The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) in Maharashtra has issued a warning to citizens not to use Chinese string or manja made from plastic or synthetic materials for kite flying, as it is harmful to both humans and birds, ahead of the Makar Sankranti 2025. The municipal corporation in Thane has banned the use of such dangerous materials in its jurisdiction. According to an official statement, the TMC said that as part of the enforcement efforts, the corporation has conducted checks at 450 establishments across various wards. No Chinese manja was found during these inspections, but approximately 290 kilograms of single-use plastic were seized, and fines amounting to Rs 13 lakh were imposed. The civic body permits the use of only cotton strings for kite flying, and the use of sharp materials such as metal, glass, or sticky substances in the strings is prohibited, it said. Chinese manja, which is made from sharp glass powder, metal, or other sharp materials, is dangerous for both animals and humans. The production, sale, storage, and use of Chinese manja have been banned by the National Green Tribunal. These strings do not decompose naturally, causing environmental issues such as blockages in sewage systems and harming animals that ingest them. Additionally, since the string is electrically conductive, it poses a risk of power outages by affecting electrical infrastructure, the TMC said. It said that following instructions from Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, the corporation has set up vigilance teams at the ward level to regularly monitor and enforce the ban on the production, sale, storage, and use of synthetic and nylon kite strings. These teams include tax inspectors, sanitation inspectors, health officers, pollution control staff, and local police. So far, inspections have been conducted at 450 establishments, with no Chinese manja found. However, the teams seized 290 kilograms of plastic and imposed fines of Rs 13 lakh during the inspections, the civic body said. The Thane Municipal Corporation has set up a toll-free number (8657887101) and an email ([email protected]) for citizens to report any instances of the sale, production, or use of banned synthetic or nylon kite strings. "The TMC urges the public to follow the guidelines for safe kite flying and to report any violations," the official statement said on Sunday.
12 January,2025 08:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister Nitin Gadkari praised Mahayuti's massive victory in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections on Sunday, emphasising the need to work ten times better than past governments, with a focus on good governance, social harmony, and 'Shivshahi', ANI reported. He stated that every youth should get jobs, that there should be no need to leave villages for work, and that 'smart villages' should replace 'smart cities'. As per ANI, speaking at the BJP's Maharashtra Convention in Shirdi, Gadkari said, "We should not be satisfied just by defeating Congress. We have to bring change in the lives of the people, otherwise, the public will ask us what we did (for the welfare of the people in the state). They will say 'You did what they did'. We have to do 10 times better work than the previous governments. Every youth in Maharashtra should get employment. There should be smart villages and not just smart cities. People come to the city out of compulsion." "Our government has done the work of providing work to the hands of 10,000 youths in the same Gadchiroli. This district will be the highest revenue-generating district in the coming times...It was the situation during the Congress era that children from rural areas came to Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur without any hesitation. But this situation will change in our time," he added. Using Bhimrao Ambedkar as an example, the Union Minister stated that no one becomes big or small by winning or losing an election. He also delivered a veiled attack on the Opposition, claiming that some people in the state are attempting to "spread hatred" through "caste politics", ANI cited. "The people of Maharashtra have given unprecedented success. They have given it for Shivshahi (government for the welfare of the people like Shivaji Maharaj). The responsibility of fulfilling the expectations of the people is now on us. We have to bring social harmony. After the victory in Maharashtra, we have to bring good governance to the state. We have to bring social transformation through power," Gadkari said. He added, "No one becomes big or small by winning or losing an election, we are recognized by our work. Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar contested the elections from Vidarbha and was defeated, no one knows those who won the election, but Dr Ambedkar is recognized all over the world. Work is being done to spread hatred by doing caste politics in Maharashtra, but a person is great not by his caste but by his work." Speaking on his upcoming trip to Kashmir for the inauguration of Sonmarg's Z-Morh tunnel on Monday, the Union Minister said that J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also commended the road and infrastructural projects. "I am going to Kashmir after the program. Tomorrow there is the inauguration of a tunnel with PM Modi. I met the CM of Kashmir, and he told me that you have built such good roads, tourists have increased three times. People have increased. Today there are so many big tourist places in Maharashtra. Reducing imports and increasing exports is the biggest patriotism," he added. BJP-led Mahayuti alliance witnessed a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Elections held in November last year, by winning 230 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats. The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party also made notable gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The Maha Vikas Aghadi suffered a major setback with Congress securing just 16 seats. While Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) won 20 and 10 seats respectively. Earlier in the day, Nitin Gadkari along with BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, inaugurated the seventh edition of the Khasdar Krida Mahotsav, which began with a marathon featuring over a thousand participants, in Maharashtra's Nagpur on Sunday. The 20-day sporting event, which started on Sunday featured competitions across the city, with total prize money of Rs 1.5 crore. Approximately 80,000 athletes, aged between 4 and 85 years, are expected to participate. The event will include the distribution of 762 trophies and 12,317 medals to the winners, PTI reported. Speaking at the event, Gadkari said, "I am very happy that we are starting the Krida Mahotsav in its seventh year today. Thousands of athletes participated in the marathon earlier this morning, marking the beginning of this event on January 12. Over the next few days, we will all have the opportunity to enjoy various sports competitions in this arena. I am also delighted that this year, the program will run for 20 days." "This year, 80,000 athletes will participate. From children as young as four years old to senior citizens aged 85, everyone will take part in these games. There are 762 trophies, 12,317 medals, and prize money totalling Rs 1.50 crore," he added. (With PTI inputs)
12 January,2025 08:08 PM IST | Shirdi | mid-day online correspondentAt least five people were injured after part of house collapsed in Jogeshwari east area of Mumbai, the civic officials said on Sunday. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the incident took place at around 4:57 pm when a part of a house collapsed in the Chunnilal Marwadi Chawl area near Gumpha Darshan Building in Majas Wadi, Jogeshwari East in Mumbai. The incident occurred when part of the upper floor of a ground-plus-one (G+1) structure came down, resulting in injuries to five people. The incident was reported by the BMC's Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) at 6:56 pm following which the civic officials rushed to the spot and launched a rescue and relief operation. The BMC said that emergency services rushed to the site, and the injured were shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. It said that according to information from the Assistant Medical Officer (AMO) at the hospital, one person was admitted with injuries, while the others were treated and their condition is said to be stable. Those injured in the incident were Lalina Vikram Bhati, 26, was admitted to the hospital, Vikram Bhati, 28, Nitin Mahamunkar, 42, Fancy Bhati, 35, Latika Bhati, 11, were treated and discharged from the hospital. Further details are awaited.
12 January,2025 07:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said Bangladeshi migrants seeking birth certificates illegally in the state to obtain voting rights was "vote jihad part 2", reported the PTI. Devendra Fadnavis, during the November assembly poll campaign, had cited instances of a community voting en masse against the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections held earlier in 2024, and had termed this as "vote jihad". Speaking at the state BJP's convention in Shirdi in Ahilyanagar, Fadnavis said, "Bangladeshi infiltrators are seeking birth certificates in Maharashtra as part of vote jihad part 2. Nearly 100 such cases have been reported in Amravati and Malegaon tehsil in Nashik. These people, many aged around 50 years, are obtaining documents illegally," according to the PTI. Not a single infiltrator will be allowed to stay in Maharashtra, Fadnavis asserted. He said his government is committed to combating anarchist forces attempting to create caste-based and communal divisions and urged people to stay vigilant and ensure this resolve is strengthened. Reflecting on the BJP's stellar performance in the November assembly polls, he hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for guiding and instilling confidence among party workers after the setbacks faced in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. "In the last 30 years in Maharashtra, the BJP is the only party which crossed the 100-seat mark in three consecutive polls (2014, 2019 and 2024). PM Modi's leadership gave us confidence and BJP got 132 seats with strike rate of 89 per cent," he said, as per the PTI. Narrating an anecdote from the Mahabharata about who ensured the victory of the Pandavas over the Kauravas, Devendra Fadnavis said the party workers were "Keshav" and Modi was "Madhav", both names of Lord Krishna, in the stupendous victory of the BJP in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. Cautioning against complacency after the assembly poll results, Fadnavis said workers must continue to put in concerted efforts for public welfare. Pointing towards the local body polls expected to take place across the state in the next few months, he said, "We must remain ready and united. The PM's mantra of 'ek hain to safe hain' (unity ensures safety) must guide us," he told the gathering. Polls to several civic bodies, including in Mumbai, Thane and Nagpur, are pending since early 2022. Fadnavis said that his government has lined up several schemes for the welfare of all segments of society, including ensuring 52 per cent of Maharashtra's electricity is generated from renewable sources by 2030, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
12 January,2025 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that veteran politician Sharad Pawar played politics of betrayal and treachery in Maharashtra from 1978, which was ended by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) massive victory in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 with its resolve to establish a stable government, reported the PTI. Addressing a state BJP convention in Shirdi, Amit Shah said the people of Maharashtra showed Pawar, who heads NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray their place by rejecting the politics of dynasty and betrayal in last year's elections. Citing differences between Congress and allies in Delhi, West Bengal, Bihar, and Maharashtra, Shah said the decline of the opposition INDI block has begun. "Sharad Pawar started politics of 'daga-phatka' (betrayal and treachery) in Maharashtra in 1978, which was rejected by people in 2024 (elections). Similarly, the politics of the dynasty and the betrayal of Uddhav Thackeray was also rejected. People showed Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray their place in 2024 polls," Amit Shah said, according to the PTI. Noting that the BJP's victory in Maharashtra will have long-term consequences, Amit Shah said the historic win shattered the INDI alliance's confidence. Amit Shah also said the BJP will win the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 scheduled for next month. Sharad Pawar praised RSS for countering opposition's fake narrative in 2024 polls: Fadnavis Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that Sharad Pawar praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) after observing how the organisation successfully countered the opposition’s fake narrative during the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The opposition had earlier alleged that the BJP aimed to secure 400 seats to amend the Constitution and eliminate reservations, a claim that saffron party leaders acknowledged had negatively impacted their campaign. Commenting on Sharad Pawar’s recent remarks appreciating the RSS, Fadnavis said on Friday that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance managed to construct a misleading narrative during the general elections. However, he credited the RSS for its role in exposing the truth. “When the Assembly elections drew closer, individuals from various walks of life, inspired by the RSS, played a critical role in dismantling this fake narrative. Sharad Pawar Saheb is an astute leader; he must have studied the RSS’s efforts and realised that it is not merely a political entity but a nationalist force. In any competition, it is wise to recognise others’ strengths,” Fadnavis remarked during an interaction with senior editor Vivek Ghalsasi at the Late Vilasji Fadnis Jivhala programme in Nagpur. The CM further revealed that when Eknath Shinde was appointed Chief Minister in June 2022, he had requested to be assigned organisational work. However, senior party leaders insisted that he join the government. (with PTI inputs)
12 January,2025 06:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOver 500 veterans, including gallantry awardees from all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, took part in a special Veterans Day Parade held at Marine Drive in Mumbai on Sunday, the officials said. The parade was held along the Marine Drive promenade to mark the upcoming Tri-Services Veterans Day. The event was flagged off by the Governor of Maharashtra, C.P. Radhakrishnan, from the promenade opposite the NCPA at Nariman Point. The 4th edition of the Armed Forces Veterans’ Parade was organised by the Navy Foundation, Mumbai Chapter (NFMC) in association with the HQ Western Naval Command. Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Western Naval Command, along with senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, were also present at the event. During the parade, the Governor greeted the war veterans, Veer Naris (wives of fallen soldiers), and ex-servicemen, walking a few steps with them to show his solidarity and appreciation for their service to the nation. Among the veterans taking part in the parade were Commander Vijay Vadhera (Retd), President of the NFMC, and Captain Raj Mohindra (Retd), who is 92 years old and a former President of the NFMC. The Tri-Services Veterans Day is celebrated every year on 14th January to honour their contributions and also marks the day in 1953 when Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army post independence, retired after glorious service to the nation. Veterans Day Parade was held aiming to raise awareness about the veterans' important role in the defense of the nation and to honor their sacrifices for the county. The Governor greeted the War veterans, Veer Naris and Ex Servicemen from the armed forces and walked a few steps with them after the flag-off of the parade on January 12, as an expression of solidarity with the armed forces veterans. The Veterans Day Parade also included participation by the Indian Army band, NCC and SCC cadets and was aimed at creating awareness amongst the citizens of the city about the glorious contribution of the veterans in service of the nation.
12 January,2025 05:05 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentUnion minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said Naxalism has declined significantly in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, as nearly 5,000 youths have quit the outlawed movement, joined the mainstream and many of them have got employment, reported the PTI. In the next five years, Gadchiroli will become the highest revenue-generating district in Maharashtra, he said at the BJP's state-level convention at Shirdi in Ahilyanagar district. Nitin Gadkari appealed to the BJP workers to channel the party's electoral success into meaningful societal transformation. The victory in the last year's state assembly polls should lead to the establishment of "surajya" (good governance), he said. Highlighting the progress made in Naxal-affected Gadchiroli, he said there was a time when visiting some areas in the district was difficult even for public representatives. "Today, nearly 5,000 youths have shunned Naxalism and come back to the mainstream. Many have got jobs like drivers, fitters, among others," the senior BJP leader said. Engineering and polytechnic colleges have been established, and garment manufacturing for exports has begun in the district, he said, according to teh PTI. The area, once backward, has now generated employment for 10,000 tribal youths, Gadkari said. "In the next five years, Gadchiroli will become the highest revenue-generating district," he added. Nitin Gadkari also emphasised the importance of addressing the issues of unemployment, malnutrition and lack of education. "The soul of our party is to create a powerful nation that can guide the world," he said, as per the PTI. He highlighted the need for transformation in rural areas and the uplift of labourers and the poor. Drawing inspiration from historical figures, Gadkari said, "It is our responsibility to demonstrate, like Shivaji Maharaj, how to transform the state. Many people become ministers, but not all are remembered. Babasaheb Ambedkar lost a Lok Sabha election, yet his name is renowned globally. Electoral victories alone do not define greatness." The Union minister criticised those attempting to create communal discord for political gains. "We believe no individual is significant because of their caste, race or faith, but because of the values they uphold," he said. On Maharashtra's contribution to the automobile sector, Nitin Gadkari said, "In the next five years, India will become the top country globally in the automobile industry, generating 4.5 crore jobs, with maximum GST collection from Maharashtra in the sector. Most of the companies are based in Maharashtra." The union minister reminded the BJP workers that their responsibility extends beyond defeating the rival Congress. "If we fail to bring transformation, people will question us. Good governance and development must remain our mission," he said, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
12 January,2025 04:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion minister Nitin Gadkari praised actor Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film "Emergency" at the Maharashtra BJP convention in Shirdi on Sunday, reported the PTI. "It is a beautiful movie that shows how and when the Emergency was imposed and the struggles faced by our workers," Gadkari said. "Many were jailed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act and endured hardships. The Jan Sangh was thought to be finished, but we proved otherwise," Gadkari said while addressing BJP office-bearers in Shirdi on Sunday, as per the PTI. Directed, produced and written by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, "Emergency" also stars Anupam Kher. The film, mired in controversy, will be released in theatres on January 17. "Emergency" delves into the 21 months from 1975 to 1977 under Indira Gandhi's prime ministership. It also stars Shreyas Talpade as young Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Mahima Choudhary as Pupul Jayakar and the late Satish Kaushik in the role of Jagjivan Ram. A day earlier, Kangana Ranaut organised a special screening of Emergency for Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur district of Maharashtra. Kangana Ranaut hosts the first screening of Emergency in Nagpur After multiple delays and a long battle over CBFC-requested cuts, Kangana Ranaut's is all set to release on January 17. Now, as the film is all set to release, Kangana Ranaut hosted the first-ever screening of the film in Nagpur. The special screening, hosted in Nagpur, was attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The PTI reported Kangana saying, "Today, we are actually having the first screening of the film. Before this, no one has seen the film. The censor board was extremely strict, and they conducted thorough scrutiny. We had to provide so much proof and documentation. After six months of struggle, the film is finally ready." Nitin Gadkari, who attended the first-ever screening hosted by Kangana Ranaut, shared, "I am watching the film for the first time, and I have witnessed the Emergency in the country. The true history of the Emergency that Kangana ji has presented in front of the public today is correct. I am fully confident that this film will receive support from the public as well." (with PTI inputs)
12 January,2025 03:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBJP MP Narayan Rane on Sunday slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray over the party's announcement about contesting the local bodies elections solo, alleging that the latter's strength had diminished, reported news agency PTI. The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday announced to contest local bodies polls solo, raising a question mark over the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi's unity. Party leader Sanjay Raut cited the lack of opportunities for workers of respective parties in an alliance and the right to organisational growth as the considerations for contesting solo. Raut said the INDIA bloc and MVA alliances - comprising Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP) - were meant for the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. Reacting to the development, Rane said, "Uddhav Thackeray once spoke with confidence, but now his strength has diminished. What will happen if they contest alone? The party no longer has the capability. In two and a half years, he has lost what was achieved under Balasaheb Thackeray in 46 years," reported PTI. The announcement of the Shiv Sena (UBT) to go solo in local body elections comes amid rumours that the party is softening its criticism of the BJP and Fadnavis' "anything can happen in politics" remark. Asked about perception of growing closeness between the Sena (UBT) and BJP, the former union minister said, "I am unaware of it. It feels fine to me. Senior leaders will make a decision on this, and we will accept it." He also refused to comment on whether the BJP would contest the local body elections independently. Rane further hit out at Sena (UBT) MP Raut over his allegation that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was protecting the main accused in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case and the state government was safeguarding the mafia. He said, "When the Shiv Sena was in power, who was Raut protecting? Which mafia did he meet? What good deed landed him in prison? He should explain this first. The Shiv Sena (UBT) lacks credible voices, which is why Raut makes such statements." Asked about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's alleged displeasure over not getting another term as CM, Rane said, "Shinde did commendable work during his tenure. Since the BJP has more MLAs this time, the chief minister was from the party. Shinde cannot be upset as he is also a politician." (With inputs from PTI)
12 January,2025 02:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith the Shiv Sena (UBT) announcing that it would contest independently in the upcoming local bodies polls, leader Ambadas Danve on Sunday claimed that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is united but the equations of local bodies elections are different, PTI reported. Talking to PTI reporters in Pune, the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative council, alleged that the ruling Mahayuti was eager to break the MVA. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party on Saturday announced that it will contest local bodies polls solo. This move has raised concerns about the opposition bloc's unity. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated that the lack of opportunities for workers of respective parties in an alliance and the right to organisational growth as the major considerations for contesting solo, PTI reported. Danve said, "The MVA is united. However, the equations for elections to the local governing body are different. The ruling parties are eager to break our alliance. But their wish won't be fulfilled." When asked about party leader Aaditya Thackeray's meeting with CM Fadnavis, he claimed, "There is nothing wrong with meeting the chief minister to discuss issues of the people if they will be solved at his level." As per PTI, Dave further attacked NCP leader and state minister Dhananjay Munde over the Beed's Massjog villages's sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder case. "Criminals are being protected under Munde's leadership in Beed. So it is clear that such a person should not hold a constitutional post," he said. Deshmukh was kidnapped, tortured and killed on December 9, allegedly for opposing an extortion bid by a few individuals on an energy company helming a windmill project in the region. Walmik Karad, a close aide of Minister Munde, has been arrested in a related extortion case. "The government is protecting criminals. The accused who committed the murder contacted Karad multiple times. The complaint (of Deshmukh's abduction) was not registered because of pressure from Karad. Then why is he not being booked under section 302 (murder)?" he said. Dave also claimed that the number of beneficiaries for the PM Kisan Sanman Yojana has dropped, PTI cited. "Earlier, 1.21 crore farmers received aid under the PM Kisan Sanman Yojana. The number has come down to 81 lakh now. This will also happen with the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Laadki Bahin scheme for women," he claimed. (With PTI inputs)
12 January,2025 01:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo gas cylinders exploded on a street food cart in Maharashtra's Parbhani, and no one was injured in the incident, an official from the fire department said on Sunday, reported news agency PTI. The blasts occurred on a 'vada pav' cart on Vasmat Road, and the fire department received a call at 12.11 am, the official said, reported PTI. Two gas cylinders on the cart exploded one after the other, he said, adding that there was no report of injuries to anyone. The official said the cart was destroyed in the blaze. The fire was doused in 30 minutes. 250 residents evacuated after fire in Thane building; no casualty Nearly 250 residents were evacuated after a fire broke out in a five-storey building in Maharashtra's Thane city on Sunday morning, civic officials said, reported PTI. No one was injured in the blaze which erupted at around 5 am in a laundry shop on the ground floor of the building located at Srinagar in the Wagle Estate area, Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said, reported PTI. After being alerted, local fire personnel and the regional disaster management cell team members rushed to the spot to carry out the fire extinguishing operations and evacuated the building occupants, he said. The blaze was put out in about an hour following which the people were allowed to return to their apartments, the official said. The cause of the fire was under investigation, he added. Fire breaks out in hotel in Mumbai's Kurla; no report of injuries A fire broke out in a hotel in Mumbai's Kurla West area on Saturday, though there is no report of injuries at present, an official said. The blaze broke out in Rangoon Zaika Hotel on the arterial LBS Marg at 9:05 pm and four fire engines and four water tankers have been deployed for the dousing operation, he said. "It is a level one (less intensity) fire. There are no reports of injuries as of now. Civic officials, police, and power supply personnel are at the site to monitor the operation to douse the fire," the official informed. (With inputs from PTI)
12 January,2025 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
