Latest news with #LDV
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Haryana govt finally blinks, sets up panel to break HAU standoff
Ten days after peacefully protesting students of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU) Hisar, were lathi-charged, the Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government on Friday finally 'took cognizance' of the incident, setting up a four-member panel to hold talks with the students and resolve the standoff. The students at CCSHAU, Hisar, have been protesting since June 10 in the wake of a clash with university staff. (HT File) The panel includes education minister Mahipal Dhanda; public works minister Ranbir Gangwa; social justice and empowerment minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, and Nalwa segment MLA Randhir Panihar. The mandate of this committee is to meet the students, hear their grievances and work towards a resolution of the logjam. 'Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, taking cognizance of issues related to CCSHAU, has constituted a four-member committee to hold dialogue with the students,' a government spokesperson said. 'The CM has made it clear that the Haryana government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of youth and students. The government stands with the youth and students at every level,' he added. The students at CCSHAU, Hisar, have been protesting since June 10 in the wake of a clash with university staff. Despite mounting outrage from academics and Opposition political parties over the use of force against the students, administrative apathy, and alleged political interference, the Haryana government had remained silent until now. The unrest began when students gathered outside vice-chancellor BR Kamboj's residence on June 10 to protest changes to the university's stipend structure and the rollback of seat reservations for Land Donation Villages (LDV). The situation escalated when university officials and security personnel allegedly unleashed a brutal lathi-charge, leaving at least 20 students injured. The cane charge was cruel so much so that some students suffered deep head wounds requiring six to 30 stitches. The state government's decision to set up a panel comes ahead of students announcing to hold a mahapanchayat on June 24 against the varsity administration. Students have been observing sit-ins demanding the arrest of two university officials and the resignation of vice-chancellor BR Kamboj in response to a lathi charge on June 10. The university had earlier formed a three-member committee to resolve the issue but the students refused to hold talks with them. They are demanding the arrest of remaining accused named in the FIR, termination of key officials, and protection from disciplinary action against those involved in the protest.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
HT Explainer: Why are Haryana agri varsity students up in arms
Students at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, have been protesting since June 10 following a violent clash with university staff. The protest has drawn widespread attention due to allegations of assault, administrative inaction, and political interference. HT's Staff Correspondent Sunil Rahar explains. --- Why the CCSHAU protest began The agitation started on June 10 when students were protesting outside vice-chancellor BR Kamboj's residence against recent changes to the university's stipend structure and the rollback of seat reservations for Land Donation Villages (LDV). Tensions escalated when security guards and university officials allegedly resorted to a lathi-charge, injuring at least 20 students. Among them, BSc (Agriculture) student Deepanshu Kadian sustained a head injury requiring six stitches, while final-year student Chakshu needed 30 stitches. --- What changes to the stipend policy triggered the unrest Until recently, MSc and PhD scholars were eligible for stipends if they scored above 70% or maintained a 7 OGPA. The new policy increased the eligibility threshold to 75% or 7.5 OGPA and limited stipends to just 25% of students. Students argue this new system is exclusionary and unfair, especially as it deviates from the norms of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). They are demanding a complete rollback and restoration of the previous eligibility criteria. --- What steps have the police and university taken so far Hisar police have booked eight university officials and staff, including registrar Pawan Kumar, assistant professor Radhe Shyam Manju, chief security officer Sukhbir Singh, and five guards. Charges under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita include rioting, criminal intimidation, and attempt to commit culpable homicide. Radhe Shyam, seen in a video chasing students with a stick, was arrested and sent to judicial custody for 14 days. The university, meanwhile, has formed a three-member committee to engage with students and has suspended Radhe Shyam along with four security guards allegedly involved in the alleged lathi charge. The administration has also agreed to reverse the recent changes in scholarship and LDV policies. --- Why students are continuing their protest despite these actions Students insist that the protest will continue until vice-chancellor Kamboj resigns, as they hold him responsible for allowing the violence to happen and for not addressing their concerns in person. They are also demanding the arrest of the remaining accused named in the FIR, termination of key officials, and protection from disciplinary action for those involved in the protest. Allegations have also emerged that police, including male personnel, were sent to girls' hostels to pressure students into appearing for exams—claims that have further angered the student community. --- What the response from political parties and the public has been The protest has drawn strong support from opposition parties including Congress, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP). Senior Congress leaders such as Deepender Hooda, Randeep Surjewala, and Kumari Selja have visited the protest site, while national president Mallikarjun Kharge has promised to raise the issue in Parliament. BJP MP Dharambir Singh has also condemned the lathi-charge and expressed support for the students' right to protest. Meanwhile, INLD's Abhay Chautala has accused the VC of holding fake degrees and being unfit to lead the university. Alumni have also raised concerns about corruption and nepotism under Kamboj's tenure.
