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In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, National Equipment Dealers (NED) mobilized swiftly to assist recovery efforts of employees, customers, and communities across the Southeast, including Western North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. Guided by its mission to be the FIRST CHOICE for employees, customers, and suppliers, National Equipment Dealers provided essential resources, equipment, and hands-on support to help those affected recover and rebuild. Helping Employees Recover National Equipment Dealers prioritized the safety and well-being of its employees, reaching out to those in storm-affected areas to offer immediate assistance. At the NED Douglas Branch in Georgia, where the hurricane caused significant damage—including the loss of bay doors, sections of the roof, and signage—the company worked swiftly to restore operations. Generators were delivered to employees in the NED Douglas Branch area within a day of the storm, along with fuel, gas cans, and a pallet of water to ensure access to clean drinking water. Meals were provided on-site for several days to support employees working tirelessly to recover. Teams from the NED Fletcher Branch in North Carolina, the NED Wellford Branch in South Carolina, and the NED Charlotte Branch in North Carolina joined in to assist. Supporting Local Communities Beyond supporting employees, National Equipment Dealers extended its efforts to assist communities across the region. Equipment was dispatched to clear roads, ensuring safer travel for residents and connecting them to essential services. In Florida, NED provided aid to storm-affected areas like Fort Myers, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Equipment and supplies were delivered to volunteers and families, assisting in debris removal and property restoration. Supporting First Response Team of America Disaster Relief Efforts National Equipment Dealers proudly partnered with First Response Team of America (FirstResponse.org), a volunteer organization specializing in disaster relief. NED supported their hurricane recovery efforts by providing critical construction equipment and supplies. Teams on the ground worked together to clear debris, create safer pathways, and aid homeowners in restoring their properties. This collaboration highlighted the power of community and teamwork in the face of adversity. The First Response Team commended NED’s quick action and commitment to assisting those in need, reinforcing NED’s role as a trusted partner during recovery efforts. Supporting Western North Carolina’s On-going Recovery National Equipment Dealers continues to play a pivotal role in recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, providing equipment, supplies, and volunteers to assist families and organizations like Samaritan’s Purse in rebuilding after devastating floods. One Asheville, NC, family whose home and property were heavily impacted received free use of a mini excavator from National Equipment Dealers to aid in their cleanup. During the recovery process, the family met with Vice President-elect of the United States, Senator J.D. Vance, and Edward Graham of Samaritan’s Purse. Proudly wearing an NED hat, the homeowner expressed gratitude for NED’s support. When Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis inquired about the hat, the homeowner responded, “It’s a great local company that is helping a lot of folks in our area who are struggling.” First Choice for Our Community At National Equipment Dealers, we are proud of our employees, whose dedication to our customers and communities shined throughout the recovery efforts. While the impacts of Hurricane Helene will be felt for some time, NED remains committed to supporting our communities in every way we can, now and into the future. To learn more about First Response Team of America and their disaster recovery efforts, visit FirstResponse.org. To read more about the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina and the recent visit by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and Edward Graham with Samaritan’s Purse, read: J.D. Vance Joins Edward Graham in Helping Flood-Ravaged North Carolina. Read More

Rebecca Boundy Kier has promoted Rebecca Boundy the role of managing director, clients and markets from her previous post as public sector director. Boundy now heads a team of sector directors at Kier Construction, covering education, healthcare, defence and justice. She also oversees strategic bidding capability. Boundy joined Kier from Galliford Try in 2015 and has since progressed through the organisation, with previous roles in the strategic projects business, leading the preconstruction of the HMP Five Wells prison and, as justice sector director, leading Kier’s three alliances for the Ministry of Justice. The promotion supports Kier’s growth plans across core markets, which builds on a number of major awards already in 2025. These include HMP Glasgow, worth £684m, a new £123m teaching and learning building for the University of Southampton and a position on Pagabo’s £814m facilities management framework. Stuart Togwell, group managing director for Kier Construction, said: “Rebecca has oversight of the needs of our strategic clients and how we address those needs in our approach, bringing us ever closer to communities and end users. Working at Kier for 10 years, Rebecca has a proven track record of delivering industry-leading projects and, with a focus on innovation, digitalisation and client collaboration, it’s a critical role to deliver on our ambitious plans.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

The Grand Union Canal Transfer plans to leverage the existing canal network [photo from guctransfer.co.uk] The Grand Union Canal Transfer is a plan to bring water from the Midlands to the southeast. It’s a joint water transfer project between two water companies, Affinity Water and Severn Trent, and the Canal & River Trust, the charity that owns the canal network in England and Wales. The idea is that water would be transferred using the existing canal infrastructure alongside new assets, including water treatment works, pipelines, pumping stations and environmental mitigation works. Affinity Water is the largest water-only supplier in the UK, serving more than 3.8 million people across the southeast of England. It has published a prior information notice (PIN) inviting market engagement from suitable suppliers ahead of drafting a development consent application, which will start the planning application process.   Affinity Water is looking to use a competitively appointed provider (CAP) through some form of design-build-finance (DBF) or design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) type of model. The PIN seeks market engagement from “suitably qualified parties capable of delivering a secure, sustainable, and value-oriented solution for customers aligned with long-term national water resilience objectives” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

Dumfries & Galloway Council has appointed Galliford Try Digital Infrastructure by to lead the design and preconstruction phase for a programme of new ‘Mobility Hubs’ across the region, with electric vehicle (EV) charging points and bicycle racks. The project has been awarded through the Crown Commercial Service’s construction works and associated services framework and marks a key step forward in the Galliford Try’s strategy to expand into EV charging. The new hubs are designed to encourage local residents to switch to electric cars or even bikes. The plans is that they will have rapid and dual EV charging bays, smart-enabled bike and e-bike storage, a car sharing club, cycle repair facilities, and a ‘community space’ with real-time journey information. Andy Duggins, managing director of Galliford Try Digital Infrastructure, said: “This appointment represents a strategic milestone for our business that aligns with our ambition to lead the delivery of digitally connected, sustainable infrastructure across the UK. “We’re excited to support Dumfries & Galloway Council in achieving their low-carbon goals as well as supporting our wider business objectives around carbon reduction, sustainable delivery, and helping local authorities meet the transport needs of tomorrow.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

HomeTravel NewsLifestyle NewsTariff uncertainty could lead to an expensive Christmas in US, with fewer choices for shoppers US retailers face a chaotic holiday season as fluctuating tariffs delay imports, raise costs, and shrink product selections. Uncertainty around President Trump’s trade policies is disrupting supply chains, pricing, and inventory planning. By CNBCTV18.com July 20, 2025, 9:00:31 PM IST (Published) With summer at its peak in the US, retailers are bracing for a very different season — Christmas. Typically, companies finalise holiday orders and pricing by now, but President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies have thrown those plans into disarray. Take Balsam Hill, known for its artificial trees and decorations. This year, it expects to publish fewer and slimmer holiday catalogs. “The uncertainty has led us to spend all our time trying to rejigger what we’re ordering, where we’re bringing it in, when it’s going to get here,” said Mac Harman, CEO of Balsam Brands, Balsam Hill’s parent company. “We don’t know which items we’re going to have to put in the catalog or not.” For an industry that starts holiday planning as early as January, the flip-flopping tariffs have left many scrambling. Some retailers have scaled back their product lines to avoid the risk of unsold, overpriced goods. Shoppers may find fewer gift options, and prices are likely to be higher—how much more depends on whether Trump’s latest round of “reciprocal” tariffs takes effect next month. Also read | Often forget your belongings when you travel? You’re not alone, over 40% Indians do so The toy industry, which sources nearly 80% of its goods from China, has been hit especially hard. American toy makers usually begin production in April, but this year that was delayed until late May, said Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of the Toy Association. The delay followed a steep 145% tariff imposed on Chinese goods. Although tariffs have since eased—with a truce set to expire on August 12—the damage has been done. Manufacturing is down for small and medium US toy firms, and toys are only now starting to arrive at American warehouses. Whether retailers will be able to replenish stocks of any breakout holiday hits remains uncertain, said James Zahn, editor-in-chief of Toy Book. Independent toy store owners like Dean Smith, co-owner of JaZams in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have also been affected. “I had to eliminate half of the products that I normally buy,” he said, after running complex pricing scenarios due to a 20% increase in some wholesale costs. He opted for cheaper options where possible and skipped costlier items he felt customers wouldn’t buy. Also read | Prada visits Kolhapur, expresses intent to launch Kolhapuri-inspired collection Hilary Key, owner of The Toy Chest in Indiana, decided to forego her usual early product testing due to fears of import delays and price hikes. “My concern is not that I’ll have nothing… But that doesn’t mean I’m going to have the best stock for every developmental age, for every special need,” she said. Vendors are already issuing price increase notices. Schylling, for example, hiked its rates by 20%, affecting collectibles like Care Bears and Needoh toys. But these figures may still shift—depending on tariff developments. Even as President Trump resets tariff rates—this time targeting imports from Brazil, the EU, and Mexico—they’re not set to kick in until August 1, giving a brief window to import goods at the current 10% baseline rate. As a result, the Port of Los Angeles saw its busiest June in 117 years, said Gene Seroka, executive director of the port. According to Seroka, this activity reflects a “tariff whipsaw effect”—with imports slowing when tariffs rise and spiking when they’re paused. “For us consumers, lower inventory levels, fewer selections and higher prices are likely as we head into the holidays.” JaZams’ Smith said they began placing orders two months earlier for select items and even doubled warehouse space to hold them. Yet even consumers seem to be stocking up early—snapping up plush toys and stuffed unicorns. “We’re just trying to be as friendly as we can to the consumer and still have a product portfolio or profile that is gonna meet the needs of all of our various customers, which is getting more and more challenging by the day,” Smith said. Back at Balsam Brands, Harman said the company is still focused on delivering joy this season—despite a slimmer range. “We’re just not going to have a bunch of the items that consumers want this year, and that’s not a position we want to be in,” he said. Also Read: Russia open to peace with Ukriane but insists on achieving its goals, says Kremlin spokesman (Edited by : Jerome Anthony) Read More

