Latest news with #PHC
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
PHC opens at site in Kashi where illegal slaughterhouse operated prior to 2017
Varanasi: An illegal slaughterhouse has been transformed into a primary health centre in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the site, a one-storey building was constructed on approximately 1,300 square feet of land with two OPD facilities—one for women and one for men. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Additionally, a pharmacy will also come up. The PHC came into existence on the initiative of Neelkanth Tiwari, former UP minister and MLA from Varanasi South assembly constituency. Tiwari inaugurated the PHC on Thursday in the Adivisheshwar ward's Patthar Gali.. The Yogi Adityanath govt shut down illegal slaughterhouses in 2017 to protect cows and prevent trafficking. Following this, Tiwari initiated the establishment of the health centre at this site and laid the foundation for its construction. During the inauguration ceremony, 21 Vedic priests conducted purification rituals with Vedic chants and the recitation of Sundarkand. Tiwari said that during the COVID-19 crisis everyone relied on govt hospitals and these hospitals and primary health centres played a crucial role in keeping people healthy. "Therefore, it was essential to organise these centres to provide significant relief through primary treatment," he said, while adding, "There are a total of five primary health centres in the Varanasi South constituency, and all primary centres, which previously operated in small rented rooms, now have their own buildings. All health centres are functioning smoothly, and preparations are underway to enhance other advanced medical facilities at these centres.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Illegal weapons, liquor case: Gandapur's non-bailable arrest warrants suspended
ISLAMABAD: A local court on Thursday suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants issued for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in a case related to alleged possession of illegal weapons and liquor. Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hussain Chishti, while hearing the case registered at Bhara Kahu police station, suspended Gandpur's warrants. Gandapur appeared before Mubashir Hassan Chishti along with his legal team, marking his first appearance in the case after issuance of his warrant. During proceedings, Gandpur's counsel Raja Zahoorul Hasan told the court that his client personally appeared before the court. He informed the court that the Peshawar High Court (PHC) had already granted interim bail to the chief minister until July 3. He requested the court to suspend the non-bailable arrest warrants following Gandapur's court appearance. In response, the court asked about the submission of a statement under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), to which Gandapur assured that the required responses would be submitted after the presentation of the provincial budget. The court approved Gandapur's request and suspended the non-bailable arrest warrants and adjourned the hearing until July 2. It is pertinent to mention here that the court had issued an arrest warrant for Gandapur on September 4, 2024 for not appearing before the court. Gandapur, while talking to the media after appearing before the court, criticised the ongoing legal actions against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership and party workers. He stated that numerous cases against the PTI founding chairman and workers are wasting their time and energy. 'These cases are wasting the time and energy of our leadership and workers,' he said, adding that 'once the judiciary is truly independent and all institutions operate within constitutional limits, such challenges will naturally end.' He condemned the recent Israeli attacks on Iran and Palestine and expressed solidarity with both nations. Gandapur also expressed a desire to witness and participate in 'Ghazwa-e-Hind.' To a question about US President Donald Trump and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's meeting, he said that he had no information and therefore could not comment. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Times
COE woes: When emotions get in the way of efficiency
SINGAPORE'S policymakers have always had an eye on efficiency. But efficiency may not be a convincing aim for citizens – as seen, for instance, with the perennial hot topic of Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices. In a recent interview with local media, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow disputed the popular narrative that demand from private-hire car (PHC) companies has pushed up COE prices. On the contrary, the PHC market helps to lower demand for private vehicles because it provides an alternative way to access private transport, he said. Without PHCs, there might be many more aspiring car owners competing for COEs. Crucially, the same single COE would serve many more commuters if it is allocated to a PHC, rather than to a privately-owned vehicle, he added. As with practically any politician's comments on COE prices, Siow's points drew impassioned responses online. Some argued that a COE given to a PHC results in greater congestion, as such drivers are on the road for much longer. Yet, this objection is arguably misaimed. It stems from a lack of clarity over the role of the COE system: as an allocation mechanism for vehicles, or a way to tackle congestion. In his interview, Siow made it clear that he sees the COE system as the former. Congestion, meanwhile, is being tackled by updates to Electronic Road Pricing. Indeed, the fact that a PHC is more active – and thus serves more Singaporeans – is precisely what Siow cited, in arguing for why it would better deserve a COE. Other objections, however, point to a more fundamental issue: the difficulty of applying cold hard logic in policy