Latest news with #Rs271
Time of India
15-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Collectorate Twin Towers Project Reshaped To Save 147-Year-Old Trees
Nagpur: In an encouraging move toward environmental sustainability, the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) redesigned parts of the District Collectorate twin towers project to preserve century-old heritage trees, some over 147-years-old, on the construction site. MSIDC managing director Brijesh Dixit said that 42 trees originally stood within the project's footprint, including trees aged 147, 115, and 112 years. Rather than cutting them down, engineers changed the building design and applied advanced techniques to safeguard these natural assets. A 'tree peat' method was used, allowing the roots to be protected without disturbance. Additionally, geo-textile materials were laid up to 20 feet deep around the roots to ensure their safety during excavation and construction activities. These combined efforts successfully saved six mature trees, which were initially at risk. While authorities already granted permission to fell 36 trees, MSIDC took additional steps to protect as many as possible. "These trees are not merely part of the landscape but represent the living heritage of the city. Our team worked diligently to incorporate environmental care into this massive infrastructure project," Dixit said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo In parallel, MSIDC planted 1,735 new trees at various locations across Nagpur as part of compensatory afforestation. Dixit added that clear guidelines have been issued to project teams to prioritise tree conservation throughout the construction period. The twin towers project is envisioned as a green building initiative, featuring extensive use of solar energy, energy-efficient design, and sustainable construction materials. Set to rise on a 30,471-square-metre plot, the 12-floor building will house two auditoriums with capacities of 500 and 300 seats, respectively, along with parking for 450 four-wheelers and 1,200 two-wheelers. As reported by TOI earlier, the project received a funding boost of Rs50 crore and Rs27 crore in two phases and is set to receive more as and when required. The total budget is Rs271 crore. The demolition of older structures, including the tehsildar building, was completed recently to clear space for the new towers. The heritage collectorate building will remain untouched and repurposed. Completion is expected by December 2027. Officials confirmed that demolition work is now fully finished, digging and foundation activities are almost complete, and construction has commenced. They also assured that sufficient funds are available to maintain steady progress and avoid delays. By successfully blending heritage tree preservation with modern infrastructure development, the MSIDC is setting an example for environmentally conscious urban projects.
Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Telecom sector shows robust performance in nine months
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's telecom sector continued to show robust performance during the first nine months of fiscal year 2024-25 (July–March), with total revenues reaching Rs 803 billion. However, the sector's contribution to the national exchequer declined to Rs271 billion during the same period, the Economic Survey 2024-25 revealed. While telecom revenues remained strong—up from Rs 644 billion in FY2020-21 to Rs803 billion in the current fiscal year so far—the sector's tax and duty contribution dropped from a high of Rs 341 billion in FY2022-23 to Rs 271 billion during July–March FY2025. Experts attribute the drop to potential shifts in policy measures, reduced tax collection windows due to the data covering only nine months, or changing dynamics in sector profitability. Despite the decline, the telecom sector remains a vital contributor to the economy. Telecom investment also saw a dip, registering USD 621 million in FY2024-25 (July–March), compared to USD 770 million in the previous year and USD 1,657 million in FY2021-22. Despite these financial shifts, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported steady expansion in digital infrastructure. Broadband penetration rose to 59.8%, with 4G coverage reaching over 81% of the population. Total broadband subscribers hit 147.2 million by March 2025. The PTA's regulatory reforms, digital inclusion strategies, and initiatives like unlocking the 6 GHz spectrum for next-generation Wi-Fi have positioned Pakistan as the 10th Asian country to adopt Wi-Fi 6E and beyond. Additionally, Pakistan's rank in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 improved significantly—from 79th to among the top 40, reflecting progress in digital security and infrastructure resilience. The survey further noted the launch of national roaming along the Makran Coastal Highway, a move aimed at addressing coverage blackspots and improving emergency communication. To improve the regulatory environment, PTA also launched OASIS, a digital licensing system integrating services from NADRA, SECP, and NBP, revealed the survey. The country is preparing for a 5G rollout by mid-2025, with infrastructure upgrades, spectrum planning, and operator trials already underway, the survey mentioned. Following the approval of the National Space Policy, the development of a licensing framework for satellite broadband services is also in progress. The Economic Survey also noted ongoing work on a National Fiberisation Plan, developed in collaboration with the World Bank, to expand the country's fiber-optic backbone. Meanwhile, efforts to ensure digital safety have intensified, with PTA blocking over 1.43 million URLs related to unlawful content. Additionally, more than 400,000 quality-of-service tests were conducted to monitor and enforce telecom performance standards nationwide. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
09-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan's IT sector emerges as fastest-growing industry: Economic Survey 2024–25
Listen to article Pakistan's Information Technology (IT) sector has been declared one of the fastest-growing segments of the national economy, according to the National Economic Survey 2024-25 released on Monday. The report highlights an impressive 23.7% growth in IT exports, which surged to $2.825 billion during the fiscal year. In March 2025 alone, IT exports reached $342 million, registering a robust month-on-month growth of 12.1%. The IT services sector also posted the highest trade surplus of $2.4 billion, underscoring its growing role in the national economy. Freelancers contributed significantly, bringing in $400 million in foreign exchange. The country's startup ecosystem is showing signs of maturity, with more than 1,900 startups having completed training at National Incubation Centers. Also Read: Finance minister touts recovery, reforms in Economic Survey 2024–25 In a noteworthy development for gender inclusion, over 12,000 women have been economically empowered through various tech and entrepreneurship programs. The telecom sector also posted strong performance, with revenues reaching Rs803 billion. The number of telecom users in the country climbed to 199.9 million, with a teledensity rate of 81.3%. The sector contributed Rs271 billion to the national exchequer during the fiscal year. To bolster digital growth and cybersecurity, a Pakistan-China IT Working Group has been formed, signaling increasing international cooperation in technology. The survey concludes that IT remains a major contributor to Pakistan's export growth, with rising global demand for Pakistani software products driving momentum in the sector.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rs275 crore boost for Kumbh development
Nashik: The high-powered committee, chaired by state chief secretary Sujata Saunik, cleared developmental plans worth Rs 275 crore as part of preparations in Trimbakeshwar for the forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik. Although the upcoming Kumbh Mela includes Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, only development plans for Trimbakeshwar were cleared. According to a senior officer from the district administration, the meeting was held virtually. Local officials gathered at the collectorate in Nashik on Thursday and senior officials conducted the meeting from Mumbai. "The entire developmental plan for Trimbakeshwar is Rs 1,100 crore, which includes Rs291 crore for Darshan Mandap, based on the lines of a temple corridor. However, the chief secretary approved in principle Rs271 crore of developmental works that can be funded through the Class 'A' religious tourist funds from the Centre and state govt," said the senior officer. The officer further added that the chief secretary has asked the department officials to firm up their plans and present them to govt so that they can be finalised. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted. Undo "Since govt is yet to give its sanction to the works proposed under Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the approval paves the way for the beginning of other works, including the construction of roads, water and drainage lines, and other pilgrim-oriented works, which will begin soon," said the officer. The officer also pointed out that other works related to the biggest religious fair will also be sanctioned by the govt soon. Nashik: The high-powered committee, chaired by state chief secretary Sujata Saunik, cleared developmental plans worth Rs 275 crore as part of preparations in Trimbakeshwar for the forthcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik. Although the upcoming Kumbh Mela includes Nashik and Trimbakeshwar, only development plans for Trimbakeshwar were cleared. According to a senior officer from the district administration, the meeting was held virtually. Local officials gathered at the collectorate in Nashik on Thursday and senior officials conducted the meeting from Mumbai. "The entire developmental plan for Trimbakeshwar is Rs 1,100 crore, which includes Rs291 crore for Darshan Mandap, based on the lines of a temple corridor. However, the chief secretary approved in principle Rs271 crore of developmental works that can be funded through the Class 'A' religious tourist funds from the Centre and state govt," said the senior officer. The officer further added that the chief secretary has asked the department officials to firm up their plans and present them to govt so that they can be finalised. "Since govt is yet to give its sanction to the works proposed under Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the approval paves the way for the beginning of other works, including the construction of roads, water and drainage lines, and other pilgrim-oriented works, which will begin soon," said the officer. The officer also pointed out that other works related to the biggest religious fair will also be sanctioned by the govt soon.
