South Korean FM to visit Nepal for ministerial talks on massive flood response

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Seoul, Sep 5 (IANS) South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun was set to depart for Nepal on Saturday to meet with his Nepali counterpart and discuss Seoul’s support for search-and-rescue efforts following devastating floods, the foreign ministry said.

During his three-day visit through Monday, Cho plans to hold talks with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and meet with the families of the missing South Koreans, according to the ministry.

Nine Koreans — six employees of Doosan Enerbility Co. and three of Korea South-East Power Co. — went missing on August 26 after massive floods and landslides hit the country’s Rasuwa District near the Nepal-Tibet border while they were working at a hydropower plant construction site, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Cho is expected to ask for Nepal’s support to facilitate and intensify search efforts for the missing nationals during his talks with Khanal, with the two sides also expected to discuss support measures for the recovery of the affected areas and other issues of mutual concern.

Cho also plans to encourage the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) working at the disaster site and meet with officials from the companies, which are conducting their own search efforts, the ministry said.

The KDRT, dispatched by the government to support search-and-rescue operations, is working with Nepalese authorities and corporate response teams, using helicopters, drones, search dogs and other equipment to search for the missing people.

“Conditions in Nepal are very difficult. I will meet with the families of our workers who remain unaccounted for and discuss measures together. I will also discuss future plans with our emergency relief team dispatched to the site,” Cho told reporters before departing for Nepal at Incheon International Airport.

“South Korea and Nepal are longtime friends and partners. I plan to meet with Nepal’s foreign minister and other officials to discuss how to rebuild the affected areas, as well as South Korea’s support and possible participation in reconstruction efforts,” he added.

After completing his Nepal visit, Cho is expected to travel directly to France to accompany President Lee Jae Myung on his state visit, according to officials.

More than 1,200 people had been killed and nearly 6,000 remained missing as of Wednesday, according to foreign media reports.

–IANS

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PM Mitra textile park to generate one lakh direct jobs: CM Mohan Yadav

Bhopal, Sep 16 (IANS) The PM Mitra Textile Park, Dhar, is expected to generate 1 lakh direct jobs upon completion, with an additional 2 lakh indirect employment opportunities once fully operational, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said here on Tuesday.

Addressing a gathering at the mela, CM Yadav emphasised the historical significance of cotton farming in the state.

“More than 6 lakh families in Madhya Pradesh are engaged in cotton cultivation, a tradition that dates back to the British colonial era,” he said.

The park is coming up in Dhar’s Bhainsola village.

He criticised the previous Congress regime for “not upgrading” running factories, which led to the closure of various textile units, widespread harassment and economic distress among farmers.

“Our government is committed to rectifying this. We have pledged to create jobs for 30 lakh people in the Dhar-Jhabua region through this initiative,” CM Yadav added, underscoring the park’s role in revitalising the local economy.

In a major boost to Madhya Pradesh’s textile sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Dhar district tomorrow to inaugurate the country’s first PM Mitra (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Park.

The announcement came from Chief Minister Yadav during the inauguration of the Swadeshi Mela in Bhopal, where he highlighted the project’s potential to transform the lives of local cotton farmers and generate massive employment opportunities.

CM Yadav highlighted the unique quality of Madhya Pradesh’s cotton, describing it as organic and poised for high global demand.

“Our organic cotton will fetch premium prices in international markets, benefiting farmers directly,” he stated, aligning the project with the central government’s vision for a self-reliant India in textiles.

The park has already attracted significant investments, with reports indicating Rs 12,508 crore from 15 companies, signalling strong industry confidence. This development is part of a broader strategy to position Madhya Pradesh as a textile powerhouse, leveraging its abundant cotton production.

The state ranks among the top cotton producers in India, and the integrated park will include facilities for spinning, weaving, dyeing, and garment manufacturing, creating a complete value chain.

CM Yadav praised PM Modi’s leadership, noting that the project symbolises modern India’s industrial strength and commitment to rural upliftment. “Under PM Modi’s guidance, we are turning challenges into opportunities. This park will not only provide jobs but also ensure holistic development in the region, including infrastructure improvements and skill training for locals,” he remarked.

The Swadeshi Mela, focused on promoting indigenous products, provided a fitting backdrop for the announcement, drawing crowds eager to learn about government schemes.

As preparations for PM Modi’s visit intensify, security has been heightened in Dhar, with local authorities expecting a large turnout. The inauguration marks a milestone for Madhya Pradesh, potentially inspiring similar projects nationwide.

