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US Treasury Chief: India Talks "Performative" As 50% Tariffs Hit Amid Trade Stalemate
- No comprehensive trade agreement has been reached between the US and India despite early talks, with Bessent noting, “we still don’t have a deal”.
- The US recently doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, a move linked to India’s discounted oil purchases from Russia and frustration with slow trade negotiations.
- Bessent described India's stance in the negotiations as “performative,” suggesting that despite frequent meetings, substantial progress has been lacking.
- The US-India relationship, while complicated, was described as strong at the leadership level, with optimism that both sides will eventually resolve their differences.
- Bessent emphasized the US’s large trade deficit with India and asserted that Washington holds leverage as the “deficit country” in ongoing trade talks.
BJP Condemns "Shameful Abuse" of PM Modi at Bihar Rally, Slams Congress for Disrespect
- The BJP claims that extremely abusive language was directed at PM Modi and his late mother during an opposition rally in Bihar, with Congress and RJD leaders sharing the stage.
- A video from the Darbhanga rally went viral, showing party workers using offensive language; senior Congress leaders were reportedly not present on stage during the incident.
- BJP leaders called for Rahul Gandhi to publicly apologize, stating such language is intolerable and that Biharis would not forgive this "politics of insult and hatred".
- The BJP also criticized the decision to invite southern leaders like MK Stalin and Revanth Reddy—who have been accused of making derogatory remarks about Biharis—to campaign in the state.
- Congress has distanced itself from the incident, condemning the language used and clarifying that it does not approve of such behaviour.
Virar Building Collapse: 15 Dead, Including Child—Rescue Ops Continue Amid Tragedy
- A four-storey building in Virar, Palghar district, collapsed shortly after midnight during a child’s birthday party, instantly trapping residents and guests in the debris.
- The confirmed death toll stands at 15, including a woman and her baby; six others have been seriously injured and are being treated in local hospitals.
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and fire brigade teams are conducting urgent rescue operations, manually clearing debris due to narrow lanes and continuing their search for survivors.
- Authorities have declared the building an “unauthorised” structure, raising serious concerns about illegal construction and building safety norms in the region.
- Police have arrested the builder; adjacent chawls were evacuated and the municipal corporation has initiated support for affected families with food, shelter, and medical aid.
Mumbai Bursts Into Joy as 10-Day Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Begins
- Ganesh Chaturthi began on Aug 27 with morning prayers and aarti at prominent temples like Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak, marking the official start of vibrant citywide celebrations.
- Major draws include spectacular pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja, GSB Seva Mandal, and Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani, with millions queuing to get a glimpse of towering, adorned idols each day.
- Streets and neighborhoods resound with “Ganpati Bappa Morya” chants, colorful processions, rhythmic dhols, and devotional singing, with residents from all backgrounds taking part in the festivities
- Authorities have implemented heightened security, deploying over 17,000 police personnel and drones for crowd management and safety during large gatherings and processions.
- The celebration bridges communities, inspires eco-friendly traditions, and features special themes on women empowerment and environmental awareness, making it a festival of togetherness and hope.
J&K Flash Flood Crisis: Areas Submerged, Survivors Struggle as Relief Efforts Intensify
- Flash floods caused by a cloudburst have left parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Doda, Kathua, and Kishtwar districts, submerged—damaging homes and key infrastructure.
- Several fatalities, including at least 4 deaths in Doda and more reportedly missing, have been confirmed, with rescue operations underway by the NDRF, SDRF, and Indian Army.
- Hundreds of residents have been displaced, taking refuge in shelters while struggling amid destroyed houses and disrupted normal life.
- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and current officials visited impacted areas to assess damage and assured affected people of full government support and ongoing aid.
- Authorities have warned of continued risks due to high river levels, further rain, and potential landslides, urging residents to remain vigilant and stay away from water bodies.