Latest news with #Shri
Mint
an hour ago
- Business
- Mint
State-owned WAPCOS posts 20.44% jump in profit before tax, touches ₹95 crore in FY 2024–25
WAPCOS Limited, a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has reported outstanding performance in FY 2024–25, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable partner in engineering-led development both within India and across the Global South, according to a statement released on 23 July. With the un-audited figures of turnover of ₹ 1,680 crore (up 9.8 per cent) and Profit Before Tax of ₹ 95 crore (up 20.44 per cent), the company continues to deliver steady financial growth, the WAPCOS statement said. The firm secured new business worth ₹ 3,354 crore—a 13.46 per cent increase over the previous year—culminating in a healthy order book of ₹ 13,750 crore as of 31 March 2025. Internationally, WAPCOS is strengthening South-South cooperation, acting as a first point of contact for Indian expertise in large-scale engineering and infrastructure projects. WAPCOS is building enduring partnerships with fellow developing nations. Besides existing operations, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa, the company has made a major breakthrough this year in CIS Countries like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, according to the statement. 'Under the guidance of Hon'ble Union Minister Shri CR Patil, WAPCOS continues to expand its global footprint while remaining deeply committed to India's development journey,' the company's Chairman-cum-Managing Director RK Agrawal said in the statement. As a Mini Ratna-I PSU, WAPCOS continues to deliver on its mandate of providing integrated consultancy and project management services in the water, power, and infrastructure sectors while furthering India's vision of development cooperation with the Global South. WAPCOS represents the very best of India's public sector capability—commercially sound, technically robust, and deeply aligned with the nation's developmental priorities. WAPCOS Limited is a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, providing consultancy, engineering, and project management services in India and abroad, having footprints in more than 75 countries.
News18
5 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Allahabad HC Seeks State's Reply On Objections To Bankey Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance
Last Updated: The objections were raised by amicus curiae Sanjay Goswami in a matter filed under Article 227 concerning the temple's administration The Allahabad High Court on Monday took on record serious objections raised against the Uttar Pradesh government's move to constitute a trust for the management of the Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple in Mathura, and directed the State to respond. The objections were raised by amicus curiae Sanjay Goswami in a matter filed under Article 227 concerning the temple's administration. The court was hearing a petition filed by Pranav Goswami and others. Goswami challenged the constitutional validity of The Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, particularly objecting to provisions that allow the inclusion of several government officials as ex-officio trustees. These include the District Magistrate, SSP Mathura, Municipal Commissioner, officials of the Dharmarth Karya Vibhag and the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad. He argued that the temple is a privately managed religious institution traditionally overseen by the successors of Swami Haridas Ji, and that the ordinance attempts to give the State administrative control over it through indirect means. The move, he said, amounted to a 'backdoor entry" by the State into religious affairs. According to the amicus, while the government may regulate crowd management and ensure public safety, it cannot take over internal administration or interfere with religious practices of a temple that is not State-controlled. He also cautioned that such an ordinance, if not examined, may set a precedent for similar government actions across the State. 'The Constitution forbids such type of venture by the State Government encroaching upon the area of religion," he submitted, while referring to existing examples of temple control by State governments in other regions like Tamil Nadu. The High Court observed that the matter required further consideration and directed the Uttar Pradesh government to respond to the objections raised. The case has been listed for further hearing on July 30. It was also noted that a related matter is scheduled to be heard before the Supreme Court on July 29. The case is being heard by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Theatre Doyen Ratan Thiyam Dies At 77 In Manipur After Long Battle With Post-Covid Complications
Ratan Thiyam, an Indian playwright and former National School of Drama director, died on early Wednesday morning at around 1.30 am at RIMS Hospital in Imphal, Manipur, after a prolonged battle with post-COVID health complications. He was 77. The renowned Manipuri playwright and director was one of the towering figures of the Indian theatre circuit. He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 and was honoured with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour in the country, in 1989. A pioneer of the "theatre of roots" movement, Ratan Thiyam's masterpieces such as Chakravyuha and Uttar Priyadarshi masterfully blended ancient Indian traditions with modern narratives, earning global acclaim. Ratan Thiyam also served as head of the National School of Drama before focusing on his own theatre, the Chorus Repertory Theatre, founded in 1976, transforming Manipur into a cultural hub. His socially and politically charged plays reflected the rich Manipur's cultural heritage, captivating audiences worldwide with this grand visual style. In 2024, Manipur honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the tributes for Ratan Thiyam, calling him "a revered son of Manipur" "It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur. His unwavering dedication to his craft, his vision, and his love for Manipuri culture enriched not only the world of theatre but also our very identity. His work carried the soul of Manipur, echoing its stories, its struggles, and its beauty. It is with deep sorrow that I express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri Ratan Thiyam, a true luminary of Indian theatre and an esteemed son of Manipur. His unwavering dedication to his craft, his vision, and his love for Manipuri culture enriched not only the world… — N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) July 23, 2025 "May his soul rest in peace and his spirit continue to live on in the works he leaves behind and in the countless lives he inspired. May we all find strength in remembering his immense contributions to our cultural landscape," the Chief Minister wrote in an X post alongside an old photo with Ratan Thiyam. To allow relatives, friends, and fans to pay their last respects to Ratan Thiyam, a floral tribute has been arranged at the Chorus Repertory Theatre in Imphal, following his final rites which will be performed according to Hindu traditions. Ratan Thiyam's death leaves a void in the world of theatre, but his timeless works will ensure that his spirit endures with his legacy continuing to inspire generations.
Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Inaugurates TSL Foundation's Bright Bus Initiative - A Digital Literacy Initiative supported by CROCS India
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 23: In a powerful demonstration of how innovation and inclusive development can intersect, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the 'Bright Bus', a state-of-the-art mobile digital classroom designed and implemented by the TSL Foundation and supported by CROCS India Launched under the patronage of MLA Prasad Lad's Mee Mumbai Abhiyan Abhiman Pratishthan, the launch event witnessed the esteemed presence of several prominent public representatives and senior BMC officials, underscoring the project's broad institutional support. Distinguished guests included MLAs Shri Satyajit Shivajirao Deshmukh (Baatish Shirala, Sangli), Shri Pankaj Rajesh Boyar (Wardha), Shri Manda Vijay Mhatre (Belapur), Shri Ram Kadam (Ghatkopar West), and Shri Parinay Fuke (Nagpur City), along with MLCs Smt. Chitra Wagh, Shri Pravin Darekar, and Shri Prasad Lad. Senior officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also graced the occasion, including Shri Bhushan Gagarani (Municipal Commissioner), Dr. Prachi Jambhekar (Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Education), and Shri Arun Kshirsagar (Assistant Commissioner, F North Ward). Their participation not only added gravitas to the inauguration but also signalled the growing convergence of political leadership and civic administration in enabling grassroots innovation for digital empowerment. The Bright Bus is a flagship project that exemplifies the TSL Foundation's approach: designing grassroots innovations that are dignified, scalable, and backed by institutional leadership. A Model for Scalable, Politically Backed CSR Innovation Over the past year, TSL Foundation has led a new wave of socially conscious innovations, with projects across education, healthcare, environment, and women's empowerment. From climate-controlled mobile learning labs to AI-powered water kiosks, the Foundation's work consistently garners support from state governments, high performing businesses, and multilateral institutions. "Projects like Bright Bus showcase how technology, governance, and compassion can come together to serve those who need it most," said CM Devendra Fadnavis during the inauguration. Bridging the Digital Divide, One Community at a Time "The Bright Bus is a reflection of our vision for a digitally empowered Mumbai--one where no child or citizen is left behind due to lack of access," said MLA Prasad Lad, "Through strategic collaborations with TSL Foundation and Crocs, we are turning intent into impact and ensuring government and private efforts reach the grassroots in real, measurable ways. Outfitted with projectors, sound systems, 20 computer terminals, and air-conditioning, the Bright Bus will: * Provide digital learning to children in five BMC schools each morning * Transform into a mobile government services help desk by afternoon * Offer digital literacy workshops, storytelling sessions, and skilling modules across Mumbai's underserved areas "The Bright Bus is not just a classroom on wheels--it's a symbol of access, inclusion, and opportunity," said Sahil Arora, Founder & CEO of TSL Group. Smt. Apoorva Sharma, Executive Director, TSL Foundation mentioned "With the support of Hon'ble CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis and forward-thinking partners like Crocs, we resonate the idea of CSR moving beyond compliance and into the realm of transformational impact." This hybrid model blends education and e-governance support--ensuring vulnerable populations are not left behind in India's digital transformation. At TSL, we believe in walking the talk when it comes to community impact. Our collaboration with CROCS on the Bright Bus represents the kind of innovation-led CSR we stand for--practical, scalable, and deeply human," said Adesh Gupta, Director-Advisory Board, TSL About TSL Foundation TSL Foundation is one of India's fastest-growing hybrid organizations working at the intersection of CSR consulting, grassroots implementation, and social innovation. Headquartered in Gurgaon with operations in 18+ states, the Foundation works with leading corporates, government agencies, and global partners to design and implement high-impact development programs. To learn more about TSL Foundation's work, visit:
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation: What happened between 1pm and 4:30pm? Ex-VP's sudden exit fuels speculations about 'other' reasons
Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar NEW DELHI: Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation as Vice President citing health reasons with two years remaining in his five-year term, has sparked intense speculation and conspiracy theories. Dhankhar is only the third Vice President to resign before completing his term, after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman. His unexpected exit on the first day of Parliament's Monsoon Session has left political observers searching for deeper explanations beyond "health reasons". What happened in 3 hours? The timeline of events on Dhankhar's final day in office has become a subject of particular scrutiny. The opposition's skepticism was further fueled by the fact that Dhankhar had shown no signs of health concerns during his morning interactions with senior leaders. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted sequence of events, suggesting that "something very serious" must have transpired between 1pm to 4:30pm. "Yesterday, Shri Jagdeep Dhankar chaired the Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha at 12:30 PM. It was attended by most members, including Leader of the House JP Nadda and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju . After some discussion, the BAC decided to meet again at 4:30 PM," he said. "At 4:30 PM, the BAC reassembled under the chairmanship of Shri Jagdeep Dhankar. It waited for Shri Nadda and Shri Rijiju to arrive. They never came. Shri Jagdeep Dhankar was not personally informed that the two senior Ministers were not attending. Rightly, he took umbrage and rescheduled the BAC for today (July 22) at 1 PM," the Congress leader said in the post. "So something very serious happened yesterday between 1 PM and 4:30 PM to account for the deliberate absence of Shri Nadda and Shri Rijiju from the second BAC yesterday," he added. The Justice Varma link Adding another layer to the intrigue was Dhankhar's final official act – allowing the submission of a motion for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad high court. This unprecedented move gave him equal authority as the Lok Sabha Speaker in selecting members for the judicial inquiry panel. The timing was particularly noteworthy as it came just a day after the government had announced that the Lok Sabha would initiate proceedings against the HC judge. Dhankhar has been very vocal about his criticism over judiciary. From calling the Supreme Court's use of Article 142 a 'nuclear missile against democratic forces' to openly criticizing the collegium system and commenting on alleged cash recovered from Justice Varma's residence, his rhetoric was viewed as controversial. The governing party had also seemed surprised when he allowed LoP in RS Mallikarjun Kharge to speak at length on the alleged security lapse that enabled the terrorists at Pahalgam to conduct their deadly carnage and US President Donald Trump's claims to have dragged India to the negotiation table during Operation Sindoor. Sources say treasury benches felt that as the chairman, Dhankhar should have allowed Kharge to have his say only during the debate that is set to happen. The 'Nitish theory' Adding fuel to the speculative fire, Bihar's RJD alleged that Dhankhar's resignation was part of a BJP ploy to edge out Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. RJD's Akhtarul Islam Shahin claimed it was a conspiracy to "shunt Nitish Kumar to the politically insignificant post of Vice President" ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. While this theory has been brushed aside by NDA leaders in Bihar, Dhankhar's exit is being interpreted not just in Delhi but also in poll-bound Bihar as a potentially strategic political recalibration. What BJP said The BJP has moved to counter opposition narratives about the resignation. JP Nadda addressed the controversy surrounding the missed BAC meeting, stating that both he and Rijiju had properly informed the Vice President's office about their inability to attend the afternoon session. "The Vice President's office was intimated about our inability to attend the meeting," said Nadda, the Union health minister and BJP president, when asked about Ramesh's claims. What next? While the Constitution mandates that a Presidential vacancy must be filled within six months, there is no specific timeframe for filling a Vice-Presidential vacancy. The only constitutional requirement is that the election should be conducted "as soon as practicable" after the position becomes vacant. The Election Commission will determine and announce the election schedule, which will be conducted according to the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952. Following established practice, the Secretary General of either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha is appointed as the Returning Officer on a rotational basis.
