Latest news with #PlasterofParis
Time of India
25-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Toxic PoP waste lying around Powai lake for over two years
More than 60 tonnes of PoP (Plaster of Paris) 'harmful' waste has been lying along the circumference of Powai lake, and it has not been removed for more than two years, a city environmental group, Vanashakti, has pointed out. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now People associated with the group expressed the feeling that the authorities may have forgotten about the mounds of waste which is harming the water body besides polluting the water, This has been brought to the attention of the senior BMC officials for urgent action, said members of the environmental group. The #SavePowaiLake citizens' movement has been gathering momentum and BMC has announced that it will set up a sewage treatment plant at the lake. 'At least three mounds of plaster of paris (PoP) remnants removed from the lake after idol immersion have been left along the lake boundaries for almost two years. Close to 60 or 80 tonnes of PoP idol waste is lying in the open inside the lake. Two monsoons have passed and the waste continues to remain uncleared by BMC. Almost 2 metres or more of the lake bed area near the steps is also saturated with PoP waste. This waste, along with chemicals and paints in it, will continue to leach into the lake and pollute the waterbody,' said activist D Stalin of Vanashakti. A senior official from BMC said that, at present, they have deployed machines to cut through the water hyacinth weeds from the lake, and other cleanliness measures will also be taken up to improve the water quality of Powai lake. He added that the civic hydraulic engineering department has also been pressed into service for this purpose. 'It's been many years since local residents and green activists have been urging the municipality and the state authorities to clean up our Powai lake. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Hopefully, this time around our citizens' movement should effectively help in saving the water body,' said Pamela Cheema of the SavePowaiLake movement. Meanwhile, citizens and nature lovers have decided to form a human-chain on Jun 1, ahead of World Environment Day at Powai Lake, and are planning to get as many participants as possible for this green cause.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Chowdiah Memorial Hall and its timeless appeal
Bengaluru is a city that has evolved with time, and yet, an aspect that remains constant is its vibrant cultural scene. One landmark that stands tall as a beacon of art, culture and music is Chowdiah Memorial Hall (CMH) in Malleshwaram. A building whose iconic architecture was and still is, way ahead of its time, CMH was designed over 50 years ago. This violin-shaped edifice was constructed as a tribute to violinist of renown Tirumakudalu Chowdiah and is still considered to be one of the finest examples of mimetic architecture in the world. Pioneering design It was music aficionado KK Murthy, former chairman of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the first President of the city's Academy of Music, who came up with the idea of building a memorial to Pitil Chowdiah (Pitil is Kannada for violin) as Tirumakudalu Chowdiah was affectionately called. Chowdiah played a seven-stringed violin instead of the traditional four-stringed one. Murthy approached a famous Bengaluru architect, Siddalaghatta Narasimha Moorthy (or SN Moorthy as he was popularly called) to design and build the structure. 'My father was already well known in the city, having designed several theatres such as Kaveri and Abhinay, factories like the Bangalore Breweries Factory and the Modern Bakery in Peenya as well as residences of famous personalities such as AV Meiyappan Chettiar of AVM Productions and Hinduja House in Sadashivnagar,' says NM Spoorthy, architect and son of SN Moorthy. 'It was he who proposed building the structure in the shape of a seven-stringed violin as an ultimate ode to the maestro.' Spoorthy adds that the sheer size and scale of the structure remains the highlight of the auditorium considering it was envisaged over 50 years ago. The construction of CMH started after the foundation stone was laid by the then-President of India VV Giri and D Devraj Urs, the then chief-minister of Karnataka in 1974. 'It was the only auditorium in the country with a 1,100 seating capacity specifically designed to host cultural events in the 1980s. My father was a stickler for perfection and detail, and daily carried a violin to the site to ensure every curve and line was perfectly replicated. The building is scaled on an actual violin in the ratio of 1:100,' says Spoorthy. Moorthy was known for spearheading innovative ideas such as installing the city's first escalator at Abhinay Theatre, introducing ergonomics in design and giving prominence to green areas and landscaping. When it came to CMH, he introduced several nuances into the design. 