Latest news with #RUSA


Hans India
2 days ago
- Science
- Hans India
Krishnadevaraya University celebrates Foundation Day with grandeur
Anantapur: Sri Krishnadevaraya University celebrated its Foundation Day with great enthusiasm at the Bhuvana Vijaya Auditorium on Monday. The event was presided over by Prof D Anjaneyulu, Principal of the University College of Science and Arts. The chief guest of the ceremony was Prof B Anita, Vice-Chancellor of the University. Distinguished guest Prof C R Vishweshwara Rao, former Rector of SKU and former Vice-Chancellor of Vikrama Simhapuri University, graced the occasion. The event also witnessed participation from Prof G Venkata Naidu, Rector, and Dr E Ramesh Babu, Registrar of SKU. During the event, Registrar Dr E Ramesh Babu highlighted the university's journey since its inception, listing former Vice-Chancellors, the evolution of departments, faculty strength, and current academic progress. He praised the collective efforts that elevated the universityto its present stature. Prof G Venkata Naidu lauded the contributions of former Vice-Chancellors and emphasised the academic and infrastructural progress of the university. Vice-Chancellor Prof B Anita elaborated on the various schemes implemented at SKU, including PM-USHA and RUSA, which brought significant funding and development across departments. She appreciated the ISRO-supported research in atmospheric sciences by the Physics Department and shared updates on activities at the university's Incubation Centre and Women's Studies Centre, which she had inaugurated during her earlier tenure. Special guest Prof C R Vishweshwara Rao spoke on the need for educational reforms under NEP 2020, encouraging students to make the best use of university facilities and strive for academic excellence. As part of the celebrations, winners of various sports competitions were felicitated with certificates of appreciation. The event concluded with vibrant cultural performances. Faculty, retired professors, research scholars, students, principals from engineering and pharmacy colleges, hostel staff and media representatives were present.

IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Domestic worker flees with R100,000 in valuables from Richards Bay home
A domestic worker is wanted for allegedly clearing-out valuables from her former employer's home in Richard's Bay and has since been on the run Image: File Shockwaves reverberated through the community of Meerensee, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, as security firm Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) alongside the SAPS launched a manhunt for a female domestic worker who allegedly fled with valuables worth R100 000 from her employer's home. The incident, which took place in May, and has raised concerns not only over property crime but also about the employment of undocumented workers in South Africa. According to reports, the woman in question, identified only as "Ivyna", was captured on CCTV footage leaving her employer's residence. At the time, she was seen wheeling out of the home two large suitcases filled with expensive items. The homeowners, who were at work when she made her getaway, returned later to discover missing property, which included a laptop, mobile phones, expensive watches, designer bags, sports shoes, and the two suitcases. In light of the theft, the employers have expressed concern regarding her legal status in the country. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 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 Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow 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. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Reports suggest that Ivyna did not provide any documentation confirming her legality during her employment, raising questions about the regulations surrounding domestic workers and employment in South Africa. This incident coincides with increasingly vocal public sentiment against the employment of undocumented foreign nationals within the country. A recent movement that has emerged and named the "March in March" has held protest marches against the illegal immigrants issue, calling out the lack of governmental action. The movement claimed that illegal immigrants are often involved in various criminal activities. These include cash-in-transit heists, illegal mining, human trafficking, and unlawful occupation of buildings in major cities, including eThekwini. DAILY NEWS.

IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Rising crime in Tongaat: Two-year-old girl unharmed after car hijacking
A young girl was taken by hijackers as they made-off with a Toyota Tazz with the child in it in the Tongaat area on Sunday, but they abandoned the vehicle after crashing near the local Post Office Image: RUSA A two-year-old girl was rescued unharmed after the car carrying her was hijacked at the local bus rank in Tongaat on Sunday. The incident occurred when her parent attempted to fight off the assailants, only to be overpowered as they sped away with the child, in the rear seat of a white Toyota Tazz. According to security firm Reaction Unit South Africa, a prompt alert was raised following the hijacking, triggering immediate action from their officers. 'Reaction Officers immediately mobilised after receiving information that a vehicle matching the description crashed near the Tongaat Post Office,' RUSA said in a statement. They discovered the young girl being comforted by concerned members of the public at the crash-site, who quickly rallied to her side after the traumatic event. Witnesses reported that the hijackers, who fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction, left behind a community shaken but relieved that the girl was found safe. 'It's heartwarming to see the community come together, ensuring the child was not alone during such a terrifying moment,' added a spokesperson for the Reaction Unit. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 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 Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow 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. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading This incident is not isolated, as Tongaat has gained notoriety for hijackings in recent months. Last year, a driver of a white Isuzu found himself in a similar predicament when armed suspects in a silver Opel Astra attempted to ambush him. Fortunately, the driver managed to escape, crashing into his driveway gate in a desperate bid to thwart the assailants, who fled empty-handed. As crime rates remain a pressing issue, residents of Tongaat were urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity and prevent future incidents. DAILY NEWS

IOL News
22-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Scammer targets Durban seafood business; owner loses thousands to online fraud
In a shocking incident that underscores the rising tide of online scams, a Durban-based seafood business has suffered a considerable loss of R6,492 at the hands of a cunning fraudster this past weekend. The owner, who remains unnamed, reported the incident to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) after discovering that several Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) for seafood orders had failed to reflect in their account. The ordeal began on Friday when the scammer made contact with the business through WhatsApp, placing a sizable order that included seafood boil, prawn platters, and an assortment of frozen seafood. To validate the transaction, the fraudster provided what appeared to be a convincing proof of payment from First National Bank (FNB). Believing the payment to be genuine, the business owner prepared the order, which was subsequently collected by an E-Hailing driver. The following day, the scammer placed a second order worth R4,300.00. However, the owner's instinct kicked in, and they requested an instant payment before releasing the goods. The scammer again sent a fraudulent proof of payment, but this time, the owner was wary. Upon contacting their bank for verification, they were informed that the payments had never been made, marking the moment the owner realised they had been scammed. In a twist of deception, the scammer persistently contacted the owner afterwards, falsely claiming that the payment had been successful. This individual, described as an Indian male, is just one among many con artists employing similar tactics to exploit small business owners. The modus operandi of these scammers often involves recruiting unsuspecting E-Hailing drivers to collect goods. After providing drivers with an address and directing them to leave the products in unsecured locations, the con artists promptly pay them through cash transfer services while creating an elaborate web of deceit that complicates the recovery of stolen goods. Scams like this are proliferating, particularly on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, where sellers are pressured into swift transactions without confirming the legitimacy of a payment. 'Buyers often target sellers during banking hours or intend to verify payments in a limited timeframe, making it ripe for unscrupulous tactics,' warned a RUSA spokesperson. In light of this incident, the public is urged to exercise due diligence by verifying all bank deposits prior to releasing any goods, especially during online transactions. As these scams continue to evolve, taking precautionary steps can help guard against future fraud.


Hans India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
PM-USHA funds must drive inclusive growth in higher edu: APSCHE vice-chairperson
Tirupati: The vice chairperson of AP State Council of Higher Education Prof K Rama Mohan Rao said that universities have a key role in ensuring that funds under the PM-USHA (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) scheme are used strategically to transform institutions into centres of inclusive excellence. He was speaking at a one-day workshop on 'Gender-Inclusive and Equity Initiative' held at Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV) on Thursday. Prof Rao said the state is being mapped into thematic clusters based on regional priorities, with a special focus on skilling women and girls in areas aligned with local livelihood opportunities. The workshop, organised under the Union ministry of education's PM-USHA initiative, aimed to explore ways to empower women through targeted academic and livelihood-based interventions. Principals from government degree colleges across several districts participated, discussing strategies for implementing gender-inclusive training programmes across Andhra Pradesh. State project director of RUSA–AP Dr N Bharat Gupta stressed the importance of structured planning and measurable outcomes. 'The goal of RUSA isn't just to provide funding. It's about enabling impactful, evidence-based reforms in higher education,' he noted. SPMVV vice-chancellor Prof V Uma welcomed the Rs 100 crore sanctioned to the university under PM-USHA, calling it a timely support during a period of financial constraints. 'We need to focus on training women from neighbouring areas based on their unique socio-economic needs,' she said. CMD of the Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP)–Kerala Dr Usha also spoke. Registrar Prof N Rajani and Academic Guidance Officer Dr Ch Tulasi coordinated the event.