India
Over 70,000 affected by floods in India's Punjab
The flood situation in the northern Indian state of Punjab has remained grim as the flood water on Monday entered more villages inundating houses, crop lands and roads.
At least 36 villages in Tarn Taran, Fazilka and Ferozepur districts were inundated due to fresh breaches in the Sutlej river.
Also read : Onion prices soar in Khulna market after India slaps duty on export
Officials said the situation in the Sutlej remained dangerous in Ferozepur district and authorities are watching closely the situation at vulnerable locations along the embankments.
According to officials, so far over 70,000 people have been affected by the floods in the seven affected districts.
Also read : India is a mature govt, they can say something for regional interest: Momen
Floods in Punjab were triggered by the release of water from the Bhakra and Pong dams in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
Last week landslides, cloudbursts, flash floods and house collapses triggered by heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh killed over 70 people. The incessant rains also pushed the water level up in several dams of the state.
Reports said at least 20,000 residents of nearly a dozen villages in Punjab's Fazilka district were facing fresh flooding in the wake of the heavy discharge from the Hussainiwala Headworks. With roads waterlogged these villages are at present connected to the mainland only through boats.
Also read : India imposes 40% duty on onion exports effective today
Meanwhile, the situation in villages in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Rupnagar and Hoshiarpur districts has started improving.
The overflow of the Sutlej river has also led to the drowning of posts of border guards belonging to the Border Security Force. Many outposts and fencing on the Ferozepur border of Punjab have been submerged. In addition, 14 villages have been cut off from other districts. The local administration is trying to establish contact with these villages.
Authorities in these flood-hit districts have deployed teams of the National Disaster Response Force, army and border guards to carry out rescue operations.
Meanwhile, a local media report said police in Ludhiana district booked four persons who were allegedly found fishing and bathing in the raging waters of swollen Sutlej. The local administration has already issued warnings to the public to avoid going near the banks.
Last month floods also hit 19 districts of the state, claiming 41 lives.
Onion prices soar in Khulna market after India slaps duty on export
Onion prices have gone up in Khulna market just after the India's imposition of 40 percent duty on its export which came into effect from Sunday (August 20).
The prices of onion have increased by Tk 10-15 per kg in the local market just in a day.
On Sunday, Indian onions were being sold at Tk 65-70 per kg, while local onions at Tk 90 per kg. But on Saturday, per kg of Indian and local variety onions were sold at Tk 55-60 and Tk 75 per kg respectively.
Read: India imposes 40% duty on onion exports effective today
Sujan and Kawsar, traders of Mylapota Sandhya Bazar in the town, said that there is no shortage of onion in the market.
However, they are paying Tk 10-15 more for buying per kg of onion. As a result, onions have to be sold at a higher price, they added.
On August 19, the Revenue Department of the Indian Finance Ministry imposed a 40 percent duty on onion export to check price hike.
Read: Indian onions start arriving through land ports as import resumes
Importers said earlier they paid no tax for importing onions from India. Due to the 40 percent duty, an extra Tk 15-19 per kg will have to be counted.
An Indian gazette notification signed by Amreeta Titus, deputy secretary of the Revenue Department under the Finance Ministry, said the duty will remain effective till December 31 this year.
Indian exporters said onion prices are soaring in the country and the government has imposed the duty to discourage exports.
Read: Proper preservation of onions to end instability, crisis: Agriculture Minister
Buyers said that the prices of onion have increased compared to the last few days. Onions may be stockpiled by unscrupulous traders on the pretext of import duty that may cause further rise in prices, they feared.
Ibrahim Hossain, deputy director of the Khulna divisional office of the Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection, said that they are monitoring the market.
India imposes 40% duty on onion exports effective today
The Revenue Department of the Indian Finance Ministry has imposed a 40 percent duty on onion exports to Bangladesh effective today (August 20, 2023), causing a hike in the price of the item mainly used as spice in local markets.
An Indian gazette notification signed by Amreeta Titus, deputy secretary of the Revenue Department under the Finance Ministry, said the duty will remain effective till December 31 this year. India imposed the duty for the first time.
Importers of Hili Land Port said earlier they paid no tax for importing onions from India. Due to the 40 percent duty, an extra Tk 10 per kg will have to be counted.
Read: Indian onions start reaching Satkhira, leading to prices easing down
On the other hand, each kg of onion is being sold at Tk 50 since this morning. Per kg of onion was being sold at Tk 39-47 just a day back.
They said Sunday is a weekly holiday in India and import of onion won’t be possible until the newly imposed duty is not paid, urging the Bangladesh government to look for alternative markets to import the item from.
Read: Indian onions start arriving through land ports as import resumes
Indian exporters said onion prices are soaring in the country and the government has imposed the duty to discourage exports.
They suspected that the prices may be hiked next month as substantial amounts of onions rotted due to excessive heat.
Read more: Govt to allow onion import from Monday: Agriculture Ministry
India’s future and security linked with Bangladesh, says senior MEA official
Smita Pant, a senior official at the Bangladesh, Myanmar Division of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, said on Tuesday (August 15, 2023) that India's future, particularly its security, is inextricably connected with Bangladesh.
Together, Bangladesh and India can achieve a lot, particularly in renewable energy and Sunderbans delta protection, she said.
Smita Pant was addressing an event commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, reports Times Now News.
Read: Indian MEA spokesperson laughs off speculation on military intervention in Dhaka ahead of election
Bangabandhu and his family members were killed in cold blood in 1975, said Pant, adding, the perpetrators, however, were unable to eliminate his values. The dreams of Bangabandhu, "who has few equals in history," are coming true today, she said.
The people have rejected extremism, Bangladesh is on its road to becoming a middle-income country, and it provides more UN peacekeepers than almost any other country, the MEA official said.
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Mohammed Mustafizur Rahman, opened the discussion by saying that Bangabandhu's “struggle and sacrifice in realizing the rights of the deprived and the downtrodden remains a model for the international community. He developed his political philosophy from his experience, in fighting for equality, justice, fundamental human rights, and most particularly, realizing the right to self-determination. In his maiden speech at the United Nations in 1974, Bangabandhu alluded to the overriding importance of ensuring peace and justice for all. He said and I quote, ‘The very struggle of Bangladesh symbolized the universal struggle for peace and justice.'
Read: India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi calls for army deployment to end ethnic violence in Manipur
“The same voice was echoed at the NAM Summit held in Algiers in 1973, where Bangabandhu said, ‘The world is divided between those who are the oppressors and those who are the oppressed…. We stand for those who are oppressed and those who stand by them in their just struggle for liberation from oppression.’
“The assassins killed Bangabandhu, but they could not wipe out, or erase, the principles and ideals of this great man. His teachings, ideologies and spirit remain deeply ingrained in our hearts,” the report quoted the Bangladesh high commissioner as saying.
Bangladesh has made significant progress, according to the high commissioner, "including in the areas of poverty reduction, education, health, and women empowerment."
Pankaj Saran, former Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, agreed that Bangladesh's socioeconomic statistics were now better than those of Pakistan and, in certain circumstances, India. It was Bangabandhu who envisioned a thriving Bangladesh and good relations with India, he said.
Read more: Bangladesh, India trade transactions in rupees will ease pressure on forex reserves: High Commissioner
Mumbai Travel Guide: Must-visit Places and Fun Activities
Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a city packed with history and heritage on the west coast of India. The city is often dubbed the financial capital of India, owing to its business settlements and port. The iconic Hindi film industry, better known as Bollywood, is at the centre of Mumbai's popular culture.
This year, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will host six games of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, including a home game and a semi-final. With the greatest cricket event on the horizon, let’s look at 10 of the best places to explore in Mumbai.
Top Places to Explore in Mumbai
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is probably one of the most iconic landmarks in India. From paintings to notes to stamps, the Gateway of India is truly representative of India and its hospitality.
Getting to the Gateway of India is fairly easy. Either take a bus or taxi from anywhere in Mumbai and head over to Colaba, South Mumbai. On the far end of the edge of the Arabian Sea, the iconic monument stands tall.
Explore the surrounding areas on the rocky coast. There are numerous vendors selling delectable street food like vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhel puri. Visitors can also take boat rides to the nearby Elephanta Caves.
Read more: How to get an Indian Tourist Visa from Bangladesh - UNB
Marine Drive
Marine Drive connects the Gateway of India with downtown Mumbai with a 3.6 km long stretch along the boulevard on the south coast of Mumbai.
At night, the road lights up, which, when seen from above, looks like a string of pearls across the Mumbai coast.
The road also leads to the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the crown jewel of the Taj Hotels and an iconic Indo-Saracenic architectural heritage of the city.
24-year-old dies of electrocution while running on treadmill at gym
A 24-year-old man died of electrocution while running on a treadmill at a gym in north Delhi, India.
The deceased, Saksham Pruthi, was a BTech major and worked in a firm in Gurugram. He used to work out at the Gymplex Fitness Zone in Sector 15, and was a resident of Rohini Sector 19, reports NDTV.
Also read: Man dies from electrocution in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar
The young man fell while jogging on the treadmill early on Tuesday and the cause of the death was mentioned as electrocution in the autopsy report, it said.
Also read; Man dies from electrocution in city
The gym manager has been arrested by police. A case has been filed under the provisions dealing with culpable homicide that does not amount to murder and careless behaviour with regard to machinery. Police are investigating further into the matter.
Also read: Worker dies from electrocution in Dhaka’s Kamrangirchar
1 arrested after video of women paraded naked in India’s Manipur draws nationwide outrage
A man was arrested today (July 20, 2023), a day after a video of two women being paraded naked in India’s Manipur state drew nationwide outrage and calls for action.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced the arrest this morning through Twitter, saying that his government will take strong action against all criminals, including the possibility of death penalty, reports NDTV.
Also read: Modi breaks silence over Manipur 'ethnic violence' after viral video shows mob molesting women
Heradas (32) was arrested from Thoubal district with the help of a viral video in which he was seen wearing a green T-shirt, according to police.
The footage of the deplorable incident, which is said to have occurred in May in Kangpokpi district, resulted in widespread criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Supreme Court, NDTV said.
“What has happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven. The incident is shameful for the country, the guilty will not be spared,” Modi said in parliament.
Also read: 54 people killed in street clashes in India’s Manipur
The Indian Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has directed the government to take measures and to keep the court informed of the efforts being taken to guarantee the safety of women in the region, the report also said.
“We are very deeply disturbed about the videos distributed yesterday. We are expressing our deep concern. It is time that the government steps and takes action. This is unacceptable,” he said.According to insiders, the government is expected to take action against Twitter over video distribution since it “could lead to problems in law and order,” added the report.
The incident occurred on May 4, a day after conflict erupted in Manipur between the valley-majority Meitei and the hill-majority Kuki tribes over the Meiteis’ call for Scheduled Tribes (ST) recognition.
Over 120 people have died as a result of the ethnic conflict, and hundreds have been internally displaced and are currently living in camps.
Also read: Manipur situation will take time to settle down: Indian Chief of Defence Staff
Meanwhile, the opposition has asked that PM Modi make a speech in parliament on the situation in Manipur. Ten opposition MPs have already introduced an adjournment motion in relation to Manipur, the report concluded.
ICC World Cup 2023 Venues: Cities and Stadiums in India
Set to take place in India, the 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup tournament is scheduled to kick off on October 5 and end on November 19, 2023. The 48 matches of the 2023 World Cup will take place in 10 venues across India. The stadiums are located in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dharamshala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Pune. Let’s get to know the details about each venue.
10 Stadiums in India to Host the ICC World Cup 2023
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Narendra Modi Stadium, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, is a renowned cricket stadium known for its magnificence and record-breaking capacity. Formerly known as Motera Stadium, it was renamed in 2021 in honour of the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who served as president of the Gujarat Cricket Association from 2009 to 2014 and the chief minister of the state from 2001 to 2014.
The stadium boasts a massive seating capacity of 132,000 spectators, making it the largest cricket stadium in the world. Established in 1982, it has witnessed numerous historic events, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup quarterfinal between India and Australia and the pink-ball Test match between India and England in 2021. With its state-of-the-art facilities and awe-inspiring infrastructure, Narendra Modi Stadium continues to be a symbol of cricketing excellence.
The final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19, 2023.
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M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, is a prestigious cricket stadium that has left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape. Previously known as the Karnataka State Cricket Association Stadium and later renamed after M. Chinnaswamy, a former president (served from 1977 to 1980) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the stadium is renowned for its electric atmosphere and obsessive fans.
With a seating capacity of around 40,000 spectators, it provides an intimate yet vibrant setting for cricket matches. Established in 1969, the stadium has witnessed several significant events, including Afghanistan’s first test match and memorable Indian Premier League (IPL) encounters.
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M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is a renowned cricket stadium known for its rich history and cricketing culture. With a seating capacity of around 50,000 spectators, it is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Established in 1916, it has hosted numerous significant events, including Test matches, ODIs, and IPL matches. The stadium has witnessed three World Cups in 1987, 1996, and 2011. M. A. Chidambaram Stadium continues to be a cherished venue for cricket enthusiasts and remains an iconic symbol of the sport in Chennai.
Read more: Chennai Travel Guide: Amazing Places to See and Fun Things to Do
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Arun Jaitley Stadium, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, is a renowned cricket stadium situated in New Delhi, the capital city of India. Named after the late Arun Jaitley, a prominent Indian politician and former president of the Delhi & District Cricket Association, the stadium stands as a fitting tribute to his contributions to Indian cricket.
With a seating capacity of approximately 41,842 spectators, Arun Jaitley Stadium provides an exhilarating atmosphere for cricket matches. Established in 1883, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest cricket venues in India.
This ground witnessed remarkable performances and memorable moments, such as Anil Kumble’s iconic 10 wickets in a test inning against Pakistan in 1999 and Hemu Adhikari and Ghulam Ahmed’s record tenth wicket stand of 111 runs in 1952.
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HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India, stands as a picturesque cricket venue. With a capacity of around 23,000 spectators, this stadium offers a serene and awe-inspiring backdrop for cricket matches.
