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United News of India
19 hours ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Arunachal CM disburses Rs 19 Cr land compensation, meets troops along LAC
Itanagar, June 21 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday handed over compensation cheques worth Rs 19 crore to villagers of Chuna in Tawang district for land acquisition related to the Damteng-Chuna road project and for land acquired by the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Terming the compensation as a key step towards inclusive development, Khandu said, 'This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to ensure that development reaches even the remotest frontiers of Arunachal Pradesh.' The compensation disbursement followed the International Yoga Day celebrations held at Chuna, located at an altitude of 3,950 meters near the Indo-Tibet border. The programme was graced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and State Minister Kento Jini, along with senior officials from the district administration. Earlier in the day, Khandu participated in the Yoga Day programme with villagers and security personnel. 'As the local MLA, it was important for me to interact directly with the people of Chuna, hear their concerns, and understand their aspirations firsthand,' he said, following an extended interaction with local residents. The Chief Minister also visited the jawans of the Arunachal Scouts stationed at the border outpost and expressed pride in their service. 'I was deeply impressed by the courage and dedication of our own boys, sons of Arunachal, serving Maa Bharti in some of the harshest terrains with unmatched dedication,' he noted. The visit reaffirmed the state government's focus on border area development and integration of frontier communities into the mainstream, officials said. UNI TD GNK
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Time Business News
Why Choose an International Preschool in Thailand?
Choosing the right preschool for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. It's where their educational journey begins and where many of their first social experiences take place, shaping their core personality. For families living in or considering moving to Thailand, especially in cities like Bangkok, the many world-class international preschools here offer a valuable opportunity to give children a strong, well-rounded start in life. So, why choose an international preschool in Thailand? Let's break it down. A Global Learning Environment International preschools provide a multicultural setting where children grow up learning and playing alongside classmates from all over the world. This early exposure to diverse cultures and ways of thinking helps children become more open-minded and confident when communicating with others. International preschools in Thailand often follow well-established educational frameworks, such as the US, British or IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum. These programmes are designed to support a child's development across all key areas: social, emotional, physical, and academic. Enrolling in an international preschool in Thailand often sets the stage for a smooth transition into an international school later on, giving children a stable learning journey from the start. High Standards of Care and Teaching One of the main draws of international preschools is the quality of teaching. Teachers are often highly qualified, with experience in international settings. Class sizes tend to be smaller, allowing for more individual attention and tailored support for each child. Classrooms are well-equipped with modern learning materials and designed to be engaging, safe, and stimulating. In Bangkok, many international preschools also place a strong emphasis on play-based learning – a proven approach that encourages curiosity, exploration, and creativity. Smooth Transitions for Expats For expat families, an international preschool makes the transition to a new country much easier. Children are taught in familiar languages, follow learning styles they're used to, and are supported emotionally as they adapt to their new surroundings. At the same time, they get to experience Thai culture in a welcoming environment, giving them the best of both worlds. Why ISB is a Top Choice If you're based in Bangkok and looking for an outstanding international preschool in Thailand, the International School Bangkok (ISB) stands out for all the right reasons. Located in the green and spacious community of Nichada Thani, ISB offers a nurturing Early Childhood programme tailored to children aged 3 to 5. Their approach focuses on learning through play, inquiry, and hands-on experiences, helping children build confidence, independence, and a love for learning from day one. The Early Childhood classrooms at ISB are bright, inviting, and thoughtfully arranged to encourage exploration. Children learn through activities that are both structured and free-flowing, supported by passionate teachers who understand the unique needs of young learners. The curriculum promotes literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, physical development, and creativity – all through purposeful play. Parents are also welcomed as part of the learning journey. ISB values strong family-school partnerships, which create a close-knit, supportive environment where children truly thrive. ISB is one of the leading international preschools in Thailand, offering students a world-class education from early childhood through to high school. Final Thoughts Thailand is home to a number of excellent early education options, but international preschools offer something unique – a global perspective, high-quality learning, and strong community values. For parents looking to give their children a great start in a caring, engaging, and multicultural environment, international preschools in Thailand are an easy choice. And if you're searching for one of the best in Bangkok, ISB is a school you'll want to visit. With a focus on child-centered learning, experienced educators, and world-class facilities, it offers a warm and inspiring start to your child's education journey. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Fashion United
5 days ago
- Business
- Fashion United
Ecoalf secures ‘green loan' of seven million euros from Impact Bridge to boost growth
