Punjab

Heatwave Alert for Punjab, Chandigarh as Mercury Soars Across Region

Heatwave Alert for Punjab, Chandigarh as Mercury Soars Across Region

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Residents across Punjab and Chandigarh are bracing for a spell of intense heat after the Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for four days, from April 21 to April 24, warning of rising temperatures and persistently warm nights. Weather data shows a noticeable increase in temperatures, now running over 3 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average. More than 20 districts in Punjab are already witnessing temperatures above 35°C, signaling the onset of heatwave-like conditions in several areas. Among the hottest locations, Bathinda recorded a high of 41°C, while Ludhiana and Patiala hovered close to 40°C. Chandigarh also…
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Punjab Procures Over 24 Lakh MT Wheat; Payments Cross ₹647 Crore, Says Minister

Punjab Procures Over 24 Lakh MT Wheat; Payments Cross ₹647 Crore, Says Minister

Gurpreet Singh :- Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Monday reviewed wheat procurement arrangements at a grain market and said the process across the state is progressing smoothly. He stated that out of over 28 lakh metric tonnes of wheat arrivals so far, more than 24 lakh metric tonnes have already been procured. The minister, accompanied by MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill and senior officials, inspected procurement operations and facilitated the purchase of produce from a local farmer. He assured that the state government has made comprehensive arrangements in mandis to ensure that farmers do not…
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Heatwave Likely to Grip Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana as IMD Flags Rising Temperatures

Heatwave Likely to Grip Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana as IMD Flags Rising Temperatures

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh/Balwinder Singh): Parts of Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana are set to experience heatwave-like conditions between April 21 and April 23, according to an alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The warning comes shortly after the region witnessed a brief period of gusty winds and thunderstorms over the weekend. Weather officials noted that although isolated pockets of Punjab received light rainfall in the past day, temperatures across northwestern India continue to remain well above the seasonal norm. The IMD has indicated that the warming trend is expected to strengthen further, with predominantly dry weather likely to dominate…
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CM Bhagwant Mann embarks on Netherlands visit to attract global investments

CM Bhagwant Mann embarks on Netherlands visit to attract global investments

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday embarked on a visit to the Netherlands to strengthen bilateral partnerships and attract investments across key sectors including Food Processing, Logistics, Alloys and Steels, Pharmaceuticals and Information Technology, as part of the Punjab Government’s sustained push to accelerate industrial growth and economic development. On this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This vision is simple and clear to make Punjab a preferred destination for global industry by offering stability in policy, speed in decision-making, and a governance system that respects the time and trust of investors.” The visit assumes significance…
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Over 60,000 drug traffickers arrested as ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign breaks backbone of mafia

Over 60,000 drug traffickers arrested as ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign breaks backbone of mafia

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab State Media In-charge and Yudh Nashean Virudh Chief Spokesperson Baltej Pannu said that encouraging results are emerging from the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He said that the kind of success being achieved with the active support of the people of Punjab has proven that the state is rapidly moving towards becoming completely drug-free. This coordination between the government and the public has broken the backbone of drug traffickers. Sharing the data of the ongoing Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, Baltej Pannu stated, "Punjab Police has…
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Punjab Plans Framework for Students’ Online Access, Expands AI-Based Education

Punjab Plans Framework for Students’ Online Access, Expands AI-Based Education

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The Punjab government is working on a policy to regulate social media use among school students, as concerns grow over its impact on young learners in an increasingly digital world. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said a specialised panel has been set up to examine how online platforms are influencing children and to recommend appropriate guidelines. The committee, comprising academic experts and government officials, is reviewing trends from different regions to understand both the benefits and risks associated with unrestricted access. Officials say the study will compare academic performance and behavioural patterns of students in areas with…
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ISI-Backed Network Exposed in Punjab, One Held with Explosives and Illegal Arms

ISI-Backed Network Exposed in Punjab, One Held with Explosives and Illegal Arms

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a decisive action against cross-border threats, Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence Wing has uncovered a terror module reportedly supported by Pakistan’s ISI. The operation, conducted jointly by teams of the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in Amritsar and Mohali, led to the arrest of a key suspect linked to the network. Authorities confirmed the recovery of a significant quantity of weapons from the accused, including four hand grenades, two foreign-origin pistols, and ammunition. Officials believe the seizure may have averted potential security incidents. According to preliminary inquiries, the suspect was allegedly in touch with handlers based outside…
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Punjab Pushes Universal Healthcare Drive as Sehat Cards Cross 39 Lakh Mark

Punjab Pushes Universal Healthcare Drive as Sehat Cards Cross 39 Lakh Mark

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a major step towards expanding accessible healthcare, the Punjab government has accelerated the rollout of its flagship Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, offering cashless treatment coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually across Punjab. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said the scheme is designed to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses and ensure that no patient is denied timely treatment due to lack of funds. He urged residents to complete their registration early instead of waiting for emergencies. Officials revealed that nearly 39 lakh Sehat Cards have already been issued, with the programme aiming…
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Rising Heat Meets Weather Shift: Punjab Braces for Winds and Isolated Showers

Rising Heat Meets Weather Shift: Punjab Braces for Winds and Isolated Showers

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A spell of intense heat across Punjab and Chandigarh is set to be accompanied by changing weather conditions, with forecasts indicating gusty winds and chances of light rainfall in select districts from Thursday. Meteorological officials have pointed to the influence of an active Western Disturbance over the northern hills, which is beginning to impact adjoining plains. Areas including Amritsar, Pathankot and parts of Hoshiarpur may receive brief spells of rain, especially later in the day. Even as clouds begin to develop, temperatures across the region continue to remain on the higher side. Patiala recorded the highest temperature…
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Decade of Drug Deaths: Canada Faces Deepening Crisis as Punjab Battles Smaller but Persistent Challenge

Decade of Drug Deaths: Canada Faces Deepening Crisis as Punjab Battles Smaller but Persistent Challenge

Chandigarh/British Columbia (Gurpreet Singh/Rajeev Sharma): A decade-long comparison of overdose fatalities reveals a striking disparity between Canada and Punjab, with Canada confronting a far more extensive and deadly drug epidemic. Since 2016, when British Columbia declared a public health emergency over rising overdose deaths, the country has lost approximately 18,000 people to drug-related causes. The province continues to remain at the centre of the crisis, marking the 10-year milestone with remembrance events and renewed calls for stronger interventions. Community groups such as Moms Stop the Harm and Doctors for Safer Drug Policy have organised public gatherings, awareness drives, and discussions…
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