India Embassy warns Indian nationals in Israel to ‘stay close to safety shelters' amid escalating tensions with Iran
Riya R Alex
Updated 13 Jun 2025, 07:49 AM IST Mint Image
Indian Embassy in Israel posted on X, 'In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the Israeli authorities and home front command (https://oref.org.il/eng). *Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters.'
Stay updated with the latest Trending, India , World and United States news. Get breaking news and key updates here on Mint! Business NewsNewsIndia Embassy warns Indian nationals in Israel to 'stay close to safety shelters' amid escalating tensions with Iran More Less
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First Post
31 minutes ago
- First Post
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes after 5-year gap: Why this pilgrimage matters to Indians
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will commence through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh on Monday. As many as 250 pilgrims will take this route to reach Lake Mansarovar in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The yatra to the holy sites of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is resuming after five years. Here's why the holy journey is significant read more The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is resuming after a gap of five years. File Photo/ANI The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is resuming through the Lipulekh Pass on Monday (June 30), after a gap of five years. The pilgrimage to the 18,000-feet-high Mount Kailash near Lake Mansarovar will see hundreds of devotees making the arduous journey. Both the lake and the mountain are revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Tibetan Bon religion. As the wait for Indians to visit these holy sites ends, we take a look at the spiritual yatra. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's all you need to know. Kailash Mansarovar Lake Mansarovar is a freshwater lake near Mount Kailash in the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Locally known as Mapam Yumtso, the lake is at a height of 4,600 metres. Hindus believe Lord Brahma created the lake, which has purifying powers. Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva. The 6,638-metre high peak is revered by Buddhists, who refer to it as 'Mount Meru', as the primary source of spiritual energy. For Jains, their Tirthankara Rishabdeva is said to have attained salvation at what they say is Mount 'Ashtapada'. The routes to reach Kailash Mansarovar The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it was not resumed even post-pandemic, owing to tensions between India and China, especially the Galwan Valley standoff in 2020. The talks to resume the yatra began formally in December last year amid a thaw in frosty relations between the two countries. As the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra finally begins, devotees can take two routes to make it to Lake Mansarovar from India. They can either go via Nathu La pass in Sikkim or Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. At an altitude of 4,310 metres, the Nathu La pass is on the border between Sikkim and the Tibet Autonomous Region. The route, fully accessible by vehicles, to Mansarovar lake from this pass is nearly 1,500 km. Devotees would only need to trek 35-40 km for Parikramas (circling the mountain and lake). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Lipulekh pass from Uttarakhand is close to the trijunction of India, Nepal and China. While the lake is nearly 50 km from the border between the Indian state and TAR, the terrain makes the journey tough. The route involves 200 km of hard trekking. Only those between the ages of 18-70 are allowed to undertake the yatra, which typically takes over 20 days. The pilgrims must be physically and medically fit and have a valid Indian passport. How many will undertake Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? India has allowed 750 nationals to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra this year. The yatra is being held from June to August. The pilgrims will travel in 15 groups, travelling through Nathu La pass in Sikkim and Lipulekh Pass to reach the holy site in Tibet. The first batch of 36 Indian pilgrims has already visited Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar lake through the Nathu La pass in Sikkim. The yatra through the Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district is commencing on Monday. As many as 250 pilgrims in five batches, comprising 50 pilgrims each, are set to visit Kailash Mansarovar from this route this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The pilgrims will depart from Delhi for the journey after a medical check. After spending a night in Tanakpur, they will reach Dharchula Base Camp on July 5 and leave for the Gunji Camp the following day, Pithoragarh District Magistrate Vinod Goswami said, as per PTI. The pilgrims will undergo a medical examination at the high altitude of Gunji, where they will stay for two days for acclimatisation. Their medical screening will again be done at Nabhidhang before they enter Tibet. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is spiritually awakening for the pilgrims. However, it is a challenging trek. 'The magnitude of such places brings into focus the minuteness of self. I am reminded that my bones, my breath, the vicissitudes of my everyday life are mere flickers in an infinite universe,' Kavitha Yaga Buggana, who undertook the pilgrimage in 2011, told Outlook Traveller. 'The most challenging part of the trek is the 52-km-long Kailash Kora or parikrama that takes you to the highest altitude of 5,630 m (18,471 feet) at the Dolma Pass. The inner Kora is much more strenuous than the outer one,' Buggana added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For those undertaking the holy pilgrimage, they should ensure to carry thermal clothing, such as jackets. They can carry medicines prescribed by their doctors for high-altitude sickness. Carrying snacks, lights and hiking sticks will also help. Instead of sneakers, wear trekking boots and warm socks. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bangladesh settles $384 million payment to Adani Power amid financial struggles
