Amid the demands for his resignation over the Beed Sarpanch murder case, Maharashtra Minister Dhananjay Munde has found himself in a new controvery. A close relative of late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan on Wednesday accused Munde of acquiring 1.5 acres of land owned by her in Beed district for just Rs 21 lakh through coercion, news agency PTI reported. Sarangi Mahajan, Mahajan's sister-in-law, claimed that the land is worth more than Rs 3.5 crore, and demanded Munde's resignation from the post of the Food and Civil Supplies Minister. According to PTI, Sarangi met Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai and alleged that one of Munde's associate had coerced her into transferring the land owned by her under duress. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sarangi said, "The Chief Minister has assured me of justice. I have also received similar assurances from [deputy CM] Ajit Pawar. I will support the demand for Dhananjay Munde's resignation as he has caused me significant distress over the past one-and-a-half years." Munde, a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), headed by Pawar, was not available for comment on the allegations made by Sarangi, PTI stated. Mahajan's sister Pradnya was married to BJP leader Gopinath Munde, who passed away in 2014 in an accident. Gopinath has two daughters, Pankaja and Pritam, while Munde is his nephew. Pankaja and Munde are cabinet ministers in the Fadnavis government in Maharashtra. Sarangi is the wife of Pravin, Mahajan's brother. She and Munde are also related. According to PTI, Sarangi alleged that Munde's associate Balaji Munde summoned her to Panvel near Mumbai and then to Parli in Beed district in central Maharashtra, where she was forced to sign documents transferring 1.5 acres of her land. "I was unaware of their intentions. They misled me with kind words and took me to the land registrar's office. Under threat, I signed the papers. It was only later that I realised the gravity of their actions," she said. She also criticised Pankaja, accusing her of complicity in the entire episode. "Pankaja is not innocent. She had silent consent in this matter. Both of them should be held accountable," she said. During her interaction with the Maharashtra CM, Sarangi explained about the situation in Beed district and alleged that local officials acted under pressure from Munde. "Revenue department officials and registrars in Beed only follow his [Munde's] directives. Land transactions do not happen without his approval. Officers from other districts should be posted here [Beed] to ensure impartiality," she said, adding, "I was threatened that I would not be allowed to leave Parli without signing blank documents. Sarangi said that she has filed complaints at the Ambejogai Police Station in Beed district in the case. The land grab accusation comes amid demands from political leaders, including BJP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Suresh Dhas, for Munde's resignation over the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Deshmukh's relatives earlier met Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, and sought justice for the slain sarpanch. (With PTI inputs)
08 January,2025 10:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a first for Maharashtra, drones will be deployed to monitor illegal fishing along its 720-km coastline, a Fisheries Department official said on Wednesday, reported the PTI. The drones will provide live footage of up to the 12-mile maritime boundary from nine locations across all seven coastal districts in the state, the official said. The drone monitoring system in the state will be beginning from January 9, the official said. The official said that the streaming data collected by drones will be used to take legal action against unauthorised fishing boats. He said the drone monitoring system will be launched by Minister of State for Fisheries and Ports Nitesh Rane on Thursday. "The minister will oversee the system through a live feed from the Fisheries Commissioner's Office. Streaming data collected by these drones will be used as evidence to take legal action against unauthorised fishing boats," the official said. He said that the drone system will bring the entire maritime area of Maharashtra under camera surveillance, helping the government to curb illegal fishing. "It is an important step to protect marine resources and ensure compliance with regulations," the official added, according to the PTI. Devendra Tandel, the president of Akhil Maharashtra Fishermen's Action Committee, welcomed the initiative of the state government and said that it can curb illegal fishing. "Illegal fishing has severely impacted traditional fishermen. The system should support us rather than harassing us. However, there are concerns about its effectiveness during the monsoon and the use of the collected data," he said, as per the PTI. Tandel said that the traditional fishermen face challenges ranging from the rampant use of purse seine nets and unauthorised fishing during the monsoon season to inadequate coordination between the fisheries and the police authorities. He also raised concerns about boats operating in the state coastline without proper identification and lacking resources for effective maritime monitoring along the coastline. "We hope this system will address these challenges and bring accountability. But the Fisheries Act should focus on safeguarding fishermen's livelihoods while ensuring sustainability," Tandel said, the news agency reported on Wednesday. (with PTI inputs)
08 January,2025 10:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated an initiative aimed at providing clean and safe food to the citizens of Mumbai, while also combating the consumption of adulterated and harmful food products. In collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the BMC will conduct a series of training sessions designed to educate food vendors on key safety and hygiene practices. The first session of the training programme was held on Wednesday at the K East Division Office in Andheri (East), where food vendors were educated on various aspects of food safety such as personal hygiene, regular cleaning of food vending and storage areas, safe food handling and preparation techniques, waste management, and compliance with food safety standards. BMC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FSSAI to ensure that food vendors across Mumbai adhere to strict food safety regulations. Under this agreement, around 10,000 licensed food vendors operating within BMC’s jurisdiction will undergo training on food safety rules, hygiene practices, and safe food handling and storage techniques. The training initiative is being carried out under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner (Special) Chanda Jadhav and Superintendent of Licensing Anil Kate. The first session saw the participation of more than 50 food vendors from the eastern zone of Mumbai. Key officials, including Shashank Pandey from the Pre-licensing Department, were present to oversee the training. During the training, emphasis was placed on the importance of food safety rules, personal hygiene, and maintaining clean food outlets. The vendors were also trained on the proper methods of food preparation, handling, and storage to ensure food remains safe for consumption. The session also focused on effective waste management practices to prevent contamination and maintain cleanliness and experts provided insights into reducing public health risks, stressing the importance of complying with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and other relevant food safety regulations. This training initiative is part of a larger, year-long programme that will be held at regular intervals across Municipal Corporation Ward Offices. Food vendors will continue to receive guidance on providing clean and fresh food to Mumbai's residents, with a particular focus on food safety practices outlined in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Rules, 2011. In addition to practical training, vendors will be provided with awareness materials, and expert trainers will assess the effectiveness of the programme. Upon completion of the training, food vendors will be issued certificates by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), validating their compliance with food safety standards.
08 January,2025 09:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday directed the officials to improve healthcare services in and take action against food and drug adulteration in the state. CM Fadnavis held a review meeting with key departments including Medical Education, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assess their work plans for the next 100 days. He stated that there was a need for enhancing healthcare services in government hospitals and taking strict measures against food and drug adulteration, an official statement said. The meeting, held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, was attended by Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal, and other senior officials including State Ministers Madhuri Misal, Yogesh Kadam, and others, it said. CM Fadnavis stressed on the importance of providing high-quality services in government hospitals. He instructed the departments to update medical services and improve the standard of care for patients. He also highlighted the need for strengthening educational institutions under the Medical Education Department, the statement said. It further stated that CM Fadnavis has directed to take strict action to curb adulteration in food and medicines. He directed the FDA to ensure quality checks in all government hospitals, pharmacies, and food supplies. He also instructed the establishment of laboratories for testing food samples and quality inspection of food items, including offerings at temples, the official statement said. CM Fadnavis also highlighted the role of modern technology in administration. He encouraged the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and cyber security to streamline operations and make the government more efficient. He also called for training officials in these technologies to help meet future challenges. CM Fadnavis also proposed the installation of CCTV cameras in medical colleges for the safety of students and staff. He suggested establishing yoga centers and conducting wellness programs for students in medical institutions. He recommended solar energy systems on the rooftops of government medical colleges to promote renewable energy. The Chief Minister has suggested simplifying the service procedures for government employees, including promotions, retirement benefits, and online access to employee-related information. He also advocated for better training programs and capacity-building initiatives to improve the efficiency of government staff. The Chief Minister instructed the Medical Education Department to focus on improving the admission process for medical students, ensuring smooth management of academic procedures, and making medical education more accessible. The statement further stated CM Fadnavis said that the FDA will focus on inspecting the quality of medicines in government hospitals and conducting food safety tests at regular intervals. Strict measures will be taken to prevent milk adulteration and ensure food quality, including the inspection of offerings at religious places.
08 January,2025 08:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway on Wednesday said that it will restore the height gauge in King's Circle area of Matunga in Mumbai which was damaged in an accident that took place in the wee hours of Wednesday. The Central Railway said that King's Circle bridge accident took place in the wee hours of Wednesday at around 3 am after a truck hit the sacrificial height gauge situated before the actual height gauge at King's Circle Railway Bridge. It said that on Wednesday morning another vehicle dashed into the actual height gauge situated before the bridge and following the incident, a railway employee was deputed at the location to ensure that excessive height vehicles do not pass the location and cause any damage to the bridge. The Central Railway further said that it has planned to restore the damaged height gauge and ensure safety of the bridge and the repair work will begin on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, due to the accident traffic movement was also disrupted in the area. The Mumbai Traffic Police on Wednesday morning stated that the traffic movement was slow at the King's Circle (Matunga). कंटेनरच्या अपघातामुळे किंग सर्कल (माटुंगा) येथे उत्तरेकडे जाणारी वाहतूक संथ गतीने सुरू आहे.Traffic Movement Is Slow At King Circle (Matunga) North Bound Due To Container Accident .#MTPTrafficUpdate — Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) January 7, 2025 In a post on X, the Mumbai Traffic Police wrote, "Traffic movement is slow at King Circle (Matunga) north bound due to a container accident."
08 January,2025 08:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe work to convert Nahur railway station into a double-discharge platform has finally begun. Nahur, a key station for the Airoli road connector, has been witnessing an increase in footfall, thereby necessitating the need for a double-discharge platform at the station. The new platform will serve as the station's home platform and will provide wider access from the west side, which is currently very limited. As per the works planned for the financial year 2023-24, Central Railway (CR) had plans to complete the construction of an additional platform at three stations: Diva, Vidyavihar, and Nahur. According to the latest statistics, an average of 69,060 tickets are sold at Nahur station, and this number is expected to increase further. Currently, the west side of the station consists of a small public pathway and the entrance to a private industrial firm. The work on widening the existing road bridge is also ongoing at this station. The halt station was originally opened on 21 April 2006.
08 January,2025 04:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Bombay High Court on Wednesday questioned whether a woman with intellectual disability has the right to become a mother, while hearing a plea filed by the father of a 27-year-old unmarried woman, seeking the medical termination of her 21-week pregnancy, news agency PTI reported. The petitioner submitted that his daughter wanted to continue the pregnancy, but she was of unsound mind. A division bench of Justices RV Ghuge and Rajesh Patil had last week directed that the woman be examined by a medical board at the state-run JJ Hospital in Mumbai. On Wednesday, the medical board submitted the report to the Bombay High Court, concluding that the woman is not mentally unsound or ill, but was diagnosed with borderline intellectual disability with an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 75 per cent, PTI reported. The bench noted that the woman's parents did not make her go through any psychological counselling or treatment, but only kept her on medication since 2011. The medical board's report said that there were no abnormalities or anomalies in the foetus and the woman was medically fit for continuation of the pregnancy, while adding that termination was also possible. Additional government pleader Prachi Tatke submitted to the court that consent of the pregnant woman is of paramount importance in such matters. 'Nobody can be super intelligent... Everybody has different levels of intelligence' The bench took note of the fact that the medical board report has clearly stated the woman is not mentally disabled or of an unsound mind. "The observation [in the report] is that she has below average intelligence. Nobody can be super intelligent. We are all human beings and everybody has different levels of intelligence," the court said, adding "Just because she has below average intelligence, does she have no right to be a mother? If we say that persons with below average intelligence do not have the right to be parents, it would be against the law." As per provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, a pregnancy beyond the 20-week gestation period is allowed in cases where the woman is mentally ill, it said. "Borderline case cannot be said to be a mental disorder. She [the pregnant woman in the present case] has not been declared as mentally ill. It is only a borderline case of intellectual functioning," the bench said. The advocate of the petitioner informed the Bombay High Court that the woman has now disclosed to her parents the identity of the man with whom she is in a relationship and who was responsible for the pregnancy, PTI reported. The court then asked the woman's parents to meet the man and interact with him to see if he was willing to marry their daughter. "As parents, take the initiative and talk to the man. They are both adults. It is not an offence," the court said. The petitioner and his wife had adopted the woman when she was five months old, and must now do their duty as parents, it said and posted the matter for further hearing on January 13. (With PTI inputs)
08 January,2025 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently captured public attention, prompting concerns and questions about its potential impact. Here are the key facts to understand this respiratory illness. 1. Nature of the VirusHMPV is not a new virus nor does it have an unprecedented health threat as a self-limiting respiratory virus. The virus is always present in the atmosphere. 2. Infection characteristicsThe virus has a low fatality rate and it primarily affects young children, elderly individuals or people with serious underlying illnesses. 3. Symptoms and their progressionThe virus doesn’t have specific symptoms, resembling other causes of the common cold or sore throat (pharyngitis). Typical symptoms follow a predictable 4-day pattern:Day 1: Severe symptomsDay 2: Moderate intensityDay 3: Mild conditionDay 4: Near-normal condition 4. Transmission and immunityHMPV spreads through respiratory droplets and mildly symptomatic carriers can transmit the virus. Immunity of affected individuals post-infection is weak and short-lived. 5. Government and medical responseMaharashtra has placed all medical colleges and state-run hospitals on alert regarding the spread of the HMPV virus, however, no panic measures or lockdowns are planned. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the states is to be issued soon. 6. Prevention strategiesRecommended precautions include:Covering mouth while coughing/sneezingFrequent hand washingUsing hand sanitizersAvoiding crowded spacesOptional mask-wearing during cold season 7. Treatment ApproachIt is important to note that most cases do not require hospitalisation and antibiotics are used only for secondary bacterial infections. A respiratory BioFire test (Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000) is available for detailed diagnosis. 8. Comparison with COVID-19Significantly different from COVID-19The much lower risk profileNo pandemic potentialNo widespread public health emergency anticipated 9. Infant and child considerationsNewborns (0-8 months) are naturally protected by maternal immunity, whereas infants over nine months are relatively more vulnerable. 10. Expert recommendationsMedical professionals advise:Do not panicMonitor symptoms at homeSeek medical help if symptoms persist beyond 2-3 daysMaintain balanced nutritionAllow natural immune response Key takeaway: HMPV is a manageable respiratory virus that requires a cautious but not panicked approach. Pro Tip: Consult healthcare professionals for personalised medical advice.
08 January,2025 02:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday claimed that the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was trying to engineer defections in the rival NCP (SP), promising its leaders berths in the union cabinet, reported news agency PTI. Raut's comment came after NCP leader Amol Mitkati said that some Lok Sabha members from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP were in contact with Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. NCP (SP) MLA and former state minister Jitendra Awhad also alleged that Sunil Tatkare, state chief of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, had asked MPs of the rival faction to "leave the father and daughter", reported PTI. Tatkare's reaction to these claims was awaited. Speaking to reporters, Raut alleged that senior NCP leader Praful Patel and Tatkare had been assigned the task of engineering defections in the Sharad Pawar-led faction. At present, the Ajit-led NCP has only one Lok Sabha MP, Tatkare, while the rival NCP (SP) has eight Lok Sabha members. "The party (NCP) will not get any post in the Union government unless they manage to secure defections from the Sharad Pawar-led faction," said Raut, reported PTI. Elsewhere, when asked about the possibility of the two NCP factions coming together, Jitendra Awhad said, "If both NCPs are to come together, why did Sunil Tatkare make an offer to our Lok Sabha members to switch sides? His offer was to 'leave father-daughter aside and come to us'....I think Tatkare himself does not want both the Pawars to reunite," reported PTI. Tatkare's purported "father-daughter" remark referred to Sharad Pawar and his daughter, Baramati MP Supriya Sule. Awhad also claimed that the reports of imminent reunion of the two NCP factions was aimed at putting pressure on BJP ally and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, by sending a message that the BJP government at the Centre could get support from other quarters. (With inputs from PTI)
