Latest news with #Sinha
Otago Daily Times
39 minutes ago
- Otago Daily Times
Community service for sexual messages
A Dunedin gardener who sent smutty messages to an 88-year-old woman has now lost his job and separated from his partner, a court has heard. Geoffrey Lyn Sinha, 51, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday where he was sentenced to 200 hours' community work and nine months' supervision after admitting a charge under the Harmful Digital Communications Act. At an earlier appearance, the court was told the defendant's obscene messages to the pensioner were driven by the fact she reminded him of his dead mother. Sinha, who had changed his name to "Glen" in honour of his mother Glennis, started a gardening business in 2023 and met the victim early the following year. But in July, his interest in the woman took a sordid twist. Sinha first sent the victim an image of a woman dressed in "clothing associated with royalty", later apologising for the cryptic message. But in July, his communications adopted a more overtly sexual tone. The defendant first sent the victim a message: "I'm sitting in front of the fire thinking of having sex with ..." He then made his intentions clearer. "I want to lie next to you," Sinha wrote. Again, he apologised for the advances but followed it up shortly after with a 39-second video of himself naked on a couch. Sinha told police he simply "misread" the situation. The court yesterday heard the victim had been staggered by his actions. She described her garden as her "sanctuary", and Sinha's messages had left her feeling nervous around her home. "I feel shocked, saddened and let down by a person I trusted," the woman said. "My garden, a special place to me, has been contaminated." In a statement she said she and her daughter had removed any of the horticultural work the defendant had undertaken in a bid to remove the chilling memories. Sinha blamed his pursuit of the woman nearly 40 years his senior on his use of alcohol, medicinal cannabis and several months of watching pornography. In an affidavit aired at an earlier hearing, Sinha said he had been sentenced to three years' hard labour (suspended) for drug importation in 2016 when he lived in Japan. He wrote that he had been to Europe to organise a conference when he stopped in Amsterdam on the way home, attempting to smuggle hashish into his adopted homeland. But Judge Hermann Retzlaff said he would treat the defendant, who had no New Zealand convictions, as a first offender. The crimes, he said, were "so persistent" and the victim was particularly vulnerable given her age. However, the judge accepted Sinha was truly remorseful and noted he had made a $1500 donation to Otepoti Communities Against Sexual Abuse. Counsel Brendan Stephenson told the court his client's indiscretions had already come at a cost, resulting in the loss of his job and his partner. An earlier sentencing date had been adjourned to organise a psychological report for the defendant through Legal Aid, but that had not been possible, Judge Retzlaff said.
National Observer
an hour ago
- Business
- National Observer
Feds give $10M to Canada's first carbon capture cement plant
Canada's first commercial carbon capture cement facility is now under construction in Mississauga Ont., backed by $10 million in federal funding. The project is part of the country's effort to reduce industrial emissions. The project, led by Calgary-based startup Carbon Upcycling in partnership with Ash Grove Cement, aims to capture carbon dioxide from cement production and turn it into a low-carbon material that can replace part of traditional cement. Evan Solomon, Canada's minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation, attended the event and told Canada's National Observer carbon capture storage will play an important role in achieving a net-zero future. He said the Carbon Upcycling project is an example of the kind of Canadian innovation needed to stay competitive while cutting emissions. 'These collaborative projects highlight the power of innovation to drive real progress — helping Canada's manufacturers thrive while supporting our climate goals and enhancing our global competitiveness,' the minister said. The facility will use Carbon Upcycling's technology to mix captured CO2 with steel byproducts like slag to create a powder similar to cement used in construction. Carbon Upcycling CEO Apoorv Sinha told Canada's National Observer the system could reduce emissions from cement by up to 40 per cent. Once operational in 2026, it's expected to remove 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year — roughly the same as taking cars off the road annually. The federal government has made carbon capture a key part of its net-zero strategy. It offers tax credits covering up to 60 per cent of project costs and has launched programs to buy carbon removal services. Still, critics argue that funding high-cost, underperforming technologies may divert resources away from more proven solutions such as electrification, renewable energy and nature-based carbon storage. Sinha said this is the first time the technology is being fully integrated into a working cement plant in Canada. The company has demonstration sites in Calgary, and if the Mississauga plant performs well, it could be replicated globally at thousands of other cement plants, he added. The facility will use Carbon Upcycling's technology to mix captured CO2 with steel byproducts like slag to create a powder