Latest news with #NIC
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Digital signs to electronic files: Gr Noida will go online
Noida: Greater Noida Authority will switch to e-office, which is expected to speed up paperwork by allowing officials to approve files from any part of the state. UP govt earlier directed all departments to go online to improve administrative efficiency and transparency. According to officials, email IDs have already been created for all permanent staff members of the Authority, and the process of issuing digital signatures is currently underway. "The NIC is handling the technical implementation of this project. With e-Office, all files will be digitised and made available online. The officers and employees, regardless of their location, will be able to access and sign these files digitally. Each approval will be time-bound, making it easier to ensure timely action on files," said NG Ravi Kumar, CEO of the Greater Noida Authority. He added that the cost of implementing the system will be covered by the state government. The CEO directed officials to expedite the transition to e-Office, and KM Chaudhary, the system manager of the Authority, has been appointed as the nodal officer to oversee the implementation. Chaudhary said that email IDs of most officers and employees have been generated, and the process of creating digital signatures is underway. He said that approximately 160 employees of the Authority are expected to work on the e-Office platform. "For those whose email IDs and digital signatures have not yet been created, the Authority will organise a camp on Monday at the Authority Auditorium from 3 pm onwards," he said. The officers who need to complete their digital signature process have been instructed to bring their Aadhaar card, PAN card, and Authority-issued ID card to the camp. The e-Office project is a key component of Uttar Pradesh's broader push towards digital governance.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What are heat pumps and how much do they cost?
A planning restriction that prevented heat pumps being installed within a metre of a neighbour's property has been removed. The government hopes the move will encourage more people to install the low-carbon technology. However, installation rates will need to increase substantially if the government wants to meet its target of 600,000 heat pumps being fitted each year by 2028. Planning change to make installing heat pump easier for millions Heat pumps run on electricity instead of gas. They warm buildings by absorbing and amplifying heat from the air, ground, or water. They are widely seen as the best way of cutting emissions of carbon dioxide - a planet-warming gas - from home heating, which accounts for 14% of the UK's carbon emissions. Heat pumps are more efficient than gas boilers and can use electricity generated from increasingly clean sources, as wind and solar power replace polluting fossil fuels. Air-source pumps - the most common type - suck in outdoor air and pass it over tubes containing refrigerant fluids which concentrate and boost the warmth to produce heat. The system consists of a box measuring about 1m x 1m x 0.4m which stands outside the property, as well as a heat pump unit and hot water cylinder inside the property. The indoor unit is about the size of a gas boiler, while the cylinder depends on the size of the home. Ground-source heat pumps are more efficient than air-source models. However, they are typically more expensive and less commonly used, as they require either a deep bore hole or a horizontal system dug into the ground over a large area. An air-source heat pump typically costs about £10,000 more than a gas boiler, according to the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC). Installation costs can vary greatly depending on the changes needed to fit the pump into a property. To encourage people to make the switch, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a grant of £7,500 to help with the extra costs in England and Wales. However, the UK's spending watchdog warned in 2024 that costs remain too high for many. The grant can be used for existing homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. The property must have an eligible Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), issued in the last 10 years. Changes to the rules mean homes are no longer required to have existing loft or cavity wall insulation, which could save around £2,500 in upfront costs. A well-insulated home can help a heat pump perform more efficiently. The scheme is not available if you live in social housing or a new-build property. Tenants in private rented accommodation are also eligible but the landlord has to apply. Scotland, external and Northern Ireland, external have separate schemes to help make homes more efficient. Check if you are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Ofgem: Upgrading your boiler Find a certified installer While the upfront costs are currently substantial, heat pumps could become cheaper to run than gas boilers, according to the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which advises the UK government on cutting emissions. The cost depends on individual energy prices and how efficiently the heat pump works. Electric heat pumps use much less energy than gas boilers, but electricity typically costs more than gas. Energy deals designed for heat pump owners can also help households make savings. The CCC has called on the government to prioritise making electricity cheaper for everyone, which would make heat pumps more attractive. Previously, homeowners needed planning permission if they wanted to put a heat pump within one metre of their neighbour's property - because of concerns over noise. The rule was dropped in May to accelerate the uptake of heat pumps. Concerns over noise are also less of an issue with newer devices, though units will still be required to be below a certain volume level. The level has been set at 42db which is a similar output to that of a fridge. The planning changes also include a relaxation of the rules for the size and number of heat pumps households can install. Rates of heat pump installation in the UK are lower than in other major European countries, such as France, Germany and Italy. But sales are increasing. Nearly 100,000 heat pumps were sold in 2024, up from about 60,000 in 2023, according to the Heat Pump Association. However, the CCC says this number needs to rise to nearly 450,000 a year by 2030 and 1.5 million by 2035 to help meet climate targets. It says around half of UK homes need to have heat pumps by 2040. Significantly more trained heat pump installers are needed to achieve this. There is no requirement to replace your existing boiler before the end of its life. Households can still buy a new gas boiler if they wish. However, the CCC recommends that all new home heating should be low-carbon after 2035. Most of this will mean using heat pumps, but it acknowledges that other approaches may be more appropriate in some cases - such as direct electric heating in homes with lower heat demand. But the CCC wants the government to rule out the possible use of hydrogen in home heating to provide certainty to customers and industry. A simple guide to climate change Four ways climate change worsens extreme weather What you can do to reduce carbon emissions Sign up for our Future Earth newsletter to keep up with the latest climate and environment stories with the BBC's Justin Rowlatt. Outside the UK? Sign up to our international newsletter here.
Kuwait Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
NIC awarded Kuwait's Best Investment Bank
KUWAIT: In recognition of its exceptional services and continued achievements both locally and regionally, National Investments Company (NIC) has been awarded the title of Best Investment Bank in Equity Markets – Kuwait 2025 by Euromoney, one of the world's most prominent financial publications. This prestigious accolade highlights NIC's unwavering commitment to delivering world-class financial and advisory services to its clients. Commenting on the award, Bashar Khan, Managing Director of the Investment Banking Sector at NIC, said: 'We are honored to receive this distinguished recognition for the second consecutive year. It reflects the dedication of our team and our ongoing drive to create value for our clients and shareholders through excellence in investment banking services.' Khan emphasized that NIC's Investment Banking Sector has become a key competitive player in the local market and a growing force in the regional arena. This success is attributed to the sector's diverse advisory capabilities and its active engagement in Alternative Investments across local, regional, and global markets. He noted that the sector has recently managed a wide array of investment mandates, including mergers and acquisitions, capital increases, private placements, and high-impact advisory services. These efforts are in-line with NIC's strategic focus on service diversification and positioning itself as a premier investment advisor delivering innovative, value-driven solutions. Bashar Khan noted that National Investments Company has successfully executed a number of distinguished transactions with a total value exceeding $2 billion. Bashar Khan These included leading a preferred share issuance for a prominent and reputable energy company, in addition to managing multiple mergers and acquisitions, acquisition financing, and capital increases across various firms. The company also successfully oversaw several private placements and strategic advisory mandates. These accomplishments reflect NIC's ongoing strategy to diversify its service offerings and reinforce its position as a leading investment advisor in both local and regional markets. By delivering innovative solutions that promote sustainable growth and enhance value for clients and shareholders, NIC continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence—a success made possible by the exceptional professionalism and expertise of its team. Khan concluded by stating that these accomplishments reinforce NIC's standing as a leading investment bank. They also showcase the company's ability to offer tailored, effective solutions that align with NIC's clients' long-term goals while cementing the company's role as a trusted advisory partner. It is worth noting that Euromoney bases its awards on comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessments, including innovation, service delivery, sector impact, and feedback from industry experts. For over 50 years, Euromoney has honored institutions that make meaningful contributions to the financial services sector, setting benchmarks in quality, innovation, and client success.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Saint Joseph girls tennis takes top honors in NIC
The South Bend Saint Joseph's girls tennis program swept top honors in the Northern Indiana Conference for the 2024-25 season. Senior Anni Amalnathan earned NIC MVP honors for the Huskies, while coach Bill Mountford was tabbed as the NIC Coach of the Year. Advertisement The Huskies, who won the state title in 2024, were the NIC champions with a 7-0 mark in league dual matches. More: Anni Amalnathan embracing the pressure that comes with leading Saint Joseph girls tennis More: HS Tennis: Who are the top prep girls tennis teams this season? Also named as All-NIC first team choices were Saint Joseph sophomore Libby Yergler at No. 2 singles, freshman Coco Burfien at No. 3 singles and junior Anna Walsh and senior Molly Borger at No. 2 doubles. Penn, which was NIC runner-up at 6-1, had first team selections in senior Aileen Hu at No. 1 singles, freshman Olivia Wu at No. 2 singles and junior Amina Spahic and senior Jaanavi Kaushik at No. 1 doubles. Advertisement The All-NIC second team included junior Sofia Jankowski of New Prairie at No. 1 singles and sophomore Samantha Pischalko of Penn at No. 3 singles. Also second team were junior Ella Michaels and sophomore Maya Ewing of Saint Joseph at No. 1 doubles and seniors Rachel Paul and Melanie Greenwood of New Prairie at No. 2 doubles. The honorable mention list included freshman Olivia Snell of Marian at No. 2 singles, senior Lillian Meier of Marian at No. 3 singles and senior Kim Crawford and sophomore Morgan Setmayer of New Prairie at No. 2 doubles. Saint Joseph was NIC champion at 7-0, followed by Penn (6-1), New Prairie (5-2), Elkhart (4-3), Marian (3-4), Adams (2-5), Riley (1-6) and Washington (0-7). Anni Amalnathan Bill Mountford This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Anni Amalnathan and coach Bill Mountford are MVP and COY in NIC tennis
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Now, married women in UP can easily move their names from father's ration card to hubby's
LUCKNOW In a major relief to married women, the Uttar Pradesh government has simplified the transfer of their names from their parental ration card to their in-laws' ration card under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The new system aims to eliminate manual hassles and ensure that no eligible beneficiary loses entitlements due to marriage-related migration. The move, it is said, will particularly benefit rural women and reinforce the government's commitment to efficient and inclusive welfare delivery. 'After successful trial, we have started a new system under which a woman can easily get her unit (name) transferred from her parental ration card to her husband's ration card, without any inconvenience. She does not need to get her name deleted from the parent's ration card and then again run to get the name added in the in-laws' ration card,' said Ranvir Prasad, principal secretary, food and civil supplies. 'The government feels that no woman, after her marriage, should be deprived of NFSA benefit or face difficulties in avail benefits after marriage,' he added. Currently, women who get married and move to another village/city are required to apply afresh for inclusion in their new family's ration card, often facing cumbersome procedures, delays, and in many cases, the loss of food security units altogether. 'Under the existing system, a woman has to first get her name deleted from the parents' ration card after marriage, and then get her name added to her husband's ration card after producing marriage proof. This is a very cumbersome process and takes months to complete,' said Satyadev, additional commissioner (civil supplies). Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), each member of a priority household is entitled to 5 kg of highly subsidised foodgrains every month. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, this wheat/rice has been provided free of cost to eligible families. In contrast, Antyodaya households — the poorest of the poor — receive a fixed 35 kg of foodgrain per ration card every month, regardless of the number of family members. Uttar Pradesh has about 3.60 crore ration cards covering over 14 crore beneficiaries, 97% of which are registered in the names of women, under both categories. To address the issue of women having difficulties in getting their names added to the ration card of in-laws/husband, the department of food and civil supplies developed a special software that will ensure smooth and swift transfer of NFSA units from the parental family's ration card to that of the in-laws. 'The NIC has developed the unit transfer software enabling any woman to apply online to get her name transferred from her parents' ration card to that of her in-laws/husband in a smooth manner,' Satyadev explained, adding: 'The process will get completed just in two weeks from the date of filing an application online. Under the new system, self-declaration is enough without any requirement of producing any document as proof of marriage.'
