Even after the arrival of 18,800 metric tonnes (MT) of rice from India via Benapole land port in the last four months, market prices remain high, causing hardship for consumers, particularly those from low-income groups.  Despite government efforts to stabilise the situation, the price surge continues to strain household budgets. The substantial quantity of rice was imported between 17 November and 13 March under the 2024-25 fiscal year through eight authorised importers, enjoying a duty-free facility.  The most recent consignment of 350 MT of rice entered the country through the port on 13 March. In an effort to stabilise the rice market and ensure food security, the government has permitted major rice importers to bring in rice from abroad. On 6 March, a notice signed by Mohammad Ariful Islam, Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Food, extended the deadline for opening letters of credit (LCs) for the import of non-Basmati boiled rice and Atap rice until 15 April. Multiple Deadline Extensions According to Benapole customs sources, the government authorised 92 institutions across the country to import 273,000 MT of boiled rice and 119,000 MT of Atap rice.  But many importers have been unable to bring in their allocated quotas due to various challenges. The government has extended the import deadline multiple times due to the slow progress in import activities. Initially set for 15 January, the deadline has since been extended several times, with the latest extension allowing imports to continue until 15 April to ensure adequate supplies in the market. Govt approves import of 50,000 MT of rice from India Rising Prices Despite Increased Supply Despite continuous rice imports, market prices have remained high, with a noticeable surge in recent weeks.  Middle-income and low-income consumers are bearing the brunt of the price hike, despite the government’s efforts to stabilise the market. Rice trader Din Mohammad said that prices have increased by Tk 4-5 per kilogram since the start of Ramadan.  For instance, the 28 varieties of rice, previously sold at Tk 64 per kg, are now priced between Tk 68-69 per kg. Miniket rice, previously Tk 72 per kg, has risen to Tk 76, while coarse rice has increased from Tk 52 to Tk 56 per kg. Basmati rice, which was Tk 84 per kg, is now selling for Tk 88-90. "Indian rice is available for Tk 58 per kg, but its demand in the market remains low," he added. Din Mohammad also expressed doubts over the possibility of a price reduction during Ramadan, saying that despite continuous imports from India, market prices remain unaffected. Rice prices soar in Kushtia amid halt in milling Efforts for Efficient Distribution Shamim Hossain, Director of Traffic at the port, assured that trucks carrying imported rice from India receive swift clearance to facilitate rapid distribution to local markets. Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Commissioner of Benapole Customs House, highlighted the strategic importance of Benapole Land Port in expanding import-export trade. "Due to its proximity to Kolkata, the port enables businesses to save both time and costs in trade operations. With an efficient transportation network, goods cleared at the port can quickly reach various district markets across the country," he said. Despite these efforts, the struggle to stabilise the rice market continues, with consumers hoping for relief in the coming weeks.  

A storied cricket rivalry will add a new chapter when India and Australia square off in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday. And it comes with controversy. While Pakistan is hosting the tournament, India has not gone near Pakistan, refusing to go there. Instead, India has played all of its games in Dubai amid security concerns. This has caused debate about India's advantage from playing in one venue that has marred the buildup to the knockout rounds. The Indian government denied permission for the cricket team to travel to its neighbour. The latest refusal came on the heels of viable security threats – tensions on the border, particularly in the northern region of Jammu and Kashmir. India stumble to 249 as Matt Henry’s five-for puts New Zealand on top While Pakistan went to India for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the last time either team toured the other was 12 years ago. Because the tournament couldn't be played without India's financial muscle, all of its games are in Dubai, including the semifinal and the final on Sunday, if it qualifies. If not, the final will be in Lahore. It has caused scheduling and travel headaches for the Champions Trophy. Bizarrely, Pakistan had to give up hosting rights and go to Dubai to face India, and lost. South Africa and Australia flew to Dubai last Saturday because it wasn’t clear which team would take on India in the semifinals. Only after India beat New Zealand on Sunday in the last group game did South Africa return to Pakistan late Sunday with New Zealand to prepare for their semifinal on Wednesday in Lahore. The preferential treatment has put India in an advantageous position to many eyes. "If you can stay in one hotel, practice in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen said on Thursday. But India captain Rohit Sharma shrugged off talk of any advantage. “We are very much aware of the conditions here, but we don’t know which pitch is going to be played," Sharma said. "This is not our home, this is Dubai. We don’t play so many matches here. This is new for us, too.” Anushka to attend Virat Kohli’s 300th ODI in Champions Trophy Dubai was chosen because its the largest of the UAE’s three cricket grounds; it seats up to 30,000 fans compared to Abu Dhabi (20,000) and Sharjah (16,000). India played its three group games at Dubai International Cricket Stadium — on different pitches — and won them all. “They are in Dubai for a reason," Pakistan coach Aqib Javed said. "If you play on the same pitch or ground, you will have an advantage. But we didn’t lose because they stayed in the same hotel or played on the same pitch. Neither did they play 10 matches there.” Depleted Australia has defied the odds The India-Australia semifinal is a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad where Australia upset India and sent the country into mourning. This time, Australia isn't at full strength. It is missing its front-line pace attack and opening batter Matt Short has been sidelined by a quad injury, and replaced by left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly. Connolly's selection pays respect to Dubai's spin-friendly pitches. But Australia doesn't normally bank heavy on spin, and has defied the odds to reach the semifinals under Steve Smith. India, however, unleashed a fourth extra spinner on New Zealand, and they shared nine wickets as they defended 249 with ease. Whether India stays with four spinners or goes back to three is its main question. “Even if we want to play four spinners, how can we squeeze (them in)," Sharma said. “If we don’t, then we don’t.”

