Punjab

Punjab Steps Up Financial Offensive Against Drug Trade, Targets Hawala Network in Special Drive

Punjab Steps Up Financial Offensive Against Drug Trade, Targets Hawala Network in Special Drive

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Seeking to choke off the financial lifelines of narcotics trafficking, Punjab Police has launched a dedicated three-day operation across the state aimed at identifying and acting against hawala operators allegedly linked to the illegal drug economy. The campaign forms the latest phase of the state's ongoing anti-drug initiative, Yudh Nashian Virudh, which has increasingly focused on tracking the money generated through drug trafficking rather than limiting action solely to the seizure of narcotics. Police officials said underground financial channels have long been used to move proceeds from the drug trade, helping criminal networks conceal earnings and fund…
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Punjab Transport Services Hit as Contractual Staff Launch Indefinite Strike Against Privatization Move

Punjab Transport Services Hit as Contractual Staff Launch Indefinite Strike Against Privatization Move

Jalandhar (Gurpreet Singh): Commuters in Jalandhar are expected to face major inconvenience on Tuesday as operations at Punbus and Punjab Roadways depots remain suspended following an indefinite strike by contractual drivers and conductors. The agitation was launched ahead of schedule after employees expressed strong opposition to the government’s decision to introduce privately operated Volvo buses under the kilometer scheme. Services from Punbus and Roadways Depots 1 and 2 have been severely affected, with employees staging demonstrations inside depot premises instead of reporting for duty. Contractual staff of the Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) are also set to join the protest,…
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Punjab Faces Intense Heat Spell as IMD Warns of Heatwave; Thunderstorms Expected to Bring Relief Later This Week

Punjab Faces Intense Heat Spell as IMD Warns of Heatwave; Thunderstorms Expected to Bring Relief Later This Week

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Large parts of Punjab and the Chandigarh region remain under the grip of severe heat, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a Yellow Alert for heatwave conditions across multiple districts. While soaring temperatures continue to affect normal life, weather officials expect a significant shift from June 11 as a fresh western disturbance is likely to trigger rain and thunderstorms. The latest weather data shows a steady rise in temperatures across the state, with Bathinda recording a scorching 46.8 degrees Celsius — the highest maximum temperature reported this month. Most districts witnessed temperatures well above seasonal norms,…
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ED Conducts Fresh Searches Across Punjab, UP and NCR in Ongoing Money Laundering Probe

ED Conducts Fresh Searches Across Punjab, UP and NCR in Ongoing Money Laundering Probe

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out a fresh round of searches at multiple locations in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Region as part of an investigation being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to officials, the agency conducted raids at six premises spread across Ludhiana and Jalandhar in Punjab, Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Delhi and Noida. The searches are linked to an ongoing probe involving Hampton Sky Realty Ltd. and individuals associated with the case. Among the properties searched was the residence of Amit Bajaj, a…
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People Rejected Politics of Loot and Deception in 2022, Chose Honest Governance: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

People Rejected Politics of Loot and Deception in 2022, Chose Honest Governance: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

ROPAR (Gurpreet Singh): Addressing a Lok Milni programme among residents of Badwa village in Rupnagar (Ropar) on Monday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the people of Punjab had decisively rejected the politics of loot, privilege and deception in 2022 by voting out seven former Chief Ministers and their families and placing their faith in an honest government. Taking aim at the Congress, BJP and Akalis, he said these parties have no development agenda for Punjab and remain interested only in power and vested interests. He asserted that while opposition leaders are unable to digest Punjab’s progress under the…
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Punjab Swelters Under Heatwave as IMD Issues Alert; Weather Shift Expected from June 11

Punjab Swelters Under Heatwave as IMD Issues Alert; Weather Shift Expected from June 11

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab continues to grapple with soaring temperatures as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed eight districts under a heatwave alert, warning residents of intense daytime conditions over the next two days. Officials have advised people to minimise outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours as the mercury continues to rise. The districts expected to witness severe heatwave conditions include Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Bathinda, Barnala and Sangrur. Dry weather is forecast across the region, while Pathankot may experience strong winds reaching speeds of around 44 kmph. The state's average maximum temperature has remained significantly…
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Amritsar Police Crack International Smuggling Link, Recover Drugs, Firearms and Cash

Amritsar Police Crack International Smuggling Link, Recover Drugs, Firearms and Cash

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): A major police operation in Amritsar has exposed an alleged international network involved in the smuggling of narcotics, illegal weapons and hawala money, leading to the arrest of four suspects and the apprehension of two juveniles. Officials said the operation resulted in the seizure of 1.035 kilograms of heroin, five advanced pistols, two live rounds of ammunition and ₹5 lakh suspected to be proceeds from the drug trade. Investigators believe the accused were part of a wider syndicate operating under the guidance of handlers based outside India. Initial inquiries suggest that social media platforms were being used…
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Western Disturbance Triggers Fresh Rain Spell in Punjab; Authorities Issue Weather Advisory

Western Disturbance Triggers Fresh Rain Spell in Punjab; Authorities Issue Weather Advisory

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A fresh spell of unstable weather has swept across Punjab and Chandigarh, prompting meteorologists to issue warnings for thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds over the next 48 hours. The change in conditions has brought respite from intense heat, but officials have cautioned residents about potential damage from gusty winds and localized storms. The India Meteorological Department has forecast wind speeds of up to 50 kmph in several districts, accompanied by intermittent rainfall. Weather experts said the ongoing conditions are being driven by an active western disturbance affecting northwestern India. Many districts across the state are expected to…
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Punjab to Get Grand Shambhu Gateway, Heritage Street at Anandpur Sahib Gets Green Signal

Punjab to Get Grand Shambhu Gateway, Heritage Street at Anandpur Sahib Gets Green Signal

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday reviewed two landmark projects aimed at strengthening Punjab’s cultural identity and showcasing its rich heritage to the world. Chairing a high-level meeting of the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann approved the construction of a grand Welcome Gate at the Shambhu border, designed to celebrate Punjab’s ‘Panj-ab’ identity and architectural legacy, while also clearing the revised Heritage Street project at Sri Anandpur Sahib. The Heritage Street will connect Quilla Sri Anandgarh Sahib, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and other historic Gurdwaras, creating a seamless spiritual and cultural…
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Rain and Gusty Winds to Keep Punjab Cool for Next Three Days; Orange Alert in Place

Rain and Gusty Winds to Keep Punjab Cool for Next Three Days; Orange Alert in Place

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A spell of unsettled weather is set to continue across Punjab and Chandigarh, offering much-needed relief from the intense summer heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for thunderstorms, rain and strong winds from June 4 to June 6, warning residents of changing weather conditions across several districts. Meteorologists have predicted wind speeds of up to 60 kmph in some areas, accompanied by lightning and intermittent showers. While temperatures have risen slightly over the past 24 hours, they remain below the normal mark for this time of year, preventing the return of heatwave…
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