SPECIAL

Apr122026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Inter-state drug syndicate busted in Delhi, 6 held with ganja

New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) In a major crackdown on illicit substances, the Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS) of Delhi's East District Police has busted an inter-state drug syndicate operating between Delhi-NCR and Bihar, arresting six traffickers and recovering 58.7 kg of ganja along with Rs 5.31 lakh in cash, officials said on Sunday.According to police, two accused were apprehended earlier in the case, while four others were arrested during subsequent investigation, leading to the identification of key suppliers and distribution links across states.The case pertains to FIR No. 90/2026 registered on April 2 at Pandav Nagar police station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Initially, two accused — Nadeem and Monu alias Abhishek, both residents of Delhi — were arrested with 45.760 kg of ganj...

Apr122026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

PM Modi captures bustling excitement at Siliguri rally, says ‘BJP in hearts and minds of people’

INDIA, SPECIAL, STATE'S, TOP STORIES

Siliguri, April 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video on Sunday from his rally in West Bengal's Siliguri, showcasing the large and enthusiastic crowd chanting "Modi Modi," cheering loudly, and waving BJP flags.In the video, the Prime Minister can be seen capturing the lively atmosphere with his phone, smiling as he waves back to the massive gathering.Sharing the video on Instagram, PM Modi wrote, "To see the mood in West Bengal, come to Siliguri. There's only one party in the hearts and minds of the people -- BJP!"A large crowd gathered at the rally venue in Siliguri to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister and listen to his address. The attendees expressed their happiness and enthusiasm about meeting him. Chants of "Modi, Modi" and "BJP Zindabad" echoed throughout the cr...

Apr122026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

IndianOil conducts over 10,600 inspections, takes strict action against erring persons

INDIA, SPECIAL, STATE'S, TOP STORIES

New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) The Indian Oil Corporation has conducted over 10,600 inspections, and strict actions have been taken against erring persons and agencies, including show-cause notices and suspensions, it said in a statement.Additionally, in coordination with state governments, over 1.2 lakh raids and more than 990 FIRs have been done nationwide, across the industry to safeguard fair distribution, IndianOil said in a post on X. “Indane distributorships remain under continuous surveillance to uphold service standards and ensure LPG reaches every genuine customer,” it added.IndianOil said it is prioritising LPG supplies for domestic consumers, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and uninterrupted distribution across the country.Strict monitoring and enforcement measures are in place ...

Mar92026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

India processing Russian oil is pragmatic decision: US

SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, TOP STORIES, WORLD

Washington, March 9 (IANS) Indian refineries processing Russian crude was a "pragmatic decision" taken to stabilise global energy markets and speed up supplies in Asia, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said. Speaking on Fox News on Sunday (local time), Wright said the policy does not represent any shift in Washington's sanctions stance toward Moscow but reflects the realities of oil supply chains in Asia amid geopolitical disruption."Russia's oil remains sanctioned. There's no change in policy towards Russia," Wright asserted.He explained that large volumes of Russian crude were currently stranded in Asian waters as supply routes adjusted to sanctions and market shifts."But there's just a lot of tankers stacked up," Wright said. "China doesn't treat its discount gas station suppliers very ...

Mar92026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Trump’s war strategy criticised by former NSA, says goals remain unclear

SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, TOP STORIES, WORLD

Washington, March 9 (IANS) Former US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that the Trump administration’s war with Iran risks drifting without a clear strategic objective, even as American military operations demonstrate significant tactical success.Speaking on CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, Sullivan said the US military’s operational performance had been “remarkable” but questioned the clarity of the war’s ultimate goals.“On the encouraging side, the US military is just simply remarkable,” Sullivan said. “It's remarkable at being able to achieve tactical objectives, to execute operations with skill, professionalism, and courage.”But he cautioned that the strategic purpose of the war remains unclear.“The discouraging part is we are asking the US military to put itself in harm's way, and...

Mar92026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Oil prices jump past $100 as Iran conflict shakes markets

INDIA, SOUTH ASIA, SPECIAL, TOP STORIES

Washington, March 9 (IANS) Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel as the conflict involving Iran disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz and rattled global markets.US President Donald Trump defended the spike. He said higher oil prices were a temporary cost tied to confronting Iran’s nuclear threat.“Short-term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.“ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY!”Crude oil prices almost touched $110 per barrel after major Middle East producers reduced output while the Strait of Hormuz remained effectively closed due to the Iran conflict, CNBC reported Sunday.West Texas Intermediate crude jumped about 20.75 p...

Mar92026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

India to take 100 million barrels of Russian oil waiting for China: US

SPECIAL, TOP STORIES, WORLD

Washington, March 8 (IANS) The United States of America urged India to draw down more than 100 million barrels of Russian crude waiting offshore for Chinese refineries in an effort to cool rising oil prices during the Iran conflict, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday.Speaking in interviews on US television programmes, including CNN and CBS News, Wright said the Trump administration directly reached out to India as part of a short-term effort to calm energy markets rattled by disruptions in the Middle East."I did call up the Indians, as did Treasury Secretary (Scott) Bessent, and say, look, there's a whole bunch of oil that's floating to wait to unload at Chinese refineries," the Energy Secretary added."There's over 100 million barrels of floating Russian crude waiting in line t...

Mar82026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

President Murmu congratulates Team India on T20 WC triumph, hails historic achievement

INDIA, SPECIAL, TOP STORIES

New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday congratulated the Indian cricket team for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, describing the victory as a historic achievement that has brought immense pride and joy to the nation.In a post on X, @rashtrapatibhvn -- the official account of the President of India, mentioned the triumph marked another milestone in Indian cricket, noting that India has now become the only country to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup three times.The President also highlighted that the Indian team holds the distinction of being the only side to win the title twice in succession.“Heartiest congratulations to Team India, which scaled several peaks of history by winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup emphatically. India has the proud distinction of being the...

Feb132026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

India’s electronics exports outpace global growth: NITI Aayog report

INDIA, SPECIAL, TOP STORIES

New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) India’s share in global electronics demand has expanded at a rapid compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent, significantly outpacing global growth of 4.4 per cent between 2015 and 2024, driven primarily by the sharp rise in mobile phone exports, according to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly report for July-September 2025-26, launched on Friday.Between 2016 and 2024, electronics exports increased nearly five-fold, reaching USD 42.1 billion. With global electronics trade valued at USD 4.6 trillion, the sector represents one of the largest and fastest-evolving segments of the world economy. India has demonstrated particular strength in products such as mobile phones, consumer electronics, and communication equipment, with exports increasingly directed tow...

Feb132026 by TheStateLineNo Comments

Centre announces 1st national call for Rs 2,000 crore BIRAC–RDI Fund to boost biotech sector

Health, SPECIAL

New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) The government on Friday approved the first national call for the Rs 2,000 crore BIRAC–RDI Fund, under the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) initiative to boost biotech sector.Union Minister Dr Jitendra said the launch reflects a decisive shift in India’s approach to science-led growth and signals that the country is no longer a late entrant but an early mover in emerging technologies.He said the transformation is visible in the expansion of the startup ecosystem -- from around 50 biotech startups in 2014 to more than 11,000 today, reflecting what he described as a quantum jump in scale and ambition.The bioeconomy, which stood at about $8 billion in 2014, has expanded rapidly, placing India among leading global players.The minister further...