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has won the coin toss and opted to bat first against India in their Group A game at the 2025 Champions Trophy on Sunday. The arch rivals meet at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium despite Pakistan hosting the tournament, as India is playing its league games – and potential knockout matches – in the United Arab Emirates. Indian cricket authorities have offered no formal statement about refusing to play in Pakistan, but some officials have suggested that the decision was based on security concerns. Passion, politics and patriotism meld as Pakistan and India clash in cricket's fiercest rivalry Pakistan got off to a poor start in home conditions earlier on – it lost the opening game of the tournament against New Zealand by 60 runs. It faces a must-win situation against India today to stay alive in the tournament. India won its opener against Bangladesh by six wickets in Dubai and will look to carry forward its winning momentum. Another win will confirm its spot in the semi-finals. The last time these two sides met in the Champions Trophy was back in 2017, where Pakistan beat India in the final by 180 runs in London. Pakistan has made one change – Fakhar Zaman is ruled out owing to an injury sustained in the opening game. Imam ul Haq is his replacement and comes into the playing eleven. India has fielded an unchanged eleven. The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to be slow in nature – a dual-paced surface that could aid both pacers and spinners as the game progresses. Evening dew could help the chasing side. Inglis leads Australia to record chase against England in Champions Trophy thriller Line-ups: India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Lokesh Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

US President Donald Trump has criticised the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for allegedly allocating funds to interfere in India's electoral process, questioning why American taxpayers' money was being sent to the country. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington on Sunday, President Trump alleged that India already benefits from high tariffs on American goods and does not require financial assistance for its elections. "Eighteen million dollars for helping India with its elections. Why the hell? Why don’t we just go to old paper ballots and let them help us with our elections, right? Voter ID. Wouldn’t that be nice? We’re giving money to India for elections. They don’t need money," Trump remarked. The figure quoted by Trump could not be independently verified. A prior report from the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) suggested that $21 million had been allocated for "voter turnout" in India. "They take advantage of us pretty good. One of the highest tariffed nations in the world. We try and sell something, they have a 200 per cent tariff. And then we’re giving them a lot of money to help them with their election," he continued. India Responds to Trump's Allegations India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the concerns raised by Trump, stating that the government was looking into the matter. Trump says $29 million in USAID money went to firm 'with just 2 people' "Some information has been put out there by the Trump administration people, and obviously, that is concerning. I think, as a government, we’re looking into it. My sense is that the facts will come out. USAID was allowed here in good faith, to do good faith activities; now, suggestions are being laid out from America that there are activities which are in bad faith. It’s worrisome, and if there’s something to it, then the country should know who the people are involved in it," Jaishankar said. Meanwhile, the opposition Congress party has demanded a white paper on all foreign aid received by India from developmental agencies. Congress has also called for legal action against those propagating what it terms "baseless allegations" of foreign interference in Indian democracy. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera countered Trump’s claim, stating, "More Indian news media outlets have fact-checked the claim by BJP and Modi government’s minister as untrue. Funds went to Bangladesh, not India; although India received USAID funds, it was not for increasing voter turnout." Allegations of Funding in Bangladesh In addition to his claims about India, Trump also alleged that an unnamed firm in Bangladesh had received $29 million in USAID funding. "Got USD 29 million. They got a cheque. Can you imagine? You have a little firm, you get 10,000 here, 10,000 there, and then we get 29 million from the United States government. There are two people working in that firm... I think they’re very happy, they’re very rich. They’ll be on the cover of a very good business magazine pretty soon for being great scammers," Trump alleged. Congress has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally address these claims and refute the allegations. The party has also criticised the ruling BJP, accusing it of exploiting Trump’s comments to advance conspiracy theories. Judge blocks Trump’s plan to place 2,200 USAID employees on paid leave "There is no record of a Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) programme matching the US government’s description in India. CEPPS did have a $21 million USAID contract, but it was for Bangladesh, not India," Khera stated. BJP Dismisses Congress’s Defence BJP leader Ajay Alok dismissed Congress’s statements as "baseless," asserting that the Modi government has significantly curtailed foreign aid flows. "We have already shown that the government got $2,119 million between 2004-14 and just $1.5 million between 2014-25. We are shutting down these things. The Indian government is now acting, the US government has issued a list of who has got the money from where... this is part of a deep state. The Bharat Jodo Yatra was also being funded from this money," Alok claimed. With both the Indian and Bangladeshi governments yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, the controversy is likely to continue, further complicating diplomatic relations between India and the United States ahead of key elections in both nations. Source: Agencies

