1. Shiv Sena Condemns PM Modi's Kashmir Assertion, Asks to Remove Article 370
Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that separatism will be defeated by embracing Kashmiris and not by abuses or bullets, the Shiv Sena on Wednesday said that to implement this idea, we need to remove Article 370 from the Indian Constitution.
In an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamna, the Shiv Sena said, "The Kashmir problem can be resolved by embracing all Kashmiris. This is really a great idea and to implement this, please remove Article 370 from the Indian Constitution, which will allow the people to visit Kashmir and then they can embrace people there."
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
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2. Farmers to Get Crop Loans at Subsidised 7%, Aadhaar Link a Must
In line with the government's policy, the RBI today said farmers can avail of short-term crop loans of up to Rs 3 lakh at subsidised interest rate of 7 per cent that could go down to 4 per cent on prompt repayment. "To ensure hassle-free benefits to farmers under the Interest Subvention Scheme, the banks are advised to make Aadhaar linkage mandatory for availing of short-term crop loans in 2017-18," the RBI said in a notification to banks.
In order to provide short-term crop loans up to Rs 3 lakh to farmers at an interest rate of 7 per cent per annum during 2017-18, it has been decided to offer interest subvention of 2 per cent to banks in respect of loans given by their rural and semi-urban branches only on use of their own resources.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
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3. Bombay HC Restrains Maharashtra Govt From Issuing Permits for Bullock Cart Racing
The Bombay high court on Wednesday temporarily stopped the Maharashtra government from giving permits for bullock cart races in the state. This move came after the state recently amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1986 to allow bullock cart races in Maharashtra.
The bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice Nitin Jamdar passed a restraining order after the Supreme Court observed that “bullocks can't be viewed as performing animals”. “They are not anatomically designed for the purpose of racing and therefore the very conduct of the race would amount to inflicting cruelty on them, as it would be like forcing them to enhance their walking pace,” said SC in 2014 in the Jallikattu case.
(Source: Hindustan Times)
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4. Mopalwar, Other IAS Officers Invested Black Money in Kolkata Firm: BJP's Maharashtra MLA
Senior BJP MLA Anil Gote on Wednesday said that suspended IAS officer Radheshyam Mopalwar, who is facing an inquiry by special investigation team (SIT) for alleged corruption, invested his black money in a company from Kolkata.
He further alleged that seven other IAS officers also invested in the same company. Gote also released shareholding document of the company, which shows 85,000 shares in the name of Mopalwar’s relatives.
Mopalwar, who was heading chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’ Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway project, refuted allegations and said that Gote bore a grudge against him.
(Source: Hindustan Times)
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5. After Fancy Bicycles, Mumbai Police to Patrol on Segways
Watching kids ride Segways on the Marine Drive promenade has become a usual sighting, especially after the craze for the self-balancing electric scooter hit the city two years ago. As if they weren't enough to disrupt traffic on the walkers' paradise, the Mumbai Police's patrolling staff will now join them. According to sources, in order to make patrolling sessions less tiring and daunting, cops posted at Marine Drive and Girgaum Chowpatty will be given Segways to keep tight vigilance.
The move comes barely two years after the Mumbai Police introduced fancy bicycles for cops patrolling on city beaches and promenades.
Confirming the development, a senior police official said that the Mumbai Police is attempting to revolutionise its patrolling duty measures to meet international standards. "Segways are being used by several police departments across the world. The scooters can quickly reach the spot and can ply on beaches too," the official said. Currently, Segways are being used by the Australian, New Zealand, Thailand, German and Chinese police forces.
(Source: Mid-Day)
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6. Builder Jailed for 6 Years for Not Delivering Homes
A retired railway station master has struck a landmark blow against errant builders on behalf of frustrated home buyers.
In a rare occurrence, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has sentenced a developer to six years in jail for failing to comply with its order to register the sale and hand over possession to Chandraprakash Singh, a Mira Road resident who had paid for two flats in 2010.
Notably, the commission has given the highest possible punishment for the builder - three years in each case flat to be served consecutively, as the consumer had booked two flats. While it is common for builders to delay handing over of possession several years beyond the deadline, this is a rare instance of someone being held responsible.
(Source: Mid-Day)
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7. CM Devendra Fadnavis' Wife Amruta to Make Stage Debut With Bollywood Stars
Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is set to perform on stage for the first time at a charity concert in Aurangabad today. Tickets are priced at Rs 51,000. Organised by the Mahatma Gandhi Mission in support of Aurangabad police, the show features singers Mithoon, KK, Shaan, Mohammed Irfan and Altamash Faridi. Actors Sonali Kulkarni, Vivek Oberoi and stand-up comic Raju Srivastav will also perform.
Fadnavis says, "I will sing a duet with Mithoon. The funds raised will be used for the education of children of farmers, who had committed suicide, cancer treatment for the needy and scholarships for police constables' children." Fadnavis debuted as a singer with Sab Dhan Mati in Prakash Jha's Jai Gangaajal (2016). Two months ago, she released her first music video, Phir Se, featuring Amitabh Bachchan.
(Source: Mid-Day)
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8. Rara Avis, Shweta Kapur Present Interesting Separates at LFW 2017
Life is tough – may as well wear some nice pants. Trust label 431-88 to present you with interesting options each season.
While presenting their Collection No 10 at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2017, designer Shweta Kapur gave us some lovely looking leather pants.
A popular Gen-Next designer, Kapur blended different textures in the same colour tone for the collection.
(Source: The Quint)
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