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Time of India
12-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
How will city manage stray dogs? One sterilisation centre, shelter in red tape
Raipur: Raipur is grappling with a rising stray dog menace, as the Municipal Corporation lacks a proper survey mechanism, shelter, and adequate sterilisation capacity. With only one operational sterilisation centre and an under-construction 168-capacity shelter stuck in bureaucratic clearance, the civic body struggles to curb aggressive dog incidents, which peak during breeding seasons. Despite a daily target of 30 sterilisation procedures, only 15–20 are performed, and dogs are released back into their localities, allowing populations to rebound. Strict animal cruelty laws leave sterilisation as the only control method. Complaints to the Nidan helpline average a dozen per day, while hospitals report thousands of dog bite cases annually, including many among children. Pedestrians and motorists report being chased, a threat that is most pronounced at night. The Raipur Municipal Corporation (RMC), which has 70 wards, does not have a comprehensive count of the stray dog population, as their registration is not mandatory. Unlike with cows, there is no proper mechanism in place to conduct a survey of stray dogs, according to RMC officials. The city, which is the capital of Chhattisgarh and has a population of around 20 lakh, also lacks a dedicated dog shelter. A shelter home-cum-sterilisation centre with a 168-dog capacity at Sondongri in Zone-8 remains incomplete. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We Have No Words For Dog The Bounty Hunter's Transformation Cash Roadster Undo Officials said the facility is 95% complete, but the file is pending at the headquarters for necessary clearance. The RMC's toll-free helpline, Nidan, receives about 12 complaints daily regarding the dog menace. RMC teams catch dogs, sterilise them, and then release them back into the same areas. Health Officer Preeti Singh, who is handling the stray dog issues, said the civic body has only one sterilisation centre at Byron Bazaar within the city. "We have set a target of sterilising 30 dogs per day, but our team can only manage to sterilise 15-20 dogs daily. After three days of observation, the dogs are released from the same place where they were picked up. We comply with rules laid down by the govt under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act," she stated. She said the civic body is limited in its options due to strict laws. From Jan 2024 to July 2025, 7,996 dogs were sterilised, she said. The health officer added that the Sondongri shelter will be used for treating and sterilising sick and aggressive dogs. The corporation hopes the shelter will lead to more consistent sterilisation efforts. Meanwhile, according to a report from the state-run Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, 4,279 anti-rabies vaccines were administered from Jan to July 2025. Of these, 1,764 were given to minors (under 18 years of age) and 2,515 to adults. In 2024, a total of 4,382 dog bite cases requiring vaccination were reported, with 1,550 of these cases coming from the paediatric department. This was confirmed by a spokesperson at the hospital. Veterinary Surgeon Dr Padam Jain told TOI that several factors contribute to stray dogs becoming aggressive. He cited socio-economic issues as a major cause, explaining that when dogs cannot find food, they become aggressive and eat whatever they can. Referring to a photo from Gaza showing people fighting for food, Dr Jain drew a parallel to the desperation seen in stray dogs. He said there are two seasons when female dogs come into heat, attracting half a dozen to a dozen males, which often chase the female and fight among themselves. In the process, passersby sometimes fall prey to attacks. During prolonged rainy spells lasting a week or more, leftover food in public areas gets spoiled, creating a food shortage for stray dogs. In the absence of food, they tend to become more aggressive. Environmental changes have also had some impact, though this, he said, is a matter for further research. Dr Jain added that urbanisation and deforestation have increased interactions between stray dogs and wild animals, enhancing their fighting instincts. Finally, in cases where a stray dog is injured or killed in a road accident, the other dogs remember the vehicle and its colour, and may continue chasing similar vehicles in the future. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Bloomberg
23-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Brookfield Is Missing Out on the PE Secondaries Boom Its CEO Saw Coming
By and Preeti Singh Save Bruce Flatt was clear with his prediction: the secondary market for private equity, real estate and infrastructure was ready to take off, and it could become a $50 billion business for his Brookfield Asset Management. Five years after the Brookfield chief executive officer's forecast, the boom has come and Brookfield has largely missed out. It's been on the sidelines as rivals rush to raise funds to buy chunks of portfolio companies from other buyout shops or offer their investors a way out.
Bloomberg
13-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Coller Says Cybercriminals Posing as the PE Secondaries Firm
By Preeti Singh and Save Secondaries investor Coller Capital said cybercriminals are exploiting its brand to tout questionable investment opportunities, in some cases masquerading as senior figures at the private-assets firm. Cybercriminals have created fake websites made to look like Coller Capital's site and fraudulent WhatsApp groups that often involve cryptocurrency scams, the firm said in a disclaimer on its website labeled 'important notice.'
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
9 temples, mazar razed for Moradabad-Kashipur 4-lane highway project
Meerut: The National Highways Authority of India ( ) along with the demolished nine temples, a graveyard, and a mazar during a clearance drive for the Moradabad-Kashipur four-lane highway expansion in Moradabad's Dilari area on Sunday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The under-construction highway will connect Moradabad to Thakurdwara, Kashipur, and Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The removal triggered protests in Usmanpur village where a Shiva temple was among the structures razed. SDM Preeti Singh and circle officer Rudra Kumar Singh led the drive, supported by a large police force and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC). The operation was conducted under heavy security due to the sensitive nature of the demolitions. Throughout the day, officials used earthmoving machines to clear encroachments marked for removal. In Usmanpur, residents pleaded for more time to save the temple. Protesters raised slogans and objected to idols being lifted by JCB machines, calling the act disrespectful. However, police controlled the situation before it escalated. Rudra Kumar Singh said, "Some locals requested more time, but since the highway work was already delayed, the demolition proceeded as planned. " Preeti Singh added, "Notices were already issued to the owners of all religious structures and unauthorised constructions obstructing the highway. On Sunday, despite rain, the removal continued in the presence of a heavy police force. All structures were marked in advance by the tehsil administration." She added the police were deployed to ensure security during the demolition and maintain law and order. "While a few protests occurred, the situation remained peaceful, and the law and order situation is fully under control," he added. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Moradabad–Thakurdwara–Kashipur section of National Highway 734 (NH-734) is undergoing a major upgrade to a four-lane highway under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode. The project, with an estimated cost of 1,841.92 crore, spans 33.7km and aims to boost connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, including bypasses for Moradabad and Kashipur. Once completed, the upgraded highway is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi, Meerut, Bareilly, and Moradabad, and provide improved access to destinations like Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve via Ramnagar. To make way for the construction, NHAI began acquiring land and removing unauthorised structures, including several religious sites such as those demolished on May 12.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Cortisol belly and cortisol face: Decoding the wellness buzzwords
An inordinate number of health influencers online are talking about the 'cortisol belly' and 'cortisol face,' claiming that this phenomenon is caused by the excess release of the body's main stress hormone. They're also offering prevention strategies that range from scientific to anecdotal, along with before-and-after visuals (see right) that can convince even the hardest of sceptics. No wonder hashtags like #CortisolBelly, #HormoneBalance, and #NervousSystemRegulation are trending on social media, with Google searches for these terms spiking, especially in Western countries. Health experts warn that this trend repackages diet culture as 'self-care' and 'hormone healing'. ''Cortisol' is a buzzword used to sell products or diets, which usually aren't backed by solid science. A more balanced approach is to manage stress through healthy habits like sleep, exercise, and relaxation,' suggests Dr Himika Chawla, senior consultant, endocrinology and diabetology at PSRI Hospital, Delhi. These trends can also increase the likelihood of individuals focusing more on their appearance, rather than on holistic well-being. Cortisol is integral for the body's stress response, blood sugar regulation, and fighting infections. 'Trends like this often pathologise normal body variations, leading to feelings of shame, inadequacy, or failure if one doesn't 'fix' their body,' says Dr Preeti Singh, senior consultant in clinical psychology, Paras Health, Gurugram, adding, 'Women who face societal pressure and low patience for long-term results may be drawn to these quick fixes as social media becomes the modern-day Bible for health and wellness advice.' Influencers claim that cortisol, which is released by the body during fight-or-flight situations, can cause fat to accumulate in the abdominal region and also lead to 'moon face' — characterised by facial bloating and puffiness. 'While it's true that chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the belly and face, the term itself can be a bit misleading. It oversimplifies a complex process. Many factors influence fat distribution, including genetics, lifestyle, sleep, hormones, and diet,' explains Dr Ashish Rani, head of nutrition and dietetics at SGT Medical College and Hospital, Gurugram, adding, 'Calling it a 'cortisol belly or face' can make it sound like cortisol is the only reason, which isn't medically accurate. It's important to see this term as a shorthand, not a full explanation.' 'Regular exercise, sleep, mindfulness, or even talking to someone can help lower cortisol levels naturally. Eating balanced meals that include a mix of protein, healthy fats, and fibre can support stable energy and mood. Instead of trying to control weight strictly, focus on how your body feels and what helps it function well is a better long-term strategy. Add breathing exercises and meditation to reduce stress,' suggests Dr Rani
