PVL: Choco Mucho spoils Bella Belen debut, beats Capital1

RODRIGUEZ, Rizal — Choco Mucho spoiled Bella Belen’s much-awaited PVL debut by sweeping her team in straight sets, 33-31, 26-24, 25-23. The victory marked a strong start for Choco Mucho as they kicked off their Reinforced Conference campaign on a high note on Tuesday night at Ynares Center Montalban.

The Flying Titans showcased their impressive depth throughout the match. A standout performer was a revitalized Kat Tolentino, who returned strong after missing the All-Filipino action and preseason due to injury. Her performance played a key role in securing the win for Choco Mucho.
https://sports.inquirer.net/643321/pvl-choco-mucho-spoils-bella-belen-debut-beats-capital1

Inhalers for asthma, COPD are climate change contributors, study finds

Inhalers that provide fast-acting treatment for people with certain respiratory conditions are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, which can worsen both climate change and the conditions themselves, according to new research.

Published Monday in the *Journal of the American Medical Association*, the study found that inhalers approved for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) generated an estimated 24.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in the United States from 2014 to 2024. This amount is equivalent to the emissions of about 530,000 gas-powered cars each year.

“Scaled across tens of millions of inhalers dispensed annually, these emissions drive global warming, exacerbating the very respiratory conditions inhalers are meant to relieve,” authors of a supplemental editorial note wrote.

Asthma and chronic lung disease affect millions of Americans. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 28 million Americans have asthma, and 34 million live with chronic lung disease. These cases are expected to increase as climate change worsens air pollution, which in turn raises the risk and severity of respiratory symptoms.

Researchers identified metered-dose inhalers—the boot-shaped treatment devices many people picture—as the most harmful to the environment. These inhalers accounted for 98% of emissions over the decade-long period. However, it’s not the medication itself causing the issue.

The problem lies in the hydrofluoroalkane propellants contained in these inhalers. Hydrofluoroalkanes are potent greenhouse gases widely used in products like aerosol sprays, which significantly contribute to the carbon footprint.

“Inhalers add to the growing carbon footprint of the US healthcare system, putting many patients with chronic respiratory disease at risk,” said lead author Dr. William Feldman, a pulmonologist and health services researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, in a news release. “On the upside, there is tremendous opportunity to make changes that protect both patients and the planet by utilizing lower-emission alternatives.”

The study also found that other types of inhalers, such as dry powder inhalers and soft mist inhalers, are less harmful to the environment. These devices deliver medication to the lungs without the need for propellants, offering a greener alternative for patients and healthcare systems alike.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inhalers-produce-carbon-emissions-study/

Mixed-use project proposed for former Hanson’s site in Platt Park

Doug McKinnon plans to revamp the gateway to South Pearl Street’s shops and restaurants in Platt Park. The real estate investor, through his firm McKinnon & Associates, submitted redevelopment plans last week to the city of Denver for his 0.29-acre lot at 1301 S. Pearl St., located adjacent to the iconic South Pearl sign that welcomes visitors to the neighborhood.

The property formerly housed Hansons, a burger joint that closed in 2020 and was demolished within the past year. McKinnon purchased the lot for $2.9 million in cash last December.

His proposed three-story building aims to offer a mixed-use space. The ground-floor corner is intended for a restaurant, with additional retail spaces facing Pearl Street and residential units along Louisiana Avenue. The second and third floors are planned to include both residential and office spaces. The development would also feature underground parking. Local design firm OZ Architecture drew up the plans.

“Given the preliminary nature of the plan, it is a little premature for us to get too deep into specific details of the project,” McKinnon wrote in an email to BusinessDen.

McKinnon is the second owner to explore redevelopment of the site. Before his purchase, the property was owned by Greenwood Village-based Cadence Capital Investments. Cadence acquired the two-story building in September 2020 for $2.6 million and submitted plans to convert the existing structure into an office building. However, no work on the site ultimately took place.
https://www.denverpost.com/2025/10/07/denver-platt-park-hansons-site/

To attract more funds, Philippines told to bolster sustainability rules

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines needs to strengthen sustainability standards in major infrastructure projects to attract discerning foreign investors and donors, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said.

