Latest news with #ECR
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Over 1,100 rescued, 347 traffickers held since 2020: RPF IG
1 2 3 ECR, RPF IG-cum-principal chief security commissioner Amaresh Kumar talks to Kumod Verma on steps taken to curb human trafficking across the ECR zone in Bihar Q. What steps has the RPF taken across the ECR to prevent trafficking of minor children from Bihar? A. The RPF has taken multiple steps, which include gathering intelligence through reliable sources. Action is taken in coordination with the NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA). RPF personnel receive regular training to identify and respond to suspicious activities. Vulnerable routes, trains, and stations are mapped based on crime data. CCTV feeds are monitored regularly across ECR, and railway staff are sensitised to promptly report any such activities to the RPF. Q. How many minor children have been rescued from human traffickers by the RPF under the ECR zone over the past five years? A. RPF personnel have rescued as many as 1,113 people from the clutches of human traffickers since 2020 from areas under ECR jurisdiction. A total of 347 human traffickers have been sent to judicial custody. This year alone, till June, 282 minor boys and 24 minor girls were rescued. Q. Which railway stations or routes under ECR jurisdiction have been identified as the most vulnerable in Bihar? A. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Snapping Up This TV Box, We Explain! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Vulnerable stations or routes are Muzaffarpur, Danapur, Sasaram, Samastipur, and Patna, while the trains are: 12407 (New Jalpaiguri-Amritsar Karmabhoomi Exp), 12142 (Patliputra-Mumbai LTT Superfast Exp), 22670 (Patna-Ernakulam Jn Superfast Exp), 12398 (Gaya-New Delhi Mahabodhi Exp), 15228 (Muzaffarpur-SMVT Bengaluru Exp), and 12487 (Jogbani-Anand Vihar Terminal Seemanchal Exp). Routes commonly used by traffickers include Katihar-Chhapra, Patliputra-DDU, Gaya-DDU, Jogbani-DDU and Patna-DDU. Q. Has the RPF collaborated with NGOs, local police or child welfare departments in anti-human trafficking operations, and how effective have these partnerships been? A. Yes, the RPF, law enforcement agencies, and child care agencies are key stakeholders in this operation. This partnership is yielding tangible results. Q. What kind of training or sensitisation programmes are provided to RPF personnel? A. Workshops are regularly organised in collaboration with the National Commission for Women (NCW) for sensitising RPF personnel. Special classes are conducted at the RPF zonal training centre, Mokama Ghat. Senior officers also contribute by sharing their experiences in the field. Q. Tell us something about the recently launched 'Operation AAHT' by the RPF. A. Since the launch of 'Operation AAHT', rescue of trafficked children and arrest of traffickers have been carried out systematically. Recognised by the ministry of home affairs, the efforts of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) and the operation's code name have helped highlight the RPF's humane face on social media.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
New blueprint for satellite towns
Chennai: Once considered little more than sleepy suburbs, Thirumazhisai and Mamallapuram are now central to CMDA's plans as they have rolled out a 20-year roadmap to transform these satellite towns into thriving hubs for wellness, tourism, and urban growth. To manage the city's expansion, CMDA has launched new town development strategies for the suburbs, from 2025 to 2045. The plan for Thirumazhisai spans 34.10sqkm across 17 villages in Tiruvallur district. With access to NH-48, Outer Ring Road, a proposed metro corridor, and the upcoming Kuthambakkam bus terminus, the area is set to become a high-density, mixed-use, transit-oriented hub. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The 123.48sqkm Mamallapuram plan, spread across 25 villages, focuses on blending tourism, heritage, and modern infrastructure. Both plans include affordable housing, last-mile connectivity, climate resilience, and heritage conservation. Officials said citizen participation is central to the process. "At Mamallapuram, we are planning to develop an entertainment and hospitality zone. The plan includes hotels under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, water sports, vibrant community spaces, and amenities aimed at transforming the historic town into a round-the-clock coastal destination. The initiative will work well with the upcoming Kalaignar convention centre on East Coast Road, making Mamallapuram a key hub for tourism and business events," a CMDA official said. At Thirumazhisai, CMDA plans a wellness zone focused on traditional systems of medicine including ayurveda, siddha, and unani. "Its location near major highways makes it suitable for such a project. It will generate around 25,000 jobs," a senior CMDA official said. Basheer Ahmed, committee member, Outbound Travel Association of India, said the wellness initiative could draw foriegn tourists going to Kerala. "ECR has huge potential. Water sports must be encourged. This will bring in good revenue," he said. CMDA's aim is to decongest Chennai, create jobs and enable sustainable urban expansion
