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Maharashtra's Buldhana bids a "hero's farewell" to Agniveer Akshay Laxman
In a solemn gathering at the residence of Agniveer Akshay Laxman Gawate in the Pimpalgaon Sarai village of Buldhana district in Maharashtra, people paid their respects to a "true hero". Laxman Gawate died in the world's highest battlefield, the Siachen Glacier, and has left the entire Buldhana district in mourning. Agniveer Akshay Laxman, the first of his kind to die in the line of duty, was a young man with a dream. After pursuing a BCom degree, his heart was set on serving his nation in the Indian Army, as shared by his father, Laxman Gawate. His aspirations and unwavering dedication "to this noble cause" have brought people from all walks of life to his family's doorstep to commemorate his sacrifice. Laxman Gawate, the grieving father of the fallen soldier, told news agency ANI, "...After getting a BCom degree, he wanted to join the Army...I last spoke to him on 20th October. He had asked me if I was keeping well and if his brother was doing fine." The Siachen Glacier, situated in the forbidding heights of the Himalayas, is recognized as the world's highest battlefield. It is a place where extreme cold and treacherous terrain push the limits of human endurance. Agniveer (Operator) Laxman, a resident of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, succumbed to "medical complications arising out of high-altitude conditions," as confirmed by an officer. "All ranks of Fire and Fury Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman, in the line of duty, in the unforgiving heights of Siachen and offer deepest condolences to the family," the Army’s Leh-based 14 Corps posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. Also read: Sikh man dies of injuries after being assaulted after car minor accident in New York The news of his passing prompted a strong response from the veteran community on social media, highlighting the disparities between Agniveers and regular soldiers, whose families are entitled to pensions and other benefits when they die while on duty. Subsequently, an Indian Army official clarified that the deceased Agniveer's family will receive ₹48 lakh non-contributory insurance and an ex gratia payment of ₹44 lakh, among other financial benefits. "As per the terms of engagement of Agniveers, emoluments authorized to a deceased battle casualty will comprise a Non-contributory insurance sum, amounting to Rs 48 lakh. Seva Nidhi contributed by the Agniveer (30%), with an equal matching contribution by the Govt, and interest thereon. Ex-gratia of Rs 44 lakh. Pay for the balance tenure from the date of death until the completion of four years (more than Rs 13 lakh in the instant case). Contribution of Rs 8 lakh from the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund. Immediate financial assistance of Rs 30 thousand from Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA)," the ADG PI of the Indian Army announced. Akshay's mortal remains were brought to his residence in Pimpalgaon Sarai village of Buldhana district for last rites amidst a rush of people who paid tributes to him. "It's a somber moment as people gather at the residence of Gawate Akshay Laxman, the first Agniveer who sacrificed his life at the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield. Sending condolences and gratitude for his service," a user posted on X. "Our heartfelt condolences and gratitude for his unparalleled love for the nation. Each of us should be an Agni Veer. Let us dedicate ourselves to nation-building and be authentic in our thoughts, actions, and values for India," another user posted on the social networking site formerly known as Twitter.
23 October,2023 03:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Mumbai: Two including a minor dead, three injured in massive Kandivili blaze
Two persons were reported dead and four others injured in massive blaze that broke out in the Veena Santur building located in Mahavir Nagar, in Mumbai’s Kandivali West, on Monday afternoon. The slain have been identified as Glory Walphati, female, 43 years old, and a child, Josu Gems Robert, 8 years old. According to AMO Shatabdi Hospital, the injured have been identified as Lakshmi Bura, a female (40yrs) 45 -50 percent burn injuries; Rajeshwari Bhartare, female (24yrs) sustained 100 percent burn injuries and Ranjan Subodh Shah, female (76yrs) 45 -50 percent burn injuries; Visuals from the scene depicted a horrifying sight as flames rapidly consumed more than two floors of the building. A thick blanket of smoke billowed into the sky, creating a visible plume that could be seen from a distance. As of now, it is unclear how the fire started. In a statement, Mumbai civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said that the incident was reported at 12:27 PM and the incident was reported by BMC's Mumbai Fire Brigade. Also read: Mumbai: Bad air is hitting those with pre-existing conditions worst "The fire, categorized as Level-1, has been primarily confined to the electric wiring and electric installations on the first floor of this 8-storey structure." The statement said that the authorities acted swiftly to control the situation. "BMC's MFB, along with the police, Ward control, and 108 Ambulance services, have been mobilized to manage the incident." "At 12:39 PM, the BMC's MFB declared the fire as Level-1. Firefighting operations are currently underway, involving the use of two small hose lines and one first aid line powered by four motor pumps. The scene is being managed by the Assistant Divisional Fire Officer (ADFO), Station Officer (ST SO), and other MFB staff." On-site, there are four fire engines (4FE), three jet tanks (3JT), one aerial water tower (AWTT), one water tanker (WT), and one high-pressure pump (HP). An ambulance has also been deployed to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved, it said.
23 October,2023 02:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BREAKING: Drug smuggler Lalit Patil remanded in police custody till October 27
The fugitive drug smuggler, Lalit Patil, has been remanded in police custody till Friday, October 27. Patil who was apprehended by the Mumbai Police last week, was produced in the Andheri court in Mumbai on Monday. On October 17, the Mumbai Police arrested fugitive drug smuggler Lalit Patil from Hotel Channasandra, in Bengaluru. The drug smuggler Lalit Patil had managed to evade capture for the past two weeks after fleeing from Pune’s Sassoon hospital. Earlier, Lalit Patil had managed to evade capture after fleeing from Pune’s Sassoon hospital. Mumbai Police managed to arrest him following a manhunt. Along with Lalit Patil, another co-accused in the case, Sachin Wagh too has been remanded police custody till October 27. Earlier, Patil was arrested by Pimpri-Chinchwad police for his involvement in a large-scale mephedrone in October 2020. Following his arrest, he was transferred to Yerawada Central Prison. Due to health issues including hernia and tuberculosis, Patil was admitted to Pune's Sassoon Hospital in June. More details awaited.
23 October,2023 02:01 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania | Apoorva Agashe
Maha: Israel flag stickers pasted on roads in Pune city; police register 4 cases
Police in Maharashtra’s Pune city has registered four First Information Reports against a number of people after stickers with pictures of Israel flag were found pasted on roads in some parts of the city. News agency PTI reported quoting police that some people pasted stickers of the Israel flag on roads in Kondhwa, Bhawani Peth, Nana Peth and Pune cantonment areas with the intention of “disturbing social harmony and disrespect” late Friday night, against the backdrop of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The cases have been registered under Indian Penal Code Section 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot (if rioting be committed, if not committed) with Samarth, Khadak, Lashkar and Kondhwa police stations, the officials said. "Some people pasted Israel flag stickers on roads in the jurisdiction of Samarth and Khadak police stations. We have registered two offences against five people," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Sandeep Singh Gill said. An offence was also registered against four people for the alleged act with Lashkar police station, DCP (Zone II) Smartana Patil said. Also read: Delhi: Father, son found dead, missing servant emerges as prime suspect Besides, a case was registered against unidentified persons with Kondhwa police station, another official said. Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes struck targets across besieged Gaza Strip early Monday, including in areas where Palestinian civilians have been told to seek refuge, after another small aid shipment was allowed into the territory. Tanks and troops have been massed at the Gaza border, and Israel says it has stepped up airstrikes in order to reduce the risk to troops in the next stages. Fears of a widening war have grown as Israeli warplanes have struck targets in the occupied West Bank, Syria and Lebanon in recent days. So far, Israel has killed over 4400 Palestinians since October 7 after a surprise attack by Hamas militant group that killed around 1400 people. Some 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli air attacks on Gaza in the last 24 hours, according to Palestinian health officials, with 60 killed in overnight attacks. Israel bombarded residential areas in Gaza including the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp and locations close to Gaza’s Al-Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals. (With inputs from agencies)
23 October,2023 01:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maha: Govt employees to hold Family March on Nov 8 to demand restoration of OPS
Nearly 17 lakh government and semi-government employees in Maharashtra have decided to hold a "Family March" in every district and tehsil of the state on November 8 to demand restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), news agency PTI reported on Monday. The march will be “taken out with the slogan of 'My Family, My Pension’”, the report said, adding that the participants will march to the offices of district collectors and tehsildars to press for their demand, Vishwas Katkar, convenor of a coordination committee of various organisations of state employees, said. The OPS was discontinued in the state in 2005. "We have decided to take out a 'Family March' in each district and tehsil on November 8 and submit our demand of restoration of the OPS. If there is no proper response, then we will go on an indefinite strike from December 14 for the demand of OPS,” Katkar said. The employees have been disappointed with the Maharashtra government for not fulfilling their demand for the OPS, which provides an assured and reliable source of income post-retirement. They have also been demanding cancellation of indirect privatisation of the education sector, and seeking filling up of all vacant posts. Nearly 17 lakh government and semi-government employees will participate in the march, Katkar said. Also read: In Pics: People throng markets ahead of Dussehra in Mumbai Under the OPS, a government employee gets a monthly pension equivalent to 50 per cent his/her last drawn salary. There was no need for contribution by employees. Under the New Pension Scheme, a state government employee contributes 10 per cent of his/her basic salary plus dearness allowance with the state making a matching contribution. The money is then invested in one of the several pension funds approved by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and the returns are market-linked. Members of the Maratha community in the state have already been holding protests to press for their demand for reservation. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said his government was committed to giving reservations in jobs and education to the Maratha community and urged youth not to take extreme steps like suicide. (With inputs from PTI)
23 October,2023 12:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra: Two booked for selling fake Garba tickets in Thane
Police in Maharashtra’s Thane city has registered a case of cheating and forgery against two persons for allegedly selling fake tickets for a Garba event, an official said on Monday. At a Garba programme organised at Modella Mill Compound on Saturday during the ongoing Navratri festival, the security team got suspicious about the tickets of some female participants. During checking, they found the tickets to be fake, the official from Wagle Estate police station told news agency PTI. When the security team enquired with the participants, it came to light that a man was standing outside the venue and selling the tickets. The event organisers then caught hold of him. The man had allegedly sold 99 fake tickets, which were a duplicate copy of the original tickets, for Rs 700 each, thus causing a loss of Rs 69,300 to the programme organisers, the official said. Also read: Mumbai: Passes worth lakhs faked for BJP MP’s Garba event The event organisers later filed a police complaint against the man and his associate, based on which a case was registered against the duo on Sunday under Indian Penal Code sections 420 (cheating), 465, 468, 471 (forgery) and 34 (common intention), he said. Meanwhile, the Mulund police has filed an FIR against an unknown individual or group responsible for counterfeiting and distributing 225 fake passes for BJP MP Manoj Kotak's Prerna Raas Garba 2023 event, which were subsequently sold to unsuspecting attendees at remarkably low prices. The incident came to light when the crowd at Kalidas Ground on PK Road in Mulund West suddenly swelled, prompting the event organisers to scrutinise their passes. Upon examining their QR codes, they discovered fake passes worth Rs 4 lakh in total. The event management team believes that an unknown party duplicated the original passes and introduced these counterfeits into circulation. Ajay Trivedi, the president of the Garba event, had contracted Gargote's event management company to provide various services, including setting up the stage, sound and lighting systems and providing security, bouncers, canteen services and gate staff responsible for pass verification. Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis felicitates the MHB Colony police team at Kinjal Dave’s Garba eventHome Minister Devendra Fadnavis felicitates the MHB Colony police team at Kinjal Dave’s Garba event (With inputs from ANI)
23 October,2023 10:15 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai: Water stock in seven reservoirs at 93.65 per cent
The collective water stock in the seven reservoirs that supply drinking water to Mumbai is now at 93.65 per cent, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday, October 23. As per the data shared by the civic body, the water level in Tansa is at 92.42 per cent. At Modak-Sagar, 74.44 per cent of water stock is available. 🚰मुंबईला पाणीपुरवठा करणाऱ्या ७ जलाशयांचा आज सकाळी ६ वाजेपर्यंतचा अहवाल 🚰Report of water stock in the seven lakes, supplying water to Mumbai, till 6am today.… pic.twitter.com/l0PRjVohj9 — माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) October 23, 2023 In Middle Vaitarna 96.51 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 99.36 pc, Bhatsa 94.68 per cent, Vihar 96.11 per cent and Tulsi 93.65 per cent of useful water level. The seven lakes have 13,55,464 million litre of water on October 23, against the full capacity, which is around 14,47,363 million litre.
23 October,2023 10:10 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Saamana editorial takes a dig at 'Agniveer' scheme, draws parallels with Israel
Saamana, the editorial publication of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), Monday took a dig at the central government's 'Agniveer' scheme, drawing parallels with Israel. In its latest editorial, Saamana said that just like Israeli citizens have to serve for some time in the military, on the same lines, PM Modi started the 'Agniveer' scheme for soldiers on contract. "Military education and military service are necessary for Israeli citizens. The women there have to serve in the army for 22 months and the men generally have to serve in the army for five years. This army is like a gust of wind. After two to five years, these soldiers again have to find another job. On the same lines, PM Modi started the 'Agniveer' scheme of providing soldiers on contract. Wear a military uniform on your body for two to five years and then become unemployed and keep frying 'pakodas' on the road," the Saamana said. The editorial went on to note that despite Israel's formidable security posture, it has not been able to resolve the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict even after 15 days. "The Israel-Hamas conflict has continued for over two weeks. This demonstrates the limitations of relying solely on technology and science in warfare. Despite boasting advanced technology and a substantial military force, Israel has not shown a ground fighting mentality," Saamana stated. Saamana also delved into the historical context, emphasizing that Israel was established through hard work and sacrifice, but religious tensions have fuelled continuous conflicts. Also read: Mumbai: Passes worth lakhs faked for BJP MP’s Garba event "The establishment of Israel was marked by clashes between different religious groups, sparking an enduring flame of war. Even though Jews gained a homeland, they have not achieved lasting peace," the publication added. Furthermore, the editorial suggested that countries embracing democratic values should learn from the Hamas-Israel conflict, highlighting the vulnerabilities of relying solely on technological defenses. "Even today, Israel insists only on air strikes. It killed thousands of Palestinians by attacking hospitals and civilian settlements in the Gaza Strip. Countries that believe in democracy should learn a lesson from the Hamas-Israel war. No matter how strong a wall is built on the country's border with technology and science, it is still not impenetrable and invincible. Hamas does not have any technology, yet in the morning, Hamas people crossed the wall and entered the Israeli border and attacked 12 places. The illusion that Israel was a country conscious of its security was broken here," the Saamana said. (With inputs from ANI)
23 October,2023 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai continues to breathe 'moderate' category air with AQI at 127
The air quality in Mumbai Monday morning was recorded in the 'moderate' category with an air quality index of 127, according to the system of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research, Safar-India. The air quality in Mumbai on Tuesday last week was recorded in the 'moderate' category with an air quality index of 115. Earlier this month, Mumbai was recording air quality under the 'good category'. However, the city witnessed a rise in the heat with an average daily maximum temperature ranging from 32 to 34 degrees for a week resulting in air quality slipping to the moderate category. According to the AQI scale, the air quality check between 0 and 50 are considered "good", 51 and 100 are "satisfactory", 101 and 200 are "moderate", 201 and 300 are "poor", 301 and 400 are "very poor", and 401 and 450 are "severe" and "severe+" when AQI exceeds 450. Meanwhile, the overall air quality in the national capital New Delhi Monday morning was recorded in the 'very poor category', with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 306 against 302 recorded on Sunday afternoon, as per SAFAR-India. The overall air quality in the National Capital deteriorated from the 'poor' category to the 'very poor' category, with the Air Quality Index at 302 on Sunday afternoon, as per data from SAFAR-India. On Sunday morning, the overall air quality was recorded in the 'poor category' with an AQI of 266 against 173 recorded on Saturday. Also read: Operation Ajay: Sixth flight with 143 passengers arrives in New Delhi According to the latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the air quality around Delhi University was recorded at 330 (very poor) at noon, while IGI Terminal T3 in New Delhi was at 313 against 276 in the Sunday morning hours. According to the SAFAR, the air quality in Kartavya Path at India Gate was recorded at 266 on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, Noida recorded an AQI of 290 (poor) and Gurugram 152 (moderate). Anand Vihar breached the very poor category in New Delhi with an AQI of 345, IT0 with an AQI of 309, New Moti Bagh with an AQI of 360, Dwarkar Sector-8 recorded an AQI of 313. The Air Quality Index is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms that are easy to understand. There are six AQI categories, namely Good + Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
23 October,2023 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Yet another Redbird aircraft comes crashing down
In the span of four days, another aircraft crash involving the private company Redbird took place at 6.40 am on Sunday, during a training session in Gojubavi village, under Pune district's Baramati taluka. A pilot and a trainee sustained minor injuries due to the crash. On Thursday, the local police reported that another pilot had to make an emergency landing due to alleged technical issues with a Redbird Flight Training Academy aircraft. Prabhakar More, senior inspector at Baramati police station, told mid-day that the company is not cooperating with the local police as it is the responsibility of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to further investigate both of these incidents. “All we know is that pilot Ayan Amarbaat and trainee Parvati Nair sustained minor injuries,” said More. Meanwhile, the DGCA has released a statement to the press, stating that the company's aircraft VT-RBT made an emergency landing near Baramati airfield. “The instructor and trainee are both safe. Further investigation is underway,” the DGCA said. The cause of the earlier accident is also unknown as of now, even though officials from the DGCA visited the site for an inspection on Friday. “Such cases have not happened in the past. It is just in the last few days that two accidents have occurred one after the other,” More said. The company officials were unavailable for comment.
23 October,2023 05:56 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Mumbai: Passes worth lakhs faked for BJP MP’s Garba event
The Mulund police have filed an FIR against an unknown individual or group responsible for counterfeiting and distributing 225 fake passes for BJP MP Manoj Kotak's Prerna Raas Garba 2023 event, which were subsequently sold to unsuspecting attendees at remarkably low prices. The incident came to light when the crowd at Kalidas Ground on PK Road in Mulund West suddenly swelled, prompting the event organisers to scrutinise their passes. Upon examining their QR codes, they discovered around fake passes worth Rs 4 lakh in total. The event management team believes that an unknown party duplicated the original passes and introduced these counterfeits into circulation. Ajay Trivedi, the president of the Garba event, had contracted Gargote's event management company to provide various services, including setting up the stage, sound and lighting systems and providing security, bouncers, canteen services and gate staff responsible for pass verification. Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis felicitates the MHB Colony police team at Kinjal Dave’s Garba event Only 4,000 season passes and 1,000 daily passes were printed, in distinct colours, with the former priced at Rs 1,800 and the latter at Rs 300. According to police officials, on October 12, a pass-selling counter was set up outside the venue. However, it was on October 15 when Navratri festivities commenced at Kalidas Natyagruh temple ground on PK Road sudden increase in the crowd was observed, specifically on October 17-18. Vishal Malhari Gargote, 32, the event manager and complainant, explained, “The sudden surge in attendance on October 17-18 prompted us to initiate pass checks on October 19 using a QR code scanner. The management decided not to admit individuals with fake passes. On October 19, we identified fake passes with barcode numbers PR2023-0001 to PR2023-0070, and on October 20, more counterfeit passes were uncovered. In total, we discovered 225 fake passes with a combined value of Rs 4,05,000. We promptly reported the matter to the Mulund police, leading to the registration of the FIR.” “We found that someone had duplicated the original passes and sold them at a reduced rate,” Gargote added. Senior Inspector Kantilal Kothimbare from Mulund police station stated, “We have registered an FIR against the unknown culprits for counterfeiting and selling passes. They have been charged under Indian Penal Code Sections 420, 465, 467, 468 and 471.” Gang busted in related incident The MHB Colony police has apprehended a gang of four individuals responsible for distributing fake passes worth R36 lakh for events in Borivli West organised by MLA Sunil Rane titled Rangratri Dandiya with Kinjal Dave and Durgadevi Navratri Utsav Samiti. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis felicitated Senior Inspector Sudhir Kudalkar, PSI Dr Dipak Hinde, PSI Mangesh Kirpekar and PSI Mukesh Kharat of the MHB Colony police on October 21 at the Kinjal Dave Garba event.
23 October,2023 05:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania