The pavilion of the MIG Cricket Club in Bandra area will be named after batting legend Sachin Tendulkar on May 2.

During his over two-decade-long international career, Tendulkar would often practice at the club.

"The pavilion to be named after Tendulkar will be inaugurated on May 2," the club's cricket secretary Amit Dani told PTI.

He said Tendulkar's son Arjun, a budding left-arm pacer, also plays for the club.

The MIG Club, a member of the Mumbai Cricket Association, plays in tournaments organised by the MCA.

A stand is already named after Tendulkar at the MCA's Wankhede Stadium, where the legendary batsman played his last and 200th Test match against West Indies in November 2013.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy (TMGA) summer cricket coaching camps for 2019 will also be held at the MIG Cricket Club from May 2 to 5.

Former international players like Vinod Kambli would be training the participants.&nbsp;

The pavilion of the MIG Cricket Club in Bandra area will be named after batting legend Sachin Tendulkar on May 2. During his over two-decade-long international career, Tendulkar would often practice at the club.

The pavilion of the MIG Cricket Club in Bandra area will be named after batting legend Sachin Tendulkar on May 2. During his over two-decade-long international career, Tendulkar would often practice at the club. "The pavilion to be named after Tendulkar will be inaugurated on May 2," the club's cricket secretary Amit Dani told PTI. He said Tendulkar's son Arjun, a budding left-arm pacer, also plays for the club. The MIG Club, a member of the Mumbai Cricket Association, plays in tournaments organised by the MCA. A stand is already named after Tendulkar at the MCA's Wankhede Stadium, where the legendary batsman played his last and 200th Test match against West Indies in November 2013. Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Tendulkar Middlesex Global Academy (TMGA) summer cricket coaching camps for 2019 will also be held at the MIG Cricket Club from May 2 to 5. Former international players like Vinod Kambli would be training the participants.

Mumbai: Pavilion at MIG Club to be named after Sachin Tendulkar

IPL 2019: Match preview of Delhi vs Bangalore and Kolkata vs Mumbai

IPL 2019: Mumbai to take on Chennai at Chidambaram Stadium

India's most populated city and commercial capital of the country is all set to elect its parliamentarians.

All the six constituencies of the city are Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North West.

In all the six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, the direct fight is between the candidates of BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and the Congress-NCP combine.

BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting three seats each—Mumbai North Central, North and North East for BJP, and Mumbai South, South Central and North West for the Shiv Sena.

The Congress is contesting five seats and the NCP has fielded its candidate in Mumbai North East.

NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil will face BJP's newcomer Manoj Kotak in Mumbai North East.

In South Mumbai, the principal contest will be between Arvind Sawant (Sena) and Milind Deora (Congress), though BJP's Poonam Mahajan is in an intense fight against Priya Dutt (Congress) in North Central Mumbai constituency. Gajanan Kirtikar (Shiv Sena) and Congress' Sanjay Nirupam are fighting it out in the North West Mumbai constituency, though the candidature of Urmila Matondkar from Congress has made it an intriguing fight with regards to North Mumbai constituency against BJP's Gopal Shetty.

Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray's MNS is not directly contesting the elections but he is indirectly helping the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), candidates.

In fact, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief has emerged as the biggest star campaigner for Congress-NCP coalition.

Two strong women leaders are fighting it out in Mumbai North Central seat, the sitting Bharatiya Janata Party MP Poonam Mahajan is pitted against the Congress' two-time former member of Parliament Priya Dutt Roncon.

This is the only constituency in Mumbai where voters will choose between two main women contenders.

Poonam Mahajan and Priya Dutt both hail from influential political families.

Poonam is the daughter of the late Union minister Pramod Mahajan and niece of the late Union minister Gopinath Munde.

Priya is the daughter of the late Union minister Sunil Dutt and her mother, Nargis, was an actor and former Rajya Sabha member.

Mumbai rode the Modi wave in 2014 General Elections and went completely saffron. The city&nbsp;has a large concentration of film stars, personalities from the glamour world, celebrities and business tycoons.

However, Hindi film industry is playing a lead role in Modi’s campaign for a second term, endorsing him on-screen and off, in both subtle and obvious ways, in a marked shift from the more transactional relationship Indian film stars previously had with politicians.

