Latest news with #IPS
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru launches adaptive traffic control at signals in a bid to ease congestion
In an initiative to embrace real-time traffic management, Bengaluru has rolled out an update to the Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS), a move authorities say marks a substantial leap toward smarter urban mobility. The smart traffic signals in Bengaluru have drawn criticism from several over their efficiency and timing.(X) READ | IPS officer Karthik Reddy takes over as Bengaluru's new traffic police chief. 5 facts you need to know about him Announcing the development on social media site X, the city's traffic police stated, 'Bengaluru takes a significant step towards smarter mobility. The Bengaluru Adaptive Traffic Control System (BATCS) uses real-time data to streamline signal timings, reduce delays, and improve commuter experience. An efficient city starts with intelligent mobility.' READ | Bengaluru commuters slam 'unscientific' traffic signals on Outer Ring Road, seek police fix Traffic cops shared a video of the same, which detailed the new update, saying, 'New update at ATSC signals', 'Now showing count down before green signal, even in vehicle actuated or manual mode.' 'Helps drivers prepare and move smoothly', 'Smarter signals, smoother Bengaluru,' it added. Watch the video here: This initiative follows closely on the heels of IAS officer Karthik Reddy stepping in as Bengaluru's traffic police chief, bringing renewed attention to traffic management strategies across the city. READ | 'Longer waits, manual overrides': Ex-top cop sparks debate on Bengaluru's new AI traffic signals Social media has also been abuzz with citizen concerns about 'unscientific' traffic signal timings. A viral post recently expressed frustration over misaligned traffic lights and prolonged waiting periods at intersections. BJP leader and former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao publicly criticized the new AI-powered technology at traffic signals, labelling them as 'counter productive.' On X, he argued that the system is causing 'longer waits and making commutes worse.' Rao also noted that manual overrides — a sign of persistent problems — have become increasingly common. Bengaluru's infamous traffic congestion remains a pressing issue, especially after the recent ban on bike taxis, which shed a spotlight on mobility and commute crisis in the city. With incomplete infrastructure projects adding to bottlenecks at well-known choke points, city officials are actively seeking methods to ease the vehicular gridlock.
CNA
6 hours ago
- General
- CNA
Ageism seen to be on the rise in Singapore, more than race and gender bias: IPS survey
SINGAPORE: A new survey has found that more people in Singapore consider ageism to be on the rise compared to racism or gender bias. A clear majority still believe that levels of prejudice across various identity markers have not changed from five years ago, according to the survey by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). IPS, a think-tank within the National University of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, released its findings on Friday (Jul 25) in a paper titled Prejudice, Attitudes and Critical Perspectives on Race in Singapore. For the first time, the IPS survey also covered attitudes towards Chinese privilege and critical race theory, which came up in a nationwide debate between survey cycles. The survey gathered responses from 4,000 citizens and permanent residents. This sample was representative of the age, race and gender make-up of Singapore's resident population. The study's authors, Dr Mathew Mathews, Mr Melvin Tay and Dr Teo Kay Key, said that age-based prejudice stood out as the area with the "greatest perceived deterioration". The survey found that 17.6 per cent of people thought ageism had become more common than five years ago. This was less than the 21.3 per cent recorded in 2018. But it was noticeably higher than the 11.2 per cent and 8.8 per cent who believed racism and gender bias had worsened, respectively, in the latest survey. AGEISM AT WORK Those aged 51 to 65 had the highest proportion of respondents who felt ageism had worsened, at 21.1 per cent. This was followed by the 36 to 50 age group (17.5 per cent), 18 to 35 age group (17.3 per cent) and lastly the respondents above 65 (14.3 per cent). The study's authors noted that this differed from the more linear survey findings in 2018, where the oldest age group was also the most likely to perceive more age-related bias. They linked these findings to workplace discrimination and career ceilings. "Individuals in the 51 