New Delhi, Nov. 18 : Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram today said that steps to counteract the present economic slowdown will include ensuring adequate liquidity, price reductions by industry and efficient credit delivery mechanism.

Addressing the session on "Risks to India''''s Economy in a Post – Crisis World" at the 24th India Economic Summit jointly organized by Confederation of Indian Industry and World Economic Forum here, Chidambaram showed great optimism about the prospect for growth in India.

New Delhi, Nov 17 : The first Indo-German Environment Forum programme begins on Tuesday.

It aims to strengthen cooperation in the field of environment. It will focus on issues relating to climate, energy, water and waste policies.

The main purpose of this forum is to share the lessons through extremely fruitful engagement and to widen the scope of commonly, agreed environmental agenda of both the countries.

New Delhi, Nov 17 : Defence Minister A. K. Antony released the in-house ''Manual of Security Instructions - 2008 (MSI-2008)'' at a brief function in his office here today.

Speaking on the occasion Antony underlined the security drill to tackle emerging threats and unpredictable risks.

The Defence Minister lauded the Security Wing of the Defence Ministry in compiling the detailed security instructions.

Antony called upon the security guards and officers to adhere to the instructions in spirit and action.

New Delhi, Nov 17 (ANI): Chief of the Italian Army Staff Lietunant General Fabrizio Castagnetti arrived at New Delhi on Monday and was given a Guard of Honour at South Block.

He is visiting India on an official tour from November 17-21 on a reciprocal visit and cement our bonds of friendship further.

His visit will not only enhance the existing military cooperation between the two countries but will also open up new opportunities for training cooperation.

The model of Maruti A-Star, the much-awaited latest small car model which was showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year, will be launched in India on November 19. The model, expectedly priced at Rs 3.85 lakh, also marks the launch of the new KB series engines in India.

It will be the first car that will be produced exclusively in India, and the engine production commenced in October this year. A-Star shares its platform with Maruti Alto in India, as it has a similar 2360 mm wheelbase.

New Delhi, Nov 17 : Minister of State for Industry Dr. Ashwani Kumar stressed upon the need to increase the level of trade and economic engagement between India and Belarus on Monday.

He was speaking at the bilateral meeting between him and Rusetsky, Minister of Industries, Republic of Belarus in New Delhi today.