The question ahead of April 29 is whether the city is ready to give PM Modi another shot or is it prepared for a change.

India's most populated city and commercial capital of the country is all set to elect its parliamentarians. All the six constituencies of the city are Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North West.

India's most populated city and commercial capital of the country is all set to elect its parliamentarians. All the six constituencies of the city are Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai North East and Mumbai North West. In all the six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, the direct fight is between the candidates of BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and the Congress-NCP combine. BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting three seats each—Mumbai North Central, North and North East for BJP, and Mumbai South, South Central and North West for the Shiv Sena. The Congress is contesting five seats and the NCP has fielded its candidate in Mumbai North East. NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil will face BJP's newcomer Manoj Kotak in Mumbai North East. In South Mumbai, the principal contest will be between Arvind Sawant (Sena) and Milind Deora (Congress), though BJP's Poonam Mahajan is in an intense fight against Priya Dutt (Congress) in North Central Mumbai constituency. Gajanan Kirtikar (Shiv Sena) and Congress' Sanjay Nirupam are fighting it out in the North West Mumbai constituency, though the candidature of Urmila Matondkar from Congress has made it an intriguing fight with regards to North Mumbai constituency against BJP's Gopal Shetty. Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray's MNS is not directly contesting the elections but he is indirectly helping the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), candidates. In fact, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief has emerged as the biggest star campaigner for Congress-NCP coalition. Two strong women leaders are fighting it out in Mumbai North Central seat, the sitting Bharatiya Janata Party MP Poonam Mahajan is pitted against the Congress' two-time former member of Parliament Priya Dutt Roncon. This is the only constituency in Mumbai where voters will choose between two main women contenders. Poonam Mahajan and Priya Dutt both hail from influential political families. Poonam is the daughter of the late Union minister Pramod Mahajan and niece of the late Union minister Gopinath Munde. Priya is the daughter of the late Union minister Sunil Dutt and her mother, Nargis, was an actor and former Rajya Sabha member. Mumbai rode the Modi wave in 2014 General Elections and went completely saffron. The city has a large concentration of film stars, personalities from the glamour world, celebrities and business tycoons. However, Hindi film industry is playing a lead role in Modi’s campaign for a second term, endorsing him on-screen and off, in both subtle and obvious ways, in a marked shift from the more transactional relationship Indian film stars previously had with politicians. The question ahead of April 29 is whether the city is ready to give PM Modi another shot or is it prepared for a change.

Mumbai: India's most populous city goes to vote on April 29

IPL 2019: It's Rajasthan vs Mumbai and Delhi vs Punjab

A portion of a slab of an under-construction building collapsed at Peer Khan Street in Mumbai's Nagpada today, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, two to three people are likely to be trapped under debris. Three fire engines, a rescue van and an ambulance are at the site, more details are awaited.&nbsp;

The incident comes just a month after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-bmc-brings-down-remaining-part-of-damaged-overbridge-203640">a major portion a foot overbridge (FOB) in Mumbai collapsed on March 15</a>. The mishap killed six people, injuring over 30 others.

The ill-fated bridge in South Mumbai connected the area near the Times of India building with the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) station.

Civic body authorities Friday brought down the remaining part of the foot overbridge (FOB).

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a>: Portion of a slab of an under construction building collapsed at Peer Khan Street in Nagpada, today; 2 to 3 people likely to be trapped under debris, 3 fire engines, a rescue van and an ambulance at the site.
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Civic chief Ajoy Mehta, after a meeting with officials concerned of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), had decided to dismantle the entire bridge located near the busy Mumbai CSMT railway station, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

"With the help of gas cutters and huge cranes, the entire frame of iron and steel was brought down by evening and was further being cut into pieces to transport them to the godown," local ward officer Kiran Dighawkar said.

Civic officials, however, did not dismantle the ramp of the bridge on the Times of India building side, indicating a new bridge may be built for the convenience of passengers.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A portion of a slab of an under-construction building collapsed at Peer Khan Street in Mumbai's Nagpada today, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, two to three people are likely to be trapped under debris.

