Read Mumbai News
PM Modi will continue to be prime minister even beyond 2029: CM Fadnavis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to lead the country even beyond 2029, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday, reported the PTI. CM Fadnavis said that there was no question of discussing a successor. The Maharashtra CM's assertion comes in response to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's claim last month that PM Modi had visited Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Maharashtra's Nagpur to convey the message that he was 'retiring'. According to the PTI, when asked about his earlier comments made in Nagpur about Modi's successor, CM Fadnavis on Tuesday said, "I have said that it is not the right time to think of a successor to Modi, because, in 2029, Prime Minister Modi will be prime minister again". He was speaking at the India Global Forum in Mumbai. Sanjay Raut had claimed that PM Modi probably went to the RSS headquarters on March 30 to "write his retirement application in September," alluding to some leaders in the BJP retiring at 75, as per the PTI. The Prime Minister was joined by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other prominent leaders during his visit last month. PM Modi, who is in his third term as PM, turns 75 in September this year. "It appears that PM Modi's heir will be decided by the RSS which is why Modi was called (to the RSS headquarters) and discussions took place. Sangh's discussions are held behind closed doors. The indications are very clear. The Sangh will decide the next leader and that leader could be from Maharashtra," Sanjay Raut had earlier claimed, the news agency reported. CM Fadnavis had rejected Sanjay Raut's claim, saying, "In our culture, when the father is alive, it is inappropriate to talk about succession. That is Mughal culture. The time has not come to discuss it", as per the PTI. Sanjay Raut had last month claimed that the RSS will be responsible for selecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successor. He further asserted that the next leader would hail from Maharashtra. Senior RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji' Joshi had said that he was unaware of any talk of (PM's) replacement. (with PTI inputs)
08 April,2025 03:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra focuses on AI and tech innovation, says CM Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that the state is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s technological and entrepreneurial advancement by focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and infrastructure development. According to ANI, Fadnavis made these remarks while speaking at an event titled IGF Mumbai NXT 25: Leading the Leap on Tuesday. The Chief Minister emphasised that Mumbai has already established itself as a fintech capital and that the state’s current focus is to expand Maharashtra’s technology ecosystem. “Mumbai is already a fintech capital. We are focusing on AI and technology,” he said. He further highlighted that the state government is keen on turning Gadchiroli, a district known for its dense forests, tribal heritage, and natural beauty into a fresh business destination. “Our new destination for business is Gadchiroli,” he added. Fadnavis pointed out that major infrastructure projects are underway across the state, including the development of a massive port in the Konkan region. “We are developing a huge port in Konkan. This port will be three times bigger than Mumbai. This will create an absolute ecosystem,” he noted. The Chief Minister also revealed that innovation cities are being planned near Mumbai, and a strong infrastructural network is being created around Mumbai and Pune to support ease of doing business. Regarding employment and economic development, Fadnavis said Maharashtra has become a hotspot for data centres and is fast emerging as a start-up capital. “In the space of AI start-ups, Maharashtra is leading the way,” ANI reports him saying. Speaking about international investments, he shared that during meetings at the World Economic Forum, Maharashtra attracted a large number of proposals. “80 per cent of our MOUs are in action, and the remaining 20 per cent are on track,” he mentioned. “None of the investors are backing out.” Addressing agriculture, the CM acknowledged that climate change remains a significant challenge. However, he said the state is introducing AI modules to help make farming more predictable. “We have launched a mission to integrate AI in agriculture,” he said. On reciprocal tariffs from the US, he acknowledged some impact on the supply chain but expressed optimism, saying, “We also see opportunities in this.” (With inputs from ANI)
08 April,2025 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai weather update: City sees clear skies and rising heat today
