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India Gazette
15-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Indian charity dispatches artificial limbs to Trinidad & Tobago following PM Modi announcement
By Reena Bhardwaj Washington DC [US], July 15 (ANI): An Indian charitable organisation has confirmed the dispatch of artificial limbs to Trinidad & Tobago following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement during his recent visit to the Caribbean nation. Jaipur Foot USA, representing the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), said materials for more than 800 artificial limbs have been sent to support a humanitarian camp in Trinidad & Tobago. The initiative was announced by PM Modi during his address to a joint session of the Trinidad & Tobago Parliament, marking what organisers describe as a 'historic' moment in bilateral relations. A team of 8-10 technical experts from BMVSS will arrive in Trinidad & Tobago to conduct the artificial limb fitting camp, according to the organisation's statement. The charity's founder, D.R. Mehta, who has been awarded the Padma Bhushan - one of India's highest civilian honours - is expected to personally attend the camp. Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, recently visited Trinidad to coordinate the initiative. He praised the Indian High Commission's role in facilitating the project, particularly highlighting the efforts of High Commissioner Dr Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit. The camp has been organised through collaboration between the Indian High Commission in Trinidad & Tobago and the local government. The initiative reflects India's broader humanitarian outreach efforts in the Caribbean region. Bhandari noted that several members of Jaipur Foot USA have expressed interest in participating in the camp following Modi's parliamentary announcement. The organisation described the project as part of India's commitment to global humanitarian service, citing the Sanskrit principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', meaning 'the world is one family'. BMVSS, the parent organisation of Jaipur Foot USA, has been providing artificial limbs and other mobility aids to disabled individuals for several decades. The charity operates on a model of providing free prosthetic limbs to those who cannot afford them. The Trinidad & Tobago camp is expected to restore mobility to hundreds of recipients, according to organisers, who describe it as strengthening ties between India and the Caribbean nation. The initiative comes as part of Modi's broader diplomatic engagement with Caribbean nations, emphasising India's role in South-South cooperation and humanitarian assistance. (ANI)
Canada Standard
11-07-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
Trump announces 35 per cent tariffs on goods imported from Canada
By Reena Bhardwaj Washington, DC [[US], July 11 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) announced that the US will impose a tariff of 35 per cent on imports of goods from Canada. Trump sent a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to inform him about the tariff. Trump posted the letter sent to Carney on his social media platform, Truth Social. He said that Canada's failure to stop fentanyl from entering the US contributed to the tariff policy. In the letter, Trump wrote, 'As you will recall, the United States imposed Tariffs on Canada to deal with our Nation's Fentanyl crisis, which is caused, in part, by Canada's failure to stop the drugs from pouring into our Country. Instead of working with the United States, Canada retaliated with its own Tariffs. Starting August 1, 2025, we will charge Canada a Tariff of 35% on Canadian products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs.' 'Goods transshipped to evade this higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff. As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if Canada, or companies within your Country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely-In other words, in a matter of weeks,' he added. In the letter, Trump threatened to increase the tariff rate by the same amount if Canada decides to increase their tariffs on importing American products. He also targeted Canada's tariffs on US dairy exports and called the trade deficit a major threat to the US economy and national security. In the letter, Trump wrote, 'I must mention that the flow of Fentanyl is hardly the only challenge we have with Canada, which has many Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, which cause unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States. Canada charges extraordinary Tariffs to our Dairy Farmers up to 400%-and that is even assuming our Dairy Farmers even have access to sell their products to the people of Canada. The Trade Deficit is a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security.' 'If Canada works with me to stop the flow of Fentanyl, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter. These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country. You will never be disappointed with The United States of America,' he added. Earlier on Wednesday (local time), Trump announced a 50 per cent tariff on imports from Brazil, starting August 1 and called the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro a 'witch hunt', adding that the 'trial should not take place.' Trump also announced a fresh round of tariffs on imports from seven nations - Sri Lanka, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, the Philippines, Moldova and Brunei. These tariffs will come into effect on August 1. The White House has shared letters sent by Trump to leaders of these seven nations, which mentioned the tariffs they will face while exporting goods to the US. According to the letters, the US will impose a 30 per cent tariff on goods imported from Sri Lanka, Iraq, Algeria and Libya. In the letters, Trump mentioned that Moldova will face a tariff of 25 per cent when exporting goods to the US. According to the letters, imports from Brunei will face a 25 per cent tariff while the Philippines will be facing 20 per cent. In the letters, Trump threatened to increase the tariff rate by the same amount if the countries decided to raise their tariffs on importing American July 8, Trump announced that tariffs would come into effect on August 1, 2025, and must be paid without any extensions. In a post shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, 'As per letters sent to various countries yesterday, in addition to letters that will be sent today, tomorrow, and for the next short period of time, TARIFFS WILL START BEING PAID ON AUGUST 1, 2025. There has been no change to this date, and there will be no change. In other words, all money will be due and payable starting AUGUST 1, 2025 - No extensions will be granted. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Earlier on Monday, Trump shared letters sent by his administration to 14 countries, informing them of the reciprocal tariffs that will take effect from August 1. He sent letters to leaders of Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Cambodia. (ANI)
