China's exports contracted sharply in March while imports unexpectedly shrank, undershooting forecasts by big margins, highlighting the stiff task facing policymakers as they try to bolster a shaky economic recovery. The dour data represented a setback for the world's second-largest economy after a generally better-than-expected start to the year. China has struggled to mount a sustainable post-COVID bounce, burdened by a protracted property crisis, mounting local government debts and weak private-sector spending. Exports from China slumped 7.5% year-on-year last month by value, customs data showed on Friday, the biggest fall since August last year and compared with a 2.3% decline forecast in a Reuters poll of economists. They had risen 7.1% in the January-February period. The data was released after mainland Chinese stock markets had closed, but Hong Kong's major indexes extended losses to more than 2%. "Despite a larger-than-expected year-on-year fall in export values, export volumes edged up to record highs", analysts at Capital Economics said, suggesting Chinese exporters are continuing to slash prices to maintain sales amid stubbornly weak domestic demand. Some economists also said a higher base of comparison last year partly led to the export drop, noting production had jumped last March as many workers recovered from a wave of COVID-19 infections. In the first quarter, both exports and imports rose 1.5% year-on-year. Chinese exporters had a tough time for most of last year as soaring interest rates weighed on overseas demand. With the Federal Reserve and other developed nations showing no urgency to cut borrowing costs, manufacturers may face further strains as they try to shore up sales overseas. Kris Lin, who owns a lighting products factory, spent tens of thousands of yuan to rent a booth at China's biggest trade fair next week, but he doesn't have high expectations. "Fewer and fewer buyers from Europe and the U.S. have been coming to check our products in recent years," Lin said. Analysts warn Western concerns over China's overcapacity in some industries may bring more trade barriers for the world's manufacturing hub. OVERCAPACITY CRITICISM Chinese automakers exported 1.32 million vehicles in the first quarter, up 23.9% from a year earlier. Customs didn't give a breakdown of how many of those were electric vehicles, which along with exports of cheap Chinese solar panels and other clean energy goods are fuelling increased frictions with the U.S. and Europe. China, for its part, has said its production system is simply far more competitive. Industrial capacity utilisation in China is lower than in much of the West, but not by much. While overall exports weakened last month, steel shipments were the highest since July 2016, and jumped 30.7% in the first quarter. The trade data comes ahead of first quarter GDP data next Tuesday. The impact of falling exports in March is unlikely to be large, because real GDP growth is more closely linked to the volume, rather than value of exports, said Tianchen Xu, an economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit. "However, the data implies falling export prices, which will be a drag on nominal GDP," he added. China's economy likely grew 4.6% in the first quarter from a year earlier -- the slowest in a year -- a Reuters poll showed on Thursday, maintaining pressure on policymakers to unveil more stimulus measures. Responding to a question on overcapacity at a press conference on Friday, the vice head of customs administration Wang Lingjun said: "We don't think falling producer prices mean the so-called overcapacity, as drops in prices are related to price fluctuations of raw materials, technology upgrades and voluntary surrender of profits by producers." MIXED SIGNALS Imports for March also disappointed, declining 1.9% year-on-year after 3.5% growth in the first two months, missing an expected 1.4% rise. The weak figure underlined sluggish domestic demand, which was also highlighted by Thursday's data showing consumer inflation cooled more than expected last month, while factory-gate deflation persisted. China's economy got off to a relatively solid start this year after policymakers rolled out support measures in the second half of 2023 to revive household consumption, private investment and market confidence. Yet, growth in the Asian giant remains uneven and analysts don't expect a full-blown revival anytime soon mainly due to a protracted property sector crisis, which some analysts fear could take years to resolve. With China's two big traditional growth engines -- property and trade -- sputtering, policymakers have been trying to shift to new drivers such as hi-tech and clean energy, though analysts note that will take time. Rating agency Fitch cut its outlook on China's sovereign credit rating to negative on Wednesday, citing risks to public finances as growth slows and government debt rises. China last month set a full-year growth target of around 5%, which analysts have described as ambitious as they noted that last year's 5.2% expansion came off a COVID-hit 2022. On the fiscal front, China plans to issue 1 trillion yuan ($138.18 billion) in special ultra-long term treasury bonds to support key areas. It also raised the 2024 special bond issuance quota for local governments. In a further attempt to revive demand, the cabinet last month approved a plan aimed at promoting large-scale equipment upgrades and sales of consumer goods. The head of the country's economic planner estimated the plan could generate market demand of over 5 trillion yuan annually.   Source: Reuters

The export of goods valued at $5.10 billion in March this year. Export earnings increased by about 10 percent. This information was revealed in the updated report of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) released on Tuesday (April 2). However, The earnings from exported goods fell short of the export target form the last month by 0.88 percent. In the first nine months (July-March) of the current fiscal year, overall exports worth $43.55 billion, which is 4.39 percent higher than the same period of the previous year, according to the EPB data. Meanwhile, export earnings in  readymade garments, agriculture and plastic sectors have increased. In the nine months of the fiscal year, export earnings in the readymade garment sector increased by about 5.5 percent.

