budget, festivals, government, labour, local news

Navi Mumbai News: Employees’ Union Demands Diwali Ex-Gratia Bonus For NMMC Staff Across Categories

Leave a comment

**Navi Mumbai: Maharashtra Employees’ Union Urges NMMC to Announce Ex-Gratia Grants Ahead of Diwali**

With Diwali just a month away, the Maharashtra Employees’ Union has called on the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to immediately announce ex-gratia grants (bonuses) for municipal employees across all categories. The demand cites rising inflation and increased festival-related expenses as pressing concerns for the workforce.

### Memorandum Submitted to Commissioner

Union President Ravindra Sawant recently met with NMMC Municipal Commissioner Kailash Shinde and submitted a written memorandum. The request highlighted the need for financial relief for all employees including permanent, contractual, daily-wage, and hourly-based workers, as well as teachers.

### Financial Relief for Hourly Teachers

A key concern brought up by the Union is the plight of hourly-based teachers in the municipal education department. These teachers do not receive leave pay and, given their modest salaries, often face significant financial difficulties. On humanitarian grounds, the Union recommended granting hourly teachers ex-gratia payments comparable to contractual staff, suggesting an amount between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 this year.

### Proposed Grant Amounts for Teachers

For other categories of municipal teachers, the Union has proposed that contractual teachers receive Rs 35,000 and permanent teachers Rs 40,000 as ex-gratia grants. Additionally, employees in other divisions— including drivers and officers in the Parbhani division—were also urged to be considered for similar financial assistance.

### Acknowledging Employee Dedication

“Municipal employees and officers have consistently contributed to the city’s recognition at both state and central levels. Announcing ex-gratia grants this Diwali will not only provide essential financial support but will also acknowledge their dedication,” said Ravindra Sawant.

### Unified Demand from Staff

The memorandum was submitted in the presence of Secretary Mangesh Gaikwad, sanitation officers, finance department officials, teachers, and transport staff. This collective presence reflects a unified call for prompt and positive action from the NMMC administration.

—

*For exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai and surrounding regions, visit: [Budget Properties](https://budgetproperties.in/)*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-news-employees-union-demands-diwali-ex-gratia-bonus-for-nmmc-staff-across-categories

environment, government, health, industry

Bhopal News: Mercury In Union Carbide Corporation Chemical Waste; Vast Gap In Numbers In Govt Affidavit, CPCB Report

Leave a comment

**Discrepancies in Mercury Levels Raise Concerns Over Union Carbide Waste Burning in Pithampur**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A renewed debate has surfaced regarding the burning of Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) chemical waste, following reports from two separate pollution control bodies presenting vastly different figures on the quantity of heavy metals—mercury in particular—remaining after incinerating 350 metric tons (MT) of waste. This process resulted in 900 MT of ash at Pithampur.

The state government’s affidavit, filed in the High Court at Jabalpur earlier this month, is based on a report from the regional laboratory of the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) in Indore. In stark contrast, a joint affidavit submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) indicates significantly higher levels of mercury.

According to the CPCB report on the trial burn, mercury content in the reactor residue ranged from 261 to 615 mg/kg, with the excavated waste containing mercury levels between 152 and 754 mg/kg. Conversely, the state government’s affidavit reported mercury concentrations as markedly lower, between 0.09 and 1.5 mg/kg.

Rachna Dhingra of the Bhopal Group for Information and Action, an organization working with victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy, highlighted the contradictions: “Both the reports are contradictory. The government affidavit, filed in mid-September this year, and the CPCB report after the UCC trial have a huge gap. Where did the mercury disappear? It is now up to the government to reply in the High Court.”

**“Mercury Is Toxic”**

Hamidia Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Sumit Tandon told the Free Press, “Mercury is poisonous and causes many medical issues. Basically, it is a heavy metal, and exposure to it causes numerous health problems for people.”

The discrepancy in reported mercury levels has raised serious questions about the accuracy of monitoring and the potential health risks posed by residual toxic metals from the UCC waste burning process. The High Court is expected to seek clarifications from the government in the coming sessions.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-news-mercury-in-union-carbide-corporation-chemical-waste-vast-gap-in-numbers-in-govt-affidavit-cpcb-report

asia cup, bangladesh, cricket, international matches, sports

PAK vs BAN, Asia Cup 2025, Super 4: No Litton Das Again, Bangladesh Opt To Bowl First In Virtual Semi-Final In Dubai, Pakistan Unchanged

Leave a comment

**Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan and Bangladesh Face Off in Crucial Super 4 Clash at Dubai International Stadium**

Litton Das remains on the sidelines as Jaker Ali continues to lead Bangladesh, having won the toss for the second consecutive day in the Asia Cup 2025. In a strategic move, Jaker Ali opted to bowl first at the Dubai International Stadium.

**Team Updates**

Bangladesh have confirmed three changes to their playing XI, while Pakistan maintain an unchanged lineup.

**Pakistan (Playing XI):** Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (w), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

**Bangladesh (Playing XI):** Saif Hassan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (w/c), Nurul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman.

**Match Preview**

Pakistan and Bangladesh will lock horns at the electric atmosphere of the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, September 25, to determine the second finalist of Asia Cup 2025. The winner will face Team India, who advanced to the final by defeating Bangladesh at the same venue on Wednesday.

Two-time Asia Cup champions Pakistan regained significant confidence after their five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their second Super 4 game held in Abu Dhabi. Their consistent bowling attack and electric fielding were major highlights of the win. However, the batting lineup still requires improvement, particularly the middle order, which has shown signs of instability.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, face a quick turnaround after their 41-run defeat to Sri Lanka. The Tigers impressed with their bowling and fielding efforts, successfully restricting the formidable Indian batting lineup to below 170 runs in their previous match. When it came to batting, however, none of the Bangladeshi batters could make a significant impact except Saif Hassan, who stood out as the lone warrior with a resilient 69.

A key point of interest remains whether Litton Das will make a return to the Bangladesh side after missing the clash against India due to a side strain.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between Pakistan and Bangladesh as they battle it out for a spot in the Asia Cup 2025 final.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/pak-vs-ban-asia-cup-2025-super-4-no-litton-das-again-bangladesh-opt-to-bowl-first-in-virtual-semi-final-in-dubai-pakistan-unchanged

general

PBA: TNT gets key players back healthy ahead of new season

Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines – TNT will have most of its players back in harness ahead of the PBA season after being ravaged by injuries during the Tropang 5G’s failed bid for a historic Grand Slam.

Coach Chot Reyes said Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac, and Jordan Heading are expected to be in full fitness by the time the season starts.

https://sports.inquirer.net/641695/pba-tnt-gets-key-players-back-healthy-ahead-of-new-season

general

Smart Lab Infrastructure Arena Size, Share, Forecast 2025–2035

Leave a comment

According to the latest research publication by Prophecy Market Insights, the Smart Lab Market is projected to witness substantial growth over the next decade.

This comprehensive report offers detailed insights into various aspects of the market, including market size, emerging trends, segmentation, and regional performance.

For a deeper understanding of the Smart Lab Market and its future prospects, continue reading the full report.
https://www.prnewsreleaser.com/news/101835

international relations, politics, security

Iran says US desire for nuclear diplomacy is a deception

Leave a comment

Iran Says US Desire for Nuclear Diplomacy Is a Deception

The United States, its European allies, and Israel accuse Tehran of using its nuclear program to conceal efforts aimed at developing the capability to produce nuclear weapons.

In response, Iran has dismissed the US approach to nuclear diplomacy as a mere deception, emphasizing that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes. The ongoing tensions highlight the deep mistrust between Iran and the international community over the true intentions behind its nuclear ambitions.

https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-868556

general

FIVB Men’s World: Czechia ends Iran’s run, enters semifinals

Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines — Czechia overcame a slow start to end Iran’s dream run with a 22-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-21 victory for its first-ever semifinal entry as an independent nation in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Patrik Indra and Lukas Vasina continued to make history for the Czechs, delivering key performances that propelled their team past a tough Iranian squad. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Czech volleyball on the world stage.

https://sports.inquirer.net/641667/fivb-mens-world-czechia-ends-irans-run-enters-semifinals

artificial intelligence, education, technology, training

IIT Delhi Opens Registration For Second Batch Of Certificate Programme In Applied Data Science & AI

Leave a comment

IIT Delhi Launches Second Batch of Certificate Programme in Applied Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has announced the second batch of its Certificate Programme in Applied Data Science & Artificial Intelligence: From Fundamentals to Deployment. This comprehensive programme is designed to equip learners with the skills to write production-grade Python code, engineer and analyze data, build and validate machine learning (ML) and deep learning models, and deploy responsible AI solutions using MLOps. The course culminates in an industry-relevant capstone project, ensuring practical, hands-on experience.

Programme Highlights

Offered under IIT Delhi’s Continuing Education Programme (CEP), this six-month course provides a strong foundation in ML and AI principles and their real-world applications. These technologies are becoming increasingly central across sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, education, transportation, and entertainment.

Key aspects of the programme include:

  • Hands-on Python programming and data manipulation
  • Exploratory data analysis, regression, classification, clustering, and dimensionality reduction
  • Advanced techniques in deep learning, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing (NLP)
  • Model deployment using Docker and cloud platforms
  • MLOps practices and application of responsible AI principles
  • Industry-grounded projects and a culminating capstone project

Curriculum and Learning Format

The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to guide learners from fundamental concepts to advanced applications, including:

  • Python programming, data manipulation, and exploratory data analysis
  • Machine learning techniques such as regression, classification, clustering, and dimensionality reduction
  • Deep learning, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing
  • Model deployment, cloud computing, and MLOps strategies
  • Application of responsible AI principles through hands-on projects and capstone

The programme employs a Direct-to-Device (D2D) delivery model comprising:

  • 72 hours of live, interactive online lectures
  • 40-hour industry-relevant capstone project
  • Practical tutorials and asynchronous learning modules
  • Optional short campus immersion at IIT Delhi for in-person experience

Upon successful completion, participants will earn e-Certificates from CEP, IIT Delhi, subject to fulfilling all programme requirements.

What the Faculty Says

“At IIT Delhi, we’ve built this program around doing, not just knowing,” said Prof. Ankur Gupta of the Centre for Applied Research in Electronics during the programme’s unveiling. “After practicing Python, deep learning, and current machine learning techniques, learners use MLOps and responsible AI principles to deploy their models in production. The capstone, industry examples, and mentoring ensure participants graduate with deployable solutions and the confidence to leverage data science effectively across industries.”

Who Should Apply?

This programme is ideal for:

  • Aspiring data scientists and AI enthusiasts
  • Technology and analytics professionals seeking to upskill or pivot careers
  • Engineers and technologists implementing AI solutions in industry settings
  • Students and researchers aiming to deepen their expertise in applied AI and data science

The Growing Demand for AI Skills

According to McKinsey’s The Data-Driven Enterprise of 2025, data will be ubiquitous across business processes by 2030, requiring leaders to adopt a ‘data and AI first’ approach. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights that 86% of employers expect AI to transform their operations by 2030. However, 63% of these employers cite skill gaps as a major barrier to adoption. Additionally, approximately 39% of current skill sets are projected to become obsolete within five years, underscoring the urgent need for upskilling.

This certificate programme by IIT Delhi offers a timely opportunity for professionals and learners to bridge this gap and prepare for the future of AI-driven industries.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/iit-delhi-opens-registration-for-second-batch-of-certificate-programme-in-applied-data-science-ai

general

Jannik Sinner says ‘changing a lot’ after US Open loss to Alcaraz

Leave a comment

Jannik Sinner said Wednesday he has been making changes to his game and “reflecting a lot” ahead of his first appearance since losing the US Open final to Carlos Alcaraz.

The Italian failed to defend his title in New York this month after Alcaraz emphatically overpowered him in four sets and snatched back the world No. 1 ranking.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641628/jannik-sinner-says-changing-a-lot-after-us-open-loss-to-alcaraz

children, education, law, policy, public safety

Eleven-Year-Old Disarms Potential School Shooter, Gets Expelled for It [WATCH]

Leave a comment

An 11-year-old student in Michigan has been expelled from school after disarming a classmate who brought a loaded gun into a school bathroom. This incident has raised questions about how zero-tolerance policies are being applied in school districts.

The event took place earlier this month in the Lansing School District. According to reports, the boy witnessed another student displaying a firearm in the bathroom. Acting quickly, the 11-year-old lunged toward the classmate and successfully removed the gun before it could be used. Fortunately, no shots were fired, and no injuries were reported.

Despite preventing what could have been a tragedy, the district confirmed that the student who intervened would face disciplinary action, including expulsion, under its zero-tolerance policy. District officials explained that the rules make no distinction between possessing a firearm and physically handling one, regardless of the circumstances.

The Lansing School District issued a brief statement, noting that all incidents involving weapons are reviewed under the same framework. “We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all students. Our policies are applied evenly in accordance with state law and district guidelines,” the district said.

Parents and community members have voiced frustration at the decision, saying the boy should have been recognized for his quick actions rather than punished. Several local residents told reporters they were shocked that a student who acted to protect others from harm is now being treated as if he posed the same threat as the classmate who brought the weapon to school.

Education experts note that many districts nationwide maintain strict zero-tolerance policies that leave little room for discretion by administrators. These policies were widely adopted in the 1990s in response to increasing concerns about school safety and firearm-related incidents on campuses.

However, critics argue that such policies can lead to disproportionate or unreasonable outcomes, as seen in this case.

Law enforcement officials in Lansing confirmed they are investigating how the classmate obtained the firearm and whether charges will be filed against the student or their parents. Police said the gun was loaded at the time it was brought onto school grounds. Authorities described the 11-year-old’s disarming of the weapon as preventing a potentially very dangerous situation.

The boy’s family has not made public comments beyond confirming the disciplinary action.

Advocacy groups are already calling for the district to reconsider its decision, arguing that punishing a student for preventing violence undermines efforts to encourage responsibility and courage among young people.

Legal analysts suggest that the case may draw wider attention to whether school districts should reevaluate blanket zero-tolerance policies that equate self-defense or protective actions with violations of firearms rules. “These policies were designed to keep weapons out of schools,” one education law expert said, “but when a student prevents harm by intervening, the policies may conflict with common sense and fairness.”

The Lansing School District has not indicated whether the expulsion could be reversed upon appeal. Meanwhile, the boy remains out of school while his family considers its options.

This case has fueled ongoing debate about how schools balance safety, discipline, and student decision-making in emergencies. While officials maintain that uniform enforcement of the rules is essential, critics argue that failing to recognize individual circumstances risks discouraging students from acting to protect themselves or others in dangerous situations.

For now, the 11-year-old student who disarmed a classmate will not be returning to class, even as many in the community describe his actions as heroic.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/09/eleven-year-old-disarms-potential-school-shooter-gets-expelled-for-it-watch/

Exit mobile version