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ED witness in Jharkhand illegal mining case turns hostile in court
A key witness in the Jharkhand illegal mining case, Vijay Hansda, has turned hostile during his examination before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) special court in Ranchi. Hansda had previously filed a complaint and petition seeking a probe into illegal mining involving people close to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. However, he has now stated that he has no information about illegal mining at the specified location and denied that he was threatened by a representative of the Chief Minister.
HC questions ECI on newly eligible voters were unable to register online after Oct 2024
The Bombay High Court questioned the Election Commission of India about the voter registration limitations for citizens turning 18 after October 1, 2024, during a hearing on a petition by Rupika Anil Singh. Singh, an eligible voter, faced issues registering online and was denied at a voter booth. The court will continue discussions on this matter on November 6.
MMRDA shelves Metro 9 car depot at Uttan-Dongri
The MMRDA has abandoned plans for a Metro 9 car depot at Uttan-Dongri due to local opposition. Instead, trains will be stationed at the Charkop depot. Residents protested the initial plans, fearing loss of livelihood and environmental impact. The decision, pending formal approval, is seen as a victory for the community, who opposed tree removal for the project.
Maharashtra to regularise all land transactions since November 1965 for free
The Maharashtra government has announced the regularisation of all land transactions from the last 59 years, allowing plot holders to officially record their ownership without fees. This decision amends the MPFCH Act, facilitating updates to land records and resolving ownership ambiguities, particularly in urban areas. The ordinance applies to regions where non-agricultural land use is permitted.
Parents claim 20 students were barred from classes due to Mehendi on their hands
Parents of 20 students from St. Anthony Girls' High School in Chembur alleged discrimination after their daughters were barred from class for applying mehndi. The school claimed students were temporarily held for not following discipline rules. An inquiry by the education department is underway, as parents demand action against the school, citing embarrassment and unfair treatment.
Revised design of Uttan-Virar sea link gets cabinet nod, to save over ₹30,000 crore
The Maharashtra cabinet approved a revised design for the Uttan-Virar sea link project, reducing its lanes from eight to six and cutting costs by over Rs 30,000 crore. The project will connect Uttan, Vasai, and Virar, with a total road length of 55.12 km. Additionally, a 66-km ring road for the Kumbh Mela in Nashik was also approved.
Taxi driver refuses to bring home dinner, killed by roommates
A 42-year-old taxi driver, Javed Ahmed Khan, was killed by his four roommates in Saki Naka following a dispute over dinner arrangements. The altercation escalated into violence, resulting in Javed's death. One suspect, Shehbaaz Khan, has been arrested, while three others remain at large. Police are actively searching for the fugitives and reviewing CCTV footage.
Islampur to Ishwarpur: Maharashtra government renames city in Sangli district
The Maharashtra government has officially renamed Islampur city to Ishwarpur, following demands from Hindutva activists and local MLA Gopichand Padalkar. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated the decision reflects public sentiment, despite opposition from senior NCP leader Jayant Patil. This renaming aligns with the BJP's broader campaign to change names linked to Mughal rulers and British colonialism.
Aqua Line tunnel completion spurs underground infra projects
Mumbai is advancing its underground metro connectivity with the completion of the Aqua Line. Upcoming projects include a 10.25-km Thane-Borivali twin tunnel and a 21-km bullet train tunnel. Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are pivotal for these projects, enabling excavation beneath challenging terrains. A proposed 70-km tunnel network aims to enhance urban mobility and ease congestion.
Doctors call off strike after state agrees to form SIT to probe Satara doc’s death
The strike by 15,000 resident doctors in Maharashtra government hospitals was called off after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that their demands, including a probe into a colleague's death, would be met. A Special Investigation Team will investigate, and a state-level committee will address doctors' safety. Medical services are set to resume as usual from Wednesday.
HC grants bail to 13/7 blasts accused, in jail for over 10 years
The Bombay High Court granted bail to Kafeel Ahmed Ayub, 65, accused in the 2011 Mumbai triple blasts that killed over 20 people. The court cited his prolonged incarceration of over 10 years and the slow trial process. Ayub's bail plea argued that charges were vague and prolonged detention violated constitutional rights.
First phase of local body polls on Dec 2; no revision of rolls
Maharashtra's local body elections will begin on December 2, covering 288 municipal councils and panchayats. With 6,859 seats contested, the first phase affects over 1 crore voters. The State Election Commission has faced criticism for not updating voter lists and for alleged duplications. Results will be announced on December 3, with subsequent phases planned later in December and January.
Noida plans to build foot overbridge on Udyog Marg, DSC Road intersection
The Noida authority has announced plans to construct a triangular foot overbridge (FOB) at the Udyog Marg and DSC Road intersection, enhancing pedestrian safety and alleviating traffic congestion. The 122-meter long, 10-meter wide FOB will connect sectors 1, 2, and 15, featuring escalators and LED screens. The project is estimated to cost ₹10 crore and is expected to be completed in six months.
Antop Hill house help leaves suicide note, saying she committed no theft
A 27-year-old domestic worker was found hanging in her employer's flat in Antop Hill, Mumbai. The police have registered an accidental death report and discovered a suicide note in which she denied theft accusations. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are awaiting her family's arrival from Darjeeling for further insights.
After UP govt nod, GIMS Gr Noida set for major upgrade
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a major expansion of the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida, enhancing patient care and infrastructure. Plans include a new medical college and advanced training programs, aiming to position GIMS as a leading tertiary care center for western Uttar Pradesh, akin to SGPGI in Lucknow.
Noida’s electricity wing launches monitoring of field offices
The Paschimanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (PVVNL) has initiated a 15-day review drive in Noida to enhance the resolution of electricity complaints and improve field monitoring. This effort, part of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited’s directive, aims to streamline coordination, boost response times, and ensure timely complaint handling by assigning nodal officers to oversee local units.
