CCS reviews West Asia situation, directs steps to assist stranded Indians
New Delhi (PTI): The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia and directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments.
The CCS, which met last evening under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also underscored the importance of an early cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
An official statement said the CCS met to review the evolving situation in West Asia, and was briefed on the air strikes in Iran on February 18 and the subsequent escalation, including attacks in several Gulf countries.
"It expressed serious concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the region," the statement said.
The CCS also reviewed the difficulties faced by Indian travellers transiting the region and students appearing for scheduled examinations, as well as the broader implications for regional security and economic, and commercial activities.
"The CCS directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments. It underscored the importance of an early cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy," the statement said.
The CCS meeting was also attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Principal Secretaries to the Prime Minister P K Mishra and Shaktikanta Das, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
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Mangaluru: Four-way waste segregation rolled out under new rules
Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has begun implementing the revised Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, which came into effect nationwide from April 1, making four-way waste segregation mandatory for all residents and establishments.
According to Deccan Herald, under the new system, waste must be segregated into four categories before being handed over to collection vehicles:
1. Wet waste such as kitchen refuse, fruit and vegetable peels, leftover food, meat waste, flowers and leaves.
2. Dry waste including plastic materials, bottles, paper, cardboard and rubber
3. Sanitary waste comprising used sanitary pads, diapers, condoms and bandages
4. Special care or domestic hazardous waste such as used batteries, LED bulbs, tube lights, paint containers, pesticide bottles and thermometers.
MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik said wet and sanitary waste will be collected daily, while dry and hazardous waste will be collected once a week (Fridays) to improve efficiency in handling different waste streams.
The corporation has also introduced stricter norms for bulk waste generators, defined as establishments producing more than 100 kg of waste per day, or having a built-up area exceeding 20,000 square metres, including offices, malls, hospitals and large residential complexes, as well as units consuming over 40,000 litres of water daily, will be treated as bulk waste generators and will be subject to stricter norms.
The MCC warned that violations of segregation rules will attract penalties under the Solid Waste Management Bye-laws, 2019, and urged citizens to strictly follow the new system.
For further information, citizens have been advised to contact or visit the Health Department of the corporation during office hours, said the commissioner.
To encourage sustainable practices, the civic body has also launched an initiative recognising zero-waste weddings. Recently, Commissioner Ravichandra Naik honoured Veerendar and Suraksha for conducting an eco-friendly wedding at Rajatadri auditorium in Vamanjoor on March 30.
The MCC in its X handle said "the wedding embraced a zero waste, plastic free and eco friendly concept."
At the ceremony, no plastic bottles were used; guests were served drinks in steel tumblers. No tissue papers were distributed during the programme. Ice cream was served in cups made of arecanut sheets. The stage was decorated with flowers and eco-friendly reusable decorative materials.
Eco-Friendly Wedding: A Green Start!
— ಮಂಗಳೂರು ಮಹಾನಗರ ಪಾಲಿಕೆ | Mangaluru City Corporation (@mangalurucorp) March 31, 2026
Hon'ble Commissioner Sri Ravichandra Naik, KAS, presented an appreciation letter to the couple Suraksha-Veerendra for their noble initiative. Their wedding at Vamanjoor (30-03-2026) embraced a Zero Waste, Plastic-Free, & Eco-Friendly concept. pic.twitter.com/Rlf8piTDUN
