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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi govt seeks Rs 950 cr from Centre to boost road infrastructure
The Delhi government has sought Rs 950 crore from the Centre under Central Road Fund (CRF) to upgrade the city's road infrastructure, TOI reported. Public Works Department minister Parvesh Verma said that out of the 1,400 km under his department, 415 km will be taken up for strengthening under the project. Verma said that several roads were in a state of disrepair for the last seven-eight years and were full of potholes and broken stretches. He alleged that the previous government never availed funds to carry out the repair work despite Central assistance being available. "We have decided to completely change the face of the city's roads by taking up massive road strengthening work. We have already repaired over 150km of PWD roads since we formed govt this Feb while another 100km will be completed soon. Our target is to repair at least 500km of city roads this financial year," the minister said, adding that the state government was spending a lot from its own coffers while central assistance had also been sought. Officials told TOI that the arterial roads that fall under the PWD jurisdiction are strengthened every five years. While the money under CRF is available for new projects, officials said, the strengthening of roads can also be taken up under this scheme. Live Events PWD has come up with a long list of roads across its jurisdiction in the city that require repair. They will be resurfaced using central funds. The list has been sent to the Union ministry of roads, transport and highways for its approval. Several stretches of Ring Road and Outer Ring Road, parts of Mathura Road, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Africa Avenue, Barapullah Road, all arterial roads in Najafgarh and various flyovers have been included in the project. The department has mentioned the length of each road, the month and the year it was last repaired and the due date of their resurfacing or strengthening in the project file. While some of these roads are long, measuring 2-5km, many are also small stretches of a few hundred metres. According to Verma, PWD will simultaneously repair footpaths and drains with the state funds. "Earlier, the contractors first used to repair the road, then another contractor would come and repair the footpath, and a third one would dig up the drain to repair it. Now we have decided to give a comprehensive tender to the contractors to repair the roads, footpaths and drains," Verma said. It will be the responsibility of the contractor to carry out the regular maintenance work for the next three-five years, till the time of their next restrengthening.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi govt seeks central funds to boost road infrastructure
New Delhi: Delhi govt has decided to seek Rs 950 crore from central govt under Central Road Fund (CRF) to upgrade the city's road infrastructure. Public Works Department minister Parvesh Verma said that of the 1,400km stretches under his department's jurisdiction, nearly 415km will be taken up for strengthening under this project. Verma added that a number of these roads were lying in a state of disrepair for seven-eight years and were full of potholes and broken stretches. Despite central assistance being available for strengthening the roads, the previous govt never availed of the funds to carry out the work, he alleged. "We have decided to completely change the face of the city's roads by taking up massive road strengthening work. We have already repaired over 150km of PWD roads since we formed govt this Feb while another 100km will be completed soon. Our target is to repair at least 500km of city roads this financial year," the minister said. He added that Delhi govt was spending a lot of funds from its own coffers while central assistance had also been sought. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi According to officials, the arterial roads that fall under the PWD jurisdiction are strengthened every five years. While the money under CRF is available for new projects, officials said, the strengthening of roads can also be taken up under this scheme. PWD has prepared a long list of roads spread across its circles and divisions in the city that will be repaired and resurfaced from the central funds and sent it to the Union ministry of roads, transport and highways for its approval. Various stretches of Ring Road and Outer Ring Road, parts of Mathura Road, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Africa Avenue, Barapullah Road, all arterial roads in Najafgarh and various flyovers have been included in the project. The department has mentioned the length of each road, the month and the year it was last repaired and the due date of their resurfacing or strengthening in the project file. While some of these roads are long, measuring 2-5km, many are also small stretches of a few hundred metres. According to the minister, PWD will simultaneously repair footpaths and drains with the state funds. "Earlier, the contractors first used to repair the road, then another contractor would come and repair the footpath, and a third one would dig up the drain to repair it. Now we have decided to give a comprehensive tender to the contractors to repair the roads, footpaths and drains," Verma said. It will be the responsibility of the contractor to carry out the regular maintenance work for the next three-five years, till the time of their next restrengthening, he added.
