Latest news with #QuickResponseTeam
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PMC uses AI to monitor cleanliness and urban amenities
1 2 Prayagraj: In a progressive step towards enhancing urban cleanliness and monitoring, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has initiated trial to monitor city's lanes using Artificial Intelligence (AI), following the successful use of AI surveillance on major roads. The trial aims to extend advanced monitoring system, which covers cleanliness, street lighting, encroachments, and illegal dairy activities, into the narrow bylanes of the city. Currently, corporation has equipped the Quick Response Team (QRT) vehicles with cameras and GPS devices to conduct surveillance of lanes alongside the main roads. These cameras capture real-time data, which is analysed with the help of AI to identify cleanliness issues, encroachments, and other violations quickly. O nce the trial phase concludes successfully, the plan is to equip all garbage collection vehicles, which cover the city's lanes and residential areas, with similar camera and GPS technology. This will allow for modern, comprehensive surveillance of nearly all the lanes in the city. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Deep Shikha Pandey explained that the AI-based monitoring on main roads yielded positive results. "Based on this success, we intend to replicate the model for the lanes. AI surveillance will help improve cleanliness in lanes, enable immediate reporting of debris and encroachments, and assist in prompt corrective action," she said. The AI surveillance initiative is also expected to positively impact Prayagraj's ranking in the next Swachh Survekshan (Cleanliness Survey). Prayagraj is the first city in Uttar Pradesh to implement AI technology for monitoring major roads, a pioneering move that is now expanding into the more complex network of the city's lanes. In another major development, the Municipal Corporation recently completed a comprehensive survey of over 1.72 lakh buildings in the city's expanded limits, which include both developed, undeveloped areas. The survey revealed that over 80,000 buildings still lack minimum urban amenities, highlighting the uneven spread of infrastructure across the city. The tax department of the corporation has decided to issue property tax notices this financial year only to those building owners who receive basic urban facilities. Before sending these notices, a thorough cross-check was conducted to verify urban amenities in the extended limits. This exercise uncovered many areas still predominantly rural in character, where municipal services are minimal or absent. Chief Tax Assessment Officer PK Mishra emphasised the challenge, stating, "It is unjustified to levy property tax on residents in areas where no urban facilities exist. Therefore, a re-survey is underway to clearly demarcate urban and rural zones in the expanded region." According to Mishra, approximately 8,000 buildings identified as part of developed areas have already been subjected to property tax collection from the financial year 2024-25 onward.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kargil Vijay Diwas: Meet the National Award-winning actor who joined Indian Army during Kargil War, was deployed at the border
During the Kargil War in 1999, Bollywood actor Nana Patekar, known for his on-screen portrayals of strong characters, took his patriotism beyond acting. He sought permission to join the military effort, drawing on his prior army training for the film 'Prahaar'. Deployed near the Line of Control, he provided logistical and moral support to soldiers, embodying civilian courage and dedication. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads From Reel Patriotism to Real Action Serving at the Edge of Conflict Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Larger Battle for the Peaks A Lasting Symbol of Civilian Courage As war clouds loomed over the icy peaks of Kargil in 1999, it wasn't just trained soldiers who stepped up to defend the nation—some civilians, too, felt an unshakable urge to contribute. Among them stood a name not unfamiliar to the public: veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar . On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas , it is worth revisiting how this acclaimed performer stepped far beyond the arc lights to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with real-life heroes in one of the most treacherous conflicts of recent for portraying complex, powerful characters in Indian cinema, Nana Patekar had always shown a deep fascination with the armed forces. This admiration didn't remain confined to movie scripts or acting roles. Back in the early 1990s, while preparing for his film Prahaar—which delved into the rigors of military life—he immersed himself in actual army training with the Maratha Light Infantry for three years. This firsthand experience was not just for artistic accuracy; it left a lasting imprint on his values and the Kargil War erupted in May 1999, he was not content to merely support the cause through words or public appearances. Determined to take meaningful action, he approached top army officers with a request to join the military effort at the border. His offer was initially declined. However, his persistent spirit led him to seek the intervention of then Defence Minister George Fernandes. By invoking his earlier military training, he convinced the authorities to allow his participation in the ongoing August 1999, when the main combat had begun to ease but the situation remained volatile, Nana Patekar was finally deployed in the Kargil region. He was attached to a Quick Response Team (QRT) operating near the Line of Control (LoC), the fragile boundary separating Indian and Pakistani military positions. Though not involved in direct combat, he worked alongside soldiers in volatile zones and offered logistical and moral the battlefield, Patekar also extended his services to a military base hospital, where he contributed to the treatment of wounded troops. The harsh environment tested his physical endurance. The bitter cold, rugged terrain, and austere conditions caused him to lose nearly 20 kilograms—shedding light on the taxing physical conditions soldiers endure daily. Despite this strain, he viewed the experience as one of deep emotional Kargil War, fought from May to July 1999, unfolded in the mountainous terrain of Ladakh's Kargil district, then part of the larger Jammu and Kashmir region. The conflict stemmed from the stealthy incursion of Pakistani soldiers—disguised as militants—who occupied key Indian positions along the LoC. This confrontation evolved into a high-altitude war between India and military launched a counteroffensive named Operation Vijay to reclaim the occupied territories. The Indian Air Force also collaborated with ground forces under a parallel mission, Operation Safed Sagar, delivering aerial support and reconnaissance. The combined operations succeeded in pushing back the infiltrators, but the toll on both human life and national morale was choosing to serve amidst conflict, Nana Patekar didn't just honor the spirit of patriotism—he exemplified it. His decision to move from screen heroics to frontline duty stands as a powerful reminder that courage is not bound by profession. His story remains an enduring chapter in India's narrative of unity, sacrifice, and unbreakable resolve.
Economic Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
West Bengal: Kaliganj by-poll to see several firsts
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Kolkata: For the first time in West Bengal's Kaliganj by-poll, a special arrangement will be done for depositing the mobile phones of the voters in the jute bags outside the polling booths, webcasting from camera placed outside the booth, live streaming in the vehicles of Paramilitary and Quick Response Team (QRT) and naka checking will be monitored live first time. All these new steps, if done successfully, will be replicated in 2026 assembly to ET, West Bengal-Chief Electoral Office (CEO) Manoj Agarwal said, 'Several new measures, including depositing mobile phones in jute bags outside polling booths, webcasting from camera placed outside the booth, live streaming in the vehicles of Paramilitary forces on duty and Quick Response Team (QRT) and naka checking getting monitored live will be done for first time in Kaliganj by-poll in West Bengal's Nadia district.'" As per the latest ECI guidelines, maximum of 4 voters will be allowed inside the booth at any given time. This will also be implemented for the first time in Bengal and all other states which will go for by-polls on June 19," Agarwal pointed 309 booths of Kaliganj assembly Constituency in Nadia District, Rs 179 has been spent for each booth for creating the mobile depositing facility. Tokens will be given to the voters, after depositing the mobile phones. The volunteers will guard the mobile phones outside the booth. 'The whole model will be replicated in 2026 assembly polls, if successful this time,' Arindam Niyogi, Additional Chief Electoral Officer West Bengal, the initiative of identifying dead voters in various Constituencies, in Kaliganj alone, 945 dead voters have been Bengal's Nadia district's Kaliganj Assembly constituency. The assembly seat will vote on June 19 and the counting of votes will take place on June 23. The bypolls are being conducted in five assembly constituencies of four state- Gujarat's Kadi and Visavadar, Kerala's Nilambur, Punjab's Ludhiana West, and West Bengal's Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Assistant Director (Media) Apurva Kumar Singh, attended two meetings in Kolkata today, including by one with the senior Officials of Directorate of Information under West Bengal government, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan (DD), SRFTI among others.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
West Bengal: Kaliganj by-poll to see several firsts
Kolkata: For the first time in West Bengal's Kaliganj by-poll, a special arrangement will be done for depositing the mobile phones of the voters in the jute bags outside the polling booths, webcasting from camera placed outside the booth, live streaming in the vehicles of Paramilitary and Quick Response Team (QRT) and naka checking will be monitored live first time. All these new steps, if done successfully, will be replicated in 2026 assembly polls. Speaking to ET, West Bengal-Chief Electoral Office (CEO) Manoj Agarwal said, 'Several new measures, including depositing mobile phones in jute bags outside polling booths, webcasting from camera placed outside the booth, live streaming in the vehicles of Paramilitary forces on duty and Quick Response Team (QRT) and naka checking getting monitored live will be done for first time in Kaliganj by-poll in West Bengal's Nadia district.' " As per the latest ECI guidelines, maximum of 4 voters will be allowed inside the booth at any given time. This will also be implemented for the first time in Bengal and all other states which will go for by-polls on June 19," Agarwal pointed out. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo In 309 booths of Kaliganj assembly Constituency in Nadia District, Rs 179 has been spent for each booth for creating the mobile depositing facility. Tokens will be given to the voters, after depositing the mobile phones. The volunteers will guard the mobile phones outside the booth. 'The whole model will be replicated in 2026 assembly polls, if successful this time,' Arindam Niyogi, Additional Chief Electoral Officer West Bengal, confirmed. Taking the initiative of identifying dead voters in various Constituencies, in Kaliganj alone, 945 dead voters have been identified. Live Events West Bengal's Nadia district's Kaliganj Assembly constituency. The assembly seat will vote on June 19 and the counting of votes will take place on June 23. The bypolls are being conducted in five assembly constituencies of four state- Gujarat's Kadi and Visavadar, Kerala's Nilambur, Punjab's Ludhiana West, and West Bengal's Kaliganj. WB-CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Assistant Director (Media) Apurva Kumar Singh, attended two meetings in Kolkata today, including by one with the senior Officials of Directorate of Information under West Bengal government, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan (DD), SRFTI among others.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Time of India
Pune Bridge Collapse Live News Updates: Quick Response Team reaches the spot which left four dead
16 Jun 2025 | 07:23:02 AM IST Pune Bridge Collapse News Live Updates: Quick Response Team reaches the spot which left four dead Pune Bridge Collapse News Live Updates: Quick Response Team reaches the spot of the bridge collapse that took place on the Indrayani River near Talegaon, which left four dead and 51 injured.
