Latest news with #2003
Auto Car
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
This tyre-roasting Mercedes supercar was once £142,000 – now it's a £12k bargain
An autumn day in 2003. The job was a good one: compare a Bentley Continental GT with a Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG. I must confess I went into it carrying something no road tester should: prejudice. Not nationalistic prejudice, or brand prejudice - more a suspicion that this rakish new Bentley, with its W12, all-wheel drive, and beautiful cabin, would be the better car. The Merc, I thought, would be just another blinged-up AMG sledgehammer. The torque figure should have given me pause. 738lb ft is a lot. Enough, in fact, that the Bentley was comfortably outgunned in a straight line. Still, I suspected it would be the more satisfying, more rounded car. The CL65, after all, was painted in Dubai-spec off-white and wore more chrome than a Lincoln Town Car. Its cabin looked like a Mercedes C-Class trimmed in walnut and switchgear. I took the Bentley out first. Its key fob was an intricate thing, all knurled chrome and deep enamel. I headed for what Autocar once called the 'ride road,' a narrow lane near Chobham test track with lots of crests, camber, and broken surfaces. It used to be a brutal test of suspension finesse, until the council resurfaced it. Still, the Bentley's plush ride revealed its limits on this road. The GT did well, considering its mass, but the short, sharp stuff caught it out. The cabin creaked. The seats squeaked. The leather made that curious rubbing noise you get in Jaguars and old Jermyn Street shoe shops. The Bentley felt indomitable, not least because it put its power down cleanly. And the cabin really was a wonderful place to be. But it still drove too much like a posh Phaeton. Later GTs would improve the formula dramatically. But on that day, it was the Mercedes that impressed. The ride quality was the first surprise. Thanks to its clever ABC hydraulic suspension and four square Michelins, the CL65 soaked up the surface like a Mercedes S-Class. Then, in the next moment, it would turn in like a hot hatch. It was a riot. You could pull the ESP back, roast the tyres, or just use that astonishing torque to lean on the rear axle and power out of corners like a massive, automatic Caterham. It was faster than the Bentley and more fun. It won the test. It was also more spacious in the back and scored bonus points for having a boot. The interior was still a bit C-Class, but somehow that mattered less now. I wasn't the only one who loved it. A friend of mine worked at Mercedes at the time. He convinced his boss to enter a CL65 demonstrator in the Brighton Speed Trials. It monstered a Ferrari F40, clocking 12.57s to the Ferrari's 12.88s. All he had to do was press the brake, floor the throttle, wait for the torque converter to stall, then release. The V12 bellowed and the gearbox cracked through its ratios like a switchblade. The commentator, used to Allards and backyard specials, couldn't quite believe it. 'Ladies and gentlemen,' he announced, 'this is a completely stock car.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Second phase waste-to-energy plant at Jawaharnagar to begin in August, GHMC tells NGT
Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has informed the National Green Tribunal, southern zone, that the second phase of the waste-to-energy (WtE) plant at Jawaharnagar, with a capacity of 24 MW, is expected to commence operations in the first week of Aug. In an affidavit submitted by GHMC commissioner RV Karnan, it was stated that a power purchase agreement was signed on May 12 between Hyderabad MSW Energy Solutions Private Ltd and the Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGSPDCL). The agreement is currently awaiting approval from the Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission. The boilers department has granted permission to operate both boilers following successful hydro tests. Steam blowout tests are scheduled for the third week of July, signaling that mechanical systems are on track for commissioning. The tariff for the energy generated will be determined by TGERC under section 62 of the Electricity Act, 2003. It will include considerations such as the tipping fee, with interim arrangements possibly sought through a separate petition. Any govt incentives availed by the operator must be passed on to the discom in line with TGERC directives. The affidavit clarified that no transmission, wheeling, or additional charges will be imposed by TGTransco or the discom for energy purchased. The plant can draw power from the grid only during shutdowns or maintenance, limited to auxiliary consumption (11% of installed capacity). Status of other WtE projects The GHMC is also progressing on other WtE plants. A revised NOC was issued on June 9 to Sri Venkateshwara Green Power Projects Ltd, enhancing the Yacharam plant's capacity from 12 MW to 14 MW. GHMC has requested TGSPDCL to initiate a PPA. This project is expected to be commissioned by Dec 2026. Meanwhile, the stalled Bibinagar project—idle since 2017–18 due to IL&FS's financial troubles—is under review for possible revival. The affidavit was submitted in response to a petition filed by Shankar Narayanan Bala Krishnan and others on waste management and environmental compliance.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Illegal structures near power supply lines in Chd will invite MC action
Chandigarh: Chandigarh residents who have constructed or extended buildings, balconies, boundary walls, or other structures close to overhead power lines or encroached on poles/lines may face consequences. A Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited official said, "Unauthorised constructions that pose significant safety risks and violate electrical safety regulations may lead to penal action." According to regulations 60 and 61 of the Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2010, along with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 (Section 53 and 68(5) and 161), there are mandated minimum clearances/distances that must be maintained between electrical lines/installations and nearby structures. These regulations aim to prevent accidents and ensure public safety. The specified clearances (distance) are crucial to prevent electrical hazards and ensure the safety of residents and property. A CPDL official stated that any loss of life or property resulting from non-compliance with these regulations will hold the violators accountable. Penal action may be initiated against those who fail to adhere to the prescribed safety standards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo Building owners are advised to remove any unauthorised structures that violate these clearance requirements. Failure to comply may result in the removal of such structures by municipal authorities or local bodies, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant rules and regulations, officials added. GO BY THE RULE BOOK