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Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Road Caves In, Compound Wall Crashes, House Saved By Metres
Nagpur: A 100m stretch of road in Subhan Nagar, Pardi, once again caved in due to the failure of a massive, British-era trunk sewer line running beneath it. This has created a major safety hazard, filling local residents with uncertainty. The latest cave-in also brought down the compound wall and main gate of a bungalow owned by the Khemnani family, with residents narrowly escaping harm. The collapse, which occurred two days ago, is just the latest in a series of infrastructure failures in the area. Locals say the signs were evident: over a period of three years, two breaches in the same 1,200mm diameter trunk sewer line have been reported. However, only superficial patchwork was carried out by Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) public health engineering (PHE) department. With the arrival of the monsoon, rainwater began seeping into the soil, weakening the already fragile ground and accelerating the collapse. "This is a British-era pipeline. Its joints deteriorated over time, and internal settlement of the pipe causes repeated collapses," said Sanjay Mate, executive engineer of NMC's Lakadganj zone, who confirmed that excavation is underway to access the damaged section. "We earlier replaced two pipes here, but the stretch behind them has now given way. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Making history: These 5 timepieces set world records at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 CNA Read More Undo The compound wall that collapsed was sitting on a friction pile, which became unstable during the excavation," he added. According to Mate, the situation is being treated as an emergency. Work is going on to lay new pipes adjacent to the damaged line, and the area around the affected property is being secured. He reassured that the Khemnani bungalow itself, located around 10–15 feet from the damaged zone, is currently not at risk, and access routes for the residents are being maintained. "We carried out major repairs in 2022 and some five months ago too. This marks the third such collapse in the same zone," Mate admitted. "The end pressure on the tail end of this line is very high, and without an alternative sewer line in place, we're unable to fully replace it at once. We do have a long-term plan to overhaul the entire stretch, but it can't be executed until an alternative line is commissioned." Former corporator Pradip Pohane, who visited the site, expressed concern over the repeated collapses. "This is not an isolated issue. Cracks and subsidence have been reported multiple times, and the authorities failed to take preventive action. Now, even the soil beneath homes and parking areas is giving way," he said. Sources in the PHE department identified at least five vulnerable points along the same sewer line in the Subhan Nagar area, indicating that the problem may be far more widespread than currently visible. Residents are demanding immediate, permanent repairs and a complete overhaul of the century-old sewer infrastructure. They fear that continued reliance on ad-hoc solutions — especially during the monsoon — may soon lead to catastrophic damage. "This is not just about inconvenience. Our lives and homes are at stake," a local resident said. "We need action before another collapse puts lives in danger."
Kuwait Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Swiss watch exports to US soar as time ticks on tariffs
GENEVA: A visitor walks past a large replica of a new Rolex land-dweller model watch displayed by Swiss watch designer and manufacturer Rolex, during the opening day of the 'Watches and Wonders Geneva' luxury watch fair.- AFP ZURICH: Swiss watch exports to the United States soared last month as US President Donald Trump called time out on tariffs, industry figures showed on Tuesday. US-bound shipments soared by 149.2 percent in April compared to the same month a year ago, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch industry. Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on imports from around the world in early April but hit dozens of countries with steeper duties, with Swiss goods facing a 31 percent levy. The US president, however, paused the higher tariffs until July to give time for negotiations. The surge in Swiss watch exports to the United States was "mainly the result of early shipments" as higher US tariffs loom, the federation said. "The sharp rise in exports is therefore more a reflection of a one-off response to an uncertain commercial situation than a genuine sign of a structural strengthening of demand," it added. Global Swiss watch exports rose by 18.2 percent in April to 2.5 billion Swiss francs ($3 billion). Without the exceptional US shipments, overall exports would have fallen by 6.4 percent due to a slump in China and Hong Kong, the federation said. The United States is by far the main market for the Swiss watch industry, whose timepieces must be made domestically to earn the "made in Switzerland" label. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter held trade talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Geneva earlier this month. - AFP
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Govt to hold brainstorming session to curb accidents