Mumbai began the week on a warm note, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting clear skies and rising temperatures for the coming days. As of Monday morning, April 8, the temperature stood at 31 degrees Celsius with a humidity level of 49 per cent, accompanied by a gentle breeze at 3 km/h. According to IMD officials, this trend of clear and dry weather is expected to continue throughout the week. Temperatures are likely to climb steadily, reaching a high of 35 degrees Celsius and dipping to a minimum of 25 degrees Celsius during the night. With the sun setting at 6:54 PM, residents can expect warm afternoons and relatively humid evenings. The increase in heat has been noticeable, and weather experts have said that temperatures are currently above the seasonal average for April. The coming days may feel warmer than usual, and Mumbaikars are advised to stay well-hydrated and avoid peak afternoon sun where possible. Forecast for the week Looking ahead to Tuesday, April 9, the India Meteorological Department has again predicted clear skies across Mumbai. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain consistent, with highs of 35 degrees Celsius and lows of 25 degrees Celsius. There are no signs of rainfall or significant cloud cover, meaning the city will likely experience another bright but humid day. Heat-related discomfort is expected to rise gradually as the week progresses. Mumbai air quality index update Meanwhile, the air quality in parts of the city remains within acceptable limits. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported an Air quality index of 93 in Colaba, placing it in the ‘Satisfactory’ category. While the air is relatively safe to breathe, people with existing respiratory conditions are advised to wear masks outdoors and avoid strenuous activity during the afternoon heat. The Air Quality Index (AQI) ranges from 0–50 (Good), 51–100 (Satisfactory), up to 401–500 (Severe). Currently, Mumbai’s AQI is considered safe for the general public. With summer slowly setting in, both locals and visitors are urged to stay cautious in the heat and pay attention to daily weather and health advisories.
08 April,2025 12:45 PM IST | Mumbai
Kunal Kamra row: Bombay HC issues notice over FIR for ‘traitor’ jibe
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Mumbai police and Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel in connection with a plea filed by comedian Kunal Kamra seeking to quash a First Information Report (FIR) lodged against him. The FIR, registered at the Khar police station, was filed following a complaint by Patel, who alleged that Kamra referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) during a stand-up performance. The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and S M Modak, who scheduled the next hearing for 16 April. As per PTI, Kamra has not responded in person to three summons issued by the police thus far. The FIR against Kamra has been registered under sections 353(1)(b) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. According to PTI, three other FIRs against the comedian—filed in Nashik Rural, Jalgaon, and Nandgaon (Nashik)—have now been consolidated and transferred to the Khar police station for further investigation. Kamra’s senior counsel, Navroz Seervai, informed the court that the Madras High Court had extended Kamra’s interim transit anticipatory bail until 17 April. The advocate further noted that Kamra, who has been residing in Tamil Nadu since 2021, has on three occasions offered to join the investigation via video conference, citing threats to his safety if he were to appear in person. “It appears the police are more interested in compelling his physical presence than actually recording his statement,” Seervai argued, emphasising that the case stems from a stand-up comedy act and not any serious crime. “This is not a case of murder,” he added. During the performance in question, Kamra made a satirical reference to the political split in the Shiv Sena party, notably Shinde’s rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in June 2022. He incorporated a reworded Hindi film song to mock Shinde’s political switch, though he did not mention the leader by name. Kamra’s plea, filed on 5 April, argues that the FIR constitutes a violation of his fundamental rights—specifically his freedom of speech and expression, the right to practise any profession, and the right to life and personal liberty, all enshrined under the Indian Constitution. As per PTI, the petition claims that the stand-up act, written in July 2024 and performed around 60 times between August 2024 and February 2025, was only uploaded online in March 2025. It was only after this that the complaint was filed, leading to what Kamra alleges is a misuse of criminal law by a sitting MLA. Kamra is also seeking protection from any coercive action, including arrest or the seizure of his personal electronic devices and financial records. “To allow this investigation to proceed would be a direct assault on the right to comment on political developments. Should a citizen’s satirical take on political affairs be criminalised?” the plea contends. The bench has stated it will deliberate on all aspects of the matter at the next hearing on 16 April. (With inputs from PTI)
08 April,2025 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai
Absconding ex-bank VP, wife seek video hearing in Rs 122 cr bank scam
Hiren Bhanu, the absconding former vice chairman of the New India Cooperative Bank, and his wife Gauri Bhanu—both currently believed to be abroad—have submitted written statements to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), denying any involvement in the Rs 122 crore embezzlement scam that has rocked the bank. The couple has also formally requested permission to appear before the EOW via video conferencing. Officials, however, are yet to take a call on whether such virtual statements will be permitted. Bhanu’s counsel Sajal Yadav has confirmed this. Bhanu couple deny Involvement, blame Hitesh Mehta In their statements submitted separately on March 18, 2025, Hiren and Gauri Bhanu have denied all allegations linking them to the Rs 122 crore embezzlement scam and claimed they are being falsely implicated. They are accused of colluding with the main accused, Hitesh Mehta—who allegedly siphoned off the funds—of which Hiren Bhanu is said to have received Rs 26 crore and Gauri Bhanu Rs 2 crore. Detailed denial and audit trail submitted In his statement, Hiren Bhanu provided a comprehensive explanation of the bank’s internal operations, especially in relation to cash management and audit oversight. He stressed that the New India Cooperative Bank has been under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) supervision for the past four years and that an RBI-nominated director was a member of the audit committee. Bhanu added that the appointment and functioning of statutory and external auditors were strictly the responsibility of the bank’s Internal Audit Department, and that all audit reports were routed through appropriate committees before reaching the board. Bhanu stated that none of the audit reports in the past five years raised any red flags regarding cash discrepancies, suggesting that neither the board, the chairman, nor the vice chairman would have known about the missing funds. He added that all relevant board and committee minutes have been provided to the police. Claims of crucial role in Mehta’s confession Hiren Bhanu described how Hitesh Mehta, a senior employee of over 35 years, disappeared from the bank on February 12—just as RBI officials visited. That afternoon, the RBI sent an email to senior bank officials querying a Rs 122 crore shortfall in the cash cell, which allegedly fell under Mehta’s domain. Bhanu claimed that Mehta later called him and confessed to embezzling the funds, even threatening suicide. Bhanu said he convinced Mehta to return to the bank and admit his guilt to prevent innocent staff from being punished. He remained in touch with Mehta and senior bank officials throughout and has submitted call logs to the police. According to Bhanu, Mehta returned and confessed his actions to RBI and bank officials but was allowed to leave by a senior RBI officer, Sanjay Kumar. Bhanu claimed Mehta later boasted he had “managed” the officer, which shocked him. He insisted that it was only due to his intervention that Mehta confessed, which expedited the investigation and protected employees and depositors. Bhanu also submitted an affidavit allegedly written by Mehta, accepting full responsibility for the scam. He stated that his family had invested around Rs 4 crore in bank shares and had deposits exceeding Rs 1.5 crore with NICB. He emphasized they had inherited their properties, made no suspicious purchases, and all investments were reflected in tax returns. Allegations against Hitesh Mehta Hiren Bhanu described how Hitesh Mehta, a senior employee of over 35 years, disappeared from the bank on February 12—just as RBI officials visited. That afternoon, the RBI sent an email to senior bank officials querying a Rs 122 crore shortfall in the cash cell, which allegedly fell under Mehta’s domain. Bhanu claimed that Mehta later called him and confessed to embezzling the funds, even threatening suicide. Bhanu said he convinced Mehta to return to the bank and admit his guilt to prevent innocent staff from being punished. He remained in touch with Mehta and senior bank officials throughout and has submitted call logs to the police. Bhanu claimed that Mehta later contacted him in a distraught state, confessed to siphoning the funds, and even threatened suicide. Bhanu said he persuaded Mehta to return to the bank and admit to his misdeeds so that innocent employees would not suffer. He has submitted call logs supporting his communication with Mehta and senior bank officials during this time. According to Bhanu, Mehta did return and confessed his actions to the RBI and bank officials but was inexplicably allowed to leave by senior RBI officer Sanjay Kumar. Bhanu further alleged that Mehta later boasted about “managing” the officer, which shocked him. He insisted that Mehta’s confession was only possible due to his own intervention and that this action helped protect the interests of both bank staff and depositors. Bhanu also submitted an affidavit allegedly authored by Mehta, accepting full responsibility for the scam. He added that his family has over ₹1.5 crore in deposits with the bank and investments worth Rs 4 crore in its shares, none of which are suspicious and all of which are accounted for in their tax records. He stressed that their properties were inherited, and no unusual purchases had been made. Gauri Bhanu’s Statement In her statement, Gauri Bhanu reiterated that Mehta had been a trusted associate of the family since her father-in-law’s time and managed their personal finances. She claimed that another employee, Mr. Patel, regularly withdrew cash from the family’s accounts using self-cheques, which was then handed over to Mehta and subsequently delivered to her as needed. She has submitted a detailed account statement, including cheque numbers and withdrawal records. Gauri Bhanu further clarified that she had left India for a pre-planned holiday before February 12 and denied media reports suggesting she had been tipped off by RBI officials. Both Bhanus have categorically denied any wrongdoing and maintain that they are victims of circumstances and betrayal by Mehta.
08 April,2025 12:11 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan
Maharashtra departments directed to avoid last-minute expenditure surge in FY25
The Maharashtra Finance Ministry has instructed all state departments to exercise caution and avoid a last-minute rush of expenditure in the concluding month of the 2025-26 financial year, urging them instead to ensure 60 per cent of their allocated budget is spent by December 2025, PTI reports. As per a government notification issued late on Monday night, departments failing to utilise at least 50 per cent of their allotted funds by the end of December 2025 will face a proportionate reduction in provisions during the next budget estimate preparations. This measure forms part of the government’s broader strategy to enforce fiscal discipline and improve the quality of public spending. The directive specifies that 60 per cent of budgetary disbursements will take place during the first nine months of the financial year, up to December 2025. Administrative departments have been asked to allocate their expenditure in a phased manner and conduct monthly reviews to ensure balanced spending. “There should be no rush of expenditure in the last month of the financial year,” the order stated. It also warns that any financial irregularities or failure to comply with these instructions will render the concerned departments fully accountable. Furthermore, proposals concerning non-essential items such as awards, publications, foreign travel, advertising and publicity, motor vehicle purchases, and other administrative expenses must be submitted to the finance department with proper justification. These proposals should be routed through relevant departments including planning, social justice, special assistance, tribal development, and the concerned budget cells. This latest order is similar to a directive issued last month by Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, which instructed all departments to declare potential increases in expenditure while presenting new proposals to the state cabinet. This move aimed to enhance transparency and keep spending within budgeted limits amidst growing fiscal constraints. The Maharashtra government’s budget for 2025-26, presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, is pegged at over Rs 7,00,020 crore. The projected revenue deficit stands at Rs 45,891 crore, while the fiscal deficit is expected to exceed Rs 1,36,000 crore. Revenue receipts are estimated to be over Rs 5,60,000 crore. (With inputs from PTI)
08 April,2025 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai
Maharashtra: Khultabad, home to Aurangzeb’s tomb, to be renamed Ratnapur
The Maharashtra government is preparing to rename the town of Khultabad—home to the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb—as Ratnapur, according to state minister Sanjay Shirsat. The move is part of a broader effort to restore historical names that were changed during the Mughal era, news agency PTI reports. Khultabad, situated approximately 25 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, has recently become the focus of political and cultural debate due to the presence of the tombs of Aurangzeb, his son Azam Shah, Nizam Asaf Jah, and other historical figures. Over the past few months, right-wing organisations and some political leaders have openly called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, citing his controversial legacy in Maharashtra. As per news agency PTI, Sanjay Shirsat, who serves as Maharashtra’s Minister for Social Justice and the guardian minister of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, reiterated over the weekend that Khultabad was originally known as Ratnapur. “Just as Khadki was renamed to Aurangabad and has now become Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, we will also revert Khultabad to its original name, Ratnapur,” said the Shiv Sena leader. “Several place names were altered during Aurangzeb’s rule. Our aim is to restore them. We are especially focusing on removing names with ‘bad’ suffixes, which were a result of Mughal influence,” Shirsat added. Last month, Shirsat had stirred controversy by stating that Aurangzeb’s grave had no place in Maharashtra, referencing the Mughal ruler’s execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The current