Latest news with #Supriya
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘No time for life': Andhra Pradesh's new 10-hour work rule slammed by employees
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to raise the maximum working hours from nine to 10 per day in a move that has led to outrage and backlash on social media. This decision from the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh will allow private companies and factories to increase their maximum working hours to 10 per day, up one hour from the earlier nine. The decision to increase working hours from 9 to 10 has drawn criticism (Representational image) {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} As per a PTI report, the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister K Parthasarathy said that it has been decided to amend labour laws to make them 'favourable' to workers and investors. {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} However, workers on social media struggled to see how increased working hours would be 'favourable' for them. The move has also drawn the ire of trade unions, Criticism of 10 hours per day policy {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} On social media, users said that increased work hours would benefit only business owners at the cost of employees. Many were of the opinion that private companies would implement 10 hours as mandatory policy, further affecting work-life balance. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} On social media, users said that increased work hours would benefit only business owners at the cost of employees. Many were of the opinion that private companies would implement 10 hours as mandatory policy, further affecting work-life balance. {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} 'Good for financial growth. What about mental health? 10 hrs work, 2 hrs travelling, 8 hrs sleep, you have to do everything in left 4 hours,' wrote X user Ankit. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} 'Good for financial growth. What about mental health? 10 hrs work, 2 hrs travelling, 8 hrs sleep, you have to do everything in left 4 hours,' wrote X user Ankit. {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} 'So the Andhra Pradesh govt thinks longer hours = better productivity? No, it means exploitation. More hours, same pay, worse lives. Workers deserve dignity, not burnout,' X user Supriya opined. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} 'So the Andhra Pradesh govt thinks longer hours = better productivity? No, it means exploitation. More hours, same pay, worse lives. Workers deserve dignity, not burnout,' X user Supriya opined. {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} Several people said the move will lead to overworked employees who have no time to spend with family. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} Several people said the move will lead to overworked employees who have no time to spend with family. {{/usCountry}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} '9 hours of working itself was a lot and they still increased it. Overworking your employees has tickled down effects, people will have no time to spend with their families. AP fertility rate is already falling rapidly & you're disincentivizing people from having/raising kids,' an X user said. {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Others noted how maximum working hours in parts of India are already more than the global average of 8 hours per day. 'The Government is hand in glove with the corrupt corporations that want to exploit cheap labour,' a user said. Dozens of people wondered whether increased working hours would come with an accompanying pay raise. What the AP government says "Because of this (amendments to labour laws), investors in factories will (come to our state). These labour rules will be favourable for labourers and they will come to invest more. Globalisation is happening in every state. These amendments were brought to implement global rules," said Minister K Parthasarathy. {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Further, the minister observed that the cabinet has also relaxed night shift rules to enable more women to work in the night shifts. According to the I&PR Minister, women were not allowed to work in the night shifts earlier but now they can work with safeguards such as consent, transport facility, security and surveillance. Opposition slams move Meanwhile, K Ramakrishna, State Secretary of CPI, opposed the NDA alliance government's stand on labour laws amendments. He alleged that the Central and state governments are working against the interests of workers. "For the past 11 years, the Modi government has repeatedly taken measures that infringe upon workers' rights in India," Ramakrishan told PTI on Saturday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Dhanushkodi lagoon is declared a greater flamingo sanctuary to protect migratory birds and local biodiversity
A 5.3 sq km (524.8 ha) lagoon in Dhanushkodi, considered a crucial stopover along the Central Asian Flyway supporting migratory birds, was declared a greater flamingo sanctuary. Chief Minister M K Stalin made the announcement on June 5 during the World Environment Day celebrations held in Chennai. "The lagoon also supports large populations of herons, egrets, sandpipers, terns, Kentish plovers, Hanuman plovers, and both greater and lesser flamingos," says Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu. "The area, located at the southern tip of Rameswaram Island and known for its unique landscape of sand dunes, marshes, and mangrove forests, serves as a crucial feeding and roosting ground for these birds. It also doubles as a nursery for fish, molluscs, and crustaceans that depend on the area for their early development, thereby supporting local fisheries. " During the most recent wetland bird census, 10,761 birds were recorded in the area, representing 128 species, both migratory and resident, says Supriya. In addition, the Dhanushkodi beach is an important nesting site for turtles. On the botanical front, the area harbours 47 recorded plant species, including important mangrove types such as Avicennia and Rhizophora. These mangroves are instrumental in stabilising the coastline, preventing erosion, and buffering the impact of storm surges. They also offer shelter to marine organisms and birds. The broader diversity of plants, including herbs, shrubs, and trees, creates a vibrant ecosystem that supports insects, birds, and small mammals. By designating the area as a bird sanctuary, the govt aims to provide formal protection to both resident and migratory bird species and their habitats. The declaration is also expected to bolster conservation efforts for the region's varied ecosystems, ensuring their long-term ecological integrity. "We hope to promote public awareness about wetland conservation and the importance of protecting migratory birds," says Supriya. "Responsible tourism practices may also emerge, potentially leading to employment opportunities for local communities while preserving one of Tamil Nadu's most delicate ecological hotspots."
