Connect with us

India Hot Topics

The current situtation in Sri Lanka and Pakistan is due to Chinese funding for white elephant projects

Published

on

The current situtation in Sri Lanka and Pakistan is due to Chinese funding for white elephant projects

Built during the presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa, both port and airport, built from high-interest loans from Chinese EXIM bank, are examples of fiscal profligacy.

Eighteen kilometres from Chinese owned Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka lies Mattala Rajapaksa International airport, which is unfortunately the least used airport in the world.

The Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka and Gwadar Port in restive Baluchistan in Pakistan are classical cases of white elephant projects. Both the ports are located strategically but are commercially unsustainable as there is simply not enough traffic. China has already acquired Hambantota and may acquire Gwadar too in the coming months. Fact is that there is no real income from these ports and cargo traffic is being diverted from Colombo and Karachi ports to keep them operational while Matala airport, in Sri Lanka, is sometimes used for storing paddy.

Beijing has maintained that its loans comprise 10 per cent of Sri Lanka’s overall external debt. This works out to be USD five billion out of total debt of nearly USD 51 billion excluding currency swaps, foreign currency term facility agreements, and loans given by Chinese state-owned enterprises.

Advertisement

In Pakistan, the Chinese EXIM Bank has loaned USD 11 billion (concessional) at an interest rate of 1.6 per cent for infrastructure projects and another USD 15.5 billion (commercial) carrying an interest rate of 5-6 per cent for power projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of the BRI and designed to give Beijing access to the Arabian Sea and beyond.

In Pakistan, the debt burden has consistently increased due to the regular depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee at an average of six per cent per year. In Sri Lanka, the Lankan Rupee collapsed in a matter of days, increasing the cost of hard currency dramatically.

Today, the value of 1$ in Sri Lanka is equal to 300 Sri Lankan rupees.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Haryana

Delhi Weather and AQI Today: Warm start at 22.05 °C, check weather forecast for October 22, 2024

Published

on

By

Delhi Weather and AQI Today: Warm start at 22.05 °C, check weather forecast for October 22, 2024

Check the weather forecast and air quality updates for Delhi on October 22, 2024 here.

The temperature in Delhi today, on October 22, 2024, is 32.93 °C. The day’s forecast indicates a minimum and maximum temperature of 22.05 °C and 35.04 °C, respectively. The relative humidity is 26% and the wind speed is 26 km/h. The sun rose at 06:26 AM and will set at 05:44 PM.

Tomorrow, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Delhi is predicted to experience a minimum and maximum temperature of 27.42 °C and 34.91 °C, respectively. Tomorrow humidity levels will be at 20%.

With temperatures ranging between 22.05 °C and 35.04 °C, prepare for a hot day and plan outdoor activities accordingly. If you are sensitive to heat, take note of the weather forecast and consider appropriate attire and activities suitable for the prevailing weather.

Advertisement

The AQI in Delhi today stands at 334.0, falling in the very poor category. Everyone should be cautious. Children and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should stay indoors and others should also limit their outdoor activities. Usage of masks and air purifying devices is advised. Being aware of the AQI helps one make informed decisions regarding one’s overall well-being while planning the day’s activities.

Weather and AQI predictions in Delhi for next 7 days:

DateTemperatureSky
October 23, 202432.93 °CSky is clear
October 24, 202432.69 °CSky is clear
October 25, 202432.5 °CSky is clear
October 26, 202432.07 °CSky is clear
October 27, 202430.69 °CSky is clear
October 28, 202431.29 °CSky is clear
October 29, 202432.09 °CSky is clear

Weather in other cities on October 22, 2024

CityTemperatureSky
Mumbai28.35 °CLight rain
Kolkata28.84 °CSky is clear
Chennai28.94 °CLight rain
Bengaluru25.53 °CModerate rain
Hyderabad27.75 °CModerate rain
Ahmedabad31.9 °CSky is clear
Delhi32.93 °CSky is clear

Group Media Publications
Entertainment News Platforms – anyflix.in      
Construction Infrastructure and Mining News Platform – https://cimreviews.com/
General News Platform – https://ihtlive.com/

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Anyskill-ads

Facebook

Trending