Bangladesh paid $384 million to Adani Power in June, significantly reducing its outstanding dues under a power supply agreement with the Indian firm, according to sources. In June (till June 27), Bangladesh has paid $384 million of the committed $437 million to be paid during the month, two sources aware of the matter said. This would clear Bangladesh's "admitted" claims till March 31. With this, Adani's "claimed" dues, while still substantial, will come down to around $500 million (assuming Bangladesh meets its month-end commitment), they said. Bangladesh has struggled to meet its payment obligations under the 2017 deal, as rising import costs following the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 and domestic political turmoil - which led to the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina - strained the country's finances. As a result, Adani had halved supply last year and full supplies were resumed in March 2025 after the country's monthly payments started covering some of the dues. With the latest payments, Bangladesh has paid nearly $1.5 billion of the roughly $2 billion total billed amount. Adani has reportedly agreed to waive late payment surcharge (LPS) for January-June period, amounting to about $20 million, if Bangladesh keeps its payment commitment. Sources said both parties are engaged in discussion to resolve some issues related to coal cost and plant capacity calculations. These are the key reasons behind the difference between "claimed" and "admitted" dues. When contacted, an Adani Power spokesperson confirmed the payments but didn't share details on "claimed" and "agreed" dues stating these discussions are private. The 2017 power supply deal between Adani Power and Bangladesh had come in for scrutiny after the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government last year. Interim government, led by Nobel Peace prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, called for the formation of a high-level committee, comprising energy and legal experts, to re-examine the power purchase agreement (PPA). Under the 2017 deal, Adani Power's Godda power plant in Jharkhand was to supply 100 per cent of the electricity generated from burning coal, to Bangladesh for a period of 25 years. After payment defaults, Adani had cut supplies by half in November 2024. It restored full electricity supply, which is around 1,600 MW, in March after the country reduced liabilities. Bangladesh stepped up repayments from July last year, clearing monthly dues. This came after the country suffered from increased power shortages in rural areas. Bangladesh has been struggling to generate sufficient dollar revenues to cover the cost of essential imports such as electricity, coal, and oil. Its foreign currency reserves declined amid months of student-led protests and political unrest, which culminated in the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024. The interim government that succeeded her sought an additional $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on top of the existing $4.7 billion bailout package. Adani's power deal with Bangladesh was one of the many under Sheikh Hasina, which the current interim government has called opaque. Besides Adani Power, other Indian state-owned firms also sell power to Bangladesh, including NTPC and PTC India Ltd.
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Anand Mahindra upbeat about India's prospects in volatile world
Mahindra group Chairman, Anand Mahindra believes China's present adversarial stance in global trade may create opportunities for India to position itself as a supply chain alternative — 'a long-term goal for Indian business.' He has made these observations in the Mahindra & Mahindra Integrated Annual Report 2024-25. According to the Chairman, innovation and R&D in India could receive renewed focus while manufacturing could once again take centre stage. 'Restrictions on China and high tariffs for other competing countries could open new markets for Indian goods. The potential exists, but achieving it will require a concerted focus on manufacturing and a palpable increase in private investment,' says Mahindra. In his view, speed and agility are essential, as countries like the Philippines and Vietnam are already touting themselves as future manufacturing hubs. 'We must act swiftly and strategically to secure our share of the Amrit,' a reference to the nectar of eternal life in Hindu mythology. 'Today's turmoil is another such churning, another such mega-trend. A growing wave of protectionism is challenging decades of liberal trade order, dramatically highlighted by the Trump administration's tariffs,'Anand Mahindra The great churning Interestingly, Mahindra's message draws analogies with this well known narrative where the great Samudra Manthan, or churning of the ocean, occurred many thousand years ago to obtain the precious Amrit, the nectar of immortality. According to him, the present state of the world is akin to this massive churn where it is in a state of flux thanks to the ongoing wars and imposition of tariffs by the US. 'If we zoom out and adopt a broader perspective, it becomes clear that over the course of history, the world has undergone many such churnings. Mega trends — forces so powerful they reshape political, economic, and social landscapes — have defined human progress,' says Mahindra. Read more: CCI approves Mahindra's ₹555 crore acquisition of 59% stake in SML Isuzu From the industrial revolution to globalisation, from the digital age to climate change, he adds, these 'tectonic shifts' have tested resilience, inspired innovation, and compelled businesses to evolve. 'Today's turmoil is another such churning, another such mega-trend. A growing wave of protectionism is challenging decades of liberal trade order, dramatically highlighted by the Trump administration's tariffs,' says Mahindra. These measures are sparking global responses, including retaliatory tariffs, disrupted supply chains, shifting political alliances, and economic groupings. 'Mahindra & Mahindra's core businesses — auto and tractor — form the trunk, while the aerial roots represent new ventures that anchor themselves independently, expanding resilience and reach,'Anand Mahindra Exit the old global order 'If I were to look for a single sentence that describes the world today, I would quote the American folk singer Bob Dylan and say, 'The times, they are a-changing,' quips Mahindra while making a reference to the old global order — social, political, and economic — which has been 'rudely shaken' while a new one has not quite emerged. The situation 'remains fluid' though recent US-China tariff talks and strengthened trade ties with the UK suggest a 'pragmatic layer' to US trade policy, combining protectionism with strategic global engagement. However, cautions the Mahindra Chairman, there remains a strong likelihood of significant decoupling between the US and China. Whatever the outcome, it is apparent that many nations will have to swallow some 'poison'. International trade has already slowed amidst heightened uncertainty and dampened investor confidence. According to him, industries reliant on global supply chains like electronics and consumer goods will bear the brunt of rising input costs. Countries deeply integrated into global trade networks must 'rethink dependencies' and diversify sourcing. 'Continued government support is vital to power our transition to a manufacturing economy. Renewable energy, defence, and digital infrastructure are becoming sunrise industries in India,'Anand Mahindra New era of nationalism Established geopolitical alliances are being realigned, ushering in a new era of economic nationalism. Mahindra says businesses worldwide will adapt by localising operations, reengineering supply chains, and exploring alternate markets. India, too, will be no exception to the rule and will face its own set of challenges. 'Our large trade deficit, vulnerabilities in certain sectors, increased competition among nations, and uncertainties affecting GDP aspirations are all challenges that must be met,' he elaborates. Key industries, such as steel and aluminium, could face headwinds, and export volumes may be impacted. The challenge will be to minimise the adverse effects. 'However, focusing solely on mitigation reflects a reactive mindset. Instead, we can proactively view this as an opportunity to enable some Amrit to emerge. What if we seize this challenge as an opportunity to accelerate economic growth? Private enterprise can play a pivotal role in this transformation,' says Mahindra. Read more: Lessons from space can help Indian auto leap ahead, says Pawan Goenka Opportunities for India In a scenario with so many moving parts, it is difficult to predict outcomes. However, two significant implications of the current manthan, or churning, offer opportunities that India must leverage. Inspired by the US, countries are likely to adopt a more self-centred approach, raising economic nationalism to unprecedented levels. Even before these shifts, India 'was moving in this direction' through initiatives such as PLI and Make in India. 'Continued government support is vital to power our transition to a manufacturing economy. Companies can greatly benefit from aligning their strategies with national objectives. Renewable energy, defence, and digital infrastructure are becoming sunrise industries in India,' notes Mahindra. Globalisation reborn He reiterates that economic nationalism 'does not spell the death of globalisation but heralds its rebirth'. Globalisation is evolving: US market centrality and China-centric supply chains are being replaced by multi-polar, regional collaborations. As structural and political uncertainties diminish US dominance, alternative capital destinations are emerging. Similarly, global supply chains are diversifying away from China, creating new trade partnerships. As Mahindra puts it, lower tariff barriers among regional partners may emerge, boosting free trade and reshaping international trade centres of gravity. The US shift toward de-globalisation may actually lead to a 'new avatar' of globalisation which is multi-polar, regional, and driven by domestic imperatives. 'In such shifting sands, I believe India is well-positioned to emerge as one of the new centres of gravity. We are a stable democracy, generally regarded as a trustworthy partner, and are bolstered by a strong military that is not politicised,' continues Mahindra. Also Read: Global car market gazing through the lens of a top Chinese brand Resilience is key Whether it be a country or a business, the winners will be the ones who can successfully navigate uncertainty and ambiguity – the ones who are resilient. In the case of the Mahindra group, he says resilience has been its mantra for over eight decades where it has adapted, transformed and evolved. 'Our federated structure, symbolised by the banyan tree is key to this resilience. Mahindra & Mahindra's core businesses — auto and tractor — form the trunk, while the aerial roots represent new ventures that anchor themselves independently, expanding resilience and reach,' explains Mahindra. This structure provides agility and flexibility to adapt swiftly to geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Independent decision-making within each business ensures alignment with shared values while leveraging synergies across the group. 'Success in one branch strengthens the entire tree, while failures are ring-fenced to protect the broader ecosystem. Like the banyan tree that endures storms and thrives in diverse conditions, the Mahindra Group is poised not just to survive but to flourish, even in turbulent times,' signs off Mahindra.