08 January,2025 02:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the newly renovated Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum on Wednesday. "The richness of a city is not seen in the wealth of its people or its towering buildings, but through its museums," said Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis today, during the inauguration of the renovated Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum. Speaking at the event organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed his happiness at the unveiling of such a culturally significant landmark in the city. The Maharashtra Chief Minister highlighted that museums are the windows to a city's civilisation, culture, people's lives, and history. "The purpose of building a museum is to ensure that future generations can connect with our historical heritage. It is essential for them to understand the development that has shaped our present and the changes that have taken place," he added. Further emphasising the importance of preserving India's ancient culture, CM Fadnavis said, "India is the only country in the world that still holds the oldest living culture. Our nation is a mine of culture, and it is our duty to preserve and protect it." Paying tribute to Dr Bhau Daji Lad, the Maharashtra Chief Minister noted, "Dr Bhau Daji Lad was not only a doctor but also a dedicated social worker who spent his life preserving historical relics. His efforts in collecting and donating valuable items laid the foundation for this museum, which has carried his name for the last 50 years." The newly renovated museum, now reintroduced to the public in a refreshed form, promises to become a major attraction for both locals and tourists. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed his joy at seeing the museum's restoration, which will offer a unique experience through its display of historical artefacts and rare photographs. He also congratulated all those who contributed to the renovation project, acknowledging their hard work in revitalising the museum to its former glory. The inauguration event was attended by several prominent personalities, including Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha, Member of Parliament Milind Deora, MLA Rajhans Singh, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Administrator and Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Commissioner Ashwini Joshi, and several other dignitaries. The reopening of Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum marks an important moment in Mumbai’s cultural journey, offering an enriching opportunity for people to connect with the city's rich heritage, the Maharashtra CMO said in a statement.
08 January,2025 02:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has raised strong objections to the One Nation One Election Bill, warning that it could pave the way for a consolidated political system under a single party and leader. Speaking to ANI, ahead of the first Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the bill, Sanjay Raut said, "One Nation One Election Bill will head towards One Party One Election and One Leader One Election. So, all of us - including the INDIA Alliance, have opposed the Bill." The JPC is meeting today, where the bill will be discussed in detail. Raut confirmed that the opposition, including members of the INDIA Alliance, would actively participate in the meeting. "The Bill has been sent to JPC. Its first meeting is being held today and all of our people will attend that meeting," he added, reported ANI. Meanwhile, BJP leader and Member of Parliament PP Chaudhary who is the chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on 'One Nation, One Election' has expressed confidence that a consensus will be built among the members of the Parliament who are part of the JPC. He said that the efforts of the JPC will be to reach a consensus and scrutinise the bills in an "unbiased" manner. Chaudhary highlighted that the parliamentary panel will hear from every stakeholder in this matter. "Our efforts will be to listen to people from every field - be it from political parties, civil societies, or judiciary. We want to take everyone's input. We will examine the bills introduced by the government in an unbiased manner and with an open mind. Our effort will be to reach a consensus since the members who are part of the committee are eminent (personalities). I have faith that we will work for the nation's interest and reach a consensus," Chaudhary told ANI. He further added that the concerned ministry will brief the members on the first day of the meeting today. The BJP MP said that they will take everyone's opinion to figure out how to move forward. "Today, on the first day, the members will be briefed by the concerned ministry. We will take everyone's opinion on how to move forward step by step. Our effort will remain to be transparent and rise above the party line to reach a consensus for the nation's interest," Chaudhary added. The JPC is supposed to examine the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, which consists of members from Lok Sabha including Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Manish Tewari, NCP's Supriya Sule, TMC's Kalyan Banerjee and BJP's PP Chaudhary, Bansuri Swaraj and Anurag Singh Thakur. The members of the Rajya Sabha are also part of the panel. (With inputs from ANI)
08 January,2025 01:47 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
