<p>As the entire country&nbsp;gears&nbsp;up for the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;on January&nbsp;22, actor Jackie Shroff was seen cleaning a temple in Mumbai, Maharastra ahead of the grand event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the citizens of India to clean temples and holy places across the country. Following PM's words, Jackie took part in the drive as he was seen cleaning the stairs of the temple in Mumbai.</p>

<p>Shroff, who is known for his down-to-earth nature, was captured cleaning the temple stairs. Wearing a white shirt with beige colour pants and a matching Nehru cap, the 66-year-old actor was doing his work with all his focus and dedication. He was also seen cleaning the corners of stairs,&nbsp;statues and&nbsp;railings of the temple.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-mere-artwork-says-pm-modi-as-he-releases-commemorative-postage-stamps-on-ram-temple-681309">'Not mere artwork,' says PM Modi as he releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple</a></p>

<p>A huge crowd&nbsp;gathered around the temple to see the actor&nbsp;taking part in the social cause. The video of the actor has taken the internet by storm.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2RO0Cyh-AV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2RO0Cyh-AV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2RO0Cyh-AV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2RO0Cyh-AV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Praising the veteran star&nbsp;for his humble nature, one user wrote, ''Jackie dadas effort is seen❤️.''</p>

<p>Another wrote,''Jaggu dada is most genuine when it comes to down to earth celebrities list. 🙏''</p>

<p>The third user wrote, ''This man is pure hearted.''</p>

<p>Earlier this month, the actor and his entire family including his wife Ayesha, son and actor Tiger Shroff received an invitation to the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C13aaNDy13V/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C13aaNDy13V/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C13aaNDy13V/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C13aaNDy13V/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jackie Shroff (@apnabhidu)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-ceremony-more-than-500-statues-representing-life-of-lord-ram-to-grace-temple-corridor-681339">Ram Temple consecration ceremony: More than 500 statues representing life of Lord Ram to grace temple corridor</a><br />
<br />
Sharing the photo of him carrying the invitation card, the actor wrote, ''We are blessed to be a part of the most auspicious Shri Ram JanmBhoomi Mandir Praan-Pratishtha Ceremony on 22nd January at Ayodhya. Grateful to each and every one who is involved and has contributed since so many decades, to bring this historical day in the lives of us Indians. Thanks to the respected Dignitaries of the incredible organisation..RSS, Shri Sunil Ambekar ji, Shri Ajay Mudpe ji and our dear friend Mahaveer Jain who visited and graced our home with the Auspicious invitation!''</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ram-mandir-grand-preparations-in-ayodhya-for-ram-temple-consecration-681273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Notably, PM Modi will also grace the inauguration ceremony of Ram Mandir. Many popular Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Mohanlal, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Prabhas, Yash and many others will attend the event.</p>

<p>On the work front, Shroff was last seen in the Amazon Prime video film <em>Mast Mein Rehna Ka</em> co-starring Neena Gupta.&nbsp;</p>


As the entire country gears up for the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on January 22, actor Jackie Shroff was seen cleaning a temple in Mumbai, Maharastra ahead of the grand event.

As the entire country gears up for the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on January 22, actor Jackie Shroff was seen cleaning a temple in Mumbai, Maharastra ahead of the grand event. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the citizens of India to clean temples and holy places across the country. Following PM's words, Jackie took part in the drive as he was seen cleaning the stairs of the temple in Mumbai. Shroff, who is known for his down-to-earth nature, was captured cleaning the temple stairs. Wearing a white shirt with beige colour pants and a matching Nehru cap, the 66-year-old actor was doing his work with all his focus and dedication. He was also seen cleaning the corners of stairs, statues and railings of the temple. 'Not mere artwork,' says PM Modi as he releases commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple A huge crowd gathered around the temple to see the actor taking part in the social cause. The video of the actor has taken the internet by storm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) × Praising the veteran star for his humble nature, one user wrote, ''Jackie dadas effort is seen❤️.'' Another wrote,''Jaggu dada is most genuine when it comes to down to earth celebrities list. 🙏'' The third user wrote, ''This man is pure hearted.'' Earlier this month, the actor and his entire family including his wife Ayesha, son and actor Tiger Shroff received an invitation to the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jackie Shroff (@apnabhidu) × Also read: Ram Temple consecration ceremony: More than 500 statues representing life of Lord Ram to grace temple corridor Sharing the photo of him carrying the invitation card, the actor wrote, ''We are blessed to be a part of the most auspicious Shri Ram JanmBhoomi Mandir Praan-Pratishtha Ceremony on 22nd January at Ayodhya. Grateful to each and every one who is involved and has contributed since so many decades, to bring this historical day in the lives of us Indians. Thanks to the respected Dignitaries of the incredible organisation..RSS, Shri Sunil Ambekar ji, Shri Ajay Mudpe ji and our dear friend Mahaveer Jain who visited and graced our home with the Auspicious invitation!'' Notably, PM Modi will also grace the inauguration ceremony of Ram Mandir. Many popular Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Mohanlal, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Prabhas, Yash and many others will attend the event. On the work front, Shroff was last seen in the Amazon Prime video film Mast Mein Rehna Ka co-starring Neena Gupta.

Jackie Shroff cleans temple stairs in Mumbai ahead of Ram Temple inauguration

In a rather unusual but noteworthy event aboard a SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Bengaluru. A passenger found himself trapped inside the airplane's toilet due to a faulty door lock, enduring an hour-long confinement until the flight landed. The crew's considerate efforts to communicate and comfort the passenger through notes and guidance were seen in this otherwise bizarre episode.

Gravitas | Trapped in the loo: SpiceJet passenger's hour-long ordeal from Mumbai to Bengaluru

<p>It is not only the fog that is wreaking havoc on passengers travelling by air as a stubborn toilet door recently caused a frenzy for a male passenger who was onboard a flight from India's Mumbai to Bengaluru. In a bizarre incident aboard a SpiceJet flight, the man found himself trapped in a loo with a malfunctioned door that did not open for almost 100 minutes.</p>

<p>The harrowing event&nbsp;unfolded on flight SG-268, which departed from Mumbai airport at 2 am on Tuesday (Jan 16), though it was scheduled for takeoff at 10.55 pm on Monday (Jan 15).</p>

<p>When the crew got to know about the flight's stuck-up door, they rushed in a bid to unlock it, however, they failed to do so. This happened as the flight was nearing its destination in India's southern state of Karnataka.&nbsp;"It was known that the passenger on 14D seat had gone to the toilet soon after the takeoff and the seatbelt signs went off. Sadly, he got trapped inside as the toilet door malfunctioned," a ground staffer at KIA reportedly said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-dark-ages-in-south-asia-2800-year-old-settlement-discovered-in-pm-modis-hometown-vadnagar-680744">No 'Dark Ages' in South Asia? 2800-year-old settlement discovered in PM Modi's hometown Vadnagar</a></p>

<p>The crew members, after trying to open the loo door, finally felt that it was not achievable without the help of engineers. The passenger all this time was inside the small toilet, the tiny enclosed space that can make many people worried and claustrophobic.</p>

<p>In what can be seen as an attempt to pacify the trapped passenger, an air hostess wrote a reassuring note on brown paper and slid it into the loo for the passenger to read.</p>

<p>The letter had updates on the ongoing efforts to resolve the door issues.</p>

<p>The message read, "Sir, we tried our best to open the door, however, we could not. Do not panic. We are landing in a few minutes, so please close the commode lid and sit on it and secure yourself. As soon as the main door is open, an engineer will come."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-mp-at-centre-of-cash-for-query-controversy-asked-to-vacate-govt-bungalow-immediately-680727">Indian MP at centre of cash-for-query controversy asked to vacate govt bungalow immediately</a></p>

<p>An airport official in Bengaluru reportedly said,&nbsp;"The poor man flew from Mumbai to Bengaluru inside the toilet and, shockingly, landed trapped inside the tiny lavatory."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Two-hour ordeal brought to end&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the incident, which caused a stir inside the flight, the plane finally landed at its destination&nbsp;at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The flight touched down at 3.42 am on Tuesday (Jan 16).</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ram-mandir-ayodhya-all-decked-up-ready-for-ram-mandir-inauguration-680763">Ram Mandir: Ayodhya all decked up, ready for Ram Mandir inauguration</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ram-mandir-ayodhya-all-decked-up-ready-for-ram-mandir-inauguration-680763/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The engineers boarded the plane swiftly.</p>

<p>A two-hour ordeal,&nbsp;which started when the passenger found that he was unable to open the toilet door, was successfully brought to an end after the engineers broke open the door.&nbsp;The distressed passenger was finally rescued.</p>

<p>Following the rescue, the man was promptly taken for first aid, a media outlet said quoting an officer. "The passenger was totally traumatised due to claustrophobia."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


It is not only the fog that is wreaking havoc on passengers travelling by air as a stubborn toilet door recently caused a frenzy for a male passenger who was onboard a flight from India's Mumbai to Bengaluru.

It is not only the fog that is wreaking havoc on passengers travelling by air as a stubborn toilet door recently caused a frenzy for a male passenger who was onboard a flight from India's Mumbai to Bengaluru. In a bizarre incident aboard a SpiceJet flight, the man found himself trapped in a loo with a malfunctioned door that did not open for almost 100 minutes. The harrowing event unfolded on flight SG-268, which departed from Mumbai airport at 2 am on Tuesday (Jan 16), though it was scheduled for takeoff at 10.55 pm on Monday (Jan 15). When the crew got to know about the flight's stuck-up door, they rushed in a bid to unlock it, however, they failed to do so. This happened as the flight was nearing its destination in India's southern state of Karnataka. "It was known that the passenger on 14D seat had gone to the toilet soon after the takeoff and the seatbelt signs went off. Sadly, he got trapped inside as the toilet door malfunctioned," a ground staffer at KIA reportedly said. Also Read | No 'Dark Ages' in South Asia? 2800-year-old settlement discovered in PM Modi's hometown Vadnagar The crew members, after trying to open the loo door, finally felt that it was not achievable without the help of engineers. The passenger all this time was inside the small toilet, the tiny enclosed space that can make many people worried and claustrophobic. In what can be seen as an attempt to pacify the trapped passenger, an air hostess wrote a reassuring note on brown paper and slid it into the loo for the passenger to read. The letter had updates on the ongoing efforts to resolve the door issues. The message read, "Sir, we tried our best to open the door, however, we could not. Do not panic. We are landing in a few minutes, so please close the commode lid and sit on it and secure yourself. As soon as the main door is open, an engineer will come." Also Read | Indian MP at centre of cash-for-query controversy asked to vacate govt bungalow immediately An airport official in Bengaluru reportedly said, "The poor man flew from Mumbai to Bengaluru inside the toilet and, shockingly, landed trapped inside the tiny lavatory." Two-hour ordeal brought to end After the incident, which caused a stir inside the flight, the plane finally landed at its destination at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The flight touched down at 3.42 am on Tuesday (Jan 16). Watch | Ram Mandir: Ayodhya all decked up, ready for Ram Mandir inauguration × The engineers boarded the plane swiftly. A two-hour ordeal, which started when the passenger found that he was unable to open the toilet door, was successfully brought to an end after the engineers broke open the door. The distressed passenger was finally rescued. Following the rescue, the man was promptly taken for first aid, a media outlet said quoting an officer. "The passenger was totally traumatised due to claustrophobia." (With inputs from agencies)

'Do not panic': Indian airlines slipped THIS note to passenger stuck in loo for entire trip

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion)&nbsp;is the longest in the country and will connect south Mumbai with Nhava-Sheva in Navi Mumbai.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor Ramesh Bais, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present during the event.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Modi inaugurates Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu in Maharashtra<br />
<br />
Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India and also the longest sea bridge in the country. It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai… <a href="https://t.co/2GT2OUkVnC">pic.twitter.com/2GT2OUkVnC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1745755162231361905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Named after the late leader of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the bridge is 21.8 km long and will also&nbsp;provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | The 21.8km long Mumbai Transharbour link (MTHL), now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu’, built at a total cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore was inaugurated by PM Modi, today<br />
<br />
Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM… <a href="https://t.co/3iM75feiqr">pic.twitter.com/3iM75feiqr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1745756597077574076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016.</p>

<p>On Friday, the Indian prime minister also laid the foundation stone of an underground road tunnel that will connect the Eastern Freeway in eastern Mumbai to Marine Drive in south Mumbai.</p>

<p>The 9.2 km tunnel will be built at a cost of more than Rs 8700 crore ($1.05 billion).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-all-set-to-inaugurate-atal-setu-today-here-are-five-key-facts-to-know-679273">Indian PM all set to inaugurate Atal Setu today; here are five key facts to know</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi inaugurates 27th National Youth Festival</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival at Tapovan Ground in Maharashtra's Nashik where he encouraged the youth of the country to indulge in activities that would be remembered by&nbsp;future generations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch </strong>|&nbsp;<strong>PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-inaugurates-indias-longest-sea-bridge-atal-setu-in-mumbai-679361/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"From the sages, and saints of our country to the common man, everyone has always kept youth power paramount. Sri Aurobindo believed that if India wants to achieve her goals, the youth of India will have to move forward with independent thinking. Swami Vivekananda used to say that India's hopes rest on the<br />
character and commitment of her youth," said the PM.</p>

<p>"The youth have the calibre to create history, do such work that the generation of that time in the next century will remember you," PM Modi further said.</p>

<p>He also&nbsp;expressed his confidence in the&nbsp;ability of the youth to elevate the country and highlighted India's achievements, positioning it as the world's fifth largest economy. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am confident that your strength and your spirit of service will take the country and society to new heights. Your efforts and your hard work will hoist the flag of the power of young India all over the world. I request you to start using products that are locally manufactured, start promoting them and stand for made-in-India products. Together, we can build our country to be the manufacturing hub of the world," PM Modi&nbsp;said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion) is the longest in the country and will connect south Mumbai with Nhava-Sheva in Navi Mumbai. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor Ramesh Bais, and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were also present during the event. #WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu in Maharashtra Atal Setu is the longest bridge in India and also the longest sea bridge in the country. It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai… pic.twitter.com/2GT2OUkVnC — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2024 × Named after the late leader of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the bridge is 21.8 km long and will also provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune. It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai. #WATCH | The 21.8km long Mumbai Transharbour link (MTHL), now named ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri - Nhava Sheva Atal Setu’, built at a total cost of more than Rs 17,840 crore was inaugurated by PM Modi, today Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM… pic.twitter.com/3iM75feiqr — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2024 × The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016. On Friday, the Indian prime minister also laid the foundation stone of an underground road tunnel that will connect the Eastern Freeway in eastern Mumbai to Marine Drive in south Mumbai. The 9.2 km tunnel will be built at a cost of more than Rs 8700 crore ($1.05 billion). Also read: Indian PM all set to inaugurate Atal Setu today; here are five key facts to know PM Modi inaugurates 27th National Youth Festival Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival at Tapovan Ground in Maharashtra's Nashik where he encouraged the youth of the country to indulge in activities that would be remembered by future generations. Watch | PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai × "From the sages, and saints of our country to the common man, everyone has always kept youth power paramount. Sri Aurobindo believed that if India wants to achieve her goals, the youth of India will have to move forward with independent thinking. Swami Vivekananda used to say that India's hopes rest on the character and commitment of her youth," said the PM. "The youth have the calibre to create history, do such work that the generation of that time in the next century will remember you," PM Modi further said. He also expressed his confidence in the ability of the youth to elevate the country and highlighted India's achievements, positioning it as the world's fifth largest economy. "I am confident that your strength and your spirit of service will take the country and society to new heights. Your efforts and your hard work will hoist the flag of the power of young India all over the world. I request you to start using products that are locally manufactured, start promoting them and stand for made-in-India products. Together, we can build our country to be the manufacturing hub of the world," PM Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Atal Setu: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates country's longest sea bridge in Mumbai

<p>Just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, which is considered to be the longest in the country, several posts surfaced on the internet showing people flouting rules and regulations.</p>

<p>In the videos, people could be seen halting their cars for selfies on the stretch that has a speed limit of 100 kmph. Other social media posts that went viral featured several parked cars with commuters taking pictures.</p>

<p>While some posts also showed trash strewn on the newly inaugurated bridge's side.</p>

<p>As per the numbers released by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, nearly 9,000 vehicles on Saturday (Jan 13) took the sea link in just 12 hours.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-inaugurates-countrys-longest-sea-bridge-in-mumbai-679329">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates country's longest sea bridge in Mumbai</a></p>

<p>An account on X named Mumbai Matters shared the pictures and wrote in a posting, "When it's Said No Stopping On #MTHL, This has to Happen. Then Zoom and See the circled area," encircling and highlighting the irresponsible behaviour of commuters.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When it's Said<br />
<br />
No Stopping<br />
<br />
On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTHL</a><br />
<br />
This has to Happen..<br />
<br />
Then Zoom and See the circled area..<br />
<br />
Pic by <a href="https://twitter.com/sunilcredible?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sunilcredible</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZtvsF13ALQ">pic.twitter.com/ZtvsF13ALQ</a></p>
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1746169857161511253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pictures and videos immediately grabbed the attention of the users with some calling the authorities to take immediate action against the ones breaking rules.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">More visuals of Idiocracy &amp; Madness at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTHL</a>...<br />
<br />
Seems like the latest Picnic Spot....<br />
<br />
Have a looked at the parked car &amp; also the <a href="https://twitter.com/MTPHereToHelp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MTPHereToHelp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Navimumpolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Navimumpolice</a> Police Van watching the Selfie takers &amp; doing nothing.<br />
<br />
Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/GadgetFreak4U?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GadgetFreak4U</a> for the video.. <a href="https://t.co/vvwMFo0u1Y">https://t.co/vvwMFo0u1Y</a> <a href="https://t.co/O4VlZ2xqRH">pic.twitter.com/O4VlZ2xqRH</a></p>
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1746196148661157895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingNews</a><br />
<br />
Spotted the First few Pan Gutkha Stains on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTHL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTHL</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtalSetu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtalSetu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoloZubanKesari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoloZubanKesari</a> <a href="https://t.co/M0jdBKzUUa">pic.twitter.com/M0jdBKzUUa</a></p>
— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaimatterz/status/1746264060478558432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>One social media user said, ''Sad. Need to respect all our public infrastructure. Considering the whole stretch is covered by CCTV, the culprits need to be exposed.''</p>

<p>Another user commented, ''The government can only build new infrastructure Maintenance is the duty of the citizens Which unfortunately is not in the genes of Indians.''</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-inaugurates-indias-longest-sea-bridge-atal-setu-in-mumbai-679361/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>While a third said, "Should penalise all these people who are stopping halting cars on MTHL.''&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated the Atal Setu which is built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion).</p>

<p>The bridge, which is 21.8 km long, is set to provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai.</p>

<p>The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, which is considered to be the longest in the country, several posts surfaced on the internet showing people flouting rules and regulations.

Just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, which is considered to be the longest in the country, several posts surfaced on the internet showing people flouting rules and regulations. In the videos, people could be seen halting their cars for selfies on the stretch that has a speed limit of 100 kmph. Other social media posts that went viral featured several parked cars with commuters taking pictures. While some posts also showed trash strewn on the newly inaugurated bridge's side. As per the numbers released by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, nearly 9,000 vehicles on Saturday (Jan 13) took the sea link in just 12 hours. Also read: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates country's longest sea bridge in Mumbai An account on X named Mumbai Matters shared the pictures and wrote in a posting, "When it's Said No Stopping On #MTHL, This has to Happen. Then Zoom and See the circled area," encircling and highlighting the irresponsible behaviour of commuters. When it's Said No Stopping On #MTHL This has to Happen.. Then Zoom and See the circled area.. Pic by @sunilcredible pic.twitter.com/ZtvsF13ALQ — मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) January 13, 2024 × The pictures and videos immediately grabbed the attention of the users with some calling the authorities to take immediate action against the ones breaking rules. More visuals of Idiocracy & Madness at #MTHL... Seems like the latest Picnic Spot.... Have a looked at the parked car & also the @MTPHereToHelp @Navimumpolice Police Van watching the Selfie takers & doing nothing. Thanks @GadgetFreak4U for the video.. https://t.co/vvwMFo0u1Y pic.twitter.com/O4VlZ2xqRH — मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) January 13, 2024 × #BreakingNews Spotted the First few Pan Gutkha Stains on #MTHL#AtalSetu#BoloZubanKesari pic.twitter.com/M0jdBKzUUa — मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) January 13, 2024 × One social media user said, ''Sad. Need to respect all our public infrastructure. Considering the whole stretch is covered by CCTV, the culprits need to be exposed.'' Another user commented, ''The government can only build new infrastructure Maintenance is the duty of the citizens Which unfortunately is not in the genes of Indians.'' WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai × While a third said, "Should penalise all these people who are stopping halting cars on MTHL.'' PM Modi on Friday (Jan 12) inaugurated the Atal Setu which is built at a cost of Rs 17,840 crore ($2.15 billion). The bridge, which is 21.8 km long, is set to provide faster connectivity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune. It will also improve connectivity between the Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Navi Mumbai. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid by PM Modi in the year 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Sight of people flouting rules on India’s longest sea bridge takes internet by storm

<p>Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year&nbsp;association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party. Later in the evening, Deora joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, further giving a jolt to Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deora took to his social media handles to announce his departure, stating it was the conclusion of a "significant chapter" in his political journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party," said Deora on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues &amp; karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years," he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a>, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party.<br />
<br />
I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues &amp; karyakartas for their…</p>
— Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा ☮️ (@milinddeora) <a href="https://twitter.com/milinddeora/status/1746368092736037291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Milind's resignation marks&nbsp;another young leader deserting the Congress ship which has been tottering for some time. Prior to him, the likes of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jaiveer Shergill, and Hardik Patel among others have already quit the party.</p>

<p>Milind, son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, was forced to resign as the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena in the western state of Maharashtra staked claim on the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat - a traditional stronghold of the Deora family.</p>

<h2>Congress is now abusing industrialists:<strong>&nbsp;Deora</strong></h2>

<p>The 47-year-old Milind Deora, a former Union minister, slammed Congress left right and centre and targeted the Congress for abusing industrialists and businessmen.<br />
“The same party that ushered in economic reforms 30 years ago, is now abusing industrialists, businessmen, and calling businessmen ‘anti-nationals’,” Deora said.<br />
“It is sad that there is a lot of difference between the Congress my father joined in 1968 and the one I joined in 2004. Had the Congress and the UBT focussed on constructive issues and suggestions, and merit and ability, then Mr Shinde and I would not be here today,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Why did Milind Deora quit the party?</strong></h2>

<p>Mumbai South has been a stronghold of the Deoras, who have won the seat in 1984, 1989, 1991 and 1998. Currently, Uddhav faction's (UBT) Arvind Sawant is the MP from the constituency. However, Milind argued that even though he is not the sitting MP, the seat remains a traditional Congress bastion.</p>

<p>The UBT does not agree with Deora and refuses to vacate the seat for Congress. Speaking to the media, Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of the party said despite the row over the seat-sharing in the INDIA bloc, his party will not budge from the original formula.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are speaking with the decision-makers, the central leadership -- not the state leadership. We told them that we always contested 23 seats. Congress has to start with zero in Maharashtra. Neither we have a problem, nor Congress's central leadership has a problem. Rest it does not matter who said what," said Raut.</p>

<p>After Raut's statement, Milind retorted&nbsp;saying Congress was the largest opposition party in the&nbsp;Maharashtra Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"According to Sanjay Raut, even after losing 40 MLAs (to the Shinde group), Uddhav Sena is the largest party in Maharashtra. I want to tell him that no alliance can proceed without the consultation of the local leadership," said Milind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After his resignation, speculations were rife that Deora might follow other ex-Congress leaders and join the BJP. However, he preferred Shiv Sena which is an ally of the saffron party.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party.

Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party. Later in the evening, Deora joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, further giving a jolt to Congress. Deora took to his social media handles to announce his departure, stating it was the conclusion of a "significant chapter" in his political journey. "Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party," said Deora on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years," he added. Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my family’s 55-year relationship with the party. I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their… — Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा ☮️ (@milinddeora) January 14, 2024 × Milind's resignation marks another young leader deserting the Congress ship which has been tottering for some time. Prior to him, the likes of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jaiveer Shergill, and Hardik Patel among others have already quit the party. Milind, son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, was forced to resign as the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena in the western state of Maharashtra staked claim on the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat - a traditional stronghold of the Deora family. Congress is now abusing industrialists: Deora The 47-year-old Milind Deora, a former Union minister, slammed Congress left right and centre and targeted the Congress for abusing industrialists and businessmen. “The same party that ushered in economic reforms 30 years ago, is now abusing industrialists, businessmen, and calling businessmen ‘anti-nationals’,” Deora said. “It is sad that there is a lot of difference between the Congress my father joined in 1968 and the one I joined in 2004. Had the Congress and the UBT focussed on constructive issues and suggestions, and merit and ability, then Mr Shinde and I would not be here today,” he added. Why did Milind Deora quit the party? Mumbai South has been a stronghold of the Deoras, who have won the seat in 1984, 1989, 1991 and 1998. Currently, Uddhav faction's (UBT) Arvind Sawant is the MP from the constituency. However, Milind argued that even though he is not the sitting MP, the seat remains a traditional Congress bastion. The UBT does not agree with Deora and refuses to vacate the seat for Congress. Speaking to the media, Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of the party said despite the row over the seat-sharing in the INDIA bloc, his party will not budge from the original formula. "We are speaking with the decision-makers, the central leadership -- not the state leadership. We told them that we always contested 23 seats. Congress has to start with zero in Maharashtra. Neither we have a problem, nor Congress's central leadership has a problem. Rest it does not matter who said what," said Raut. After Raut's statement, Milind retorted saying Congress was the largest opposition party in the Maharashtra Assembly. "According to Sanjay Raut, even after losing 40 MLAs (to the Shinde group), Uddhav Sena is the largest party in Maharashtra. I want to tell him that no alliance can proceed without the consultation of the local leadership," said Milind. After his resignation, speculations were rife that Deora might follow other ex-Congress leaders and join the BJP. However, he preferred Shiv Sena which is an ally of the saffron party. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Milind Deora resigns from Congress, joins Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena

<p>An Indigo Airlines flight bound for Guwahati city in the Indian state of Assam&nbsp;from Mumbai was forced to make an emergency landing in Dhaka on Saturday (Jan 13).&nbsp;The&nbsp;reason for the sudden diversion was not anything technical but dense fog caused by cold weather conditions in the city.</p>

<p>The IndiGo flight made the landing in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh at 4 am in the early morning hours of Saturday (January 13) after&nbsp;the pilot faced trouble&nbsp;flying the plane due to poor visibility at the&nbsp;Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati</p>

<p>The airline&nbsp;responded to the complaints received by many passengers on social media platforms. In a post, it clarified that the flight was diverted given the bad weather which was "beyond our control," media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hi, we truly regret the inconvenience caused to you. The flight was diverted due to bad weather which is beyond our control too. Our team is working to assist the passengers to the best of their capabilities. We sincerely look forward to your understanding," IndiGo&nbsp;wrote in the post.</p>

<h2><strong>Social media reactions</strong></h2>

<p>Annoyed with the diversion, the plane passengers took to social media platforms to vent out their frustration.</p>

<p>In a&nbsp;social media post, former Mumbai Youth Congress chief Suraj Singh Thakur said he had plans to join Congress's Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra in Imphal, but&nbsp;has been stuck in the plane for nine long hours</p>

<p>"I took IndiGo6E flight 6E 5319 from Mumbai to Guwahati. But due to dense fog, the flight couldn't land in Guwahati. Instead, it landed in Dhaka," he wrote and added, "I am stuck inside aircraft for 9 hours now. I left for Manipur (Imphal) for the Bharat jodo nyay yatra. Let's see when I reach Guwahati and then will fly to Imphal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"IndiGo6E stuck inside aircraft with 178 passengers for &nbsp;9 hours now, flying 6E 5319 from Mumbai to Guwahati. We made a landing in Dhaka around 4am because of lower visibility in the North East. We have been waiting for another crew for 4 hours now, can we please expedite?," wrote another user.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Indigo Airlines flight bound for Guwahati city in the Indian state of Assam from Mumbai was forced to make an emergency landing in Dhaka on Saturday (Jan 13).

An Indigo Airlines flight bound for Guwahati city in the Indian state of Assam from Mumbai was forced to make an emergency landing in Dhaka on Saturday (Jan 13). The reason for the sudden diversion was not anything technical but dense fog caused by cold weather conditions in the city. The IndiGo flight made the landing in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh at 4 am in the early morning hours of Saturday (January 13) after the pilot faced trouble flying the plane due to poor visibility at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati The airline responded to the complaints received by many passengers on social media platforms. In a post, it clarified that the flight was diverted given the bad weather which was "beyond our control," media reports said. "Hi, we truly regret the inconvenience caused to you. The flight was diverted due to bad weather which is beyond our control too. Our team is working to assist the passengers to the best of their capabilities. We sincerely look forward to your understanding," IndiGo wrote in the post. Social media reactions Annoyed with the diversion, the plane passengers took to social media platforms to vent out their frustration. In a social media post, former Mumbai Youth Congress chief Suraj Singh Thakur said he had plans to join Congress's Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra in Imphal, but has been stuck in the plane for nine long hours "I took IndiGo6E flight 6E 5319 from Mumbai to Guwahati. But due to dense fog, the flight couldn't land in Guwahati. Instead, it landed in Dhaka," he wrote and added, "I am stuck inside aircraft for 9 hours now. I left for Manipur (Imphal) for the Bharat jodo nyay yatra. Let's see when I reach Guwahati and then will fly to Imphal." "IndiGo6E stuck inside aircraft with 178 passengers for 9 hours now, flying 6E 5319 from Mumbai to Guwahati. We made a landing in Dhaka around 4am because of lower visibility in the North East. We have been waiting for another crew for 4 hours now, can we please expedite?," wrote another user. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Guwahati-bound Indigo flight makes emergency landing in Dhaka. Here's why

Just moments ago Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the brand new Mumbai trans Harbor link today and we are getting some live shots from there. Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar during the inauguration.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Atal Setu, the longest bridge in Maharashtra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, India's longest bridge, in Maharashtra on Friday. Atal Setu is also the longest sea bridge in the country. It will provide faster connectivity to Mumbai International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport and will also reduce travel time from Mumbai to Pune, Goa and South India.

PM Modi inaugurates India's longest sea bridge 'Atal Setu' in Mumbai

<p>India's premier domestic tournament Ranji Trophy started on January 5 with 32 team vying for the silverware but it was Mumbai vs Bihar match which became the highlight of the opening day. The match saw two teams turn up from Bihar to play - one each from two warring factions of Bihar Cricket Association (BCA).</p>

<p>There was, however, only one 'official' team which took the field against Mumbai in Patna's Moin-ul-Haque stadium. The non-official team was named by suspended BCA office bearer Amit Kumar who once was part of current president Rakesh Tiwary's faction. Their was chaos outside the stadium and Kumar is learned to have attacked a BCA official as per a release by the state cricket association.</p>

<p>"There was a life-threatening attack on BCA's OSD Manoj Kumar by those involved in the fake team," read an official BCA release. "The miscreants have been identified, and action will be taken against them," it further read.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warner-hits-57-in-final-test-inning-as-australia-complete-clean-sweep-over-pakistan-in-sydney-677071">David Warner hits 57 in farewell Test innings as Australia complete clean sweep over Pakistan in Sydney</a></p>

<p>A huge crowd had turned up for the match - an unusual site in India's domestic fixtures. The fans are believed to have come to see India veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane. &nbsp;The Mumbai batter was supposed to lead the side but couldn't do so because of neck spasm. Rahane, however, greeted the crowd near the boundary ropes.</p>

<p>There was another event during the match that grabbed eyeballs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 12-year-old made his debut with the Bihar team. The batter has now become the youngest to debut in India's domestic set up at 12 years and 284 days since 1986.</p>

<p>As for the match, the 41-time Ranji champions Mumbai were reduced to 235/9 on the opening day with Bihar's Veer Pratap Singh taking 4/42 in 13 overs. Singh was ably supported by Sakibul Gani and Himanshu Singh both of whom took two wickets each.</p>

<p>For Mumbai, opener Bhupen Lalwani top scored with 65 while Suved Parker and Tanush Kotian scored 50 each.</p>


India's premier domestic tournament Ranji Trophy started on January 5 with 32 team vying for the silverware but it was Mumbai vs Bihar match which became the highlight of the opening day.

India's premier domestic tournament Ranji Trophy started on January 5 with 32 team vying for the silverware but it was Mumbai vs Bihar match which became the highlight of the opening day. The match saw two teams turn up from Bihar to play - one each from two warring factions of Bihar Cricket Association (BCA). There was, however, only one 'official' team which took the field against Mumbai in Patna's Moin-ul-Haque stadium. The non-official team was named by suspended BCA office bearer Amit Kumar who once was part of current president Rakesh Tiwary's faction. Their was chaos outside the stadium and Kumar is learned to have attacked a BCA official as per a release by the state cricket association. "There was a life-threatening attack on BCA's OSD Manoj Kumar by those involved in the fake team," read an official BCA release. "The miscreants have been identified, and action will be taken against them," it further read. Also Read: David Warner hits 57 in farewell Test innings as Australia complete clean sweep over Pakistan in Sydney A huge crowd had turned up for the match - an unusual site in India's domestic fixtures. The fans are believed to have come to see India veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane. The Mumbai batter was supposed to lead the side but couldn't do so because of neck spasm. Rahane, however, greeted the crowd near the boundary ropes. There was another event during the match that grabbed eyeballs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 12-year-old made his debut with the Bihar team. The batter has now become the youngest to debut in India's domestic set up at 12 years and 284 days since 1986. As for the match, the 41-time Ranji champions Mumbai were reduced to 235/9 on the opening day with Bihar's Veer Pratap Singh taking 4/42 in 13 overs. Singh was ably supported by Sakibul Gani and Himanshu Singh both of whom took two wickets each. For Mumbai, opener Bhupen Lalwani top scored with 65 while Suved Parker and Tanush Kotian scored 50 each.

12-year-old Vaibhav debuts for Bihar after two teams turn up to play in opening Ranji Trophy match vs Mumbai

India's longest bridge, the under-construction Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, is likely to be open to the public soon. Watch the video to know more!

PM Modi to inaugurate India's longest sea bridge in Mumbai on January 12

<p>One of wanted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's properties in Maharashtra was sold for Rs 2 crore (USD 240,580) in an auction on January 5. The base price of the gangster's land parcel was pegged at just Rs 15,000 (USD 185.7).</p>

<p>Dawood Ibrahim's Maharashtra properties, where the absconding mafia don and global terrorist reportedly spent his childhood, were up for auction&nbsp;as per an order from central government in India. Two of the land parcels on auction received no bids.</p>

<p>Lawyer Ajay Srivastava, a former Shiv Sena leader, purchased the land plot that fetched the amount of Rs 2 crore (USD 240,580). He claimed that he bought the plot of the dreaded gangster because survey number of the plot and the amount added up to a number which favours him according to numerology. He told the media that he wants to start a&nbsp;Sanatana Pathshala (religious school) on the plots.</p>

<p>At least four plots of land, that are said to be 'benami' farm lands, were&nbsp;up for sale in Ibrahim's native place: Mumbake village in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district.</p>

<p>The auction, as per a Ministry of Finance notice from November, was&nbsp;carried out by the competent authority and administrator of the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA), under the Union Ministry of Finance.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cold-day-north-india-shivers-as-temperatures-remain-several-notches-below-normal-676755">'Cold day': North India shivers as temperatures remain several notches below normal</a></strong></p>

<p>Dawood, an Indian mob boss, was designated a global terrorist by India&nbsp;and the United States in 2003.</p>

<h2><strong>How much are the properties worth?</strong></h2>

<p>The four properties carried&nbsp;a reserve price — the minimum price an auctioneer will accept — of 19.2 lakh INR (around 23,093 dollars) and are being sold on "as is where is" and "as is what is" basis. This as per mondaq.com means "a successful bidder of the secure asset will inherit all the physical and legal conditions of the secured asset,and a secured creditor shall not be responsible for any charge, lien, and encumbrance, etc. for auctioned secured asset."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-signs-969-million-defence-deal-to-strengthen-army-capabilities-676724">Indian government signs $96.9 million defence deal to strengthen army capabilities</a></strong></p>

<p>The auction happened in three modes: e-auction, public auction and tender in a sealed envelope.</p>

<p><em>Here are the specifics of the base prices:</em></p>

<p>— Property number one, spanning 10,420.5 sq m: ₹9.4 lakh ($11,306);<br />
— Property number two, spanning 8,953 sq m: ₹8 lakh ($9,622);<br />
— Property number three, spanning 171 sq m: ₹15,440 ($185.7);<br />
— Property number one, spanning 1,730 sq m: 1.5 lakh ($1,804).</p>

<p>The four properties were confiscated by authorities years ago. As per TOI, in the last nine years, 11 properties belonging to Dawood and his family have been auctioned by SAFEMQA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


One of wanted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's properties in Maharashtra was sold for Rs 2 crore (USD 240,580) in an auction on January 5. The base price of the gangster's land parcel was pegged at just Rs 15,000 (USD 185.

One of wanted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's properties in Maharashtra was sold for Rs 2 crore (USD 240,580) in an auction on January 5. The base price of the gangster's land parcel was pegged at just Rs 15,000 (USD 185.7). Dawood Ibrahim's Maharashtra properties, where the absconding mafia don and global terrorist reportedly spent his childhood, were up for auction as per an order from central government in India. Two of the land parcels on auction received no bids. Lawyer Ajay Srivastava, a former Shiv Sena leader, purchased the land plot that fetched the amount of Rs 2 crore (USD 240,580). He claimed that he bought the plot of the dreaded gangster because survey number of the plot and the amount added up to a number which favours him according to numerology. He told the media that he wants to start a Sanatana Pathshala (religious school) on the plots. At least four plots of land, that are said to be 'benami' farm lands, were up for sale in Ibrahim's native place: Mumbake village in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district. The auction, as per a Ministry of Finance notice from November, was carried out by the competent authority and administrator of the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA), under the Union Ministry of Finance. Also read | 'Cold day': North India shivers as temperatures remain several notches below normal Dawood, an Indian mob boss, was designated a global terrorist by India and the United States in 2003. How much are the properties worth? The four properties carried a reserve price — the minimum price an auctioneer will accept — of 19.2 lakh INR (around 23,093 dollars) and are being sold on "as is where is" and "as is what is" basis. This as per mondaq.com means "a successful bidder of the secure asset will inherit all the physical and legal conditions of the secured asset,and a secured creditor shall not be responsible for any charge, lien, and encumbrance, etc. for auctioned secured asset." Also read | Indian government signs $96.9 million defence deal to strengthen army capabilities The auction happened in three modes: e-auction, public auction and tender in a sealed envelope. Here are the specifics of the base prices: — Property number one, spanning 10,420.5 sq m: ₹9.4 lakh ($11,306); — Property number two, spanning 8,953 sq m: ₹8 lakh ($9,622); — Property number three, spanning 171 sq m: ₹15,440 ($185.7); — Property number one, spanning 1,730 sq m: 1.5 lakh ($1,804). The four properties were confiscated by authorities years ago. As per TOI, in the last nine years, 11 properties belonging to Dawood and his family have been auctioned by SAFEMQA. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian don Dawood Ibrahim's ancestral property auctioned, purchased by a lawyer

<p>A mentally unstable 32-year-old man reportedly made a false call to the Maharashtra police control room, claiming there was a bomb in the west Indian city of Mumbai, reports said citing the police.</p>

<p>The authorities managed to track down the individual to Amravati, but no arrest was made due to his unstable mental state, reportedly confirmed by an official from the Amravati police.</p>

<p>Residing within the Raja Peth police station limits, the man dialed the 112 emergency helpline number of the state police on Saturday (Dec 30) evening, saying that a bomb blast&nbsp;was to take place in Mumbai, before abruptly ending the call, the official mentioned.</p>

<p>Further investigations revealed the call's origin from a mobile phone, allowing for immediate location tracing, he added.</p>

<p>The individual is currently undergoing psychiatric treatment, as per the official.</p>

<p>Responding promptly, the police conducted searches at various key public places and installations across the city. Fortunately, no explosive devices or suspicious items were discovered.</p>

<p>In a related incident on December 27, the Jaipur airport authorities received a threatening email, claiming an intent to blow up the airport.</p>

<p>Terminal manager Anurag Gupta subsequently complained to the Jaipur Airport police station.</p>

<p>Following the receipt of the threat email, the airport authority alerted the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) and other security officials, leading to a thorough search operation at the airport.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A mentally unstable 32-year-old man reportedly made a false call to the Maharashtra police control room, claiming there was a bomb in the west Indian city of Mumbai, reports said citing the police.

A mentally unstable 32-year-old man reportedly made a false call to the Maharashtra police control room, claiming there was a bomb in the west Indian city of Mumbai, reports said citing the police. The authorities managed to track down the individual to Amravati, but no arrest was made due to his unstable mental state, reportedly confirmed by an official from the Amravati police. Residing within the Raja Peth police station limits, the man dialed the 112 emergency helpline number of the state police on Saturday (Dec 30) evening, saying that a bomb blast was to take place in Mumbai, before abruptly ending the call, the official mentioned. Further investigations revealed the call's origin from a mobile phone, allowing for immediate location tracing, he added. The individual is currently undergoing psychiatric treatment, as per the official. Responding promptly, the police conducted searches at various key public places and installations across the city. Fortunately, no explosive devices or suspicious items were discovered. In a related incident on December 27, the Jaipur airport authorities received a threatening email, claiming an intent to blow up the airport. Terminal manager Anurag Gupta subsequently complained to the Jaipur Airport police station. Following the receipt of the threat email, the airport authority alerted the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) and other security officials, leading to a thorough search operation at the airport. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Mentally unstable man makes call to police about bomb blast in Mumbai

The Government of India has made an official request to Pakistan to hand over the 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind and founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Hafiz Saeed. According to the reports, a formal request has been sent to the Pakistani government by the Ministry of External Affairs appealing them to start a legal process for extradition of Saeed. Watch the video to know more!

India asks Pakistan to hand over 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France. The passengers detained by the French authorities are back in India. Out of 303, around 276 Indians are back in their country.

India-France row: Gujarat & Punjab police forms teams to probe suspected 'illegal migration'

<p>The Mumbai Police said on Tuesday (Dec 26) that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other banks, including the HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank in the city, received a bomb threat. In an email, the sender said bombs were planted at 11 different locations across Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ominous threat&nbsp;explicitly demanded the resignation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI governor Shaktikanta Das, setting a deadline for compliance.</p>

<p>Describing their alleged involvement in the "biggest scam in the history of India," the sender claimed to possess substantial evidence to substantiate these accusations.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bomb-blast-scare-near-israel-embassy-security-agencies-on-toes-673762">Also read | India: Bomb blast scare near Israel Embassy, security agencies on toes</a></p>

<h2><strong>Specific targets and timeline</strong></h2>

<p>The threat outlined specific targets, including the RBI New Central Office Building in Fort, HDFC House at Churchgate, and ICICI Bank Towers at Bandra Kurla Complex.</p>

<p>The sender asserted that unless the stipulated resignations were tendered by 1:30 pm, 11 hidden bombs would detonate across the mentioned locations, triggering a potential catastrophe.</p>

<p>Mumbai Police swiftly initiated a comprehensive search operation across all locations mentioned in the threatening email. Despite the urgency of the situation, no explosives or suspicious objects were discovered during the thorough sweep.</p>

<p>Law enforcement also&nbsp;registered a criminal intimidation case, acknowledging the severity of the threat. Investigations are now underway to trace the origin of the email and unravel the motive behind the ominous threat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to the potential threat, the police have heightened security measures around the implicated banks and the RBI office.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Hindu woman files nomination for Pakistan elections; Hamas rejects Egypt's proposal</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hindu-woman-files-nomination-for-pakistan-elections-hamas-rejects-egypts-proposal-673760/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>As of now, neither the RBI nor the private banks implicated in the threat have issued official statements regarding the email. The silence from these financial institutions adds an element of uncertainty to the situation.</p>

<p>Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI governor Shaktikanta Das have yet to respond to the demand for their resignation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Mumbai Police said on Tuesday (Dec 26) that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other banks, including the HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank in the city, received a bomb threat.

The Mumbai Police said on Tuesday (Dec 26) that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other banks, including the HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank in the city, received a bomb threat. In an email, the sender said bombs were planted at 11 different locations across Mumbai. The ominous threat explicitly demanded the resignation of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI governor Shaktikanta Das, setting a deadline for compliance. Describing their alleged involvement in the "biggest scam in the history of India," the sender claimed to possess substantial evidence to substantiate these accusations. Also read | India: Bomb blast scare near Israel Embassy, security agencies on toes Specific targets and timeline The threat outlined specific targets, including the RBI New Central Office Building in Fort, HDFC House at Churchgate, and ICICI Bank Towers at Bandra Kurla Complex. The sender asserted that unless the stipulated resignations were tendered by 1:30 pm, 11 hidden bombs would detonate across the mentioned locations, triggering a potential catastrophe. Mumbai Police swiftly initiated a comprehensive search operation across all locations mentioned in the threatening email. Despite the urgency of the situation, no explosives or suspicious objects were discovered during the thorough sweep. Law enforcement also registered a criminal intimidation case, acknowledging the severity of the threat. Investigations are now underway to trace the origin of the email and unravel the motive behind the ominous threat. In response to the potential threat, the police have heightened security measures around the implicated banks and the RBI office. Also watch | Hindu woman files nomination for Pakistan elections; Hamas rejects Egypt's proposal As of now, neither the RBI nor the private banks implicated in the threat have issued official statements regarding the email. The silence from these financial institutions adds an element of uncertainty to the situation. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI governor Shaktikanta Das have yet to respond to the demand for their resignation. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Email bomb threat sent to RBI, HDFC, ICICI banks in Mumbai, demands FM’s resignation

The merchant ship MV Chem Pluto which was attacked by a drone on Saturday will be arriving in Mumbai today. The vessel is being escorted by Indian Coast Guard ship Vikram. In response to the attack, the Indian Navy diverted a maritime patrol aircraft operating in Area. Naval maritime patrol aircraft flew over MV Chem Pluto and established contact.

WION access first images of damaged MV Chem Pluto, merchant ship that was attcked in Arabian Sea

Plane with Indians, grounded in France over suspected human trafficking, lands in Mumbai. A plane carrying 276 Indian passengers landed in Mumbai on December 26 morning after it was grounded in France for four days pending an investigation into possible human trafficking

Plane grounded in France over trafficking concerns lands in Mumbai

France grounded plane with Indians lands in Mumbai

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France the passengers had been detained by the French authorities over grave suspicions of human trafficking.

Grounded plane with Indian passengers to land in Mumbai: Report

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France the passengers had been detained by the French authorities over grave suspicions of human trafficking. Keep watching this interview with Anne Elisabeth Moutet, Columnist at the London Telegraph.

Grounded plane with 303 Indian passengers flies out of France, to land in Mumbai: Report

<p>Starting Wednesday (Dec 20), all the doctors working in India’s financial city Mumbai’s four big Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) hospitals will be using biometric system for marking attendance. This is the first time that this has been introduced in the hospitals. This has been done to cut on patient wait time and long queues.</p>

<p>All the concerned doctors have to mandatory reach the hospital and do their biometric verification to log their attendance and start the OPD schedule. The notice has been issued to key hospitals like KEM, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, BYL Nair and RN Cooper in Mumbai.</p>

<p>The BMC circular states, “Commencing at 8:00 am, all major medical municipal hospitals will enforce mandatory biometric registration for doctors upon entry and exit. This biometric attendance system will be intricately tied to the salary of every doctor through SAP.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-scare-returns-with-jn1-rearing-its-head-do-you-need-to-worry-experts-speak-671776">Also read |&nbsp;Covid scare returns: With JN.1 rearing its head, do you need to worry? Experts speak</a></p>

<p>In fact, the BMC Commissioner Dr Sudhakar Shinde has asked the Deans of all these institutions to implement the orders.</p>

<p>Dr Shinde says, “This was one of the oldest issues in the public hospitals, absence or unavailability of senior doctors on time leading to patients waiting for long hours. This tardiness contributes to a backlog, causing patients to endure long queues. This situation further inconveniences patients who have travelled from distant areas.”</p>

<p>All the four hospitals see a footfall of over 10,000 patients from various parts of Maharashtra. And majority of them travel from locations outside Mumbai, approximately 50-60 km.</p>

<p>“If doctors and concerned department are late and not on time, then registration and documentation takes time. And beyond 1 pm, they are turned away as the OPD hours concludes. This always leads to delay in treatment as well,” says concerned official from the health department.</p>

<p>Installing biometric system will lead doctors to improve their time-management, matching their schedules with the convenience of patients rather than their commitments to other work.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Rift in the INDIA bloc? Leaders divided over the opposition's PM face</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rift-in-the-india-bloc-leaders-divided-over-the-oppositions-pm-face-671779/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>On the first day of the implementation, all the OPDs witnessed doctors coming on time leading to starting registrations on time. There was significant reduction of the crowd till conclusion hours of the OPD as all the patients were treated on time.</p>

<p>On the other hand, during Dr Shinde’s visit to the mentioned hospitals, it has also been alleged that several senior doctors run their personal clinic close by and leave the OPD ahead of closing time.</p>

<p>Dr Shinde says, all the allegations will be checked and if anyone is found guilty then serious charges will be initiated against the concerned doctor.</p>


Starting Wednesday (Dec 20), all the doctors working in India’s financial city Mumbai’s four big Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) hospitals will be using biometric system for marking attendance.

Starting Wednesday (Dec 20), all the doctors working in India’s financial city Mumbai’s four big Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) hospitals will be using biometric system for marking attendance. This is the first time that this has been introduced in the hospitals. This has been done to cut on patient wait time and long queues. All the concerned doctors have to mandatory reach the hospital and do their biometric verification to log their attendance and start the OPD schedule. The notice has been issued to key hospitals like KEM, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, BYL Nair and RN Cooper in Mumbai. The BMC circular states, “Commencing at 8:00 am, all major medical municipal hospitals will enforce mandatory biometric registration for doctors upon entry and exit. This biometric attendance system will be intricately tied to the salary of every doctor through SAP.” Also read | Covid scare returns: With JN.1 rearing its head, do you need to worry? Experts speak In fact, the BMC Commissioner Dr Sudhakar Shinde has asked the Deans of all these institutions to implement the orders. Dr Shinde says, “This was one of the oldest issues in the public hospitals, absence or unavailability of senior doctors on time leading to patients waiting for long hours. This tardiness contributes to a backlog, causing patients to endure long queues. This situation further inconveniences patients who have travelled from distant areas.” All the four hospitals see a footfall of over 10,000 patients from various parts of Maharashtra. And majority of them travel from locations outside Mumbai, approximately 50-60 km. “If doctors and concerned department are late and not on time, then registration and documentation takes time. And beyond 1 pm, they are turned away as the OPD hours concludes. This always leads to delay in treatment as well,” says concerned official from the health department. Installing biometric system will lead doctors to improve their time-management, matching their schedules with the convenience of patients rather than their commitments to other work. Also watch | Rift in the INDIA bloc? Leaders divided over the opposition's PM face On the first day of the implementation, all the OPDs witnessed doctors coming on time leading to starting registrations on time. There was significant reduction of the crowd till conclusion hours of the OPD as all the patients were treated on time. On the other hand, during Dr Shinde’s visit to the mentioned hospitals, it has also been alleged that several senior doctors run their personal clinic close by and leave the OPD ahead of closing time. Dr Shinde says, all the allegations will be checked and if anyone is found guilty then serious charges will be initiated against the concerned doctor.

India: Mumbai doctors working in public hospitals to mark biometric attendance to cut patients’ wait time

<p>The government of the western Indian state of Maharashtra has given a go-ahead for a broad proposal to create a new city, 'Third Mumbai'. Mumbai, state capital of Maharashtra, has been a major financial centre in the peninsula for over a century. The 'Navi Mumbai' (New Mumbai) was created to relieve load on infrastructure on Mumbai. Now the government plans to set up 'Third Mumbai'. To continue this process and more in order to make Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) capable of handling competition from other Indian cities.</p>

<p>The state government officials, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have been broadly explaining the concept for a year. Third Mumbai is expected to focus on housing, both luxury and affordable, as well as better infrastructure and on the aim of creating an Information Technology hub near Mumbai.</p>

<p>There are plans that Third Mumbai will take shape around Navi Mumbai International Airport which, after completion, will be connected to Mumbai via Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge is also known as &nbsp;Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL).</p>

<p>Multiple media reports have said that state government officials have given go-ahead for Third Mumbai last week.</p>

<p>“We are calling it the Third Mumbai which will have all the necessary infrastructure that a well-developed city should have. From residential (luxury and affordable), commercial complexes, data centres, hubs for MNCs and banks, and financial companies to large knowledge parks; it will have everything. A robust public transportation shall also be developed there,” said a government official, as quoted by Hindustan Times.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mumbai-resident-ordered-food-worth-over-50000-on-food-aggregator-app-670033">Mumbai resident ordered food worth over $50,000 on food aggregator app</a></strong></p>

<p>This city has been proposed to further boost economic activity and contribute to the country’s GDP. “There is a plan to develop a second BKC in Kharghar. Around 150 hectares of land is expected to be available for developing it into a purely commercial area that would attract both Indian companies and MNCs,” the official added further.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/crime-gang-members-pose-as-taxmen-to-loot-rs18-lakh-from-mumbai-family-666958">Criminal gang members pose as taxmen to loot ₹1.8 million from Mumbai business family</a></strong></p>

<p>Third Mumbai is likely to function as a city that will focus on development of areas which are currently on the fringes of Mumbai Metropolitan Region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The government of the western Indian state of Maharashtra has given a go-ahead for a broad proposal to create a new city, 'Third Mumbai'. Mumbai, state capital of Maharashtra, has been a major financial centre in the peninsula for over a century.

The government of the western Indian state of Maharashtra has given a go-ahead for a broad proposal to create a new city, 'Third Mumbai'. Mumbai, state capital of Maharashtra, has been a major financial centre in the peninsula for over a century. The 'Navi Mumbai' (New Mumbai) was created to relieve load on infrastructure on Mumbai. Now the government plans to set up 'Third Mumbai'. To continue this process and more in order to make Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) capable of handling competition from other Indian cities. The state government officials, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have been broadly explaining the concept for a year. Third Mumbai is expected to focus on housing, both luxury and affordable, as well as better infrastructure and on the aim of creating an Information Technology hub near Mumbai. There are plans that Third Mumbai will take shape around Navi Mumbai International Airport which, after completion, will be connected to Mumbai via Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The bridge is also known as Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). Multiple media reports have said that state government officials have given go-ahead for Third Mumbai last week. “We are calling it the Third Mumbai which will have all the necessary infrastructure that a well-developed city should have. From residential (luxury and affordable), commercial complexes, data centres, hubs for MNCs and banks, and financial companies to large knowledge parks; it will have everything. A robust public transportation shall also be developed there,” said a government official, as quoted by Hindustan Times. Also Read | Mumbai resident ordered food worth over $50,000 on food aggregator app This city has been proposed to further boost economic activity and contribute to the country’s GDP. “There is a plan to develop a second BKC in Kharghar. Around 150 hectares of land is expected to be available for developing it into a purely commercial area that would attract both Indian companies and MNCs,” the official added further. Also Read | Criminal gang members pose as taxmen to loot ₹1.8 million from Mumbai business family Third Mumbai is likely to function as a city that will focus on development of areas which are currently on the fringes of Mumbai Metropolitan Region. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Maharashtra greenlights new city called ‘Third Mumbai’, says report

<p>Swiggy has unveiled its yearly food delivery report which gives an insight into the consumer's dining preferences. One of the most surprising things revealed in this report was that a customer from India's Mumbai ordered food worth $ 50948.19. Swiggy, in their report, wittily wrote, "A user from Mumbai, who placed food orders worth ₹42.3 lakh ($ 50948.19) (no, that’s not a CTC)." This is not only it, another person from Hyderabad spent $ 7226.69 on idlis.</p>

<h2>India's love for biryani</h2>

<p>The report features insights into India's dining preferences, with Biryani reigning supreme as the nation's most beloved dish ordered through the platform. India ordered 2.5 biryanis per second in 2023 and&nbsp;a Hyderabad resident-led by ordering 1,633 biryanis in the entire year. That is more than 4 biryanis a day.</p>

<p>While chicken biryani topped the non-veg food chart, vegetarians ordered veg-biryani&nbsp;every 5.5 seconds.&nbsp;However, the biggest biryani order came from Chandigarh. According to the report, a family from the city ordered 70 plates of biryani in a single go during the adrenaline-loaded India vs Pakistan match.</p>

<p>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-chandrayaan-3s-success-india-to-launch-chandrayaan-4-details-here-669985">After success of Chandrayaan-3, India to launch Chandrayaan-4. Details here</a></p>

<h2>What India ordered&nbsp;</h2>

<p>A resident of Jhansi placed an order of 269 items on a single day and 207 pizzas were ordered at a household in Bhubaneshwar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 8.5 million orders for chocolate cake, Bengaluru emerged as the ‘Cake Capital’.</p>

<p>During Durga Puja, 7.7 million orders of gulab jamun were enjoyed nationwide, and during Navratri, the beloved masala dosa was the most popular dish among vegetarians. In Hyderabad, a customer spent&nbsp;$ 7222.87 on buying idlis. Biryani continued its reign as the most-ordered dish for the eighth consecutive year, with a rate of 2.5 biryanis per second.</p>

<h2>Bangalore: The 'Cake Capital'</h2>

<p>Bangalore claimed the title of 'Cake Capital' with a remarkable 8.5 million orders for chocolate cake. While the country ordered 271 cakes per minute on Valentine’s Day.</p>

<p>Vegan orders on Swiggy Guilt Free rose by&nbsp;146 per cent. The battle between Japanese and Korean cuisine tilted in favour of Anime, with Japanese dishes securing twice as many orders.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Swiggy has unveiled its yearly food delivery report which gives an insight into the consumer's dining preferences. One of the most surprising things revealed in this report was that a customer from India's Mumbai ordered food worth $ 50948.

Swiggy has unveiled its yearly food delivery report which gives an insight into the consumer's dining preferences. One of the most surprising things revealed in this report was that a customer from India's Mumbai ordered food worth $ 50948.19. Swiggy, in their report, wittily wrote, "A user from Mumbai, who placed food orders worth ₹42.3 lakh ($ 50948.19) (no, that’s not a CTC)." This is not only it, another person from Hyderabad spent $ 7226.69 on idlis. India's love for biryani The report features insights into India's dining preferences, with Biryani reigning supreme as the nation's most beloved dish ordered through the platform. India ordered 2.5 biryanis per second in 2023 and a Hyderabad resident-led by ordering 1,633 biryanis in the entire year. That is more than 4 biryanis a day. While chicken biryani topped the non-veg food chart, vegetarians ordered veg-biryani every 5.5 seconds. However, the biggest biryani order came from Chandigarh. According to the report, a family from the city ordered 70 plates of biryani in a single go during the adrenaline-loaded India vs Pakistan match. Also read| After success of Chandrayaan-3, India to launch Chandrayaan-4. Details here What India ordered A resident of Jhansi placed an order of 269 items on a single day and 207 pizzas were ordered at a household in Bhubaneshwar. With 8.5 million orders for chocolate cake, Bengaluru emerged as the ‘Cake Capital’. During Durga Puja, 7.7 million orders of gulab jamun were enjoyed nationwide, and during Navratri, the beloved masala dosa was the most popular dish among vegetarians. In Hyderabad, a customer spent $ 7222.87 on buying idlis. Biryani continued its reign as the most-ordered dish for the eighth consecutive year, with a rate of 2.5 biryanis per second. Bangalore: The 'Cake Capital' Bangalore claimed the title of 'Cake Capital' with a remarkable 8.5 million orders for chocolate cake. While the country ordered 271 cakes per minute on Valentine’s Day. Vegan orders on Swiggy Guilt Free rose by 146 per cent. The battle between Japanese and Korean cuisine tilted in favour of Anime, with Japanese dishes securing twice as many orders. (With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai resident ordered food worth over $50,000 on food aggregator app

Massive fire broke out near the waiting passage area and canteen of Mumbai's Lokmaniya Tilak Terminus. No casualties have been reported yet. Plumes of smoke witnessed at terminus.

Fire broke out inside canteen of Mumbai's Lokmaniya Tilak Terminus

<p>In a scenario not much different from the 2013 Hindi film <em>Special 26</em>&nbsp;that starred Akshay Kumar, a criminal gang recently posed as income tax (I-T) officials to stage a 'raid' on the residence of a counterfeit jewellery businessman in Mumbai's Sion area.</p>

<p>The eight-member group, allegedly tipped off by one of the insiders, seized ₹1.8 million ($21,600) kept by the jeweller&nbsp;for a family wedding, The Times of India reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspects were swiftly arrested by the police as the act was caught on CCTV.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the suspects, Rajkumar Gujjar (38) has been&nbsp;identified as a friend of the victim's grandson.</p>

<h2><b>How did the crime unfold?</b></h2>

<p>According to the details of investigation reported by the Times of India, Abhay Kasle (33), a member of the gang, informed Gujjar about Sushant Lohar (33), the alleged mastermind posing as an I-T officer, promising a 10 per cent commission for raid tips.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/robbers-tunnel-through-wall-loot-3-million-in-daring-delhi-jewellery-heist-640063">India: Robbers tunnel through wall, loot $3 million in daring Delhi jewellery heist</a></strong></p>

<p>Motivated by the lure of commission, the unsuspecting Gujjar purportedly disclosed false information about the Patwa family's substantial cash acquisition from a property deal.</p>

<p>Following the staged 'seizure,' the gang, while impersonating as Income Tax&nbsp;officials, fabricated a legal document&nbsp;and instructed the family to expect an official&nbsp;notice by the Income Tax department.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;24-year-old Indian student shot dead during a robbery attempt in Ohio</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/24-year-old-indian-student-shot-dead-during-a-robbery-attempt-in-ohio-584884/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Apart from the prime accused Sushant Lohar, others involved in the operation were Kasle and Gujjar, who played a pivotal role in the scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, Santosh Patle (37), Rajaram Mangle (47), Amardeep Sonawane (29), Sharad Ekavade (33), and Bhaurao Ingle (52) were arrested for their involvement in the sham raid.</p>

<h2><strong>Looted money yet to be recovered</strong></h2>

<p>The efforts are ongoing to recover the ₹1.8 million seized by the gang.</p>

<p>The police have&nbsp;confiscated a vehicle and a forged identity card shown by the&nbsp;accused individuals when they allegedly committed&nbsp;the crime. Further scrutiny revealed photographs of two individuals donning police uniforms, purportedly for roles in a crime serial.</p>


In a scenario not much different from the 2013 Hindi film Special 26 that starred Akshay Kumar, a criminal gang recently posed as income tax (I-T) officials to stage a 'raid' on the residence of a counterfeit jewellery businessman in Mumbai's Sion area.

In a scenario not much different from the 2013 Hindi film Special 26 that starred Akshay Kumar, a criminal gang recently posed as income tax (I-T) officials to stage a 'raid' on the residence of a counterfeit jewellery businessman in Mumbai's Sion area. The eight-member group, allegedly tipped off by one of the insiders, seized ₹1.8 million ($21,600) kept by the jeweller for a family wedding, The Times of India reported. The suspects were swiftly arrested by the police as the act was caught on CCTV. One of the suspects, Rajkumar Gujjar (38) has been identified as a friend of the victim's grandson. How did the crime unfold? According to the details of investigation reported by the Times of India, Abhay Kasle (33), a member of the gang, informed Gujjar about Sushant Lohar (33), the alleged mastermind posing as an I-T officer, promising a 10 per cent commission for raid tips. Also read | India: Robbers tunnel through wall, loot $3 million in daring Delhi jewellery heist Motivated by the lure of commission, the unsuspecting Gujjar purportedly disclosed false information about the Patwa family's substantial cash acquisition from a property deal. Following the staged 'seizure,' the gang, while impersonating as Income Tax officials, fabricated a legal document and instructed the family to expect an official notice by the Income Tax department. Also watch | 24-year-old Indian student shot dead during a robbery attempt in Ohio × Apart from the prime accused Sushant Lohar, others involved in the operation were Kasle and Gujjar, who played a pivotal role in the scheme. Additionally, Santosh Patle (37), Rajaram Mangle (47), Amardeep Sonawane (29), Sharad Ekavade (33), and Bhaurao Ingle (52) were arrested for their involvement in the sham raid. Looted money yet to be recovered The efforts are ongoing to recover the ₹1.8 million seized by the gang. The police have confiscated a vehicle and a forged identity card shown by the accused individuals when they allegedly committed the crime. Further scrutiny revealed photographs of two individuals donning police uniforms, purportedly for roles in a crime serial.

Criminal gang members pose as taxmen to loot ₹1.8 million from Mumbai business family

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidgAdXESojHSeU" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>A man in the Indian city of Mumbai has died, alongside his 80-year-old bedridden mother after he refused to leave her side, despite being trapped in a raging blaze on Saturday (Dec 2). The man has been identified as Dhiren Nalikant who lived in the Jethabhai Govindji building, Girgaon when the incident transpired.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nalikant, a chemist by profession lived with his mother on the third floor of the building. On Saturday evening, around 9 pm, a fire broke out which officials of the fire brigade suspect was due to a short circuit in the electric box on the ground floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Owing to the dilapidated condition of the century-old building and the old wooden stairs, the fire spread quickly and in no time, reached the third floor.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-nine-tourists-from-up-killed-in-train-fire-in-tamil-nadus-madurai-629528"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: Nine tourists from UP killed in train fire in Tamil Nadu's Madurai&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-nine-tourists-from-up-killed-in-train-fire-in-tamil-nadus-madurai-629528/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While the rest of Dhiren's family ran out the floor to safety, the 60-year-old preferred to stay close to his mother, who had been recently discharged from a hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the testimony of one of the neighbours, people had to break the grilles of their homes to exit as the building's entry was engulfed in flames.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The only exit was from the windows,” said Salome Shah.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-within-3-days-twin-fire-accidents-hit-taiwanese-and-japanese-factories-640602"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Tamil Nadu: Within 3 days, twin fire accidents hit Taiwanese and Japanese factories</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Leaving mother was not an option</strong></h2>

<p>Sensing that his mother would not be able to make it, Nalikant took the tough call to brave it but unfortunately succumbed to the fire.</p>

<p>“A plank was used to connect the building on fire to the adjacent high-rise for rescue,” a fire officer was quoted as saying by&nbsp;<em>Times of India</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“But Dhiren hesitated as leaving his mother alone was not an option. By the time our teams controlled the flames, the blaze had already reached their home.”</p>

<p>The fire brigade said the wooden structure and the Mangalore tile roofing of the building suffered extensive damage. The fire spread rapidly as the old building lacked a fire-fighting system.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such was the damage that residents had to evacuate their homes as the building was declared uninhabitable by the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A man in the Indian city of Mumbai has died, alongside his 80-year-old bedridden mother after he refused to leave her side, despite being trapped in a raging blaze on Saturday (Dec 2).

