logo
MMC invites bids for solar CCTV cams at black spots

MMC invites bids for solar CCTV cams at black spots

Time of India5 days ago
Margao:
In a move towards enhancing surveillance infrastructure, the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has issued a notice inviting bids for the supply and installation of solar 4G CCTV cameras.
These cameras are set to be installed at identified black spots across the town.
This development follows MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar's recent announcement to have CCTV cameras operational at 16 identified spots before the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi.
According to the notice inviting bids, the selected vendors will be responsible for the installation and configuration of the necessary equipment, including network video recorders (NVR), hard disk drives (HDD), and routers.
Sources in the MMC said that the use of solar-powered 4G technology is expected to ensure uninterrupted surveillance capabilities, even in areas with restricted or no conventional power supply.
Interested parties are required to submit their sealed quotations by July 15, with the opening of bids scheduled for the same day at the municipality's office.
'The installation of these CCTV cameras is expected to play a significant role in monitoring vulnerable spots, aiding in crime prevention, and enhancing the overall security framework of the city. The CCTV cameras are expected to serve more as a deterrent against crimes,' said an official of the civic body.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Auto dealers concerned about vehicle supplies amid rare earth magnet crisis
Auto dealers concerned about vehicle supplies amid rare earth magnet crisis

Mint

time2 hours ago

  • Mint

Auto dealers concerned about vehicle supplies amid rare earth magnet crisis

Automobile dealers have started ringing the alarm bells about the rare earth magnet crisis affecting the supply of vehicles in the coming months, nearly 100 days after China restricted the export of the critical component. For the first time since April when the rare earth magnet crisis began, the country's largest dealers body, Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (Fada), voiced its concerns over supply of vehicles from automakers in its outlook for the coming months. Fada's concerns about potential supply snags come even though automakers haven't yet reported any production cuts after stocking up on the permanent magnets in March and April. However, if the Chinese curbs don't ease in the coming months, production could yet be disrupted, hurting inventories at dealerships. Fada president C.S. Vigneshwar told Mint that automakers have not yet conveyed the full situation to dealers, which is adding to the uncertainty regarding the situation. 'We have been in touch with the automakers and industry bodies but there has been very little information conveyed about how the situation is evolving. While there is enough stock to meet demand for now, we need to know the supply situation," Vigneshwar said. Rare earth magnets are used in the traction motors of electric vehicles along with other electronic parts of vehicles including the telemetry system, which collects vehicle data on speed, and acceleration etc. In its near-term outlook as part of its monthly release, the dealers' body that has more than 15,000 members highlighted that component production can stall, leading to a reduction in the supply of vehicles in the coming months. 'Challenges in securing rare-earth materials have stalled component production, further constraining supply and retail volumes," the June near-term outlook statement of the dealers' body said. In May, Fada had noted the developments around rare earth magnets but did not foresee any threat to supply of vehicles. Most automakers in the country sell their vehicles through dealerships which are managed by third parties. Companies dispatch their vehicles directly to dealers who then sell them to customers. Any cut in production will end up impacting the dealers, which can increase wait time for customers as availability of vehicle models will be constrained. Experts highlight that any disruption of supplies with dealerships at the current stage can dampen prospects of the industry as festive season is just around the corner. Srihari Mulgund, a partner at EY Parthenon, notes that companies are entering a crucial phase as they begin stocking vehicles ahead of the festive season. "Certainty regarding the supply of vehicles in the coming months will be crucial as the festive season is also coming a bit early. Preparation for the season usually begins by this time," he said. The second half of the calendar year is usually an important time for the automakers as sales pick up around festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Dusshera, among others. In FY26, carmakers are anticipating a slower growth of about 1-2% after the passenger vehicle market grew by 2% to 4.3 million units in FY25. On the other hand, two-wheeler sales grew 9.1% to 19.6 million units, according to data from the Society of Indian Vehicle Manufacturers (Siam). During this financial year, two wheeler players expect a 5-6% growth in the industry. As per Vigneshwar, the inventory levels are elevated at somewhere around 55 days for passenger vehicles and just over 30 days for two-wheeler vehicles. In May, Bajaj Auto had warned that if the rare earth magnet situation is not resolved, the auto industry will see production cuts from July onwards. Maruti Suzuki chairman R.C. Bhargava also mentioned that the country's largest automaker has rare earth magnet stock till July. 'Stocks are fast depleting. So far, 30 applications have been submitted to China, but none have received final approval. The Chinese government has said that final approvals will take about 45 days," Bajaj Auto executive director Rakesh Sharma said after the release of the company's January-March earnings. The management reiterated the outlook to analysts from Kotak Institutional Equities during a meeting. In a 30 June note, Rishi Vora of Kotak Institutional Equities wrote that launch timelines can start getting impacted soon. 'With rare earth supply expected to tighten from July, production schedules and growth in the EV segment may face disruptions, making material sourcing and supply chain stability essential focus areas for sustaining momentum," Vora wrote after meeting the company's management. 'E-rickshaw launch plans may also get delayed if the situation is not resolved." Mint reported on 7 July that automakers are now rushing to import fully built motors which need rare earth magnets as China continues to throttle the raw material's export. Companies have asked for a cut on import duties to manage the situation and avoid an increase in cost of vehicles.

