Indi, Fiji discuss strengthening cooperation in affordable social housing, sustainable urban development

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Suva, Aug 6 (IANS) India and Fiji on Thursday held discussions on strengthening cooperation in affordable social housing, sustainable urban development, waste management and local governance.

The discussions were held during a meeting with India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, and Fiji’s Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa.

“High Commissioner Suneet Mehta was honoured to meet Fiji’s Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon’ble Maciu Nalumisa. Productive discussions were held focusing on strengthening cooperation in affordable social housing, sustainable urban development, waste management and local governance, while exploring opportunities to further deepen the India–Fiji development partnership,” the Indian High Commission in Fiji posted on X.

Suneet Mehta also met Fiji’s Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh, with discussions held on deepening the development partnership and enhancing cooperation with Fiji Coconut Millers in Coconut and Coir development.

“High Commissioner Suneet Mehta was honoured to call on Fiji’s Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs Hon. Charan Jeath Singh. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation with Fiji Coconut Millers in Coconut and Coir development, while further deepening the India–Fiji development partnership,” the Indian High Commission in Fiji posted on X.

This comes against the backdrop of the talks on Monday between Suneet Mehta and Fiji’s Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna. Discussions were focused on agriculture and agriculture tech sectors, according to the Indian High Commission in Fiji statement on X.

On Tuesday, the High Commission of India in Fiji and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Suva distributed books to Pacific Nations School.

“Promoting Knowledge, Learning and Cultural Exchange. The High Commission of India in Fiji and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre distributed books to Pacific Nations School , Suva, fostering a love for reading, lifelong learning, and holistic development among students. Together, we continue to strengthen the enduring bonds of friendship between India and Fiji through education, culture and shared values,” the High Commission of India in Fiji posted on X.

Ties between India and Fiji are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people-to-people ties. Indiaʼs links with Fiji started in 1879 when Indian labourers were taken to Fiji under the indenture system by the British to work on sugar-cane plantations, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Over the years, India has supported Fiji in its nation-building efforts across key sectors and in the area of capacity building.

–IANS

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Operation Sindoor: Domestic airlines cancel several flights to J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan

New Delhi, May 7 (IANS) Domestic carriers on Wednesday cancelled or delayed several flights to and from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh after the Indian Army successfully executed ‘Operation Sindoor’, hitting nine high-value terror targets deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In view of the prevailing situation, Air India said it has cancelled all its flights to and from the following stations — Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot — till noon on May 7, pending further updates from authorities.

“Two international flights en route to Amritsar are being diverted to Delhi. We regret the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen disruption,” said the leading airline.

Low-cost carrier IndiGo said that in continuation of “our earlier update and in the wake of the prevailing situation, flights to/from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, and Jodhpur stand cancelled for the day”.

The airline further stated that “We are anticipating changes in flight schedules across our network and sincerely advise all customers to stay updated on their flight status before heading to the airport. We remain committed to keeping you informed on subsequent developments”.

Meanwhile, SpiceJet has also announced that, due to the ongoing situation, its services in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala, Leh, Jammu, Srinagar, and Amritsar, have been impacted.

“Due to ongoing situation, airports in parts of northern India, including Dharamshala (DHM), Leh (IXL), Jammu (IXJ), Srinagar (SXR), and Amritsar (ATQ), are closed until further notice. Departures, arrivals, and consequential flights may be impacted. Passengers are advised to plan their journey accordingly and check flight status,” SpiceJet said in a statement posted on X.

Operation Sindoor was carried out with precision, targeting terrorist infrastructure associated with groups responsible for the attack.

The Indian government confirmed that all nine targets were successfully struck, with no civilian or military infrastructure in Pakistan being affected.

The strikes were part of India’s response to the April 22 terror attack that claimed the lives of 25 Indians and one Nepali national in Jammu and Kashmir.

–IANS

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National Assembly to process US investment bill as planned: South Korea lawmakers

Seoul, Feb 21 (IANS) Rival parties of South Korea confirmed on Saturday proceeding with remaining procedures to process the legislation on South Korea’s investment pledges to the United States as planned, regardless of the recent ruling on President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

“(The ruling) does not seem to constitute a requirement that can cancel South Korea’s investments to the United States,” said Rep. Kim Sang-hoon of the opposition People Power Party (PPP), who also heads a special committee on the legislation.

“We plan to carry out the hearing as planned and check the government’s position” on the ruling, he added.

Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party (DP) also expressed intent to push forward with the legislation as scheduled, saying the agreement with Washington is still intact.

“No changes in schedule are expected on processing the special bill on South Korea’s investment pledges to the U.S.,” a key official from the DP said in a call with Yonhap News Agency.

“We plan to calmly review the legislation”

The minor Jinbo Party, in contrast, called for an immediate halt to all procedures to process the investment bill.

Earlier this month, the National Assembly passed a resolution to form a parliamentary special committee to fast-track legislation on South Korea’s $350 billion investment pledge to the US, following a trade deal reached between Seoul and Washington.

The move came after President Trump threatened to raise tariffs against South Korea back to 25 per cent from the 15 per cent level agreed earlier, citing delays in Seoul’s legislature.

The committee opened its first meeting on February 12 but was halted shortly after, as rival parties clashed over unrelated judicial reform bills approved a day earlier.

A hearing on the legislation is scheduled for next Tuesday. Rival parties plan to process the bill at a plenary session on March 5. The special committee will remain active until March 9.

–IANS

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IIT Delhi climbs to 118th in QS World University Rankings 2027

New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) In a significant boost to India’s higher education credentials, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has secured the 118th position in the QS World University Rankings 2027, emerging as the country’s highest-ranked institution for the second consecutive year.

The prestigious global ranking reflects a steady upward trajectory for IIT Delhi, which improved from the 123rd position in 2026.

The achievement underscores the growing global recognition of Indian institutions for excellence in teaching, research and innovation.

According to the Ministry of Education’s official post on X, the milestone highlights the collective progress of Indian academia on the global stage.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lauded the development, saying that India’s global academic footprint continues to expand.

“Proud to see 52 Indian institutions featured in the QS World University Rankings, with 13 Indian universities securing a place among the global top 550,” Pradhan said.

He emphasised that this success reflects the strengthening of India’s higher education ecosystem and the dedication of faculty members, researchers and students towards academic excellence.

In a follow-up post on X, the minister linked the accomplishment to the nation’s long-term vision.

“A robust and globally competitive higher education ecosystem is central to our resolve of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he noted.

Pradhan credited the transformative reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, guided by Prime Minister Modi’s vision, for positioning India as an emerging global hub of knowledge and innovation.

The NEP 2020 has been instrumental in driving systemic changes, including greater emphasis on multidisciplinary learning, research output, international collaborations and skill development.

These reforms appear to be yielding results, as evidenced by the improved global standings of multiple Indian institutions, he wrote on X.

IIT Delhi’s climb in the rankings is particularly noteworthy given the intense competition among the world’s top universities.

Factors contributing to its success likely include advancements in cutting-edge research, strong industry partnerships, enhanced academic infrastructure and an increasing focus on innovation-driven programmes, the minister said.

This performance not only brings pride to the IIT ecosystem but also sets a benchmark for other Indian universities.

As more institutions break into higher global tiers, it signals India’s potential to become a knowledge powerhouse. Experts believe sustained investment in research funding, faculty development and internationalisation will be key to maintaining this momentum.

With 52 Indian entries in the QS rankings, the country is steadily carving out a stronger presence in global academia.

The government has reiterated its commitment to further strengthening the sector.

Pradhan further wrote on X: “Heartiest congratulations to all the institutions that have made the nation proud. Together, we will continue to strengthen India’s journey towards becoming a global knowledge powerhouse.”

–IANS

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