Punjab

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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Amritsar Police Bust Cross-Border Arms and Hawala Network, Three Arrested

Amritsar Police Bust Cross-Border Arms and Hawala Network, Three Arrested

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): The Amritsar Commissionerate Police have dismantled an organised arms and hawala network, arresting three suspects allegedly linked to cross-border illegal weapons supply. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of ten sophisticated firearms, including three PX5 .30 bore pistols, three Glock 9mm pistols, one Beretta 9mm pistol, and three .30 bore pistols, along with ₹2.5 lakh in hawala money.Officials said preliminary investigations suggest the accused were in contact with handlers based in Pakistan through social media platforms to procure and circulate illegal arms. Police believe the weapons were meant to disrupt peace and harmony in Punjab.A case has…
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11 Lakh People in Punjab May Lose Free Wheat Under New NFSA Rules

11 Lakh People in Punjab May Lose Free Wheat Under New NFSA Rules

National Times Bureau :-  As many as 11 lakh beneficiaries in Punjab are on the verge o getting deprived of the free wheat under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) after the Punjab government adopted the Centre’s criteria to exclude individual members of families from the scheme. The Punjab government has released a notification, listing the criteria for the inclusion and exclusion of beneficiaries. According to the scheme adopted by the Punjab government, 11 lakh beneficiaries stand to lose receiving free wheat under the NFSA. The notification, which is an amendment to the Punjab Food Security Rules, 2016, also states…
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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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Fire breaks out at Amritsar Civil Hospital, 15 children evacuated safely

Fire breaks out at Amritsar Civil Hospital, 15 children evacuated safely

National Times Bureau :- Panic struck Amritsar Civil Hospital on Monday morning after a sudden fire broke out in the blood bank area around 7.30 am. The blaze reportedly started in a refrigerator inside the blood bank, believed to have overheated and caught fire. The incident triggered chaos as the children’s ward was located adjacent to the blood bank. Hospital staff quickly responded, breaking glass windows to prevent smoke accumulation inside the building. Around 15 children from the ward were immediately evacuated and shifted to a safer location. Using fire extinguishers collected from different floors, the staff managed to control…
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China virus infestation worsens Punjab farmers crisis after devastating floods, Patiala farmers share their plight

China virus infestation worsens Punjab farmers crisis after devastating floods, Patiala farmers share their plight

National Times Bureau :- Punjab’s farmers are facing a double crisis. First, devastating floods destroyed fields, and now a crop disease locally called the “China virus” has spread across several districts. The outbreak has stunted growth and wiped out large portions of standing crops. In Patiala district’s Hardaspur village, farmers said they feel completely abandoned. One farmer shared that his entire crop on 10 acres of leased land has been lost to the disease. “There is no sign of officials or relief teams. We have been left on our own,” he said. Villagers added that hundreds of acres across Punjab…
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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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Ramlila in Sector 23 to Integrate New Technology and Offer a Fresh Experience: Ajay Joshi

Ramlila in Sector 23 to Integrate New Technology and Offer a Fresh Experience: Ajay Joshi

Chandigarh (Gurpreet): The Jagriti Ram Leela Committee is presenting a unique experience of Ramlila this year in Sector 23, Chandigarh. Committee President Ajay Joshi, while speaking to National Times, stated that the 10-day event will feature cutting-edge light and sound technology, making the traditional performance more engaging and impactful. The special effects, fancy lights, imported fireworks, and Punjabi dhol will add to the liveliness of the event.Joshi mentioned that several city dignitaries have been invited and will attend on different days. He added that staging Ramlila annually aims to keep the younger generation connected to traditional culture and values, teaching…
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Punjab Police Arrest 89 in Statewide Crackdown, Drug War Marks 204th Day

Punjab Police Arrest 89 in Statewide Crackdown, Drug War Marks 204th Day

Chandigarh, September 21, 2025 — Punjab’s war against drugs, spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, entered its 204th consecutive day on Sunday. Police across the state carried out raids at 374 locations, resulting in the arrest of 89 drug smugglers and the registration of 78 FIRs. With the latest action, the total number of smugglers arrested has climbed to 30,440 since the campaign began.During the raids, the police seized 4.5 kg of heroin, 2.3 kg of ganja, 1,524 intoxicant tablets and capsules, and ₹59,810 in drug money. Officials said the operations are part…
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Chandigarh Hosts ‘Namo Yuva Run’ to Promote Fitness and Drug-Free India

Chandigarh Hosts ‘Namo Yuva Run’ to Promote Fitness and Drug-Free India

National Times Bureau :- Chandigarh witnessed the grand launch of the ‘Namo Yuva Run’, flagged off by Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, as part of efforts to promote a drug-free India. The event saw massive participation from students, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and fitness icons, reflecting the growing momentum of youth engagement in health and wellness initiatives. Special Appearance by Olympian Babita PhogatOlympic wrestler and Arjuna Awardee Babita Phogat made a special appearance at the event, inspiring participants with her achievements. The run was organized under the ‘Seva Pakhwada’ initiative, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday celebrations. Route…
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