32 C People / The Economic Times
Following communal violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal, hundreds have fled across the Bhagirathi River to Malda. Victims, primarily from areas like Dhulian, cite attacks and arson related to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Displaced families are being sheltered in schools with food provided by the local administration.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati approved the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, effective Sunday, initiating significant higher education reforms. The act grants universities autonomy in faculty recruitment through internal committees, replacing the OPSC. It also raises the vice-chancellor age limit to 70 and reintroduces the senate, ensuring balanced representation and bolstering the state's education system.
Gary Stead will step down as New Zealand's T20 and ODI coach. He is contemplating his role in Test cricket. New Zealand Cricket will soon advertise for the coaching positions. They are open to split coaching roles. Stead led New Zealand to several finals and a World Test Championship victory. He wants to evaluate his options after a busy season.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed two committees to address the economic impact of new US tariffs. With the steep tariffs threatening Pakistan's exports, the government aims to negotiate with the US for a mutually beneficial resolution. A high-level delegation will soon travel to Washington.
State-owned NHAI plans to develop a 121-km-long Guwahati Ring Road on build-operate-toll mode for Rs 5,729 crore, with a 30-year concession period. The Assam government will cover 50% of land costs and provide tax exemptions. The project includes road widening, bridge construction, and aims to decongest Guwahati, offering improved connectivity to the North-East Region.
China's military carried out extensive drills around Taiwan for a second consecutive day, centering on the Taiwan Strait. The exercises aimed to test capabilities in area control, blockade, and precision strikes, involving significant air and naval participation. Taiwan monitored the situation closely, noting incursions by Chinese military assets.