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Time of India
17-07-2025
- Time of India
NMC mops up Rs79L fine from road encroachers in 6 months
Nagpur: In a bid to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain public cleanliness, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has stepped up its campaign against those who block public roads by erecting pandals, shamianas, and decorative gates for private or public events. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Over the past six months — from January 1 to June 30, 2025 — the civic body's Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) took action against 7,118 violators and collected a whopping Rs79,23,650 in penalties. The crackdown is part of NMC's ongoing 'Swachh Nagpur' initiative, which aims to make the city cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful. Under the guidance of municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari, the civic body prioritised actions that ensure uninterrupted mobility and better civic discipline. To prevent traffic congestion caused by unauthorised encroachments during ceremonies and functions, NMC formed dedicated teams under NDS. These teams have been conducting regular inspections across all zones of the city. The squad's actions are also driven by citizen complaints, which are taken seriously and acted upon immediately. The Dharampeth zone topped the chart with the highest number of violations, where 1,212 individuals were penalised and fines totalling Rs17,89,200 were collected. It was followed by Hanuman Nagar, which recorded 1,174 cases and fines amounting to Rs11,59,100. In Nehru Nagar, 563 people were fined, generating Rs8,89,500 in revenue for the civic body. Other zones, including Laxmi Nagar, Dhantoli, Gandhibagh, Satranjipura, Lakadganj, Ashi Nagar, and Mangalwari, also saw significant action. In each of these areas, hundreds of cases were registered and lakhs of rupees collected in fines. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Officials emphasised that the primary goal is not just penalisation but also awareness. "The campaign aims to sensitise citizens about the importance of keeping roads obstruction-free and public spaces clean. The NDS' work reflects NMC's commitment to enforce civic discipline while creating a more organised and accessible urban environment for all," they said.
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Cape Town Silent Book Club raises R100,000 for its 100th library
The funds will help create and support a school library for 862 children at Montana Primary School in Kalksteenfontein, near the Cape Town Airport. Image: The Bookery / Facebook / Supplied The Bookery team will be able to build their 100th library a little earlier after Capetonians and book lovers rallied together to help the Cape Town Silent Book Club reach its goal of raising R100,000. Cape Town Silent Book Club organiser, Shawn Buck, said he is blown they were able to achieve it. The funds will help create and support a school library for 862 children at Montana Primary School in Kalksteenfontein, near the Cape Town Airport. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ With the help of 156 donations, they had initially only been able to accomplish half of the goal, but Buck stated that the Sygnia Asset Management employee book club helped them raise the remaining amount. 'We originally set out to raise R100,000, an audacious goal for our first-ever fundraiser, to cover the gap in funding for the 100th library. We ended up with 156 people donating R53,650, an incredible amount. As the campaign ended, we were so ecstatic about the way it went. 'I was proud that we'd raised that much, and The Bookery was so thankful.' He said the employee book club saw their fundraiser because of how many people shared and reposted it, and then surprised them by donating the remaining R46,350 to help them reach R100,000. Buck stated that when he first approached The Bookery, he told them this was an experiment and really didn't know if they could raise even any of the money. 'However, our community came around to it from the moment I had the idea.' He said Leewin Chen, a Cape Town Silent Book Club regular and professional videographer, offered to make a video for the campaign, and partners like Waterfall Farms, Penguin Random House, UCOOK, T-shirt Bed Co., and Rosetta Coffee sponsored their giveaway. They raised nearly R10,000 at a Silent Book Club gathering before even putting it on social media. 'The Bookery team and I were so ecstatic when we received the email (from the employee book club) about it. We went and spent some time with them at one of their book club meetings, and it was so lovely, and you can tell that literacy is a big passion of theirs. 'I'm so proud of the way people came together on this, and it inspires me about the difference we can make going forward. When you have a great group of people with a shared passion and a sense of community, you can really make a difference,' Buck said. Cape Town Silent Book Club organiser, Shawn Buck, said he is blown they were able to achieve it. Image: Supplied The Bookery's spokesperson, Jacki Sands, said they did have the base funding for the 100th library covered, thanks to the donation from the MacFarlane Family Foundation, but that it did not cover all their needs for the library. 'The extra money that we got from Silent Book Club's fundraiser is very welcome. We are so grateful to Sygnia Asset Management for coming alongside and filling in the rest of the balance that helped Shawn achieve his goal. That was absolutely amazing. 'We feel that is what true community is about, and that they understand what the bookery does, and believe in our cause. They believe that what we're doing is impactful in the literacy landscape, which has us overjoyed that we have such fantastic partners.' Sands said that they strongly believe in collaboration and that it is the partnerships which propel their work forward. 'They don't only bring the funds, they also bring us access to other networks, skills and expertise that aid our vision and mission. We are extremely excited that somebody saw value in the work that we do. 'It gives us that extra boost we need to put that 100th library in place. Up to now, we've created 99 libraries and supported other library projects, so we've had a bit of time to look back, see what we have been doing historically, and then put better processes in place,' Sands said. 'It's an exciting time for us, and we're just grateful for everyone who believes in our work and supports it.' The 100th library is set to be launched in early September.
