by thefactreport.com | Oct 7, 2023 | INDIA, NEWS
In the vast and peaceful landscapes of Lachen and Lachung in Sikkim’s Mangan district, a devastating flash flood struck, leaving more than 3,000 tourists stranded and in need of urgent help. This article takes a detailed look at the inspiring rescue and relief operations undertaken to ensure the safety of those affected.
The Brave Efforts of the Indian Air Force
When disaster struck, the Indian Air Force sprang into action, making courageous attempts to rescue the stranded tourists using Mi-17 helicopters. However, the turbulent weather conditions in Bagdogra and Chaten posed severe challenges, with low-lying clouds and poor visibility making it unsafe to fly. Despite these obstacles, the unwavering dedication of the Indian Air Force personnel shone through as they continued their valiant efforts.
Battling the Ravages of Nature: Damaged Roads
The flood left a trail of destruction, severely damaging the roads leading to Lachen and Lachung. This made it nearly impossible for rescue teams to reach the stranded tourists. To overcome this hurdle, alternative routes via Dzongu were being explored, highlighting the relentless determination to find a way to provide help.
Teesta Urja: A Ray of Hope
Amid the chaos, Teesta Urja emerged as a savior. They generously provided a helicopter for rescuing tourists and delivering essential supplies to the Chungthang area. Their swift response played a pivotal role in alleviating the distress of those in dire need.
ITBP’s Heroic Mission
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) swiftly mobilized a team to the affected region, embarking on a mission of relief and rescue in Chungthang. Their expertise in handling challenging situations proved invaluable, offering solace to the distressed and stranded tourists.
Weather Forecast: A Glimpse into the Future
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided a weather forecast specifically for the Mangan district. According to their predictions, light to moderate rainfall is expected across most areas in the district over the next five days. Furthermore, Lachen and Lachung are anticipated to experience generally cloudy to overcast skies during this period. These forecasts serve as crucial information for ongoing rescue operations, enabling teams to plan and adapt to changing conditions effectively.
NDRF and State Agencies: Tireless Efforts
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, working in conjunction with state agencies, have been relentlessly conducting rescue operations in areas such as Singtam, Bardang, and Rangpo. Nevertheless, reaching the upper reaches of North Sikkim, including Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung, has been fraught with significant challenges.
On-the-Ground Assessment
Recognizing the importance of real-time information, small teams comprising senior government officers embarked on a challenging trek from Mangan to Chungthang. Their mission is to assess the extent of damage and provide vital updates to the state government. This courageous effort ensures that decision-makers have accurate, on-the-ground intelligence to guide rescue and relief efforts effectively.
Reinforcements on the Way
In a heartening display of unity, more rescue teams, including personnel from the India Reserve Battalion, are en route to Chungthang. Their presence promises additional support and resources for those in need.
Chungthang’s Ordeal
Chungthang, at the epicenter of the flash flood in the Teesta river, endured significant devastation. Initial reports from rescue teams on the ground indicate that nearly 80 percent of the town has been affected by the flash flood. This catastrophe underscores the urgent need for coordinated rescue and relief efforts.
The Catastrophic Trigger
The flash flood in the Teesta river was triggered by a cloudburst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim during the early hours of Wednesday. This devastating event claimed the lives of 27 individuals, including eight Army personnel, and left 141 people missing. The aftermath of the flood resulted in extensive damage, including the destruction of more than 1,200 houses and the washing away of 13 bridges in the picturesque Himalayan state.
In conclusion, the heroic efforts of various agencies, organizations, and individuals have come together in a display of unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity. The rescue and relief operations in Lachen and Lachung are a testament to the indomitable human spirit, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the flash flood.
by thefactreport.com | Sep 4, 2023 | INDIA, NEWS
According to sources familiar with the matter in both India and China, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to skip the upcoming G20 summit of world leaders in India, scheduled for September 9-10. Instead, Premier Li Qiang is likely to represent Beijing at the event.
Despite inquiries, spokespersons for both the Indian and Chinese foreign ministries have not provided official comments or confirmations regarding Xi’s absence.
The G20 summit in India had been seen as a potential opportunity for Xi Jinping to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden, who has confirmed his attendance. The two superpowers have been striving to mend their relations, which have been strained by various trade and geopolitical issues. The last meeting between Xi and Biden occurred on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November of the previous year.
In addition to Xi’s expected absence, Russian President Vladimir Putin has already declared that he will not travel to New Delhi, choosing instead to send Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as his representative.
A senior Indian government official involved in hosting the summit stated, “We are aware that the premier will come,” referring to Premier Li Qiang as the likely representative for China in place of Xi.
Sources in China, including foreign diplomats and government officials from other G20 countries, have also suggested that Xi will not be attending the summit. However, they did not have information on the specific reasons for his expected absence.
All sources provided this information on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak to the media.
The anticipation of a potential meeting between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden has been fueled by multiple high-level U.S. officials visiting Beijing in recent months, including a recent trip by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Another upcoming summit that has been proposed for a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting in San Francisco, scheduled for November 12-18.
