Earthquake

In this debate, anchor Rajdeep Sardesai discusses the fallout of the US election results, where Democrats scored a decisive double flip of both the House and the Senate. Ravi Agrawal, Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Policy, analyses the political earthquake, calling the outcome a repudiation of Donald Trump's administration and the deeply unpopular war in Iran. Agrawal argues that voters felt a profound sense of betrayal over foreign conflict and rising domestic fuel prices. Joined by American historian Allan Lichtman and The Economist foreign correspondent Shashank Joshi, the panel unpacks the key drivers of the Republican defeat, including inflation, corruption, and military strain. Agrawal notes that while major shifts in India-US ties are unlikely, India may gain leverage in trade talks. He emphasizes that Trump is now entering a constrained 'lame duck phase' amid diminished US military power and an emboldened Congress.

A special retrospective reviews Narendra Modi's 25 uninterrupted years as an elected head of government, marking the milestone since he first took oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat on 7 October 2001. After rebuilding the state following the Bhuj earthquake, Modi established a governance blueprint focused on infrastructure, administrative efficiency, and investment through initiatives like Krishi Mahotsav and the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit. Transitioning to the national stage in May 2014, his twelve-year tenure as Prime Minister expanded these frameworks nationwide through digital public infrastructure, direct benefit transfers, highway expansion, and Make in India. The report details significant economic growth, rising domestic electronics and defence production, and last-mile welfare delivery via schemes such as PM-KISAN, Ayushman Bharat, and Jyoti Gram Yojana. Furthermore, it outlines a transformed national security paradigm featuring targeted counter-insurgency, the abrogation of Article 370, border infrastructure modernization, and the replacement of colonial-era criminal laws with contemporary legal codes.

A special broadcast reviews 25 years of Narendra Modi in public office as an elected head of government, spanning his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister from October 2001 and his leadership as Prime Minister since 2014. The report traces the transition from rebuilding earthquake-hit Gujarat and launching the Vibrant Gujarat initiative to driving nationwide economic, digital, and welfare programmes, including UPI, Direct Benefit Transfers, Make in India, and PM Kisan. Beneficiaries across Gujarat recount how welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Jyoti Gram Yojana, and Anganwadi initiatives transformed rural livelihoods, healthcare access, and women's empowerment. Furthermore, the report examines the overhaul of India's national security architecture, highlighted by the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, counterinsurgency accords in the North East, the near-eradication of Naxalism, and the replacement of colonial-era criminal laws with modern legal frameworks.

A special broadcast traces Narendra Modi's 25 uninterrupted years as an elected head of government, beginning on 7 October 2001 when he assumed office as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Inheriting a state recovering from the devastating Bhuj earthquake, he rebuilt Gujarat over four terms, developing an administrative and infrastructure model that positioned it as a key industrial and investment destination. Following consecutive electoral mandates in 2002, 2007, and 2012, this governance framework transitioned nationally with the Bharatiya Janata Party's parliamentary majority in May 2014. As Prime Minister, his administration rolled out sweeping reforms, including digital public infrastructure like UPI, direct benefit transfers, rural housing, national highways, the Goods and Services Tax, and the Make in India initiative. While supporters praise the decisive, delivery-focused administration and foreign policy milestones such as the G20 presidency, critics cite concerns over economic inequality and political polarization.

Reflecting on life lessons, national service, and the journey of leadership, the address emphasizes gratitude towards every individual and event that contributed to personal growth. Key past experiences were highlighted, noting how the Morbi floods inspired relentless service, the Bhuj earthquake taught resilience during reconstruction, Chandrayaan instilled the courage to rise above failure, and the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of collective national consciousness. The address also acknowledged the strength derived from democratic opposition and the role of millions of swayamsevaks dedicated to selfless service of the nation. Reaffirming commitment to the country's development, the address stressed that limited resources should never hinder big dreams and high morale. Recalling the call for collective effort made from the Red Fort, the address reiterated the national resolve to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 25 continuous years in executive public office, marking a milestone in Indian political history. The journey began on 7 October 2001, when he took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat shortly after the Bhuj earthquake. Modi led Gujarat for over a decade before assuming office as Prime Minister of India in 2014, securing three consecutive terms at the Centre. To mark the milestone, Prime Minister Modi offered prayers in Delhi. Over these 25 years, key flagship initiatives under his nation first, citizen first policy have included the Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, Digital India, and PM Kisan Yojana. His governance journey from Gandhinagar to New Delhi highlighted delivery-driven administration, infrastructure development, and electoral consolidation across states.

A devastating flash flood triggered by suspected ice avalanches, rockslides, or seismic activity near the Tibet-Nepal border has left at least 55 people dead and hundreds missing in Nepal. The surge of water battered the Rusuwa district, destroying infrastructure, hydro-power stations, roads, and sweeping away the Chinese customs office at the Kerung border—a key transit route for Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrims. Over 100 Indian tourists and pilgrims are reported missing, including 77 individuals associated with Sadhguru's Isha Foundation who were at the ill-fated immigration office when the flood struck. Communication lines and electricity have been severed across the region. In response, the Nepalese Army has deployed 15 helicopters for air evacuations, while India has prepared C-17 and C-130J aircraft carrying relief material and rescue personnel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balen Shah, expressing condolences and offering full support. Meanwhile, spiritual leader Sadhguru confirmed he is personally in the region to coordinate assistance efforts.

A total of 133 Indian tourists were reported missing in Nepal following flash floods triggered by a magnitude 4.4 earthquake and an avalanche near the Nepal-China border in Rasuwagadhi.

Catastrophic flash floods in Nepal have caused widespread destruction across mountainous districts including Nuwakot, Chitwan, Dhading, and Rasuwa. The flooding damaged 11 hydroelectric power stations and severed regional power and communication networks. Nepalese authorities deployed over 1,000 troops and 15 military helicopters for search and rescue operations. Hundreds of people are affected, with more than 384 foreign tourists missing, including over 100 Indian nationals. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Member of Parliament Dayanidhi Maran wrote to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to request the evacuation of missing tourists from Tamil Nadu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to offer humanitarian assistance. The Indian Air Force prepared C-17 Globemaster and C-130J transport aircraft carrying National Disaster Response Force personnel, earth-moving machinery, medical teams, and relief supplies. Downstream, Indian border states Bihar and Uttar Pradesh issued high flood alerts. Authorities in Bihar opened all 36 gates of the Valmiki Nagar Gandak Barrage to manage massive water inflows from Nepal.

A massive flash flood triggered by a sudden surge in the Bote Koshi river has unleashed widespread devastation across Nepal's Rasuwa region. Preliminary assessments suggest an ice avalanche or rock slide blocked the Lind Kola, causing a sudden water surge downstream following a 4.9 magnitude earthquake recorded in Tibet. At least 55 people are reported dead as raging waters destroyed markets, bridges, vehicles, settlements, and hydropower projects. The Chinese custom office at the Kerung border was completely washed away, and at least 133 Indian tourists, including several Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrims, are reported missing. A massive rescue operation by the Nepal Army is underway using helicopters to evacuate stranded residents.

A glacier-inclusive flood triggered by an early morning earthquake and subsequent avalanche has struck near the Nepal-China Rasuwagadhi border crossing, leaving at least 55 people confirmed dead and many missing. The gushing floodwaters carrying massive debris washed out densely populated areas, markets, residential homes, and the strategically important Kerung customs office, a key international checkpoint along the route to Kailash Mansarovar. With the incident occurring around 8:30 AM, officials and locals were caught without prior warning. Rescue operations are underway, with army helicopters successfully rescuing over 85 people from the affected terrain. However, search efforts face severe challenges due to dimming daylight, lack of electricity, disrupted communications, and the threat of secondary flash floods. Officials warn that the death toll is expected to rise as search and recovery teams navigate the difficult mountain terrain to find survivors amidst the debris.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Member of Parliament Dayanidhi Maran has written an urgent letter to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking the intervention of the Union Government for the rescue and safe repatriation of Indian tourists stranded during flash floods in Nepal. Maran stated that nearly 50 tourists from Tamil Nadu remain missing amid disruptions to communication and transportation networks, causing severe anxiety among their families. He urged the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India to deploy rescue teams and ensure safe passage for stranded citizens. Meanwhile, Nepal's foreign minister and researchers suggest that a 4.4 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale, occurring 47 kilometers from the Nepal border in the Tibet region at 8:22 AM, may have triggered the sudden flash floods reported minutes later across regions including Rasuwa.

A catastrophic natural disaster in Nepal, triggered by an earthquake, severe rainfall, and flash floods, has caused widespread destruction across the region. Dramatic footage captured flash floods destroying infrastructure, including the Rasuwa border gate between Nepal and China. Unconfirmed reports indicate damage to around 14 hydroelectric power stations, exacerbating the floodwaters, with over 600 people affected and rescue operations actively underway. Among those impacted, over 100 Indian citizens, including Kailash Mansarovar yatris and tourists, are reportedly missing or stranded. In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with the Nepalese Prime Minister, offering full support, relief material, medical assistance, and search and rescue aid. Helplines have been issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, while Indian disaster management teams, including the NDRF, remain on standby in Gorakhpur to assist Nepalese security forces.

Following severe flash floods in Nepal triggered by an earthquake-induced avalanche, relief efforts and disaster management coordination are underway. India is preparing to send relief aid, medical supplies, tents, clothing, and dry rations to the affected bordering areas near Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The Koshi River region has experienced significant damage, impacting locals, tourists, and pilgrims traveling along the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. Official reports from Nepal indicate over 300 foreign nationals are missing, including at least 105 Indian nationals. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu are assessing the situation on the ground to confirm details regarding stranded citizens. Helpline numbers are being established by the mission to coordinate assistance. Disaster relief management teams from India are on standby to deploy upon official request. CCTV footage captured the sudden impact of the flash flood at local facilities around 8:30 AM during peak morning working hours.

A severe flash flood originating from Tibet has hit the Trishuli River in Nepal's Rasuwa district, killing at least 16 people and injuring 36 others. The Bagmati Province Police Office confirmed that casualties occurred across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. Quoting Nepal's foreign minister, initial reports indicate that an earthquake caused an avalanche that triggered the flash flood. In response to the rising water levels upstream, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a telephonic conversation with Bihar leadership to review the situation and assure central assistance. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary chaired a high-level review meeting with top officials, issuing directives for round-the-clock monitoring of dams and embankments, night patrolling, and evacuation warnings in vulnerable low-lying areas. Districts along the Gandak River, including Paschim Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, and Muzaffarpur, as well as Sitamarhi, Sheohar, and Kosi regions, have been placed on high alert. Teams from the NDRF and SDRF have been deployed across affected districts to handle emergencies.

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