What was Mumbai upto on 17th Nov?
Government is feeling demonetization blues as much as everyone else in the country. Central government was in for a shock when its alliance partner in Mumbai joined the opposition march against the decision. Just a week later, cooperative banks have found a way to bypass the banking system to help black-money hoarders. Who back-stabbed the government and how banks exploited a loophole, read further.
Man in queue, dies outside bank
A 53-year-old man who had gone to exchange notes, died outside a cooperative bank in Bhayander. The man had been waiting for two hours in the queue before he complained of chest pain and collapsed on the road. People took him to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead. Family members said that he had been going to the bank for 3 days.
Citizens protest against political party's illegal structures
The illegal additions made to BJP's party head office in Nariman Point were demolished by the party on Saturday. High Court had ordered the demolition to be done by September 3. A citizen's association raised voices against other such illegal structures in political party's offices. Citizens complained of BMC's inaction on illegal structures in other buildings like Janta Dal's and PWD offices.
BJP's allies join opposition
To BJP's embarrassment, its alliance partner Shiv Sena supported the opposition in its march against demonetization. BJP spokesperson, Ram Madhav, said 'demonetization' was not solely the PM's decision but the central cabinet's decision: Shiv Sena is also part of the cabinet. BJP leaders were agitated by Shiv Sena's move and hinted at possible repercussions regarding the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in upcoming municipal polls.
Upper deck of BEST bus crushed by tree
The upper deck of a double-decker BEST bus was crushed by tree branches at the Bandra-Kurla complex. Seven people who were seated in the upper deck were injured and were taken to nearby hospitals. The mishap occurred when the driver moved to the extreme right in a bid to overtake another bus. Police arrested the driver on charges of rash driving.
Cooperative banks 'cooperating' in bypassing rules
Some cooperative banks in rural areas have found a way to skirt around new banking norms put in place after the demonetization announcement. These banks which use physical ledgers to keep records are accepting cash and opening backdated fixed deposits. Demand drafts are being issued against cash, helping people with unaccounted-for cash. RBI will plug the loophole which exists in non computerized banks.
Dravid plays youngsters' yorkers in style
Young cricketers had an entertaining experience when they got to interact with "The Wall", Rahul Dravid at Bandra festival. Dravid answered personal questions as to why he is called 'Jammy' and if he was scared by fast bowlers. He revealed that he finds fast bowlers' run up more thrilling than a batsman's shots. Dravid also read a little from the book 'Cricketmatics'.
Zakir Naik's schools to be taken over by government
Maharashtra government will soon take over Islamic International School (IIS) by Zakir Naik, after the centre banned Naik's foundation. State government will ensure smooth transition of management so that students and teachers of the school do not suffer. Government plans to appoint an administrator or will entrust the school to a minority organization. Government will also monitor the curriculum to avoid radicalization of students.
Cyber police closes Hrithik-Kangana emails case
In an anti-climatic end to a mud slinging match, police have closed the 'Hrithik- Kangana' emails case. Kangana had alleged that Hrithik had sent her romantic emails while Hrithik had called it the handiwork of an impostor. Police were unable to ascertain who was using the account to send emails to Kangana. Forensic experts submitted a 'NIL report' as no facts could be established.
