India and Afghanistan Sign MOU for Cooperation in the Field of Official Statistics

As a follow up of the umbrella agreement signed by Government of India with Government of Afghanistan and UNDP on 30th March 2010 to develop the capacity of Afghan Ministries / Agencies in Afghanistan through the project called National Institution Building Project, Dr. M. S. Gill, Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation signed an MOU with Mr. Abdul Rahman Ghafoori, President General, Central Statistics Organisation, Afghanistan here today for cooperation in the field of official statistics. 

PM announces measures for development of Afghanistan

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today announced a slew of measures to assist in Afghanistan's reconstruction efforts. These include Small Development Projects across Afghan provinces to further facilitate development at the grassroots with the involvement of local communities in areas of Health, Education and Agriculture. Addressing a joint session of the Afghan Parliament in Kabul, Dr. Singh said India and Afghanistan face similar development challenges.

India favours increased role of neighbourhood countries in Afghanistan

India favours an increased role of neighbourhood countries to bring peace, prosperity and stability in Afghanistan. The external affiars sources said in New Delhi that in post-Osama scenario, there is an ardent need to bring together international community on terror related issues in the region.India has made it clear that it is committed to the traditional friendship with Afghanistan. 

Courtesy : AIR

Taliban announce start of spring military offensive against US led coalition

The Taliban has pledged to launch a spring offensive against the US led coalition and its allies in Afghanistan. The militant group says the operation will begin tomorrow, but did not say how long the surge will last. The Taliban said in a statement today the targets of insurgent attacks will include military bases and convoys, as well as Afghan officials, including members of the peace council. The insurgents urged Afghan citizens to stay away from the centers and activities of the coalition forces. The Taliban said the offensive is being activated to protect Islam and religious values.The announcement of the militant operation comes one day after senior officers with the U.S.-led coalition and Western diplomats in Afghanistan warned they expected a surge in militant attacks. 

Courtesy : The HIndu