Madrid – Spanish fashion label Ecoalf secured a seven million euro "green loan" from Spanish fund manager Impact Bridge (IB). The capital will be used by the company, founded and led by Javier Goyeneche, to further boost its growth as a global 'purpose-driven' brand focused on promoting and leading the fashion industry's shift towards a more committed and sustainable model. Founded by Goyeneche in 2012, Ecoalf has been in the hands of London-based investment management firm Treïs since 2017. Fomerly known as Manor Group, Treïs, which owns 65.9 percent of Ecoalf, specialises in executing 'responsible' investments in various fields ranging from regenerative agrotechnology to green energy and fashion. Initially, the firm's aim was to boost and support to face Ecoalf's next stage of development and growth. This goal has been successfully validated year after year, and Ecoalf is once again ready to scale, now through the additional financing of seven million euros, which will be injected into its accounts thanks to the "green loan" formalised with socially and environmentally-focused investment firm, IB. With this objective, the loan granted to Ecoalf will demonstrate how "another textile industry is possible", stated Maria Samoilova, former director of Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan and current managing partner of IB, and manager of its investment fund 'IB Deuda Impacto España'. Through this investment vehicle, the Spanish fund manager grants loans to 'purpose-driven' companies and projects, thus contributing, through financing actions such as the one now formalised with Ecoalf, to financing their objectives and next stages of development. "Ecoalf is not just a sustainable fashion brand," Samoilova noted in a joint statement issued by IB and the fashion label, "it is a platform for change." Changes that "together", she noted, they will work to promote, for the benefit and construction of that other fashion industry, and to the extent that Ecoalf and IB "share a deep purpose, and this alliance seeks to scale that purpose". "This agreement represents much more than financing," stressed Goyeneche, founder and chief executive officer of Ecoalf, as well as a reference minority shareholder within its share capital. "It is the union of two organisations that believe in a better future and work to build it from their respective fields," argued the founder of the inspiring project that Ecoalf continues to be today. A business venture for which, Goyeneche defended, being able to "count on a partner like IB, who truly understands what impact means, gives us the strength to continue challenging the status quo" that still prevails within the fashion industry. A 'green loan' to boost Ecoalf's new chapter Beyond its total amount, the loan granted by IB to Ecoalf carries a different series of 'green clauses', which will cause the total interest that the fashion firm will have to face for having this new injection of funds to fluctuate, depending on a different series of objectives. These objectives will be linked to different goals and commitments to be achieved in terms of sustainability, environmental protection, or social impact, as part of a complete 'roadmap' established between the parties, and ultimately aimed at strengthening Ecoalf's social impact, and the shared ambitions between it and IB to contribute, 'in a tangible way', they highlight, to accelerating the move towards 'a fairer and more sustainable economic model'. As for the destination of the funds, Ecoalf will allocate the seven million euros, according to economic media outlet Expansión, to refinancing existing debt, as well as to boosting its new stage of growth, both nationally and internationally. A new chapter in its development for which the Spanish fashion firm has already taken the first steps, with the opening, at the end of last week, of a new shop in Biarritz. This new point of sale will allow the fashion firm to continue consolidating its presence in the physical medium and its commercial network, currently made up of more than 14 of its own points of sale and the presence of the firm's collections in more than 1,000 multi-brand points of sale. With the same objective, and facing this new stage of growth that Ecoalf has now opened up to, after closing its last full financial year of 2024 by increasing sales by 20 percent, to 58 million euros, the company led by Goyeneche maintains a different sum of strategic activations on its list, including openings already planned in markets such as Japan, where Ecoalf already has five shops; or the opening of its first franchised shops in Bolzano (Italy) and Antwerp (Belgium). Initiatives whose implementation will thus be driven by this injection of funds, with which Ecoalf hopes to achieve the growth objectives it has set for the short and medium term, with a view to reaching 2027 with sales worth around 150 million euros. This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Abhishek raises 5 questions on Pahalgam attack, slams Centre's ‘silence'
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Centre on Monday over its alleged silence on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26, including three tourists from Bengal, dead. In a post on X, Banerjee brought up five pointed questions over the Centre's handling of national security, intelligence accountability, foreign policy and global diplomacy. "It is over 55 days since the Pahalgam terror attack. It is deeply concerning that in a democracy neither the mainstream media, members of the opposition, nor the judiciary stepped forward to raise these five critical questions before the Government of India. However, as a citizen committed to the nation's well-being and as a public representative entrusted with accountability, I raise these five questions before the Government of India," Banerjee wrote. On border security, Banerjee wrote: "How did four terrorists manage to infiltrate and launch an attack that killed 26 innocent civilians? Where is the accountability for this massive breach in national security?" He took aim at Intelligence Bureau over the decision to extend the IB chief's tenure just weeks after the attack. "If this was an intelligence failure, why was the IB chief given a one-year extension? Why was he rewarded rather than held accountable? If the GoI can conveniently use Pegasus spyware against opposition leaders (including me), journalists, and even judges, what stops it from using the same tools against terrorist networks and suspects?" Raising concerns over govt's silence on the terrorists involved, Banerjee asked, "Are they dead or alive? If neutralised, why hasn't the govt confirmed it? If not, why the silence?" He also challenged the Centre's stand on reclaiming PoK and demanded a response to the US President Donald Trump's statement claiming he persuaded India into a ceasefire with trade incentives. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Run Your Business Like a Pro - Top Trending Accounting Software (Check Now) Accounting ERP Click Here Undo The Trinamool MP questioned why, despite diplomatic outreach to 33 countries, none had explicitly condemned Pakistan. "If we are truly a Vishwaguru and the world's fourth-largest economy, how did Pakistan receive $1 billion from the IMF and $40 billion in investments post-attack, and then get appointed Vice-Chair of the UN Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee?" he asked. "Over Rs 2 lakh crores has been spent on external affairs over the past 10 years. The Indian public deserves transparency, accountability, and results — not silence and spin. The nation awaits a response!" Banerjee said. TMC's reiterated the questions on X, accusing BJP of managing PM Narendra Modi's image rather than addressing critical national security lapses. "India isn't a film set. It's a nation under attack," the party wrote, calling on the PM to break his silence. Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said the questions were posed "more than as a three-time MP but as a citizen". "Someone needed to call this govt out. Someone needed to hold this govt accountable. Someone needed to ask five direct questions. Abhishek Banerjee did," he added. Echoing the concerns, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said: "The Centre has failed to address basic questions of accountability and action. Abhishek Banerjee raised what many are thinking but not saying."
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Member of govt's all-party global outreach, Abhishek Banerjee asks: ‘33 countries toured, how many backed India?'
Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who was part of the all-party delegations that travelled abroad to convey India's stance on terrorism, on Monday questioned the effectiveness of these trips, while asking pointed questions to the Centre on the Pahalgam terror attack. Less than a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met all the delegations following their return, Abhishek said: 'After reaching out to 33 countries post-Pahalgam in the last one month, how many extended explicit support to India?' Asserting that his concerns mirrored the feedback and questions he had received from civil society members and citizens across the five Asian countries his delegation visited, Abhishek spoke about 'the lack of accountability and transparency' by the government over the attack that left 26 dead. In a comprehensive post, Abhishek raised four other areas of concern besides diplomacy. On the border breach and civilian casualties, he demanded to know how four terrorists had 'managed to infiltrate' and carry out the attack. There must be accountability for 'the massive breach in national security', the TMC leader said. Speaking on 'the intelligence failure' behind the attack, Abishek questioned the one-year extension granted to Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Tapan Kumar Deka barely a month later. 'If this was an intelligence failure, why was the IB chief granted a one-year extension… Why was he rewarded rather than held accountable? What is the compulsion?' Abhishek posted. He added: 'If the Government of India can conveniently use Pegasus spyware against Opposition leaders (including me), journalists and even judges, what stops it from using the same tools against terrorist networks and suspects?' On the status of the Pahalgam terrorists, Abhishek sought clarity on the fate of the four responsible for the 'brutal, religion-based massacre'. He asked if they were dead or alive, and if neutralised, why the government had failed to issue a clear statement. He also questioned the government's silence if they had not yet been apprehended. Abhishek asked when India intended to 'reclaim' Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and why the government had not officially responded to US President Donald Trump's claim that he brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor with promises of trade. The ceasefire had 'disregarded… the emotions of 140 crore Indians', Abhishek said, and asked what led to such a 'compromise' after the nation had united behind the Armed Forces. He said it was a surprise that despite India being one of the world's largest economies, and the Centre projecting the country as a 'Vishwaguru', the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank had approved significant financial assistance and long-term investments to Pakistan immediately after the attack. He questioned how a nation 'repeatedly involved in cross-border terrorism' escaped global scrutiny and was seemingly rewarded, and why Pakistan was appointed vice-chair of the United Nations Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee barely a month later. Abhishek concluded his post by highlighting that over Rs 2 lakh crore had been spent on external affairs over the past 10 years, asserting that 'the Indian public deserves transparency, accountability and results – not silence and spin'. Following the TMC leader's post on X, its Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien released a video supporting him. 'Someone needed to call this government out. Someone needed to hold this government accountable. Someone needed to ask five direct questions,' he said, adding that the government's silence on these critical issues was unacceptable. Abhishek was a part of the delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, and as part of his tour, travelled on May 21 to Japan, followed by South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. The other members of his delegation included former diplomat Mohan Kumar; BJP MPs Brij Lal, Aparajita Sarangi, Pradan Baruah and Hemang Joshi; and CPI(M) MP John Brittas. Abhishek was not initially among the delegation members announced by the government, which had instead chosen cricketer-turned-politician and Baharampur MP Yusuf Pathan to represent the TMC. After criticising the Centre for not consulting the TMC, party chief Mamata Banerjee withdrew Pathan's name and sent Abhishek as his replacement.
