A month after a horrific car crash in Vadodara that claimed a woman’s life and injured seven others, a forensic report has confirmed that the driver, Rakshit Chaurasia, was under the influence of marijuana during the incident. The 23-year-old is a fourth-year law student at Maharaja Sayajirao University and hails from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The late-night crash occurred around 12:30 am on March 13, 2025 near Amrapali Chaar Rasta in the city’s Karelibaug area. Chaurasia’s car rammed into multiple two-wheelers, resulting in the death of 38-year-old Hemali Patel and leaving several others injured. The vehicle, a Volkswagen Virtus, belonged to his friend Pranshu Chauhan, who was also present in the car along with a third occupant, Suresh Bharwad.
Disturbing Visuals Surfaces Online
Following the crash, disturbing footage emerged online, showing Chaurasia, clad in a black T-shirt, walking dazed on the road, shouting “another round” and chanting “Om Namah Shivay.” Eyewitnesses said he appeared disoriented and was eventually restrained by locals before police arrived.
Initially, Chaurasia claimed that he was neither drunk nor high and blamed the accident on an airbag malfunction after hitting a pothole. However, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar detected traces of marijuana in the blood samples of all three men. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4), Panna Momaya, confirmed that separate charges under the NDPS Act were added, along with Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act for driving under the influence of drugs.
Police Reveals Details
Police sources revealed that the trio had met at Bharwad’s home before heading out. While Chauhan has been arrested, Bharwad is expected to be taken into custody soon. Chaurasia was arrested a day after the incident and is currently lodged at Vadodara Central Jail.
In addition to the NDPS charges, Chaurasia faces accusations of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash driving, and endangering public safety. The impact of the crash was so severe that several victims were thrown into the air, as captured by CCTV footage. Four of the injured victims remain hospitalised.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities review more evidence, including digital trails and eyewitnesses accounts
Kolkata, India: In anticipation of Ram Navami on Sunday, the West Bengal administration has ramped up security measures across the state, with 60 rallies expected to take place in Kolkata alone. To ensure peace and prevent any orchestrated unrest, 29 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers have been given special assignments across key districts including Howrah, Hooghly, Barrackpore, Malda, Murshidabad and Siliguri. These officers will remain on duty until Monday.
Major Deployments of IPS officers in vulnerable places
The Kolkata Police will deploy between 3,500 to 4,000 personnel throughout the city to maintain law and order. Senior officers of Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Joint Commissioner rank will be posted at major and traditional rally routes, police sources confirmed. Drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and videography will also be implemented for heightened oversight. Picketing has been planned along designated rally routes, while Quick Response Teams (QRTs) will remain on standby. Mobile patrolling, especially in sensitive areas such as Hastings, Entally, and Cossipore, will also be intensified.
Rallies have been announced not only by the BJP and other right-wing Hindu groups but also by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). In areas with significant Hindi-speaking populations — such as Asansol and Siliguri — the TMC is set to hold its own processions. In Jalpaiguri, TMC councillors have reportedly distributed leaflets door-to-door to invite residents to participate in Ram Navami processions.
Kolkata Police Commissioner, Manoj Verma, has stated that any display of weapons during these rallies will be met with legal action. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing concerns, remarked, “Just as Punjabis carry a kirpan, similar activities can be conducted within the system.” She further stated that while she has no objection to processions, they must be peaceful.
Sources within the police noted that last year, around 60 rallies were conducted in the city during Ram Navami — a figure expected to be mirrored this year. The Commissioner is scheduled to hold a meeting with senior officers at Lalbazar on Saturday at noon to finalise plans.
History of Violence on Ram Navami in Bengal
Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal have often been marred by communal tensions and violence in recent years. In 2023, violence broke out in Howrah’s Shibpur area during a Ram Navami procession, leading to arson, vandalism, and clashes between communities. The situation had necessitated the deployment of central forces and the imposition of prohibitory orders.
