Maldive opp seeks India’s ‘active role’
New Delhi: Maldivian Opposition on Thursday called on India to take on a more active role in “restoring democracy” in the island nation and put pressure on President Abdulla Yameen's Government by taking steps like imposing sanctions. "The Maldives United Opposition supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘Region First' policy, without reservation. We believe that the Indian Ocean is India's Ocean, and it should remain that way," Ahmed Naseem, former Maldivian Foreign Minister and senior leader of Mohamed Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said here.
Smart city works from June 25
New Delhi: Execution of works in 20 smart cities will kick-start from June 25 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching 14 projects in Pune, while 69 others will commence in other parts of the country entailing a total cost of Rs 1,770 crore. Marking the first anniversary of the announcement of the government's flagship programme, Modi will launch the ‘Smart City Mission' projects from Pune's 5,000-capacity Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex.
‘prepare to tackle Bio-Terrorism’
New Delhi: Experts on Thursday emphasised on a strong and well integrated programme in sync with the different Governmental arms to deal with bio-terrorism, as diseases like Ebola and Zika could emerge as possible threats. lt Gen (retired) J R Bharadwaj, former Director General Armed Forces Medical Service and also a former member of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said although different arms of the government are working to deal with the threat, a lot more needs to be done. These views were aired at a daylong conference here on bio-terrorism, bio threat and bio-defence and preparedness to meet the challenge.
centre identifies 10 places to be cleaned
New Delhi: The Centre has identified 10 iconic places with higher footfalls, including Taj Mahal and Vaishno Devi, to be cleaned on par with international standards for which the World Bank will provide technical assistance, officials said on Thursday. The Centre is also in the process of drafting standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure cleanliness at as many known sanctuaries and tiger reserves, they said.
India-China financial dialogue postponed
Beijing: India-China financial dialogue at the level of Secretaries which was due to be held next week has been postponed to July. The Postponement has been necessitated because of inability of India's Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das to travel to Beijing for the meeting which was scheduled for June 27. Das was asked to stay back in Delhi in view of the voting on Brexit which will have implications for India.