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
FBR directed to immediately stop sealing Tier-1 retail outlets
LAHORE: In a landmark decision, the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has ruled in favour of Pakistan's formal retail sector, directing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to immediately stop sealing Tier-1retail outlets and address critical technical flaws in the Point of Sale (POS) system. The verdict comes as a major relief for retailers who have long struggled with systemic inefficiencies, excessive costs, and abrupt enforcement actions. The ruling was issued in response to a complaint filed by the Chainstore Association of Pakistan (CAP), which highlighted persistent issues such as POS system failures, exorbitant integration costs, unjustified profile disconnections, missing invoice uploads, and poor coordination between the FBR and its automation wing, the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL). According to the details the FTO has ordered the FBR to suspend the sealing of Tier-I retail stores until all technical issues in the POS system are fully resolved. The FBR has been instructed to consult CAP on future POS-related glitches and enforcement strategies to ensure smoother compliance and dispute resolution. The FTO criticized the lack of technical expertise among FBR officers, urging enhanced training and coordination with PRAL to address system-level failures. FTO directed that FBR must develop a forewarning mechanism to alert retailers about POS disconnections, token expirations, or system shutdowns to prevent sudden disruptions. Security tokens for POS systems should now remain valid for at least five years, with prior notice to retailers before expiration. Acknowledging a long-standing demand, the FBR has submitted a Change Request Form (CRF) to introduce a bulk download feature for POS data, which the FTO has stressed that it must be implemented urgently. The ruling confirmed frequent synchronization failures between retailer invoices and FBR servers, as well as 'fake disconnection' errors. The FTO has directed the FBR to resolve these issues technically and administratively. Responding to complaints about third-party integrators charging up to Rs10 per invoice or Rs1 million annually, the FBR stated that PRAL's integration services would now be free under SRO 69(I)/2025. The FTO has recommended quarterly meetings between the FBR, CAP, and other stakeholders to monitor POS performance and address grievances in real time. The decision is expected to alleviate significant operational and financial burdens on thousands of Tier-I retailers who had voluntarily integrated with the FBR's POS system but faced undue harassment due to technical and administrative shortcomings. The FTO emphasized that resolving these issues is crucial for improving tax compliance and advancing Pakistan's retail documentation efforts. Retail industry leaders have welcomed the ruling, calling it a step toward fairer enforcement and a more business-friendly tax regime. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
People centric development must extend beyond New Delhi: CRF
People centric development must extend beyond Delhi as India is not one city, or one region—the different regions have different demands and voices, which must be heard and addressed, was a key suggestion put forward by the Chintan Research Foundation ( CRF ). The suggestion was put forward by Pranav Adani , Director of Adani Enterprises , on Thursday as Chintan Research Foundation (CRF), an independent think tank supported by Adani Group celebrated its first Foundation Day in New Delhi. The event witnessed an overwhelming presence of ambassadors, bureaucrats, journalists, fellow think tanks, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders to share the idea of the multi-faceted role that think tanks play in India. Speaking at the event, Pranav Adani voiced the crucial role that think tanks play being part of the development aspirations of India's journey and how CRF contributes to this with the mantra of 'growth with goodness'. He stated, "Policy is not abstract. It is personal. And, the growth must be measured not just in numbers, but in the lives that we touch, the lives we help improve. And this is CRF's mission — to drive change and contribute to India's rise in a way that uplifts every section of society and helps shape a Viksit Bharat .' Talking about India's transformation and Viksit Bharat, Amitabh Kant, India's former G20 Sherpa and CEO, NITI Aayog, echoed that CRF will be part of this transformation and appreciated the research work that CRF has done and continues to do so. To realize this vision, he emphasised the need of think tanks to provide constructive feedback to the government. He stated, 'India-based think tanks must aim to build an ecosystem of intellectual collaboration, where systemic thinking, evidence-based policy, creative problem-solving, and constructive criticism becomes the norm across sectors.' Only by continually asking where we stand and where we must act, India can effectively chart the future. This reflective inquiry has become a mission for CRF. Shishir Priyadarshi, President CRF highlighted a powerful conviction in the celebration, 'Think tanks must be more than silent observers and should create a space for a better, more inclusive, and more sustainable world where every voice resonates and drives action to lead a meaningful change for people-centric development.' For this he emphasised that think tanks must ask the tough questions-to the policymakers, to the government, and to the civil society. CRF has been doing extensive research on critical issues faced by the citizens including climate change, energy transition, economy, trade, investment, geopolitics, and strategic affairs. Here the uniqueness of CRF also lies in its approach as it integrates policy insights with industry realities while fostering connections between the government, industry, and citizens. Additionally, the speakers highlighted the significance of think tanks in reimagining India's role in shaping the future, particularly in relation to the Global South. For this, it is crucial for India tounderstand the reality, and focus on key areas - climate change, equitable energy transition, the global economy, critical supply chains, trade, and the overarching geopolitics through evidence-based research. Speakers and participants agreed that think tanks across India need to collaborate and prioritize objectivity, sustainability, and people-centric, data-driven solutions to address pressing policy challenges. CRF, as one of these entities, is committed to elevate ideas and empower people, and is poised to chart its role in India and the Global South.
Edinburgh Reporter
20-06-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Turning Data into Decisions The Power of Clinical Data Management in Modern Trials
Every clinical trial, no matter how complex or straightforward, generates data. From laboratory results and electronic case report forms to adverse event reports and patient-reported outcomes, the flow of data is constant and massive. Yet, raw data alone is not useful — it must be structured, validated, and transformed into reliable evidence that supports regulatory approval and, ultimately, clinical decisions. This is where clinical research data management services play an indispensable role. Why Is Data Management So Critical in Clinical Trials? In today's clinical environment, the speed and success of a study are increasingly determined by how efficiently data is handled. Sponsors, regulators, and investigators depend on high-quality, timely information to make protocol adjustments, conduct safety reviews, and prepare submissions. Poor data management can delay a trial, increase costs, or even invalidate results. Good data management ensures: Integrity of the study database Compliance with global regulatory standards Real-time monitoring of trial progress Faster insights for interim and final analyses Improved collaboration across teams Modern clinical trials cannot afford to treat data handling as an afterthought. It must be embedded from day one. What Do Data Management Services Typically Include? Clinical research data management services encompass a wide range of responsibilities, technologies, and workflows — all aimed at ensuring clean, accurate, and compliant data throughout the trial lifecycle. Some of the core components include: Case Report Form (CRF) design : Structuring questions and data fields for clarity and completeness : Structuring questions and data fields for clarity and completeness Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems : Platforms for collecting and storing data securely : Platforms for collecting and storing data securely Query management : Identifying and resolving discrepancies or missing data : Identifying and resolving discrepancies or missing data Database validation and cleaning : Regular checks for consistency, outliers, or protocol deviations : Regular checks for consistency, outliers, or protocol deviations Data coding : Standardizing medical terms (e.g., MedDRA, WHO-DD) for analysis : Standardizing medical terms (e.g., MedDRA, WHO-DD) for analysis Data transfer and locking: Secure sharing of final datasets with statisticians and regulatory teams A well-functioning data management team works quietly behind the scenes, but their impact is felt throughout the trial — especially when problems are avoided or quickly resolved. EDC platforms (e.g., Medidata, Veeva, REDCap) Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS) ePRO and eCOA tools for patient input Risk-based monitoring dashboards Validation scripts and automated edit checks Image by Konstantin Kolosov from Pixabay Challenges and Solutions in Managing Trial Data Despite advances in technology, data management is not without its hurdles. Trials are becoming more decentralized, data sources are more diverse, and expectations for real-time insights are growing. Managing this complexity requires both technical skill and strategic thinking. Let's explore some common challenges and how experienced data managers address them: Decentralized data collection With patients submitting data via mobile apps, wearables, or home diagnostics, data managers must integrate and validate new input formats without compromising consistency. With patients submitting data via mobile apps, wearables, or home diagnostics, data managers must integrate and validate new input formats without compromising consistency. Protocol amendments mid-trial When protocols change, CRFs and data pipelines must be updated immediately — without jeopardizing data already collected. Agile EDC systems and flexible coding structures are essential. When protocols change, CRFs and data pipelines must be updated immediately — without jeopardizing data already collected. Agile EDC systems and flexible coding structures are essential. Cross-system integration Studies often involve multiple software platforms. Data teams must ensure smooth integration and unified reporting, especially when working with third-party labs or imaging providers. Studies often involve multiple software platforms. Data teams must ensure smooth integration and unified reporting, especially when working with third-party labs or imaging providers. Global data privacy compliance Regulations like GDPR and HIPAA mandate strict controls over patient information. Data managers ensure anonymization, encryption, and secure access at every stage. Regulations like GDPR and HIPAA mandate strict controls over patient information. Data managers ensure anonymization, encryption, and secure access at every stage. Fast database lock expectations Sponsors want results quickly. Data teams must balance speed with quality, preparing for interim analyses or regulatory submissions without rushing validation. Experienced providers of clinical research data management services anticipate these issues. Their processes are built to handle complexity, mitigate risks, and deliver results — often under significant time pressure. Why Outsourcing Data Management Makes Sense Many sponsors — especially smaller biotech or device companies — don't have in-house capacity to manage trial data effectively. Partnering with an external data management provider offers: Access to specialized expertise and tools Scalable support across multiple studies Greater consistency in data standards and coding Seamless integration with biostatistics and regulatory teams Cost-efficiency through centralized infrastructure However, choosing the right partner is essential. Sponsors should evaluate potential providers not only on technology, but also on experience with specific therapeutic areas, audit history, and adaptability to evolving trial designs. From Numbers to Knowledge Ultimately, the true value of data management lies in its ability to turn chaos into clarity. Clean, structured, and timely data enables more than just trial completion — it fuels insights, accelerates innovation, and drives better health outcomes. Whether through centralized databases, AI-assisted cleaning tools, or dedicated query resolution teams, modern clinical data handling has become a cornerstone of successful studies. In a world where speed, safety, and transparency are non-negotiable, data management is no longer a back-office function — it's a front-line driver of progress. Like this: Like Related
