Gross NPA of PSBs drops by Rs 3.33 lakh crore in 4 years: Govt
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Hans India
a few seconds ago
- Hans India
Human-animal conflict: Delay in implementing power fence worries TN farmers
Two years after the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order (GO) to regulate the installation of power fences, including solar fences, aimed at protecting wildlife, the corresponding regulation -- Tamil Nadu Power Fences (Registration and Regulation) Rules, 2023 -- is yet to be implemented. The delay has left both farmers and forest officials in limbo, with growing concerns over safety, compliance, and recurring human-wildlife conflicts. The rules were designed to ensure that fences, especially solar-powered ones, meet safety standards to prevent electrocution of wild animals. However, the delay in implementation has led to confusion, especially among farmers who have either installed or intend to install such fences to protect their crops from wildlife intrusion. A forest range officer in Coimbatore said that under the proposed rules, farmers are expected to use Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified energisers and follow strict installation protocols. 'Over 20 farmers in this range have applied for permission to set up solar fences, but many are concerned that adhering to the new norms would significantly increase their costs,' the officer said. According to sources, more than 80 farmers across various ranges have submitted applications -- both under the new rules and the earlier framework -- for solar fence registration. Yet, there has been little clarity or progress from the authorities. P. Kandasamy, General Secretary of the Farmers Association, criticised the forest department's inconsistent approach. 'There seems to be a lack of coordination between the forest department and Tangedco. While we are equally concerned about wildlife, the burden of responsibility cannot rest solely on farmers. It's the duty of the forest department to protect wild animals,' he said, calling for a permanent solution to the human-animal conflict. Farmers also expressed frustration over the lack of response from the forest department. A grower from Periyanaickenpalayam said he applied for registration under the new rules two years ago but has yet to receive any reply. Meanwhile, another farmer, from Theethipalayam, questioned the logic of limiting fencing to 240 metres. 'How can I protect my 6.5-acre banana plantation from elephants with just 240 metres of fencing?' he asked. 'I've already spent Rs 4.5 lakh to install 1,750 metres of fencing. If the government can provide at least a 50 per cent subsidy, many farmers like me will be better equipped to safeguard our crops.' As the delay drags on, both the safety of wildlife and the livelihood of farmers remain at risk, with no clear resolution in sight.
United News of India
a few seconds ago
- United News of India
Kiran Kher in trouble: Chandigarh admin issues Rs 13 lakh notice for unpaid govt house rent
Chandigarh, July 23 (UNI) Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kiran Kher has been served a notice by the Chandigarh administration for failing to clear a hefty outstanding licence fee of Rs 12,76,418. The dues pertain to a government house (T-6/23) allotted to her in Sector 7 during her tenure as an MP. The notice, issued by the Assistant Controller (F&A) Rents, was delivered to her residence at House No. 65, Sector 8-A, on June 24, 2025. The notice demands immediate payment of the pending amount, which includes the original licence fee (rent) along with substantial penalties of up to 100% and 200% on certain components. The administration has warned that failure to settle the dues within the stipulated time will attract an additional 12% annual interest on the total outstanding amount. Kher has been instructed to make the payment through a demand draft or bank transfer, but only after verifying the details with the cashier to ensure accuracy. This development has raised eyebrows, as Kher, a prominent public figure known for her contributions to both politics and the entertainment industry, now faces scrutiny over the unpaid dues. The administration's strict stance underscores its commitment to recovering outstanding amounts from allottees of government properties, regardless of their stature. UNI NB PRS
NDTV
a few seconds ago
- NDTV
Explained: India-UK Free Trade Agreement
India and the United Kingdom will sign a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Thursday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Kingdom. This comes after nearly three years of negotiations. The FTA, India's first major bilateral trade agreement with a developed economy in over a decade, is expected to come into force after legal clearances from the British Parliament and India's Union Cabinet, likely within a year. India And The UK: Who Gains What? India's Concessions: Alcoholic Beverages: Import duties on Scotch whisky and gin to fall from 150% to 75% immediately and to 40% over 10 years. Automobiles: Tariffs on UK-made cars, currently exceeding 100%, will be reduced to 10% under a quota system. Other Goods: Tariff cuts on a range of UK products including cosmetics, salmon, chocolates, biscuits, and medical devices. UK's Concessions: Indian Exports: 99% of Indian products will receive duty-free access to the UK market, covering nearly all of India's current trade value. Winners In Indian Industry Sectors likely to benefit from the FTA include textiles, footwear, auto components, gems and jewellery, furniture, sports goods, chemicals, and machinery. Many of these currently face tariffs between 4% and 16% in the UK. Indian manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles will also gain preferential access under a new quota system. Some Indian firms that are set to benefit: Textiles/Apparel: Welspun India, Arvind Ltd. Footwear: Bata India, Relaxo. Automobiles and EVs: Tata Motors, Mahindra Electric. Engineering: Bharat Forge. British government projections suggest the FTA could increase the UK's GDP by £4.8 billion (Rs 56,150 crore) annually over the long term. British consumers are expected to benefit from lower prices on Indian garments, footwear, and food products. India to reduce tariffs on nearly 90% of UK goods. UK-based firms such as Diageo (Scotch whisky) and British luxury carmakers like Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover (owned by Tata Motors) are expected to benefit significantly from improved access to India's growing consumer market. The FTA also includes progressive commitments in the services sector and mobility: Short-Term Entry: The UK will offer temporary access for Indian yoga instructors, chefs, musicians, and other contractual service providers. Social Security Exemption: Indian professionals posted in the UK will be exempt from paying social security contributions for up to three years. This will potentially save Rs 4,000 crore annually. Government Procurement: UK companies will be allowed to bid on non-sensitive federal government procurement tenders in India above Rs 2 billion. This opens up access to nearly 40,000 tenders worth approximately Rs 4.09 lakh crore per year, according to UK estimates. Benefits Of FTA The deal aims to strengthen bilateral investment flows: Indian Presence in UK: Over 1,000 Indian companies currently operate in the UK, employing more than 1 lakh people and investing around $20 billion (Rs 1.73 lakh crore). UK Investment in India: The UK has invested close to $36 billion (Rs 3.11 lakh crore) in India, making it the sixth-largest foreign investor. PM Modi, on his fourth visit to the UK since taking office in 2014, will hold talks with his British counterpart Keir Starmer on issues spanning trade, energy, health, education, and security. He will head to the Maldives on July 25.
