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Union Minister Puri and Delhi’s Manjinder Sirsa at Kesari Chapter 2 Screening in Delhi

April 15, 2025, 1:08 pm

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri attended the screening of Kesari: Chapter 2 in New Delhi on Tuesday. He was accompanied by actors Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Delhi BJP Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa for the event.

The upcoming movie Kesari Chapter 2 delves into the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It features a gripping courtroom showdown between Akshay Kumar, who portrays C Sankaran Nair, and R Madhavan, who portrays Neville McKinley, a lawyer defending the British Crown.

Before the screening, Union Minister Hardeep Puri interacted with Akshay Kumar and the other lead cast members of the film.

The team of Kesari Chapter 2 expressed their gratitude to the Union Minister and the senior BJP Minister for attending the screening and extending their support to the film.

Union Minister Puri and Delhi BJP Minister Sirsa also interacted with the cinemagoers who attended the screening of Kesari Chapter 2 today in New Delhi.
Akshay also posed for a photo with the ministers before entering the theatre for the screening.

Meanwhile, the valiant effort of lawyer-nationalist C Sankaran Nair, on which the film Kesari Chapter 2 is based, was acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public gathering in Haryana.

In his speech, PM recalled Nair’s heroism in standing up against the British Empire after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where British troops fired on unarmed civilians in Amritsar on April 13, 1919, fuelling national outrage and galvanising the fight for independence.

“He could have enjoyed all the luxuries, but inspired by Jallianwalah Bagh, he raised his voice against British atrocities. He was removed from his post. He was from Kerala, and the incident took place in Punjab. Sankaran Nair ensured that the British government was brought to the court of law. He showed what unity and humanity actually mean. We should definitely learn from Sankaran Nair,” PM said.

Akshay Kumar took to Instagram and shared a video of PM Modi remembering Nair’s brave fight against the Britishers after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
“Thank you Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for remembering the great Chettur Sankaran Nair ji and his contribution to our freedom struggle. It is so important that we as a nation, especially the younger generation, value the great women and men who fought valiantly to ensure that we breathe in a free country! Our Kesari Chapter 2 is a humble effort to remind everyone that we must never take our freedom for granted,” Akshay wrote in an Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar)

Kesari Chapter 2 will be released in theatres on April 18, 2025.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Daily Guardian staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

‘India Will Emerge Victorious Against US Tariff War’ Says Hardeep Singh Puri

April 8, 2025, 6:36 pm

Union Petroleum and Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says that India will “emerge winners” in the tariff war over the world , most importantly against America. While delivering the keynote speech at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, he outlined the way India would stay resilient. According to him, India is resilient because it has a very strong service export and wise energy policy.

Strategic Oil Reallocations

With US President Donald Trump tightening tariff regulations, concerns about trade disruption are mounting. But Hardeep Singh Puri downplayed such worries. He pointed out that 40% of Indian exports are services-based sectors, which are not impacted by tariffs. That shields the nation from the full impact of cross-border tariffs on goods.

Puri praised India’s energy policy. He said that India imports $15–20 billion worth of energy from the US every year. “They have oil, yes—but will they sell it to us? That’s the question,”. India is not looking for answers. It has developed long-term energy relations and diversified its suppliers so that it is not reliant on any particular country.

He also cited negotiations between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. These talks, he continued, signal momentum toward a prospective trade deal. A breakthrough would ease tariff tensions and create new alliances, especially in energy and digital services.

Tech and Services Power India’s Trade Resilience

India saves itself from the worst of global trade turbulence on the back of IT, fintech, and consulting driving the exports. Hardeep Singh Puri stressed each adversity is a chance to come out stronger.

He credited PM Narendra Modi, who led India through periods of global uncertainty. “We will be a winner out of this,” Puri said. He believes that India’s adaptable policies and global outreach will turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s success.

Beyond the current tariff storm, India is laying the foundation for future-proof growth. From supply chain diversification to tech-led exports, the focus is shifting from reactive to strategic. Puri’s optimism signals more than political confidence—it reflects India’s deeper shift toward economic resilience and global leadership.

Petrol and LPG Prices Hiked: Know Full Details Here

April 7, 2025, 5:01 pm

Union oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday said that cooking gas price has been raised by ₹50 per cylinder, PTI reported.

