Modi government risks squandering its Gulf outreach

Apologies and declaration of respect for all religions notwithstanding after two ruling party spokespersons made derogatory remarks about Islam and Prophet Mohammed, India's ties with the Arab and the wider Islamic world —assiduously cultivated by the Modi government-have taken a huge beating.

India may have moved swiftly to contain the damage caused by the backlash over comments by the BJP spokespersons, disingenuously dubbed "fringe elements" by the government, but its stature as a secular, pluralistic democracy stands somewhat diminished on the larger world stage.

After all, it is not becoming of a nation that has aspirations of being a global power to be seen so crassly hurting the religious sentiments of another community, either within its own boundaries or beyond. While the BJP's polarising agenda may have worked in its electoral favour in the domestic arena, it can have major international ramifications in a hyper-connected world.

The UDD order sets aside Rs 484.88 crore for primary drains and Rs 1,005.12 crore for secondary drains.

The grant will focus the strengthening work in flood-prone areas like HRBR Layout, Veerannapalya, Nayandahalli Junction Near Rachenahalli Lake, LBS Nagar in Yelahanka, Someshwara Layout in Arekere, Anugraha Layout, BEML 5th Stage, Pai Layout, and Vad...

The BBMP will roughly spend Rs 8.7 crore per km of remodelling work.