Cold weather conditions prevailed on Tuesday in Mumbai, and isolated pockets over North Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada. The financial capital recorded a low of 15 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Santacruz observatory, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius on Monday. IMD's Colaba observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. As per weather experts, the overall temperature drop can be attributed to a shift in the prevailing weather patterns. Other areas in Maharashtra also experienced low temperatures today including Ahilyanagar: 5.6 degrees Celsius, Nashik: 8 degrees Celsius, Satara: 9.1 degrees Celsius, Jalgaon: 8.3 degrees Celsius, Parbhani: 9.4 degrees Celsius, Malegaon: 9.8 degrees Celsius, Nanded: 8.6 degrees Celsius, and Baramati: 7.8 degrees Celsius. Kolhapur and Solapur, too, braved the chill, registering respective minimums of 14.6 degrees and 12.9 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Aurangabad registered a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius. Dahanu recorded a low of 14.9 degrees while Matheran registered a low of 13.4 degrees. Mahabaleshwar and Sangli also experienced lower temperatures, recording respective temperatures of 13.7 degrees and 11.8 degrees Celsius. For now, the weather is a pleasant break from the typically warm conditions Mumbai usually experiences during December, as residents embrace the cool air. The latest readings from the observatories also indicated that relative humidity (RH) remains high in the region. The Santacruz station recorded 85% RH, while the Colaba station had 78%. Despite the cool temperatures, rainfall remains minimal, with no significant rainfall recorded in the city for Monday. Mumbai residents can expect clearer skies and slightly warmer temperatures in the days ahead, as the weather shifts to a more typical December pattern.
17 December,2024 11:49 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai's subways, crucial lifelines for pedestrians navigating the city’s bustling streets, continue to highlight stark disparities in maintenance between the suburbs and the city. While subways in suburbs paint a grim picture, areas like Churchgate, CSMT, and Metro Junction, Fort were found clean and orderly during a mid-day inspection. The Mahim subway has remained closed since the pandemic, while others, like the Sion subway, grapple with issues such as inadequate cleaning, insufficient security, and structural shortcomings. Civic activists have criticised the BMC for its “stepmotherly treatment” of the suburbs, arguing that these areas, despite contributing significantly to property taxes, are often overlooked in favour of South Mumbai’s well-maintained subways. Metro Junction Subway One of the largest subways in the city, Metro Junction subway, is clean and well-maintained, with eight entry points. Security is in place, and cleaning is done daily. However, pedestrians have requested better illustrations and signage inside the subway. Churchgate Subway One of the busiest subways where hawkers continue to be a nuisance As one of Mumbai’s busiest subways, the main issue here is hawker nuisance. During the team’s visit on Monday, it was found that the BMC had taken action against hawkers. Paan stained walls of Churchgate Subway. Pics/Shadab Khan Sion Circle Subway Security guards inside the subway This subway is relatively clean and has two security guards stationed. However, one entrance, leading to Sion Circle Subway, is closed. Two of the entrances, specifically gates 1 and 5, are not wheelchair-friendly, as they are elevated above ground level. One entrance, leading to Sion Circle subway, is closed. Pics/Ashish Raje Mahim Subway Mahim Subway has been closed since the pandemic. Pic/Ashish Raje The Mahim Subway was originally planned in 2008 to connect Veer Savarkar Marg to Lady Jamshedji Road. However, after a few months, the BMC closed it, citing nuisance caused by beggars. Following persistent follow-ups by locals, the BMC reopened the subway in 2015. Yet, within a few months, it was closed again. After further demands from residents, the BMC reopened it a few years later. In 2020, the subway was partially constructed near Mohammad Ali Rogay Garden at the Lady Jamshedji Road junction. However, the BMC ultimately scrapped the project, citing the Metro 3 line passing underneath L J Road as the reason. Despite spending over R3 crore on the project, the subway has remained unused for the past four years. Irfan Machiwala, a local resident, said, “The subway has been closed since the pandemic. We proposed converting it into a medical centre, public library, or study space for students, but we haven’t received any response.” Another resident added, “When we spoke to BMC officials, they informed us that the subway was shut down due to drug addicts causing a nuisance at night.” Sion Subway Sion Subway is cleaner but the walls have paan stains. Pic/Ashish Raje The Sion Subway near the BEST depot is in reasonably good condition. The BMC has deployed a security guard and a housekeeper to clean the subway once a day. However, paan stains are still visible on the walls. “This subway has five access points, each with two lanes. There should be at least three security guards,” said a pedestrian. Sadanand Shetty, a regular subway