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Rajanbir Singh

Articles by Rajanbir Singh

Chandigarh registered two cases every month of country-made gun or ‘desi katta’ use in 2018

Of the 25 crimes committed, 18 involve use of country- made pistols or ‘katta’, highlighting the easy access locals have to such firearms.

The desi pistols are usually brought to Chandigarh from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar which are infamous for manufacturing them, usually in makeshift workshops, says DSP Pawan Kumar.(File Photo)

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Updated on Oct 03, 2018 09:48 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh

Heavy rainfall continues in Chandigarh

Tuesday onwards, the weather is expected to clear up and the maximum temperature is expected to reach as high as 32 degrees by Wednesday.

Officials from the department of education have confirmed the notification, citing the India Meteorological Department (IMD)’s report regarding heavy rainfall (more than 64.5mm) expected today in the city.(HT Photo)

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Updated on Sep 24, 2018 12:10 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh

With not enough auspicious dates, wedding plans go for a toss in Chandigarh tricity

Pandit RK Sharma says the period between September 24 and October 9 is that of ‘Shraadh’, when wedding ceremonies do not take place.

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Published on Sep 18, 2018 10:44 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh Sector 22: Changing yet changeless

One of the oldest and busiest sectors of the city, Sector 22 boasts of high-end eateries, boutiques and grand hotels on the one hand and pocket-friendly fares on the other.

Kiran was the first cinema to open in Chandigarh in the ’50s. In face of competition, it reinvented itself in ’90s and started screening English movies exclusively. In the era of multiplexes, the iconic establishment still stands tall in Sector 22.(HT Photo)

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Updated on Sep 13, 2018 01:30 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh and Aishwarya Khosla

Air quality in Chandigarh worsens as number of vehicles go up

On average, every car in the city releases over 40 g of particulate matter per trip, much worse than Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Jaipur.

This is what the morning rush hour looks like at the Sector 7-26 roundabout on Madhya Marg every day. Experts say frequent braking and idling at light points/roundabouts results in higher emission of pollutants.(HT Photo)

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Updated on Sep 13, 2018 11:46 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh and Tanbir Dhaliwal

Chandigarh traffic police looking to partner with clubs to promote safe cycling

According to the data available with the traffic police, 13 cyclists were killed in 2017, while 27 cyclists were grievously injured.

While riding bicycles on Chandigarh roads, opt for cycle tracks, wherever possible.(HT Photo)

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Updated on Sep 02, 2018 12:35 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Loneliness, neglect haunt senior citizens in Chandigarh

According to a report published by HelpAge India in June, 45 of 218 elders (20.6%) surveyed in Chandigarh have faced abuse of some form from their families.

The city has around 68,000 senior citizens, of around 10.55 lakh population (2011 census). And this number is increasing every year.(HT File)

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Updated on Aug 28, 2018 11:27 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

At 3%, monsoon in Chandigarh becomes surplus for first time this year

The normal rain in Chandigarh during these four months is 844.2mm. In the past five years, the rains have not reached this figure.

With dry days expected to be few and light to moderate rainfall likely on most days in August, monsoon is expected to normal this year.(HT File)

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Updated on Aug 20, 2018 09:59 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh relishes its coolest August day in two decades

It was in August 1997 that the maximum temperature was recorded any lower — 24.8°C — by the Indian meteorological department.

Rainy conditions are predicted to continue this week, though the mercury is likely to go up again.(HT Photo)

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Updated on Aug 07, 2018 02:44 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh likely to get auto speed radar systems by year-end

Radar technology determines the speed, angle and range of objects through such systems and a camera records proof of vehicles violating safety norms.

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Updated on Aug 06, 2018 11:01 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Helmets for women: Will start challaning from August, says Chandigarh SSP

The Chandigarh administration through a notification on July 6 amended the Chandigarh Motor Vehicle rules, 1990, making it mandatory for all women riders, including pillion, to wear a helmet.

Police have so far been concentrating on holding drives to make citizens aware about the new rule.(HT File)

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Updated on Aug 02, 2018 11:03 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Tech-savvy citizens become eyes and ears of Chandigarh traffic police

As many 18,323 challans have been issued on basis of pictures shared on WhatsApp this year so far, as compared to 87 through Facebook

As cops cannot cover every nook and cranny of the city, citizens with a mobile phone can act as their eyes and ears.(HT File)

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Updated on Jul 30, 2018 11:37 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Day after notification, women make a beeline for helmets in Chandigarh

Police have said they will first raise awareness about the mandatory condition to drive 2-wheelers with helmets

National Service Scheme volunteers raising awareness about the importance of wearing helmets among two-wheeler riders at Panjab University in Chandigarh on Saturday. The UT has made helmets mandatory for all women, except turbaned Sikh women.(Ravi Kumar/HT)

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Updated on Jul 09, 2018 10:45 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Helmets for women riders: Safety above religion, says mishap victim

It was 22-year-old Harsimran Kaur’s accident in November 2017 that triggered a suo motu case in the high court

Harsimran Kaur was injured after being hit by a speeding bus in Sector 22 on November 3, 2017.(Ravi Kumar/HT)

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Updated on Jul 07, 2018 11:59 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh police stick to 10pm deadline to keep out late-night crowds at Sukhna lake

Suicides and attempts by people to take their life by jumping in the lake have made the Chandigarh administration extra cautious.

On the information board installed outside Sukhna lake,visiting hours have been removed.(HT Photo)

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Updated on Jul 07, 2018 10:09 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh

Monsoon set to arrive in Chandigarh tonight, brace for heavy rain

Widespread rain on Thursday morning led to a drop in the mercury in Chandigarh.

Players rowing amid drum beats during the dragon boat event on Day 1 of the 7th Senior National Championship and Federation Cup of Kayaking and Canoeing at Sukhna Lake Chandigarh on Wednesday.(Karun Sharma/HT)

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Updated on Jun 28, 2018 06:04 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Driving exam gets more tech-savy, transparent in Chandigarh

Sensors are fitted onto every curve and a radio frequency identity (RFID) card is given to the vehicle which communicates with the sensors installed and triangulates the position of the car at all times.

The traffic park in Sector 23 in Chandigarh now has a fully automated computer system.(Keshav Singh/HT)

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Updated on Jun 26, 2018 01:39 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Sukhna water level crosses 1,155 ft mark, highest in four years

Experts say water level in July increases or decreases, based on rainfall received in previous year.

According to the officials, evaporation is the main factor for decrease in water level. Summer sun also contributes to the receding water level.(Keshav Singh/HT)

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Updated on Jun 23, 2018 03:08 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Chandigarh:Dusty haze grounds all 33 flights, expected to clear after rain today

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the air quality in the region deteriorated because of dust storms in western India, particularly Rajasthan.

The air quality index (AQI) on Thursday went beyond the severe limit of 500 to 575.(HT Photo)

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Updated on Jun 15, 2018 09:28 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Ifrah Mufti, Chandigarh

Day after brazen violation of rules, traffic police fine BJYM supporters

The crackdown is arguably first-of-its-kind against a political party that often indulge in brazen violation of norms during rallies.

BJYM supporters rode helmetless and resorted to triple riding during a rally to celebrate four years of the Narendra Modi government in Chandigarh on Sunday.(HT File)

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Published on Jun 12, 2018 02:42 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

One-month deadline ends: No respite from exorbitant food prices at Chandigarh multiplexes

The recommendations included reducing the inflated prices, allowing senior citizens and infants to take food inside with them and keeping products of local companies like Verka for retail.

Chandigarh authorities are following in the footsteps of Mumbai, where the Bombay high court had observed that cinema owners should either impose a complete ban on food inside multiplexes or have no restrictions at all.(Representative image)

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Updated on Jun 09, 2018 04:04 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Pre-monsoon expected to hit Chandigarh in third week of June, monsoon by month-end

Chandigarh tricity witnessed a pleasant first week of June, largely due to the unexpected rainfall, and according to meteorological department, this trend is set to continue throughout June.

Visitors enjoying the cloudy evening weather, after a hot and humid day, at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh on Friday.(Keshav Singh/HT)

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Updated on Jun 09, 2018 10:43 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Storm of confusion hits Chandigarh

Schools and coaching classes were suspended and outdoor weddings were shifted indoors in anticipation of the storm that kept everyone waiting as the sun shone bright through the day.

The storm finally hit the tricity at 8.30pm but not before blowing away people’s plans.(HT File)

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Updated on May 07, 2018 10:23 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh

Chandigarh: April was coolest in three years, wettest in six

April has already broken the rainfall record, with 22.8mm rain in a single day (April 9), highest in the past 10 years. The month recorded 45.8mm rain in total, highest since 2012 when there was around 65mm rain.

This picture clicked at Sukhna Lake on April 13 is an apt representation of last month’s weather. The cloud cover in the tricity and cool winds kept high temperatures at bay. The month recorded 45.8mm rainfall, the highest since 2012.(Keshav Singh/HT File)

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Updated on May 02, 2018 11:19 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Making hay while the sun shines: Hot months mean business for ‘cooler’ men of Chandigarh

Sarjiwan Kumar grew up watching his father Sham Lal supply the city with cooler mats. Setting up business way back in 1958 in Sector 22, they were the first cooler people in the city, he claims, even though the shop has changed location since then.

Sarjiwan Kumar grew up watching his father supply the city with cooler mats.(Karun Sharma/HT)

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Updated on Apr 29, 2018 09:16 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Heat is on in Chandigarh: Mercury breaches 40°C

With clouds clearing and the city showered with abundant sunlight, the day temperature rose four notches above normal and two above the previous day’s 38°C. Meanwhile, minimum temperature too jumped from 18.2°C to 21.1°C.