It is a sports rivalry like no other in the world. When India and Pakistan face off in Dubai on Sunday, the cricket contest will be amped up by so much more — the 78 years of bitterness between the two arch rival nations, the heightened political hostilities, and the patriotic zeal of hundreds of millions of people. Cricket-mad nations India and Pakistan are competing in the game’s 50-over format for the coveted eight-nation Champions Trophy tournament that began on Wednesday in Pakistan. While six national teams have travelled to Pakistan for the tournament, India has refused to go there by leveraging its strong influence on International Cricket Council, the game's global governing body. Indian cricket authorities have offered no formal statement about refusing to play in Pakistan, but some officials have suggested that the decision was based on security concerns. India will play all its matches — including the one against Pakistan — at a neutral venue in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The game's political undertones In both India and Pakistan, cricket has become a symbol of national identity and every clash grabs the attention of more than a billion fans. And Sunday's match comes at a time when relations between the two neighbors have hit a new low. That animosity largely stems from the two countries' dispute over Kashmir, a restive Himalayan region over which they have fought two wars. Nuclear-armed rivals each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. Compounding the territorial dispute are heightened tensions stemming from the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks that India blamed on Pakistani militants, a charge Islamabad denies. And sporting relations inevitably ebb and flow with the politics. Bilateral cricket ties have remained suspended since 2008, and the two national teams have only played each other in global events where they are always paired together in a group to ensure there is a contest between them. Even though the Indian team has not travelled to Pakistan since 2008, Pakistan played in India in 2023 during the World Cup, including before a hostile crowd at a cricket stadium named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Inglis leads Australia to record chase against England in Champions Trophy thriller So-called “cricket diplomacy” has occasionally thawed out relations but that hasn't been the case under Modi. His Hindu nationalist government has taken a tough stance on resuming friendlier cricket ties with Pakistan with many senior ministers saying Indian team won’t play in the country. Dozens of people in India and disputed Kashmir have also faced police complaints and sometimes even jail for cheering for the Pakistani team. “Cricket is the strongest currency in the eyes of this government which they have used to instigate resentment and anger against Pakistan,” said Sharda Ugra, an Indian sports writer. Ugra said while the fans of the two countries are eager to watch the two nations play more often, the contest “has been held hostage to ugly politics.” The eyes of hundreds of millions are on the game In sheer numbers, viewership for the India-Pakistan match dwarfs the Super Bowl in what Ugra calls the “greatest sports rivalry in the world” bar none. When the two sides played against each other in 2023 in India, the estimated viewership — on cable television and streaming services — was around 400 million. In comparison, this year’s Super Bowl averaged a 127.7 million across all platforms in the U.S. Organizers expect similar numbers for Sunday’s contest that will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. And it's a guaranteed windfall as tickets for the game sold out within minutes while billion-dollar broadcast deals have been hammered out. Media in both the countries are cashing in too. Pakistani and Indian TV news channels are providing wall-to-wall coverage. In recent weeks, TV commercials in both countries used patriotic fervor to poke fun at each other. Local authorities and private companies in both the countries have announced that they would set up giant screens in some city centers and inside shopping malls. Fans want more For many fans, this clash holds more value than any other sporting event in the world — and they want more of it. Duckett’s 165 powers England to 351 against Australia In India’s western city of Mumbai, cricket coach Anil Sawant plans to watch the game at a clubhouse along with his friends on a giant screen. “These matches should take place often,” 57-year-old Sawant said, as his students honed their skills during practice at the city’s Shivaji Park ground — a favorite for cricketers of all ages. Mohammad Ahmed, a 27-year-old accountant, has also planned to host seven of his friends at his home in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi city. All of them will watch the game on a big screen and he plans to serve them special chicken biryani. “And of course French fries and soft drinks will be on the menu too,” Ahmed said with a smile.