Maharashtra PWD minister Dada Bhuse on Friday told the state legislative council in Nagpur that as many as 142 persons have died in accidents on the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway since the inauguration of its first phase one year ago. The first 520-km-long phase of the road linking Nagpur and Shirdi was opened for traffic in December 2022. Bhuse was responding to a calling attention motion about the high frequency of accidents on the expressway during the winter session of the Maharashtra legislative assembly in Nagpur. Dada Bhuse informed the House that at least 73 major accidents took place on the expressway since its inauguration and 142 persons died. Some 66 lakh vehicles have plied on the road so far, the minister, Dada Bhuse said. Seventy per cent of the barrier construction work on both sides has been completed, he said, adding that 16 "station points" with facilities including petrol pumps, eateries and toilets will come up in the next four months. Twelve persons were killed in an accident on the road on October 14. Before that, 25 passengers were charred to death on July 1 when a private sleeper bus caught fire after hitting the divider. Also read: Nana Patole, Congress workers detained in Nagpur during protest on unemployment The calling attention motion had been tabled by leader of opposition Ambadas Danve, Amol Mitkari, Aniket Tatkare, Satish Chavan and Vikram Kale. Six dead as fire breaks out at candle manufacturing unit near Pune Meanwhile, at least six persons died and eight sustained injuries after a fire broke out at a sparkling candle manufacturing unit in Pimpri Chinchwad area of Pune district on Friday, an official said. The fire brigade received a call about the blaze at the factory located at Talawade around 2.45 pm, said Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh. The factory manufactured sparkling candles which are generally used for birthday celebrations, he said. "The fire has been doused. The cause is yet to be ascertained," Singh added. The injured were admitted to hospitals in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area, the commissioner informed. (With inputs from agencies)
08 December,2023 06:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn amendment bill to bring online gaming, betting, casinos, horse racing and lottery in the highest GST bracket of 28 per cent was passed by the Maharashtra Assembly on Friday. The bill to amend the Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 was tabled by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, also the state finance minister. Speaking on the floor of the House, Pawar said, "The operators or service providers used to find excuses to pay low taxes. Online gaming is not a 'game of skills' but a 'game of chance'. The subcommittee appointed for the same has recommended 28 per cent tax." The GST Council has already taken a decision to bring these services under the tax ambit and there was a need to bring more clarification on some issues, Pawar said. Earlier, operators or service providers in this sector used to pay 18 per cent tax, the Deputy CM added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 December,2023 06:11 PM IST | Nagpur | PTIA devastating fire at a sparkling candle manufacturing unit in the Pimpri Chinchwad area of Maharashtra’s Pune district claimed the lives of at least six people, leaving eight others injured. The fire brigade received a call about the blaze at the factory located at Talawade around 2.45 pm, said Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh. The factory, situated in Talawade, specialized in the production of sparkling candles commonly used for birthday celebrations, as disclosed by Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal commissioner Shekhar Singh. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and investigations are underway. Also read: DRDO scientist held for leaking secrets to Pak intelligence operative denied bail "The fire has been doused," stated Commissioner Singh, providing assurance that the situation is now under control. The injured victims were promptly admitted to hospitals in Pune and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area for medical treatment. 142 lives lost in accidents on Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway in one year: minister In the meanwhile, as many as 142 persons have died in accidents on the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway since the inauguration of its first phase one year ago, Maharashtra PWD minister Dada Bhuse told the state legislative council in Nagpur on Friday. He was responding to a calling attention motion about the high frequency of accidents on the expressway. The first 520-km-long phase of the road linking Nagpur and Shirdi was opened for traffic in December 2022. The minister informed the House that at least 73 major accidents took place on the expressway since its inauguration and 142 persons died. Some 66 lakh vehicles have plied on the road so far, Bhuse said. Seventy per cent of the barrier construction work on both sides has been completed, he said, adding that 16 "station points" with facilities including petrol pumps, eateries and toilets will come up in the next four months. Twelve persons were killed in an accident on the road on October 14. Before that, 25 passengers were charred to death on July 1 when a private sleeper bus caught fire after hitting the divider. The calling attention motion had been tabled by leader of opposition Ambadas Danve, Amol Mitkari, Aniket Tatkare, Satish Chavan and Vikram Kale. (With inputs from agencies)
08 December,2023 05:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Friday inaugurated an Indamer-Airbus Helicopters MRO facility at the Multi Modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN). Airbus Helicopters and Indamer have joined hands to provide after-market services for helicopters in India, a release from the company said. Indamer will provide Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for Airbus helicopters at its facilities in Mumbai, New Delhi and Nagpur, it said. Fadnavis inaugurated the Nagpur facility in the presence of Executive Vice-President, Customer Support and Services for Airbus Helicopters Romain Trapp; Director, Indamer Aviation, Prajay Patel; President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia Remi Maillard and Head of Helicopters, Airbus India and South Asia Sunny Guglani, the release added. Meanwhile, Fadnavis announced a significant decline in the rejection rate of photos on electricity bills issued by the state-run Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). The rejection rate has plummeted from 45 per cent to a mere 1.3 per cent since January this year, enhancing the precision of power bills. Fadnavis addressed the issue while responding to a question raised by MLA Vinod Nikole during the ongoing winter session of the state legislature. In an effort to minimize disputes, MSEDCL employees capture images of electricity meters to include on the bills. Photo rejections occur due to various reasons, including poor image quality, leading to the generation of estimated bills without meter reading images. The reduction in photo rejection rates signifies a positive development, enhancing the reliability of power bills for consumers. Fadnavis emphasized that the ratio of photo rejections has significantly decreased from 45 per cent in January to the current 1.3 per cent. The state government has also initiated tenders for the installation of smart meters across Maharashtra. Also read: Maharashtra witnesses drastic reduction in power bill photo rejections, says Dy CM Fadnavis Legislator Rajesh Tope raised additional concerns related to permanent disconnections, illegal power theft, and the implementation of smart meters. Fadnavis noted that the government is implementing a revamped distribution sector scheme (RDSS), utilizing aerial bunched cables to prevent power theft. Addressing the concerns raised by Nikole, Fadnavis mentioned that a substantial improvement has been witnessed in the accuracy of bills in the Dahanu area. From 14 lakh inaccurate bills in the past, the number has now reduced to 7 lakh bills. Fadnavis assured that the Maharashtra power ministry will conduct a special drive to correct bills further and decrease the number of inaccuracies. (With inputs from agencies)
08 December,2023 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a significant decline in the rejection rate of photos on electricity bills issued by the state-run Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). The rejection rate has plummeted from 45 per cent to a mere 1.3 per cent since January this year, enhancing the precision of power bills. Fadnavis addressed the issue while responding to a question raised by MLA Vinod Nikole during the ongoing winter session of the state legislature. In an effort to minimize disputes, MSEDCL employees capture images of electricity meters to include on the bills. Photo rejections occur due to various reasons, including poor image quality, leading to the generation of estimated bills without meter reading images. The reduction in photo rejection rates signifies a positive development, enhancing the reliability of power bills for consumers. Fadnavis emphasized that the ratio of photo rejections has significantly decreased from 45 per cent in January to the current 1.3 per cent. The state government has also initiated tenders for the installation of smart meters across Maharashtra. Also read: Maharashtra: Onion farmers block Mumbai-Agra highway, halt auctions amid centre's export ban Legislator Rajesh Tope raised additional concerns related to permanent disconnections, illegal power theft, and the implementation of smart meters. Fadnavis noted that the government is implementing a revamped distribution sector scheme (RDSS), utilizing aerial bunched cables to prevent power theft. Addressing the concerns raised by Nikole, Fadnavis mentioned that a substantial improvement has been witnessed in the accuracy of bills in the Dahanu area. From 14 lakh inaccurate bills in the past, the number has now reduced to 7 lakh bills. Fadnavis assured that the Maharashtra power ministry will conduct a special drive to correct bills further and decrease the number of inaccuracies. Meanwhile, Fadnavis Friday inaugurated an Indamer-Airbus Helicopters MRO facility at the Multi Modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN). Airbus Helicopters and Indamer have joined hands to provide after-market services for helicopters in India, a release from the company said. Indamer will provide Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for Airbus helicopters at its facilities in Mumbai, New Delhi and Nagpur, it said. Fadnavis inaugurated the Nagpur facility in the presence of Executive Vice-President, Customer Support and Services for Airbus Helicopters Romain Trapp; Director, Indamer Aviation, Prajay Patel; President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia Remi Maillard and Head of Helicopters, Airbus India and South Asia Sunny Guglani, the release added. (With inputs from agencies)
