Latest news with #LSA
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
BSNL records highest call drop rate, highest cases of call muting among competitors in test held in UP
NEW DELHI: State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has performed poorly in the Independent Drive Test (IDT) conducted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for the Uttar Pradesh (West) Licensed Service Area (LSA) in June. According to the report, BSNL recorded the highest call drop rate and the highest incidence of call muting among major telecom operators, including Reliance Jio (RJIL), Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (VIL). As per the findings, BSNL's Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR) stood at 86.57%, indicating that nearly 13% of call attempts failed to connect. Its Call Setup Time (CST) — the time taken to establish a call — was measured at 3.03 seconds, significantly longer than its competitors. BSNL also recorded the highest Drop Call Rate (DCR) at 3.45% in auto-selection mode, suggesting major network issues such as poor connectivity or inadequate mobile tower coverage in the area. This comes despite government claims that BSNL has rolled out over 95,000 mobile towers across the country. 'In line with Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, BSNL has placed purchase order for indigenously developed 4G sites for pan India deployment. Supply of 4G equipment has started from September 2023 and as on 30.06.2025, total 95,537 numbers 4G sites have been installed, out of which 90,035 numbers are ON-Air. The equipment is 5G upgradable,' said Minister of State for Communications Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in Parliament. In comparison, RJIL and VIL demonstrated superior performance in call setup times, with average CSTs of 0.77 seconds and 0.95 seconds respectively. Surprisingly, Airtel's CST was the highest among the private players, clocking in at 22.86 seconds. For Drop Call Rate, RJIL achieved a perfect 0.00%, while VIL and Airtel posted strong results at 0.20% and 0.23%, respectively.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
As eviction looms large, Bitra islanders collect land records
Kochi: As eviction looms large, the residents of Bitra Island in Lakshadweep are growing increasingly anxious. The residents are busy collecting details of land records to ensure that they are in order in the backdrop of the Lakshadweep UT administration's move to acquire the island's entire land area for defence purposes. TOI reported on Saturday about the Lakshadweep revenue department's proposal to acquire the island and transfer it to relevant defence and strategic agencies. Lakshadweep administration is yet to come out with an official communication on the issue. At the same time, the notification was clear that the acquisition was necessitated by the island's strategic location, national security relevance and the inherent logistical and administrative challenges associated with civilian habitation. Bitra resident Muhammed Yasin is apprehensive that they will have to eventually leave the island since the proposal is to hand it over for defence purposes. "I spoke to a lawyer and he said since the Lakshadweep natives are categorised as Scheduled Tribes (ST), our land cannot be seized that quickly. I am also hopeful that the discussions by political leaders, including our MP, will be fruitful," said Yasin. He said they took out a rally on Friday evening to mark their protest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Become an American citizen - Apply for a Green card americ24 Undo "Since the notification has mentioned that the survey (as part of the social impact assessment) may take two months to complete, we have started doing whatever we need to. We have entrusted a group of youngsters with the task of collecting landowners' details by visiting their houses. In Bitra, there are some landowners who are not permanent residents of the island. We plan to identify even those non-resident landowners so that we can present a united front," said Yasin, adding that they were also preparing to move court. Another Bitra resident said on condition of anonymity that while a section of the population has relatives and property on adjacent islands, a significant number has nowhere else to go. Meanwhile, the Lakshadweep Students Association (LSA), an independent organisation formed in 1970, held a protest in Kochi, burning the notification. "The move can only be considered as a continuation of the Lakshadweep administration's efforts to take over the islanders' land. The properties in the name of the islanders in uninhabited islands, where they used to farm, were earlier acquired, ignoring the natives' claims. Subsequently, there was an attempt to claim the land in inhabited islands possessed by natives categorised as Pandaram land. Now, they are going to take over an entire island, uprooting the islanders from their habitat," said LSA president Misbahudheen P. He said it was worrying that the notification said that the consent of gram sabhas or owners was not mandatory to acquire the lands. "The notification lacks clarity and raises a lot of questions. Even if they are taking over the island for security reasons, where would the people go? There is no reference about the same. The opinion of the residents was not sought either before issuing the notification," said Misbahudheen, adding that they would launch further protests if the administration went ahead with the proposal. Kochi: As eviction looms large, the residents of Bitra Island in Lakshadweep are growing increasingly anxious. The