NZ Autocar
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Terron 9 Elite arrives and LDV is taking preorders
The LDV Terron 9 has dotted down in New Zealand in Elite specification and pricing kicks off at $59,990 plus on roads. Powering LDV's new full-sized ute is a 2.5L turbodiesel engine producing 164kW power and 520Nm torque. It has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg. The 4WD workhorse comes with multiple terrain modes, and off-road expert information, including altitude, compass, wading sensor and approach angle. It also has an 1100kg payload, and a spray-on tray liner with four fixed tie-down points as standard. Inside are cloth seat covers, a six-way powered driver's seat, and a four-way manual adjustable passenger seat. Other features include a keyless entry and start, a surround camera, DRLs and LED headlights, dual 12.3-inch screens, and wireless phone hook up. Safety items include auto headlights and auto high beam assist, lane keeping, traffic sign recognition and blind spot monitoring. Kym Mellow, GM of Inchcape New Zealand which handles LDV product, introduced the model and announced pricing at Hamilton's Fieldays event. 'This Terron 9 ute is the ultimate reinforcement of LDV's brand DNA, in that it aims to be dependable, durable and value packed. It also offers up to 1100kg of payload and exceptional off-road capability thanks to its double-wishbone suspension up front and sturdy leaf spring suspension in the rear. Terron 9 comes backed by LDV's seven-year warranty, seven-year roadside assistance, and seven years of WOF, giving peace of mind for fleet companies, corporate customers and Kiwi families alike,' he added. The LDV Terron 9 Elite is now available for preorder here.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Sligo to get extra EV charging hubs
An allocation of almost €8 million will be provided to support grants for recharging infrastructure at the selected sites, with chargers set to be in place by the end of this year. These new sites will deliver 175 new fast and ultra-fast recharging points, at 53 locations along the national road network, making it quicker and easier for EV drivers to top up on longer journeys. The announcement is part of a wider plan to build a reliable recharging network across the country, with the distance between recharging hubs to be 60km or less. The recharging hubs are funded through the Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) initiative operated by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), and delivered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). This phase of the initiative focused on over 1,200km of national single carriageway roads. Enterprises such as petrol/service station operators, car park owners, hotels, supermarkets/retail outlets, and others with publicly accessible sites, could apply through a competitive grant process for funding. The total allocation for this aspect is €7.9 million. Applegreen, Carraroe, Sligo N4; Whiteside's SuperValu, Ballisodare, N4; Surlis SuperValu, Tubbercurry, N17; Drive Service stations Ltd, Sligo, N17. Sligo Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan has welcomed the announcement of the nomination of 7 sites across Leitrim, South Donegal, and Sligo. 'It is vital for this region and constituency that we expand our EV charging network to facilitate EV owners who visit this region for either work or leisure purposes. 'I would like to see more of our smaller villages and towns get the funding to provide town centre fast charging EV points to ensure that more and more people have the opportunity to visit our locality including EV owners without the concern of range anxiety,' said Deputy Feighan. The nominating sites in Leitrim are: Rooney's Supervalu, Manorhamilton and Rosebank Retail Park, Carrick-on-Shannon.
Irish Independent
05-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
EV drivers in Limerick set to benefit from three new high-powered recharging hubs
The new sites are supported by nearly €8 million in government funding and will be strategically located to ensure drivers are never more than 60km from a high-power charging facility. 'We're taking real, practical steps to make electric vehicles work for everyone,' said Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien. 'With more chargers, more choice, and more support, we hope even more people will feel confident making the switch to electric,' he added. The recharging hubs are part of the Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) initiative operated by Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) and delivered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). This national phase of the programme focused on over 1,200km of national single carriageway roads. Funding was awarded through a grant process for accessible locations such as service stations, supermarkets, hotels, and car parks. The total funding for this phase amounts to €7.9 million, with several Limerick locations among the first confirmed: Weev Charging Ltd, Templeglantine, N21; Hodkinson's Centra & Top Oil, Patrickswell, N21; Dooleys SuperValu, Newcastle West, N21. Peter Walsh, CEO of TII, said: 'Working in partnership with ZEVI and the private sector, this scheme is helping us build the kind of infrastructure people can rely on: fast, efficient and accessible.' This announcement follows earlier funding rounds under the ZEVI National Road Network EV Charging Plan, which have already supported the installation of 131 high-power chargers at 17 motorway and dual-carriageway locations. A new scheme, aimed at supporting charging infrastructure on an additional 3,000km of national roads, is also underway, with applications open until the end of June.
