Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday hinted that his party may contest the upcoming local bodies elections in the state on its own, stating that his cadres were keen on it and that he would decide on it at the appropriate time, reported the PTI. Hitting out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah for criticising Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) over its loss in the last year's Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024, he said nobody should try to mess with his party, and dared the BJP to hold at least one election using ballot papers, according to the PTI. Addressing party workers on the 99th birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in Mumbai, the former chief minister said he has been talking to the party rank and file in all municipal corporations and they want the party to contest in the upcoming local bodies polls independently. "Are you ready to show the traitors their place? Elections are yet to be announced. Let me see your preparations and I will take a decision as per your wish. I will decide at appropriate time," he said, as per the PTI. Shiv Sena (UBT) is a constituent of the opposition MVA along with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party NCP (SP). Uddhav Thackeray's statement come days after party leader Sanjay Raut announced that his party would contest the local bodies polls solo, a move raising question mark over the opposition bloc's unity, as per the PTI. The local bodies polls are slated to be held early this year. Speaking about Amit Shah's recent remarks on how the Mahayuti alliance's victory in the state assembly elections showed the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP) their place, Uddhav Thackeray said, "Don't try to mess with us." He said if the BJP betrays Maharashtra under the guise of Hindutva, his party will not tolerate it. Terming the BJP's Hindutva as "fake", he said the Sena (UBT) professed progressive and nationalistic Hindutva. He said that although the Ram temple 'pran pratishtha' ceremony was held a year ago, its construction is yet to complete. Uddhav Thackeray asked his supporters to chant 'Jai Shivrai' along with 'Jai Shri Ram' to counter the BJP's slogan, the news agency reported. He also criticised the Mahayuti government for the tussle over the position of guardian ministers. "Ministers protest on streets and burn tyres demanding guardian ministers post and such people call themselves sainiks of Balasaheb," he said, apparently referring to ruling Shiv Sena leader Bharat Gogawale protesting against the guardian ministership of Raigad district given to NCP leader Aditi Tatkare, as per the PTI. (with PTI inputs)
23 January,2025 11:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFlights to and from Kolkata airport experienced significant disruptions on Thursday due to foggy weather, leaving passengers stranded for over two hours. Similar weather-related issues were reported at Leh and Guwahati airports. By 4 pm, at least 28 flights to and from Mumbai had been delayed due to fog conditions at various airports across India. Aviation industry officials confirmed that eight flights were affected on both the Kolkata–Mumbai and Mumbai–Kolkata sectors. Similarly, four flights each were delayed on the Mumbai–Guwahati and Guwahati–Mumbai sectors, while two flights each faced disruptions on the Mumbai–Leh and Leh–Mumbai sectors. An Air Traffic Control (ATC) source said, "The average delay for departures at Kolkata Airport was approximately two hours due to the foggy conditions. Similar delays were observed at Guwahati and Leh airports." Rishab Raj, one of the stranded passengers at Kolkata airport said, “What was the tearing hurry to pack people into a plane when it was so foggy at Kolkata airport and you didn’t have permission to fly? We were stuck inside the aircraft for almost 2.5 hours. Horrible management.” Another passenger said, “This has become the new normal. Multiple flights delayed due to fog in winter or heavy rains in the rainy season is incredibly frustrating for us. I travel regularly for work, but these delays make it impossible to stick to a schedule. If you have a meeting, you need to plan for at least a four-hour buffer after the estimated landing time, as weather disruptions can completely derail your plans.”
23 January,2025 10:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariFollowing a safety inspection conducted by the police and bomb squads, Ryan Global School has been given the all-clear, a school spokesperson said in an official statement on Thursday. It said that the school will resume operating normally from tomorrow (Friday). A spokesperson for the Ryan Schools said, “The school had received a security threat earlier today. Upon receiving the threat, we immediately activated our emergency protocols to prioritize the safety of our students and staff. Everyone was promptly and safely evacuated from the premises, and local law enforcement along with explosive detection teams arrived swiftly to conduct a thorough investigation. We are deeply grateful to the Mumbai Police and the explosive detection teams for their prompt and professional response. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our utmost priority at Ryan Group of Schools. We want to reassure parents, students, staff that all necessary precautions are being taken, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment." The Mumbai school had received a bomb threat on Thursday after which the police and explosive detection team was dispatched to probe, the police said. The bomb threat was reportedly received through an email and emergency response teams were dispatched to the school, the officialssaid. Acting on the information, the police and explosive detection team was rushed to the spot. "The local law enforcement, along with an explosive detection team dispatched to launch a thorough investigation at the school to ensure the safety of the students and staff," said Mumbai Police. Earlier last week, Delhi Police cracked down on a series of hoax bomb threats sent to over 400 schools across the national capital and arrested a juvenile responsible for the menacing emails, officials said. After Police cracked down on the case of a series of hoax bomb threats sent to Delhi schools, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that it is the work of depraved minds to destabilise social harmony and the progress of the nation. The suspect, a public school student, was identified and apprehended after a thorough technical investigation by the Cyber Cell of the South District police.
23 January,2025 09:46 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMaharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, who leads the ruling Shiv Sena on Thursday warned the Shiv Sena (UBT) saying that if the rival party did not stop criticising his party and the Mahayuti alliance, then the Uddhav Thackeray-led party will be left with only two MLAs out of the present 20, PTI reported. He said the people of the state gave a befitting reply to the Sena (UBT) in the last year's Maharashtra assembly election and it was time for it to introspect. Talking to PTI reporters on the sidelines of his visit to Thane's 'Anand Ashram' in order to pay respects to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray on his birth anniversary and his mentor Anand Dighe, Shinde also said there was a growing demand for the Shiv Sena in other states as well. "From day one, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), especially Sena (UBT), has been criticising me and the Mahayuti, but nothing worked and the citizens of the state gave a befitting reply to them and showed them their place. If this continues, they will lose zero from the number 20," he said. "It is high time they do some introspection and soul-searching," Shinde added. In the Maharashtra elections held in November of last year, the Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP retained power, winning 230 seats of the 288 assembly seats. The BJP won 132 seats, the Shiv Sena 57 and the NCP got 41 seats, PTI cited. In the Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA), the Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20 seats, the Congress 16 and the NCP (SP) 10 seats. "A number of workers and leaders from the opposition parties, especially Sena (UBT), have joined our Shiv Sena in the recent period and this influx will continue," he said. "Some workers and leaders from other states also joined the Shiv Sena and there is a growing demand for Shiv Sena in some other states. The Shiv Sena is growing...It will open branches in other states in the coming days," he said, PTI cited. Shinde also said that Bal Thackeray's birth anniversary was being celebrated in a grand manner this year just like in the past. "We will celebrate his birth centenary next year," he said. "The Shiv Sena has never compromised on the principles of Balasaheb Thackeray and the teachings of Anand Dighe, and will never compromise. That is why workers prefer the Shiv Sena," he said. He further spoke about the programmes implemented by the state government when he was the Chief minister. Shiv Sena's youth wing has planned various programmes in the coming days in colleges and it will also reach each and every household in the state to tell the people of the work done by the Mahayuti government, he said. (With inputs from PTI)
23 January,2025 09:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn injured Himalayan Griffon Vulture was rescued from a village in Uran, Raigad by FON (Friends of Nature), the officials said on Thursday. The rescued Himalayan Griffon Vulture was later handed over to RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare) by the Uran Range of the Forest Department for its treatment and rehabilitation, they said. The young vulture was found to be severely dehydrated, malnourished and suspected to be a case of toxicity, the officials said. They added that it is currently critical and being treated. The vulture was kept under observation by a team of vets and rehabilitators from RAWW. Vultures are listed under schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 giving them top protection in India. Dwarf sperm whale rescued after stranding in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district Meanwhile, in an another wildlife rescue operation in Maharashtra, a dwarf sperm whale was discovered stranded at Tondavli near Sarjekot in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, sparking a rescue operation to return the marine mammal to deeper waters, the officials said on Thursday. The incident occurred along the coast of Sindhudurg, a region located southeast of Mumbai. The district is also known for its scenic beaches and rich marine life. The local authorities and rescuers responded to the stranding which posed a significant challenge for the whale’s safe return to its natural habitat, in the ocean. During the rescue operation, the stranded whale was carefully placed on a boat by rescuers to minimise its stress and any harm to the dwarf sperm whale. The officials and the rescuers later begun the process of transporting the whale into deeper waters. It was approximately 15 meters in depth, where it could released back into its natural habitat, the officials said. "The rescued dwarf sperm whale was successfully released back into the sea following its safe rescue," an official said. The dwarf sperm whale, a species known for its elusive nature and deep-water dwelling habits, is rarely spotted near the shorelines. It is usually found in deep waters. Sindhudurg, located along Maharashtra's western coastline, is home to diverse marine species, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts.
