Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on Tuesday said the ruling Mahayuti alliance, led by CM Eknath Shinde, has almost finalised its seat sharing deal for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly election 2024, reported the PTI. "Some seats have been finalised, while a decision on the remaining seats is expected today," the NCP chief told reporters. "There is no reason for me to be present at the meeting when the decision on some seats is to be taken between the BJP and Shiv Sena," Ajit Pawar said, on his absence at the talks between leaders of BJP and Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Monday, according to the PTI. The three (party leaders) are present when discussions concern all the three constituents of the Mahayuti alliance, he added. "As some candidates had to keep up with the 'muhurat' for filing of nominations, they have been allotted our party's A and B forms, Ajit Pawar said, as per the PTI. The A and B forms are important documents, which denote that a certain candidate has been approved by a political party and should be allotted the election symbol of that party. There has been no confirmation from any of the ruling alliance leaders on media reports that the BJP may contest 156 of the 288 seats, while Shiv Sena may fight on 78 seats and the NCP may get 54 seats to contest. Meanwhile, before announcing candidates, NCP has released a list of 27 star campaigners for Maharashtra Assembly election. Ajit Pawar, NCP working president Praful Patel, the party's state head Sunil Tatkare and a host of cabinet members figure in a list of 27 star campaigners released by the ruling coalition partner for the November 20 assembly polls, reported the PTI. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, is yet to declare its candidates for the polls to the 288-member assembly.Before announcing its candidates, which is expected this week, the regional party came out with a list of 27 star campaigners for the assembly elections. State NCP president Sunil Tatkare, who is also a Lok Sabha MP, announced the list. The party's star campaigners include NCP president Ajit Pawar, Patel, Sunil Tatkare, state ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Dhananjay Munde, Hasan Mushrif and Aditi Tatkare. The others in the list are Deputy Speaker of state assembly Narhari Zirwal, Rajya Sabha MP Nitin Patil, veteran actor Sayaji Shinde, MLA Amol Mitkari, minority community leader Jallaudin Syed, NCP youth wing national president Dheeraj Sharma and state women's commission chief Rupali Chakankar, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
22 October,2024 04:20 PM IST | MumbaiThe Bombay High Court has affirmed that a Muslim man is entitled to register more than one marriage, in accordance with personal laws that allow for multiple wedlocks. This ruling came during the case of a man seeking to register his third marriage, ANI reported.A division bench consisting of Justices B P Colabawalla and Somasekhar Sundaresan, on 15th October, directed the deputy marriage registration office of the Thane Municipal Corporation to process the application filed by a Muslim man in February of the previous year. He sought to register his marriage with a woman from Algeria.In their plea, the couple requested that the authorities issue them a marriage certificate, contending that their application was denied due to it being the man's third marriage. According to ANI, the authorities had refused to register the marriage, citing the Maharashtra Regulation of Marriage Bureaus and Registration of Marriages Act, which, they claimed, defines marriage as a single union, thereby excluding multiple marriages.However, the bench characterised the authority's refusal as "wholly misconceived," stating that there was nothing in the entire framework of the Act that would prevent a Muslim man from registering a third marriage. "Under personal laws for Muslims, they are entitled to have four wives at a time. Once this is the case, we are unable to accept the submission of the authorities that under the provisions of the Maharashtra Regulation of Marriage Bureaus and Registration of Marriages Act, only one marriage can be registered, even in the case of a Muslim male," the court stated.The bench further reasoned that accepting the authorities' argument would imply that the Maharashtra Regulation of Marriage Bureaus and Registration of Marriages Act supersedes the personal laws of Muslims. "There is absolutely nothing in this Act to indicate that the personal laws of Muslims have been excluded," they added.Interestingly, the same authorities had previously registered the petitioner’s marriage to his second wife. The authorities also claimed that the couple had not provided certain required documents. In response, the court instructed the petitioners to submit all pertinent documents within a fortnight.The court mandated that once these documents are submitted, the relevant officials of the Thane civic body must conduct a personal hearing with the petitioners and issue a reasoned order regarding the marriage registration within ten days, either granting or denying it. Until that time, the bench directed that no coercive measures should be taken against the woman, whose passport expired in May of this year. (With inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 03:12 PM IST | MumbaiAhead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday alleged that Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has promised Rs 50 crore to each MLA to secure their election victories, reported news agency ANI. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said "Yesterday, there were 2 vehicles which had almost Rs 15 crores in them. As I had said earlier, Eknath Shinde has promised his people to give them Rs 50 crore each to win elections, it was the first instalment of Rs 15 crore," reported ANI. "There were two vehicles, they let go of one after receiving a call as the inspector that was on duty there was in service of the MLA earlier. Almost 150 MLAs of the state have received Rs 15 crore each by now," Raut alleged, reported ANI. His statement comes after Pune Rural Police seized cash worth Rs 5 crore at Khed Shivapur toll booth during a Nakabandi late evening on October 21. "A total of Rs 5 crore cash was found in the car during Nakabandi by Pune Rural Police at Khed Shivapur toll Naka... Four people who were travelling in the car including the driver were questioned," Pune Rural SP, Pankaj Deshmukh said, reported ANI. "Cash has been handed over to officials of the Income Tax Department for further probe," Pune Rural SP, Pankaj Deshmukh said, reported ANI. This comes as Maharashtra prepares for a single-phase election on November 20, with counting set for November 23. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress -- have intensified their preparations for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 to 288 Assembly seats in the State. The BJP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, 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)
22 October,2024 01:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
India’s financial capital, one of the most densely populated cities, is finally getting the Mumbai Metro Line 3 decades after it was first proposed. The construction for this route, which is also known as Aqua Line or SEEPZ-Bandra-Colaba line, began in 2017 and is finally nearing completion with one phase open for the public. Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Line 3–the 12.44-kilometre section between Aarey and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC)–formally opened to the public on October 6, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this phase on October 5, connecting significant regions such as Aarey, Marol Naka, CSMIA T1 and T2, MIDC, SEEPZ, Sahar Road, Vidyanagari, Dharavi, and BKC. Nine of the stations are subterranean, with only Aarey above ground. The metro is open from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM on weekends. Fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 50. Each train has a capacity of more than 2,000 passengers, aiming to provide significant respite to commuters in these congested areas. Once complete, the underground metro line, stretching 33.5 km, is poised to significantly alter the dynamics of the city’s transport system by easing congestion, reducing travel time, and providing seamless connectivity across the city. But how will this development reshape the city’s urban landscape, economy, and everyday life? Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro Line 3 open to public Urban planners, transport experts, and economists weigh in on the potential impact of Metro Line 3, considering both the immediate benefits and the long-term implications for Mumbai’s growth. Mumbai Metro Line 3: Just another link in the chain? When asked about how the Mumbai Metro Line 3 will impact the city’s urban development plans and its land use, Pankaj Joshi, Principal Director at Urban Centre, said that the metro route runs along an established north-south corridor of suburban rail and commuters will not opt for metro unless it is cost-effective. “Metro Line 3's commissioning could serve as an impetus for revitalisation in its communities, particularly by increasing density as infrastructure develops. Its overall influence on the city, however, may be limited because it runs along the already established north-south suburban rail network. The fare structure will significantly impact whether commuters switch from suburban trains to metro. Currently, many suburban rail users may be unable to afford metro fares. Even if tickets are set between Rs 40 and Rs 60, lower-middle-class commuters are unlikely to make the switch, given the packed conditions during peak hours. The projected transformation will only occur if the price becomes more affordable,” said Joshi. Joshi further pointed out that in terms of connectivity, the city’s centre of activity has moved northwards over the years. He says South Mumbai is not seeing much densification as the suburbs that stretch from Bandra to Dahisar and Sion to Mulund. “This shift indicates that while the Metro might aid in improving connectivity, it won't drastically alter the current transit patterns. The line doesn't provide seamless connections across the entire metro network yet, meaning that commuters will often have to transfer between different lines to reach key destinations, which could limit its effectiveness until more lines are completed,” he said. “One of the most significant impacts of Metro Line 3 will likely be its future role in airport connectivity, especially with the planned