Connectivity projects should respect country's sovereignty: Modi
Beijing, June 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said connectivity projects are India's priority but such programmes should respect any country's sovereignty and its territorial integrity.
At the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in the Chinese city of Qingdao, Modi said connectivity not only meant physical contact but also people-to-people contact.
New Delhi opposes Beijing's Belt and Road project, whose key artery cuts through the disputed Kashmir held by Pakistan and claimed by India.
"We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood and in the SCO region is our priority," Modi said.
"We welcome any new connectivity project, which is inclusive, sustainable and transparent and respects country's sovereignty and regional integrity.
"India's active participation in the development of international North South Transport Corridor, Chabahar port shows our commitment," the Prime Minister said.
He also raked up the issue of terrorism in Afghanistan and how the country is battling against it. Modi said security was also a priority for India.
He also coined an acronym for the word SECURE: 'S' for security, 'E' for economic development, 'C' for connectivity in the region, 'U' for unity, 'R' for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and 'E' for environment protection.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
