Latest news with #DSS
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
PIL challenges state's move on tiger corridors in Vidarbha
Nagpur: A PIL was filed before the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court recently to challenge the Maharashtra State Wildlife Board's (SWLB) April 17 decision to grant permission for non-forest activities in tiger corridors in Vidarbha. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The petition alleges the decision was made without consulting national authorities and based solely on outdated data, potentially endangering tiger habitats not just in Maharashtra but also in adjoining states. A division bench of justices Nitin Sambre and Sachin Deshmukh heard preliminary arguments on Wednesday and issued notices to the State Wildlife Board, principal chief conservator of forests, additional chief secretary (forests), National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), and National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), directing them to file replies within five weeks. Environmentalits Sheetal Kolhe and Udayan Patil, the petitioners, argued that the decision relied only on maps from a 2014 report titled 'Connecting Tiger Populations for Long-Term Conservation' and the Decision Support System (DSS) of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), ignoring newer scientific studies and mandatory guidelines. According to the plea filed through counsel Nikhil Padhye, the SWLB overlooked NTCA's February 7, 2023 directive, which identified six officially recognised data sources to define tiger corridors. The petition notes that these were not consulted during the board's 24th meeting, which finalised the corridor using just one report and DSS inputs. "This arbitrary decision bypasses inputs from both, NTCA and NBWL, whose roles are central to national-level tiger conservation planning," the petition states. It further claims that the board's decision may adversely impact wildlife connectivity across multiple states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, and Karnataka. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It warns that unilateral demarcation of corridors could disrupt tiger migration, breeding patterns, biodiversity, and long-term ecosystem integrity. Calling the decision a case of overreach, the PIL argues that the SWLB acted outside its jurisdiction by bypassing the NTCA and NBWL. It has sought the quashing of the April 17 resolution and urged the court to direct the state govt to follow NTCA's February 2023 guidelines before finalising any tiger corridor.
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
BoE charts new wholesale terrain for stablecoins and tokenised assets
The Bank of England is evaluating the role of stablecoins in wholesale payments and tokenised asset infrastructure via its UK Digital Securities Sandbox, at a pivotal juncture for financial market innovation. Sasha Mills, Executive Director of Financial Market Infrastructure, outlined this approach during her keynote at City Week in London on 2 July. The central bank is focusing on blending stability, regulatory clarity, and interoperability as it reshapes post-trade and settlement systems. Mills emphasised that the digitalisation of wholesale financial markets—driven by tokenisation, distributed ledger technology, smart contracts and programmable ledgers—has the potential to enhance market depth, reduce friction, and mobilise capital more efficiently. Yet she stressed that any emerging system must preserve the bedrock of financial stability: confidence in finality of settlement and risk parity across new and legacy platforms. The Digital Securities Sandbox has emerged as a cornerstone of the Bank's strategy. Since its inception, the sandbox has attracted both incumbents and new market entrants. A notable early application has been the UK Government's Digital Gilt pilot—nicknamed DIGIT—where debt issuance occurs on a distributed ledger. Mills noted it has catalysed broader interest in using tokenisation to simplify asset mobility, enable intraday repo operations and improve collateral utilisation. ADVERTISEMENT Crucially, the Bank is exploring the integration of stablecoins within this sandbox framework. While central bank money remains the preferred settlement asset, Mills described the Bank's position as 'open‑minded' to stablecoins' potential utility in wholesale markets. The Bank plans to provide further clarity on stablecoin roles and standards later this year. In its consultation approach to systemic stablecoins—launched with a discussion document in November 2023—the central bank is considering reforms such as permitting a percentage of reserves to be held in high-quality liquid assets, rather than unremunerated central bank balances. It is also contemplating transitional holding limits: for individuals, between £10,000 and £20,000; for businesses, up to £10 million. These measures aim to curb stability risks from sudden large outflows. Beyond stablecoins, tokenised deposits are highlighted as a promising vehicle to merge regulatory safeguards of traditional deposits with the efficiency of real-time, on‑chain settlement. Mills confirmed the Bank is working to integrate tokenised deposits across DSS initiatives and its broader National Payments Vision. Complementing these developments, the Bank continues to elevate its core infrastructure. Its Real‑Time Gross Settlement system is undergoing major upgrades under the RT2 programme. Upcoming enhancements include broader access, extended operating hours, and a synchronisation interface. This interface is designed to facilitate conditional settlement—in which transfers within the RTGS can be synchronised with transactions on external DLT systems. The Bank has joined the BIS Innovation Hub's DLT Innovation Challenge to test whether wholesale central bank money can be transacted and settled on external programmable ledgers. Mills described this as an experiment into how wholesale central bank monies, stablecoins, and tokenised deposits can co-exist safely. The BoE maintains that a mixed infrastructure ecosystem—where traditional and emerging systems operate side by side—is the foreseeable outcome. Ensuring interoperability across public and private, permissioned and permissionless ledgers is essential to prevent liquidity fragmentation and support seamless transfer of capital. Public blockchains may offer connectivity solutions, provided they meet security and regulatory standards. Mills cautioned that while technological adoption is important, regulators must integrate hard-earned lessons on confidence and stability. 'Money requires confidence to support economic activity and growth in good times and bad,' she said, warning that failures in settlement finality could erode trust and trigger cascading market events. With its 'secondary innovation objective', the Bank is actively reviewing existing regulations that pose barriers to digital finance, engaging continuously with industry participants. The DSS, tokenised deposits, upgraded RTGS, stablecoin framework, and experimental alignment with DLT signal a coordinated strategy to modernise UK wholesale finance.
United News of India
6 days ago
- Science
- United News of India
Centre pushes tech-led river rejuvenation Under Namami Gange Programme
New Delhi, July 9 (UNI) River rejuvenation process is going high-tech. In a significant step toward sustainable river rejuvenation, the Centre is pushing a slew of advanced technologies and innovations for the restoration and management of India's rivers, with particular emphasis on smaller river systems. At a high-level review meeting held under the Namami Gange programme, Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, lauded the scientific depth, collaborative approach, and technological innovation demonstrated by research teams from leading Indian institutes. 'The time has come to translate research into rapid, on-ground action,' Patil said, reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring an 'Aviral aur Nirmal Ganga' (uninterrupted and clean Ganga). The Minister directed stakeholders to scale up successful interventions and accelerate implementation across critical catchments to build a cleaner, healthier, and water-secure future for the nation. The meeting featured detailed presentations by teams from IIT (BHU) and IIT Delhi, working under two flagship innovation initiatives—Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in collaboration with Denmark, and IND-RIVERS in collaboration with the Netherlands. IIT Delhi introduced a Decision Support System (DSS) for urban river rejuvenation, with a focus on the Varuna river. The system, known as the Small Rivers Management Tool (SRMT), integrates modules for population forecasting, water demand and supply estimation, sewage load analysis, and priority zone mapping for sewage treatment plants (STPs). Officials noted that the DSS is scalable and can be applied to other rivers and catchments across India. Another major highlight was the focus on Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR)—a cutting-edge technique for groundwater replenishment and drought mitigation. Plans were shared to deploy real-time hydrogeological modelling to enhance base flow in rivers through artificial recharge methods. The meeting also reviewed progress on two ambitious research projects namely hydrogeological Modelling in the Varuna Basin, and fingerprint analysis of emerging pollutants in the Ganga Basin, using technologies like FloaTEM and LC-HRMS to identify and monitor complex pollutants with high precision. IIT Delhi, under the IND-RIVERS initiative, presented a comprehensive roadmap for establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Government of the Netherlands. The proposed Centre will lead applied research, policy innovation, and serve as a hub for startup incubation and capacity building in the water sector. Officials stressed that such Centres would play a pivotal role in mainstreaming cutting-edge solutions and ensuring their adoption by state governments and local bodies. UNI AJ RN
Gulf Insider
07-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 Launches with Big Offers
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) has launched with its largest ever commercial offering, featuring thousands of deals across hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors as the emirate seeks to drive summer tourism. The 66-day festival, running until 31 August and organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), spans hotels, attractions, dining, and retail with participating venues offering significant discounts to stimulate consumer spending. The DSS ENTERTAINER has returned with over 7,500 Buy One Get One Free offers across dining, attractions, hotels, spas, and fitness venues. The three-month unlimited access product, valid seven days a week, targets both residents and tourists with participating venues including Wild Wadi, MOTIONGATE Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Shake Shack, STK, Asia Asia, Real Madrid World, Le Pain Quotidien, and Café Bateel. UAE and GCC residents can access discounted staycation packages offering up to 30% off room rates, complimentary breakfast, dining deals, and resort credit across Dubai's hotel sector. Participating properties include The First Collection Business Bay, Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, Paramount Hotel Dubai, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Business Bay, Park Hyatt Dubai, Swissotel Al Ghurair, Banyan Tree Dubai, Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel, ME Dubai by Melia, NH Collection Dubai The Palm, Studio M Arabian Plaza, Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay, Dukes The Palm, Millennium Place Marina, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City, Radisson RED Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis, Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina, Pullman JLT, and Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. New hotel participants include Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery, Terra Solis Dubai, Address Sky View, Vida Emirates Hills, and Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, while The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis has introduced aerial experiences targeting the resident market. Major attractions including AYA Universe, The Green Planet, Madame Tussauds, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park, Motiongate Dubai, Neon Galaxy, and Dubai Crocodile Park are offering summer-specific pricing and Kids Go Free promotions to drive family visitation. Resort hotels JA Hatta Fort Hotel and Lapita at Dubai Parks and Resorts are bundling accommodation with family-friendly perks including complimentary children's dining and entertainment. The festival introduces a three-phase retail strategy: Summer Holiday Offers (27 June to 17 July), Great Dubai Summer Sale (18 July to 10 August), and Back to School (11 to 31 August). Each phase features distinct retail promotions, mall activations, and prize draws designed to maximise consumer spending across different shopping categories. Commercial Bank of Dubai serves as key sponsor, while strategic partners include Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat. The festival represents the 28th edition of Dubai's summer tourism and retail stimulus programme. Also Read: Dubai's RTA Launches Trials For Driverless Vehicles
Gulf Today
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
DSS visitors continue to enjoy raffles, prizesDSS visitors continue to enjoy raffles, prizes
Residents and tourists alike are enjoying the second week of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) after its show-stopping opening weekend, as the festival continues to unwrap even more value-packed surprises, brand-new citywide events, gourmet gastronomy offers, and all-round unforgettable experiences in its second week. The 28th season of DSS will run till Aug.31 with exclusive deals across more than 800 brands and 3,000 outlets, along with thrilling chances to win mega prizes like luxury cars, cash prizes, sparkling gold, and more through citywide grand raffles. Malls throughout the city have starting receiving thousands of visitors daily in their exclusive indoor activities as part of summer. Visitors can take part in The Ripe Market, Indoor Summer markets on every weekend till the end of the DSS at Town Centre Jumeirah, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, and Times Square Center. Escape the heat and enjoy guilt-free shopping every weekend in a range of locations across Dubai as over 100 SME businesses take part each week, including farmers, food pop-ups, activities, workshops and more. Iconic slide and weekly cash prizes: Mercato is turning up the heat in the coolest way possible, offering visitors a vibrant escape filled with thrilling entertainment, laughter, and rewarding shopping experiences. On the weekend, visitors dazzled with the lineup of free daily circus shows, featuring the high-energy Roller Circus and the spellbinding Magic Mania Show. Families, children, and media guests alike were captivated by the world-class performances, with children laughing, gasping, and cheering in delight. The atmosphere was electric, making the mall an ultimate summer hotspot for families looking to beat the heat with style and excitement. Adding to the thrill, Mercato's legendary indoor slide made its much-anticipated return — bigger, better, and faster than ever before. Shoppers are in for a season full of exclusive rewards with the 'Shop & Win' campaign: Dhs10,000 weekly raffle draws for every Dhs200 spent, a grand prize draw for the all-new Jetour T1 car besides special offers from leading fashion, lifestyle, and beauty brands. Summer Restaurant Week: Over 65 restaurants citywide are participating in the DSS for 10 days. The diner can dine for less with exclusive two-course lunches for Dhs95 and three-course dinners for Dhs150. Hotel offers: Various hotels and resorts across Dubai offering discounts on exclusive DSS hotel deals across the city. Families can take advantage of exclusive promotions at select hotels, where up to two children can stay, dine and play free of charge. UAE and GCC residents can unlock up to 30 per cent off on staycation packages, with perks like complimentary breakfast, dining discounts and resort credit at top properties. The Messi Experience: Football fans can immerse themselves in Lionel Messi's world with interactive games, photo ops, skill-challenge zones and exclusive merchandise at Dubai Festival City Mall. Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group Raffles: Dubai Jewellery Group brings the finest jewellery offers and golden winning opportunities this DSS. Shoppers can enjoy up to 70 per cent off on a stunning selection of diamond and pearl pieces, up to 50 per cent off on making charges for select gold jewellery, zero deduction on old gold exchange, and complimentary gifts with select purchases. Adding to the excitement, 30 customers have the chance to win 12-gram gold bars, with three lucky winners announced every week through raffles.