residents are busy collecting details of land records to ensure that they are in order in the backdrop of the Lakshadweep UT administration's move to acquire the island's entire land area for defence purposes. TOI reported on Saturday about the Lakshadweep revenue department's proposal to acquire the island and transfer it to relevant defence and strategic agencies. Lakshadweep administration is yet to come out with an official communication on the issue. At the same time, the notification was clear that the acquisition was necessitated by the island's strategic location, national security relevance and the inherent logistical and administrative challenges associated with civilian habitation. Bitra resident Muhammed Yasin is apprehensive that they will have to eventually leave the island since the proposal is to hand it over for defence purposes. "I spoke to a lawyer and he said since the Lakshadweep natives are categorised as Scheduled Tribes (ST), our land cannot be seized that quickly. I am also hopeful that the discussions by political leaders, including our MP, will be fruitful," said Yasin. He said they took out a rally on Friday evening to mark their protest. "Since the notification has mentioned that the survey (as part of the social impact assessment) may take two months to complete, we have started doing whatever we need to. We have entrusted a group of youngsters with the task of collecting landowners' details by visiting their houses. In Bitra, there are some landowners who are not permanent residents of the island. We plan to identify even those non-resident landowners so that we can present a united front," said Yasin, adding that they were also preparing to move court. Another Bitra resident said on condition of anonymity that while a section of the population has relatives and property on adjacent islands, a significant number has nowhere else to go. Meanwhile, the Lakshadweep Students Association (LSA), an independent organisation formed in 1970, held a protest in Kochi, burning the notification. "The move can only be considered as a continuation of the Lakshadweep administration's efforts to take over the islanders' land. The properties in the name of the islanders in uninhabited islands, where they used to farm, were earlier acquired, ignoring the natives' claims. Subsequently, there was an attempt to claim the land in inhabited islands possessed by natives categorised as Pandaram land. Now, they are going to take over an entire island, uprooting the islanders from their habitat," said LSA president Misbahudheen P. He said it was worrying that the notification said that the consent of gram sabhas or owners was not mandatory to acquire the lands. "The notification lacks clarity and raises a lot of questions. Even if they are taking over the island for security reasons, where would the people go? There is no reference about the same. The opinion of the residents was not sought either before issuing the notification," said Misbahudheen, adding that they would launch further protests if the administration went ahead with the proposal.
Time Business News
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How to Start a Business in the UAE: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Thinking of starting a business in the UAE in 2025? You're not alone. The UAE is a magnet for entrepreneurs, startups, and investors worldwide. Thanks to its tax-friendly regime, high-quality infrastructure, and global connectivity, setting up a business here has never been more appealing. But hold on, you can't just land in Dubai and open shops the next day. You need a proper plan, local insight, and a clear understanding of the UAE's legal landscape. Here wewalk you through every step from idea to license, so you can launch smart and succeed faster. Before diving in, you must understand the three main jurisdictions where businesses operate: Ideal for full ownership and tax benefits. You're limited to operating inside the zone or internationally unless you use a distributor. Gives you access to the UAE market directly. As of recent reforms, 100% foreign ownership is allowed in many sectors. Best suited for international trading or holding companies. Offshore companies can't operate directly in the UAE market. The first step is deciding what type of business you want to start. From tech startups to construction firms or consultants, your choice must align with the activities listed by the Department of Economic Development (DED). Free Zone : If your clients are international or online. : If your clients are international or online. Mainland : If you want to serve UAE's domestic market. : If you want to serve UAE's domestic market. Offshore: If you need global banking and asset protection. Your business structure defines your responsibilities, liability, and setup needs: Sole Proprietorship : One individual owns and runs the business. : One individual owns and runs the business. LLC (Limited Liability Company) : Ideal for partnerships. : Ideal for partnerships. Branch Office: Great for expanding foreign entities into the UAE. Your business name should be unique, relevant, and comply with naming laws (no religious or political terms). You can check availability on DED or Free Zone portals. This is the government's green signal that they're okay with you starting your setup. Basic documents like passport copies and business activity info are needed. MoA (Memorandum of Association) : Describes your business and partner roles. : Describes your business and partner roles. LSA (Local Service Agent): Required only for certain professional setups in mainland. UAE laws require a physical address. You can pick: Virtual offices (popular with Free Zones) Shared workspaces Leased commercial space Depending on your activity, you might need extra approvals (e.g., health, education, construction). Always check with relevant authorities. Main types of licenses: Commercial – For trading activities – For trading activities Professional – For consultancy, marketing, education – For consultancy, marketing, education Industrial – For manufacturing and production Pick a local or international bank based in the UAE. Requirements include: Trade license Passport copies MoA and company profile You'll need: Investor Visa (for owners) (for owners) Employee Visas (for staff) (for staff) Dependent Visas (for family) Startup costs vary based on location, business type, and license. On average: Free Zone: AED 12,000 – AED 50,000+ Mainland: AED 20,000 – AED 100,000+ Additional: Office rent, visa fees, insurance, and bank deposits Watch out for: Hidden government charges Renewal costs Ejari and tenancy contract fees Setting up in the UAE can get complex, but professional business setup services in UAE can streamline everything. They'll help with: Paperwork & government coordination Trade license applications Visa processing Office leasing and legal formalities Reputable company formation services in UAE guide you through compliance, document submission, and license acquisition. What they offer: End-to-end documentation Legal structure consulting Liaison with Free Zone and DED authorities PRO and translation services Understand the culture : Respect local customs and dress modestly : Respect local customs and dress modestly Build your online presence early : SEO, Google Maps, Social Media : SEO, Google Maps, Social Media Network like a pro: Attend expos and B2B events Choosing the wrong jurisdiction Underestimating operational costs Ignoring local labor laws Not having a proper marketing plan Starting a business in the UAE in 2025 is an exciting journey filled with opportunity. With a booming economy, tax advantages, and ease of doing business, it's no wonder so many are choosing the Emirates as their business hub. But don't go alone. Make use of professional business setup services in UAE and expert company formation services in UAE to guide you through the process and help you start strong. 1. What are the best free zones in the UAE in 2025? DMCC, IFZA, SHAMS, and RAKEZ are among the top Free Zones offering diverse benefits for various industries. 2. Can a foreigner own 100% of a business in UAE? Yes, many sectors now allow 100% foreign ownership in both Free Zones and the Mainland. 3. How long does company formation take? If your documents are in order, it can take anywhere from 3 to 10 business days. 4. Is a local sponsor mandatory in 2025? Not always. In many business activities and jurisdictions, local sponsors are no longer required. 5. Can I open a UAE company without visiting? Yes, some Free Zones allow full remote setup. But for banking and some approvals, a physical visit may be needed. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LSA partners with 18 colleges to roll out Sanchar Mitra Scheme
Guwahati: Assam licensed service area (LSA) is partnering up with 18 prominent engineering colleges across the state for the first outreach programme of department of telecommunications' (DoT) recently rolled out 'Sanchar Mitra Scheme'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The scheme aims to empower youth from across the nation as digital ambassadors. Under the scheme, student volunteers — designated as Sanchar Mitras — will be empowered to raise awareness among the people about key telecom issues such as digital safety, cyber fraud prevention, and EMF radiation concerns, while also promoting responsible mobile usage and digital literacy. Assam LSA on Friday convened an interactive session with heads and representatives from premier engineering institutions, including IIT, IIIT, NIT, and other engineering colleges across Assam, at BSNL Bhawan here. The focus of the session was to inform about and expand the Sanchar Mitra Scheme that aims to engage student volunteers as digital ambassadors to bridge the communication gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem. Delivering the keynote address, DG Telecom advisor Sunita Chandra said, "The aim of the system is to build a bridge between DoT initiatives, telecom services, and various citizen-centric efforts. It's about ensuring that our users, customers, and the public function better. We also wanted to harness the energy and services of young students from universities and colleges." Sanchar Mitra Scheme, which was initially piloted in select institutions, has now been scaled up for nationwide implementation following an enthusiastic response and promising impact in its pilot phase. The expanded Sanchar Mitra Scheme aims to enhance public awareness and also provide participating students with exposure to cutting-edge telecom technologies, including 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Through structured training, project participation, and engagement with real-world telecom initiatives, the scheme seeks to build a digitally aware, skilled, and research-oriented youth workforce. Institution to participate will be identified in consultation with local DoT field units, and students from relevant academic backgrounds — telecom, electronics, computer science, cyber security — will be nominated as Sanchar Mitras. Sanchar Mitras will receive necessary training from experts from the field and the National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and DoT's media wing.