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tamil Nadu's multi-crore mission: How 300 villagers and 8,500 reef blocks aim to save a sinking island, and create jobs too
Soon, villagers from Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin won't just be heading to the sea for fishing. They'll be diving underwater to help save an island that's slowly vanishing. The Tamil Nadu government has kicked off a Rs 50 crore project to revive Kariyachalli Island, one of the 21 fragile islands in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. This ambitious project is part of the TNSHORE programme (Tamil Nadu Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources), aimed at fighting climate change, preserving marine life, and creating stable livelihoods for coastal communities. What's special about Kariyachalli? Kariyachalli Island may be small, but it's mighty important. Tucked between India and Sri Lanka, it acts like a natural shield, protecting the coast from storms and tsunamis. It proved its worth during the 2004 tsunami, absorbing much of the impact. The island is surrounded by rich coral reefs and seagrass beds that provide food, shelter, and livelihood to thousands of fisherfolk. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubra o valor de qualquer imóvel — basta digitar o endereço! Valor da casa | Anúncios de pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo But there's a big problem, the island is disappearing. Since 1969, it has lost over 70% of its land, shrinking from nearly 21 hectares to just 6 hectares by 2018. Scientists say this is due to rising sea levels and damage to its coral reefs and seagrass beds. A creative solution below the surface To fix this, the government will place 8,500 specially-designed artificial coral reef modules in the sea. Created by IIT Madras, these trapezoid-shaped structures made of ferrocement and steel will be dropped underwater by 300 trained villagers. The goal? To stop erosion, calm wave energy, trap sediment, and let nature take over. Live Events 'These structures will not only protect the shoreline but also create new homes for marine life. We'll plant corals on them and monitor their growth,' said Supriya Sahu, the environment secretary. Each module weighs around three tonnes and has holes that let nutrients flow through. They're expected to attract marine organisms, reduce wave strength, and over time, grow into living coral reefs. This model was tried successfully at Vaan Island, where, within five years, land returned, waters became shallower, and 37 coral species started thriving again. Dugongs, corals and tourism hopes The plan at Kariyachalli includes restoring two acres of coral reef and three acres of seagrass, both crucial for storing carbon, supporting biodiversity, and preventing the shoreline from washing away. A healthy seagrass bed might also lure back dugongs (gentle sea cows) that feed on it. 'A thriving ecosystem could lead to eco-tourism opportunities,' said Supriya. 'But if we don't act now, the island might be gone by 2030.' Coral growth is a slow process, about 1 cm a year, so patience and constant care are key. Marine expert R Ramasubramanian from the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation stressed that only heat-resistant coral species should be planted to survive warmer waters. Even if some corals die, new colonies can grow in their place. Villagers: the ocean heroes Local fishers from nearby Sippikulam and Pattinamaruthoor villages will be trained to help place the reef structures and support other parts of the conservation project. The state also hopes to create alternative jobs through eco-tourism and related services, giving villagers a new role as guardians of the ocean. If successful, this could be a shining example of how community effort, science, and nature can work together to fight climate change, one coral at a time. Inputs from TOI
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'Bringing an island back to life': TN govt's Rs 50 crore effort to restore Kariyachalli with 8,500 reef modules, local divers
Artificial coral reef modules that will protect the island's shoreline Villagers from Tuticorin will soon be diving into the sea, not for recreation, but as part of a bigger mission to help revive a vanishing island in the Gulf of Mannar. The Tamil Nadu govt has launched a Rs 50cr conservation project to restore Kariyachalli Island, one of 21 ecologically fragile islands in the rapidly eroding Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. The initiative, part of the TN Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources (TNSHORE) programme, aims to boost climate resilience, preserve marine biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. Located off Tuticorin coast, Kariyachalli island, a small strip between India and Sri Lanka, serves as a natural barrier against cyclones and tsunamis, a function brought into focus during the 2004 tsunami. The island is surrounded by rich coral reefs and seagrass beds that support diverse marine life and provide livelihood support to thousands of small-scale fisherfolk. The island, however, has lost more than 71% of its land area, shrinking from 20.85ha in 1969 to 5.97ha in 2018, due to sea level rise and degradation of surrounding coral reefs and sea-grass. Under this initiative, the govt will use 8,500 multipurpose artificial coral reef modules — designed