MMC invites bids for solar CCTV cams at black spots
MMC invites bids for solar CCTV cams at black spots

Time of India

time5 days ago

  • Time of India

MMC invites bids for solar CCTV cams at black spots

Margao: In a move towards enhancing surveillance infrastructure, the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has issued a notice inviting bids for the supply and installation of solar 4G CCTV cameras. These cameras are set to be installed at identified black spots across the town. This development follows MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar's recent announcement to have CCTV cameras operational at 16 identified spots before the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi. According to the notice inviting bids, the selected vendors will be responsible for the installation and configuration of the necessary equipment, including network video recorders (NVR), hard disk drives (HDD), and routers. Sources in the MMC said that the use of solar-powered 4G technology is expected to ensure uninterrupted surveillance capabilities, even in areas with restricted or no conventional power supply. Interested parties are required to submit their sealed quotations by July 15, with the opening of bids scheduled for the same day at the municipality's office. 'The installation of these CCTV cameras is expected to play a significant role in monitoring vulnerable spots, aiding in crime prevention, and enhancing the overall security framework of the city. The CCTV cameras are expected to serve more as a deterrent against crimes,' said an official of the civic body.

Hope restocked on festive shelves; companies plan higher discounts for turnaround in sales
Hope restocked on festive shelves; companies plan higher discounts for turnaround in sales

Time of India

time6 days ago

  • Time of India

Hope restocked on festive shelves; companies plan higher discounts for turnaround in sales

New Delhi | Kolkata: Companies selling discretionary products from chocolates and apparel to electronics and jewellery are lining up larger discounts, longer sale events and faster deliveries this festive season, hoping to persuade shoppers who have been wary of spending the past year to loosen the purse strings. They have also advanced festive stocking as the season starts early this year, with monsoon festival of Teej, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi all stacked up over the next two months. 'We are cautiously optimistic about July-September after a subdued last year, with many festive occasions in the quarter,' said Pushpa Bector, senior executive director and business head at DLF Retail, which owns and operates several premium malls. 'With festivals coming earlier this year, brands across categories such as fashion, gifting and luxury goods have advanced inventories and promotions.' Brands and retailers hope that discounts, projected to be 20-50% higher compared with last year, will encourage consumers to spend, and boost their performance in the July-September quarter after a muted 12-month period and a rain-impacted April-June quarter. A strong beginning to the festive season, they hope, will set the momentum for the big Diwali shopping period in October, and they are doubling down on discounts and sales across offline and online platforms. 'This year, for the first time, we're extending Prime Day to three days,' said Akshay Sahi, Amazon's director, Prime, delivery and returns for India and emerging markets. Prime Days, one of the main shopping events on the ecommerce platform, has been for two days in the past. The online retailer has announced up to 10% discount on several brands during the July 12-14 event. At Myntra, one of the key features this year would be quick deliveries under its MNow service, 'to cater to key occasions like Rakhi, where gifting takes centre stage', said Ankit Dua, senior director, category management at the Walmart-owned online fashion retailers. Snacking giant Haldiram's said it has begun stocking festive packs for Teej which falls on July 27, at its stores and on online platforms. A spokesperson for the DS Group, which retails premium chocolate brands Laderach and Luvit, said the company is boosting inventory of festive packs and creating bundling options. Mayank Shah, vice president marketing at bakery products maker Parle Products, said there would be much higher discounts compared to last year, both online and offline. RETAIL TURNAROUND Sales across discretionary sectors slowed down to 4-5% on an average in the past 12 months from 9-10% a year earlier, according to industry estimates, dragged by inflation and urban stress. In last year's festival season, retail sales grew 7%, falling short of industry expectations of 10%. But the $900 billion retail industry may now be on a recovery path, show latest data, with Retailers Association of India last week reporting a 7% expansion in May and projecting 9–10% growth during the next two quarters. The industry is also hopeful that this year's plentiful monsoon would help boost demand, especially in rural markets. The jewellery industry though remains under pressure amid high gold prices, though the prices fell by Rs 5,000 per 10 gm in the last 15 days. But they too expect the festivals to bring cheer. 'Despite falling prices, there has not been significant interest among consumers,' said Surendra Mehta, national secretary of the India Bullion & Jewellers Association. 'However, jewellers are restocking in advance and introducing new lines in anticipation of higher sales in the upcoming festive season.' Varghese Alukkas, managing director of jewellery retailer Jos Alukkas, said his company is working on plans to boost sales, including offering lower denominations of gold coins and silver coins against gold and diamond jewellery. Saurabh Gadgil, chairman of Pune-based listed jewellery firm PNG Jewellers, said the chain would continue with 50% discounts on making charges till July 15 to clear out old inventory and bring in additional customers.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store