iPhone 17 launch triggers frenzied scenes across India
New Delhi: The launch of Apple’s latest smartphone lineup, the iPhone 17 series, witnessed unprecedented scenes across major Indian cities on Friday, as large crowds gathered outside Apple Stores well before the official opening time. In several locations, the situation escalated into chaos, with reports of scuffles and inadequate crowd control measures.
All four of Apple’s flagship stores in India — located in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune — commenced sales at 8:00 a.m., but enthusiastic customers began queuing up as early as the previous evening. At the BKC Jio World Drive store in Mumbai, tensions escalated when individuals allegedly attempted to bypass the queue, resulting in physical altercations. Videos released by PTI showed several individuals engaging in shoving and fistfights before security personnel intervened and removed those involved.
Shoppers expressed disappointment over the apparent lack of adequate security and crowd management. One customer, Mohan Yadav, told ANI, “I have been standing in line since morning, but the situation is completely disorganized. People are breaking queues, and security is not taking responsibility.”
In New Delhi, long queues were reported at the Select Citywalk Mall in Saket, stretching across multiple floors. Some customers claimed to have arrived as early as 1:00 a.m., while others reported traveling from Punjab and other nearby regions to secure a device on launch day. A number of buyers also admitted to taking leave from work in order to attend the event.
Similar scenes were witnessed at Apple’s stores in Bengaluru and Pune, where thousands gathered from the early hours and waited for several hours. Despite the premium pricing of the devices, the large turnout reflected continued strong demand for Apple products in the Indian market.
Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup includes the iPhone 17 priced at ₹82,900, the iPhone 17 Air at ₹1,19,900, the iPhone 17 Pro at ₹1,34,900, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at ₹1,49,900. In addition to the smartphones, the company also launched the Apple Watch Series 10 and the third-generation AirPods Pro.
Earlier this week, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the upcoming opening of new Apple Stores in Bengaluru and Pune, further expanding the company's retail presence in India.
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Om Birla attends swearing-in of new B'desh PM, says India stands ready to support BNP govt
New Delhi (PTI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday attended the swearing-in ceremony of new Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, and said India stands ready to support Bangladesh's endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation.
Separately, the speaker called on the new Bangladesh prime minister and conveyed the wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also handed over an invitation from Prime Minister Modi to Rahman to visit India, officials said here.
“Glad to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka today. India stands ready to support Bangladesh’s endeavours to build a democratic, progressive and inclusive nation,” Birla posted on X.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, said in a post on X, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman conveys his greetings to India and PM Narendra Modi to the visiting India Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at a courtesy meet following the swearing-in of the new government.
“Speaker Birla conveyed wishes and an invitation to India. Both leaders expressed optimism to work together for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh and India, pursuing a people-centric menu of cooperation.”
Birla also met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and other leaders on the sidelines of the event.
Led by Rahman, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to power with a two-thirds majority with 49.97 per cent votes and 209 seats in the polls held on February 12, results for which were declared on February 13.
The Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971, registered its best-ever performance with 31.76 per cent votes and 68 seats.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) secured the third-highest number of seats, six, and 3.05 per cent votes.
Bangladesh had invited Narendra Modi to the ceremony, but the prime minister could not attend the event as he was scheduled to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on Tuesday.
On reaching Dhaka, Birla said the swearing-in of Rahman was an important moment that would strengthen people-to-people relations and shared democratic values between the two neighbours.
“Honoured to be in Dhaka representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by Tarique Rahman as the prime minister. It's an important moment that will strengthen people-to-people ties and shared democratic values between our two nations,” Birla said.
Birla was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials.
