Mumbai News: BMC To Form Landscaping Committee For Reliance-Led Beautification Of 53 Hectares Along Coastal Road

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**Mumbai: BMC to Form Dedicated Landscaping Committee for Coastal Road Beautification Project**

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to appoint a dedicated **Landscaping Committee** tasked with evaluating and approving the design report submitted by Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) for beautifying 53 hectares of reclaimed land along the Mumbai Coastal Road.

### Role of the Landscaping Committee

Beyond design approvals, the committee will function as a single-window facilitator to ensure all necessary permissions for greening and landscaping works are obtained seamlessly and at no cost.

### Coastal Road Accessibility Updates

The entire stretch of the Coastal Road, from the Princess Street flyover at Marine Drive to the Worli end of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL), has been open to traffic 24/7 since August 15. This includes 5.25 kilometers of the planned 7.5-km-long promenade and pedestrian underpasses (PUPs).

Simultaneously, Tata Sons Limited is undertaking the beautification of a 5-hectare central median along this arterial road.

### Reliance Industries’ Involvement

Reliance Industries was among five companies that responded to the BMC’s Expression of Interest (EOI) to develop 53 hectares of open spaces along the Coastal Road under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

RIL will also be responsible for the maintenance of the gardens, promenade, and pedestrian underpasses (PuPs) for the next 30 years. The proposal recently received final approval from Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.

### Project Approval and Scope

A senior civic official stated, “With administrative approval in place, a Landscaping Committee will soon be formed to approve the design and serve as a single-window facilitator for obtaining all necessary permissions for the landscaping works.”

The Rs 400-crore project includes:

– Development and maintenance of gardens and parks
– Creation of cycle and pedestrian paths
– Landscaping and infrastructure upkeep including sewage treatment plants (STPs), lighting, CCTV, and security
– Maintenance of public utilities and signage
– Implementation of sustainable practices focusing on water conservation and environmental protection

### Impact of the Coastal Road

The Coastal Road is a 10.58-km, 8-lane expressway connecting Worli to Marine Drive, developed at a total cost of Rs 13,984 crore. This new route has significantly benefited motorists, reducing travel time between Bandra and Marine Drive to just 10-12 minutes.

According to the BMC, the road has reduced travel time by 70% and fuel consumption by 34%.

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For more details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [Budget Properties](https://budgetproperties.in/)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bmc-to-form-landscaping-committee-for-reliance-led-beautification-of-53-hectares-along-coastal-road

NASCAR and teams to meet in court to try to resolve yearlong feud over charter system

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Un proyecto de ley que ya cuenta con dictamen de dos comisiones y podría llegar al recinto de Diputados en breve tiene en vilo al sector TIC argentino, ya que implicaría el regreso recargado de un tributo que había sido eliminado.

Se trata del impuesto Enard a las telecomunicaciones, un gravamen del 1% que se aplicó a la telefonía celular hasta 2017 y que se destinaba al Ente Nacional de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo. La versión actual también implicaría financiar al nuevo Consejo Federal para el Alto Rendimiento Deportivo (Cofard) con un 1% de la facturación de las compañías, pero no solo de telefonía móvil, sino también de internet y TV paga que tengan más de 10.000 clientes, lo que encarecería el servicio para los consumidores.

Este impuesto ya existió en su momento, pero solo para las compañías de telefonía móvil. Ahora se extiende a todo el resto de los servicios TIC.

“Estamos dando un paso hacia atrás”, afirmó Federico Fornelli, presidente de la Asociación Argentina de Televisión por Cable (ATVC).

La autoría del proyecto, que modifica la ley 26.573, corresponde a Rogelio Iparraguirre y Victoria Tolosa Paz, del bloque Unión por la Patria, y ya cuenta con dictamen de las comisiones de Deportes y Comunicación de Diputados.

Según ATVC, si algunos legisladores cercanos al oficialismo, algunos de los cuales votaron a favor en comisión, acompañan la iniciativa, esta podría avanzar. Según la redacción del texto, el 1% se agregaría al precio del servicio, pero el cliente no lo distinguiría en la factura.

“Estamos hablando de un nuevo impuesto que explícitamente mete mano en el bolsillo de toda la población y castiga a todos los usuarios por igual”, agregó.

