Latest news with #VinodGoyal
Hans India
25-07-2025
- Hans India
ED attaches properties for embezzlement of Bhiwani Municipal Council funds
Chandigarh: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Chandigarh Zonal Office, on Friday provisionally attached immovable properties of approximately Rs 3.46 crore in the case of embezzlement of government funds belonging to the Municipal Council of Bhiwani in Haryana. Out of the attached properties, assets of Rs 2.30 crore belong to Ran Singh Yadav, former President of the Municipal Council and the mastermind of the embezzlement. The remaining assets belong to other middlemen and co-conspirators, the ED said in a statement. The ED initiated investigation on the basis of an first information report (FIR) registered by Bhiwani Police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code against various officials of Municipal Council, officials of a private bank and other private people for embezzlement of the government funds of the Municipal Council that was allocated for various civic projects. The ED investigation revealed that the significant amount of Rs 12.97 crore of government funds were misappropriated and siphoned off through fraudulent transfers to bank accounts of private firms by conspiring with other officials of the Municipal Council and the bank officials of Axis Bank. Notably, the recipient firms were not allotted any work orders by the Municipal Council. The ED had earlier issued attachment order attaching immovable properties of Vinod Goyal (middleman) and Nitesh Agarwal (Axis Bank Manager), to the tune of Rs 3.99 crore and the same has been confirmed by the adjudicating authority under the PMLA. Further investigation is under progress, said the ED. The ED is a law enforcement and economic intelligence agency of the Central government. Established on May 1, 1956, the ED is responsible for enforcing economic laws and combating financial crimes. It operates under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and has headquarters in Delhi. The primary mandate of the ED is to enforce the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).
New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
India's horticulture crops under risk as China restricts supply of plant nutrients
After shocking India's automobile sector by restricting rare earth magnets, China has now imposed restrictions on the supply of important Water-Soluble Fertilisers (WSF) ingredients used by India's horticulture sector. WSF, a class of fertilisers easily absorbed by plants, is applied through drip irrigation, sprinklers, or foliar spray, delivering nutrients directly to the leaves or plant instead through the soil. The restriction could jeopardise the viability of India's horticulture industry, which is larger than the country's grain economy and contributes around one-third to the agricultural GDP. The major horticulture crops that would be impacted are grapes, pomegranates, bananas, and polyhouse farming, where exotic fruits and vegetables are grown for exports. Moreover, foliar spray is also being used on crops like wheat to sustain nutrients. Over the past two months, China has invoked the China Inspection Quarantine (CIQ) -- an opaque inspection delay tactic -- which has sharply declined the supply of essential ingredients such as Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP), Calcium Nitrate (CN), and Potassium Nitrate (PN). India relies on China for approximately 80 per cent of its speciality fertiliser imports during peak seasons; however, data shows that imports have nosedived. For instance, the import of MAP was 12,525 MT in 2023 and 21,214 MT in 2024, but it declined to 2,842 MT as of June 1. Similarly, CN imported in India from China was 223,941 MT in 2023, and it dipped to 49,311 MT till June 2025. The import of PN was 27,913 MT in 2024, which reduced to 16,837 MT. 'China has put a soft blockade through CIQ, which unofficially banned India while continuing to supply it to other countries,' said Vinod Goyal, Secretary of the Soluble Fertiliser Industry Association (SFIA). India relies on China, importing over 80 per cent of the total required 4 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of ingredients due to the better quality and competitive prices offered by China compared to other producers in the Middle East countries and Russia. Lalitkumar Periwal, one of the local manufacturers of WSF in Gujarat, said the country has only two months of stock. 'China had also put restrictions in 2023 but removed them in 2024 when we imported a record amount, which supported us in 2025, but again it put restrictions,' said Periwal. He emphasised the need for immediate policy intervention, such as removing WSF from the Essential Commodities Act to allow local manufacturing. Goyal also underlined concern like the existing disparity on policy is encouraging import from China while local manufacturers face huge hurdle. 'Chinese products can be supplied in any state with one license while domestic manufacturers need multiple licenses in every State, which restricts Make in India products,' he said. India's horticulture sector is key to agricultural growth and needs to be protected. While it has grown to cover over 13 per cent of cropped land, it contributes to around one-third of the country's agricultural GDP. Additionally, it surpassed the country's grain production. Following are countries where India import ingredients for Water Soluble Fertilisers. Product Major Supplier Countries MAP China, Russia, Korea Calcium Nitrate China, Russia Mono Potassium Phosphate China Potassium Nitrate China, Chile, Jordan Potassium Sulphate China, Egypt, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, KSA Boronated Calcium Nitrate China
