After deliberations for over several days with its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies over seat-sharing, the Congress on Thursday, October 24, came out with its first set of 48 names for the Maharashtra Assembly election. While party chief Nana Patole will fight from Sakoli in Bhandara district, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar got a ticket from Brahmapuri in Chandrapur district. The opposition party also fielded former ministers Nitin Raut and Balasaheb Thorat from Nagpur North and Sangamner respectively. In Mumbai, sitting legislator Aslam Shaikh has been retained for the Malad constituency, while former minister Mohammed Arif Naseem will fight from Chandivali. Jyoti Gaikwad — the sister of Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha Member Varsha — has got a ticket from Dharavi. Mumbaidevi legislator Amin Patel also retained his ticket from the same constituency. Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan will be fighting the Maharashtra Assembly election from the Karad South constituency in Satara while ex-minister Yashomati Thakur will contest from the Teosa (Amravati district) seat. Late Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh's sons, Dhiraj and Amit, have been given tickets from Latur Rural and Latur City, respectively. The two brothers are sitting legislators from their respective constituencies. Vishwajeet Kadam, the son of former Congress leader Patangrao, has retained his ticket from Palus-Kadegaon in Sangli district. See the full list of names here: Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) also declared first list Congress' allies: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) have also announced their first set of names. The MVA allies have decided to contest the Maharashtra Assembly election on 85 seats each. The Shiv Sena (UBT) announced 65 candidates on Wednesday while NCP (SP) declared 45 names in its first list. Earlier in the day, NCP (SP)'s Jayant Patil and Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Aaditya Thackeray filed their nominations for the Maharashtra Assembly election. Sitting MLAs Sunil Raut (Vikroli), Sunil Prabhu (Dindoshi), Rutuja Latke (Andheri East), Prakash Phatephekar (Chembur), Sanjay Potnis (Kalina), Vaibhav Naik (Kudal), Bhaskar Jadhav (Guhagar), Nitin Deshmukh (Balapur), Rajan Salvi (Rajapur), Ramesh Korgaonkar (Bhandup West) have made the first list of Shiv Sena (UBT). In Mumbai, Udesh Patklar (Magathane), Anant Nar (Jogeshwari East), Samir Desai (Goregaon) and Mahesh Sawant (Mahim) are the other candidates. Former MP Rajan Vichare (Thane), Naresh Manera (Ovala Majiwada) and Dighe will lead the Thackeray Sena challenge against the rival faction. NCP (SP) has fielded Yugendra Pawar to contest against his uncle and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit from Baramati. The others in the NCP (SP) list included its state chief Jayant Patil (Islampur), Jitendra Awhad (Mumbra-Kalwa), Anil Deshmukh (Katol), Harshvardhan Patil (Indapur) and late R R Patil's son Rohit, who is making a debut (Tasgaon-Kavthemahankal).
24 October,2024 10:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court (HC) has overturned a labour court order that directed Air India (AI) Charters Ltd to pay Rs 4.63 crore in compensation to the family of a pilot of Air India Express, who died when the flight crashed at Mangaluru airport in 2010, news agency PTI reported. The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, October 23, but was made public the following day. A single bench of Justice Sharmila Deshmukh ruled that AI Charters would be liable for compensation amounting to Rs 3.32 crore, computed as per the pilot's salary at the time of the crash. The court found the previous compensation order of Rs 4.63 crore to be flawed and in need of revision. Fourteen years ago, on 22 May, a Boeing 737 operated by Air India Express crashed upon landing at Mangaluru airport, resulting in the deaths of all 158 people on board, including the pilot, Zlatko Glusica, a Serbian national. Glusica, who was 55 at the time of the incident, had been earning a claimed monthly salary of USD 11,000, for which his family sought compensation of USD 745,580. However, the company stated that the pilot's actual salary was USD 9,170, reported PTI. In September 2012, AI Charters deposited an interim amount of Rs 3.32 crore with the Labour Commissioner’s office in Mumbai. In October 2013, the Commissioner for Employees Compensation ordered AI Charters to pay USD 745,580 (Rs 4,63,37,797), along with a 50 per cent penalty and 12 per cent annual interest from the date of the accident. According to PTI, AI Charters appealed against the order in HC, arguing that the pilot was employed through a private firm, Sigmar Aviation Ltd, and that his salary was lower than what the Commissioner had used to determine the payout. The court found the Commissioner's order to be flawed and stated that the compensation already deposited by AI Charters, calculated at the pilot's actual salary of USD 9,170, was sufficient to cover the amount owed. Consequently, no further payment was required. HC held that the Commissioner's order suffered from "perversity and warrants interference". Additionally, the court waived the 50 per cent penalty imposed on the company. (With PTI inputs)
