The headless B.E.S.T undertaking has faced a barrage of problems since the beginning of the new year, with random flash strikes and freak mishaps affecting commuters. Trade unions and activists have raised alarms and called for government intervention to rectify its operations and appoint a full-time general manager. B.E.S.T has been under severe criticism since the Kurla bus accident, which led to the death of eight pedestrians and injured over 40 people. On December 24, B.E.S.T general manager Anil Diggikar was transferred, and a new IAS officer, Harshdeep Kamble, was appointed. However, Kamble never took charge. After this, the government asked the BMC additional commissioners to handle the additional charge of the B.E.S.T undertaking, leaving the post of general manager vacant. Since the new year, the undertaking has been mired in controversies, disruptions, and incidents. On December 31, a bus caught fire near Byculla, leading to a scare. Earlier last week, on Monday, wet lease staff at Pratiksha Nagar bus depot went on strike following misconduct towards a pregnant female employee. The strike affected the Pratiksha Nagar and Dharavi bus depots, disrupting over 200 bus services. On Tuesday, the B.E.S.T Workers Union staged a protest to highlight the various issues faced by employees and the undertaking as a whole. They stressed the need to maintain a minimum self-owned fleet of 3,337 buses, as per a previous legal agreement with the undertaking. A large number of B.E.S.T workers attended the meeting held at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai. On Thursday last week, Olectra bus drivers went on strike at the Kalakilla bus depot near Dharavi, demanding their salaries, which disrupted bus services. The drivers are outsourced by Maurya Company through Team Olectra. Following the strike, the B.E.S.T undertaking deployed self-owned buses on the affected routes to minimize inconvenience to passengers. That same Thursday night, while repairing a bus owned by wet lease contractors M/s Hansa at Oshiwara bus depot, a vehicle caught fire due to a technical fault (overheating). "The fire in the vehicle was extinguished by the nearby fire station. No one was injured, but the vehicle was damaged," a B.E.S.T spokesperson said. On Friday, B.E.S.T wet lease staff working on Olectra Company buses went on strike at the Mumbai Central bus depot, leaving passengers stranded. The workers are demanding the disbursal of their salaries. This week, on Wednesday, an unidentified biker died after being hit by a B.E.S.T undertaking bus in Gorai. According to the police, the wet lease bus operated by Evey Group on the A-277 route was traveling from Kandivali Railway Station (West) to Borivali Station (West). The rider of the two-wheeler lost control and skidded, coming in contact with the rear right tire of the bus. He suffered severe head injuries, was rushed to Bhagwati Hospital, and later shifted to Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali, where he was declared dead at 12:30 pm by Dr. Kranti, the on-duty physician. Two weeks ago, an RTI query by activist Anil Galgali revealed that, in the past five years, 834 accidents involving B.E.S.T buses had claimed 88 lives and resulted in monetary compensation of Rs 42.40 crore to victims and their families. Of these 834 accidents, B.E.S.T buses were involved in 352 cases, leading to 51 fatalities. Private contractors accounted for 482 accidents, resulting in 37 deaths. The years 2022-23 and 2023-24 saw the highest fatalities, with 21 deaths recorded in each period. “These statistics highlight the urgent need for the B.E.S.T administration and employees to prioritize safety to prevent such incidents in the future,” Galgali said. "The B.E.S.T services need improvement. Over the years, workers have served Mumbaikars with self-respect. They have fought and won all their rights, overcoming the difficulties they faced. However, if B.E.S.T does not maintain its self-owned buses, thousands of workers will become unemployed, and the public transport service will be shut down. Therefore, B.E.S.T must maintain its fleet of 3,337 self-owned buses," said Shashank Sharad Rao of the B.E.S.T Workers' Union. "The B.E.S.T should have ensured proper safeguards and mechanisms to oversee the operation of wet lease operators before starting their operations," said AV Shenoy of the Mumbai Vikas Samiti and Mumbai Mobility Forum.
24 January,2025 02:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarRona Wilson, a researcher, and Sudhir Dhawale, an activist, were granted release on bail from a prison in Navi Mumbai on Friday, after spending more than six years behind bars. The duo, both accused in the high-profile Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, walked out of the Taloja Jail at around 1:30 pm, following the completion of bail formalities. Their release comes more than two weeks after the Bombay High Court granted bail to the pair on January 8, acknowledging that they had been imprisoned since 2018 and highlighting that the trial in the case was yet to begin. The case, in which the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been invoked, had seen significant delays, including a failure to frame charges. In its ruling, the Bombay High Court noted that despite the prolonged detention of Wilson and Dhawale, the prosecution had yet to frame charges against them. The court also pointed out that the prosecution had cited over 300 witnesses, making it unlikely that the trial would conclude in the near future. "They have been in jail since 2018, and the charges are yet to be framed. Given the large number of witnesses, it seems impossible that the trial will conclude soon," the court observed in its order. Wilson and Dhawale's release comes as part of the ongoing legal developments in the Elgar Parishad case, in which 16 activists, scholars, and others were arrested. Of the 16, eight individuals, including prominent figures like Varavara Rao, Sudha Bharadwaj, Anand Teltumbde, and Gautam Navlakha, have been granted bail. However, one accused, Mahesh Raut, still remains in prison, as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has appealed against his bail before the Supreme Court. The case revolves around provocative speeches allegedly delivered at the Elgar Parishad event, held in Pune on December 31, 2017. The police claim that these speeches incited violence in Koregaon-Bhima, a village located outside Pune, on January 1, 2018. Initially investigated by the Pune police, the case was later taken over by the NIA. In a tragic turn, Jesuit priest and activist Stan Swamy, one of the accused, passed away in July 2021 while still in judicial custody, further highlighting the prolonged legal process and the challenges faced by those involved.
24 January,2025 02:45 PM IST | MumbaiThe state government has assured swift action to implement the 'Daksh' project (Development under Applied Knowledge and Skills for Human Development in Maharashtra), which aims to strengthen the state's Skill Development Department with support from the World Bank. This assurance was made by Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik during a discussion with World Bank representatives. A meeting was held at the Chief Secretary's office to discuss the 'Daksh' project, with Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Secretary of Skill Development Department Ganesh Patil, World Bank's India Team Leader Pradyumna Bhattacharya, and Senior Education Specialist Denis Nikolaev present at the gathering. Minister Lodha stated that the project would ensure integration of the various state bodies involved in skill development, such as the Maharashtra State Innovation Society, State Skill Development Society, State Skill Commission, Directorate of Vocational Education and Training, and the Maharashtra State Skill University. This integration will help in developing skill courses relevant to the needs of the times, and in turn, creating a globally competent workforce. The project will focus on equipping women and individuals across communities with the necessary skills to match global standards. He also mentioned that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had instructed the authorities to place emphasis on innovation and skill development. As a result, discussions around the development of a Global Skill Centre and the establishment of an Innovation Hub were also part of the meeting. To move forward with the project, a high-level committee will meet to update the Skill Development Department's website, and approval has been sought for 45 personnel to be deployed for the 'Daksh' project implementation unit. Furthermore, effective coordination across departments is crucial for the success of the project, Minister Lodha emphasized. Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik added that the government is committed to the success of the 'Daksh' project, which will be instrumental in aligning skill development with industry demands. She affirmed that efforts would be made to accelerate the decision-making process for the timely execution of the project. Pradyumna Bhattacharya, World Bank's India Team Leader, commended the 'Daksh' project, stating that it will be one of the best projects in the country aimed at strengthening the skill development sector. He assured that the project would focus on providing relevant education to the last person in the community, based on industry needs, thereby producing skilled human resources. He also mentioned the importance of active participation from the Skill Development Department and all associated stakeholders to ensure its success.
