Monthly Archives: October 2025

crime, international, law, military, politics

Trump defies court order; deploys National Guard to Oregon, Chicago

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**Trump Defies Court Order; Deploys National Guard to Oregon and Chicago**

*By Snehil Singh | October 6, 2025, 10:57 AM*

United States President Donald Trump has defied a federal court order by deploying National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois. This move follows a judge’s temporary block on the deployment of 200 troops to Oregon.

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the decision, announcing plans to sue and describing the action as “un-American” and “a breathtaking abuse of the law and power.”

### Deployment Details

President Trump authorized the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Chicago to address what he called “out-of-control crime.” The decision came after clashes between immigration authorities and protesters in Chicago, where officials reported that an armed woman was shot following allegations that she and others rammed their cars into police vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon confirmed that 200 members of the California National Guard were reassigned to Portland in support of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal personnel. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek confirmed that 101 California National Guard members had already arrived in Oregon.

### Lack of Communication and Local Opposition

Governor Kotek revealed that there was no official communication from the federal government regarding the deployment. She emphasized, “There is no need for military intervention in Oregon. There is no insurrection in Portland. No threat to national security.”

The California National Guard had been federally activated in June for a 90-day period as part of President Trump’s broader strategy to combat rising crime and assist with deportation efforts. The California Department of Justice confirmed that the Trump administration sought to extend this federalization for an additional 90 days.

### Ongoing Protests and Political Context

Protests continue in Portland and other cities in response to the Trump administration’s increased immigration enforcement. Portland is noted for having a significant presence of Antifa activists—a loosely organized group of far-left activists. Recently, President Trump signed an executive order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.

### Reactions from Illinois Leadership

The Illinois governor accused President Trump of “manufacturing a crisis” by deploying troops, suggesting the move is politically motivated rather than based on actual public safety needs.

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The deployment of National Guard troops to Portland and Chicago marks a contentious escalation in the ongoing tensions between federal authorities and local governments, highlighting deep divisions over immigration enforcement and public safety strategies.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-defies-court-sends-national-guard-troops-to-oregon-chicago/story

adventure, nature, sports, travel

For cycling enthusiasts: Here’s your next epic ride

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**For Cycling Enthusiasts: Here’s Your Next Epic Ride**
*By Simran Jeet | Oct 06, 2025, 11:19 AM*

**The Great Rift Valley – A Cyclist’s Paradise**

The Great Rift Valley in Africa offers cycling enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the continent’s most stunning natural wonders. Stretching over 6,000 kilometers and crossing multiple countries, the valley features a diverse array of landscapes and ecosystems. From lush forests to arid deserts, cyclists can enjoy breathtaking views alongside unique wildlife encounters on this epic two-wheeled adventure.

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**Route Selection: Choosing the Right Trail**

Selecting the right route is essential for a successful cycling trip in the Rift Valley. Depending on your skill level and interests, there are various trails to choose from. Beginners can opt for smoother terrains that provide a more relaxed ride, while experienced cyclists might prefer routes with challenging steep climbs and rugged paths.

Before you embark, research the difficulty and terrain type of each trail carefully to find the perfect match for your capabilities and cycling goals.

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**Preparation Tips: Getting Ready for Your Journey**

Proper preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable experience cycling through the Rift Valley. Make sure you have a reliable bike that can handle long distances on varied terrain. Essential gear includes a helmet, repair kits, water bottles, and maps.

It’s also wise to build your fitness gradually by increasing your ride distances before the trip to ensure you’re ready for the journey ahead.

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**Weather Awareness: Understanding Local Conditions**

Weather conditions can vary dramatically across the Rift Valley regions. It’s important to stay updated on local forecasts as you plan your ride.

The dry season typically offers better cycling conditions with less rain, though temperatures can get quite high. Conversely, the wet season brings cooler weather but also increased rainfall, which may affect trail accessibility and riding safety.

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**Wildlife Watching: Encounters Along the Way**

One of the most exciting aspects of cycling through the Great Rift Valley is the chance to observe Africa’s iconic wildlife in their natural environment. From elephants roaming the savannah to colorful birds perched overhead, every segment of the trail offers potential for memorable wildlife sightings.

Remember to always keep a safe distance from animals and respect their habitats by avoiding disturbance during your journey.