24 October,2024 09:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court (HC) in an interim order on Thursday, October 24, stayed the implementation of guidelines to facilitate redevelopment of buildings at Marine Drive in south Mumbai up to 58 metres, wondering if the authorities want to change the area's skyline.A division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar questioned how the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra government could issue such guidelines. "What are you (authorities) doing? How can you take such a decision? Imagine the entire skyline of Marine Drive changed," the court said.The bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Federation of Churchgate Residents challenging the 2023 guidelines issued by the state government to Mumbai civic body, which needs to be followed while granting permission for redevelopment projects along the iconic promenade, reported news agency PTI.Under these guidelines, buildings were grouped into three categories depending on which height restrictions were imposed.As per the guidelines, if any building in the second row of Marine Drive road wants to exceed the 24-metre height restriction during redevelopment, then special permission could be obtained from the Mumbai civic commissioner, who could grant permission for a building up to a height of 58 metres, stated PTI.The PIL challenged this guideline on the grounds that the Marine Drive area is a heritage precinct and hence, must be preserved accordingly. The bench on Thursday issued notice to Mumbai civic body and Maharashtra government and directed them to file their affidavits by December 11. We are staying implementation of the impugned guidelines until then," the court said. HC noted that this was the third time such guidelines were being promulgated. When such guidelines were first introduced in 2014, the current petitioner challenged had it and HC had stayed those then too, PTI stated. One private realtor, Vasant Sagar Properties, had moved the Supreme Court challenging HC's order, which is still pending. The court said when the matter is pending, guidelines similar to the one issued in the past could not have been enforced once again. It added that the 2023 guidelines shall not be accepted except in the case of Vasant Sagar Properties and said their application seeking permission before the Mumbai civic body shall be considered in accordance with the law. (With PTI inputs)
24 October,2024 09:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut has moved a sessions court in Mumbai challenging his conviction and 15-day jail sentence in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya's wife Medha, news agency PTI reported. Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Aarti Kulkarni had on September 26 convicted Sanjay Raut for an offence committed under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 500 (defamation). The Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) was sentenced to 15 days of jail term, and was asked to pay Rs 25,000 fine. The court, however, later suspended the sentence for 30 days, enabling him to challenge the order in the higher court, PTI reported. His plea, challenging the magistrate's order, was listed for hearing in the sessions court on Thursday, but Sanjay Raut did not appear before the court. His lawyer, Manoj Pingale, told the court that he could not appear as he was busy with the Maharashtra Assembly election and pleaded that his bail be extended. The lawyer assured the court that Raut will remain present during the next hearing. However, advocate Laxman Kanal, appearing for Medha, argued that the bail cannot be extended in the absence of a convicted person, reported PTI. The court will hear the matter on Friday. In his revision application before the sessions court, the court said the magistrate's order was "bad in law and improper on facts and therefore the same is liable to be quashed and set aside". Medha Somaiya filed the defamation case in 2022 Medha claimed that Raut had made false allegations against her in the online edition of Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana'. However, while confirming the allegations in the court, she read a printed copy of the newspaper, and only the edited version of the entire news, the MP's plea said. In the entire news article, the applicant's name was not mentioned on the contrary, it added. Further, Raut's plea said the magistrate concluded that the accused admitted his work and responsibility at daily 'Saamana'. However, the Sena (UBT) leader claimed that he never admitted that the said news was edited, printed or published by him and that he only gives his opinion regarding the said news published in 'Saamana'. Medha, in her complaint, filed in 2022, claimed that Raut had made baseless and completely defamatory allegations against her and her husband in the media, accusing them of being involved in a scam worth Rs 100 crore over the construction and maintenance of some public toilets under the jurisdiction of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation. "The statement was printed, published and circulated to the general public at large through electronic and print media. It was also viral on social media platforms and was read and heard by the public at large," her plea stated. "The statements made by the accused to the media are per se defamatory. The statements have been made to malign my character in the eyes of the general public," the complaint said. The magistrate court, while convicting him, ruled that Medha is a well-qualified and reputed personality, and that her image was shattered owing to the defamation and "she has suffered mental agony". The magistrate noted that Raut is an MP, and therefore, "a high degree of responsibility" is cast upon him while expressing in front of the public. "The accused made statements through the media against the complainant without due care and caution," it added. (With PTI inputs)
24 October,2024 08:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray's personal assets increased by 6 crore in five years, according to the affidavit submitted by him. Aaditya Thackeray has been nominated by his party from the Worli constituency and he filed his nomination papers on Thursday after holding a roadshow along with senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders. As per the affidavit submitted to the election commission on Thursday, Aaditya Thackeray has a total wealth of Rs 23.5 crore. His wealth has increased by around six crore in the last five years and he also has a liabilities of Rs. 43 lakhs. In 2019, as per his affidavit, Aaditya owned Rs. 17.6 crore assets including 13.02 crore movable assets and Rs. 4.67 crore immovable assets. According to his affidavit filed for the 2024 polls, Aaditya's total wealth reached Rs. 23.5 crore. Though last time he didn’t have any liabilities, this time he has a liabilities of Rs. 43 lakh. On Thursday, Aaditya Thackeray filed his nomination for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election 2024. He is contesting the election for the second time from the Worli seat.