The hot day was coupled with low humidity, which oscillated between 12% and 47%. This has been the lowest this month, leaving the residents high and dry.(HT File)

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Updated on Apr 26, 2018 12:46 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh

Political bonhomie colours the day as HT turns 18

The scent of summer in the air seemed to have brushed off on the guests who included Punjab governor, chief ministers of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal, Punjab health minister Brahm Mohindra, MLA Randeep Singh Nabha, who touched Amarinder’s feet, Haryana finance minister Capt Abhimanyu, and former MPs from Chandigarh Pawan Kumar Bansal and Satya Pal Jain.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur, Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh, Punjab governor VP Singh Badnore and Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar during HT’s Turning 18 event in Chandigarh on Wednesday.(Keshav Singh/HT)

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Updated on Apr 19, 2018 01:52 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh Virk

Chandigarh hospitals witness spike in cases of breathing problems

Doctors at the OPD of department of pulmonary medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, report an average of 207 cases per day in April, while the number was 167 and 187 in February and March, respectively.

“Wearing masks won’t help. The size of the pollen seeds is too small to get filtered,” said Dr VK Jindal, former head of the department of pulmonary medicine, PGIMER.(iStock Photo)

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Updated on Apr 14, 2018 12:03 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh

In a first, Panjab University’s book fair kicks off

From textbooks to religious texts to biographies, the Panjab University Book Fair, being organised for the first time in the city, has all in its kitty.

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Updated on Aug 26, 2014 11:22 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByRajanbir Singh Virk, Chandigarh

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Rajanbir Singh

Of the 25 crimes committed, 18 involve use of country- made pistols or ‘katta’, highlighting the easy access locals have to such firearms.

Tuesday onwards, the weather is expected to clear up and the maximum temperature is expected to reach as high as 32 degrees by Wednesday.

Pandit RK Sharma says the period between September 24 and October 9 is that of ‘Shraadh’, when wedding ceremonies do not take place.

One of the oldest and busiest sectors of the city, Sector 22 boasts of high-end eateries, boutiques and grand hotels on the one hand and pocket-friendly fares on the other.

On average, every car in the city releases over 40 g of particulate matter per trip, much worse than Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Jaipur.

According to the data available with the traffic police, 13 cyclists were killed in 2017, while 27 cyclists were grievously injured.

According to a report published by HelpAge India in June, 45 of 218 elders (20.6%) surveyed in Chandigarh have faced abuse of some form from their families.

The normal rain in Chandigarh during these four months is 844.2mm. In the past five years, the rains have not reached this figure.

It was in August 1997 that the maximum temperature was recorded any lower — 24.8°C — by the Indian meteorological department.

Radar technology determines the speed, angle and range of objects through such systems and a camera records proof of vehicles violating safety norms.

The Chandigarh administration through a notification on July 6 amended the Chandigarh Motor Vehicle rules, 1990, making it mandatory for all women riders, including pillion, to wear a helmet.

As many 18,323 challans have been issued on basis of pictures shared on WhatsApp this year so far, as compared to 87 through Facebook

Police have said they will first raise awareness about the mandatory condition to drive 2-wheelers with helmets

It was 22-year-old Harsimran Kaur’s accident in November 2017 that triggered a suo motu case in the high court

Suicides and attempts by people to take their life by jumping in the lake have made the Chandigarh administration extra cautious.

Widespread rain on Thursday morning led to a drop in the mercury in Chandigarh.

Sensors are fitted onto every curve and a radio frequency identity (RFID) card is given to the vehicle which communicates with the sensors installed and triangulates the position of the car at all times.

Experts say water level in July increases or decreases, based on rainfall received in previous year.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the air quality in the region deteriorated because of dust storms in western India, particularly Rajasthan.

The crackdown is arguably first-of-its-kind against a political party that often indulge in brazen violation of norms during rallies.

The recommendations included reducing the inflated prices, allowing senior citizens and infants to take food inside with them and keeping products of local companies like Verka for retail.

Chandigarh tricity witnessed a pleasant first week of June, largely due to the unexpected rainfall, and according to meteorological department, this trend is set to continue throughout June.

Schools and coaching classes were suspended and outdoor weddings were shifted indoors in anticipation of the storm that kept everyone waiting as the sun shone bright through the day.

April has already broken the rainfall record, with 22.8mm rain in a single day (April 9), highest in the past 10 years. The month recorded 45.8mm rain in total, highest since 2012 when there was around 65mm rain.

Sarjiwan Kumar grew up watching his father Sham Lal supply the city with cooler mats. Setting up business way back in 1958 in Sector 22, they were the first cooler people in the city, he claims, even though the shop has changed location since then.

With clouds clearing and the city showered with abundant sunlight, the day temperature rose four notches above normal and two above the previous day’s 38°C. Meanwhile, minimum temperature too jumped from 18.2°C to 21.1°C.

Doctors at the OPD of department of pulmonary medicine, PGIMER, Chandigarh, report an average of 207 cases per day in April, while the number was 167 and 187 in February and March, respectively.

From textbooks to religious texts to biographies, the Panjab University Book Fair, being organised for the first time in the city, has all in its kitty.

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