New Delhi, Feb. 11 -- A joint forum of central trade unions will observe a nationwide 'Bharat Bandh' on Thursday, February 12, against the recently announced India-US trade agreement. The protest aims to oppose what the groups have accused the BJP-led Central dispensation of "surrendering before the shrewdness of the US".

The shutdown has been called by 10 central trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC. The unions have said the strike will impact operations in over 600 districts across the country.

Around 30 crore workers across multiple sectors are expected to take part in the strike, which could significantly disrupt banking services, transportation and other key public services.

Wit...