proposal to rename Khultabad is seen by many as part of a larger political push to reclaim historical narratives aligned with Maratha heritage. According to PTI, the state government is also contemplating the creation of a memorial in Khultabad dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji Maharaj. “The site will serve as a place to educate people about the valorous history of the Maratha empire,” Shirsat said. The announcement has drawn both support and criticism. While proponents view the renaming as a rightful correction of historical distortions, critics argue it may be a politically motivated move to polarise public sentiment ahead of elections. The government is expected to soon initiate the formal administrative process required to implement the name change. (With inputs from PTI)
08 April,2025 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai
Rare tiger sighting in Sindhudurg district a fillip for corridor
A wildlife enthusiast recently captured a video of an adult tiger in the forests of Sindhudurg district, located around 500 km southwest of Mumbai. This sighting is significant, as a study conducted last year by the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) recorded a population of 10 tigers using the Sindhudurg–Satara corridor. Darshan Vengurlekar, a wildlife lover who has been documenting biodiversity in Sindhudurg and nearby regions, had recently travelled from Malvan towards Dodamarg. “I had gone towards Dodamarg from Malvan a few days ago with my friends. While returning through a forested patch in Sindhudurg district, we saw a large animal crossing the road. To our surprise, we realised it was a fully grown adult tiger. Without wasting any time, I switched on my camera and recorded a video of the tiger. Seeing a tiger in this landscape indicates that the area has a good forest cover. I believe that with support from local residents, the forest department should plan better conservation initiatives to keep the wildlife corridor intact,” said Vengurlekar. This isn’t Vengurlekar’s first tiger-related encounter in the region. On an earlier occasion, he had also spotted tiger pugmarks in the forests of Sindhudurg district. Girish Punjabi, a conservation biologist with the Wildlife Conservation Trust, said, “Sighting a tiger in the Sahyadri Tiger Landscape (STL) is a rare opportunity. These tigers are elusive and mostly nocturnal, as the corridor is fragmented with many villages and agricultural patches mixed with forest. Still, this is a positive sign because the tiger looks healthy. Our collaborative research with the Maharashtra Forest Department in 2022–23 found eight adult tigers and two cubs in the STL. This corridor is vital for tigers dispersing from nearby breeding areas, such as the Kali Tiger Reserve, to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.” When asked whether the tigers seen in the region are residents, Punjabi explained, “Some are resident tigers, while others may be dispersing individuals. There is data confirming a few resident tigers in the corridor area, along with evidence of breeding, which makes this habitat very important.” The north-western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri-Konkan corridor, serve as a significant wildlife passage. Navkishore Reddy, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) – Sawantwadi (Sindhudurg), said, “The Sindhudurg–Satara wildlife corridor is a very important area, and the forest department has been monitoring the movement of wild tigers through camera traps. We are making every effort to preserve this corridor, as it plays a crucial role for wildlife.” This tiger sighting also suggests that tigers are actively using the Karnataka–Goa–Maharashtra corridor, which is a positive development for the tiger recovery program in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. In April 2018, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) set up a special team consisting of members from the NTCA, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and Maharashtra Forest Department to identify recovery strategies for the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR). The STR spans a core area of 600.12 square kilometres and a buffer zone of 565.45 square kilometres, covering regions of Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts.