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Employment Linked Incentive: Earn Rs 15,000 through ELI Scheme-But there is a catch
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills ELI Scheme Part A-for first-time employees ELI Scheme Part B to support employers The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued a fresh directive urging all employers to furnish gross wage details in the Electronic Challan cum Return (ECR) from the wage month of August 2025 onwards. This step is crucial for both employers and employees to remain eligible for benefits under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) July 1, 2025, the Union government approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI), which is designed to support employment generation, enhance employability and social security across all sectors, with a particular emphasis on the manufacturing ELI Scheme was introduced in the Union Budget 2024-25 as part of the Prime Minister's initiative, which includes five schemes aimed at supporting employment, skill development, and other possibilities for 41 million young individuals, with a budget allocation of Rs 2 lakh eligibility under this scheme is subject to a key condition: the gross monthly wage of an employee must not exceed Rs 1,00, reporting of wages in the ECR could lead to a loss of eligibility for the ELI Scheme, impacting both employers and their employees. To avoid this, the EPFO has emphasised the importance of accurate and consistent data entry regarding gross wages in monthly scheme consists of two parts, with Part A focused on first timers and Part B focused on section will provide a one-month EPF wage up to Rs 15,000 in two instalments, with the goal of attracting new employees registered with EPFO. The first instalment will be due after six months of employment, and the second instalment will be due after 12 months of employment, contingent upon the employee completing a financial literacy creation of new jobs in all industries will be covered in this section, with a special focus on manufacturing. Businesses will receive incentives for employees earning salaries up to Rs 1 lakh. For two years, the government would provide firms with incentives of up to Rs 3,000 per month for each additional employee who has worked continuously for at least six months. Incentives will be extended to the third and fourth years for the manufacturing that all payments to the first-time employees will be made through the DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) mode using the Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS). Payments to the employers will be made directly into their PAN-linked accounts.
NDTV
23-07-2025
- NDTV
Passport Renewal In India: What To Do, What To Carry, And What Not To Mess Up
If your passport is nearing its expiry date, has run out of pages, or requires an update in your name or address, it is time to apply for a renewal. The good news is that renewing an Indian passport is now extremely convenient. Thanks to the online Passport Seva system, you can apply for a re‑issue or renew your passport without needing police verification in certain cases. However, understanding the exact process, required documents, common pitfalls, and cost can help you avoid unnecessary confusion. Whether you are applying under the normal or Tatkal category, here is a straightforward guide to renewing your Indian passport. How To Renew Your Passport Online In India Follow these steps to complete your passport renewal: 1. Register On The Passport Seva Portal Visit the official Passport Seva Portal If you are a new user, click on 'New User Registration' Create your login credentials using your email ID and personal details 2. Fill Out The Passport Renewal Application Log in and choose 're‑issue of passport' on the overview page Click on 'Apply for fresh passport/re‑issue of passport' Select the reason for renewal: expiring passport, exhaustion of pages, or change in details Fill out the form with updated information Review the form thoroughly before submitting 3. Pay The Online Application Fee Click on 'Pay and Schedule Appointment' Choose your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), Post Office PSK (POPSK), or Regional Passport Office (RPO) Pay the applicable renewal fee online via card, UPI, or net banking 4. Schedule Your Appointment Slot Select a convenient appointment time and date Download and print the appointment confirmation receipt 5. Visit The PSK Or POPSK With Documents Carry original documents along with self‑attested photocopies Your documents will be verified at the centre Biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) will be taken You may also be interviewed by a passport officer 6. Police Verification Process (If Required) Police verification is not required in all cases It is mandatory if your passport expired more than three years ago or if your current address has changed If it applies, a local police officer will visit your residence for verification 7. Track Your Passport Application Status Online Use the 'Track Application Status' option under the 'Services' tab on the Passport Seva Portal Enter your application number and file number Track real‑time updates on your passport status Ensure you carry the following original documents along with self‑attested photocopies: 1. Old Passport (Mandatory) Self‑attested copies of the first and last two pages Any observation pages issued by the Passport Authority Self‑attested copy of ECR (Emigration Check Required) or Non‑ECR page 2. Proof Of Address (Submit Any One) Aadhaar Card Voter ID Electricity, water, or phone bill (within the last 12 months) Bank passbook or bank statement Registered rent agreement 3. Proof Of Date Of Birth Birth certificate School leaving certificate PAN card Aadhaar card All documents must be valid and up‑to‑date at the time of submission. An online 'Fee Calculator' is available on the Passport Seva Portal. Typical charges are: Adults (18+ years): Rs 1,500 for a 36‑page booklet Rs 3,500 for a Tatkal passport (36‑page) Rs 2,000 for a 60‑page booklet Rs 4,000 for a Tatkal passport (60‑page) Minors (Below 18 years): Rs 1,000 for a 36‑page booklet Rs 3,000 for a Tatkal passport Who Can Apply For Passport Renewal In India? Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible: Must be an Indian citizen by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation Must not have any pending criminal proceedings or arrest warrants For minors, consent from both parents or legal guardians is required For Tatkal applications, additional document verification may be needed Avoid these frequent errors to prevent delays: Incorrect spelling of name, date of birth or address Missing essential documents such as ECNR/Class X mark‑sheet Submitting blurred or unclear photocopies Cancelling or rescheduling your appointment more than three times Failing to include marriage certificate or Annexure J when adding spouse's name for the first time New Rules You Should Know: Biometric Passports And Marriage Certificate Prepare for these important updates: India began issuing biometric ('e‑passport') passports in 2025, piloted in select cities Since November 2024, a marriage certificate or Annexure J is mandatory for adding a spouse's name for the first time Here Are Common Questions People Ask About Passport Renewal: 1. When should I apply for renewal before my passport expires? You may apply up to one year before the expiry date. Early renewal helps avoid delays and ensures uninterrupted travel. 2. Is a marriage certificate mandatory to renew my passport? Photo: Unsplash Not for renewal alone. It is required only if you are adding your spouse's name for the first time. 3. How long does police verification take? Police verification usually takes between one and three weeks, depending on the local police station's workload. 4. What documents are needed if I am changing my name after marriage? Carry your marriage certificate or Annexure J, your current passport, proof of new address and identity, and updated PAN or Aadhaar if applicable.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Trending Movie Review: When viral content goes viral wrong
The Times of India TNN, Jul 18, 2025, 2:27 PM IST 2.0 Trending Movie Synopsis: A couple lose their YouTube channel and income, so they enter a dangerous reality show to save their relationship and finances. Trending Movie Review: If cinema had a spam folder, films about social media and influencers would probably end up there. Here's the thing about making movies centered on social media: the moment characters start yakking about reels and virality, you're basically watching people discuss their screen time. Riveting stuff, truly. Arjun ( Kalaiyarasan ) and Meera ( Priyalaya ) have built their whole life around YouTube fame–3 million subscribers, ECR mansion, the works. Then poof, channel gone, loans due, panic mode activated. Along comes this sketchy caller named "Mask" (subtle…) dangling a reality show carrot: play our twisted games, win cash prizes, maybe save your relationship. Or not. The film can't decide if it's warning us about social media zombies, teaching us about greed (reminds one of that Asian man meme where he accidentally pushes a can under a garage door, gets double back, then keeps doubling down until he loses everything), or showing how lies eat relationships from the inside. It wants to be all three, succeeds at none. Every conversation about likes, reels, or virality just takes your attention off the screen and incidentally, to your phone. They enter a game literally designed around lying to each other, then act gobsmacked when lies are told. To be fair, Kalaiyarasan and Priyalaya do a pretty good job with the material they have. The script could have used some experimentation. Why not let one of them fully embrace the deception? Give us a character who lies throughout, maintaining their partner's complete trust, and follows that path to its inevitable end. Sam CS's score works overtime trying to inject tension into scenes. At two and a half hours, it could have used some trimming. Written By: Abhinav Subramanian
