Latest news with #TradeCentre
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Look: When Dubai authorities called for beautifying World Trade Centre roundabout 47 years ago
Dubai's Trade Centre junction, now a bustling economic hub, is home to a massive roundabout, which is a complex of its own, with underpasses and bridges. But it was once just a plain round structure that cars circled around — until Dubai Municipality put out a call for its beautification. It was on August 16 in 1978 that the tender for landscaping of what was then Dubai's biggest roundabout was called. Over four decades later, the constant development still continues — in October 2024, a massive expansion plan including five new bridges worth almost Dh700 million was announced. Here is a look back to how the area has developed: 1981 The landscaping of Dubai's then biggest roundabout began in 1981. The scheme was taken up by Dubai Municipality on a priority basis, which also included the development and beautification of the huge open space in front of the Trade Centre. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The location made the roundabout a focal point of the fast-growing metropolis; its landscaping was of special interest because of the 39-storey Trade Centre Tower on one side and the chain of emerging commercial and industrial complexes in the vicinity. 1986 Due to the importance of the project, the Municipality invited designs from ten leading consulting architects for the entire scheme. Early landscaping was planned in view of the international trade exhibitions to be held at Trade Centre. With the possibility of a flyover in the area being explored, consultants were advised to ensure that the landscaping does not restrict the conceptual scope of the design. 1996 Flyovers and underpasses were added to the roundabout to ease traffic congestion. Elaborate tile murals were installed at the four underpasses, showcasing both traditional Emirati architecture and modern landmarks that define Dubai's evolving cityscape. Another mural, featuring the Dubai Museum and a traditional Bastakiya residence, decorated the abutments of the flyover. 2004 By 2004, the roundabout became one of the busiest intersections in the country, with its landscaped lush greenery contrasting with the surrounding urban skyline. 2008 Although town planners unanimously agreed that pedestrian accessibility to roundabouts were not desirable, there was no way of banning it. Consultants advised a general concept of tolerating pedestrian movement but also suggested ways of restricting it only to certain points where safety could be ensured. 2025 Construction is under way for the new bridges which will span over 5,000 metres in total. It is expected to double the intersection's capacity and cut delay time from 12 minutes to 90 seconds. The existing roundabout will be converted into a surface intersection to improve flow of traffic
Time of India
11-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Baba Vanga's 2025-26 economic crisis warning - Is Donald Trump's trade war making it real?
Baba Vanga prediction 2025: Baba Vanga, the famous Bulgarian mystic, is believed to have accurately predicted some of the world's biggest events, including the 9/11 World Trade Centre attacks and the tragic death of Princess Diana. Among her many forecasts, she also warned of a major economic crisis between 2025 and 2026. Considering the recent trade moves by US President Donald Trump, many now believe this prediction could be on its way to becoming a reality. Trump has recently signed trade agreements with several countries, but at the same time, he has introduced average tariffs of around 20%. For Brazil and India, the tariff rate has been set as high as 50%, shaking global markets and creating uncertainty. Trump's Tough Stance on India Trump, who has often called himself a 'friend' of India, has now taken a strict approach. Not only has he imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, but he has also warned of penalties if India continues to buy oil from Russia. Experts say this move could hit India's energy supply and disrupt its import-export balance, leading to economic pressure. Targeting BRICS Nations The BRICS group – which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – has also been a target of Trump's sharp comments. He has repeatedly questioned the trade and economic policies of these countries, sparking further tension in the global trade environment. Analysts believe such aggressive remarks and actions could make international trade relations even more fragile. Global Markets React with Volatility Following these announcements, global stock markets have seen sharp fluctuations. Investors are becoming more cautious, and many national currencies are under pressure. Market experts warn that if this tariff conflict drags on, it could push the world towards the kind of economic crisis Baba Vanga warned about for 2026. Will Baba Vanga's 2026 Crisis Prediction Come True? Over the years, Baba Vanga's predictions have sparked debate, fascination, and fear. While not all her forecasts have been proven, the unfolding trade tensions have made many wonder if her warning about a massive financial downturn could soon become a reality. The coming months will show whether the world is heading towards one of the most challenging economic periods in recent history. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
RNZ News
09-08-2025
- RNZ News
Taranaki Bunnings manager sentenced for stealing $38k from employer
By Tara Shaskey, Open Justice reporter of Sherwin Ampaguey Tumapang held a managerial position at the Bunnings Bell Block Trade Centre. Photo: Supplied/NZ Herald A manager at a leading retailer pilfered more than $38,000 from his employer over eight months, methodically processing numerous fake refunds that then went into his pocket to fuel his gambling addiction. Sherwin Ampaguey Tumapang, 51, was employed by Bunnings Warehouse as second in charge of its Bell Block Trade Centre in Taranaki. According to a police summary of facts, he stole $38,639.85 from the business between April and November last year. Tumapang's modus operandi was to reprint an invoice and then complete a refund of the purchased items. The process would usually require a second person to verify the refund but due to Tumapang's position, he did not need the additional clearance. On each occasion, he turned off the CCTV covering the till and printer while he printed the invoices and processed the refunds. Tumapang's offending began in April last year when he twice committed the act for varying amounts. He then repeated it twice in May, once in June and July, and then twice again in August. His offending then significantly ramped up in September when he completed nine fraudulent refunds and continued in October with five, and nine again in November. The refunds were processed either as cash, totalling $10,720.03, or Eftpos, totalling $27,919.82, with the same three cards being used for all the Eftpos refunds. Tumapang's actions were eventually detected when a loss prevention analyst completed an audit of refunds, revealing abnormal activity. He was then charged with eight counts of obtaining by deception (over $1000), to which he pleaded guilty. Tumapang told police he had been struggling financially to support his family, "fallen victim" to gambling, and "foolishly made some poor decisions he now regrets". Sherwin Ampaguey Tumapang was sentenced in New Plymouth District Court. Photo: Supplied/NZ Herald On Friday he appeared in New Plymouth District Court for sentencing before Judge Ajit Swaran Singh. The court heard Tumapang had repaid $4000 of the money he stole and was committed to repaying the outstanding amount. In sentencing him, the judge took into account the need for deterrence and denunciation, to hold Tumapang accountable for his offending and the harm caused to Bunnings. He also considered Tumapang's need for rehabilitation, particularly around his gambling addiction, and a presentence report which outlined he had no previous convictions and was a low risk of reoffending, and that a positive restorative justice conference had taken place. Judge Swaran Singh adopted a starting point of 28 months' imprisonment before applying credit for Tumapang's guilty plea, remorse, a restorative justice meeting, motivation to undergo rehabilitation and an offer to pay reparation. He landed on an end sentence of five months of community detention and 12 months of supervision. Tumapang was ordered to repay $34,639 at $25 a week with the condition that when he found employment, the rate would be increased. This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald .
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
WTC Faridabad promoter Ashish Bhalla proposes refund plan for investors before court
By Abhimanyu Sengupta At least 2,224 people, who had invested in the now-stalled Faridabad World Trade Centre (WTC) project, have been chosen for a refund with a court agreeing to a 'refund and settlement plan' proposed by WTC Group promoter Ashish Bhalla, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March on charges of cheating and money laundering. On May 22, a Faridabad court – presided over by Judicial Magistrate First Class Anil Kumar – allowed Bhalla to open an escrow account to facilitate settlements to the investors. The court was hearing FIRs lodged on the basis of complaints filed by investors, who have alleged they have not been handed over developed residential plots as promised. According to the FIR, WTC Faridabad Infrastructure Development Private Limited – of which Bhalla was a promoter – lured buyers into investing in a project at Sector 111-114 in Faridabad, promising residential plot allotments. However, the promoters allegedly orchestrated a criminal conspiracy, failing to complete the project and withholding plot deliveries for over a decade. On March 6, the ED attached assets worth Rs 2,300 crore, including land in Faridabad, and arrested Bhalla. It alleged that he, among other things, had diverted investor funds. On April 7, the court permitted Bhalla to submit a 'resolution plan', which he did on April 15. Based on the plan, a six-member committee, chaired by Justice (retd) Rajiv Narain Raina of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, was set up to oversee the refund process. On May 8, investors endorsed Bhalla's plan in the Faridabad court. The committee met on May 11, 14, and 18, collecting around 200 consent forms from investors. Claims are still being consolidated and submitted to the court. Since the filing of the FIR last November, of these 2,224 investors, 1,045 have already received the settlement, Bhalla's counsel has informed the court. Investors who consented to the refund and settlement process, however, maintain skepticism. 'Until we get our money back and the committee directly engages with us, we cannot say whether the step is good,' said A K Verma (50), a government employee. 'On an individual basis, we gave our consent for the process. Till it happens, what can we say? We are waiting to get back our hard-earned money,' said SK Gupta, another investor.
