Punjab

Punjab on High Alert as Rainfall and Dam Releases Raise Flood Concerns

Punjab on High Alert as Rainfall and Dam Releases Raise Flood Concerns

Punjab (Gurpreet Singh): Several parts of Punjab are bracing for possible flooding as a combination of persistent rainfall and increased water discharge from major dams pushes river levels higher. The weather department has issued a heavy rain alert for multiple districts, prompting state authorities to ramp up preparedness measures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an orange alert for 13 districts across the state. These include key areas such as Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Mohali, and Jalandhar, where rainfall activity is expected to intensify. A yellow alert has been issued for the remaining districts, with wind speeds expected to…
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Rajinder Gupta Named AAP Candidate for Rajya Sabha Seat from Punjab

Rajinder Gupta Named AAP Candidate for Rajya Sabha Seat from Punjab

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced industrialist Rajinder Gupta as its nominee for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election in Punjab, confirming days of speculation about his possible entry into national politics. Gupta, a leading entrepreneur and founder of the Trident Group, has been a well-known figure in Punjab’s business and development circles. His nomination comes after he stepped down from key advisory posts in the state government, including the vice-chairmanship of the Economic Policy and Planning Board. He also resigned as chairperson of the advisory committee of the Kali Devi temple in Patiala, hinting at a…
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Punjab Police Foils Cross-Border Smuggling Attempt, Arms and Drugs Seized

Punjab Police Foils Cross-Border Smuggling Attempt, Arms and Drugs Seized

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): In a major success against transnational criminal activity, the Counter Intelligence Wing of Punjab Police in Amritsar has exposed a cross-border network involved in smuggling arms and narcotics. Two suspects — Gurjant Singh and Gurvel Singh, both hailing from Tarn Taran — have been taken into custody during the operation. The crackdown, based on actionable intelligence, led to the recovery of 2.5 kilograms of heroin and five advanced pistols complete with magazines. Officials say the consignment had been smuggled from across the international border and was intended for distribution among criminal groups operating within Punjab. Preliminary interrogation…
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Four Named in NIA Chargesheet Over Grenade Attack on Former Punjab Minister’s Home

Four Named in NIA Chargesheet Over Grenade Attack on Former Punjab Minister’s Home

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against four individuals linked to the grenade attack that targeted the residence of former Punjab minister Manoranjan Kalia earlier this year in Jalandhar. Among those named are two arrested suspects, Saidul Ameen from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, and Abhijot Jangra of Kurukshetra, Haryana. Two others — Kulbir Singh Sidhu from Yamunanagar and Manish, alias Kaka Rana, of Karnal — are currently on the run. The accused face multiple charges under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Explosive Substances Act. The incident…
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Punjabi Singer Rajvir Jawanda’s Health Remains Critical as He Spends Eighth Day on Ventilator

Punjabi Singer Rajvir Jawanda’s Health Remains Critical as He Spends Eighth Day on Ventilator

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda is still fighting for his life in Fortis Hospital, Mohali, where he has been on a ventilator for the eighth day running. Doctors have confirmed that he continues to require life support to keep his heart functioning. Jawanda suffered severe injuries to his head and spine, leading to complications that have impaired the functioning of other vital organs. Medical professionals have expressed concern over the slow pace of his recovery, noting that his condition has not improved as much as expected. The singer’s struggle has touched many, including former MP and singer Hansraj…
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BBMB to Release 40,000 Cusecs from Bhakra and Pong Dams Amid Heavy Rain Forecast in Punjab

BBMB to Release 40,000 Cusecs from Bhakra and Pong Dams Amid Heavy Rain Forecast in Punjab

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): With heavy rainfall predicted over Punjab and surrounding regions on October 6 and 7, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has announced plans to release an additional 40,000 cusecs of water from the floodgates of Bhakra and Pong dams. This measure aims to manage rising water levels in the reservoirs and reduce the risk of sudden flooding downstream. Officials said that 8,000 cusecs of extra water will be discharged from Bhakra dam around midday on Saturday, while Pong dam will release 32,000 cusecs through its spillways. Following this release, total outflows will increase to 44,000 cusecs from…
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No Signs of Recovery Yet: Rajvir Jawanda Remains Critical, Fans Turn to Prayers and Social Media

No Signs of Recovery Yet: Rajvir Jawanda Remains Critical, Fans Turn to Prayers and Social Media

Mohali (Gurpreet Singh): Popular Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda continues to remain in critical condition at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, a week after his motorcycle accident near Pinjore left him with serious head and spinal injuries. Hospital officials confirmed Thursday evening that he is still on life support and has not regained consciousness. The sixth official medical bulletin, released by the hospital, reported that Jawanda's neurological condition shows no significant improvement. Doctors are administering medications to support his heart function, but his overall condition is being monitored hour by hour. Despite intensive medical care, his response has been minimal. "The situation remains…
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Rain Likely in Northern Punjab as Temperatures Stay Above Normal

Rain Likely in Northern Punjab as Temperatures Stay Above Normal

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A shift in weather is on the horizon for Punjab as light to moderate rainfall is expected in Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, and Gurdaspur today. The change comes with the arrival of a new Western Disturbance, which has activated over the region, according to the Meteorological Department. The spell of rain may provide relief from the unseasonal warmth gripping parts of the state. While daytime temperatures have stayed within the normal range, nights have been noticeably warmer, with minimum temperatures climbing up to 4.6°C higher than usual. Mansa, in particular, recorded the highest temperature in the state at 36.6°C,…
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Punjab Set to Introduce Major Reforms for Urban Planning and Property Regulation

Punjab Set to Introduce Major Reforms for Urban Planning and Property Regulation

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The Punjab Government is preparing to introduce two major legislative amendments in the Vidhan Sabha today, both aimed at addressing longstanding challenges in urban development and town planning. The proposed changes are expected to improve financial management and promote more organised infrastructure growth in cities across the state. Leading the agenda is the Punjab Town Improvement (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which proposes significant revisions to the nearly century-old Town Improvement Act of 1922. The amendment seeks to enable the transfer of funds generated through the sale of land and property under various improvement trusts to a unified Municipal…
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CM Health Card Scheme Gains Traction as Over 41,000 Sign Up in Tarn Taran and Barnala

CM Health Card Scheme Gains Traction as Over 41,000 Sign Up in Tarn Taran and Barnala

Tarn Taran/Barnala (Gurpreet Singh): The state government’s ambitious Chief Minister Health Card initiative is witnessing enthusiastic public participation, with more than 41,000 residents from Tarn Taran and Barnala districts enrolling for the scheme so far. Launched to provide Rs 10 lakh in cashless health insurance per family per year, the scheme has quickly struck a chord with citizens, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where access to affordable healthcare has long been a concern. Camps See Surge in Footfall Across both districts, registration camps have seen a steady stream of applicants, prompting authorities to increase the number of help desks…
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