ਪੰਜਾਬ ਟਾਈਮਜ਼ ਬਿਊਰੋ
ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ, 20 ਮਈ- ਹਲਵਾਰਾ ਏਅਰਪੋਰਟ ਤੋਂ ਛੇਤੀ ਹੀ ਰੇਗੂਲਰ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਲਈ ਅੰਤਰਿਕ ਵਿਕਾਸ, ਕਨੈਕਟੀਵਿਟੀ ਅਤੇ ਤਰੱਕੀ ਦੇ ਨਵੇਂ ਯੁੱਗ ਦੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂਆਤ ਹੈ। ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਭਗਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਾਨ ਨੇ ਦਾਅਵਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਕਿ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ ਵਿੱਤ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਵਿੱਤੀ ਵਚਨਬੱਧਤਾ ਸਦਕਾ ਹਲਵਾਰਾ ਸਿਵਲ ਏਅਰਪੋਰਟ ਸਮੇਂ ਸਿਰ ਸਟਾਕ ਪ੍ਰੋਜੈਕਟ ਪੂਰੇ ਹੋਣਗੇ ਅਤੇ ਵਪਾਰ, ਉਦਯੋਗ, ਨਿਵੇਸ਼ ਅਤੇ ਰੋਜ਼ਗਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਹਲਵਾਰਾ ਉਡਾਣਾਂ ਉਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਦੇਵੇਗੀ। ਉਡਾਣਾਂ
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New Delhi, May 18
The investigation into the NEET UG paper leak case widened further on Monday after the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested a coaching institute founder from Maharashtra’s Latur, a city long associated with competitive exam preparation and medical entrance coaching. The agency arrested Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, founder of Renukai Chemistry Classes, after conducting searches in Latur on Sunday. Officials said a leaked question paper for the NEET UG examination was recovered from his mobile phone during the opera-tion. Following this, he was taken into custody. A Delhi court on Monday sent Motegaonkar to nine days’ CBI custody. Special CBI judge Ajay Gupta allowed nine days of custodial interrogation of the accused after the federal agency sought 10 days of custody. The latest arrest comes just two days after the CBI arrested Pune-based biology lecturer Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, who was part of the NTA’s paper setting committee, after questioning her in Delhi.
According to investigators, Motegaonkar was allegedly part of an organised network involved in the leak and circulation of the NEET UG 2026 question paper. The CBI has claimed that he, along with other accused persons, received the examination paper and answer key before the exam and circulated it among several individuals. For the past four days, CBI teams have remained stationed in Latur as part of the expanding probe. The federal agency had earlier registered an FIR after allegations of a paper leak led to the cancellation of the NEET UG examination held on May 3.
Air India Express has resumed its direct flight services between Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar (ATQ), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The airline restarted its daily Amritsar-Dubai operations on May 16. Furthermore, IndiGo is also set to resume its Amritsar-Sharjah flights from May 20. The daily Air India Express flight departs from Amritsar at 2:20 am and arrives in Dubai at 4:55 am. The return flight departs Dubai at 5:55 am and lands in Amritsar at 11:40 am. For Sharjah, IndiGo’s flight departs Amritsar at 12:15 pm and arrives at 2:40 pm, while Air India Express departs at 1:15 pm and reaches Sharjah at 4:05 pm. Both return flights from Sharjah depart at 5:05 pm and arrive in Amritsar at 10:45 pm and 10:30 pm, respectively.
Residents and aviation activists have welcomed the gradual restoration of direct flights between Amritsar and the UAE. Flight operations had faced disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, escalation between Iran and Israel, and temporary airspace closures across the Middle East. Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, stated that with the stabilisation of regional airspace, international carriers are restoring their normal schedules.
Dealing a major blow to the circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state, Counter Intelligence Patiala (CI Unit Malerkotla) has busted a fake currency module with the arrest of four individuals and recovered counterfeit currency worth Rs.5.50 lakh, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday. Those arrested have been identified as Nazar Khan, a resident of village Jhuni in Malerkotla; Raj Mohammad, a resident of Dhuri in Sangrur; Mukhtiyar Singh alias Gurjit Singh, a resident of village Malikpur in Jind, Haryana; and Asif Ali, a resident of Malerkotla.
All Recovered Fake Indian Currency Notes Are In Rs.500 Denomination: DGP Gaurav Yadav
Gaurav Yadav said that all the recovered fake Indian currency notes are in ₹500 denomination. Preliminary investigation has revealed that arrested accused Raj Mohammad already has a criminal background, with one FIR related to the NDPS Act registered against him, he said. The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages of this network. Sharing operational details, AIG CI Patiala Dr Simrat Kaur said that in a meticulous operation carried out by the team of the CI Unit Malerkotla, two suspects— Nazar Khan and Raj Mohammad— were arrested and Rs.4 lakh fake Indian currency notes were recovered from their possession. During further investigation, two more accused— Mukhtiyar Singh alias Gurjit Singh and Asif Ali were also arrested and Rs.1.5 lakh additional fake Indian currency notes were effected from their possession, she said. The AIG said that more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days as investigation progresses. In this regard, a case FIR No 159 dated 17.05.2026 under sections 179 and 180 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at Police Station Amargarh in Malerkotla.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (May 18, 2026) called for a resolution of the West Asia crisis and the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, asserting that military action alone cannot achieve lasting peace.
Mr. Modi made the remarks after holding wide-ranging talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store that focused on boosting the overall trajectory of bilateral relations.
“India and Norway, both, believe in a rules-based order, dialogue, and diplomacy. We agree that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone,” Mr. Modi said in his televised statement to the media.
“Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support every effort for the early end of the conflict and for peace,” he said.
Mr. Modi met Mr. Store hours after he landed in Oslo from Sweden as part of his four-nation European tour. In his remarks, the Prime Minister also underlined the need for reform of the global institutions. “We also agree on this point that reforming global institutions is essential for addressing the growing global challenges.” “And eradicating terrorism in every form from its roots is our shared commitment,” he noted. Mr. Modi also complimented Norway for its support to India following last year’s Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
“I was supposed to visit Norway last year, but had to postpone that trip due to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. During that difficult time, Norway stood firmly with India against terrorism, demonstrating true friendship,” he said.
“Today, as I visit Norway, I express my heartfelt gratitude for that solidarity,” he said. Mr. Modi also hailed Norway’s decision to join the India-led Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
“As two major maritime nations, we will work together to strengthen cooperation in the marine economy, maritime security, and capacity building,” he said.
Patna, May 18
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, after paying obeisance at Takht Sri Harimandir Ji, Patna Sahib, the sacred birthplace and land blessed by the footsteps of the Tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji, said Punjab has shown the entire country the path to protecting the honour of the Gurus by enacting the strictest law against beadbi. Offering prayers for the prosperity, well-being, and Chardi Kala of Punjab, Punjabis, and the entire Sikh Sangat, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed gratitude to Guru Sahib for blessing Punjab with the opportunity to enact a stringent law against beadbi in order to uphold the sanctity and dignity of the holy Shabad Guru. Calling beadbi an unforgivable crime against the faith of millions, the Chief Minister appealed to all state governments across the country to bring similar-ly tough laws, asserting that Punjab was ready to extend every possible help in this regard. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further made it clear that anyone daring to commit beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Punjab would now have to spend their entire life in jail, send-ing a firm message that no act hurting religious senti-ments would be tolerated anymore.
Sharing a few snip-pets on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, I had the privilege of paying obeisance at Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, the sacred birthplace and land blessed by the footsteps of the Tenth Sikh Guru Master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. I bowed before the Guru and offered prayers for the prosperity, well-being, and ever-rising spirit of Punjab, Punjabis, and the entire Sikh Sangat. I also expressed my heartfelt gratitude to the Guru Sahib for blessing us with the opportunity to uphold the sanctity of the holy Shabad Guru by enact-ing a strict law against bead-bi. May Guru Sahib continue to shower His immense blessings upon everyone.”
