Punjab

Dispute Over Siropa to Rahul Gandhi at Amritsar Gurdwara; SGPC Begins Inquiry

Dispute Over Siropa to Rahul Gandhi at Amritsar Gurdwara; SGPC Begins Inquiry

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): The presentation of a Siropa to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his recent visit to Gurdwara Baba Budha Sahib Ji has triggered a fresh controversy in Punjab. Gandhi, who was in the state on September 15 to review flood-hit areas, was felicitated by gurdwara management representatives, a move that has since drawn criticism from Sikh organizations. Following the uproar, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has taken official notice of the matter. SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami confirmed that an investigation is underway. “Our code of conduct clearly states that Siropas are reserved for spiritual figures,…
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Punjab Set to Bid Farewell to Monsoon by September 20, IMD Predicts Showers Until Midweek

Punjab Set to Bid Farewell to Monsoon by September 20, IMD Predicts Showers Until Midweek

Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): The monsoon season is nearing its end in Punjab, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming that the system will retreat from the state by September 20. As it withdraws, several districts are likely to experience light to moderate rain over the next three days. Weather experts said cloudy skies and drizzle could be seen across many parts of the state on Monday. Rain activity is expected to increase on Tuesday and Wednesday, particularly in northern and central districts such as Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Mohali and Nawanshahr. Scattered showers are also predicted for Ludhiana, Jalandhar,…
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Punjab Launches Paddy Procurement Despite Flood-Hit Farmlands

Punjab Launches Paddy Procurement Despite Flood-Hit Farmlands

Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): Procurement of paddy for the current season began across Punjab on Tuesday, even as large tracts of farmland remain affected by recent floods. Officials estimate that over three lakh hectares in districts including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, and Ferozepur witnessed extensive crop damage. However, better yields in other regions are expected to push overall market arrivals to nearly 175 lakh metric tonnes this season. To support the exercise, the Reserve Bank of India has extended a cash credit limit of ₹15,000 crore to the state government, ensuring timely procurement and payment for farmers. Mandis across Punjab have…
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CM Mann Questions Centre on Blocking Sikh Pilgrims While Allowing Cricket with Pakistan

CM Mann Questions Centre on Blocking Sikh Pilgrims While Allowing Cricket with Pakistan

Chandigarh, September 15, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday criticised the Union government for what he termed “double standards” in its dealings with Pakistan. He said that while cricket matches between the two countries were permitted, Sikh devotees were being stopped from travelling to Nankana Sahib on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purb.In a live address, Mann said the Centre’s reasoning was contradictory. “On one hand, matches are being played with Pakistan. On the other, Sikh Jathas are barred from visiting Nankana Sahib. Players claim they avoided shaking hands with Pakistani cricketers but how is…
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Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Racket Busted in Fazilka, Two Arrested with Foreign-Made Weapons

Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Racket Busted in Fazilka, Two Arrested with Foreign-Made Weapons

Fazilka (Gurpreet Singh): In a targeted operation based on intelligence input, Fazilka Police have successfully dismantled a cross-border weapon smuggling module with alleged links to Pakistan. Two individuals have been taken into custody, and a cache of foreign-made firearms has been seized before it could reach criminal elements in Punjab. The arrested accused — Surinder Singh and Gurpreet — were reportedly acting under the instructions of handlers operating from outside India. Their mission was to deliver the smuggled weapons to members of local gangs within the state, authorities said. Arms Cache Recovered During the operation, police recovered five pistols of…
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Centre Declines Permission for Nankana Sahib Yatra, SGPC Urges Reconsideration

Centre Declines Permission for Nankana Sahib Yatra, SGPC Urges Reconsideration

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): The central government has denied clearance for the proposed pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary, citing security-related concerns. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which has called on the Centre to respect the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. The Ministry of Home Affairs conveyed its decision in a formal communication to the SGPC, stating that the current situation along the India–Pakistan border remains tense and does not support the safe movement of pilgrims. It added that allowing such cross-border…
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Rahul Gandhi Arrives in Amritsar to Evaluate Flood Impact in Punjab

Rahul Gandhi Arrives in Amritsar to Evaluate Flood Impact in Punjab

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reached Amritsar on Monday to conduct a firsthand review of the widespread damage caused by recent floods across Punjab. The state continues to face severe challenges, including extensive waterlogging, damaged roads and infrastructure, and disruption to daily life in several districts. Gandhi’s visit is seen as a response to mounting concerns about the scale of devastation and the pace of government relief measures. During his stay, he plans to visit some of the hardest-hit areas, meet with families displaced by the floods, and engage with local officials and…
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DC Amritsar Holds Joint Initiative Meeting with NGOs for Flood Rehabilitation, MP Sahni Announces Five JCBs

DC Amritsar Holds Joint Initiative Meeting with NGOs for Flood Rehabilitation, MP Sahni Announces Five JCBs

Amritsar, September 14: Deputy Commissioner Amritsar Sakshi Sahni today convened an important meeting with NGOs in the presence of Member of Parliament Vikramjit Singh Sahni and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. The meeting focused on rehabilitation of flood-affected families, livelihood restoration, and preparations for the winter season.Discussions highlighted the urgent need for warm clothing for families, heavy machinery such as JCBs to remove sand deposited in fields, around 8,000 school kits for children, and support to revive self-help group businesses such as pickles and handicrafts. Other issues included livestock care, poultry farms, and the supply of diesel and agricultural chemicals required…
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Mohali Hospital Birth Dispute Sparks Controversy, DNA Test Ordered to Establish Parentage

Mohali Hospital Birth Dispute Sparks Controversy, DNA Test Ordered to Establish Parentage

National Times Bureau :- A major controversy has erupted in Mohali after a dispute arose regarding the identity of a newborn delivered at a local hospital. The case has not only shocked the family involved but has also raised serious concerns about hospital management and the protocols followed during childbirth. According to reports, the family alleged that there was confusion over the parentage of the child soon after delivery. Suspecting foul play or negligence, they demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. The hospital authorities, while denying any wrongdoing, agreed that a DNA test would be the most appropriate method…
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Major Operation in Ferozepur: One Arrested with 15.775 kg Heroin

Major Operation in Ferozepur: One Arrested with 15.775 kg Heroin

National Times Bureau :- In a significant intelligence-led operation, Ferozepur Police arrested a local resident with 15.775 kilograms of heroin in his possession. Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment was supplied by Pakistan-based smugglers, while the drug network was being operated from Kapurthala Jail by an accused currently lodged there. Police have registered an FIR, and further investigations are underway to trace the wider nexus behind the smuggling racket.
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