Price Rise for Ujjwala and General Consumers

The gas price has been raised for Ujwalla and general category consumers, the minister said.

The 14.2-kg LPG cylinder’s price will go up from ₹803 to ₹853 for common consumers and from ₹503 to ₹553 for 14.2 kg cylinders for Ujwalla scheme consumers.

No Hike in Retail Fuel Prices Despite Excise Change

The Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas also spoke about an earlier notice regarding the hike in the excise rate on petrol and diesel, stating “Let me clarify upfront on the record, this will not be passed on to the consumer.”

Puri said, “The international price of crude came down to around $60 a barrel, but please remember that our oil marketing companies carry inventories over a 45-day period. If you go back to January, the crude price then was $83, which came down subsequently to $75. So the crude inventory that they’re carrying is at $75 on average per barrel.”

He added, “You can legitimately expect prices of petrol and diesel to be moderated by the oil marketing companies in keeping with the global price. In a deregulated sector, you can expect them to accordingly adjust the market retail price.”

Increase in Excise Duty on Petrol and Diesel

The union government on Monday also increased excise duty by ₹2 per litre on petrol and diesel.
According to the notification, the new excise duty will be effective from April 8, 2025. The excise duty on petrol has been raised to ₹13 per litre and that on diesel to ₹10, according to the order.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, however, made the public aware that petrol and diesel’s retail prices would not change.

“PSU Oil Marketing Companies have informed that there will be no increase in retail prices of Petrol and Diesel, subsequent to the increase affected in Excise Duty Rates today,” it wrote on X.

“By Divine Will Of Baba Nanak Ji”: Hardeep Singh Puri Praises Extension Of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement

October 23, 2024, 5:45 am

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has welcomed the decision by India and Pakistan to extend the validity of the Agreement on the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for an additional five years. He noted that the decision is rooted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and his deep affection for the Sikh Sangat, as well as his respect for the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.

Recalling his participation in key moments related to the corridor, Puri stated that he was present at the groundbreaking ceremony in 2018 and was also part of the first Jattha, which was flagged off by PM Modi in November 2019 to offer prayers at the Gurudwara Sahib.

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In a post on X, Puri wrote, “Big news for Sikh Sangat! Guided by the vision of PM @narendramodi Ji and his immense affection for members of Sikh Sangat & respect towards our religious feelings, the validity of the Agreement to facilitate the visit of pilgrims from India to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur through the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor has been extended further for five more years.”

Big news for Sikh Sangat!
Guided by the vision of PM @narendramodi Ji and his immense affection for members of Sikh Sangat & respect towards our religious feelings, the validity of the Agreement to facilitate the visit of pilgrims from India to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib… https://t.co/VoHPj5FmGs pic.twitter.com/dZlrzGBc3K

— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) October 22, 2024

He further added, “By divine will of Baba Nanak Ji, I was fortunate to be present during the groundbreaking ceremony of the corridor in 2018 and was blessed to be a part of the first Jattha flagged off by PM Modi Ji to pay obeisance at the Gurudwara Sahib in November 2019.”

Puri highlighted the prime minister’s involvement in organizing significant celebrations of Sikh history, including the 550th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the 350th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the 400th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He also mentioned the removal of GST from Langar Seva and FCRA approval for donations.

“In addition to the opening of Sri Kartarpur Sahib corridor, PM Modi Ji also took keen personal interest in organising befitting celebration of 550th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, 350th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, 400th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji & removal of GST from Langar Seva & FCRA approval for donations,” Puri wrote.

Puri also expressed gratitude for Modi’s efforts in securing justice for victims of the 1984 violence and providing safe refuge to Sikhs fleeing Kabul with the Holy Swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. “Showing compassion & resolve, PM Modi Ji also took measures which ensured justice for victims of 1984 violence, and also offered safe refuge to Sikhs who wanted to escape the violence in Kabul with the Holy Swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. PM Modi Ji also honoured our sentiments by declaring December 26 as Veer Baal Diwas,” he added.

Puri’s statement was made in response to a post by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on X regarding the extension of the validity of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement for another five years.

Jaishankar had written, “India and Pakistan have renewed the agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for the next five years. PM @narendramodi’s government will continue to facilitate our Sikh community’s access to their holy sites.”

The agreement, initially signed on October 24, 2019, between India and Pakistan, allows pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan’s Narowal district through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. The extension ensures the uninterrupted operation of the Corridor for pilgrims from India to visit the holy site.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release confirmed the extension: “It has been agreed between India and Pakistan through diplomatic channels to extend the validity of the Agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for a further period of five years.”

The press release also reiterated India’s request for Pakistan to waive the USD 20 service charge levied on pilgrims per visit: “In view of the continued requests of pilgrims regarding the removal of USD 20 service charge levied by Pakistan per pilgrim per visit, India has once again urged Pakistan to not levy any fee or charges on the pilgrims.”

Earlier in June, Pakistan issued 509 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to attend the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the first king of the Sikh empire in the 19th century, popularly known as ‘Sher-e-Punjab.’

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Hardeep Singh Puri calls J&K elections a ‘victory for democracy’

October 3, 2024, 3:54 am

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday highlighted the significance of the recently held Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, describing it as a pivotal shift from a turbulent past to a peaceful democratic process. Speaking about the region’s transformation, Puri emphasized that the elections marked a substantial restoration of democracy in an area previously known for unrest.
“The ground situation in Jammu & Kashmir before the elections was dominated by what was known as a ‘stone-pelting industry.’ But now, we’ve witnessed a voter turnout of 65-66%, which is a huge victory for us,” Puri remarked. He further praised the peaceful conduct of the elections, considering it a major achievement for the region and the country.
Puri expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) prospects in the elections, stating, “We are certain that the BJP will emerge victorious. In the future, Jammu & Kashmir’s story will be one of the most remarkable stories of independent India.” He underscored the role of democracy in shaping the region’s future, believing that the recent voter turnout is a testament to the people’s faith in the democratic process.
In his address, Puri also took aim at Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, responding to his comment about not dying until Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “removed from power.”

Puri countered by asserting that PM Modi will continue to hold office not because of personal will but because of the people’s mandate. “PM Modi will not be Prime Minister because he wants to be, but because the people want him to be the Prime Minister of the country,” he said.
The Union Minister’s remarks came on the heels of a peaceful and well-participated election in Jammu & Kashmir, which many view as a turning point in the region’s political landscape.

Watch: Hardeep Puri Slams Rahul Gandhi’s “Dangerous Narrative” Over Sikhs

September 10, 2024, 3:44 pm

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has launched a scathing critique against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over remarks made during his recent visit to the United States. Gandhi’s comments, particularly about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the ideological divide with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have stirred controversy. During his U.S. tour, Gandhi framed the political battle as not merely about politics but also about questions of religious freedom, referencing whether a Sikh can wear a turban or kada.

Puri’s Counterattack

In a sharp rebuttal, Puri accused Gandhi of spreading a “dangerous narrative” among the Indian diaspora, claiming that Gandhi was fueling misunderstandings about India’s social and religious environment. Puri, himself a Sikh, strongly refuted Gandhi’s insinuation about religious freedoms, noting, “I have been wearing a turban for over six decades and a kada for longer… and never had a problem.”

#WATCH | Delhi: On Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi’s statement, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says, “…I have been wearing ‘Turban’ and ‘Kada’ for more than the last 60 years and I have never come across anyone who would say that they have any difficulty in wearing a ‘Turban’ and… pic.twitter.com/Q8hWFB5DGD

— ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2024

Puri pointedly criticized Gandhi for making such remarks while holding the position of Leader of the Opposition, emphasizing the potential impact of such statements abroad. He also accused Gandhi of failing to acknowledge India’s progress over the past decade while attacking its political and legal system.

Historical Reference

Puri also invoked the painful memory of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which occurred after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He blamed the Congress party, stating, “The only time India’s Sikhs faced an existential crisis was when his family was in power.” He referenced the violent pogrom in which over 3,000 Sikhs were killed and took issue with Rajiv Gandhi’s infamous remark following the riots: “When a big tree falls, the earth shakes.”

BJP Leader Sirsa Weighs In

Puri’s criticism was echoed by BJP National Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who condemned Gandhi’s comments as harmful and divisive. Sirsa accused Gandhi of using “hateful words” against Sikhs and claimed Gandhi’s rhetoric is aimed at fostering divisions within the country.