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Embark on this epic cycling adventure and experience the spectacular beauty and diversity of the Great Rift Valley — a true paradise for outdoor and cycling lovers alike!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/explore-africa-s-rift-valley-on-a-bike-here-s-how/story

construction, consumer rights, law, real estate

Consumer Connect: ‘Builder Cannot Forfeit More Than 2% On Flat Booking Cancellation,’ Says Expert

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Can the Builder Forfeit 10% Booking Amount on Flat Cancellation? Understanding Your Rights Under RERA

Question: My friend booked a flat in Kandivali on March 15, 2025, by paying Rs 17 lakh, which is 10% of the total flat cost. The builder issued only an allotment letter mentioning the flat number, total area, cost, and possession date. In May, my friend received a transfer order and had to cancel the booking on May 28, 2025. He requested the builder to refund the amount paid, but the builder claimed that, as per the terms in the allotment letter, the entire 10% amount would be forfeited. Can the builder legally do this under RERA? What are the rights of homebuyers in such cases, and what is the maximum deduction allowed? – Rajendra Rane, Borivali (West)

Answer:

Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), homebuyers enjoy specific protections regarding the cancellation and refund of property bookings.

MahaRERA has issued a model allotment letter that all builders must use when accepting booking amounts, with the booking amount capped at 10% of the total flat cost.

Further, as per MahaRERA’s official orders dated August 12, 2022, and September 3, 2024, if a homebuyer cancels a booking, the builder can forfeit only a maximum of 2% of the total flat cost.

Refund Deduction Caps Under MahaRERA

  • Within 15 days of booking: Full refund with no deduction.
  • Between 16 and 30 days: Deduction up to 1% of the total flat cost.
  • Between 31 and 60 days: Deduction up to 1.5%.
  • Beyond 60 days: Deduction up to 2% only.

In your friend’s case, since the cancellation was made after 60 days, the builder can legally deduct only 2% of the flat’s cost and must refund the remaining amount.

Therefore, the clause in the allotment letter allowing forfeiture of the entire 10% booking amount is contrary to MahaRERA’s orders and is unenforceable.

Unfortunately, many builders still include such arbitrary forfeiture clauses in allotment letters, ignoring MahaRERA’s clear directives.

Relevant Case Law: Preeti Dwivedi vs. Raymond Realty

In this case, the complainant paid Rs 6.07 lakh as a booking amount for a Rs 1.16 crore flat. After cancelling the booking within three months, Raymond Realty insisted on forfeiting 10%, citing its allotment letter.

MahaRERA held the 10% forfeiture clause to be arbitrary and directed the builder to deduct only 2% and refund the balance to the homebuyer.

Additional MahaRERA Provisions

  • Builders must refund the balance amount within 45 days of cancellation.
  • If the builder fails to refund within this period, they are liable to pay penal interest at MCLR + 2% per annum on the refund amount.

These rules protect homebuyers from unfair forfeiture clauses and ensure fairness and accountability in property transactions.

Homebuyers often have genuine reasons to cancel bookings, but builders have long exploited such situations by imposing harsh forfeiture terms. MahaRERA’s regulations now safeguard consumer rights in these matters.

Advocate Shirish V Deshpande is chairman of Mumbai Grahak Panchayat. Queries can be sent to him at shirish50@yahoo.com.

For exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/consumer-connect-builder-cannot-forfeit-more-than-2-on-flat-booking-cancellation-says-expert

labor, local news, politics

Strikes begin at 2 Center City Philadelphia hotels

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Strikes have begun at two Center City Philadelphia hotels, as workers demand better workplace protections and fair wages ahead of next year’s celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.

Union contracts at nine hotels in the city have expired, according to UNITE HERE Local 274, which represents more than 4,000 hotel and food workers at Philadelphia’s stadiums, hotels, and airports. Workers started walking the picket lines at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, located at 17th and Race streets, and the Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center, at 13th and Race streets, beginning at 5 a.m. Sunday, according to the union’s website.

The union notes that labor disputes could occur at any time at the following hotels:

– Hilton Garden Inn Center City
– The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square
– Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia
– Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
– Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
– Sheraton Hotel Philadelphia University City

Additionally, a contract with food and beverage workers at Philadelphia International Airport Terminals B and F has also expired.

“During a strike, regular employees will not be there to scrub the toilets, change the sheets, cook the food, or take out the trash,” the union’s website states. “Picket lines, which involve chanting, loud drumming, and other noise, may persist for 24 hours per day.”

The Sheraton Downtown is owned by Miami-based investor Cambridge Landmark, while the Hampton Inn Center City is owned by Blackstone’s real estate investment trust, BREIT.