24 January,2025 02:35 PM IST | MumbaiCentral Railway’s Mumbai Division will operate five special traffic and power blocks for the reconstruction of the Carnac Road Over Bridge (ROB). These blocks, scheduled between the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Masjid stations, are planned for the launch of open web girders for the second span of the bridge. The blocks will occur on the following dates and times: Block 1: Midnight of 25th/26th JanuaryBlock 2: Midnight of 26th/27th JanuaryBlock 3: Midnight of 31st January/1st FebruaryBlock 4: Midnight of 1st/2nd FebruaryBlock 5: Midnight of 2nd/3rd February The specific details for each block, including duration, sections affected, and train service alterations, are provided below. Block 1: Midnight of 25th/26th January Duration: 23:30 to 05:30 (6 hours) Sections affected: Main Line: Up and Down slow lines, Up and Down fast lines between Byculla and CSMT (excluding both stations).Harbour Line: Up and Down Harbour lines between Vadala Road and CSMT (excluding both stations). Impact on train operations: Suburban services will not operate between Byculla and CSMT on the Main Line and between Vadala Road and CSMT on the Harbour Line during the block period. Trains on these lines will be short-terminated or originate at intermediate stations. Main line last suburban services before block: Down slow line: CSMT to Titwala departing at 22:50.Down fast line: CSMT to Kasara departing at 22:47.Up slow line: Kalyan to CSMT departing at 21:16.Up fast line: Kalyan to CSMT departing at 22:02. Main line first suburban services after block: Down slow line: CSMT to Ambarnath departing at 05:40.Down fast line: CSMT to Karjat departing at 05:46.Up slow line: Thane to CSMT departing at 04:48.Up fast line: Thane to CSMT departing at 05:08. Harbour line last suburban services before block: Down line: CSMT to Panvel departing at 22:58.Down line: CSMT to Goregaon departing at 22:54.Up line: Panvel to CSMT departing at 21:39.Up line: Bandra to CSMT departing at 22:24. Harbour line first suburban services after block: Down line: CSMT to Panvel departing at 06:00.Down line: CSMT to Goregaon departing at 05:50.Up line: Belapur to CSMT departing at 04:53.Up line: Goregaon to CSMT departing at 05:05. Short-terminated mail/express trains at Dadar: The following trains will terminate at Dadar instead of CSMT: 12870 Howrah-CSMT Express (JCO 24th January)12052 Madgaon-CSMT Express (JCO 25th January)11058 Amritsar-CSMT Express (JCO 24th January)22120 Madgaon-CSMT Tejas Express (JCO 25th January)11020 Bhubaneswar-CSMT Express (JCO 24th January)12810 Howrah-CSMT Express (JCO 24th January)12134 Mangaluru-CSMT Express (JCO 25th January)12702 Hyderabad-CSMT Express (JCO 25th January)11402 Balharshah-CSMT Express (JCO 25th January)22158 MGR Chennai Central-CSMT Express (JCO 25th January)12112 Amravati-CSMT Express (JCO 25th January) Short-originating mail/express trains from Dadar: 11057 CSMT-Amritsar Express (JCO 25th January, departing at 23:48)22177 CSMT-Varanasi Express (JCO 26th January, departing at 00:30) Trains delayed by 20-30 minutes: 12051 CSMT-Madgaon Express (JCO 26th January)22229 CSMT-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express (JCO 26th January)17617 CSMT-Huzur Sahib Nanded Express (JCO 26th January)22105 CSMT-Pune Express (JCO 26th January)22119 CSMT-Madgaon Tejas Express (JCO 26th January) Regulated trains: 11140 Hospet-CSMT Express (JCO 25th January) regulated for 40 minutes.20112 Madgaon-CSMT Express (JCO 25th January) regulated for 30 minutes. Block 2: Midnight of 26th/27th January Duration: 00:30 to 03:30 (3 hours) Sections affected: same as block 1. Impact on train operations: Details of the last and first suburban services are similar to Block 1, but with minor timing variations. Blocks 3, 4, and 5 Dates: Block 3: Midnight of 31st January/1st FebruaryBlock 4: Midnight of 1st/2nd FebruaryBlock 5: Midnight of 2nd/3rd February Duration: 01:30 to 03:30 (2 hours) Sections affected: Same as Blocks 1 and 2. Passengers are requested to bear with the Railway Administration as these blocks are essential for infrastructure development. While the blocks will cause temporary inconvenience, the reconstruction of Carnac ROB is a critical step towards improving Mumbai’s railway infrastructure.
24 January,2025 01:48 PM IST | MumbaiA blast took place at an ordnance factory in Maharashtra's Jawahar Nagar in Bhandara district on Friday morning and rescue efforts are underway, an official said, PTI reported. Rescue and medical teams have been deployed for victims at the scene, a defence spokesperson said. According to Collector Bhandara Sanjay Kolte, the roof collapsed and earthmovers are removing the debris. About 13 to 14 individuals were rescued so far, PTI cited. Kolte further said that the explosion occurred around 10.30 am on the premises, PTI cited. Further details are underway. Uttar Pradesh: Gas cylinder blast causes fire at Mahakumbh Mela venue; no casualties A fire caused by the explosion of two gas cylinders inside a tent at the Mahakumbh Mela venue in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj led to chaos, confusion and panic on Sunday. However, due to the swift and timely rescue efforts, the rapid spread of fire was quickly contained, preventing casualties. As per information, the fire burnt several tents to ash. The police said that fire began in Sector 19 of the Mahakumbh site, where the cylinders exploded. Fire trucks, which were already stationed at the venue as part of safety measures for the large-scale event, rushed to the scene and managed to control the blaze. "On receiving information regarding a fire in the kitchen of the Geeta Press Gorakhpur camp at around 4.10 p.m., the flames were extinguished by the Fire Service with the help of local Kalpavasis and the police at around 5 p.m.," a statement mentioned. The note said that the fire started due to leakage from a small cylinder while tea was being prepared. "Due to the fire, two gas cylinders kept in the kitchen exploded and 40 thatched huts and 6 tents were burnt. While running away from the fire, a person named Jaspreet sustained injuries to his leg and fell unconscious. After becoming unconscious, he was taken to a hospital for treatment," it added. Jaspreet has been shifted to Swaroop Rani Medical College, Prayagraj for further treatment. His condition is said to be out of danger. Due to the fire, the items for daily use kept in the tents, like bed, cot, blanket, chair, table etc. were burnt and destroyed. (With inputs from agencies)
24 January,2025 01:30 PM IST | Bhandara | mid-day online correspondentThe Kandivali police have booked three individuals and arrested two for allegedly withdrawing Rs 1.56 lakh by fraudulently exchanging the ATM card of a 77-year-old senior citizen at a nationalised bank's ATM centre in Kandivali. According to police sources, the complainant, a resident of Kala Hanuman Mandir Road, behind MG Road, Kandivali West, Mumbai, needed cash and visited the ATM centre near his house on January 9. While withdrawing money, the accused engaged him in conversation, exchanged his ATM card, and fraudulently withdrew Rs 1,56,195 from his bank account. The complainant filed a case at the Kandivali police station on January 11. Under the guidance of DCP Anand Bhoite and Senior Inspector Ravindra Adhane, Police Sub-Inspector Nitin Satam and his Crime Detection Team investigated the case. They reviewed CCTV footage from the ATM centre, which revealed that three individuals had committed the crime. The footage showed the accused leaving the scene in a Verna model vehicle on SV Road. Further investigation identified the vehicle's registration number as MH 02 CW 8472. When the details of the vehicle's owner were traced, it was found to be registered to a man named Gufran Khan. Using technical analysis of his mobile phone, the police located and detained him in Taloja, Navi Mumbai. During interrogation, Gufran confessed to committing the crime with the help of his associates, Adil alias Abu Gul Hasan Zaid, Naushad Khan, and Maqsood alias Furkhan. Following Gufran's information, the police arrested another accused, Adil alias Abu Gul Hasan Khan, from Govandi after setting up a trap. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects. The arrested individuals were presented before the court, which granted police custody until January 27, 2025. During the investigation, the accused confessed to committing similar crimes in multiple areas within Mumbai, including Chakala, J.B. Nagar, near Sakinaka Metro Station, Sion Circle, Sion Koliwada, Marol Metro Station (twice), and Parel. Digital Arrest Scam: Mumbai cyber crime cell nabs gang for duping man of Rs 32 lakh The Mumbai cyber crime cell has nabbed a gang four individuals who were allegedly involved in defrauding a man of Rs 32 lakh in a case of digital arrest scam, the police said on Wednesday. The gang was busted by the North Region Cyber Police after the victim, a Kandivali resident was duped of Rs 32 lakh, an official said. The arrested suspects have been identified as Gangavihan Bhoju, Vikas Bishnoi, Premsukh Bishnoi, and Ramniwas Bishnoi. This gang was reportedly providing bank accounts to cybercriminals for fraudulent activities. According to the police the complaint a Kandivali resident, reported that the incident began in December when he received a call at home from someone claiming to be from the TRAI office. The caller falsely claimed that a case had been registered against him at a Delhi police station and transferred the call to someone posing as a Deputy Commissioner of Police Dehli crime branch. The fraudster, impersonating the DCP, extracted personal and work-related information from the complainant, warning him not to share these details with anyone. He also falsely claimed that the complainant's online activity was being monitored and that disclosing any information could lead to legal action. The next day, the complainant received another call, this time from someone claiming to be a CBI officer. The caller falsely informed him that he had been "digitally arrested" and that arrest action would soon follow. The caused the complainant significant distress. Under the pretext of preventing further action, the fraudster coerced him into transferring Rs 32 lakhs to a bank account. Suspecting foul play, the complainant approached the North Regional Cyber Police Station and filed a complaint. A special team was formed to conduct the investigation. Through their efforts, the police identified the suspects, laid a trap, and arrested the four individuals. The arrested gang members were found to have provided bank accounts to cybercriminals for executing fraud.
