Punjab

Takht Patna Sahib Summons Sukhbir Singh Badal Amid Deepening Sikh Clerical Rift

Takht Patna Sahib Summons Sukhbir Singh Badal Amid Deepening Sikh Clerical Rift

Patna, June 1, 2025 — In a significant escalation within the Sikh religious establishment, the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) of Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib have summoned Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, directing him to appear within ten days over accusations of interference in the Takht’s internal religious affairs.The summons stems from allegations that Badal played a role in reinstating excommunicated Jathedar Giani Ranjit Singh Gauhar, a move that has sparked fierce controversy within the community. The Panj Pyare contend that the SAD leader’s involvement amounts to an encroachment on the spiritual and administrative independence…
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Punjab to Celebrate Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary and Amritsar Foundation Day on Global Stage: Speaker Sandhwan

Punjab to Celebrate Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary and Amritsar Foundation Day on Global Stage: Speaker Sandhwan

Chandigarh: Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has announced that the state government will celebrate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the foundation day of Sri Amritsar Sahib at an international level.Speaking to the media, Sandhwan said these events will not be limited to Punjab or India but will be marked across the world. He emphasized that these commemorations are not only significant to the Sikh faith but are a legacy of all humanity.He revealed that the government has launched a website, email, and phone lines to collect suggestions from people of all religions, communities,…
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Operation Bluestar: On 41st Anniversary of 1984 Attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib, Akhand Path Bhog Held in Memory of Bhai Mehnga Singh Babbar

Operation Bluestar: On 41st Anniversary of 1984 Attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib, Akhand Path Bhog Held in Memory of Bhai Mehnga Singh Babbar

Amritsar (National Times): Today marks the 41st anniversary of the tragic attack on Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib by the Indian Army on June 1, 1984. On this day, the Indian Army surrounded the Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib complex and launched a small-scale attack, aimed at gathering intelligence about the weapons held by the Sikhs inside.During this assault, Bhai Mahinga Singh Babbar, the first Singh stationed at Baba Atal Sahib within the complex, attained martyrdom. Bhai Mahinga Singh Babbar, along with several other Sikhs, sacrificed their lives on this day. To honor their memory, an Akhand Path Sahib was organized at…
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NIA Raids 15 Locations Across 8 States in Pakistan-Linked Espionage Case

NIA Raids 15 Locations Across 8 States in Pakistan-Linked Espionage Case

New Delhi (National Times): In a major crackdown on espionage activities allegedly linked to Pakistan, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted extensive search operations at 15 locations across eight Indian states on Saturday. The raids form part of an ongoing investigation into a spy network operated by Pakistan-based intelligence operatives. The NIA confirmed that the searches were carried out at premises associated with individuals suspected of maintaining links with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). The locations span multiple states, including Delhi, Maharashtra (Mumbai), Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and West Bengal. During the coordinated raids, NIA teams seized a trove…
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Another COVID-19 Case Emerges in Punjab: 30-Year-Old Man Infected in Ludhiana

Another COVID-19 Case Emerges in Punjab: 30-Year-Old Man Infected in Ludhiana

Ludhiana (National Times): Punjab is witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases as another new infection has been reported in Ludhiana. A 30-year-old man tested positive for the virus after experiencing symptoms of cough and cold. The individual, a businessman by profession, underwent a COVID-19 test, which returned a positive result. This comes after a 29-year-old businessman was diagnosed with the virus on Friday, bringing the total number of active COVID-19 cases in the state to five. Across the country, several states are reporting daily cases of the virus, with numerous fatalities already recorded, indicating that COVID-19 is once again spreading…
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Panjab University Renaming Row: Student Council President Anurag Dalal Apologizes but Avoids Clarifying Letter

Panjab University Renaming Row: Student Council President Anurag Dalal Apologizes but Avoids Clarifying Letter

Chandigarh, May 31, 2025 — Anurag Dalal, President of the Panjab University Student Council, has issued a public apology amid a growing controversy surrounding his recent proposal to rename the university. The apology, directed at the student community, came after significant backlash sparked by his letter recommending that Panjab University be renamed as "Punjab and Haryana University."While Dalal expressed regret for the unrest caused among students, he notably remained silent on the contents of the letter submitted to the Vice-Chancellor  the document that ignited the controversy. His failure to address the rationale or intent behind the renaming suggestion has left…
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Breaking: BJP Announces Jeevan Gupta as Candidate for Ludhiana West By-Polls

Breaking: BJP Announces Jeevan Gupta as Candidate for Ludhiana West By-Polls

Ludhiana (National Times): In a significant political development ahead of the Ludhiana West by-elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially announced Jeevan Gupta as its candidate for the upcoming contest. The announcement was made earlier today, marking the party's first major move in the run-up to the by-elections, which are expected to witness a fierce battle among key political players in Punjab. Jeevan Gupta, a seasoned BJP leader with deep roots in Ludhiana's civic and organizational politics, is widely known for his grassroots connections and organizational capabilities. His selection reflects the BJP’s strategy to field a strong local face…
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Amritsar to Observe Citywide Blackout Drill Tonight from 8 PM to 8:30 PM

Amritsar to Observe Citywide Blackout Drill Tonight from 8 PM to 8:30 PM

Amritsar (National Times): The District Administration of Amritsar has announced a 30-minute citywide blackout drill to be held this evening from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM, urging citizens to participate in the exercise to test emergency preparedness and promote energy awareness. In a message issued by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Amritsar, residents were informed that power feeders will be centrally switched off across most locations in the city during the half-hour blackout period. However, critical and essential services, rural areas, the airport, and the Walled City area will remain exempt from the central power cut. The DC further requested that residents…
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Day 90 of Punjab’s Anti-Drug Campaign: 103 Drug Smugglers Nabbed, 3.8 Kg Heroin Seized

Day 90 of Punjab’s Anti-Drug Campaign: 103 Drug Smugglers Nabbed, 3.8 Kg Heroin Seized

Chandigarh, May 30, 2025: As Punjab's massive crackdown on narcotics under the campaign “Yudh Nashian Virudh” completed its 90th day, the state police arrested 103 drug smugglers and seized 3.8 kilograms of heroin along with ₹2.04 lakh in drug money. The total number of arrests under the drive has now touched 14,504.The statewide operation was carried out on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav across all 28 police districts.Acting on the orders of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make Punjab a drug-free state, the Punjab Police conducted coordinated raids under a special day-long operation. Over…
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AAP Government’s Major Crackdown on Illicit Liquor: Excise Department Seizes 80,000 Liters of Ethanol in Overnight Raids

AAP Government’s Major Crackdown on Illicit Liquor: Excise Department Seizes 80,000 Liters of Ethanol in Overnight Raids

Chandigarh (National Times): The Punjab government is taking a stringent action against illegal liquor. In a major operation against illicit liquor, the Excise Department conducted overnight raids on Thursday. During the raid, a massive consignment of approximately 80,000 liters of ethanol, packed in two trucks in Bathinda, was seized, and several individuals were arrested. The two trucks carrying ethanol bore Gujarat registration numbers, clearly indicating that the consignment originated from Gujarat. In addition, two Toyota Etios cars and one Innova SUV connected to the case were also seized. Eight individuals involved in the case have been arrested and charged under…
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