Equity benchmark indices began the trade on a buoyant note on Monday, helped by buying in blue-chip HDFC Bank, but later gave up all the initial gains amid a sharp fall in Kotak Mahindra Bank and unabated foreign fund outflows. The BSE Sensex jumped 545.27 points to 81,770.02 in early trade. The NSE Nifty climbed 124.25 points to 24,978.30. However, soon the benchmark indices succumbed to profit-taking and were trading lower. The BSE benchmark gauge quoted 136.52 points down at 81,060.86, and the Nifty traded 100.70 points lower at 24,753.35. From the 30 Sensex firms, Titan, HDFC Bank, Asian Paints, Axis Bank, Tata Steel, and HCL Technologies were among the biggest gainers. HDFC Bank climbed nearly 3 per cent in early trade after the firm on Saturday reported a 6 per cent increase in September quarter net profit to Rs 17,825.91 crore on a consolidated basis. On a standalone basis, the largest private sector lender's post-tax net grew to Rs 16,820.97 crore during the reporting period, as against Rs 15,976.11 crore in the year-ago period. Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bharti Airtel, IndusInd Bank, Mahindra & Mahindra, and NTPC were among the laggards. Kotak Mahindra Bank tanked over 5 per cent after the company's quarterly earnings failed to cheer investors. In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, and Shanghai were trading in the positive territory while Hong Kong quoted lower. The US markets ended higher on Friday. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 5,485.70 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. However, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth Rs 5,214.83 crore. Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.44 per cent to USD 73.38 a barrel. Recovering from its early lows, the BSE benchmark had climbed 218.14 points or 0.27 per cent to settle at 81,224.75 on Friday. The Nifty ended 104.20 points or 0.42 per cent higher at 24,854.05. PTI reported. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 October,2024 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe rupee showed a recovery from its lower level and gained marginally by 1 paisa to 84.06 against the US dollar in early trade on Monday, tracking positive cues from domestic equity markets and a soft American currency, PTI reported. However, sustained outflow of foreign funds and an upward momentum in crude oil prices weighed on the local unit, as per PTI. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 84.06 against the greenback and stayed almost flat in early deals, trading 1 paisa higher from its previous close. On Friday, the rupee had slipped 1 paisa to close at 84.07 against the US dollar. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was down by 0.05 per cent to 103.25. Brent crude, the international benchmark, advanced 0.33 per cent to USD 73.30 per barrel in futures trade, PTI noted. On the domestic equity market front, the Sensex surged 457.90 points, or 0.56 per cent, to 81,682.65 points. The Nifty also climbed 97.70 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 24,951.75 points. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers in the capital markets on Friday, as they offloaded shares worth Rs 5,485.70 crore, according to exchange data, PTI added. RBI data released on Friday showed that India's forex reserves declined by USD 10.746 billion to USD 690.43 billion for the week ended 11th October. In the preceding week, the reserves had dropped by USD 3.709 billion to USD 701.176 billion, PTI reported. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 October,2024 10:22 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian stock markets kicked off the week with impressive gains, as both the Nifty and Sensex indices surged on Monday. The Nifty 50 index opened at 24,956.15 points, marking an increase of 0.41 per cent or 102.10 points, while the BSE Sensex experienced a substantial rise of 545 points, or 0.67 per cent, reaching 81,770.02 points, ANI reported.Market analysts noted that the focus for the week ahead will centre on the announcement of quarterly financial results and the ongoing activities of foreign investors. Ajay Bagga, a banking and market expert, highlighted that the current earnings season has not quite met expectations, particularly with the continued outflows of foreign institutional investors (FIIs) from secondary markets. He pointed out that despite these challenges, the Indian market has shown remarkable resilience, absorbing nearly Rs 4 lakh crore through promoter selling, initial public offerings (IPOs), and other financial offerings.Bagga commented, “The Indian markets remain delicately poised. The booming primary market stands out as an exception to the outflows from the secondary markets. The recently concluded and upcoming big-ticket IPOs will provide some clarity on the euphoria surrounding listing gains in the primary market.”In sectoral performance on the National Stock Exchange, most indices recorded gains, with Nifty IT leading the charge, rising by 0.76 per cent at the opening. However, Nifty FMCG was the only sector to decline, dropping slightly by 0.19 per cent. Among the top gainers were prominent companies like HDFC Bank, Tech Mahindra, HDFC Life, and Eicher Motors. In contrast, Tata Consumer, Kotak Bank, and Bharti Airtel emerged as the top losers during the early trading session.This Monday also sees the announcement of quarterly financial results for several significant companies, including Bajaj Housing Finance, Union Bank of India, Mahindra Logistics, and HFCL. Investors will be keen to see how these results reflect the overall market sentiment.In other Asian markets, the trend was mixed, with Japan’s Nikkei gaining 0.33 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell by 0.31 per cent. South Korea’s KOSPI rose by 0.82 per cent, and Taiwan's markets were also up at the time of this report, as per ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
21 October,2024 10:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter attending a meeting at Matoshree, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinayak Raut stated that discussions concerning the Maha Vikas Aghadi's strategy for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections are ongoing. He added that everything is expected to be finalised within the next one or two days, reported news agency ANI. Speaking to ANI in the early hours of Monday, Vinayak Raut said, "Discussion of Maha Vikas Aghadi is underway regarding the Maharashtra Assembly elections and Assembly constituencies. Within 1-2 days, everything will be finalised." Earlier on Sunday, NCP-SCP leader Anil Deshmukh said that there is no dispute among the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and said that decisions have been made on a lot of seats. He further said that Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party held a meeting on Sunday. "There is no dispute. Today, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party held a meeting. Decisions have been made on a lot of seats. Tomorrow Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP will sit together again and finalise everything," Anil Deshmukh told ANI. He added, "We are thinking of releasing a list for some seats tomorrow after discussion..." Earlier on Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi exuded confidence that the public is with the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and claimed infighting in the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Speaking to ANI, Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "Every leader of the Mahayuti is fighting amongst themselves. This party has come based on an opportunistic alliance to grab power. The people of Maharashtra will vote them out. The public is with the Maha Vikas Aghadi and we will declare the name of candidates before the Mahayuti Alliance." "The seat-sharing talks for the Maharashtra Assembly elections are in their final stages," she added. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released its first list of 99 candidates for the Maharashtra assembly elections, scheduled to be held on November 20. As per the list, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will contest from Nagpur South West, while state BJP president Chandrashekhar Krishnarao Bawankule will contest from the Kamthi seat. Other key candidates include Minister Girish Mahajan who will contest from Jamner, Sudhir Mungantiwar from Ballarpur, Sreejaya Ashok Chavan from Bhokar, Ashish Shelar from Vandre West, Mangal Prabhat Lodha from Malabar Hill, Rahul Narwekar from Colaba, and Chhatrapati Shivendra Raje Bhosale from Satara. The list also features Suresh Damu Bhole from Jalgaon City, Atul Save from Aurangabad East, Sanjay Mukund Kalkar from Thane, and Vinod Shelar from Malad West, among others. Maharashtra will vote in a single phase on November 20, with the results to be declared on November 23. In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, while Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress won 44 seats. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena secured 63, and Congress won 42 seats. (With inputs from ANI)
21 October,2024 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMore than two years after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) unveiled an ambitious plan to transform spaces beneath the city’s flyovers into recreational zones and green areas. Today, these spots are as neglected as ever. In a two-part series, mid-day reveals how these zones, particularly in the western suburbs, have deteriorated into junkyards for clunkers and dimly lit haunts for anti-social elements. The area beneath the Kandivli flyover has been reduced to a graveyard for clunkers In the first of the series, mid-day visited the stretch from Dahisar to Bandra on the Western Express Highway (WEH). Misuse of space was evident at nine of the 15 flyovers visited on the stretch, raising significant concerns about public safety, especially for pedestrians walking by these areas at night. With inadequate lighting and unchecked use of the space, these zones have turned into potential security threats. Women, children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, as the spaces under many flyovers have become dark, foul-smelling areas rather than the green recreational spots they were meant