Latest news with #CSD
Local Germany
a day ago
- Politics
- Local Germany
Germany's Pride parades exposed to increasing extremist threats
Ahead of Christopher Street Day (CSD) demonstrations -- also known as LGBTQ Pride parades -- Germany's CSD association has warned about an increase in the number of anti-queer crimes -- including hostility seen at some events. "We have a massive increase in online threats," Kai Bölle, board member of the CSD Germany association, told the DPA. Bölle cited groups of young right-wing extremists that have called for counter-actions, adding that the tone "has taken on a new quality." Threatening emails to CSD organisers are used to try to create a climate of fear, said Bölle. He added that in some places "participants are becoming more cautious, arranging to meet in groups to move from train stations to the demo and back." In 2024, 27 organised counter-actions by right-wing extremist groups were counted at CSD events. READ ALSO: Pride parade runs the gauntlet in German far-right stronghold Calls for nationwide reporting on queerphobia Anti-queer crimes fall within the broader category of politically motivated crime. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, 1,765 cases of politically motivated crimes related to sexual orientation were reported last year (up 18 percent compared to 2023), as well as 1,152 cases directed against trans or non-binary people (up 35 percent). Andre Lehmann, board member of the LSVD⁺ Association for Queer Diversity, said that queer-hostile hate crime had once again reached a "sad peak". But he said that the numbers don't show the full extent of the problem: "About 90 percent of crimes against queer people still remain in the dark." Lehmann sees a lack in uniform reporting standards among the German states, and therefore calls for a nationwide reporting office to help illuminate the number of unreported cases. Advertisement Christopher Street Day events begin in June and continue through July CSD parades are demonstrations for equal rights for LGBTQ+ people often organised by the Pride associations of various German cities. Christopher Street Day takes its name from gay club the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York, which was stormed by police in June 1969. The raid sparked the Stonewall Riots, six days of serious clashes between bar patrons, local residents and law enforcement. Some CSD events start from the beginning of June, which is known as Pride month internationally. CSD demonstrations are planned for Saturday in Hanover, Saarbrücken and Schwerin, among other German cities. German Pride Day, however, is celebrated on July 3rd. Berlin's massive CSD parade is typically held on a Saturday toward the end of July -- this year it's set for July 26th. IN PICTURES: Berlin's CSD pride parade brings colour to a rainy day German police will attend CSD demonstrations nationwide with the goal of protecting the demonstrators. With reporting by DPA.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Working out of a historic address, a bunch of experts are healing the planet one project at a time
A new village, named Mandede, will soon emerge in Mulshi as a postcard to the future — it is a Net-Zero Climate Resilient Village Project. If the Pune Metropolitan Region achieves sustainable and efficient water usage, a part of the credit would go to a project called Jal-mulya, whose model promotes a cost-price approach to strengthen water security. These are among the many initiatives that are taking shape at an unobtrusive cottage that houses the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in Pune. While GIPE has been generating controversies for more than a year, CSD has kept its head down and worked. CSD is one of the core areas of the country where real-world ecological challenges are taken up as projects and worked on by multidisciplinary teams, made up of economists, botanists and energy engineers, among others. CSD's mandate is to engage in research that leads to workable solutions that ensure equitable, inclusive and sustainable growth. It is symbolic that the entrance to CSD is past a butterfly garden that is visited by more than 14 species of butterflies. It is an equally powerful statement that the staff at CSD is 60 per cent women. And that at least five members of the staff cycle to work. Four Steps Ahead One of the successful projects at CSD is Mission Sahyadri. Even the chief minister is interested. The project confronts the crisis in the Northern Western Ghats where mining, tourism, dairy and timber and non-timber industries have depleted natural resources, caused biodiversity loss and degraded the ecosystem. Young people have migrated towards Mumbai for jobs in such numbers that the weaker demographic, such as the elderly, children and women, are bearing the socioeconomic burden. CSD used a range of strategies — from economics to emotions — and after roping in administrators — from the sarpanch to the Collector — have worked out a pathway that not only doubles farmer income and turns back distress migration but also ensures a rejuvenation of the landscape and ecosystem. 'Our theory of change is that what we see are essentially symptoms of something going wrong. We try to delve into the root causes of the symptoms. Every root cause has got some lever of change. We try to engage with that lever,' says Prof Gurudas Nulkar. He is a widely respected expert, with many leadership roles, including being in the Committee on Implementing Green Hydrogen of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. One of Nulkar's books won the CD Deshmukh Award in Economic Literature for 2019 and another received the 2022 Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad Award. Nulkar, one of the cyclists in the team, is quick to add that he does not function alone. CSD is made up of Senior Research Associates Aditi Deodhar, who is also a Founder-Director of Jeevitnadi, a Pune organisation that is working for river revival; Komal Dhiwar, whose areas of interest include Development Economics, Environmental Economics and Circular Economy in the Indian Fashion Industry; Hrushikesh Barve, an engineer, who is passionate about clean energy & sustainable development; and Soomrit Chattopadhyay, whose post-graduation was on Water Policy and Governance. The Research Assistants Pooja Sathe, Shruti Ghag, Nikhil Atak and Vaidehi Dandekar, cover a wide range of interests while Nitin Raut, a project coordinator, is making a transition into the sustainability field after a decade working on government and telecommunications related projects. The staff is split into teams that work in four thematic areas — biomass-based renewable energy, climate-resilient rural development, circular economy and urban challenges. The segment on biomass-based renewable energy involves 'a business model for making uncultivated and degraded lands useful for the production of biomass for India's hydrogen revolution'. CSD is working with Union ministries to deploy this model across India. New beginnings in a new year CSD came into being on January 1, 2023, thanks to two funders, Praj Industries and Ravi Pandit, the chairman and co-founder of KPIT. Nulkar, who had earlier headed the Symbiosis Centre of a Climate Change, saw potential when GIPE approached him. 'The donors had agreed to fund the centre for three years, after which we are supposed to be self-reliant,' says Nulkar. CSD initially worked out of a small room before the team came up at the present address, which was packed with history as Mahatma Gandhi and Md Ali Jinah had stayed here pre-Independence. 'When I was shown this place, I said, 'Yes, this is a place I want,'' says Nulkar. As he and the team immerse into yet another problem, it is evident that their greatest challenge will be apathy or even climate denial from powerful people, such as Donald Trump. 'One can't argue with stupidity. If anybody talks science, that can be argued, but I can't counter a stupid person,' says Nulkar. Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
No excise duty on military canteens: Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: No excise duty will be imposed on liquor sold through defence canteens in Karnataka, chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday. The statement comes in the wake of the excise department's proposal to revise additional excise duty (AED), a move that could end the 30% price advantage enjoyed by CSD (canteen stores department) outlets over regular liquor shops. The potential hike sparked concern among thousands of serving and retired defence personnel across the state. At the 'Jai Hind Sabha' event held in Town Hall, Siddaramaiah said: "Defence personnel need not worry. Their entitlements remain intact. There will be no change in liquor prices at military canteens." He also praised the tradition of Indian soldiers, honoured retired soldiers, and recognised the families of martyred soldiers. Excise minister RB Timmapur also told TOI that the separate proposal to supply beer to military canteens is still under discussion. "Nothing has been finalised yet," he said. For now, soldiers and veterans can breathe easy — and raise a glass without extra tax. There are over 30 military canteens in Bengaluru alone, and the proposed AED revision was seen as a direct blow to the privileges extended to armed forces personnel.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Liquor prices set to rise at Karnataka army canteens
Canteen Stores Department Liquor at army canteens in Karnataka may soon become more expensive, with the state's Excise Department planning to increase the Additional Excise Duty (AED) on Indian Made Liquor (IML) and beer supplied to military move comes as part of the department's efforts to mobilize resources and meet its annual revenue targets. Officials said a formal proposal is being drafted to revise the AED rates, which currently remain nominal for liquor sold through military Karnataka, two army canteens operated by the(CSD) under the Ministry of Defence supply liquor and essential goods to serving and retired defence personnel and their families at highly subsidised rates. The discounts are largely due to excise duty exemptions, which allow prices to be 30–40% lower than in regular retail liquor to official data, in 2023–24, around 153.87 lakh litres of IML and 10.84 lakh litres of beer were sold through these canteens. These figures are expected to rise slightly in the current financial year. However, excise officials believe the current AED structure does not reflect the growing scale of present, the AED levied on liquor supplied to military canteens ranges from ₹1 to ₹3.70 per litre for IML and up to ₹2 per litre for beer. In comparison, liquor sold to the general public attracts AED ranging from ₹297 to ₹3,000 per litre for IML, based on the brand and alcohol strength, while beer is taxed at nearly 200% of its production argue that Karnataka lags behind other states in taxing liquor sold through military canteens. Neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Goa levy AEDs ranging from 20% to 70% of the rates applicable in the open market. Karnataka now plans to adopt a similar model while keeping the tax rates lower than those imposed on civilian Minister RB Thimmapur has instructed the department to study tax structures in neighbouring states and prepare a comprehensive proposal. The department is also examining the potential revenue gains from such a from generating revenue, the proposed hike aims to address concerns about misuse. Authorities have reported instances of subsidised liquor being diverted and illegally sold to civilians, particularly from General Forces (GENF) canteens. With such high volumes being sold, the department believes a hike in AED could help plug leakages in the the proposal may lead to a hike in liquor prices at army canteens, affecting affordability for defence personnel and their families, the state government maintains that the step is necessary to ensure fairness and prevent misuse of tax exemptions.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Coca-Cola's Fanta Surges Ahead with 50% Market Share in Orange-Flavoured CSD Category
NEW DELHI, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Coca-Cola India's iconic flavourful beverage, Fanta, has cemented its position as the undisputed leader in the orange-flavoured carbonated soft drink (CSD) category, commanding over 50% market share. With its delicious orange taste and playful spirit, Fanta continues to connect powerfully with India's youth, blending nostalgia with a fresh, culturally relevant appeal. Originally launched globally in 1940, Fanta has evolved into a cultural phenomenon in India, resonating especially with young adults who seek authenticity, fun, and bold self-expression. The brand has consistently been recording strong double-digit growth for the last 5 years, strengthening its presence across urban and rural markets alike. Today, Fanta is available in close to 2 million retail outlets, spanning offerings from 200ml pack @₹10 to 2.25L family packs, catering to a wide range of consumption occasions. Globally, Fanta is available in over 180 markets, reinforcing its position as one of the world's most delicious & loved beverage brands. Vinay Nair, Vice President, Franchise Operations, Developing Markets, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, "Fanta's momentum reflects not only strong execution across channels but also our broader strategy to drive category growth through flavour-led innovation, portfolio agility, and deeper regional relevance. The brand's ability to blend cultural relevance with a bold, digital-forward presence has helped it connect meaningfully with young consumers. This approach strengthens our position in a critical segment and reinforces our ability to anticipate and shape consumer demand that vibe with today's lifestyles and tomorrow's trends." For decades, Fanta has been more than just a beverage — fun, playful, and bursting lip-smacking delicious flavour, it has been the go-to choice for those who embrace life's little joys without hesitation. Its unmistakable orange hue and effervescent bubbles make it a true icon of taste and fun, instantly uplifting any celebration or gathering. Nowhere is this playful spirit more evident than during Holi, India's very own festival of colours, where Fanta's joyful presence adds to the exuberance of the occasion being celebrated with friends. With every sip, Fanta brings an extra splash of delight, perfectly capturing the festive mood. Building on this spirit, Fanta continues to celebrate the thrill of cravings, inspiring consumers to give in to the ultimate craving. The latest 'Fanta Mangta' campaign puts cravings front and center, featuring youth icon Kartik Aaryan, amplifying this further by tapping into young adults' digital DNA. With a creator-driven approach, meme-forward, the campaign transformed a simple phrase into a cultural cue for spontaneous fun and refreshment. High view-through rates (VTRs), Engagement rates & strong creator collabs like Mac Macha, and vibrant media engagement helped strengthen Fanta's connect with the new generation of consumers. Today, Fanta's rise is not just about numbers — it's about cultural relevance, digital swagger, and staying truly in the moment. Backed by Coca-Cola's legacy of building iconic brands, Fanta continues to lead the orange-flavoured CSD category, redefining cravings for India's young and restless. About Coca-Cola India Coca-Cola in India is one of the country's leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of 'Beverages For Life' offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy-based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Charged by Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water and Kinley Club Soda. Premium products constitute Schweppes and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 4 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable agriculture initiatives and carbon emission reductions across its value chain. Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Photo: View original content to download multimedia:
