INDIA NEPAL RELIEF OPERATIONS
Nepal seeks better BRI terms as ruling party MPs visit China
Nepal is dispatching a group of MPs to China to negotiate potential advantages from the Belt and Road Initiative. Prime Minister Balen Shah emphasized negotiating with assurance and encouraged the MPs to meticulously examine how Nepal can benefit from Chinese projects. The talks are anticipated to cover concerns regarding financing and implementation, as the government remains vigilant about risks associated with BRI involvement.
Indian Railways approves weekly train service connecting Nepal's Janakpur Dham with Ayodhya
Indian Railways has approved a new weekly train service connecting Janakpur Dham and Ayodhya, enhancing cross-border travel. The service will operate once a week, facilitating pilgrimages and tourism associated with the Ramayana tradition. It covers approximately 604 kilometres and will include stops at significant towns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Officials from both India and Nepal are coordinating on customs and passenger security measures for this service.
Big polluters may muddy the waters again at COP
The report by Kick the Big Polluters Out, a global coalition of more than 450 environmental and civil society organisations, said representatives of major fossil fuel companies, Big Tech, industrial agriculture and food industries have accessed the climate talks through various routes.
SCO meet: Russia, China, Iran to attend; minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat 'hopeful' of Pakistan's participation
From November 20-22, New Delhi will be the venue for the first-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum, bringing together delegates from 15 nations. This forum is designed to foster cultural exchange, focusing on the interconnectedness of art, architecture, and language among the member countries, ultimately celebrating their rich shared heritage.
China, Iran confirm participation in SCO Civilisational Forum; Shekhawat 'hopeful' Pak will attend
Fifteen countries have confirmed their participation in the upcoming SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi. China, Kazakhstan, and Iran are among the confirmed participants, with hopes for Pakistan's attendance. The event will take place from November 20 to 22 at Purana Quila, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the opening ceremony. Discussions will focus on reinforcing cultural relations and promoting dialogue among participating countries.
Power transmission developers seek relief for projects hit by interconnection delays
Power transmission developers have called on the Ministry of Power to implement key changes to enhance project completion efficiency. They highlighted the necessity for automatic financial and contractual relief when delays stem from interconnected infrastructure. The Electric Power Transmission Association suggested that the Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd assume a larger role in coordination efforts.
Private power firms demand shield against project delays
In a representation to Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, the Electric Power Transmission Association (EPTA) has sought changes to the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) framework governing inter-state transmission projects, including deemed commercial operation date, full tariff recovery and protection against penalties where a project's commissioning is held up by delays in separately awarded interconnected facilities.
4.9-magnitude moderate earthquake hits West Sikkim, mild tremors felt in Gangtok
A 4.9-magnitude earthquake occurred early Thursday morning in the Sikkim-Nepal region, affecting various areas. The tremors were felt in West Sikkim, including the state capital Gangtok and parts of East Sikkim. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake's epicentre was about 40 km northwest of Yuksom.
Nepal earthquake: 4.9 magnitude tremor recorded at a depth of 73 km
An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck Nepal at approximately 4:30 am on Thursday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
UP BJP chief says upcoming election about "defeating those who want to destabilise India"
Pankaj Chaudhary condemned the opposition's recent protests, stating they aim to destabilize the country. He emphasized that the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly election is critical for national stability. Chaudhary accused the opposition of seeking to mimic political movements seen in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. He noted the support from the youth and citizens in rejecting the opposition's efforts.
Disaster warning systems race to keep pace with galloping climate risks
Twice a day during the rainy season, Raquel Izarra climbs to the roof of her home in the eastern Lima suburb of Santa Ines Bajo and measures how much rain has fallen using a homemade gauge, before
India drawing up list of export snags in South Asia
India is identifying regulatory and market-access barriers in seven South Asian countries to expand exports and reach its $1-trillion target. Merchandise exports to these markets fell 1.3% to $25.7 billion in FY26. The government is examining certification delays, tariffs and product standards while exploring opportunities in chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles.
Honda to invest $3 billion in Ohio plant to make hybrid vehicles, create 2,000 jobs
Honda Motor will invest $3 billion to build a new hybrid vehicle plant in Ohio, creating 2,000 jobs and adding annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles from 2029. The Japanese automaker also announced fresh investments in Canada, Ohio, Georgia and Alabama as it expands hybrid production and adjusts its electric vehicle strategy amid US tariffs.
Soaring fares fail to ground year-end international travel plans
Despite a 25% increase in international airfares, bookings for year-end overseas holidays among Indians have risen by one-third. Many travelers are opting for more affordable destinations, especially in Southeast Asia and Japan. Airlines are reporting full flights, indicating high demand for international travel from India. Some international carriers are increasing their flight capacities in response to this demand.
Nepal PM seeks $2B package ahead of visit
Nepal is preparing to request a $2 billion economic package from India during Prime Minister Balen Shah's upcoming visit. The package includes $1 billion in credit for infrastructure projects and $1 billion in grants for highway upgrades and post-flood reconstruction. Additionally, Nepal will advocate for new air routes between the two countries during the visit.
Govt eases passport, visa rules for foreign nationals residing in India
The Union home ministry has announced relaxed passport and visa requirements for certain foreign nationals. These amendments apply to individuals including Pakistani citizens and minority refugees. Exemptions also cover members of religious communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan on humanitarian grounds. Registered Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans who entered India under specific permits are included in the amendments.
India ready to help Nepal rebuild flood-hit infra, deepen energy ties
India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri communicated support for Nepal's infrastructure rebuilding after the recent floods. During meetings in Kathmandu, Nepal's PM Balen Shah thanked India for its disaster response assistance. Discussions also focused on expanding energy cooperation, with Nepal seeking new investments in various sectors. Several India-funded projects are set to be inaugurated during Shah's upcoming visit to India. This visit marks Shah's first bilateral overseas engagement as Prime Minister.
India, Nepal reaffirm commitment to all-round enhancement of partnership as FS Misri meets PM Shah
India and Nepal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Kathmandu ahead of his expected visit to Delhi later this month. Discussions covered trade, energy, connectivity, sports and new areas of cooperation, including AI and digital connectivity.
SJVN holds talks with Nepal government to expedite 1,569-MW hydropower projects
SJVN Ltd chairman Bhupender Gupta met various Nepal government officials to expedite hydropower projects. The discussions focused on the Arun-3 project and the challenges it faces, including land issues. Necessary approvals were also discussed for the pre-construction activities of the Lower Arun project. SJVN aims to strengthen energy security and promote sustainable power generation in Nepal.
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