Bahrain: Indian overseas congress (IOC) Bahrain Chapter celebrated 71st Indian Republic Day Under the leadership of IOC President Mohammed Mansoor, the event took place at the Banquet Hall of the Arman Hotel- Juffair. The event started with the national anthem of India. The entire audience took oath to adhere and safeguard the Indian Constitution while  Mansoor read its Preamble.

The welcome speech was given by Khursheed Alam (Gen Secretary IOC).

Dignitaries, Officials & Representatives of various Indian state forums attended the event, which included Srikrishna Bhatt (Karnataka), Binu Kunnanthanam (President of OICC- Kerala), Hassainar Kalathingal (President KMCC - Kerala), Ibrahim Adham (President OICC youth wing - Kerala), Anas Rahim (President IYCC), Sajid Warsi (U.P), Mohammad Izharul, Haque-Delhi, Mohammed Gayaz-Mysore, Sajjad Khan-Bihar,  Abdul Raheem-Hyderabad, and IOC-Bahrain Office Bearers Raju Kallumpuram (Vice President) , Sovichan Chennatusery (Vice President), Jayafar Maidani and Santosh Austin (Secretary), The event was also graced  by Indian Club Gen Secretary, Job and  Debashis Banerjea-President Lions Club of Riffa, Mohammed Musalliar, Gafoor Kaipamangalath (KMCC Vice President) and various leaders of OICC and IOCC were present. 

The vote of thanks was given by Basheer Ambalayi (Gen. secretary IOC). Sharvani Manjunad and Master Manvit presented patriotic songs. The event was conducted by Mrs. Shamily P John-Former Secretary of Indian School EC , A poet and professor in University of Bahrain. 

The event was concluded by paying homage with a documentary on Mahatma Gandhi to mark his death anniversary, 30th January also known as Martyr’s Day in India.

 

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Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (PTI): The ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran has halted turmeric exports from Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, causing domestic prices to crash from Rs 16,500 to Rs 13,000 per quintal.

Shiv Sena MLC Hemant Patil on Tuesday said that turmeric cultivated in Marathwada is exported to the Gulf and African countries, but the war that broke out last month has halted exports completely.

Turmeric is a cash crop cultivated in nearly 2 lakh acres in Hingoli district, and the Vasmat variety received a Geographical Identification (GI) tag in 2024.

Containers of turmeric from Hingoli and adjoining regions are shipped out of the country from Tamil Nadu and Kerala after processing, said Patil, who also heads the Balasaheb Thackeray Turmeric Research and Training Centre in Hingoli.

"Hingoli, Nanded, Wardha, Parbhani, Yavatmal and Washim are the turmeric belts in Marathwada. These districts produce nearly 25 lakh tonnes of the crop. The land under turmeric cultivation in Hingoli district alone is around 2 lakh hectares," he said.

Prakash Soni, a turmeric trader from Hingoli, said the Iran war has not only completely halted the exports, but the price of the produce in the domestic market has also taken a hit.

"Before the war, turmeric was being sold at Rs 16,500 per quintal. The price has now reached Rs 13,000. The price will drop further if the war continues," he said.

According to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India exported turmeric worth USD 341.54 million in 2024-25, with Maharashtra alone accounting for USD 155.35 million.

The produce was exported to Bangladesh, the UAE, the US, Malaysia and Morocco.