to 65 age group may face challenges in the workplace, such as limited opportunities for promotions, training and job security," said the researchers. "They may feel overlooked for career advancements or suspect that age plays a role in hiring decisions, reinforcing perceptions of age bias." At the same time, measures in recent years that were aimed at the oldest age group above 65 may have helped to lessen negative sentiments related to ageism, they said. The proportion who felt that ageism had stayed about the same widened to 54.6 per cent. This was 5.5 percentage points higher than in 2018. Accordingly, the proportion who saw ageism becoming less common fell to 27.8 per cent, down 1.8 percentage points from 2018. SOME GROUPS MORE LIKELY TO SEE PREJUDICE Turning to other forms of prejudice, the authors highlighted that nationality-based bias was also of relatively high concern, with 13.9 per cent who see it worsening. Apart from age, race, gender and nationality, the survey also covered religion, language and sexuality. Perceptions of bias across all these identity markers have largely stabilised over time, with a clear majority saying that levels of prejudice remained the same, the researchers said. But they pointed out that "stability masks divergence" among minorities, younger age groups and the less affluent, who tend to have sharper concerns towards prejudice. For example, younger people were more likely to see an increase in racism compared to older respondents. "Younger generations today are more educated on social issues, including racial prejudice, due to greater exposure to conversations on social media platforms and public discussions around these topics," said the researchers. "This awareness can heighten their sensitivity to issues of prejudice, leading them to perceive it as more prevalent." ONE-THIRD SUPPORT A SINGLE DOMINANT CULTURE The survey also found that one-third of respondents felt it would be better for Singapore if everyone embraced a dominant national culture instead of different racial cultures. This proportion was the same as that in the 2018 survey, and lower than the 55.4 per cent recorded in an earlier survey in 2013. Compared with Chinese respondents, Malay and Indian respondents were more likely to strongly disagree that a dominant national culture is better. But at the aggregate levels of agreement and disagreement, there were no major differences across racial groups. CHINESE PRIVILEGE AND CRITICAL RACE THEORY Chinese privilege and critical race theory came under scrutiny amid xenophobic comments and high-profile racist incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study's authors noted that racial discourse in Singapore is shaped by "a state-led ideology of multiracialism, which publicly promotes racial harmony and equality". In contrast, critical race theory centres the experiences of marginalised groups and interrogates the pervasiveness of racism, which is seen as normalised and deeply embedded in social structures, they said. The survey asked respondents to agree or disagree with seven statements about critical race theory being applied to Singapore. A high proportion of 73 per cent felt uncomfortable using "concepts from abroad" like critical race theory and white privilege to talk about race in Singapore. A majority agreed with the statements that race is a social rather than biological construct (57.1 per cent) and that racism is a common experience for racial minorities (56.2 per cent). Racial minorities, younger and more educated respondents and those living in public housing were more likely to agree that racism is a common experience for minorities. While 59.6 per cent agreed that "it is easier to be a Chinese Singaporean in Singapore", a lower 44.7 per cent agreed that Chinese privilege exists in the country. Attitudes towards Chinese privilege diverged along race and age lines, with racial minorities and younger respondents again more likely to acknowledge the existence of such privilege. Under 46 per cent of all respondents agreed that Chinese Singaporeans only encourage racial equality if it serves their interests, and just 30.4 per cent agreed that only minorities are qualified to talk about racism. The study's authors said that openness towards critical race perspectives in Singapore presents both opportunities and challenges. While younger Singaporeans are attuned to structural inequalities, "caution is needed" when it comes to the "wholesale adoption of foreign terminologies and frameworks", they said. The researchers noted that experiences of discrimination persist, and that there is a still a gap between "multicultural ideals and everyday realities".