India Gazette
01-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
EAM Jaishankar arrives in Washington, DC, set to attend Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
By Reena Bhardwaj Washington, DC [US], July 1 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Washington, DC on Monday (local time). Jaishankar is on an official visit to the US at the invitation of US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to participate in the next edition of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting (QFMM), scheduled for July 1, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated in a press release. During the meeting, the leaders will build upon the discussions held during the last QFMM, which took place in Washington, DC on January 21. In the press release, MEA stated, 'They will exchange views on regional and global developments, particularly those concerning the Indo-Pacific, and review the progress made on various Quad initiatives in the run-up to the Quad Leaders' Summit, which India will host. The Ministers are also expected to deliberate on new proposals to advance the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.' Before arriving in Washington, DC, Jaishankar was in New York, where he inaugurated an exhibition at the United Nations on 'The Human Cost of Terrorism,' highlighting the need to expose state sponsorship of terrorism. Speaking at the inauguration of the exhibition on 'The Human Cost of Terrorism' at the UN Headquarters in New York, he said that 'terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere.' 'A tribute to those who were taken away from us and remembrance lives shattered by discouragement, by our gathering, we express solidarity with the families and the loved ones of the victims of terrorism. The campaign is a stark reminder of the urgency of our shared responsibility to combat terrorism in all its forms,' he added. Highlighting the exhibition's significance, he noted that 'today's exhibition is not merely a presentation of images, videos and testimonies. It is a statement of our shared humanity. It is a gallery of human courage, each moment, each memory, each artefact, and every word tells the story of a life interrupted, altered or lost.' Jaishankar emphasised the need for zero tolerance for terrorism, citing the recent condemnation by the UN Security Council of a horrific act of terrorism in Pahalgam. He said, 'The world must come to some basic concepts: no impunity to terrorists, no treating them as proxies, and no yielding to nuclear blackmail.' (ANI)
India Gazette
04-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Over 75 per cent of households likely to face extreme weather in next decade: World Bank Report
By Reena Bhardwaj New Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): More than 60 per cent of households and firms have experienced extreme weather in the last five years, and over 75 per cent are expected to face it in the next decade, a new report by the World Bank has revealed. In a new report titled 'From Risk to Resilience: Helping People and Firms Adapt in South Asia,' the World Bank has warned that South Asia is facing a sharp rise in extreme weather. Nearly 90 per cent of the population is expected to be exposed to intense heat by 2030, and more than one in five people is at risk of severe flooding. It said that much of the adaptation effort needs to come from the private sector, as public budgets are under pressure. A new World Bank report has outlined policy reforms that would help households and firms adapt to increasingly frequent and damaging weather events. In a press release, the World Bank stated, 'Released today, From Risk to Resilience: Helping People and Firms Adapt in South Asia, finds that awareness of climate risk is high. More than 60 per cent of households and firms have experienced extreme weather in the last five years, and more than 75 per cent expect it for the next decade. Many households and businesses are already taking steps to adapt to climate risks.' 'Around 80 per cent of households and 63 per cent of firms have taken some measures to adapt. However, most of these measures are basic, such as raising house foundations or installing fans. More advanced options, like using climate-resilient seeds or relocating from high-risk areas, remain less common,' it added. According to the report, market barriers and income constraints are holding back stronger adaptation. Households with more education or access to formal finance are more likely to adopt advanced strategies. In addition, better-managed companies with fewer regulatory barriers tend to be more adaptive and removing these barriers would allow more effective adaptation by households and firms. World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia, Franziska Ohnsorge, said, 'Private sector adaptation could reduce one third of the region's projected climate damage, but this requires governments to strengthen enabling environments.' 'Adaptation is most effective when markets function well and when essential services like transport, water, healthcare, and digital connectivity are widely accessible,' Ohnsorge added. The report called for targeted adaptation efforts and broader development measures that also build climate resilience. It noted that governments have a critical role to play, even with limited fiscal space. According to the report, the government can expand access to localised climate information, promote weather-indexed insurance, and support the use of resilient technologies such as energy-efficient cooling systems. World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, said, 'The urgency is growing. People and firms are already adapting, but they are doing so with limited tools and few resources.' 'Governments must act quickly to remove the barriers that prevent more effective adaptation. This includes removing distortions in land and labour markets, expanding access to finance and investing in public infrastructure to support people and businesses as they respond to climate risks,' he added. The report noted that cities like Ahmedabad are leading with heat action plans to protect urban populations from rising temperatures. These plans demonstrate how targeted investments and effective institutions can successfully bolster local adaptation. The report called for policy action guided by three core principles - implementing a comprehensive package of adaptation measures, prioritising solutions that support both development and climate resilience and aligning adaptation strategies with long-term development goals to ensure lasting progress. In the release, World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia, Franziska Ohnsorge, said, 'Private sector adaptation could reduce one third of the region's projected climate damage, but this requires governments to strengthen enabling environments.' 'Adaptation is most effective when markets function well and when essential services like transport, water, healthcare, and digital connectivity are widely accessible,' she added. (ANI)
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- General
- India Gazette
India to provide 600 artificial limbs in Guatemala Humanitarian Initiative
By Reena Bhardwaj Guatemala City [Guatemala], May 20 (ANI): India is set to launch a major humanitarian initiative in Guatemala, providing approximately 600 artificial limbs to those in need, officials announced today. The Indian Embassy in Guatemala City confirmed that all administrative procedures have been completed for an artificial limb fitment camp to be held within the premises of Guatemala's Ministry of Defence. The 50-day camp, scheduled to begin in October 2025, will be conducted by a specialized team from Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the organization behind the globally acclaimed Jaipur Foot prosthetic. 'This humanitarian initiative will not only provide life-enhancing support to its beneficiaries but will also serve as a testament to the deepening bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Guatemala,' said India's Ambassador to Guatemala Manoj Kumar Mohapatra. The project comes under India's 'India for Humanity' programme and will be the 33rd such camp organized globally. The initiative coincides with celebrations marking the 53rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, recently visited Guatemala at Ambassador Mohapatra's invitation to commemorate this diplomatic milestone and formalize arrangements for the camp. 'We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. All are our brothers and sisters in the world and we will provide free artificial limbs to them. Even our Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam policy,' Bhandari told ANI. During the visit, Bhandari handed over the official confirmation letter to Guatemalan officials including Claudine Ogaldes, Executive Secretary of CONRED (Guatemala's National Coordination for Disaster Reduction), and William Oswaldo, Inspector General of the Army by prem Bhandari on behalf of the Indian Embassy in Guatemala Guatemala's Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez attended the announcement event alongside diplomatic corps members, government officials, and business leaders. BMVSS, which has conducted 114 international camps since its founding in 1975, has provided nearly 2.3 million prosthetic limbs and assistive devices worldwide. The organization was founded by DR Mehta, who has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours. A container carrying machinery and equipment required for the camp is expected to arrive at a Guatemalan seaport in September, with the team comprising seven technicians and two team leaders arriving shortly thereafter. The Indian Embassy in Guatemala also announced plans to host what it describes as the largest International Day of Yoga celebration outside India on 13 June, with 12,000 people expected to participate. (ANI) India to provide 600 artificial limbs in Guatemala Humanitarian Initiative Guatemala City [Guatemala], May 20 (ANI): India is set to launch a major humanitarian initiative in Guatemala, providing approximately 600 artificial limbs to those in need, officials announced today. The Indian Embassy in Guatemala City confirmed that all administrative procedures have been completed for an artificial limb fitment camp to be held within the premises of Guatemala's Ministry of Defence. The 50-day camp, scheduled to begin in October 2025, will be conducted by a specialized team from Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the organization behind the globally acclaimed Jaipur Foot prosthetic. 'This humanitarian initiative will not only provide life-enhancing support to its beneficiaries but will also serve as a testament to the deepening bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Guatemala,' said India's Ambassador to Guatemala Manoj Kumar Mohapatra. The project comes under India's 'India for Humanity' programme and will be the 33rd such camp organized globally. The initiative coincides with celebrations marking the 53rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, recently visited Guatemala at Ambassador Mohapatra's invitation to commemorate this diplomatic milestone and formalize arrangements for the camp. 'We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. All are our brothers and sisters in the world and we will provide free artificial limbs to them. Even our Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam policy,' Bhandari told ANI. During the visit, Bhandari handed over the official confirmation letter to Guatemalan officials including Claudine Ogaldes, Executive Secretary of CONRED (Guatemala's National Coordination for Disaster Reduction), and William Oswaldo, Inspector General of the Army by prem Bhandari on behalf of the Indian Embassy in Guatemala Guatemala's Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez attended the announcement event alongside diplomatic corps members, government officials, and business leaders. BMVSS, which has conducted 114 international camps since its founding in 1975, has provided nearly 2.3 million prosthetic limbs and assistive devices worldwide. The organization was founded by DR Mehta, who has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours. A container carrying machinery and equipment required for the camp is expected to arrive at a Guatemalan seaport in September, with the team comprising seven technicians and two team leaders arriving shortly thereafter. The Indian Embassy in Guatemala also announced plans to host what it describes as the largest International Day of Yoga celebration outside India on 13 June, with 12,000 people expected to participate. (ANI)