Según datos del Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (Enacom), el 82% de los hogares del país tiene acceso a internet, la penetración de líneas móviles asciende al 135% y el 57% de los hogares cuenta con TV por suscripción. Más allá de esto, debido al deterioro histórico del poder de compra, especialmente entre los usuarios de menores ingresos, Argentina presenta aún un déficit en el uso de estos servicios.

En 2023 se avanzó en mejorar las condiciones de acceso a dispositivos, gracias al plan de reducción gradual de impuestos. “Gravar los servicios TIC va en contra de esta tendencia”, continuó el ejecutivo.

Según un relevamiento de la Cámara Argentina de Internet (Cabase), el sector está sujeto a más de 20 tributos y tasas nacionales, provinciales y municipales, con una presión tributaria promedio del 41,5%.

La industria TIC, además, aporta el 1% de los ingresos totales devengados para constituir el Fondo de Servicio Universal, destinado a financiar proyectos de conectividad y acelerar la digitalización. Solo en 2024, el aporte total del sector por este concepto fue de $58.800 millones.

“¿Queremos una industria habilitadora, que fomente el empleo y la educación? En vez de ayudar, nos ponen otra barrera. Y además, no tiene mucho que ver con su función. ¿Qué tienen que ver las telecomunicaciones con el deporte? ¿Por qué no le ponen un impuesto al tabaco? A cualquier industria que se lo pusieran, igual estaría mal. El presupuesto del Enard debería establecerse con base en los ingresos, y luego, en función de eso, ver los gastos. No se puede castigar a una industria con el potencial de la nuestra para financiar el deporte”, cerró Fornelli.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/autoracing/2025/10/08/nascar-and-teams-to-meet-in-court-to-try-to-resolve-yearlong-feud-over-charter-system

Toronto hospital performs first Canadian heart transplant after circulatory death

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**Historic First in Canada: Successful Heart Transplant Using Donation After Circulatory Death**

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN) have successfully completed a heart transplant using a donor whose heart had stopped beating. This innovative technique, known as donation after circulatory death (DCD), marks a significant milestone for Canada’s organ transplant landscape.

Unlike traditional heart transplants that rely on organs from brain-dead donors whose hearts continue to beat, the DCD approach recovers hearts after life support is withdrawn and the heart has stopped beating. This expands the donor pool and offers new hope for patients on transplant waiting lists.

In early September, a team at UHN’s Toronto General Hospital performed the novel transplant. Dr. Ali Rabi, the cardiac surgeon at UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre who led the surgery, explained the significance of the procedure:
“Before, we only used hearts from brain-dead donors whose hearts were still beating. Now, we can use hearts that have stopped beating after life support is withdrawn. These are donors who are not considered brain dead. They have a few basic reflexes but no prospect of recovery. That decision is made by the patient, their family, their treatment team, and a neurology team. The family then decides they do not want their loved one to continue like this.”

Heart failure remains one of the most common causes of hospital admission and death in Canada. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, by the end of 2024, there were 155 adults and 29 children waiting for a heart transplant. Dr. Rabi highlighted the impact of this new technique:
“Because of this surgery, we increase the number of heart transplants by 20 to 40 per cent. This will also reduce the number of people who never receive a heart transplant and die waiting for one.”

This technique is not entirely new globally—it has been successfully used in countries including Australia, the U.K., and the United States. In Canada, it is expected to increase heart transplants by approximately 30 percent. A representative shared the emotional impact of seeing the new heart beating:
“When the heart started beating again in the new patient, it’s amazing. The heart’s natural strength is incredible. This breakthrough shows how innovation can save more lives. Congratulations to UHN for this historic milestone.”

Dr. Rabi also acknowledged the profound generosity of donor families:
“It’s the hardest day of their lives, but many find comfort knowing their loved one helped save others.”

Recent data from Australia and the U.S. indicate no difference in long-term survival between recipients of DCD hearts and those receiving organs from traditional brain-dead donors. Dr. Rabi is optimistic about the future of heart transplantation:
“I encourage young people who are interested in heart failure and heart transplant to look at the field, and I guarantee you in the next five years, the field will be completely unrecognizable.”

This landmark surgery not only expands opportunities for patients in need but also represents a hopeful leap forward in cardiac care and transplant innovation in Canada.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11469587/toronto-heart-transplant/

Mumbai Airport Customs Arrest 2 Passengers For Smuggling Hydroponic Weed Worth ₹24 Crore At CSMIA

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**Mumbai Customs Officers Arrest Two Individuals for Smuggling Hydroponic Weed Valued at Rs 24 Crore**

Mumbai Airport Customs officers have apprehended two persons, including a woman, in separate cases involving the smuggling of hydroponic weed collectively valued at Rs 24 crore.