areas where decisions are influenced by emotion. Wants and needs Given Singapore's policy of zero vehicle population growth, it seems only logical to say that the best allocation of a COE is one that helps more people: that is, to a PHC. The problem is that logic is not the only foundation for policy, particularly in an area as fraught as private transport. Singapore's civil servants and politicians – not least politicians who used to be civil servants – are well-versed in fundamental concepts of behavioural economics, from nudge theory to moral hazard. Policies are crafted with a careful eye on what sort of behaviour they might incentivise, intended or otherwise. But beyond objective gain and loss, there are other forces that must be factored in, and which are far less measurable. There are, of course, many commuters who are concerned merely with the convenience of transport, and who will gladly choose not to own a car if there are better alternatives. However, someone who innately aspires to own a car – because of the image associated with this, the social status it conveys, or simply the joy of driving – will not be swayed. Transport, housing, education, jobs – all of these have been and will likely continue to be hot-button issues because they are tied closely to citizens' aspirations. In this irrational realm of hopes and dreams, objective efficiency is not the metric by which decisions are made. No amount of insisting that every school is a good school, for instance, will stop certain parents from moving house simply to be near brand-name schools. These impulses cannot be addressed by carefully crafted policies alone. Mindsets themselves must change – and policymakers may have to accept that some irrationality will always remain.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Penang Hill's living legacy to the fore in July festival
Three-day event one of few worldwide held in biosphere reserve THE Penang Hill Festival (PHF), an event that uplifts the soul thanks to its unique settings that beautifully intertwine the state's natural and cultural heritage, is back for its sixth edition. Held among the island's lush inland peaks, the festival slated for July 18 to 20 promises to be the most dynamic one yet – with three full days of exploration, education and entertainment lined up for visitors of all ages. There will be eight interactive workshops, 32 indoor and outdoor activities, seven exhibitions, 22 expert speakers and guides, eight performances and 17 nature-and-heritage discovery walks. Organiser Penang Hill Corporation's (PHC) aim is for the activities to spark deeper public appreciation for the hill's natural wonders, storied past and cultural richness. PHC general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng said roughly 25,000 local and international visitors were expected at this year's edition. 'We strive to elevate the festival experience each year through meaningful partnerships and interactive programmes that foster stronger connections to Penang Hill. 'Whether you are attending an insightful talk, joining a heritage walk or soaking in the vibrant festival atmosphere, there is something for all,' he said in a press conference at Komtar. Many do not realise that Penang Hill is not a single hill. Rather, it refers to a collection of granitic ranges that make up the island's hinterland. A significant portion of it was gazetted under the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve in 2021 by Unesco, which describes such sites as 'learning places for sustainable development'. This makes PHF one of the few festivals in the world to take place in a biosphere reserve. The reserve covers 12,481ha, with 7,285ha being on land. This corresponds to roughly 25% of the island's northeast district. The remaining 5,196ha are in marine waters. Collectively, the reserve is home to over 2,000 flora and more than 500 fauna species. 'More than just a festival, PHF will open the door to Penang Hill's extraordinary wonders. 'It is a place that is home to a century-old funicular railway, vibrant cultural activities and lush greenery teeming with biodiversity. 'Beyond the festivities, we also hope the programme will inspire more people to preserve and conserve not just the hill, but nature at large,' said Cheok. He urged festival visitors to embrace the event's eco-conscious spirit by choosing public transport and arriving early for scheduled activities. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai reaffirmed the festival's importance by describing it as a living tribute to Penang Hill's enduring legacy. 'PHF celebrates the unique blend of nature, history and culture that defines the hills, while encouraging community participation and environmental responsibility. 'Each year, it strengthens our bond with the iconic site, connecting people through shared stories, learning experiences, and collective appreciation,' said Wong. Many of the festival's activities are free, but others require a token registration fee to cover costs. Cool highlights Notably, the festival's main event 'Music on the Hill – East Meets West' will have a new venue this year – the Bellevue Hotel. Starting 3.30pm on July 20, it will feature diverse rhythms from groups such as the Northern Jazz Unit of Penang Jazz Society, the Penang Dhol Blasters and Wak Long Music and Art Centre. Adding flair to proceedings will be the modern artistry of the Shuang Chinese orchestra and homegrown angklung ensemble Persona Ritma. Prior to that, there will be various insightful talks and panel discussions, each featuring a line-up of esteemed speakers and experts. This includes 'Guardians of Green: Conserving the Flora and Fungi of Penang Hill' at 4.30pm on July 18 at Edgecliff Gallery@Penang Hill. Participants can delve into the amazing yet often-overlooked species of fungi, orchids and herbs found on the hill, and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect them. 