Latest news with #KaranAggarwal
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘It was in kitchen, on third floor…': Snake sightings surge in Delhi as monsoon pushes them out of natural habitat
'It was in the kitchen… on the third floor,' said East of Kailash RWA president Karan Aggarwal as he recalled that he was informed about the presence of a snake on Sunday in a house in the neighbourhood. The three-foot-long Indian rat snake was found inside the kitchen cabinet at a house on the third floor in a residential building, triggering alarm in the area. After the Wildlife SOS emergency helpline was approached, the NGO's rapid response unit arrived and caught the yellowish, slender, and non-venomous reptile with black crossbands, said residents. Even as such sightings may sound rare, incidents like these become common during monsoon in the Capital. With flooded burrows and waterlogged grounds, snakes seek dry refuge and often get pushed out of their natural shelters and end up inside homes, schools, warehouses, and even government buildings, according to experts. 'The monsoon season typically leads to an increase in snake sightings as they seek dry and safe shelters, often leading them into urban areas,' said Suvidha Bhatnagar, Director of Communications at Wildlife SOS. In the last few weeks, Wildlife SOS says it has caught multiple snakes across Delhi-NCR. A four-foot-long spectacled cobra was removed from a Jawaharlal Nehru University canteen, where it was found coiled close to a gas cylinder. In the first week of July, a similar incident took place at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence — a rat snake was found and later removed. In Greater Noida, a cobra had to be removed from inside an almirah, while in Ghaziabad, a seven-foot-long rat snake was rescued from a cricket practice net in Raj Nagar Extension. In Paschim Vihar, Burari, and Chhatarpur too, snakes have been spotted and removed by the teams of Wildlife SOS. All these incidents were reported in June. This sharp increase in snake sightings and rescues is not limited to Delhi. In Agra, over 100 snake rescue calls were received between June and mid-July this year, according to the NGO. The reptiles thus removed included 34 Indian rat snakes, 23 spectacled cobras, and 21 common wolf snakes. Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, 'Instead of reacting out of fear, people are now seeking safe and humane solutions. This change is not just encouraging, it is essential for the survival of these ecologically critical reptiles.' Similar trends have been observed in the rest of the country, according to the NGO. For example, in Kashmir, the Wildlife SOS team recently caught multiple snakes from residential areas of Pampore and Budgam. In one case, a snake was found inside the bonnet of a car. In another, two snakes were taken out from the same chicken coop. In July 2024, the NGO's rapid response team in Delhi handled at least 48 reptile rescues and in July 2023, they reported 56 reptile rescues, predominantly snakes, following heavy rain. The Delhi Forest and Wildlife department also has an active helpline number for snake rescues, with multiple rapid response teams deployed based on the forest divisions, said a senior forest department official. In Delhi, the NGO has observed that the monsoon season coincides with the hatching period of several native snake species. 'During past monsoon seasons, snakes such as the spectacled cobra, common krait, Indian rock python, Indian rat snake, and black-headed royal snake have frequently been rescued from homes and commercial areas in Delhi-NCR,' it said in an advisory issued on June 23. Baiju Raj M V, Director of Conservation Projects at Wildlife SOS, and a herpetologist, said, 'The increase in rescue calls shows that awareness campaigns and community outreach are working, but there's still a long way to go.' Adding to that, Aggarwal says, 'Residents do not know what to do when they see a snake… and whom to contact. There is a serious lack of awareness of such procedures. There were many incidents last year too. We are most worried for our children since they are more vulnerable to these in the park.' The NGO said it actively educated residents and debunks myths. Indian rat snakes, for instance, are non-venomous and play a vital role in controlling rodent populations, yet they are often mistaken for venomous species and killed out of fear. As per the Wildlife SOS protocol, the reptile is medically examined and if deemed healthy, released into a suitable wild habitat away from human settlements. 'When people respond calmly and contact trained professionals, it results in a win for both safety and conservation,' said Satyanarayan. To help prevent such encounters, the NGO 'recommends keeping surroundings clean and rodent-free, sealing drains and cracks, storing waste off the ground, and avoiding barefoot walks in grassy or waterlogged areas.'
