1. Cyclone Set to Bring Heavy Rains in State
The developing cyclone off the coast of Odisha is set to bring heavy to moderate showers in Vidarbha and north central Maharashtra, an IMDofficial said on Thursday.
The official added that the state’s Konkan region will receive isolated downpour from Saturday.
“The developments on the east coast of India indicate a cyclone. This has brought more moisture and it would end with heavy showers in Vidarbha region from Saturday,” said an IMD official.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
2. Mid-Air Nightmare
A Jaipur-bound Jet Airways flight on Thursday lost cabin pressure after the crew “forgot” to turn on a control switch leaving 30 passengers bleeding from the ears and nose. The low cabin pressure forced flight 9W 697, carrying 166 passengers and five crew members, to return to Mumbai airport.
The cockpit crew of the flight was derostered and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was ordered by the government to probe the incident.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
3. Four Fave Bandra-Khar Hangouts Shut Down for Violating Fire Norms
Nine months after the Kamala Mills tragedy compelled the BMC to crack down on rooftop establishments, the civic body has permanently cancelled the licences of four popular restaurants and haunts in the upscale Bandra-Khar belt for violation of fire safety norms.
The action — the first such — has been taken against 24 Lounge bar operating from the terrace of Empressia building in Khar West, Argileh Rooftop Lounge in Khar West, Sheesha Sky Lounge in Suburbia mall on Linking Road in Bandra, and Zaffran restaurant on Hill Road in Bandra West.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
4. Two-President Formula Floated to Save City Cong
Amid reports of growing infighting and internal rivalry in the Congress party’s city unit, with some city leaders demanding the ouster of city Congress president Sanjay Nirupam, a section of Congress leaders has suggested that the party should have two heads to lead its city units: a president and an executive president.
If Congress president Rahul Gandhi agrees to the new formula, Nirupam could become executive president. And former union minister Milind Deora’s supporters want him to take over as city president. But a senior Congress leader said the party needed a Marathi face at the helm, and could no longer bank on votes from a particular community. It was time to woo middle-class voters who had switched over to the BJP, he said.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
5. Mumbai: Nashik Woman Moves Bombay HC to Terminate 29-Week Pregnancy
A 33-year-old woman from Nashik has approached the Bombay High Court seeking permission to terminate her pregnancy in the 29th week, after medical reports of the foetus showed that it had developed schizencephaly — a birth condition connected to severe disabilities.
The petition, filed on Monday through advocate Kuldeep Nikam, stated that the woman and her husband already had a baby boy who was a special child and they were “taking the best possible care” of the boy. The petition said that in February-March the couple learnt that the woman was pregnant with a second child. The plea added: “The petitioner was religiously doing routine check-ups with the medical experts and also taking proper precautions and care, as per their advice, which is required during pregnancy period… till August 2018 the routine follow-up/ check-up reports were normal.”
(Source: Indian Express)
6. Mumbai: As Muharram Starts Today, Shia Muslims to Take out Processions
Shia Muslims across the city on Friday will observe ‘Ashura’, the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar and the period of mourning for the Shia community. Across areas such as Dongri, Bandra, Mira Road and Mumbra, sabeel — a tradition to distribute water to the thirsty — come up as soon as the month of Muharram begins with the sighting of the first moon of the new year.
Apart from religious sermons and recitation of nauha (elegies), several processions will be taken out in various parts of the city. In order to ensure that there are no traffic snarls, the Mumbai Police have released a list of traffic diversions for the movement of vehicles in South Mumbai for Muharram processions on Friday.
(Source: Indian Express)
7. Maharashtra: Shiv Sena Asks Govt to Issue Ordinance for Construction of Ram Temple
The Shiv Sena on Thursday welcomed the Union government’s ordinance to criminalise triple talaq and asked it to issue an ordinance ordering the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya to fulfill “at least one promise” made to Hindus at election time.
In an editorial in party mouthpiece, Saamana, the Sena said the ordinance was a good move by the Union government. “But it should not stop there. Those taking credit for banning triple talaq are the ones who have promised Hindus that they will build a Ram Temple in Ayodhya and that has not been fulfilled yet,” said the editorial.
(Source: Indian Express)
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