Displaying items by tag: India

Record-breaking smog is blanketing eastern Pakistan and northern India, creating hazardous conditions which are even visible in satellite images. A dense haze stretches from Pakistan’s Punjab province to India, impacting tens of millions. Lahore’s air quality index hit a hazardous 1,200, far exceeding the danger threshold of 300. The fine pollutant PM2.5, linked to serious health risks, registered 110 times over safe levels. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with over 30,000 cases of respiratory issues reported. Schools, government offices, and public spaces have been closed for a week. Children are particularly vulnerable, as UNICEF warns that over 11 million under-fives are exposed to toxic air. Authorities are urging cooperation with India to address this cross-border crisis. The climate crisis and reliance on fossil fuels compound the issue, contributing to deadly pollution worldwide.

India and China have agreed to resume patrols along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, signalling a potential reduction in tensions following their 2020 clash in Galwan Valley in which twenty Indian soldiers were killed. Both nations have longstanding territorial claims in this region. However, a day after this agreement was announced, Indian army chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that significant trust issues remain, and restoring confidence between the nations is crucial for further progress. He said that both nations need to be reassured before carrying out a disengagement process: patrolling along the border would help that process, as ‘we will be able to see each other and check that we are not creeping into buffer zones’.

Born to a Hindu father and Christian mother near Chennai, Mohan committed his life to Christ while in the tenth grade after grappling with spiritual questions about heaven and salvation. Baptised in 1990, he received the gift of speaking in tongues a few months later. He soon felt called to plant churches and began evangelising in a nearby village. Despite having a career as an engineer, Mohan used his earnings to support pastors and plant churches, leading to the establishment of ten churches in India. In 2012, he moved to Connecticut, where he continues to support global church-planting efforts. During the Covid lockdown, Mohan spent time in deep prayer, leading to the creation of Universal Apostolic Ministries, which focuses on planting churches in Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and communist countries. His ministry has expanded from India to include Myanmar, Bhutan, Pakistan, China, Mexico, and beyond.

An Indian ‘fixer’, Tara Chand Tanwar, is likely to face indictment for a long history of criminal activity. One example concerns Sandeep, from Rajasthan, who was working in Italy but lost his job in 2015. He paid €5,000 to Tanwar for a new job in logistics. However, the job exposed him to exploitative conditions, including twelve-hour workdays, lack of a contract, and overcrowded living arrangements. Sandeep’s fear of losing his residency kept him compliant. From 2012 to 2022, Tanwar used weaknesses in Italy’s migration and procurement laws to implement a system of bribery, blackmail, and mafia-like tactics. His operation funnelled millions through bank accounts linked to forced labour. Tanwar’s influence in Rajasthan, a region with high unemployment, had made him a pivotal figure in arranging jobs for hundreds of hopeful migrants, though he lacked the required licences. Workers were unaware of his illegal status and became trapped in debt.

This week has seen intensified Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and steady Russian advances in the Donbas region, balanced by Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region. Diplomatically, both sides continue to show a lack of willingness to compromise. China has reaffirmed its support for Russia through a high-profile visit by premier Li Qiang and a military delegation to Moscow. Meanwhile, India's prime minister Narendra Modi has made a significant visit to Kyiv, signalling India's complex position between its historical ties with Russia and growing relationships with Western nations. Although India has not condemned Russia's actions, Modi's visit to Ukraine and his emphasis on dialogue indicate a potential shift in India's stance. The USA also announced a new military aid package and additional sanctions targeting entities supporting Russia. The diplomatic landscape remains fluid, with all parties manoeuvring for strategic advantage on the global stage.

Nationwide protests have disrupted hospital services in several Indian cities after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee medic in West Bengal on 9 August. Thousands of doctors, led by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), marched in Kolkata demanding better security and justice. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) also noted the poor working conditions, heavy workloads, and frequent violence faced by doctors in government hospitals. The protests, including an ‘indefinite’ strike by FAIMA, have severely affected hospital services: for example, over 8,000 government doctors in Maharashtra have halted work, except in emergency departments. Police have arrested a volunteer from their forces in connection with the crime, and the investigation has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation by a Kolkata high court, indicating the seriousness with which the case is being treated.

Hopes of finding over 180 missing people alive in India's Kerala state are dwindling as rescue workers search through mud and debris after landslides, triggered by torrential rains, killed at least 194 people. This disaster is the worst since 2018. More than 5,500 people have been rescued from hillside villages, but rescue operations are hampered by ongoing rains. Nearly forty bodies were found 30 km downstream from the landslide site in Wayanad district. Most victims were tea estate workers. About 1,100 rescue personnel, helicopters, and heavy equipment are involved in the efforts. Current reports indicate up to 276 deaths from the heavy rains and flooding. Over 8,300 people are in 82 relief camps. Kerala, prone to heavy rains and landslides, received 572 mm of rain over 48 hours, far exceeding forecasts. India has witnessed extreme weather in recent years, from torrential rain and floods to droughts and cyclones, blamed by some experts on climate change.

The Foreign Secretary has announced the UK-India Technology Security Initiative in New Delhi during his first visit to India. Meeting with senior officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiative aims to reset relations with the global south. Key points of the initiative: Telecoms Security and Emerging Technologies: This initiative focuses on collaboration in telecoms security and investment in emerging technologies, refreshing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and boosting economic growth in both countries. Climate Change Collaboration: The UK and India have agreed to enhance cooperation on climate change, accelerating partnerships in offshore wind, green hydrogen, and unlocking green growth opportunities. Strategic Technology Collaboration: Led by National Security Advisors from both nations, the initiative targets critical technologies like AI, quantum computing, health/biotech, advanced materials, and semiconductors. A new £7-million funding call for Future Telecoms research was announced under the India-UK science, technology, and innovation partnership. This initiative is part of a broader effort to refresh the UK-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, education, culture, and climate, while mobilizing finance and unlocking clean growth opportunities.

Massive floods in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh have killed dozens and affected millions. Heavy rains have caused many major rivers to overflow, leading to large-scale devastation. In Nepal, floods have killed more than forty people and damaged key infrastructure. In Assam, India, 66 people have died, and 2.4 million are affected. Bangladesh has reported eight deaths: the overflowing Brahmaputra has inundated a quarter of the districts in the country. Floods and landslides are not uncommon during South Asia's monsoon season, when it receives up to 90% of its annual rainfall; but experts say the issue has worsened in recent years due to climate change. Large-scale rescue operations are under way, with authorities directing thousands to shelters while sending food and supplies to those who are stranded.

At least 120 people have been killed in a crush at a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh. Many victims, including women and children, are still being identified. The disaster occurred when a narrow exit and a fierce dust storm caused panic, leading to a stampede. Witnesses described the chaos, with people falling on each other and some into a roadside drain.  The dead included at least three children. A high-level committee is investigating the overcrowding and poor safety measures at the venue. Survivors and relatives criticised the lack of immediate response from senior officials. The administration’s primary focus is now on aiding the injured and the families of the deceased. Such accidents are common in India due to large crowds and inadequate safety protocols at religious events.