Mumbai suburb residents to enjoy free Wi-Fi from July 19
The Thane Municipal Corporation is going to launch the first phase, which will cover highways and city's main roads, of public Wi-Fi system from July 19 under the 'Smart City' scheme. The corporation doesn't have to pay any money from its end as the project has been undertaken on Public Private Participation (PPP) basis. Tap in for more from in and around Mumbai.
Cops seize ten trucks for dumping debris on wetlands
Oshiwara police seized ten trucks and an excavator machine for dumping debris at a 400-acre wetland area opposite Millat Nagar, Lokhandwala Backroad in Andheri. Police said that twelve people were detained for the alleged environment violation and were fined Rs. 60,000. Environmentalists have identified this wetland as one of Mumbai's largest that has been threatened for 15 years. It also serves as bird habitat.
Maharashtra education department adds two more subjects to school tests
Maharashtra school education department passed a resolution following which two more subjects - Science and English (third language) will be made part of tests for students from classes 1-8, from this academic year. In a bid to do away with flaws in tests implementation, teachers will have to use a mobile application developed by the state to get instant tests results.
Inmates accused of using children as shields in jail riot
A 6-member committee formed by the Maharashtra Commission for Protection of Child rights, questioned jail inmates including Indrani Mukerjea as they were accused of using children as shields against lathi charge, during prison riot. Police resorted to lathi charge during the protests that broke out after jail inmate Manjula was allegedly killed by officials. The committee members also spoke to children and their mothers.
Banker arrested for taking pictures of women on local train
Banker Nimesh Ved was arrested and remanded in judicial custody for allegedly taking pictures of two women on a local train. The accused was caught by the complainant, who is a 26-year-old lawyer, sharing pictures of her and another passenger on a WhatsApp group. Police said that post case registration, she posted FIR's image on group as a warning to group's members.
IMD: Mumbai downpour to continue till Sunday
IMD forecasted irregular showers with heavy rain at few places in Mumbai from Friday till Sunday. "An off-shore trough combined with a low pressure area over south Gujarat has intensified rainfall over Konkan coast. We expect heavy rainfall for entire north Konkan, including Mumbai, till Sunday," an official said. Meanwhile, the downpour led to trees falling and water logging in several parts of Mumbai.
70 buildings around Mumbai airport ordered to cut height
Directorate General of Civil Aviation ordered 70 buildings in surrounding Vile Parle, Santacruz and Ghatkopar to reduce their height in 60 days as they served as obstacles in an aircraft's flight path. Old buildings were ordered to cut height between 1-6 metres, while newer and taller ones have to cut by a lot more. This order could end up making thousands of residents homeless.