In a report released on Tuesday, the OECD noted that the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 had already laid out specific strategies and measurable actions that signal a commitment to sustainable development.

https://business.inquirer.net/551311/to-attract-more-funds-ph-told-to-bolster-sustainability-rules

Maharashtra Approves Independent Navi Mumbai International Airport Police Station With 108 Posts To Boost Security

**State Government Approves Independent Airport Police Station for Navi Mumbai International Airport**

In a significant move to bolster security around the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the state government has approved the establishment of an independent airport police station. This new station will comprise a total of 108 posts across various ranks, ensuring a robust security presence for the sprawling airport complex.

**Funding and Expenditure**

The government has sanctioned Rs 3.38 crore as recurring expenditure and Rs 1.76 crore as non-recurring expenditure for the setup and maintenance of the new police station. These funds will help cover infrastructure, staffing, and operational costs.

**Jurisdiction and Structure**

The airport police station will be carved out by dividing the existing jurisdictions of the Panvel City and Ulwe police stations, both under the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate. The exact jurisdiction boundaries for Panvel, Ulwe, and the new airport police station will soon be finalized and submitted to the state government for approval.

**Airport Development and Security Needs**

The foundation stone for NMIA was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 18, 2018, at Koparbhujhe. The airport is being developed in five phases, with plans to feature four passenger terminals, two runways, a cargo truck terminal, and other vital civil and defense aviation facilities.

Once fully operational, NMIA is expected to handle an impressive capacity of 90 million passengers and 360 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. Given these large-scale operations and the critical need for stringent security measures, the establishment of an independent airport police station was deemed essential.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (HQ) Sanjay Patil stated, “Considering the large-scale operations and the need for stringent security, an independent police station was deemed essential.”

**Reorganisation of Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate**

In July 2025, the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate underwent a reorganisation, resulting in the creation of Zone-3 (Belapur) by dividing the earlier Zones 1 (Vashi) and 2 (Panvel). During this restructuring process, the proposal for the airport police station was submitted to ensure efficient law enforcement at NMIA and its surrounding areas.

Following a thorough review, the State Home Department approved the proposal and issued an official Government Resolution (GR) on Monday.

**Posts and Staffing Details**

The 108 newly sanctioned posts for the airport police station are distributed as follows:

– 2 Police Inspectors
– 3 Assistant Police Inspectors
– 6 Police Sub-Inspectors
– 6 Assistant Police Sub-Inspectors
– 27 Head Constables
– 42 Constables
– 19 Women Constables
– 3 Driver Constables

**Enhancing Security and Rapid Response**

With this dedicated police station, authorities aim to enhance security, ensure rapid response to incidents, and maintain law and order in and around the Navi Mumbai International Airport. This initiative marks a major step toward safeguarding one of India’s emerging aviation hubs.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-approves-independent-navi-mumbai-international-airport-police-station-with-108-posts-to-boost-security

Should you be worried about WeWork India’s ₹3,000cr IPO?

**Should You Be Worried About WeWork India’s ₹3,000 Crore IPO?**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 7, 2025 | 8:02 PM*

WeWork India’s ₹3,000 crore initial public offering (IPO) has come under scrutiny, with proxy advisory firm InGovern raising significant concerns over its structure and pre-listing conditions. Shriram Subramanian, the founder of InGovern, highlighted issues that cast doubt on the promoters’ intent, the company’s financial sustainability, and governance oversight.

### IPO Structure: No Fresh Capital Infusion

The IPO is structured as a full offer for sale (OFS), meaning that no new capital will be infused into the company through this process. Instead, existing shareholders are offloading shares, which raises questions about the use of proceeds and the company’s future funding needs.

### Major Concerns Raised by InGovern

**Temporary Release of Pledged Promoter Shares**

A key concern flagged by InGovern is the temporary release of promoter shares that were pledged before the IPO. Over 53% of WeWork India’s pre-IPO shares, held by Embassy Buildcon, had been pledged against borrowings amounting to approximately ₹2,065 crore. These pledges were revoked mainly to facilitate the IPO. According to Subramanian, if the listing did not occur, the shares would have to be re-pledged within 45 days. This arrangement raises questions about the promoters’ commitment and the stability of their holdings.

**Ongoing Financial Challenges**

WeWork India continues to face operating cash losses, a challenge complicated by lease agreements treated as debt obligations. Nearly 43% of the company’s FY25 revenue went toward lease payouts. Subramanian expressed concern over the promoters’ use of a pure OFS to deleverage, noting that the company’s brief profit in FY25 was largely due to a deferred-tax gain rather than operational performance.

**Governance and Compliance Red Flags**

Repeated audit qualifications have been highlighted as a potential red flag. From FY22 to FY24, WeWork India reported material weaknesses in internal controls, including poor vendor documentation and issues with related-party transparency. Moreover, the promoters face several pending enforcement proceedings under the aegis of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Prevention of Corruption Act, spotlighting serious governance concerns.

### Market Risks: Dependence on the WeWork Brand

InGovern also flagged WeWork India’s dependence on the WeWork Global brand as a critical risk factor. The company operates under a 99-year license, which is contingent on promoter control and regulatory compliance. Any conviction or significant change in promoters could jeopardize these brand rights, posing an existential threat to the business model.

### Despite Concerns, Strong Anchor Participation

Despite these multiple concerns, the IPO attracted strong anchor investor interest, raising ₹1,348 crore from 67 investors including well-known names like ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and HDFC Mutual Fund.

**Takeaway:** While WeWork India’s IPO garnered a solid market response, investors should carefully weigh the significant financial, governance, and structural risks highlighted by InGovern before making investment decisions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/wework-india-s-3-000cr-ipo-under-ingovern-s-scanner-here-s-why/story

MP News: CM Mohan Yadav Concerned Over Delay In Allocation Of EWS Houses

**Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Urges Prompt Allocation of EWS Houses and Planned Urban Development in Madhya Pradesh**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday expressed concern over the delay in allocation of houses for the economically weaker sections (EWS) constructed by builders during the development of colonies. He emphasized that collectors should promptly ensure 100% allocation of EWS houses to eligible beneficiaries.

Addressing the sectoral discussion on urban areas during the Collector-Commissioner Conference held in Bhopal, Yadav underlined the necessity to draft an action plan for planned urban development across districts. He stressed that this plan must be prepared with a long-term vision, keeping “Vision 2047” in mind.

**Timely Payment for Land Acquisition**

The Chief Minister highlighted that compensation is being provided for land acquired under Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) in urban areas. He urged officials to ensure timely payments are made to landowners whose land has been acquired, to maintain trust and efficiency in the process. Additionally, he issued directives for improving traffic arrangements in urban centers to ease congestion and enhance public safety.

**Development of Bhopal-Indore Metropolitan Area**

Mohan Yadav announced the decision to develop the Bhopal-Indore Metropolitan Area as a major hub. He instructed the collectors of the respective regions to formulate comprehensive plans aimed at making this metropolitan area a center of employment, industrial growth, education, and healthcare facilities. The goal is to boost regional development and improve the quality of life for residents.

**Enhancing Health Services**

In the health and nutrition sector discussion, the Chief Minister called on collectors to ensure significant quality improvements in health services. He encouraged regular visits to hospitals to identify and rectify shortcomings promptly. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that all beneficiaries holding Ayushman Cards receive the full benefits of the scheme without any obstacles.

**Creation of Land Banks and Industrial Revival**

Addressing employment, industry, and investment promotion, Yadav directed officials to create land banks by utilizing unused land in urban areas. He highlighted the need for solid steps to make districts self-reliant economically. Special efforts should also be made to promote religious tourism as a growth sector.

The Chief Minister also urged prioritizing the resolution of pending issues related to the Kelaras-based sugar mill. He stressed that cases of closed industrial units must be addressed promptly and resolved within a fixed timeframe to revive industrial activity and generate employment.

*This comprehensive approach by the Madhya Pradesh government aims to foster sustainable urban development, improve public services, and boost economic growth across the state.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-cm-mohan-yadav-concerned-over-delay-in-allocation-of-ews-houses

British PM Keir Starmer Joins His Business Delegation For Photo At London’s Heathrow Airport Ahead Of India Visit – VIDEO

London: In a special gesture, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood with his business delegation for a photo at London’s Heathrow Airport before departing for India on a two-day visit. Economic ties will be a key focus area during this trip, which marks Prime Minister Starmer’s first official visit to India.

On October 9 in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart will review progress in various aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This review aligns with ‘Vision 2035’, a focused and time-bound 10-year roadmap of programs and initiatives across key pillars including trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people relations.

Both leaders will engage with businesses and industry leaders to explore opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a central pillar of the future India-UK economic partnership. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of importance.

As part of the visit, the two Prime Ministers will attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote addresses. Additionally, they will engage with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators to further foster collaboration.

This visit builds on the momentum and substance generated by Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UK in July this year. It offers a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom to build a forward-looking partnership.

In July, India and the United Kingdom signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a bilateral free trade agreement considered a major milestone in their longstanding partnership. The agreement was signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in the presence of PM Modi and PM Starmer. It reflects the shared ambition of two major economies to deepen economic ties.

Bilateral trade between the two nations has already reached USD 56 billion, with a target to double this by 2030.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/british-pm-keir-starmer-joins-his-business-delegation-for-photo-at-londons-heathrow-airport-ahead-of-india-visit-video

British PM Keir Starmer Joins His Business Delegation For Photo At London’s Heathrow Airport Ahead Of India Visit – VIDEO

**London:** In a special gesture, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood with his business delegation for a photo at London’s Heathrow Airport before departing for India on a two-day visit, with economic ties as a key focus area. This will be Prime Minister Starmer’s first official visit to India.

During the visit, on October 9 in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart will take stock of progress in diverse aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with ‘Vision 2035’. This vision is a focused and time-bound 10-year roadmap of programmes and initiatives covering key pillars such as trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education, and people-to-people relations.

Both leaders will engage with businesses and industry leaders to explore opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a central pillar of the future India-UK economic partnership. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance.

The two Prime Ministers are scheduled to attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, where they will deliver keynote addresses and engage with industry experts, policymakers, and innovators.

This visit aims to build on the momentum generated by Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the UK in July. It provides a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and the United Kingdom to build a forward-looking partnership.

In July this year, India and the United Kingdom signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a bilateral free trade agreement marking a major milestone in their longstanding partnership. The agreement was signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds in the presence of PM Modi and PM Starmer. It reflects the shared ambition of two major economies to deepen economic ties.

Bilateral trade between India and the UK has already reached USD 56 billion, with a target to double this figure by 2030.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/british-pm-keir-starmer-joins-his-business-delegation-for-photo-at-londons-heathrow-airport-ahead-of-india-visit-video

Paytm launches AI Soundbox for small businesses: How it works

**Paytm Launches AI Soundbox for Small Businesses: How It Works**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 08:03 PM*

Paytm has introduced the AI Soundbox, a revolutionary device designed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) streamline their daily operations and payments more efficiently. The new product was unveiled at the Global Fintech Festival 2025, marking a significant step forward in bringing advanced technology to India’s business landscape.

### What Is the AI Soundbox?
The AI Soundbox is an enhanced version of Paytm’s popular payment Soundbox series. What sets this device apart is its conversational AI capability, allowing merchants to interact in 11 Indian languages. This feature makes business transactions and management more accessible for a diverse range of users across the country.

### Enhanced Features for Business Intelligence
Beyond handling payments, the AI assistant embedded in the Soundbox can answer queries related to payments, sales trends, and overall business performance. Paytm describes the device as a “business intelligence assistant,” providing real-time insights that help merchants make informed decisions without needing complex software.

The Android-based device features dual screens—one displays payment updates, while the other facilitates easy interaction with the AI assistant. It supports dynamic QR codes alongside tap and insert card transactions, ensuring versatile payment options for customers.

### Transforming Small Businesses with AI
The AI Soundbox is aimed at empowering India’s extensive network of small businesses, from local kirana stores to cafes and retail chains. By integrating artificial intelligence into everyday business interactions, Paytm hopes to simplify operations and enhance business intelligence at the grassroots level.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder and CEO of Paytm, highlighted that this launch signals a new era of intelligent devices tailored for businesses across India.

### Reliable Connectivity for Smooth Operations
Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, the AI Soundbox assures stable performance for indoor settings such as restaurants and supermarkets. Additionally, 4G support is built-in to maintain seamless transaction processing in outdoor or high-traffic areas.

With this launch, Paytm continues to innovate in the fintech space by providing accessible and smart technology solutions that cater specifically to the needs of India’s small and medium enterprises.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/paytm-introduces-ai-soundbox-for-smes-here-s-what-it-offers/story