Ten central trade unions have called for a nationwide strike, Bharat Bandh, on July 9, supported by rural and agricultural labor organizations. The unions are protesting government policies favoring big businesses at the expense of workers and farmers. They are demanding better wages, more government jobs, and opposing new labor codes, potentially disrupting public transport and services.

The remark, captured on video, quickly went viral and drew sharp condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the civil society in the state.

US President Donald Trump has announced new 50 per cent tariffs on copper, after having implemented similar duties on steel and aluminium imports.