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Beat homesickness with Ramayana, MP sr cop tells new recruits
Bhopal: A piece of advice for 'homesick' new constable recruits by the additional director general of MP police (Training), Raja Babu Singh, asking them to recite the Ramayana during their nine-month training programme when they are away from home has led to a row with the Congress questioning the senior police official's intention and stating that all religions are equal. The senior officer gave the advice during a video conference with trainees and senior officers on the eve of training commencement in Bhopal after he was flooded with transfer requests. Singh, an IPS officer who participated in the karseva in Ayodhya in 1992 as a student, urged recruits to draw inspiration from Lord Ram's 14-year exile. He stated, "If Lord Ram could spend 14 years in the forest for his father's promise, why can't you spend nine months in training, away from home?" This advice followed after the department received 500 applications from new recruits seeking transfers to training schools nearer to their hometown. Singh cited the high number of transfer requests as a reason for promoting resilience and commitment through moral inspiration. The ADG's remarks received a political response from the Congress party, which raised objections. The party stated, "The Constitution treats all religions equally. Religion is a personal matter—no one should be compelled to read any specific scripture," expressing concerns that the move might promote one religion within a secular institution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Women Ever Paperela Undo Despite the objections, many constables, including those from the Muslim community, supported the suggestion. Some Muslim constables noted that learning about Lord Rama's exile provides perspective to police training. One stated, "Ramcharitmanas can teach us duty and patriotism." Other trainees mentioned that reciting the Ramayana after physical drills would offer peace and motivation, with one trainee saying, "It will keep us focused and mentally strong. " Police constable training commenced on Wednesday across eight training schools in the state. Singh confirmed that no transfer requests would be considered at this stage. Additionally, the training modules were updated to incorporate India's newly implemented criminal laws, effective from July 1. The revised curriculum includes updated legal procedures alongside physical and ethical training. A junior officer from Assam commended Singh's initiative, stating, "Integrating Ramcharitmanas and regional martial arts into training is a brilliant way to build resilience and cultural grounding."
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
High-tech cams, CCTV, FASTag, toll plaza inputs: How West Bengal police tracked and nabbed Bihar shooters in Kolkata
Around 9am on July 18, a day after Bihar gangster Chandan Mishra was shot dead at Paras Hospital in Patna, the West Bengal police received an alert from their counterparts in Bihar that the gang behind the crime was heading towards West Bengal. The gang members were not using any cellphones to stay off the grid. So, there was no way the police could track them using their mobile tower location, officials said. 'The accused persons in the car had switched off their mobile phones. Hence, we were not able to track them. We had the vehicle's number and its description. The only way to track them was the vehicle in which they were travelling,' said a senior IPS officer involved in the case. Officers of the West Bengal police and Kolkata Police took the help of some advanced gadgets and software to pick up digital footprints of the vehicle as it moved from one corner of the city to another. The killers had no inkling. 'Based on various inputs that were received, we were certain that the vehicle would reach Kolkata by the evening of July 18. We started analysing FASTag and toll plaza data on the route the vehicle would possibly take to reach Kolkata, such as Maithon, Dankuni, Palsit and Vidyasagar Setu,' said the officer. The white-coloured vehicle entered Kolkata around 10:30pm on July 17 through Vidyasagar Setu, which connects Kolkata and Howrah over River Hooghly. Once the vehicle was on Kolkata's roads, police started tracking it with the help of the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. ANPR is an advanced camera that automatically reads vehicle number plates as they come under the lens, allowing these details to be compared against database records. They help security agencies in tracking vehicles. The officers received inputs from Bihar police that the gang could be meeting one person named Ehsaan, who was their local contact. Ehsaan stayed at Sukhobrishti, a posh residential housing campus at New Town in Bidhannagar. ANPR data revealed that the vehicle, after entering Kolkata, took AJC Bose Road and crossed Chingrighata on EM Bypass while moving towards New Town. After a few hours the vehicle returned to Kolkata. It was spotted near Park Street around 3:50am in the early hours of July 18. 'After that, the car remained untraceable for the next few hours. There could be multiple reasons as to why even the high-end ANPR momentarily fails to track a vehicle,' said an officer. Meanwhile, the police were also scanning through other CCTV cameras installed on roads to identify the gang members inside the vehicle. The cops had clear footage of Tauseef, Nishu Khan, Harsh and Bhim in the car. 'As the vehicle went off-grid for some time, we used a specialised software for profiling. We also checked various hotels. Tracking the vehicle's movement was very critical for us. Around 5:30pm on July 18, the vehicle was again spotted near Urbana, a high-end residential housing complex in east Kolkata. As the vehicle was moving away from the arterial roads, where there were no cameras, it became difficult to trace it,' said an officer. Multiple teams were deployed in east Kolkata, particularly in Anandapur and its adjoining area where the vehicle was last spotted, to scour the area. The vehicle was then spotted near a guest house, a few metres from Anandapur police station. 'Based on real intelligence analysis, we identified a few places where the gang could be hiding. We narrowed down on Anandapur. Meanwhile, CCTV footage corroborated our analysis. The car was spotted around 70-80 metres from a guest house,' said a senior Kolkata STF officer. Teams from the Kolkata Police, STF and police commandos surrounded the guest house located in a residential area and finally arrested the four criminals, including main accused Tauseef alias Badshah, his cousin Nishu Khan and two aides, Harsh and Bhim. Police found that Tauseef had even got a haircut and shaved his beard and moustache to change his appearance. The police also said that Tauseef and his gang used decoys at least twice to throw the investigators off track. In Patna, they had roped in a woman to give the impression that they were a family. While coming to Kolkata, they had brought Nishu Khan with them, who couldn't walk and had to be carried. 'They wanted to give an impression to the hotel staff that they had come to Kolkata for Nishu's treatment,' said an officer. Since the time they entered Kolkata on the night of June 18, it took the cops less than 24 hours to track them down, identify the location and nab them. 'Human intelligence and analysis of the inputs we were receiving from some of the advanced machines played a major role in the operation. First we had to identify the area and then we had to physically verify. Once that was done, the operation to nab them was started,' said an official.
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Priyadarshini Mattoo's family meets Delhi minister, urges him to not allow her killer's premature release
As the chairperson of the Sentence Review Board (SRB), Ashish Sood has the final say in the release of Santosh Kumar Singh. Priyadarshini Mattoo was a 25-year-old law student at Delhi University when Santosh Kumar Singh, the son of an IPS officer, raped and murdered her in 1996. New Delhi: Hemant Mattoo, the brother of rape-murder victim Priyadarshini Mattoo, met with Delhi Minister of Home Department Ashish Sood Wednesday at the Delhi Secretariat 'to strongly urge him not to permit the release of convicted rapist and murderer Santosh Kumar Singh from Tihar jail under any circumstances'. His previous plea for early release 'had rightly been rejected' by the SRB, a statement by Priyadarshini's family and the founding members of the 'Justice for Priyadarshini Mattoo' campaign from 2006 said. The SRB must 'uphold the principles of justice and public safety by denying any leniency to a man convicted of such a brutal and premeditated crime', stressed the statement. 'We believe this is a moment of critical moral responsibility—to ensure that the integrity of the justice system is not undermined and that the voice of the victim and the collective conscience of the nation are not ignored,' the statement added further. A letter, emphasising these points, was handed over to Sood by the family and the campaigners who helped get justice for Priyadarshini years after her rape-murder. Back in 1995, Priyadarshini Mattoo lodged multiple complaints against Santosh Kumar Singh in the same year, accusing him of stalking her—first in February, then in August when he followed her home, and later in November when he physically assaulted her. Santosh Kumar Singh, her college senior, had been pursuing her relentlessly in the months leading up to her death. Each time, the police excused him after he signed an undertaking, saying he would stop. He, however, did not stop. So, Priyadarshini Mattoo and her father, Chaman Lal Mattoo, reached the then police commissioner, Nikhil Kumar, for redressal. Seeking revenge for their move against him, Santosh Kumar Singh, on 26 January 1996, committed the premeditated rape and murder of Priyadarshini Mattoo. He entered her house in the evening. Later, her body, with the cord of a room heater around her neck, was found under her bed. A trial court in Delhi acquitted the son of the IPS officer in 1999, giving him the benefit of the doubt. The CBI, however, took the case to the Delhi High Court in February 2000, but the court then denied extending priority to the case. Six years later, following a nationwide uproar, the Delhi HC took suo motu cognisance of the case and expedited the trial, going on to award the death penalty to Santosh Kumar Singh on 30 October 2006, in what the court recognised as the 'rarest of rare cases'. In October 2010, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction but commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment. On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court directed the Sentence Review Board (SRB) to reconsider the case for the premature release of Santosh Kumar Singh afresh. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also Read: Radhika Yadav's murder proves the khap panchayat never left—it just moved back into the family