A man in the Indian city of Mumbai has died, alongside his 80-year-old bedridden mother after he refused to leave her side, despite being trapped in a raging blaze on Saturday (Dec 2). The man has been identified as Dhiren Nalikant who lived in the Jethabhai Govindji building, Girgaon when the incident transpired. Nalikant, a chemist by profession lived with his mother on the third floor of the building. On Saturday evening, around 9 pm, a fire broke out which officials of the fire brigade suspect was due to a short circuit in the electric box on the ground floor. Owing to the dilapidated condition of the century-old building and the old wooden stairs, the fire spread quickly and in no time, reached the third floor. Watch | India: Nine tourists from UP killed in train fire in Tamil Nadu's Madurai × While the rest of Dhiren's family ran out the floor to safety, the 60-year-old preferred to stay close to his mother, who had been recently discharged from a hospital. According to the testimony of one of the neighbours, people had to break the grilles of their homes to exit as the building's entry was engulfed in flames. “The only exit was from the windows,” said Salome Shah. Also read | Tamil Nadu: Within 3 days, twin fire accidents hit Taiwanese and Japanese factories Leaving mother was not an option Sensing that his mother would not be able to make it, Nalikant took the tough call to brave it but unfortunately succumbed to the fire. “A plank was used to connect the building on fire to the adjacent high-rise for rescue,” a fire officer was quoted as saying by Times of India. “But Dhiren hesitated as leaving his mother alone was not an option. By the time our teams controlled the flames, the blaze had already reached their home.” The fire brigade said the wooden structure and the Mangalore tile roofing of the building suffered extensive damage. The fire spread rapidly as the old building lacked a fire-fighting system. Such was the damage that residents had to evacuate their homes as the building was declared uninhabitable by the authorities. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Mumbai man refuses to leave bedridden mother during fire, both die

India's Mumbai is often hailed as the City of Dreams. The city has long attracted people from far and wide but now residents of Mumbai are looking to relocate from this city of Dreams. Why? Well due to its worsening air quality. WION's principal correspondent Disha Shah gets us this report.

India's financial capital Mumbai engulfed with smoke

<p>A 20-year-old woman undergoing Agniveer training in the Indian Navy allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in her hostel room at INS Hamla in Mumbai, police said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The woman, hailing from Kerala, was undergoing training at the INS Hamla in Malwani area in the western suburb of Malad, an official said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue op: Rescuers pull out trapped Indian workers</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-op-rescuers-pull-out-trapped-indian-workers-663966/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>She allegedly hanging herself in her hostel room on Monday morning, he said.</p>

<p>While no suicide note was recovered from the spot, it appears the woman took the extreme step due to personal reasons, the official said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-rat-hole-miners-emerges-as-real-heroes-save-lives-with-outlawed-technique-663981">Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rat-hole miners emerge as 'real heroes', save lives with outlawed technique</a></strong></p>

<p>The woman had been training at the facility for the last 15 days after completing her basic training, he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/18-of-contesting-candidates-in-5-poll-bound-states-have-criminal-record-telangana-tops-the-list-report-664040">18% of contesting candidates in 5 poll-bound states have criminal record, Telangana tops the list: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) and further investigation is underway, the official added.</p>

<p>Agniveers are soldiers recruited by the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme, which was introduced in 2022.</p>


A 20-year-old woman undergoing Agniveer training in the Indian Navy allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in her hostel room at INS Hamla in Mumbai, police said on Tuesday.

A 20-year-old woman undergoing Agniveer training in the Indian Navy allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in her hostel room at INS Hamla in Mumbai, police said on Tuesday. The woman, hailing from Kerala, was undergoing training at the INS Hamla in Malwani area in the western suburb of Malad, an official said. Watch | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue op: Rescuers pull out trapped Indian workers × She allegedly hanging herself in her hostel room on Monday morning, he said. While no suicide note was recovered from the spot, it appears the woman took the extreme step due to personal reasons, the official said. Also Read | Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Rat-hole miners emerge as 'real heroes', save lives with outlawed technique The woman had been training at the facility for the last 15 days after completing her basic training, he said. Also Read | 18% of contesting candidates in 5 poll-bound states have criminal record, Telangana tops the list: Report The police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) and further investigation is underway, the official added. Agniveers are soldiers recruited by the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme, which was introduced in 2022.

Woman training to be Agniveer found hanging in Mumbai

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidvcPss0oAYJWQ" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Three Indian cities made it to the world's top 10 most polluted cities on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A day after Diwali celebrations national capital New Delhi, western metropolis Mumbai and eastern city of Kolkata have joined the most polluted cities in the world. On Monday, these cities witnessed unhealthy air quality after revellers let loose with firecrackers for the annual Hindu festival of light, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian capital, New Delhi, has taken the first spot as usual. It had an AQI (air quality index) figure of 407. Since the beginning of November, Delhi has seen a poor AQI figure. The Swiss group IQAir has put the city's air in the "hazardous" category.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-sam-bahadur-when-indira-gandhi-suspected-sam-manekshaw-of-planning-a-military-coup-658009">Sam Bahadur: When Indira Gandhi suspected Sam Manekshaw of 'planning a military coup'</a></p>

<p>Mumbai, the financial capital of India, came in sixth with an AQI of 157. Kolkata was seventh, with an AQI of 154.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AQI levels between 0 and 50 are considered good. An AQI level between 150 and 200 distresses people with asthma and lung and heart problems. Meanwhile, an AQI level of 400-500 affects healthy people.</p>

<p>Since Sunday night, a thick layer of smog started to blanket New Delhi. The AQI reached an alarming 680 a little after midnight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-extends-diwali-greetings-to-rishi-sunak-gifts-lord-ganesha-idol-and-kohli-signed-bat-657953">Jaishankar extends Diwali greetings to Rishi Sunak, gifts Lord Ganesha idol and Kohli-signed bat</a></p>

<p>Although authorities ban firecrackers every year in the national capital, the implementation of these bans is often rare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Member of Rajya Sabha Saket Gokhake posted a letter on X, asking the local police for details on several cases of firecracker use. He also urged the authorities to take action against the perpetrators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The air quality deterioration in northern India ahead of the winter season is an annual affair, as cold air traps pollutants from vehicles, industry, construction dust, and agricultural waste burning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a brief spell of rain on Friday, the authorities in New Delhi delayed a previous decision to restrict the use of vehicles on roads on alternate days based on their odd or even registration numbers. The rain brought some breather from a week of toxic air.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In light of the pollution concerns, the local government has announced that it will maintain the ban on all construction activities and keep schools closed until further notice.</p>

<p>According to the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), the air quality in Delhi continues to be in the 'very poor' category.</p>

<p>Authorities used water guns to sprinkle water near Sarai Kale Khan to mitigate air pollution.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Three Indian cities made it to the world's top 10 most polluted cities on Monday. A day after Diwali celebrations national capital New Delhi, western metropolis Mumbai and eastern city of Kolkata have joined the most polluted cities in the world.

Three Indian cities made it to the world's top 10 most polluted cities on Monday. A day after Diwali celebrations national capital New Delhi, western metropolis Mumbai and eastern city of Kolkata have joined the most polluted cities in the world. On Monday, these cities witnessed unhealthy air quality after revellers let loose with firecrackers for the annual Hindu festival of light, reported Reuters. The Indian capital, New Delhi, has taken the first spot as usual. It had an AQI (air quality index) figure of 407. Since the beginning of November, Delhi has seen a poor AQI figure. The Swiss group IQAir has put the city's air in the "hazardous" category. ALSO READ | Sam Bahadur: When Indira Gandhi suspected Sam Manekshaw of 'planning a military coup' Mumbai, the financial capital of India, came in sixth with an AQI of 157. Kolkata was seventh, with an AQI of 154. AQI levels between 0 and 50 are considered good. An AQI level between 150 and 200 distresses people with asthma and lung and heart problems. Meanwhile, an AQI level of 400-500 affects healthy people. Since Sunday night, a thick layer of smog started to blanket New Delhi. The AQI reached an alarming 680 a little after midnight. ALSO READ | Jaishankar extends Diwali greetings to Rishi Sunak, gifts Lord Ganesha idol and Kohli-signed bat Although authorities ban firecrackers every year in the national capital, the implementation of these bans is often rare. Member of Rajya Sabha Saket Gokhake posted a letter on X, asking the local police for details on several cases of firecracker use. He also urged the authorities to take action against the perpetrators. The air quality deterioration in northern India ahead of the winter season is an annual affair, as cold air traps pollutants from vehicles, industry, construction dust, and agricultural waste burning. After a brief spell of rain on Friday, the authorities in New Delhi delayed a previous decision to restrict the use of vehicles on roads on alternate days based on their odd or even registration numbers. The rain brought some breather from a week of toxic air. In light of the pollution concerns, the local government has announced that it will maintain the ban on all construction activities and keep schools closed until further notice. According to the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), the air quality in Delhi continues to be in the 'very poor' category. Authorities used water guns to sprinkle water near Sarai Kale Khan to mitigate air pollution. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

After Diwali, two more Indian cities join New Delhi among world's top 10 most polluted

India's financial capital Mumbai is witnessing a new Public Health concern as there's a rise in the number of suicide cases especially amongst minors. This is said to be especially true for minor girls as the latest data suggest that more minor girls than boys have committed suicide in a span of four years.

Mumbai: 23% more minor girls than boys died by suicide in 4 years

mumbai

Mumbai, News on Mumbai, stories on Mumbai, articles on Mumbai, Mumbai stories at Wion, Mumbai news, Mumbai latest news