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HP: Apple growers urge CM to unite Himalayan states against FTAs

Shimla, Jan 13 (UNI) Apple growers and farmers’ organisations from Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday cautioned that the free trade agreements (FTAs) being pursued by the BJP-led Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would severely hurt domestic horticulture, particularly apple cultivation, and threaten the livelihoods of nearly 1.5 million farming families in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.
Leaders of various organisations, including the Himachal Kisan Sabha, Sanyukt Kisan Manch, Himachal Apple Growers Association, Progressive Growers Association and Plum Growers Association, urged the Chief Minister to take a firm stand against the proposed reduction of import tariffs on apples and other agricultural products.
The organisations expressed concern over the recently finalised FTA with New Zealand, under which the tariff on apples has been reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent, pears fixed at 16.5 per cent and kiwis allowed at zero duty.
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Thunderstorms bring relief across North-West India; More rain forecast for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh

13 Jun 2026 | 12:57 AM

Panchkula, Jun 12 (UNI) Widespread thunderstorms, gusty winds and rain brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting further rainfall activity over the region during the next few days.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, New Delhi, rain and thundershowers occurred at most places across Punjab, Haryana and Delhi during the past 24 hours, while thunderstorms were reported from several locations.

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Haryana CM Nayab Saini Alleges Punjab Govt Tried to Stop Rajpura Event, Slams AAP Over Law and Order

13 Jun 2026 | 12:32 AM

Panchkula, June 12 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini on Friday alleged that the Punjab government attempted to obstruct his programme in Rajpura through administrative channels, while also criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over the state's law-and-order situation. .

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STF secures the deportation of a Haryana gangster associate from Cyprus

13 Jun 2026 | 12:03 AM

Chandigarh, June 12 (UNI) In a breakthrough against organised crime, the Special Task Force (STF) of Haryana has secured the deportation of alleged gangster associate Dinesh alias Mittu from Cyprus. The accused was brought back to India on June 12, marking the 11th deportation or extradition secured by STF Haryana in 2026.

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Severe thunderstorm, hail alert for parts of Punjab and Haryana; Winds up to 80 kmph likely

13 Jun 2026 | 12:02 AM

Chandigarh, Jun 12 (UNI) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nowcast warning for severe thunderstorms, lightning and hailstorms in several districts of Punjab and Haryana, cautioning residents about strong winds reaching speeds of 60 to 80 kmph during the next few hours.
According to the IMD Chandigarh Centre, severe thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and hail is very likely over parts of Mansa, Sangrur, Barnala, Patiala, Bathinda, Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts of Punjab.

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Every city and village in UP will be connected through green mobility electric services: CM Yogi

12 Jun 2026 | 11:49 PM

Lucknow, June 12 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the government will connect every city and village with petrol and diesel-free green mobility electric services in the coming years.

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