Latest news with #DRPA
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Shelar & Cong MP get into spat over Dharavi master plan
Mumbai: With Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad raising questions daily on the master plan approved by CM Devendra Fadnavis, BJP's Ashish Shelar, in reply, called Gaikwad for an "open discussion" on the Dharavi redevelopment project. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He denied special benefits were given to the , lead developer for the project. In a social media post, Gaikwad said she was ready for discussion and asked him to "inform the time and place" but set one condition — "that it happen in presence of Dharavikars." Gaikwad asked how the master plan was being touted as implementation of the 2016 Dharavi Development Plan when the master plan was based on FSI and TDR policies decided in 2024. She accused govt of violating MRTP Act as the master plan was accepted by govt without inviting objections or suggestions. Shelar, in a post on social media, said there is a difference between master plan and development plan. "The master plan specifies how much land is needed for rehabilitation, where it will take place, and what physical and social infrastructure is required for redevelopment of Dharavi, along with the necessary land. When the development plan is presented by DRPA, suggestions and objections will be invited from citizens as per MRTP Act," he said.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
PATCO's modernized Franklin Square Station reopens
The Brief After delaying the opening nearly a year, PATCO's Franklin Square Station has finally opened. For more than four decades, PATCO trains rolled right through after passenger service was stopped in 1979, but no more. CENTER CITY - The waiting is over – a modernized PATCO Franklin Square Station is now open again. What we know It happened with great fanfare – a band, a choir, elected officials and members of the upper ranks of the agencies that run the public transportation system. Chairperson for DRPA, Jim Schultz stated, "This building is the centerpiece for Center City to connect with Old City, Chinatown Northern Liberties and connect New Jersey to this part of the city. It's a great connection line and a huge asset for the city." After a multi-year $30 million renovation project financed with local, state and federal transportation funds, Franklin Square is now the first stop when trains cross the Delaware from Camden. What they're saying Camden Mayor, Vic Carstarphen said, "If you're traveling to and from work and other attractions and connecting throughout the region, PATCO is a vital link between Camden and Philadelphia and I'm glad to see Franklin Square with much-needed TLC." "The revitalization of Franklin Square Station, what it does is reinforce for our commuters to envision these two great cities remain connected and they will be ready for the future," Mayor Cherelle Parker explained. What's next Officials say the station will be a welcome addition now and in 2026, when the city hosts the World Cup and other major events. They say it's also a modern and convenient daily commuter transportation hub – a model for other, aging stations and public transportation infrastructure. "It's truly a game-changer as residents have another stop on the high-speed line to and from jobs and many destinations and opportunities on both sides of the Delaware River," Terry Garcia Cruz, with the Federal Transit Administration, said. Mayor Parker says she will visit the station in the coming weeks to meet and greet commuters and visitors to showcase the renovated station and park.
Express Tribune
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari defends PECA law, calls 26th amendment a compromise
Listen to article Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) law is not an ideal law, but it is significantly better than the initial version that was proposed. Speaking at Oxford University, he explained that the law had been improved after consultations, mentioning that the original draft included harsh penalties, such as a 30-year sentence for a single social media post. Bilawal reiterated that the PPP had played a role in improving the PECA law, ensuring that it did not undermine democracy. He also defended the 26th Constitutional Amendment, noting that while it had been modified from its original form, it still played a crucial role in strengthening democracy. He explained that the changes to the amendment were made after consulting with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI). Addressing concerns over freedom of speech, Bilawal emphasised that Pakistan's democracy remains fragile and called for abandoning the desire to control every tweet, post, and headline. He stressed that the media, including social media, cannot be controlled and should remain free from undue influence. A month ago, President Asif Ali Zardari gave his assent to the controversial amendments to the country's cybercrime laws, despite calls from journalists and media organisations to put the brakes on the bill. The move came a day after the Senate pushed through the PECA 2016 amendments sparking nationwide protests from media workers who claimed the law was a gag order in disguise. A press release issued by the Presidency confirmed that Zardari signed the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025, along with the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill and the National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Bill. Earlier, a consultative meeting held under the auspices of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Monday demanded annulment of the recent amendments made to the country's cybercrime law PECA, 2016. The meeting titled "Media Under Threat: Challenges Faced by Media Personnel Post-PECA (Amendment) Act, 2025" was organized at the SCBA head office. What is PECA? The Pakistani government is strengthening the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) with new amendments to tackle fake news and unlawful online content. The proposed Electronic Crimes Prevention (Amendment) Act 2025 introduces severe penalties, including up to three years in prison and fines of Rs2 million for spreading disinformation. A key provision is the establishment of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) tasked with regulating social media platforms and removing unlawful content. The DRPA will have powers to investigate complaints, remove content, and enforce digital ethics. The amendments also redefine social media platforms and mandate compliance from social media companies, which may require registering and appointing local representatives. While supporters believe the amendments are essential to combat fake news and hate speech, critics warn of potential censorship and misuse. Chaired by the SCBA President Rauf Atta, the session was attended by members of the bar as well as senior journalists and media personne