Gandhi’s Remarks

During an event in Virginia, Gandhi had stressed that the political battle with the BJP is fundamentally ideological and affects all religions in India. He compared the BJP’s governance to a plate of food (thali), where some elements are considered more important than others, and said, “In India, everything works together… if someone says rice is more important than dal and vegetables are the least important, what will happen? That is what BJP does.”

As the political discourse heats up, Gandhi’s comments and the subsequent BJP responses underscore the growing tension between the opposition and the ruling party ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections. The ideological battle continues to dominate the rhetoric on both sides, reflecting deep-seated divisions on issues of identity and governance in India.

Narendra Modi Honors Mahatma Gandhi At Rajghat Before PM Oath Ceremony

June 9, 2024, 10:37 am

On Sunday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Hardeep Singh Puri, offered tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in preparation for his swearing-in as the Prime Minister of India.

Scheduled for 7:15 pm today, Modi’s oath-taking ceremony marks his record third term as the Prime Minister. Alongside him, members of his council of ministers will also take their oaths.

Preparations in the national capital are in full swing for the event. Approximately 1,100 traffic police personnel have been deployed, and public advisories for traffic movement have been issued. Route arrangements for delegates attending the ceremony are also in place.

Security measures are stringent, with NSG commandos, drones, and snipers stationed at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the mega event. The guest list includes several leaders and state heads from neighboring regions and the Indian Ocean, reflecting India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

To ensure security, Delhi has been declared a “no-flying” zone, prohibiting the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms over the city. The Delhi Police have issued advisories to this effect, aiming to thwart potential threats during the ceremony.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) unanimously passed a resolution on June 5, electing Narendra Modi as their leader. Twenty-one NDA leaders affirmed their support for Modi during a key meeting at his official residence in Delhi.

In the recent election results announced by the Election Commission of India, the BJP secured 240 seats, while the Congress won 99 seats. This reaffirms BJP’s strong electoral performance, with previous victories in the 2014 and 2019 general elections.

PM SVANidhi Scheme Beneficiaries Meet Union Minister Puri

May 27, 2024, 5:25 pm

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri engaged with beneficiaries of the PM Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi scheme in Chandigarh, seeking feedback on any challenges they may be encountering.

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs introduced the PM Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, designed to support street vendors by providing them with loans to enhance their self-reliance.

The PM Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi offers collateral-free working capital loans of up to INR 10,000 for a year to around 50 lakh street vendors, aiding them in restarting businesses in urban, peri-urban, or rural areas. It was launched during India’s COVID crisis to support small vendors whose daily earnings were affected.

Several vendors, including two from Chandigarh, were advantaged by this program. Housing and Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri met these vendors.

Puri said “The SVANidhi scheme was initiated during the COVID pandemic to address the challenges faced by numerous individuals. Prime Minister Modi recognized the hardships encountered by small vendors, who often struggled amidst the crisis while others received regular salaries. This scheme is like a microfinance scheme, which has even made them entrepreneurs. Around 55-60 lakh vendors have received the benefits of this scheme.”

Both vendors expressed their appreciation and thanked the Prime Minister for providing support during the COVID-19 pandemic, which aided them in overcoming considerable obstacles and reconstructing their livelihoods.

“I’ve been operating this shop for 12 years. Initially, I received 10,000 through SVANidhi, followed by a 20,000 loan, and then 50,000 later. I’m grateful for this support and hope it continues,” shared Mona, a beneficiary of the scheme and a member of the transgender community who manages a local tea shop

They noted that they initially received a loan of Rs10,000, followed by a Rs20,000 loan, and they have now applied for a Rs50,000 loan, anticipating its approval shortly. They conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for simplifying their lives through these initiatives.

Hardeep Singh Puri: Indian GDP Is USD 3.95 Trillion

May 26, 2024, 6:45 pm

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri praised the government’s efforts to bolster the Indian economy over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Speaking in Chandigarh, Puri noted, “As per the public data released by IMF, our GDP is USD 3.95 trillion, and we are in the fifth position. Japan is in the fourth position with a GDP of USD 4.1 trillion. If our growth rate is going on at 7-8 percent and Japan’s is flat, it’s a matter of a few months, if not a year, and our economy will reach fourth place.”

Puri criticized the Congress-led UPA government for neglecting investments in urban infrastructure. He stated, “During the UPA government between 2004 and 2014, the expenditure on urban infrastructure was less than one lakh seventy thousand crores, and in the Modi government, in these 10 years, it has increased by 11-12 times to reach 18-19 lakh crores.”

