Category Archives: government

Pimpri-Chinchwad: PCMC Approves Four-Wheeler Driving Training Programme For Transgender Community

**Pimpri-Chinchwad: PCMC Launches Four-Wheeler Driving Training Program for Transgender Community**

The Standing Committee of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has approved a new initiative aimed at empowering the transgender community. The committee greenlit a four-wheeler driving training program specially designed for transgender members, officials announced on Tuesday.

Led by PCMC’s Social Development Department, this program seeks to create new employment opportunities and promote inclusivity within the community.

### Meeting Highlights

The approval came during a meeting held at the Late Mayor Madhukar Pawale Hall in PCMC’s main administrative building. The session was chaired by PCMC Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh. Alongside the driving training initiative, various other proposals were reviewed and sanctioned.

Commissioner Singh also conducted a department-wise review of several ongoing development projects. The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioners Pradeep Jambhale Patil, Vijaykumar Khorate, Trupti Sandbhor, City Secretary Mukesh Kolap, and heads of various departments.

A total of 39 projects and decisions received approval during this session, according to officials.

### Key Decisions from the Meeting

– **Zero Waste Project**: Implementation of the “Zero Waste” initiative in municipal schools was approved, alongside funding for the Swachh Samman Sohala (Cleanliness Honours Ceremony) and preparations for the upcoming Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 (Cleanliness Survey).

– **Education Expansion**: The committee agreed to increase student intake for postgraduate courses at Yashwantrao Smruti Hospital, with academic fees to be paid to the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik.

– **Sewage Line Cleaning Extension**: The deadline for mechanical cleaning of sewage lines and manhole chambers in the B-Ward area was extended.

– **Hospital-Related Approvals**: Registration fees and penalty charges to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board for the new Jijamata Hospital will be paid. Additionally, the purchase of lithium polymer batteries for the hospital was approved.

– **Infrastructure Development**: A revised budget for the ongoing development of DP roads in Kudulwadi (Ward No. 2) was sanctioned.

– **Housing for Economically Weaker Sections**: Construction of residential flats in Dudulgaon under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme) received the nod.

### Additional Resolutions

Administrator Shekhar Singh also approved key resolutions under the committee’s authority, including the registration of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and the rollout of the new light motor vehicle driving training program for the transgender community.

This comprehensive approach reflects PCMC’s commitment to inclusive development and improved civic amenities across the city.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pimpri-chinchwad-pcmc-approves-four-wheeler-driving-training-programme-for-transgender-community

Finally! Remote Tribal Hamlets Near Indore Get Electricity

Remote Tribal Families in Mhow’s Forest Belt Witness Electrification for the First Time

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): For the first time, several remote tribal families living in scattered hamlets along the foothills of Mhow’s forest belt are witnessing their homes lit up with electricity. Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM JUGA), the Madhya Pradesh West Zone Electricity Distribution Company has extended permanent power connections to households that had until now lived in darkness.

In a special drive led by the company’s managing director, Anup Kumar Singh, nearly eight kilometres of power lines and 100 poles have been installed in remote locations of Indore’s rural circle. So far, 20 tribal families residing in isolated clusters of 4–8 houses—often located half to one-and-a-half kilometres away from main villages—have been provided electricity connections.

Superintending Engineer (Indore Rural Circle) Dr. DN Sharma said the aim is to cover all 32 identified households in these inaccessible areas by October 2, Gandhi Jayanti. “Reaching these settlements is extremely challenging due to the hilly terrain. With the help of local farmers and tractors, electricity poles were transported to the sites. Wires were then laid to ensure that even the most distant homes could finally be connected to the grid,” he added.

The electrification work has so far reached tribal settlements including Kakardamantri Wala Pura, Imli Awar Majra, Bedipura, Shahpura Kakad, Kakad Chauraha, and Mewalal Wala Majra.

Joy Among Beneficiaries

For the tribal families, the arrival of electricity has been nothing short of life-changing. Beneficiaries like Jagnesh Vasuniya and Mithun Amarsingh expressed their happiness: “Even though our homes are far from the main village, poles and wires have been installed here and power has started flowing. Meters have also been fixed, and all the families are delighted.”

Transforming Lives in Remote Areas

Officials noted that while each hamlet has only a handful of houses, ensuring access to electricity is vital for improving living standards. The initiative is expected to enhance safety, allow children to study after dark, and open up opportunities for small-scale livelihood activities.

