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Maharashtra Cracks Down: 90-Day Fire Safety Audit for All Malls or Face Utility Cuts

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Maharashtra Cracks Down: 90-Day Fire Safety Audit for All Malls or Face Utility Cuts 2

Amid rising concerns over fire safety after repeated blazes at Mumbai’s Link Square Mall and Dream Mall in Bhandup, the Maharashtra government has ordered all malls across the state to undergo mandatory fire safety audits within 90 days. Failure to comply will result in immediate disconnection of electricity and water supply, warned Minister Uday Samant while addressing the State Legislative Council.

Responding to a question by MLC Kripal Tumane, Samant emphasized zero tolerance for negligence, adding that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already taken action by shutting down Dream Mall over safety violations. He directed all Class B, C, and D municipal corporations to begin strict verification of fire safety compliance in malls, with enforcement under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.

The move comes after multiple MLCs, including Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve, Abhijit Wanjarri, and Manisha Kayande, raised concerns over irregularities in granting fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs). They cited several mall fires in Mumbai—including incidents at Bandra’s Link Square Mall, Orchid Central Mall, and Prime Mall—highlighting non-functional fire suppression systems and questioning civic authorities’ enforcement of safety norms.

In a written reply, the Urban Development Department confirmed firefighting systems were non-functional at several malls, including Link Square Mall, Dream Mall, Orchid Central Mall, and Prime Mall. While systems have since been restored at Orchid Central and Prime Mall, Dream Mall and Link Square Mall remain shut, with legal action underway.

The government clarified that it is the mall owners’ legal responsibility to maintain operational fire safety systems and conduct biannual audits, as mandated by law. The Mumbai Fire Brigade continues random inspections and takes punitive measures against properties failing to meet safety standards, the reply added.

Delhi Govt U-turn: Overaged Vehicle Fuel Ban ‘Unfeasible,’ Seeks Suspension Amid Public Uproar

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delhi vehicles, fuel, fuel ban, manjinder singh sirsa, delhi diesel ban
Delhi Govt U-turn: Overaged Vehicle Fuel Ban 'Unfeasible,' Seeks Suspension Amid Public Uproar 4

The Delhi government on Thursday urged the Centre’s air quality panel to immediately suspend the newly enforced fuel ban on overaged vehicles, admitting it is unfeasible due to technological glitches, operational hurdles, and widespread public discontent.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, in a letter to Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) chairman Rajesh Verma, stated the ban—effective since July 1—cannot be implemented at this stage, highlighting problems with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) systems at fuel stations. He noted camera malfunctions, sensor issues, and difficulties identifying vehicles lacking high-security registration plates.

Addressing reporters, Sirsa said lakhs of citizens’ daily lives and livelihoods depend on these vehicles, and the sudden fuel denial has severely disrupted transport, trade, and personal mobility. He stressed the government’s intent to base restrictions on actual emissions rather than vehicle age alone.

Sirsa argued that since NCR cities like Gurugram and Ghaziabad don’t have similar bans, Delhi-only restrictions are ineffective, as owners can simply refuel across borders, rendering the effort futile.

The minister said the Delhi government plans to create an SMS-based alert system, notifying owners of overage vehicles 2-3 months in advance to prepare for a phase-out, and called on CAQM to put the ban on hold until a unified NCR-wide system is implemented.

He also blamed the previous AAP administration for enforcing the overage vehicle ban instead of challenging it in court, while the AAP responded by calling the suspension a “victory of the people” and accusing the BJP of double standards.

The controversy stems from a 2018 Supreme Court ruling banning diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years, and a 2014 National Green Tribunal order prohibiting parking of vehicles over 15 years old in public spaces.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government highlighted its other anti-pollution initiatives, including a revamped Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate regime, but reiterated that without seamless NCR integration, the current fuel ban is unworkable.

Govt Taxes, BMC Fees Fuel Mumbai’s Skyrocketing Home Prices: Deputy CM Shinde Admits

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mumbai, house prices, bmc, deputy cm, eknath shinde, shinde
Govt Taxes, BMC Fees Fuel Mumbai’s Skyrocketing Home Prices: Deputy CM Shinde Admits 6

In a rare admission, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has acknowledged that taxes and fees imposed by the state government and local bodies, especially the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are significant factors driving up Mumbai’s soaring housing prices.

Shinde, who heads the Housing and Urban Development departments, said residential flat prices in Mumbai and other cities continue to rise partly due to these levies. He was responding in writing to a question about the nearly 30% gap between actual construction costs and the final sale price of housing units, which often results in hefty profits for builders.

Besides the increasing prices of construction materials like cement, steel, bricks, and sand, Shinde listed several statutory costs contributing to the spike, including GST, cess for construction labour welfare, royalty charges, insurance, and steep premiums imposed by local civic bodies.

