Latest news with #ENC
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Medigadda cracks: Vigilance panel indicts L&T, 30 irrigation officials; recommends action
1 2 Hyderabad: The Telangana Vigilance Commission (TVC) has recommended criminal and departmental action against construction giant L&T Precision Engineering and Systems (PES) and over 30 top irrigation officials—both serving and retired—for their alleged roles in the structural collapse of block 7 of the Medigadda barrage, which is part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS). The charges include corruption, criminal conspiracy, and gross dereliction of duty, with officials accused of blindly approving flawed designs and allowing substandard execution, resulting in massive public money loss. In a scathing report, the TVC called for stringent action under various legal provisions, including the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988, Dam Safety Act of 2021, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act of 1984. Criminal charges under IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 336 (endangering life), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 418 (cheating), 423 (dishonest execution of documents), and 426 (mischief) have also been recommended. The commission held L&T PES squarely responsible for engineering failures that led to the collapse of the piers. It pointed out that the contractor falsely claimed completion of barrage works despite not fulfilling key requirements outlined in the supplemental agreement. "The agency reportedly deviated from its approved method for constructing secant piles, triggering a 'piping action' under the raft foundation—leading to cavities and the eventual sinking of block 7," the TVC said in its report. The commission also recommended recovery of the full cost of replacing the collapsed block from the contractor. Once touted as former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's flagship irrigation initiative and a symbol of Telangana's engineering ambition, the KLIS allegedly became a fodder for political parties in the run-up to 2023 assembly elections. Executed at a cost of over ₹1.2 lakh crore, the project has faced mounting criticism for inflated costs, rushed clearances, and structural failures. Chief minister A Revanth Reddy rode to power on a wave of public anger, promising a thorough probe into the Kaleshwaram project, which he branded as the "biggest irrigation scam in independent India. " Top officials under fire Seventeen senior irrigation officials were directly blamed for the collapse. Among them are C Muralidhar, former engineer-in-chief (ENC), who served for nearly eight years; Bhupathi Raju Nagendra Rao, ENC (operations and maintenance); T Srinivas, chief engineer, Central Designs Organisation (CDO); V Phanibhushan Sharma, director of works and accounts; Mohammed Ajmal Khan, deputy CE, ENC office; N Venkateshwarlu, retired ENC, Kaleshwaram project; Kotte Sudhakar Reddy, CE, Ramagundam circle (in-charge); engineers from Mahadevpur division, including B Venkata Ramana Reddy, Sardar Omkar Singh, and Ch Thirupathi Rao; B Venkateshwarlu, retired CE, quality control division; quality control engineers V Ajaya Kumar, PA Venkata Krishna, and M Raghu Ram; A Narender Reddy, retired ENC; and H Basavaraj of CDO. Seven retired senior officers—Muralidhar, N Venkateshwarlu, G Hari Hara Chary, B Venkateshwarlu, Ch Gangadhar, Ajaya Kumar, and Narender Reddy—will face inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act. In addition to the core group, 33 other engineers will face departmental penalties for various lapses in design, execution, and supervision. The report also targets principal secretaries and their subordinate staff in the irrigation department who served between 2015 and the time of the collapse in Oct 2023 and recommended action against them. It found that senior bureaucrats "blindly approved" critical project proposals without examining their technical merits, despite repeated red flags. The TVC has advised that disciplinary actions proceed simultaneously, even if police investigations or court proceedings are still underway. The commission's recommendations come even as the Justice (Retd) PC Ghose one-man Commission of Inquiry continues its probe into the irregularities. Unedited GFX TVC's other recommendations and lapses by L&T As per the agreement it was supposed to follow agreement conditions during the course of execution of works. To cross check the estimate provisions with respect to the agreement conditions such as dewatering clause. The chief engineer of Medigadda barrage violated the provisions of various GOs, which was issued for approving deviations up to 15% over the above the original administrative approvals under intimation to the govt. But the CE failed to intimate the govt.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Top 5 TWS earbuds under ₹1000 from top brands like boAt, Noise, Boult and more
Looking for true wireless earbuds that don't break the bank? You no longer need to spend a fortune to get earbuds with solid sound and reliable performance. The market now offers several options priced under Rs. 1,000 that deliver good sound, decent battery life, and even ANC. Here are five top TWS earbuds available in India for under Rs. 1,000, each bringing a unique set of features suited for daily use and entertainment. Noise recently launched the Buds F1 as part of its wireless earbud range in India. These earbuds come with an 11mm driver and use Bluetooth version 5.3 for connectivity. They include built-in EQ modes, allowing users to adjust sound profiles as preferred. For clearer calls, they feature Quad Mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC). A low-latency mode supports gaming and video streaming by syncing audio in real time. The total playtime can reach up to 50 hours when using the charging case. Noise Buds F1 also support quick charging, delivering 150 minutes of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. Other features include fast device pairing through HyperSync Technology, touch controls, and an IPX5 water resistance rating. The earbuds come in four colour options and cost Rs. 999. Also read: Noise Buds VS601 wireless earbuds launched with ENC support: Check price, features and more boAt's Airdopes 141 provide a total playback time of 42 hours, including 6 hours of continuous use on a single charge. The earbuds use low-latency technology to maintain real-time audio, ideal for gaming or video calls. Calls come through clearly, thanks to built-in microphones with ENx Environmental Noise Cancellation. The earbuds offer a secure fit and include Instant Wake 'N' Pair (IWP) for easy connection. They also feature IPX4 water resistance and touch controls for convenience. The price for boAt Airdopes 141 stands at Rs. 799. Boult's W20 earbuds offer a long battery life of 35 hours with their charging case. They feature Zen ENC microphones to improve call clarity. The earbuds also support low latency of 45ms, providing smooth and synchronised sound for gaming. Equipped with Type-C fast charging, a quick 10-minute charge delivers 120 minutes of playback, reducing downtime. The Boult W20 is priced at Rs. 999. Also read: Apple to add cameras in future Apple watches with AI features and advanced capabilities: Report The Mivi DuoPods i2 deliver sound through 13mm bass drivers and custom amplifiers. They include AI-ENC technology that reduces background noise during calls. These earbuds offer over 45 hours of playback and support Type-C fast charging, giving around 500 minutes of use after just 10 minutes of charging. They have an IPX4 sweat resistance rating, making them suitable for workouts. Mivi DuoPods i2 earbuds, made in India, are available for Rs. 989. Also read: Prowatch X review: Budget-friendly option from Lava for everyday fitness tracking The truke Buds BTG1 focus on gaming performance with Environmental Noise Cancellation and a low-latency mode to reduce audio delay. They feature 13mm titanium drivers for clear sound and deep bass. The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.1 to maintain stable connections and include touch controls for managing calls and music. The charging case provides up to 48 hours of playtime, with fast charging to minimise waiting time. Their ergonomic design and IPX4 water resistance add to the comfort and durability for daily use. The truke Buds BTG1 are priced affordably under Rs. 1,000.
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Waad Designs and W Doha announce summer-inspired abaya fashion showcase
Tribune News Network Doha W Doha has announced the launch of its latest abaya collection, 'Masayef', a celebration of summer elegance and resort-style sophistication. The fashion showcased the creative mastery of renowned designer Waad, in addition to highlighting the fresh perspectives of Tlidaby Shahad Alkahlout and ENC by Noora Alkhayarin, two emerging designers reshaping the local fashion landscape. This exclusive fashion show celebrated the essence of summer and resort living, blending traditional elegance with contemporary flair. A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity 'Masayef', meaning 'summer retreats' in Arabic, encapsulates the spirit of leisure and sophistication. The collection featured abayas crafted from lightweight fabrics in a palette of soft pastels and earthy tones, reflecting the serene beauty of coastal getaways. Intricate embroidery and flowing silhouettes pay homage to traditional designs while embracing modern aesthetics. At the helm of WAAD designs is the visionary designer Waad, who established her brand in 2010 with a mission to redefine abaya fashion for the modern woman. Her designs are renowned for their effortless elegance and versatility. Her presence in the show served not only as a design highlight, but also as a beacon for up-and-coming talents. Waad's commitment to excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the Designer of the Year award at the Arab Women Awards in Qatar in 2013. Her work has been featured in esteemed publications such as Vogue Russia and Harper's Bazaar Arabia. Beyond fashion, Waad has ventured into interior design, contributing to projects like the prestigious Al Hazm Mall and the 'Teeb Al Hazam' perfume exhibition. As part of its ongoing mission to empower and inspire young creatives, W Doha extended the runway to two rising fashion stars: Tlida and ENC. These young designers brought a fresh narrative to the evening, each presenting unique collections that celebrated cultural identity with a modern twist. Tlidaby Shahad Alkahlout captivated the audience with bold silhouettes and innovative fabric choices, reflecting a youthful yet sophisticated flair. Based in Qatar, Tlida aims to become the premier destination for modern fashion enthusiasts, offering designs that blend contemporary trends with a distinctive edge. ENC by Noora Alkhayarin impressed the audience with minimalist elegance and clean lines, emphasising craftsmanship and artistic storytelling. Operating under the umbrella of The Label Qatar, ENC focuses on essential, contemporary pieces that highlight quality and simplicity, catering to those who appreciate refined, understated fashion. Their inclusion reflected W Doha's commitment to championing creativity and offering a platform for promising local talent to thrive alongside established names in the industry. The 'Masayef' fashion show, hosted at W Doha, offered guests an immersive experience into the world of fashion. Attendees were treated to a visual journey that highlighted the hotels and the brands on board their commitment to quality, innovation, and cultural heritage.
New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Visakhapatnam to host Milan 2026, International Fleet Review
VIJAYAWADA: The Port City is set to host the Milan 2026, a biennial Indian Navy's flagship exercise, and the International Fleet Review from February 14 to 24. On Wednesday, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena met Chief Secretary K Vijayanand at the Secretariat. On this occasion, the Chief Secretary clarified that the State government will provide all necessary support and assistance to make the event a grand success. These events also help Andhra Pradesh in garnering international recognition in terms of tourism, he affirmed. The Chief Secretary said that since the President of India, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries from various countries will be attending the Fleet Review, appropriate arrangements should be made accordingly. He also stressed the need to take steps to beautify Visakhapatnam city in all respects, especially in terms of improving roads, and installation of electric lights. He advised the Visakhapatnam Collector, VMRDA, Visakhapatnam Port Trust, National Highways Authority of India, and Eastern Naval Command officials to take further steps. Furthermore, he directed the speedy completion of various civil works that are currently in progress. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena said that 145 countries have been invited to the International Fleet Review and Milan 2026 events which will be held between February 14 to 24. He said that the top brass of the respective navies and other representatives are also expected to attend in large numbers. Principal Secretary (GAD) Mukesh Kumar Meena, Principal Secretary (Municipal Administration Department) S Suresh Kumar, International Fleet Review Commodore Aby Mathew and other officials were present.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
International Fleet Review and MILAN to be conducted in Visakhapatnam in February 2026
An International Fleet Review will be organised in Visakhapatnam in the third week of February 2026 under the auspices of the Indian Navy. The IFR is described as an international maritime exercise conducted to improve relations with the navies of different countries. In this regard, Chief of Staff of the Visakhapatnam-based Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena met Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand to discuss about the IFR and the conduct of MILAN-2026. Visakhapatnam district Collector Harendhira Prasad and officials of the VMRDA and Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) participated in the meeting virtually. Mr. Vijayanand assured that the government would provide all support to make the event a grand success. 'The conduct of IFR will not only benefit India internationally but also Andhra Pradesh in particular. Visakhapatnam will get good recognition. Similarly, it will get international recognition in terms of tourism,' the Chief Secretary observed. He said since the President, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries would be attending the fleet review, appropriate arrangements should be made accordingly. 'In view of the IFR, there is a need to take steps to beautify Visakhapatnam in all respects, especially in terms of improving roads, beautification, and installation of lights,' he advised the Visakhapatnam Collector, the VMRDA, the VPA, the NHAI, and the ENC officials. The Chief Secretary further called for speedy completion of various civil works that were in progress. He advised Mr. Harendhira Prasad to take steps to improve beautification and other infrastructure. Mr. Sameer Saxena said the IFR and MILAN-2026 would be held in Visakhapatnam from February 14 to 24. He said the President, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries would attend. He further said that 145 countries had been invited, and naval chiefs and representatives of these countries would participate. Principal Secretary (GAD) Mukesh Kumar Meena, Municipal Administration Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar, IFR Commodore Aby Mathew, AP Naval Officer-in-Charge Commodore Rajnish Sharma, Civil Military Liaison Officer Y.K. Krishna Rao participated in the meeting.