The PM JUGA scheme, aimed at uplifting remote tribal villages through basic infrastructure, is being rolled out in phases across Madhya Pradesh. Indore’s progress under this programme demonstrates how even the most inaccessible settlements are now being connected to the mainstream of development.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/finally-remote-tribal-hamlets-near-indore-get-electricity

Overheard In Bhopal: New Homes, Efforts For Transfer, Efforts For Posting & More

**List of Officers’ Children Given Important Postings**

A recently released list of transfers reveals that children of several senior officers have been assigned important postings. For instance, the son of an IPS officer, despite being junior, has secured a significant position in the state’s commercial capital.

Similarly, an IAS officer who had been posted in a tribal area for a long time was taken out and given an important role. The son-in-law of a senior IAS officer was also posted in the business capital of the state, a decision made by government higher-ups some time ago.

In another case, the son of a late IAS officer has been transferred to another city and given an important post. His father, popular among bureaucrats, had died in an accident. Now, his son, an MP-cadre IAS officer, is following in his footsteps.

This time, the government has assigned young IAS officers to urban bodies, the industries department, and other key places. Against this backdrop, these three officers have been given crucial positions.

**New Homes for Senior Bureaucrats**

A few senior bureaucrats in the state have been allotted new homes by the government. After a long period, the head of the state bureaucracy has chosen a bungalow for himself. He will move into the house formerly occupied by a retired Director General of Police (DGP), which will be vacated during Navratri.

As the head of the state bureaucracy is expected to hold his position for at least one more year, he plans to shift to the new house soon, having spent the past year in a small house.

Similarly, new bungalows have been allotted to a senior IPS officer and a senior IAS officer. However, two houses remain unallotted. One bungalow, belonging to a retired officer who may be taking up new responsibilities, has been kept vacant. Another large bungalow, intended for the head of the state bureaucracy, remains empty as it did not meet his approval. Several politicians and officers have shown interest in this property.

**Efforts to Transfer a Principal Secretary**

There are ongoing attempts by certain individuals to remove a Principal Secretary (PS) from his department. These people wish to control the department themselves but have been hindered by the PS’s presence.

An organisation was recently allowed entry into the department for some work. While initial relations were smooth, tensions have since surfaced between the organisation’s members and the PS. The organisation has made demands that the department finds difficult to meet and is applying pressure on higher authorities.

The PS is currently conducting investigations before fulfilling these demands, which has further strained relations and angered the organisation. They are now lobbying the government to remove the PS, who is mentally prepared for the possibility.

Despite the pressure, none of the officers are willing to concede to the organisation’s demands.

**Conflict with Additional Chief Secretary**

Two officers within a department are currently at odds. The additional chief secretary (ACS), known for his quick wit, has caused friction with an IAS officer posted in an important position.

When this IAS officer was posted, another ACS headed the department and enjoyed strong support from senior government officials, often influencing decisions.

However, with the arrival of the new ACS, who has cordial relations with top officials, the officer’s influence has waned. While once his views were widely accepted, they are now frequently opposed. The ACS has even reprimanded him on certain occasions, which has led to the officer’s dissatisfaction.

Recent changes in top leadership have further dampened his enthusiasm. Observers believe the officer may not remain in the department for much longer, with the possibility of his transfer and replacement looming.

**Delhi Deputation Remains Elusive**

For some state officers, a transfer to Delhi remains a distant goal. Two commissioner-rank officers have applied for deputation to the Centre but are yet to receive clearance.

Dissatisfied with their current state postings, these officers are seeking opportunities in the Central Government. Despite one having political connections, both have faced hurdles in obtaining approval.

Under the current system, an officer’s performance is evaluated comprehensively for deputation consideration. Both officers have encountered issues during this 360-degree assessment.

Additionally, another IAS officer has been seeking a deputation to the Centre for one and a half years but has faced obstacles related to the specific post he desires. Meanwhile, the state government is not fully utilizing his talents.

**Efforts to Secure Important Posting**

A promotee IAS officer, who has been in the loop line for over two years, is eager to rejoin an important department. Known for his significant social connections, he has previously held key positions.

During the elections, he was transferred to the loop line and has remained there since. To return to mainstream administration, he has approached influential officers and even met with a powerful politician. However, the politician candidly informed him that his transfer recommendations would not secure a posting.

This officer, a former collector, hopes to serve as a collector again before retirement. He counts on support from senior officers with whom he previously worked, anticipating they may help him return to a prominent role.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/overheard-in-bhopal-new-homes-efforts-for-transfer-efforts-for-posting-more

MK Ayman Odeh to submit bill to Knesset to recognize Palestinian state

MK Ayman Odeh to Submit Bill to Knesset to Recognize Palestinian State

MK Ayman Odeh has announced his intention to submit a bill to the Knesset aimed at recognizing the Palestinian state. Odeh welcomed the recent trilateral recognition efforts and expressed his views on the Palestinian people, stating, “The Palestinian people are not the best people in the world, but there is no people in the world better than them.”

Odeh was seen attending a Hadash-Ta’al faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 30, 2025.

(Photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-868288

Palestinian foreign minister says recognition brings independence, sovereignty closer

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian stated that the recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries this week represents an irreversible step that brings independence and sovereignty closer. This move is seen as preserving the two-state solution, which remains a critical goal for peace in the region.

Countries recognizing a Palestinian state are contributing to the realization of long-standing aspirations for Palestinian self-determination. Such diplomatic developments highlight growing international support for a negotiated settlement based on two states, living side by side in peace and security.

Photo credit: REUTERS/BORUT ZIVULOVIC

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868276

Bombay HC Orders Expert Committee To Curb Urban Chaos In Badlapur, Ensuring Systematic Town Planning

**Mumbai: Bombay High Court Orders Expert Committee to Tackle Urban Chaos in Badlapur**

The Bombay High Court has described the unchecked growth of Badlapur as a recipe for “urban chaos” and a “municipal nightmare.” In response, the court has ordered the formation of an expert improvement committee tasked with preparing a blueprint for the town’s systematic development. Badlapur falls under the jurisdiction of the Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council (KBMC) in Thane district.

### Civic Infrastructure Concerns

A bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Arif Doctor highlighted critical infrastructure shortcomings in Badlapur. The lack of proper drainage lines, sewerage facilities, and functional sewage treatment plants has left thousands of residents struggling with basic civic services.

“The present plight appears to be completely beyond the control and/or comprehension of the Chief Officer to achieve appropriate town planning,” the court remarked. It stressed the urgent need for external expertise to address these issues effectively.

### Formation of Expert Committee

The court directed that the expert committee be constituted within two weeks. This committee will identify pressing urban planning problems and propose both immediate and long-term solutions.

The committee will include:

– Experts nominated by CIDCO and the state’s director of town planning
– The additional collector of Thane
– The CEO of KBMC
– A representative of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB)
– An eminent social worker nominated by the civic body

The overarching goal is to transform Kulgaon-Badlapur into a “Model Town” comparable to Navi Mumbai.

### Complaint and Compensation Ordered

The ruling follows a plea filed by Yashwant Anna Bhoir, who alleged that sewage from the Trishul Golden Ville Cooperative Housing Society, developed by A Plus Lifespace, was draining into his adjoining plot. Advocates Avinash Fatangare and Archana Shelar appeared on Bhoir’s behalf.

In response, the court ordered the developer to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to Bhoir and mandated remedial measures to be implemented within six weeks. Additionally, Rs 50,000 in costs were imposed on KBMC due to the civic body’s failure to enforce basic regulations.

### Ward-Wise Inspections Mandated

Raising “great doubt” about KBMC’s enforcement of powers against unauthorized drainage connections, the court ordered ward-wise inspections of high-rise buildings to curb such violations.

### Environmental Concerns

The bench was particularly critical of the ongoing release of sewage and untreated waste into the Ulhas River, condemning it as “an intolerable attack by ‘we the humans’ on such natural resources.”

### The Need for Planned Development

Noting Badlapur’s rise as a “popular suburb” due to its connectivity with Mumbai and Thane, the court cautioned that development must not outpace infrastructural capacity.

“Authorities are required to ensure robust town planning measures… not an urban chaos resulting in a haphazard concrete jungle,” the judges said. They emphasized that poor planning already jeopardizes citizens’ fundamental right to a healthy environment.

### Public Health Warning

The court warned that failure to act promptly would lead to “a nightmare of municipal chaos and high degree of urban disorder,” causing numerous public woes, including health hazards such as typhoid, malaria, and dengue.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-orders-expert-committee-to-curb-urban-chaos-in-badlapur-ensuring-systematic-town-planning

Faculty Crunch Hits Government, Private Medical Colleges Across Madhya Pradesh

**Faculty Recruitment a Growing Challenge for Medical Colleges in Madhya Pradesh**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Faculty recruitment has become a serious challenge not just for private medical colleges, but also for newly established government institutions across Madhya Pradesh. According to norms, each medical subject requires at least six faculty members: a professor, associate professor, assistant professor, two demonstrators, and one senior resident (SR). This standard applies uniformly to both government and private medical colleges.

Medical colleges offering the MBBS course must teach at least 12 core subjects over five years. In MBBS Part I, students study Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. The second-year curriculum includes Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (FMT).

To meet the growing demand, the state government’s Health and Medical Education website has listed recruitment notifications for assistant professors and demonstrators at newly established medical colleges in Chhindwara, Datia, and Satna.

Meanwhile, private colleges face similar staffing challenges. However, recent tech-driven reforms aim to keep these challenges in check. Managements of private medical colleges report strict adherence to National Medical Commission (NMC) rules, especially since the introduction of the face-based Aadhaar authentication faculty attendance system in May.

This system was implemented to curb earlier instances of faculty misreporting or proxy attendance. Now, each faculty member’s presence is tracked via real-time biometric authentication, leaving little room for discrepancies.

**Hiring on for Higher Classes**

Dr. Vaibhav Jain, Deputy Director, Health and Medical Education (Recruitment), stated, “We have full faculty in MBBS Part I in new medical colleges. Professors are available, but SRs come and go — that’s a regular occurrence in government medical colleges. We’re not facing problems in older medical colleges, and even in new colleges, Part I is fully staffed. Phase-wise recruitment is underway for MBBS-II and MBBS-III and will continue as required.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/faculty-crunch-hits-government-private-medical-colleges-across-madhya-pradesh

National Consumer Helpline Now Accepts GST-Related Complaints In 16 Languages To Address Queries And Disputes Effectively

New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs on Saturday launched a dedicated GST grievance category on the National Consumer Helpline to address queries and complaints related to the GST 2.0 reforms.

The National Consumer Helpline can be accessed via the toll-free number 1915 or online in 16 Indian languages and English. It functions as a single pre-litigation point of access for consumers across the country to register grievances at the pre-litigation stage.

Consumers can also register GST-related complaints through the Integrated Grievance Redressal Mechanism (INGRAM) portal. This portal covers key sectors such as automobiles, banking, consumer durables, e-commerce, and fast-moving consumer goods.

The new GST reforms are set to take effect from September 22. To address the expected consumer queries and complaints following the implementation of revised GST charges, rates, and exemptions, a dedicated category has been enabled on the INGRAM portal, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said.

On September 11, officials from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) conducted an inaugural training session to equip National Consumer Helpline counsellors to handle GST-related queries and grievances effectively.

The Ministry highlighted that consumer complaint data and insights will be shared with affected companies, the CBIC, and other authorities. This collaborative approach aims to enable prompt action under relevant laws, enhance GST compliance, and support a participatory governance model.

The National Consumer Helpline’s omni-channel platform supports multiple registration modes, including WhatsApp, SMS, email, a dedicated app, web portal, and the Umang app, the ministry added.

Significant technological upgrades have boosted the helpline’s call-handling capacity. Call volumes increased from 12,553 in December 2015 to 1,55,138 in December 2024. Similarly, the average number of complaints registered per month rose from 37,062 in 2017 to 1,70,585 in 2025, with around 65% of grievances now filed digitally.

Each complaint is assigned a unique docket number to ensure transparent tracking and resolution, the ministry noted.

*(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/business/national-consumer-helpline-now-accepts-gst-related-complaints-in-16-languages-to-address-queries-and-disputes-effectively

PM Modi Inaugurates Mumbai Cruise Terminal, Deendayal Port Facilities And Multiple Green Energy Projects

Bhavnagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 34,200 crore at the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar.

As part of the maritime sector initiatives, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 7,870 crore, including the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock. He also laid the foundation stone of a new container terminal and associated facilities at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata; new container berth, cargo handling facilities, and associated developments at Paradip Port; the Tuna Tekra Multi-Cargo Terminal; firefighting facilities and modern road connectivity at Kamarajar Port, Ennore; coastal protection works including sea-walls and revetments at Chennai Port; sea-wall construction at Car Nicobar Island; a multi-purpose cargo berth and Green Bio-Methanol Plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla; and ship repair facilities at Patna and Varanasi.

In line with his commitment to holistic and sustainable development, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects worth over Rs 26,354 crore, jointly undertaken by the central and state governments, catering to various sectors in Gujarat.

He inaugurated the HPLNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara Port, the Acrylics & Oxo Alcohol Project at Gujarat IOCL Refinery, the 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative, the PM-KUSUM 475 MW Component C solar feeder for farmers, the 45 MW Badeli Solar PV Project, and the complete solarisation of Dhordo village, among others.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for LNG infrastructure, additional renewable energy projects, coastal protection works, highways, and healthcare and urban transport projects. These include expansions at Sir T. General Hospital in Bhavnagar, Guru Govind Sinh Government Hospital at Jamnagar, and the four-laning of 70 km of national highways.

During the event, the Prime Minister was felicitated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Earlier in the day, he inspected an exhibition organized as part of ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ and held a roadshow in Bhavnagar.

*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/india/pm-modi-inaugurates-mumbai-cruise-terminal-deendayal-port-facilities-and-multiple-green-energy-projects

EXCLUSIVE: Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘Desperate’ to Run for President to ‘Restore America’ as Trump ‘Bulldozes Democracy’

**Arnold Schwarzenegger Privately Exploring 2028 Presidential Run Despite Constitutional Barriers**

*Published September 19, 2025, 6:45 p.m. ET*

Arnold Schwarzenegger is privately exploring ways to run for the U.S. presidency, despite constitutional barriers, in what allies describe as a desperate attempt to stop Donald Trump and “restore democracy,” RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The 78-year-old Terminator star and former Republican governor of California has become increasingly vocal about his fears for America’s future following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, in Utah.

**President Schwarzenegger?**

Friends of Schwarzenegger say the murder has sharpened his determination to confront political violence and address the deep divisions tearing the country apart — divisions he blames on both parties, the media, and Trump himself.

Speaking at the University of Southern California, Schwarzenegger warned:
*”We have to be very careful that we don’t get closer to the cliff. Because when you fall down that cliff, down there, there is no democracy. We have to be very, very careful. I think it’s very important that we turn this around and that we show people power. Because the people can turn this around, the people have the ultimate power.”*

One longtime Republican strategist revealed:
*”Arnold has been telling people close to him that he can’t just sit back and watch Trump bulldoze democracy. He knows the Constitution bars him from running for the presidency, but he’s desperate to find a path — whether that’s lobbying for reform or using his star power to rally voters against Trump.”*

**Reflecting on Charlie Kirk’s Death**

Schwarzenegger described Kirk’s death as “unbelievable” and a chilling sign of how far the nation has fallen.
*”I was very, very upset that someone’s life was taken because they have a different opinion,”* he said.
*”This was a great communicator, a great advocate for the right, for Republican causes. He had such a great way of communicating with the students who agreed or disagreed with him. And he was a great father, a great husband. I was thinking about his children. They will only be reading about him now, instead of him reading to them bedtime stories.”*

The gunman suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder. Schwarzenegger linked the killing to toxic divisions fueled online and in politics.

**Blaming Social Media, Media, and Politics**

*”We have to acknowledge that the cause of all this is the social media companies that are dividing us, the mainstream media companies that are dividing us. The political parties: the Democrats that are dividing us, the Republicans that are dividing us,”* Schwarzenegger added.
*”We’re getting hit from so many different angles, and we have to be very careful that we don’t get closer to that cliff.”*

**Trump’s Response to Rising Tensions**

Donald Trump, 79, dismissed concerns about rising tensions in the wake of Kirk’s killing during an appearance on *Fox & Friends*, stating:
*”I tell you something that is going to get me in trouble, but I couldn’t care less. The radicals on the right are radical because they don’t want to see crime. The radicals on the left are the problem – and they are vicious and horrible and politically savvy. They want men in women’s sports, they want transgender for everyone, they want open borders – the worst thing that happened to this country.”*

**Would Schwarzenegger Win?**

Austrian-born Schwarzenegger, who previously told CNN’s Chris Wallace in 2023 he could “so clearly” win the presidency if allowed to run, remains ineligible due to the Constitution’s natural-born citizen clause. But advisers insist this has not stopped him from floating the idea.

A former aide shared:
*”He feels uniquely qualified to bring Americans together at a time when it’s all about who you vote against rather than who you vote for. He’s been telling people, ‘If I can’t run, then maybe I can at least inspire someone else who can beat Trump.'”*

Though Schwarzenegger insists he is “not worried” about Trump ultimately prevailing, he has been clear about the stakes. Speaking to Wallace, he said:
*”Look, it’s a no-brainer. I see so clearly how I could win that election.”*
https://radaronline.com/p/arnold-schwarzenegger-desperate-to-run-for-president-democracy-trump/