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Raj’s fiery Padwa punch
At the MNS’s annual Gudi Padwa rally at Shivaji Park, party chief Raj Thackeray delivered a fiery speech, hitting out at attempts to disrupt communal harmony, raising concerns over river pollution, and warning of strict action against those disrespecting the Marathi language. Thackeray urged people to unite under Marathi identity instead of dividing along caste and community lines. He emphasised that Marathi must be used in daily interactions and warned of a strong response to incidents where it is ignored. Referring to cases where a private telecom company representative and an employee at a South Mumbai store refused to speak Marathi, he declared, “MNS will deal in its own style with anyone disrespecting Marathi.” Aurangzeb grave row Thackeray took a dig at those suddenly realising the bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj after watching the recently released film Chhaava. “Some people have woken up after watching a movie. Their Hindutva will fade once the film leaves theatres,” he said. He suggested that all structures around Aurangzeb’s grave should be removed, with only a board left at the site stating: “The one who tried to destroy the Marathas is buried here.” He also proposed organising school trips to the site to educate the younger generation about Maratha history. Ganga pollution Criticising the pollution of rivers in the name of religion, Thackeray said, “Lakhs of people fell sick after taking a dip in the Ganga during the Kumbh Mela. This isn’t about disrespecting the river or the sacred event but addressing serious water quality concerns.” Displaying a video of the Ganga post-Kumbh, he pointed out that R33,000 crore had been spent, yet pollution remained rampant. “The same situation exists in Maharashtra, where 55 rivers are at risk,” he said, highlighting the deteriorating condition of Mumbai’s Mithi River. “Out of Mumbai’s five rivers, four are already dead, and the fifth is on the verge of dying. What is the Pollution Control Board doing?” Thackeray also criticised Maharashtra’s handling of environmental issues, contrasting it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to a wildlife rescue center in Gujarat. “We complain about water shortages, yet we keep destroying forests,” he remarked. Speaking about the loudspeaker at religious places, Thackeray said, “Yogi [chief minister of Uttar Pradesh] banned it. Here, we announced it, but everything is going on as usual.” EVMs and reservation Turning to governance, Thackeray slammed the Mahayuti government for failing to fulfil poll promises, such as farm loan waivers and the R2100 monthly payment under the Ladki Bahin scheme. “Ajit Pawar is asking farmers to clear dues, but where are the promises made?” he questioned. He accused the government of diverting attention from real issues, including law and order concerns like the Beed sarpanch’s murder, rising farmer suicides, and unemployment. “So many Maratha chief ministers and ministers have been in power, yet the community is still demanding reservation—why?” he asked. Thackeray reiterated his scepticism about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), claiming that many voters felt their votes were not reflected accurately. “Forget the past, but let’s focus on the future,” he said, urging people to stay united as Marathi speakers and take inspiration from South Indian states in resisting Hindi imposition.
30 March,2025 10:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
WR, Red Cross distribute free neck pillows to passengers
Western Railways in association with the Indian Red Cross Society-Mumbai, organised a free distribution of neck pillows on Sunday morning for the benefit of long-distance passengers as a goodwill gesture and creating awareness about neck pain. "The basic aim of the whole exercise is to create awareness and for the safeguard of passengers. The neck pillows were distributed to passengers of two trains as a part of the exercise. We are distributing around 1500 neck pillows to passengers at Mumbai Central station," Vijay Kumar Singhal, secretary of Indian Red Cross Society, Mumbai, told mid-day. “At Mumbai Central, 800 passengers of train 12921 Flying Rani Express, and at Bandra Terminus, 700 passengers of train 12935 Surat Intercity, received the pillows on a first-come, first-served basis, "the WR spokesperson said. "As per 2014 policy guidelines of Indian Railways, individuals, NGOs, trusts, charitable institutions, corporates, etc. who have evinced interest in providing/augmenting passenger amenities at railway stations on their own to improve the facilities for the passengers are allowed to do so with guidelines at their own cost," he added. "It is a good gesture, and the neck pillows come in handy while travelling. Not everyone carries them while commuting, a passenger said. "It is a positive gesture, and the Railways should encourage such initiatives for the benefit of passengers," Western Railway Mumbai Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee Member Rajiv Singhal said.