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], March 12 (ANI): Tibetan women-in-exile held a candle march in the north Indian hill town of Shimla, marking the 65th anniversary of Tibetan Women’s National Uprising Day and protesting against the atrocities being committed by the Chinese authorities in Tibet. Tibetan women including Buddhist students, monks and others gathered in the north Indian hill town of Shimla to mark the anniversary and also to remember the women who died during the 1959 women’s uprising inside Tibet. The Tibetan women-in-exile participated under the banner of the Regional Chapter of TWA (Tibetan Women Association) and appealed to the international community to support the cause of Tibet. Dawa Cheodon, the organiser of the protest and Tibetan freedom activist said that through the protest, they aim to globally highlight the situation in Tibet amid Chinese atrocities. “Today we are here to mark the 65th Women National Uprising Day. On this day in 1959, 15,000 Tibetan women gathered near Potala Palace to protest against Chinese illegal occupation. We have gathered to pay tribute to those who died for us. Through this peace march, we are trying to highlight to the world about the situation in Tibet,” Cheodon said. “There is no internet or news access inside Tibet. China is planning a hydroelectric dam inside Tibet which is a big threat to the people and the monasteries. The degradation of our land and our people only benefits China,” she added. Tsering Dorjee, the spokesperson of the Tibetan community in exile, highlighted the human rights violations in Tibet and said that the dam being built on the Indo-China border presents a grave threat to the local culture as well as to the region. “Tibetan communities across the globe are protesting today to mark the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan Women’s National Uprising. On this day in 1959, women protested inside Tibet and today we are marking the anniversary. Today, human rights violations continue inside Tibet. Education rights are being snatched, the environment is being destroyed, and big dams are being built on the mountains on the Indo-China border,” he said. “These dams would be a threat to India and to the entire Asia. In the Kham region, a dam is being built that would destroy the important monasteries in the region. People are being displaced forcefully and are being imprisoned. Child labour is also being committed. Today through this peace march we are appealing to the world to get united against China and give a befitting reply,” Dorjee added. On March 12, 1959, Tibetans women in Lhasa on national uprising were protesting against the PRC (People’s Republic of China). Thousands of Tibetan women were killed in Chinese rebuttal and over 80,000 Tibetans including spiritual leader Dalai Lama were forced to flee India. Since then, thousands of Tibetans are living in-exile in India and other parts of the globe. A large number of Tibetan women in exile across the globe protested and remembered those Tibetan women who were killed over 6 decades ago inside Tibet.  Source: ANI

Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu celebrated the historic 7th March with due solemnity.  The day began with hoisting the national flag at the Embassy compound. A discussion programme was held at the Embassy auditorium where video of the historic 7th March speech of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was screened and the messages given by the dignitaries were read out.  SAARC Secretary General Md. Golam Sarwar attended the programme as the special guest. The speakers highlighted the historical background and significance of the 7th March speech.  Embassy officials and the members of the Bangladesh community in Nepal attended the program.  

The fiery March, the month of independence begins today. In this month, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh. "The struggle this time is the struggle for  for our freedom, the struggle this time is the struggle for independence" these lines of the dreamer of independence makes the whole nation strong as steel. On March 7, 1971, during this historic speech at Suhrawardy Udyan former Racecourse Ground, there was a sea of people roaring at the moment. The fire that was ignited on February 21, 1952, for the demand for language, spread all over East Bengal. The education movement of 1962, the six-point movement of 1966 and the March 1971 of 1971 brought a new era which lead the nation straight to the independence.  

Election to 233 local government bodies, including by-polls to Cumilla City Corporation (CCC) and general election to Mymensingh City Corporation (MCC), will be held on March 9. Election Commission (EC) secretariat secretary Jahangir Alam announced the polls schedule at a press conference held at Agargaon Nirbachan Bhaban today (Jan 24). According to the schedule, the last date for submission of nomination papers to the returning officers is on February 13 and nomination papers will be scrutinized on February 15. Appeals against cancellation of candidatures will be settled on February 19 and 20.   The last date for withdrawal of candidatures is February 22 and symbol will be distributed on February 23.   Voting will take place from 8am to 4pm on March 9.   EC secretary said voting of city corporations, pourashavas and district councils will take place in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). But ballot paper will be used in general elections of union parishads and different vacant posts, he added.   Jahangir Alam said Regional election officials will act as returning office for Mymensingh and Cumilla city corporation polls.   Source: BSS