similar to cement used in construction. Sinha said the new facility will store up to 150 kilograms of carbon dioxide in every tonne of low-carbon cement it produces. Instead of burying the emissions, the carbon stays in building materials used in homes, roads and other infrastructure. The end product has market value, making it a more practical and scalable solution, he added. Sinha said the project's total cost is around $35 million, funded by Carbon Upcycling, its private partners and the federal government. New technology with caveats Cement production makes up about 1.5 per cent of Canada's emissions and up to eight per cent globally, prompting international efforts to cut pollution from the global concrete sector — a market worth more than $75 billion. Supporters say technologies such as carbon capture and utilization (CCU) are essential for meeting net-zero targets, especially in hard-to-decarbonize industries like cement. But while the Mississauga project is a first for Canada, the broader carbon capture sector still faces growing skepticism. — the world's largest direct air capture (DAC) plant — showed it captured only 105 tonnes of carbon dioxide in its first year, far below its 36,000-tonne target. The Icelandic facility uses different technology than the kind of carbon capture at work in Mississauga, but analysts say this highlights the high cost and technical challenges of scaling up carbon removal technologies. In Canada, seven carbon capture and storage projects are currently operating, capturing just 0.5 per cent of national emissions. Many of these projects are linked to the oil and gas industry and depend heavily on public funding. Research from the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Canadian Climate Institute suggests that carbon capture and utilization is too expensive, slow and energy-intensive to significantly help meet 2030 climate goals. Carbon capture and storage 'may play an important role in hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors such as cement and steel, where substitute materials or fully matured decarbonization technologies are not yet available or fully developed,' reads the report. 'Although the high costs and potential limitations to effectiveness should not be overlooked.' Canada is also investing in other large-scale initiatives, such as Heidelberg Materials' $275-million zero-carbon cement project in Edmonton, which is expected to capture one million tonnes of carbon dioxideCO₂ annually — nearly 95 per cent of that facility's emissions. Solomon acknowledged that carbon capture has faced criticism but stressed that the only way to improve it is through continued investment and strong public-private partnerships. Using the technology, refining it and setting clear standards are key to making it work, he added. 'Clean technology, including carbon capture, will play an integral role in our efforts to decarbonize. Projects such as this one present significant economic opportunity for Canadian industry in clean technology, clean energy and decarbonization,' said Julie Dabrusin, Canada's minister of environment and climate change, in a statement. 'We will continue to work with partners across sectors to accelerate the adoption of this kind of technology and ensure Canada is a global leader in carbon capture investments.'
National Observer
2 hours ago
- Business
- National Observer
Feds give $10M to Canada's first carbon capture cement plant, in Mississauga
Canada's first commercial carbon capture cement facility is now under construction in Mississauga Ont., backed by $10 million in federal funding. The project is part of the country's effort to reduce industrial emissions. The project, led by Calgary-based startup Carbon Upcycling in partnership with Ash Grove Cement, aims to capture carbon dioxide from cement production and turn it into a low-carbon material that can replace part of traditional cement. Evan Solomon, Canada's minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation, attended the event and told Canada's National Observer carbon capture storage will play an important role in achieving a net-zero future. He said the Carbon Upcycling project is an example of the kind of Canadian innovation needed to stay competitive while cutting emissions. 'These collaborative projects highlight the power of innovation to drive real progress — helping Canada's manufacturers thrive while supporting our climate goals and enhancing our global competitiveness,' the minister said. The facility will use Carbon Upcycling's technology to mix captured CO2 with steel byproducts like slag to create a powder similar to cement used in construction. Carbon Upcycling CEO Apoorv Sinha told Canada's National Observer the system could reduce emissions from cement by up to 40 per cent. Once operational in 2026, it's expected to remove 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year — roughly the same as taking 6,500 gasoline-powered cars off the road annually. The federal government has made carbon capture a key part of its net-zero strategy. It offers tax credits covering up to 60 per cent of project costs and has launched programs to buy carbon removal services. Still, critics argue that funding high-cost, underperforming technologies may divert resources away from more proven solutions such as electrification, renewable energy and nature-based carbon storage. Sinha said this is the first time the technology is being fully integrated into a working cement plant