Similarly, in 2022, clashes erupted in several areas including Shibpur and Rishra, prompting a strong response from law enforcement and drawing political fire from both the ruling party and the opposition. Accusations of incitement and negligence flew thick and fast as the state administration scrambled to restore order.
Given this backdrop, the government appears determined to avoid a repeat of previous years, stressing pre-emptive coordination and visible policing. With multiple political and religious factions taking to the streets this year, authorities are on high alert to ensure that Ram Navami passes peacefully.
Ram Navami in West Bengal: राम नवमी के त्योहार को देखते हुए पश्चिम बंगाल में सुरक्षा व्यवस्था पुख्ता किया गया है ताकि किसी भी अप्रिय घटना को रोका जा सके। West Bengal Police और Kolkata Police ने संवेदनशील इलाकों में वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों की तैनाती, ड्रोन और बॉडी कैमरों के माध्यम से निगरानी, और क्विक एक्शन टीम की तैनाती की है। रामनवमी (Ram Navami West Bengal) का त्योहार पूरे देश में रविवार को मनाया जाएगा।
हर त्यौहार के लिए हमें कोर्ट जाना पड़ता है – दिलीप घोष
हावड़ा की रामनवमी रैली पर कलकत्ता हाईकोर्ट के आदेश पर बीजेपी नेता दिलीप घोष ने कहा, “बंगाल में किसी भी कार्यक्रम के लिए हमें कोर्ट से अनुमति लेनी पड़ती है। यहां की सरकार और पुलिस हमें अनुमति नहीं देती। रामनवमी का जुलूस हिंदू समुदाय के रीति-रिवाजों के अनुसार निकाला जाएगा। पुलिस की जिम्मेदारी है कि वह शांतिपूर्ण आचरण बनाए रखें, कोई बाधा न डालें। लेकिन पुलिस जानबूझकर दुर्व्यवहार करती है और फिर कोर्ट में जाकर कहती है कि अनुमति नहीं दी जानी चाहिए।”
Ram Navami in West Bengal: संवेदनशील इलाकों में खास निगरानी
पश्चिम बंगाल पुलिस ने 10 संवेदनशील क्षेत्र घोषित किए हैं। इन इलाकों में 29 वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों को तैनात किया है। इन क्षेत्रों में हावड़ा, बैरकपुर, चंदन नगर, मालदा, इस्लामपुर, आसनसोल-दुर्गापुर, सिलीगुड़ी, हावड़ा ग्रामीण, मुर्शिदाबाद और कूचबिहार को रखा गया है। खासकर हावड़ा जिले में, जहां पहले भी हिंसा की घटनाएं हो चुकी हैं, छह वरिष्ठ आईपीएस अधिकारियों को निगरानी के लिए नियुक्त किया गया है। ये यहां पैनी नजर रख रहे हैं।
कोलकाता में सुरक्षा के खास इंतजाम, पुलिसकर्मियों की छुट्टियां रद्द
राज्य की राजधानी कोलकाता में भी सुरक्षा के कड़े इंतजाम किए गए हैं। लगभग 5,000 पुलिस कर्मियों को यहां तैनात किया गया है ताकि शांति व्यवस्था से कोई खिलवाड़ न कर सके। राम नवमी को देखते हुए सभी पुलिस कर्मियों की छुट्टियां रद्द कर दी गई है। वे पूरी तरह से इस दौरान उपलब्ध रहेंगे और किसी भी स्थिति से निपटने में सक्षम होंगे। पुलिस मुख्यालय से सभी जिलों को निर्देश दिया गया है कि वे सतर्क रहें और किसी भी अप्रिय घटना को रोकने के लिए जरूरी कदम उठाए।
Ram Navami in West Bengal: पिछले साल रामनवमी में हुई थी हिंसा
पिछले वर्षों में राम नवमी के दौरान पश्चिम बंगाल में हिंसा की घटनाएं देखने को मिलीं थीं। 2023 में हावड़ा, हुगली और डालखोला में हिंसा की घटनाएं सामने आई थीं। इसके बाद कलकत्ता हाई कोर्ट ने इन मामलों की जांच के लिए एनआईए को आदेश दिया था।
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on the second day of his visit to Balrampur, offered prayers at Mata Pateshwari Shakti Peeth. This comes on the occasion of Ashtami of Vasantik Navratri.
Mata Pateshwari Temple
The temple of Mata Pateshwari is also known as Devi Patan Temple, is a revered temple located in Tulsipur. It is located approximately 25 kilometers from Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh.The temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Maa Durga.
Chief Minister Yogi during his visit actively participated in various rituals and activities within the temple premises. This displayed his characteristic simplicity and deep devotion towards culture and religious significance.
CM Yogi Adityanath performs Traditional pooja of Maa Durga
The CM also performed traditional worship of Maa Durga with full rituals at the sacred Shakti Peeth. His presence on this auspicious occasion became a major attraction for the devotees visiting the temple during Navratri.
Following the the traditional pooja at the temple, the Chief Minister visited the Gaushala within the temple complex. Here he fed jaggery to the cows as a gesture of care and reverence towards animals.
CM interacts with children
Yogi also interacted warmly with children present at the temple. He then distributed toffees and chocolates among the kids, bringing smiles to their faces.
In the wake of CM’s visit strict security arrangements were made. The whole temple premises was deployed with security personal to ensure a smooth and safe visit during the Chief Minister’s presence.
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) clinched a 12-run victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 16 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Ekana Stadium on Friday. Batting first, LSG posted an imposing total of 203/8, powered by Mitchell Marsh’s explosive 60 off 31 balls and Aiden Markram’s steady 53 off 38 deliveries. Despite a valiant chase led by Suryakumar Yadav’s 67 and Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 28, MI fell short, finishing at 191/5.
The match saw dramatic twists and turns, with both teams showcasing moments of brilliance. Hardik Pandya, the MI skipper, delivered an exceptional bowling performance with figures of 5/36, becoming the first IPL captain to achieve a five-wicket haul. However, his heroics were overshadowed by LSG’s disciplined bowling in the death overs, particularly from Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan, who held their nerve under pressure to seal the win.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Opting to bat first, LSG got off to a flying start as Marsh and Markram dominated the powerplay, propelling their team to a strong position at 69/0 after six overs. Marsh dazzled with his power-hitting, smashing boundaries with ease, while Markram provided stability at the other end. Hardik Pandya’s introduction into the attack brought MI back into the game as he dismissed key players like Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant in quick succession. Late contributions from Ayush Badoni (30 off 19) and David Miller (27 off 14) ensured LSG crossed the 200-run mark despite Pandya’s exceptional bowling.
Chasing a daunting target of 204, MI faced early setbacks as openers Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks departed cheaply. Naman Dhir and Suryakumar Yadav revived the innings with a crucial 69-run partnership. Dhir played aggressively, scoring a quickfire 46 off just 24 balls before falling to Digvesh Rathi. Suryakumar continued his sublime form, reaching his half-century with elegant strokes before mistiming a scoop shot in the 17th over. His dismissal proved to be a turning point as MI struggled to maintain momentum.
With Tilak Varma retired out and Hardik Pandya left to anchor the chase in the final overs, MI needed 22 runs off the last six balls. Avesh Khan delivered pinpoint yorkers under pressure, conceding only three runs after an initial six from Pandya. His composure ensured LSG secured their second win of the season.
Implications for Both Teams
This victory lifted LSG to sixth place in the IPL points table, providing much-needed confidence after their previous loss against Punjab Kings. The team’s bowlers demonstrated resilience under pressure, with Digvesh Rathi earning Player of the Match honours for his economical spell of 1/21.
For MI, this defeat marked their third loss in four matches, leaving them seventh on the table. Despite Hardik Pandya’s standout performance with both bat and ball, inconsistency continues to plague the five-time champions. The absence of Rohit Sharma due to form concerns further compounded their struggles.