### Passenger from Bangkok Intercepted

According to Customs sources, on Monday, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers intercepted Aswant Kumar (30), a resident of Jalandhar, on suspicion of carrying contraband. Kumar had just arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai, from Bangkok.

Upon examining his check-in baggage, officers discovered 12 packets containing greenish, dry flowering and fruiting substances in lump form. These tested positive for hydroponic weed (marijuana), classified under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The substance weighed 17.86 kg, with an illicit market value of Rs 17.86 crore.

In his statement to Customs officials, Kumar admitted awareness of the stringent punishments related to smuggling hydroponic weed and other illegal drugs into India. Subsequently, he was arrested on Tuesday.

### Passenger from Phuket Intercepted

In a separate case, Customs officers intercepted Tasnumnnisa Shaikh, a resident of Ambernath, Thane, after her arrival from Phuket on Monday. Upon inspecting her trolley bag, officers found 45 packets containing a green, dry leafy substance in lump form. This also tested positive for hydroponic weed, weighing 6.37 kg.

Shaikh admitted to the non-declaration and concealment of the narcotics substance during her statement to Customs authorities, following which she was taken into custody.

### Investigation Ongoing

Preliminary investigations in both cases have revealed the involvement of other individuals who are yet to be identified and apprehended. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest key associates involved in the hydroponic weed smuggling network.

Officials confirmed that the investigations are still at an early stage.

### Legal Proceedings

Advocates Arun Gupta, Birender Yadav, and Priti Singh appeared for the arrested accused persons in court. Following the hearings, the accused were remanded to judicial custody.

—

*For exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit [Budget Properties](https://budgetproperties.in/).*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-airport-customs-arrest-2-passengers-for-smuggling-hydroponic-weed-worth-24-crore-at-csmia

Popular PS4 Shooter Is Only $4.99 on the PS Store

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The PlayStation Store continues to offer some of the best deals on PS4 and PS5 video games through its digital storefronts. One standout offer is on a popular first-person shooter from one of the most beloved pop culture franchises of all time: Star Wars Battlefront 2.

**Star Wars Battlefront 2 for $4.99 on the PS Store**

Developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts, Star Wars Battlefront 2 is currently available for just $4.99 on the PlayStation Store. This price represents a 75% discount off its typical $19.99 listing. Both PS4 and PS5 players interested in this limited-time deal should act quickly, as the offer ends on October 23 at 2:59 a.m. ET.

**Game Overview**

Rush through waves of enemies on Starkiller Base, wielding the power of your lightsaber. Storm through the jungle canopy of a hidden Rebel base on Yavin 4 with your fellow troopers, providing powerful firepower from AT-STs. Lead your X-wing squadron in an attack on a massive First Order Star Destroyer in space. Or rise as a new Star Wars hero — Iden Versio, an elite Imperial special forces soldier — and experience an emotional, gripping single-player story spanning thirty years.

**Reception and Player Base**

When Star Wars Battlefront 2 originally launched in 2017, it received mixed reviews. According to Metacritic, the game earned an average score of 68 based on 62 critic reviews, while our own review gave it a 7 out of 10.

However, the game faced significant backlash at launch, primarily due to the infamous loot box controversy that overshadowed its release. Despite these challenges, Star Wars Battlefront 2 has experienced a resurgence in popularity this year, reaching an all-time peak player count of over 35,000.

If you’re a fan of Star Wars or first-person shooters, this is an excellent opportunity to pick up Star Wars Battlefront 2 at a great price before the deal expires.
https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2025/10/08/star-wars-battlefront-2-ps-store-deal/

Inside Victoria Beckham’s Netflix premiere – from Spice Girls reunion to Brooklyn snub

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**Inside Victoria Beckham’s Netflix Premiere: From Spice Girls Reunion to Brooklyn Snub**

Victoria Beckham and most of her family gathered in London today (9 October) to celebrate the release of her three-part Netflix documentary.

The show offers an intimate look into the former singer’s journey and aspirations as a fashion designer.

The premiere attracted several well-known names and even featured a mini Spice Girls reunion, much to the delight of fans.

However, amid an ongoing family feud, Victoria’s eldest son, Brooklyn Peltz-Beckham, notably snubbed the event.

Here’s a closer look at those who did attend the premiere and the atmosphere on the night.

**MORE ON:** [Related links or further reading]
https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/gallery/inside-victoria-beckhams-netflix-premiere-36036533

Pimpri-Chinchwad: Shiv Sena (UBT) Holds Protest Demanding Loan Waiver, Compensation For Rain-Hit Farmers

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**Pimpri-Chinchwad: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) City Unit Protests for Farmer Compensation and Loan Waiver**

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Pimpri-Chinchwad city unit organised a protest march on Wednesday in front of the Tehsildar’s office in Nigdi. The protest aimed to demand adequate compensation for farmers affected by excessive rainfall and a complete loan waiver for farmers across Maharashtra.

According to Uddhav Sena workers, heavy rains have recently battered various parts of the state, disrupting daily life and causing significant losses to farmers. In response, the party has urged the Maharashtra government to provide fair compensation to those impacted by the adverse weather conditions. Additionally, they have called for a complete and unconditional loan waiver to alleviate the financial burden on farmers.

The march was led by key party leaders including District Chief Gautam Chabukswar, City Chief Sanjog Waghere Patil, and City Organiser Rupali Alhat. They were accompanied by prominent members such as Chetan Pawar, Romi Sandhu, Vaibhavi Ghodke, Tushar Navale, Dhananjay Alhat, Kailas Nevaskar, Yuvraj Kokate, Dnyaneshwar Shinde, Parth Gurav, among other officials and party workers.

### Opposition Parties Demand Full Loan Waiver

The demand for a full loan waiver for farmers has been a recurring issue raised by opposition parties in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has repeatedly highlighted this matter, referencing their previous tenure in government where such measures were implemented.

Recently, speaking to the media in Pune, NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule also emphasized the necessity of a loan waiver, stating, “Farmers need this.” She called on the Maharashtra government to prioritise the welfare of farmers and provide the necessary support during these challenging times.

The protests and demands reflect growing concerns over the impact of excessive rainfall on agriculture and the urgent need to support the farming community in Maharashtra.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pimpri-chinchwad-shiv-sena-ubt-holds-protest-demanding-loan-waiver-compensation-for-rain-hit-farmers

Breakthrough Israeli AI slashes head-CT wait times, flags missed brain bleeds – exclusive

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**Breakthrough Israeli AI Slashes Head-CT Wait Times, Flags Missed Brain Bleeds**

An innovative AI system developed in Israel and installed on CT scanners at Assuta Medical Centers has significantly reduced reporting times for suspected stroke cases. This advanced technology not only accelerates diagnosis but also accurately identifies life-threatening intracranial hemorrhages that might otherwise be missed.

The implementation of this AI-driven solution marks a major advancement in emergency medical care, enabling faster and more reliable detection of brain bleeds. Early identification is crucial for effective treatment, improving patient outcomes and potentially saving lives.

*Brain scans (photo credit: Shutterstock)*

By Dr. Itay Gal
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-869819

Uttar Pradesh News: Lucknow Police Commissionerate Upgrades Wireless Network, Connects All Stations And Beat Constables

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**Lucknow Police Commissionerate First in UP to Upgrade Wireless Communication Network**

Lucknow: The Lucknow Police Commissionerate has become the first in Uttar Pradesh to connect all police stations and beat constables through an upgraded wireless communication network, significantly enhancing law enforcement coordination across the city.

**Details of the Upgrade**

Previously, the static wireless sets at police stations had a limited range of only three kilometres, while handheld devices operated within just one kilometre. According to DG Telecom Ashutosh Pandey, a total of 1,765 wireless sets have been upgraded, which includes 623 static units and 1,142 handheld devices.

The most notable improvement in the system comes from increasing the number of repeater devices across the city from two to eight. Additionally, all wireless sets have been reprogrammed to operate on a unified network, ensuring seamless connectivity among all police units.

**Enhanced Coordination and Response**

“This upgrade removes earlier communication gaps between distant police units,” said Pandey. He highlighted that now, even police stations located as far apart as BKT and Banthra—roughly 33 kilometres away from each other—can communicate directly via wireless.

Officials explained that the new system will significantly improve coordination and speed up response times. Beat constables can instantly relay crime or emergency information to their respective stations and senior officers, facilitating quicker action.