connection to the Navi Mumbai airport. Once fully integrated with other lines and the airport express, the metro could facilitate smoother travel between South Mumbai, the international airport, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport. The line’s potential for real estate development, particularly redevelopment along its route, will grow as the metro network expands further,” he told mid-day. Meanwhile, Anuradha Parmar, Executive Director of Urban Design Research Institute, told mid-day that the Mumbai Metro Line 3 has the potential to streamline transit but that it is not a standalone solution. In response to a question, about its impact, she said, “Mumbai Metro Line 3 is set to enter the southernmost tip of Mumbai, an area known as Ward A, which is one of the most significant tourist districts in the country. This part of the city hosts a mix of commuter patterns, including business districts, residential zones, and a high influx of tourists. The introduction of the metro will inevitably affect these diverse movement patterns. For it to be truly effective, it needs to be integrated with other modes of transportation, especially considering the unique demands of this area.” Anuradha added that the Metro Line 3, in particular, has the potential to increase pedestrian activity in this historic and tourist-heavy area. She said that with five additional stations opening in the area (south Mumbai), the estimated number of persons accessing the metro would be anywhere between 130 to 275 per minute and the number will only increase by 25 per cent in the next five years. “The enormous amount of commuters, residents, and tourists necessitates a comprehensive mobility strategy that takes into account the many modes of transportation and how to manage them. However, neither the government nor urban planners are currently taking a holistic approach to this integration. Transportation planners, data analysts, urban designers, and planners must work together to map out these trends and develop a plan that combines the metro with the other transport modes in the area,” Anuradha said. Joshi too echoed similar sentiments while speaking about the last mile connectivity. He said, “One of the primary concerns with Mumbai's new metro lines is a lack of proper last-mile connectivity, which leaves passengers unsure about the availability of buses or other modes of transportation to reach their final destinations. This disparity compels many people to rely on expensive alternatives like as auto-rickshaws or taxis, which raises their travel expenses. The issue affects several metro lines, including the Ghatkopar-Versova, Yellow, and Red lines, and has contributed to lower-than-expected patronage, especially on the Red Line. High metro fares, when compared to more economical suburban train and bus choices, discourage cost-conscious travellers from making the transfer.” He added, “Mumbai’s status as India’s financial capital is largely attributed to its robust public transport system, which has supported the city’s economy for over a hundred years. Trains and buses have been cross-subsidising the cost of living for millions, making the city accessible to all. However, in recent years, this crucial understanding of affordable, well-connected public transport has been lost. Without addressing issues like last-mile connectivity and fare pricing, the metro system cannot fulfill its potential to ease Mumbai’s traffic woes or support its commuters effectively.” Meanwhile, responding to a query on what further challenges it poses, she said, “This region, being historically significant, presents additional challenges. The juxtaposition of modern metro infrastructure with historic precincts needs careful consideration, yet no substantial studies or assessments are being undertaken. Initiatives like the Kala Ghoda Pedestrianisation Project and other pavement improvement schemes fail to account for the impact of the new metro stations. To address these challenges and ‘ensure last-mile connectivity is seamless, a comprehensive approach is needed—one that maps data integrates transport options, and respects the area's heritage.” Responding to a query, Transport consultant Vivek Pai said that the Mumbai Metro Line 3 is poised to be a “premium alternative” to the local train network, particularly “for commuters who value convenience and speed”. “Since the line connects Andheri and Colaba to both domestic and international airports, it is expected to be a popular choice for air travellers, especially those running late or seeking a hassle-free journey. While the metro line has been well-conceptualised and doesn't face significant operational challenges, its long-term success hinges on occupancy rates. First-mile, last-mile connectivity, and multimodal integration remain critical issues that need addressing to ensure the metro can serve a wide range of commuters effectively,” said Pai. Pai noted that only around 10-15 per cent of commuters–who travel on local trains–are expected to shift to the metro. However, he said, that the metro could attract a larger portion of passengers who currently use cab aggregator services or drive their cars. “To complement the metro's services, buses will need to reinvent their role, acting more as feeder services than traditional trunk lines, ensuring that commuters can easily transition between different modes of transport,” Pai said. In this new scenario, integrated public transport (IPT) services and feeder networks will be essential. Feeder services such as shared autos, shared taxis, and bus networks must be strategically planned based on load and peak travel analyses to meet passenger demand efficiently. These services will play a crucial role in making Metro Line 3 a viable option for commuters, improving accessibility and ensuring smooth, seamless travel across the city, he added. Mumbai Metro Line 3 is also being seen as a potential catalyst for economic growth in the city. According to economist Vivek Sarin, infrastructure projects like this one have a multiplier effect on local economies. “Earlier, travel from Point A to Point B would take at least two hours, which with the metro, has reduced significantly. Improved transport infrastructure boosts productivity by cutting down travel times,” said Sarin, a professor at Lovely Professional University. He also noted that the commissioning of the entire nearly 33 km of the Metro Line 3 will give way for business to grow. Commercial hubs will mushroom along the metro route, he said. When asked about what he thinks is one of the challenges of operation and maintenance of Metro Line 3, Sarin responded by saying that the underground nature of the route and its proximity to the coastal areas makes it more susceptible to damage. However, he points out that the important question to be raised is, “Why did Mumbai get its Metro later?” “Kolkata got its metro in the 1980s, followed by Delhi in the 2000s; however it is only now that we have a metro. Commissioning of metro in Mumbai was delayed,” Sarin said. Mumbai Metro Line 3 faces challenges: Financial risks & integration woes Anuradha, while speaking about challenges in realising Metro Line 3, said that the administration has adopted a band-aid approach. “The biggest challenge facing Mumbai Metro Line 3 is the lack of comprehensive planning and integration between different parts of the city’s transport network. Current studies are conducted in a piecemeal manner, with no coordination between what is planned in one area, like Kurla, and what happens at the other end of the line. Without a seamless, fully integrated system that connects all origin and destination points—ensuring passengers don’t end up stranded looking for transport—the metro will struggle to achieve its full potential. A holistic, top-to-bottom study linking all proposed projects is essential to avoid missed opportunities and address these challenges effectively,” Anuradha said. Meanwhile, Pali said, “The primary risk for Mumbai Metro Line 3 is financial, as the government must implement policies to reduce dependence on private vehicles in areas influenced by the metro. Ensuring seamless transport and demand-based pricing will help maintain steady ridership at near-full capacity. Passenger safety, especially for pedestrians, requires junction improvements and traffic calming measures. Additionally, flood-proofing and addressing leakages are critical to prevent disruptions to metro operations.”
22 October,2024 01:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjana DeshpandeSandeep Naik, son of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Airoli candidate Ganesh Naik, resigned from all party positions on Tuesday. Sandeep Naik is likely to join the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and is expected to contest the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 from the Belapur constituency, where he will face off against BJP candidate Manda Mhatre. While announcing his resignation on X, Sandeep Naik said, "I have submitted my resignation from the position of BJP Navi Mumbai District President and from the party's membership to State President Shri Chandrashekharji Bawankule. I express my gratitude to the Bharatiya Janata Party for the trust it placed in me." भारतीय जनता पार्टी नवी मुंबई जिल्हाध्यक्ष व पक्षाच्या सदस्यत्वाचा राजीनामा प्रदेशाध्यक्ष श्री. चंद्रशेखरजी बावनकुळे यांना पाठवला आहे. भारतीय जनता पक्षाने माझ्यावर जो विश्वास दाखवला त्याबद्दल कृतज्ञता व्यक्त करतो.-------I have submitted my resignation from the position of BJP… pic.twitter.com/3FtG2aj5kZ — Sandeep Naik (@isandeepgnaik) October 22, 2024 BJP releases first list of 99 candidates for Maharashtra assembly polls The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released its first list of 99 candidates for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, 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 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. The announcement was two days after a meeting held at Union Home Minister Amit Shah's residence to discuss the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) strategy for the Maharashtra polls. Maharashtra has 288 Assembly seats, and the BJP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. As election day nears, both the Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress -- have intensified their preparations, including seat-sharing discussions. In the recent parliamentary elections, the opposition MVA outperformed the BJP, winning 30 of Maharashtra's 48 seats, while the BJP's tally dropped to 9 from 23 in the previous election. Maharashtra will vote on November 20, and the results will be announced on November 23.