The minister projected a rise in capital expenditure in the future, already increasing by 30 percent. He highlighted that in the interim budget, the union government announced capital expenditures of over Rs 11 lakh crore, an increase of 11.1 percent.

Regarding metro projects, Puri mentioned that the total metro length has reached 945 km and is expected to hit 1,000 km, making India the second-largest metro train system.

In the last decade of PM Modi’s tenure, Puri stated that 4 crore people have been allotted houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with plans to add another 3 crore beneficiaries.

On fuel prices, Puri justified them by comparing them to increases in other countries. He noted, “Due to the central excise duty reduction by the central government, we have not had that much heat.”

The PM Modi-led government is vying for a third term in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with six phases completed and the seventh phase scheduled for June 1. The final result will be announced on June 4.

Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023: Indore and Surat honored for their distinction as cleanest cities in India

January 12, 2024, 10:30 am

Indore and Surat secured title as the ‘cleanest cities’ in India according to the annual cleanliness survey conducted by the Central government on Thursday, with Navi Mumbai retaining its third position. Notably, Indore’s consistent recognition as the cleanest city for seven successive times stood out.

In the category of ‘best performing states’ at the ‘Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023,’ Maharashtra claimed the top spot, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The awards ceremony, hosted in the city and attended by Union housing and urban affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri, witnessed President Droupadi Murmu honoring the winners.

President Droupadi Murmu's address at the presentation of Swachh Survekshan Awards – 2023 in New Delhi https://t.co/WbKfxgJfm4

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 11, 2024

Several other cities received acknowledgment for their cleanliness endeavors. Saswad in Maharashtra was honored with the cleanest city award in the category of urban centers with a population of less than 1 lakh. Patan in Chhattisgarh and Lonavla in Maharashtra secured the second and third positions in the same category. Varanasi and Prayagraj were notably acknowledged as the cleanest Ganga towns.

Its not just the two National awardee cities of Varanasi & Prayagraj, the Swachh Survekshan-2023 award says a lot more about UP…

• UP has made history as 2 cities are getting president award in cleanliness for the first time;
•Not only this, 2 out of 10 National awardee… pic.twitter.com/jeEy8rc8BE

— A K Sharma (@aksharmaBharat) January 11, 2024

Since its inception in 2016, the Swachh Survekshan, conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has grown into the largest global survey on urban sanitation and cleanliness. This initiative has played a pivotal role in fostering healthy competition among towns and cities, encouraging them to improve service delivery to citizens and work towards cleaner urban environments. Starting with a coverage limited to 73 major cities in 2016, the Survekshan has significantly expanded its scope, now encompassing 4,477 cities.

Moreover Shimla’s position experienced a significant decline in the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023, plummeting from 56th to 188th. The city performed poorly in the evaluation conducted across approximately 446 cities in the country. In the preceding years, Shimla’s rankings were 198th in 2019, 65th in 2020, 76th in 2021, and 56th in 2022.

Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023: Shimla’s rank fell from 56th to 188th#HimachalPradesh #shimla pic.twitter.com/IpPLe9VefR

— Sidharth Shukla (@sidhshuk) January 12, 2024

PM Modi applauds commencement of oil production from ONGC project in Krishna Godavari basin

January 9, 2024, 12:57 pm

The launch of oil production from the state-owned ONGC’s flagship deep-sea project in the Krishna Godavari basin was celebrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. He said that this is a significant milestone in India’s energy journey and advances the goal of creating a “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

In a post on X, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, “As India powers ahead as the fastest growing economy under leadership of PM @NarendraModi Ji, our energy production is also set to rise from the deepest frontiers of #KrishnaGodavari.”
‘First Oil’ production commences from the complex & difficult deepwater KG-DWN-98/2 Block, situated off the coast of Bay of Bengal. Production is expected to be 45,000 barrels per day & over 10 million cubic metres of gas per day, contributing towards an energy,” he said.

Modi remarked, “This is a remarkable step in India’s energy journey and boosts our mission for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” after tagging Puri’s post.

“It will have several benefits for our economy as well,” he said.