30 March,2025 10:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Maharashtra: 86,814 vehicles registered on Gudi Padwa, 30 pc more than last year
On the occasion of Gudi Padwa 2025, Maharashtra saw a significant rise in vehicle registrations, with 86,814 vehicles registered across the state, the officials said on Sunday. They said that it marks a 30 per cent increase in registrations compared to last year. The surge in vehicle registrations includes two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and other types of vehicles, the officials said. Among the top transport offices in Maharashtra, Mumbai Central is one of the five busiest Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) where vehicle registrations have notably increased this year, they said. "Mumbai Central is among the top five transport offices in Maharashtra where vehicle registration has increased this year in the week ending with Gudi Padwa. The registration of newly purchased two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and other vehicles has taken place on a large scale in the state during the past seven days on the occasion of Gudi Padwa. Compared to 2024, vehicle registrations this year have increased by as much as 30 per cent," said an official. The highest number of registrations took place in the following five major Regional Transport Offices: Pune RTO – 11,056 registrations Pimpri-Chinchwad RTO – 6,648 registrations Nashik RTO – 3,626 registrations Mumbai (Central) RTO – 3,154 registrations Thane RTO – 3,107 registrations
30 March,2025 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
One injured in accident between truck and car in Thane
One person was injured in an accident between a truck and a car in Maharashtra's Thane district on Sunday, the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) said. According to the RDMC officials, the incident took place at around 4:10 pm near Raheja Police Chowki at Three Haat Naka in Thane (West). The RDMC officials, after receiving the information regarding the accident, the officials rushed to the spot for rescue and relief operations. The accident took place on the road leading from Mulund Check Naka to Three Haat Naka, the officials said. The incident involved a collision between a truck and a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz car. The truck was traveling from Mulund to Diva, while the car was heading towards Kalwa when the incident took place, the official said. "In the accident, the car driver sustained minor injuries," said an official. Following the incident the Wagle Police Station officials and Regional Disaster Management Cell personnel rushed to the spot with a pickup vehicle at the scene. The accident also led to slowing the traffic movement between Mulund Check Naka and Three Haat Naka for sometime, the officials said. He said that the officials moved both the vehicles involved in the accident from the road. The road was cleared, and traffic was restored to normal later. Tribunal grants Rs 29.39 lakh compensation to woman injured in bus accident The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded compensation of Rs 29.39 lakh to a 50-year-old woman who sustained severe injuries in a road accident in 2018. According to PTI, the tribunal’s member, S N Shah, issued an order on 18 March, directing that the bus owner and insurer jointly and severally compensate the petitioner. The compensation amount will accrue an annual interest of 8 per cent from the date of filing the petition until its full realisation. The tribunal also granted the insurance company the right to recover the amount from the vehicle owner. A copy of the order was made available on Saturday. As per PTI reports, the claimant, Hema Kantilal Vaghela, a Mumbai resident, was travelling with friends on a bus hired from a private travel company to celebrate New Year’s Eve on 31 December 2017. While returning from Nariman Point via Pedder Road in the early hours of 1 January 2018, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently crashed into the gate of a building. Vaghela suffered grievous injuries and was rushed to Jaslok Hospital, where she underwent prolonged medical treatment. Her lawyer, Baldev B Rajput, presented these details before the tribunal. Following the incident, a case was registered against the bus driver under sections 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt by an act endangering life), and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code. According to PTI reports, Vaghela filed a claim seeking Rs 53.95 lakh in compensation. She stated that she was employed as a consultant, earning Rs 85,088 per month at the time of the accident. (with PTI inputs)
30 March,2025 05:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra secures Rs 3.92 lakh crore investment, creating over 1 lakh jobs
A significant decision aimed at accelerating Maharashtra’s industrial development was taken in a meeting of the state cabinet sub-committee, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The meeting approved 17 major projects with a total investment of Rs 3,92,056 crore. This investment is expected to generate 1,11,725 direct jobs and between 2.5 to 3 lakh indirect employment opportunities, providing a significant boost to the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with other senior ministers, were present at the meeting. This decision has given a major impetus to the state’s industrial sector, with several key projects receiving government approval. Massive investments are being made in various sectors across Nagpur, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur, Pune, Raigad, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar districts. The investment is expected to create thousands of employment opportunities in the state. Significant industrial investments across Maharashtra Renewable energy and battery production Nagpur District: The industrial zones of Butibori and MIHAN are seeing significant investments in solar energy and lithium battery manufacturing projects. Power In Energy India is investing Rs 15,299 crore in Butibori for solar energy equipment, creating 4,500 jobs. Vardhan Lithium Company is investing Rs 42,532 crore in Nagpur for lithium battery and refinery projects, generating 6,000 employment opportunities. Reliance Infrastructure is investing Rs 20,941 crore in Butibori for lithium iron phosphate battery production, providing 7,000 jobs. Additionally, the company is investing Rs 20,000 crore in solar PV wafer and cell manufacturing, creating 6,900 jobs. Vari Energies is investing Rs 30,000 crore in Nagpur for solar energy equipment production, expected to generate 15,000 jobs. Steel industry expansion Gadchiroli district: JSW Steel Company is investing Rs 1,00,000 crore, though this will create only 2,500 jobs. Lloyd Metal & Energy Company is investing Rs 16,580 crore, generating 3,500 jobs. Surjagad Ispat Company is investing Rs 9,230 crore, providing 8,000 employment opportunities. Raigad district: Jindal Stainless Company is setting up a Rs 41,580 crore project, creating 15,500 jobs. Chandrapur district (Bhadravati): Greta Energy Company is investing Rs 10,319 crore in a steel project, generating 8,000 jobs. Defence and aerospace Industry Nagpur: Economic Explosive Solar Defence Company is launching a Rs 12,780 crore project, creating 2,325 jobs. Pune: L&T Defence Company is investing Rs 10,000 crore, generating 2,500 employment opportunities. Electric vehicles and battery production Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Anvi Power Industries is investing Rs 10,521 crore in lithium battery production, creating 5,000 jobs. Reliance Infrastructure is investing Rs 14,377 crore in new energy vehicle manufacturing, providing 4,000 employment opportunities. Jensol Engineering is investing Rs 4,000 crore in four-wheeler electric vehicle manufacturing, generating 3,000 jobs. Pharmaceutical sector growth Nashik and Navi Mumbai: Reliance Life Sciences Company is setting up a Rs 8,206 crore project, creating 4,790 jobs. Beverage Industry Ahilyanagar: Cylon Beverages Can Company is investing Rs 1,039 crore in aluminium can production for carbonated soft drinks, providing 450 jobs. Government’s vision for industrial growth Commenting on the landmark decision, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “This investment will accelerate Maharashtra’s industrial development, particularly in Vidarbha and Marathwada. It will create numerous employment opportunities for the state’s unemployed youth.” The investments will significantly boost the industrialisation of these regions and mark a crucial step toward Maharashtra’s bright future.
30 March,2025 02:48 PM IST | Mumbai
Mumbai unveils first-ever nature elevated walkway at Malabar Hill
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has meticulously developed the Nature Elevated Trail at Malabar Hill, ensuring ecological balance while creating a remarkable attraction for Mumbaikars and tourists alike. This project is set to be a model initiative for environmental conservation and pollution control awareness. Encouraging citizens to visit the Nature Elevated Trail and immerse themselves in its beauty, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, as well as the Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District, urged more people to explore and appreciate nature. Lodha inaugurated the Nature Elevated Trail at Malabar Hill today (30 March 2025), speaking on its importance. The event was graced by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, Deputy Commissioner (Public Health) Sharad Ughade, Deputy Commissioner (Special Engineering) Yatin Dalvi, and Water Engineer Purushottam Malwade, among other dignitaries. Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has instructed that facilities for visitors be efficiently implemented at the Nature Elevated Trail. He also emphasised stringent security measures and prioritised regular environmental cleanliness. Stating that this project will be an ideal attraction for tourists in Mumbai, he directed authorities to ensure careful preservation of the site. First of its kind in Mumbai, inspired by Singapore’s ‘Tree Top Walk’ The Nature Elevated Trail, developed for the first time in Mumbai, follows the conceptual framework of Singapore’s ‘Tree Top Walk’. Notably, this trail has been designed while ensuring that no harm is caused to existing trees or the natural ecosystem. Starting today, 30 March 2025, the trail is open to the public from 5 AM to 9 PM daily. Seamless online ticket booking system for nature lovers To visit the Nature Elevated Trail, visitors can book tickets through https://naturetrail.mcgm.gov.in/. The ticket charges are as follows: Rs 25 for Indian citizens Rs 100 for foreign nationals To prevent overcrowding, entry is restricted to 200 visitors at a time. The visiting hours are divided into one-hour slots, with controlled access via an online ticketing system. Visitors will receive a barcode upon booking, which will facilitate seamless entry and exit. An Access Control System has been implemented to regulate the number of visitors and ensure a smooth experience. Additionally, a project control room has been set up to monitor the entire trail and oversee visitor movement. Emergency pathways have also been arranged for unforeseen situations. A biodiversity haven with over 100 species of plants and wildlife The Nature Elevated Trail offers visitors a glimpse into Mumbai’s rich biodiversity, featuring over 100 species of plants, diverse birds, and reptiles. BMC encourages citizens to embrace this natural treasure and take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with nature.
