An estimated 25 crore workers across India are on a nationwide strike today. The protest, called Bharat Bandh, has been called by ten major trade unions. It has also been supported by rural labour and agricultural organisations, as well as various opposition parties. The protests are being held against the central government’s economic and labour policies, specifically the four new labour codes.
The unions behind the general strike argue that the government’s policies favour corporate interests. The bandh has disrupted several manufacturing and services businesses across the country. Reports of railway blockades have also come from some locations.
Gujarat bridge collapse kills 9
At least nine people, including a child, have been killed after a portion of a four-decade-old bridge collapsed in Gujarat. According to officials, nine people have been rescued after the incident. A slab of the Gambhira bridge, which connects central Gujarat to the Saurashtra region of the state, collapsed on Wednesday morning.
IAF plane crash in Rajasthan
In Rajasthan a Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in Churu district on Wednesday. According to reports, the aircraft had taken off from Suratgarh airbase with two pilots on board. It crashed in an agricultural field in Bhanoda village around 1.25 pm. Following the crash, IAF helicopters were reportedly sent to the site. At the time of writing, further details were awaited.
Trump tariff twists
The US President has once again reiterated that the United States is going to have a “very big” trade deal with India. The statement comes just hours after Trump warned of a 10 per cent additional tariff on members of BRICS, including India, accusing the bloc of being anti-America. On Tuesday, Trump also announced a 50 per cent tariff on copper. This move could hurt Indian exporters as well.
ALSO: India faces steep US tariffs amid trade deal uncertainty
Lackluster trade on Dalal Street
After trading flat for most of the session, Indian equities saw some decline in late trade. The Sensex dropped three-tenths of a per cent. The Nifty also saw a similar decline in Wednesday’s trade. With this, Indian equities have had a lackluster week so far.
