India Roundup: Tunnel collapse, border crossing, pollution levels

High liquor consumption

Delhi, India’s capital has broken previous records of liquor consumption with a new record of over Rs 526 crore ($ 63 million) worth of liquor sold in the fortnight up to the country’s biggest Hindu religious festival and most important holiday of the year. Indian news outlet The Times of India reports that this figure is almost 44% higher than the sales during the same period last year.

Tunnel collapse

Government of India is putting in measures to rescue persons trapped under a construction tunnel fin Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand in India. According to the Indian Express, 40 workers have been trapped for two days now but are being provided with food, water and oxygen. A six-member committee has also been set up by government to investigate the incident.

Border crossing

39 army personnel from Myanmar, a Southeast Asian nation have crossed the border into India, together with some 5000 following gunfight between rebel outfits and the military since November 12, 2023. According to the Hindustan Times in India, they have since surrendered before the Mizoram police at Zokhawthar.

Higher pollution levels

Delhi has recorded disturbing levels of pollution during this year’s Diwali festival, the Daily Pioneer has said. An analysis by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) indicated that particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 increased by 45% and 33% during the country’s biggest festival county.

Violence by nationals

Indian authorities are seeking for evidence from the UK against suspects who were involved in the violence at the Indian High Commission in London during a pro-Khalistan protest on March 19. Through a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty to UK authorities, the National Investigation Agency is asking the UK to share details of the suspect and their aides, according to the Indian Express.