by IIT Madras based on wave dynamicsand bathymetry studies — to protect the island's shoreline, reduce wave energy and increase sediment deposition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wolsztyn: ten aparat słuchowy może zmienić wszystko w 2025 roku GEERS Undo 'These are ferrocementand-steel trapezoidal structures. Corals will be placed on them and the structures submerged. We will be roping in 300 local fishing villagers to dive in, to place these structures. The heights will vary based on terrain. The growth of corals will be monitored regularly,' says environment secretary Supriya Sahu. The modules, three tonnes each and perforated to support nutrient flow, are expected to act as wave breaks and create marine habitats. The island's water depths too have been reduced to half a metre from 3m years ago, say scientists. This project may help get back land area. The model being used here is similar to the interventions at Vaan Island that began in 2015 and, within five years, led to measurable gains in land area, shallower waters, and coral regrowth involving more than 37 species. At Kariyachalli, plans include scientifically restoring two acres of degraded coral reef and three acres of seagrass beds, ecosystems that play a critical role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation and shoreline protection. 'A good sea-grass cover will invite dugongs (sea cows) which feed on seagrass. It will boost the ecological character of the islands, and also open up eco-tourism initiatives,' says Supriya, adding that if interventions aren't done, the island will be lost by 2030. 'It takes between five and seven years for an artificial reef to mature enough to resemble a natural reef, with corals growing at about 1cm per year. Work will begin in a month.' Heat resilient corals must be grown in the nurseries, says Ramasubramanian R of Coastal and Marine Systems at M S Swaminathan Research Institute. 'Only these can survive rising temperatures. If some corals die as the reef develops, new colonies can emerge. This approach has seen success globally but needs constant monitoring and nurturing of corals in laboratory conditions.' The modules will provide nutrition to organisms attached to them. Placed at 20m gaps, they will also improve fish production. Villagers from Sippikulam and Pattinamaruthoor which are within a 12km radius of the island, will be engaged through capacity building, training, and support for eco-tourism and alternative livelihoods.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ygrene Energy Fund's Supriya Sachar Honored with Prestigious OnCon Icon Top 50 COO Award
MIAMI, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Supriya Sachar, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Ygrene Energy Fund, is recognized for her excellence in financial services, has been awarded the esteemed OnCon Icon Top 50 COO Award. The OnCon Icon Awards celebrate outstanding achievements of top organizations and executives worldwide. This prestigious recognition is determined through peer and community voting. Voters are instructed to select individuals they have seen make a significant impact on their own organization or within the broader industry, contribute to their professional community through thought leadership, drive innovation, and demonstrate exceptional leadership. Supriya's dedication to excellence, innovative practices, and leadership in financial services have set her apart as a top-performing executive. Under Supriya's visionary leadership, Ygrene has emerged as a trailblazer in the PACE financing industry, setting new standards for innovation, consumer protections, and integrity. Her strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to helping property owners reach their property improvement goals have strengthened Ygrene's position as a trusted leader in property improvement financing. With a clear mission and dynamic leadership, Supriya continues to guide the company toward transformative growth, expanding access to affordable solutions that help individuals and communities thrive. For more information about the OnCon Icon Awards and to view the full list of winners, please visit About Ygrene Ygrene, a leading Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) provider in Florida, offers an innovative financing solution for both residential and commercial property upgrades focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Founded in 2010, Ygrene's PACE program is revolutionizing the home improvement industry, making it easier for property owners to invest in their futures and a healthier environment. Ygrene has funded over 125,000 projects nationwide, totaling over $3.2 billion since inception. Ygrene has contributed to thousands of jobs and invested millions into local economies across the U.S. Learn more about Ygrene's financing options and community impact at About OnConferencesOnConferences is a leading organization that connects top professionals across various industries, promoting collaboration, innovation, and thought leadership. Through conferences, awards, and networking opportunities, OnConferences provides a platform for executives and organizations to exchange insights, fostering growth and development within their respective fields. Media Contact:Sarah Andersson515-371-8502396077@ View original content: SOURCE Ygrene Energy Fund Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