Thousands of climate activists flooded the streets of Midtown, Manhattan on Sunday, initiating Climate Week ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York City. Demonstrators held signs saying "End Fossil Fuel Use,""Declare a Climate Emergency" and "I didn't vote for fires and floods." The protesters implored US President Joe Biden and global leaders phase out fossil fuels, emphasizing their role in exacerbating climate change. President Biden is among the world leaders set to attend the United Nations General Assembly, which is scheduled to formally open on Tuesday. "We hold the power of the people, the power you need to win this election," said Emma Buretta, 17, of Brooklyn of the youth protest group Fridays for Future. "If you want to win in 2024, if you do not want the blood of my generation to be on your hands, end fossil fuels."  The 75,000 people who marched on Sunday came from about 700 organizations and activist groups, and drew people from all spheres. "We have people all across the world in the streets, showing up, demanding a cessation of what is killing us," US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told a cheering crowd. "We have to send a message that some of us are going to be living on, on this planet 30, 40, 50 years from now. And we will not take no for an answer." UN 2015 goals missing target Many scientists say greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels contribute to global warming, leading to extreme weather events, including hurricanes, heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and droughts seen around the world currently. Curbing CO2 emissions is pivotal in tackling climate change. Scientists caution that within the next five years, the world may witness unprecedented high temperatures, with a significant chance of surpassing the critical mark of an average 1.5 degree Celsius increase. Ahead of the upcoming UN COP28 climate summit, over 80 nations aim to establish an accord to progressively eliminate coal, oil, and gas. A recent UN study cautioned about escalating global warming risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive actions and drastic emission reductions, including significantly reducing coal-powered energy by 2030, according to news agency Reuters. On Monday, the UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit starts, aiming for a "global rescue plan," according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He noted that merely 15% of the sustainable development objectives adopted in 2015 were likely to be achieved, with some metrics heading in reverse. To reach the 2015 target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, it's essential to eliminate the use of fossil fuels that can't have their emissions captured or compensated. Protesters have experienced climate change events Sunday's protests marked a weeklong global initiative by Climate Group, a non-profit pushing for climate action. Over 500 protests are planned in 54 countries, including the U.S., Germany, England, South Korea, and India. The rallies, a precursor to the upcoming the COP28 summit, reflect increasing global concern as climate change-induced severe weather events become more commonplace. American University sociologist Dana Fisher studies environmental movements and took a survey of march participants. She said 86% of those surveyed had experienced extreme heat recently, 21% floods and 18% severe drought. They mostly reported feeling sad and angry. "Our lives are on the line." 22-year-old Nalleli Cobo told AFP news agency. 

Lionel Messi made it five goals in three appearances for Inter Miami as he scored twice in a 3-1 win over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup round-of-32 on Wednesday. Both finishes came from close range from the Argentine who made it three wins out of three at a team which was winless in 11 league games before his arrival. Messi opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Robert Taylor cut in from the left and chipped a perfect ball into the path of the on-running Argentine who cushioned the ball his chest before volleying home from six yards out. But Orlando responded strongly, drawing level ten minutes later when a low shot from Ivan Angulo was pushed out by Miami keeper Drake Callender and Uruguayan Cesar Araujo pounced on the edge of the box to drive a low shot into the corner. Source: BSS Miami restored their lead thanks to a 51st minute penalty from Josef Martinez and then Messi made sure of the victory, again from close range, after a clever chip to him from Martinez. Another former Barcelona star Jordi Alba made his debut for Miami, coming on as a 64th minute substitute as Gerardo Martino's team earned a last 16 meeting away to FC Dallas on Sunday.

BNP has started their second day march from Abdullahpur to Jatrabari.  Around 11:05 am BNP's Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas inaugurated the programme in front of Polwel Market at Uttara’s Abdullahpur on Wednesday. Thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies joined the programme. As part of their one-point movement with the goal to remove Awami League from power and to hold the upcoming national elections under a neutral government. A similar programme is supposed to be held in all other metropolitan cities and district towns.

BNP's road march for the party's one-point demand came under attack near Mirpur's Govt Bangla college on July 18.  From 11.30 am today BNP started a march towards Old Dhaka from Gabtoli Bus Station.  Around 11:45 pm when the march came infront of Govt Bangla College, college's Chhatra League unit threw stones in the march, then the clash begins.  A motorcycle and a bicycle were burned during the clash. Deputy Commissioner Jasim Uddin Mollah of DMP's Mirpur Division said, 'Bangla College was open today. When the BNP procession passed in front of the college, the Chhatra League activists threw stones and there was a little tension. But after a while the situation became normal.' Besides, the ruling Awami League's two-day ‘peace and development procession’ programme is set to start from the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh this afternoon.  Activities of 2 party will be made ‍a deadlock situation at raod.