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Howrah foundries rush to export extra shipments to beat looming US tariffs
Ishita Ayan Dutt Howrah
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Tarak Saha, a veteran in Howrah's foundry and casting industry, has never heard of Donald Trump, let alone the steep tariff the US president has slapped on the goods made at the manufacturing unit where he works. Yet he is one of its quiet beneficiaries, clocking overtime ahead of Durga Puja next month. But with a total of 50 per cent tariff set to come into force in days, those extra hours — and extra pay — may soon vanish.
Saha is oblivious to the tug-of-war over tariffs. He is simply racing to meet a tight deadline for orders bound
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NDTV
10 hours ago
- NDTV
Drug Destruction Up 132%, Seizures Up 104% In Tripura: Chief minister
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Friday said police and security agencies have been directed to take strict action against those involved in drug smuggling. "The number of drugs destroyed has increased by 132% compared to last year. The amount of drug seizures has increased by 104%. Parents should be more vigilant and aware against drugs. The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking the country forward, we are also trying to move forward," the Chief Minister said. "Along with boys, girls are also getting addicted to drugs. The state government is continuing its fight against this. Various security agencies, including the police, are conducting operations against drugs," he added. "Efforts are being made to catch the drug kingpin. The police and other agencies have been instructed not to let anyone associated with drugs go free. A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted in the fight against drugs. Work is being done in that way," he further stated. Dr Saha was speaking while inaugurating a voluntary blood donation camp organised by Aurobindo Sangha at AD Nagar Higher Secondary School grounds in Agartala. "We can donate clothes, money, food, education, etc, but blood donation is a donation that cannot be bought from the market for money. Blood donation brings a divine feeling. Others can also be motivated through this social activity. We are many steps ahead of other states in the country in blood donation. Out of 100 people, 15 have negative blood group. Therefore, it is important to maintain an adequate stock of negative blood," he said. Dr Saha also said that the Aurobindo Sangha has organized various activities from August 1 to August 15 on the occasion of its foundation day and Independence Day. As part of this, responding to the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it has organized the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam program. Speaking on further on the issue of drugs, the Chief Minister said everything cannot be solved in a single day, pointing out that it is not possible to undo the atmosphere created by the policies of the Communists and Congress over the last 35 years, along with another five years. "It needs a lot of time. Still, we want to build a beautiful state. India has now reached the fourth place in terms of economy, from the 11th place earlier. Tripura is also in the second-highest position among North Eastern states in terms of GSDP and per capita income," he added.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
79th Independence Day: CM Manik Saha says Tripura's GDP rose by over 12%, urges youth to unleash passion for Viksit Bharat
Recalling the martyrs of India's freedom struggle, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Friday highlighted the different initiatives adopted by his government in different sectors, including law and order, agriculture, education, employment, etc, and urged youths to pursue their passion for Viksit Bharat. He said Tripura has seen significant economic development in recent years, with over 12 per cent hike in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last fiscal, catapulting the state to second position in the North East region. 'On this 79th Independence Day, let's ignite our souls with the heroic valour of Operation Sindoor, where our bravehearts redefined courage. I appeal to the Youths to unleash your passion for a #ViksitBharat & New India—fuel nationalism, dream big, and shape a glorious future,' CM Saha wrote on X. 'Tripura's economy is mainly based on agriculture. Last year, some initiatives were taken by the government for farmers' development', said CM. While detailing about the initiatives, he said that the state government spent Rs 15 crore under Mukhyamantri Integrates Crop Management to expand 92,588 hectares area for rice cultivation, brought another 20,161 hectares area under organic farming, distributed 11,444 agricultural equipment among farmers and 35,661 soil health cards, disbursed Rs 450 crore as farmers' loan under Kisan credit card scheme, provided Rs 201 crore to 2.38 lakh farmers directly in their bank accounts till this August under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. He said his government provided Rs 109.34 crore to over 2.13 lakh farmers who were affected by the flood last year. Around 25,000 farmers were enrolled for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and the state government provided Rs 32.75 crore as assistance and subsidy under Mukhyamantri Fasal Bima Yojana in the 2020-21 fiscal. In the dairy and poultry sectors, the state produced over 2.47 lakh tonnes of milk, 59,700 tonnes of meat, and 36 crore eggs in the 2023-24 fiscal year. During the period, the state produced 85,800 metric tonnes of fish and 45.65 crore fish fingerlings that helped the state to attain self-sufficiency in fish production and export fish to neighbouring states. 'Tripura has topped in egg production and second in meat and milk production in the Northeast Region. Tripura is in the second position in fish production in the region,' said the CM. CM Saha highlighted that the crime rate in the state declined last year, with 19.4 per cent fewer crimes than the cases in 2023 and 12.35 per cent fewer crime cases in the first five months this year compared to 2024. The state also achieved success in combating drugs, as records showed a 106 per cent rise in the seizure of drugs and other narcotic items last year. The officials also destroyed a massive amount of drugs during the period, a rise of 132 per cent, he said. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for Atmanirbhar Bharat, CM Saha stated that it was not only a mere slogan but a resolution for 140 crores Indians to become self-reliant. The CM emphasised the need to push for Swadeshi products, saying that the Tripura government launched 'Vocal for Local' to prioritise the state-produced products. Saha said that the state is focusing on the indigenous people's overall development by implementing several schemes for their socio-economic development. The state would launch the 'Super 100' programme under the Mukhyamantri Janajati Unnayan Mission to impart training to the meritorious students, he added. In the tourism sector, CM Saha stated that different facelift works for Chaturdash Devata temple, Chhabimura, Kasba Kalibari, etc., are in progress. The chief minister said the government filled up 19,765 regular posts at different departments since 2018. Former Tripura Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb hoisted the national Tricolor at his residence in Agartala and celebrated the day by donating blood at Amarpur in Gomati district, interacting with security personnel, and visiting Shantikali Ashram in the area. Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, who was elected from Asharambari in Khowai district, took part in the Independence Day celebrations in the district. Recounting Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Sardar Ballabhbhai Patel, and others who struggled for the Independence of the nation, Debbarma said that Independence isn't a gift, but a duty to ensure that people can live together with equal rights everywhere in the country. Chef Whip Kalyani Roy, while taking part in the celebrations at Teliamura, said that the motto of this Independence Day is 'New India' and said the spirit of freedom is not about anecdotes of the past alone, but a vision for the future as well. At Udaipur in Gomati district, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy joined the celebrations at Udaipur Sports Complex. He paid homage to the brave freedom fighters who made a supreme sacrifice in the struggle for Independence. 'Independence Day is a Red-Letter day for all of us. We should never forget that our nation got freedom due to the sacrifices of our freedom fighters,' he said. Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy joined the Independence Day celebrations at Unakoti district and said the central and state governments in Tripura are working to develop education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, employment, and other crucial sectors to fulfill the dreams of freedom fighters. Meanwhile, in a sharp critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress MLA and veteran legislator Gopal Chandra Roy said, 'The BJP was born in 1980. Before that, there was the Jana Sangh and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). They had no role in the nationalist movement. The BJP was not there. The BJP and VHP had sided with the British; they were 'Razakars' (pro-Pakistani activists who were active in different parts of India before the Independence). They never participated in the Independence movement. The Congress, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, fought against the British, and eventually, the British had to flee'. The Opposition CPI(M) celebrated the day by hosting the Tricolor at the Communist Party headquarters in Agartala, which was attended by former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Opposition Leader and politburo member Jitendra Chaudhury, and former deputy speaker Pabitra Kar. 'Democracy in the country is under attack. There is a concerted conspiracy to destroy secularism and change the Constitution itself. The working class, which comprises more than 75 per cent of the population, is still struggling to make ends meet. All democratic people of the country need to unite today and work towards developing these sectors, fight against communalism, and develop democracy, secularism. Only then, the spirit of Independence would be honoured,' Manik Sarkar said after joining a voluntary blood donation camp in Agartala. Congress Working Committee (CWC) member and former minister Sudip Roy Barman joined the Independence Day celebrations. He reminded that it was the Congress that had struggled to free India from British colonialism. 'The freedom fighters belonged to the Congress party. We are soldiers of the same party. Even today, the Congress party is struggling to protect the rights of Indians under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi,' he said.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
Bihar govt to spend Rs 35.64 crore on interstate bus services for migrant workers
Patna: Migrant workers from Bihar living in other states will soon find it easier to return home during major festivals like Chhath, Diwali, Holi and Durga Puja, with the state government announcing a Rs 35.64 crore initiative to provide smoother transport facilities. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in his Independence Day address, said the move aims to reduce the annual rush and ticket shortages faced by people travelling back to Bihar during the festive season. Under the plan, the government will launch interstate bus transport services on a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, ensuring more buses, regulated fares, and improved connectivity between Bihar and major states such as Delhi, Gurugram, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan. 'This will significantly reduce problems of high fares and non-availability of bus tickets,' Kumar said, adding that the scheme is expected to be operational before the festive season. Every year, thousands of Biharis working outside the state face long waits and inflated fares to return home for celebrations. The new interstate service aims to ease that journey and make festive homecomings stress-free. To encourage operators, the government will provide grants of Rs 150 per seat during peak season and Rs 300 per seat in the off-season. This is expected to increase the number and improve the connectivity of buses running between Bihar and major states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The total estimated expenditure over five years is Rs 35.64 crore, with an additional 2 per cent contingency fund of Rs 71.28 lakh, bringing the overall cost to Rs 36.35 crore. For 2025-26, Rs 7.27 crore will be drawn from the Bihar Contingency Fund. Passenger groups have welcomed the initiative, saying it will help end the long-standing issues of ticket shortages and inflated fares during the festive rush. The government believes the scheme will ensure stability in fares and significantly reduce travel hassles for those returning home for celebrations.