Back in July, workers picketed outside the Sheraton demanding “respect, fair wages, and humane staffing levels.” One worker described the situation as “extremely stressful,” noting that the hotel has been operating without a union contract for at least a year and that vacant positions were being filled with temporary workers.

Philadelphia is preparing to host several large-scale events next year in honor of America’s semiquincentennial, including the MLB All-Star Game, the PGA Championship, and the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The FIFA World Cup will also feature matches in Philadelphia next year.

These major events are expected to draw 500,000 visitors and generate an estimated $770 million impact on the local economy.

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https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/strikes-begin-at-2-center-city-philadelphia-hotels/article_19345a7b-f195-40d0-aa2d-8c28d5ce248a.html

construction, consumer rights, law, real estate

Consumer Connect: ‘Builder Cannot Forfeit More Than 2% On Flat Booking Cancellation,’ Says Expert

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**Can the Builder Forfeit 10% Booking Amount on Flat Cancellation? What Are Homebuyers’ Rights Under RERA?**
*By Advocate Shirish V Deshpande, Chairman, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat*

—

**Question:**
My friend booked a flat in Kandivali on March 15, 2025, by paying Rs 17 lakh, which is 10% of the total flat cost. The builder issued only an allotment letter mentioning details such as the flat number, total area, cost, and possession date.

In May, my friend received a transfer order and had to cancel the booking on May 28, 2025. He requested the builder to refund the amount paid, but the builder claimed that, as per the terms in the allotment letter, the entire 10% amount would be forfeited.

Can the builder legally do this under RERA? What are the rights of homebuyers in such cases, and what is the maximum deduction allowed?
— Rajendra Rane, Borivali (West)

—

**Answer:**

Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), homebuyers enjoy clearly defined rights regarding the cancellation and refund of property bookings.

MahaRERA has issued a **model allotment letter** that every builder must use when accepting the booking amount, which cannot exceed 10% of the total flat cost.

**What does MahaRERA say about cancellation and refund?**
According to MahaRERA’s orders dated August 12, 2022, and September 3, 2024:

– If a homebuyer cancels a booking, the builder can **forfeit a maximum of 2% of the total flat cost**.
– Refund deductions are capped depending on the cancellation timeline:

– **Within 15 days of booking:** Full refund, no deduction.
– **Between 16 and 30 days:** Deduction up to 1% of total flat cost.
– **Between 31 and 60 days:** Deduction up to 1.5%.
– **Beyond 60 days:** Deduction up to 2% only.

In your friend’s case, since the cancellation was made **after 60 days**, the builder can deduct only **2% of the flat’s cost** and must refund the remaining amount.

The clause in the allotment letter allowing forfeiture of the entire 10% amount is contrary to MahaRERA’s orders and is therefore **unenforceable**.

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### Important Precedent: Preeti Dwivedi v/s Raymond Realty
In a similar case, the complainant had paid Rs 6.07 lakh as booking amount for a Rs 1.16 crore flat. After cancelling within three months, Raymond Realty insisted on forfeiting 10%, citing the allotment letter.

MahaRERA held the clause arbitrary and directed the builder to deduct only 2% and refund the balance to the homebuyer.

—

### Additional Buyer Protection under MahaRERA

– Builders **must refund the balance amount within 45 days** of cancellation.
– Failure to refund on time makes the builder liable to pay **penal interest at MCLR + 2% per annum** on the refund amount.

—

### What This Means for Homebuyers

Homebuyers often have genuine reasons to cancel bookings. Unfortunately, some builders impose unfair forfeiture clauses to exploit these situations. MahaRERA’s rules now protect homebuyers from such unfair practices, ensuring greater fairness and accountability in property transactions.

If you face similar issues, it is advisable to:

– Check whether the booking amount exceeds 10% of the total cost (which it should not).
– Verify whether the refund deductions comply with MahaRERA guidelines.
– Approach MahaRERA for dispute resolution in case of non-compliance.

—

*For further legal queries, you can write to Advocate Shirish V Deshpande at shirish50@yahoo.com.*

—

**Looking for budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding areas?**
Visit [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/) for exclusive listings and offers.

—

*Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/consumer-connect-builder-cannot-forfeit-more-than-2-on-flat-booking-cancellation-says-expert

business, controversy, entertainment, sports, wrestling

Tiffany Stratton Reacts To Controversial WWE Decision Amidst Backlash

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Tiffany Stratton has recently spoken out about a controversial WWE decision—and revealed that she is actually happy with it.

Originally, WrestleMania was set to take place in New Orleans the year following the monetary success of WrestleMania 41. However, WWE decided to bring the show back to Las Vegas instead. This move has sparked backlash among fans, many of whom are unhappy with the repeated choice of location and the expenses associated with the city.

Despite the criticism, Tiffany Stratton expressed enthusiasm for WWE’s decision to return WrestleMania to Las Vegas. In a recent interview with Sidewalks Entertainment, she described going back to the city where she made her WrestleMania debut as “perfect” for her.

Stratton explained that Las Vegas held a special place in her heart, especially given how nervous she was for her very first WrestleMania match. She also highlighted that WWE plans to host not only WrestleMania but also Raw, SmackDown, and an NXT show there. The vibrant energy surrounding these events, including after parties and watch parties along the Las Vegas Strip, makes the location exciting for her.

“Last year was actually my first WrestleMania ever. I was super nervous. It was in Las Vegas. So I felt like it was the perfect state for my first-ever WrestleMania,” Stratton shared. “I feel like Las Vegas is iconic. It’s the sports entertainment capital of the world. So it was the perfect place to host WrestleMania. WrestleMania is like the Super Bowl of wrestling for WWE. They have literally something for everybody in Las Vegas. This year they’re going to have Raw. They’re going to have SmackDown. They’re going to have NXT Stand and Deliver there. There are going to be after parties. There are going to be watch parties all along the strip. So I’m excited to go back.”

### Tiffany Stratton Set for Huge Challenge at WWE Crown Jewel

Tiffany Stratton is also gearing up for a major match at WWE Crown Jewel. She will face off against the Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer in a Champion vs. Champion matchup. Both superstars are rising names in WWE with strong fan followings, making this an eagerly anticipated showdown.

Stratton enters this match following a recent high-profile botch, adding intrigue about how she will perform and what’s next in her WWE career.

Stay tuned to see how this compelling rivalry unfolds!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-tiffany-stratton-reacts-to-controversial-wwe-decision-amidst-backlash

baseball, business, entertainment, sports

Framber Valdez’s wife Isamal rocks a sleek black bodycon dress with waist cutout and slinky silhouette on date night with the Astros ace

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Despite leading the AL West for the majority of the regular season, Framber Valdez and the Houston Astros ultimately surrendered the top spot to their rivals, the Seattle Mariners, in the closing stages of the campaign.

The Astros had maintained a stronghold on first place for most of the season, showcasing consistent performance and determination. However, as the regular season drew to a close, the Mariners surged ahead, overtaking Houston in a dramatic finish.

This shift has set the stage for an intense rivalry as both teams prepare for the postseason, with fans eagerly anticipating how the Astros will respond after losing their division lead late in the season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-framber-valdez-s-wife-isamal-rocks-sleek-black-bodycon-dress-waist-cutout-slinky-silhouette-date-night-astros-ace

bugs, gaming, software, technology, troubleshooting

Borderlands 4 “cannot change resolution” bug: Possible reasons and how to fix

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How to Fix the “Cannot Change Resolution” Bug in Borderlands 4

While most of Borderlands 4’s bugs hinder the gameplay experience, some are technical snags. One such issue affects PC players who cannot change their resolution to the desired output. Considering that PC gaming is all about scalability and personalization to achieve the perfect blend of visuals and performance, this can be quite frustrating.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the resolution-changing bug in Borderlands 4 and how to fix it.

Understanding the Resolution Change Issue

As the name suggests, this bug relates to changing the game’s resolution on your PC. Sometimes, when trying to lower the resolution in “Fullscreen” mode—for example, going from 1080p to 900p—you may notice that the higher resolutions like 1080p disappear from the “Resolution” menu.

This means that after selecting a lower resolution, the upper bounds are no longer listed, making it impossible to switch back without restarting or reinstalling the game.

How to Fix the Resolution Bug

Fortunately, the solution is straightforward. Follow these steps to regain all resolution options under Fullscreen mode:

  1. Go to Visuals (Basic) settings.
  2. Select “Windowed” under Display Mode.
  3. Choose any resolution and click “Apply Settings.” The game will now render in a window on your desktop.
  4. Change the Display Mode back to “Fullscreen.”
  5. Now, all resolution options—including previously missing ones—should be available.
  6. Apply your desired resolution and exit to the main menu.

What Causes This Bug?

The exact cause of this malfunction remains unclear. However, judging by its behavior, it appears that Borderlands 4 struggles to properly recognize resolution changes when switching display modes.

It’s worth noting that Borderlands 4 has faced technical issues across all platforms since its launch. The problems have been so significant that Gearbox Software delayed the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game, originally planned for release in October 2025.