30 March,2025 02:38 PM IST | Mumbai
Tribunal grants Rs 29.39 lakh compensation to woman injured in bus accident
The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded compensation of Rs 29.39 lakh to a 50-year-old woman who sustained severe injuries in a road accident in 2018. According to PTI, the tribunal’s member, S N Shah, issued an order on 18 March, directing that the bus owner and insurer jointly and severally compensate the petitioner. The compensation amount will accrue an annual interest of 8 per cent from the date of filing the petition until its full realisation. The tribunal also granted the insurance company the right to recover the amount from the vehicle owner. A copy of the order was made available on Saturday. As per PTI reports, the claimant, Hema Kantilal Vaghela, a Mumbai resident, was travelling with friends on a bus hired from a private travel company to celebrate New Year’s Eve on 31 December 2017. While returning from Nariman Point via Pedder Road in the early hours of 1 January 2018, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently crashed into the gate of a building. Vaghela suffered grievous injuries and was rushed to Jaslok Hospital, where she underwent prolonged medical treatment. Her lawyer, Baldev B Rajput, presented these details before the tribunal. Following the incident, a case was registered against the bus driver under sections 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing hurt by an act endangering life), and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code. According to PTI reports, Vaghela filed a claim seeking Rs 53.95 lakh in compensation. She stated that she was employed as a consultant, earning Rs 85,088 per month at the time of the accident. The case proceeded ex-parte against the bus owner, while the insurer contested the claim, arguing that the driver did not possess a valid driving licence at the time of the accident. Additionally, the bus lacked a fitness certificate and route permit, violating insurance policy terms. The insurer further contended that Vaghela’s injuries were not severe enough to result in permanent disability. The tribunal partially accepted the claim, relying on medical records and expert testimony. A disability certificate issued on 10 March 2019 indicated that the petitioner had suffered a 30 per cent permanent partial disability. However, the tribunal revised this to 20 per cent, stating, “The disability opined by the doctor pertains to a specific limb and joint only. Therefore, the disability affecting the whole body is comparatively lesser.” According to PTI, Vaghela was awarded compensation under various heads, including: Rs 21,07,661 for future loss of income Rs 5,26,915 for loss of income towards future prospects Rs 2,14,670 for total medical expenses Rs 30,000 for special diet and conveyance Under non-pecuniary heads, the petitioner was granted: Rs 30,000 for pain and suffering Rs 30,000 for loss of amenities and enjoyment of life The tribunal directed the respondents to deposit Rs 29,39,246, along with 8 per cent annual interest, into the MACT Thane account within a month. It further ruled that Rs 4,39,246 would be transferred directly to Vaghela’s bank account, while Rs 25 lakh would be placed in a fixed deposit under her name for five years. (With inputs from PTI)
30 March,2025 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai
PM Modi inaugurates key projects in Nagpur, lays foundation for Madhav Netralaya
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra, according to ANI. PM Modi was accompanied by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other dignitaries. As per ANI, Madhav Netralaya is a premier eye institute and research centre dedicated to providing world-class tertiary ophthalmic services with a focus on compassion, precision, and innovation. The centre boasts a highly skilled team comprising ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, and support staff. Furthermore, it actively engages in community outreach programmes, educational initiatives, and vision screenings to raise awareness about eye health. The Managing Director of the centre, (Retd) Major General Anil Bam, is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. The facility will house multiple specialised departments, including Cornea, Refractive Surgery and LASIK, Retina Vitreous, Glaucoma, Cataract Surgery, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Ocular Immunology and Uveitis, Oculoplasty and Oncology, and Low Vision Services. According to ANI, the centre will also facilitate eye donation registrations and volunteering opportunities. The hospital will operate from 9 AM to 8 PM daily. Earlier in the day, PM Modi also paid floral tributes to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Smruti Mandir in Nagpur, marking the occasion of Varsha Pratipada. He was accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, among others. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi stated, "Visiting Smruti Mandir in Nagpur is a very special experience. Making today's visit even more special is the fact that it has happened on Varsha Pratipada, which is also the Jayanti of Param Pujya Doctor Sahab." He further acknowledged the influence of Dr Hedgewar and MS Golwalkar, saying, "Countless people like me derive inspiration and strength from the thoughts of Param Pujya Doctor Sahab and Pujya Guruji. It was an honour to pay homage to these two greats, who envisioned a strong, prosperous and culturally proud Bharat." According to ANI reports, Prime Minister Modi also visited Solar Industries in Nagpur to oversee the Nagastra-3 kamikaze drone system, developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited. The drone has an operational range of up to 100 km and an endurance of over five hours. The Prime Minister also inaugurated a runway facility at the Solar plant for Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) and High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) drones. Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated the Loitering Munition Testing Range and a new runway facility for UAVs at Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited in Nagpur. ANI reports that the newly constructed airstrip, measuring 1,250 metres in length and 25 metres in width, will facilitate the testing of unarmed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and guided munitions. (With inputs from ANI)
30 March,2025 01:13 PM IST | Mumbai
Water supply restored in Mulund West after major pipeline repair
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has successfully completed the repair work on a 1,800-mm diameter water pipeline that had developed a leakage near the Tansa water pipeline in Bhandup West. The repair operation was completed in the early hours of 30 March 2025, at approximately 3:30 AM. As a result, the morning water supply to the ‘S’ and ‘T’ wards has resumed as per the regular schedule, ensuring no further disruption to residents in the affected areas. According to the Public Relations Department of the BMC, the leak was detected in the main water pipeline supplying Mulund West’s ‘T’ ward. The issue was promptly addressed by teams from the Assistant Engineer (Water Works) Maintenance Eastern Suburbs Ghatkopar and the Assistant Engineer of the Outer City Division. Their coordinated efforts ensured that the repair was executed efficiently, restoring the normal water supply. With the leak fixed, residents in the ‘S’ and ‘T’ wards have received their scheduled water supply without any further hindrance today (30 March 2025). The BMC has assured the public that it remains committed to the timely maintenance and monitoring of the city’s water infrastructure to prevent such occurrences in the future. For any further updates or assistance, residents are encouraged to reach out to their respective municipal ward offices. Mid-Day Special: How water management collapsed in Mumbai and MMR While global cities are looking for solutions for drought years amid the rising threat of global warming and uncertain climate changes, cities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are struggling to meet current-day water supply needs. As the monsoon season ends, dams and rivers supplying water to MMR are overflowing. While this is a good sign, there is still no certainty that cities in MMR, considered engines of growth, will get water without any supply cuts. MMR, with a population of around 2.6 crore, is already facing a shortage of at least 950 million litres (15 per cent) for the daily requirement. Though the water requirement of MMR is projected to double by 2050, the administration feels that the condition is not so intense. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said, "As of today, all dams are almost 100 per cent full and with that we will manage supply for the next 10 months, up to July (2025) end. There isn't a panic situation regarding water supply." Gagrani is right. Going by the chart of current water supply as per population, the BMC and the Navi Mumbai and Thane civic bodies have been supplying 200 litres or more water per person per day, which is more than the national norms of 135 litres for buildings and 55 litres for slums. What is the problem? The dams were 100 per cent full last year, too. By rough calculation, cities use 10 per cent of total stock every month (October to July), but by May 22 this year, the lake levels reached below 10 per cent. So, obviously, the water stock wouldn't have lasted for another two months. As the Lok Sabha elections were over by then, the BMC immediately imposed water cuts. Within two days, every other corporation including Navi Mumbai (which has the highest per-person water supply) imposed cuts. The cuts were withdrawn after two months in mid-July, after dams had sufficient stock. For at least the last three years, every summer the cities face such water cuts.