to be. As mid-day surveyed these locations, it was clear that the potential for creating beautiful community spaces still exists, but lack of coordination among various agencies and neglect has led to the state in which they are now. Tata Power-Devipada flyover The space below the Tata Power-Devipada flyover, between Dahisar and Kandivli, part of which is akin to a scrapyard. Pic/Nimesh Dave The space under this flyover reflects a stark contrast in utilisation. One-half of the flyover, towards Kandivli, is littered with abandoned junk cars, turning it into a scrapyard-like zone. In contrast, the other half, towards Dahisar, is well-maintained and painted, showcasing an effort to beautify the area. However, junk cars dumped in the remaining sections undermine the positive impact, making it an eyesore and a potential hazard for pedestrians after dark. “It looks like BMC is planning beautification in instalments, or it is just an eyewash to fool people. The end of the flyover towards Kandivli is being used to dump junk cars, as we move towards the centre, the flyover looks clean and painted, then again at the end towards Dahisar, rusted vehicles are dumped. The area is well lit so it’s unsafe for anybody who passes by. I think now that there is no space to dump clunkers, the authorities are utilising spaces under the flyover for the purpose,” said Vamsi Athrey, a research student of Mumbai University and resident of Borivli. Kandivli (Mahindra) flyover The area beneath the Kandivli flyover has been reduced to a graveyard for clunkers. Pics/Nimesh Dave Mangled and abandoned scrap vehicles clutter the space beneath this flyover, spilling onto the pavement, thereby inconveniencing pedestrians. The area, intended for two-wheeler parking, has become a dumping ground for junked vehicles, making it difficult for people to use the footpath along this busy stretch. Advocate Sumitra Shrivastava, a resident of Thakur Village, said, "There is hardly any footpath available to walk. Whenever we walk from Poisar Metro station or Growel’s 101 Mall, I find it challenging to use the footpath. For school kids, women with children and senior citizens, it’s especially difficult to walk on this stretch." Malad East (Pushpa Park) flyover The space below the Malad East flyover has been taken over by toy sellers and vagrants. Pic/Nimesh Dave Encroachment is a serious issue here. Toy sellers and homeless individuals have occupied the area. What could have been an aesthetically pleasing zone is now plagued by litter, undermining efforts to keep public spaces clean. A resident, Jatin Patel, said, “The flyover was beatified and painted. It looks clean from the outside, but toy sellers have occupied the space. They litter and urinate there because of which the place has started stinking.” Pathanwadi-Dindoshi flyover Pedestrians steer clear of the narrow footpath under the Pathanwadi-Dindoshi flyover. Pics/Nimesh Dave The space under this flyover is not a problem, but the narrow footpath is covered by filth and is totally unusable. It has become a dumping ground for garbage and filth, severely restricting pedestrian movement. The lack of space and poor sanitation have created an unhygienic environment. “There is no space to walk on the footpath. There is filth and wild grass is growing on the already narrow footpath. We have to risk our lives walking on the road amid traffic,” said a commuter who did not wish to be named. Flyover opposite Oberoi Mall This poorly lit spot poses a significant threat to pedestrians. Pic/Nimesh Dave A safety hazard, the space under the flyover suffers from poor lighting, especially at night, making the narrow passages beneath it dangerous for pedestrians. People frequently use it to cross to the other side, but the lack of proper lighting and maintenance creates an unsafe environment, particularly after dark. “The narrow passages below the flyover are easy to cross; the main crossing is very dangerous due to speeding vehicles. However, these passages are very dirty and dark during the evening,” said Goregaon resident Manjukala Shetty. Aarey flyover Towed and abandoned vehicles take up space at this spot. Pic/Nimesh Dave Half of this flyover is used by traffic authorities as a chowkie, while the remaining space is cluttered with towed and abandoned vehicles. The other half is occupied by the solid waste management department (Ghan Kachra Vibhag), adding to the clutter and diminishing the intended utility of the space. Mrinal Tai Gore flyover The spots has been taken over by hawkers and toy venders. Pics/Nimesh Dave Encroachment by hawkers selling toys and balloons is a persistent issue beneath this flyover’s southbound arm. These vendors not only occupy the space but also contribute to its deterioration by littering and throwing garbage, making the area unsightly and unhygienic. If a passerby attempts to click photos of the spot, they immediately come at them and start issuing threats. Jay Coach flyover Unsanitary conditions prevail at this spot. Pics/Nimesh Dave The space beneath this flyover—opposite Bimbisar Nagar—is dirty, strewn with garbage and plastic bottles. It’s a neglected area, contributing to the overall decline in the cleanliness and safety of the surroundings, creating a breeding ground for further dumping. Domestic airport flyover (Near Sahara Star Hotel) Broken bottles and other waste are strewn at this spot. Pics/Ashish Raje This flyover is infamous for being filthy and unsafe. The area is littered with alcohol bottles, turning it into a haven for drunkards during the night. Covered with green cloth often used at construction sites, it offers a hidden, secluded space, encouraging anti-social activities and making it unsafe for passersby. “I have often seen many rag pickers here, as they get many bottles and plastic bottles. Private transport for Pune is often parked here, the drivers are often seen smoking and spitting below this flyover. The flyover is very dirty. Last year I heard that the BMC is planning to clean and beautify the place, but it is still the same now," said Kamal Gaur, a resident of Vile Parle. Kherwadi flyover Pedestrians find it hard to cross at this rare well-maintained spot. Pic/Ashish Raje The space under this flyover is clean and well-maintained, and a recreational site exists. However, crossing here is risky for pedestrians. The spot lacks proper walkways and there have been many complaints of speeding vehicles. Kalina-Vakola flyover Illegal garages operate in the space below this flyover where vehicles are also parked. Pics/Ashish Raje The space beneath this flyover has been turned into a parking area. Besides, illegal garages were found operating under it. These unauthorised activities contribute to congestion and disorder. What experts say Dhawal Ashar, a transportation planner and engineer and also the head of integrated transport and road safety at World Resources Institute India (WRI India), told mid-day that the issue can be resolved with proper planning. “Spaces under flyovers are a valuable asset in a city that is severely space-constrained. These areas often have multiple claimants, including various government and non-government entities that need space for essential purposes but lack the resources. The root of the issue lies in poor planning by urban authorities. There is a clear need for better utilisation of these spaces. First and foremost, planning agencies must recognise and formally acknowledge the potential of the spaces under flyovers. Then, these areas should be assigned specific functions, whether for green spaces, public utilities or other community-focused purposes. However, assigning functions is not enough—there must also be a sustainable maintenance model to ensure these spaces remain functional and well-kept,” he said. “If the area is transformed into a green space or garden, it will require regular upkeep. Additionally, before any plans are made, accessibility to the public should be a top consideration. Spaces under flyovers can play a crucial role in urban planning, but only with proper recognition, functional allocation and ongoing maintenance. Neglect and lack of proper planning will only turn them into a negative space, encroached and misused,” he added. Milind Mhaske, CEO of Praja Foundation, said, “These things should be planned at the very beginning at the design stage of the project. This mess is a failure in planning on the part of the planning agencies. There should be a proper system. I genuinely feel that these things can be planned at the administrative ward level. No matter which agency designs and builds flyovers, clear guidelines should be added to the plan regarding the spaces under them. A special unit/section must be formed at the BMC ward level. If we do not have a proper plan, this will happen again. One cannot just make a flyover, neglect the space below and then cry foul that the space has been encroached.” Rishi Aggarwal, founder of the Walking Project Gopal Jhaveri, resident of Borivli and founder of Mumbai March, a citizens’ movement, said. “This is becoming a growing problem across the city, not just in western suburbs. In a space-starved city, the BMC can make use of these spaces as per the areawise requirement. However, these spaces are wasted due to neglect. They even pose danger for pedestrians.” Rishi Aggarwal, founder of the Walking Project, an advocacy group, said, “They have spent hundreds and thousands of crores on the beautification of Mumbai, but much of it has been senseless and lacking in aesthetic vision. Instead, these underutilised spaces could be transformed into recreational areas for the public.” He referred to projects like One Green Mile in Lower Parel, a linear park built beneath a once-filthy stretch of flyover. “Dutch studio MVRDV and local practice StudioPOD turned this 200-metre-long area into a vibrant park. However, most of these initiatives happen in the island city. Why can't we replicate something like this across other parts of Mumbai?” Milind Mhaske, CEO of Praja Foundation Aggarwal added, “We are wasting the potential of these spaces under the flyovers. The BMC needs to incorporate them into the city’s development plan. When these areas become neglected or encroached upon, they rush to beautify them on an SOS basis, resulting in shoddy and aesthetically unappealing work.” Official Speak Kiran Dighavkar, assistant municipal commissioner (P South ward) and deputy municipal commissioner, solid waste management, who also held the charge of planning department until 2022, said, “There is nearly one million square feet of space available under flyovers across the city. Given Mumbai's already low open space ratio, utilising these areas for recreational purposes becomes crucial. Many corporations are showing interest in such projects and are keen on maintaining them. The BMC has not ignored this issue; several efforts have been made in recent years to use and beautify spaces beneath flyovers. However, there are multiple factors to consider when executing these projects. For instance, the structural integrity of the flyovers must be preserved by ensuring the pillars remain untouched to avoid any potential damage. Additionally, ventilation issues need to be addressed, particularly when transforming these spaces into green areas, as they lack adequate sunlight and ventilation while being constantly exposed to vehicular emissions. While we have made some progress in the past, I agree that this needs to be pursued on a larger scale. I recommend inviting corporates to participate in these projects, which could help establish a proper and systematic maintenance model.” ‘Plans are in progress’ A senior BMC official said, “Some flyovers have traffic chowkies or offices of government agencies underneath, while others, which are vacant, are being planned for conversion into recreational spaces. Some areas have been encroached upon or turned into negative spaces, but efforts are ongoing to clear these areas and put them to public use. However, it is difficult to set a specific timeline for this. What we can assure citizens is that plans are in progress, as we have successfully implemented at several locations.” Sahebrao Gaikwad, retired assistant municipal commissioner, shared his observations on the challenges of utilising open spaces under flyovers: “Over the years, I have noticed that while tenders and work orders are issued, civic bodies and officials often fail to consider the development of open spaces under flyovers. These areas remain vacant, unclaimed, and are either encroached upon or littered, eventually attracting anti-social elements, especially after dark. The first step should be to put these spaces to good use before they get encroached or misused. Equally important is the second step: ensuring regular maintenance of the space once it has been developed or assigning it to a department or organisation for upkeep. A prime example of poor planning and neglect is the Kandivli (Mahindra) flyover. Around six to seven years ago, while I was posted in the R South ward, we successfully transformed the space under this flyover into an area where residents could practice yoga. However, due to lack of maintenance, it has become a junkyard,” said Gaikwad. He added, “I strongly suggest that planning agencies should proactively include the development and future maintenance of open spaces beneath flyovers when designing them and incorporate this into the tender process."
21 October,2024 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghFollowing the 22-hour block at Kasara station, on Monday, commuters will see platforms widened and extended. “This will accommodate longer trains and enhance passenger-carrying capacity,” a Central Railway spokesperson said. Completion of the work will also result in uninterrupted train traffic. During the block eight suburban trains were cancelled and 22 short-terminated. Additionally, 25 mail/express trains were diverted or short-terminated. The works were planned from 3.20 am on Sunday (October 20) to 1.20 am on Monday (October 21). “From Monday morning , platforms no 1 and 2 at Kasara station will have been extended from the present 480m to 600m, accommodating longer trains. The platform has also been widened to increase its carrying capacity of passengers,” a CR spokesperson said. According to the official, three train reception and dispatch lines in the Down Yard are also extended to accommodate longer freight trains along with their banker locomotives. “As a result, there won’t be any train coaches trailing on the main line. Due to this, no train will be detained at Kasara while entering or leaving the station,” he added. “The third and most important benefit is that the work will also create space to seamlessly accommodate a third line that is being built between Kasara and Kalyan. The ongoing third line project is expected to take the load of express trains off the two tracks and clear the path for more suburban trains,” he explained. Third line project The 67-km-long Kasara-Kalyan Line is being built at a cost of Rs 793 crore. It is the longest bi-directional line under construction in Mumbai Division and work on it is more than 50 per cent complete. As per the official project note, 147 local, 71 long-distance and about 20 freight trains run on the existing two lines daily. All these trains compete with the suburban trains for slots as the passenger load of Titwala, Asangaon and Kasara is growing phenomenally, which makes it a very congested route. The third line will significantly reduce the load on these two existing rail lines.
21 October,2024 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe seemingly unending wave of bomb threats received by airlines is disrupting the Indian aviation industry, with 36 such incidents being reported by press time on Sunday. The threats have been traced to a social media account, which has now been suspended. The troubles started on Monday with three flights receiving bomb threats. Since then, the number kept escalating. “The increasing number of threats has thrown flight schedules into disarray, causing delays and rescheduled flights, leaving passengers to deal with the ensuing chaos,” said a highly placed Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) source. “The BCAS has stepped up its efforts to manage the situation. Late on Saturday evening, BCAS Director General Zulfiquar Hasan met with airline CEOs to assess the status and discuss strategies for handling the ongoing threats,” the source added. Grounded aircraft at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Saturday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi A senior Ministry of Civil Aviation official stated, “Though it is clear that the threats are sent via unverified handles on social media, the source is yet untraced. The investigation is underway but according to what we know as of now, the individual/group issuing these threats is either using a VPN [Virtual Private Network] to issue the threats or the individual/group is using the dark web to create the handles used for issuing the threat which is making it very difficult to track them.” The official added, “We are taking help from social media platforms as well for the investigation. The accounts from which the threats are being issued are suspended as and when they come to our notice. Furthermore, some of the threats have been tracked to Germany but it is highly likely that this will not be the original location of the threat due to the use of a VPN and the dark web." Belgavi incident The Belagavi Airport in Karnataka also received a bomb threat via email. A BCAS source confirmed, “A hoax mail was received regarding a threat to Belagavi airport. A case has been registered in this regard at the Marial police station.” The source added that a comprehensive search was conducted both inside and outside the airport, but nothing suspicious was found, confirming that the threat was indeed a hoax. An investigation is underway to identify the sender of the email. “Authorities are on high alert as efforts continue to trace the origin of the social media threats and to ensure passenger safety,” a BCAS source added. Expert Speak Captain Mohan Ranganathan, An aviation expert, said“When it comes to bomb threats, there are guidelines in the ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organisation] manual which need to be followed not only by agencies but also by airlines. These guidelines help in defining whether the threat received is genuine. The civil aviation minister has termed these attempts to be a sort of prank. We can see that as soon as a bomb threat is received, the flight declares an emergency. I have noticed that the ICAO guidelines are not being followed in many cases here. Someone might even be trying to test the strength of our agencies and might take advantage of this situation by executing something as agencies stretch their resources thin when multiple bomb threats arrive in a short span of time.”
21 October,2024 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe police and the fire department officials are still waiting for the forensic analysis report of Andheri's Lokhandwala fire incident on October 16, in which three people were killed. “It’s been five days and we are still clueless about the source of the fire. I have been working in the fire department for many years, and it’s the first time that we have no clue about the fire. We await the forensics to determine the source of fire,” a fire services official said. On Wednesday at around 8 am, a fire in a flat at an upscale Lokhandwala building—Riya Palace—resulted in the deaths of two senior citizens and their housekeeper. All three—Chander Prakash Soni, 74, Kanta Soni, 74, and Pelubeta, 42—were pronounced dead upon arrival at Cooper Hospital. The Oshiwara police had registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in this matter. According to the fire services department, when they reached the residence of the Soni couple, they found the couple unconscious in the bedroom and house help unconscious in the living room. The fire department said that they found nothing suspicious. “We were puzzled to see that only the bed was burnt and other things were intact. So we checked the AC duct, electrical wiring system, and other flammable items, and preliminary investigation suggested that nothing was suspicious,” a fire official said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone 9, Dixit Gedam, said Oshiwara police had registered an ADR because nothing suspicious was found. “We have found nothing suspicious; hence, an ADR has been registered, but we are still investigating,” he had told mid-day. The crime branch officers, who are also investigating the case, said they suspect foul play. “Only the bed was burnt and we found bloodstains. CCTV footage shows no one coming or leaving. We are clueless about the source and time of the fire, hence, we think there is foul play,” said a crime branch officer. Police said the Soni couple is survived by two sons, and they have raised no objection over the death of their parents.
21 October,2024 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheRajhans Singh, a BJP MLC, will contest as a candidate for the Shiv Sena led by CM Eknath Shinde. Sources claim Singh will run from the Dindoshi constituency, where he won the Assembly election in 2009. Meanwhile, Shinde Sena’s Rahul Kanal, a former close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, is expected to contest from the Kalina constituency against UBT candidate Sanjay Potnis, a two-time MLA. Rajhans Singh has served as a Congress corporator for 15 years in Kurla and eight years as the BMC Opposition leader. He won the 2009 Assembly election in Dindoshi, defeating former mayor Sunil Prabhu. However, Singh lost to Prabhu who is now with the Sena (UBT), in 2014. Sources suggest Prabhu will be the UBT candidate from Dindoshi again, as he won in the 2019 election, too, while Singh is likely to run as a Shiv Sena (Shinde) candidate, according to insiders. Singh joined the BJP in 2017 and was elected as a BJP MLC in 2021. He said, “I’m not aware of this update. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is my leader. I will contest as a Shiv Sena candidate if Fadnavis wishes me to.” Potnis, known as a loyalist of the Thackeray family, will face Kanal. A Shiv Sena source said, “Kanal may get an opportunity to contest as he has worked in the constituency before.” Election data shows that Potnis won the 2019 election by 4,931 votes against Congress candidate George Abraham, and by only 1,297 votes in 2014 against BJP’s Amarjeet Singh. Kanal expressed his willingness to run, stating, “I’m ready to contest from Kalina and have requested the party for this. I have worked in the constituency for eight years. The party will make the final decision.”
21 October,2024 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveA city-based NGO has come up with an eight-point Pedestrian Manifesto 2024 ahead of the state Assembly elections next month urging all candidates across parties to highlight, adopt and prioritise walking infra in the city. “In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), walking is the most common mode of transportation, and pedestrians represent the most efficient and eco-friendly way to get around. Pedestrian infrastructure is cheaper to build and maintain compared to other transport modes, yet the city’s walking infrastructure is notably insufficient. As the Vidhan Sabha elections approach, it’s surprising that enhancements to pedestrian infrastructure are not prominently featured in the platforms of any of the candidates. Through this manifesto, we urge all candidates, across all parties, to adopt and prioritise our recommendations. Addressing pedestrian needs is not just a matter of policy; it’s a direct response to the everyday experiences of your voters,” said Vedant Mhatre, programme director, the Walking Project. “Railway stations, which are the focal point of businesses and commerce in most constituencies, see daily convergence of a substantial portion of voters. Improving pedestrian facilities around these key hubs would directly benefit the large number of constituents who rely on them daily,” he said. “As a walkability advocacy group, we believe that upgrading pedestrian infrastructure, especially around these high-traffic transportation hubs, is an obvious and cost-effective policy solution. This is a low-hanging fruit that can have a significant impact on urban mobility and quality of life,” he added. We want... 1. Non-motorised transport cells in all administrative subdivisions.2. Implementation of hawking policy across MMR.3. Implementation of parking policy across MMR.4. Traffic calming on all roads with a right-of-way under 25 metres.5. Retrofitting all footpath kerbs with modern accessibility standards.6. Pedestrianising transit hub surroundings for improved walkability.7. Develop SV & LBS roads as exemplary pedestrian-friendly showcase roads.8. Increase in urban tree cover with third party survival rate audit.
21 October,2024 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn a significant move that is expected to impact many Assembly constituencies in the state, the Maratha quota protest has decided to field candidates where it has winning prospects, help supporters win elsewhere and defeat those against the community's quota demand. Activist Manoj Jarange Patil announced this stand on Sunday in Antarwali Sarathi in Marathwada, where the community held a public meeting to gauge popular opinion. Jarange said, per se, he was not in favour of entering the political fray, but he would abide by the majority vote. “Both MVA and Mahayuti are first cousins. They haven't released their list of candidates yet. They are waiting for us,” Jarange said. He said contesting all constituencies would not be feasible. “We must contest, where we can win. We will not field candidates in the SC and ST segments but support those who support our demand. We will take in writing on stamp paper that they are in favour of our quota demand. Elsewhere, we will do the same and defeat those against us,” he added.
21 October,2024 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreADVERTISEMENT
