Saturday, 31 March 2012
WR locals to get advanced system to keep them off collision course
Train protection warning system (TPWS), proposed for Western Rly among others by Rly Board, will minimise risk of signal breach and derailments, deter speeding trains, and reduce collisionsWhile the French call it 'the Crocodile', the Germans have named their train protection system 'Indusi'. Now, the Railway Board is working out a similar advanced warning system for the Western Railway (WR), starting with suburban locals in Mumbai, where about 1,214 train services are operated every day.Need for upgrade: Currently,
Cong worker attacked by hitmen, rescued by plainclothes policemen
The victim had approached the cops yesterday morning after receiving a death threat over the phonePrompt action by DN Nagar police yesterday saved the life of Sohrab Khan, president, human rights department (North West district) of Congress. The victim, a resident of Juhu Galli in Andheri (West), approached the policelast morning after receiving a threatening call on his mobile. The caller had warned Khan that he would be killed during the day.Cut to the chase: Sohrab Khan with his brother (left) Allah-ud-din, who was injured in the attackWhen the 40-year-old told Vijay Bhoite,
Convict suffers renal failure after donating kidney to mom
Known for rushing to rescue of those in distress, Aakash Belkhade now fights for his own life and grant of bailA convict in a murder case who is serving a life term, Aakash Belkhade is known for his philanthropic streak, having saved many lives since he was let out on bail to donate a kidney to his mother. Now, the 26-year-old lifer is fighting for his own life after the one kidney he is left with has begun failing. Saviour: Aakash was granted three months' bail in October 2010
17 inches between life and death
A year after MiD DAY investigation revealed how gaps between platforms and trains were way beyond the permissible norm of 8 inches, it's still the same old story at most stations.A year ago, MiD-DAY had visited several railway stations on the central and western lines in the city, where yawning gaps between the train footboard and station platforms were noticed. These gaps exceeded the permissible limit of eight inches, as prescribed by the railway rules.High jump: The height between Thane's platform No 2
Friday, 30 March 2012
34 more test H1N1 positive
A new high was seen yesterday in the number of people testing positive for the H1N1 virus in a single day with 34 new cases as 2,933 individuals at various centres across the district were screened by authorities. The number of swine flu cases in the district now stands at 253.Dr Ashok Ingale, medical officer at Government District Hospital, Aundh, said two patients were on ventilator support, one each at Deenanath Mangeshkar and Aditya Birla hospitals, while 14 were in
BNHS launches coffee table book on Himalayan wildlife
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has come out with a coffee table book on rich flora and fauna found in the Himalayas and Terai region. 'Wildlife of the Himalayas and the Terai region' contains rare articles, paintings and lithographs of Himalayan wildlife from the British period, BNHS said in a release here. It has reproductions of lithographs and paintings of Himalayan birds, plants and animals by eminent old time European artists and naturalists such as John Gould, J Forbes Royle, J D Hooker, Nathaniel Wallich, E C Stuart Baker, T C Jerdon, R
New tax on domestic LPG in Maharashtra rolled back
Buckling under pressure from all political parties and the public, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar Thursday affected a marginal rollback of a new tax he had levied in the state budget four days ago. "The proposed five percent VAT on domestic LPG has been reduced and it would now be only three percent," Pawar informed the state legislature. The five pecent VAT on domestic LPG would have hiked the cost of a LPG cylinder by around Rs.20, earning the state exchequer additional revenue of upto
Fire breaks out in Mumbai warehouse
A massive fire broke out in a scrap warehouse in northeast Mumbai's Mankhurd area early Friday but there were no human casualties in the incident. Eight fire tenders rushed to the spot to battle the blaze, which broke out at 4.50 a.m., disaster control officials said. The fire has been brought under control, but the cause of the blaze was not immediately known.
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Teen from Andhra allegedly commits suicide in Mumbai hotel
An 18-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh allegedly committed suicide today by hanging herself in her hotel room at suburban Andheri, police said. Ranjala Kusuma Shrisambhavi was found hanging to the ceiling fan with her dupatta at around 10 AM in her room in Hotel Highway Residency by an attender, they said. Ranjala's family had registered a missing person complaint at a police station in Andhra Pradesh on March 3 after she did not return home. According to police, Ranjala had checked into the hotel
Empowering women through retail therapy
Crescent Moon, a bi-annual exhibition is where you should be headed. The exposition being held at the Hotel Taj Vivanta, Cuffe Parade on March 29 is being organised for the cause of promoting women entrepreneurs and supporting NGOs that work towards empowerment of women and children. All that glitters: A gold and pearl chain that will feature at the exhibitionIn its fourth year, the exhibition will display clothes, jewellery, fashion accessories, home artefacts, gift articles and other unique items from
Radhika Apte Photo Shoot
Actress Radhika Apte Photo Shoot for Vetri Selvan Tamil Movie. Radhika Apte pairing with Ajmal Ameer in this film. Directed by Rudhran and Music by Manisharma.Radhika Apte Photo Shoot
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
'Mr Mayor, we already have helipads for disaster situations'
Sunil Prabhu demanded at least 3 helipads from the CM for disaster situations; corporators say he is ill-informed as there are 40 bus depots that are supposed to serve the very purpose.Floating an idea is alright if you have the right one. Otherwise you risk flying into a controversy. Just like Sunil Prabhu, the mayor of Mumbai. The recently appointed first citizen is facing flak from several quarters for his newfound passion -- helipads in the city. Prabhu asked
Actress Kajal Agarwal gallery
Kajal Agarwal (Actress) Latest Stills Kajal Agarwal (Actress) New Photos Kajal Agarwal photos from Binami Velakotlu Movie Kajal Agarwal in Binami Velakotlu Movie picturesActress Kajal Agarwal gallery
Ram Charan Racha Movie Stills
Megapower star Ram Charan, Tamanna starring Racha movie latest photo stills galleryRam Charan Racha Movie Stills
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Now, jail, fine for officials who fail to rein in slums
After presidential consent to amendments in 5 civic Acts in state, BMC will appoint officials to curb encroachments; if they fail, they'll face 3 months in jail and Rs 20k fine The fact of slums and shanties, in existence since the founding fathers adopted development dharma as the way forward, is more entrenched in the city than the laws geared toward curbing it. But in a move that amplifies civic accountability, citizens can now pin the blame on officials instated specially to curb the mushrooming of hutments. If they
Wary family thrash man who took lift from teenage daughter
Doubting that 18-year-old girl was having an affair with the 45-year-old whom she agreed to drop to his place during an auto strike, enraged BJP MLA's kin maul him, his family, and his sister-in-law's familyParents are always a suspicious lot when it comes to their teenage children. But the degrees make all the difference between the unwarranted and the acceptable, as this incident proves. An innocuous lift given by an 18-year-old girl to a stranded commuter during a rickshaw strike ended with the unsuspecting
Four people loot Rs 32 lakh near Bhiwandi
Four unidentified persons looted a petrol pump cashier at Padgha on Bombay-Agra road and decamped with Rs 32 lakh, police said today. The incident took place yesterday when victim Niteen Patil was on his way to powerloom town of Bhiwandi in a van to deposit the cash collection, they said. The assailants armed with axe and iron rods attacked Patil and fled with the cash bag on gun point, police said. The vehicle was also smashed befored the accused escaped with the booty after threatening the van driver also. Police
Anna Hazare losing relevance: Bal Thackeray
Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray Tuesday questioned the relevance of the anti-corruption crusade by veteran activist Anna Hazare and his team members. In an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamna, Thackeray said that for the first time since Hazare's "flop show" in Mumbai in December last year, Team Anna had again featured in the news. "The Team's members like Prashant Bhushan faced public ire, Arvind Kejriwal was greeted with slippers, Kiran Bedi's corrupt activities tumbled out, Swami Agnivesh was out of the Team when the agitation
Monday, 26 March 2012
Cops stop suspicious car, find naked realtor in boot
29-year-old property agent was abducted, stripped and being taken to Navi Mumbai by four men over a money dispute; cops nabbed the accused during routine nakabandiWhatever the make and model of the car, the boot isn't the most comfortable place to travel. Take it from Samit Ghangade. The 29-year-old real estate agent from Versova was abducted and being taken to Navi Mumbai by four men when the Nehru Nagar police intercepted the vehicle and nabbed the abductors. As cops at the nakabandi
Ex-watchman held for extorting money from CA
Demanded R5.50 lakh for sparing the lives of complainant's sons; was arrested red-handed while collecting moneyThe D N Nagar police arrested Arjun Chhetri alias Ravi Reddy, a former watchman at Parimal Heights on Gulmohar Road in Andheri West, for extorting a chartered accountant (CA) from the same building on Friday. Reddy was nabbed red-handed while collecting extortion money from the complainant Anuj Desai. According to cops, on March 20, Reddy handed over an envelope to the building watchman, asking him to pass it on to the Desais. Later, the watchman gave it
Swine Flu is back
While 147 cases in Pune with nine deaths rekindled fears of a resurgence of the dreaded H1N1 pandemic, Mumbai too is coming under attack at lightning speed, with five cases being detected in less than a week Testing times lie ahead for citizens. After a brief interlude for a greater part of last year, Mumbaikars are feeling the chills again, as the dreaded swine flu virus is back to stalk the city. While most medical experts mask their fears, five citizens have already contracted the deadly disease, within a matter
Maharashtra ATS guns down terror suspect in Aurangabad
A suspect in the 2008 Ahmedabad blasts was killed and two of his accomplices arrested in an encounter with Maharashtra ATS today, which also left a constable, wounded at Aurangabad. The deceased has been identified as Khaleel, a resident of Gulmohar Colony in Ahmedabad, police said. The encounter occurred near Uddhav Rao Patil Chowk in Himayat Bagh area of the town around 12.30 PM, sources said, adding two accomplices of Khaleel identified as Mohammed Shabbir and Abrar, were arrested in an injured condition after
Sunday, 25 March 2012
'A city is a collaborative endeavour'
Open Mumbai: Let's Expand Public Spaces, is a series of vision plans for a cleaner, greener, better planned Mumbai, mounted by architecture firm P. K. Das & Associates and the Mumbai Waterfronts Centre, currently on display at a city gallery. Das, Chairperson of the MWC, tells us what it will mean to you if the plans are ever sanctioned to be translated into reality. PK Das, chairperson, Mumbai Waterfronts Centre, at his Prabhadevi office with a vision plan for Juhu that will be part of the exhibition. Pic/
MERC to hold public hearing to discuss power hike
On Monday and Tuesday, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) will hold a public hearing for BEST and Reliance Infrastructure Ltd respectively. The hearing will be held at World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade at 11 am and will question the need for power hikes proposed by the distribution companies. The BEST Undertaking distributes electricity to over 10 lakh consumers from Colaba to Mahim/Sion. It has proposed a 43 per cent hike in energy charges and 31 per cent hike in fixed charges. "This proposed hike will surely burden the consumers," said Ravi Raja, BEST Committee member.
Auto drivers refuse to ply after union called off strike
Autorickshaw drivers in Navi Mumbai decided to continue their strike on Saturday despite the unions calling off the strike on Friday. The strike began as an indefinite one after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) mandated a reduction in fare from Rs 15 to Rs 11 for the first 1.6 km and the current Rs 9.50 to Rs 7 for every additional km. It was called off on Friday when the RTO promised autorickshaw drivers that the issue of revision of auto
Ex-army major is first disabled Indian at UN agency
Former Indian Army officer who suffered severe visual impairment and survived two years in the hospital post an operation in Kashmir in 2000 becomes first disabled Indian to be appointed to UN agencyMajor Gopal Mitra (41) may desire to borrow vision for few moments to salute the Indian tricolour flying high at the UNICEF headquarters in New York on his first day of a new job tomorrow. A former Indian Army officer, Mitra is the first disabled person from India to be appointed at the headquarters of a major UN agency.Pic courtesy/
Saturday, 24 March 2012
The Italian job is left unfinished
Odisha hostage talks suspended after 100 rebels kidnap legislator, kill police officer Talks to secure the release of two Italians kidnapped by Maoists in Odisha were suspended yesterday after a legislator of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was kidnapped and a rebel killed a police officer in the state. After holding several hours of discussion for the third consecutive day, both the government-appointed mediators and the Maoist- interlocutors announced the suspension of dialogue, but said it was temporary.Italian national Paolo Bosusco, 54, poses
Fire aboard boat off Mumbai coast
Three persons were injured in a fire that broke out today in a boat off the Mumbai coastThe fire broke out in 'Royal Diamond 7' boat near the Butcher Island off Mumbai coast, police said. The vessel seems to have been ferrying some chemicals, they said. The injured have been rushed to St George hospital in South
Speak up and be killed?
Anti-corruption volunteers to hold march in city tomorrow for strong Act to protect whistle blowersHe may be down but not out yet. Anna Hazare who ignited a nation with his anti-corruption stance, may have gone off the radar slightly after a below expectations response to a rally called at Bandra in Mumbai some time ago. Now though his movement India Against Corruption (IAC) Mumbai volunteers say his spirit will be with them as they plan a morcha from Vile Parle (W) station to Juhu Beach Chowky on Sunday
Promise of 50 diesel AC Volvo buses not kept, BEST talks CNG
Inability to put more than 3 diesel AC Volvos on roads does not deter BEST from drawing up CNG trial plansIn November 2010, BEST introduced two Volvo AC buses running on diesel. At the function that saw the inauguration of the services by Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, it was announced that 48 more of these buses would be added to the BEST fleet. More than a year later, the BEST has just three diesel Volvo buses in its fleet of 4,700 buses, of
Friday, 23 March 2012
Daylight murder: 23-yr-old woman stabbed 5 times
Three persons have been detained; cops are trying to find out if one of them stabbed the victim to death yesterday morning in MaladWas it a jilted lover who brutally killed Seema Parab in Malad yesterday? Police have detained three persons and are trying to ascertain if one of them stabbed the 23-year-old woman five times with a knife while she was heading to work from her home at Kokani Pada, Pragati Nagar, Malad (E) around 9 am. Slayed: The spot
BMC may auction Santacruz building over Rs 6-crore dues
Property attachment notice slapped on Dheeraj Heritage; 385 shop owners cry foul, say builder-civic body fight will strip them of all they ownThe livelihood and life savings of some 385 shop owners in the five-storey Dheeraj Heritage situated at the Milan Subway junction on SV Road, Santacruz (West) are hanging by a thread, thanks to outstanding property taxes allegedly owed by the property's developers to civic authorities. On shaky ground: Dheeraj Heritage situated at Milan Subway junction in Santacruz (W). (below) Bill of arrears showing that the developers owe property taxes of Rs 5.82 crore to the BMC The BMC's assessment
Maid cons 8 of Rs 1.25 cr posing as govt employee
Promised victims flats and plots at low cost and collected cash of varying amounts over a span of two years; victims approached cops only after she began avoiding themThe Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police arrested a housemaid on Thursday for allegedly cheating around eight people to the tune of Rs 1.25 crore by promising them flats and low cost plots. The accused, Vidya Sadanand Rane posed as an employee at the city collector's office to gain the confidence of her victims. Representation picShe collected cash of varying amounts
Pay more for water
Get set to pay higher maintenance charges, as housing societies will have to pay the 'telescopic' rates fixed by the BMC, which can go up to double the current charges or even more.Kalpataru Habitat, a 21-storey tower located in Parel, consumes 2 lakh litres of water a month and is paying Rs 20,000 for that. When the buildings are installed with water meters, the residents will have to shell out about Rs 35,000 a month for the consumption. That's because BMC
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Want to tweak the budget? Mail BMC
For 'Mumbaikar's budget', civic body invites suggestions and objections from citizens through e-mail or fax to standing committee chief; promises enforcing proposed changesThis is for those who are not happy with the sundry tax hikes proposed in the BMC budget. Your one mail or fax can change things. For the first time, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has assured of considering revisions in the budget on popular demand. Vox populi: The idea behind asking citizens to participate in fashioning the budget, presented on Tuesday, is to give voice to
Near miss for Jet flights slated to land at same time
Confusion prevailed at Mumbai airport after airplane took longer to vacate runway, forcing another to stay airborne, and a third to delay take-off; all were Jet Airways flightsA major tragedy was averted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport last evening when two Jet Airways aircraft were scheduled to land on the same runway a minute apart, forcing a third flight, ready for departure, to abort. Proper timing: Every flight needs to clear the runway within 35-40 seconds of landing. Representation picPanic followed the landing of Bhuj-Mumbai
Criminal negligence: Wire snaps on highway, slits biker's neck
Israr Khan was riding on the western express highway near Andheri when an overhead cable snapped and came swooping down on him; while he died, the pillion rider survived with minor injuriesWearing a helmet is just not enough for two-wheeler riders these days as danger lurks in arcane ways on the city's highways. In a bizarre incident on Western Express Highway yesterday, a 27-year-old biker was killed after an overhead metal wire snapped, slitting his throat. Freak accident: Khan and his colleague Ram Bhavan Pal were
Maha govt suspends two IAS officers accused in Adarsh scam
Senior IAS officers Pradeep Vyas and Jairaj Phatak have been placed under suspension pending investigation in the Adarsh Housing Society scam, Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court today. While Vyas was the Collector of Mumbai, Phatak was City Municipal Commissioner when the scam took place. According to the CBI, Vyas (49), during his tenure as Collector from August 2002 to May 2005, allegedly connived with other accused and accepted false documents as proof of income and granted membership to those who were not eligible.