HomeEnergy NewsEU curbs on Russian oil could impact India’s $15 billion fuel exports: GTRI India’s petroleum exports worth USD 15 billion to the EU are at risk due to new sanctions on Russian crude refined in third countries, says GTRI. By PTI July 20, 2025, 8:47:50 PM IST (Updated) India’s petroleum product exports worth USD 15 billion to the European Union (EU) may be at risk as Brussels moves to restrict imports of Russian crude oil refined in third countries, economic think tank GTRI said. The 18th package of sanctions by the 27-nation EU included a set of measures largely aimed at curbing the revenues of Russia’s oil and energy sector, such as an import ban on refined petroleum products made from Russian crude oil and coming from any third country. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said that a central component of the package is a ban on the import of refined petroleum products made from Russian crude and exported via third countries, excluding only a select few allies like the US, UK, Canada, and Switzerland. This measure will hurt nations such as India, Turkey, and the UAE, which have been refining Russian crude and selling diesel, petrol, and jet fuel to Europe, it said. ”India’s USD 5 billion exports of petroleum products to the EU are at risk. The EU’s new sanctions ban imports of refined petroleum made from Russian crude via third countries like India,” GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said. India exported USD 19.2 billion worth of petroleum products to the EU in FY24, but this dropped by 27.1% to USD 15 billion in 2024-25, according to the think tank. It added that India imported USD 50.3 billion of crude oil from Russia in FY2025, over a third of its total USD 143.1 billion crude bills. ”Although India continues to engage in legitimate trade with Russia, the political optics of such transactions are shifting in Western capitals. As energy ties deepen, India will have to walk a fine line between economic pragmatism and geopolitical pressure,” Srivastava said. Also Read: Russia open to peace with Ukriane but insists on achieving its goals, says Kremlin spokesman First Published:  Jul 20, 2025 8:46 PM IST Read More

