US, Saudi, UAE security advisors meet to counter Iran
Washington: The national security advisors of the US, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) met at the White House on Friday to discuss joint efforts to counter the "Iranian regime's malign influence and provocative behavior."
The White House said in a statement that security officials of the three nations talked about issues of strategic importance to the three countries.
Senior officials from the US Departments of State, Defense, the Treasury and the intelligence community participated in the meeting, Xinhua reported.
The leaders agreed to meet trilaterally on a regular basis to develop and implement joint frameworks to mitigate threats to regional security and to bring greater peace, stability and prosperity to the Middle East.
"Additionally, the National Security Advisor of Afghanistan joined a session focused on discussing ways the US, Saudi Arabia and the UAE can partner with Afghanistan to support the Afghan government and set conditions for an enduring peace settlement," said the White House.
Also on Friday, the US sanctioned an Iranian entity and 10 individuals over "malicious cyber-enabled activities," saying the hackers worked at the behest of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that the US measures were "illegal and provocative," proving the US inherent hostility against Tehran.
It also condemned Saudi Arabia's allegations that Iran "is the source of terror and extremism," saying that Saudi Arabia itself was the "essential source and cause of terrorism and extremism.
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Under 'Brand Bengaluru', 50 additional parks are being developed: Official
Bengaluru, May 17 (PTI): Under the 'Brand Bengaluru' initiative, 50 additional parks within the limits of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike are being developed and the rest are being upgraded, a senior official said on Saturday.
Speaking after inaugurating the "Bengaluru Habba" cultural programme held at Bugle Rock Park in the Basavanagudi, Special Commissioner of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Management, Preeti Gehlot, stated that the BBMP's Horticulture Department is continuously engaged in the maintenance of parks.
"There are 1,287 parks within BBMP limits, all of which are being equipped with seating arrangements for citizens, greenery, fencing, and other amenities. Upgradation work is ongoing across all existing parks. In addition, soak pits (Ingu Gundi) are being constructed in the parks to improve groundwater levels," she said in a statement.
To encourage people to spend more time enjoying the environment, all parks will remain open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM, she said.
She urged residents to help maintain cleanliness in their neighborhood parks and to promote awareness about keeping public spaces clean.
According to the statement, to enhance the park experience for visitors and morning walkers, a unique programme called "Bengaluru Habba" has been launched. It features traditional cultural performances, including Dollu Kunitha (folk drum dance), folk singing, light music, and performances by folk art troupes showcasing the city's heritage and artistic traditions.
"In each of the 27 Assembly constituencies under BBMP's limits, cultural and art-based programmes aimed at promoting children's creativity and public engagement will be conducted in one park per constituency, from now until March 2026," it said.
As part of the "Bengaluru Habba" celebrations, an awareness rally featuring cultural troupes was also organised from Ramakrishna Math Circle to Bugle Rock Park to raise public awareness, the statement added.