08 December,2023 05:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOnion farmers in Maharashtra's Nashik district staged a protest by blocking the Mumbai-Agra Highway and bringing auctions to a standstill in wholesale markets. The demonstration was held in response to the Centre's announcement of a ban on the export of onions, effective until March 31, 2024, with the objective of bolstering domestic availability and controlling prices. The disruption extended to onion markets in Lasalgaon, Chandwad, Nandgaon, Dindori, Yeola, Umarane, and other locations in Nashik district, where auctions were halted on Friday. While auctions were not held at the Lasalgaon Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), they proceeded at the Vinchur and Niphad sub-committees of Lasalgaon APMC. Approximately 600 vehicles loaded with onions arrived at Vinchur on Friday, with prices ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,300 per quintal and an average of Rs 2,700 per quintal, according to officials. Concurrently, hundreds of cultivators congregated on the Mumbai-Agra Highway, employing tractors to block the road at three locations for a period. Rasta rokos, or roadblocks, were also staged at Jaikheda, Chandwad, Umarane, Nandgaon, and Mungse in Malegaon. The Nashik police intervened, appealing to protestors who subsequently dispersed peacefully without the use of force. Lasalgaon APMC Chairperson Balasaheb Kshirsagar voiced dissatisfaction with the Centre's decision, asserting that it was not in favor of farmers. He argued that onion prices had not seen a significant rise and had, in fact, decreased over the past five to six days. Kshirsagar emphasized the potential losses to farmers and demanded a rollback of the export ban. Also read: Notices issued to eight NCP MLCs amidst factional dispute, responses sought on disqualification pleas Presently, onion prices range between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 per quintal, although some are selling at Rs 3,000 per quintal. Kshirsagar blamed middlemen for the price hikes and suggested a direct government role in onion sales, eliminating intermediaries. Kiran Darade, a protesting farmer in Yeola, criticized the Union government for imposing the export ban without prior notice or justification. Darade highlighted the losses suffered by farmers due to adverse weather conditions and urged a swift revocation of the ban. In October, the Centre had initiated the sale of buffer onion stock at a subsidized rate of Rs 25 per kg in retail markets to alleviate consumer burdens. To further control prices, a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 800 per tonne was imposed on onion exports from October 28 to December 31. Additionally, a 40 per cent export duty on onions was enforced until December 31 as part of broader efforts to stabilize onion prices. (With inputs from agencies)
08 December,2023 04:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the midst of an escalating factional dispute within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), notices have been issued to eight Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) belonging to rival factions. Neelam Gorhe, the Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, issued the notices on December 7, directing the MLCs to provide responses to pleas seeking their disqualification. The notices specifically named Satish Chavan, Aniket Tatkare, Vikram Kale, Amol Mitkari, Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar from the Ajit Pawar-led camp, and Eknath Khadse, Shashikant Shinde, and Arun Lad from the Sharad Pawar faction. The notices were issued under the Maharashtra Legislative Council (Disqualification on ground of Defection) Rules, 1986. The MLCs have been given seven days from the receipt of the notices to submit documents in their defense to the Deputy Chairperson. According to the rules, failure to submit written responses along with supporting documents within the stipulated seven days will be construed as an absence of a defense, leading to decisions being made accordingly, as per the notices. The factional dispute within the NCP escalated when Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government on July 2. This move resulted in a significant split within the NCP, a party founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999. The petitions seeking disqualification were filed by the Sharad Pawar camp against five MLCs who defected to the Ajit Pawar faction. Simultaneously, the rival group sought disqualification of three council members aligned with the party founder's side. Also read: Nawab Malik a senior colleague, haven't spoken to him about his political stand: Praful Patel The notices come as part of the ongoing legal and procedural actions surrounding the factional turmoil within the NCP, with implications for the political landscape in Maharashtra. The responses from the MLCs will play a crucial role in determining the course of action and potential disqualification outcomes in this politically charged scenario. Meanwhile, Leader of opposition in Maharashtra legislative council Ambadas Danve on Friday said he has written to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging him to reveal the names of people who had links with late gangster and drug smuggler Iqbal Mirchi, whose properties have been seized in Mumbai. He was responding to a query related to NCP leader Nawab Malik, who was seen on a treasury bench seat on Thursday. Malik's presence in the treasury benches did not go down well with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who shot off a letter to Ajit Pawar conveying his reservation about including the former minister, an accused in an ED case, in the ruling 'Maha Yuti' alliance. "He is the same Nawab Malik against whom the CM and deputy CM had levelled allegations of treason... I have demanded that the government reveal whether Malik is a traitor or not when he sits next to you all," Danve said. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also said that he has written to Fadnavis, who is also the home minister, requesting him to reveal the names of the people who had ties with Mirchi whose properties have been seized in Mumbai and action taken against those "dalals" (agents). (With inputs from agencies)
08 December,2023 04:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said on Friday that Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has pledged to address the challenges arising from the abrupt decision by the Centre to prohibit the use of 'sugarcane juice and sugar syrup' for ethanol production. Pawar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, assured the state assembly that Shah has committed to finding a solution within the next two days. The Centre's decision, announced on Thursday, banned the utilization of 'sugarcane juice and sugar syrup' for ethanol production during the 2023-24 supply year, which commenced this month. This move aims to ensure an adequate supply of sugar for domestic consumption and stabilize prices. However, the government has permitted the use of 'B-molasses,' a by-product of sugarcane, for ethanol production in the same period. Also read: Amendment bill to bring betting, gaming in 28 pc GST bracket tabled in Maharashtra assembly Addressing the legislative assembly, Pawar characterized the Centre's decision as "sudden" and underscored the significant investments made by numerous sugar mills in Maharashtra, a leading producer of sugar in India, to establish ethanol plants. "The ban on ethanol production from sugarcane syrup was sudden. Many sugar mills have invested in ethanol plants with 5 per cent of their capital and 95 per cent funds borrowed from outside," Pawar stated in response to concerns raised by Congress and NCP legislators in the house. Opposition leaders voiced apprehensions that the Centre's decision would adversely impact sugar mills in Maharashtra, which have secured loans to establish units for producing ethanol from sugarcane syrup and molasses. Pawar informed the assembly about his discussions with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and state Cooperation Minister Dilip Walse-Patil on the issue. Additionally, he communicated that he spoke to Union Home (and Cooperation) Minister Amit Shah, who assured him of a resolution within the next two days. "If a solution is not found, we will visit New Delhi and discuss the issue with him (Shah). I have also taken up the matter with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal," Pawar emphasized. In a letter addressed to all sugar mills and distillers, the Food Ministry instructed them "not to use sugarcane juice/sugar syrup" for ethanol production during the 2023-24 ethanol supply year (December-November). The ministry clarified that the supply of ethanol from existing offers received by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) from B-Heavy molasses would continue. The central ministry's decision comes against the backdrop of an anticipated decline in sugar production during the 2023-24 marketing year (October-September). The move aligns with the government's broader initiative to reduce dependence on crude oil imports by blending ethanol, a colorless liquid, with fuel. (With inputs from PTI)
08 December,2023 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLeader of opposition in Maharashtra legislative council Ambadas Danve on Friday said he has written to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging him to reveal the names of people who had links with late gangster and drug smuggler Iqbal Mirchi, whose properties have been seized in Mumbai. He was responding to a query related to NCP leader Nawab Malik, who was seen on a treasury bench seat on Thursday. Malik's presence in the treasury benches did not go down well with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who shot off a letter to Ajit Pawar conveying his reservation about including the former minister, an accused in an ED case, in the ruling 'Maha Yuti' alliance. “He is the same Nawab Malik against whom the CM and deputy CM had levelled allegations of treason... I have demanded that the government reveal whether Malik is a traitor or not when he sits next to you all,” Danve said. Also read: Nawab Malik a senior colleague, haven't spoken to him about his political stand: Praful Patel The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also said that he has written to Fadnavis, who is also the home minister, requesting him to reveal the names of the people who had ties with Mirchi whose properties have been seized in Mumbai and action taken against those “dalals” (agents). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 December,2023 03:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPraful Patel, working president of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) group, on Friday called Nawab Malik a senior colleague and said where he sits in the Maharashtra assembly wasn't an issue. Patel said they have not yet spoken to Malik about his political views, reported news ageny PTI. Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Praful Patel said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's letter to Ajit Pawar on the issue of Malik being unwelcome in the ruling 'Mahayuti' shouldn't be taken out of context, reported PTI. He also visited both the deputy CMs at the Vidhan Bhavan. "We haven't spoken to Malik about his political views after we decided to join the Mahayuti government on July 2. After his release (from jail) on medical bail, we paid him a courtesy visit," he said. Praful Patel said the Ajit Pawar group, which has staked claim over the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) name and its symbol, has not submitted an affidavit on behalf of Malik to the Election Commission of India, reported PTI. He slammed the Opposition for raking up Malik's seating issue in the assembly saying it has nothing constructive to offer after its defeat in the recently held assembly elections, reported PTI. "Even Parliament is functioning well now. It is clear Modi will return to power in 2024 and Shinde-Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar will form government in the state later next year," he asserted, reported PTI. Earlier in the day, Ajit Pawar said he would first speak with Malik to understand the former minister's position about his political affiliation before explaining his NCP group's stand on the matter, reported PTI. Meanwhile, NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto said that as a party spokesman, Malik fought day and night for many leaders of the Ajit Pawar group. "I can vouch for it because I was an integral part of that journey," he said. "Today, these leaders, instead of supporting him, are turning their back on him. Ungratefulness..," he wrote on X. Out on medical bail after the ED arrested him in February 2022 in a money-laundering probe, Malik attended the winter session of the state legislature here for the first time on Thursday and was later seen in the office of Ajit Pawar-led faction of the NCP in the legislature complex. In the House, he was seen sitting in the last row, next to an MLA of the Ajit Pawar faction, reported PTI. In his letter to Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis said Malik has the right to attend the assembly as an MLA and added that "we (the BJP) do not harbour any personal animosity or grudge" against him but it would not be appropriate to induct him in the Maha Yuti considering the "kind of allegations he is facing", reported PTI. "We agree that it is your prerogative (to decide) who should be inducted in your party. But every constituent party (of the Maha Yuti) has to think as to whether it would harm the alliance. Hence, we are opposed to this," Fadnavis added. (With inputs from PTI)
08 December,2023 02:35 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway on Friday announced that they will be undertaking a night block between Mumbai Central and Mahim stations on the intervening nights of December 9 and December 10. In their media statement, the WR said that the block is being taken to carry out maintenance work of tracks, signalling etc. They further said that on Sunday, December 10, there will be no day block. WR, in their statement, said that the block is being undertaken on Up and Down fast lines between the two stations; the block will begin at midnight and continue for the next four hours. "To carry out maintenance work of tracks, signalling and overhead equipment, a Jumbo Block of four hours will be taken on UP and Down Fast lines from 00.00 hrs to 04.00 hrs between Mumbai Central and Mahim stations in the intervening night of Saturday/Sunday, i.e. on 09th/10th December, 2023," the statement issued by Sumit Thakur, Chief PRO of WR, read. "During the block period, all Fast line trains will be operated on Slow lines between Santacruz and Churchgate station," it further mentioned. The statement added, "Therefore, there will be NO BLOCK in DAY TIME over Western Railway Suburban section on Sunday, 10th December 2023. Detailed information to this effect is available with concerned Station Masters. Passengers are requested to take note of the above arrangements." The WR, on Thursday, had said that it collected Rs 115.71 crore through fines collected during various ticket-checking drivers conducted between April to November 2023. According to the statement issued by Sumit Thakur, a 68 per cent increase was noticed in terms of fines generated from ticket checking in air-conditioned locals. Working with great zeal, the highly motivated ticket-checking team under the direction of senior Western Railway commercial officers organised multiple ticket-checking drives between April and November 2023, recovering a total of Rs. 115.71 crores, including Rs. 30.06 crores from the Mumbai suburban section, the WR said. Reportedly, during November 2023, the highest ever ticket checking revenue of Rs 21.20 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24 was recovered from 2.94 lakh ticketless/irregular passengers. Through the identification of over 94 thousand cases throughout the Mumbai suburban area, the WR was able to collect fines totaling Rs. 5.68 crore.
08 December,2023 02:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
