Punjab News: NHRC Issues Notices Over Delayed Rehabilitation Of LPG Tanker Blast Victims In Hoshiarpur

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**NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of LPG Tanker Blast Impact in Punjab**

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the aftermath of an LPG tanker blast in Mandiala village, Hoshiarpur, Punjab. The blast, which occurred over a month ago, tragically claimed seven lives and caused significant damage to several properties.

Despite the passage of time, affected families continue to struggle with rebuilding their houses and shops. While the government has reportedly released compensation for the kin of the deceased, the assessment of property damage is still underway.

### Human Rights Concerns

The Commission has noted that, if the details of the news report are accurate, they raise serious concerns regarding possible violations of the human rights of the victims. In response, the NHRC has issued notices to key authorities including the Chief Secretary of the Government of Punjab, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Hoshiarpur, and the Chief Controller of Explosives, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

These authorities have been called upon to submit a detailed report on the incident, including the current status of the investigation, within two weeks.

### Media Report Highlights

The media report, published on 23rd September 2025, highlights the ongoing challenges and trauma faced by the blast victims and their families, underscoring the urgent need for effective support and rehabilitation measures.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/punjab-news-nhrc-issues-notices-over-delayed-rehabilitation-of-lpg-tanker-blast-victims-in-hoshiarpur

Talks break off between B.C. government and its public service union

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**Contract Talks Between BC Government and Public Service Union Break Down**

VICTORIA – Contract negotiations between the British Columbia government and the union representing public service workers in the province have broken off shortly after they began.

Paul Finch, president of the BC General Employees Union, says government negotiators arrived three hours late and offered no material improvement over previous contract proposals. Finch expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that the union will escalate its job action sharply after the government showed disrespect by presenting an offer that was little changed.

The talks had resumed today following four weeks of ongoing job action. Despite the negotiations, picket lines remain active at various locations, including about a third of provincial liquor stores, liquor and cannabis distribution warehouses, and government offices across the province.

Currently, the union reports that around 15,000 of its 34,000 members involved in the contract are participating in some form of job action. These actions range from an overtime ban to active picketing.

The union is seeking wage increases totaling 8.25 percent over two years. Meanwhile, the government has stated it is aiming to reach a fair deal for both taxpayers and public workers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 29, 2025.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/2025/09/29/cp-newsalert-talks-break-off-between-b-c-government-and-public-service-union

Electronic Arts sold for whopping $55B, second-largest gaming acquisition ever

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**Electronic Arts Acquired in Historic $55 Billion Leveraged Buyout**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 30, 2025, 01:24 AM*

Electronic Arts (EA), the renowned video game developer behind popular titles such as Madden NFL, Battlefield, and The Sims, is set to be acquired for an astounding $55 billion. This deal is poised to become the largest leveraged buyout in history, with a significant portion of the acquisition financed through debt.

### The Consortium Behind the Acquisition

The group of buyers includes Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners—led by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump.

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### Deal Details: EA Going Private

If the acquisition proceeds as expected, EA’s 36-year tenure as a publicly traded company will come to an end. The game publisher will no longer be listed on the stock exchange.

The purchase price represents a substantial 25% premium over EA’s current market value, with shareholders receiving $210 per share.

EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, who has been at the helm since 2013, will retain his position following the acquisition. Additionally, the company’s headquarters will remain in Redwood City, California.

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### Industry Context: Second Largest Gaming Acquisition in History

This acquisition will become the second-largest gaming purchase ever, trailing only Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the publisher of Call of Duty.

Microsoft’s deal faced intense regulatory scrutiny worldwide, with UK authorities warning that it might undermine competition. Approval was eventually granted only after Microsoft agreed to transfer cloud distribution rights for Activision’s console and PC titles to Ubisoft, the developer behind Assassin’s Creed.

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### Market Influence: EA’s Role and Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Investments

EA has been a dominant force in the gaming industry for over four decades, producing some of the most successful game franchises in history. Its football game series alone has sold 325 million copies since its debut in 1993.

For Saudi Arabia, this acquisition represents a significant milestone in its broader efforts to expand its footprint in the gaming sector. The kingdom has previously invested in gaming companies like Niantic and has hosted major esports tournaments to bolster its presence.