IOL News
11-07-2025
- IOL News
Cameron Alexander's heroic rescue of a child from drowning at Baggies Beach
Heroic fisherman Cameron Alexander rescued a child from drowning at Baggies Beach, highlighting the urgent need for water safety awareness and the vital role of quick action in emergencies. Image: Supplied A heroic fisherman, Cameron Alexander, saved a child from drowning at Baggies Beach in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday afternoon, highlighting the urgent need for water safety awareness. Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) voluntary president Dhaya Sewduth said that at approximately 2pm, Alexander, who recently moved to the South Coast from Pretoria, was fishing at an unpatrolled beach when he noticed a body floating in the water. 'Cameron swam out in strong sea swell conditions, rescued the child from the water, and brought him to shore,' he said. Sewduth said that as a trained first aider and responder, Alexander's instincts kicked in, and he began performing the necessary resuscitation on the child until the ambulance arrived. 'The child was handed over to the paramedics for further checks and taken to the hospital,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ It was very fortunate that Alexander was at the beach at that time and that he is a strong swimmer, trained in first aid, said Sewduth. 'Had he not been there, not been able to make the 50-metre swim or so in the strong sea surge, the young boy could have been a fatal statistic,' emphasised Sewduth. The organisation saluted the brave actions of Alexander. 'Lifesaving South Africa will certainly recommend the name of Cameron Alexander for a Bravery Award.' Lifesaving South Africa once again urged bathers to swim only where lifeguards are on duty and for parents and caregivers to always supervise children. As South Africa gears up to observe World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2025, endorsed and actioned by the World Health Organisation, LSA is placing the spotlight on the urgent need for drowning prevention education in the country. Sewduth said that the first quarter of 2024 witnessed the tragic drowning deaths of Latoya Temilton, Sibusiso Sibiya, and Siphamandla Peterson during school excursions, underscoring the critical need for enhanced water safety measures. He said drowning is a preventable tragedy, and the organisation has been at the forefront of this mission since 1913. 'Through its WaterSmart programme, LSA has reached over a million learners across more than 6,000 schools since its inception. Partnering with the Department of Education and DHL, the WaterSmart programme educates children about the dangers of water, equipping them with essential skills to manage risks and maintain constant vigilance around water bodies,' said Sewduth. In addition to the WaterSmart programme, Lifesaving South Africa has been actively collaborating with municipalities to improve water safety infrastructure and policies. 'LSA's voluntary lifeguards, who contributed 91,700 duty hours in the 2023/24 season, play a crucial role in saving lives and preventing drownings. Their efforts significantly benefit local communities, the sporting industry, and tourism,' he noted. South Africa faces a high risk of drowning incidents due to its extensive coastline, numerous rivers, dams, and pools, said Sewduth. 'According to the WHO statistics, Southern Africa is one of the regions globally with the highest risk. South African mortality statistics estimate approximately 1,500 people die from drowning annually in South Africa, an average of four people daily,' he said.
