Karnataka government bans private, personal vehicles at Nandi Hills
The Karnataka government has announced its decision to prohibit private and personal vehicles from entering Nandi Hills, a popular weekend destination located 60km from Bengaluru, known for its heavy traffic congestion. Instead, the government plans to introduce electric buses to transport tourists.
This initiative is part of the tourism department's strategy to transform Nandi Hills into a one-day tourism destination within the next 6-8 months. The goal is to eliminate vehicular traffic in the area, creating a safe and pleasant environment for travelers to appreciate the scenic beauty and historical significance of the location. Additionally, there will be an option for adventurous tourists to access Nandi Hills via a cable car.
Preliminary estimates suggest that the cost of a cable car ride may range from Rs 250-300 per person. Kapil Mohan, Additional Chief Secretary, stated, "We are developing Nandi Hills as a tourism destination for Bengalureans, along with the 9th-century Bhoga Nandishwara temple, featuring night lighting and a sound-and-light show. The development approach is ecologically sensitive, with a focus on heritage, archaeology, and adventure tourism."
To enhance safety in what is considered an accident-prone area, authorities had already imposed restrictions on motorcycles and four-wheelers entering the 2km stretch connecting the hills to the plains during New Year and other major holidays. To further ensure the well-being of visitors, the government plans to prohibit private vehicles from accessing Nandi Hills and provide a fleet of small electric buses for transportation from the foothills to the summit.
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Jaishankar holds talks with Russia's Lavrov; trade, geopolitics top agenda
New Delhi (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held "productive" talks on Wednesday to advance bilateral cooperation in energy and trade amid shifting geopolitical tensions.
Jaishankar met Lavrov, shortly after the Russian foreign minister landed in New Delhi to attend a two-day conclave of the BRICS member states beginning Thursday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and South Africa's Minister for International Relations Ozzy Lamola are among those who already arrived in the national capital for the BRICS foreign ministerial meeting.
Jaishankar and Lavrov are learnt to have deliberated on the West Asia crisis as well as the Ukraine conflict.
In a social media post, the external affairs minister described his talks with his Russian counterpart as "productive exchange of views".
"Our conversation touched upon several aspects of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, including trade and investment, energy and connectivity, science and technology, as well as facilitating mobility of skills and talent," he said.
"Other global and multilateral issues of mutual interest were also discussed," he said.
It is not immediately known if India's procurement of Russian crude oil figured in the talks.
In his televised opening remarks at the meeting, Jaishankar said India and Russia have a shared interest in strengthening multipolarity and could benefit through greater "de-risking" .
"The last few years have seen a steady and sustained growth in our bilateral partnership. Its economic and energy dimensions have become pronounced. Our political cooperation is even more valuable in an uncertain and volatile global environment," Jaishankar said.
"We have expanded our collaboration in science and technology. The mobility of talents and skills has acquired greater salience and our interest in ensuring better connectivity is deeper," he said.
"The complicated international situation also merits an open exchange of views, especially between two trusted partners," he said.
The external affairs minister said India and Russia have a shared interest in strengthening multipolarity.
Jaishankar also held separate bilateral talks with Brazilian Foreign Minister Vieira South Africa's Ozzy Lamola.
The external affairs minister also met Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam.
"Underlined our Neighbourhood First policy and reviewed our bilateral cooperation. Reiterated India's commitment to Maldives' progress and development," he said on X.
India, as the chair of the BRICS, is hosting the conclave of the foreign ministers ahead of the annual summit of the grouping in September.
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, with Indonesia joining in 2025.
It has emerged as an influential grouping as it brings together 11 major emerging economies of the world, representing around 49.5 per cent of the global population, around 40 per cent of the global GDP and around 26 per cent of the global trade.
The BRICS meeting will be chaired by Jaishankar.