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### Industry Impact: Concerns Over Debt and Workforce

The buyers are expected to contribute $36 billion in equity, with the remaining amount financed through loans, primarily provided by JPMorgan Chase. Industry experts have expressed concern that the deal could saddle EA with approximately $20 billion in debt.

There are also worries about potential job cuts as private investors may push for increased cash flow to service this hefty debt. EA recently reduced its workforce by about 5% in 2024, followed by several hundred layoffs earlier this year.

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### What’s Next? Timeline and Outlook

The deal is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2027, pending approval from EA shareholders.

Going private will grant EA the flexibility to restructure without the pressures and scrutiny that come with being publicly traded, where companies often focus on short-term quarterly results.

Despite its loyal fanbase, EA’s annual revenue has remained relatively flat over the last three fiscal years, fluctuating between $7.4 billion and $7.6 billion.

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This acquisition marks a transformative chapter for EA and reflects the evolving landscape of the gaming industry and investment trends globally.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/video-game-maker-electronic-arts-acquired-for-55b/story

Bybit and Nexo Launch Tools to Fight $10B Scam Crisis

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With nearly $10 billion lost to scams last year, major crypto platforms are stepping up efforts to protect users. Two of the biggest names, Bybit and Nexo, have each introduced new security tools aimed at mitigating the impact of fraud that continues to plague digital assets.

### Different Tactics, Same Goal

Bybit has focused on the problem of stolen funds flowing into its platform. Rather than waiting for legal action, it has created a private reporting line exclusively for its top-tier clients. This line provides direct access to the exchange’s internal security team. Cases are reviewed around the clock, and accounts can be restricted within hours to preserve evidence before involving the police.

Nexo, on the other hand, is attempting to stop scams at the point of transaction. Its upgraded Anti-Scam Engine operates quietly in the background, analyzing behavior across multiple blockchains. If suspicious activity is detected, clients are prompted to double-check before sending funds. In rare cases, the system can temporarily halt a transfer until it is reviewed.

Currently, Bybit’s reporting portal is reserved for VIP users but may expand to retail traders if testing proves successful. Nexo’s tool is already live on networks including Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, and Arbitrum, with Bitcoin, Solana, Tron, and XRP slated to follow.

### Pressure to Act

Both companies acknowledge that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, ranging from romance schemes to pig butchering campaigns that can drag on for months. Regulators have also increased pressure on exchanges to demonstrate their ability to prevent abuse before it results in billion-dollar losses.

David Zong of Bybit stated that the company aims to move faster than law enforcement can. Meanwhile, Elitsa Taskova of Nexo emphasized that protection should feel invisible until it’s needed. Despite differing philosophies, the message is clear: crypto platforms cannot afford to leave their users exposed.

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*The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Coindoo.com does not endorse or recommend any specific investment strategy or cryptocurrency. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.*

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**About the Author**
Alex is a reporter at Coindoo with over 8 years of experience in the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries. An experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast, Alex provides insightful and thought-provoking articles that break down complex topics into clear, accessible content. Follow his publications to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in digital assets.
https://coindoo.com/bybit-and-nexo-launch-tools-to-fight-10b-scam-crisis/

‘Cannot allow politics to thwart the plan,’ Israeli officials applaud Trump’s Gaza peace plan

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‘Cannot Allow Politics to Thwart the Plan,’ Israeli Officials Applaud Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

Herzog emphasized that Hamas must also agree to the plan in order to “allow a future of hope for the peoples of the region.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump met at the White House on September 29, 2025, to discuss the Gaza peace plan.

Photo credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869022

Hearthstone: Across the Timeways hits the Rewind button in November

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Whenever there are time-based shenanigans in Azeroth, it’s a safe bet that Chromie will be there. The Bronze Dragon has been tasked with protecting Azeroth’s timeline from any miscreants trying to mess with it.

The latest threat is the fearsome Murozond, which means Chromie will need to assemble a team for the next Hearthstone expansion, titled *Across the Timeways*. This expansion will see Chromie gathering 11 heroes from across Azeroth’s history—and its future.

