Maharashtra bandh: Security beefed up, schools and colleges remain open

All departments and affiliated colleges of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad will remain closed today

Security has been beefed up in Maharashtra as Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella body of Maratha groups has called for a state-wide bandh on Thursday over reservation issue.

Addressing the media, a leader of the Sakal Maratha Samaj, Amol Jadhavrao said that the state-wide bandh would be observed in a peaceful manner from 8 am to 6 pm. However, the bandh will not be observed in the Navi Mumbai.

"We have called for a state-wide bandh on August 9. The bandh will not be observed in Navi Mumbai, due to some sensitive issue. Essential services, schools and colleges have been excluded from the bandh called by us," Jadhavrao said.

He also urged the community members to not commit suicide over the issue and maintain their calm.

Meanwhile, police officials have also been deployed across the state to contain any unpleasant situation. "Adequate police deployment has been done to ensure peaceful bandh," Manjunath Shinghe, Mumbai Police PRO said.

All departments and affiliated colleges of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad will remain closed today in view of the bandh.

Read More On : Maharashtra Bandh

 

Maratha quota stir: Internet blocked in Navi Mumbai after clashes, arson

Police on Wednesday evening lobbed teargas shells and used baton-charge in the Kopar Khairane area after a group of protesters stoned vehicles and clashed with local people

Internet services in the neighbouring Navi Mumbai township have been suspended since early Thursday, a police official said.

The decision was taken in the wake of the situation in areas like Kopar Khairne, which witnessed violence during the Maratha quota agitation on Wednesday, he said.

The situation in Kopar Khairne was still tense, the official said.

Last evening, the police had lobbed teargas shells and used baton-charge in Kopar Khairane area after a group of protesters stoned vehicles, clashed with local people and indulged in arson.

Read More On → Maratha quota stir

 

Nagpur to Mumbai in 5 hours! Indian Railways plans high-speed service

The government says the high-speed rail tracks will run parallel to an expressway and benefit thousands of passengers, farmers and traders in both directions

Soon, you will be able to reach Nagpur from Mumbai in just five hours!

Indian Railways is planning to construct a dedicated high-speed railway line alongside the under-construction Nagpur-Mumbai Super Express, which is also known as Samriddhi Mahamarg. The high-speed railway line will reduce the travel time by up to 10 hours once it is completed. Currently, it takes around 13 to 14 hours to reach from Mumbai to Nagpur and vice-verse via rail.

"The line will run parallel to the Expressway and benefit thousands of passengers, farmers and traders, in both directions,” Piyush Goyal said.

Indian Railways, Maha Metro Rail Corporation Limited and the state government have signed a MoU to build a Mass Rapid Transit System in Nagpur. The aim to is to connect the railway line with the existing metro coaches.

Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Water Resources Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present at the MoU signing ceremony.

Read More → Nagpur to Mumbai

 

Devendra Fadnavis's chopper crash-lands in Latur; CM tweets 'I'm safe'

Went to Latur for a statewide campaign to reach out to farmers; chopper developed a technical snag

Breaking News : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' helicopter crash landed at Nilanga in Latur district on Wednesday after it suffered a snag, but he escaped unhurt.

"Our helicopter did meet with an accident in Latur but me and my team is absolutely safe and ok. Nothing to worry," Fadnavis tweeted after the mishap.

A senior official of the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) said it was an accident and the chopper suffered substantial damage.

Fadnavis had gone to Latur in Marathwada for the BJP's 'Shivar Samwad Sabha', a statewide campaign to reach out to farmers.

"I am safe. There was a minor accident involving the helicopter. People shouldn't believe in rumours," Fadnavis later told media persons.

The chopper developed a technical snag while taking off from the helipad at Nilanga where the chief minister had gone for an event.

"Nobody got hurt. My media advisor Ketan Pathak has suffered minor injuries. With the blessings of 11 crore people of Maharashtra, I am safe," he told reporters at Nilanga. ReadMore…

Had opposed MNS's Rs 5 crore demand from ADHM makers in the meeting: Fadnavis

Karan Johar's film faced protests by MNS workers for casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan

Under fire over "brokering" a deal between producers of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has maintained that he had opposed the offer of Rs 5 crore contribution from makers to the Army welfare fund.

Karan Johar's film faced protests by MNS workers for casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. Film's smooth release, scheduled to open on October 28, was ensured at a meeting Film Producers' Guild, producers and MNS Thackeray, mediated by Devendra Fadnavis last week. A key demand conceded in the meeting was Rs 5 crore contribution from makers for the army welfare.

"Thackeray had put three demands, out of which there was no objections to the other two. When the issue of Rs 5 crore came up, I intervened and made it clear to the Film Producers' Guild that they need not have to agree to it. I also told them that the contribution has to be made voluntarily. However, it was producers' decision to accept it," Fadnavis said on Monday evening at his residence 'Varsha'. Read More

Also Read:

'ADHM' controversy has rubbed salt onto the wounds of martyred soldiers: Shiv Sena

After ADHM stir, MNS wants traders to 'sacrifice' biz with Pak

ADHM Truce: Raj Thackeray asks producers to pay Rs 5 cr for casting Pak artistes

Not Johar, Members of Producers Guild to meet Rajnath over 'Áe Dil Hai Mushkil' controversy

MNS to continue protest against 'ADHM', Karan Johar to meet Rajnath today

Aamir to partner Maharashtra govt

Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao have launched the Paani Foundation, which will partner the Maharashtra government in its efforts to communicate and educate people at the grass root level about water conservation and watershed management.

The Paani Foundation and the government announced the first initiative called the Satyamev Jayate Water Cup, a competition to popularise water conservation and watershed management in the rural areas of the state.

Read Full Article Over Here: Business Standard

Make in India week: Probe into fire at venue in Girgaum Chowpatty begins

All aspects including sabotage angle will be investigated while ascertaining the cause of the massive fire that gutted the stage during a cultural programme at the Make in India Week event here last night attended by many VIPs, an official said today.

Fire brigade authority has begun an inquiry into the blaze.

"We will probe all aspects, including finding out if there was a sabotage angle involved," a fire brigade official said.

No casualties were reported as the venue at the Girgaum Chowpatty area was emptied within minutes.