Latest news with #UnityMall
India Today
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Mass tree felling: Jaipur youth rally to save Dol Ka Baadh, city's green lungs
A wave of youth-led activism is sweeping Jaipur as the 'Save Dol Ka Baadh' campaign gains momentum, with hundreds of young professionals and environmentalists rallying to protect one of the city's last major green campaign, which has seen daily protests and a surge in social media support, is a direct response to government-backed plans to clear nearly 100 acres of dense forest for the construction of the Prime Minister's Unity Mall and other commercial Ka Baadh, often called the 'green lungs' of south Jaipur, is home to over 2,400 mature trees—including the ecologically vital Khejri—and more than 80 species of birds and native wildlife. Activists warn that the ongoing felling of trees and construction activities threaten not only biodiversity but also the city's air quality and ecological balance. Protestors have geo-tagged trees and documented evidence of those already cut, alleging that construction work continues behind blue tin barricades, sometimes even after sunset to avoid public campaign echoes similar recent movements in Indian cities, where urban forests have come under threat from rapid campaigners point out the irony that several political leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, had previously championed Dol Ka Baadh's preservation while in opposition, but have remained silent since assuming repeated appeals and petitions, activists claim their concerns have gone unheeded by the Rajasthan government and RIICO, the state industrial development agency overseeing the project. Tensions escalated earlier this month when police detained four protestors, including campaign leader Ashutosh Ranka, during a peaceful argue that while the proposed Unity Mall aims to celebrate tribal heritage, its construction comes at the cost of irreplaceable urban biodiversity. 'We're not against development, but it should not come at the expense of our city's ecological future,' said Shaurya, a campaign added, "Diya Kumari, when she was in the opposition, had supported the campaign to save the Dol Ka Baadh but now that she is the Deputy Chief Minister, she is not paying heed to our repeated pleas."
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kerala setting a new benchmark for investment promotion, project implementation: Rajeeve
Four projects for which expression of interests (EOIs) have been received at the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS) in Kochi this February commenced in April. The projects have a total outlay of ₹1,211 crore. Meanwhile, foundation stone will be laid this month for eight projects coming up at an investment of ₹2,675 crore. The four projects have the potential to generate 3,050 jobs. As many as 8,800 jobs will be created by the eight projects. Disclosing this at a press conference here on Wednesday, Minister for Industries P. Rajeeve said this affirmed Kerala's standing as a premier investment destination with increased investor trust in the government. He said another five projects, with an outlay of over ₹1,000 crore and the potential to generate 2,400 jobs, were slated to begin in June. 'By combining transparent digital tools, decentralised execution, and policy reform, Kerala is setting a new benchmark for investment promotion and project implementation in the country,' he said. Among the major proposals that came up at the IKGS, the Genome Valley at Life Sciences Park with an investment of ₹3,800 crore in Thiruvananthapuram will commence construction shortly while Unity Mall in Thiruvananthapuram will be inaugurated in November, the Minister said. A dedicated advisory group, chaired by the Minister, has been formed for monitoring project implementation, coordinating across departments and resolving issues. A policy reform meeting chaired by the Chief Minister is scheduled for June. The meeting will address the procedural and policy bottlenecks that affect investment implementation and focus on improving the overall ease of doing business. A portal, has been launched to create a database of land available in the State for industrial purposes, the Minister said. The portal will function like a matchmaking website where those who have land available for industrial purposes can list information, Mr. Rajeeve said. Another portal, developed by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, will provide investors and departments updates and information about each proposal's implementation status. It also features a monthly progress report to ensure transparency and stakeholder accountability. Around 450 EOIs have been received at the IKGS, for which over 370 project-level meetings have been conducted so far, and updated status reports and photographs have been uploaded on the dashboard of the IKGS portal.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
40-day ‘Fun Fair Exhibition' at Dasara grounds to begin on Friday
In a move to transform the Dasara Exhibition Grounds in Mysuru into a vibrant, year-round venue, the Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) will be launching a 40-day-long 'Fun Fair Exhibition' on Friday, and it will conclude on June 17. KEA chairman Ayub Khan announced on Thursday that the exhibition will be open to the public daily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Entry is priced at ₹50 for adults and ₹30 for children aged above five. A key attraction of the fair is a replica of the iconic Niagara Falls, along with amusement games, commercial stalls, food courts, and special lighting displays. Traditionally active only during the annual Dasara festivities, the exhibition grounds are now being positioned as a multi-purpose venue for hosting exhibitions, cultural events, shows, weddings, and other activities throughout the year. The fun fair is part of the KEA's broader vision to make the space more dynamic and accessible throughout the year. The KEA had urged the Deputy Commissioner to consider centralising all city expos at the Dasara grounds, citing the site's infrastructure, ample parking, and basic amenities as key advantages. The authority proposed making it mandatory for expos to be held at the exhibition grounds rather than at various scattered venues in the city. In a further boost to Mysuru's development, the KEA is also working to bring a Unity Mall to the city. The Central government has allocated ₹193 crore to the State for establishing such malls aimed at promoting local products and crafts.