His candid response amounts to an open admission that government taxes, fees, and civic premiums are exacerbating Mumbai’s unaffordable housing crisis.

The query was raised by legislators Satej Patil, Ashok alias Bhai Jagtap, Abhijeet Vanjari, and 13 others, who also questioned whether the hike in Ready Reckoner (RR) rates was worsening the situation.

Defending the RR rate hike, Shinde explained it was implemented for the first time since 2022-23, with a 4.39% increase in Mumbai, but insisted RR rates—which are used to set property base values—are still much lower than open market prices.

Shinde also highlighted efforts to offer affordable housing, noting that MHADA sold 2,030 units in Mumbai in 2024 at prices 30% to 40% below market rates.

Disha Salian Died by Suicide, No Foul Play Found, Mumbai Police Tell High Court

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disha salian, aaditya thackeray, thackeray, cbi probe, cbi, bombay hc
Disha Salian Died by Suicide, No Foul Play Found, Mumbai Police Tell High Court 8

Former celebrity manager Disha Salian died by suicide, and no foul play has been found in her death, Mumbai police have told the Bombay High Court, even as her father, Satish Salian, insists she was gangraped and murdered.

In an affidavit filed last month, police stated that Disha jumped from a flat window on her own volition and that her postmortem report showed no signs of sexual or physical assault. They added that Disha was under severe mental stress due to family disputes and failing business deals at the time of her death.

Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai’s Malad area. Police initially registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR).

Satish Salian petitioned the High Court in March seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into his daughter’s death and an FIR against Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aditya Thackeray, alleging a politically motivated cover-up.

The case came up for hearing on Wednesday before a bench headed by Justice A S Gadkari, which scheduled the next hearing for July 16.

Malvani police, who investigated the case, said Disha was intoxicated at the time of the incident and her fiancé, who was present, raised no suspicions of foul play. The police affidavit emphasized that the closure report was based on scientific evidence and the postmortem, which confirmed there were no signs of assault.

Police also revealed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) later reviewed the case and its findings aligned with the initial investigation. However, the affidavit noted that further investigation is still ongoing.

In a new application, Satish Salian argued that the SIT’s probe into alleged gangrape and murder without first registering an FIR is illegal and accused authorities of disobeying court directives.

Meanwhile, Aditya Thackeray filed an application seeking to intervene, claiming Satish Salian’s petition was false, frivolous, and politically motivated.

Pune Horror: Man Posing as Courier Agent Rapes 22-Year-Old Woman at Home

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Web Team
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crime, rape, harassment, women, ballia, uttar pradesh
Pune Horror: Man Posing as Courier Agent Rapes 22-Year-Old Woman at Home 10

A 22-year-old woman was allegedly raped by an unidentified man who gained entry into her Pune flat by posing as a courier delivery agent, police said on Thursday.

The shocking incident occurred around 7:30 pm on Wednesday in a housing society in the Kondhwa area of Pune. According to a senior police official, the woman was alone at home as her brother was out on an errand when the accused arrived pretending to deliver a package.

Once inside, the man allegedly raped the woman and then fled the scene. Police said there are unconfirmed reports that the attacker may have used a spray to incapacitate the victim before committing the crime, but this is still under investigation.

A probe is underway, and efforts are on to identify and apprehend the accused, officials added.

3 Indians Kidnapped in Mali; Al-Qaeda Affiliate Behind Coordinated Terror Strikes

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Web Team
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al-qaeda, mali, indian abducted, indians
3 Indians Kidnapped in Mali; Al-Qaeda Affiliate Behind Coordinated Terror Strikes 12

India has expressed grave concern over the abduction of three Indian nationals in Mali, following a series of coordinated terror attacks claimed by Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) across the West African country.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed that the incident took place on July 1, when armed assailants stormed the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes and took three Indian employees hostage. While JNIM has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks across Mali, it has yet to specifically confirm involvement in the kidnappings.

On Wednesday, New Delhi called on the Malian government to ensure the “safe and expeditious” release of the abducted Indians, emphasizing its “deep concern” over their safety. The Indian embassy in Bamako remains in constant touch with local authorities, security agencies, the factory’s management, and the families of the hostages.

“The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the government of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and swift release of the abducted Indian nationals,” the MEA said in a statement, adding that senior officials are monitoring the situation closely.

Meanwhile, the MEA urged all Indian citizens in Mali to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, and stay connected with the embassy for timely updates and assistance. The ministry assured that every effort is being made to secure the early and safe return of the kidnapped Indians.

Landslide Chaos Halts Kedarnath Yatra; Pilgrims Rescued Amid Debris

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kedarnath yatra sonprayag, landslide
Landslide Chaos Halts Kedarnath Yatra; Pilgrims Rescued Amid Debris 14

The Kedarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended on Thursday after a massive landslide triggered by heavy rains struck Munkatiya near Sonprayag, blocking the road to the Himalayan shrine, police said. Debris and large stones completely obstructed the route at the Munkatiya sliding zone, forcing officials to halt the pilgrimage as a precaution.

Several pilgrims returning from Gaurikund were trapped in the affected area but were quickly rescued by State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and brought safely to Sonprayag, authorities confirmed. The administration has temporarily suspended the yatra while the situation is being assessed and efforts to clear the debris are underway.

Shocking Double Murder in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar: Woman and Teen Son Found Dead, Domestic Help Suspected

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Web Team
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lajpat nagar, double murder, case, lajpat, murder, delhi
Shocking Double Murder in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar: Woman and Teen Son Found Dead, Domestic Help Suspected 16

In a shocking case from Delhi’s upscale Lajpat Nagar area, the bodies of a 42-year-old woman and her teenage son were found dead in their home late Wednesday night, police said on Thursday. Authorities suspect the family’s domestic help, who has gone missing, may be involved in the double murder.

Police discovered the bodies after breaking into the house when repeated calls went unanswered. According to officials, the woman’s body was found in the bedroom while her son was discovered dead in the bathroom.

The discovery has sparked panic in the neighborhood, and a case of double murder has been registered. A massive manhunt is underway to trace the absconding domestic help, who police believe could provide critical clues about the crime. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

“What Option Do I Have?”: Shivakumar Backs Siddaramaiah for Full Term Amid Rumors of Power Struggle

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"What Option Do I Have?": Shivakumar Backs Siddaramaiah for Full Term Amid Rumors of Power Struggle 18

With Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserting he will complete a full five-year term, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar—considered a key contender for the CM’s chair—said on Wednesday that he has no option but to stand by and support Siddaramaiah. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar stated, “What option do I have? I have to stand by him, support him. I don’t have any objection to it. Whatever the party high command tells and whatever it desires, it will be fulfilled.”

Asked if his supporters pushing for his elevation meant the Congress wasn’t backing him, Shivakumar said he wouldn’t discuss it, adding, “Lakhs of workers have supported this party. It is not only D K Shivakumar.”

Siddaramaiah, speaking in Chikkaballapura, firmly declared he would remain Chief Minister for the entire term, dismissing rumors of a mid-term leadership change. Speculation has swirled for months within political circles and the Congress about a “rotational CM formula,” under which Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years—a deal never confirmed officially.

Shivakumar, who is also Karnataka Congress president, emphasized discipline, saying he never asked anyone to campaign for him to become CM. He warned leaders making public statements on the issue will face action, revealing he had issued a show-cause notice to Ramanagara MLA H A Iqbal Hussain for repeatedly suggesting he should be the next CM.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala continued his third day of one-on-one meetings with MLAs to address potential friction. Shivakumar downplayed concerns, saying, “There is no disgruntlement in the party. Surjewala is fixing accountability and planning for future elections.”

Despite his reassurances, recent comments from party leaders have reignited speculation over a possible leadership change later this year, keeping Karnataka’s political circles on edge.

Fadnavis Vows MCOCA Overhaul to Crush Drug Smuggling in Maharashtra

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Fadnavis Vows MCOCA Overhaul to Crush Drug Smuggling in Maharashtra 20

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that the Maharashtra government will amend the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) during the ongoing monsoon session to intensify action against narcotics smuggling. The move aims to plug gaps in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which often allows accused smugglers to secure bail.

Responding to BJP legislator Parinay Fuke in the state council, Fadnavis said dedicated NDPS units have been established in every police station, with district-level coordination committees also operational. He noted that large-scale action has been taken in recent years and emphasised that enhanced cooperation with the central government has boosted interstate intelligence sharing, enabling coordinated crackdowns on drug syndicates.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of addiction recovery centers and promised new policies to expand and improve their quality. He clarified that cannabis cultivation is illegal and warned of stringent action against anyone involved in smuggling cannabis, gutkha, or similar substances.

In response to a question from Shiv Sena UBT legislator Sunil Shinde, Fadnavis assured that cases of compassionate recruitment of police officers will be resolved swiftly under the state’s 150-day plan, with clear instructions issued to all departments.

Highlighting police welfare, Fadnavis said the 8-hour duty system, first implemented in Mumbai, is now stable statewide, with weekly holidays becoming standard practice. Encashment for missed leave has been significantly increased. He also cited unprecedented progress in housing projects for police personnel across Maharashtra, with rapid construction underway even at the taluka level.

Addressing health concerns, Fadnavis said mandatory annual health check-ups for officers above 40 and biannual check-ups for those above 50 have been introduced, along with counselling initiatives to support mental well-being.

Home Minister Yogesh Kadam added that free treatment for 40 diseases is now available to police personnel through partnerships with 270 hospitals. Cancer screening camps, yoga, meditation, and gym facilities have also been launched to improve police health and morale.

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