After paying obeisance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I was blessed with the opportunity to pay obei-sance at Takht Sri Harimandir Ji (Patna Sahib), the sacred birthplace of Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Bowing before Guru Sahib’s divine presence, I prayed for the prosperity, well-being and eternal Chardi Kala of Punjab, Punjabis and the entire Sikh Sangat across the world.”
The Chief Minister said that not only Sikhs, but every human being derives strength and inspiration from the sacred land blessed by the great Gurus. He noted that the teachings of Guru Sahib continue to guide humanity on the path of truth, compassion and uni-versal brotherhood.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I prayed that the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood becomes stronger with every passing day and that Punjab continues to lead the country in every sphere.” He added that he had sought blessings from the Almighty to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Punjab and serve them with complete dedica-tion and commitment.
The Chief Minister further stated, “After paying obei-sance at this divine land, I feel rejuvenated. This visit has filled me with new vigour and enthusiasm to serve the people of Punjab with missionary zeal.”
A high-level review meeting chaired by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was held on Tuesday, to assess preparations for the forthcoming NEET (UG) re-examination. The exam is set to be held on June 21 from 2 pm-5.15 pm. Stressing the need for complete integrity and transparency in the conduct of the examination, the minister directed that all gaps identified in the earlier examination process must be comprehensively addressed and eliminat-
ed. He emphasised that the examination must be conducted in a secure, seamless and fool proof manner under stringent security protocols. Directions were also issued to hold coordination meetings with district magistrates and superintendents of police across states, to ensure robust monitoring and effective implementation of examination arrangements. While underscoring that vigilance and security at examination centres must remain uncompromised, Pradhan also instructed officials to ensure adequate arrangements for students, including transportation, drinking water and other essential facilities.
Congress Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday claimed that an “economic shock” is coming and it will not hit “Adani, Ambani, or Modi,” but the youth, labourers and small traders. “Very, very tough times are coming,” the leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha told reporters here.
Gandhi said a major economic “storm”, not seen for many years, is on the way. He also accused the prime minister of not following his own call for austerity. “Instead of taking action, Narendra Modi is telling the country not to go on foreign trips and Narendra Modi is making rounds across the world. This is the state,” he said.
Gandhi also alleged that “Ambani-Adani structure” will not last long. “The structure, which he (Modi) has made-the one of Adani and Ambani, it will not remain intact and will crumble. And, sadly, the loss will be felt by the common people. In other words, they will remain in their palaces and the entire shock will be experienced by the youth and people of UP,” he said.
On Tuesday, Gandhi, the Lok Sabha MP from Raebareli, landed at the Lucknow airport and left for his constituency straight from there. He was received by UP Congress chief Ajay Rai and Congress Legislative Party leader Aradhana Mishra at the airport. Gandhi is on a two-day visit to the party bastions of Raebareli and Amethi.
The availability of essential medicines across Punjab is likely to take a major hit on Wednesday as nearly 27,000 retail and wholesale chemists are set to keep their shops shut in support of a nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists.
The protest is primarily against the online sale of medicines and deep discounting by e-pharmacy platforms, which the chemists claim is badly affecting small local pharmacies as they are unable to compete with such low pricing. The shutdown is expected to inconvenience thousands of patients and attendants dependent on nearby medicine shops for daily medicines, emergency drugs and life saving prescriptions. However, chemist associations have clarified that pharmacies inside hospitals will remain open to avoid hardships for admitted patients and emergency cases and critical care units.
Surinder Duggal, president of the Punjab Chemist Association, said the strike would remain in force from 12 am Wednesday to 12 am Thursday. “We have asked all retailers and wholesalers across Punjab to observe the strike. To ensure people do not face difficulties during severe emergencies, helpline numbers will also be issued to assist them,” he said.
The protesting chemists said one of their biggest concerns was the growing online sale of medicines without proper checks. They alleged that many medicines were being sold online without strict prescription verification, increasing the risk of misuse and self medication. They have also demanded stricter action against fake, spurious and substandard medicines, saying unchecked online sales could pose a serious threat to public health. Another issue raised by the chemists is the repeated demand by the Punjab Pharmacy Council for verification and attestation of educational certificates of pharmacists, despite such verification and renewals already having been completed multiple times earlier.