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Handloom sector enters golden era under current government
Kurnool: Minister for BC Welfare, Handlooms & Textiles S. Savitha stated that Andhra Pradesh's handloom sector is experiencing a golden era under the current government. She made this remark during the virtual bhoomi puja of 175 MSME parks across the state, including the foundation laid for a park in Banavasi, Yemmiganur mandal. Savitha emphasized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's commitment to weavers, noting that the previous government neglected their welfare. The current government has already provided 200 units of free electricity for handlooms and 500 for power looms. Multiple weaver clusters have been sanctioned with ₹348 crore allocated for development. Monthly exhibitions and upcoming skill development centers—including one in Yemmiganur—are also part of the plan. Eligible weavers will receive frame looms at 90% subsidy, and a ₹5 crore thrift fund is being set up. She highlighted the inauguration of Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam, built at ₹172 crore, where handloom products will be displayed year-round. Plans are also underway for a handloom health policy, pension hikes, and a comprehensive Mega Textile Park. Minister TG Bharath credited the Yemmiganur MLA for the park's sanction. In the first phase, 22 acres will be developed in three months, with 50 more acres for textile units and an effluent treatment plant. Minister NMD Farooq said the parks aim to economically empower weavers. Commissioner Rekha Rani shared that ₹6.9 crore was sanctioned for roads and water facilities. Of the 77 acres, 22 will go to weavers, the rest to industries. Identity cards will enable Mudra loans and benefits. Collector P. Ranjith Basha said the district will get MSME parks in all constituencies. Of 14 weaver societies, only 3 are active, and efforts are underway to revive the rest.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Unity Mall to showcase India's diverse products and culture
Visakhapatnam: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid foundation for the construction of Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam at a cost of about Rs 172 crore. Tenders were recently finalised for the project and it is estimated to be completed by March 2026. About five acres of land has been identified along the beach road in Visakhapatnam, near the Rama Naidu studio, which connects Visakhapatnam and Bheemili. Union govt is going to develop the project with Rs 172 crore. The proposed mall is expected to serve as a marketplace, where the 'one district, one product', geographical indications (GI), and a variety of handicrafts, handlooms, and local products will converge. According to the detailed project report (DPR), 36 commercial spaces will be designated, each representing a state or a union territory. These spaces will showcase GI products specific to each region, with architectural styles reflecting the heritage of the respective states or territories. Similarly, the mall will feature 26 retail stores allocated for each district of Andhra Pradesh, promoting local handloom and handicraft products. For example, from Srikakulam district, primary products such as Ponduru Khadi sarees, dhotis, and shirting will be highlighted, while Budithi bell and brass metal crafts, jute work, and cashew kernels will be secondary products. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The mall's design allocates 40% of its floor space to retail. The ground floor includes retail spaces, restrooms, administrative sections, and a service core, with a double-height ceiling at the entrance adding visual appeal. This design extends to the first floor, maintaining continuity in layout. On the second floor, additional amenities include a children's play area, a crèche for new parents, and a gaming centre to attract younger visitors. A restaurant is also incorporated on this floor. The third floor features a museum, a convention-cum-auditorium for corporate events and social gatherings, and a theatre for movie screenings. According to officials, the project design aims to build upon the natural and cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh. "The concept of this Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam revolves around uniting the cultural facets of Andhra Pradesh and other states, bringing together the Indian cultural palette and celebrating cultural diversity . Vizag's Unity Mall follows a circular planning concept to foster unity and social interaction," said an official. The third-floor terrace will house a beach-view food court, with an auditorium situated five metres above. The innovative roof design is expected to complement the overall architectural concept. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Unity Mall initiative in the 2023-24 budget, aimed at promoting local products and cultural diversity across India. Several states have been sanctioned to develop these malls.
