Eurozone crisis to dampen global market, hit India: PM

June 17, 2012
Manmohan_Global

New Delhi, June 17: Ahead of his departure for the G 20 summit in Mexico, PM Manmohan Singh said Saturday that the ongoing economic crisis in Europe will further dampen global markets and adversely impact India's growth. Singh expressed hope that European leaders will take "resolute action'' to resolve the financial problems facing them.

"This situation in Europe is of particular concern as Europe accounts for a significant share of the global economy and is also India's major trade and investment partner,'' said the PM, adding that the G-20 meet was taking place in the shadow of the economic crisis in the Eurozone and a faltering global economy.

From Los Cabos, Singh will also travel to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to attend the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). Emphasising on the need to revive global growth, Singh said it was imperative that the G-20 countries work in coordination to implement policies that promote sustained growth. "I will stress the need to ensure primacy of the development dimension in G-20 deliberations and the need to focus on investment in infrastructure as a means of stimulating global growth,'' he added.

Describing BRICS as the new growth poles of the global economy, he said that, as current Chair of BRICS, India will host an informal meeting of BRICS leaders prior to the commencement of the G-20 summit to exchange views on the agenda of the summit.

Speaking about the Rio+20 conference, which is likely to debate complex and contentious issues such as green economy and sustainable development goals, Manmohan Singh emphasized that the cardinal principles of Rio 1992 should not be diluted, particularly the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as well as equity, which have been at the core of global sustainable development efforts.

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News Network
December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•    Location tracking
•    Pedometer
•    SOS emergency button
•    Qibla compass
•    Prayer timings
•    Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•    Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•    Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•    Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•    Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1.    Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2.    Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•    Training modules
•    Accommodation and flight details
•    Baggage information
•    SOS and translation tools
•    Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•    India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•    70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•    30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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