HomeTravel NewsCulture NewsDevotees, political leaders flock to Mahakaali Temples for Bonalu celebrations in Hyderabad Devotees presented ‘bonam’, a sacred offering of cooked rice with milk and jaggery, prepared in newly adorned earthen or brass pots. Women carry these pots, decorated with neem leaves, turmeric, and vermilion and offer bangles and sarees at temples A massive turnout of devotees and several political figures marked the vibrant Bonalu festivities across Mahakaali temples in Hyderabad on Sunday (July 20), as part of the annual celebration held during the Hindu month of Ashadha. Thousands of worshippers thronged the Simhavahini Mahakaali Temple at Lal Darwaja, offering prayers and holding traditional rituals in devotion to the Goddess. Devotees carried and presented ‘bonam’, a sacred offering of cooked rice with milk and jaggery, prepared in newly adorned earthen or brass pots. These pots, decorated with neem leaves, turmeric, and vermilion, were carried on the heads of women, who also offered bangles and sarees at the temples as part of the custom. The state government made elaborate arrangements, deploying security personnel and ensuring smooth logistics to facilitate the large gatherings. Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, offered prayers at the Mahakaali temples in Amberpet and Nimboliadda, while State Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar visited the Bhagya Lakshmi Temple near Charminar. Also read | Loudspeakers, beating of drums banned at temple in Himachal: Find out why Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka presented silk clothes to the deity at the Khila Maisamma Temple. Bonalu, is a deeply rooted folk festival in Telangana and is traditionally celebrated at multiple prominent temples, including those at Golconda Fort, the Ujjaini Mahakaali Temple in Secunderabad, and finally culminating at the Lal Darwaja Simha Vahini Temple. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad City Police’s SHE Teams apprehended 478 individuals for misbehaving with women at key religious sites during the Bonalu and Moharram festivals. The action was part of a wider enforcement drive across major locations, including Golconda Bonalu, Balkampet Yellamma Temple, and Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad. Also read | After 20-year delay, restoration of two 400-year-old Mughal era forts set to begin at Palamau Tiger Reserve Among those caught were 386 adults and 92 minors, intercepted for acts of harassment and unruly behaviour during the heavy public gatherings. A total of 14 SHE teams were strategically deployed across high-footfall areas to provide both preventive and responsive support, ensuring women’s safety during the celebrations. According to the Women Safety Wing, 288 individuals were let off with warnings, while four were booked under petty cases, resulting in fines amounting to ₹1,050. Five offenders were convicted, with one receiving a jail sentence and a monetary fine. Additionally, eight FIRs were registered at different police stations across the city. (Edited by : Jerome Anthony) First Published:  Jul 20, 2025 8:32 PM IST Read More

HomeAccess NewsOpinion NewsView | Respectfully, I disagree with VIP promoter’s ‘rare candour’: Why it must come before succession crisis  Confessing failure after value has already been destroyed is not the same as proactive candour that protects a business from decline. True corporate stewardship demands hunger, humility and the courage to question oneself before the market delivers its verdict, observes Srinath Sridharan, Corporate Advisor & Author of ‘Family and Dhanda. There is a growing view that Shri Dilip Piramal’s admission of VIP Industries’ decline shows rare candour, and should be welcomed as a model for Indian business. Respectfully, I disagree.  Continue Reading with CNBC-TV18 Access Membership Priority Access and Networking: CNBC-TV18’s flagship events Interaction with CNBC-TV18’s journalists Webinars & LIVE Q&As with India Inc. Leaders Exclusive CNBC-TV18 studio & newsroom tours Premium business insights, expert opinions & analysis Curated lifestyle privileges & offers Read More

HomeWorld NewsSouth Korea national security adviser travels to Washington ahead of tariff deadline South Korea’s national security adviser has headed to Washington, authorities said on Sunday, with less than two weeks to go until U.S. President Donald Trump’s August 1 deadline to secure a trade deal or face steep tariffs. By Reuters July 20, 2025, 8:03:52 PM IST (Updated) South Korea’s national security adviser has headed to Washington, authorities said on Sunday, with less than two weeks to go until U.S. President Donald Trump’s Aug. 1 deadline to secure a trade deal or face steep tariffs. Wi Sung-lac’s trip comes just two weeks after his last visit to Washington for talks on tariffs and security. After Trump’s announcement, South Korea said it planned to intensify trade talks. There were no immediate details on who he was planning to meet. Presidential aide Woo Sang-ho told journalists Wi would engage in negotiations on various issues, without elaborating. Earlier this month, Trump said he planned to impose a 25% tariff on South Korea from August 1, posing the first major test for South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung since he came to office barely a month ago. On his last trip to Washington, Wi said he had met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and proposed including security and investments in trade negotiations. Wi also proposed an early summit between the leaders of the two countries, according to media reports. First Published:  Jul 20, 2025 8:02 PM IST Read More

In a chilling turn of events, a 45-year-astrologer allegedly molested a 25-year-old college student, when the woman went to the person with her brother’s horoscope. The incident took place at the astrologer Akhilesh Laxman Rajguru’s office in the Dhankawadi area, police officials said. How did the incident happen? Police said that the woman had initially