Smart City development works accelerated: Minister Khader
Bengaluru, July 18: Urban Development and Housing Minister UT Khader said that a meeting of higher officers of the Urban Development department and officers of the cities selected for the much ambitious Smart City Project of the central government was held here on Wednesday to give a boost to the development works.
Speaking to reporters at the KUIDFC office here, the Minister said that total seven cities were selected under the Smart City Project of the central government and this year, Bengaluru city was also included. The projects would be completed in five years with 50:50 sharing between the central and state governments. It was decided to take up the projects worth Rs 14,798 crore, he said.
In order to implement the project, managing directors were appointed for all the Smart Cities. They would discuss with the respective deputy commissioners and manage the works. For the effective implementation of the project, a committee comprising of six corporators and an officer was constituted in each city and it would take up the complete responsibility of the project. The officers were already warned of taking action against them if they failed to conduct monthly review meeting about the works and submit the report to the department Secretary, he said.
For the first time, a website was developed to observe the works of the Smart Cities by general public and officers concerned and it would be launched shortly, he added.
Bengaluru Smart City works were already taken up. Total 17 roads would be developed at a cost of Rs 190 crore. It was also planned to develop KR Market and Russel Market at Shivaji Nagar in Bengaluru, he said.
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US rules out use of nuclear weapons against Iran
Washington DC: The White House has reportedly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, even as uncertainty continues over ongoing peace negotiations and a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches.
Issues bout a possible escalation had increased after US Vice President JD Vance said that the United States has “tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use” in dealing with Iran.
His remarks came amid rising tensions and ahead of a deadline linked to peace efforts.
The situation has attracted attention as Trump warned Iran that its “whole civilization will die tonight tonight” if an agreement is not reached by Tuesday at 8 pm.
This statement led to speculation about the possibility of extreme military measures, including a nuclear strike.
Following Vance’s comments, the White House issued a clarification distancing itself from such interpretations. In a post on X, it said, "Literally nothing @VP said here 'implies' this, you absolute buffoons." In a later statement, it added that “only the president knows” what action will be taken regarding Iran.
Literally nothing @VP said here "implies" this, you absolute buffoons https://t.co/7JU3wXMaWX
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 7, 2026
