Latest news with #Uniongovt
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Thiruvananthapuram corporation rolls out high-tech drain cleaner
Thiruvananthapuram: In a major push to modernize urban sanitation, the city corporation has added two state-of-the-art jetting-suction machines to its cleaning fleet. The G-Mammoth Four-in-One machines are aimed at improving the cleaning of open drains, septic tanks, sewage pits, and manholes with enhanced efficiency and safety. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The civic body purchased the machines developed by Thiruvananthapuram-based startup Genrobotics Innovations Pvt Ltd. Funded under the Union govt's Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation scheme, the machines have already been deployed to provide quick and effective results, while a third unit is currently in development. Vimal Govind MK, co-founder of Genrobotics Innovations, said it took one and a half years to develop this equipment customized for the city. "The technology is based on our flagship product Bandicoot, which is used for cleaning manholes without depending on manual labour. This upgraded version integrates four key functions to make the cleaning process faster and safer," he said. A senior corporation official said the machines would be especially useful during the monsoon to clear clogged canals and drains. "This is a milestone in our mission for a cleaner, healthier Thiruvananthapuram. The machines are proving to be highly effective in removing clogged waste quickly," the official added. Each G-Mammoth unit is equipped with a high-pressure jetting system that uses powerful water streams to dislodge blockages in drainage systems. The automatic grabber simplifies the removal of solid waste from narrow or congested areas, reducing the need for manual intervention in hazardous environments. The machines also feature a robust suction system to extract sludge and transfer it into a 6,000-litre storage tank, ensuring safe disposal. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now An integrated inspection unit with a camera enables real-time internal monitoring, especially within manholes, improving operational oversight and worker safety. Similar machines were tested successfully in Kochi, known for severe waterlogging and proved effective in tackling the issue. Each unit costs between Rs 70 lakh and Rs 80 lakh and is operated by two trained personnel from Genrobotics. Cleaning operations typically take between 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the site.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
AP begins drive to make oil palm yield profitable
Vijayawada: In a move to make oil palm cultivation profitable, state govt has initiated an extensive farmer awareness programme. A leading oil palm production firm-3F Oil Palm Pvt. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ltd has joined hands with govt in taking up the massive awareness drive. The initiative is being conducted in Eluru, West Godavari, and East Godavari districts, covering a total of 50 villages. Andhra Pradesh is the leading producer of oil palm in the country. The program focuses on educating farmers about best practices in oil palm farming, including agronomy techniques, input management, disease control, and sustainable harvesting methods. Through interactive sessions, demonstrations, and expert consultations, the campaign seeks to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to increase productivity and profitability. India currently imports over 60% of its edible oil requirements, with annual imports exceeding 13 million tonnes. To counter this, Union govt launched the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) with the goal of bringing an additional 6.5 lakh hectares under oil palm cultivation by 2025–26. A senior horticulture official said that Andhra Pradesh plays a pivotal role in this mission as it contributes more than 60% of India's total oil palm cultivation. With over 1.5 lakh hectares currently under oil palm yield, the state is a key driver in reducing dependency on imports and enhancing domestic production. "This joint effort underscores the commitment of both 3F Oil Palm and the horticulture department to boost the oil palm sector in the state and contribute to the larger goal of self-reliance in edible oil production. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The program is expected to directly benefit hundreds of farmers, creating a ripple effect in improving oil palm cultivation standards across the region," said Srinivas Rao Kilari, head of agricultural unit at 3F Oil Palm Pvt. Ltd. It is noted that the company has been engaged in oil palm development program in India since the project commenced in the early 1990s. Due to its continued vision towards this project, they have invested in, and are actively carrying out operations in five states in the country.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Centre declares Goa 100% literate, becomes fourth to achieve status
Panaji: On Goa's 39th statehood day on Friday, Union govt declared Goa as a fully literate state under the Ullas-new India literacy programme. Goa became one of four states to achieve this status. Goa achieved a literacy rate of 99.7%, which far exceeds the benchmark of 95% required for declaring a state as fully literate, as stipulated by Union govt under the new India literacy programme. A total of 82 panchayats declared 100% literacy, 33 panchayats declared 95% to 99% literacy, and one municipality confirmed 99% literacy. Of the remaining 76 panchayats and 13 municipalities, including a municipal corporation, a total of 6,299 illiterate individuals were identified. Of these, 2,136 showed interest in learning and successfully completed the entire learning phase, while 4,164 were unwilling for various reasons, including age, medical, and other grounds. With this, Goa achieved a literacy rate of 99.7%. 'Under the Ullas scheme, it is the first time that govt of India has defined literacy and the criteria to declare full literacy of any state and UT. Goa has now met those criteria and is proud to announce itself as fully literate,' said Archana Sharma Awasthi, joint secretary, department of school education and literacy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo She stated that this is an inspiring achievement and sets an example for the rest of the country. Awasthi mentioned that the scheme is a motivation and hope for those aged 15 and above who missed the opportunity to go to school and were left behind in literacy. 'This scheme, launched in April 2022, provides them with the chance to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society,' she said. Awasthi also noted that determining full literacy in Goa was exhaustive, as they surveyed even the smallest villages to identify and educate the illiterate. 'According to the PLFS report, which is an NSSO report for 2023-2024, Goa's literacy rate is 93.6%, which is among the highest in the country, with both male and female populations scoring well. However, as per their own survey, Goa has now achieved much more than that and has crossed 99%,' said Awasthi. Chief minister Pramod Sawant said, 'This will help the state increase its happiness index. Govt is working to increase the happiness index'. State govt mentioned that for those still willing to learn, the education department will make plans. Sawant noted that individuals as old as 80 learned and passed the exam. He also mentioned that state govt's next target is to make Goa a 100% TB-free state.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PM Modi opens 13 railway stations revamped for 130cr
Chennai: The St Thomas Mount railway station in Chennai was redeveloped at a cost of 11 crore under Union govt's Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. It is among 13 stations in the Southern Railway zone that were modernized under the scheme at 130 crore. Virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the upgraded facility now features improved concourse flow, upgraded passenger amenities, better multimodal connectivity, and revamped platform infrastructure. Union minister of state for information and broadcasting L Murugan and state MSME minister T M Anbarasan were present at the event. However, on day one, crowding at the newly introduced AC ticket counter near the Ravi Soda factory gate highlighted a mismatch between design and usage. Commuters were forced to queue in the open under the sun, raising questions about space planning. "It would have been better if the counter was a bit bigger," said Vignesh P, who was waiting in line. Other redeveloped stations include Srirangam, Tiruvannamalai, Mannargudi, Polur, Chidambaram, and Vriddhachalam. Southern Railway officials said each station was reworked to include upgraded seating, LED lighting, drinking water kiosks, disabled-friendly toilets, revamped foot overbridges and subways, and enhanced facades and landscaping. Energy-efficient lighting, CCTV surveillance, and solar panels were also installed. While officials claim that road access, parking bays, pedestrian walkways, and modern signage systems have been improved, early feedback at St Thomas Mount and elsewhere suggests key commuter needs such as shade, last-mile access, and efficient passenger flow remain under-addressed. Redevelopment work is still underway at Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Ariyalur. At several launch events, Southern Railway invited war veterans to join elected representatives and officials on stage, calling it a tribute to service.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Odisha gears up to mark 50 years of crocodile conservation
Kendrapada: The state forest department will mark 50 years of its crocodile conservation project with a week-long celebration starting June 17, on the occasion of . Principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) Prem Sankar Jha said the event will include seminars, workshops, photo exhibitions and competitions to showcase Odisha's achievements in crocodile conservation since 1975. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Launched in collaboration with UNDP/FAO and the Union govt, the project has been a pioneering initiative. Odisha is the only Indian state to host all three crocodile species — gharial, mugger and saltwater crocodile. One of the most notable successes has been at , where saltwater crocodile population has risen from just 95 in 1975 to over 1,800 in 2025. Dr Sudhakar Kar, a noted crocodile expert who helped start the programme with Australian herpetologist HR Bustard, said, "The conservation of crocodiles is not a passing fad, but a mission." The programme initially focused on collecting eggs during the monsoon and raising hatchlings in protected facilities at Dangmal. However, the success has brought new challenges. "We're now concerned about in Bhitarkanika," Dr Kar said. Barricades have been set up at river ghats in Bhitarkanika and locals are regularly warned about entering water bodies. Forest officials have now scaled back egg collection and release programmes as saltwater crocodile population has reached saturation point, focusing instead on research and management of human-wildlife conflict.