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are all set to prove their cricketing prowess in the high-stake ICC Champions Trophy match on Sunday in Dubai. The high-voltage match brings together two neighbours, with India entering as tournament favorites and Pakistan looking to bounce back from an opening loss. India started their campaign with a six-wicket win against Bangladesh, riding on Shubman Gill’s century. They have been one of the most consistent teams in global tournaments, and they enter this match in strong form, having recently dominated England in a home series. Pakistan fined for slow over rate against New Zealand in Champions Trophy Their squad remained unchanged from the opening game, with the spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel expected to play a key role on Dubai’s slow surface. In the pace department, Harshit Rana was preferred over Arshdeep Singh to partner Mohammed Shami in the first game, and India is likely to retain the same combination. India’s ODI form has been solid, winning four of their last five matches. Captain Rohit Sharma will look to lead from the front, while Virat Kohli’s experience in high-pressure games makes him a key figure in the batting lineup. Afghanistan aims for Champions Trophy glory, not just participation Pakistan had a tough start to their campaign, losing to New Zealand by 60 runs. Their batting struggled to keep up with the required rate, exposing vulnerabilities that India will look to exploit. Pakistan will miss the service of opener Fakhar Zaman who was ruled with a finger injury in the last match. To replace him, the Pakistan management added Imam-ul-Haq to the squad. Despite the early setback, Pakistan remains a strong team, particularly with their bowling attack. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf form a potent pace trio, while spinners will also be crucial in Dubai’s conditions. Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will be key to stabilizing the batting lineup. India and Pakistan have a long-standing rivalry in ICC tournaments. While Pakistan famously defeated India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, India has generally held the upper hand in global events, winning their last three ODI meetings.  

Bangladesh and India have agreed to take concrete measures to eliminate border killings, strengthen security and enhance cooperation on cross-border issues, following the 55th Border Conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The four-day conference (February 17 to 20) in New Delhi, saw a 13-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by BGB Director General Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, engage in discussions with the Indian delegation, headed by BSF Director General Shri Daljit Singh Chawdhary, according to a BGB media release. During the meeting, the BGB chief expressed deep concern over the killings of Bangladeshi citizens along the border and urged BSF to take necessary measures to bring the incidents down to zero. Bangladesh, India want effective border management without any killing In addition, the BSF was requested to inform the appropriate authorities about the construction and renovation of embankments along the banks to prevent erosion of the border river and the unexpected floods caused by opening the embankments upstream in Bangladesh and releasing water without prior notice, said the release. The BGB DG stressed the effective implementation of the ‘Integrated Border Management Plan’ to ensure peace, order and security along the border. In response, BSF reiterated its commitment to a non-lethal policy while upholding human rights and pledged continued cooperation to curb border crimes, including drug trafficking and smuggling. Key outcomes of the conference In order to reduce the incidents of shooting/killing/injuring/beating of unarmed citizens on the border to zero, both sides agreed to intensify joint patrols in vulnerable areas, exchange intelligence promptly, undertake awareness campaigns among border communities and implement socio-economic development initiatives. Any killings along the border will be thoroughly investigated, with necessary measures taken. Dhaka, Delhi eye "good working relations" addressing problems Any construction within 150 yards of the border, including fences and bunkers, will require prior inspection and approval by a joint verification team. Development projects stalled within this zone will be resolved through mutual consultation. Both forces committed to strengthening cooperation in preventing smuggling, particularly of drugs such as Phensedyl, Yaba and cannabis, as well as human trafficking, gold smuggling, illegal weapons trade, and circulation of counterfeit currency. Real-time intelligence sharing was also agreed upon. Both sides will take measures to prevent misunderstandings and tensions caused by illegal border crossings, increasing surveillance and awareness campaigns to prevent unauthorised movements. Stronger efforts will be made to dismantle human trafficking networks, with a focus on the rescue and rehabilitation of victims in accordance with national laws. Besides, establishment of suitable water treatment plants to remove waste water from 4 border canals flowing from Agartala to Akhaura; opening of Rahimpur canal mouth with Kushiyara River in Zakiganj; fruitful discussions were held on the possible location of regional separatist armed terrorist groups and their activities, the release added. EU wants Bangladesh to succeed in its transition from “autocracy to democracy” Both sides praised the implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and pledged to continue collaborative efforts. Plans were also made to conduct joint sports events and a ‘Joint Retreat Ceremony’ to foster mutual trust and cooperation.  

