6 female politicians complain about being harassed through texts
What's the story
Six female politicians from Maharashtra have complained about vulgar messages and threats, bringing to light the issue of women's safety on International Women's Day.
5 legislators and a BJP office-bearer have filed complaints about receiving obscene text messages in the last fortnight.
Unfortunately, women politicians around the world are at the receiving end of sexism and harassment.
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MU
College principals hesitant about offering free Wi-Fi
In December 2016, Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University, Sanjay Deshmukh announced a plan to provide free Wi-Fi to Mumbai University's 800-plus affiliated colleges.
A circular requesting principals to submit a form to avail the offer was posted on the website in February but responses from colleges seem half-hearted.
While access to the latest communication technologies is acceptable, many principals are worried about its misuse.
Mumbai Police
Cops mistaken for thieves, receive severe bashing
Four cops including a woman were severely thrashed by a mob at Kombadbhujhe Village in Uran.
They reached the village in the early hours of Tuesday for arresting illegal immigrants.
The police were in plain clothes and were mistaken by the villagers for thieves, for which they received severe thrashing.
An FIR has been lodged against 150 people for rioting, assault and more.
Crime
Teens stabbed for rejecting lover's proposal
A 19-year-old girl was allegedly stabbed by her unemployed lover while she was returning home from work.
According to police reports, the girl had repeatedly turned down Vinay Nikam's (the accused) proposals as he was unemployed.
The accused is charged with an attempt to murder and is being hunted by the police.
The victim is in the ICU at Sion Hospital.
Smuggling
Architectural supervisor caught smuggling 12 gold bars
An architectural supervisor arriving from Singapore was found with 12 gold bars weighing 100 grams each worth Rs. 36lakh.
Thirupatthy Palaniyandy had used adhesive tapes to stick the gold to his soles and wore thick socks to avoid disclosure.
Palaniyandy was intercepted by a customs official who found his behavior suspicious.
The metal detectors went off when he was asked to walk through them.
MMRC
Commuters can use debit cards for Metro rides
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) is planning to enable automatic fare collection by placing machines in its underground Metro corridors.
Unlike the traditional system, where operators collect fares, commuters will be able to swipe their cards and once money is debited, they will be allowed entry.
MMRC will tie up with banks to issue cards that can be used to pay metro fares.
Wildlife
Wildlife endangered by open wells
According to data from Wildlife SOS, a wildlife conservation group, eight cases of leopards falling into open wells were seen in the forests along the Sahyadri range in 2016.
The crossover between forest areas and human habitation is often marked with uncovered wells, putting animals at risk.
In the last decade, over 1,500 animals have had accidental deaths by falling into these open wells.