Sharing an idea of greater electricity connectivity in the region, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday called for creating a South Asian grid to share the hydroelectricity generated by Nepal and Bhutan. "Bangladesh can easily bring hydroelectricity from Nepal as it is only 40 miles from Bangladesh. Nepalese hydroelectricity will also be cheap," Professor Yunus said, adding Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan should think of creating a South Asian grid. In a meeting with the Social Business Group on the sidelines of the climate conference in Baku, he said much of the hydroelectricity potentials of the Himalayan nations remain untapped due to a lack of electricity grids connecting Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Nepal officials have said the country has the potential to generate 40,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity, which can help lessen the reliance on fossil fuels in bigger countries such as India and Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser, who has joined the COP29 climate conference in the Azerbaijan capital, said Bangladesh has put the highest priority on water management to prevent floods and to make the best use of water to boost the country's economic growth. "Water is our main environmental issue. We have to do water management in a way that it supports nature," Prof Yunus said.  

There have been no arrests or crackdowns on the supporters of US president-elect Donald Trump in Bangladesh, said Chief Adviser's press wing on Sunday night. Some Indian newspapers have been "aggressively spreading misinformation" about the student-led mass uprising since former Prime Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a popular revolution in August, said the press wing through its fact-checking Facebook page. 'They have hugely exaggerated the violence against minorities during the post-revolution days. They just repeated the same canards over today's arrest of AL supporters," the message reads. Dozens of activists of the Awami League party, whose leadership, officials, and members have been accused of mass murders, corruption, and laundering of tens of billions of dollars, were arrested in the country on Sunday on charges of planning subversive activities in the capital, Dhaka, said the press wing. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has issued a statement to this effect. "Some of these people were carrying Donald Trump's photos after the fugitive AL leader, Sheikh Hasina, reportedly ordered her supporters to carry his portrait and use them as a shield against arrests," said the press wing. "They told police they didn't follow US politics and only carried Trump posters at the order of Hasina," the press wing claimed. It may be mentioned that some sections of the Indian media, notably India Today, reported yesterday's events in Bangladesh in a completely wrong light. Read: INR survey: Bangladesh faces media credibility crisis amid disinformation surge and digital literacy gaps For example, they described the rally called for by Awami League at Gulistan's Zero Point on the occasion of Noor Hossain Day (Nov. 10), an annual event, as one called for by 'Trump supporters' to celebrate the Republican candidate's victory in the US presidential election last week. There is no record of any group identifying themselves as "Trump supporters" or celebrating his successes in the past in Bangladesh. There is also no mention of the US president-elect in any of the Awami League literature surrounding their programme on Noor Hossain Day, which in the end failed to materialise due to a lack of participants. There is however an instruction from ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, that the CA Press Wing's statement alluded to briefly, for the AL activists attending Sunday's programme, to carry posters of Trump alongside those of Sheikh Hasina and Bangabandhu, and specifically to use the ones of Trump to shield themselves against police action. The AL activists were to take photos of these incidents and provide them to their leadership, so that they could be passed on to Trump - all with the intention, presumably, of riling the next US president into going against the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh. These potentially seditious instructions were contained in a call record that leaked last week, between Hasina and one of her party workers. Although UNB has not independently verified the authenticity of the recording, the fact that many AL activists were later arrested carrying out the same instructions verifies itself. Members of the interim government had already made clear on Saturday that no AL rally or programme would be allowed to go ahead on Sunday, and the raids and arrests that followed must be seen in that light.  

Are you ready to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Himalayas? Darjeeling, Tonglu, and Sandakphu should be on your bucket list if you enjoy trekking and exploring serene hill stations. Nestled in India’s West Bengal, these destinations offer stunning panoramic views, rich culture, and thrilling trekking routes. For travelers from Bangladesh, this guide will provide everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to these amazing destinations. Darjeeling Location Darjeeling, known as the "Queen of the Hills," is located in West Bengal, India, at an altitude of about 2,045 meters (6,709 feet). It is famous for its tea plantations, colonial-era architecture, and majestic views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Journey/ Path/ Route The most convenient way to reach Darjeeling from Bangladesh is through the Burimari border. You can take an overnight bus from Dhaka to the Burimari border (8 hours). Complete immigration formalities at the border, then take a bus to Siliguri (3-4 hours). From Siliguri, catch a shared jeep to Darjeeling (3 hours), which will cost 150 INR each. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of hills and tea gardens.  Read more: Moulvibazar Travel Guide: Explore the Top Tourist Attractions What to See There or On the Way On the way to Darjeeling, you will pass through picturesque tea gardens, small hill towns, and lush green forests. Once in Darjeeling, start with a sunrise at Tiger Hill, offering stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga and Everest. Visit Ghoom Monastery and its 15-foot Buddha statue.  Explore the Darjeeling Zoo to see rare animals like the red panda and snow leopard. Discover local wildlife at the Bengal Natural History Museum and tour the historic Happy Valley Tea Estate. Do not miss the spiritual tranquility of the Japanese Peace Pagoda and the adventure-filled Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.  Interesting Activities to Do - Ride the Toy Train through the hills for scenic views and a unique experience.- Take a cable car ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway for aerial views of tea gardens.- Climb Tenzing Rock for some amateur rock climbing.- Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre to explore Tibetan culture.- Stroll through Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park for a peaceful retreat.- Trek and river raft in Singalila National Park and Teesta River. Read more: Exploring Sreemangal: Top Destinations for an Unforgettable Travel Experience

With winter approaching, quality shawls become a wardrobe essential for those seeking warmth and style. Among luxury winterwear, the Pashmina shawl stands out for its timeless elegance, crafted from the ultra-fine fibers of the Changthangi Mountain Goat. Originating in Ladakh in northern India, these shawls carry a rich cultural heritage and are highly sought after worldwide. However, the market is flooded with imitations, making it crucial to know how to distinguish a true Pashmina. Here’s a guide on identifying an authentic Pashmina shawl and ensuring your investment reflects its genuine beauty and craftsmanship. 5 Effective Ways to Spot A Real Pashmina Shawl Feel the Softness  The hallmark of genuine Pashmina is its uniquely fine softness without compromising warmth. A gentle stroke over Pashmina feels feather-light, with an even smoothness across its entire surface. In contrast, synthetic or blended shawls often feel coarse, stiff, and less flexible, lacking the delicate texture of authentic Pashmina. Read more: How to Declutter Your Wardrobe to Donate Some Clothes Observe the Weave Original Pashmina fabrics are handwoven with traditional techniques. It results in a distinctive, slightly uneven weave that reflects the artisanal craftsmanship behind each piece.  Machine-made shawls, on the contrary, have a uniform, flawless weave, lacking this character. Holding the fabric reveals subtle differences, with these irregularities highlighting the skill and heritage embedded in pure Pashmina, all without compromising its flexibility or warmth. Sunlight Test Authentic Pashmina doesn’t shine when exposed to sunlight, as its natural fibers absorb light rather than reflect it. If a shawl glitters in direct light, it likely contains silk, nylon, or other synthetic materials. Read more: How to Choose the Best Fabric for Your Suit Though finely woven, this fabric is not transparent, meaning sunlight does not pass or refract through it; instead, it effectively blocks light. Static Check To test for synthetic content, gently rub the edge of the shawl between two fingers. Synthetic fibers generate static electricity through friction, causing the fibers to stand upright. Since the original Pashmina is made from natural wool, friction does not generate static electricity. As a result, the fine wool fibers remain in place without standing up when rubbed. Read more: How to Identify an Authentic Bangladeshi Jamdani Saree? Flame Test This test should only be used when other methods leave doubts, as it is best avoided unless necessary. It remains a highly effective technique for verifying authentic Pashmina, but caution is essential. Gently pull a small thread from the shawl and burn it. Genuine Pashmina will emit a scent similar to burning hair and turn to fine, powdery ash. In contrast, synthetic fibers will begin to melt, releasing a plastic-like odor and leaving a hardened residue as they burn. In a Nutshell Spotting a real Pashmina shawl requires attention to key characteristics that distinguish it from its synthetic counterparts. Texture, weave patterns, and burn tests offer physical indicators, while sunlight transparency and friction behavior further help identify natural versus synthetic fibers. Each method ensures an investment in a genuine piece of luxury crafted from Changthangi goat wool, embodying traditional craftsmanship. These five steps provide a reliable approach, enabling the selection of a true, high-quality shawl suited for warmth in winter and elegance. Read more: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez inaugurated India's first private military aircraft plant Monday, boosting New Delhi's ambitions of growing local manufacturing in its defense and aerospace industries. Sanchez was welcomed to the country with a roadshow in Gujarat state's Vadodara city where hundreds of people cheered and waved banners. The two leaders then launched the Tata Aircraft Complex, the manufacturing hub which will produce the Airbus C-295 transport military aircraft in collaboration with Airbus Spain and to be deployed by the Indian air force. Sanchez said the project was a triumph of Modi's vision “to turn India into an industrial powerhouse and a magnet for investment and business-to-business collaboration." “This partnership between Airbus and Tata will contribute to the progress of the Indian aerospace industry and will open new doors for the arrival of other European companies,” he added. The chairman of Tata conglomerate, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, hailed it as a historic day for the country's defense sector and credited the late Ratan Tata, the industrialist and former chairman who died earlier this month, for conceiving the idea more than a decade ago. Under a $2.5 billion deal signed in 2021, Airbus will deliver the first 16 of the aircraft from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain — six of them have been delivered to the Indian air force so far. Tata Advanced Systems Ltd will produce 40 of the aircraft in the Vadodara plant, which is expected to roll out the first C-295 aircraft made in India in 2026. The aircraft can transport up to 71 troops or 50 paratroopers and will be able to access remote locations. It can also be used for medical evacuations and aid in disaster response and maritime patrol duties. Since coming to power in 2014, Modi has vowed to turn India into a global manufacturing hub, including in infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and defense. As part of an effort to modernize and reform military equipment, the government has sought to grow the private defense manufacturing sector, a space previously occupied solely by the government-run organizations, and has eased foreign direct investment regulations to try and encourage companies to establish themselves in India. Expelled Indian high commissioner denies involvement in murder of Sikh leader in Canada The visit marks the first by a Spanish leader to India in 18 years. Modi and Sanchez have previously met on the sidelines of global summits in 2018 and 2021. During the two-day visit, Sanchez will hold talks with Modi to review ties between the countries and also speak with Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar Subrahmanyam. On Tuesday, Sanchez will travel to Mumbai, India's financial capital and home to Bollywood, where he is expected to interact with trade and industry leaders, and also visit film studios in an effort to grow collaboration between the Indian and Spanish entertainment industry. Their bilateral trade stood at nearly $10 billion as of 2023. According to the Indian foreign ministry, more than 200 Spanish companies actively operate in India and around 80 Indian companies in Spain. The two leaders are expected to sign agreements that will further boost ties and cooperation in various areas such as trade, information technology, renewable energy and defense, according to an Indian government statement.  