These 11 heroes represent each of Hearthstone’s classes, coming together to stop Murozond from converging all timelines into the end of all life. Each hero carries the new **Fabled** keyword, which means they’ll add additional cards to your deck. These cards are designed to synergize with one another, allowing players to gradually build strong on-board effects.

Alongside Fabled, there’s a second new keyword introduced in this expansion: **Rewind**. Rewind is linked to various random effects and lets players re-roll if the outcome isn’t favorable.

Starting today, three Rewind cards are available to all Hearthstone players. One exciting example is the 8-Cost **Mister Clocksworth**, which summons two random Legendaries and allows you to Rewind up to three times.

Be on the lookout for other time-themed cards in *Across the Timeways*, such as the Demon Hunter’s **Timeway Warden**, which can imprison enemy minions for 10,000 turns, or the Warlock’s **Divergence** spells, which split a minion in-hand into two.

Stay tuned and prepare to dive into the twists and turns of time like never before!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146153/hearthstone-across-the-timeways-release-date

Maharashtra Allows Immediate Use Of District Funds For Flood Relief And Rehabilitation

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**Maharashtra Government Eases Fund Utilization Norms to Boost Flood Relief Efforts**

In a bid to revive public life in flood-hit areas, the Maharashtra government has decided to relax norms to make funds available on an immediate basis. Through a directive issued on Monday, authorities have allowed the utilisation of funds originally meant for district development schemes to now aid flood mitigation and relief activities.

### District Funds Can Now Be Used for Flood Mitigation

The district planning and development funds (DPDC), which previously excluded post-disaster mitigation work, can now be used according to state-approved norms and guidelines. This significant change enables district authorities to swiftly undertake crucial relief operations such as:

– Hiring equipment for rescuing stranded people
– Setting up relief camps
– Reviving drinking water schemes
– Disposing of carcasses of animals that died in floods
– Starting cattle camps where necessary
– Restoring power supply
– Repairing or reconstructing damaged roads and bridges

### Central Assistance May Face Delays

While the state has formally requested funds from the Centre for relief and rehabilitation of flood-affected areas, central assistance is expected to face delays. This is primarily due to ongoing assessments to determine the exact extent of damages and requirements.

In the meantime, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced an immediate relief package exceeding ₹2,200 crore. However, the actual disbursal of these funds has yet to begin.

### Fiscal Allocation and Historical Context

The government has earmarked approximately ₹20,000 crore for the DPDC in the current fiscal year. It is important to note that in 2014, Maharashtra had allowed the use of DPDC funds for calamity relief and rehabilitation, but this provision was stayed in August this year.

The newly issued guidelines now permit up to 10% of DPDC funds to be utilised specifically for flood relief operations.

### Role of District Authorities Under New Guidelines

The DPDC is chaired by the district guardian minister, with the district collector acting as its ex officio secretary. As per the new directive, district collectors have the authority to initiate urgent repairs and reconstruction of critical infrastructure, including schools, anganwadis, other public buildings, and protective walls in flood-affected regions.

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This move aims to expedite flood relief work on the ground and help restore normalcy in the affected districts at the earliest.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-allows-immediate-use-of-district-funds-for-flood-relief-and-rehabilitation

Jose Mourinho says he will ‘always be a blue’ ahead of Benfica’s game at Chelsea

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Jose Mourinho insisted he will always be a Blue as he returned to Stamford Bridge ahead of Benfica’s Champions League meeting with Chelsea.

The three-time Premier League winner was appointed on September 18 by the Lisbon giants and will lead his new team out on Tuesday for what will be his eighth match in the visiting dugout at the ground he once called home. Despite being twice sacked by former owner Roman Abramovich, Mourinho remains Chelsea’s most successful manager.

Speaking to the media inside the stadium’s Ted Drake Suite — where the walls are adorned with framed photos of the 62-year-old clutching the Premier League trophy — he said:

“Of course I will always be a Blue. I’m part of their history and they are part of mine. I helped them become a bigger Chelsea and they helped me become a bigger Jose. When I say I’m not a Blue, I hope everyone understands I’m speaking about the job that I have to do tomorrow.”

He added, “These pictures, there’s not many clubs that do this. In many clubs, it looks like there’s a fear of what happened in the past. There is a continuous transformation of pictures. It looks like they want to delete people that made history in the club.”

Mourinho, who led Chelsea to their first league title in 50 years during his first season in 2004 before adding to it in 2005 and 2015, returns at a sensitive moment for current head coach Enzo Maresca. Three defeats in four matches have brought a new wave of pressure over the Italian as he seeks to forge a title-winning side from the lavish investments made by the club’s ownership.

Last season’s fourth-place finish, which secured Champions League qualification, looked like a step forward following league finishes of 12th and sixth in previous years. This progress was complemented by victories in the Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. Nevertheless, supporter skepticism towards Maresca and his methods remains.

The sight of Mourinho back in west London, together with memories of past glories, will do little to ease the stalled bid to renew Chelsea in a positive light.

Mourinho, who professes to still be a Chelsea fan and has a home nearby in London as well as strong family ties, gave his backing to the club’s new direction:

“There was a sad period where even myself, from the outside, was putting some question marks,” he said. “It looked like Chelsea lost their identity as a club. But what happened last season put things back on track. They gave trust to Enzo, he brought his ideas, and he fitted well with the philosophy they want to give with the club.”

On Chelsea’s recent trophy successes, Mourinho remarked, “The Conference League is an easy competition to win for a big club, I did it with Roma. Then the Club World Cup — people can say the Champions League is much more important, but that badge (on the shirt) means a lot. It’s the first time a club wins it. That gives them a base of trust and confidence, even at the supporters’ level they feel it.”

He concluded, “I live five minutes from here, my son comes here. The feeling is completely different. There was a period of disappointment and doubt, but this is a period of happiness and trust.”
https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/jose-mourinho-says-he-will-always-be-a-blue-ahead-of-benficas-game-at-chelsea-1812729.html

MAP seeks nat’l budget to complete Edsa busway

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MANILA, Philippines — The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has urged Congress to reallocate funds for the completion of the long-delayed Edsa busway system in the 2026 national budget.

“The government’s commitment to ease the plight of bus commuters must be met,” said MAP president Alfredo Panlilio and MAP Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chair Eduardo Yap.
https://business.inquirer.net/549802/map-seeks-natl-budget-to-complete-edsa-busway

Fears For Dolly: Iconic Country Star Parton, 79, Postpones Las Vegas Residency Due to ‘Health Challenges’ Months After ‘Devastating’ Death of Husband

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**Dolly Parton Cancels Las Vegas Residency Amid Health Concerns**

*Published: September 29, 2025, 2:30 p.m. ET*

Country music legend Dolly Parton has sparked fresh concerns for her health after announcing the cancellation of her upcoming Las Vegas residency due to medical issues. RadarOnline.com has learned that the 79-year-old icon will undergo a series of medical procedures, preventing her from performing at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this December.

### Dolly Parton Opens Up About Health Challenges

Parton’s health struggles come just seven months following the passing of her longtime husband, Carl Dean, at age 82. Taking to Instagram to share the news directly with her fans, she wrote:

> “I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts.
> As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures.
> As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!
> In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.”

She continued:

> “While I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say.
> And don’t worry about me quitting the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.
> But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding.”

The singer’s Las Vegas residency has now been rescheduled to run from September 17 to September 26, 2026.

### Kidney Stone Complications Cause Dollywood Appearance Cancellation

Earlier this month, RadarOnline.com also reported that Parton abruptly canceled an appearance at her Dollywood theme park in Tennessee due to health reasons.

In a video message shared on social media and played at the park, Parton addressed her fans:

> “Hello Dollywood! It’s me! I know, I’m here and you’re there and wondering why that is. I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone.”

Although kidney stones are notoriously painful and uncomfortable, Parton revealed her condition became more serious when it developed into an infection. She explained:

> “Turns out there was an infection. And the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling around this minute… You need a few days to feel better.’
> So, he suggested I not go to Dollywood today.”

The ‘9 to 5’ singer comforted disappointed visitors, saying she was there “in spirit” and looked forward to making up the missed appearance soon. She reassured fans that her illness was not critical, stating she “just can’t do it today.”

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Fans and well-wishers have been sending their love and support to Dolly as she takes the necessary time to focus on her health and recovery.
https://radaronline.com/p/dolly-parton-health-fears-postpones-las-vegas-residency-death/