In an effort to halt years of output decline, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) announced on Monday that it has begun oil production from its flagship deep-sea project in the Krishna Godavari basin of the Bay of Bengal. According to a statement from the company, the “first oil” from the deep-water KG-DWN-98/2 block in the Bay of Bengal began to flow on January 7.

Venezuela has agreed to supply crude oil to India

January 3, 2024, 2:08 pm

The Secretary of Petroleum, Pankaj Jain, has announced that Venezuela has agreed to supply crude oil to ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) in place of pending dividend payments.

The Petroleum Secretary mentioned that they are currently awaiting the lifting dates for the oil supply.

This development follows the easing of sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector by the United States in October. These sanctions were initially imposed to penalize President Maduro’s government after his re-election in 2018.

Earlier, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had stated that India intends to purchase Venezuelan oil, highlighting the capability of Indian refineries to process the heavy oil from Venezuela.

Puri further emphasized that New Delhi is open to resuming oil imports from any nation not under sanction. “We are currently facing a situation where we are consuming 5 million barrels of crude oil per day, and this demand is increasing daily. If Venezuela’s oil enters the market, we will gladly welcome it,” he added.

In 2020, India ceased importing Venezuelan crude due to the imposition of secondary sanctions by the United States. These sanctions were implemented as a punitive measure against Maduro’s government in response to his re-election in 2018.

South America is currently generating approximately 850,000 barrels per day (BPD) of crude oil, aiming to achieve a milestone of 1 million BPD in the near future.

India, a significant player in the global oil market as the third-largest importer and consumer, is actively undertaking a strategic endeavor to transform its energy sector.

Being heavily dependent on imported oil, which constitutes more than 80 percent of its requirements, India is determined to reduce its expenditure on crude imports while simultaneously enhancing its refining capacities.

India, with a keen interest in expanding its oil sources and enhancing its refining capabilities, is actively seeking collaborations and partnerships with Venezuela.

Hardeep Singh Puri meets CEO of German Biogas Association

November 8, 2023, 12:02 pm

Germany is a global leader in producing biogas from parali (stubble), so Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri met with Claudius da Costa Gomez, CEO of the German Biogas Association, in Berlin amid high pollution levels in the capital. Puri stated that they attempted to find a solution for stubble burning.

“Problems of parali burning in Punjab are a cause of deep anguish. Met Dr Claudius da Costa Gomez, CEO of German Biogas Association, to try to find out solution of parali burning which will provide relief to people from parali burning and will also put parali to profitable use,” Hardeep Singh Puri posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He further said that Parali can be used for producing biogas, a process in which Germany is a world leader.
“Parali can be used for producing biogas, a process in which Germany is a world leader. This will provide momentum to India’s quest for cleaner sources of energy under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi Ji and will create an additional source of income for the farmers,” he further said.

Even with the country’s air quality getting worse in some areas and pollution levels endangering public health, Punjabi villages were still reporting incidents of stubble burning. In the meantime, Gopal Rai, the environment minister for Delhi, has called a meeting of all relevant departments today to make sure that the Supreme Court’s directives regarding pollution are followed. According to the Office of the Environment Minister, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot and Revenue Minister Atishi will be present at the meeting.

Centre Surveyed Over 200 Jhuggi Cluster

December 13, 2022, 4:51 pm

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Rajya Sabha that the Centre has conducted a survey of 210 ‘jhuggi’ clusters in Delhi. Furthermore, he said, jhuggis built before January 2006 aren’t supposed to be destroyed without offering inhabitants alternate housing. However, any jhuggi that came up after 2015 will be immediately removed without offering an alternate house to live in.

BJP on path of historic sweep; gains 150 plus seats

December 8, 2022, 1:46 pm

Since 1995 Bharatiya Janata Party has not lost an election in Gujarat and once again BJP has gained a majority in the Gujarat Assembly election 2022. The total number of seats in the Gujarat Constituency is 186 seats.

The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leads in 156 seats, Congress in 17 seats, Aam Aadmi Party in 5 seats, and Others in 3 seats.

After making a history in Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said, “People of Gujarat have reposed faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leadership. People of Gujarat have rejected anti-national elements in this election.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “I salute people of Gujarat on this historic victory, it shows their unwavering faith in PM Modi’s development model”

Meanwhile, BJP is set to rewrite history books by winning the Gujarat elections and on that occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach BJP headquarters at 6 pm and address BJP workers. BJP National President JP Nadda will reach BJP Headquarters at 3 pm and the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting will be held at 7 pm at BJP Headquarters.