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Pre-monsoon rains trigger waterlogging in Doon again
1 2 3 Dehradun: The pre-monsoon showers on Sunday left several key stretches waterlogged in Dehradun, particularly in areas such as Prince Chowk, GMS Road, and ISBT, where infrastructure work is ongoing. Residents expressed their growing concern over the city's recurring drainage issues ahead of the full onset of monsoon. "There was severe waterlogging in Arhat Market last year, and just last week, rains flooded our godowns again. There is no improvement despite repeated complaints," said Vinod Goyal of the Arhat Market Association. Saharanpur Road remains another chronic problem point, flooding every time it rains heavily. In Rajender Nagar, locals echoed similar sentiments. "Civic authorities claim they cleaned the drains, but only half of them were cleared. The debris continues to choke them. Even the removed waste is left unattended and uncleared, which eventually flows back into the drains," said DD Arora, a resident. "Our domestic help could not make it to work today as her locality near Bindal remained flooded. These are annual issues that are not being addressed," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Commuters near Prince Chowk, where drainage has long been a concern, also struggled with the aftermath of Sunday's rainfall. "The roadside has been left dug up due to ongoing work. The biggest challenge with waterlogging and unfinished work is not knowing which spots are dangerous. It's very risky for two-wheelers and pedestrians to navigate these areas," said Sharad Kumar, a regular commuter. Officials maintained that efforts are ongoing and that the irrigation department had proposed a drainage project near Prince Chowk, with an estimated cost of Rs 34 crore, but it is yet to receive clearance from the govt. Municipal commissioner Namami Bansal said that three complaints were received on Sunday related to issues in inner streets. "The situation is better compared to previous years. Our pre-monsoon cleanup efforts paid off, and work is underway to ensure there is minimal waterlogging in the city," she said. Meanwhile, Sunday's downpour also led to the collapse of trees in Jakhan and Seema Dwar. No casualties were reported, and traffic movement was restored promptly.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
No progress in Arhat Market relocation, poor infra at current site leaves traders in lurch
1 2 Dehradun: The Rs 126-crore Arhat Market relocation project, proposed to potentially decongest and widen the Saharanpur Road in Dehradun, has been facing persistent delays with traders alleging a lack of progress and communication from authorities on shop allotment. The 150-year-old wholesale grain market, located near key city entry points such as Hanuman Chowk, Darshini Gate, and the Dehradun railway station, was once a prime commercial hub. However, with wide shops and large vehicles, it now impedes vehicle flow, leaving commuters stranded for long periods, prompting repeated calls for its relocation. Nearly 200 traders, for over 15 years, have been demanding civic authorities to shift the market to an alternate site so their business can flourish without inconveniencing commuters. Traders of the wholesale market were relieved with the state govt's nod to the relocation of the bazaar in 2023, but they claim that very little progress has been made so far. "Whatever we know about the project is from the media. There has been no formal communication in months and shop allotment has not been discussed yet. This is not a one-day exercise. The future of more than 150 traders is at stake," said Vinod Goyal, secretary of the Arhat Market committee. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ten aparat słuchowy może zmienić wszystko w 2025 roku GEERS Undo The current site also suffers from poor infrastructure, especially during monsoon, when flooding damages warehouses and the produce. Traders fear yet another cycle of losses, as the existing drainage system in the area has been ineffective for years. Meanwhile, officials from MDDA claim that work is progressing at the new site along Haridwar bypass road. "In a couple of months, we will begin the allotment process, and by the end of the year, the relocation should be majorly done. Once that happens, the current site will be demolished, and PWD will carry out the road widening project," said MDDA executive engineer Sunil Kumar. The relocation is important in light of the proposed road widening from the current 16m to 24m covering the stretch between Saharanpur Chowk and Tehsil Chowk. However, the new site's proximity to the Bindal flood plain zone has raised environmental concerns with activists warning of ecological damage and future hazards. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