23 January,2025 09:02 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Thursday said that it has secured USD 40 billion (around Rs 3.5 lakh crore) investment at the Davos 2025. The MMRDA has signed 11 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth USD 40 billion (around Rs 3.5 lakh crore) at World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The achievement is expected to boost the infrastructure and economy of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in the coming years. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, MMRDA Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee and other senior government officials were present when the MoUs were signed and it will help in urban transport, regional development, and cutting-edge technologies. It is said that this will help in economic growth and enhanced quality of life in the region over the next 3–5 years, said an official statement. Key Highlights of the MoUs - Crossrail International (UK) – Strategic study on optimizing Mumbai’s transport infrastructure. - University of Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (UK) – A study to achieve sustainable urban transport in MMR. - Brookfield Corporation (Canada) – USD 12 billion investment to support economic growth through FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in urban, regional, and infrastructure development. - Blackstone Inc. (USA) – USD 5 billion investment to drive urban and regional growth. - Temasek Capital Management (Singapore) – USD 5 billion investment for similar growth-focused projects. - Sumitomo Realty & Development (Japan) – USD 5 billion investment in infrastructure development. - Hiranandani Group (India + Dubai) – USD 6 billion investment to boost the economy. - K Raheja Corp Pvt. Ltd. (India + Singapore) – USD 5 billion investment for regional and urban growth. - Everstone Group (Singapore) – USD 1 billion investment to support economic development. - Sotefin Bharat Pvt. Ltd. (India + Switzerland) – USD 1 billion investment in transforming parking solutions in the region. - MTC Business Pvt. Ltd. + Mitsui (India + Japan) – Investment in developing a Circular Economy Park in MMR. What leaders said on MMRDA's achievements “The World Economic Forum at Davos has opened a new chapter for MMR, aligning with MMR’s vision of becoming a trillion dollor economy. These partnerships will not only drive infrastructure growth but also foster job creation and economic sustainability for the region, while celebrating golden jubilee of MMRDA, it’s truly” celebration of Development," CM Devendra Fadnavis said. Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman MMRDA Eknath Shinde said, “MMRDA’s agreements at Davos reflect the confidence of global investors in Mumbai’s growth potential. These partnerships will not only bring financial investments but also world-class expertise and technologies that will define MMR’s evolution as a global economic hub. The initiative takes us closer to Maharashtra’s vision of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy." Metropolitan Commissioner, IAS Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee said “Securing USD 40 billion at Davos marks a historic milestone for MMRDA. These investments reaffirm our commitment to driving sustainable, inclusive, and transformative growth in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, setting new benchmarks in urban development and global collaboration. These MoUs reflect the confidence of global investors in MMR’s potential to emerge as a global economic hub, creating opportunities for millions and contributing to India’s growth story.” The MoUs are a part of goals outlined by NITI Aayog and the Government of Maharashtra. MMRDA in its press statement stated that the targeted investments in infrastructure, new growth centers, and innovative projects like the Circular Economy Park, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will help achieve a USD 300 billion economy and create 3 million jobs by 2030. As the New Town Development Authority (NTDA) for strategic areas Raigad districts MMRDA is coming up with initiatives across residential, commercial, and logistics sectors which will help in economic development of the region.
23 January,2025 08:08 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) in Maharashtra has announced that the last date for online registration and selection of tenements under its "My Preferred CIDCO Home" scheme has been extended till January 31, the officials said. In an official statement, CIDCO announced that the 31st January 2025 will be the last date for online registration and selecting the preferential order of tenements under the mass housing scheme. It said that the interested applicants must complete their registration and submit their preferences by 31st January 2025, which marks the final opportunity to participate in the scheme. The "My Preferred CIDCO Home" scheme offers 26,000 affordable tenements across multiple prime locations in Navi Mumbai, including Vashi, Bamandongri, Kharkopar, Kharghar, Taloja, Mansarovar, Khandeshwar, Panvel, and Kalamboli, the statement said. It said that these tenements are available for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Low Income Group (LIG) categories. The statement further said that one of the key features of this scheme is that applicants are given the flexibility to choose their preferred tenement location from the available options. It allows citizens to have a more personalised approach to selecting their future home. "The salient feature of the scheme is that the applicants have the freedom to choose the tenement of their choice. The tenements provided under the scheme are available at affordable rates for the common citizens, and the housing complexes are developed at prime locations in Navi Mumbai, it said. The tenements are being offered at affordable rates, with the housing complexes being developed in well-connected, strategic locations across Navi Mumbai, the statement said. "To help citizens visualize their future homes, CIDCO has set up Experience Centres at Kharghar, Sector-14, Kharghar (East), Taloja, Sector-37, and Khandeshwar, Sector-28. These centres offer a virtual experience of the proposed housing layouts, allowing applicants to get a feel of their dream home before making their final decision," the official statement said on Thursday. It further said that CIDCO is urging interested individuals to take advantage of this golden opportunity and complete their online registrations by visiting the official website at https://cidcohomes.com.
23 January,2025 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarShiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday targeted the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government, saying that out of the 29 investment MoUs signed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, only one company is from outside India, PTI reported. The annual five-day meeting of the WEF is underway in Switzerland's Davos from January 20. CM Fadnavis is attending the meeting with a state delegation. In a post on X, Thackeray alleged that the Davos trip of CM Fadnavis seems to be "totally misaligned" by his office. "Out of the MoUs for proposed investment signed with 29 companies, only 1 is from outside of India. The rest are all Indian or having HQs/bases in India," he said. "Of the 29 companies, 20 are based in Maharashtra, 15 of which are in Mumbai where the @CMOMaharashtra is located," the MLA from Worli in Mumbai said. Being always supportive of any real investment/ proposed investment coming into our nation and our state, this Davos trip of CM Fadnavis ji seems to be totally misaligned by his office.Out of the MoUs for proposed investment signed with 29 companies, only 1 is from outside of… pic.twitter.com/ZvY1FdUHyR — Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 23, 2025 As per PTI, the Mahayuti government has said that some 54 MoUs were signed in Davos until Wednesday with an investment of Rs 15.70 lakh crore. Taking a dig at Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, who also handles the Urban Development Department, Thackeray said that it was hilarious to see the entire department and officers of that ministry to be part of the delegation in Davos while the minister himself being dropped from it "in favour of another minister" (an apparent reference to Industries Minister Uday Samant) from his party. He further said Davos is the most amazing place for building global relations for a state, with so many amazingly talented individuals and organisations coming together, PTI cited. The question really is, what is the point of asking all of these 28 companies to sign MoUs in Davos, when the time in Davos could have been better utilised by the CM Fadnavis for international relations with other visiting dignitaries, companies, entrepreneurs, Thackeray added. "What's the point of being busy within ourselves when the CM could have an outreach to the world, for Maharashtra?" Thackeray said. He questioned why could 'Magnetic Maharashtra' (investment summit) not be held, just like it hasn't been held since mid-2022, and have all these companies sign MoUs in the state. "I humbly urge the CM to do all these important MoUs from within our country in Maharashtra itself, inviting the world over, instead of doing it there and not meeting the world," he said. The former minister also said that it will also be good if the Mahayuti government can work with the WEF in bringing a summer Davos/mid year Davos to Maharashtra- something we had started pitching in May 2022, the former minister added. (With PTI inputs)
23 January,2025 06:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCity based NGO Majlis (protecting rights of women and children) in collaboration with the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, Mumbai City organised a roundtable of stakeholders to address pressing challenges in implementing the Manodhairya Scheme, Special Relief measures, and the role of Special Educators, Translators, and Interpreters. The meeting was attended by representatives from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Child Welfare Committee (CWC), District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), and Senior police officers and women police officers from Mumbai City.Manodhairya is a unique scheme launched by Maharashtra Government in 2013 to provide financial relief and rehabilitation to victims of penetrative sexual assault and acid attack. The meeting addressed key challenges faced by victims including police not sending applications to DLSA on time, difficulties faced by victims in opening bank accounts, interim compensation not passed within seven days and lack of information on compensation granted or rejected. The scheme also provides for rehabilitation of victims including counselling, free medical and legal aid as well as providing jobs and vocation courses to victims however no one was aware of how to go about this.The meeting also addressed the important provision of Rule 8 under the POCSO Act which empowers the CWC to pass orders for immediate payment for special relief for contingencies such as food, clothes, transport and other essential needs. However, neither DLSA nor DCPU had funds allocated to make such payments. It was decided to seek clarification from the WCD on how to process these payments.When discussing the role of Special Educators, Translators, and Interpreters in supporting victims of sexual offences with disabilities or language barriers the police highlighted gaps in accessing trained professionals. The POCSO Act mandates the DCPU to maintain a list, however due to lack of clarity regarding payments to experts the process was not initiated.“All stakeholders freely shared challenges they faced and we were able to arrive at solutions to ensure inter-agency collaboration to enhance victim support.” said Adv. Audrey Dmello, Director of Majlis.Helpline -Majlis offers Legal Counselling to women and children facing sexual and domestic violence. To seek help call 07506732641 Mon-Fri 11 am to 7 pm.
23 January,2025 06:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai airport has seen a major growth in cargo operations in the year 2024 with a 17 per cent increase in international cargo volumes, an official statement said on Thursday. It said that the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) capped off 2024 on a high note, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of India's air freight network by achieving significant milestones in cargo operations. International cargo volumes rose by an impressive 17 percent. Demonstrating continued efficiency, the airport’s cargo operations achieved the highest-ever daily tonnage of 204 MT, marking another milestone in the airport’s commitment to enabling seamless global trade. It said, CSMIA’s Cargo Terminal achieved growth across both international and domestic cargo categories. In March 2024, the cargo operations set a new milestone by handling a record-breaking 60,659 metric tonnes (MT) of international cargo, underscoring its strategic significance and operational excellence. The statement further said that throughout the year, CSMIA significantly enhanced global connectivity, now serving 687 international destinations. The expansion included new destinations such as Tripoli, Khabarovsk, Kaliningrad, Zhukovsky, Tyumen, Damascus, Honinabi, and Chisinau. Domestically, the Mumbai airport reinforced its position as a vital logistics hub, prioritising pharmaceuticals, automobile goods, and dangerous goods (DG), thereby strengthening its role in a comprehensive air cargo ecosystem. The international cargo volumes at CSMIA were split between 55 percent of exports and 45 percent of imports, with London, Frankfurt, Chicago, Dubai, and Amsterdam emerging as the top global destinations. On the international front, pharmaceuticals, agro products, and automobile goods emerged as key drivers, recording year-on-year increases of 24 percent, 22 percent, and 20 percent, respectively. On the domestic front, automobile goods led the surge with a remarkable 31 percent growth, followed by engineering goods at 22 percent and post office mail at 15 percent. The festive season further amplified the e-commerce boom, with international shipments witnessing a 53 percent year-on-year growth and domestic e-commerce goods achieving an 11 percent increase. Agricultural exports also reached new heights, with mango shipments hitting approximately 4,700 MT, the statement said. "The year was also marked by key infrastructure enhancement, including the installation of a 10 MT weighing scale in the export section and the renovation of the main gate with advanced security and vehicle management systems, enhancing operational efficiency and safety," the statement said. It said, CSMIA was honoured with the prestigious "Cargo Airport of the Year Award" at Air Cargo India for the sixth consecutive year, reinforcing its industry leadership.
23 January,2025 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday strongly advocated that Balasaheb Thackeray, the late founder of Shiv Sena, should be honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. The demand came on the occasion of Balasaheb’s birth anniversary. “Balasaheb Thackeray should be conferred with the Bharat Ratna award. He established Shiv Sena and fought tirelessly for the rights of the Marathi people,” Raut stated, as per ANI. He further criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their tributes to Balasaheb on social media, arguing that real respect would come through acknowledging the Shiv Sena leader’s contributions by conferring him with the prestigious award. “PM Modi and Amit Shah tried to dismantle the party, and now they tweet to pay homage on his birthday. If individuals like Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis post tributes to Balasaheb on X, it is nothing short of hypocrisy. Shiv Sena was the soul of Balasaheb Thackeray, and it has been attacked by these very people,” Raut remarked, according to ANI. Raut lauded Balasaheb as an unparalleled leader whose legacy remains unmatched. “Leaders like Balasaheb Thackeray will not be born again in this country. He transformed ordinary citizens into leaders. He never aspired for any official position yet emerged as a towering figure in Indian politics. On the contrary, what has the BJP done? They have fragmented the party for their own benefit,” the Sena-UBT leader added, ANI reports. He emphasised that bestowing the Bharat Ratna on Balasaheb would carry far more significance than ceremonial tributes on social media. “Conferring the Bharat Ratna will be a true homage, not empty gestures on Twitter,” Raut asserted. Balasaheb Thackeray, a formidable political figure, founded the Shiv Sena with a mission to champion the rights of the Marathi people and the Hindu community. His leadership left a profound impact on Maharashtra’s political landscape and the cultural pride of its citizens. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tributes to Balasaheb on his birth anniversary. “I pay homage to Balasaheb Thackeray Ji on his birth anniversary. He is widely respected and remembered for his commitment to public welfare and Maharashtra's development. He was uncompromising when it came to his core beliefs and always contributed towards enhancing the pride of Indian culture,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X, ANI reported. (With inputs from ANI)
23 January,2025 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
