Punjab

CM Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over CISF Deployment at Bhakra Dam, Questions BJP’s Stand on Punjab’s Water Rights

CM Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over CISF Deployment at Bhakra Dam, Questions BJP’s Stand on Punjab’s Water Rights

Chandigarh (National Times): Escalating tensions over the ongoing water-sharing dispute with Haryana, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on the central government and state BJP leaders during a press conference, raising serious objections to the Centre’s decision to deploy Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Bhakra Dam. On May 19, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notice stating that 296 CISF personnel will be deployed at the Bhakra Dam site. According to the communication, the cost of this deployment would be Rs 2,90,100 per head annually, totaling a staggering Rs 8.58 crore, to be…
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Punjab Govt Transfers 10 Villages from Patiala to Mohali District

Punjab Govt Transfers 10 Villages from Patiala to Mohali District

Chandigarh (National Times): In a significant administrative decision, the Punjab Government has issued a notification transferring 10 villages from Patiala district to SAS Nagar (Mohali) district. The move, effective immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette, was announced through a notification dated May 20, 2025, by the Department of Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management. The villages affected include Manakpur (H.B. No. 272), Khera Gajju (H.B. No. 269), Urna (H.B. No. 2), Changera (H.B. No. 243), Ucha Khera (H.B. No. 271), Gurditpura (H.B. No. 268), Hadayatpura (H.B. No. 270), and Lehlan (H.B. No. 267). These villages have been transferred from the…
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IMD warns of heatwave in Punjab, Haryana till May 23, Light Rain from May 24 onwards

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

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

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

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…
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Major Security Breach Foiled: Two Nabbed in Gurdaspur for Leaking Army Secrets to ISI

Major Security Breach Foiled: Two Nabbed in Gurdaspur for Leaking Army Secrets to ISI

Gurdaspur (National Times): In a dramatic turn of events, Gurdaspur Police busted a major spying ring on May 15, arresting two men for passing on top-secret military information to Pakistan’s ISI. The suspects, Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh, had been under surveillance following intelligence inputs that they were leaking classified details from Operation Sindoor—a high-level military initiative. Sources say the information shared included troop movements and strategic military locations across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and J&K. The arrests followed a quick police action, and a search of their belongings led to the seizure of three mobile phones and eight live cartridges…
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Harbhajan Mann Mourns the Loss of His Father-in-Law Harcharan Singh Gill in Toronto

Harbhajan Mann Mourns the Loss of His Father-in-Law Harcharan Singh Gill in Toronto

Toronto/Chandigarh (National Times): Renowned Punjabi singer and actor Harbhajan Mann has shared the news of a personal loss—his father-in-law, Sardar Harcharan Singh Gill Ramuwalia, passed away in Toronto, where he had been residing for over five decades. In a heartfelt social media post, Harbhajan Mann reflected on the life and legacy of S. Harcharan Singh Gill, fondly referring to him as “Papa Ji”. He expressed deep respect and gratitude for a man he described as wise, generous, and always encouraging. “Papa Ji was a progressive thinker and kind-hearted person who was always of use to others. His teachings and memories…
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OPS SEAL-XIII: Punjab Seals 92 Borders, Arrests 136 Smugglers with Heroin and Cash as Yudh Nashian Virudh Intensifies<br>

OPS SEAL-XIII: Punjab Seals 92 Borders, Arrests 136 Smugglers with Heroin and Cash as Yudh Nashian Virudh Intensifies

CHANDIGARH, May 18: Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 78th day, Punjab Police on Sunday carried out a special operation ‘OPS Seal-XIII’ aimed at checking all the vehicles entering or exiting the border state of Punjab to keep tab at drug trafficking and liquor smuggling. During the operation, conducted in all the districts on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, all the SSPs of Border districts were directed to organise joint Naka operations at…
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Punjab Launches Eco-Friendly Boiler Subsidy to Turn Crop Waste Into Industrial Energy

Punjab Launches Eco-Friendly Boiler Subsidy to Turn Crop Waste Into Industrial Energy

Mohali (National Times): In a pioneering step aimed at reducing air pollution and transforming agricultural residue into renewable industrial fuel, the Punjab government has unveiled a capital subsidy scheme for industries installing paddy straw-fired boilers. This initiative marks a vital convergence of agricultural reform, industrial modernization, and environmental stewardship. The new incentive, introduced through an amendment to the Industrial and Business Development Policy 2022, was formally announced by Industry Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond during a press conference at Punjab Bhawan. “We are tackling stubble burning at its root—by giving crop residue economic value and making it a viable industrial fuel,”…
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Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Calls on Farmers to Adopt Direct Sowing, Promises Financial and Infrastructural Support

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Calls on Farmers to Adopt Direct Sowing, Promises Financial and Infrastructural Support

Chandigarh (National Times): In a bid to address the ongoing groundwater crisis, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has officially kickstarted a state-wide direct paddy sowing campaign, targeting 5 lakh acres for the upcoming cultivation season. Highlighting the environmental and economic benefits, CM Mann said, “Direct sowing saves 15-20% of water and cuts down on additional farming expenses. It's time we take conscious steps for our future.” Notably, for the first time, Basmati paddy farmers who adopt this method will also receive equal government support. Every eligible farmer practicing direct sowing will receive ₹1,500 per acre, along with the provision of timely…
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Rupnagar Tops Punjab in Maternal and Child Health Services for 2024-25

Rupnagar Tops Punjab in Maternal and Child Health Services for 2024-25

Chandigarh/Rupnagar (National Times): In a major recognition of its healthcare efforts, Rupnagar district has secured the top position in Punjab for delivering the best maternal and child health services in the year 2024-25. The accolade was formally presented during the Civil Surgeon Conference organized by the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department in Chandigarh. State Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh honoured Dr. Swapanjit Kaur, Civil Surgeon of Rupnagar, with a plaque of appreciation for the district’s exemplary performance. Speaking about the achievement, Dr. Kaur explained that the award was based on several indicators, including maternal and child care services, routine…
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