India News Roundup| Tremors felt across north India, cash awards for Paralympics medalists & more

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Pakistan sends mild tremors across Delhi and north India, Sports Minister announces cash awards for Paris Paralympics medalists, Apple's iPhone exports from India surge, driven by PLI scheme, and more. Find out the latest updates with this India news roundup.

On Wednesday, an earthquake measuring 5.8 magnitude on the Richter scale struck in Pakistan. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, sent mild tremors across Delhi and many parts of north India.

Residents in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir felt the tremors, with reports indicating that the impact was also experienced as far as Afghanistan. Major cities in Pakistan, including Islamabad and Lahore, also felt the tremors.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Tuesday that Indian athletes who win medals will receive cash awards in recognition of their achievements. Gold medallists will be awarded Rs 75 lakh, silver winners will receive Rs 50 lakh, and bronze medallists will be granted Rs 30 lakh.

Athletes who excel in mixed team events will receive Rs 22.5 lakh. The minister also pledged to provide all necessary facilities to para-athletes to enhance their chances of winning more medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

Apple has reported a significant growth in iPhone exports from India, driven by the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. Between April and August 2024, iPhone exports reached approximately $5 billion, marking a 50% increase from the same period last year.

The company’s exports from India reached $12.1 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year, up from $6.27 billion in 2022-23. Overall, Apple's India operations were valued at $23.5 billion last fiscal year, with revenues expected to grow by 18% year-on-year in 2024. The upcoming launch of the iPhone 16 series is anticipated to further strengthen Apple's market presence in India and boost export figures.

Several banks in India are expected to remain closed for up to six consecutive days between September 13-18, 2024, due to a combination of regional holidays, festivals, and the weekend.

However, not all holidays are observed nationwide, so customers are advised to check with their local bank branch or app notifications to confirm the specific holiday schedule in their area.

As the extended weekend before Eid-e-Milad approaches on the 15th of September, travel searches for both domestic and international destinations have surged.

Popular hill stations such as Lonavala, Ooty, and Kodaikanal have seen a 20-50% increase in search activity compared to the same period last year. Mussoorie has experienced an especially notable rise, with a 120% year-on-year growth in travel searches.