'Man and the Biosphere Reserve: Who Needs Whom More' − scheduled for 2.30pm on July 19 at David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace −promises to be equally thought-provoking. This session will lay out in detail how the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve supports life and our profound responsibility in protecting and preserving its invaluable resources. Visitors may also be interested to check out the exhibition titled 'A Visual Journey of Penang Hill' open from 9am to 6pm on all three days at Gate House Bel Retiro. Its rich imagery highlights the hill's tapestry of flora and fauna, PHC's tireless efforts to conserve the hill, as well as the 100th anniversary celebrations of the funicular railway in 2023. Another interesting exhibition is 'Artistic Expression through Philately', also open from 9am to 6pm daily at Level 1 of Penang Hill Station (upper station). Using postage stamps, Penang-based philatelist Gary Wan Nyin Keat creates awe-inspiring artworks that also reveal motifs of the Penang Hill funicular, the Penang Bridge, Snake Temple and other local landmarks when viewed under UV light. Nature exploration Popular during the festival are the nature and heritage discovery treks conducted by experienced and knowledgeable guides. The 'Talk and Walk: Viaduct Trail' on July 18 starts at 8.30am and will take participants on a 7.5km trek through lush flora, with a break at Nature Green Farm to learn about eco-friendly farming techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics and organic wicking-bed agriculture. Next up is the 'Talk and Walk: Moniot Trail' at 8.30am on July 19. This spans 7km along the hill's oldest track, first created by the British in 1825 for horse-drawn carriages. The 'Talk and Walk: Crag Heritage Trail' at 8.30am on July 20 is only 3km and includes a visit to The Crag, a cherished hill landmark. Participants will gain insights into the 19th century structure's history – from its time as a sanitarium to a hotel, a boarding school and even a filming backdrop for the 1992 movie Indochine and the 2014 British TV series Indian Summers. On July 19 at 3pm, the Mushroom Exploration will show how fungi play vital roles in forest ecosystems. The Night Exploration later the same day at 7.30pm will allow one to experience the rainforest in a different light and perhaps even encounter some of its nocturnal inhabitants. For young children, there is a specially tailored Junior Rainforest Exploration at 9am on July 20. Hands-on activities such as seeding and tree planting are sure to fill them with joy. Each child will also receive a copy of Nature Trail Companion 2, a guidebook sponsored by PHC, to nurture their love for nature. The meeting point for all walks is in front of the Angsana Stage atop Penang Hill, near the main square (Dataran Bukit Bendera). Pre-registration is required for all sessions. Shutterbugs can sign up for the Bird Photography Workshop at 8am on July 19 at David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace. Another session on Nature and Macro Photography takes place at 8am on July 20 at the same venue. Participants should bring their own tripods and filters. For the full list of programmes or to register, visit
Business Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Times
A COE benefits more Singaporeans if given to a private-hire car: Jeffrey Siow
[SINGAPORE] A Certificate of Entitlement (COE) benefits more Singaporeans if given to a private-hire car (PHC) company than a private car owner, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow. In an interview with local media on Jun 11, he countered the idea that PHCs are 'bidding up the prices of the COEs and therefore depriving Singaporeans of owning a car'. As PHCs provide access to private transport on a pay-per-use basis, they drive down demand for COEs, he argued. Without PHCs to meet the needs for private transport, more people would want their own car. 'If you have one COE left to allocate, is it better… to give it to a private car owner who then drives maybe two trips a day and leaves the car in the garage, or is it better to share the car among a much larger group of Singaporeans who can have access to the use of a car when they need it? Surely it must be the latter, right?' In the long term, Singapore could review the COE system as a way of allocating vehicles, he added. 'But my guess is that in the short term, there won't be major tweaks.' BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Asked how Singapore will continue to manage traffic congestion, Siow said the current focus is completing the roll-out of the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) 2.0 system, while autonomous vehicles (AVs) could help in the longer term. 'I think the focus now is just sort of replacing (ERP 1.0), making sure that we get the replacement on track and (making) sure that every car is installed. As I said, that will take some time,' he said. 'After that, we can take a look at what to do in the next phase,' he added, without elaborating. The first-generation gantry-based ERP system is being replaced with satellite-based ERP 2.0 that allows for distance-based charging. Around 500,000 vehicles have been fitted with the new system as at June 2025, and the roll-out is expected to be completed by 2026. Last year, then-transport minister Chee Hong Tat said the authorities were open to a one-off increase in the total vehicle population, spread over a few years, with higher usage-based charges to prevent congestion – but such a move would need to be carefully studied. In thinking about the next phase of private transport policy, the starting point is the need to limit the total vehicle population, said Siow. Then the consideration is what to do 'at the edges, at the margins… to adjust that top-line number', he said. AVs could be a 'game changer' for private transport if they eventually present a good alternative to owning a car, similar to PHCs now, he noted.
