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India to begin delayed census in Sept as Modi looks to plug data gaps, sources say

NEW DELHI, Aug 21 (Reuters) – India is likely to begin conducting a long-delayed population census in September, two government sources said, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks to plug important data gaps in his third term after years of criticism. India’s once-a-decade census was due to be completed in 2021 but was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will take about 18 months to complete the new survey after it begins next month, two government sources directly involved in the matter said. Economists within the government and outside have criticised the delay in the latest census as it

India to spend $300 million to mitigate floods, conserve water in big cities

NEW DELHI, Aug 21 (Reuters) – India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday. Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk. Ratings agency Moody’s warned in June that India’s growing water stress

Sule seeks Fadnavis’ resignation over Badlapur incident; says govt not serious about women’s safety

Pune, Aug 21 (PTI) NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Wednesday targeted the Maharashtra government over the Badlapur sexual abuse case and demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a protest organised to condemn the Badlapur incident, she accused the Eknath Shinde-led dispensation of not being serious about the issue of women’s safety, and alleged that while the government was busy breaking parties, it had no time for common people. A massive protest broke out in Badlapur town in Thane district on Tuesday after a large

Unrest impact: Hospitality sector hit in Dhaka, rooms empty at hotels

Dhaka, Aug 21 (PTI) The recent anti-government protests that rocked Bangladesh for over a month have hit the hospitality sector hard in the capital Dhaka with the majority of rooms at several luxury and economy hotels here going empty in the aftermath of the unrest. Dhaka is both the political and financial capital of Bangladesh and home to several landmark commercial properties managed by international hotel chains which cater largely to business travellers. Senior managers at many of these hotels say, the “heaviest impact” was felt in July when huge booking cancellations took place resulting in a “big financial loss”.

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