user, said, “There are paan stains on the walls. Proper cleaning is required.” A college student noted, “This subway has two internal lanes, but there is only one security guard. Sometimes it feels unsafe in the evenings. Also, there is a need for CCTV surveillance,” she added. CSMT Subway CSMT Subway appeared to be free of hawkers on Monday evening as the BMC had been actively cracking down on them. Pics/Shadab Khan Another of the city’s busiest subways, the CSMT Subway, appeared free of hawkers on Monday evening as the BMC had been actively cracking down on them in recent days. However, a pedestrian noted, “Some hawkers return late in the evening.”Sanjay Gurav, a resident of Fort, said, “After office hours, hawkers resume their business. The BMC should appoint its own security guards to control this issue.” Abhijit Bangar, additional municipal commissioner, said, “Subways should be clean and well-lit. We have appointed agencies for this, and if there are any issues, we will address them.” CSMT Subway appeared to be free of hawkers on Monday evening as the BMC had been actively cracking down on them. Pics/Shadab Khan Civic activists slam BMC Civic activists criticised the BMC for its alleged bias towards South Mumbai. Godfrey Pimenta, a civic activist, said, “The BMC has a regular pattern of stepmotherly treatment towards the suburbs, even though the suburbs pay higher property taxes.” Anil Galgali, another activist, added, “South Mumbai receives better attention because government officials, industrialists, and ministers live there. This disparity is unacceptable.”
17 December,2024 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveIndian equity markets saw a sharp decline in early trade on Tuesday, with benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty both witnessing losses. The fall was largely attributed to investor caution ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and ongoing selling in major blue-chip stocks such as Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank. The Sensex, which tracks 30 of the largest and most actively traded stocks on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), dropped by 350.98 points to 81,397.59 in early trade. Similarly, the NSE Nifty, which represents the National Stock Exchange, fell by 100.8 points to 24,567.45. Among the stocks leading the decline were major players like Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, Nestle, Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Finserv, HDFC Bank, JSW Steel, and Titan. These stocks have been facing significant selling pressure, contributing to the overall downturn. On the other hand, some stocks managed to hold their ground and posted gains, including Tata Motors, Adani Ports, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, and Hindustan Unilever. These stocks provided some support to the broader market, although the overall sentiment remained subdued. The cautious trading sentiment in Indian markets was mirrored in Asian equities as well. Seoul, Shanghai, and Hong Kong markets were all trading lower, reflecting the global uncertainty. However, Tokyo's market managed to stay in positive territory, offering a slight counterbalance to the overall trend. Wall Street, in contrast, ended the previous day with a mostly positive trend, providing a mixed backdrop for Indian investors. According to V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, markets are closely watching the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) meeting outcome. With a 25 basis point rate cut already largely factored into expectations, investors are now focusing on the Fed chair's commentary. Any deviation from a dovish tone in the statement would be viewed negatively by the markets, although this remains a low-probability event. In addition to these concerns, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) continued to offload equities, with net sales worth Rs 278.70 crore recorded on Monday, as per exchange data. Global oil prices also experienced a dip, with Brent crude down by 0.14 percent to $73.81 per barrel, which added to the overall cautious sentiment in the markets. On Monday, the markets had already faced some declines, with the Sensex dropping 384.55 points or 0.47 percent, closing at 81,748.57, while the Nifty lost 100.05 points, or 0.40 percent, to settle at 24,668.25. (With inputs from PTI)
17 December,2024 10:53 AM IST | MumbaiMumbai's minimum temperature plummeted to 14 degrees Celsius on Monday morning, recording a sharp drop in the last 48 hours. After witnessing a significant drop in its minimum temperature by four degrees Celsius within 24 hours on Sunday and by six degrees in 48 hours, meteorologists now anticipate a sharp decline in temperatures to continue across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, in the coming days. This sudden change, described by many as "unexpected," has already started to take effect from Monday morning. Two schoolkids of St Joseph High School in Wadala wear beanies as they wait for their school bus in Sion. Pic/Atul Kamble As per the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Santacruz observatory, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 16.3 degrees Celsius on Sunday, which is 2.2 degrees below the seasonal average, which dropped further to 14 degrees Celsius on Monday. On Saturday, December 14, the nighttime temperature was recorded at 20.1 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal by 1.6 degrees. Weather experts have indicated that the city’s nighttime temperatures are expected to remain below average during the first half of this week. “We had predicted a dip in minimum temperature hovering around 18-16 degrees Celsius. However, such a sharp drop was unexpected due to the incoming northerly winds. There is a possibility of temperatures increasing again after December 18 due to the influence of easterly winds. For now, the overall temperature drop can be attributed to a shift in the prevailing weather patterns,” said Sushma Nair, scientist at IMD's Regional Meteorological Centre Mumbai. "The anticyclone we mentioned on Monday persisted and extended into Madhya Maharashtra now, resulting in low temperatures. Surely current low temperatures were not expected," said climatologist Rajesh Kapadia of Vagaries of Weather, a private weather blog. Explaining the weather system and the dip in temperature, meteorologists at Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting agency, said, "Snowfall over the Himalayas is crucial for the onset of winter in the region. As the western disturbance passed, cold winds from the snow-covered mountains began to sweep across the Northwest and parts of Central India, leading to a sharp decline in temperatures. Currently, temperatures have dropped significantly over many parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, including Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). While Mumbai recorded a minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, other areas in Maharashtra also experienced low temperatures. Some of the areas that recorded minimum temperature below seven degrees include Ahilyanagar: 5.5 degrees Celsius, Pusad (Yavatmal): 5.6 degrees Celsius, Mohol (Solapur): 6 degrees Celsius, NDA (Pune): 6.1 degrees Celsius, Pabal (Shirur): 6.2 degrees Celsius, and Shahada (Nandurbar): 6.4 degrees Celsius. Apart from this, other areas with lower temperatures include Talegaon (Pune) at 8.3 degrees Celsius, Rajgurunagar (Pune) at 8.5 degrees Celsius, Baramati at seven degrees Celsius, and Daund at 7.3 degrees Celsius.
17 December,2024 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghA safety lapse was observed on Singapore Airlines flight SQ424 on December 11 as the aircraft, bound for Mumbai, took off with what appeared to be a crack in the structure. Flight passengers had also pointed out the issue to the crew as it was about to take off from Singapore, however, the flight anyway departed after being cleared by an airline staff member. Aviation experts believe that this could have turned out to be a major catastrophic incident if the fuselage had burst open. Passengers point out leakage Passengers on board pointed out to the crew about water seeping in the aircraft from a point. Speaking to mid-day, Siddhesh Vartak, a passenger, said, “On the evening of the flight, heavy rain in Singapore caused water to drip continuously inside the aircraft. Several seats were wet, and tissues were used as a temporary solution. This made many passengers, including myself, extremely uncomfortable and raised serious concerns about safety. To our surprise, the cabin crew instructed passengers to sit on the drenched seats, cover themselves with blankets, and proceed to watch the safety video. This approach was highly inappropriate and dismissive of passenger well-being.” He added, “My primary concern is that proceeding with the flight under such conditions posed a significant safety risk. Increased air pressure or other in-flight complications could have resulted in an emergency situation. A more prudent and safety-conscious decision would have been to delay the flight or rebook passengers on a subsequent one.” Sharing a video of the incident, Vartak added, “Safety must always take precedence over scheduling. Although we landed safely in Mumbai, the experience has left me deeply concerned about the airline’s commitment to passenger safety. When some passengers voiced their discomfort, they were met with an unprofessional response from the crew.” Vartak further disclosed, “An airline official was called in to check the leakage issue. I am not sure if he was an engineer or a technician, but he cleared the aircraft for the flight.” Following the incident, Vartak had also lodged an official complaint with the Singapore Airlines as well as the civil aviation ministry. Airline admits leakage in flight After the issue was raised by the passengers, Singapore Airlines admitted that there was a leakage in their flight SQ424 on December 11, which was due to the seepage of rainwater. In its official statement sent to mid-day replying to a WhatsApp query sent by mid-day, the airline said, “On 11 December 2024, following a heavy downpour in Singapore, water seeped into an Airbus A380 operating Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight SQ424 from Singapore to Mumbai and on to 20 Economy Class seats in the aircraft. The water seepage stopped shortly after takeoff. To mitigate the situation, the affected 20 seats were covered with plastic sheets prior to boarding, and our cabin crew provided the necessary assistance to the affected customers during the flight, including changing the seat cushion covers, pillows, and blankets. SIA sincerely apologises to the 20 affected customers. The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority.” ExpertSpeak Captain Mohan Ranganathan, a seasoned aviator and aviation expert, told mid-day, “Any flight that is potentially not safe for passengers is grounded, and then work starts on the aircraft. If the cabin had been depressurised, an emergency landing would have been needed as the pressure in the cabin would have dropped drastically and in a matter of seconds. This, again, depends on the size of the hole or the crack in the aircraft that was allowing water to seep in.” A senior investigator at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) told mid-day, “This indeed has multiple factors at play. No doubt that the water was pouring into the aircraft, but it needs to be investigated whether the crack or hole through which the water was seeping was directly on the fuselage of the aircraft or some other place from where the water seeped in and then made its way to the cabin. It is also a fact that if the crack or hole was directly on the fuselage, there was a possibility that the cabin might have burst open due to the pressure difference between the low air pressure at high altitudes and high air pressure in the cabin.” He added, “Luckily no such catastrophe happened on this flight, and the aircraft reached Mumbai safely considering the flight path. There is a section where the aircraft has to travel over the ocean, which we call the oceanic transfer. During this phase, there is no land kilometres away from the aircraft. If any fuselage burst would have happened during this phase, the aircraft would have had to make an emergency landing in the ocean and wait for a rescue mission to reach them.” Dec 11Day of the incident
17 December,2024 10:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariFor the convenience of passengers boarding local trains from Bhayandar station, the Western Railway (WR) took a decision to convert the morning 8 am existing 12-car non-AC regular local train to a 15-car, boosting capacity by 33 per cent. Political protests had erupted at Bhayandar station on December 2 after the 8.24 am non-AC Bhayandar local was converted to AC local. WR officials said there has been huge demand for AC local trains, and there had been significant crowding for the AC train from Bhayandar due to which the 8:24 am non-AC local train was converted to AC. The WR from November 27 increased the number of AC local services over the Mumbai Suburban section, replacing existing non-AC services. The 8.24 am regular Bhayandar local was heavily patronised by those wanting to reach Churchgate by 10 am. To compensate for this and to accommodate the crowd, the WR decided to convert a local train before the 8.24 am AC local into a 15-car to increase its carrying capacity. "For the convenience of passengers, WR will be operating train number 90208 fast local (15-car) at 8 am between Bhayandar and Churchgate, with effect from December 16, 2024. The train will return at 9.09 am fast from Churchgate to Nalasopara," a WR spokesperson said.
17 December,2024 10:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Indian rupee declined by 1 paisa to reach a new all-time low of 84.92 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday, pressured by foreign fund outflows and a sluggish performance in domestic equities. Forex traders suggest that the rupee is likely to remain under pressure due to strong dollar demand from importers and foreign banks. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 84.89 against the greenback, and then fell further to 84.92, marking a 1 paisa drop from its previous close. On Monday, the rupee had depreciated by 11 paise, closing at a historic low of 84.91 against the US dollar. "The Indian rupee is expected to open at its lowest point, influenced by a record trade deficit in November, primarily due to an increase in gold imports," said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director at Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP. He added that the opening would depend on where the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) steps in to support the rupee, although the trend indicated weakness. Bhansali forecasted a daily range of 84.75 to 84.00, with a close watch on RBI interventions. On the domestic economic front, India's exports in November saw a year-on-year contraction of 4.85 percent, totalling USD 32.11 billion. Meanwhile, the trade deficit surged to an all-time high of USD 37.84 billion, largely due to a record increase in gold imports. The commerce ministry reported that gold imports in November reached USD 14.86 billion, a fourfold rise compared to the same period last year. This spike in gold imports was driven by festival and wedding demand, with gold imports standing at USD 3.44 billion in November 2023. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which measures the US currency against a basket of six major currencies, was trading marginally lower by 0.02 percent at 106.83. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, also fell by 0.12 percent to USD 73.82 per barrel in futures trade. In the domestic equity market, the 30-share BSE Sensex was down by 326.76 points, or 0.40 percent, at 81,421.81, while the Nifty was lower by 107.50 points, or 0.44 percent, at 24,560.75. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) had offloaded Rs 278.70 crore in the capital markets on a net basis on Monday, as per exchange data. As per PTI reports, analysts anticipate that the rupee's continued weakness could further compound the challenges facing the Indian economy, particularly with escalating import costs and growing trade deficits. The RBI's actions in the coming days will likely play a pivotal role in stabilising the rupee (With inputs from PTI)
17 December,2024 10:42 AM IST | MumbaiIn preparation for the upcoming Maha Kumbh, the Indian Railways has announced the elimination of 21 level-crossing gates in Prayagraj. The move is part of a major infrastructure overhaul aimed at ensuring smoother traffic movement during the religious event, which is expected to attract millions of devotees. As part of the project, 21 level-crossing gates will be removed at a cost of approximately Rs 450 crore. According to North Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Shashi Kant Tripathi, 15 of these gates have already been completed, and the remaining gates are expected to be ready by December. Tripathi emphasised that the initiative is crucial for managing the significant increase in both train and road traffic during the Kumbh, which draws massive crowds to the city. “The heavy train movement and public transport on roads during the Maha Kumbh cause considerable congestion due to level-crossing gates. This project is designed to eliminate that hindrance,” said Tripathi in a statement to ANI. The removal of these gates will ensure smoother movement for both vehicles and trains, particularly during the Kumbh, which sees a surge in footfall. Tripathi further explained, “With the large influx of people expected for the Kumbh, it is essential to remove all level-crossing gates in Prayagraj to facilitate seamless traffic flow.” The infrastructure upgrade comes as part of the Railways' efforts to improve city infrastructure ahead of the massive gathering. The project will not only reduce traffic congestion but also enhance safety and efficiency, ensuring the smooth management of the massive crowd anticipated during the event. In addition to this railway initiative, the Uttar Pradesh Government has deployed 350 shuttle buses to assist visitors and pilgrims during Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. A dedicated team of 22 officers will oversee the entire transport system’s operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly during the event starting on January 13. To manage emergencies, Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been stationed at seven routes leading to Prayagraj. Furthermore, a 24/7 helpline service, including a toll-free number (1800 1802 877) and a WhatsApp number (9415049606), will be available to assist devotees throughout the event. (With inputs from ANI)
17 December,2024 10:29 AM IST | Uttar PradeshBusiness tycoon Raj Kundra, who had been at the centre of a controversy surrounding allegations of pornography production, has finally spoken out after remaining silent for three years. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Kundra addressed the matter, particularly emphasising the impact it had on his family. Kundra, who had refrained from commenting on the controversy during intense media scrutiny, explained that his silence had been a personal choice until the situation began affecting his loved ones. "Silence is bliss," Kundra began, acknowledging his previous reluctance to speak out. However, he added, "When it comes to family and when family members are involved, I feel I should come out and speak. When I stay quiet, people think I'm hiding something, and people should realise the truth." #WATCH | Mumbai | On ED provisionally attached properties belonging to Raj Kundra and his wife and actor Shilpa Shetty, Businessman Raj Kundra says "In the attachment order it is clearly written that we have no evidence of any funds going to Raj Kundra. There was a crypto king… pic.twitter.com/acLdyCxapb — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2024 Denying the allegations of his involvement in pornography, Kundra clarified that his role had been limited to providing technological services to his brother-in-law’s company, which hosted an app featuring bold but non-pornographic content in the UK. "I have not been part of any pornography, any production, or anything to do with porn at all. When the allegations surfaced, it was very hurtful. There were no facts or evidence, and that’s why bail was granted," he said. Kundra also stressed his position as a technology provider for the app, which catered to a mature audience with A-rated films but clarified that the content was not pornographic. He reiterated that media claims regarding his involvement in running the apps were incorrect. "I am involved in providing software technology, nothing more. Let anyone come forward who says they have worked with me or been a part of any of my movies," he stated. Maintaining his innocence, Kundra expressed unwavering confidence in the judicial process. "I have full faith in the judiciary," he said, adding, "If I'm guilty, charge me; if I'm not, discharge me." Reflecting on his three-year legal battle, he recalled the 63 days he spent in detention following his arrest by Mumbai police, noting the emotional strain it placed on him and his family. "Being away from my family and fighting in court was difficult, but I am confident I will win this case because I know I didn't do anything wrong," Kundra affirmed. The businessman also hinted at business rivalries playing a role in the controversy, claiming that an individual had confronted him during his time in police custody, suggesting a personal vendetta behind the allegations. He revealed that he had written to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), providing details of those he believed were responsible for orchestrating the plot against him. While withholding the names of those involved, he expressed hope that justice would eventually prevail. "Karma will be served. Justice will be served," he concluded. (With inputs from ANI)
17 December,2024 10:24 AM IST | MumbaiRashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasised the importance of humility and selflessness in one’s actions, warning that unchecked ego can lead a person into a metaphorical hole. Speaking at the silver jubilee celebration of Bharat Vikas Parishad's Viklang Kendra in Pune on Monday, Bhagwat urged the audience to keep ego in check in order to live a life of meaningful service to society. According to Bhagwat, true selfless service is rooted in identifying enduring happiness and satisfaction, which in turn nurtures the willingness to help others. He pointed out that while there is a growing perception of negativity in society, there are, in fact, far more positive and noble activities taking place, often overlooked. "For every negative aspect, there are 40 times more good and noble services happening in the community," he said. He called for a collective effort to highlight these positive contributions, stressing that service is essential for fostering trust in society. Bhagwat drew from the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahansa to explain his point about ego. According to Ramakrishna, every individual harbours two versions of 'I': one is raw and unrefined, while the other is ripened and mature. Bhagwat urged individuals to hold on to the ripened 'I' and keep the raw 'I'—representing ego—at bay. He cautioned that leading life with unchecked ego can lead to personal downfall, as it blinds a person to the selfless pursuit of societal welfare. The RSS chief also highlighted the significance of empowering all segments of society to ensure India’s holistic development. Bhagwat asserted that the nation’s progress does not solely depend on acts of service but on making citizens capable of contributing to its development. It is these capable citizens, he remarked, who are the driving force behind national progress. Bhagwat praised the work of Bharat Vikas Parishad’s Viklang Kendra for assisting specially abled individuals. The Kendra provides essential aids such as modular legs, callipers, and artificial limbs to help people lead more independent lives. While the RSS has been credited for many positive initiatives in society, Bhagwat was quick to recognise the volunteers who are the true force behind these efforts.
17 December,2024 10:15 AM IST | MumbaiDeputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that the portfolios would be allocated to the newly-appointed ministers in the state soon. He also assured that the government would soon release the compensation for crop losses suffered by the state farmers due to heavy rains, according to the PTI. Talking to reporters at the airport in Nagpur, Fadnavis congratulated Chandrashekhar Bawankule on his appointment as the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Maharashtra unit president. "Portfolios will be allocated to the new ministers soon," he said in response to a query, PTI reported. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expanded his two-member ministry on Tuesday, 41 days after taking oath as the CM. He inducted 18 ministers - nine each from his rebel Shiv Sena group and the BJP. With this, the strength of Maharashtra ministry has now gone up to 20, less than half the maximum allowed strength of 43. Shinde was sworn in as the chief minister on June 30, when Fadnavis took oath as deputy CM. The deputy chief minister said the crop loss compensation announced by the government for farmers will be distributed soon and added that the area of crop damages is still increasing. "The compensation will soon be released after calculating losses from all these affected areas," he said, as per the PTI. The Maharashtra government on Wednesday decided to double the amount of compensation which the farmers affected by the excessive rains in July are entitled to get. "As per the current NDRF (National Disaster Response Fund) norms, a farmer receives Rs 6,800 per hectare as compensation. We have decided to double the amount," CM Shinde had told reporters after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Talking about Bawankule, Fadnavis said he has been a very staunch worker of the BJP, who rose from the lower rungs and went on to hold various important positions in the organisation. "Bawankule performed very well in all the responsibilities given to him by the party," the deputy CM said. (With PTI inputs)
17 December,2024 10:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