Spectator
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
The politics of horror
Everyone forgets the actual opening scene of 28 Days Later, even though it's deeply relatable, in that it features a helpless chimp strapped to a table and forced to watch doomreels of ultraviolence until it loses its little monkey mind and eats David Schneider. But it's eclipsed by the famous sequence that follows where Cillian Murphy wakes in a hospital bed to find that he has slept through a deadly pandemic and the ensuing collapse of civilisation. As Murphy drags his not-yet-world-famous cheekbones through an eerily abandoned metropolis, we see Piccadilly plastered with the names and faces of the missing and the dead. Audiences in 2002 were reminded of the recent World Trade Centre attacks, which happened in the middle of filming. Unfortunately, it was about to get a lot more prescient. This week, as the long-awaited last instalment of Alex Garland's zombie trilogy hits cinemas (reviewed in this issue), it's worth looking back on the first two films – the second, 28 Weeks Later, premièred in 2007 – which feel like a 'coming up next' montage for two decades of economic collapse, climate breakdown, civil unrest, carnage and chaos. There's the theatre of quarantine, the masked soldiers swabbing holding pens of survivors. There's Naomie Harris, the original exposition ninja: 'It started as rioting and right from the beginning you knew this was different. Because it was happening in small villages, market towns, and then it wasn't on the TV any more, it was on the street outside… By the time they tried to evacuate the cities it was already too late. The infection was everywhere.' Decent horror does a lot more than scare the audience. It asks us to think about what frightens us, and why. The big three monsters of mass culture are vampires, werewolves and zombies, in descending order of sexiness. I apologise to everyone whose doctoral theses I'm about to comic sansify but, in brief, the big three are essentially ego, id and superego: vampires are about power, exploitation and the nasty suspicion that, given the chance, you, too, might be prepared to hurt other people if it meant getting to flounce about for ever in a mansion. Werewolves are about the monster inside you, about the fear that one day you'll lose control, tear up your life and wake up in the woods with a weird headache and wearing the wrong trousers. But zombies are the most obviously political. Zombies are all about our fear of other people. Terror of the unstoppable mob has been baked into the genre from the beginning. In the 1960s, George Romero's Living Dead franchise caught the mood of the mass protest and played into polite society's fear of the civil-rights movement. In the intervening decades we've been served every flavour of shambling undead, and all of them, even Resident Evil, offer us what looks like a reassuringly simple moral choice. The horde has ceased to be sentient and cannot be reasoned with; there is no way to have a productive debate with someone who actively is trying to chew out your pituitary gland. Which is upsettingly relevant to the recent experience of representative democracy. Garland's ravenous, man-eating mobs of 'infected' are not, technically, undead – they're just very, very cross. The virus spreading unstoppably across the nation is, simply, 'rage'. If you'd pitched that in 2020, it might have felt too on the nose, but Garland has already explicitly told us 28 Years Later is more about Brexit than it is about Covid. Zombie movies aren't just about fear of the mob – they're also about the horror of having to tolerate other people. They're about the price we pay for the notional protections of civilisation, and they're rarely subtle about it, which is fine, because nobody watches monster movies for delicate analogy, and personally I prefer my Hobbesian dilemmas served up with dishy actors dressed mainly in other people's blood panting, screaming and swinging baseball bats. 'Are we the baddies?' is hardly an original thought, but the question will remain relevant until western society comes up with an answer. In the final act of 28 Days Later, it turns out that there are more frightening things than the mindless mob: there is power wielded with ruthless efficiency. There's the cold logic of institutional violence, made flesh in Major Henry West, played with appalling composure by Christopher Eccleston, who shelters our heroes in the apparent safety of his military compound. But West has a problem: his men are despairing, because they have the means of survival, but nothing to hope for. Without women, he explains, there is no future. West's simple solution is to kidnap women and forcibly breed them in exchange for protection from the mob, and while going right to institutional gang-rape might have seemed like a wild escalation in 2002, these days he would be just one YouTube ethno-fascist among many. I suspect we'll be coming back to this theme in the final film, purely on the basis of the trailers, where a suspiciously monochromatic crowd of survivors seems to be doing some sketchy religion on Lindisfarne. Alex Garland is famously genre-queer – skipping provocatively from big-budget disaster movies to contemporary tech thrillers to murder mysteries in space – but he has certain predictable tropes. Something disgusting will always happen to a priest. Someone will be overwhelmed by the implications of technology and have an existential breakdown. There will be a scene full of bristling symbolism, where someone will run through a forest while a hypnotic soft-metal soundtrack plays. A bloviating, overpowered alpha-male type will play god; a brave lady with an edgy short haircut will try to stop him; and a sensitive young man will have to pick a side. Over and over again, in action and science fiction and folk horror, Garland grapples with how men are meant to make women love and serve them. It's the driving issue of Ex Machina and of Men, the 2022 low-budget surrealist horror where Jessie Buckley gets hunted through the woods by far too many Rory Kinnears. And over the course of the century the question has become far less academic. In this age of universal catastrophism, where we all at least get to choose our own apocalypse, some people are far less troubled by plague, famine or financial meltdown than they are by the collapse of certain social norms. Immigration. The active presence of gay and transgender people trampling all over our tidy traditions. And women who don't need men. I was 14 when I watched the final, controversial scenes of 28 Days Later, where the women in Murphy's party are stripped and prepped for their first session with the lads. For these soldiers, women's agency is a luxury that a post-collapse world cannot afford – along with cappuccinos and subtle analogy. A surprising number of new-right doomsayers are anticipating the fall of civilisation on that very basis. The logic of the manosphere teaches us that when the dung hits the Dyson, society will revert to a natural order where men are real men, women are grateful, and most problems can be solved by shooting at them. But the world only works like that in the movies. In fact, as we learned in the Covid years, an actual collective crisis doesn't call for tough guys who shoot first and ask questions never. The real heroes are doctors, nurses and first responders, and when things fall apart, people don't just start eating each other. They start feeding each other.