08 April,2025 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Malaika Arora faces fresh bailable warrant in Saif Ali Khan hotel brawl case
A Mumbai court has once again issued a bailable warrant against Bollywood actor Malaika Arora after she failed to appear as a prosecution witness in connection with the 2012 hotel brawl case involving actor Saif Ali Khan. According to news agency PTI the case pertains to an alleged assault on an NRI businessman at a luxury hotel in south Mumbai. The incident in question took place on the night of 22 February 2012, when Saif Ali Khan, along with his then-girlfriend Kareena Kapoor (now wife), her sister Karisma Kapoor, Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora and several friends, was dining at a five-star establishment. The evening reportedly turned violent following an altercation between Saif Ali Khan's group and Iqbal Mir Sharma, the complainant in the matter. As per PTI reports, Chief Judicial Magistrate K S Zanwar, currently presiding at the Esplanade Court, is in the process of recording statements from witnesses. Arora, who was present at the time of the alleged incident, has been summoned to testify. However, she failed to appear in court, prompting the magistrate to re-issue a bailable warrant on Monday. The initial warrant had been issued earlier on 15 February. The court has scheduled the next hearing for 29 April. PTI reports that Saif Ali Khan, along with his co-accused—Shakeel Ladak and Bilal Amrohi—was arrested shortly after the complaint was filed. All three were subsequently granted bail. The charge sheet in the case accuses them under Section 325 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to causing grievous hurt. According to the complaint, Sharma objected to the loud conversation and noise coming from Khan’s table, which allegedly prompted the actor to assault him. Sharma claimed that Saif punched him, resulting in a nasal fracture. He also alleged that Khan’s associates attacked his father-in-law, Raman Patel. However, Khan has maintained that Sharma was the instigator. He claimed the complainant had used abusive language and made derogatory comments towards the women accompanying him, which provoked the scuffle. The court continues to hear the matter and awaits testimony from all listed witnesses, including Malaika Arora. (With inputs from PTI)
08 April,2025 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai
Black Monday: Stock markets crumble amid global trade war
Stock markets crumbled on Monday with benchmark Sensex sinking by 2,226.79 points ‘is steepest single-day decline in 10 months’ as a global market carnage following US President Donald Trump's tariff hikes and retaliation from China fanned fears of economic slowdown. Investors’ wealth eroded sharply by Rs 20.16 lakh crore on Monday morning as the benchmark indices faced heavy drubbing, with the Sensex dropping over 5 per cent, amid a global market meltdown due to growing trade war concerns. The 30-share BSE Sensex crashed 2,226.79 points or 2.95 per cent to settle at 73,137.90, recording its third day of decline. During the day, the index slumped 3,939.68 points or 5.22 per cent to 71,425.01. The NSE Nifty tumbled 742.85 points or 3.24 per cent to settle at 22,161.60. Intra-day, the benchmark dropped 1,160.8 points or 5.06 per cent to 21,743.65. All Sensex shares, except for Hindustan Unilever, ended with losses. Tata Steel fell the most by 7.33 per cent followed by Larsen & Toubro which cracked 5.78 per cent. Sensex, on Monday In Asian markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index tanked more than 13 per cent, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 plunged nearly 8 per cent, Shanghai SSE Composite index dropped over 7 per cent and South Korea’s Kospi sank over 5 per cent. European markets too came under heavy selling pressure and were trading with up to 6 per cent decline. US markets ended sharply lower on Friday. The S&P 500 dropped 5.97 per cent, Nasdaq composite slumped 5.82 per cent and the Dow tumbled 5.50 per cent on Friday. On Monday, the BSE smallcap gauge cracked 4.13 per cent, and the midcap index tanked 3.46 per cent. All BSE sectoral indices ended with deep cuts. Global oil benchmark Brent crude dropped 3.61 per cent to $63.21 a barrel. The commerce ministry is stepping up efforts to help exporters explore new markets to push outbound shipments while also setting up a working group to monitor possible surge in imports from countries like China to tackle the impact of sweeping tariffs announced by the US, source said. The ministry is also fast-tracking formulation of its export promotion mission to support exporters in areas such as providing credit at affordable rates; and negotiations of proposed free trade agreements with the European Union, Oman, New Zealand and the UK. Rupee falls 38 paise The rupee declined 38 paise to settle at 85.82 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday. A steep decline in crude prices and a weaker American currency failed to arrest the fall in domestic currency due to the withdrawal rush by foreign as well as domestic equity investors, forex traders said. They said the currency exchange markets globally faced extreme volatility as investors tried to escape risks, following the US administration’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries and China’s retaliatory move on the American imports. On the domestic macroeconomic front, market participants were watchful as the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) monetary policy committee began its three-day deliberations on key interest rates. Govt hikes excise on petrol, diesel; LPG price hiked by Rs 50 The government on Monday hiked excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 2 per litre each but there will be no change in retail prices. The excise duty on petrol was hiked to Rs 13 per litre and that on diesel to Rs 10 a litre which will come into force on the April 8, 2025. India is 85 per cent dependent on imports to meet its oil needs. Petrol currently costs Rs 94.77 a lire in Delhi and Rs 87.67 is the price for a litre of diesel. The government also hiked the cooking gas price by a steep R50 per cylinder. The increase in cooking gas price—for all users—will come into effect from April 8,. Cooking gas for Ujjawala users will cost R553 per 14.2-kg cylinder from the current Rs 503 in the national capital. The same for general users will now cost Rs 853. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 April,2025 08:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Agencies
Pregnant woman’s death: Top Pune hospital found guilty of negligence
A state-appointed committee has recommended strict disciplinary action against Pune’s Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital (DMH) after finding it guilty of negligence in the tragic death of a 37-year-old pregnant woman. Tanisha, alias Ishwari Sushant Bhise, died on March 31 after allegedly being denied admission owing to her family’s inability to furnish a Rs 10 lakh deposit. The inquiry, conducted by a five-member committee constituted by the Directorate of Health Services, Maharashtra, has brought to light serious lapses in the hospital’s response to a critical emergency case. After a thorough review, the panel concluded that the hospital “failed to fulfil its legal and ethical responsibility of providing emergency medical care, especially in a high-risk maternal case”. ‘Made to wait for five hours’ The report stated that Bhise, a resident of Talegaon Dabhade, was referred to DMH after developing complications during her pregnancy. Despite the seriousness of her condition, she was allegedly made to wait without any primary treatment for almost five hours. The deceased, Tanisha, alias Ishwari Sushant Bhise Her family repeatedly requested the hospital to begin emergency care but was instead asked to deposit Rs 10 lakh in advance, which they could not arrange immediately. Due to this delay, the family was forced to take her to another hospital where she delivered twins, but died later. The report further mentioned that DMH failed to follow the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, which mandates that every registered clinical establishment must provide timely and necessary medical treatment during emergencies. The committee viewed this as a grave violation of the patient’s rights and basic medical ethics. ‘Take strict action’ In its detailed recommendations, the panel has urged that strict disciplinary action be initiated against the hospital. It has been suggested that the hospital be served a show-cause notice, and depending on the outcome of further investigation, the Maharashtra Medical Council and the Pune Municipal Corporation consider reviewing or even suspending its licence. The panel emphasised that private hospitals must not refuse emergency care based on financial conditions. In addition, the committee has called for regular audits of emergency case handling in private hospitals and the establishment of robust grievance redressal mechanisms for patients and their families. The case has sparked widespread criticism and concern, particularly among healthcare advocates and women’s rights groups. Senior health officials have assured that action will be taken based on the committee’s findings, and measures will be implemented to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. Maharashtra State Women Commission chairman Rupali Chakankar, who met the family members of the deceased, said, “DMH is responsible for the death of the pregnant woman. If Tanisha Bhise had received timely treatment, she could have been saved. Those responsible will not be spared, and strict action will be taken against them.” Dr Dhananjay Kelkar from the DMH, along with senior officials on Monday held a press conference over the incident. ‘We do not ask for deposit’ When asked about whether the Bhise family was indeed asked to make a deposit and whether doctors are even allowed to demand such deposits, Dr Kelkar said, “Our doctors do not ask patients for deposits—such practice does not exist in our system. The hospital only provides cost estimates to patients, and there is no format to mention deposits in that.” He added, “On that particular day, for some unknown reason, Dr Sushrut Ghaisas wrote a R10 lakh deposit amount in a box. This is true.” “Dr Ghaisas is an honorary obstetrician and gynaecologist at the hospital. Doctor involved resigns He has submitted his resignation due to intense public pressure, threat calls, and harsh criticism. Fearing this could affect the treatment of his current patients, and unable to focus on his medical duties or even sleep at night, he chose to step down from his role at Deenanath Hospital,” added Dr Kelkar.
08 April,2025 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana Dahiwal