Business

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann Launches ‘Soorma’ Campaign to Empower Recovered Youth

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann Launches ‘Soorma’ Campaign to Empower Recovered Youth

Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): Taking his government’s decisive ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ to the next level as Punjab steadily moves towards becoming drug-free, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched the ‘Soorma’ (Warrior) Campaign and honoured recovered youth with specially crafted ‘Soorma’ rings and T-shirts. Declaring it as the next phase of the state’s anti-drug movement, the Chief Minister said the initiative aims to transform recovered drug victims into Ambassadors of Hope who will lead the fight against addiction at the grassroots. Felicitating individuals who have remained drug-free for over two years, he announced that they will not only inspire…
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Venezuela Earthquake Sends Ripples Through India’s Oil Supply Chain Amid Growing Energy Ties

Venezuela Earthquake Sends Ripples Through India’s Oil Supply Chain Amid Growing Energy Ties

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week are being viewed not only as a humanitarian catastrophe but also as a potential challenge for global energy markets, with experts cautioning that India could face indirect consequences because of its growing dependence on Venezuelan crude oil. The twin quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, caused extensive destruction across parts of the South American nation, leaving hundreds dead, thousands injured and key infrastructure damaged. While emergency agencies continue rescue and relief operations, attention is also shifting towards the possible impact on Venezuela's oil exports. Over the past…
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Rescue Race Intensifies in Venezuela as Earthquake Death Toll Rises; Thousands Still Missing

Rescue Race Intensifies in Venezuela as Earthquake Death Toll Rises; Thousands Still Missing

Venezuela (Rajeev Sharma): Emergency crews across Venezuela are continuing an extensive search for survivors after devastating earthquakes left widespread destruction, with officials confirming that at least 235 people have lost their lives and more than 4,300 others have been injured. Authorities warned that the casualty count could climb significantly as rescue teams work through heavily damaged neighbourhoods where thousands of residents are still unaccounted for. The powerful seismic event, triggered by consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, ranks among the country's most destructive natural disasters in recent decades. Teams equipped with sniffer dogs, rescue equipment and medical personnel…
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India and US Advance Bilateral Trade Agreement as Key Meetings Conclude in New Delhi

India and US Advance Bilateral Trade Agreement as Key Meetings Conclude in New Delhi

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): India and the United States have taken a significant step toward finalizing a balanced, mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) following high-level discussions in New Delhi. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a series of productive meetings with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer and his delegation on Wednesday morning. Ambassador Greer led an official US delegation to New Delhi from June 22 to June 24, 2026. The high-profile visit aimed to maintain momentum on bilateral trade discussions and finalize an interim deal, aligning with the joint statement issued on February 7,…
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India and US Edge Closer to Major Trade Agreement as Economic Ties Gather Momentum

India and US Edge Closer to Major Trade Agreement as Economic Ties Gather Momentum

Washington (Rajeev Sharma) India and the United States are believed to be in the final stages of negotiations on a comprehensive trade agreement that could significantly expand commercial cooperation between the two countries and strengthen one of the world’s most important economic partnerships. A senior American official has indicated that discussions have advanced considerably, with both sides working to resolve the remaining issues before reaching a final understanding. The proposed agreement is expected to improve market access, encourage investments and facilitate greater movement of goods between the two economies. The development reflects the increasing focus being placed on economic collaboration…
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Punjab to Launch ‘Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna’ With Direct Bank Transfers on July 1

Punjab to Launch ‘Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna’ With Direct Bank Transfers on July 1

Fatehgarh Sahib (Gurpreet Singh): Marking a historic step towards women’s economic empowerment, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the countdown for the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna has begun, with the first installment of three months’ Satkar Rashi set to be credited directly into the bank accounts of eligible women on July 1. Under the scheme, Dalit mothers and sisters will receive ₹4,500, while women from all other categories will get ₹3,000. During a Lok Milni programme after inaugurating various development works in Village Chanarthal Kalan of Fatehgarh Sahib constituency, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the initiative reflects the AAP…
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Uttar Pradesh Sikh Gurdwara Coordination Committee Formed; Sardar Parvinder Singh Elected President Unanimously

Uttar Pradesh Sikh Gurdwara Coordination Committee Formed; Sardar Parvinder Singh Elected President Unanimously

Lucknow (National Times Bureau) : A significant meeting of Sikh religious and community leaders was held at Vyanjan Banquet Hall in Hazratganj, Lucknow, where representatives from Gurdwara management committees and Sikh social organizations across Uttar Pradesh came together to establish the Uttar Pradesh Sikh Gurdwara Coordination Committee. During the meeting, senior advocate Sardar Parvinder Singh was unanimously elected as the President of the newly formed committee. The gathering also announced a new executive body comprising office bearers and representatives from various districts of the state. The committee aims to strengthen coordination among Sikh Gurdwaras and social organizations across Uttar Pradesh…
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Crude Oil Prices Ease, But Indian Consumers Await Petrol and Diesel Price Cut

Crude Oil Prices Ease, But Indian Consumers Await Petrol and Diesel Price Cut

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The recent decline in global crude oil prices has raised expectations of lower fuel costs in India, but motorists have yet to see any reduction at petrol pumps. Oil marketing companies have maintained existing petrol and diesel rates across the country despite the fall in international crude benchmarks. Global oil markets witnessed a sharp correction after diplomatic developments between the US and Iran eased concerns over supply disruptions. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, also helped push crude prices down from recent highs. Brent crude futures for August…
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Amritsar Police Recover Additional 5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Two More in Major Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Case

Amritsar Police Recover Additional 5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Two More in Major Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Case

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): : Continuing its crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking under the Punjab Government’s anti-drug campaign, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has arrested two more accused, including a juvenile, and recovered an additional 5.041 kg of heroin in two separate operations linked to the recent 30 kg heroin seizure case. With the latest recovery, the total heroin seized in the case has crossed 35 kg, marking another significant breakthrough in Punjab Police’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug smuggling networks operating across the international border. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the newly arrested accused has been identified…
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ED Intensifies Probe Into Alleged Financial Diversion; Former RAAG Executive Sent to Custodial Interrogation

ED Intensifies Probe Into Alleged Financial Diversion; Former RAAG Executive Sent to Custodial Interrogation

New Delhi: (Rajeev Sharma): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped up its investigation into an alleged money laundering network after securing six days of custodial interrogation of Sateesh Seth, the former Group Managing Director of the Reliance Anil Ambani Group (RAAG), from a Delhi court. The Dwarka Court allowed the agency's plea, observing that sustained questioning was necessary to trace the alleged proceeds of crime, identify those who benefited from the transactions and reconstruct the complete financial trail. The case revolves around accusations that funds were illegally routed overseas through hawala channels by generating fabricated invoices linked to allegedly inflated…
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