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Showing posts from January, 2025

From Chai to Gifts: The Shifting Terminology of Corruption

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  From Chai to Gifts: The Shifting Terminology of Corruption Peerzada Mohsin Shafi M.Tech Infrastructure Development and Management (Hon’s) Member ASCE, Researcher-- Contracts and Planning  Corruption, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary is “dishonest or illegal behaviour, especially by people in authority.” The term originates from the Latin word “corruptus” meaning “to bribe, destroy, or spoil.” Josiane Fahed-Sreih, in her book “Corruption: New Insights”, delves into the historical roots of this pervasive issue. It is as old as human civilization itself. From the first dynasty of ancient Egypt (3100–2600 B.C.), where judicial corruption was rampant, to ancient Greece, where the term “corruption” was associated with the loss of physical form, integrity, or moral virtue, this malady has plagued societies for millennia.   Fast forward to the present-day corruption remains deeply entrenched in every society. In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir hundreds of corru...

From Gridlock to Glide: Proposed Flyover for Anantnag’s Traffic Woes

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  From Gridlock to Glide: Proposed Flyover for Anantnag’s Traffic Woes Peerzada Mohsin Shafi M.Tech Infrastructure Development and Management Hon’s, Researcher, Member ASCE, Contracts and Planning Professional Anantnag, one of the oldest and most historically rich districts in the Kashmir Valley has been a pivotal part of the region’s heritage and development. Once encompassing the entirety of South Kashmir, the district was divided into Anantnag and Pulwama in 1979 followed by the creation of Kulgam and Shopian in 2007. Despite the restructuring, Anantnag remains a key district, strategically positioned as a link to the rest of the valley. It shares its boundaries with several important districts like Ramban, Kishtwar, Doda, Pulwama and Kulgam.  Anantnag is not just geographically significant, but also demographically crucial. As per the 2011 Census, the district has a population of approximately 10.79 lakh, spread across 387 inhabited and seven uninhabited villages. The dist...

The 90-Hour Workweek Hype: What’s Being Suggested vs. What Construction Professionals Endure?

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  The 90-Hour Workweek Hype: What’s Being Suggested vs. What Construction Professionals Endure? Peerzada Mohsin Shafi M.Tech IDM (Hon's) Contracts & Planning In recent times, the topic of long working hours has been a subject of considerable debate in India. The latest headlines feature statements from high-profile figures like Infosys CEO and L&T Chairman. Infosys’s CEO earlier suggested that employees in the tech industry should work up to 70 hours a week, while the Chairman of L&T went a step further, proposing a 90-hour workweek. These comments have ignited a storm of criticism, with many arguing that such expectations are unreasonable and even exploitative. The Hype and Criticism The idea of a 90-hour workweek has sparked a great deal of controversy. Critics argue that it is an unrealistic and harmful demand, particularly in a country where labor laws are designed to protect workers from excessive working hours. In India, the Factories Act, the Shops and Establishm...

Deadlock Ends on Singhpora Vailoo Tunnel Project

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  Deadlock Ends on Singhpora Vailoo Tunnel Project Peerzada Mohsin Shafi With the inauguration of the Z Morh Tunnel in Sonamarg today, a new era of infrastructure development has begun. This long-awaited project which commenced in 2015, has now reached its significant milestone opening its doors to traffic. The event was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Cabinet Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister of J&K, Chairman NHIDCL and other distinguished guests   During the ceremony, several dignitaries shared their perspectives on the ongoing and future development projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister UT of J&K, Omar Abdullah began by honoring the victims of a terrorist attack near the Z-Morh Tunnel project site last year, paying tribute to their sacrifices. P.M Narendra Modi underscored the significance of infrastructure projects in the region's development. He highlighte...