22 October,2024 01:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress state legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat on Tuesday met with Sharad Pawar of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) ahead of today's meeting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents, which includes two parties and Shiv Sena (UBT) on seat-sharing for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, reported news agency ANI. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said "Congress' senior leader Balasaheb Thorat who was in Delhi has come to meet Sharad Pawar today morning. Later, he will go to Matoshree and then we Uddhav Thackeray and other Shiv Sena leaders will have a meeting with Congress leaders and then we will see what to do, but everything is fine as of now...," reported ANI. Yesterday, the Central Election Committee (CEC) of the Congress chaired by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge met in the national capital to finalise candidates for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar said that the final decision on all 288 seats for MVA for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 will be made by this evening. Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Monday, Wadettiwar said, "We will finalise the 17 seats. There are issues on six to seven seats in Vidarbha and that too will be resolved. We are going to contest as Aghadi...Since 3 parties are sharing 288 seats, it took a little time...The final decision on all 288 seats for Maha Vikas Aghadi will be made by tomorrow evening," reported ANI. Congress election in-charge for Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, Ramesh Chennithala refuted reports of differences among the INDIA alliance partners in the state. "There are no differences (in Maha Vikas Aghadi). We are united. Talks are going on regarding seats, it will be resolved soon," Chennithala said, reported ANI. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) -- comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress -- have intensified their preparations for the upcoming elections to 288 Assembly seats in the State. The BJP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance alongside the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP. The BJP has announced its list of 99 candidates for the elections. Voting in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20. Counting will be held on November 23. In the 2019 Maharashtra 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)
22 October,2024 12:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe recent arrests of three clean-up marshals for attempting to extort Rs 50,000 from a 21-year-old college student in Andheri while posing as policemen sheds light on how miscreants could be appointed as clean-up marshals on a contractual basis due to shortcomings in the police clearance process. According to officials, one of the arrested people had been booked for molestation but this was not mentioned in his clearance certificate. Brihanumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials and the agency concerned, Emkay Facilities Services Pvt Ltd, stated that the trio had been employed as they had submitted police clearance certificates (PCCs). When mid-day contacted the police, it was learnt that the certificate was issued to the person against whom the molestation case was registered as he had not been convicted. BMC began redeploying clean-up marshals in April to enforce hygiene in public places. Representation pic Last Thursday, the MIDC police arrested three persons—Dilshad Khan, Simranjit Singh and Rafique Chaudhari—after the student alleged they had tailed her auto and demanded money, accusing her of violating the law by smoking an e-cigarette in the vehicle. All three were released on bail the next day. Prataprao Kadam, a senior police inspector of MIDC police station, said, “All three worked as clean-up marshals on a contractual basis through an agency with the BMC. Khan had been booked in a molestation case in 2022 at Santacruz police station and cops are probing if the accused had committed similar offences.” Dilshad Khan, clean-up marshal who had been booked for molestation; Rafique Chaudhari, an accused; Simranjit Singh, an accused He added that the person is considered innocent until proven guilty and cases may not be mentioned in PCCs if they are if they are under investigation or the individual is an undertrial. The BMC began deploying clean-up marshals in April 2024 to enforce hygiene and sanitation in public places, aiming to maintain a force of 30 marshals in each of Mumbai’s 24 wards. As complaints there had been complaints about extortion when clean-up marshals first patrolled the streets, the BMC chalked out new rules and regulations for the squad. To be appointed as a clean-up marshal, one should have passed Std X and the agency must obtain a verification certificate from the police to check if the candidate has a criminal record. Kiran Dighavkar, deputy municipal commissioner and in-charge of the solid waste management department under whose watch clean-up marshals are appointed, said that the BMC immediately asked the agency concerned for clarification after Thursday’s incident came to light. Agency’s version Emkay Facilities Services Pvt Ltd informed the MIDC police that the trio had submitted the required documents and that they had permission to collect fines only related to cleaning and after the news appeared, they were immediately suspended. Santosh Gawade, CEO of Emkay Facilities Services said, “As per the BMC’s process, a clean-up marshal must have a Std X pass certificate and PCC. We appoint only those who submit these documents along with their Aadhaar and PAN cards. There wasn’t any case mentioned against the trio, according to their