Punjab

Valmiki Organization Protests Against “Maha Valmiki” Trailer

Valmiki Organization Protests Against “Maha Valmiki” Trailer

National Times Bureau :- The Adi Valmiki Ambedkar Organization has strongly objected to the trailer of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film “Maha Valmiki.” The organization submitted a memorandum to the Commissioner, demanding that the trailer be removed from YouTube and the film banned. Sumit Kali, a leader of the organization, said that the trailer portrays Bhagwan Valmiki in a distorted manner, which has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Valmiki community. He further demanded that the community be given representation in the Censor Board to prevent such incidents in the future. The leaders warned that if no action is…
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Punjab Begins Health Card Registrations, Promises Rs 10 Lakh Annual Medical Coverage for All Families

Punjab Begins Health Card Registrations, Promises Rs 10 Lakh Annual Medical Coverage for All Families

Barnala/Tarn Taran (Gurpreet Singh): In a major move to enhance access to affordable healthcare, the Punjab government has launched the registration drive for its newly announced Health Card Scheme, which will provide cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh annually per family. The initiative has commenced from the districts of Tarn Taran and Barnala, where residents began lining up at government-organized registration camps starting Tuesday morning. This scheme is being positioned as one of the most inclusive health initiatives in Punjab’s history. For the first time, every citizen of the state, regardless of income group or previous eligibility criteria, will…
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Monsoon Begins to Withdraw from Punjab, Temperatures Climb as Dry Spell Sets In

Monsoon Begins to Withdraw from Punjab, Temperatures Climb as Dry Spell Sets In

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab is entering a warmer and drier phase as the southwest monsoon begins its retreat from the region. After remaining stationary for nearly five days, the monsoon system has started to pull back from parts of the state, bringing an end to weeks of heavy rainfall and signaling the onset of rising temperatures. According to the Meteorological Centre, the state has experienced significantly above-average rainfall this season. Since the onset of monsoon on June 1, Punjab has recorded 621.4 mm of rain—nearly 48% more than the typical seasonal average of 420.9 mm. While this has helped replenish…
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Legendary Punjabi musician Charanjit Ahuja laid to rest in Mohali

Legendary Punjabi musician Charanjit Ahuja laid to rest in Mohali

National Times Bureau :- Legendary Punjabi musician Charanjit Ahuja, who died after prolonged battle with cancer, was cremated on Monday. He died on Sunday at the age of 72 years at PGI hospital, Chandigarh where he was undergoing treatment.  The atmosphere turned sombre as all the three sons lit the funeral pyre of their father.  A large number of people were gathered to pay their last respects and bid final farewell to the Punjabi music maestro. Several people from across the industry including Gippy Grewal, Hans Raj Hans, Satinder Bugga, Sukhi Brar were also in attendance.  Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also…
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A new chapter begins in my life’: Vikramaditya Singh | See first pics of wedding

A new chapter begins in my life’: Vikramaditya Singh | See first pics of wedding

National Times Bureau :- Himachal Pradesh Minister for Public Works and Urban Development, Vikramaditya Singh, has tied the knot with Dr Amreen Sekhon, an Assistant Professor at Panjab University, in an intimate wedding ceremony held in Chandigarh on September 22. This is Vikramaditya Singh’s second marriage. His first marriage to Sudarshana Chundawat of Amet, Rajasthan, took place in 2019 and ended in divorce in November 2024. At the wedding, Vikramaditya wore a pastel pink sherwani with a vibrant orange and pink turban, adorned with a kalgi and ceremonial sword, reflecting his royal heritage. Amreen looked elegant in a peach-toned embroidered…
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Veteran Punjabi Composer Charanjit Ahuja Dies at 74, Industry Mourns the Loss

Veteran Punjabi Composer Charanjit Ahuja Dies at 74, Industry Mourns the Loss

Mohali (Gurpreet Singh): The Punjabi music world has lost one of its towering figures with the passing of Charanjit Ahuja, the legendary composer who shaped the soundscape of Punjabi melodies for over four decades. Ahuja, aged 74, succumbed to throat cancer on Sunday evening at his residence in Mohali after a prolonged battle with the illness. He had been receiving treatment at PGI Chandigarh. News of his demise has cast a shadow over the cultural fraternity, as Ahuja was regarded as a mentor and inspiration for generations of singers. His work, celebrated for its depth and timelessness, defined the golden…
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Punjab Taps Market for Rs 1,000 Crore Loan Amid Ongoing Borrowing Trend

Punjab Taps Market for Rs 1,000 Crore Loan Amid Ongoing Borrowing Trend

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The Punjab government has raised eyebrows yet again by borrowing Rs 1,000 crore through the issuance of State Development Loans (SDLs), despite consistent public assurances that the state's treasury remains in stable condition. The loan was raised on September 18 at an interest rate of 6.98%, according to official data. This marks the sixth straight month the state has sought funds from the open market, further intensifying concerns about its long-term fiscal roadmap. Repayment Due by 2033 As per the official notification, the borrowed amount will be paid back over a period of eight years, with the…
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BREAKING: CM Bhagwant Mann Suspends Three Senior Officers Over Punjab Flood Mishandling

BREAKING: CM Bhagwant Mann Suspends Three Senior Officers Over Punjab Flood Mishandling

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a major development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken decisive action against senior officials in connection with the recent flood crisis in the state. Three senior officers have been suspended for alleged negligence and failure to respond effectively during the emergency situation. This came after the gates of Madhopur headworks were left broken during the floods. It is being reported that the suspension orders were issued following an internal review of the administrative lapses that worsened the impact of flooding in multiple districts earlier this monsoon season. Without naming the officers immediately, official sources confirmed…
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Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Operation Busted in Amritsar; One Arrested with Heroin and Cash

Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Operation Busted in Amritsar; One Arrested with Heroin and Cash

Amritsar: In a swift and targeted operation, the Amritsar Rural Police have unearthed a cross-border drug trafficking network, leading to the arrest of a key suspect and the seizure of narcotics and illegal cash. The accused, identified as Shankar Singh, a resident of Guru Ki Wadali in Amritsar, was apprehended during the intelligence-led operation. Authorities recovered 6.286 kilograms of heroin, along with ₹4 lakh in suspected drug proceeds. According to police sources, Singh is believed to have maintained direct contact with international drug suppliers, indicating strong overseas links behind the smuggling racket. The consignment, likely smuggled in from across the…
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Punjab Marks End of Monsoon Season with Light Rainfall and Rising Water Levels

Punjab Marks End of Monsoon Season with Light Rainfall and Rising Water Levels

Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): The southwest monsoon draws to a close in Punjab today, bringing an end to a season marked by intermittent showers and high humidity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted light rainfall in several districts as the monsoon system gradually exits the region. As the season wraps up, temperatures across the state are expected to dip slightly, offering relief after weeks of muggy weather. According to officials, Bathinda recorded Friday’s peak temperature at 36.9°C, while the lowest daytime high was observed in Pathankot at 30°C. Mild rain and occasional thunder are likely to continue in isolated pockets…
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