'The Plaster of Paris ceiling in the common areas have musical notes that were in keeping with the ethos of the building. He also introduced water bodies at the plinth level to give the structure a surreal, floating visual effect from vantage points. While designing the seating, he was particular that there should be enough leg room for the audience to sit comfortably while enjoying the music,' says Spoorthy. Challenges galore Given its complex shape, several challenges cropped up during the building phase. 'The main issue was designing the bow and it was fabricated in mild steel on the site itself; it is a massive 140 feet in length. Introducing seven strings on to the structure was another task and my father would not hesitate to bring it down and rebuild it if he was not satisfied with the finish,' adds Spoorthy. The seven strings were crafted out of heavy gauge and were procured from the main KEB office to ensure it did not rust or warp due to the vagaries of the weather. Unfading memories This mega project was a memorable one even for SN Moorthy's wife, CT Lalitha Moorthy, who handled the administrative works of her husband's office. 'It took hundreds of drawings before CMH came to life. During those days we used natural sunlight and ammonia to get blue prints. But we had to be really watchful to avoid over exposure or under exposure. Many a time I have burnt my fingers using the ammonia,' recollects the octogenarian. She fondly remembers accompanying Moorthy to Binny Mills to purchase curtains for the hall. 'He chose Spanish gold and navy blue satin material and they were stitched on my sewing machine at our Kumara Park home. But soon the fabric became too voluminous and we had to move it to the site itself,' says the 87-year old who recalls how the 3D model of CMH designed for the inauguration was brought to the site atop a taxi. CMH was inaugurated in 1980 by the then Governor of Karnataka, Govind Narain. Since then, it has staged several eminent performers such as ML Vasantha Kumari, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, L Subramaniam, Girish Karnad, Hema Malini, SP Balasubramaniam and numerous foreign artistes. Given its ground breaking design, CMH is a great case study that holds key lessons for many architects today. 'The acoustics of the auditorium are among the best even today and the design offers invaluable lessons that extend far beyond academics and text books,' says Shilpa Spoorthy, architect and wife of NM Spoorthy.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
NMC seeks proposals for disposal of seized PoP idols
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is still grappling with the problem if disposing of 1,375 Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols seized during last year's Ganeshotsav. In an attempt to find a sustainable and scientific solution, a recent meeting was chaired by additional municipal commissioner Vasumana Pant with representatives from multiple the meeting, the Institute of Science expressed interest in managing the disposal process through chemical treatment. The institute proposed converting the PoP from the idols into powder and then using that to manufacture chalks and slates. The civic body asked the institute to submit a detailed project proposal outlining the year, before Ganeshotsav, NMC's nuisance detection squad confiscated 1,375 PoP idols from sculptors across all 10 zones of the city. Though the civic body approached the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for guidance on proper disposal, no concrete action plan was provided, leaving the matter light of the impasse, NMC has now begun consulting environmental and scientific organisations. The meeting saw participation from deputy municipal commissioner Rajesh Bhagat, chief sanitation officer Dr Gajendra Mahalle, director of Govt Institute of Science Dr Anjali Rahatgaonkar, Dr Anagha Patil, Neeri senior scientist Krishna Khairnar, MPCB sub-regional officer Dhanashree Patil, Green Vigil Foundation's Surabhi Jaiswal, Mehul Kosurkar, and Rahatgaonkar and Dr Patil expressed willingness to use Neeri's technology to help manage the idol waste. They proposed a dual-purpose initiative — first converting the PoP into reusable powder using chemical processes, and then repurposing the material into educational tools like chalk and slates. While Neeri has not permitted use of the technology on a large scale yet, it has agreed to support the institute with technical method is seen as a meaningful approach — ensuring environmentally responsible idol disposal while providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. NMC, however, clarified that no final decision has been taken. Deputy commissioner Rajesh Bhagat said that proposals are being sought from Neeri and other institutions, and the final course of action will be decided once detailed plans are submitted and reviewed.