Summary

If you encounter issues changing the resolution while playing Borderlands 4 on PC, switching to Windowed mode and applying a resolution before returning to Fullscreen mode will restore all resolution options. This simple workaround should help you regain control over your display settings and enhance your gameplay experience.

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Related Articles on Borderlands 4

https://www.sportskeeda.com/mmo/borderlands-4-cannot-change-resolution-bug-possible-reasons-fix

community, environment, public health

Mumbai Entrepreneur Launches ‘Quiet India’ To Combat Noise Pollution As Public Health & Economic Threat

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Mumbai Social Entrepreneur Launches Quiet India: The Nation’s First Large-Scale Movement Against Noise Pollution

Savitha Rao, a social entrepreneur from Mumbai, has launched Quiet India, the country’s first large-scale national movement aimed at tackling noise as a significant public health and economic concern. This initiative seeks to reframe silence not as mere absence, but as a necessary foundation for health, dignity, and national development.

Citizen-led Movement for National Impact

India Positive Citizen, which promoted grassroots participation in nation-building, says Quiet India aspires to unite fragmented efforts across the country into a cohesive movement. Unlike previous initiatives targeting specific festivals, neighbourhoods, or isolated sources, Quiet India takes a holistic approach.

The movement brings together citizens, health professionals, urban planners, law enforcement, and policymakers to address noise pollution as both a public health emergency and an economic liability.

Alarming Noise Levels in Urban India

According to Quiet India, noise levels in urban centres such as Mumbai have crossed alarming thresholds. Estimates indicate that Mumbai had 4.6 million vehicles on its roads by the end of 2023, generating millions of honks daily.

In many areas, noise regularly exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limits of 55 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night.

Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Rao said, “Noise is the pollution we have normalised. Quiet India is about making silence our right, not our luxury. It is about reclaiming silence as a shared inheritance, and building a soundscape worthy of the India we aspire to be.”

Health Consequences of Noise Pollution

Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to high decibel levels is linked to elevated stress hormones, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cognitive impairments.

Dr. Mickey Mehta, a wellness expert and member of Quiet India’s advisory panel, explains, “Silence is nourishment. Without it, the body cannot heal, the mind cannot focus, and immunity is weakened. A calm soundscape is as critical as clean water or nutritious food. The sound of stillness brings bliss and wellness.”

Enforcement and Citizen Responsibility

Traffic authorities in Mumbai acknowledge the challenge but stress enforcement limitations.

Prashant Pardeshi, Mumbai South’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), stated, “We penalise offenders and run awareness drives, but no amount of enforcement can succeed unless citizens themselves reduce needless honking. Road discipline is as much about culture as compliance.”

Economic Implications of Noise Pollution

The campaign focuses not only on improving quality of life but also on enhancing India’s global competitiveness. The movement highlights that high noise levels reduce urban livability, deter foreign investment, and decrease workforce productivity—factors that could undermine Mumbai’s aspirations as a global financial hub.

Sandeep Bajoria, Quiet India’s advisory board chairman, said, “Noise pollution directly impacts India’s economic growth. A quieter Mumbai is better for its citizens, and it makes the city more attractive for investors, businesses, and global talent.”

Multi-Pronged Solutions for a Quieter India

Quiet India promotes a range of solutions from technology to citizen action. Key focus areas include:

  • Changing behaviour by reducing habitual honking
  • Limiting loudspeakers
  • Respecting quiet zones
  • Advocating for stricter regulations on construction noise and modified vehicle exhausts
  • Controlling night-time disturbances
  • Implementing noise barriers and strategic zoning
  • Increasing green spaces to absorb noise pollution

Innovative tools like Google’s experimental ‘noise ratings’ for restaurants—introduced following Rao’s suggestion—aim to make quietness a valued metric in public spaces.

Noise and Accessibility

Social leader Raju Waghmare, who is visually impaired, explained how noise affects dignity and independence.

“The blind depend on auditory cues to navigate the city. Unnecessary honking and noise drown out those signals. Noise doesn’t just hurt, it takes away independence,” he said.

Research and Publications

Rao’s latest book, Noise in Our Nation, outlines the hidden costs of unchecked noise on health, education, the environment, and the economy. It also provides practical recommendations for stakeholders at every level.

Learn More

To find out more about Quiet India and how you can contribute, visit the official website: https://quietindia.in/

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-entrepreneur-launches-quiet-india-to-combat-noise-pollution-as-public-health-economic-threat