Economic Times
02-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Elever launches India's first capital-protected monthly income PMS for retirees
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel Sebi-registered portfolio management firm Elever on Wednesday said it has launched FactorCapro PMS , which it claims is India's first Portfolio Management Services (PMS) strategy designed to deliver steady monthly income with capital protection The strategy is aimed at retirees, conservative investors, and family offices, combining income generation with a capital-preserving investment on a proprietary glide-path model and a tactical asset allocation framework, FactorCapro starts with a 100% fixed-income allocation in its first year, ensuring full capital the second year onward, the portfolio transitions gradually into a diversified multi-asset mix comprising equities, debt, gold, and international ETFs. This structure is designed to adapt dynamically to market cycles using what Elever describes as a 'tactical risk rotation' framework, which aims to shield capital during downturns and enhance returns during bull launch comes against the backdrop of India's widening retirement income gap. According to the Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index 2024, India ranked last among 48 countries for pension adequacy, with a score of 44, down from 45.9 in 2023. Elever said FactorCapro addresses this critical shortfall by offering a transparent, professionally managed solution that balances income needs with risk management."The Indian retirement income market has long presented investors with an inadequate choice between low-yielding traditional instruments and high-risk equity exposure," said Karan Aggarwal, Co-Founder and CIO of claimed FactorCapro aims to deliver higher tax-efficient monthly income than traditional instruments such as annuities and fixed deposits. The company also highlighted that, unlike other high-income investment options such as Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) into Balanced Advantage or Equity Funds, FactorCapro is designed to maintain capital even during periods of significant market stress.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Elever launches India's first capital-protected monthly income PMS for retirees
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel Sebi-registered portfolio management firm Elever on Wednesday said it has launched FactorCapro PMS , which it claims is India's first Portfolio Management Services (PMS) strategy designed to deliver steady monthly income with capital protection The strategy is aimed at retirees, conservative investors, and family offices, combining income generation with a capital-preserving investment on a proprietary glide-path model and a tactical asset allocation framework, FactorCapro starts with a 100% fixed-income allocation in its first year, ensuring full capital the second year onward, the portfolio transitions gradually into a diversified multi-asset mix comprising equities, debt, gold, and international ETFs. This structure is designed to adapt dynamically to market cycles using what Elever describes as a 'tactical risk rotation' framework, which aims to shield capital during downturns and enhance returns during bull launch comes against the backdrop of India's widening retirement income gap. According to the Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index 2024, India ranked last among 48 countries for pension adequacy, with a score of 44, down from 45.9 in 2023. Elever said FactorCapro addresses this critical shortfall by offering a transparent, professionally managed solution that balances income needs with risk management."The Indian retirement income market has long presented investors with an inadequate choice between low-yielding traditional instruments and high-risk equity exposure," said Karan Aggarwal, Co-Founder and CIO of claimed FactorCapro aims to deliver higher tax-efficient monthly income than traditional instruments such as annuities and fixed deposits. The company also highlighted that, unlike other high-income investment options such as Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) into Balanced Advantage or Equity Funds, FactorCapro is designed to maintain capital even during periods of significant market stress.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Indians' Europe holiday faces a visa traffic jam
Live Events Getting a Schengen visa remains a challenge for Indian travellers looking to spend their summer holidays in exotic locales in in Schengen visa approvals are continuing for the fourth straight year in 2025 amid soaring demand from Indian tourists, and staff shortages at embassies and consulates, travel companies has persistent appointment availability issues, while the processing time for Netherlands is officially up to 45 days, according to travel industry executives."We have not experienced any applications processed before the turnaround time," said a travel agency executive requesting anonymity. "We are told the challenge is that visas are stamped in India, but the embassy staff needs to wait for an approval per case, and that comes from the Netherlands. We are hearing that Croatia and Finland also require an approval from the headquarters and that is causing delays," the person said.(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)People said visa-related appointments for Italy are currently unavailable due to 'Jubilee2025'. They said applicants could face delays across locations as the embassy and consular staff are busy supporting a special 'Tourism-Jubilee' visa for those participating in pilgrimages to Rome organised by local scenario this year is quite similar to that of 2024, noted Karan Aggarwal, director at Cox & Kings. "Italy and Germany continue to face delays. Countries like Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary are increasingly becoming better choices because of faster appointment availability, and can be smart entry points into Europe," he Alapatt, president and group head for marketing, service quality, value added services and innovation at Thomas Cook (India) said Europe continues to witness "strong" demand this summer as well. "Most of our visas are applied for Switzerland, France, Hungary and Spain. The current position indicates available slots within approximately a week for all the above missions across India, with a processing time of 10-15 days," he Batra, founder of travel services provider Travexo, said applicants are facing challenges for Italy. "Visa processing could take up to 60 days for Croatia, while Estonia has a rejection rate of 37-38%. Mid-April onwards, it becomes difficult to get appointments because of the summer rush, and this year is no said France and Switzerland have faster processing times with most visa approvals within a week, but the Netherlands is facing issues. "I have clients in Bengaluru, and it took them 45 days to get their visas for the Netherlands. Delhi is facing delays too," he Aggarwal, joint managing director, BLS International, which handles visa applications for Spain, Slovakia, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, Germany and Czech Republic, said while some Schengen countries may be experiencing delays, travellers can avoid the rush by following 'key' guidelines."Visa applications can be submitted up to six months in advance-early planning ensures better appointment availability and a smoother experience," he said. "Several countries also offer priority processing or mobile biometrics, particularly for groups and corporate travellers."Europe is also dealing with its own set of challenges. Some European residents are protesting against the rising tourist traffic. Louvre, the world's most visited museum, shut down on Monday, as per reports, after its staff went on a strike against mass tourism.