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Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Highlights: Echoes of Operation Sindoor's success heard across the globe, says PM Modi
New Delhi 9:28 PM Harvard loses another USD 450 million in grants in escalating battle with Trump administration President Donald Trump's administration is cutting another USD 450 million in grants to Harvard University a day after the Ivy League school pushed back against government allegations that it's a hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism. In a letter to Harvard on Tuesday, a federal antisemitism task force said Harvard will lose grants from eight federal agencies in addition to USD 2.2 billion that was previously frozen by the Trump administration. The letter said Harvard has become a 'breeding ground for virtue signalling and discrimination' and faces a 'steep, uphill battle' to reclaim its legacy as a place of academic excellence. 9:02 PM Coromandel International's subsidiary forms joint venture with Sakarni Plaster Coromandel Chemicals Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Coromandel International Ltd, formed a joint venture with Sakarni Plaster India Pvt Ltd for the manufacturing and sale of Phospho Gypsum-based green building materials, a top official said. The joint venture will enable Coromandel International to diversify beyond its agri-inputs business, enhance integration synergies, and create long-term value. For Sakarni Plaster, the alliance facilitates the expansion of its product portfolio, market diversification, and reinforces its leadership in the gypsum plaster industry. Delhi-headquartered Sakarni Plaster is a manufacturer, exporter, and supplier of Plaster of Paris, wall putty, and building exterior and interior renovation products. 7:42 PM India-UK FTA augurs well for JLR, future cars expected to benefit: Tata Motors Group CFO The India-UK free trade agreement augurs well to keep driving JLR's performance in India as it would benefit future cars and enable customers to access global cars and global prices much faster, Tata Motors Group CFO PB Balaji said on Tuesday. On the other hand, further details and clarifications are needed to fully understand the impact on JLR after the US-UK trade deal that reduced US trade tariffs on auto exports from the UK to 10 per cent from 27.5 per cent within a quota of 1 lakh vehicles, Balaji said in an earnings call. "As far as India-UK FTA is concerned, it is a great development and augurs well for the same time, we also wait when the FTA actually comes into force, but we believe this is going to benefit the future cars that are going to come, which means customers will be able to access these global cars and global prices much faster because of this FTA," he said. 7:36 PM Pakistan's Balochistan appoints first Hindu woman Assistant Commissioner Kashish Chaudhary, a 25-year-old Pakistani Hindu woman, has made history by becoming the first female from the minority community in Balochistan to be appointed as Assistant Commissioner in the restive province. Kashish, who hails from the remote town of Noshki in district Chagai in the province, qualified Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination. On Monday, Kashish, accompanied by her father Girdhari Lal, met Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti in Quetta and told him that she would work for the empowerment of women and minorities, and the overall development of the province. 'It is a matter of great pride for me that my daughter has become an assistant commissioner due to her hard work and commitment,' Lal told the media. Lal, a mid-level trader, said his daughter had always dreamed of studying and doing something for her women. Chief Minister Bugti said it was a matter of pride for the nation when members of the minority communities got to key positions due to their hard work and effort. 'Kashish is a symbol of pride for the nation and Balochistan,' he said. In recent years, women from the Hindu community have achieved notable success in generally male-dominated fields in Pakistan, overcoming many cultural, religious and social hurdles to get to important positions. 7:04 PM Tesla's refresh to best-selling Model Y SUV starts on rocky road Tesla investors had pinned their hopes on a refresh of the company's flagship compact SUV to reinvigorate sales. But rock-bottom financing deals for the Model Y and its easy availability suggest that this expectation is unrealistic. The electric vehicle maker is offering financing deals as low as 0% on the spanking new version of the Model Y. While other automakers including Kia and General Motors are offering similar deals on some EV models, such offers within weeks of a model rolling out are rare. 6:48 PM Trump envoys Witkoff and Kellogg to go to Turkey for Russia-Ukraine talks President Donald Trump's senior envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg will travel to Istanbul for potential talks on Thursday on how to end Russia's war in Ukraine, three sources familiar with the plans said on Tuesday. However, a senior U.S. official said it was unclear whether anyone from the Russian government would show up. The White House, State Department, National Security Council and a spokesperson for Witkoff did not immediately respond to a request for comment. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will only attend the talks this week if Russia's Vladimir Putin is also there, an aide to the Ukrainian leader said on Tuesday, challenging the Kremlin to show it is genuine about seeking peace. 6:37 PM Russia launches smallest nighttime attack on Ukraine in months in run-up to possible peace talks Russia launched 10 Shahed and decoy drones at Ukraine in nighttime attacks, the Ukrainian air force said Tuesday, in its smallest drone bombardment this year as the warring countries prepare for possible peace talks in Turkiye. The Kremlin hasn't directly responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's challenge for Russian leader Vladimir Putin to meet him in person at the negotiating table in Istanbul on Thursday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused for the second straight day Tuesday to tell reporters whether Putin will travel to Istanbul and who else will represent Russia at the potential talks. 