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
HC gives relief to blind girl, cancels order minutes later
The court was unhappy with the fact that the petitioner had not approached it on the matter earlierRemember Neha Agarwal? MiD DAY had first reported on February 10 (Blind girl runs pillar to post to reclaim Rs 1-cr property from father) about the travails of this 20-year-old. Then on March 7 (Man booked for forging property documents to cheat blind daughter) we narrated how Chembur police station had finally registered an FIR against Uday Agarwal, the accused, for allegedly fraudulently wresting the flat from his visually impaired
Man blackmails wife's friend for money, sex
The 38-year-old accused, now arrested, was allegedly harassing a married woman after he saw her with her lover and clicked their photographMoney and sex " Umesh alias Karan Rathod thought he had found a beeline to both. The journey didn't last long. Kasturba Marg police arrested the 38-year-old yesterday for allegedly blackmailing his wife's friend for money and sexual favours. According to cops, Rathod was harassing a 36-year-old Kandivli resident after he saw the woman with her alleged paramour and clicked
Adarsh scam: CBI arrests former Major General
The CBI has arrested retired Major General A R Kumar and detained another former Army officer in connection with the Adarsh Housing Society scam The arrest came hours after the agency apprehended four accused, including a retired brigadier and a former bureaucrat, in connection with the case. Kumar, ex-general officer commanding (GOC) Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat Area, was picked up by CBI sleuths yesterday from his residence in Hyderabad and produced before a court for transit remand to Mumbai, official sources said. According to CBI, Kumar, while holding the post
Bigger budget, but same old promises
The richest civic body in the country presented its Rs 26,000 crore-plus budget yesterday. But citizens have no reason to rejoice. Plans for basic amenities like 24-hour water supply and concretised roads are all set in the distant future. The only thing immediate: more taxes.Old budget in a new bottle. That's the overarching critique of the budget announced by the richest civic body in the country. The BMC budget, at over Rs 26,000 crore, has no new projects for the common man, only a list
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
NCP adds to list of unhappy UPA allies
Sharad Pawar upset with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for statement where he took potshots at alliesThe Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government is facing attacks from all sides, but the Opposition can't claim credit. That's because the trouble is brewing within the ruling coalition. After pacifying TMC and DMK, Congress is being forced to focus on a disgruntled Nationalist Congress Party. Clock ticking for UPA? Pawar has asked Congress not to compare his party with other coalition members. File picThis after NCP supremo
Chavan says Shivaji memorial in sea is on
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said that the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji memorial will come up in the Arabian Sea. The state would suggest amendments to coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms, if required, to push through the project, he saidHe informed the state legislature council Monday that the Maharashtra government will make attempts to secure permission from the union Ministry of environment and forests within a year."We shall make all efforts to get the necessary permission within a year by suggesting amendments
Two detained in connection with Adarsh scam
The CBI has detained two persons, including a retired Brigadier, in connection with its probe in the multi-crore Adarsh housing scam. The two have been identified as R C Thakur, a retired defence estates officer and Brigadier (retired) M M Wanchoo. They were picked up from their residences early this morning. Thakur's lawyer Saket Mone said, "CBI officials came to his client's residence this morning and took him to their office." The two are amongst the 14 people accused by the CBI in the Adarsh housing
Monday, 19 March 2012
Man mauled by builder's dogs for taking a leak
32-year-old event manager had to be taken to a hospital after two men attacked him and then set their ferocious canines on him for peeing at a construction siteWHO would have thought that something as basic as urinating would land one in a hospital? However, for an event manager living in Bhandup, things turned ugly when he went to a construction site to attend nature's call and landed up getting beaten up and
On the day of BMC budget: Say goodbye to good roads as BMC goofs up
Civic body has now cancelled 30% of the road repairs it had planned to do, as it failed to take into account slums, ongoing construction work.If you can't fix it, drop it: this could well be the template for the BMC's budget planning strategy for today, if one goes by what the civic body has done in the current fiscal. The corporation coolly decided to eliminate 30% of roads originally marked for repairs when it remembered the city had slums
Sri Sri Ravi Shanker is ready to broker peace between Pak and Taliban
Art of Living (AoL) founder and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shanker has offered his "good intentions and services" to the Pakistan government and said that he was ready to broker peace between the Pakistan government and Taliban.Back from a trip to Pakistan, Sri Sri told IANS that during his trip to Pakistan, he "could feel the urge in the Pakistan masses to find peace and get over violence".Moved by the successive terrorist attacks and the emotional welcome and send off he got at the
Container carrying copper coils worth Rs 1 crore goes missing
Police have launched a manhunt to trace driver of a container carrying consignment of copper coils worth over Rs one crore. The container carrying around 24 MTs of copper wires worth Rs 1.17 crore was dispatched from Dahej in Gujarat to Nhava Sheva port trust where it is supposed to unload the consignment meant for export. However the vehicle (DD 03 AF 9989) did not reach the destination even after a couple of days," said assistant sub-inspector B T Chowdhary of Valiv police station. A complaint against the driver of the vehicle, Abdul Ahmed
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Locals dump garbage in Thane's Portuguese ruins
The researcher who has discovered the dilapidated structures in Thane district wants the government to protect the sites from rising urbanisation and human intervention One and a half years of research later, Mayur Thakare, a circle officer at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has successfully traced the ruins located in Thane district's Bhiwandi-Palghar Taluka -- which some misinformed locals believed belonged to Chhatrapati Shivaji and some even to the Pandavas -- to Mumbai's colonial Portuguese past. The researcher last month proved that
Man dies after slab collapse
A 55 year-old man died after a concrete slab from an under-construction building fell on him at Oshiwara on Saturday afternoon. The under-construction building at Oshiwara. PIC/ Samarth MorayThe deceased, Shankar Kanojia, who had come to Mumbai from Uttar Pradesh just two days ago was residing with his relatives in Andheri. On Saturday at 12.30 pm, Kanojia was passing by Jai Ambe building in Anand Nagar, Oshiwara when the slab from a flat on the seventh floor fell on him. He died on the spot. Another person who was injured in the
Merchant ships get guns
In a bid to tackle pirates themselves, India's largest shipping company is set to employ armed security personnel to guard vessels. Each ship is to have a team of four personnel Waking up to the need of beefing up the security of seafarers to combat the menace of high sea piracy, the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI), the largest Indian shipping company, with a fleet of over 77 ships is all set to hire armed security personnel from private agencies, to guard its vessels.According to SCI's latest guidelines, a team of four guards
Mumbaikars don't need to panic about swine flu: Docs
While the Central government insists on one comprehensive law, the State wants only the housing sector to regulate real estate in MaharashtraThe much talked about Housing Regulating Authority, to be set up to regulate and monitor the housing sector, still has some way to go before seeing the light of day, as the Central government has asked the State to replicate its proposed central act to rein in the entire real estate sector, instead of going for a separate legislation.The
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Sachin: Now, I can move on
Watch out, Pakistan. Tendulkar will play today's Asia Cup match in Dhaka with a free mindOf the many phone calls Sachin Tendulkar received in Dhaka after becoming the first man to reach 100 international centuries, the call from his brother, Ajit, was probably most special.Pic/ Getty ImagesAjit, 11 years his senior, was the one who took young Sachin to Ramakant Achrekar's coaching nets at Shivaji Park in 1984 to kick off a journey whose end Sachin doesn't exactly relish talking about."Ajit's was the
Gold duty hike to give way to budget weddings?
With Budget '12 proposing doubling the import duty on the yellow metal, families fret that marriage expenses will surge Marriages may be heaven's business, but their costs are the concern of budgets. And this year's Union Budget suggests that the expenses are on their way up, since the government has proposed doubling the import duty on gold, as on concentrates and ores. The announcement has taken the sheen off marriages for families that have planned a wedding in
Why the Shahs are unhappy
A business family from Ghatkopar tells MiD DAY why the Union Budget is unappetising to them; says it has little charm for many others in an already inflationary scenario The Union Budget made some smile and many frown. The Shahs from Ghatkopar, who own an electronics shop, Thakur Electronics Ltd, were among the latter. The three generations of this upper class Gujarati family react to the cuts and hikes, and how it fits in, or otherwise, with their lifestyle.Pic/Sayed Sameer Abedi Dilip Shah (67):>> I
SSC student dies as docs fail to diagnose disease
Family of deceased 15-year-old alleges medical negligence, says hospital interested only in money The family of a 15-year-old SSC student from Malwani who died yesterday fighting an unknown disease has alleged that doctors were negligent in handling the case.Sanjeevani Hospital at Bhavani Chambers, Malad Prathmesh Ghadwale, a resident of Hanuman Tekdi near the Western Express Highway, Malad (East), could appear for only one SSC exam paper on March 3, after which he was admitted to Sanjeevani Hospital in Malad (East).12 days in hospitalAccording to the
Friday, 16 March 2012
Woman throws baby from third floor to escape flames
11-month-old escapes with a minor fracture and burns, as cylinder blast sparks blaze in Tardeo building; one dead and 11 injured in the mishap Catastrophe struck for 32-odd families residing at Ganpati Sadan in Tardeo yesterday -- they were rendered homeless within a matter of seconds, as flames engulfed their homes.Towering inferno: Officials help residents of the building to escape the blaze. It took them two hours and four water tenders to reduce the flames to ashes The fire caused a cylinder to burst, which eventually claimed the life
Investor withdraws first complaint against Speak Asia
Navniit Khhosla, the first person to lodge FIR against the firm withdraws complaint after recovering over R6 lakh, which he had invested with the firm Navniit Khhosla, the first person to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Speak Asia last year has withdrawn his complaint. The withdrawal came after Khhosla 'recovered' his losses. He had registered the FIR after losing Rs 6,06,000 which he had invested with the company. It was based on his complaint that
Drunk man arrested for kidnapping four-year-old
Accused: Mohan YadavThe Cuffe Parade police arrested a 32-year-old man yesterday for allegedly kidnapping Ambika Kamble (4). On searching Mohan Dhaneshwar Yadav, cops recovered a packet of condoms.Ambika's uncle Shekhar Vitthal Kamble (29) said, "I saw my niece walking with a drunk stranger, and pulled her away. Soon, passers-by joined me in bashing him," said Kamble. Yadav was handed over to the police. Cops are investigating to establish his involvement in the murders of Jagriti Patel (2) and Karishma Vijay Chavan (3) that rocked the area last November "Yadav is a resident of Kharghar. He said he
Alcohol sales: The year that wasn't
Figures reveal that the exorbitant taxes levied on liquor in the last budget made the sales percentage of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor and beer in the city run into negative values of -8.56 and -7.98% For tipplers and hotel owners who have been giddy with disbelief at the heavy burden of taxes imposed on liquor by the budget last year, this is a time of trembling anticipation and hope, as the new union budget will be made
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Viman Nagar residents allege Symbiosis misusing their land
Claim PMC illegally leased recreational ground land to Symbiosis International School, which is using it as parking lot and dumping ground for construction material; educational institute claims to have papers proving ownership of land The battle to save open spaces and recreational grounds in the city is facing several obstacles and residents of about 150 societies at Viman Nagar's Mouje Lohagoan area are fighting to be allowed to use a six-acre plot of land which they claim is being
HC allows Islamic scholar to hold meetings in Mumbai
The Bombay High Court has granted conditional permission to Pakistani-born Canadian Islamic scholar Maulana Tahirul Qadri to hold public meetings in the city, an official said Thursday. Justice V.M. Kanade and Justice P.D. Kode directed that the maulana must restrict his speeches only to spiritual and religious matters and not digress to any other controversial issue, said Imtiyaz Patel, counsel for Raza Academy, a group of Muslim scholars. Raza Academy filed a public interest litigation in the court Wednesday challenging Qadri's plans to address two major public meetings in Mumbai, contending that his speeches
MNS candidate is Nashik mayor
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) candidate Yatin Wag was today elected as Mayor of Nashik. Wag polled 54 votes with the backing of BJP in the 122-member Nashik civic body. Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP abstained from voting. The Raj Thackeray-led party with 40 seats was able to muster the required numbers to win the mayoral election held today with the help of BJP - which has 14 corporators in the newly elected NMC - and with also support from Independents and others. The Shiv Sena with 19 seats
Ten injured in fire at Thane district
A cluster of industrial godowns and hutments were gutted in fire that broke out at the powerloom of Bhiwandi town in the district, police said today. The blaze started at a chemical godown in Valgaon of Mankoli on the outskirts of Bhiwandi yesterday in which entire cluster of godown and the nearby hutments around 12 were totally destroyed. According to police, ten people, including firemen, were injured in the incident.
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Collector of properties
ACB swoops down on suspended deputy collector Nitesh Thakur's 26 properties across eight cities in the state, finds he has disproportionate assets worth over Rs 118 crore Yesterday, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials had to cut open the door to the room in which suspended deputy collector Nitesh Thakur had holed himself up. Swapnashil building in Vile Parle (E), where Thakur was hiding in his flat, is one of the 26 properties raided; officials recovered an Audi and a Land Rover among other luxury cars from himHe had shut
Hitchhiker screams rape, loots motorists
The 40-year-old femme fatale would beg for lifts, take her victims to lonely spots, get intimate with them, and then rob their valuablesThis 40-year-old femme fatale would haunt desolate streets at night, donning dark glasses, and feigning distress. When susceptible souls offered her lifts, she would blind them with her charms, convincing them to take her to a quiet spot for a quick liaison. She would then blackmail and force them to part
Builder grabs govt land, sells it back to state
Charisma Builders allegedly forged power of attorney over Chembur land in 1999, then traded it with agencies like MMRDA to avail benefits of FSI Twisting the power of attorney (PoA) made on a stamp paper of Rs 100 to his advantage, a builder allegedly grabbed government land measuring 1,35,502 sq m and traded a major portion back to the government for various projects. The land, worth over Rs 642 crore, originally belonged to a housing society. The land is now a prime location in ChemburBut no development took place there
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
DGCA orders inquiry into AI's near-mishap at Mumbai airport
The DGCA has ordered a probe into the near mishap in which 121 people onboard an Air India plane had a miraculous escape when the aircraft's tail hit the runway in Mumbai while landing at high speed. The aircraft's two pilots, including a female commander, have been derostered from flying duties following the incident yesterday, sources in Mumbai said today. The sources said the pilots may not be allowed to fly again until the DGCA report is out so that necessary correctional training could be given to
Adarsh scam: A former CM comes under CBI scanner
After Ashok Chavan, another former Maharashtra Chief Minister has come under CBI scanner in the multi-crore Adarsh housing scam with the probe agency saying names of two more persons will be added to the list of 14 accused in the chargesheet. CBI, which registered a FIR in the scam in January last year against 14 persons including Chavan, informed the Bombay High Court that names of two more persons will figure in the chargesheet. The agency is expected to complete its probe into
No scarcity of milk in Maharashtra: Minister
Maharashtra government has clarified that the state will not face scarcity of milk this year since supply is in abundance, while ruling out the possibility of increase in milk rates. "There is no scarcity of milk in the state this year. Since milk is there in excess, powder can be made from it," Animal Husbandry Minister Madhukar Chavan said, adding powder from forty thousand litres of milk is being made at the plants in Miraj and Nagpur.
Darkness at noon
Yesterday, March 12, 2012 marked 19 years of the Bombay bomb blasts. Though nearly two decades have passed and the city has seen more bomb blasts and other terror strikes since then, those series of explosions transformed the metropolis and dented its cosmopolitan tag. A look at some locations then and nowThe 1993 Bombay bombings were a series of bomb explosions that took place in Bombay (now Mumbai), on Friday, 12 March 1993. They were a series of co-ordinated attacks and
Monday, 12 March 2012
With an eye on Europe
The inflation rate of China, fell to a 20-month low of 3.2 per cent in February against 4.5 per cent previously, as food prices eased. This led to a counter effect giving hope of more monetary policy easing. Towards the end of last week, we saw a smart recovery from the lower levels tracking European markets. Europe was the focus last week; Greece was trying for a debt swap deal with its lenders. Damascus, SYRIA: Syrian Grand Mufti Ahmed Hassun (top r) and other religious figures, met with UN-Arab League envoy for Syria Kofi Annan (top l) yesterday. Kofi Annan
Five days of action
It is all about the budget this weekThe markets behaved as predicted and were nervous, post the election results. In one sentence, one can say that the election results were a setback for the ruling Congress and would put pressure on the present UPA-2.New combinations and permutations are likely, post these results which could make the UPA stronger or weaker depending upon which
Here's why increase in traffic fines is justified
From 2008 to 2011, number of people caught for rash driving had increased from 5,687 to 8,013 whereas cases registered for jumping signals had soared from 2,87,704 to 3,53,983 A fortnight ago, the state government increased fines for traffic violations by almost five times under the Motor Vehicles Act. Authorities have collected Rs 2.33 crore in 2011 from traffic offenders who have been caught jumping signalsThe increase in fines is an attempt to tighten the noose around traffic offenders and improve the traffic
Twin honours for city
Sujit Birendranath and Priyamvada Mhaddalkar were all smiles as they aced the first edition of the CMAT exam; while Sujit ranked first in the state, Priyamvada topped the girls' category in the Mumbai Sujit Kumar Birendranath and Priyamvada Ashok Mhaddalkar made the city proud yesterday by topping the recently held nationwide Common Management Admission Test (CMAT). The two were among the 60,000 students who chose to take the exam. Priyamvada, the 21-year-old student
Sunday, 11 March 2012
MMRDA flip flop on Metro Line II continues
A senior official asserts that the Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd line should be underground, but the joint-project director maintains that it will be elevatedEven as an ongoing debate rages on whether the city is better off with an underground or elevated metro, an influential and senior MMRDA official has stepped gingerly into the deliberations by stating that he would prefer if the Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd (CBM) corridor (Metro Line-II) would be built underground and
City cabbies will strike for 'change' on March 19
Faced with a perpetual coin shortage, taxi drivers say that if the transport department hikes minimum fare to Rs 18, they won't be able to provide change to passengersNearly 40,000 black and yellow cab drivers have threatened to disrupt the normal life of Mumbaiites on March 19 by going on an indefinite strike. However, their justification for the strike seems rather absurd. The reason is that the taxi union is unhappy that once the probable hike of Rs 2 by the Regional Transport Office (RTOs) and state Transport Department comes
Address of True Fitness gym's director fake
Owner had leased it out as space for gym's registered officeA day after MiD DAY reported the news of Andheri's True Fitness Gym in Crystal Point Mall being sealed by the police for subletting its premises without the mall's permission, documents accessed from the Registrar of Companies (ROC) have revealed that the address of Nicholas Kraal, gym's director and head of operations, India, is false.According to the ROC documents as well as a police report filed by Bangur Nagar Police station, Kraal's residential address is 302/303, third
Poisoned boy critical
13 year-old, who was admitted to KEM hospital following Thursday's incident of colour poisoning, is critical; police arrest owners of illegal factory who left the dye that allegedly caused the incident, unattendeAfter the death of his friend Vikas Valmiki due to colour poisoning on Friday, parents of 13 year-old Hrithik Trishul (see picture) are praying that their son recovers soon. Trishul is currently in a critical condition at the MRCU at KEM hospital in Parel. Dr Pravin Bangar, Senior A.M.O, KEM hospital said, "Trishul is currently critical and on ventilator in the MRCU." Dr Sandhya
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Gang would steal laptops from dozing train travellers
Two members of the group would board long-distance trains, befriend victims, and rob their valuables as soon as they started napping; would hand them over to third member, who sold it in the black market Six laptops and 80 grams of gold have been recovered from a trio of robbers, who would board long-distance trains, befriend their victims, and flee with their high-end electronics and valuables as soon as they dozed off. The gang members (from
Pak wants one of India's most wanted
Islamabad has allegedly faked the nationality proof of Dawood aide Munna Zingada to get him back from Bangkok, where he is about to complete a jail term following his failed attack on Chhota Rajan in 2001 The question is, who'll net the prawn, India or Pakistan? Sayeed Muzakkir Mudassar Hussain, later named Munna Zingada for his diminutive size (zingada in underworld lingo means prawn), has been cooling his heels in Bangkok jail in a 2001 firing case, in which rival gang leader Chhota Rajan was injured. Indian officials claim that Pakistan is acting on Dawood's
Strike called off, school buses to wave black flags
There's some good news for students and parents alike. School bus operators have decided to call off their strike, providing much relief to the children.Hundreds of students were seen trying to hail taxis and autos in a bid to reach schools on time as 49,500 school buses stayed off the roads. Students were seen waiting and hailing cabs and rickshaws after 49,500 school buses went off the roads yesterday In addition to the School Bus Owners Association
Celebs out in the cold as gym sealed
Following allegations of irregularities, including non-payment of nearly Rs 30 crore in dues, cops seal a part of Andheri's True Fitness gym; clientele left in the lurch It would be in the fitness of things to say that patrons of Andheri's True Fitness gym are a worried lot these days. The swank outfit that caters to dozens of celebrities was partly sealed on Monday by the Bangur Nagar police pending inquiry into 'serious irregularities' in the establishment's operations. A section of the gym's lower floor
