Business

India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ Targets Terror Bases, Shoots Down Pakistani Jet

India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ Targets Terror Bases, Shoots Down Pakistani Jet

New Delhi (National Times): India executed a decisive military operation on Wednesday, shooting down a Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet over Pulwama’s Pampore and conducting missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK. Named ‘Operation Sindoor,’ the strikes targeted terror infrastructure, including a major Jaish-e-Mohammad base in Bahawalpur, following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam two weeks ago. Media reports indicate the Pakistani jet was attempting to breach Indian airspace when it was neutralized. Pakistan confirmed Indian strikes hit Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Ahmed East in Bahawalpur. In response, Pakistan initiated heavy mortar shelling on Indian villages along the LoC…
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UK Whisky, Cars to Get Cheaper in India After Landmark Free Trade Deal

UK Whisky, Cars to Get Cheaper in India After Landmark Free Trade Deal

National Times Bureau, May 6, 2025: British whisky and luxury cars are set to become significantly more affordable in India following a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between the two nations. The deal, finalized after years of negotiations, marks one of the most ambitious trade pacts post-Brexit for the UK and is expected to reshape economic ties with India.Under the agreement, India will slash the import duty on British whisky and gin from 150% to 75% immediately. This will be followed by a phased reduction to 40% over the next decade. High-end British cars will also benefit, with tariffs…
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21 of 33 Supreme Court Judges Make Assets Public in Move Toward Judicial Transparency

21 of 33 Supreme Court Judges Make Assets Public in Move Toward Judicial Transparency

New Delhi, May 6, 2025: In a landmark step toward greater transparency, 21 out of 33 sitting judges of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, have publicly declared their assets. This marks a significant shift in the judiciary’s approach to accountability and openness.According to an official statement issued by the Supreme Court, the Full Court resolved on April 1 that all judges would upload their asset declarations on the court’s official website. The decision was taken during a meeting led by CJI Khanna, where consensus was reached on the importance of making such information accessible to…
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Revised TCS Rates on Foreign Exchange Transactions Under LRS Effective from April 1, 2025

Revised TCS Rates on Foreign Exchange Transactions Under LRS Effective from April 1, 2025

New Delhi, May 5 — The Government of India has officially revised the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) rates for foreign currency transactions under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), with new rates coming into force from April 1, 2025. The changes apply to all resident individuals sending money abroad or buying foreign currency for various purposes.As per the updated structure, TCS on education-related remittances using loans from recognised institutions remains exempt. For education and medical treatment expenses not funded through a loan, no TCS will be collected for amounts up to ₹10 lakh. However, beyond this threshold, the rate is…
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Centre directs BBMB to release 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana for 8 days

Centre directs BBMB to release 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana for 8 days

Chandigarh, May 2, 2025 — In a significant development on the inter-state water-sharing issue, the Union Home Secretary has advised the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to ensure the release of 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana for the next eight days.The decision was taken during a high-level meeting convened by the Union Home Ministry.The meeting was attended by senior officials from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the BBMB. Both Haryana and Punjab presented their respective data and positions on water availability and requirements.Following deliberations, the Union Home Secretary directed that Haryana should receive 4,500 cusecs of water immediately.…
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Canada’s Top Court to Decide on Youth-Led Climate Case That Could Redefine Government Accountability

Canada’s Top Court to Decide on Youth-Led Climate Case That Could Redefine Government Accountability

Ottawa, May 1, 2025 – The Supreme Court of Canada is expected to announce today whether it will hear a landmark climate change case brought forward by seven youth activists challenging Ontario’s weakened emissions targets. The case could shape how governments are constitutionally held accountable for their role in addressing the climate crisis.At the heart of the case is a claim that Ontario's rollback of its greenhouse gas emissions target violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by endangering the right to life and security of younger generations. Filed in 2019 by then-12-year-old Sophia Mathur and six others, the lawsuit…
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Indian Air Force Launches ‘Exercise Aakraman’ Amid Tensions with Pakistan Following Pahalgam Attack

Indian Air Force Launches ‘Exercise Aakraman’ Amid Tensions with Pakistan Following Pahalgam Attack

New Delhi (National Times): In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated a significant military drill dubbed Exercise Aakraman (meaning "Attack") in the central sector near the Line of Control (LoC). This extensive operation features the IAF’s primary combat fleet, including the advanced Rafale fighter jets stationed at Ambala and Hashimara bases. The exercise showcased heightened operational readiness, with both combat and transport aircraft conducting sorties throughout Thursday night. Aircraft equipped with Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) maintained surveillance, monitoring enemy movements…
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India Withholds Pakistani Government’s ‘X’ Account Amid Pahalgam Attack Backlash

India Withholds Pakistani Government’s ‘X’ Account Amid Pahalgam Attack Backlash

New Delhi (National Times): Just days after a brutal terrorist ambush in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 27 lives, most of them holidaying tourists, India has moved to restrict access to the Government of Pakistan’s official account on X (formerly Twitter). The measure, announced late Saturday by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signals New Delhi’s deep frustration with Islamabad’s perceived inaction against cross‑border militancy. On the afternoon of April 22, heavily armed militants descended on the serene Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam—a spot often dubbed “mini Switzerland” for its alpine beauty—opening fire on families from Gujarat, Maharashtra,…
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Tourists Injured in Terror Attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam

Tourists Injured in Terror Attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam

Srinagar (Rajeev Sharma): Multiple tourists sustained injuries following a suspected terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials confirmed. According to police sources, security forces were immediately deployed to the Baisaran meadows, a popular tourist spot in Pahalgam, after gunshots were reported in the area. One woman, speaking to PTI over the phone, revealed that her husband had been shot in the head, while at least seven others were wounded. Though she did not reveal her identity, she urgently requested assistance in evacuating the injured for medical treatment. As of now, official…
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Vancouver Gurdwara Vandalised with Khalistan Slogans; Sikh Leaders Urge Unity

Vancouver Gurdwara Vandalised with Khalistan Slogans; Sikh Leaders Urge Unity

Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): A wave of concern has rippled through Vancouver’s Sikh community after the Ross Street Gurdwara was vandalised with pro-Khalistan graffiti. The act has prompted widespread condemnation from local religious leaders and sparked a police investigation. Vancouver Police confirmed the incident and said they are working to identify the individuals responsible, though no suspects have been arrested as of yet. The Khalsa Diwan Society, the organization managing the gurdwara, pointed fingers at a small group of Sikh separatists for the act. In a strongly worded statement, the society accused these individuals of trying to divide the community and…
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