India

Import Duty on Gold, Silver Increased to 15% as Government Tightens Precious Metal Inflow

Import Duty on Gold, Silver Increased to 15% as Government Tightens Precious Metal Inflow

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In a major policy move, the Centre has revised customs duties on imported precious metals, raising the effective levy on gold and silver to 15 per cent with immediate effect. The decision, announced through a notification by the Finance Ministry, introduces a 10 per cent basic customs duty along with a 5 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess, significantly increasing the cost of bringing precious metals into the country. The revised duty structure, effective from May 13, covers imports of gold, silver, platinum and various industrial products connected to the jewellery sector. Officials indicated that…
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Mulayam Singh Yadav’s son Prateek Yadav’s Death Leaves Political Circles in Shock, Postmortem Underway

Mulayam Singh Yadav’s son Prateek Yadav’s Death Leaves Political Circles in Shock, Postmortem Underway

Lucknow (Rajeev Sharma): Lucknow witnessed a wave of grief on Wednesday after the sudden death of Prateek Yadav, the younger son of late Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, at the age of 38. He was rushed to a civil hospital in the city by family members in the early hours, where doctors declared him brought dead. Hospital officials confirmed that a medical board at King George’s Medical University will conduct a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Preliminary reports suggested no visible external injury marks on the body, leaving the circumstances of his demise unclear. Prateek,…
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PM Modi’s Austerity Appeal Sparks Heated Debate Across India’s Jewellery Sector

PM Modi’s Austerity Appeal Sparks Heated Debate Across India’s Jewellery Sector

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for national austerity has ignited a significant debate within India's bullion markets and among economic analysts. The Prime Minister urged citizens to curb unnecessary gold purchases and reduce petrol and diesel consumption in a strategic bid to safeguard the country’s foreign exchange reserves. While some economists view this as a necessary step to fortify national financial stability and reduce the trade deficit, the jewellery industry has expressed deep concern regarding the potential economic fallout for millions of workers. The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council warned that a sharp…
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Punjab jail inmate linked to cross-border drone arms smuggling case in Rajasthan

Punjab jail inmate linked to cross-border drone arms smuggling case in Rajasthan

Gurpreet Singh :- Rajasthan Police have made a major breakthrough in a cross-border drone smuggling case near the Khajuwala border area of Bikaner district, with investigations revealing that the consignment of weapons was allegedly ordered by a smuggler lodged in a Punjab jail. The case came to light in February after a drone crashed in the 24 KND area near the international border. Security agencies recovered five pistols and 325 live cartridges from the drone, triggering a joint investigation by the Border Security Force and Rajasthan Police. During the probe, investigators identified the alleged mastermind as Sukhwinder, currently lodged in…
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Tamil Nadu CM Vijay orders closure of 717 liquor shops near religious places, schools

Tamil Nadu CM Vijay orders closure of 717 liquor shops near religious places, schools

Rajeev Sharma :- In a significant move, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered closure of 717 state-run liquor retail outlets operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state.  According to the government, the state currently houses 4,765 Tasmac liquor retail shops. Of the 717 identified for closure, 276 are located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands. The move is being seen as Vijay’s first major policy decision just hours after becoming Chief Minister. The new government is presenting it as an important social reform step…
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Embark on Strategic Five-Nation Outreach Across Gulf and Europe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Embark on Strategic Five-Nation Outreach Across Gulf and Europe

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to begin a high-stakes five-nation tour spanning the Gulf and Europe from May 15 to 20, 2026. This trip is viewed as a pivotal effort to strengthen India’s strategic, economic, and technological ties during a period of significant global transition. The visit will cover the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, reflecting New Delhi's proactive stance in expanding its trade and technology influence across Europe while reinforcing vital energy and diaspora connections in West Asia. Government officials have indicated that the agenda will focus heavily on trade,…
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Manoj Agarwal Appointed Chief Secretary of West Bengal Under New BJP Administration

Manoj Agarwal Appointed Chief Secretary of West Bengal Under New BJP Administration

Kolkata (Gurpreet Singh): In a significant administrative overhaul following the recent assembly elections, the newly formed Bharatiya Janata Party government in West Bengal has appointed Manoj Agarwal as the state’s new Chief Secretary. An official order issued on Monday confirmed that Agarwal, a seasoned 1990-batch IAS officer of the West Bengal cadre, will take over the top bureaucratic post under the leadership of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. This appointment marks a pivotal shift in the state's governance as the BJP begins its maiden term in Bengal after securing a decisive victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly. Agarwal is…
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Himachal accident: Six killed, several injured as bus plunges into deep gorge in Chamba

Himachal accident: Six killed, several injured as bus plunges into deep gorge in Chamba

Gurpreet Singh :- At least six people were killed and several others injured after a tourist bus fell into a deep gorge near Kakira in Chowari subdivision of Chamba district during the early hours of Monday. The victims include five tourists from Gujarat and driver of the vehicle.  ਖ According to police, the accident occurred in the early hours of Monday on the Lahru-Dalhousie Road amid heavy rain and strong winds. Soon after receiving the information, police along with rescue teams reached the spot and launched elief operation.  The cause behind the tragic accident has not been ascertained yet.  Chamba…
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Is India Heading Towards Another Lockdown? PM Modi’s Latest Appeal Sparks Massive Buzz

Is India Heading Towards Another Lockdown? PM Modi’s Latest Appeal Sparks Massive Buzz

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest public appeal has set off widespread discussion across the country, with many wondering whether India could be preparing for restrictions similar to those seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. The speculation began after the Prime Minister, speaking at an event in Hyderabad, asked citizens to adopt several precautionary lifestyle changes that closely resemble practices followed during lockdown days. Among his key suggestions were working from home wherever possible, holding meetings virtually, using public transport instead of private vehicles, opting for carpooling, and reducing fuel consumption to ease pressure on national resources. His…
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Delhi on high alert as intel warns of potential terror attack, security tightened

Delhi on high alert as intel warns of potential terror attack, security tightened

Rajeev Sharma :- Delhi has been put on high alert after intelligence agencies warned about possible terror attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at important locations in the city, sources told India Today TV.  Following the alert, Delhi Police increased security at sensitive and crowded areas across the national capital. Special checking drives were carried out at several key locations. Security was also stepped up outside the Delhi BJP state office and the BJP national headquarters, where police conducted inspections and added extra barricades. The alert comes weeks after the Delhi Police Special Cell busted a gang allegedly linked to…
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