Iraq on the boil
No trace of 40 Indians abducted in Iraq
Mostly from Punjab, hostages were working for a Baghdad-based firm; Ex-envoy rushed to crisis-hit country
New Delhi, June 18
Forty Indian construction workers, mostly from Punjab, have been kidnapped from the Iraqi city of Mosul.
Mothers of two Punjab youths trapped in Mosul (Iraq) hold their sons� photos in Amritsar. A Tribune photograph

Ensure their safety, Punjab urges Centre
Swaraj promises all help to Sukhbir
Chandigarh, June 18
Worried over the fate over 40 Punjabi youths reportedly kidnapped in Iraq, the Punjab Government today said it was constantly in touch with the Centre that has promised their safe return.

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Refinery targeted; Iraq seeks US air strike
Baghdad, June 18
As Sunni insurgents launched a strong offensive by targeting the country's biggest oil refinery, Iraq on Wednesday requested the US for air strikes on militants, who have made rapid territorial gains.

Turmoil aftershocks to hit India hard
New Delhi, June 18
The aftershocks of the Iraq crisis and the resultant spike in oil prices will mar India�s macro indicators like the twin deficits, import bill and inflation posing a challenge for the government finances.

Drug trade: Sukhbir defends Majithia, denies leaders' role
Chandigarh, June 18
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today defended his brother-in-law and Minister for Information and Public Relations Bikram Singh Majithia.


Punjab Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal in Chandigarh

PM meets team to check inflation as crisis looms
Brainstorms to deal with poor monsoon, oil price hike
New Delhi, June 18
The Iraq crisis may spell additional problems for the Narendra Modi government, which is already grappling with challenges posed by errant southwest monsoon and increase in wholesale price inflation.

A farmer awaits rain

PK Dhumal, ex-IAS officer booked for corruption
Shimla, June 18
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has registered an FIR against former Chief Minister PK Dhumal and retired Principal Secretary (Home) PC Kapoor for allegedly giving undue benefit to an IPS officer AN Sharma.