Xi Jinping, who secured a precedent-breaking third term as China’s leader in October of the previous year, has made few overseas trips since China eased strict pandemic-induced border controls earlier this year. However, he did participate in a meeting with leaders of the BRICS group of major emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in South Africa just last week.
by thefactreport.com | Sep 4, 2023 | INDIA, NEWS
Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi has responded to Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s recent statement regarding the “eradication of Sanatana Dharma.” Expressing her concern, Lekhi has attributed the surge in such reactions to what she perceives as a form of mental bankruptcy.
Lekhi argued that these reactions are coming from individuals who not only lack an understanding of and respect for the traditions of Sanatana Dharma but also have limited knowledge of their own living heritage.
“The one who is steadfast in his statement is engaged in politics… He harbors hatred against Sanatana. This is not the first time that Hindu society has faced such hatred; it has persisted throughout history. However, today, people are not accepting this resistance. We are witnessing a surge in reactions because this kind of mental bankruptcy is prevalent among those who show disrespect towards Sanatana traditions and possess minimal knowledge of their own living heritage,” she remarked.
by thefactreport.com | Aug 18, 2023 | INDIA, NEWS
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) successfully completed the deboosting maneuver with the Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander at 4 pm bring it in a much tighter, and closer orbit around the Moon.
Isro said that the health of the Vikram lander is normal.
This critical step brings the spacecraft closer to its planned soft landing on the Moon’s south polar region, scheduled for August 23.The Vikram lander, named after Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program, was launched into space by the LVM3 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 14. It entered lunar orbit on August 5 and successfully separated from its propulsion module on August 17.
by thefactreport.com | Aug 17, 2023 | INDIA, NEWS
The government is considering a plan to reduce taxes applicable on petrol prices in addition to easing import tariffs on expensive items like cooking oil and wheat.
A Bloomberg News report, quoting people familiar with the matter, suggested that government officials are considering a plan to reallocate as much as Rs 1 lakh crore from the budgets of various ministries to contain surging food and fuel costs.
This report comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to bring down rising inflation in the country during his Independence Day address.
A decision on the fund reallocation will be taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks, and the measures could include lower taxes on fuel and easing import tariffs on cooking oil and wheat, according to the people quoted in the report.
Inflation has been a persistent problem in India since 2022, with only a few months of relief from February to June this year.
If the government goes for fresh measures to tackle inflation, it would be the second straight year when adjustments were needed to tackle inflation. It may be noted that the government spent an additional Rs 2 lakh crore last year to safeguard consumers from rising inflation.
Not just fuel prices, but households are feeling the inflation heat from all sides – be it tomatoes, other fruits and vegetables, milk, or even essential cereals like
Not just fuel prices, but households are feeling the inflation heat from all sides – be it tomatoes, other fruits and vegetables, milk, or even essential cereals like rice and wheat. All of these factors have pushed India’s retail inflation to a 15-month high of 7.4 per cent in July.
Analysts and even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expect inflation to remain elevated in August, following which the trajectory will depend on evolving weather conditions.
A rise in inflation could pose a major challenge for the BJP-led NDA government, which faces a number of crucial assembly elections in the run-up to the all-important general elections in 2024.
rice and wheat. All of these factors have pushed India’s retail inflation to a 15-month high of 7
Not just fuel prices, but households are feeling the inflation heat from all sides – be it tomatoes, other fruits and vegetables, milk, or even essential cereals like rice and wheat. All of these factors have pushed India’s retail inflation to a 15-month high of 7.4 per cent in July.
Analysts and even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expect inflation to remain elevated in August, following which the trajectory will depend on evolving weather conditions.
A rise in inflation could pose a major challenge for the BJP-led NDA government, which faces a number of crucial assembly elections in the run-up to the all-important general elections in 2024.
.4 per
Not just fuel prices, but households are feeling the inflation heat from all sides – be it tomatoes, other fruits and vegetables, milk, or even essential cereals like rice and wheat. All of these factors have pushed India’s retail inflation to a 15-month high of 7.4 per cent in July.
Analysts and even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expect inflation to remain elevated in August, following which the trajectory will depend on evolving weather conditions.
A rise in inflation could pose a major challenge for the BJP-led NDA government, which faces a number of crucial assembly elections in the run-up to the all-important general elections in 2024.
Not just fuel prices, but households are feeling the inflation heat from all sides – be it tomatoes, other fruits and vegetables, milk, or even essential cereals like rice and wheat. All of these factors have pushed India’s retail inflation to a 15-month high of 7.4 per cent in July.
Analysts and even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expect inflation to remain elevated in August, following which the trajectory will depend on evolving weather conditions.
A rise in inflation could pose a major challenge for the BJP-led NDA government, which faces a number of crucial assembly elections in the run-up to the all-important general elections in 2024.
Analysts and even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expect inflation to remain elevated in August, following which the trajectory will depend on evolving weather conditions.
A rise in inflation could pose a major challenge for the BJP-led NDA government, which faces a number of crucial assembly elections in the run-up to the all-important general elections in 2024.
