Ankara, October 28 A powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck western Turkey late Monday, causing at least three buildings to collapse, officials said. The affected structures were already weakened from a previous earthquake in the region.

As per agency report, Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) stated that the earthquake occurred at 10:48 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located in the Sindirgi district of Balikesir province at a depth of 5.99 kilometers. The tremors were felt in several nearby provinces, including Istanbul, Bursa, Manisa, and Izmir, and were followed by multiple aftershocks.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that at least three vacant buildings and a two-story shop in Sindirgi collapsed during the quake. These structures had already sustained significant damage in an earlier earthquake. Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoğlu reported that 22 people were injured, while local administrator Dogukan Koyuncu told the state-run Anadolu Agency that no fatalities had been reported so far, though assessments were still underway.

In August, Sindirgi had experienced another 6.1 magnitude quake that killed one person and injured dozens. Since then, the surrounding region has continued to experience low-intensity tremors.

Turkey remains one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. In 2023, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed around 53,000 people and destroyed or severely damaged millions of buildings across 11 southern and southeastern provinces. The disaster also claimed nearly 6,000 lives in neighboring northern Syria.

Mumbai, May 16 – The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has called on major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and JioCinema to boycott all Turkish shows amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, citing Turkey’s diplomatic support for Pakistan.

In a statement issued on Thursday, FWICE expressed its “serious concern and strong objection” over the continued streaming and promotion of Turkish content on Indian OTT platforms.

“As is well known, Turkey has consistently extended diplomatic and political support to Pakistan on matters that are detrimental to India's sovereignty and national interests, including sensitive issues like Kashmir,” the organization said.

FWICE, which represents workers, technicians, and artists from 36 different sectors of the Indian media and entertainment industry, stated that allowing content from a country that challenges India’s territorial integrity is not in the nation’s best interest.

The body has also urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take necessary steps to restrict or ban Turkish television shows and films on Indian OTT platforms.

“Such an action would not only send a strong global message but also promote Indian content and support the vast workforce of our domestic entertainment industry. We hope the ministry will take this matter seriously and act in the national interest,” the statement added.

Turkish drama series like Binbir Gece, As the Crow Flies, Another Self, Yabani, Terzi, Ethos, and Creature had gained popularity in India since the early 2000s.

This development follows Turkey’s criticism of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ launched in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan reportedly used Turkish-made drones against India during the military conflict.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the apex body representing Indian traders, has called for a complete boycott of travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan in response to their open support for Pakistan. CAIT has urged Indian citizens and the travel and tourism sector to refrain from visiting these two countries as a strong protest against their stance against India. This call comes as an extension of CAIT’s long-running campaign to boycott Chinese products.

Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT’s National Secretary General, stated that a collective refusal by Indian citizens to travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan would significantly impact the economies of both countries, particularly their tourism sectors. Referring to 2024 data, he pointed out that Turkey received 62.2 million international tourists last year, including approximately 300,000 from India—a 20.7% rise from 2023. Indian tourists reportedly spend an average of $972 each, amounting to around $291.6 million in revenue for Turkey. Khandelwal emphasized that a travel boycott could directly cost Turkey this amount, with additional losses expected from cancellations of Indian weddings, corporate events, and cultural functions.

Regarding Azerbaijan, CAIT noted that the country received about 2.6 million foreign tourists in 2024, including around 250,000 from India. With an average Indian tourist spending 2,170 AZN (roughly $1,276), the estimated contribution of Indian tourists to Azerbaijan’s economy stood at approximately $308.6 million. A boycott would, therefore, result in significant losses, particularly in segments such as leisure, adventure, and destination events.

CAIT added that such an economic impact could force both nations to reconsider their diplomatic stances toward India. A travel boycott would also lead to reduced cultural exchanges and hurt local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and related service providers.

CAIT Gujarat Chairman Pramod Bhagat stressed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is strong and resolute. He said that India’s sovereignty and integrity cannot be undermined and that Indian traders are ready to support the nation’s interests in every way. A unified travel boycott, he emphasized, would not only apply economic pressure but also deliver a strong political message that may compel Turkey and Azerbaijan to re-evaluate their positions on India.

Ankara - A massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, killing nearly 28,000 people and causing 6,000 buildings to collapse. The death toll has reached 28,000, with over 70,000 people injured and millions left homeless. Despite the cold weather, thousands of rescue workers are still searching the rubble in the quake-hit areas. However, amidst the complete devastation and despair, miraculous stories of survival are emerging.

Yesterday, a two-month-old baby was safely pulled from under the rubble at Turkiye Hut, sparking celebrations from the crowd. This child was found alive 128 hours after the earthquake, and is being considered a miracle. Additionally, a two-year-old girl, a six-month pregnant woman, and a 70-year-old woman were among those rescued five days after the quake.

Several powerful aftershocks were felt in Turkey and Syria after the first 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Monday, making it the world's seventh deadliest natural disaster this century. With a death toll of 24,617 people in Turkey and over 3,500 people in Syria, this earthquake is the deadliest to hit Turkey since 1939 and one of the deadliest in the region's history. The dire need for essential supplies, such as food, water, and warmth, continues to increase as the cold weather adds to the woes of the millions of people affected by the earthquake.