Punjab

Severe Fog and Pollution Grip North India, Air Traffic Faces Disruptions in Capital

Severe Fog and Pollution Grip North India, Air Traffic Faces Disruptions in Capital

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Large stretches of north India began the week under a heavy cover of fog, with low temperatures and worsening pollution creating difficult conditions for daily life. Parts of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi experienced dense fog on Monday morning, reducing visibility and adding to winter-related challenges across the region. The national capital recorded a cold and hazy start as air quality levels dropped further into the danger zone. Data showed Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index reaching 402 by early morning, categorising the air as “severe” and triggering health advisories. Environmental experts warned that prolonged exposure could pose serious…
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Punjab Speaker Slams Cut in Import Duty on New Zealand Apples, Calls It Anti-Farmer

Punjab Speaker Slams Cut in Import Duty on New Zealand Apples, Calls It Anti-Farmer

Chandigarh, December 28, 2025: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Sunday strongly criticised the Central Government’s decision to reduce the import duty on apples from New Zealand from 50 per cent to 25 per cent under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), calling it a betrayal of Indian farmers and a move against the principles of Swadeshi. Sandhwan said that while the Centre repeatedly talks about promoting indigenous products and strengthening domestic manufacturing, its policies are instead favouring foreign producers at the cost of Indian farmers. He remarked that such decisions resemble the colonial-era practices of the East India…
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Anand Karaj Only in Gurdwaras, AI-Based Films on Sikh Themes Banned: Panj Singh Sahiban Issue Firm Directives

Anand Karaj Only in Gurdwaras, AI-Based Films on Sikh Themes Banned: Panj Singh Sahiban Issue Firm Directives

Amritsar, December 28, 2025: In a major step to protect Sikh religious traditions and maryada, the Panj Singh Sahiban on Sunday announced a series of strict resolutions following a high-level meeting held at Sri Akal Takht Sahib under the leadership of Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.Addressing the media after the meeting, the Acting Jathedar declared that Anand Karaj ceremonies will be permitted exclusively within Gurdwara premises. He clarified that conducting Sikh marriage ceremonies in parks, hotels, resorts, or any commercial or open venues will no longer be allowed, and the Sikh sangat has been directed to strictly adhere to…
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Mann government has made 2025 the year of prosperity for farmers: Punjab government’s historic initiative is bringing significant changes to Punjab’s farms

Mann government has made 2025 the year of prosperity for farmers: Punjab government’s historic initiative is bringing significant changes to Punjab’s farms

Chandigarh, 28 December 2025: As the year of 2025 concludes, Punjab's agricultural landscape stands transformed, driven by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led the state government's bold initiatives. The year has been marked by record farmer remuneration, significant strides in crop diversification and a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices, setting a new benchmark for farm prosperity in the state.   Punjab’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, highlighted the year’s landmark achievements, stating that the government’s resolve to empower farmers is matched by its commitment to ecological sustainability. "Our schemes have driven transformative change, and the…
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Progressive Punjab Investor Summit-2026: ₹1.50 lakh crore investment in Punjab since 2022, 5 lakh jobs created

Progressive Punjab Investor Summit-2026: ₹1.50 lakh crore investment in Punjab since 2022, 5 lakh jobs created

Chandigarh, 28 December, 2025: Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora today said that Punjab has attracted ₹1.50 lakh crore (approximately USD 19 billion) in investments since the formation of the AAP Government, resulting in the generation of more than five lakh employment opportunities across the State. He said this reflects the Government’s firm commitment to making Punjab a preferred destination for investors and a leading industrial hub. Major Investments announce for Punjab in last 5 months areHPCL Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) – ₹2,600 Crores, Vardhman Steels- ₹3,000 Crores, Trident Group – ₹2,000 Crores, IOL Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited – ₹1,400 Crores, Happy…
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SHO of Sangat Police Station Suspended for Negligence in Drug-Related Cases

SHO of Sangat Police Station Suspended for Negligence in Drug-Related Cases

National Times Bureau :- In a strict move against negligence in handling drug-related cases, the SHO of Sangat Police Station, Daljit Singh, has been suspended. The action comes following allegations that Singh failed to take appropriate measures against drug trafficking in his jurisdiction, which lies along the Punjab-Haryana border—a known route for narcotics entering Punjab from neighboring states. Based on a report submitted by the DSP of Bathinda Rural, SSP Amneet Kaur ordered the suspension and directed a departmental inquiry into Singh’s conduct. Police officials have confirmed that the investigation is underway, highlighting the administration’s zero-tolerance approach toward lapses in…
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Mann Government strengthens the future of 2.37 lakh Orphaned and Dependent Children by creating a Security cover of Rs. 314 crore

Mann Government strengthens the future of 2.37 lakh Orphaned and Dependent Children by creating a Security cover of Rs. 314 crore

Chandigarh, 27 December 2025: Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to the welfare of all sections of society. In this direction, sustained and focused efforts are being made to ensure the safety, dignity and holistic development of orphaned and dependent children in the state.Sharing details, Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has so far released ₹314.22 crore as financial assistance for orphaned and dependent children, bringing stability and security to thousands of young lives.She further informed that under this scheme,…
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Year 2025 was a transformation for Punjab prisons: The Mann government is building true “Reform houses”; ₹126 crore has transformed prisons into AI-enabled high-tech prisons, shaping the future of prisoners through skills and sports

Year 2025 was a transformation for Punjab prisons: The Mann government is building true “Reform houses”; ₹126 crore has transformed prisons into AI-enabled high-tech prisons, shaping the future of prisoners through skills and sports

Chandigarh, 27 December 2025: The Punjab Jails Department today issued its Year-End Achievement Report, highlighting a series of initiatives that have transformed correctional institutions across the state into centres focused on rehabilitation, stability and modern security systems.Punjab Jails Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Government is committed to expanding humane initiatives within the jails department, strengthening security through technology-driven solutions and scaling up vocational training to equip inmates with employable skills. He informed that during this year, jails in Punjab have been redefined from clean and orderly surroundings to facilities backed by…
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Punjab Through 2025: A Year of Upheaval, Uncertainty and Unanswered Questions

Punjab Through 2025: A Year of Upheaval, Uncertainty and Unanswered Questions

Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): For Punjab, 2025 unfolded as a year laden with crises that cut across nature, politics, security and society. What began with hope soon turned into a succession of challenges, leaving deep emotional, economic and political scars across the state. One of the most devastating blows came from nature itself. Unprecedented rainfall in late summer led to severe flooding in multiple districts, claiming over 50 lives and wiping out standing crops across vast agricultural belts. Thousands of families were displaced as homes, roads and public infrastructure crumbled under the force of swollen rivers. The financial impact ran into…
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Viral Survey Video Sparks Fresh Speculation Over SAD–BJP Alliance Ahead of Punjab 2027 Polls

Viral Survey Video Sparks Fresh Speculation Over SAD–BJP Alliance Ahead of Punjab 2027 Polls

National Times Bureau :- Amid ongoing political discussions and contrasting statements surrounding a possible alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, a viral video clip has added a new dimension to the debate. The video, which appears to be part of a public opinion survey, shows individuals being asked about the likelihood of an SAD–BJP tie-up and their voting preferences in such a scenario. The clip has circulated widely on social media at a time when political observers are closely tracking signals from both parties. However, leaders from…
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