in Canada. The company has demonstration sites in Calgary, and if the Mississauga plant performs well, it could be replicated globally at thousands of other cement plants, he added. The facility will use Carbon Upcycling's technology to mix captured CO2 with steel byproducts like slag to create a powder similar to cement used in construction. Sinha said the new facility will store up to 150 kilograms of carbon dioxide in every tonne of low-carbon cement it produces. Instead of burying the emissions, the carbon stays in building materials used in homes, roads and other infrastructure. The end product has market value, making it a more practical and scalable solution, he added. Sinha said the project's total cost is around $35 million, funded by Carbon Upcycling, its private partners and the federal government. New technology with caveats Cement production makes up about 1.5 per cent of Canada's emissions and up to eight per cent globally, prompting international efforts to cut pollution from the global concrete sector — a market worth more than $75 billion. Supporters say technologies such as carbon capture and utilization (CCU) are essential for meeting net-zero targets, especially in hard-to-decarbonize industries like cement. But while the Mississauga project is a first for Canada, the broader carbon capture sector still faces growing skepticism. — the world's largest direct air capture (DAC) plant — showed it captured only 105 tonnes of carbon dioxide in its first year, far below its 36,000-tonne target. The Icelandic facility uses different technology than the kind of carbon capture at work in Mississauga, but analysts say this highlights the high cost and technical challenges of scaling up carbon removal technologies. In Canada, seven carbon capture and storage projects are currently operating, capturing just 0.5 per cent of national emissions. Many of these projects are linked to the oil and gas industry and depend heavily on public funding. Research from the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Canadian Climate Institute suggests that carbon capture and utilization is too expensive, slow and energy-intensive to significantly help meet 2030 climate goals. Carbon capture and storage 'may play an important role in hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors such as cement and steel, where substitute materials or fully matured decarbonization technologies are not yet available or fully developed,' reads the report. 'Although the high costs and potential limitations to effectiveness should not be overlooked.' Canada is also investing in other large-scale initiatives, such as Heidelberg Materials' $275-million zero-carbon cement project in Edmonton, which is expected to capture one million tonnes of carbon dioxideCO₂ annually — nearly 95 per cent of that facility's emissions. Solomon acknowledged that carbon capture has faced criticism but stressed that the only way to improve it is through continued investment and strong public-private partnerships. Using the technology, refining it and setting clear standards are key to making it work, he added. 'Clean technology, including carbon capture, will play an integral role in our efforts to decarbonize. Projects such as this one present significant economic opportunity for Canadian industry in clean technology, clean energy and decarbonization,' said Julie Dabrusin, Canada's minister of environment and climate change, in a statement. 'We will continue to work with partners across sectors to accelerate the adoption of this kind of technology and ensure Canada is a global leader in carbon capture investments.'
India Today
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kussh Sinha reacts to Saiyaara being copied from K-film: Nikita Roy is original
Director Kussh Sinha, brother of actor Sonakshi Sinha, seemingly hinted that 'Saiyaara' might be copied. In an interview, he spoke about the challenges his film 'Nikita Roy' faced at the box office. Released on July 18 alongside 'Tanvi The Great' and 'Saiyaara', his film struggled against the latter's unexpected to Dainik Bhaskar, although he refrained from making any direct accusations, the director emphasised that 'Nikita Roy' boasts an original said, "The best thing is that 'Nikita Roy' is a completely original story - we haven't borrowed from anyone." He hinted at the plagiarism controversy surrounding 'Saiyaara', directed by Mohit Suri, saying, "There have been talks, but it's not for me to comment. If they have to clarify, that's their responsibility." Watch the trailer of 'Nikita Roy' here: Sinha also highlighted the difficulties 'Nikita Roy' encountered in securing theatre screens. "We tried to secure more screens for the film, but sometimes a wave comes along and sweeps everything away," he stated that 'Nikita Roy' retains its presence in theatres due to positive feedback from exhibitors, while 'Tanvi The Great' was pulled from many screens. 'Tanvi The Great' was directed and produced by Anupam Kher, who also acted in the facing these challenges, Sinha congratulated the team of 'Saiyaara' for its success. "No one could have predicted such a strong wave. I'm happy that a romantic film led by two newcomers has done so well. Hats off to YRF, and I congratulate them," he remarked.'Saiyaara', which is a love story between an aspiring musician and a writer, has seen remarkable box office success. It has crossed the Rs 250 crore mark in just 11 days at the box office. It is now close to entering the Rs 300 crore club.- Ends
Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
J&K LG hands over job letter to daughter of officer killed in Pak shelling
Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Monday met Mareesa Thapa, daughter and Meenakshi Kundan Thapa, wife of Rajouri ADDC Raj Kumar Thapa, who was slain during unprovoked shelling by Pakistan in Rajouri on May 10. J&K LG Manoj Sinha hands job letter to daughter of Rajouri ADDC Raj Kumar Thapa on Monday. (HT Photos) Sinha handed over an assurance letter to Mareesa Thapa that she will be appointed as an assistant law officer after completion of her studies. Sinha also expressed his solidarity with the Thapa family oand reaffirmed the commitment of the administration to providing all possible assistance. Jammu divisional commissioner Ramesh Kumar was also present on the occasion at Raj Bhawan. 80 job letters handed over to kin of terror victims in Jammu Manoj Sinha assured the victims of Pak sponsored terrorism that the perpetrators will be surely punished while handing over the appointment letters to 80 next of kins of terror victims during an event on Monday. 'Common citizens of J&K endured unspeakable trauma caused by Pakistan sponsored terrorists and the terror ecosystem that was pulling the strings. Terror victim families were threatened into silence. Their sufferings were ignored to shield the perpetrators and those aided them,' he said. 'Following the historic event in Baramulla, where 40 terror-victim families received appointment letters, this marks yet another significant step in delivering justice to those who have suffered from terrorism in Jammu Kashmir,' he said. The LG narrated the incident of July 21, 2001 when Tara Devi, a resident of Cherji village, Kishtwar sacrificed her life while protecting her son from the Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. On April 30, 1998, Pakistani terrorists slit the throats of Gyan Devi and her one-and-a-half-year-old son Kikar Singh in Balgran village of Kishtwar. On April 5, 2005, Ashfaq Ahmed, from Doda, a member of the Village Defense Committee was slain in an encounter with terrorists. His son Shamim Ahmed was only seven years old at that time. The LG further said that after years of grief and suffering, terror victim families of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban Poonch, Rajouri, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi got justice. Sinha observed that an internal web portal has been launched and a centralised database of terror victim families is being developed to monitor and process all cases, ensuring timely relief. Additionally, helplines are now active in every district of Jammu and Kashmir for victims to register grievances. Further support is available through divisional helplines, staffed by trained employees, at the offices of the divisional commissioners. Deputy commissioners in every district are now receiving a steady flow of applications, which are being thoroughly scrutinised. We are also integrating a mechanism in the portal for extending self-employment assistance to the members of terror victim families. Furthermore, appointment letters and other assistance will be handed over to terror victim families in large numbers on August 5 in Srinagar. This process will continue till every terror victim family gets justice, Sinha said. Sinha also spoke on the unfortunate incident that occurred in Jammu on July 24 when a Gujjar youth was killed in police firing at Phallain Mandal. 'Don't touch the innocent and don't spare the guilty is our policy. Police have taken effective action. SIT has been constituted and magisterial investigation has been ordered. Two officials have been suspended. Further action will be taken on the basis of the inquiry report,' he said. Sinha also congratulated the security forces, J&K Police and all the personnel for eliminating Pakistan sponsored terrorists during the anti-terror operation in Srinagar. LG extends best wishes to Amarnath Yatra pilgrims LG Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of devotees for the holy Shri Budha Amarnath Yatra from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas here on Monday. Sinha extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe and spiritually-fulfilling journey. 'The sacred journey to the abode of Mahadev is an enlightening experience. I strongly believe this pilgrimage is the greatest alchemy and unveils secrets of life before the devotees,' the Sinha said. The LG appreciated the meticulous work done by Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnath Yatri Nyas, tourism department, district administration, other stakeholders and organisations serving langar. All the arrangements have been made for the annual pilgrimage and Budha Amarnath Ji Mela, the annual festival. Interacting with the media persons, the LG said: 'In the first batch, more than 1,000 pilgrims from across the country set off for the holy yatra of Shri Budha Amarnath Ji. Till yesterday, 3.77 lakh pilgrims performed darshan at the holy cave of Shri Amarnath ji. I hope that pilgrims from across the country will also arrive to pay their obeisance at Shri Budha Amarnath ji and pray to Bholenath for the peace and progress of J&K and the nation. Eminent spiritual leaders; heads of religious organisations; public representatives; senior officers of civil administration, police, security forces, prominent citizens, and devotees in large numbers were present at the flag-off ceremony.