PCCs.” A police officer said that only proven charges are mentioned in a PCC. During passport verification, cases against candidates being investigated by the police or under trial are mentioned and when affidavits are filed by electoral aspirants, police hand over a record of all major cases registered against them to the Election Commission, as per the required format. mid-day tried to contact Commissioner of Police Vivek Phansalkar; Satyanarayan Chaudhary, joint commissioner of police, law and order; and Akbar Pathan, deputy commissioner of police, but they did not respond to calls and messages. Sachin Gunjal, DCP of Zone X, under which the extortion case was filed, said he would look into the matter and if cases had been registered against Khan and if so, why this wasn’t reflected in his PCC. ActivistSpeak “In police clearance certificates, even cases under investigation are mentioned as it sometimes takes eight to 10 years to close a case. The police also ask for a reference letter from housing societies. Why the case was not mentioned in the PCC of the clean-up marshal should be investigated,” said Vishwas Kamble, a Kurla-based activist. The BMC had first appointed clean-up marshals in 2006 and then in July 2016. In both instances, they faced extortion complaints. The marshals were given the power to penalise people for spitting, littering, dumping waste/debris, open defecation, not picking up pets’ poop, etc and the fine ranged from Rs 100 to Rs 1,000. During the pandemic, the BMC has been given the right to act against those who did not use masks in public places till the end of 2022. 2022Year the accused was booked for molestation Oct 17Day trio was arrested What happened last week? Three clean-up marshals posing as cops were caught after they tried to extort R50,000 from a college student who was vaping in an autorickshaw while on her way back from college. Clean-up marshals in the dock This newspaper carried multiple reports on extortion cases involving clean-up marshals in 2022. . In May 2021 the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested a clean-up marshal for allegedly posing as a policeman and extorting R5,000 from a man who was allegedly caught spitting in public in Mahim. . In September 2019 clean-up marshals posing as cops extorted R3,500 from three male college students for taking pictures at Marine Drive after threatening to charge them for entering the sea.
22 October,2024 10:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleIf you are a Class X student of the Maharashtra state board, failing or scoring low in Mathematics and Science no longer means a complete halt to your educational journey. According to the updated provisions in the revised State Curriculum Framework (SCF), released by the SCERT, students scoring between 20 and 35 marks in these subjects will still be able to continue their education and be allowed to move to junior college. Historically, failing in Mathematics has been a common struggle for students. A familiar refrain for many was, "Scored well in all subjects but failed in Maths." This stigma and fear often prevent students from advancing in their academic careers. However, the updated framework now offers two choices for students in this predicament: they can either reattempt the exam or move forward with an SSC certificate that includes a special section, acknowledging their partial success in Mathematics and Science. This new approach primarily targets students who do not wish to pursue careers in Mathematics or Science-related fields. Those students will have the opportunity to leave these subjects behind without hindering their progress into higher education. Essentially, this means that the haunting dream of failing Maths no longer needs to become a reality for many. The fear of losing further educational opportunities is greatly reduced. "This is the recommendation in the revised SCF. It is one of many changes and improvements made to the state curriculum framework after carefully studying the issues in the old syllabus and trends in student performance," said a senior official from the school education department. New provisions in the revised SCF: Option for Re-examination: Students scoring less than 35 but more than 20 marks in Mathematics or Science have the option to reappear for the exam if they wish to improve their score. SSC Certification with Remarks: Students who do not wish to reattempt the exam can move forward to the standard 11 or first-year junior college with a certificate that includes a specific remark, indicating their limitations in Mathematics and Science. This provides an avenue for pursuing courses that do not require a strong background in these subjects. Impact on students and the education system: The reform also addresses the issue of educational stagnation for some students after the grade X. Officials claim that the policy aims to help students avoid getting stuck in academic limbo due to difficulties with traditionally challenging subjects like Maths and Science. For students opting out of these subjects, the syllabus offers General Mathematics from Class VIII onwards. "While this subject was designed for students not inclined towards higher-level Mathematics, the number of students opting for it has been decreasing over time," SCERT noted. Officials state that the revised curriculum framework is designed to alleviate pressure on students, enabling them to focus on subjects that align with their strengths and future aspirations. It recognizes that not all students need to excel in Mathematics or Science to achieve success in their careers and lives. "By providing this kind of flexibility, the system hopes to ensure that students who are not inclined towards technical or scientific fields can still thrive academically without unnecessary setbacks," the official added.
22 October,2024 10:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghIn a recent fireside chat in New York, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the pressing challenges facing the Indian economy, particularly focusing on employability. She pointed out that a significant hurdle is the gap between the skills possessed by graduates and the expectations of employers. "The biggest challenge that we have is the employability level or the skill set that is so required," she stated, emphasising that while many students graduate with degrees, there is often a disconnect between their qualifications and the skills needed in the job market. The government is actively working to bridge this gap and equip the youth with essential skills, especially in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Sitharaman highlighted how the digitalisation of the Indian economy has formalised various sectors, allowing more citizens to engage in economic activities. During her talk at the Economic Club of New York, she praised the success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), noting the swift transition from plastic cards to QR codes. "The smallest vendor of vegetables or seasonal fruits uses a QR code," she remarked, underscoring how this shift has not only democratized payments but also reduced dependence on cash and enhanced transparency. The Finance Minister also discussed India’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070, pointing out the country's rapid transition from thermal power to renewable energy sources, particularly solar. India has already exceeded its solar energy targets ahead of schedule, despite not receiving the anticipated USD 100 billion global fund for green energy transitions. Sitharaman noted that the country is investing in solar, wind, and hybrid renewable projects, and is actively pursuing initiatives in green hydrogen production, advanced battery storage, electric mobility, and modular nuclear energy plants. However, she acknowledged the challenges posed by high transitional costs, especially as natural gas prices soar. Despite these difficulties, Sitharaman expressed confidence that India's efforts would continue to progress, relying on public funding and homegrown solutions rather than foreign technology or investments. Addressing geopolitical issues, she voiced concerns over rising insurance costs, uncertain shipping routes, and global supply chain disruptions impacting food, fertiliser, and fuel availability. "The geopolitical developments do cause a concern for me," she stated, highlighting the complexities that current global dynamics present for the Indian economy. According to ANI, Sitharaman's remarks underscore the government's commitment to addressing employability challenges while navigating a rapidly evolving economic landscape. (With Inputs from ANI)
22 October,2024 10:24 AM IST | New YorkAfter a clear sky day, haze enveloped Mumbai on Tuesday morning slightly obscuring its skyline. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Colaba observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 33.5 degrees Celcius on Tuesday morning. The Met department data showed that Santacruz observatory recorded a temperature of 34.4 degrees Celcius which is 0.4 degrees above normal temperature. The present temperature of the city, as per the Mumbai weather updates, is 28.4oC and the humidity is at 86 per cent. Meanwhile, the wind speed is 0 km/h. The IMD, in their forecast for the city, said that the maximum temperature will likely be around 35 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature is likely to be around 26 degrees Celsius. The sun rose at 06:35 AM and will set at 06:11 PM. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather updates have forecasted a "Partly cloudy sky with possibility of light to moderate rain/ thundershowers" for the city and suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI remains 'good' On October 22, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality was in the 'good' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 54 at 9:05 AM. Unlike the previous days—per the SAMEER app dashboard—all areas of the city showed 'good' AQI. However, areas like Vasai, Mazgaon and Bandra Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of above 80. BKC's AQI stood at 84, Mazgaon was at 82 and Vasai's AQI was 86. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'good' category with an AQI of 74, while Thane registered a 'good' AQI of 72. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'. Meanwhile, as air pollution levels continue to rise in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revised guidelines issued last year for construction sites. The civic body will also form squads at the ward level to visit construction sites and act if guidelines are flouted. Sensor-based air pollution monitoring systems will be installed at all construction project work sites and immediate action to be taken if pollution levels are detected above the limit.
22 October,2024 09:55 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Amidst a stalemate over seat-sharing, the Congress said on Monday that it had decided its 96 Assembly seats, but unlike other parties, it did not release the list of candidates, adding that it would discuss sharing with Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP) and Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT) again on Tuesday. The interlude didn't go without turns and twists as a section of media reported on Monday that Sena (UBT) was on its way out from MVA, and its leader Sanjay Raut had met the Union Minister Amit Shah to discuss this. Unidentified Congress leaders were credited for sharing the information with the media persons. Both Raut and Congress state president Nana Patole, the negotiators who have been at the centre stage for their angry exchanges over disagreement, dismissed the information as rumour. Patole, who along with other senior state leaders had gone to New Delhi to convince the high command about not conceding more seats in the party's stronghold Vidarbha to the Thackeray Sena, hoped that the three parties would finish talks soon. The Congress high command had sent Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala to meet Thackeray after the talks had taken a dramatic turn and were stalled over a disagreement. NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar is also learnt to have intervened to ease tension between the Congress and Sena. The Congress has asked senior leader Balasaheb Thorat to meet Thackeray and Pawar. The decision was taken after Thackeray’s party had objected to Patole’s aggressive demeanour in the talks held so far. According to information, the Congress may concede about 3-4 of 12 disputed seats in Vidarbha to the Sena (UBT). Congress leaders from Vidarbha also reached Delhi on Monday to defy the Sena's demand. They are very confident that the party would outscore the BJP in the region having 62 seats, and pave the way for the party to achieve a goal of becoming the single largest party in the pre-poll alliance. BJP has been leading in Vidarbha, but it has reduced its strength there not only in Assembly in (2019) but also in Lok Sabha (2024). Sena and Congress are also stuck over Mumbai's Byculla and Versova. Sena (UBT) to stay "There is no dispute in Maha Vikas Aghadi. As of now, the discussion for the Congress's 96 seats is over. We will talk to Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday. We will try to release the names after tomorrow's talks," Patole said from Delhi. Patole said the talks of the Sena (UBT) leaving the MVA over seat-sharing had no base. "The Congress has not made any statement about the Sena's exit (and Raut's meeting with Shah). The BJP is spreading misunderstanding about the Opposition because it fears a crushing defeat in the ensuing elections. We, in MVA, are united in our efforts to seize power in Maharashtra," he added. ‘All false claims’ Earlier in the day, Raut said the talks of him meeting Shah were rubbish. "It is a matter of joke if Congress leaders have said that I have met Shah. I know who has fed this information to the media persons. We will never compromise on the pride of Maharashtra. We will never join hands with the forces that have destroyed Maharashtra's pride," he said, hoping that the talks would end soon, and candidates declared. According to him, the MVA had finished sharing 210 of 288 seats. Raj names candidates Even as rumour mills said that Raj Thackeray, CM Eknath Shinde and DyCM Devendra Fadnavis had reached an agreement over certain seats, the MNS chief announced his candidates for Thane (Avinash Jadhav) and Kalyan Rural (party's only sitting MLA, Raju Patil). Earlier during his state tour. Raj had announced Shivadi (Bala Nandgaonkar). Pandharpur (Dilip Dhotre), Latur-Rural (Santosh Nagargoje), Hingoli (Bandu Kute), Chandrapur-SC (Mandeep Rode), Rajura (Sachin Bhoyar) and Yavatmal (Raju Umbarkar). On Sunday, the BJP named 99 candidates, repeating most of its sitting MLAs. It is still in talks with allies to decide on more seats.
22 October,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreADVERTISEMENT
