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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
BSNL plans 4K new mobile towers in Naxalite-affected areas of Chhattisgarh
Government-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is working on a plan to install 4,000 new mobile towers in Naxalite-affected areas of Chhattisgarh, Minister of State (MoS) for Telecom and Rural Development, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, said on Sunday. "The central government is working on a plan to install 4,000 new BSNL towers in the Naxalite-affected and remote areas of Chhattisgarh to strengthen digital communication. This information was shared by Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Telecommunications, Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, in Raipur," the statement said. The minister shared this information during a three-day visit to Chhattisgarh for a review of central government schemes, including the Aspirational District Programme, and projects under the telecom and rural development ministries. "BSNL is providing high-quality 4G services across the country, and with this expansion, we are realising the mission of delivering digital connectivity to the last village in the country," he said. An Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for the Uttar Pradesh (West) Licensed Service Area (LSA) in June showed that BSNL recorded the highest call drop rate and the highest incidence of call muting among major telecom operators. The minister said development work in Naxalite-affected areas is being carried out in 'mission mode' and a strategy is being adopted to deliver services door-to-door in these regions. "Schools in these regions are being digitised, enabling students to better prepare for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. In addition, special facilities are also being provided for differently abled students, which is a sensitive and inclusive initiative," the minister said. Pemmasani chaired a high-level review meeting held in Raipur, in which senior officials from the Department of Rural Development, Department of Posts, Department of Telecommunications, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) participated. During the meeting, the minister expressed satisfaction over the fast and effective implementation of flagship schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the statement said.
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Drowning rates in SA go up while global figures drop, says Lifesaving SA
Drownings in South Africa are increasing, bucking the global trend where the rates are dropping, Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) warned in a statement to mark World Drowning Prevention Day on Friday. 'While global drowning deaths have dropped by 38% over the past two decades, South Africa's rates are rising,' the federation said, adding the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated at least 2,700 drowning deaths a year, with children under five at the greatest risk. Africa has seen a 3% decline, while South Africa has struggled to deal with the threat. WHO statistics showed at least 1,600 drowning deaths a year in the country, but these figures did not include deaths from flooding disasters, LSA said. 'In South Africa the crisis is worsened by climate change and flooding disasters, such as those in the Eastern Cape in June, and preventable risks such as unsafe farm dams and canals, inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure and traditional baptism ceremonies at rivers and along coastline.'
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
BSNL records highest call drop rate, highest cases of call muting among competitors in test held in UP
NEW DELHI: State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has performed poorly in the Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for the Uttar Pradesh (West) Licensed Service Area (LSA) in June. According to the report, BSNL recorded the highest call drop rate and the highest incidence of call muting among major telecom operators, including Reliance Jio (RJIL), Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (VIL). As per the findings, BSNL's Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR) stood at 86.57%, indicating that nearly 13% of call attempts failed to connect. Its Call Setup Time (CST) — the time taken to establish a call — was measured at 3.03 seconds, significantly longer than its competitors. BSNL also recorded the highest Drop Call Rate (DCR) at 3.45% in auto-selection mode, suggesting major network issues such as poor connectivity or inadequate mobile tower coverage in the area. This comes despite government claims that BSNL has rolled out over 95,000 mobile towers across the country. 'In line with Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, BSNL has placed purchase order for indigenously developed 4G sites for pan India deployment. Supply of 4G equipment has started from September 2023 and as on 30.06.2025, total 95,537 numbers 4G sites have been installed, out of which 90,035 numbers are ON-Air. The equipment is 5G upgradable,' said Minister of State for Communications Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in Parliament. In comparison, RJIL and VIL demonstrated superior performance in call setup times, with average CSTs of 0.77 seconds and 0.95 seconds respectively. Surprisingly, Airtel's CST was the highest among the private players, clocking in at 22.86 seconds. For Drop Call Rate, RJIL achieved a perfect 0.00%, while VIL and Airtel posted strong results at 0.20% and 0.23%, respectively.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
As eviction looms large, Bitra islanders collect land records
Kochi: As eviction looms large, the residents of Bitra Island in Lakshadweep are growing increasingly anxious. The residents are busy collecting details of land records to ensure that they are in order in the backdrop of the Lakshadweep UT administration's move to acquire the island's entire land area for defence purposes. TOI reported on Saturday about the Lakshadweep revenue department's proposal to acquire the island and transfer it to relevant defence and strategic agencies. Lakshadweep administration is yet to come out with an official communication on the issue. At the same time, the notification was clear that the acquisition was necessitated by the island's strategic location, national security relevance and the inherent logistical and administrative challenges associated with civilian habitation. Bitra resident Muhammed Yasin is apprehensive that they will have to eventually leave the island since the proposal is to hand it over for defence purposes. "I spoke to a lawyer and he said since the Lakshadweep natives are categorised as Scheduled Tribes (ST), our land cannot be seized that quickly. I am also hopeful that the discussions by political leaders, including our MP, will be fruitful," said Yasin. He said they took out a rally on Friday evening to mark their protest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Become an American citizen - Apply for a Green card americ24 Undo "Since the notification has mentioned that the survey (as part of the social impact assessment) may take two months to complete, we have started doing whatever we need to. We have entrusted a group of youngsters with the task of collecting landowners' details by visiting their houses. In Bitra, there are some landowners who are not permanent residents of the island. We plan to identify even those non-resident landowners so that we can present a united front," said Yasin, adding that they were also preparing to move court. Another Bitra resident said on condition of anonymity that while a section of the population has relatives and property on adjacent islands, a significant number has nowhere else to go. Meanwhile, the Lakshadweep Students Association (LSA), an independent organisation formed in 1970, held a protest in Kochi, burning the notification. "The move can only be considered as a continuation of the Lakshadweep administration's efforts to take over the islanders' land. The properties in the name of the islanders in uninhabited islands, where they used to farm, were earlier acquired, ignoring the natives' claims. Subsequently, there was an attempt to claim the land in inhabited islands possessed by natives categorised as Pandaram land. Now, they are going to take over an entire island, uprooting the islanders from their habitat," said LSA president Misbahudheen P. He said it was worrying that the notification said that the consent of gram sabhas or owners was not mandatory to acquire the lands. "The notification lacks clarity and raises a lot of questions. Even if they are taking over the island for security reasons, where would the people go? There is no reference about the same. The opinion of the residents was not sought either before issuing the notification," said Misbahudheen, adding that they would launch further protests if the administration went ahead with the proposal. Kochi: As eviction looms large, the residents of Bitra Island in Lakshadweep are growing increasingly anxious. The residents are busy collecting details of land records to ensure that they are in order in the backdrop of the Lakshadweep UT administration's move to acquire the island's entire land area for defence purposes. TOI reported on Saturday about the Lakshadweep revenue department's proposal to acquire the island and transfer it to relevant defence and strategic agencies. Lakshadweep administration is yet to come out with an official communication on the issue. At the same time, the notification was clear that the acquisition was necessitated by the island's strategic location, national security relevance and the inherent logistical and administrative challenges associated with civilian habitation. Bitra resident Muhammed Yasin is apprehensive that they will have to eventually leave the island since the proposal is to hand it over for defence purposes. "I spoke to a lawyer and he said since the Lakshadweep natives are categorised as Scheduled Tribes (ST), our land cannot be seized that quickly. I am also hopeful that the discussions by political leaders, including our MP, will be fruitful," said Yasin. He said they took out a rally on Friday evening to mark their protest. "Since the notification has mentioned that the survey (as part of the social impact assessment) may take two months to complete, we have started doing whatever we need to. We have entrusted a group of youngsters with the task of collecting landowners' details by visiting their houses. In Bitra, there are some landowners who are not permanent residents of the island. We plan to identify even those non-resident landowners so that we can present a united front," said Yasin, adding that they were also preparing to move court. Another Bitra resident said on condition of anonymity that while a section of the population has relatives and property on adjacent islands, a significant number has nowhere else to go. Meanwhile, the Lakshadweep Students Association (LSA), an independent organisation formed in 1970, held a protest in Kochi, burning the notification. "The move can only be considered as a continuation of the Lakshadweep administration's efforts to take over the islanders' land. The properties in the name of the islanders in uninhabited islands, where they used to farm, were earlier acquired, ignoring the natives' claims. Subsequently, there was an attempt to claim the land in inhabited islands possessed by natives categorised as Pandaram land. Now, they are going to take over an entire island, uprooting the islanders from their habitat," said LSA president Misbahudheen P. He said it was worrying that the notification said that the consent of gram sabhas or owners was not mandatory to acquire the lands. "The notification lacks clarity and raises a lot of questions. Even if they are taking over the island for security reasons, where would the people go? There is no reference about the same. The opinion of the residents was not sought either before issuing the notification," said Misbahudheen, adding that they would launch further protests if the administration went ahead with the proposal.
Time Business News
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How to Start a Business in the UAE: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Thinking of starting a business in the UAE in 2025? You're not alone. The UAE is a magnet for entrepreneurs, startups, and investors worldwide. Thanks to its tax-friendly regime, high-quality infrastructure, and global connectivity, setting up a business here has never been more appealing. But hold on, you can't just land in Dubai and open shops the next day. You need a proper plan, local insight, and a clear understanding of the UAE's legal landscape. Here wewalk you through every step from idea to license, so you can launch smart and succeed faster. Before diving in, you must understand the three main jurisdictions where businesses operate: Ideal for full ownership and tax benefits. You're limited to operating inside the zone or internationally unless you use a distributor. Gives you access to the UAE market directly. As of recent reforms, 100% foreign ownership is allowed in many sectors. Best suited for international trading or holding companies. Offshore companies can't operate directly in the UAE market. The first step is deciding what type of business you want to start. From tech startups to construction firms or consultants, your choice must align with the activities listed by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Free Zone : If your clients are international or online. : If your clients are international or online. Mainland : If you want to serve UAE's domestic market. : If you want to serve UAE's domestic market. Offshore: If you need global banking and asset protection. Your business structure defines your responsibilities, liability, and setup needs: Sole Proprietorship : One individual owns and runs the business. : One individual owns and runs the business. LLC (Limited Liability Company) : Ideal for partnerships. : Ideal for partnerships. Branch Office: Great for expanding foreign entities into the UAE. Your business name should be unique, relevant, and comply with naming laws (no religious or political terms). You can check availability on DED or Free Zone portals. This is the government's green signal that they're okay with you starting your setup. Basic documents like passport copies and business activity info are needed. MoA (Memorandum of Association) : Describes your business and partner roles. : Describes your business and partner roles. LSA (Local Service Agent): Required only for certain professional setups in mainland. UAE laws require a physical address. You can pick: Virtual offices (popular with Free Zones) Shared workspaces Leased commercial space Depending on your activity, you might need extra approvals (e.g., health, education, construction). Always check with relevant authorities. Main types of licenses: Commercial – For trading activities – For trading activities Professional – For consultancy, marketing, education – For consultancy, marketing, education Industrial – For manufacturing and production Pick a local or international bank based in the UAE. Requirements include: Trade license Passport copies MoA and company profile You'll need: Investor Visa (for owners) (for owners) Employee Visas (for staff) (for staff) Dependent Visas (for family) Startup costs vary based on location, business type, and license. On average: Free Zone: AED 12,000 – AED 50,000+ Mainland: AED 20,000 – AED 100,000+ Additional: Office rent, visa fees, insurance, and bank deposits Watch out for: Hidden government charges Renewal costs Ejari and tenancy contract fees Setting up in the UAE can get complex, but professional business setup services in UAE can streamline everything. They'll help with: Paperwork & government coordination Trade license applications Visa processing Office leasing and legal formalities Reputable company formation services in UAE guide you through compliance, document submission, and license acquisition. What they offer: End-to-end documentation Legal structure consulting Liaison with Free Zone and DED authorities PRO and translation services Understand the culture : Respect local customs and dress modestly : Respect local customs and dress modestly Build your online presence early : SEO, Google Maps, Social Media : SEO, Google Maps, Social Media Network like a pro: Attend expos and B2B events Choosing the wrong jurisdiction Underestimating operational costs Ignoring local labor laws Not having a proper marketing plan Starting a business in the UAE in 2025 is an exciting journey filled with opportunity. With a booming economy, tax advantages, and ease of doing business, it's no wonder so many are choosing the Emirates as their business hub. But don't go alone. Make use of professional business setup services in UAE and expert company formation services in UAE to guide you through the process and help you start strong. 1. What are the best free zones in the UAE in 2025? DMCC, IFZA, SHAMS, and RAKEZ are among the top Free Zones offering diverse benefits for various industries. 2. Can a foreigner own 100% of a business in UAE? Yes, many sectors now allow 100% foreign ownership in both Free Zones and the Mainland. 3. How long does company formation take? If your documents are in order, it can take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days. 4. Is a local sponsor mandatory in 2025? Not always. In many business activities and jurisdictions, local sponsors are no longer required. 5. Can I open a UAE company without visiting? Yes, some Free Zones allow full remote setup. But for banking and some approvals, a physical visit may be needed. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