On the Gujarat election result Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, “I’m commenting on something which was widely expected. It’s the actual manifestation of the kind of development-anchored work that the BJP, under the leadership of PM, has been undertaking. It’s a model for the whole country.”

After winning 150 plus seats in Gujarat Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said because of two aspects good governance and development the party has won. “There are two main reasons for BJPs victory, one is good governance and the other is development. People like that the party when comes to power gives good governance and provides development work. With this, there is peace and security in the state,” Meghwal said.

Congress once again failed to impress voters despite doing Bharat Jodo Yatra. Congress’s Jignesh Mevani is trailing from Vadnagar.

Talking about Gujarat polls Aam Aadmi Party Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, “Through the votes of Gujarat, AAP is becoming a national party. For the first time, politics based on education and health is getting recognition in the country. Congratulations to the people of India.”

Earlier, exit polls predicted a return of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat by breaking all the records by the ruling party.

Moreover, preparations for the celebration at the BJP headquarters have started since morning. Laddoos are being made at the BJP headquarters and 100 kilos of flowers have also reached the party headquarters.

However, the Assembly election in Gujarat was held on 1 December and 5 December in two phases.

Furthermore, for 27 years BJP party has been in power and Narendra Modi is the longest-serving chief minister of the state. In 2017 BJP won 99 seats out of 182 seats.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri reacts on Zakir Naik’s presence at FIFA WC in Qatar

November 22, 2022, 7:28 pm

The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, said on Tuesday that India will bring up Zakir Naik’s presence at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and suggest a decisive action over the issue.

Puri’s remark came as Zakir Naik has been invited to Qatar, where he is scheduled to conduct religious talks throughout the FIFA World Cup tournament.

“I’m sure India took it up and will take it up. But the point is he’s a Malaysian national, you invite him somewhere, whether they knew, I’ve got no knowledge of that,” the Union minister said in a statement.

Savio Rodrigues, a BJP spokesperson, on Tuesday urged the government, the Indian Football Association, and Indians visiting the host country to boycott FIFA in response to Qatar’s controversial invitation of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to the FIFA World Cup.

Rodrigues claimed in a statement that giving Naik a platform at a time when the globe is fighting terrorism is equivalent to letting a “terror sympathiser” “spread hate.”

“The FIFA World Cup is a global event. People from all over the world come to witness this spectacular sport, and millions more watch it on TV and the Internet. Giving a platform to Zakir Naik, at a time when the world is fighting global terrorism, is to give a platform to a terrorist to spread his radicalism and hate,” he said.

In India, Zakir Naik is accused of making hateful statements and money laundering. The Naik-founded Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) was designated an unlawful association and outlawed for five years by the Home Ministry in March of this year.

According to the MHA statement, Zakir Naik has been endorsing known terrorists, making his talks unacceptable.

According to the MHA notification, Zakir Naik continues to travel to Gulf countries to raise money, all of which is used solely for radicalising people, particularly Muslim youth. This evidence was presented to the tribunal by the Solicitor General.

In 2016, just before the National Investigation Agency opened an investigation into him, Naik fled to Malaysia.

Intriguingly, the FIFA World Cup 2022 will mark the first occasion that the competition has been held in the final quarter of a calendar year. According to reports, the tournament’s usual months of June and July were not chosen because of the severe weather in Qatar during those months.

32 teams from five confederations are participating in the competition in Qatar. There could be 64 matches played over the course of 29 days.

The participating nations are: the host nation Qatar; Ecuador; Senegal; the Netherlands; England; Iran; the USA; Wales; Argentina; Saudi Arabia; Mexico; Poland; France; Australia; Denmark; Tunisia; Spain; Costa Rica; Germany; Japan; Belgium; Canada; Morocco; and Croatia; as well as Brazil; Serbia; Switzerland; Cameroon; Portugal; Ghana; Uruguay; and South Korea.

India’s energy policy is conscientious of its obligations to the world’s commons, Hardeep Puri

October 12, 2022, 2:18 pm

Indian Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri stated that India will account for 25% of the increase in global energy demand over the next two decades. He also mentioned that India’s energy strategy is considerate of commitments to the global commons.