Indian Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will inaugurate the passenger terminal building and “Maitri Dwar” at the Patrapole land port in West Bengal on Sunday. Benapole (Bangladesh)-Petrapole (India) is one of the most important land border crossings for Bangladesh and India both in terms of trade and passenger movement. Maitri Dwar is a joint cargo gate at zero line agreed by both the countries is expected to significantly accelerate release and clearance of goods at the border, thereby enhancing trade efficiency. Nearly 70 percent of land-based trade (by value) between India and Bangladesh takes place through this land port. Bangladesh condemns terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara Petrapole land port is also the eighth largest international immigration port of India and facilitates movement of over 23.5 lakh passengers annually between India and Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided the land port authority of India a new momentum, direction and dimension to take forward our cultural and trade relations with all South Asian countries. Petrapole land port is the largest land port in South Asia and it is a vital gateway for trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh. The new passenger terminal building at Petrapole is a significant addition to the region's infrastructure, set to enhance the travel experience between India and Bangladesh, said the Indian government. With its robust construction and advanced technological systems, the terminal promises safety, efficiency, and comfort for all users. Designed to reflect the grandeur of international transport hubs, the PTB at Petrapole is equipped with all modern facilities such as VIP lounges, Duty free shop, Basis medical facility, Infant/baby feeding Room, Food and beverages outlets etc. It has passenger handling capacity of 20,000 per day, and will house immigration, customs, and security services under one roof. It is built on an area of 59,800 square meters with the implementation of automated entry and exit systems through flap barrier integration. Foreign Secretary to lead Bangladesh delegation at BRICS Summit in Kazan This ambitious project is set to redefine infrastructure and service standards, enhancing the travel experience between India and Bangladesh and positioning itself as a pivotal hub in Asia. In response to the daily cross-border traffic movement at Land Port Petrapole, which sees approximately 600-700 trucks per day, LPAI established a new common second cargo gate named Maitri Dwar along the India-Bangladesh border. This dedicated gate for cargo movement is aimed at easing and streamlining the flow of goods between the two nations, according to the Press Information Bureau of India.

Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is now living in a Lutyens Bungalow in India’s New Delhi after fleeing the mass uprising in Dhaka on August 5.Indian officials confirmed on Thursday that Hasina relocated from Hindon Air Force Base in Uttar Pradesh to a secure bungalow in central Delhi, near India Gate and Khan Market, reports Hindustan Times. Her residence is reportedly an Intelligence Bureau (IB) safehouse, heavily guarded due to ongoing death threats against her. The Print news outlet first reported her relocation, and Hindustan Times confirmed that multiple layers of security surround her residence, with central agency officials and Delhi Police commandos ensuring safety. For nearly two decades, Hasina lived in a 3,600-square-metre palace in Dhaka, built for Queen Elizabeth II. However, student-led protests on August 5 deposed her, forcing her to seek refuge in India. She faces an arrest warrant in Bangladesh and accusations of atrocities during her tenure, the report said. Hasina continues to be in India for safety reasons: MEA Spokesperson The bungalow's security includes "watchers and spotters" from the Delhi Police commando unit and central agencies. An official disclosed that a Delhi Police sub-inspector was initially assigned to the IB and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) when Hasina was transferred from Hindon. The sub-inspector was strictly instructed not to share any details about the operation, even with senior officers, and was removed from the security detail after a few days as IB and MEA officials took over, it said. Hasina's daughter, Saima Wazed, a World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director based in Delhi, is also under security cover. The two have met discreetly in recent months under stringent protocols, the report also added. Previously, Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, lived in Delhi for six years following the assassination of their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. Hasina, Bangladesh's longest-serving prime minister since 2009, has faced criticism for alleged political repression and economic turmoil. The unrest ultimately led to her overthrow, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now heading the interim government, the report said. The Financial Times reported Hasina's recent appearance at Lodhi Garden, indicating that while she remains under heavy security, she has made occasional public outings.

Indian authorities have shut schools, evacuated hundreds of thousands of people and canceled trains in parts of the country as rescue teams braced on Thursday for a tropical storm brewing in the Bay of Bengal. Tropical Storm Dana is expected to intensify, bringing winds of 100-110 kph (62-68 mph) and gusts up to 120 kph (74 mph), as it pushes toward the country's eastern coastline, where it is set to make landfall late Thursday and early Friday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. Climate scientists say severe storms are becoming more frequent in South Asia. Global warming driven by planet-heating gases has caused them to become more extreme and unpredictable. The storm is expected to affect most parts of the eastern state of Odisha, which saw strong winds and rain on Thursday morning. Authorities have closed schools, canceled more than 200 trains, suspended flights and warned fishermen not to venture out to sea. Cyclone Dana: Hit by barge, Navy jetty destroyed in Cox’s Bazar Downpours also began lashing areas of neighboring West Bengal state, where some districts are also likely to be hit, prompting officials there to be on high alert. Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi told the Press Trust of India news agency that around 300,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas, adding that three districts were likely to be severely affected. Authorities plan to evacuate over 1 million people from 14 districts. Several teams of aid and rescue workers have also been deployed to the state, which is prone to severe cyclones and storms. “The government is fully prepared to tackle the situation. You are in safe hands,” Majhi said. India’s eastern coasts have long been prone to cyclones, but the number of intense storms is increasing along the country’s coast. Last year was India’s deadliest cyclone season in recent years, killing 523 people and costing an estimated $2.5 billion in damage.

Defending champions Bangladesh secured a dominant 3-1 victory over five-time champions India in their final Group A match of the 2024 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship at Dashrath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday, earning their place in the semifinals. This win marked Bangladesh's second consecutive triumph over India in the SAFF Women's Championship, following their 3-0 victory in the 2022 edition, also in Kathmandu. Bangladesh, undefeated in Group A, will now face the runners-up of Group B in the first semifinal on October 27. Despite the 3-1 loss, India advanced to the semifinals as Group A runners-up, thanks to their 5-2 win against arch-rivals Pakistan in the tournament opener. India will meet the Group B champions in the other semifinal, also on October 27. The final is scheduled for October 30. Bangladesh dominated the first half against India, taking a 3-1 lead. Forward Tohura Khatun was the star of the match, scoring twice, while defender Afeida Khandoker added a goal for the defending champions. India's captain, Bala Devi, netted a consolation goal for her team. Bangladesh took the lead in the 18th minute when Afeida Khandoker scored with a well-placed shot over the Indian goalkeeper, capitalizing on a corner kick (1-0). Tohura Khatun doubled the lead in the 29th minute, tapping in from close range after a precise cross from Ritu Porna Chakma (2-0). Tohura then added her second goal in the 42nd minute with a powerful shot from outside the box, again assisted by Ritu Porna (3-0). For her outstanding performance, Tohura was named Player of the Match. India's frustration was evident after trailing 0-3, but captain Bala Devi managed to score a face-saving goal in the 44th minute with a header from close range, following a cross from Manisha (3-1). AFC U-17 Asian Cup: Bangladesh take on Philippines in 2nd group match Wednesday Bangladesh's defense, led by goalkeeper Rupna Chakma, held firm, as Chakma made several key saves to deny India's attempts at a comeback. The victory was met with praise from football fans, as Bangladesh continues its quest to defend their SAFF title.      

The Depression over east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining North Andaman Sea moved West-Northwestwards and intensified into a Deep Depression over the East-Central Bay of Bengal and adjoining area, according to a special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Tuesday night. At 6pm on Tuesday, it was centred about '740 kms, West-Southwest of Chattogram port, 660 kms West-Southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 75 5 kms South-Southeast of Mongla port and 700 kms South-Southeast of Payra port. It is likely to move West-Northwesterly direction further and intensify into a cyclonic storm. Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts or squa11s. Sea will remain rough near the system centre. Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted distant cautionary signal number 1. Read: Deep depression over Northwest Bay crosses Odisha coast near Puri All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice, so that they can take shelter within a short notice. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), on the other hand, already predicted on Monday that a powerful cyclonic storm, named Cyclone ‘Dana’, is expected to develop from the depression and make landfall along the coasts of Bangladesh and India on October 24, posing a severe threat to the coastal regions.