Mysuru Dasara attracted more tourists this year, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (PTI): The iconic Mysuru Dasara has successfully attracted more tourists this year, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Thursday, and noted that with people's blessings, this year marked the eighth time he was participating in the celebrations as the CM.
He was speaking after launching the world famous Dasara procession here by offering pooja to the 'Nandi Dhwaja' (Nandi Flag).
"I don't know whether this is a record. This is my second term as the Chief Minister. When I was CM earlier, I have attended Dasara every year, I have attended thrice in my second term. So I think this is my 8th Dasara as CM," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question on him creating a record of sorts by participating in Dasara as CM for the eighth time.
Speaking to reporters here, he said he did not verify if it was a formal record.
"As I have the blessings of the people, I have got the opportunity to celebrate Dasara as CM for eight years. I have accepted it happily," he added.
His remarks come amid speculations about the possibility of change in Chief Minister later this year.
Siddaramaiah had on Wednesday asserted that he will complete five years as CM.
Noting that Dasara is a festival of the people, the CM on Thursday said, "If people are happy and participate in large numbers, we are happy...Mysuru Dasara has attracted more tourists this year, I welcome them."
Thanking international booker prize winner Banu Mushtaq for inaugurating Dasara on September 22, he said, the Dasara was held this year without any incidents, and commended officials, Ministers and MLAs for it.
Noting that the year has brought good rains, leading to full dams and promising crop reports, the CM said in some districts, there were floods leading to crop damage.
"Crops in about 10 lakh hectares have been damaged due to rains and floods so far in the state. I have already announced that the compensation will be provided to affected farmers. From the government and the NDRF funds, compensation of Rs 17,000 per hectare will be provided for dry land, Rs 25,500 per hectare for irrigated land, Rs 31,000 per hectare for perennial crops," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the joint survey is not yet completed, because of rains and water-logging in fields. As soon as the joint survey is done, compensation will be provided.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar too greeted the people on the occasion of Vijayadashami and wished for peace and prosperity to the state.
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West Asia: India supplied 22,000 MT of high-speed diesel to Bangladesh in March, says MEA
New Delhi (PTI): Amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, India has supplied 22,000 metric tonnes of high-speed diesel to Bangladesh in March and has received a request from Seychelles and the Maldives to meet their energy requirements, the MEA said on Friday.
At his weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in his response to a query related to requests received from India's neighbouring countries for fuel amid the West Asia situation, also said that India is "finalising a government-to-government agreement" for the supply of oil and gas, which will play an important role in reinforcing energy security of Mauritius.
The conflict in West Asia has now stretched to nearly 50 days, with global ramifications.
"So, we have received requests from our neighbouring countries for supply of fuel, and these are being looked into, keeping in mind our own requirements, availability and refining capacity," Jaiswal told reporters.
He further said India has "supplied 22,000 metric tonnes of high-speed diesel to Bangladesh in March 2026, and further supplies have continued this month as well".
"You would recall that last month we had supplied 38 metric tonnes of petroleum products to Sri Lanka as well," he added.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Mauritius last week, the MEA spokesperson said, adding, "We are finalising a government-to-government agreement for supply of oil and gas, which will play an important role in reinforcing the energy security of Mauritius".
As far as Nepal is concerned, there is an existing arrangement between Indian Oil Corporation and Nepal Oil Corporation to supply petroleum products to Nepal as per its requirements. The supplies are continuing without any interruption, he said.
Energy supplies to Bhutan also continue according to the existing arrangement.
"As I had mentioned earlier, we have received a request from Seychelles and the Maldives to meet their energy requirements. We continue to be in touch with them in this regard, and are considering the request keeping in mind our own domestic requirements and availability of fuel.
"I would also like to add that our neighbouring country governments have expressed appreciation for the uninterrupted supply, fuel supply to them during the West Asian conflict," Jaiswal said.
Global oil and gas prices surged after Iran restricted the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that handles roughly 20 per cent of global oil and LNG trade.
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