Latest news with #Mapp
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
No plans to introduce Rs 50 coin, public prefers notes due to light weight: Centre tells Delhi HC
The Union Finance Ministry has informed the Delhi High Court that it currently has no plans to introduce a Rs 50 coin , attributing the decision to widespread public preference for currency notes over heavier coins such as Rs 10 and Rs 20. In its affidavit filed on Tuesday, the Ministry cited findings from a 2022 Reserve Bank of India (RBI) survey, which revealed that users often avoid coins due to their weight, size, and lack of distinctiveness, factors that make banknotes more practical for daily use. The Ministry explained that coin issuance depends on public acceptance, usage patterns, and economic considerations, and as of now, a Rs 50 coin is not under consideration. This submission responded to a petition by advocate Rohit Dandriyal, who urged the government and the RBI to introduce a Rs 50 coin to enhance accessibility for visually impaired citizens. Dandriyal highlighted that Rs 50 notes currently lack tactile features, unlike other denominations, making them difficult to identify and use. The matter was heard by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal. The court granted the petitioner time to review the affidavit and respond, setting the next hearing for September 17. Live Events The government acknowledged that most denominations incorporate accessibility elements like intaglio printing and varied sizes. However, it admitted that Rs 50 notes lack such tactile markers. Additionally, simultaneous circulation of both old and new Mahatma Gandhi Series notes may contribute to confusion for those with partial vision. To address accessibility, the RBI launched the Mapp (Mobile Aided Note Identifier) in 2020 to help visually impaired users recognise note denominations through audio assistance. In 2019, a redesigned coin series was introduced, including Rs 1, Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 10, and Rs 20, but did not include a Rs 50 coin. Previously, the Delhi High Court had directed the Centre and the RBI to examine the design and accessibility of currency in light of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals.
CNBC
04-07-2025
- Climate
- CNBC
Deadly storms slam Northeast and South Texas, forcing July 4 cancellations and power outages
Heavy overnight thunderstorms in the Northeast and South Texas left several people dead and caused widespread damage ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, authorities said. Officials with the City of Plainfield, New Jersey, just southwest of New York City, said two males, aged 79 and 25, were killed when a tree fell onto the vehicle they were traveling in at the height of the storm. The names of the victims were being withheld out of respect for the families, the officials said. "The devastating storm that struck our city has left deep scars, widespread damage, and thousands still without power," Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said in a statement on Facebook. At 6 a.m., nearly 44,000 energy customers were in the dark in New York state, along with 24,000 in New Jersey and 23,000 in Massachusetts. The priority was to "begin the work of rebuilding," Mapp said. "In light of this tragedy we cannot, in all good conscience proceed with our Fourth of July parade, concert, or fireworks," he added. An additional overnight fatality in nearby North Plainfield, New Jersey, was confirmed by Mayor Lawrence La Ronde, who told WNBC that the city's West End area is "a mess." He said the city was working with utility officials to remove down wires and restore power. Footage posted on social media showed large trees toppled by strong winds in North Plainfield, while another video showed downed power lines in Salt Point, New Jersey. Videos also captured heavy hail falling across the region. New York City appears to have avoided the worst of the storm, but damage was reported from Connecticut into central New Jersey. Roughly 39 million people were subject to alerts and warnings for thunderstorms Thursday, putting holiday celebrations and travel plans at risk. By Friday morning, the number affected had dropped to 11.5 million, according to the weather service's Storm Prediction Center. Fireworks displays may be affected by storms or rain after dusk in these areas. Law enforcement in Kerr County, Texas, northwest of San Antonio, confirmed Friday that flooding from storms there had led to unspecified fatalities. NBC News 4 San Antonio reported a family in Kerrville, Texas, was missing after their house was swept away. Heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to swell to levels not seen in decades, according to the National Weather Service. "The entire county is an extremely active scene," the sheriff's office wrote on Facebook. In an area near Hunt, Texas, the Guadalupe River jumped 22 feet in 3 hours, authorities said. Flood alerts remain in effect through Friday evening for 3 million residents across Abilene, San Angelo, and San Antonio, Texas. The NWS had earlier declared a flash flood emergency for the county, with between 5 and 10 inches of rain fell overnight. The agency said that automated rain gauges "indicate a large and deadly flood wave is moving down the Guadalupe River" and that "flash flooding is already occurring." A warning of "life-threatening" flash flooding was also issued for several counties across south-central Texas. The July 4 holiday will feature widely scattered showers across parts of the Rockies, Plains, and Southeast, while the Northeast and Southwest are expected to remain dry. Fourth of July celebrations were already canceled on Anna Maria Island in Southwest Florida due to the risk of storms and flooding, while a celebration in nearby North Port, Florida, was postponed. There were widespread flight delays across East Coast terminals Thursday night, with a ground stop or ground delays declared at New York airports, but there were minimal delays Friday morning.
Los Angeles Times
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Los Angeles Times
At least 3 dead in New Jersey after strong thunderstorms sweep through the Northeast
PLAINFIELD, NJ — Some residents in the Northeast were spending their Fourth of July holiday cleaning up from strong thunderstorms that swept through the region Thursday night, bringing heavy rain, wind and hail. The storms are being blamed for at least three deaths in central New Jersey, including two men in Plainfield who died after a tree fell onto a vehicle they were traveling in during the height of the storm, according to a city Facebook post. The men were ages 79 and 25, officials said. They were not immediately publicly identified. 'Our hearts are heavy today,' Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said in a statement. 'This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life.' The city canceled its planned parade, concert and fireworks show. Mapp said the 'devastating' storms had left 'deep scars and widespread damage' in the community of more than 54,000 people and it was a time to 'regroup and focus all of our energy on recovery.' Continuing power outages and downed trees were reported Friday throughout southern New England, where some communities received large amounts of hail. There were reports of cars skidding off the road in northeastern Connecticut.
Winnipeg Free Press
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
At least 3 dead in New Jersey after strong thunderstorms sweep through the Northeast
PLAINFIELD, NJ (AP) — Some residents in the Northeast were spending their July Fourth holiday cleaning up from strong thunderstorms that swept through the region Thursday night, bringing heavy rain, wind and hail. The storms are being blamed for at least three deaths in central New Jersey, including two men in Plainfield who died after a tree fell onto a vehicle they were traveling in during the height of the storm, according to a city Facebook post. The men were ages 79 and 25, officials said. They were not immediately publicly identified. 'Our hearts are heavy today,' Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said in a statement. 'This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life.' The city canceled its planned July Fourth parade, concert and fireworks show. Mapp said the 'devastating' storms had left 'deep scars and widespread damage' in the community of more than 54,000 people and it was a time to 'regroup and focus all of our energy on recovery.' Continuing power outages and downed trees were reported Friday throughout southern New England, where some communities received large amounts of hail. There were reports of cars skidding off the road in northeastern Connecticut.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp secures narrow primary victory
PLAINFIELD – Mayor Adrian Mapp appears to have scored a narrow victory over Councilman Richard Wyatt in June 10's Democratic primary. With all districts reporting, Mapp, who is seeking his fourth term as mayor, had 3,547 unofficial votes and Wyatt had 3,226, according to the Union County Clerk's website. Wyatt, who is serving his first term on the City Council, unsuccessfully challenged Mapp for mayor four years ago. With no Republican or independent candidates running in the November general election, Mapp is expected to be reelected this fall. The voter support for Mapp, however, does not appear to have carried over to his running mate Bridget Rivers, a former City Council member, who was seeking the 4th Ward Council seat. Preliminary results show Democratic Councilwoman Terri Briggs-Jones leading Rivers by an unofficial tally of 658 to 367 with all districts reporting. More: With victory, Mikie Sherrill finally comes out swinging — at Jack Ciattarelli | Opinion No Republican or independent candidates have filed to challenge Briggs-Jones. Email: srussell@ Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp secures narrow primary victory
