Author: India Writes Network

Rebuilding quake-hit Nepal: India unveils $1 billion assistance

- by India Writes Network

Underscoring India’s unstinting contribution for creating a resilient Nepal in the aftermath of the quake, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has pledged an assistance package of $1 billion for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the nascent Himalayan democracy.

Speaking at the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction, Sushma Swaraj said: “Keeping with our very special relationship that I am happy to announce Government of India’s pledge for Nepal’s post-earthquake reconstruction of Nepali Rupees 10,000 crores, equivalent to one billion US dollars.”

She emphasised that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with 1.25 billion Indian citizens, are committed to shoulder their responsibilities towards India’s oldest and closest friend and neighbour in the wake of the April 25 earthquake that devastated Nepal.

“Let us take inspiration from ancient philosophy of Yoga and join hands to create a more resilient Nepal,” said the minister

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Afghan President lauds parliament attack hero, UN envoy hails Afghan forces

- by India Writes Network

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has lauded Esa Khan, the Afghan soldier who killed six of the seven insurgents who tried to storm parliament on June 22, as a hero and honoured him by presenting him with a new home.
Mr Ghani tweeted a picture of himself greeting the soldier, Esa Khan, who will be promoted and given a medal. The Afghan security forces also got rich praise from the UN envoy to Afghanistan.
After a Taliban suicide bomber and six gunmen carried out a brazen attack on Afghanistan’s parliament on June 22, which killed two and injured dozens, the United Nations Envoy to Afghanistan Nicholas Haysom said that Afghan security forces were undeniably stretched amid ongoing threats from Taliban insurgents and Islamic State militants for establishing their foothold in the country.

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Japan’s SoftBank-led $20 billion boost to India’s solar projects

- by India Writes Network

The sun is set to shine brighter on India’s renewable energy plans. In the single largest investment in India’s renewable sector, Japan’s telecom and internet giant SoftBank, along with India’s Bharti Enterprises and Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group, will invest about $20 billion in the country’s solar projects over the next 10 years.

The newly founded joint venture – SBG Cleantech Ltd — will be headquartered in New Delhi. It will be led by Manoj Kohli, a Bharti Group veteran who has led the group’s emerging businesses, as an executive chairman. The company plans to generate about 20 gigawatts of energy. SoftBank will have major stakes in the joint venture, while Bharti and Foxconn will join in as minority stakeholders. The exact details of the stake haven’t been decided yet.

“India has two times the sunshine (of) Japan. The cost of construction of the solar park is half of Japan. Twice the sunshine, half the cost, that means four times the efficiency,” said Softbank’s Chief Executive Masayoshi Son.

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