Latest news with #PrashantSharma
News18
2 days ago
- Science
- News18
E-Ball Revolution: How A Chhattisgarh Scientist Is Cleaning India's Waters With Microbes
Last Updated: Dr Prashant Sharma's e-ball cleans polluted water naturally and affordably, offering a lasting eco-solution In a quiet corner of Chhattisgarh, a scientist has sparked a silent revolution, using microbes instead of machines to cleanse India's polluted waters. This scientist, affectionately known as the 'Water Man', has earned nationwide acclaim for his groundbreaking and environmentally conscious innovation. In an age where technological solutions are often expensive and complex, Dr Prashant Sharma from Surguja has devised this simple yet impactful method that offers a model for the rest of the country. After dedicating 13 years to meticulous research, Dr Prashant Sharma developed the 'E-Ball' – a biological sphere containing millions of microbes capable of purifying polluted ponds and drains naturally over extended periods. Initial trials, supported by the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation, delivered remarkable outcomes. Stagnant, foul-smelling drains and debris-filled ponds, previously resistant to mechanical and chemical treatments, were effectively cleansed by the E-Ball. Scientific assessments of BOD, COD, and pH levels indicated that water treated with this method could be considered potable. Affordable, Sustainable, And Eco-Conscious Traditional water purification methods can cost between Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per acre annually. In contrast, the E-Ball achieves comparable results at a significantly lower cost, at around Rs 7,000 per acre per year. Most importantly, this solution is eco-friendly and poses no harm to aquatic ecosystems. A key feature of the E-Ball is its ability to foster a self-sustaining colony of beneficial microbes within the water body, ensuring continuous purification without repeated intervention. This renders it a permanent and sustainable solution, unlike temporary chemical treatments. Dr Prashant Sharma, who earned his PhD from Delhi University, returned to Ambikapur University in November 2024 after gaining international experience in the USA, South Korea, and Poland. His journey underscores how socially driven scientific innovation can lead to cost-effective, impactful environmental solutions. He stands as a source of inspiration for aspiring scientists across the nation. First Published: June 05, 2025, 10:28 IST
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Maharashtra cabinet approves state housing policy 2025
NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the state housing policy 2025 titled 'Majhe Ghar – Majhe Adhikar' (My Home – My Rights) with an investment outlay of ₹70,000 crore. The policy aims to construct 35 lakh homes over the next five years. As part of the implementation strategy, the cabinet has cleared the formation of a ₹20,000 crore 'Maha Aawas Nidhi' at the state level to finance large-scale housing projects under the new policy framework. Prashant Sharma, president, NAREDCO Maharashtra said, "The focus on slum rehabilitation, redevelopment, and the creation of a MahaAwas Fund will be instrumental in addressing the housing shortage and improving the urban landscape. We believe this progressive policy will provide a significant boost to real estate, create large-scale employment, and ensure dignified living for citizens across income groups." Focus on redevelopment, self-redevelopment and social housing To address delays in redevelopment and quality control issues, the policy includes the formation of a state-level grievance redressal committee. The committee will mediate between stakeholders and monitor quality standards in line with redevelopment commitments. A dedicated self-redevelopment cell will also be set up to encourage cooperative housing societies to take up redevelopment independently. A ₹2,000 crore self-redevelopment fund will support such initiatives. The policy introduces a rent-to-own model where working women, students, and industrial workers can initially occupy homes on rent for up to 10 years, with the option to gain ownership thereafter. "This comprehensive plan, with strategic emphasis on rental housing for working women, students, and industrial workers, is a transformative step toward addressing the urgent need for affordable urban housing. Initiatives such as the walk-to-work model near employment hubs, supported by robust multi-modal infrastructure and last-mile connectivity, will catalyze industrial and commercial real estate, paving the way for an integrated urban development model. Over time, this will generate tremendous demand for residential real estate, including townships and cluster developments," said Niranjan Hiranandani , chairman, NAREDCO & Hiranandani Group. CSR funds will be mobilised to support social housing initiatives through public-private partnerships involving both developers and project enablers. The government will also establish a centralised digital platform — State Housing Information Portal (SHIP) — to support data-driven housing decisions and project tracking. Nishant Deshmukh, founder and managing partner, Sugee Group said, "With strategic funding and transparent implementation, this policy can unlock massive redevelopment opportunities in cities like Mumbai , while also ensuring social equity and improved quality of life."
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Time of India
Tourism takes direct hit, 90% of bookings for Northern India cancelled
AHMEDABAD: Operation Sindoor may have struck terrorist targets across the border, but it has also shaken up vacation plans back home. The aftermath of the Indian military's action in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has triggered flight shutdowns, trip cancellations, and a wave of uncertainty in the tourism sector. Tour operators, who were banking on the peak travel season, say this is the worst May they have seen in years. Tourism, especially to popular northern destinations, is taking a direct hit. Airports in Jodhpur, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Kashmir - all in proximity to the international border - have been shut for civilian aircraft operations until May 10, leading to massive disruptions in travel schedules. Operation Sindoor India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan India-Pakistan tensions: Delhi airport issues travel advisory Operation Sindoor: Multiple explosions heard at several Pakistan air bases Cancellations are pouring in. Travel agencies are scrambling for updates, as there remains no clear word on when normal operations will resume. Prashant Sharma, vacationing in Uttarakhand, said, "We had a packed itinerary from Nainital Jim Corbett and Mussoorie to Rishikesh, but we have cancelled everything except Nainital. We are playing it safe and heading back as planned from Dehradun." Travel consultants confirm that panic and unpredictability have taken over what would normally be a season of packed itineraries and hill station getaways. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo "People who were already vacationing in Himachal Pradesh have cut short their trips. The North is totally out of the question now. Nearly 95% of the bookings for northern destinations, primarily Uttarakhand, Himachal, and Jammu & Kashmir, for the month of May have been called off," said Virendra Shah, a travel consultant. From a business standpoint, the ripple effect is undeniable. Tour operators, who were optimistic about some revival in business, are suddenly staring at dry leads and refund requests. The sentiment is clear: nobody wants to travel under fear. "A majority of travel industry players have suffered about 70% revenue loss for existing bookings during the peak leisure holiday season. The impact has not spared international travel either. While a select few tourists have gone to the UK or Spain for a long-haul visit, travellers bound for Turkey, Dubai, Bali, Indonesia and the Maldives are backing out at the last minute as well. There's an air of hesitation that was not there a week ago," said Ankit Bajaj, another travel expert, highlighting the uncertainty clouding future bookings. "This conflict has not just disrupted logistics, it has shaken the mood of the traveller. Thus, even if the journey is a month from now, people are unwilling to travel and are blatantly cancelling travel plans," Bajaj added. Sanjeev Chhajer, chairman of GCCI's tourism committee, said, "Domestic air travel is badly hit due to airport shutdowns.. However, international travel is relatively steady, except for a few cancellations by govt employees whose leaves have been cancelled. Except for Turkey and Azerbaijan, other destinations are less affected."
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Mumbai records highest April property registrations in 13 years, luxury housing in demand: Report
Mumbai realty market proved robust in April, with the highest number of property registrations during this month in more than ten years. Data released by Knight Frank India reported that 12,142 property registrations were done under the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) boundaries for an increase of 4 per cent from April last year. The data indicates a strong and increasing need for housing in India's financial capital amid headwinds in global and domestic economies. The information also indicates a significant increase in the premium segment of housing. Properties worth over Rs 2 crore contributed to 25 per cent of total registrations, from 22 per cent in April 2024. In contrast, affordable housing, which includes properties worth up to Rs 50 lakh, recorded a consistent proportion of 14 per cent, indicating stable demand across the price range. Cozy homes, generally under 1,000 sq ft, continued to be the favourite among home buyers. Yet mid-range units between 1,000 and 2,000 sq ft had a steady 14 per cent market share, and those above 2,000 sq ft accounted for 3 per cent of the market, reflecting that aspirational buyers continue to look for sprawling living areas. Real estate experts say the April surge underscores long-term structural strength in Mumbai 's housing market. Prashant Sharma, president of National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) Maharashtra, said the numbers reflect a combination of factors: sustained end-user demand, proactive government policies, and a favourable lending environment. He noted that both affordable and premium housing segments have shown resilience, setting the tone for continued momentum. The western and central suburbs of the city were the most sought-after options for homebuyers, collectively accounting for a whopping 85 per cent of the total registration volume. There was also a modest increase in buyers' interest in central and south Mumbai, with new project launches and enhanced infrastructure attracting fresh interest. Dhaval Ajmera, director, Ajmera Realty, described April as one of the best months in a decade. He attributed this to increasing buying power and an increased desire for lifestyle enhancements. 'Micro-markets such as Versova, Borivali, and Ghatkopar are witnessing multi-fold growth,' he added. Amit Jain, CMD, Arkade Developers, perceived the 1.6 per cent year-on-year increase in stamp duty registrations as an indication of long-standing buyer optimism. 'In spite of hurdles such as tight liquidity and external uncertainties, Mumbai property continues to shift from speculative to need-based purchasing, an indication of welcome maturity and stability in the market,' said Jain.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delta Airlines Receives Lukewarm News After Big Announcement
On April 22, Delta made a big announcement, revealing its new partnership with Uber where customers can receive SkyMiles for using a number of Uber products "SkyMiles Membership is about giving Delta's loyal customers more ways to earn even more miles, fly with more ease, and experience more of what really matters to them," Prashant Sharma, V.P. of Loyalty at Delta, said in a statement. "Our new partnership with Uber not only expands the value of loyalty and makes it easier than ever for our Members to get rewarded – it also opens the door for new audiences to find reasons to love SkyMiles, no matter how often they fly." Here's the breakdown from Delta's announcement: 3 miles per eligible dollar spent on Uber Reserve trips 2 miles per eligible dollar spent on premium rides such as Uber Comfort and Uber Black 1 mile per eligible dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports 1 mile per eligible dollar spent on $40+ restaurant and grocery orders with Uber Eats While Delta had some exciting news for its customers this week, the company also received a bit of news of its own. On April 22 - the same day of Delta's announcement - the American Customer Satisfaction Index revealed the satisfaction benchmarks for each major airline. "Airlines today face more challenges than perhaps any other industry, but are rising to the task. Ensuring passenger safety, satisfaction, and profitability can seem daunting, but ACSI's solution forecasts the expected results from various improvement strategies in terms of customer satisfaction, retention, and financial returns," ACSI said before its findings. Airlines in general dropped 4% in overall satisfaction according to the latest survey, but Delta didn't see any change at all. While not the bad news that airlines like Alaska and American received, it's not exactly the good news that airlines like Southwest notched in their belts.