A portion of a slab of an under-construction building collapsed at Peer Khan Street in Mumbai's Nagpada today, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, two to three people are likely to be trapped under debris. Three fire engines, a rescue van and an ambulance are at the site, more details are awaited. The incident comes just a month after a major portion a foot overbridge (FOB) in Mumbai collapsed on March 15. The mishap killed six people, injuring over 30 others. The ill-fated bridge in South Mumbai connected the area near the Times of India building with the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) station. Civic body authorities Friday brought down the remaining part of the foot overbridge (FOB). #Mumbai: Portion of a slab of an under construction building collapsed at Peer Khan Street in Nagpada, today; 2 to 3 people likely to be trapped under debris, 3 fire engines, a rescue van and an ambulance at the site. — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2019 × Civic chief Ajoy Mehta, after a meeting with officials concerned of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), had decided to dismantle the entire bridge located near the busy Mumbai CSMT railway station, news agency PTI reported. "With the help of gas cutters and huge cranes, the entire frame of iron and steel was brought down by evening and was further being cut into pieces to transport them to the godown," local ward officer Kiran Dighawkar said. Civic officials, however, did not dismantle the ramp of the bridge on the Times of India building side, indicating a new bridge may be built for the convenience of passengers. (With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai: Portion of under-construction building collapses; around 3 people feared trapped

Jet pilots gave deadline to clear dues salary till 15th April, defers their strike

For the longest time, the city of Mumbai, despite urbanisation, managed to keep its green cover or what we call natural vegetation intact. The city had over 35 per cent tree cover until two decades ago and severe climatic conditions were never a worry for the coastal city.&nbsp;

But things changed in the past decade and environmental research corroborated that Mumbai, in the process of concretisation, has lost 60 per cent of its vegetation and 65 per cent of its water bodies.&nbsp;

On October 7 last year, the city sweltered at 37.8 degree Celsius (average temperature), making it Mumbai's second hottest October day in a decade. Monsoon patterns have seen a stark change here, with several days of heavy rainfall now as compared to a decade back.

While statistics have been around for a long time, the need to commence an action on the ground was the call of the hour and a team of young Mumbaikars are doing that - 12,000 saplings at a time! 
&nbsp; 
On a dusty barren land near a suburban local railway station here, city-based Pradeep Tripathi and his team are creating Mumbai's first urban dense forest. A man-made 'green wall,' which will protect the city from environmental damages.&nbsp;

Tripathi, an environmental enthusiast is using the Miyawaki method, invented by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki. The technique enables growing over thrice the number of trees than conventional afforestation methods.

WION spoke to Pradeep Tripathi under whose guidance the forest is taking shape, he said, "This forest has been created using an innovative method, we can plant 12,000 trees in a single acre versus 1,000 in the conventional method. In the Miyawaki method, we create a 3-feet deep trench, analyse the soil and as per the deficiencies, we mix coco peat (a water retainer), rice hulls (which acts as a water perforator), compost and other nutrients. We refill the trench using the layer method so that trees don't interrupt each other's growth."&nbsp;

Megacities like Mumbai, where infrastructural needs have led to unprecedented concretisation, the number of trees per person is very low and decreasing every year. With constricted plantation space and rising pollution, the Miyawaki method can prove to be successful.

"Forests grown in this fashion are 10 times faster, 30 times denser, have 30 times more oxygen emission. We have planted more than 30 varieties of native saplings in this patch, this is how we can get a 100-year-old forest in just 10 years," said Tripathi.&nbsp;

According to a study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), there should be seven trees for every human. In Mumbai, there are five people per tree.&nbsp;

Concerned citizens like Pradeep Tripathi and others in his team have set out to better this dismal ratio.

For the longest time, the city of Mumbai, despite urbanisation, managed to keep its green cover or what we call natural vegetation intact. The city had over 35 per cent tree cover until two decades ago and severe climatic conditions were never a worry for the coastal city.

For the longest time, the city of Mumbai, despite urbanisation, managed to keep its green cover or what we call natural vegetation intact. The city had over 35 per cent tree cover until two decades ago and severe climatic conditions were never a worry for the coastal city. But things changed in the past decade and environmental research corroborated that Mumbai, in the process of concretisation, has lost 60 per cent of its vegetation and 65 per cent of its water bodies. On October 7 last year, the city sweltered at 37.8 degree Celsius (average temperature), making it Mumbai's second hottest October day in a decade. Monsoon patterns have seen a stark change here, with several days of heavy rainfall now as compared to a decade back. While statistics have been around for a long time, the need to commence an action on the ground was the call of the hour and a team of young Mumbaikars are doing that - 12,000 saplings at a time! On a dusty barren land near a suburban local railway station here, city-based Pradeep Tripathi and his team are creating Mumbai's first urban dense forest. A man-made 'green wall,' which will protect the city from environmental damages. Tripathi, an environmental enthusiast is using the Miyawaki method, invented by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki. The technique enables growing over thrice the number of trees than conventional afforestation methods. WION spoke to Pradeep Tripathi under whose guidance the forest is taking shape, he said, "This forest has been created using an innovative method, we can plant 12,000 trees in a single acre versus 1,000 in the conventional method. In the Miyawaki method, we create a 3-feet deep trench, analyse the soil and as per the deficiencies, we mix coco peat (a water retainer), rice hulls (which acts as a water perforator), compost and other nutrients. We refill the trench using the layer method so that trees don't interrupt each other's growth." Megacities like Mumbai, where infrastructural needs have led to unprecedented concretisation, the number of trees per person is very low and decreasing every year. With constricted plantation space and rising pollution, the Miyawaki method can prove to be successful. "Forests grown in this fashion are 10 times faster, 30 times denser, have 30 times more oxygen emission. We have planted more than 30 varieties of native saplings in this patch, this is how we can get a 100-year-old forest in just 10 years," said Tripathi. According to a study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), there should be seven trees for every human. In Mumbai, there are five people per tree. Concerned citizens like Pradeep Tripathi and others in his team have set out to better this dismal ratio.

One man and his team have set out to give Mumbai its first man-made forest

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax.

SQ Flight 423 had taken off at around 11:35 pm (local time) on Monday from Mumbai. Shortly after it took off, the airline received a call claiming that there was a bomb on the plane, The Straits Times reported.

The flight was safely escorted back to Changi Airport by Singapore's air force and made an emergency landing at about 8 am (local time).

All the passengers were disembarked safely and had to undergo a security check before they could leave. However, authorities have detained a woman and a child and are being questioned by the police.

"Singapore Airlines confirms there was a bomb threat concerning SQ423 operating from Mumbai to Singapore. The aircraft arrived in Singapore on 26 March 2019 at about 0800hrs (local time). There were 263 passengers on board. We are assisting the authorities with their investigations and regret that we are unable to provide further details," said a spokesperson for the airline.

Further details in the matter are awaited.

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax.

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax. SQ Flight 423 had taken off at around 11:35 pm (local time) on Monday from Mumbai. Shortly after it took off, the airline received a call claiming that there was a bomb on the plane, The Straits Times reported. The flight was safely escorted back to Changi Airport by Singapore's air force and made an emergency landing at about 8 am (local time). All the passengers were disembarked safely and had to undergo a security check before they could leave. However, authorities have detained a woman and a child and are being questioned by the police. "Singapore Airlines confirms there was a bomb threat concerning SQ423 operating from Mumbai to Singapore. The aircraft arrived in Singapore on 26 March 2019 at about 0800hrs (local time). There were 263 passengers on board. We are assisting the authorities with their investigations and regret that we are unable to provide further details," said a spokesperson for the airline. Further details in the matter are awaited.

Mid-air bomb hoax on Mumbai to Singapore-bound Singapore Airlines flight

Mumbai, a city known for its high-end fine dining restaurants and lifestyle extravaganza, is always open to out of box ideas, not shying away from experiments.&nbsp;

And the new Cardboard cafe is taking Mumbai's experimental side to another level, with its entire interior landscape, including furniture, light fixtures, cutlery holder made with cardboard.

Cardboard is India's first cafe outfitted with the material and is located in the city's bustling business district of Bandra Kurla Complex. &nbsp;

The overall space has been designed using parametric modelling, one of the striking features is the interior wall of surging circular panels, giving a seemingly wave-like effect.&nbsp;
<img alt="Cardboard cafe in Mumbai." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9c9300db-68a3-4066-96e5-17255a208f39" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cardboard%202.jpg" />
Mumbai based architect Nuru Karim who designed the cafe said, "Cardboard is a tremendous material, it comprises 50 per cent of air which makes it lightweight. It has flutings which makes it structurally strong. The furniture inside is wax laminated to repel any water seepage."

Conceived and designed to bring a contemporary appeal to the concept of environment-friendly and sustainable architecture, the cafe is driving home the message of climate change and global warming in a snazzy way.&nbsp;

While the cafe is high on eco-design, its also endeavouring to offer an offbeat culinary experience, plenty of vegan options and an array of organic coffees to choose from. &nbsp;
<img alt="Cardboard cafe" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a18ce12-26f7-4c4f-be93-c355133ed877" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cardboard%203.jpg" />
"When people enter the cafe, they realise it's not just packaging, the concept is around sustainability and we uphold the idea to create, consume and change. The food served is a fusion of Spanish, American and South Indian," said Yung Dhanani, founder of the Cardboard cafe.

Mumbai, a city known for its high-end fine dining restaurants and lifestyle extravaganza, is always open to out of box ideas, not shying away from experiments. And the new Cardboard cafe is taking Mumbai's experimental side to another level, with its entire interior landscape, including furniture, light fixtures, cutlery holder made with cardboard.

Mumbai, a city known for its high-end fine dining restaurants and lifestyle extravaganza, is always open to out of box ideas, not shying away from experiments. And the new Cardboard cafe is taking Mumbai's experimental side to another level, with its entire interior landscape, including furniture, light fixtures, cutlery holder made with cardboard. Cardboard is India's first cafe outfitted with the material and is located in the city's bustling business district of Bandra Kurla Complex. The overall space has been designed using parametric modelling, one of the striking features is the interior wall of surging circular panels, giving a seemingly wave-like effect. Mumbai based architect Nuru Karim who designed the cafe said, "Cardboard is a tremendous material, it comprises 50 per cent of air which makes it lightweight. It has flutings which makes it structurally strong. The furniture inside is wax laminated to repel any water seepage." Conceived and designed to bring a contemporary appeal to the concept of environment-friendly and sustainable architecture, the cafe is driving home the message of climate change and global warming in a snazzy way. While the cafe is high on eco-design, its also endeavouring to offer an offbeat culinary experience, plenty of vegan options and an array of organic coffees to choose from. "When people enter the cafe, they realise it's not just packaging, the concept is around sustainability and we uphold the idea to create, consume and change. The food served is a fusion of Spanish, American and South Indian," said Yung Dhanani, founder of the Cardboard cafe.

High on sustainability, Mumbai gets India's first Cardboard Cafe

A school in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai has introduced a virtual teacher to its students. The 'robo-teacher', as students fondly call it, teaches them mathematics, science and languages.

The teacher interacts with students through a voice interface and answers their questions ranging from weather updates to general information.

The 'robo-teacher' is a hit with students; the attendance record has actually improved as students are excited to come back with questions.

The novel idea to introduce a voice interface enabled teacher is the brainchild of a teacher, Pooja Sankhe. She introduced the virtual assistant almost a year ago, at Ramakrishna Paramhans Marathi school run by BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

"I am always keen to incorporate new ways into my teaching, and the virtual teacher does exactly that. Students are learning questioning skills and researching to come up with new questions. This is also an attempt to improve their English language skills," she told WION.

Sankhe got the idea of creating this teacher after using Amazon's voice assistant Alexa. She merged the voice interface with a mannequin to give education a scientific touch.&nbsp;

She adds, "other government&nbsp;schools in the city have also got in touch with me to create their virtual teacher. Each virtual assistant comes at a cost of rupees ten thousand, which includes the Alexa device and externally sourced mannequin."

In 2018, Pooja Sankhe was honoured with the Best teacher award for her novel contribution to school education.

Civic schools in India offer subsidised education to all sections of society. They cater to a large number of students in modest set-ups. But one of the biggest problems they face is low attendance.

The "robo-teacher"&nbsp;aims to change that. Sankhe's idea has caught the attention of many government schools in Maharashtra; they are turning to virtual teaching to aid traditional curriculum. And excited students are eager to use this technology in their course of learning.