Bhubaneswar: State govt has decided to organise a 'chintan shivir' (brainstorming session) to curb the growing number of road accidents, transport officials said on Sunday. "Venue and schedule of the chintan shivir will be finalised by the govt. The initiative aims to bring together various stakeholders to formulate effective strategies for reducing road fatalities," transport secretary Usha Padhee said. Transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur said the proposed consultation programme will provide a platform to discuss and deliberate on road safety strategies. The brainstorming programme will include participation from road safety master trainers, investigation officers, healthcare professionals, educators and other stakeholders. "The session intends to strengthen their capabilities in advocating road safety and minimising accidents," Thakur said. Road accident deaths in Odisha increased by 7% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to Odisha police sources. Data showed fatalities rose to 6,142 in 2024 from 5,739 in 2023. Padhee said the proposed 'zero accident day' (ZAD) campaign will be launched soon with the help of IIT Madras, technical consultant of the Odisha govt on road safety matters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Making history: These 5 timepieces set world records at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 CNA Read More Undo The campaign aims to transform the driving culture and promote road safety across the state. "ZAD involves massive awareness campaign in districts that witnessed a high number of deaths. Our approach combines psychological insights with practical solutions. We are not just creating rules; we need to understand why people make unsafe choices on roads and how to effectively change these patterns," a senior transport official said. IIT Madras has been advised by the transport department to analyse common traffic violations, accident-prone areas and factors contributing to road accidents. The institute will develop targeted interventions and awareness campaigns to promote safe driving habits.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
CCTV cameras installed to enhance security in Jhumri Tilaiya
1 2 Koderma: In a significant step towards strengthening the security infrastructure of Jhumri Tilaiya town in Koderma district, 38 CCTV cameras were installed across key locations on Saturday. This initiative, taken by the chamber of commerce and industries, Koderma, in collaboration with the Koderma police, aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities and ensure public safety. The CCTV system was officially inaugurated on May 24 at the newly established camera control room at Jhanda Chowk under Tilaiya police station limits. The event marked a milestone in local crime prevention efforts, reinforcing surveillance in areas critical for traffic management, law and order, and public safety. The foundation of this initiative was laid on Dec 22, 2024, during a strategic meeting convened by superintendent of police Anudeep Singh with members of the chamber of commerce and representatives from various business organisations. The meeting focused on identifying locations for camera installation that are vulnerable from a security standpoint. Speaking at the event, SP Anudeep Singh said, "This step is a major initiative towards creating a secure environment for citizens. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Making history: These 5 timepieces set world records at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 CNA Read More Undo The role of the police is to prevent crime, and this goal can only be achieved with active cooperation from the public and the business community." Secretary of the chamber of commerce, Ram Ratan Maharshi, said, "The chamber is always ready to support the police in maintaining peace and keeping Koderma crime-free." The installation of these cameras is expected to deter criminal activity, assist in swift investigation, and contribute to a safer and secure Jhumri Tilaiya, said Sanjay Agrawal, member of the chamber of commerce.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
Iron rod impaled in stray dog's head, NGO facilitates surgery
1 2 3 Nagpur: In a shocking act of cruelty, an iron rod was found lodged in the head of a stray dog at Narhari Nagar–Shubhangi Nagar area, near Manewada-Besa Road, on Wednesday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 1.30pm, has sparked widespread outrage among animal lovers and citizens alike. The dog, with the construction-grade metal rod pierced deep into its skull, was seen running around frantically in pain through the locality. Concerned residents alerted Save Speechless, a city-based animal welfare organization. Founder Smita Mire, along with her team, rushed to the scene and safely took the injured dog into custody for emergency medical aid. "This was not an accident — someone intentionally drove the construction rod into the dog's head," said Mire. "It was a horrifying sight. The rod had gone 2.25 inches deep, piercing near the brain. The moment our vets began the removal process, the dog started bleeding from the nose, indicating nerve trauma. Despite this, the surgery was successful." Mire added that when she arrived around 2pm, the dog was screaming in pain, bleeding profusely, and running helplessly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Making history: These 5 timepieces set world records at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 CNA Read More Undo "Yet, it didn't attack or resist. It was just terrified and in agony. We managed to stabilize him post-surgery, but the next 48 hours are crucial for recovery," she said. The organization is preparing to file a formal police complaint under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. This comes close on the heels of another disturbing case in Sugat Nagar, where a man lured a dog with biscuits and then brutally beat it, breaking its limbs. That case, too, led to a police complaint.
