KFON Signs MoU with C-DIT to Strengthen Surveillance Against Waste Dumping

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 10: To support efforts by grama panchayats to prevent waste dumping in public places, Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Centre for Information Technology (C-DIT). As part of the initiative, CCTV cameras will be installed in selected panchayats across various districts in Kerala, with KFON providing the required internet connectivity.

“This collaboration, which leverages technology to control indiscriminate waste dumping, is a timely intervention by KFON,” said Dr. Santhosh Babu IAS (Retd.), Managing Director, KFON. “By providing reliable internet services, KFON will extend full support to efforts aimed at ensuring cleaner and better-managed public spaces,” he added.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Santhosh Babu IAS (Retd.), Managing Director, KFON, Jayadev Anand, Registrar, C-DIT and other KFON officials. As part of the first phase, C-DIT cameras have already been installed and made operational with KFON internet connectivity in Vadakkanchery (Palakkad), Panniyannur (Kannur), and Pattanakkad (Alappuzha).

The initiative is expected to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and support local bodies in maintaining cleaner public spaces across the state.

RITES-led consortium delivers its 1st Retrofit Metro Trainset to DMRC, equipped with ‘Next-Gen’ PAPIS

Gurugram, April 10: RITES Ltd., the leading Transport Infrastructure Consultancy and Engineering firm, along with its consortium partners r2p Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd., Australia and ACT Fibreglass Ltd., today delivered the first refurbished metro trainset equipped with an advanced IP-based Passenger Announcement and Passenger Information System . The upgraded trainset was flagged-off by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director Dr. Vikas Kumar at the Najafgarh Depot, New Delhi.

The system is designed to enhance operational efficiency, passenger convenience & safety and provide onboard communication systems for metro networks. It features an advanced integrated IP-based architecture with a centralized Human Machine Interface, enabling seamless control of passenger information, public address, CCTV and communication systems.

Built on Power over Ethernet (PoE), the PAPIS reduces wiring complexity and lifecycle costs while improving reliability and maintenance efficiency. It also integrates safety features such as CCTV, emergency communication and alarm systems, along with real-time diagnostics for efficient operations. The solution is compliant with BIS, EN and MeitY/STQC standards.

Apart from PAPIS, re-painting of saloon interiors, provision of IV couplers, fire detection system and mobile charging socket, refurbishment of EDB and relay panels have also been completed. 

With its expertise in transport infrastructure and system integration, RITES continues to deliver benchmarked, future-ready solutions to the urban mobility ecosystem.

Retail Investors Drive Strong Equity MF Inflows in March

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): Equity mutual funds in India recorded a sharp rise in inflows in March, showing strong investor participation despite ongoing market volatility. Data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) showed that net inflows into equity schemes surged 56% month-on-month to ₹40,450 crore, compared with ₹25,978 crore in February.

The figure marks an eight-month high, reflecting continued confidence in equity-linked investments among retail investors.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) contributions also remained strong, rising 7.5% to a record ₹32,087 crore, indicating steady and disciplined long-term investing behaviour.

Across categories, large-cap funds saw healthy growth in inflows, while mid-cap funds recorded strong gains. Small-cap funds also attracted higher investments, reflecting broad-based interest across market segments.

However, the overall mutual fund industry saw volatility, with net outflows of ₹2.39 lakh crore in March, driven largely by movements in non-equity segments.

Market experts said the trend highlights sustained retail participation and growing preference for equities through SIPs, even in uncertain market conditions.

‘Womaniya’ Initiative Drives Strong Growth for Women Entrepreneurs on GeM in FY26

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): The government’s ‘Womaniya’ initiative has recorded significant expansion, with over 2.1 lakh women-led micro and small enterprises (MSEs) registering on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in FY26.

According to official data, these enterprises secured around 13.7 lakh orders, with total contracts worth more than ₹28,000 crore awarded during the year. This represents a 27.6% year-on-year growth, reflecting rising participation of women entrepreneurs in government procurement.

The initiative enables women entrepreneurs and self-help groups (SHGs) to directly supply goods and services to government buyers through the GeM platform, improving market access and reducing dependence on intermediaries.

Women-led enterprises accounted for 5.6% of total GeM orders, comfortably exceeding the government’s 3% procurement target for women entrepreneurs.

The scheme supports sectors such as handicrafts, handloom, jute, coir, home décor, and office furnishings, where women-led businesses have a strong presence. At the ground level, district administrations and training institutions are conducting onboarding drives, workshops, and capacity-building programmes to improve seller participation.

Officials said the digital system—from registration to payments—ensures transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business for women entrepreneurs, helping them scale operations and gain wider market visibility.

They added that ‘Womaniya’ is not just a procurement platform but a step towards enhancing economic independence and strengthening women’s participation in formal markets.