30 March,2025 12:43 PM IST | Mumbai
Thane police seize 238 bottles of banned codeine cough syrup, arrest one
In a significant crackdown on the illegal trade of banned substances, police in Maharashtra's Thane district have seized 238 bottles of a prohibited codeine-based cough syrup valued at Rs 53,550, officials confirmed on Sunday. According to PTI reports, law enforcement authorities intercepted a 22-year-old man riding a motorcycle in Sibli Nagar, located in the Shil Daighar area, on Friday afternoon. Upon conducting a routine check, officers discovered that the suspect was illegally transporting the contraband syrup in two large boxes. An official from the Shil-Daighar police station stated that the individual, who is a cab driver by profession, was apprehended on the spot, and the illicit goods were seized. Alongside the banned cough syrup, the police also confiscated his two-wheeler, Rs 1,800 in cash, and a mobile phone as part of the operation. The suspect has been booked under multiple legal provisions, including the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, PTI reports. These laws regulate and restrict the production, distribution, and possession of controlled drugs in India. In a separate case of 2024, Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested 36 individuals, including six women, for allegedly running fraudulent call centres in Jogeshwari and Goregaon. These rackets primarily targeted foreign nationals, luring them into purchasing banned medicines such as Viagra, Tramadol, Cialis, and Levitra. Additionally, some members of the group defrauded Indian citizens by offering fake loans and falsely promising to improve their CIBIL scores. Units 10 and 12 of the Mumbai Crime Branch conducted the raids, uncovering a well-organised scam that operated through internet voice calls. According to Vishal Thakur, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Detection-1, the accused manipulated international customers into buying non-existent pharmaceutical products via online platforms. During the raid, police seized 35 pieces of equipment, including laptops and mobile phones, along with other crucial evidence linking the suspects to the illicit operation. Unit 10 arrested individuals connected to two fraudulent firms, Gate Pharma LLP and All Win Info Media Pvt Ltd, which posed as legitimate pharmaceutical companies to scam international clients. Meanwhile, Unit 12 apprehended suspects involved in similar frauds, including those who deceived Indian citizens with fake loan schemes. (With inputs from PTI)
30 March,2025 11:38 AM IST | Mumbai
Eknath Shinde extends greetings on Gudi Padwa, joins grand Thane procession
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa and the Hindu Nav Varsh. According to ANI reports, Deputy CM Shinde also actively participated in the grand procession organised by the historic Kopineshwar Mandir in Thane to mark the celebrations. Speaking to ANI, Shinde highlighted Thane’s rich cultural heritage and the longstanding tradition of the Gudi Padwa procession. “Today, we are celebrating Gudi Padwa and Hindu Nav Varsh, and I extend my warmest wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May this year bring happiness, prosperity, and good health to all. This procession has been a tradition for the past 25 years, reflecting Thane’s deep-rooted cultural identity. This ‘Gudi’ stands as a symbol of Maharashtra’s progress and development,” he stated. Meanwhile, celebrations also commenced in Nagpur, where the vibrant spirit of Gudi Padwa was on full display. As per ANI, children enthusiastically performed the traditional lezim dance, an integral part of the festivities that marks the first day of the Marathi New Year. Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings to citizens across the country on the eve of various festivals. According to the President’s Secretariat, she conveyed her best wishes for Gudi Padwa, Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Navreh, and Sajibu Cheiraoba. In her message, the President remarked, “These festivals, celebrated with the onset of spring, signify the beginning of the Indian New Year. They showcase the cultural diversity of our nation and foster social harmony. During these celebrations, we express our gratitude to nature and rejoice in the joy of a new harvest.” She further added, “On these sacred occasions, let us reinforce the spirit of unity and strive towards taking our nation to greater heights.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his wishes to citizens on the occasion of various New Year celebrations, including Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Vikram Samvat, Gudi Padwa, and Chaitra Navratri. As per ANI reports, in a series of posts on X, Shah emphasised the significance of these festivals in promoting peace, unity, and prosperity. “Heartiest greetings to all brothers and sisters of the Sindhi community on the birth anniversary of Lord Jhulelal and the ‘Cheti Chand’ festival. Bhagwan Jhulelal Ji, who preached the values of mutual brotherhood and compassion, showed the path of prioritising humanity. May he bless everyone with happiness, prosperity, and well-being,” Shah expressed in his post. On the occasion of Vikram Samvat, the Union Home Minister wrote, “Heartfelt greetings to all countrymen on ‘Hindu New Year – Vikram Samvat 2082’. This New Year marks a fresh beginning of traditions, resolutions, and cultural awareness. May this year, filled with new enthusiasm and opportunities, bring positivity, success, and prosperity to everyone’s life.” (With inputs from ANI)
30 March,2025 11:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent