Latest news with #AOP
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Airfield falls silent to remember Old Sarum squadrons with key role in WWII
OLD Sarum Airfield fell silent on Tuesday morning (June 10) to commemorate specialist squadrons founded during the Second World War. Several Air Observation Post (AOP) squadrons were founded at the former RAF airfield in the early 1940s, including Squadron 653, which moved to Normandy in June 1944 and supported the Army in France and the Netherlands. During the war, AOP squadrons flew unarmed aircraft to spot enemy targets, radioing their locations to direct artillery fire. Veterans and serving members of the Army Air Corps watch the memorial service (Image: Spencer Mulholland) Later, in 1957, the Army Air Corps (AAC) was created from the foundations of the Glider Pilot Regiment and Air Observation Post Squadrons. Veterans in the Air Observation Post Association were joined by past and present members of the AAC at the airfield on Tuesday to commemorate the formation of Squadron 653, 83 years on. The AAC flew an Apache helicopter to the airfield at 10am, and the ceremony began next to a memorial dedicated to AOP squadrons an hour later. Lieutenant General Sir Gary Coward, president of the Air Observation Post Association, served in the 653 in Germany in the early 1980s. During the ceremony, he said: 'We are here today to commemorate the formation of 653 Squadron in June 1942; one of 12 British Air OP squadrons created during the Second World War. During that conflict, 117 members of the Air OP made the supreme sacrifice. 'Their courage was recognised by the award of two DSOs (Distinguished Service Order), five MCs (Military Cross), 132 DFCs (Distinguished Flying Cross), a DFM (Distinguished Flying Medal) and a Military Medal. 'Eighty-three years on, we will remember them. 'A number of us here today serve, and have served, in 653 Squadron, continuing the proud traditions first laid down here at Old Sarum in 1942, in Normandy in 1944 and beyond.' An Apache helicopter landed on the grass airstrip at 10am (Image: Spencer Mulholland) He told the assembled crowd that his father-in-law had also served in the squadron in Normandy as a flight medic. He said: 'It took a while, and a few whiskeys, to draw these memories out of him in later life.' The service took place next to Hangar 3, a First World War structure that was badly damaged by a large fire in April. Read more: Salisbury Business Expo set to welcome hundreds of firms Read more: Salisbury runners unite against cancer and raise £53k Sir Gary said: 'On behalf of the association, can I thank the airfield owner, Mr Grenville Hodge, and his team for allowing us to hold this event today, and for remediating the site after the tragic events of April 17.' He also thanked the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection for supporting the event and his fellow members of the Air Observation Post Association committee. Attendees then enjoyed a tour of the aviation collection and a buffet lunch.
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
TNAU has disbursed ₹8.98 crore as grants to 85 agri startups since 2019
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, has disbursed grants to the extent of 8.98 crore to 85 agri startups since 2019, under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana - Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sectors Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR), a flagship scheme of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare to strengthen infrastructure in Agriculture and Allied sectors. The allied sectors constitute Crop Husbandry (including Horticulture), Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Dairy Development, Agricultural Research and Education, Forestry and Wildlife, Plantation and Agricultural Marketing, Food Storage and Warehousing, Soil and Water Conservation, Agricultural Financial Institutions, other Agricultural Programmes and Cooperation. TNAU is one among 24 R-ABIs (RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubators) identified by the Central Government for fostering Agripreneurship and Agri-Business ecosystem across the country, through facilitating financial aid to potential agri startups and nurturing a system of business incubation. The TNAU has been conducting two programmes under this scheme: Agripreneurship Orientation Programme (AOP) for a grant up to ₹5 lakh, and Startup Agribusiness Incubation Programme (SAIP) ) for a grant of up to ₹25 lakh. Earlier this week, R. Thamizh Vendan, Registrar and Acting Vice-Chancellor, TNAU, disbursed ₹35 lakh for 10 SAIP Cohort III Grantees as third instalment, ₹17.80 lakh for 11 AOP Cohort IV Grantees as second instalment and ₹35.40 lakh for 13 AOP Cohort V Grantees as first instalment. In total, ₹88.20 lakh were given to 34 grantees of SAIP cohort III and AOP cohort IV and V. The grant, Prof. Vendhan said, has been effective in retaining the youth in agriculture and to support agri-based startups to innovate and implement new technologies for sustainable and profitable agribusiness. The grantees have planned to utilise the grant for development of products and upscaling their startups in agri and allied ventures, E. Somasundaram, Director, Agri-Business Development, TNAU, said. RKVY-RAFTAAR, sources added, is being implemented as a Centrally-sponsored scheme in the ratio of 60:40 (Government of India and State Share respectively) except in case of north-eastern and hilly States where the sharing pattern is 90:10. For union territories, the grant is 100% as Central share.
