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  • Need sops for EV push: SIAM

    New Delhi: Auto industry body SIAM on Friday sought sops to promote EVs and suggested the government to bring in additional incentives for scrapping of vehicles in the upcoming Budget.

    The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers emphasised on a growth oriented Budget with focus on greater allocation for capital expenditure.

    “We are expecting that the government should come up with a FAME-3 like policy. Good schemes like PLI are already in place, which we are sure will continue,” SIAM President Vinod Aggarwal told reporters here.

  • 17-year-old taken into custody for attacking two women with ‘bladed weapon’ in UK gurdwara 

    Teen arrested for attacking two women with bladed weapon at a gurdwara in the UK
    Teen arrested for attacking two women with bladed weapon at a gurdwara in Kent. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/SHAREALIKE 2.0 GENERIC

    A 17-year-old boy was taken into custody after he allegedly attacked two women with a ‘bladed weapon’ and left them injured at a gurdwara in UK’s Kent county on Thursday, police said.

    Kent Police said it was called to the Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, one of the largest Sikh complexes in the country and outside India, at 8.10pm on Thursday 11 July 2024.

    “It was reported that a male had entered the location and attempted to assault those in attendance whilst armed with a bladed weapon,” Kent Police said in a statement.

    “Officers attended and arrested a 17-year-old boy from Gravesend on suspicion of attempted murder and a religiously-aggravated public order offence,” the statement said.

    Police said a bladed weapon was recovered from the scene.

    Police said nobody else is currently sought in connection with the incident.

    Detective Superintendent Ian Dyball of Kent Police said: “We understand the community’s concerns in relation to the events at the gurdwara, however we are treating it as an isolated incident. Patrols will remain in the area for reassurance and we thank the community for their ongoing support and assistance.”

  • Sunteck Realty Ltd Reports Strong Operational Performance in Q1 FY25 with Pre-Sales and Collections on the Rise


    Sunteck Realty Ltd

    MUMBAI: Sunteck Realty Ltd has disclosed its key operational updates for the first quarter of the financial year 2025, showcasing impressive growth in pre-sales and collections. According to the report, pre-sales for Q1 FY25 stood at approximately Rs 502 crores, marking a significant 29.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Similarly, collections for the quarter amounted to around Rs 342 crores, reflecting a notable 18.8% growth year-on-year.

    The performance summary provided by Sunteck Realty Ltd further highlights the positive trend, with pre-sales and collections figures for Q1 FY25 surpassing those of the previous quarter and the entire fiscal year 2024. Sunteck Realty Ltd emphasized that the disclosed numbers are provisional and subject to change.

    Sunteck Realty Ltd’s strong operational performance in Q1 FY25 signals a promising start to the financial year, indicating potential growth and stability in the coming months. Investors and stakeholders are likely to view these results positively, as Sunteck Realty Ltd continues to demonstrate resilience and efficiency in its operations.

  • DEVI Sansthan empowers 1500 government primary teachers for NIPUN Bharat goals in Lucknow

    DEVI Sansthan

    Lucknow 12th July 2024: ALfA FLN (Accelerated Learning for All) Teacher Empowerment Program conducted by DEVI Sansthan from July 9 to July 12, 2024, at City Montessori School, LDA Kanpur Road, Lucknow empowered 1500 government primary school teachers from four blocks of Lucknow, Malihabad, BKT, Zone 2, and Mohanlalganj. The goal of this massive effort is to make all the children of these blocks Foundationally Literate and Numerate as per NIPUN Bharat Mission, which is already beyond half-time in its deadline of 2026/27. It covers ALL primary school children of these blocks of Lucknow in the new groundbreaking program and ALfA pedagogy that is making children literate and numerate in just 45 days.

    The program was graced by the honorable presence of Chief Guest Shri M K Shanmuga Sundaram, Principal Secretary Education, Uttar Pradesh, and Guest of Honor IAS Shri Awanish Awasthi, Chief Advisor to Hon’ble CM, Uttar Pradesh, and Dr Bharti Gandhi, Founder Director, City Montessori School. Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi while addressing the gathering highlighted, “The government is committed to supporting innovative educational initiatives that foster foundational literacy and numeracy skills among young learners paired with vocational skills. Shri M K Shanmuga Sundaram further added” Innovative methods like ALfA play a critical role in enhancing the quality of education and help in achieving the NIPUN goals ahead of the 2026/27 deadline. With the tagline Our Children Number One and Second To None, we hope to make the children literate at a faster rate. We are also focused on improving the infrastructure of schools in the region to create a conducive learning environment.

    The event was also attended by notable dignitaries, Dr Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, Manager, City Montessori School, Shri Ram Prawesh, BSA, Lucknow, Shri Awadhesh Shukla, DC Training, and the Block Education Officers (BEOs) and School Resource Group (SRG) members of all four blocks. Their active participation highlighted the collaborative effort required to bring about meaningful changes in the education sector.

    The ALfA FLN empowerment session began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the light of knowledge and learning. Dr. Bharti Gandhi, Founder Director, of City Montessori School, and Dr. Sunita Gandhi, the founder of DEVI Sansthan, welcomed the guests and teachers, setting the tone for the event with their inspiring words about the transformative power of education and their role as galvanizers in the education system.

    Dr. Sunita Gandhi, Founder DEVI Sansthan shared, “Implementing ALfA learning by Government primary schools in Uttar Pradesh is a step in the right direction in nurturing and accelerating the learning capacity of the young minds. With such regular programs, we hope to empower more teachers from other parts of the country.”

    Throughout the four days, the auditorium was abuzz with enthusiastic teachers actively participating in hands-on activities and stage demonstrations. The training program was designed to ensure maximum involvement of teachers in each activity, fostering a practical understanding of the ALfA pedagogy. The program also included daily quizzes to review key points and were provided literacy and numeracy program kits for their schools, ensuring that teachers retained the knowledge gained during the sessions. Feedback sessions allowed teachers to share their experiences and takeaways, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

    The ALfA FLN Teacher Empowerment Training Program concluded with a renewed sense of commitment and enthusiasm among the teachers. The event not only provided them with valuable ALfA tools and techniques but also reinforced the importance of their role as galvanizers in shaping the future of education in Uttar Pradesh.

    DEVI Sansthan extended its heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries, guests, and teachers who made the event effective and for their continued collaboration and support in the mission to transform education and help achieve NIPUN Bharat goals well ahead of time.

  • DPU Super Specialty Hospital At Pimpri In Pune Launches Pune’s First Institute For Robotic Thoracic Surgery


    DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune

    PUNE: In a move to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem of Pune and Maharashtra at large, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, pioneers another achievement by launching the first dedicated Institute of Robotic Thoracic Surgery in the city and the second across Maharashtra. This Centre of Excellence was launched under the aegis of Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune; and at the hands of Dr. Aneez D.B. Ahmed, Director & Senior Consultant Robotic Thoracic Surgery, Singapore.

    Honoring the event with their esteemed presence were Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee & Treasurer; Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune; Dr. J.S. Bhawalkar, Dean, Dr. D. Y Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune; Dr. H.H. Chavan, Medical Superintendent, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune; and Dr. Manisha Karmarkar, CEO, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune. Senior medical experts of the hospital including Dr. Rahul Kendre, Lung Transplant Physician and Interventional Pulmonologist; Dr. Sameer Chauhan, Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgeon, who will be leading the unit under the tutelage of Dr. Anurag Garg, HOD, Cardiothoracic Surgery. Also present were other dignitaries from the senior management of DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune to commemorate the occasion.

    This newly launched Centre of Excellence will primarily offer minimally invasive thoracic surgeries including Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgeries (VATS) and Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgeries (RATS) for several complexities including lung tumors, tumors in the chest wall, anterior and posterior mediastinal tumors, and bullous disease of lungs and thymoma.

    The commencement of this unit is in response to the need for a state-of-the-art dedicated robotic thoracic surgery department as there are just a handful of centers equipped to perform this nature of surgery across the state and country at large. This Centre of Excellence launched at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, is backed by a world-class robotic system – 4th Generation Da Vinci Xi, which will be used to perform the surgeries and is the most revered and established surgical robotic system across the globe with a proven track record. 

    The launch of this dedicated department of robotic thoracic surgery will benefit the patients of Pune and neighborhood cities like Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Nashik as they will be able to access this world-class treatment facility without having to travel to distant cities or states. The OPD for consultation will be hosted from Monday to Friday at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune and patients will be attended to on an appointment basis to enable a seamless experience.

    Commenting on the launch, Dr. P.D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “We aim to establish Pune as a leading destination for healthcare tourism by creating an all-inclusive healthcare infrastructure for the benefit of our citizens. This landmark development is a significant move that honors this commitment and addresses the demand for a state-of-the-art robotic thoracic surgery department, benefiting Pune and neighboring cities. Going forward, we are dedicated to continually upgrading and strengthening our infrastructure with cutting-edge technology in the best interest of our city and people.”

    Dr. Bhagyashree Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, commented “We as a leading healthcare institute are driven to be on our front foot when it comes to enabling a robust infrastructure and world-class treatment facilities in the best interest of our citizens. The launch of this new Centre of Excellence about Robotic Thoracic Surgeries is a strong testament to our commitment and we are overjoyed to bring this one-of-a-kind world-class procedure to the people of Pune and Maharashtra at large.”

    Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee & Treasurer, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, commented “The launch of a dedicated department for robotic thoracic surgery was the need of the hour and we are proud to pioneer another major landmark in the history of Pune’s medical landscape. Being a leader in healthcare, we strive to go a notch higher when it comes to building a holistic medical infrastructure and promoting patient-centricity across levels. This move reflects our commitment to the same.”

    Dr. Manisha Karmarkar, CEO, of DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, stated “As the pioneers to bring the world’s best robotic surgical system to Pune, we are excited to add another feather of remarkable achievement to our hat with this launch. Our focus remains persistent on providing the most advanced and quality healthcare amenities with patient-centricity as the core belief.”

    Dr. Aneez D.B. Ahmed, Director of Robotic Thoracic Surgery, said “This innovative Robotic Thoracic Surgery Department offers numerous advantages, such as performing highly intricate surgeries through smaller incisions and providing a 3D magnified view for better pathology localization, thus enhancing precision and efficiency as compared to traditional methods. Going forward, our vision is to start a dedicated cardiothoracic robotic surgery program.”

    Dr. Sameer Chauhan, Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgeon, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, stated, “This move will provide ample benefits to patients, right from reduced need for blood transfusions, minimal complications resulting in faster recovery times, allowing them to resume normal activities sooner. We extend our sincere thanks to the leadership of DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, for empowering us with this first-of-its-kind department in Pune, which will help deliver significant benefits to patients in need.”

  • Markets at new all-time high, Nifty trades above 24,500 for first time

    Markets at new all-time high, Nifty trades above 24,500 for first time

    IANS

    India equity benchmarks are trading at record highs on Friday following buying in the IT stocks.

    Sensex and Nifty both made new all-time highs of 80,893 and 24,592 respectively.

    At 12.50 a.m., Sensex was at 80,482, up 585 points or 0.73 per cent, and Nifty was up 172 points or 0.71 per cent, at 24,488.

    Midcap stocks are underperforming compared to large caps. Nifty midcap 100 index is down 70 points or 0.12 per cent, at 57,077. While Nifty smallcap 100 index is up 54 points or 0.29 per cent, at 18,974.

    Market

    IANS

    Among the sectoral indices, Nifty IT is at 38,985 with a gain of 4.44 per cent. Apart from this, there is also a rise in media, fin service, service sector, and private bank indices.

    In the Sensex pack, TCS (6.5 per cent), Wipro (4.75 per cent), Infosys (3.39 per cent), Tech Mahindra (3.17 per cent) and HCL Tech (3.08 per cent) are the top gainers. NTPC, Maruti Suzuki, UltraTech Cement, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Asian Paints and Sun Pharma are the top losers with a fall of about half a per cent each.

    The country’s largest IT company Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) released the results of Q1 FY 25 on Thursday. The company’s profit has increased to Rs 12,040 crore on an annual basis. Between April and June, IT major’s income increased by 5.4 per cent on a YoY (year on year) basis to Rs 62,613 crore. The company had also declared an interim dividend of Rs 10 per share to investors.

    Shrey Jain Founder and CEO of SAS Online said, “Overall, the market is demonstrating strong resilience, with investors eagerly buying on price dips. Today’s market movements will be influenced by the US inflation data released yesterday.”

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Pay for Delhi Metro rides with Amazon Pay; here’s how it works [details]

    DMRC partners with Amazon Pay

    DMRC partners with Amazon PayAmazon Official Website screenshot

    Yesterday, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) launched its Digital QR Ticketing system aimed at simplifying journeys for commuters through Amazon Pay. As part of the ‘Ease of booking’ program, the DMRC partnered with Amazon Pay towards the digitalization of ticketing.

    The DMRC announced that “This innovative solution provides a quick, contactless, and hassle-free experience for millions of daily users, allowing them to purchase mobile QR tickets on the go and transforming the daily commute in the capital.”

    How it works?

    The DMRC highlighted the need for improved and enhanced ticketing solutions on X “with approximately 6.5 million daily passenger journeys served by DMRC.” It also elaborated on how the system will work:

    1. Now, metro users can simply click on the ‘Delhi Metro QR ticket’ option under the Amazon Pay tab and follow some simple steps.
    2. They can select ‘from’ and ‘to’ stations, complete payment, and receive a mobile QR ticket instantly. A maximum of 6 tickets can be booked.
    3. At metro stations, commuters just need to hold their smartphones in front of the QR code scanner at the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates for both entry and exit.

    Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC, said, “Partnering with Amazon Pay for QR ticketing will make daily journeys more efficient and enjoyable. This innovative approach offers convenience, reduces paper waste, and supports our sustainability efforts.”

    DMRC partners with Amazon Pay

    DMRC announces mobile QR ticketing and payment through Amazon PayDMRC Official ‘X’ handle

    Anuradha Aggarwal, Director of Amazon Pay India, added, “We are excited to introduce Metro QR ticketing on Amazon Pay, transforming commutes for millions. This solution offers quick, contactless transactions and eliminates the need for tokens and exact change, providing a seamless experience.”

     Move towards convenience

    The DMRC has acknowledged that “Commuters face long queues during peak hours to purchase tokens and must carry exact change, which adds to their inconvenience. There is also a fear of losing or forgetting their physical token.”

    The QR ticketing is planned to provide a simple and easy solution to address such issues by “offering a convenient ticketing experience, eliminating the need for physical tokens.” With this, ticket purchase times are expected to reduce from “15 minutes to just 15 seconds” which will be accompanied by special offers available to customers.

    Many metro users have supported this move, while urging the DMRC to add other payment platforms for expanded access.

  • ISI Mark Now Mandatory for Kitchen Utensils in India

    Govt makes ISI mark mandatory for steel & aluminium utensils to ensure safety in kitchens

    IANS

    In a significant move to enhance kitchen safety and quality, the Central government of India has made it mandatory for stainless steel and aluminium utensils to conform to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The announcement was made on Friday by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, marking a significant step towards ensuring consumer safety and product quality.

    The Quality Control Order, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on March 14, 2024, mandates the ISI mark for such utensils. The ISI mark, developed by BIS, is a certification mark that assures product quality and safety. This move is expected to enhance consumer confidence and drive manufacturers towards adopting best practices.

    The order prohibits the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, storage, or exhibition for sale of any stainless steel or aluminium utensils that do not bear the ISI mark. Non-compliance with the order is a punishable offence, underscoring the government’s commitment to consumer safety and product integrity.

    kitchen

    Representational image.Creative Commons.

    IS 1660:2024 Standard and Its Key Elements

    The key elements of the IS 1660:2024 standard include general requirements covering the overall quality and thickness of materials used, classification and material grades ensuring the use of appropriate grades as per IS 21 for wrought utensils and IS 617 for cast utensils. The standard also details the shapes, dimensions, and workmanship needed for high-quality utensils. Performance tests, including specific tests for aluminium lunch boxes to ensure durability and safety, are also part of the standard.

    The BIS has recently formulated comprehensive standards for kitchen items, including IS 14756:2022 for stainless steel and IS 1660:2024 for aluminium utensils. These standards cover material requirements, design specifications, and performance parameters. The government believes that this move will enhance consumer confidence and drive manufacturers towards adopting best practices.

    Quality Control Orders Across Various Industries

    This development is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of the Indian government enforcing quality standards across various industries. For instance, on June 14, 2023, the Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) interacted with the representatives from the Indian Footwear Industry in New Delhi, Delhi, and decided to implement ‘Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2022’ on 24 footwear products from July 1, 2023. It was also decided not to extend the deadline for complying with the mandatory quality standards and included Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the ambit of the Quality Control Order (QCO). MSMEs were earlier exempt from QCO.

    The QCOs are expected to help in increasing the production of quality footwear, and exports and establishing Indian brands in the global markets. For 5 standards which have been revised recently, it was also decided to give six more months time to small industries for complying with the order and accordingly, it will come into force from January 1, 2024. Micro units will get an additional year and should follow the new norms from July 1, 2024.

    Related

  • The British Council And HSBC India Have Teamed Up To Introduce The ‘Climate Skills – Seeds For Transition’ Project


    (L to R)_Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council_Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India_Scott McDonald_Chief Executive, British Council_Hitendra Dave_CEO HSBC Ind

    A global program to nurture essential climate skills among India’s youth

    Aims to create over 2,000 Climate Skills Educators, in the first two years globally

    Aims to create over 2,000 youth leaders from marginalized groups and 300 educators in India

    NEW DELHI: The British Council, the UK’s international organization for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, in partnership with HSBC India, launched the “Climate Skills: Seeds for Transition India” project. This initiative aims to equip young people and communities in India with the skills needed to be resilient to the impending impact of climate change and to contribute to the opportunities of the transition to net zero.

    The program is part of the British Council’s long-term international effort to establish a global climate skills approach that empowers youth, informs decision-makers about alternative climate education strategies, and addresses grassroots, national, and global climate challenges. It seeks to go beyond discussion and partner with governments, communities, and institutions to create tangible solutions for the future generation to better understand the impact of climate change across all aspects of life and equip them with the necessary skills needed in the wake of climate change.

    The project works with young people aged 18-30 in five countries including India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and Vietnam.

    Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of, the British Council said, “At the British Council, we are committed to empowering young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change. Our partnership with HSBC on the ‘Climate Skills—Seeds for Transition India’ project reflects our shared vision of a more sustainable future. By equipping youth with essential climate resilience skills, they can lead the transition to greener economies and drive positive change in their communities. These skills are increasingly critical as we consider projections for the life of our planet and its natural resources.”

    Speaking on the partnership, Hitendra Dave, Chief Executive Officer, of HSBC India, said, “We have a long history of collaboration with the British Council and the co-creation of programs that help achieve a larger social purpose. Our partnership on the Climate Skills program will focus on youth and education, reflecting our joint commitment to equipping the younger generation to understand and adapt to climate change. Together, we aim to improve climate literacy and employability among marginalized youth communities in India.”

    Running from July 2024 to February 2026, the project aims to raise awareness among key stakeholders, including government institutions, policymakers, higher educational institutions, and young people, encouraging participation and engagement. It seeks to directly engage 2,000 youth and train 300 master trainers in India/each delivery country.

    The initiative highlights the British Council’s leadership in climate action and its upcoming global climate change strategy. This UK-led international collaboration aims to resource local organizations, empower youth to take climate action and provide alternative climate education approaches.  A unique aspect of the program is its focus on empowering both urban and rural youth by integrating youth-led social action with climate education. The program’s international connectivity aims to deliver locally-led interventions and connect them with a global network across five countries.

    The launch event featured a climate film screening, and an official launch by Scott McDonald, Chief Executive, of the British Council, and Hitendra Dave, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC India. Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India, Alison Barrett, Director India, Monomita Nag-Chowdhury, Programme Lead of The Climate Connection from the British Council; Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development; Yusuf Kabir, WASH Specialist I Focal Point for Climate, Environment & DRR, UNICEF; and Rishika Das Roy, Lead-Sectoral Strategy and Investment at India Climate Collaborative will be part of the discussions.

  • Good news for 1 crore central employees and pensioners! Proposal received to give 18 months’ DA arrears

    18 Months DA Arrear Proposal: There is good news for 1 crore central employees and pensioners. Employees can get 18 months DA arrears. Modi government has received a proposal to give 18 months DA arrears to employees.

    It is expected that the government can announce the arrears in the budget. Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary, Joint Consultative Machinery, National Council (Employees Side) for Central Government Employees has urged the Central Government to release the 18 months DA arrears that were pending earlier.

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    Central employees will get 18 months DA arrears

    Will central government employees and pensioners get the pending Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears of 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic? Actually, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received a proposal in this regard. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the central government had stopped the payment of DA and DR for 18 months from January 2020 to June 2021. Earlier, Mukesh Singh, General Secretary of Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh had urged the central government to release the payment.

    Also Read: IRCTC and DMRC Introduce ‘One India-One Ticket’ With QR Code Integration For Delhi Metro, read details

    DA stopped during Covid has not been received yet

    DA arrears of 18 months are still pending. According to a letter written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, it is written in the letter that we fully understand the financial difficulties caused by the Kovid 19 epidemic. Due to this, three installments of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) were stopped for the financial year 2020-21. However, as our country is slowly recovering from the effects of the epidemic, it is a pleasure to see the improvement in the financial condition of our country.

    Modi government received the proposal for 18 months DA arrears

    In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mishra said that as Secretary (Employee Side) of the National Council (JCM), it is my duty to draw your attention to some major issues that are bothering the central government employees and pensioners. If the government accepts the proposal of 18 months DA arrears, then the employees can get a big amount in salary. This will help them in times of inflation.

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