Latest news with #Augustus
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
When Did Pensions Begin Globally And What Was The First Pension Amount In India?
Pension is the most critical financial support for senior citizens. After serving the country or state for a long time, every retired employee receives a fixed amount each month to help with their living expenses. Nowadays, not only government employees but also individuals working in private companies rely on their pensions after retirement. The pension system in India was introduced during the British period. The history of pensions is more than 2,000 years old. According to historians, the pension system is first mentioned in the Roman Empire, initiated by Roman Emperor Augustus (27 BC-14 AD). At that time, this system was started for soldiers. Soldiers who served for a long time in the Roman army were given land or money upon retirement, enabling them to live a respectable life even after their service ended. Within a few years, Indian soldiers and civil servants also began receiving pensions. Historians believe that the first pensions were given to British military officers, many of whom are still renowned today, such as Lord Cornwallis. It is not recorded who the first Indian pensioner was, but it is likely that one of the first individuals to retire from service was a sepoy or havildar who received a pension during British rule. According to media reports, an ordinary soldier received a pension of Rs 4 to 7 per month, while a British officer received Rs 100 to 200 per month. Today these amounts seem very small, but at that time, Rs 1 could cover the expenses of an entire family for a month. Later, in 1889, German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck introduced the first public pension for senior citizens over 70 years of age, transforming the pension from an honour to a right and forming the foundation of social security systems. The history of pensions in India dates back to the British rule. The East India Company had made provisions for its officers and soldiers to receive some income upon retirement, thus giving rise to the concept of pensions out of necessity. For government employees, pensions were formally introduced in 1881. At that time, this amount was considered the minimum required for a retired person to live without worrying about food, water, or shelter.
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Despite ahead-of-schedule closing of hotel shelters, Healey admin still says emergency shelter system can't meet demand
Healey's housing secretary, Ed Augustus, wrote in The extended declaration lasts until Nov. 9, and proclaims that because of the strain on the program, the shelter system must keep operating under a number of restrictions the administration began to put in place in the deepest throes of the emergency. The declaration, which is required under rules set out by the Legislature in a 2023 spending bill, can be extended again if Augustus determines it necessary. Amid that bureaucratic change, Healey's office said her emergency declaration from August 2023 still stands. The number of families in emergency shelter has fallen to Advertisement Meanwhile, the ongoing state of emergency means the administration, which has issued at least four contracts In a statement, a spokesperson for Healey said the governor imposed reforms that 'successfully reduced caseloads and costs,' and that 'it is essential that we continue these reforms so that the system does not experience another unsustainable surge and to protect taxpayer dollars.' 'Governor Healey inherited a shelter system that was not equipped to handle the surge in demand Massachusetts experienced these past few years,' the spokesperson, Karissa Hand, said. She said Healey's administration is actively evaluating 'whether the Governor's emergency declaration should remain in place.' Massachusetts experienced a rush of immigrants into the state beginning in the Since Healey took office in January 2023, officials drastically expanded the state's emergency shelter system to house thousands of homeless and migrant families For decades, homeless families have been guaranteed a roof over their heads under Advertisement As costs mounted over the last two years, Healey and legislators repeatedly added new requirements to dial back eligibility, including requiring homeless families to prove lawful immigration status, show they have lived in Massachusetts for at least six months, and undergo In 2023 Augustus, the housing secretary, The state's most recent data show fewer than 3,500 families in the system currently — half of the number there were at the emergency's peak. Mary Connaughton, chief operating officer for the Boston-based think tank Pioneer Institute, said 'calling this ongoing crisis an emergency is not only puzzling, it's costly.' Connaughton said the emergency declaration remaining in place has given cover for the administration to abide by 'weak internal rules,' and pointed out, as an example, a Healey officials and shelter operators rejected conclusions that her office broke the law in using no-bid contracts, and criticized the audit. Advertisement 'As we have seen, the emergency label has become license for weak internal procedures and faulty procurements,' she said. Healey, who is running for re-election in 2026, has drawn criticism of her handling of the shelter system by her GOP opponents. Mike Kennealy, a housing and economic development secretary under Baker, said the crisis 'has become a never-ending emergency' and that the latest extension 'only proves it's not going away.' He said as governor, he would create a 'loophole-free' residency requirement for the emergency shelter system. 'More than two years in, we're still in this situation because the state government lacked either the will or the ability to address the root cause from the start,' Kennealy said. 'Now, it's spiraled out of control.' Former MBTA executive Brian Shortsleeve, who is also running in the GOP primary, said Healey 'wants to use the crisis she created to continue to exercise extraordinary power with little transparency or oversight.' 'The real state of emergency is Maura Healey's out of control spending that is breaking the backs of taxpayers who are fed up with paying for billions in migrant benefits with no accountability,' he said. 'Beacon Hill needs a total overhaul, and that starts with firing the Housing Secretary followed by firing Maura Healey.' Some advocates say the current state of emergency and the related cap at 4,000 families also puts undue pressure on homeless families. Kelly Turley, associate director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, said the current limits on the shelter system have created a cycle where people are leaving and re-entering the system instead of finding permanent housing they can afford. 'When the state of emergency was first declared, we weren't sure what powers it would give the state,' Turley said. 'Families are being timed out of shelter before they are able to secure long-term housing. The landscape has changed since August 2023 since the state of emergency was first declared.' Advertisement Matt Stout of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Samantha J. Gross can be reached at
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Inside DOOMED Mt Vesuvius villa destroyed by volcano blast where famed Roman emperor may have died 2,000 years ago
That many furnaces would have heated a significant amount of water, which may have even been used to entertain influential guests LAVA-LY HOME YOU'VE GOT Inside DOOMED Mt Vesuvius villa destroyed by volcano blast where famed Roman emperor may have died 2,000 years ago Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE luxurious but tragedy-stricken villa where the first Roman emperor, Augustus, is believed to have died has been unearthed after 2,000 years. Researchers from the University of Tokyo say there are a number of clues that suggest the posh villa belonged to Augustus, who lived between 63 BC and 14 AD. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath Credit: University of Japan 5 Amphora ceramic containers lined along a wall of a structure at the Somma Vesuviana site Credit: University of Japan 5 That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community Credit: University of Tokyo The 3,650-square-meter villa located at Somma Vesuviana, at the northern foot of Mount Vesuvius, was destroyed on the day of the eruption in 79 AD. The famous buried city of Pompeii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption. The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath. It boasts five large furnaces, which are presumed to have heated an enormous bath. That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community. Carbon found inside the furnace dates back to around the first century, and suggests they went cold not long after. "There has never been a case where five large furnaces have been excavated from an Italian site," Mariko Muramatsu, professor of Italian studies at the University of Tokyo, said. 5 The famous buried city of Pomepii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption Credit: University of Tokyo Muramatsu, who began an archaeological survey of the site in 2002, added: "It makes sense as an explanation that no one else but the emperor could make such a magnificent feat possible." The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse. Mystery as body of footless Roman with KNIFE in back found at ancient fort That many furnaces would have heated a significant amount of water, which may have even been used to entertain influential guests. "It is almost certain that they were used to heat a large amount of water for a huge bath facility," said Masanori Aoyagi, former commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo. The researchers also said the bath was out of use around the same time Augustus died in 14 AD, and what appeared to be a large temple was later constructed on the site. 5 The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse Credit: Getty Augustus' grave has never been found, but ancient records say he passed away at his villa northeast of Mount Vesuvius. Accounts from that period also say a memorial was built there in memory of his accomplishments - but the precise location of that villa has remained a mystery. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, researchers say another clue supporting their theories is the fact that the site is located more than 200 kilometres from Rome. "Augustus built a guesthouse with a huge bath beyond Roman citizens' scrutiny in a bid to show his greatness to aristocrats and military officers and have them feel the Pax Romana (Roman peace) in the bath," said Aoyagi, who served as the first project head of the research team. The research team has already begun excavations on the south side of the furnace in hopes of finding the remnants of ancient bath water.
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Inside DOOMED Mt Vesuvius villa destroyed by volcano blast where famed Roman emperor may have died 2,000 years ago
THE luxurious but tragedy-stricken villa where the first Roman emperor, Augustus, is believed to have died has been unearthed after 2,000 years. Researchers from the University of Tokyo say there are a number of clues that suggest the posh villa belonged to Augustus, who lived between 63 BC and 14 AD. Advertisement 5 The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath Credit: University of Japan 5 Amphora ceramic containers lined along a wall of a structure at the Somma Vesuviana site Credit: University of Japan 5 That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community Credit: University of Tokyo The 3,650-square-meter villa located at Somma Vesuviana, at the northern foot of Mount Vesuvius, was destroyed on the day of the eruption in 79 AD. The famous buried city of Pompeii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption. The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath. It boasts five large furnaces, which are presumed to have heated an enormous bath. Advertisement READ MORE ON ARCHAEOLOGY That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community. Carbon found inside the furnace dates back to around the first century, and suggests they went cold not long after. "There has never been a case where five large furnaces have been excavated from an Italian site," Mariko Muramatsu, professor of Italian studies at the University of Tokyo, said. 5 The famous buried city of Pomepii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption Credit: University of Tokyo Advertisement Muramatsu, who began an archaeological survey of the site in 2002, added: "It makes sense as an explanation that no one else but the emperor could make such a magnificent feat possible." Most read in Science The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse. Mystery as body of footless Roman with KNIFE in back found at ancient fort That many furnaces would have heated a significant amount of water, which may have even been used to entertain influential guests. "It is almost certain that they were used to heat a large amount of water for a huge bath facility," said Masanori Aoyagi, former commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo. Advertisement The researchers also said the bath was out of use around the same time Augustus died in 14 AD, and what appeared to be a large temple was later constructed on the site. 5 The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse Credit: Getty Augustus' grave has never been found, but ancient records say he passed away at his villa northeast of Mount Vesuvius. Accounts from that period also say a memorial was built there in memory of his accomplishments - but the precise location of that villa has remained a mystery. Advertisement Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, researchers say another clue supporting their theories is the fact that the site is located more than 200 kilometres from Rome. "Augustus built a guesthouse with a huge bath beyond Roman citizens' scrutiny in a bid to show his greatness to aristocrats and military officers and have them feel the Pax Romana (Roman peace) in the bath," said Aoyagi, who served as the first project head of the research team. The research team has already begun excavations on the south side of the furnace in hopes of finding the remnants of ancient bath water. A brief history of the Roman Empire Here's what you need to know... The Roman Empire began shortly after the founding of the Roman Republic in the 6th century BC It reigned for around a thousand years until the fall of the last Western emperor in 476 AD During this time, the Romans ruled over many countries in Europe and parts of Africa and the Middle East At its height, 90 million people lived in the Roman Empire It evolved from a monarchy to a democratic republic to a military dictatorship and then was finally ruled by emperors One of the most well-known Roman leaders is Julius Caesar, famously assassinated in 44BC He is largely credited for his military mind and laying the foundations for the Roman Empire The spread of the Roman Empire into Britain in around 55 BC has had a lasting impact on our lives today Latin, straight roads, underfloor heating and the spread of Christianity are all attributed to the Romans
The Sun
09-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Inside DOOMED Mt Vesuvius villa destroyed by volcano blast where famed Roman emperor may have died 2,000 years ago
THE luxurious but tragedy-stricken villa where the first Roman emperor, Augustus, is believed to have died has been unearthed after 2,000 years. Researchers from the University of Tokyo say there are a number of clues that suggest the posh villa belonged to Augustus, who lived between 63 BC and 14 AD. 5 5 5 The 3,650-square-meter villa located at Somma Vesuviana, at the northern foot of Mount Vesuvius, was destroyed on the day of the eruption in 79 AD. The famous buried city of Pompeii was located on the mountain's southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption. The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time - namely, a private bath. It boasts five large furnaces, which are presumed to have heated an enormous bath. That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community. Carbon found inside the furnace dates back to around the first century, and suggests they went cold not long after. "There has never been a case where five large furnaces have been excavated from an Italian site," Mariko Muramatsu, professor of Italian studies at the University of Tokyo, said. 5 Muramatsu, who began an archaeological survey of the site in 2002, added: "It makes sense as an explanation that no one else but the emperor could make such a magnificent feat possible." The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse. That many furnaces would have heated a significant amount of water, which may have even been used to entertain influential guests. "It is almost certain that they were used to heat a large amount of water for a huge bath facility," said Masanori Aoyagi, former commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo. The researchers also said the bath was out of use around the same time Augustus died in 14 AD, and what appeared to be a large temple was later constructed on the site. 5 Augustus' grave has never been found, but ancient records say he passed away at his villa northeast of Mount Vesuvius. Accounts from that period also say a memorial was built there in memory of his accomplishments - but the precise location of that villa has remained a mystery. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, researchers say another clue supporting their theories is the fact that the site is located more than 200 kilometres from Rome. "Augustus built a guesthouse with a huge bath beyond Roman citizens' scrutiny in a bid to show his greatness to aristocrats and military officers and have them feel the Pax Romana (Roman peace) in the bath," said Aoyagi, who served as the first project head of the research team. The research team has already begun excavations on the south side of the furnace in hopes of finding the remnants of ancient bath water. A brief history of the Roman Empire Here's what you need to know... The Roman Empire began shortly after the founding of the Roman Republic in the 6th century BC It reigned for around a thousand years until the fall of the last Western emperor in 476 AD During this time, the Romans ruled over many countries in Europe and parts of Africa and the Middle East At its height, 90 million people lived in the Roman Empire It evolved from a monarchy to a democratic republic to a military dictatorship and then was finally ruled by emperors One of the most well-known Roman leaders is Julius Caesar, famously assassinated in 44BC He is largely credited for his military mind and laying the foundations for the Roman Empire The spread of the Roman Empire into Britain in around 55 BC has had a lasting impact on our lives today Latin, straight roads, underfloor heating and the spread of Christianity are all attributed to the Romans