'As soon as the president considers it necessary, we will make an announcement,' Peskov said. 5:58 PM Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers pays Rs 90.2 lakh to Sebi to settle regulatory violations Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers Ltd on Tuesday settled with markets regulator Sebi a case pertaining to alleged violations of stock brokers' norms on payment of Rs 90.2 lakh. The order came after the broking company filed an application with Sebi proposing to settle the violations "without admitting or denying the findings of facts and conclusions of law" through a settlement order. Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers remitted the settlement amount of Rs 90.2 lakh. 5:52 PM Tamil Nadu CM Stalin, AIADMK hail Pollachi case verdict Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and main opposition AIADMK on Tuesday welcomed a local court sentencing nine men to life imprisonment till death in the sensational Pollachi sexual assault and extortion case. The Coimbatore Mahila Court, which convicted and sentenced the nine, also ordered compensation of Rs 85 lakh to the women victims. "Justice has been served for the atrocities committed by the wicked criminals including the AIADMK functionary," the Chief Minister said reacting to the verdict. 5:24 PM GlaxoSmithKline Pharma reports profit rise on strong demand India's GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals reported a higher fourth-quarter profit on Tuesday, led by steady demand for its generic drugs. The Indian unit of British drugmaker GSK reported consolidated profit of 2.63 billion rupees ($30.86 million) in the quarter ended March 31, up 35% year-on-year. Its revenue from operations climbed about 5% to 9.74 billion rupees. GlaxoSmithKline Pharma has been benefitting from rising market share for its antibiotic Augmentin and respiratory drugs Nucala and Trelegy. Strong demand for its shingles vaccine, Shingrix, has also boosted earnings, the company said. 4:39 PM Turkey says it is closely monitoring PKK disbandment to secure peace Turkey is closely monitoring any attempts to undermine its peace initiative with the PKK, a senior official said Tuesday, following the militant Kurdish group's announcement that it is dissolving and ending its decades-long armed conflict with the Turkish state. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organisation by several, announced the historic decision on Monday months after its imprisoned leader called for the group to formally disband and disarm 4:34 PM Goyal to lead team of officials to Washington for trade talks from May 16 Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead a team of senior Indian officials to Washington starting May 16 for discussions with their US counterparts on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), an official said on Tuesday. Goyal is expected to hold meetings with US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during his visit. 4:31 PM Retail inflation dips to 3.16% in April; lowest since July 2019 India's retail inflation fell to 3.16 per cent in April, down from 3.34 per cent in March. India's wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation for April 2025 will be released on Wednesday.
Indian Express
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Arshad Warsi shares glimpse of his 150-year-old Portuguese style house in Goa. Watch
Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi recently shared a glimpse of his beautiful house in Goa. Arshad is the owner of a 150-year-old Portuguese villa in Goa, which he restored with the help of his wife, Maria Goretti. Taking to his Instagram handle, the actor gave a quick tour of his house. He also thanked his fans for making it possible for him to buy a house in Goa. Sharing the video, the actor said, 'I just can't get enough of my beautiful house in Goa. Absolutely crazy about it. Every day, there is a new place to chill. Today, I have decided to sit on this side of the house. Look at it, there is so much of greenery. There are mangoes in one of my trees. It is time to sit here and relax and thank my stars and thank everybody who is responsible for giving me such a beautiful life. Thank you.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arshad Warsi (@arshad_warsi) Arshad Warsi's house tour gained the attention of several celebrities including Aditi Rao Hydari, Amrita Rao, Aramaan Malik, and Farah Khan. Aditi Rao wrote, 'OMG', while Farah Khan called the house 'beautiful'. Amrita Arora wrote, 'Please thank a beautiful lady called Maria who made this come alive.' Arshad Warsi's vintage house has five spacious bedrooms, a chic poolside bar, and lounging space for upto 10 guests. Situated in Saigao, the house is also available for rent at Rs 75,000 per night. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CASA ZEN GOA (@casazengoa) The dining space at Arshad Warsi's Casa Zen captures the tropical essence of Goa with every shade of green. The villa is decorated with quirky, one-of-a-kind pieces. Among the five rooms, the Blue Room is decorated with a stunning Plaster of Paris wall, designed by Arshad Warsi's wife Maria Goretti. It is painted in different shades of blue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CASA ZEN GOA (@casazengoa) The house also offers a cosy nook by the pool for a relaxing evening. The villa's main door reads, 'Peace to all who enter here'. Arshad Warsi and his wife Maria Goretti have restored and revived many aspects of the villa from its original times like its windows and doors. The windows at Casa Zen date back to the 19th century and define the Goan and Portuguese heritage. It also offers a perfect workstation and a Black and White themed room, where every thing is either in the shade of white or black. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CASA ZEN GOA (@casazengoa) View this post on Instagram A post shared by CASA ZEN GOA (@casazengoa) In an interview for Asian Paints, Arshad Warsi spoke about his home, saying, 'The blue wooden cupboards in the house belong to Maria's grandmother. There is another cupboard in another room, which belongs to her mother.' Gesturing toward a few antique cups and saucers, the actor added, 'These belonged to Maria's grandmother. I think it's a lesson for all young people: value your parents and grandparents. These are the things you should cherish.'