Built in 2003, it is a relatively new addition to the cricket scene but has swiftly gained recognition for its unique location and excellent facilities. The HPCA Stadium has hosted several notable matches, including international encounters and IPL matches. Cricketers and fans enjoy the breathtaking views, cool climate, and vibrant atmosphere that make watching a match here a truly memorable experience.
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
Located in Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana state in India, the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium stands as a modern and impressive cricket venue. Named in honour of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, this stadium holds a capacity of approximately 55,000 spectators.
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It was built in 2003; it is a relatively young stadium that has quickly gained recognition for its state-of-the-art facilities and excellent playing conditions. It has witnessed remarkable moments, such as Sachin Tendulkar’s 17,000 runs in ODI.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens, situated in the bustling city of Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is an iconic cricket stadium with a rich history and a passionate fan base. With a staggering capacity of around 68,000 spectators, it is one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world.
Bangladesh, India trade transactions in rupees will ease pressure on forex reserves: High Commissioner
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma today (July 11, 2023) said the new arrangement — through initially designating selected Indian and Bangladeshi banks — to commence settlement of bilateral trade in Indian rupee can help reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
“There are clear benefits of this new mechanism. It will reduce pressure to some extent on foreign exchange reserves for settlement of trade, while allowing some savings on exchange costs for traders. Essentially, this mechanism would help in bringing certainties of dealing in our own currencies,” he said.
Speaking at an event to mark commencement of Bangladesh-India bilateral trade in Indian rupees, the high commissioner said the Indian banks currently identified are the State Bank of India and the ICICI Bank, whereas the designated Bangladeshi banks are Sonali Bank and Eastern Bank Ltd.
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Bilateral trade settlement in rupee entails each of the designated Bangladeshi banks opening a Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) with the designated Indian banks.
With growing determination and willingness, both sides, despite the odds presented by the global economic situation, have moved forward to add new momentum to the economic ties, said the envoy.
“We faced the challenge presented by the Covid pandemic, and emerged stronger from it. The current global headwinds that are affecting economies across the world, present yet another challenge. And it is very heartening, and a symbol of the resilience of our bilateral partnership, that we are yet again adapting and leveraging opportunities to take our relationship and our economies forward through this innovative arrangement,” he said.
This is also a reflection of the commitment to shared growth and shared prosperity, said the high commissioner.
Read: ADB increases support for rural roads improvement in Bangladesh
He said the success of this mechanism will lie in widespread knowledge and use of this arrangement.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Secretary to Financial Institutions Division, Ministry of Finance, and presidents of the trade and chamber bodies were present.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here today at this landmark event, where we formally announce the commencement of the India-Bangladesh trade in Indian rupee,” said the Indian envoy.
He said India-Bangladesh relations have transformed significantly over the last decade under the visionary leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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“And one of the most important manifestations of that transformation is our visibly growing economic and commercial ties and connectivity links,” he said.
Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia, and fifth largest globally. In the last five years, bilateral trade has more than doubled.
Bangladesh’s exports to India have consistently crossed the one billion dollar mark consecutively over the last three years. In the last financial year, it crossed two billion dollars for the first time.
India, with its diverse market, has emerged as the top export destination for Bangladesh in Asia.
Read more PM on forex reserves: Better to spend on people's welfare than keep it idle
Indian authorities arrest 3 railway officials over the train crash that killed more than 290 people
India’s federal crime agency said Friday (July 07, 2023) it has arrested three railway officials in connection with one of the country’s deadliest train accidents, which killed more than 290 people last month.
The arrested men have been charged with culpable homicide without murder and destruction of evidence, the Central Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. It identified them as two signal engineers and one technician, and said the investigation is ongoing.
Error in signaling system led to train crash that killed 275 people in India, official says
June’s train crash in eastern Odisha state occurred when a packed passenger train was mistakenly diverted onto an adjacent loop line where it rammed into a stationary freight train loaded with iron ore. The collision derailed the passenger train’s coaches onto another track where they struck a passing train that was running in the opposite direction.
The two passenger trains were carrying more than 2,290 people when the collision took place. Nearly 1,000 people were injured.
India’s deadly train crash renews questions over safety as government pushes railway upgrade
After the accident, India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the cause of the crash was related to the signaling system.
India, a country of 1.42 billion people, has one of the world’s most extensive and complicated railways built during the British colonial era: more than 40,000 miles (64,000 kilometers) of tracks, 14,000 passenger trains and 8,000 stations. Spread across the country from the Himalayas in the north to the beaches in the south, it is also a system that is weakened by decades of mismanagement and neglect.
Despite efforts to improve safety, several hundred accidents happen every year, and most such crashes are blamed on human error or outdated signaling equipment.
Indian officials end rescue work for 2 wrecked passenger trains that killed over 300 people
The June crash was India’s deadliest since 1995, when two trains collided near New Delhi, killing 358 people. In 2016, a passenger train slid off the tracks between the cities of Indore and Patna, killing 146 people.