Delhi Dehradun Expressway का निर्माण लगभग पूरा होने वाला है, लेकिन मंडोला में दिवंगत वीरसेन सरोहा का दो मंजिला मकान कानूनी लड़ाई के कारण इसे रोक रहा है। यह विवाद 1998 की मंडोला हाउसिंग स्कीम से शुरू हुआ और अब तक इसका निपटारा नहीं हो पाया है।
Expressway ने उजाड़ा गांव
Delhi Dehradun Expressway: वीरसेन सरोहा जब 1990 के दशक में मंडोला में 1600 स्क्वेयर मीटर के घर में रहते थे, तब उनके आसपास एक छोटा सा गांव बसा हुआ था, जहां लोग अपने परिवार सहित रहा करते थे। 1998 में उत्तर प्रदेश हाउसिंग बोर्ड ने Delhi Ghaziabad Border पर छह गांवों को नोटिस भेजा कि वह मंडोला हाउसिंग स्कीम के लिए उनकी 2614 एकड़ जमीन का अधिगृहण चाहता है, तब विरसेन सरोहा सहित गांव के लोगों के सामने अचानक ‘क्या करें-क्या ना करें’ वाली परिस्थिति आ खड़ी हुई। कई परिवारों को अपनी जमीन छोड़ने के लिए मनाया गया, और उचित मुआवजा देने का वादा भी किया गया । कुछ समय बाद सभी गांव वाले अपनी ज़मीन, अपना घर और गांव छोड़कर कहीं और बसने के लिए तैयार भी हो गए, लेकिन वीरसेन इसके लिए राज़ी नहीं हुए। उन्होंने इलाहबाद हाई कोर्ट का रुख किया। विरोध प्रदर्शनों के कारण यह Housing Scheme कभी पूरी भी न हो सकी। कुछ सालों बाद हाउसिंग बोर्ड ने यह जमीन Delhi Dehradun Expressway के लिए नेशनल हाइवे ऑथोरिटी को दे दी। लेकिन परेशानी वही- वीरसेन सरोहा का घर! Delhi Dehradun Expressway अब लगभग तैयार हो चुका है, लेकिन वह घर अब भी बड़ी बाधा बना हुआ है। मकान अब वीरान हो चुका है लेकिन इसकी वजह से हाईवे का यह हिस्सा अधूरा पड़ा है। 90 के दशक से यह मकान जस का तस ऐसे ही मौजूद है। एक्सप्रेसवे के दोनों ओर निर्माण पूरा हो चुका है, लेकिन यह बीच का हिस्सा अब भी अधर में लटका है। गाजियाबाद के मंडोला में एक घर 90 के दशक से जस का तस खड़ा है, और उसके दोनों तरफ़ हाईवे बनकर तैयार हो चुका है।
क्या है पूरा मामला
Delhi Dehradun Expressway का निर्माण लगभग पूरा होने वाला है, लेकिन मंडोला में दिवंगत वीरसेन सरोहा का दो मंजिला मकान कानूनी लड़ाई के कारण इसे रोक रहा है। यह विवाद 1998 की मंडोला हाउसिंग स्कीम से शुरू हुआ। यहां UP Housing Board ने 1,100 रुपये प्रति वर्ग मीटर की दर से ज़मीन का अधिग्रहण किया था। वीरसेन ने मुआवज़ा लेने से इनकार कर दिया और अदालत का दरवाज़ा खटखटाया। हाउसिंग स्कीम के खिलाफ प्रोटेस्ट करने वाले नीरज त्यागी ने बताया कि सरोहा उन लोगों में से थे जो मुआवज़े की रकम बढ़वाना चाहते थे। उन्होंने 2007 में अदालत का रुख किया। मामला लंबा खिंचा और फैसला आने से पहले ही सरोहा का निधन हो गया। साल 2017 से 2020 के बीच हाइवे ऑथोरिटी ने एक्सप्रेसवे बनाने का काम शुरू कर दिया। प्राधिकरण को मंडोला में रैंप बनाने के लिए मंडोला में जमीन की जरूरत थी। Housing Board ने यह जमीन हाइवे प्राधिकरण को दे दी जिसके बाद मामला और उलझ गया। अब 2024 में सरोहा के पोते ने भारतीय हाइवे प्राधिकरण को ज़मीन हस्तांतरण को चुनौती दी है। उन्होंने अदालत में दावा किया है कि जमीन हाउसिंग बोर्ड की थी ही नहीं।
निर्माण के आखिरी चरण में Delhi Dehradun Expressway
Delhi Dehradun Experssway मामला अब सुप्रीम कोर्ट में है। अगली सुनवाई 16 अप्रैल को होनी है। अक्षरधाम से उत्तराखंड तक फैले 212 किलोमीटर के Expressway का निर्माण कार्य अपने अंतिम चरण में है। एक्सप्रेसवे का उद्देश्य दिल्ली-बागपत ड्राइव के समय को 30 मिनट से कम करना है। अगर यह हाइवे बन जाता है तो लोनी से होते हुए दिल्ली-बागपत को कनेक्ट किया जा सकेगा। Delhi Dehradun Expressway चालू हो जाने से दिल्ली से देहरादून पहुंचने में 6 घंटे की बजाय मात्र ढाई घंटे का समय लगेगा। दिल्ली से बागपत का हिस्सा बनकर तैयार है, जो कि 32 किलोमीटर है। दिल्ली के अंतगर्त आने वाला 17 किलोमीटर वाला सेक्शन Elevated है। बाकी 15 किलोमीटर वाला हिस्सा गाजियाबाद और बागपत में आता है। बागपत में मवीकला गांव के पास एक्सप्रेसवे को ईस्टर्न पेरिफेरल एक्सप्रेसवे से जोड़ा गया है। Expressway अक्षर धाम से शुरू होता है और लक्ष्मी नगर, गीता कॉलोनी, शास्त्री पार्क, करतार नगर, खजूरी खास, अंकुर विहार, शारदा सिटी, लोनी से होते हुए मावीकला NBCC टाउनशिप से बागपत होते हुए देहरादून की ओर जाता है।