Minimum vertical & horizontal clearances between electrical lines passing above a building, structure, or balcony 1. Low voltage lines (up to 415 volts): - Minimum vertical clearance: 2.5 mts - Minimum horizontal clearance: 1.2 mts 2. High-voltage lines (above 415 volts and up to 11 kV): - Minimum vertical clearance: 3.7 mts - Minimum horizontal clearance: 1.2 mts 3. High-voltage lines (above 11kV and up to 33kV): - Minimum vertical clearance: 3.7 mts - Minimum horizontal clearance: 2.0 mts 4. Extra high-voltage lines (above 33 kV): - Minimum vertical clearance: 3.7 mts (plus 0.30 mts for every additional 33kV or part thereof) - Minimum horizontal clearance: 2.0 mts (plus 0.30 mts for every additional 33 kV or part thereof) BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY - Stay away from all electrical installations like electricity poles, transformers, streetlights, pillar boxes, etc., especially if they are waterlogged. - Don't fly kites near electrical installations as it could be fatal - Don't park your vehicles or keep flammable materials near electricity meters - Install an earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) to avoid shocks and mishaps
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Business Standard
09-06-2025
- Business Standard
Kerala boy's death from electric trap becomes flashpoint in Nilambur bypoll
A 15-year-old boy's death by electrocution in Kerala's Nilambur has sent shockwaves through the state, exposing the deadly consequences of illegal wild boar traps set for profit in rural communities. The issue has also become a political flashpoint ahead of the Nilambur bye-election. According to a report by Onmanorama, five young boys were returning from a football match and heading towards a nearby stream on the evening of June 7. Unaware of an illegally installed electric fence along their path, one of the boys, Ananthu, came into contact with the live wires and was fatally electrocuted. In an attempt to save him, two of his companions also suffered electric shocks but managed to survive with injuries. Ananthu sustained severe burns to his abdomen and later succumbed to his injuries. Vineesh, the accused, and his companions, had allegedly installed the electrified trap to poach wild boars for meat. Charges of culpable homicide have been filed, and Vineesh has been arrested for further investigation. Nilambur electrocution case: Legal proceedings and charges Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Vineesh, charging him with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has confirmed that the wire used for the deadly trap was illegally connected to the board's power line, constituting a violation of Section 135(1)(e) of the Electricity Act, 2003. Since the trap was intended for poaching wild animals, the case also invokes provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, underscoring long-standing concerns about illegal wildlife practices in the Nilambur region. Effect on Nilambur bye-election With the upcoming bye-election in Nilambur, the incident has quickly taken on a political dimension, sparking heated debates over government accountability. The constituency has been preparing for the polls following the defection of former Member of Parliament PV Anwar. Union Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukath called the Nilambur tragedy a 'government-sponsored murder', citing the illegal tapping of electricity from the KSEB power line. Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate M Swaraj strongly rebutted the accusation: 'The fact that they called it a government-sponsored murder immediately after it happened raises suspicion. This was an act by a private individual. How is the Forest Department or government to blame? They didn't even express sorrow — their first reaction was to attack the government.' Amid the heated exchanges, the Nilambur constituency remains on edge, with the tragedy injecting fresh intensity into the electoral battle. The bye-election is scheduled for June 19.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MSEDCL issues two notices to PMC regarding unauthorised electricity usage and unpaid bill
Pune: MSEDCL has sent PMC two separate notices for Rs 4.14 lakh for unauthorized electricity usage at two establishments. The civic body operates a gymnasium within the premises of Lokmanya Nagar Garden and Chandrakant Botre gymnasium and Madhukar Budhkar study centre within the premises of Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj Primary School, the power company stated in the notice issued to the executive engineer of PMC. The school is located on Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road and the garden is situated in the Lokmanya Nagar society in Navi Peth. These two gymnasiums and the study centre are currently operational. The garden has unpaid dues of Rs 1.81 lakh and the school has not paid an electricity bill of up to Rs 2.33 lakh. MSEDCL has issued two separate notices to PMC under section 126 of the Electricity Act, 2003. "The two establishments used an existing connection for pole light to power appliances within the premises. So this constitutes unauthorised use. It was not adhering to the purpose for which the connection was given and does not qualify as theft, which is why notices were issued under section 126 and not under section 135, which constitutes theft," an MSEDCL spokesperson said. MSEDCL has provided a regular timeframe to the corporation to repay the dues as per the norms and PMC has intimated its intent to pay the bill, he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Typically, consumers can pay their bills in 21 working days after the due date, following which there is a 15-day notice period given to the consumers. The electricity bills of the two entities have left unpaid for almost a year since June 2024, an MSEDCL spokesperson said. The gymnasium and the study centre located in the school premises consumed 5,701 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, while the gymnasium in the garden consumed 6,368 kWh of electricity. The gymnasium in the garden had installed two bulbs, 16 tube lights, seven ceiling fans and one exhaust fan, while the gymnasium and study centre in the school installed 43 tube lights, 16 fans, one television screen, four CCTV cameras and one treadmill, as per the notice. "MSEDCL sought an explanation from the PMC representatives running the garden and the school regarding the duration for which the gymnasiums and the study centre are operational. Since the power company did not receive any clear timeframe at the time of issuing the notice, it has sought payment of dues along with a penalty," stated the notice issued to the executive engineer of PMC. Akshay Jain, president of the media department of Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress, raised the issue with MSEDCL to take action against PMC. "Even if PMC repays the dues, public money is wasted through improper management leading to penalties," he said.
