Gurpreet Singh, Author at National Times

22 May

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

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabBBMB, Bhagwant Mann, Punjab

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…

22 May

Punjab Govt Transfers 10 Villages from Patiala to Mohali District

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabMohali, Patiala, Punjab

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…

21 May

Dr. Jagdeep Singh Assumes Charge as Punjabi University Vice Chancellor, Outlines Vision for Industry-Aligned Education

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsBusiness

Patiala, May 21, 2025 — Dr. Jagdeep Singh officially took charge as the Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University today, receiving a warm welcome from faculty, staff, and university officials. In his inaugural address, Dr. Singh shared a forward-looking vision focused on aligning the university’s curriculum with industry demands to enhance student employability.Expressing gratitude for being entrusted with the leadership of his alma mater, Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of modernizing academic programs. “Educational institutions must evolve to meet the changing needs of the workforce,” he said. Plans include involving industry professionals in curriculum design through the Board of Studies and…

21 May

Centre Deploys CISF at Bhakra Dam Amid Escalating Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsHaryana, PunjabBhakra Dam, CISF deployment, Punjab Haryana water dispute

Nangal, May 21, 2025: Amid rising tensions between Punjab and Haryana over the release of water from the Bhakra Dam, the Union Government has deployed 296 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel to guard the critical infrastructure. The deployment, approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to ensure the safety and security of the dam amid growing political and public unrest.The move comes after Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Chairman Manoj Tripathi was reportedly gheraoed by protesters while supervising the release of additional water to Haryana, further escalating the situation. As per the official order, the BBMB has been…

21 May

Takht Patna Sahib Declares Two Religious Leaders ‘Tankhaiya’, Summons Sukhbir Badal Over Alleged Interference

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabGiani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Takht Patna Sahib, Tankhaiya

Patna Sahib, May 21, 2025: In a significant religious decision, the Five Pyare Sahiban of Takht Sri Patna Sahib have declared Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Giani Tek Singh as Tankhaiya guilty of religious misconduct for actions deemed to have violated the sanctity and authority of the Takht.The decision was made following a detailed review meeting at the Takht Sahib, where both individuals were found to have issued an unauthorized Hukamnama that contradicted established orders from the Takht (specifically Tapas/5/H/2022, Tapas/10/H/2022, and Tapas/14/H/2022 issued in 2022). These actions were deemed to have breached the code of conduct and undermined the…

21 May

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

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabHaryana, Punjab

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…

21 May

Centre Reduces Punjab’s Borrowing Limit by Rs 16,676 Crore, Citing Unpaid Power Subsidies

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjab

New Delhi (National Times): In a significant financial jolt to the Punjab government, the Central Government has slashed the state's borrowing limit by a massive Rs 16,676 crore for the current financial year, citing unpaid power subsidies and rising debt liabilities. As per a report in The Tribune, the Punjab government had sought approval for borrowing up to Rs 47,076.40 crore for the fiscal year 2025–26. However, the Centre has sanctioned only Rs 30,400.40 crore, leaving a substantial gap in the state's borrowing capacity. Shortfall in Quarterly Borrowing AllocationFor the April–December 2025 period, Punjab had requested a borrowing limit of…

21 May

“My Pain Changed Me”: Sidhu Moosewala’s Father Balkaur Singh Pens Emotional Tribute Remembering His Son

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabSidhu Moosewala

Mansa (National Times): Three years after the tragic death of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, his father, Balkaur Singh Sidhu has released a heartfelt message that has once again touched millions across the globe. In a deeply emotional note, Balkaur Singh poured out his grief, reflecting on the pain, betrayal, and permanent changes that losing his only son has brought into his life. “I have changed a lot,” he wrote. “In these three years, I made the mistake of trusting people who were never truly ours. Each time someone’s real face was revealed, it shook me to the core.” In his…

21 May

Pakistani National Apprehended by BSF Near Amritsar Border

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjabAmritsar border, BSF, Pakistani intruder

Amritsar, May 21, 2025 — The Border Security Force (BSF) arrested a Pakistani intruder who illegally crossed the International Border near Karimpura village in Amritsar district on the evening of May 20.The individual identified himself as Pakistani and was found carrying ₹330 in Pakistani currency during his capture. The BSF carried out an initial interrogation to understand the reasons behind his unauthorized crossing.After the preliminary questioning, the Pakistani national was handed over to local police for further investigation and legal proceedings.The BSF continues to keep strict watch along the border to prevent such incidents and maintain regional security.

21 May

Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale’s Apology Accepted at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Preaching Ban Lifted

Gurpreet Singh0 CommentsPunjab

Amritsar (National Times): In a major religious development, Sikh preacher Baba Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale appeared before the Panj Singh Sahibs at Sri Akal Takht Sahib and offered a heartfelt apology for his past controversial remarks. Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj officially accepted his apology, and the preaching ban previously imposed on him has been lifted. During the meeting at the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, Baba Dhadrianwale humbly acknowledged his mistakes and sought forgiveness from the Sikh community and religious leadership. Recognizing his expression of remorse, the Akal Takht Jathedar permitted him to resume Gurbani preaching, while also reminding him to…