Friday, 9 March 2012
Cop drinks alcohol while escorting Naxalite cadre
An inquiry has been initiated against sub-inspector Ramakant Bhansude for allegedly drinking and misbehaving with a female colleague while guarding Anjali Sontakke on a train to Nagpur A sub-inspector attached to the Local Arms unit is being put through an inquiry, after it was alleged that he consumed alcohol while escorting top woman Naxalite cadre Anjali Sontakke, alias Angela, who was arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad in April 2011. Anjali is married to the secretary of the state committee
'After looting her, my driver wanted to burn my wife inside the car'
Says ex-railway officer, after city cops rescue abducted victim within 10 hours After her driver made a wrong turn, it took some time for schoolteacher Meera Malhotra (57) to realise that the man himself had taken a turn for the worse. Fortunately the presence of mind of her daughter Tarang and the alacrity of city cops led to the Pune resident being rescued within 10 hours of abduction.End of an ordeal: The victim, Meera Malhotra, seen here with daughter Tarang, teaches English at Bishop Co-ed School, PuneSpeaking to
'A bike-borne angel saved me from death'
Even as Ayub Murtuza lay in a pool of blood from a bike crash, a woman emerged as his saviour, taking him to hospital in the nick of time Ayub Murtuza (28), a resident of Opera House, is recovering from his near-death experience on February 27, when he lost control of his bike and went crashing into a car at Lower Parel, as he was on his way to work. While all the bystanders and commuters chose to ignore him, only one woman had the compassion and resolve to
HC: Cops have 'no sense of humour'
Granting anticipatory bail to Sanjay Gupta in the police commissioner 'forged' invite case, high court hauled up the police for 'over enthusiasm' Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta was granted anticipatory bail by the Bombay High Court on Wednesday in a cheating and forgery case registered against him by the Versova police. Granting relief to the filmmaker, the court also remarked that the police had shown 'over enthusiasm' in the case and 'had lost their sense of humour'. Relief: The judge granted Sanjay Gupta bail and said that he should write
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Lanka decide to field in final Test
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene opted to field after winning the toss in the third and deciding final of the tri-series against Australia, here today. Both teams are locked at 1-1 after the first two finals. Australia made a couple of changes in their side with Peter Forrest coming in place of regular captain Michael Clarke and off-spinner Nathan Lyon making his ODI debut replacing James Pattinson in the line-up. Teams: Australia: Shane Watson (captain), David Warner, Peter Forrest, Michael Hussey, Mathew Wade, David Hussey, Dan Christian, Brett Lee, Clint McKay, Xavier
Toxic Holi: 200 hospitalised after colour poisoning in Mumbai
Nearly 200 people, mostly children, were hospitalised after developing allergic chemical reaction to colours while celebrating Holi in the Dharavi slums on Thursday. The incident occurred in the Shastrinagar area of Dharavi this afternoon where Holi celebrations were in full swing. The victims were rushed to the Lokmanya Tilak municipal general hospital at Sion to receive immediate medical attention. "So far 176 children have been admitted to the hospital with complaints of skin allergy, burning of eyes, giddiness and vomiting," a duty medical officer
Fishermen killing: Italian PM calls Manmohan
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti rang up his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh Wednesday and warned him against setting a "dangerous precedent" with the jailing and prosecution of two Italian naval guards in India. The two leaders, however, agreed to resolve the issue in accordance with "law and spirit of friendship"."The Italian prime minister condoled the deaths of the two fishermen and expressed regret at the incident," the external affairs ministry said here. Italian marines Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre are escorted by Indian police officials to jail in Kochi. AFP PHOTO"The two
AI to have all-women crew on Women's Day
Celebrating International Women's Day Thursday, India's flag carrier Air India plans to operate international flights manned by all-women crew to at least one city in three continents -- North America, Europe and Asia, an official here said.These flights, originating from Mumbai, would be AI-342 to Singapore, AI-131 to London and an ultra-long haul service AI-191 to Newark, an airlines official said Wednesday.Besides, AI subsidiary Air India Express will also operate an all-women crew service IX-241 from Mumbai to Bahrain/Doha.The domestic sector will have flights AI-669 Mumbai-Bhubaneshwar and AI-649 Mumbai-Raipur operated
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Shriya Saran files a complaint in Nadigar Sangam
Yesteryear’s actress Shriya has filed a complaint in Nadigar Sangam on Malayalam film producer Tomichan Mulakupadam, seeking a ban on releasing the dubbed version of Pokkiri Raja in other language.
Shriya Saran has not signed any movie in Kollywood after Jeeva’s Rowthiram and her special number in Rajapattai with Vikram, but still managing to stay back in Chennai instead of her home town. This hot actress says, “I’ve signed the producer with a condition that, Pokkiri Raja should not
Shriya Saran has not signed any movie in Kollywood after Jeeva’s Rowthiram and her special number in Rajapattai with Vikram, but still managing to stay back in Chennai instead of her home town. This hot actress says, “I’ve signed the producer with a condition that, Pokkiri Raja should not
Sneha’s next titled Haridas
Sneha, who is busy filming for Sarath Kumar’s Vidiyal has signed a new movie titled Haridas that has Kishore in the lead.
The diva is to get into wedlock this June, inspite of which she is signing new films looking forward in her career front. Haridas script is penned by director GNR Kumaravelan that has Aadukalam fame Kishore shaking legs with Sneha for the tunes composed by Ilayaraja.
Haridas is gearing up to hit the floors from this Saturday, on 10th March. This film
The diva is to get into wedlock this June, inspite of which she is signing new films looking forward in her career front. Haridas script is penned by director GNR Kumaravelan that has Aadukalam fame Kishore shaking legs with Sneha for the tunes composed by Ilayaraja.
Haridas is gearing up to hit the floors from this Saturday, on 10th March. This film
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