Work on Metro-III draws ire over tree felling, noise pollution
Work on Metro-III has come under fire, with residents of Cuffe Parade registering protest against the felling of trees and MMRDA's proposal of continuing work 24x7. CM Devendra Fadnavis assured minimal damage to green cover, but MMRCL said the only alternative to tree felling is stopping the work. The current window for work is 5am-10pm. Tap in for more news from around Mumbai.
Senior AI pilot suspended for skipping mandatory alcohol tests
Senior Air India pilot AK Kathpalia's flying licence has been suspended for three months for skipping mandatory pre-flight alcohol tests. However, accusing the DGCA of favouritism, the Indian Commercial Pilots' Association has demanded his suspension for three years. In another news, Jet Airways is also facing backlash after it was fined Rs 42,300 for denying boarding to a passenger on an overbooked London-Delhi flight.
Bag of explosives goes missing between Dadar, Kurla
A bag of explosives containing gelatin sticks and detonators has gone missing from the possession of gangmen between Kurla and Dadar. Ramjit Yadav and his colleague allegedly dropped the bag from a moving train when he was hit by a man standing on an overhead equipment pole. The Railway Protection Force couldn't find it despite a thorough search. Efforts are on to resolve the matter.
Mumbai dabbawalas join hands with Tetra Pak for recycling drive
Packaging giant Tetra Pak has tied up with Mumbai's dabbawalas for a unique initiative, wherein 800,000 cartons will be recycled to fund 200 school desks. Special collection bins will be placed at 42 Reliance Fresh and Sahakari Bhandar stores under the six-week Cartons Le Aao, Classroom Banao scheme, which will later be taken to other cities. Dabbawalas will spread the message through their lunch-boxes.
441 luxury cars, including Danny Denzongpa's Range Rover, pulled up
441 high-end vehicles, reportedly including a Range Rover belonging to actor Danny Denzongpa, have been seized since January 14, or served notices for tax evasion. Officials are focusing on areas like Bandra, Carter Road, Juhu, and near the airport. Rs 2.5 crore has been collected till now, but the figure is expected to reach as high as Rs 10 crore.
Wholesale onion prices in Nashik drop to Re 1/kg
Wholesale prices at India's largest onion market at Lasalgaon Agriculture Produce Market Committee in Nashik dropped to Re 1/kg on February 14. Average price was recorded at Rs 450/quintal. A farmer in Yeola then set afire his ready-to-be-harvested crops, fearing they would not fetch good prices. Farmers have demanded a hike on onion export subsidy to 25% and a grant of Rs 1,000/quintal.
Cousin, others booked for Congress corporator's murder
Eight members of a rival political party, including the victim's cousin, were booked after Congress corporator Manoj Mhatre was shot dead in Bhiwandi. However, none has been arrested. The accused, Prashant, was allegedly after Manoj's seat. Police are on the lookout for the accused, and Thane crime branch is also investigating. After the murder, shops in Shantinagar police station's jurisdiction were shut down.