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour in Colombo on Saturday. This comes after he commenced his first official visit to Sri Lanka in his third term. The high-level visit is expected to pave the way for significant bilateral agreements. These deals will revolve around the areas of defence, energy, digital infrastructure, health, and trade.
PM Modi’s first visit in his third term
The visit to Sri Lanka marks PM Modi’s first trip to the island nation since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office last year. This follows Dissanayake’s own state visit to India in December 2024, During this visit a joint statement with outlined key areas for collaboration was created.
Ahead of the trip, both leaders posted on X, expressing anticipation to “strengthen the bilateral partnership” and explore “new areas of cooperation.”
The Indian delegation
Meanwhile, the Indian delegation accompanying the Prime Minister includes External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. According to reports formal talks between Modi and Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat are scheduled, Along with this the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding will also be carried out.
Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha’s statement
Santosh Jha, Indian High Commissioner called the visit a major milestone in bilateral ties. He stated that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka has “never been better.” He also highlighted the importance of the expected defence pact.
The pact aims to formalise military cooperation through joint exercises, training, and hardware supply. He added that the visit would “help shape a fresh agenda for cooperation. Maritime security is an important element, and it is well recognised that we are in the same region and our security is intertwined and interlinked”.
Jha also said “India and Sri Lanka are the closest neighbours, maritime neighbours in particular, and have a very wide-ranging relationship. It is very important for us to cooperate given our history, geography, our cultural ties, and people-to-people ties.”
A Joint venture
Both the two nations are also expected to finalize a joint venture between India’s NTPC and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board. This will establish a 120-megawatt solar power plant in Trincomalee. The move will ensure India’s ongoing efforts to support Sri Lanka’s recovery from its 2022 economic crisis.
Visit amid regional tensions
Meanwhile, the visit to Sri Lanka comes amid heightened attention on regional issues, This includes the recent resolution by Tamil Nadu’s government to reclaim Katchatheevu, a long-contested island. However, both leaders emphasized their commitment to strengthening ties, with posts on X expressing optimism for deeper cooperation.
The itinerary of PM Modi includes delegation-level discussions, virtual project inaugurations. Furthermore a wreath-laying ceremony at the Indian Peace Keeping Force memorial. PM Modi’s visit will conclude with a state banquet hosted by President Dissanayake.
Massive protests broke out across several Indian cities on Friday following the Parliament’s approval of the Waqf Amendment Bill, with demonstrators voicing fears of religious marginalisation and encroachment on minority rights. The unrest began shortly after Friday prayers and drew thousands into the streets in cities like Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.
In West Bengal’s capital, a sea of protestors waving the Indian tricolour and carrying placards that read “Reject Waqf Bill” and “We oppose the Waqf amendment” assembled in public areas. The rallies, primarily led by the Joint Forum for Waqf Protection, caused traffic disruptions and stirred local political tensions ahead of next year’s state elections.
Ahmedabad Saw Intense Protest
Ahmedabad witnessed more intense scenes, with police attempting to disperse elderly protestors who were staging sit-ins on major roads. Law enforcement detained over 40 individuals, including the local AIMIM chief, as crowds resisted attempts to clear public spaces.
In Tamil Nadu, members of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam held demonstrations across key cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, and Tiruchirappalli. Slogans condemning the bill echoed through the streets, as TVK leaders criticized the amendment for undermining the secular nature of Indian democracy.
Opposition Files Petition in SC
Meanwhile, the political and legal battle over the bill intensified. Congress MP Mohammed Jawed and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi filed petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the legislation. According to Jawed, the bill introduces “unjust limitations” on Waqf property governance and threatens the autonomy of religious institutions. “You can’t just pass anything because you have the numbers,” he said, expressing hope the judiciary would step in.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, had earlier cleared the Lok Sabha with a margin of 288-232. The bill proposes changes to the 1995 Act, including the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in state and central Waqf boards and a requirement for donors to certify themselves as practicing Muslims for at least five years.
Centre Defends Bill in Parliament
Despite the strong backlash, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill in Parliament, stating it is a forward-looking reform meant to enhance transparency and efficiency in Waqf property management. He also clarified that the law will not apply retroactively, a concern raised by many opponents. Rijiju later said the law would soon be renamed the UMEED Bill—Unified Waqf Management Empowerment Efficiency and Development.
Congress Criticises Bill
Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, condemned the bill as a direct attack on the Constitution’s secular principles. Gandhi described it as “bulldozed” legislation, while Kharge criticised the ruling government’s “negative approach” during the budget session.
The passage of the bill has added fuel to a politically charged atmosphere, with Mamata Banerjee vowing to protect minority land rights in Bengal and warning that the legislation would be overturned if a new government comes to power at the Centre.
The bill’s approval followed extensive debates in both houses—over 12 hours in the Lok Sabha and more than 17 hours in the Rajya Sabha—marking one of the most contentious legislative sessions in recent memory.
The economic rivalry between the United States and China took a sharp turn this week, with Beijing launching a series of retaliatory measures against Washington’s escalating tariff regime. As tensions rise, global markets are showing signs of strain, and neither side appears willing to back down.
In a statement released Friday, China’s Ministry of Finance announced a 34% tariff on all imports from the United States, set to begin on April 10. The Chinese government emphasised that the decision is a direct response to Washington’s new wave of tariffs and called for disputes to be resolved through fair and equal negotiation—rather than what it described as unilateral pressure.
China Declares New Export Restrictions
Beyond tariffs, China also declared new export restrictions on medium and heavy rare earth elements, which are crucial in the production of high-tech devices like EV batteries and computer chips. These curbs will go into effect on April 4 and are expected to significantly affect the global tech supply chain. China currently controls the vast majority of the world’s refined rare earth supply.
Further escalating the conflict, Beijing added 30 more US companies—mainly in the defense and aerospace sectors—to its export control list, effectively cutting them off from the Chinese market. It also halted poultry imports from two American suppliers, citing repeated detection of banned chemicals in shipments.
US President Trump Slams China
President Donald Trump fired back at the announcement, accusing China of losing its grip under pressure. “CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED – THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!” he posted on Truth Social in all caps, echoing the aggressive rhetoric that has defined his trade policy since taking office.
Speaking at the White House earlier this week, Trump defended his tariff strategy, saying American taxpayers have been exploited for decades and that the new policies were part of a long-overdue correction. “This stops now,” he said.
US Tariffs on China Hit 54%
The latest move from the US came on Wednesday, when the administration imposed an additional 34% duty on Chinese imports. Combined with a previous 20% levy introduced earlier this year, total new tariffs against Chinese goods now stand at 54%—approaching the 60% target Trump touted during his presidential campaign.
Starting Saturday, nearly all foreign imports to the US—including those from China—will be subject to a baseline tariff of 10%, with additional reciprocal tariffs set to follow on April 9.
Market Slides as Trade War Escalates
Meanwhile, financial markets are already reacting to the escalating trade war. The FTSE 100 index in London plunged more than 300 points, marking its worst single-day drop since early 2023. In broader European markets, the Stoxx 600 index dropped by 4.4%, and Brent crude oil prices tumbled by 6.6%, falling to $65.50 per barrel—a low not seen since mid-2021.
Economists warn that a prolonged standoff could disrupt global supply chains, particularly in technology and manufacturing sectors, while also fueling inflation and uncertainty in financial markets worldwide.
As both nations remain firm on their positions, hopes for a peaceful resolution appear increasingly dim.
Households and businesses in the Darjeeling District now have a structured way to recycle their used beverage cartons, thanks to a collaborative initiative between Tieedi Permaculture Foundation and Tetra Pak. This partnership not only ensures responsible recycling but also empowers informal waste workers by providing them with formal recognition, training, and healthcare support.
Tieedi, an environmental organization committed to zero-waste solutions, has partnered with Tetra Pak, a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, to establish a decentralized collection and recycling system for used beverage cartons. This initiative will facilitate the recovery of used cartons through an on-ground network of waste workers and community participation. All collected cartons will then be sent to the nearest recycler, Khatema Fibres, in Uttarakhand for recycling.
As part of the initiative, Tieedi is working closely with waste workers to formalize their role in the waste management ecosystem. Waste pickers will be trained in efficient collection and segregation of aseptic beverage cartons. Waste pickers will also provided other livelihood support like health cards for medical support, and getting connected to a structured recycling network for more income. Additionally, youth from Sonada Degree College will play a crucial role in collecting data on waste pickers and helping bridge the gap between academic research and real-world waste management challenges
Aseptic beverage cartons, made primarily of 70% paperboard, are recyclable and can be processed into valuable materials like paper products like secondary packaging, e-commerce packaging, stationery, roofing sheets from poly-aluminum panels, and composite sheets used by, automobile and logistics industry, and for making furniture and more.
Utsow Pradhan, Founder at Tieedi, added, “We are very excited about this collaboration with Tetra Pak India as it fosters the beginning of a synergy between bulk producers of material goods and local grassroots organisation to overcome the challenges of waste mismanagement in our hills. It is also a landmark occasion where for the first time ever the ignored Waste Pickers (kabaadiwalas) have been given a platform where their work is recognised and they received the dignity that they deserve in our society. Even though the kabaadiwallas work in the informal sector, they are one of the most impactful climate action activists in India whose work ensures that a huge chunk of the waste that is discarded irresponsibly by consumers still land up in the recycling hubs. We thank Tetra Pak India for their support for this project.”
Juhi Gupta, Sustainability Director, Tetra Pak South Asia said, “This partnership is a great example of like-minded partners coming together to take a challenge and convert that into an opportunity to do the right thing. We are very happy to partner with Tieedi on this initiative and believe that together we are setting a wonderful precedent in this region for decentralized, community-driven waste management solutions that benefit both the environment and the people working to keep it clean.”
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