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Prices of essential kitchen items show rising trend: BR survey
ISLAMABAD: The prices of essential kitchen items have witnessed an increasing trend during this week past against the previous week, revealed a survey carried out by Business Recorder (BR), here on Saturday. The survey observed a reduction in chicken prices from Rs15,000 to Rs10,400 per 40kg in the wholesale market, which in retail is being sold at Rs290 against Rs310 per kg and chicken meat price reduced from Rs530 to Rs500 per kg. Eggs' price went down from Rs9,000 to Rs7,000 per carton of 30 dozen which in retail is being sold in the range of Rs290-295 against Rs315-320 per dozen. Sugar price remained stable at Rs8,650 per 50 kg bag in the wholesale market, while in retail it is being sold at Rs180/190 per kg. Mutton and beef prices remained stable as normal quality mutton was available at Rs2,200 per kg, normal quality boneless beef at Rs1,400 per kg, and normal beef at Rs1,100 per kg. Various varieties of fishes are available in the range of Rs500 to Rs900 per kg. Interestingly, this time around the budget, contrary to the past there was no trend of upward fluctuations witnessed in the prices of soft drinks, cooking oil/ghee and cigarettes like daily use items. Wheat flour price remained steady as the best quality wheat flour ex-mill per 15kg bag price is available at Rs1,130 which in retail is being sold at Rs1,180 per 15kg bag and normal quality wheat flour per 15kg bag is available at Rs1,050 which in retail is being sold at Rs1,100 per bag. After a significant reduction of Rs1,400 per 15 kg bag in wheat flour price over the past one year. The tandoor owners in some parts of the twin cities started reducing the roti, naan and paratha prices as in some parts of the federal capital roti is available at Rs16 against Rs20, naan at Rs20 against Rs25 and paratha at Rs45 against Rs50. However, the bakers have not reduced the biscuit, bread and confectionery prices, which they had increased manifold after 2020 corona virus crisis, citing increase in ghee/cooking oil, and wheat flour prices. The prices of cooked food items remained stable as a cooked daal/vegetable plate at a normal hotel is available at Rs320, cooked beef plate at Rs550, cooked chicken plate at Rs500, cooked mutton at Rs750 and naan/roti is being sold at Rs25/30. No changes were witnessed in tea prices, as Lipton Yellow Label is available at Rs2,200 per 900 grams pack and Islamabad Tea is available at Rs1,800 per kg; normal quality turmeric powder is available at Rs600 against Rs700 per kg and normal quality red chilli powder at Rs800 against Rs900 per kg. No significant changes were witnessed in pulses prices as maash is available at Rs440 per kg, gram pulse at Rs300 per kg, whole gram pulse at Rs270 per kg, various varieties of bean lentils in the range of Rs450-550 per kg, moong price at Rs400 per kg, and masoor at Rs280 per kg. The prices of branded spices such as Shan, National, and others, also remained stable as a pack of 39 grams of spice is available at Rs140. The prices of the various varieties of rice remained stable as the best quality basmati in wholesale market is available at Rs12,800 per 40kg bag, which in retail is being sold at Rs350 per kg, normal quality basmati at Rs11,000 per 40 kg bag, which in retail is being sold at Rs310 per kg, and broken basmati at Rs8,500 per 40kg bag, which in retail is being sold at Rs235 per kg. Ghee/cooking oil prices remained stable as B-grade ghee/oil is available at Rs6,000 per carton of 16 packs in the wholesale market, which in retail is being sold at Rs460 per pack of 900 grams, while best quality cooking oil/ghee brands such as Dalda ghee price remained stable at Rs2,720 per 5kg tin and cooking at Rs2,720 per 5-litre bottle. Prices of packed milk brands such as Milk Pak and Olpers in the wholesale market remained stable at Rs2,250 per carton while in retail 250ml packed milk is being sold at Rs90. Fresh milk prices in some parts of the twin cities are being sold at Rs220 per kg while in some parts is still being sold at Rs230 per kg and yogurt price is stable at Rs250 per kg. No changes were observed in the prices of powder milk such as Nido and Lactogen as 400gram Nido powder milk is available at Rs1,320 and 200gram pack at Rs700 per pack. Bathing soaps' prices remained stable as family-size Safeguard and Dettol like soaps are available at Rs165 per pack, family size Lux at Rs150, and detergent prices went slightly up as Ariel Surf, Brite, Express Power and others are available at Rs570 against Rs550 per kg pack. The prices of various brands of cold drinks such as Pepsi, Coke, Miranda and others remained stable as family-size bottle is available at Rs230. Officially the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has fixed the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at Rs240.53 per kg, while retailers are selling 15kg domestic LPG cylinder at Rs4,000 against Rs3,615 OGRA fixed price reflecting an overcharging of Rs385 per cylinder. Moreover, the retailers through decanting are selling the LPG on further escalated rates as they charge Rs300-330 per kg, reflecting an overcharging of Rs60-85 per kg. LPG traders and distributors always blame the marketing companies for higher prices, saying the companies are supplying them the commodity on higher prices as a result retailers are left with no option other than shifting the price to the end consumers. According to LPG traders, the LPG marketing companies and distributors are earning billions of rupees profit by overcharging the consumers, while the OGRA which totally depends on district administration including police have totally ignored the enforcement of official commodity rates. Moreover, LPG distributors and retailers are freely selling LPG by decanting in violation of the laws as a result every other day LPG cylinder blasts are claiming precious lives. Overall vegetable and fruit prices witnessed an increasing trend as potatoes in wholesales market went up from Rs2,500-4,200 to Rs2,600-4,500 per quintal, while in retail potatoes are being sold in the range of Rs55-70 against Rs50-65 per kg; onion price in wholesales market went down from Rs1,300-2,200 Rs1,200-2,000 per quintal, in retail onions are being sold in the range of Rs30-45 per kg and tomato price went down from Rs200 to Rs170 per basket of 15kg, which in retail are being sold in the range of Rs30-40 per kg. Ginger price is stable at Rs2,200 per 5kg in the wholesale market, which in retail is being sold in the range of Rs525-550 per kg, local garlic price went up from Rs750 to Rs850 per 5 kg which in retail is being sold at Rs220 against Rs200 per kg, China garlic price went up from Rs1,000 to Rs1,100 per 5kg in the wholesale market which in retail is being sold in the range of Rs250-300 against Rs240-270 per kg. Capsicum price went up from Rs230 to Rs250 per 5kg in the wholesale market which in retail is being sold in the range of Rs75-80 against Rs70-75, prices of various varieties of pumpkins went up from Rs160-225 to Rs200-250 per 5kg in wholesale market, which in retail are being sold in the range of Rs55-75 against Rs50-75 per kg; various types of tinda prices went up from Rs100-650 to Rs130-700 per 5kg which in retail are being sold in the range of Rs45-200 against Rs40-180 per kg; eggplant price went up from Rs325 to Rs350 per 5kg, which in retail are being sold at Rs85-100 against Rs80-90 per kg; cauliflower price went up from Rs350 to Rs450 per 5kg in wholesale market, which in retail is being sold in the range of Rs120-140 against Rs100-120 per kg and cabbage price went up from Rs175 to Rs225 per 5kg, which in retail is being sold at Rs65-75 against Rs50-60 per kg. Okra price went up from Rs120 to Rs130 per 5kg in wholesale market which in retail is being sold at Rs50-60 per kg, Bitter gourd price is stable at Rs250 per 5kg which in retail is being sold in the range of Rs65-75 per kg, green chilli price went up from Rs250-350 to Rs300-400 per 5kg in the wholesale market which in retail are being sold in the range of Rs100-130 against Rs90-100 per kg, beetroot price went up from Rs225 to Rs250 per 5kg which in retail is being sold at Rs70-75 against Rs60-70 per kg, local carrot price is stable at Rs150 per 5kg which in retail is being sold at Rs50-55 per kg and cucumber price went up from Rs170 to Rs225 per 5kg, which in retail is being sold at Rs65-75 against Rs50-55 per kg. Fresh bean price went up from Rs400 Rs450 per 5kg which in retail are being sold at Rs120-140 per kg against Rs100-120 per kg, Yam price went up from Rs900 to Rs600 per 5kg, which in retail is being sold at Rs190-200 against Rs220-230 per kg; turnip price is stable at Rs150 per 5kg which in retail are being sold in the range of Rs50-55 per kg; peas price went down from Rs750 to Rs650 per 5kg which in retail are being sold in the range of Rs180-200 against Rs230-240 per kg; radish price is stable at Rs100 per 5kg which in retail is being sold at Rs35-45 per kg, spinach is available at Rs150 per 5kg which in retail is being sold at Rs15-20 per bundle of 200 grams and coriander is available at Rs250 per 5kg in wholesales market which in retail is being sold at Rs30-35 per bundle of 250 grams. Fruit prices witnessed an upward trend as various types of local apples are available in the range of Rs150-500 against Rs140-450 per kg, Iranian dates at Rs400-450 per kg, Bananas prices went up from Rs80-190 to Rs100-200 per dozen. Various varieties of melons are being sold in the range of Rs50-100 against Rs40-120 per kg; Chikoo at Rs275-300 against Rs250-275 per kg, papaya at Rs350-380 against Rs320-350 per kg and falsa at Rs350-400 against Rs200-230 per kg. New arrival mangos in the range of Rs150-250 per kg, cherry in the range of Rs600-750 per kg, peach in the range of Rs150-250 per kg, apricot in the range of Rs175-300 per kg. Business Recorder has noted a significant difference between the wholesale market prices, official prices fixed by market committees which consists of commissioners, deputy commissioners (DCs), assistant commissioners (ACs), the special price control magistrates, representatives of wholesalers, retailers and general public. Whenever the retailers are mentioned as significantly overcharging the consumers and not following the official price list, they are arguing that some quantity of fruits, vegetables and other products they purchase from the wholesale market always remain rotten. Business Recorder has observed and repeatedly reported that retailers, vendors, and other sellers are not displaying official price lists of household items at a prominent place and are not even providing on demand, which they are legally bound to provide the consumers and display at a prominent place. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
AsiaOne
28-05-2025
- AsiaOne
Singaporean-Malaysian couple arrested in Melaka for allegedly distributing drug-laced vapes to students, Singapore News
A 41-year-old Singaporean man and his 38-year-old Malaysian wife were arrested in Melaka on Monday (May 26) for allegedly distributing drug-laced vape liquids to school children. Malaysian news portal Voice Asia News reported that police raided the couple's rented home following a three-month long investigation and seized 127.5ml of ketamine, which was believed to be used in vape devices, and 212 ecstasy pills among others. The total value of the seized items amounted up to RM32,650 (S$9,900). "Preliminary investigations indicate that the couple had been actively distributing various types of drugs in the form of vape liquids, pills and powders across the state over the past three months," Melaka police chief Deputy Commissioner Datuk Dzulkairi Mukhtar told reporters on Tuesday (May 27), The Star reported. They are believed to have distributed the controlled substances through social media and personal networks. Police confiscated a car and a motorcycle believed to belong to the couple. Investigations are ongoing. The Star reported that both suspects tested positive for methamphetamine, or Ice, and they have been remanded for seven days to assist in investigations. The deputy commissioner said that the police are preparing a proposal to ban vape sales in the state, citing health risks and a worrying rise in use among students. Authorities are now working closely with local schools, community leaders, and national anti-drug agencies to prevent further incidents and raise awareness among parents and educators. The involvement of additional suspects or wider networks has not been ruled out, the police said, according to Voice Asia News. [[nid:717752]]
New Paper
28-05-2025
- New Paper
S'porean man and wife nabbed in Malaysia for peddling drug-laced vape liquids to schoolkids
The police have arrested a 41-year-old Singaporean man and his Malaysian wife, 38, at their rented house in Jasin Bestari, Melaka, for allegedly distributing drug-laced vape fluid to schoolchildren. Melaka police chief Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the couple, who tied the knot three months ago, were apprehended at 11am on May 26 by a team from the Jasin district narcotics investigation unit. "Preliminary investigations indicate that the couple had been actively distributing various types of drugs in the form of vape liquids, pills and powders across the state over the past three months," he told a press conference at state police headquarters in Bukit Beruang on May 27. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Dzulkhairi, said his men seized 127.5ml of ketamine believed to be intended for use in vape devices, 212 ecstasy pills, 212 Erimin 5 pills, 13.7g of methamphetamine, 10g of cannabis and 80g of ketamine powder - enough for 786 drug abusers. "We also confiscated a car and a motorcycle belonging to the couple," he said. "The total value of the seized items and assets is estimated at RM32,650 (S$9,900)," he said, adding that both suspects tested positive for methamphetamine during screening. "The drugs were believed to have been marketed through social media and close personal contacts," Mr Dzulkhairi said. "The couple has been remanded for seven days to assist investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952." THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
