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Hamilton Spectator
15-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Township taxpayers still on the hook for some ice-storm costs
While taxpayers in Springwater and Oro-Medonte townships will have to pony up more of their hard-earned cash to help cover the costs of March's devastating ice storm, the majority of the costs are expected to be covered by the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) program. MISA replaces the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) program, which will not be activated for the ice storm, according to a report prepared for Springwater council by Greg Bedard, the township's interim deputy chief administrative officer. 'The Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) program provides one-time support to eligible municipalities for incremental costs related to the ice storm that began on March 28, 2025,' Bedard wrote in his report to council, which was delivered at the township's July 2 meeting. 'There is no cost threshold to qualify for this program.' According to Bedard's report, the township incurred $493,000 in additional costs by June 13 and expects it may add another $130,000 in future costs for a total of $623,000. The single largest cost was for goods and services — costs for external service providers contracted to undertake work directly related to the ice storm, and the rental of specialized equipment used by township staff to assist with debris cleanup — which came in at $318,000. Bedard's report noted that if the township incurs eligible costs totalling $623,000, the province would contribute about $490,000 in MISA funding. The remaining $133,000 would be funded by the township. In Oro-Medonte, the numbers are significantly higher. According to a report presented to Oro-Medonte council on April 29, chief administrative officer Shawn Binns said the township incurred costs of almost $6.5 million due to the ice storm. He downgraded that to about $6 million on Monday. 'The township's April 29, 2025 report provided an overview of the expenditures,' Binns said in an email to BarrieToday. 'The breakdown of costs has not changed materially from what was previously reported although actuals are slightly lower at an approximate cost of $6 million versus the approximately $6.5 million previously reported. 'With support from the province, the net impact to the township would be approximately $457,000,' he added. According to Binns' April 29 report, operations, which included mutual aid, contracted services, rentals and equipment, cost the township $5.65 million. Oro-Medonte council will discuss its MISA application during Wednesday's meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. To qualify for the MISA program, a municipality must: Applications will be reviewed by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and are subject to final funding approval by the minister. If approved, the province and municipality will enter into a transfer payment agreement, of which all payments under the agreement will be based on eligible costs incurred. For eligible costs up to three per cent of the municipality's own-purpose taxation, the province will reimburse 75 per cent, and for eligible costs above three per cent of the municipality's own-purpose taxation, the province will reimburse 95 per cent. 'The township has based ice-storm response and recovery decision making on the assumption the township will be fully responsible for all costs associated with the ice storm,' Bedard's report noted. 'Provincial assistance has not been seen as a guarantee, given the previous cost threshold under the MDRA program, as well as the need to substantially document eligible expenses for the province's review. 'Should the township's MISA application be approved by the minister, this will positively impact the financial implications associated with the township's response to the ice storm,' Bedard added. In addition to MISA, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing also launched the Business Ice Storm Assistance Program (BISA) that provides one-time support to certain small businesses, small farms, and not-for-profit organizations that incurred damage resulting from the late March/early April 2025 ice storm. The BISA program is application based with a deadline to apply by Oct. 31, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
India Today
04-07-2025
- General
- India Today
India Today College Rankings 2025: Top 10 arts colleges
The India Today Best Colleges Rankings 2025 has listed the top ten arts colleges in India, offering guidance to students choosing humanities and social sciences for undergraduate Hindu College has topped the chart once again, followed by Miranda House and Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), both also under the University of rankings come at a time when students across the country are preparing for undergraduate admissions, especially after the release of CUET-UG 2025 With growing competition and a surge in applications for liberal arts programmes, these rankings offer a clearer picture of where India's top arts education is currently college in the top ten list has been evaluated using real-time data collected by MDRA (Marketing & Development Research Associates) in collaboration with India Today. The rankings reflect current academic standards and the evolving demands of higher education in the country.1. HINDU COLLEGE, DELHIOne of India's oldest and most prestigious colleges, known for its rigorous humanities programmes and student activism.2. MIRANDA HOUSE, DELHIA premier women's college under DU, offering a strong academic base across disciplines with a focus on research and inclusion.3. LADY SHRI RAM COLLEGE FOR WOMEN (LSR), DELHIRenowned for its excellence in social sciences, economics, and English, with a vibrant academic and cultural campus life.4. KIRORI MAL COLLEGE, DELHIKnown for its literary societies and drama culture, the college also maintains high academic standards across humanities streams.5. HANSRAJ COLLEGE, DELHIOffers a broad spectrum of arts courses with a legacy of producing leaders in politics, academia, and the arts.6. MADRAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, CHENNAIA heritage institution with strong departments in English, history, and philosophy, and a scenic, self-contained campus.7. LOYOLA COLLEGE, CHENNAIOffers an interdisciplinary approach to liberal arts, with a focus on ethics, research, and academic rigour.8. ATMA RAM SANATAN DHARMA COLLEGE, DELHIGaining recognition for its teaching quality and student support services, especially in political science and Hindi.9. SRI VENKATESWARA COLLEGE, DELHIPopular for its academic consistency and diverse student body, offering strong programmes in sociology, English, and psychology.10. ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY, BENGALURUCombines Jesuit educational traditions with modern teaching methods, especially strong in media, literature, and social THE INDIA TODAY BEST COLLEGES SURVEY 2025This year, 1,865 colleges from across India participated in the India Today Group's 29th annual ranking, conducted in collaboration with Marketing & Development Research Associates (MDRA) since over 58,000 colleges in the country, the survey is designed to simplify decision-making for students and parents. Colleges were ranked across 14 major streams, and since 2023, subject-wise rankings have also been introduced based on objective data submitted by the deeper transparency, parameter-wise scores have been included to help you dig into what each college excels at—be it academic excellence, infrastructure, or placement out the full rankings for the India Today Group's Best Colleges Survey 2025 here.- Ends
India Today
02-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Best Colleges 2025: India Today ranks top institutions across 14 streams
India Today has released the 29th edition of its Best Colleges Survey, a guide for students looking to choose the right college in India. The 2025 edition is available as a special print issue on newsstands and also online at Students can visit the website to explore a wide range of lists, including those for Most Improved Colleges and top colleges from Tier 2 and Tier 3 survey ranks colleges across 14 major disciplines, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Mass in partnership with research agency MDRA (Marketing and Development Research Associates), the rankings are based on five key areas: intake quality, academic performance, campus infrastructure, personality development, and career FEATURE: MOST IMPROVED COLLEGES A major highlight this year is the introduction of a new category -- Most Improved Colleges. This recognises institutions that have consistently improved over the last five years in academics, placements, and student ON TIER 2 AND TIER 3 CITIESThe 2025 survey also looks beyond big cities, highlighting top colleges in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. This opens up new options for students looking for quality education closer to AND DIGITAL EDITIONSWhile the print issue includes expert opinions, exclusive reports, and analysis, the online platform offers interactive tools. Users can:advertisementCompare rankings of 2,750+ colleges over the past eight yearsFilter results by city, subject, or performanceExplore colleges based on ROI, placements, or subject strengthWith over 150 million college-age youth in India, the need for reliable and data-backed college information is higher than ever. India Today's Best Colleges 2025 aims to support students and parents in making informed, future-ready academic decisions.- Ends
India Today
02-07-2025
- Science
- India Today
India Today College Rankings 2025: Top 5 science colleges in North, South, East, West
With more than 58,000 colleges spread across India, making an informed career choice can feel overwhelming. The India Today Best Colleges Rankings, now in its 29th edition, has been a trusted guide for students, parents, educators, and policymakers alike. Conducted in partnership with the Delhi-based research agency Marketing & Development Research Associates (MDRA) since 2018, this annual survey is known for its credibility, depth, and data-driven year, 1,865 colleges participated in the comprehensive survey, which evaluated institutions across 14 academic streams, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medical, and more. To improve clarity for aspirants, India Today has gone beyond stream-wise rankings to also publish subject-wise and region-wise rankings, offering a more nuanced perspective of academic excellence across the country. You can check the complete ranking tables this article, we focus on the Top 5 Region-Wise Colleges in the Science Stream, celebrating institutions that have consistently shown academic rigour, research output, and overall student SCIENCE COLLEGES IN THE EAST 1. Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, KolkataA name synonymous with academic discipline and values-based education, this Kolkata-based institution has been a torchbearer in science education for decades. Its strong faculty, extensive lab facilities, and research-driven approach make it a top choice in the Anugrah Narayan (A.N.) College, PatnaKnown for its long-standing contribution to science education in Bihar, A.N. College offers quality undergraduate programs and has been steadily upgrading its infrastructure to keep pace with modern scientific learning.3. Patna Women's College (Autonomous), PatnaA pioneer in women's higher education, this autonomous college provides a nurturing environment for women pursuing science. Its academic rigor and structured curriculum make it a top contender.4. J.D. Birla Institute, KolkataAffiliated to Jadavpur University, the institute boasts of excellent science departments, hands-on labwork, and an industry-oriented curriculum.5. Lady Brabourne College, KolkataEstablished in 1939, Lady Brabourne is known for its emphasis on women's education and robust science programs, particularly in physics and