24 January,2025 12:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanNavi Mumbai police have successfully apprehended two individuals in connection with a series of vehicle thefts across the region. The duo, identified as Ashraf Alam Sheikh (21) and Ramzan Abdulmatin Sheikh (22), were taken into custody for their involvement in 17 cases of theft, primarily targeting autorickshaws and two-wheelers. According to Pankaj Dahane, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone-I Vashi, the arrested individuals, both residents of CBD Belapur, were implicated in a spate of vehicle thefts spanning various locations, including CBD, Kharghar, Kalamboli, NRI (Ulve), Panvel Town, Vashi, Nehru Nagar, Bandra, Panth Nagar, and Khar police station jurisdictions. The police were able to recover a total of 12 stolen vehicles, with an estimated value of Rs 20.45 lakh, from the possession of the accused. Dahane also confirmed that a thorough investigation into the criminal activities was being conducted, with the police having reviewed 55 CCTV footage recordings to identify the perpetrators. The detectives managed to narrow down their search to the two accused, based on the footage and further investigation. Revised Navi Mumbai metro rail line timetable to come into force from Jan 20: CIDCO The revised timetable for Navi Mumbai Metro Line-1, which runs from Belapur to Pendhar, will be implemented from January 20, a City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) official stated on Saturday. According to the news agency PTI, CIDCO stated in a press release that trains will be available every 10 minutes during peak hours once the new timetable comes into effect. "According to the revised timetable, metro services will now begin at 6am from Belapur and Pendhar stations. The last train from Belapur will depart at 10 pm, while the final service from Pendhar will leave at 9.45 pm. From Belapur, metro trains will run every 10 minutes between 7.30 am and 10 am, and again from 5.30 pm to 8 pm. From Pendhar, the peak-hour frequency will be every 10 minutes from 7 am to 9.30 am, and from 5 pm to 7.30 pm," the release stated. Outside these peak hours, the Navi Mumbai Metro Line-1 services will operate at intervals of 15 minutes, the CIDCO release added. The line, which commenced operations on November 17, 2023, plays a crucial role in providing seamless connectivity to the Central Business District (CBD) Belapur, the Taloja Industrial area, and CIDCO's housing complexes. MMRCL allots 1.3-lakh square feet commercial space across 27 Mumbai Metro-3 stations Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) awarded 1.3 lakh square feet of retail commercial space at 27 Mumbai Metro Line-3 stations. These spaces, offered through an open tender process, cater to diverse commercial segments, including office food & beverage (F&B), retail, banking ATMs, and vending machines. The available spaces include 40,000 square feet large floor plates to smaller kiosks of about 100 square feet. The commercial spaces are strategically located in high footfall areas of the metro stations and attracted prominent bidders across various sectors. Major retail players such as Tata Trent, India Retail & Hospitality, Naman Group Rozeus Retail, Mystical Group and individual brands like Amar Tea, Warna Sahakari, Delicia Foods, and Chitale Bandhu participated in the bid. The response underscores the attractiveness of the location, the exclusivity of large spaces, and the high anticipated ridership once the metro line is fully operational. The annual lease rentals from this transaction would offset the O&M cost and JICA loan repayments. The Non-Fare Box Revenue (NFBR) transactions are being facilitated by Auctus Advisors. “By maximising revenue from non-fare sources, we can keep ticket fares in check, ensuring that the metro remains affordable and accessible to a larger segment of the public. This is critical to making public transport in Mumbai more sustainable and promoting its use. As more and more passengers opt for environment-friendly modes of transportation, we will contribute to decongesting the city and improving Mumbai's liveability ranking," said Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director, MMRCL, on the development. (With PTI inputs)
24 January,2025 12:10 PM IST | MumbaiThe father of Shariful Islam Sajjad, a man reportedly arrested in Mumbai in connection with an attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, has claimed that his son is innocent. Md Ruhul Amin, Shariful’s father, urged the Indian authorities to release his son, stating that the arrest was based on mistaken identity. Shariful Islam Sajjad, a 30-year-old resident of Rajabaria village in Jhalakathi, a southern district of Bangladesh more than 200 kilometres from Dhaka, is accused of being involved in an assault on Saif Ali Khan on January 16. However, his father maintains that Shariful is not the person responsible for the attack. Speaking to ANI over the phone, Md Ruhul Amin said, “I have learned through various YouTube channels and from journalists via telephone that my son has been arrested in India. He has been accused of assaulting actor Saif Ali Khan. However, my son is innocent.” According to Md Ruhul Amin, the arrest was made because of Shariful’s physical resemblance to the person involved in the attack, but he insists that his son is not guilty. Further, Md Ruhul Amin revealed that Shariful left Bangladesh several months ago due to political harassment. He claimed that his family, with strong associations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), had been subjected to oppression and false cases during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “My son fled the country because of the political persecution he and his brothers faced,” he added. Shariful Islam’s father plans to approach the Bangladesh government to initiate diplomatic measures for his son’s release. He said, “I will request the Bangladesh government to take steps for my son’s release. I will go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a few days to formally request their intervention.” Shariful had reportedly travelled to India six or seven months ago, and his father strongly believes that it is impossible for him to have assaulted a prominent figure like Saif Ali Khan within such a short time frame. “My son is innocent. He cannot have assaulted someone of Saif Ali Khan’s stature in such a brief period,” Md Ruhul Amin stated. As per ANI, on January 16, the actor was attacked during a violent confrontation, suffering stab wounds to his thoracic spine and other parts of his body. Saif Ali Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for immediate medical treatment. In the course of the investigation, the police discovered fingerprints matching those of the accused at various locations in Saif Ali Khan's residence. The accused allegedly attempted to enter several houses before finally reaching the actor's home with the intention of stealing. Mumbai Police have emphasised that these fingerprints will be crucial to the ongoing investigation. (With inputs from ANI)
24 January,2025 12:00 PM IST | MumbaiThe Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra's Thane district has awarded ₹10.8 lakh in compensation to a 29-year-old man who sustained serious injuries in a road accident that occurred in 2018. According to PTI, MACT Chairman S.B. Agrawal directed that the compensation be jointly and severally paid by the owner of the tempo involved in the accident and the insurance company. The tribunal further ordered that the compensation amount, along with interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum, be paid from the date of filing the petition until the full amount is realised. A copy of the tribunal's decision, dated January 20, was made available on Friday. The tempo owner did not appear during the hearings, resulting in the matter being decided ex parte against him. As per the tribunal’s directions, the insurance company must pay the compensation initially and later recover the amount from the tempo owner. Advocate P.M. Tillu, representing the claimant, informed the tribunal that the accident occurred on September 1, 2018, when the petitioner, a salesperson employed at a mall in Thane city, was riding his motorcycle to work. While crossing the Kasheli bridge, a speeding tempo collided with his vehicle, causing severe injuries that required hospitalisation. PTI reports that the insurance company, represented by Advocate P.B. Nair, contested the claim, raising several points to challenge the compensation amount. However, the tribunal concluded that the petitioner was entitled to the compensation sought. In its order, the tribunal noted that while the claimant was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, this was not a contributory factor to the collision itself. It stated that although the lack of a helmet might have aggravated the injuries, it did not constitute contributory negligence on the part of the petitioner. The compensation amount includes ₹5.35 lakh towards hospital expenses, ₹3 lakh for pain, suffering, and loss of amenities, ₹1 lakh each for the removal of an implant and income lost during hospitalisation and recovery, and ₹45,000 for other miscellaneous costs, PTI reports. The tribunal’s decision highlights the legal accountability of vehicle owners and their insurers in ensuring fair compensation for accident victims.
24 January,2025 11:45 AM IST | MumbaiShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has claimed that Maharashtra will soon have a third Deputy Chief Minister, asserting that the individual would emerge from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction). According to ANI reports, Raut made this statement during an interaction with the media on Friday. "...Maharashtra will get a third deputy CM soon. It will be someone from among them (Shiv Sena-Shinde)," Raut stated, indicating an impending political development within the state. Raut, a prominent leader of the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), also took a swipe at the Shinde faction, accusing them of defecting out of fear of central investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "These people ran away in fear of the ED and CBI," he alleged. Reaffirming his faction's resilience, Raut added, "Power comes and goes, but we are standing firmly on our feet here." He underscored that the Shiv Sena (UBT) continues to be a robust organisation despite losing power in the state. The remarks come in the wake of harsh criticism from Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Eknath Shinde. Addressing the audience at the 'Shivoutsav' function held at Bandra Kurla Complex on Thursday evening to commemorate the 99th birth anniversary of Balasaheb Thackeray, Shinde accused Uddhav Thackeray of abandoning the late leader's ideology. Shinde said, "You left Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology in 2019 only for the CM chair. You trampled on his principles, so you have no moral right to talk about the Balasaheb Thackeray memorial." Reflecting on his governance, Shinde remarked, "I received the opportunity to serve the people of Maharashtra wholeheartedly for two and a half years. At the same time, the recognition I received as a beloved brother of 2.4 crore sisters in the state is greater than all positions." (With inputs from ANI)
24 January,2025 11:35 AM IST | MumbaiAs per the latest forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is set to enjoy clear skies on January 24, with a pleasant weather pattern throughout the day. The city is expected to experience a low temperature of 20°C and a high of 34°C, making for a comfortable day. Light winds, blowing at around 8 km/h, will provide a slight breeze, and humidity will remain at 43%. This weather is perfect for those looking to spend time outdoors. The day will begin with a sunrise at 7:14 AM, and the sun will set at 6:21 PM, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities. According to the IMD, clear skies will prevail throughout the day, with no significant changes expected in the coming days. The weather is forecast to remain similar on January 25 and 26, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C, ensuring that the city experiences pleasant conditions as the weekend approaches. Air Quality in Mumbai: Mostly satisfactory with moderate levels in certain areas In terms of air quality, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) currently stands at 67, which falls under the 'Satisfactory' category. This is an improvement compared to previous months, making it a better day for people to be outside. However, individuals with respiratory issues are still advised to limit their time outdoors and consider wearing masks to avoid exposure to pollutants. The AQI varies across different parts of Mumbai, with several areas recording 'Moderate' levels of air quality. Here’s a breakdown of the AQI in different regions: Navy Nagar: 128 AQI – Moderate Dockyard: 168 AQI – Moderate Worli: 104 AQI – Moderate Siddharth Nagar: 126 AQI – Moderate Sion: 116 AQI – Moderate Deonar: 246 AQI – Moderate Byculla: 104 AQI – Moderate Kherwadi: 105 AQI – Moderate Chembur: 121 AQI – Moderate Bandra Kurla Complex: 127 AQI – Moderate Lower Parel: 148 AQI – Moderate Ghatkopar: 116 AQI – Moderate Sewri: 129 AQI – Moderate Mindspace: 98 AQI – Satisfactory Shivaji Nagar: 110 AQI – Satisfactory Kurla: 131 AQI – Moderate Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (T2): 160 AQI – Moderate Vile Parle West: 135 AQI – Moderate Powai: 126 AQI – Moderate Malad West: 126 AQI – Poor Mulund West: 103 AQI – Moderate Kandivali East: 121 AQI – Moderate Borivali East (Khodiyar Nagar): 95 AQI – Satisfactory Borivali East (Mumbai Suburban): 132 AQI – Moderate It’s clear that while most areas in Mumbai have a 'Moderate' AQI, some regions are experiencing better air quality, such as Borivali East and Mindspace-Malad West, which are classified as 'Satisfactory.' What is AQI? The AQI, or Air Quality Index, is a scale that helps measure the quality of air and its potential impact on health. It ranges from 0 to 500, with categories as follows: 0-50: Good51-100: Satisfactory101-200: Moderate201-300: Poor301-400: Very Poor401-500: Severe As of today, Mumbai’s overall air quality falls under the 'Satisfactory' to 'Moderate' category, which suggests that the city’s air quality is manageable for most individuals. However, those with health conditions should still take precautions. Overall, Mumbai is expected to enjoy pleasant weather and clear skies on January 24, with good air quality for most of the city.
24 January,2025 10:24 AM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
