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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PCMC gets environment clearance from SEIAA for Pavana river rejuvenation project
1 2 3 Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has received the long-pending environmental clearance for its Rs1,440 crore Pavana river rejuvenation project. The project was delayed for over six years as the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) had directed the civic body to revise its proposal multiple times. The approval comes at a time when riverfront development projects in both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are facing strong resistance from environmentalists and residents. Sanjay Kulkarni, city engineer and head of PCMC's environment department, told TOI that the civic body will move ahead with the tendering process only after securing funds from central and state govts. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Earlier, PCMC had submitted a proposal to the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD), requesting financial assistance for river rejuvenation projects across all three rivers flowing through its limits — Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani. Kulkarni added that the project includes measures for pollution control and flood mitigation, along with beautification efforts, similar to those being implemented under the Mula-Mutha riverfront development in Pune. "This project is crucial for riverbank protection, erosion prevention, biodiversity enhancement, creation of nesting and habitation areas for birds, and promoting aquatic life in the river and nearby reservoirs. Overall, it aims at the natural rejuvenation of the river," Kulkarni said. The Pavana river spans 24.4km within PCMC's jurisdiction. A detailed project report (DPR) on the project was prepared with expert consultation, incorporating pollution and flood mitigation strategies following an in-depth river survey. The proposal for environmental clearance was initially submitted in Dec 2019 and later approved by the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC-3) in Aug 2023 before sending it to SEIAA for final approval. Last year, SEIAA directed PCMC to revise and resubmit the proposal only after incorporating reports from the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). A senior PCMC official confirmed that hydrology and hydraulic studies were conducted by CWPRS experts and submitted along with the revised proposal to SEIAA. Meanwhile, PCMC has already begun rejuvenation work on the Mula River near Sangvi. Environmental activists have raised concerns over multiple violations during ongoing work. Several protests were also organised under the banner of Pune-PCMC River Revival group over the last few months to oppose the project. Last year, the civic body received environment clearance for the river rejuvenation project proposed over the Indrayani. PCMC has already completed the tendering procedure for the same, and work is likely to start soon. Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has received the long-pending environmental clearance for its Rs1,440 crore Pavana river rejuvenation project. The project was delayed for over six years as the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) had directed the civic body to revise its proposal multiple times. The approval comes at a time when riverfront development projects in both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are facing strong resistance from environmentalists and residents. Sanjay Kulkarni, city engineer and head of PCMC's environment department, told TOI that the civic body will move ahead with the tendering process only after securing funds from central and state govts. Earlier, PCMC had submitted a proposal to the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD), requesting financial assistance for river rejuvenation projects across all three rivers flowing through its limits — Pavana, Mula, and Indrayani. Kulkarni added that the project includes measures for pollution control and flood mitigation, along with beautification efforts, similar to those being implemented under the Mula-Mutha riverfront development in Pune. "This project is crucial for riverbank protection, erosion prevention, biodiversity enhancement, creation of nesting and habitation areas for birds, and promoting aquatic life in the river and nearby reservoirs. Overall, it aims at the natural rejuvenation of the river," Kulkarni said. The Pavana river spans 24.4km within PCMC's jurisdiction. A detailed project report (DPR) on the project was prepared with expert consultation, incorporating pollution and flood mitigation strategies following an in-depth river survey. The proposal for environmental clearance was initially submitted in Dec 2019 and later approved by the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC-3) in Aug 2023 before sending it to SEIAA for final approval. Last year, SEIAA directed PCMC to revise and resubmit the proposal only after incorporating reports from the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS). A senior PCMC official confirmed that hydrology and hydraulic studies were conducted by CWPRS experts and submitted along with the revised proposal to SEIAA. Meanwhile, PCMC has already begun rejuvenation work on the Mula River near Sangvi. Environmental activists have raised concerns over multiple violations during ongoing work. Several protests were also organised under the banner of Pune-PCMC River Revival group over the last few months to oppose the project. Last year, the civic body received environment clearance for the river rejuvenation project proposed over the Indrayani. PCMC has already completed the tendering procedure for the same, and work is likely to start soon.
TimesLIVE
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
What to know about the Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial
Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the hip-hop mogul who discovered world-famous artists and helped bring the genre into the mainstream, was found guilty on Wednesday of prostitution-related offences but acquitted of other charges. Combs, 55, had pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. Here is what you need to know about the trial, which took place in Manhattan federal court: WHAT WERE THE CHARGES? Combs faced one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transporting for prostitution. Found guilty on the prostitution charges, he was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking. Combs could have faced life in prison had he been convicted on all five counts. WHAT DID PROSECUTORS ALLEGE? Prosecutors with the Manhattan US Attorney's office said Combs used physical violence and threats to coerce two of his former girlfriends — rhythm-and-blues singer Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura and a woman known in court by the pseudonym Jane — to take part in the sex performances sometimes known as 'Freak Offs'. During the performances, Combs would watch, masturbate and occasionally film, according to prosecutors. Both Ventura and Jane testified that Combs threatened to cut off financial support and leak sex tapes of them if they stopped taking part. Prosecutors said Combs used his business empire and employees to help arrange the performances and cover up his abuse, which they said amounted to racketeering conspiracy. WHAT WAS COMBS'S DEFENCE? Combs's defence lawyers acknowledged that their client was at times abusive in his domestic relationships, but argued that the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual and that there was nothing illegal about his 'swinger' lifestyle. They highlighted tender and sexually explicit text messages that both Ventura and Jane sent Combs over the course of their years-long relationships with him to argue that Combs had no way of knowing the women's participation in the performances was not consensual. The defence also said that Ventura had a financial incentive to testify against Combs. Ventura sued Combs for sexual abuse in a civil lawsuit in November 2023, and settled the case a day later in exchange for a $20m (R352,469,440) payment from Combs. WHO TESTIFIED? Several of Combs's former personal assistants testified that they helped set up hotel rooms for 'Freak Offs' and procured drugs for their boss. Jurors also heard from Scott Mescudi, the rapper known as Kid Cudi, who said Combs broke into his home and was behind the torching of his car after Combs found out Mescudi was romantically involved with Ventura. Combs did not testify. Defence lawyers often advise their clients not to take the stand because doing so exposes them to cross-examination by prosecutors. HOW LONG DID THE TRIAL LAST? Jurors heard about seven weeks of testimony and argument starting on May 12. The case drew intense media coverage because of Combs's fame. WHAT OTHER LEGAL TROUBLES DOES COMBS FACE? Combs has also been accused of sexual assault and rape in more than 50 civil lawsuits, including one by an accuser who says he was 10 years old at the time of the alleged assault. Combs has denied the allegations in the civil cases, which seek money damages.
Daily Express
22-06-2025
- Daily Express
RM332,440 Tawau smuggled goods seizure
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 By: Lagatha Toyos Text Size: Enforcement officers inspecting and seizing controlled goods during Ops Tiris in Tawau. TAWAU: Three locals suspected of attempting to misappropriate controlled goods were arrested during Ops Tiris raids at two separate locations with total seizures valued at RM332,440. Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Commander, DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos, said the suspects were aged between 31 and 37. He said the operation was conducted by Esscom's Security Division in strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, aimed at combating cross-border criminal activities. In the first operation, three individuals were detained along with a large quantity of diesel stored in a modified four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with a special tank. The vehicle also carried several barrels of diesel stored around a petrol station area along Jalan Apas. 'The raiding team also seized mobile phones, receipts and two four-wheel-drive vehicles believed used in the illegal activity,' he said. Advertisement The suspects were handed over to KPDN's Enforcement Division for investigation under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Victor said in a second operation near the Batu 3 Jetty, Jalan Apas, the enforcement team detected a suspicious boat entering Malaysian waters from the Indonesian maritime border. However, the boat's skipper and several passengers jumped into the sea and fled after realising the presence of authorities. Upon inspection, authorities found a local woman passenger along with cargo, and it was determined that the boat was used for cross-border smuggling. The woman failed to provide any Customs declaration documents for the items onboard. 'The authorities seized the boat with its outboard engine, several food items and a suspicious lorry parked near the jetty,' he said. Further investigation of the woman is being carried out by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department under the Customs Act 1967. Victor said the aim of the operation was to curb the smuggling of controlled, subsidised, and untaxed goods, as well as to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants. He affirmed Esscom's commitment to fighting cross-border crime, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), in support of national development initiatives and the strengthening of the community's socio-economic wellbeing, grounded in compassion, security, confidence, and sustainability in line with the aspirations of the Malaysia Madani agenda. He also urged the public to channel any information related to security incidents in the ESSZone to the Esscom Operations Centre via 089-863181 or WhatsApp at 011-63311072. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Air India plane crash: Vijay Rupani latest Indian political bigwig to lose life in aviation tragedy
NEW DELHI: Former became the latest addition to a tragic list of Indian political leaders who lost their lives in air accidents, after Air India flight AI-171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The London-bound Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers, with Rupani among the confirmed fatalities. This tragedy renews scrutiny on aviation safety involving public figures in India - an issue marred by repeated disasters and close escapes. Among the most high-profile air crash victims are Sanjay Gandhi - the influential son of former PM Indira Gandhi - who died in 1980 while piloting a small aircraft in Delhi. His death left a political vacuum and changed the course of Congress politics. Years earlier, Mohan Kumaramangalam, Union steel and mines minister, was killed in the 1973 crash of Indian Airlines flight 440 near Delhi. His body was identified only by a Parker pen and his hearing aid. Former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy perished in a 2009 chopper crash. In 2001, senior Congress leader and the then MP from Guna, Madhya Pradesh, Madhavrao Scindia died in a chartered plane crash in Uttar Pradesh - an incident that followed an earlier air scare in his political career which he survived. He had held key portfolios in Congress govts such as civil aviation, human resource development, railways, and communications. In 2002, the then Lok Sabha speaker GMC Balayogi died in a chopper crash. Others include Dorjee Khandu (Arunachal Pradesh CM), OP Jindal (Haryana power minister), & Surendra Singh - son of ex-Haryana CM Bansi Lal - who died in 2005 in a crash near Saharanpur. Notably, another Gujarat chief minister, Balwantrai Mehta, died in an air tragedy during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now His plane was mistakenly shot down by Pakistani fighter aircraft near the border, having been misidentified as a reconnaissance plane. Yet, there have been remarkable survivals. In 1977, the then PM Morarji Desai escaped unhurt when his helicopter made an emergency landing in the Northeast. In 2001, Narendra Modi, then Gujarat CM, survived an emergency landing during earthquake relief operations in Bhuj. M Venkaiah Naidu, former vice president, has had multiple near misses. In 2003, during taxiing, an engine fire broke out on an Air Deccan flight from Hyderabad to Vijayawada, carrying both Naidu and then Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy. The fire was contained before takeoff and all passengers were evacuated safely. In 2005, Naidu's helicopter made an emergency landing in Bihar's Gaya due to a technical failure. Minutes later, Naxals attacked and destroyed the grounded aircraft with a petrol bomb. Both he and the pilot escaped unhurt. Rupani's death is likely to reignite urgent debate on the protocols and preparedness surrounding the air travel of India's top political leaders.
Hans India
07-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Ukku agitators to donate blood to save VSP from privatisation
Visakhapatnam: Every employee should donate blood to protect Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) from getting privatised on June 14, called out Steel CITU honorary president J Ayodhya Ramu. Unveiling a poster for the blood donation camp here on Friday, Ayodhya Ramu mentioned that for the past 1,600 days, trade unions have been fighting against the 100 percent strategic sale of the VSP and appealing the Centre to change its decision on it. But the government is taking steps to privatise the plant, taking the lives of the workers for granted, he pointed out. It is time for the working class to unite and donate their blood and bring their prob-lems to the attention of the Central government, he mentioned that the recent financial package of Rs.11,440 crore given by the Centre was just an eye wash. The Steel CITU honorary president appealed to the employees and workers to participate in the blood donation camp and extend support to the agitation. Speaking on the occasion, blood donation camp organiser B Apparao explained, 'Through blood donation camps made in the past seven years, we have been able to meet the blood needs of several pa-tients.' He informed that the camp will be organised at Ambedkar Kalakshetram, Ukkunagaram (CWC-1) on the occasion of the World Blood Donation Day on June 14. Steel CITU president YT Das stated that steel workers have already been recognised for donating blood several times. Steel CITU leaders P Srinivasa Raju, K Gangadhar, V Prasad, VDV Poornachandra Rao, Srinivas and Suribabu were present.