24 October,2024 07:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleA Central Railway’s woman TC has penalised 103 railway commuters in just a single day, the officials said. Head Travelling Ticket Examiner Sudha Dwivedi attached with CR’s Tejaswini Special Batch scored a century with detecting and penalising 103 commuters travelling without valid tickets on October 22. On 22.10.2024, CR’s Tejaswini Special Batch, with all Women Ticket Checking batch registered 318 cases of of irregular or ticketless travel and recovered penalties amounting to Rs.96,240 as fine with an impressive average of 35 cases and Rs.10,693 per staff. Central Railway’s Mumbai Division has been organizing special ticket checking drives by the "Nav Durga" Squad at various stations. Carried out by Mumbai Division’s All Women Special Ticket Checking Batches Tejaswini, the initiative is aimed at strengthening ticket-checking efforts and raising awareness about travelling with proper and valid tickets, especially during festive occasions. The All Women Ticket Checking Tejaswini batches 1,2, 3, 4 & Special batch have been actively working from 01.10.2024 to 20.10.2024 rigorously checking tickets and ensuring compliance among passengers. During this period, the batches have apprehended a total of 11,971 commuters travelling without valid tickets and recovered penalties amounting to Rs. 33,98,732. This includes: • 1860 commuters in AC locals with recovery of Rs.6,48,570 as fine, • 4622 commuters in First Class with recovery of Rs.14,38,550 as fine, • 4664 commuters in Second Class with recovery of Rs.12,15,882 as fine and • 825 commuters with Unbooked luggage with recovery of Rs.95,730 as fine. The Tejaswini Batches, through regular ticket checking drives strive to provide comfortable travel to bonafide passengers and by their presence at stations and in trains ensure that commuters purchase & travel with valid tickets.
24 October,2024 05:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarCentral Railway’s 'all women' initiative-- "Nav Durga" and 'Tejaswini,' special ticket checking batches, has achieved a remarkable feat in combating ticketless travel, the officials said on Thursday. According to a statement by the Central Railway, from October 1 to October 20, 2024, the dedicated 'all women' teams detected a staggering 11,971 commuters traveling without valid tickets, recovering a total of Rs 33,98,732 in penalties. On October 22, 2024, Sudha Dwivedi, Head Travelling Ticket Examiner, celebrated a significant milestone by detecting and penalizing 103 commuters in a single day. This day alone saw the Tejaswini special batch registering 318 cases of irregular travel and recovering Rs 96,240 in fines, averaging 35 cases and Rs 10,693 per staff member, it said. The "Nav Durga" Squad, which includes the Tejaswini batches, has been actively conducting special ticket-checking drives across various stations during the festive season, particularly around Navratri and Diwali. "The initiative aims to reinforce the importance of traveling with valid tickets, ensuring a comfortable and dignified experience for genuine passengers," an official said. The 'all women' ticket checking Tejaswini batches 1,2, 3, 4 and a special batch have been actively working from 01.10.2024 to 20.10.2024 rigorously checking tickets and ensuring compliance among passengers, the statement said. Breakdown of Ticket Violations: AC locals: 1,860 commuters fined a total of Rs 6,48,570 First Class: 4,622 commuters fined Rs 14,38,550 Second Class: 4,664 commuters fined Rs 12,15,882 Unbooked luggage: 825 cases with fines totaling Rs 95,730 The statement further said that the Tejaswini batches have showcased their commitment to passenger safety and compliance, diligently working from October 1 to October 20 to ensure that passengers purchase and travel with valid tickets. Their presence on trains and at stations plays a vital role in discouraging ticketless travel. These special ticket-checking drives conducted in the spirit of Navratri, and continuing during the festive season of Diwali, symbolises the power of Shakti, with the ladies staff embodying the strength and dedication of the Goddess, the Central Railway statement said. "The Central Railway appeals to the passengers to purchase proper and valid tickets to avoid inconvenience. The Railway administration extends heartfelt appreciation to all staff involved in the initiative for their hard work and dedication," the officials said.
24 October,2024 04:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) recently completed a rigorous institute-wide review, covering the period 2018–2022. Based on the inputs from the review committee, IIT Bombay is now developing a strategic plan for the next five years and a long-term vision for 2047. The review, conducted in two phases, sought to assess the institution’s progress and offer guidance for future growth. Phase one took place in 2023, with specialized external committees reviewing individual academic units, while Phase two, held from February 21 to 23, 2024, involved a broader assessment by a distinguished committee of experts from India and abroad. The review committee’s visit included a comprehensive tour of IIT Bombay’s campus. Members engaged with key stakeholders, including faculty, students, staff, and alumni, and visited laboratories, classrooms, and the institute's various startups. Their observations culminated in a detailed report, which praised IIT Bombay’s excellence in education, research, and innovation, alongside offering actionable recommendations for the institute’s future development. A highlight of the review was the acknowledgement of IIT Bombay’s significant contributions to technological advancements, most notably CAR-T Cell Therapy. This breakthrough, recently dedicated to the nation by the Honourable President of India, Droupadi Murmu, showcases IIT Bombay’s ongoing leadership in cutting-edge research. The review committee recognised the institute’s rapid expansion over the last five years, particularly in terms of student enrollment, graduation rates, and achievements in niche academic areas. This growth was matched by high-quality research publications, impactful funded projects, and initiatives such as Technology Innovation Hubs, Research Park, and National Missions, many of which are supported by IIT Bombay’s global alumni network. The committee also commended IIT Bombay’s strides in faculty recruitment, particularly through special drives aimed at increasing representation from reserved categories. Since 2021, the institute has launched biennial recruitment campaigns to foster inclusivity and promote socio-economic equity. The recruitment of Postdoctoral Fellows from reserved categories was highlighted as a key effort to prepare future faculty members for academic institutions nationwide, with recommendations to further promote this program. The leadership of the institute—led by the Director, Deputy Directors, Deans, and department heads—was praised for their strategic approach, which has focused on expanding infrastructure and support systems. This groundwork, the committee noted, is crucial for IIT Bombay as it embarks on more ambitious initiatives in the coming years. Looking ahead, the institute aims to strengthen its ties with industry, translating research into real-world applications and addressing industrial challenges. Entrepreneurial endeavours, including student-led startups, are seen as key drivers of future growth, to create employment opportunities for thousands. "The review committee provided valuable insights to help IIT Bombay navigate current challenges and continue its ascent as a global leader in higher education. With an ambitious goal to rank among the top 50 institutions worldwide, IIT Bombay remains committed to excellence in teaching, research, infrastructure development, and fostering connections between academia, industry, and society," said the statement by IIT-B. The review’s recommendations and the institute’s response to them will play a pivotal role in shaping IIT Bombay’s future, ensuring it remains a beacon of innovation and learning on the global stage.
24 October,2024 02:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghThe Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance consisting of the Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest for 85 assembly seats each in the Maharashtra Elections 2024, said Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. He further said that the MVA's unity comes before the people and that the elections must go on without any hindrance, ANI reported. "Yesterday a list came on X, that will have to be rectified because there are a lot of corrections in it. It will be done today. We have reached a consensus on the 85 seats for the three parties and the work will be completed in the remaining assembly constituencies by this evening. Our small parties will also have to be given seats. We will discuss that as well," said Sanjay Raut, cited by ANI. "We sat with Sharad Pawar yesterday and he guided us. We want this assembly elections to be held without any hindrance. Our unity should come before the people. Let us not talk about the formula, everything will be done by this evening, there is nothing to worry about," Raut added. Earlier on Wednesday, Sanjay Raut showed confidence over winning 100 seats in the Maharashtra elections 2024, ANI reported. As per ANI, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has released a list of 65 candidates contesting for the party in the Maharashtra Elections 2024. The list includes Uddhav Thackeray's son Aaditya Thackeray and Sunil Raut. Aaditya Thackeray will be contesting from Mumbai's Worli constituency. Maharashtra Elections 2024 is expected to see intense competition between the Mahayuti alliance consisting of BJP along with Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) consisting of Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress. The nomination process of the candidates has started for the 288 assembly seats. The Maharashtra elections are scheduled to be held on November 20, and the results are to be declared on November 23, ANI reported. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena won 56 and Congress secured 44 seats. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, Shiv Sena won 63 and Congress secured 42 seats, ANI reported.
24 October,2024 02:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Railways has decided to extend the services of the Festival Special Trains from Dadar to Kazipet (Telangana) to cater to the increased volume of passengers travelling during Diwali 2024. The details of the trains are given below:07196 / 07195 Dadar-Kazipet Weekly Special (via Nizamabad, Karimnagar) (18 services) 07196 Dadar-Kazipet Weekly Special has been extended to operate every Thursday from November 28 to January 1 (Nine services)07195 Kazipet-Dadar Weekly special has been extended to operate every Wednesday from November 27 to January 29 (Nine services) The trains will halt at Kalyan, Igatpuri, Nashik Road, Manmad, Nagarsol, Rotagaon, Lasur, Aurangabad, Jalna, Partur, Selu, Parbhani, Purna, Hazur Sahib Nanded, Mudkhed, Umri, Dharmabad, Basar, Nizamabad, Armur, Metpally, Koratla and Ligampet Jagityal 07198 / 07197 Dadar-Kazipet Weekly Special (via Pimpalkhuti, Ballarshah) (16 services)07198 Dadar-Kazipet Weekly special has been extended to run every Sunday from December 1 to January 26 (Eight services)07197 Kazipet-Dadar Weekly special has been extended to run every Saturday from November 30 to January 25 (Eight services) The trains will halt Kalyan, Igatpuri, Nashik Road, Manmad, Nagarsol, Rotagaon, Lasur, Aurangabad, Jalna, Partur, Selu, Parbhani, Purna, Hazur Sahib Nanded, Mudkhed, Bhokar, Himayatnagar, Sahasrakund, Kinwat, Adilabad, Pimpalkhuti, Lingti, Kayer, Wani, Bhandak, Chandrapur, Ballarshah, Sirpur Kagaznagar, Bellampalli, Manchiryal, Peddapalli and Jamikunta There will be no change in the timings and composition of these trains, the railways has informed. Passengers can book the tickets for trains 07196 and 07198 on special charges. The bookings will open on Tuesday, October 22, at all computerised reservation centres and on the Railways' website http://www.irctc.co.in. For detailed timings at halts of the special trains, passengers can visit http://www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in or download the NTES app. Railways reduces time limit for advance train reservation to 60 days The Railway Board has reduced the advance reservation period of seats from existing 120 days to 60 days, an official notification said on Thursday. The reduction in time limit for advance train reservations will come into effect from November 1, it said. "It has been decided that w.e.f 01.11.2024, the existing time limit for advance reservation by trains will be reduced from 120 days to 60 days (excluding the date of journey). All bookings done up to October 31 under the ARP (Advance Reservation Period) of 120 days will remain intact. There will be no change in the case of certain day time express trains like Taj Express, Gomti Express etc where lower time limits for advance reservation are, at present in force. There will also be no change in the case of a limit of 365 days for foreign tourists, a Railway Board's circular, dated Oct 16, 2024, said. The Railway advance reservation period has undergone changes from time to time. Advance Reservation Period has varied from 30 days to 120 days. Based on the experience of various periods, 60 days Advance Reservation Period has been observed as the optimal period from passengers' point of view, the officials said, adding that there will be several benefits of 60 days reservation period.
24 October,2024 01:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 28-year-old woman, Rutuja Ganesh Jangam, died after falling from an overcrowded Karjat local train on Tuesday night. She was pushed out of the train between Ambernath and Badlapur stations due to the heavy crowd. According to the police, the Karjat-bound train, which departed from Ambernath at 8 pm, was running 25 minutes behind schedule. Extremely crowded Because of the delay, the train was extremely crowded. Witnesses said that when the train stopped at Ambernath station, many people rushed to board. In the confusion, Rutuja, who was also trying to get on, lost her balance and got stuck in the doorway. Crowding pushed her out Soon after the train left the station, she was pushed out by the crowd and fell onto the tracks. Other passengers quickly informed authorities, and Rutuja was taken to Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar for emergency care, but she was declared dead when she arrived. Police said that Rutuja was on her way home and had managed to board the train, but the overcrowding caused her to lose her grip. Parents in shock “She was returning home to Karjat from her job in Thane. She worked at a private travel agency. We have informed her family, and they are in shock over her sudden death,” a police officer said. The Kalyan Government Railway Police registered the case as an accidental death. “The woman slipped and fell onto the tracks. Locals informed us, and we reached the scene. We took her to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival,” an official added. Rutuja Jangam is survived by her parents and lived in an apartment in Karjat.
24 October,2024 01:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheADVERTISEMENT
