Showing posts with label political news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label political news. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

🇮🇳 Bharat Bandh Today: Nationwide Strike Hits Services, Workers Raise 17 Demands



 Hyderabad | July 9, 2025 – A massive Bharat Bandh was observed across India today as over 25 crore workers from various sectors joined a nationwide strike led by central trade unions and farmers’ groups. The strike was called to protest against the Centre’s policies, including labour law reforms, privatisation of public units, and demands for improved wages and job security.


🔹 Why the Bharat Bandh Was Called

Ten central trade unions and several affiliated organisations initiated the bandh, citing long-pending grievances. Their 17-point charter of demands includes:

  • Withdrawal of the four new labour codes

  • Stopping the privatisation of public-sector undertakings, including defence factories

  • Restoration of the old pension scheme

  • Job security for contract and gig workers

  • Universal public distribution system and price control on essentials

CITU General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur stated that the bandh was essential to resist policies that “attack workers’ rights and reduce job safety.”


⚠️ Nationwide Impact

The bandh had a major impact in cities like Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Delhi, where public transport, banking services, and industrial activity were disrupted. Protest rallies were staged across several states.

  • Banking & Postal Services: Many public sector bank branches and post offices witnessed low attendance.

  • Transport: Bus and local train services in some states were delayed or cancelled.

  • Mining & Electricity: Workers from power and coal sectors also joined, though essential services were maintained.

  • Schools & Hospitals: These remained unaffected in most places.

Despite the strike, markets and small businesses continued to function normally in many regions.


📍 Hyderabad Response

In Hyderabad, the response was partial. Key government services and schools remained open, but some banks and public transport routes operated with limited staff. No major protests or traffic disruptions were reported till afternoon.

Police were on alert, especially near bus depots, railway stations, and government offices, to ensure law and order. Some employees working in private firms opted to work from home due to expected transport delays.


🔊 Government's Reaction

The central government has not yet issued an official response to today’s bandh. However, BJP leaders claimed that the protest was politically motivated and had little real impact on daily life.

On the other hand, unions emphasized that today’s strike is just a warning and that a larger movement may follow if demands are ignored.


📝 Final Note

Today’s Bharat Bandh reflects growing unrest among workers and trade unions, particularly around issues like job insecurity, privatisation, and weakening of labour rights. While the strike’s full impact varied across regions, the message from millions of workers was clear — they want change and dialogue, not silence.


Stay tuned to TodayInCity News for updates on local and national developments.

Friday, July 4, 2025

PM Modi Welcomed in Trinidad & Tobago with Bhojpuri Chautaal Hails Cultural Connect Like No Other


 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand and emotionally charged welcome during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago on July 3, 2025. As he arrived at Piarco International Airport, he was greeted with a traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal performance—a rhythmic folk form deeply rooted in Indian culture, especially from the states of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Dressed in mythological costumes, members of the First Felicity Ramleela and Cultural Group lined the runway, bringing alive a powerful Indo-Caribbean connection. The vibrant drums and tassa beats added to the festive atmosphere.

Sharing a clip of the welcome on social media, PM Modi wrote,

“A cultural connect like no other! Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connect between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar, is noteworthy.”

This visit marks the first official trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago in over 25 years. PM Modi was received by T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and MPs. In a symbolic gesture, Modi referred to Persad-Bissessar—whose ancestors hail from Buxar district in Bihar—as "Bihar ki Beti."


🪔 Deepening Cultural and Ancestral Ties

With nearly 40% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population having Indian roots, PM Modi’s visit was a moment of pride and celebration for the Indian diaspora. He praised the community for preserving traditions such as Ramleela, Navratri, Shivratri, and the use of Bhojpuri language—even six generations after their ancestors arrived as indentured laborers.

During his speech, PM Modi also announced that sixth-generation descendants of the Indian diaspora in T&T will now be eligible for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards, a move widely appreciated by the Indo-Trinidadian community.

He also presented sacred waters from the Sarayu River and Kumbh Sangam, and a replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, symbolizing spiritual and cultural unity across continents.


📱 UPI Goes Global, Starting with Trinidad & Tobago

In a significant development, Trinidad and Tobago will now adopt India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface), making it the first Caribbean nation to implement the platform. This is expected to strengthen digital connectivity and economic collaboration between the two nations.


🏅 Honours & Controversies

Modi is likely to be conferred with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), the country’s highest civilian honor. However, not all voices are in agreement. The Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association, a prominent Muslim organization in T&T, expressed concerns regarding Modi’s human rights record and his government’s stance on religious minorities.

Despite these criticisms, Modi's visit is being hailed by many as a historic moment in Indo-Caribbean relations, blending diplomacy with deep-rooted cultural reverence.


🔗 Summary

From Bhojpuri beats at the airport to policy changes that uplift the diaspora, PM Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago marks a significant step in strengthening India’s cultural, digital, and diplomatic influence in the Caribbean region.

Guru Pournami Sweet Pongal Recipe (Chakkara Pongali)

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