Latest news with #Meshram


Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NMC to levy licence fees on shop signboards over 20sqft
Nagpur: In a move that could impact thousands of commercial establishments across the city, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) Skysign department is set to levy licence fees on all shop boards measuring over 20 square feet — both illuminated and non-illuminated. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Revenue) Milind Meshram confirmed that the department already initiated a survey to identify such boards under Hanuman Nagar zone and will gradually extend it to other zones. As per rules, NMC is empowered to charge Rs62.50 per sqm per month for illuminated boards, and Rs22 per sqm per month for non-illuminated ones, he said. Citing the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations (Regulation and Control of Sky Sign and Advertisement) Rules, 2022, Meshram said, "There is a clear provision that mandates urban local body permission for any form of digital or illuminated shop signage boards. Even non-illuminated boards above a certain size fall under regulation." In addition to civic clearance, no objection certificates (NOCs) from the traffic police, local police station, and MSEDCL (power utility) are also required before erecting such boards. While the regulation isn't new, earlier efforts by the civic body to implement this fee structure were met with stiff resistance. Several shopkeeper associations launched protests, terming the move as an additional financial burden. Political parties too sided with the traders, pressuring the civic administration to withdraw the proposal. However, with the dissolution of NMC general body and an administrator at the helm, officials say it is the right time to enforce long-pending regulations without political interference. "There's no elected body in place to stall the enforcement. We now have a window to implement it strictly and systematically," said a senior official in the revenue department. The rule aims to regulate visual clutter and ensure that signage is safe, uniform, and does not obstruct traffic visibility or urban aesthetics. "Most of these large boards are erected without any permission or safety checks. It's not just about revenue — it's also about public safety and orderly urban design," Meshram said. The civic body expects to generate significant revenue through this initiative, especially from prime commercial zones like Dharampeth, Sitabuldi, and Itwari, where oversized and illuminated shop boards are rampant. NMC plans to complete the survey across all ten zones in the coming months and begin issuing notices to violators. Traders will be given time to regularise their signage or face penalties under the MMC Act.


Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gold demand: Gold ETF inflows hit 5-month high at Rs 2,081 crore in June; investor rush lifts AUM close to Rs 65,000 crore
Investor appetite for gold-backed mutual funds surged in June, with Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) attracting net inflows of Rs 2,081 crore, the highest in five months, amid resilient gold prices , market volatility, and geopolitical tensions. According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi), the June inflows mark a sharp jump from Rs 292 crore in May and reverse the outflow trend seen in March and April. Overall, the category has clocked over Rs 8,000 crore in net inflows in the first half of 2025, PTI reported. The strong inflows pushed the segment's assets under management (AUM) up by nearly 4% to Rs 64,777 crore in June from Rs 62,453 crore in May. 'The robust inflows in June indicate a decisive shift in sentiment, likely supported by resilient gold prices, geopolitical uncertainties, and volatility in equity and fixed income markets, which have revived gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset,' said Nehal Meshram, Senior Analyst – Manager Research, Morningstar Investment Research India. Investor interest also reflected in rising folio counts, which rose by 2.85 lakh to 76.54 lakh in June from 73.69 lakh in May, indicating growing retail participation in the gold ETF space. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo Two new gold ETF schemes were launched during the month, collectively mobilising Rs 41 crore. While modest in value, Meshram said the new launches 'add to the broader recovery in flows and reflect steady investor interest in the asset class.' Gold ETFs are passive investment vehicles that track domestic physical gold prices and are backed by physical gold of high purity. Each unit typically represents 1 gram of gold, offering a hybrid of gold investment safety and stock-like liquidity. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now


Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Indian Express
‘One District, One Cuisine': Govt plans to promote culinary tourism in UP
After promoting 'monument tourism', the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to push 'culinary tourism' in the state with a view to promoting one local delicacy in each of the 75 districts. The idea got a boost when Lucknow's nomination for 'UNESCO's Creative City of Gastronomy' was accepted. Besides promoting different cuisines of Lucknow, the government is contemplating on launching 'One District, One Cuisine' initiative, whereby one cuisine of each district would be popularised by the government. Hyderabad was the only Indian city in the UNESCO's list of Creative City of Gastronomy till the Central government nominated Lucknow in the category last month. A UNESCO team had recently visited Lucknow after the nomination, it is learnt. 'So far, only Hyderabad was on the list. So we thought that Lucknow with a rich history of culinary delights — vegetarian and non-vegetarian —is a perfect candidate for the project. Lucknow's nomination has been accepted from applications from across the world. It is a feat in itself and we are confident that soon the city will officially find a place in the final list as well,' said Principal Secretary, Tourism, Mukesh Meshram. Tourism Department officials said once Lucknow finds a place in the list, the city would automatically start getting inquisitive tourists just for 'culinary visits'. Under the 'One District, One Cuisine' initiative, at least one cuisine to look out for in each district will be shared on social media besides organising food festivals exhibiting these local dishes by roping in hotels. 'Uttar Pradesh has the potential of becoming a culinary tourism destination as many of its delicacies such as 'Agra ka petha', 'Mathura ka peda', 'Banaras ki chaat', 'Sandila ke ladoo' or Lucknow's Awadhi cuisine etc are already quite popular across the world. It is for this reason that we are thinking of coming out with the 'One District, One Cuisine' initiative. For this, we will promote the local delicacies and their traditional makers and it will help them generate more business,' Meshram added. As to how they plan to promote these local delicacies, the officer said, 'Since social media is very effective, we are making good use of it. At the same time, we will plan food festivals, rope in traditional eateries, ask local restaurants and hotels to promote local delicacies so that tourists can plan their visits for authentic flavour.' Officials said they have already started promoting prominent delicacies on social media platforms, where dishes, specialties, uniqueness and the districts to which they belong are shared with photographs. For example, recently on World Biryani Day, the slow-cooked traditional 'dum pukht' technique of 'Lucknawi biryani' was highlighted, with the tagline 'Its not just a food, it's a heritage sealed in Handi'. Every layer has saffron, spice and centuries of craft. Every bite is a comfort, culture and celebration,' they added.


Time of India
04-07-2025
- Time of India
Housewives Join Hands to Set Up Flesh Trade After Marriages Fail
Nagpur: A prostitution racket operating from a fourth-floor flat in Aryanagar locality was busted on Thursday, exposing a grim tale of desperation. Two housewives, reeling under failed marriages and financial distress, were at the heart of the illicit operation, which was dismantled following an evening raid in Koradi police limits. The alleged mastermind, Vandana Meshram, 50, was arrested for running the brothel, while another woman, trapped in the trade, was rescued. Meshram, burdened with the responsibility of supporting her mentally disturbed husband, reportedly turned to the flesh trade to escape financial ruin. Meshram's accomplice, a woman living with her mother after a broken love marriage, joined the racket in a desperate bid for survival. The duo's unlikely alliance came to light after weeks of surveillance by the crime branch, triggered by a tip-off. The raid led to the seizure of two mobile phones, ₹2,000 in cash, and items worth ₹32,348, now under forensic examination to trace potential client networks. Meshram faces charges under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act. The raid was led by senior police inspector Sandeep Buwa and monitored by additional CP Vasant Pardeshi, DCP Rahul Maknikar, and ACP Abhijeet Patil. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Искате да научите повече за новото BMW 2 Gran Coupe? BMW Научете повече Undo The rescued woman is receiving counselling, while the bust left residents in shock. Police are investigating possible links to a larger trafficking network, emphasising their commitment to combating human trafficking. The case underscores the tragic consequences of personal and financial despair, highlighting the urgent need for robust societal support systems to prevent such desperate ventures.


Time of India
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Puran Meshram chose principles over power: Dr Vedprakash Mishra
1 2 Nagpur: Had he compromised on his values, Dr Puranachandra Meshram could have easily risen to become a political 'star'. But he chose to walk the path of integrity and ideals — a path fewer tread, said Dr Vedprakash Mishra during a grand felicitation ceremony held in honour of Dr Meshram on the occasion of his 65th birthday. Organised by the College of Social Work, Kamptee, the celebration took place at the Ravi Bhavan Auditorium in Nagpur. The event organised to felicitate Dr Meshram, former registrar of Nagpur University and a dedicated leader of Ambedkarite movement. He and his equally accomplished wife, Dr Rajshree Meshram, were felicitated with a shawl, a memento of Dr BR Ambedkar, and a scroll of honour. Presiding over the ceremony, Dr Sharad Nimbalkar, former vice-chancellor of Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, hailed Dr Meshram as a rare individual who successfully bridged social divides. "He possesses all the qualities necessary for people's leadership – political insight, administrative excellence, organisational skills, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity. His expertise should be actively utilised in policymaking," Dr Nimbalkar said. Delivering the keynote address, Dr Vedprakash Mishra, chief advisor at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, praised Dr Meshram's lifelong commitment to values. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The anime RPG everyone's talking about is finally free! Nikke: Goddess Of Victory Play Now Undo "Greatness that does not offer shade to others is of no use, like a palm tree that grows tall but offers no shelter. True greatness lies in generosity and responsibility – qualities Dr Meshram has embodied throughout his life. He could have climbed political ladders, but he chose principle over position," Dr Mishra remarked. Adding to the tributes, Dr Shailendra Lende, head of Marathi department, NU, highlighted Dr Meshram's enduring contribution to post-Ambedkarite generations. "He not only carried forward the legacy of the Dalit Panther movement but also ensured equitable representation of marginalised communities within the university system through bold, historic interventions." Former MLC Prakash Gajbhiye acknowledged Dr Meshram as a guiding force in his own public life. "He has mentored many grassroots activists like me. His work for academia and society is not only remarkable but deeply inspirational." Dr Anil Hirekhan, registrar of Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, noted the exemplary nature of Dr Meshram's academic journey — from working on daily wages to eventually holding the prestigious registrar's post. "His vision helped transform the university into a people-centric institution. At this critical juncture, the community needs him to take on a leadership role." In a heartfelt reflection, Dr Rajshree Meshram spoke of her husband's balance between personal and professional life. "Despite his demanding administrative responsibilities, he never neglected our family. His efforts ensured that our children received a strong educational foundation. He has fulfilled every role — as a son, father, brother, husband, and public servant — with grace and integrity." Responding to the felicitations, Dr Puranachandra Meshram remained humble and reflective. "I never saw the positions I held as the goal of life, but rather as a means to ensure justice and equality. My aim was to dismantle walls of discrimination and build a university rooted in the values of equity and inclusion. What matters to me is not how many years I lived, but whether I lived meaningfully and in harmony with my principles. " The program also featured remarks from Dr Kadav, Dr Vandana Ingle, and Ashok Ramteke. The programme was compered by Dr Rashtrapal Meshram, with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof Jungari. The event drew a large gathering of professors, students, and well-wishers.