SCIENCE COLLEGES IN THE WEST1. SVKM's Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Science & Amrutben Jivanlal College of Commerce and Economics (Autonomous), MumbaiAn academic powerhouse in Mumbai, Mithibai's science wing stands out for its excellent faculty, research culture, and modern laboratories.2. St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), MumbaiOne of the most prestigious institutions in India, St. Xavier's combines legacy with innovation in science education. It has consistently ranked high for academic performance and student engagement.3. Kishinchand Chellaram College, MumbaiadvertisementLocated in the heart of Mumbai, K.C. College is known for its vibrant student life and strong focus on practical science education.4. Sophia College for Women (Autonomous), MumbaiThis all-women's institution offers rigorous training in science, especially in fields like microbiology and life sciences, and is known for a holistic learning experience.5. B.K. Birla College of Arts, Science & Commerce (Autonomous), KalyanWith a focus on research, innovation, and sustainability, B.K. Birla College is an emerging name in the western region's academic landscape. TOP SCIENCE COLLEGES IN THE NORTH1. Hindu College, New DelhiAffiliated to the University of Delhi, Hindu College continues to top the charts with its stellar faculty, legacy, and high-quality labs. It remains a dream destination for science aspirants.2. Miranda House, New DelhiThis all-women's college excels in both teaching and research. Its focus on empowering women through STEM education has earned it national acclaim.3. Hansraj College, New DelhiHansraj strikes a balance between academics and extracurricular excellence. Its science departments, especially in physics and chemistry, are particularly Kirori Mal College, New DelhiKnown for its dynamic campus life and strong science curriculum, Kirori Mal College has maintained a steady upward trajectory in rankings over the years.5. Sri Venkateswara College, New DelhiWith dedicated research centres and interdisciplinary programs, Sri Venkateswara College provides a robust foundation in science SCIENCE COLLEGES IN THE SOUTH1. Loyola College (Autonomous), ChennaiA legacy institution in South India, Loyola College is known for its academic excellence, strong alumni network, and highly sought-after science programs.2. Madras Christian College (Autonomous), ChennaiWith a sprawling campus and experienced faculty, MCC offers a blend of tradition and innovation, especially in environmental and life sciences.3. St. Joseph's University, BengaluruRecently conferred university status, St. Joseph's is emerging as a hub for research and innovation in southern India.4. Stella Maris College (Autonomous), ChennaiThis women's college stands out for its progressive curriculum and emphasis on STEM education, particularly in biochemistry and botany.5. Department of Sciences, Christ (Deemed to be University), BengaluruChrist University's science department is known for its interdisciplinary approach, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on regional toppers reflect India's diverse academic ecosystem—where legacy institutions thrive alongside rising stars. For students aiming to pursue a career in science, the India Today College Rankings 2025 serve as a trusted roadmap to make informed decisions. Whether you're looking for cutting-edge research, holistic education, or opportunities in emerging fields, this list spotlights the best science colleges across regions—each with its unique a broader view across streams and categories, explore the complete survey on the India Today Best Colleges portal.- Ends
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Hornbill 7s salute youth and women's rugby
Sarawak's U20 women's team celebrate with (back from fifth left) Lau, MDRA vice president Faqrul Hafiz Abu Bakar, and Cranfield. MIRI (May 19): There was great fanfare at Miri Stadium yesterday upon the conclusion of the Hornbill 7s Rugby Tournament 2025, which showcased top young rugby talents from schools across Miri and beyond. The competition, which introduced age categories younger than those in previous editions, centered on developing future talents with officials and coaches also eyeing prospects for next year's Sukma (Malaysia Games). Miri Division Rugby Association (MDRA) advisor Landale Cranfield was quick to stress the tournament's role in talent scouting and long-term athlete development. 'We have seen potential talent from the Under-12s right through to the older age groups. By teaching fundamentals to these youngsters now, we could develop elite athletes over the next decade who can represent Sarawak and Malaysia at international levels,' he said. He also highlighted the growing support for women's rugby, noting the rapid development since 2012. Miri city councillor Victor Lau, who represented Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at the closing ceremony, underscored the government's commitment to sports development as part of its social and political agenda. 'We hope for more support from the teachers,' he said while emphasising the role of parents, teachers and the wider community to build a healthy and inclusive sporting culture. Cranfield acknowledged the contributions of government agencies in promoting the sport but expressed the hope for more funding on development to widen the talent pool and ensure a steady pipeline of future rugby players. Miri Hornbill players are seen with officials. In the Boys Under-14, SM St Michael from Penampang, Sabah emerged champion with SM Sains Miri runner-up. SM Sains Miri, however, claimed the Boys Under-17 title followed by SMK Tebedu. The Girls Under-17 champion was NRDP Labuan with SMK Merbau runner-up. Miri Hornbill topped the Men's Under-20 ahead of Baram Rhinos Jr second and KV Miri third. Hornbill 7s 2025 ended with organisers and coaches expressing optimism about the future of rugby in the region, pointing to training camps, talent identification programmes and community support as the way forward.