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Delhi Police bust LPG hoarding and black marketing racket, 75 cylinders seized

New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) In a major crackdown on the illegal storage, transportation, and suspected black marketing of LPG cylinders, police in north Delhi recovered a large quantity of illegally stored gas cylinders and arrested one man, police said on Friday.

The operation, by the staff of police station Bawana in the Outer North District, was carried out under the overall leadership of Joint Commissioner of Police, Northern Range, Vijay Singh, and the supervision of DCP, Outer North District, Hareshwar Swami. Police teams were specifically directed to take strict action against unauthorised LPG storage and distribution to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.

On Thursday, a dedicated police team developed specific intelligence regarding the illegal storage and transportation of LPG cylinders in the Bawana area. Acting swiftly, the information was shared with senior officials, and a team comprising HC Jitender and HC Pankaj was formed under the supervision of SHO, Bawana, Gaurav Singh, and ACP, Bawana, Joginder Singh.

Acting on the tip-off, the team set up a picket near District Park, Sector-2, DSIIDC, Bawana. At around 4 p.m., a pickup vehicle bearing registration number DL1LAM2817 was spotted and identified by an informer as carrying illegally transported LPG cylinders. The vehicle was immediately stopped and inspected.

The driver, identified as Anil, son of late Virender Kalita, a resident of Auchandi village, failed to produce any valid documents regarding the cylinders. During the search, police recovered 27 LPG cylinders, including both domestic and commercial units, some of which were filled.

Following further interrogation, the accused revealed that additional cylinders were stored at nearby premises, including two rooms and a structure near Factory No. 215-216, G Block, Sector-2, DSIIDC, Bawana. A search operation led to the recovery of 48 more cylinders from these locations.

In total, 75 LPG cylinders of various brands were seized, including both empty and filled domestic and commercial units. All were found to be stored without safety measures or legal authorisation, posing a serious threat due to the highly combustible nature of LPG.

A case has been registered at PS Bawana under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The accused has been arrested, and the vehicle used in transportation has been seized.

Further investigation is underway to trace the source of supply, intended buyers, illegal distribution network, possible involvement of gas agency employees or other associates, and financial gain derived from black market activities.

–IANS

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Assam Rifles chief stresses importance of maintaining security of India-Myanmar border & Kashmir

Shillong, March 25 (IANS) Assam Rifles Director General, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of maintaining security and sanctity of the India-Myanmar border and the Kashmir valley, officials said.

Addressing the Assam Rifles Commander Conference-2025, Lieutenant General Lakhera said here that the paramilitary force should be prepared for all contingencies and security challenges arising in the future.

He stressed on the importance of maintaining security and sanctity of the unfenced India-Myanmar border and Kashmir valley.

The counter-insurgency trained Assam Rifles have been guarding the 1,643-km unfenced India-Myanmar border with four northeastern states — Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km).

Besides the northeastern states, the Assam Rifles are also deployed in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Assam Rifles Commander Conference 2025 was held at the forces’ headquarters at Laitkor in Shillong and the formation commanders, battalion commanders, and staff officers from headquarters of Director-General of Assam Rifles and various formations attended the meet.

According to a Defence spokesman, the other important highlights of the Commander Conference was discussions on enhancing the capability and combat potential of the Assam Rifles, preparing a roadmap on acquisition of new generation weapon systems and military equipment for Assam Rifles and sharing of best practices among formations and units and lessons learned to enhance overall efficiency of the force.

The Commander Conference also emphasised on training and skill development of soldiers.

The Assam Rifles Director General complimented the Formation and unit Commanders for ensuring peace and tranquility in their respective areas of responsibility.

He also exhorted them to be ever vigilant on the volatile and dynamic environment under which the force operates.

The Defence spokesman said that the Assam Rifles Commander Conference 2025 provides a valuable platform for the Commanders to deliberate on critical issues related to combat potential, operational readiness, administrative issues and human resource management issues.

At the occasion, the top three distinguished formations and units were felicitated with the prestigious Rajbhasha Trophies 2025 for their exceptional contribution towards the promotion and implementation of Hindi language in which 27th Assam Rifles secured first prize, Headquarter Inspectorate General Assam Rifles (South) received the second prize and the 28th Assam Rifles Battalion clinched the third prize.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all attendees to uphold the highest standards of operational excellence and continuously strive for excellence in all spheres, the spokesman added.

–IANS

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