US warns of terror attacks during FIFA World Cup
Washington, June 16 : The US government has warned its citizens of potential terror attacks during the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia, in a travel advisory asking people to reconsider visiting the country.
"Large-scale international events such as the World Cup present an attractive target for terrorists," Efe news reported quoting the State Department as saying in the advisory on Friday.
"Although security for the World Cup will be extensive, terrorists may seek to attack event locations such as stadiums and Fan Fest viewing areas, tourist sites, transportation hubs and other public venues," it added.
The World Cup aside, "terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Russia".
"Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets or shopping malls, and the local government facilities," the statement added.
For all the cited reasons, the US maintained the alert level for Russia at 3, on a scale of 4, which also applies to countries such as Cuba, Pakistan, Turkey, Honduras and Nicaragua, for which Washington recommends its citizens to "reconsider" their plans for travel.
Besides potential attacks, the US observed that in Russia "US citizens are often victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by law-enforcement and other officials".
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Nandi Hills cable car rides may begin by 2027 as land acquisition nears completion: Report
Bengaluru: Provided there are no delays, tourists will be able to enjoy cable car rides above Nandi Hills by mid-2027, as the land acquisition process atop the hills nears completion, reported the Times of India on Tuesday.
According to officials from the Karnataka Tourism Department, the process to acquire 3.5 acres of private land at the top of Nandi Hills — essential for building the upper terminal — is expected to be completed by November 2025. Land for the lower terminal has already been acquired.
Dynamicx Ropeway Private Limited, which is executing the project under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with the tourism department, has submitted its final project plans for approval to planning authorities in both Bengaluru Rural and Chikkaballapur districts.
"Various departments, including the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), should provide their clearances for the project before the final plans can be approved. It will involve a series of queries from the departments," TOI quoted a senior official from the tourism department as saying.
The required approvals are expected within the next couple of months, following which the civil work will begin. "We have allotted 1.5 years' time to the company for the completion of the work once it begins," the official added.
The idea of a ropeway at Nandi Hills has existed for several decades but faced multiple delays due to land acquisition issues and environmental clearances. However, the current developments mark a significant push toward implementation.
Once operational, the cable car system will feature 50 semi-closed cabins offering panoramic views as they travel between the two terminals. The lower terminal will include parking for over 200 cars, 110 two-wheelers, as well as buses and vans. It will also have a waiting area for up to 600 people.
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