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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Lauritz Knudsen Electrical unveils enConnect for home automation
Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation (formerly known as L&T Switchgear), an Indian electrical and automation sector, has introduced a smart home platform – enConnect, designed to transform homes into what it called 'intelligent, seamlessly connected living spaces.' This innovative solution would homeowners to manage every aspect of their home effortlessly, enhancing convenience, comfort, and security, the company said. The enConnect platform would integrate lighting, appliances and curtains allowing homeowners to control their living spaces through touch, a mobile app, or voice commands. Built with robust cybersecurity measures and energy-efficient technology, it would ensure 'a secure, intuitive, and future-ready home automation experience,' the company said. 'The demand for simple, intuitive, and user-friendly smart home solutions is rapidly increasing in India,' said Naresh Kumar, COO, Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation. 'With enConnect, we are addressing this market need by offering a sophisticated yet accessible home automation platform. Our goal is to make modern, connected living a reality for all homeowners, ensuring seamless integration, enhanced security, and energy efficiency,' he added. 'We envision a future where technology seamlessly integrates into daily life, enhancing comfort and simplifying routines. With this launch, we are not just introducing a product—we are redefining modern living. This platform offers homeowners effortless control, advanced cybersecurity, and a truly seamless user experience,' he further said.

The Hindu
7 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
GVMC readies action plan to check diseases this monsoon season
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has planned several strategies to check seasonal diseases in the city this monsoon season. The civic body has drawn a comprehensive action plan focused on mosquito control, raising people's awareness and improvement in sanitation. Identifying fever hotspots based on history, intensifying anti-larval operations, and initiating widespread fogging and spraying activities are among the key strategies. Chief Medical & Officer of Health (CMoH) Naresh Kumar said that 106 water stagnation points had been identified in the GVMC limits. Sanitation teams are being deployed to monitor such spots and clear water stagnation points, especially during rains. Spraying operations are being carried out in drains across the city, and oil balls will be put in select water bodies to check mosquito breeding. The GVMC has been using drones to spray pesticides in some water bodies. 'While anti-larval measures are already on, we will intensify the operations in anticipation of the rains and the possible outbreak of vector-borne diseases,' Dr. Naresh Kumar said. Augmenting manpower To strengthen the manpower for these intensified operations, the GVMC has proposed the recruitment of an additional 430 personnel. Currently, around 230 workers are engaged in anti-larval operations. The proposal is expected to be reviewed during the upcoming GVMC Council meeting, likely to be held in the first or second week of June. Starting June 15, when educational institutions are scheduled to reopen, fogging and spraying operations will be carried out in all hostels. In general, Visakhapatnam reports dengue cases often when compared to chikungunya and malaria. Last year, a few cases of malaria were reported. However, the number of cases being reported is on the decline, the officials said. Meanwhile, the GVMC officials are preparing to launch awareness campaigns in collaboration with the Health Department, ASHA workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and sachivalayam staff. A door-to-door surveillance exercise will be rolled out to educate residents in clearing stagnant water, aiming to curb mosquito breeding at the source.


Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
With the treaty suspended, we should use Indus waters for India
Written by Naresh Kumar and P K G Mishra If someone says Delhi receives water from rivers governed by the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), many would likely disagree. Yet, this is a fact. Delhi's connection to the IWT isn't just as the capital of a signatory country — it is also a direct beneficiary, drawing nearly 30 per cent of its surface water from rivers covered under this treaty. Operation Sindoor put focus on one of Bharat's most underutilised strategic levers — the ability to restrict the flow of water to Pakistan under the IWT. Bharat has historically refrained from using this leverage. This time, however, Bharat has acted decisively by suspending the treaty. According to recent reports, Pakistan has officially urged Bharat to reconsider and reinstate the status quo. Looking ahead, Bharat might revive the treaty as part of a broader peace agreement — perhaps if Pakistan agrees to curb support for cross-border terrorism. But this raises critical questions: Would restoring the treaty mean surrendering our leverage? Or can we explore new ways to use the treaty to address domestic challenges — like Delhi's water scarcity? The IWT governs six rivers flowing from Bharat to Pakistan, divided into two categories: The western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab), from which Pakistan receives 82 per cent of their water, and the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), over which Bharat retains full rights. Even if the treaty's suspension is reversed, Bharat retains full legal control over the eastern rivers, allowing continued action to prevent their waters from entering Pakistan. This untapped potential could be redirected to meet growing domestic demand — including in Delhi. Before the IWT was signed, a 1955 internal agreement between Punjab, the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU), Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir allocated 19.55 billion cubic metres (BCM) of water from the eastern rivers among the three — 7.3 BCM to Punjab, 1.6 BCM to PEPSU and 9.9 BCM to Rajasthan and 0.8 BCM to J&K. After PEPSU merged with Punjab in 1956, their shares were consolidated, giving Punjab 8.9 BCM. When Haryana was carved out of Punjab in 1966, it demanded 5.5 BCM from Punjab's share. Punjab objected, and the deadlock persisted until 1976, when the central government stepped in, reallocating the water as follows: 4.3 BCM each to Punjab and Haryana, and 0.3 BCM to Delhi, added as a new beneficiary. Rajasthan's share remained unchanged. Delhi used its allocation to launch phase one of the Haiderpur Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in 1977, with a capacity of 100 million gallons per day (MGD). However, the redistribution also gave rise to the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute between Punjab and Haryana, which remains unresolved. Delhi's water supply today includes 496 cusecs (approximately 260 MGD) from the eastern rivers (via Nangal), 875 MGD total surface water (including from the Ganga and the Yamuna), as well as 125 MGD from groundwater. Its water treatment capacity is 826 MGD, which is expected to increase to 876 MGD by the end of the year with the commissioning of Dwarka WTP phase two (50 MGD). Despite this, Delhi faces a shortfall: Its demand stands at 1,250 MGD, far exceeding current supply. The Upper Yamuna Board Agreement, signed in 1994, guarantees 1,050 cusecs to Delhi from the Munak regulator in Haryana, supported by Supreme Court directives. However, the agreement is due for review this year, and any increase in Delhi's share is unlikely unless three long-delayed dams — Renuka, Kishau, and Lakhwar — are completed. For now, these projects remain aspirational. Delhi also receives 240 MGD from the Ganga via Muradnagar, but increasing this allocation seems difficult, as upper riparian states may resist further sharing. This brings us back to the eastern rivers of the Indus Water Treaty. Hydrographic data show that Bharat lacks sufficient infrastructure to utilise the full flow within its territory. As a result, surplus water from the Beas and Sutlej flows into Pakistan via the Hussainiwala Barrage, and water from the Ravi escapes from the Madhopur Headworks, also into Pakistan. If this water can be captured and diverted to downstream states, it could help resolve not just Delhi's crisis, but also longstanding interstate water disputes. Though a bold proposition, it is technically feasible and deserves serious exploration by domain experts. Consider this: The SYL canal dispute revolves around 5.9 BCM of water — nearly equal to the volume of Ravi water that currently flows into Pakistan from the Madhopur Headworks, located in Punjab itself. Now that Bharat has acted to suspend the IWT, we should not squander this opportunity. The treaty must serve not just as a diplomatic tool, but also as a domestic resource strategy. Northern states and Delhi are in urgent need of water. If water is a strategic asset, the question is clear: Why let it flow to the adversary, when it can help our own people? (Kumar is former chief secretary, Delhi, and Mishra is a retired Army officer who writes on water issues, including the IWT)


Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Police arrested murder suspect linked to elderly woman's death in Tamil Nadu's Salem
Image used for representative purpose only SALEM: Police in Salem district shot and arrested a 26-year-old man wanted for the murder of an elderly woman, after he stabbed two officers during an attempted arrest near Sankari on Saturday. The suspect, R Naresh Kumar from Kattikaranur, Omalur, is accused of killing Saraswathi, a 65-year-old woman, and stealing her jewellery while she was grazing her cows near Deevattipatty on 20 May. The Deevattipatty police registered a case and launched an investigation. During the inquiry, officers identified Naresh Kumar as the main suspect. On receiving information, SI Vijayaraghavan and his team tracked him to a hillock near Sankari. 'Based on the tip-off, they proceeded to the location,' stated a police official. 'Both SI Vijayaraghavan and constable Selva Kumar sustained serious injuries when the police attempted to apprehend him, as they were stabbed. Consequently, the Magudanjavadi police shot him in the right leg when he refused to surrender after dropping the knife," he added. Initial investigations revealed the suspect has over 20 cases against him, including a 2020 murder and robbery of another elderly woman in the Mallur area. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Her body cannot endure this level of pain; please help her. Donate For Health Learn More Undo He is known for targeting elderly women, especially those alone or herding goats. Police also confirmed he was involved in a murder case during the COVID-19 pandemic, escaped from a hospital while infected, and had previously threatened police officers, including those escorting him to court. Naresh Kumar was admitted to the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !


Mint
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Mint
Weather today: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata on orange alert as Delhi braces for more rain; check IMD's forecast here
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued orange alert for heavy rains in Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal. A yellow alert is in place in Tamil Nadu and Delhi. Pre-monsoon showers and strong winds brought life to a standstill in Delhi on Wednesday, days after severe waterlogging was reported in Bengaluru and Mumbai after heavy rain. The Bengaluru Regional Meteorological centre has warned against heavy rain, thunderstorm, lightening and strong winds today at Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. Furthermore, moderate downpours are likely in Bellari, Bengaluru, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Hassan, Kodagu, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagara, Tumakuru and Vijayanagara districts. The Mumbai Regional Meteorological Center noted that cyclonic circulation over Arabian sea is expected to bring rainfall, thunderstorm and gusty winds until May 24. IMD official Shubhangi Bhute informed that rainfall activity over Maharashtra, including south Konkan, south central Maharashtra and Mumbai, may increase over the next few days under the influence of the cyclonic circulation. "There is a possibility of heavy rainfall with thunder at some places, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph or possibly higher at isolated locations," PTI quoted Shubhangi Bhute as saying. The Kolkata Regional Meteorological Center issed an orange alert, warning against heavy rainfall, thunderstrom, lightening and strong winds on May 22 in Jhargham, West Midnapur, North and South 24 Parganas and Nadia districts of South Bengal. The Regional Meteorological Department of Delhi has issued a yellow alert for today and tomorrow, a day after sudden thunderstorm and heavy rains wreaked havoc across Delhi-NCR. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy sky and hot and humid weather conditions will prevail on May 22. IMD Scientist Naresh Kumar on Wednesday said, 'Throughout this month, Western Disturbances brought light rainfall and thunderstorms to parts of Northwest India, keeping temperatures lower. But in recent days, with clear skies and no disturbances, temperatures have gradually risen.' Currently, IMD's heatwave warnings are in place for Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, North Madhya Pradesh and South Uttar Pradesh. Red alert has been issued for Rajasthan, where temperatures could reach up to 47°C in the coming days, the IMD scientist said. "The southwest monsoon is now expected to hit Kerala within 3–4 days and is likely to move further into parts of Bengal and the Northeast shortly after," ANI quoted Naresh Kumar as saying. IMD warned against heavy to very heavy rain in Sikkim in the wake of cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. The weather agency suggested that is a risk of floods, landslides and travel disruption on May 22.