During a roundtable discussion on “Opportunities in the India-US Strategic Partnership” in Houston, Texas, Minister Puri made these comments.

“India’s energy strategy is mindful of commitments to the global commons, to green transition, and to ensure energy availability, affordability, and security to all,” Puri said while addressing the event.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that India has made significant progress toward low-carbon growth, particularly through the use of cutting-edge technologies such as hydrogen and biofuels.He emphasised that despite the difficult energy environment now in place, India’s commitment to energy transitions and its ambitions for climate mitigation will not waver.

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum hosted a roundtable on “Opportunities in the India-US Strategic Partnership,” which Puri presided over. More than 60 people from 35 different firms attended the roundtable, including senior leadership from some of the biggest names in the energy industry, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cheniere, Lanzatech, Honeywell, BakerHughes, Emerson, and Tellurian, to mention a few.

PSUs from Indian Energy were present as well. The Minister added that by lowering the no-go zones by 98%, opening up around 1 million sq km, and making high-quality geological data accessible through the National Depository Registry, India was implementing significant reforms to streamline and encourage exploration and production.

After recently opening up more than 1 million square kilometres of no-go zones, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced the special coal-bed methane (CBM) round and offshore bid rounds in Houston, the oil and gas capital of the world, providing over 2.3 million kilometres.

Puri said in a series of tweets that there is enormous potential for cooperation between the two nations in the fields of petrochemicals, upstream industries, green hydrogen, gas-based economies, biofuels, and upstream sectors.

He continued, “There is unprecedented interest in Indian E&P by global oil corporations due to reform steps by the Modi Govt.

The participants agreed on a broad basis to move on with potential partnerships that would deliver India the best-in-class technologies in both traditional and new energy as the meeting came to a close.

Rohingyas to get flats in Delhi: Hardeep Singh Puri promises basic amenities

August 17, 2022, 1:44 pm

In Delhi’s Bakkarwala neighbourhood, apartments and police protection would be made available to Rohingya refugees. The minister of home affairs held a high-level meeting where the decision was made. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri praised the choice and predicted that those who made a profession of “spreading canards on India’s refugee policy deliberately linking it to CAA will be disappointed.”

The minister stated, “India has always welcomed those who have sought refuge in the country. In a landmark decision all Rohingya Refugees will be shifted to EWS flats in Bakkarwala area of Delhi. They will be provided basic amenities, UNHCR IDs & round-the-clock Delhi Police protection.”

Taking to Twitter he said, “India respects & follows @UN Refugee Convention 1951 & provides refuge to all, regardless of their race, religion or creed.”

India has always welcomed those who have sought refuge in the country. In a landmark decision all #Rohingya #Refugees will be shifted to EWS flats in Bakkarwala area of Delhi. They will be provided basic amenities, UNHCR IDs & round-the-clock @DelhiPolice protection. @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/E5ShkHOxqE
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 17, 2022

All 1,100 Rohingyas would reportedly be housed in a total of 250 units that are part of the EWS (Economically Weaker Section). They are currently living in the Madanpur Khadar camp.

The social welfare department of the Delhi government has been ordered to ensure that basic amenities like a fan, three times meals, a landline phone, television, and recreational facilities, among others, are provided while the Delhi Police has been asked to provide security, according to the report. According to the report, the Delhi government previously used these apartments for the Covid camp.

India-UK flight services to resume from 8 Jan, says Hardeep Puri

January 2, 2021, 3:19 am

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday said that flights between India and the United Kingdom will resume partially from 8 January.

“It has been decided that flights between India and UK will resume from January 8, 2021,” the minister said in a tweet. “Operations till 23 Jan will be restricted to 15 flights per week each for carriers of the two countries to & from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru & Hyderabad only. @DGCAIndia will issue the details shortly.”

Last month, these services were suspended to stop the spread of a mutant Covid-19 strain which was recently discovered in the UK.

Several countries, including India, had suspended flight services to the UK. The suspension commenced with effect from 11.59 pm on 22 December. Initial decision was to suspend flights till 31 December. However, in the wake of increasing cases of the new strain, it was decided to extend the temporary suspension of flights to & from the UK till 7 January.

Prior to the suspension, over 60 flights per week were being operated between UK and India. Airlines like Vistara, Air India, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways were operating flights between the two countries.