav, Gurjant Singh, among others. Their presence and statements strengthened the gathering. “Families Spend Lakhs, Yet Sons Are Abandoned” Addressing the crowd, President Anmol…
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Diwali bonus: Centre announces 30 days’ bonus for central government employees | check details

Diwali bonus: Centre announces 30 days’ bonus for central government employees | check details

National Times Bureau :- The central government has announced a non-productivity-linked bonus ahead of the festive season for central government employees for 2024-25. The Finance Ministry has issued an order stating that central government Group C and Non-Gazetted Group B employees will receive an 'Ad-hoc Bonus' equivalent to 30 days’ salary for 2024-25. This amount has been fixed at Rs 6,908. "To illustrate, taking the calculation ceiling of monthly emoluments of R.7000  (where actual average emoluments exceed Rs.7000/-), Non-PLB (Ad-hoc Bonus) for thirty days would work out to Rs 7000x30/30.4=Rs.6907.89/- (rounded off to Rs 6908)," the ministry said in its…
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Punjab Power Utility Introduces AI-Based Billing App to Curb Corruption

Punjab Power Utility Introduces AI-Based Billing App to Curb Corruption

National Times Bureau :- Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has taken a significant step towards modernizing its operations by introducing an AI-based scanning application for electricity billing. The new system replaces the traditional manual preparation of bills by field staff and aims to eliminate corruption and malpractice within the department. Previously, some meter readers were known to manipulate unit readings, often colluding with consumers to inflate bills for personal gain, resulting in substantial financial losses for the utility. The AI-based app ensures that bills are generated accurately, based on live meter readings, leaving little room for tampering. Under the…
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Brutal Attack on Dogs in Jalandhar Cantt Sparks Outrage, Police Launch Investigation

Brutal Attack on Dogs in Jalandhar Cantt Sparks Outrage, Police Launch Investigation

National Times Bureau :- A shocking incident unfolded near Sansarpur in Jalandhar Cantt, where a man was caught on CCTV mercilessly beating a dog with a hockey stick. The footage has gone viral, raising serious concerns among local residents. Several neighbors have filed written complaints at the Jalandhar Cantt Police Station, demanding strict action against the perpetrator. Anju, wife of Sansarpur resident Manoj Kumar, who personally cares for stray dogs in the area, reported that a neighbor, identified as Swarnjit Singh, also known as Soni, attacked one dog with a hockey stick, killed another, and attempted to harm others. She…
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