Daily Record
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Keir Starmer urged to introduce stricter eyesight testing rules for all drivers
Experts are demanding new eyesight testing rules for drivers. Drivers may have to undergo eye tests to hold onto their licenses after Labour was ordered to introduce "mandatory vision checks' for all motorists, with older drivers told they should have to sit an eye test every three years. The Association of Optometrists (AOP) had previously claimed the current rules around road vision checks are 'out of step' and were in need of a review. Dr Peter Hampson, Optometrist and Clinical and Policy Director at the AOP, said they had been calling for tougher vision checks on UK roads. As it stands drivers are only required to self-certify they are safe to drive to hold onto their driving licence, and are not legally obliged to undertake any assessments. After similar remarks from the Older Drivers Forum and a leading coroner, the remarks pile more pressure on Sir Keir Starmer and the Government to react and change the rules. Speaking exclusively to the Express, Peter said: 'The UK system around drivers vision is out of step with many other countries who instead use a full sight test to ensure vision meets the standard. 'In fact, within Europe, we are one of only five countries that uses a numberplate test and only one of three countries to rely on self-reporting. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'We have long called for mandatory vision checks at first licence application and at every renewal – every 10 years for most drivers, every three years for those over 70. 'With over 7,000 optometry practices nationwide, optometrists are well placed to support the delivery of these checks swiftly and effectively.' Dr James Adeley stressed the UK system was the 'worst in Europe" as he looked into the deaths of four pedestrians killed by older drivers. The Older Drivers Forum supports the introduction of compulsory eyesight checks to make sure road users getting behind the wheel are safe. They said: 'The Forum recommend that all drivers have an optician's eyesight test at least every 2 years. Nearly 90% of driving is visual and we need good vision to see hazards and react to them.' It was previously reported drivers who are aged 70 and over and have not renewed their licence are not 'legally allowed to drive', according to experts. That's because 90 days before drivers turn 70, they should receive a D46P application form from the DVLA. Age UK stated that if a person's drivers licence expires and they are unable to apply for a new one within the timeframe then they are not legally allowed to get behind the wheel. The charity states: "Don't forget to apply for any extra categories of vehicle covered on your old licence if you still want to be able to drive them.
Mint
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Electric three-wheelers, e-rickshaws could soon be rated like cars. Here's why it matters
New Delhi: The central government is considering safety ratings for electric three-wheelers and electric rickshaws amid a surge in the adoption of electric vehicles in the three-wheeler segment. The ministry of road transport and highways is discussing the inclusion of electric three-wheelers to ensure the safety of the occupants and the durability of the vehicle in crash collisions, according to two people aware of the development. The new safety benchmarks are likely to follow a five-star rating system under the ambit of the Bharat National Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), said the first person mentioned above. The plan is likely to be opened for public consultation within the next three to six months. Queries sent to the ministry on 3 June did not elicit a response till press time. Under Bharat NCAP, vehicles undergo crash tests to assess performance in two key areas: adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP). Ratings range from one star (lowest) to five stars (highest). To receive a safety rating, vehicles must undergo both frontal and side-impact crash tests. The AOP category allows for a maximum score of 32 points, while COP is capped at 49 points. A five-star rating requires at least 27 points in AOP and 41 points in COP. Although Bharat NCAP is currently voluntary for automakers, the road transport and highways ministry can recommend that specific models be evaluated under the programme, per a notification issued in September 2023. The battery of an electric vehicle can be a major risk factor in case of collisions and significantly harm passengers, said the second person mentioned above. Also Read: EVs hit with falling resale value as consumer demand cools EV adoption This comes at a time when electric three-wheelers are leading India's electric mobility adoption in the country. According to Vahan portal data, 6.99 lakh electric three-wheelers were sold in FY25, making up 57% of the total three-wheeler sales in the country. This was higher than the 6.32 lakh such vehicles sold in the previous fiscal, when they made up 54% of all three-wheelers sold. In comparison, only about 1.01 lakh electric cars were sold in the country in FY25, accounting for about 2.6% of all cars sold. About 11.11 lakh electric motorcycles and scooters were sold in FY25, making up roughly 6% of all such vehicles sold in the country, Vahan data showed. There were safety concerns about e-rickshaws, identified as L3 models, as they were smaller models running on lead-acid batteries initially and produced by unregulated manufacturers, said Maxson Lewis, managing director and chief executive officer, Magenta Mobility. L3 electric rickshaws are used for small distances and last-mile mobility, while L5 models of electric three-wheelers can carry more passengers or cargo and cover longer distances. "There was a huge issue with toppling of these tuk-tuks, as they used to be called, which are electric three wheelers and many such cases essentially because they were not properly designed," said Lewis. Lewis said that safety and quality issues have plagued L5 models too, and manufacturers might try to pass on the additional cost of crash tests to consumers. Also read | India open to revising EV manufacturing policy for foreign automakers post US tariff clarity
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Private psychiatrists' backing gives Punjab's anti-drug campaign critical push
Chandigarh: In a significant breakthrough for Punjab's anti-drug efforts, private psychiatrists agreed to join the state govt's flagship 'Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh' campaign, offering critical support in the face of a severe shortage of specialists, albeit with riders. Their decision came after initial reluctance and marked a pivotal step forward in expanding clinical care for those battling addiction across the state. The move is expected to substantially strengthen the state's capacity to manage the growing number of individuals seeking rehabilitation, following an intensified crackdown on drug abuse. Currently, over 10 lakh individuals are undergoing treatment at 529 govt-run Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centres and 180 private facilities. In addition, the govt added 1,200 new beds for addiction treatment in private institutions to meet rising demand. Faced with an acute shortage of psychiatrists in public health facilities, the health department turned to the private sector for help. The breakthrough came after Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh announced that private psychiatrists operating through OPDs would be permitted to dispense all approved medications for addiction treatment—including buprenorphine and naloxone—to their own patients. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Promoções imperdíveis de voos baratos Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo This was a longstanding demand of private mental health professionals. Following this policy shift, the Association of Psychiatrists (AOP) conveyed their decision to "provisionally" accept the govt's offer to support the clinical management of addiction cases in govt-affiliated de-addiction facilities. However, the collaboration comes with conditions aimed at safeguarding the autonomy and interests of private practitioners. The AOP underscored several key demands: services should remain entirely voluntary, adequately remunerated, and logistically feasible; arrangements must be formalised through a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) clearly outlining terms of engagement, payment schedules, notice periods, and exit clauses. Moreover, psychiatrists seek legal indemnity from complications that may arise during treatment, such as patient absconding, injury, death, adverse drug reactions, or treatment failures. The association shared a list of the doctors who expressed their willingness to collaborate along with the choice of station. Nabha-based psychiatrist Dr Rajoo Saroj welcomed the govt's broader strategy, stating, "The Punjab govt has adopted a comprehensive and community-driven approach to strengthening de-addiction treatment facilities across the state. The initiative encompasses public-private partnerships, community engagement, outpatient opioid-assisted treatment, infrastructure development, and the establishment of a centralised drug de-addiction registry portal for robust policy monitoring. These multifaceted efforts are aimed at tackling the addiction crisis in Punjab." Association of Psychiatrists (AOP) president Dr Rupinder Kapur said, "The Punjab govt approached us to support the 'Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh' campaign. Our understanding is that it seeks to empower patients by expanding treatment options and empower doctors by granting them greater autonomy, including the ability to dispense all approved medications from their OPD setups. However, the campaign's success is contingent on the govt fulfilling its commitments to both patients and doctors. The AOP is closely monitoring the govt's policy decisions, and our support will continue only if those promises are honoured." Dr Balbir Singh called the decision of private doctors to assist govt mutually beneficial. "Private psychiatrists will be allowed to dispense medicine to their own patients, while the govt will be able to expand the reach and effectiveness of its substance abuse treatment programmes," he said. BOX Call for mental health reform In addition to their support for the anti-drug campaign, the Association of Psychiatrists is also pressing the state govt for full implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act. They argue that rights-based and comprehensive treatment for drug addiction cannot be achieved without aligning existing practices with the Act. The association is also advocating for an end to the so-called "licence raj", greater clarity on govt policy in mental health, and redressal of local challenges faced by private practitioners. MSID:: 121488359 413 |