Bangladesh have won the toss and opted to bat first in their maiden match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against India. India entered the event as one of the favourites to win this year’s title. Bangladesh posed some strong challenges to India in recent years. But India has been a tough opponent for Bangladesh for many years. Bangladesh has only eight ODI wins against India. They have to put their best foot forward to beat India in this match in Dubai. ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand outclass Pakistan after Young, Latham hit centuries Bangladesh included three seamers— Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman— in the playing XI. They also have Rishad Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz as spin-bowling options. The Tigers overlooked Mahmudullah Riyad for this match. Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali Anik, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, and Mustafizur Rahman. ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Young, Latham centuries propel New Zealand to 320 against Pakistan India XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Accusing India of exhibiting unneighbourly behaviour towards Bangladesh over the water issue, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said the people of the country want to reconsider all the inequitable agreements, including the one over transshipment facilities, signed with the neighbouring country. “Our neighbouring country has been displaying unneighbourly behaviour towards the people of Bangladesh regarding the sharing of water (from our common rivers). Securing a fair share of the water from the 54 common rivers with India is not a matter of mercy or kindness. It is Bangladesh's rightful entitlement under international law,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while virtually concluding a two-day programme across 11 points in the vicinity of the Teesta involving five northern districts, demanding a fair share of the Teesta River water. The Teesta River Protection Movement organised the programme under the theme "Jago Bahey Teesta Bachai," also calling for the swift implementation of the Teesta Mega Project. Tarique said many outstanding issues with India remain unresolved, and the Teesta deal was not signed as per the hopes and aspirations of the people, but the runaway killer and autocrat Sheikh Hasina granted the neighbouring country transit and transshipment facilities, allowing it to use ports, thus breaching all international norms. Fakhrul urges India to resolve Teesta issue, end border killings, 'big brotherly' attitude “Minimum fairness has not been maintained regarding these agreements. The people of Bangladesh feel that all unequal, unjust, and unilateral agreements with neighbouring countries should be reevaluated and reconsidered, if necessary,” he said. The BNP leader also said the time has come to reconsider Bangladesh’s foreign policy dictum of "friendship to all, malice towards none." “In today's world, there is no such thing as permanent enemies or permanent allies. Rather, the relationship between one country and another should be based on mutual interests, fairness, and necessity,” he said. The BNP leader said their party will prioritise the interests of Bangladesh and its people in maintaining relations with foreign countries. “That’s why the slogan of BNP is Bangladesh first,” he added. In the name of friendship, he said, the people of Bangladesh no longer want to witness the hanging body of Felani on the barbed wire fence at the border or the bloody dead bodies of innocent Bangladeshis along the border. “If the neighbouring country does not ensure the fair share of water from the common rivers or shows reluctance to sign the Teesta deal, we must find a way to protect ourselves in the interest of the country, its people, the farmers, agriculture and the river, to safeguard the navigability of the river,” Tarique said. Sudden rise in Teesta water threatens vegetables farming in Lalmonirhat He also laid emphasis on the necessity of utilising all potential local and international options. The BNP leader also said Bangladesh needs to raise its voice in all international forums, including the UN, to demand an equitable share of water from the common rivers. “At the same time, we must continue diplomatic efforts and initiate fresh talks with the neighbouring country.” Besides, he said, there is no alternative to implementing the Teesta Mega Project to prevent Bangladesh’s northern region from becoming a desert. Tarique also promise that if BNP is voted into power, they will take all necessary steps on a priority basis to implement the Teesta Mega Project.

At least 18 people, including 14 women, were killed in a stampede at a railway station in India’s capital of New Delhi, the Press Trust of India news agency reported Sunday. Many of the victims were Hindu pilgrims who were traveling to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj in northern India, according to Delhi’s caretaker chief minister, Atishi, who uses only one name. The stampede happened late Saturday while thousands of people were gathered at the New Delhi railway station waiting to board a train. The incident occurred after some passengers slipped and fell on others while coming down from a footbridge that connects train platforms, authorities said. Sheela Devi, who was at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital in New Delhi to collect her daughter-in-law's body, said an announcement about a change of train platforms created confusion among the passengers that led to the stampede. “The crowd went out of control and no one could control it,” said Nikhil Kumar, a shopkeeper who witnessed the crowd surge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was “distressed by the stampede.” “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede,” he said on the social platform X. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that an investigation has been ordered to find what led to the stampede. At least 30 people were killed in a stampede at the six-week festival last month after tens of millions of Hindus gathered to take a dip in sacred river waters.