Ludhiana, Dec. 3 : With global economic slowdown affecting almost all countries around the world and the United States economy being the worst-hit, the Indian exporters and manufactures have not been able to escape the heat.

The small and medium scale enterprises in Punjab are facing a major crisis and now seeking a bailout from the government. The State’s leather industry particularly is facing a major downturn.

Ludhiana/Chandigarh, Nov. 27 : Having been hit hard by global slowdown, the automobile industry is on the lookout for new and lucrative markets to survive the existing crisis. Today, the focus appears to be on tapping markets like Punjab, as people here are inclined to buy new cars frequently.

Punjab is today viewed as a ‘hot market’ for cars from the sales point of view by the marketing gurus, especially in the luxury segment.

The U. S. auto industry is faced by a situation where it looks standing on the brink of disaster.

Abohar, Nov. 25 : The Punjabi Durbar programme of Radio Pakistan has a new theme. In its recent broadcasts it finds the burly Sikhs not having enough health and education facilities.

While Sikhs settled in different parts of the world are sending their children to Punjab to get them admitted to schools here to ensure that they receive good education and imbibe traditional Punjabi culture, the Punjabi Durbar programme wants people to believe that there is discrimination against them in education facilities.

Bathinda, Nov. 24 : Being one of the oldest towns in Punjab, Bathinda today steadily emerging as the State’s modern industrial city.

Bathinda City today boasts of having Asia''s biggest railway junction and one of the biggest food-grain and cotton markets in India.

Major developments plans have been put in place since last year.

The government plans to set-up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for textile, a domestic airport, an air-conditioned bus terminal-cum-commercial complex, a flying academy and a cricket stadium.

Amritsar, Nov 24 : Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta looks forward to addressing various security related aspects during the Home Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan which begin in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Gupta is leading the India delegation at the talks.

Speaking to reporters here on his way to Pakistan, he said New Delhi expects proactive cooperation from Islamabad in dealing with security matters.

Bharti Wal-Mart, a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and US retail giant Wal-Mart intends to go ahead with its cash and carry stores launch, despite the current market instability.

The retailer plans to open 15 carry-and-carry centers in various states in seven years and employ 5,000 people.