Latest news with #ManpreetSingh
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Success Story: Father a gardener, twin brothers take big IT leap in Mohali
In the heart of Punjab, where startups are still finding their feet in the shadow of India's metro tech giants, Manpreet Singh and his twin brother Gurpreet Singh are quietly shaping a digital-first future from their compact Mohali office. Together, they co-founded QOR, an IT firm offering web development, SEO, digital marketing, and content services under one roof. Manpreet's journey began far from the world of venture capital and elite degrees. Raised in a modest household where his father worked as a gardener, his access to education and resources was limited. 'I did my schooling in a proper government school in Punjab,' he recalls. 'We didn't have financial backing or much guidance. So I did my graduation through distance education while working jobs to support myself.' That drive for financial independence took hold early. Manpreet started his career in 2014, training in SEO at a local agency while completing his degree. In six years, he worked his way up to team leader before joining the US-based Jaw Dropping Marketing, where he handled product promotions. The pandemic brought change—and opportunity. 'I got married in December 2020 and left my job in January 2021,' he says. 'I had always wanted to start something, and I already had some freelance projects. It just felt like the right time.' QOR officially took shape in 2022. With no elaborate business plan—just trust in their skills—Manpreet and Gurpreet rented a small office in Mohali and began building a team. Today, the company has grown to 10 members, serving a predominantly overseas clientele, especially in the US. 'We focus on complete digital solutions,' Manpreet explains. 'From website development and content writing to search engine optimisation and paid ads—Google, Bing, and social media—we help businesses go online and grow online.' The brothers also work to create opportunities for local youth. 'We prefer to train interns ourselves. If someone proves their skills, we offer full-time roles. We want to build local talent,' Manpreet says. Asked why he chose to stay in Mohali, Manpreet's answer is simple: 'It's home. And I want to give back. If someone in my neighbourhood asks me for career advice after 10th or 12th, I want to be able to guide them.' Mohali, he adds, offers practical advantages. 'Connectivity, transport, and infrastructure are strong here. Since the establishment of institutions like IISER, the government has actively promoted Mohali as an IT and industrial hub.' He contrasts Mohali's lifestyle with that of traditional tech metros. 'It's less polluted, less hectic, and more affordable than Gurgaon or Bangalore. It's ideal for building something meaningful without sacrificing quality of life.' Manpreet hopes to expand QOR's reach, continue mentoring local youth, and strengthen Mohali's position as an emerging IT powerhouse. 'Ultimately, the client cares about results,' he says. 'And we know how to deliver.' Shivangi Vashisht is an intern with The Indian Express.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Narcotics as terror currency is new proxy war': Jammu and Kashmir HC denies bail to juvenile
The Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh High Court denied bail to a juvenile arrested in an alleged narco-terror case saying that his release will 'expose him to criminal elements, endanger him morally and psychologically' and ultimately 'defeat the ends of justice'. Manpreet Singh alias Manni was detained in connection with an FIR registered in 2022 registered at Samba Police Station under provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, NDPS Act, Arms Act, Foreigners Act and Enemy Agents Ordinance. Though the accused was under 18 years at the time of arrest, he was declared to be tried as an adult in view of the grave nature of the offences and his level of maturity as assessed by the Juvenile Justice Board. Upholding the trial court's decision of denying bail under Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, Justice Rajesh Sekhri observed that being declared to be tried as an adult does not alter the petitioner's juvenile status in principle, but the gravity of his actions demands stricter judicial scrutiny. 'Narco-terrorism is no longer confined to drug-weapon smuggling,' Justice Sekhri observed, adding that the 'use of narcotics as a terror currency and the cross-border smuggling of narcotics and terror activities have, of late, become a new front of proxy war, unleashed by the adversaries from across the border'. 'A dual strategy of sending across the drugs and weapons is being employed by the enemy to threaten economic security of the country, incite subversive activities and disrupt the social fabric,' he observed, adding the petitioner cannot be allowed 'to take benefit of the beneficial legislation to defeat the ends of justice' as he is allegedly found to be 'actively assisting and participating in the activities of an organised narco-terror module along with his associates'. Dismissing the petition, the judge further pointed out that although Section 12(1) of the JJ Act provides that a juvenile should be released on bail, the law also includes a proviso allowing bail to be denied if the child may be brought into association with known criminals, may be exposed to moral, physical or psychological danger and the release may defeat the ends of justice. The trial court invoked all the three exceptions citing the transnational character of the crime, the accused's direct involvement and the security implications, he said, adding: 'The offences committed by the petitioner are not only grievous in nature but also against the sovereignty and integrity of the country. His well-planned conduct and methodical participation reflect the mind of a matured and skilled person'. According to investigators, the petitioner had allegedly gone to the international border near Amb Tali in Samba district to collect a consignment containing narcotics, a pistol along with ammunition, Pakistani currency and a cough syrup dropped by some Pakistani smugglers on the Indian side of the border. However, three of these Pakistani smugglers were killed by BSF troops during the encounter on February 6, 2022, they say. The investigations conducted by the State Investigation Agency allegedly revealed that Manpreet was actively assisting his associates and participating in the activities of an organised narco-terror gang, involved in the smuggling of narcotic drugs and firearms from Pakistan. According to investigators. The alleged kingpin of this gang — codenamed Rana, a resident of Pakistan – was trying to incite subversive activities with the use of narcotics as a terror currency. According to investigators, a co-accused named Gurpreet Singh alias Billa, who they identified as a major member of the gang, used virtual numbers and highly-encrypted and sophisticated applications from his phone, installed specifically for the purpose of executing the operation. Billa was allegedly directly in touch with Rana, with investigators claiming to have proof that he made a WhatsApp call to his Pakistani handlers from a hotel in Samba.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
After Mattewara textile park, now Punjab villagers up in arms against cement plant project
'Punjab should promote tourism, non-polluting industry to preserve its air, water, and fertile land,' cried the villagers of Talwandi Aklia, who are up in arms against the proposal of setting up a cement plant in Mansa district. The villagers have outrightly voted against the proposal at a public hearing committee meeting held on July 14 at Talwandi Aklia in which the representatives of the cement plant, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) officials, Mansa district administration officials, residents of nearly 20 villages of Mansa and members of the public action committee (PAC) from across the state had participated. JSW Cement is to set up a high-capacity cement manufacturing unit with an estimated production capacity of six million tonnes per annum (MTPA) on 19 hectares of land covering Talwandi Aklia and neighbouring Karamgarh Autanwali villages. The company has already acquired around 67 acres of land. According to villagers, nearly 40 acres have been sold to the cement company by a US-based NRI who hasn't visited Punjab for years. 'A majority of the villagers voted against the proposal to set up this cement plant. Now let's see what happens next. We will stay alert, and if the project gets environmental clearance from the Punjab government despite our stiff resistance, we will start agitation against it. They can set up agro-based projects, cotton mills, etc. But why a cement plant?' asked Manpreet Singh Aklia, an activist of Talwandi Sabo Morcha set up to fight against the project. He is a farmer from Aklia village of Mansa. According to sources, the cement company will be setting up two production units and an additional grinding unit. The public hearing on the project's environmental impact was organised by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). It was attended by hundreds of local villagers, farmers, and activists under the banner of the newly formed 'Talwandi Morcha'. 'We fear for our future,' said Manpreet Singh, a farmer from Talwandi Aklia who participated in the hearing. 'Such large-scale red-category industries bring pollution and health hazards. Our fields, air, and water will all suffer,' he said. Already there is one thermal power plant in Banawali village of Mansa located nearby and the villagers said they can't afford to have another polluting unit. 'Villagers raised alarm over the plant's categorisation as a 'red-category' industry — a classification reserved for industrial units that pose a significant risk of pollution. They argue that cement dust emissions and possible contamination of groundwater could jeopardise agriculture, the mainstay of the local economy,' said Jaskirat Singh, a member of PAC. Local youth and women, too, have joined the campaign, holding awareness meetings and door-to-door campaigns to rally more villagers, said Kapil Arora, another PAC member. Villagers feared that apart from air and water pollution, the unit will also damage the roads of villages after hundreds of cement-laden trucks and many trucks carrying fly ash from Banawali thermal power plant to be used as raw material in the cement factory will cross the roads quite often. Representatives of JSW Cement and district officials tried to allay fears during the hearing, promising strict adherence to environmental norms and highlighting possible job opportunities for local people. However, villagers remain unconvinced, pointing to past examples where job promises were not kept. The final nod for the plant will depend on environmental clearances at the national level under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006. Meanwhile, local resistance is likely to intensify in the coming weeks, with the Talwandi Morcha planning further meetings, legal consultations, and protests. 'The conflict underlines the delicate balance between industrial expansion and community rights in Punjab's agrarian belt, where farmers already face mounting challenges related to land use, groundwater depletion, and pollution,' said Jaskirat Singh. The PAC had previously mobilised strong opposition to the Ruchira Paper Mill project near Chamkaur Sahib, with its public hearing held on April 30. During this hearing, residents from around 50 villages, backed by PAC activists, raised urgent concerns about the mill's proximity — just 10 metres —to Buddha Dariya and about 200 m from the Neelon Canal, both key water sources. Out of 873 attendees, 853 opposed the project, citing risk of severe water contamination in an ecologically vulnerable zone. Similarly, in January–July 2022, PAC led a campaign against the proposed Mega Textile Park at Mattewara in Ludhiana voicing fears over threats to the Sutlej river ecosystem and local forests. That sustained activism led to the Punjab government cancelling the project in July 2022.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rice over spice: Punjab farmers plough back chilli crop for paddy
Chandigarh: Punjab's chilli farmers experienced a poor season this year, stemming from reduced supply to Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, and a labour shortage caused by the state's decision to advance paddy sowing. Faced with low prices and scarce buyers, many farmers in Ferozepur, the leading chilli-cultivating district, opted to prematurely plough back their crops and proceed with paddy sowing last month. Despite remarkable growth in chilli cultivation in Ferozepur, from 736 hectares in 2014-15 to 2,732 hectares in 2024-25, the recently concluded season proved dismal for farmers, with prices of red, dry chilli plummeting to Rs 60-70 per kg from Rs 180 per kg in 2023 and Rs 130 per kg last year. The chilli cluster in Ferozepur was inaugurated in March 2023. Manpreet Singh, a farmer from Basti Dabian Wali in Ferozepur, cultivated chilli across 100 acres but was forced to plough back a substantial portion. He explained that Punjab's chilli did not reach Guntur this season because export samples of its traders failed due to residue traces (in chilli of other states), and Guntur already held significant stocks, including last year's chilli in cold storage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 기미, 레이저말고 이렇게 해보세요 에스테틱최원장 Undo Despite Ferozepur's chilli being residue-free and valued by Guntur traders for its unique red colour, farmers like Manpreet were compelled to sell their produce to local and Rajasthani grinders at a reduced price of Rs 75-80 per kg. The Guntur mirchi yard is one of Asia's largest chilli markets and exports to countries like China and Vietnam. Need for cold storage Adding to the farmers' woes, the state govt's decision to advance paddy sowing to June 1 created a major labour shortage, as workers preferred the better rates offered in paddy. This resulted in widespread losses to farmers across the entire Ferozepur area, marking the first time they were forced to plough back their chilli crop. Farmers reiterated the long-standing demand for cold storage facilities, which would allow green chillies to ripen into red over time, ensuring better market value. Hardeep Singh, a chilli farmer of Bareke village, said farmers who typically divide their crop to sell both green and red chillies, were forced to sell their entire harvest as green chilli at a meagre Rs 8-10 per kg. This was due to reports of dwindling purchases by Guntur traders for exports, leading to a market glut and an abrupt shortening of the chilli season to just two months, despite its usual duration from Oct to July. "While labour is always an issue with chilli harvesting, this time the clash with paddy sowing gravely aggravated the situation," he said, adding: "We suffered a loss of Rs 50,000 per acre this season." Ferozepur's chilli farmers also questioned the rationale behind Punjab govt's decision to establish a chilli processing plant in Abohar through the Punjab Agri Export Corporation Ltd (PAGREXCO), given the area's limited chilli cultivation. "There is a need to set up a procurement centre in Ferozepur so that small farmers are saved from incurring transportation costs," they said. Apart from cold storage facilities, farmers are demanding the setting up of solar dryers in the grain markets so that chilli and other vegetables can be dried to fetch better prices. Ferozepur chief horticulture officer Simran Singh said to boost crop diversification in the border district, which has emerged as one of the state's largest vegetable producers, a chilli development centre is being established under NITI Aayog's aspirational district programme at a cost of Rs 59 lakh. He added chilli cultivation proved to be a viable option for over 4,000 farmers in the district, many of whom are small and marginal. Developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Chilli Hybrid-27 (CH-27) has emerged as a predominant choice, steadily progressing from small-scale production to massive commercial-level farming in and around a cluster of villages in the Malwa and Doaba regions of Punjab. Area Under Chilli in Punjab & Top 3 Districts Year | Punjab | Ferozepur | Jalandhar | Tarn Taran 2014-15 | 7359 | 736 | 1,115 | 974 2015-16 | 7,501 | 738 | 1,124 | 1,004 2016-17 | 7,687 | 754 | 1,134 | 1,010 2017-18 | 8,211 | 805 | 1,165 | 1,075 2018-19 | 8,770 | 1,716 | 1,166 | 545 2019-20 | 8,776 | 1,616 | 1,270 | 503 2020-21 | 8,778 | 1,540 | 1,272 | 506 2021-22 | 9,920 | 1918 | 851 | 559 2022-23 | 10,614 | 2,052 | 911 | 598 2023-24 | 11,397 | 2,732 | 1,002 | 641
India Today
28-06-2025
- Sport
- India Today
India pooled alongside Pakistan in Junior Men's Hockey World Cup 2025
Hosts India were clubbed alongside Pakistan in Pool B for the upcoming FIH junior Men's Hockey World Cup which will take place in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 till December 10 this year. Apart from the Asian giants, Chile and Switzerland are also present in Pool B. The draw ceremony was held at the FIH Headquarters on Saturday, June 28 as the upcoming edition will feature 24 teams for the first time. Pool A consistes of Germany, South Africa, Canada and Ireland while Pool C contains Argentina, New Zealand, Japan and China. Spain, Belgium, Egypt and Namibia are in Pool D while Pool E will have Netherlands facing off against Malaysia, England and Austria. advertisementAlso Read: Manpreet Singh hits 400: A testament to unyielding grit France, Australia, Korea and Bangladesh form Pool F. International Hockey Federation president Tayyab Ikram participated in the draw ceremony alongside with Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, and Hockey India Director General RK Srivastava. Ikram said that the part of the strategy from the FIH is to empower and engage the youngsters from all nations. "It is a great pleasure for me to be here ahead of a milestone moment as we start the journey towards the first ever 24-team FIH Junior Hockey World Cup!"It is a part of the FIH strategy to empower and engage the youth from all nations, including the emerging nations, and this event will be the first step towards doing that," FIH chief Ikram said in a the draw ceremony earlier today, we are glad to reveal the six Pools for the upcoming expanded FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, which will feature 24 teams for the very first time!Full story @TheHockeyIndia#JWC2025 #RisingStars— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) June 28, 2025advertisementJunior Men's Hockey World Cup 2025: PoolsPool A: Germany, South Africa, Canada, IrelandPool B: India, Pakistan, Chile, SwitzerlandPool C: Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, ChinaPool D: Spain, Belgium, Egypt, NamibiaPool E: Netherlands, Malaysia, England, AustriaPool F: France, Australia, Korea, Bangladesh- Ends