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Delhi students anxious after mock drill, schools & parents say sensitisation must: ‘Kids afraid when they're not prepared'
'There's going to be a fight,' a Class 1 student at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya whispered to her father after an emergency mock drill at her school left her visibly shaken. Across hundreds of Delhi schools, sirens, blackouts and lockdown routines on Wednesday played out as part of a government-mandated exercise in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack — but for many young children, the drills sparked anxiety more than awareness. Parents and school principals, left to pick up the emotional pieces, now urge for more sensitive communication and preparation to help children process what they saw and felt. Karan Aggarwal, whose daughter studies in Class 1 at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Lodhi Estate, said his daughter returned home after the drill, visibly shaken. 'Fight hone wali hain (There is going to be a fight) was all she could understand… She had coaxed me to go to Kashmir for summer vacations. I insisted, 'We cannot go… it is unsafe'. So, she realised something was wrong.' Maintaining that confusion loomed heavily among parents in the lead-up to the mock drill, Aggarwal said 'sensitising children to emergencies is critical', especially keeping in mind their mental state. After the mock drill, the school sent an email to all parents listing out useful techniques. (see box) 'The current environment has induced a state of vigilance, uncertainty and distress for all. While as adults, we are able to communicate, search for concrete information, and use our resources to calm ourselves, it is challenging for children to express feelings they have not felt before,' it stated. 'There is a sense of urgency being translated as worry to children,' it added. The email also noted that sirens and blackouts, though necessary, left 'young children with many unanswered questions'. Informing that the school authorities 'sensed children's anxiety and tried to address it through reassuring conversations', it suggested that the parents should exercise caution. The mother of a 7-year-old daughter studying at Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir (SSRVM) in Noida also shared deep reservations. 'Unfortunately, the drill had a noticeable negative impact on my daughter's mental well-being, and as a parent, it is deeply concerning,' she said. A senior official from the SSRVM administration told The Indian Express that at least three complaints have been received from parents about how their children had reacted to the mock drill. 'We are providing counselling to those children. The students were briefed by the principal and also by their respective class teacher,' the official said, adding that they had not sent any prior notice to parents about the drill. Salil Bhatia from South Delhi, whose two children study in Class 2 and Class 4 at Delhi Public School, East of Kailash, said 'communication is the key'. He said that while no official intimation about the mock drill was sent to parents from the school, the responsibility of keeping one's children up-to-date falls on the parents, which should be part of their 'normal routine conversations'. Early Wednesday, Bhatia had switched on the TV and showed his children scenes of the Indian Armed Forces striking 9 sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as they launched 'Operation Sindoor'. 'I deliberately switched on the TV when my children were getting ready for school. I told them… 'We (the Indian government) have to fight the terrorists. They are bad people',' he said. To Bhatia's surprise, after the mock drill was held in the school, his children came up excitedly to him. 'My younger son told me… his classmates were all chatting under the table while they took shelter during the drill. I had to hold back my laughter and explain: 'It is a very serious scenario. You cannot talk like that during emergencies'.' 'If parents calmly explain to their children about the current developments, then they won't be frightened. Children get afraid only when they are unprepared… It is the parents' fault. We need to sensitise and inform our children,' he added. Richa Sharma Agnihotri, Principal at Sanskriti School, Chanakyapuri, told The Indian Express: 'We communicated with the parents before and after the mock drill. The parent representatives of each class and the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) members in the school were sent an email on conducting such a mock drill. After it was held… we issued a circular reinforcing the need for parents to communicate with their children at home, as well.' Dr Bhavna Barmi, senior clinical psychologist at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, said in emergency scenarios, especially drills involving potential threats, it is critical to remember that children up to Class 5 are still developing cognitively and emotionally. 'Their perception of danger is vastly different from that of older children or adults. Sudden exposure to mock drills — alarms, lockdowns, or simulations — without age-appropriate explanation can easily trigger anxiety, confusion, or fear responses in them,' she added. Dr Barmi suggested pre-drill sensitisation in simple language, adult modelling and reassurance, post-drill check-ins, involvement of parents, use of familiar analogies and therapeutic play tools to deal with such situations.
