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Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Trio held with 200 gm heroin, 153 narcotics capsules in Mohali's Mullanpur
Mohali police arrested three suspected drug traffickers and recovered 200 gm heroin, along with 153 narcotic capsules from their possession, in Mullanpur on Friday. The accused, identified as Parveen Kumar, Vinay Kumar and Bir Singh, all residents of Haryana, were intercepted at a checkpoint based on intelligence inputs. A thorough search of their vehicle, bearing a Haryana registration number, led to the recovery of 200 gm heroin and 153 narcotic capsules. The vehicle has been taken into custody. A case has been registered under Sections 21, 61, and 85 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Mullanpur police station. The trio has been remanded to police custody for further investigation.
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhaina: Interstate bus services may see normalcy, say officials
After two days of partial suspension due to heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border, inter-state and night bus services operated by Punjab Roadways from Ludhiana may return to normalcy, officials said. The development follows a ceasefire announcement between the two nations on Saturday evening and the anticipated improvement in the security situation, officials familiar with the matter said. Bus services on interstate routes connecting Ludhiana to Jammu-Katra and Rajasthan had been partially suspended since Friday. Officials confirmed that three buses bound for Jammu and Katra were terminating in Pathankot, while two buses to Rajasthan's Sriganganagar were running only up to Abohar. However, services on these routes will now be gradually restored in phases, officials added. However, later in the evening, ceasefire violations were reported at several places, indicating that the process may be delayed. Night-time operations on high-demand routes, such as Jalandhar, Amritsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Pathankot, which were impacted by a sharp decline in passenger footfall, will be resumed, officials said. Earlier, the buses on these routes used to carry over 100 passengers, a number which had plummeted to just 20 to 30 commuters. Notably, while buses continued to run on these routes, the number of operating vehicles was reduced due to low ridership and the need to reserve buses for any emergency response. Meanwhile, amid the heightened security tension, confusion prevailed among many frontline bus workers due to lack of clear operational guidance. 'After reports of a drone strike in Ferozepur, we didn't know whether services would continue on Saturday morning as no clear instructions were issued,' said Parveen Kumar, conductor on the Ludhiana to Ferozepur route. A senior Punjab Roadways official, seeking anonymity, clarified that while no formal directive was issued for route suspensions, depots have the autonomy to adapt to local conditions. 'There has been no official announcement regarding route curtailment. But the concerned depots are authorised to make such decisions based on the prevailing situation. Once the situation improves, we will reassess our all operations in coordination with local administrations and resume full services where feasible,' the official explained. Navraj Batish, general manager of Punjab Roadways, said, 'The Jammu-bound routes were the worst hit over the past two days due to low passenger numbers and security issues. Consequently, buses on these routes are currently operating only up to Pathankot, unable to continue further because of insufficient demand. We had previously strengthened security measures on sensitive routes to ensure that passengers and staff safety remains our top priority.'
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Time of India
CTU driver averts major mishap on Zirakpur flyover
1 2 Mohali: A major accident was narrowly avoided on the busy Zirakpur flyover on Friday morning thanks to the quick thinking and composure of CTU bus driver Parveen Kumar. The driver's timely response prevented a potential tragedy after a tyre dislodged from bus and raced ahead. The incident involved a Chandigarh-Narnaul AC incident occurred around 10:30 am when the left tyre of the bus suddenly bubbled and detached from the vehicle, rolling ahead as the bus veered dangerously close to the edge of the flyover — 40 feet above ground level. Displaying exceptional calm, Parveen Kumar managed to bring the bus under control despite the loss of a front tyre. The vehicle skidded for nearly 100 metres before coming to a were 35 passengers on board at the time of the mishap. Operation Sindoor PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list Thanks to the driver's alertness, all passengers were safely evacuated. Passengers expressed their gratitude, crediting Parveen Kumar's presence of mind for saving their lives."We are very grateful to the bus driver for his quick thinking and alertness. He saved our lives," said passenger Rakesh Sharma. Another passenger, Sunil, said, "We were shocked to see the tyre roll away and the bus slide without it. It could have been a disaster."The breakdown caused a temporary traffic jam on the flyover. The driver and conductor managed the traffic until a replacement bus and recovery van arrived from the Chandigarh depot. The bus was later towed Zirakpur-Ambala stretch is one of the busiest flyovers in the region. Officials from the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) lauded Parveen Kumar's prompt and brave action, calling him a "real-life hero" for preventing a major mishap.
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Beer prices in Haryana to soar under 2025- 2027 excise policy
Come June 12, beer lovers across Haryana will be paying significantly more for their drink, as the state's new excise policy brings a 55% hike in Indian beer prices and a 45% increase for imported ones. As consumers brace for the price surge, many are now considering switching to lower-cost alternatives—or buying in bulk before the hike hits. But with excise duty enforcement tightening, the window may not stay open for long. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo) Popular domestic labels like Kingfisher, Carlsberg, Budweiser, and Hoegaarden will see sharp price revisions. A 650ml bottle of Kingfisher Ultra, currently retailing at ₹ 90, will now cost ₹ 140. Beers such as Corona and Amstel, previously priced at ₹ 200 for a pint, will rise to ₹ 290, while Tiger beer is expected to follow suit. A 330 ml beer bottle of Budweiser and Carlsberg will cost ₹ 120 that used to cost ₹ 75, said officials. Canned Beer that costed ₹ 90 has been increased to ₹ 130 (45%) for 500 ml can). Excise officials said that the cost of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and Imported Foreign Liquor (IFL) is set to rise by 15-20% under the new policy. They cited examples such as Absolute Vodka, which is will increase from ₹ 1,200 to ₹ 1,500, and Glenlivet, will jump from ₹ 3,200 to ₹ 3,800. Jitender Dudi, deputy excise and taxation commissioner, Gurugram (West), confirmed the increase. 'Yes, there will be a 55% hike on Indian beers and 45% on imported ones. This is primarily to bring parity with neighbouring states and to promote Indian-made beer and liquor over imported alternatives,' he said. 'The excise department is also focusing on optimising revenue through fair pricing while reducing the consumption of foreign-labelled liquor.' Officials said that this would increase government's revenue collection. The Haryana government has set a revenue target of ₹ 14,064 crore for FY 2025–27 under its new excise policy. In the last 2024–25, the department surpassed expectations, collecting ₹ 12,700 crore against a target of ₹ 12,650 crore. Officials credited the achievement to improved enforcement, policy stability, and a rise in legal consumption. The 2025–27 excise policy aims to build on this momentum with reforms in liquor quota, duty structure, and stricter compliance enforcement. 'With the increased license fee, it will be easier to achieve the targets,' said Dudi. The sharp rise has left both consumers and liquor vendors unsettled. Nitin Malik, a corporate executive and regular beer drinker in Sector 29, said, 'This kind of jump is too steep. ₹ 140 for a local beer that used to cost ₹ 90 makes it unaffordable for the middle class. We are not buying luxury items—we are talking about a casual beverage.' Vishu Arora, a consumer, had similar sentiments. 'Imported beer lovers are already paying a premium. With this increase, enjoying a chilled Corona or Hoegaarden with friends on weekends will become a luxury,' he said. Liquor shop owners said they are equally concerned about the impact on their margins and customer base. 'We have been informed that our investment per zone will rise by 20-30% under the new policy. With beer prices going up so much, footfall is bound to drop,' said Sandeep Yadav, one of the vend partner. Another retailer, Vinod Yadav, who runs a shop near Sohna Road, said, 'Margins will shrink, and we may lose regular buyers. Already, sales dip in summer if prices are hiked. We will now have to rework stock planning.' Rahul Singh, CEO, of the Beer Cafe chain said the proposed hike in beer prices will be a sharp jolt for both consumers and the hospitality industry. 'While we understand the state's intent to align pricing with neighbouring regions and enhance revenue, the timing—coinciding with peak summer beer demand—is concerning. Globally, progressive alcohol policies encourage a shift from hard spirits to lower-alcohol beverages like beer, recognising their role in promoting moderation and social responsibility. Such a steep increase in beer prices may inadvertently reverse this trend, pushing consumers toward higher-alcohol or unregulated alternatives,' he said The new policy, approved by the Haryana Cabinet on Monday, is part of a broader excise revamp aimed at boosting state revenue, reducing unregulated drinking, and curbing illegal tavern operations. While it also brings structural reforms in tavern licensing, advertising restrictions, and distance norms from sensitive sites, the immediate consumer impact will be felt most acutely in the beer aisle. With the peak summer season underway and soaring temperatures making beer the beverage of choice, vendors expect a consumer backlash. 'June is when beer demand hits its peak. This move could flatten our sales just when the season is booming,' said Yadav. As consumers brace for the price surge, many are now considering switching to lower-cost alternatives—or buying in bulk before the hike hits. But with excise duty enforcement tightening, the window may not stay open for long.
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Waste from Bandhwari dumped in Mangar's Aravallis: activists
Mangar village in Faridabad is emerging as a new epicentre of illegal dumping, with hundreds of tonnes of waste from the Bandhwari landfill being offloaded into the fragile ecosystem of the Aravalli hills in recent days, according to environmentalists and locals. Illegal dumping sites in forest area of Mangar village near Mauji Dham Hanuman Mandir, in Gurugram as spotted by activists. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo) Starting Friday birders and environmentalists said they saw multiple dumper trucks transporting untreated 'compost waste' — likely laden with plastics, heavy metals, and toxins — into Mangar's Gair Mumkin Pahar zone, which spans 3,810 acres. Of this, 1,132 acres are protected under Sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), while the remaining land falls under the 'forest status to be decided' category, where non-forest activity is prohibited. The waste is allegedly being dumped not just to discard landfill residue, but to alter the terrain illegally said Lt Col (Retd) Sarvadaman Singh Oberoi, a conservationist. The material, he said, is being spread to level undulations, fill kuccha paths and rain-fed johar catchments—effectively flattening terrain to create roads and illegally occupy forest land. 'I was shocked to see huge mounds of legacy waste dumped across forest trails in Mangar. The Bandhwari landfill isn't reducing because it's being processed—it's being dumped here,' said Pragya Taneja, a wildlife enthusiast who visited the site on Tuesday. Locals and environmentalists said the activity has now extended into neighbouring villages such as Dhauj and Kot. Vaishali Rana, a Gurugram-based environmentalist, said: 'This needs urgent investigation. The scale of dumping, the toxic nature of the trommel residue, and the destruction of ecology must be scrutinized. Authorities must answer how waste is moving from a state-monitored landfill into a protected eco-zone without checks.' Lt Col (Retd) Sarvadaman Singh Oberoi, a conservationist, said: 'Mangar has over 3,800 acres of Aravalli land, of which 1,132 are PLPA-protected. The rest is forest land awaiting notification. No non-forest activity can take place here. What's happening is not just illegal—it's ecocidal. This dumped waste is burying native herbs, wildlife burrows, and tree saplings, altering the region's ecology permanently.' Illegal dumping sites in forest area of Mangar village near Mauji Dham Hanuman Mandir, in Gurugram as spotted by activists. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo) Oberoi said the dumped material includes toxic rejects from trommel sieving at Bandhwari—microplastics, metallic waste, and leachate-prone materials. Experts warned that dumping such residue in low-lying areas can contaminate water catchments, with toxins seeping into groundwater and affecting ecosystems and local communities. 'I have been keeping a check on the dumped material,' he said. Ashok Kumar Garg, commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), said he has taken serious note of the activity. 'I have ordered an immediate inspection of the Mangar site. An inquiry will be marked to identify the violators behind this illegal activity. Strict action will be taken under environmental and municipal laws,' he said. Forest watchers and environmentalists suspect this may be among the largest coordinated land transformations in the Aravallis in recent years. 'Trucks are clearing paths and dumping behind dams, across slopes, and in catchment zones. The intent is clear—they're preparing land for illegal occupation,' Oberoi said. With the Bandhwari landfill shrinking despite no meaningful expansion in waste-processing capacity, environmental groups fear illegal translocation of untreated waste could become the new norm. Residents of Mangar, already battling deforestation and encroachment, warn this may be the last chance to save the Aravallis—before bulldozers, politics, and profiteering erase them for good.