Furthermore, the direct communication link will aid in better management during public events and law-and-order situations, making police operations more efficient and effective.

**Next Phase in Mathura**

Following Lucknow’s success, the upgraded wireless communication system is slated for implementation in Mathura next. This comes at a crucial time as frequent crowd gatherings in Mathura often lead to disruptions in mobile networks, hindering effective communication.

The deployment of the new system is expected to enhance the police force’s ability to maintain public safety and order during such events.

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*Also Watch: Next Phase in Mathura*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-news-lucknow-police-commissionerate-upgrades-wireless-network-connects-all-stations-and-beat-constables

PM Modi Inaugurates ₹19,646 Crore Navi Mumbai International Airport; Fadnavis Says Project Will Boost Maharashtra’s GDP By 1%

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Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates First Phase of Navi Mumbai International Airport

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Wednesday, seven years after laying its foundation stone. Developed at a cost of Rs 19,646 crore, the project is being hailed as a milestone in India’s aviation infrastructure.

Asia’s Largest Connectivity Hub

Calling NMIA Asia’s biggest connectivity hub, PM Modi said the airport marks the beginning of a new era for Maharashtra and the country’s aviation sector. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that the project would increase the state’s GDP by 1%.

The Prime Minister landed at the airport at 2:45 p.m., inaugurating it through a digital toran ceremony at the terminal entrance. He then toured the state-of-the-art facility along with Governor Acharya Devvrat, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, Union Civil Aviation Minister K.R.M. Naidu, MoS Murlidhar Mohol, and industrialist Gautam Adani, whose company developed the project in partnership with CIDCO.

Modi also interacted with a group of specially-abled individuals operating a food outlet at the terminal.

Connecting Farmers and Fisherfolk to Global Markets

After inaugurating India’s first twin-aviation hub, PM Modi said NMIA would directly connect Maharashtra’s farmers and fisherfolk with international supply chains, including supermarkets in Europe and the Middle East. He emphasized that the new infrastructure would reduce logistical costs for small and micro enterprises, spur investment, and generate new industries and jobs.

“Mumbai’s long wait ends here. NMIA bears the reflection of a Viksit Bharat. It is a lotus blooming on the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” he said, referring to the airport’s lotus-inspired design.

Part of Mumbai’s Dual-Airport System

NMIA is envisioned as part of a dual-airport system for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), complementing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Sahar. With an initial capacity of 20 million passengers per annum, the airport will eventually handle 90 million passengers, making it one of India’s largest airports.

The first two phases will feature one runway and a single terminal, before scaling up to four runways and multiple terminals.

Fadnavis Credits Modi for Fast-Tracking Clearances

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recalled that the airport had been conceptualized in the 1990s but remained stalled for decades. “For years, there was only a board displaying the airport’s name. When PM Modi reviewed the project, seven of eight pending permissions were cleared in the first meeting,” he said.

Fadnavis also highlighted that NMIA will be India’s first airport connected by water taxis, further enhancing multi-modal transport options.

Aviation Growth and Future Projects

Union Civil Aviation Minister K.R.M. Naidu noted that since 2014, Mumbai’s domestic air traffic has risen by 70% and international traffic by 50%. The government now aims to triple annual passenger traffic from 5 crore to 15 crore.

He also announced plans for the country’s first offshore airport near the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Palghar, marking another milestone in Maharashtra’s aviation infrastructure.

“India’s financial capital is now also its aviation capital. With NMIA, airlines will no longer struggle for slots — every Mumbaikar will feel proud of this achievement,” Naidu added.

Public-Private Partnership Between CIDCO and Adani Group

The airport has been developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), holding 26% and 74% equity stakes, respectively.

CIDCO oversaw planning, land acquisition, rehabilitation, and pre-development work, while AAHL is responsible for development and operations.

Legacy of Visionaries Behind the Project

Several former CIDCO managing directors and chairmen attended the inauguration, many of whom contributed to NMIA’s inception.

Former CIDCO MD Sanjay Bhatia (2013–2016) expressed pride in seeing the project’s completion: “It’s wonderful to see something I nurtured in its early stages come to life. During my tenure, I worked on land acquisition for this dream project,” he said.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/pm-modi-inaugurates-19646-crore-navi-mumbai-international-airport-fadnavis-says-project-will-boost-maharashtras-gdp-by-1