A school in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai has introduced a virtual teacher to its students. The 'robo-teacher', as students fondly call it, teaches them mathematics, science and languages.

A school in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai has introduced a virtual teacher to its students. The 'robo-teacher', as students fondly call it, teaches them mathematics, science and languages. The teacher interacts with students through a voice interface and answers their questions ranging from weather updates to general information. The 'robo-teacher' is a hit with students; the attendance record has actually improved as students are excited to come back with questions. The novel idea to introduce a voice interface enabled teacher is the brainchild of a teacher, Pooja Sankhe. She introduced the virtual assistant almost a year ago, at Ramakrishna Paramhans Marathi school run by BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). "I am always keen to incorporate new ways into my teaching, and the virtual teacher does exactly that. Students are learning questioning skills and researching to come up with new questions. This is also an attempt to improve their English language skills," she told WION. Sankhe got the idea of creating this teacher after using Amazon's voice assistant Alexa. She merged the voice interface with a mannequin to give education a scientific touch. She adds, "other government schools in the city have also got in touch with me to create their virtual teacher. Each virtual assistant comes at a cost of rupees ten thousand, which includes the Alexa device and externally sourced mannequin." In 2018, Pooja Sankhe was honoured with the Best teacher award for her novel contribution to school education. Civic schools in India offer subsidised education to all sections of society. They cater to a large number of students in modest set-ups. But one of the biggest problems they face is low attendance. The "robo-teacher" aims to change that. Sankhe's idea has caught the attention of many government schools in Maharashtra; they are turning to virtual teaching to aid traditional curriculum. And excited students are eager to use this technology in their course of learning.

Mumbai's Alexa-inspired 'robo-teacher' excites students, answers questions on weather to general information

While fashion has no bounds, a Mumbai-based optometrist is making contact lenses out of pure gold, silver and diamond. The never seen before trend comes at an exorbitant price but the glitterati of Mumbai are eager to sport dazzling gold eyes.

Dr Chandrashekhar Chawan has received a patent for the gold, silver, diamond lenses. And he has been selling these abroad as well.

He filed for the patent from India. So, he is the only one who introduced the lenses to India and overseas.&nbsp;

Customers have so far haven't complained of any discomfort as the gold does not touch the sensitive eye tissue.

Dr&nbsp;Chawan&nbsp;also makes designer lenses for Bollywood movies.

Mrunal Gaikwad, a model based out of Mumbai said, "I have been using the gold contact lenses for four years and I love how they look on me, without any safety issues."

India is the world's second-biggest consumer of gold. Be it for weddings or investment, the golden metal is an invaluable commodity for millions of people in Asia's third-largest economy.&nbsp;

While many have adapted gold in the form of jewellery, clothing to even tooth implants, fashionistas in Mumbai are taking it a notch higher.

The latest to pick trend are gold plated, diamond studded contact lenses.&nbsp;

Dr Chawan has invented these gold plated contact lenses that use a very minimum amount of gold nanoparticles of 24 carats in a specialised paste form and is surface coated on soft lenses with an extra layer of ''Tetrafilcon A'' to set it together.

Prices for these sparkling contact lenses go up to $11,000.&nbsp;

"Indians love gold tremendously and on every social occasion, they wear gold jewellery. I wanted to put the glitter of gold in the eyes of India and so invented, Golden View. I believe this is a great fashion statement," said Dr Chawan.&nbsp;

Customers can opt for gold, silver, diamond studs or even customize patterns to bring the desired sparkle to the eye.

For anybody who wears regular cosmetic contact lenses, these designer soft contacts can be the next big thing.&nbsp;

While fashion has no bounds, a Mumbai-based optometrist is making contact lenses out of pure gold, silver and diamond. The never seen before trend comes at an exorbitant price but the glitterati of Mumbai are eager to sport dazzling gold eyes.

While fashion has no bounds, a Mumbai-based optometrist is making contact lenses out of pure gold, silver and diamond. The never seen before trend comes at an exorbitant price but the glitterati of Mumbai are eager to sport dazzling gold eyes. Dr Chandrashekhar Chawan has received a patent for the gold, silver, diamond lenses. And he has been selling these abroad as well. He filed for the patent from India. So, he is the only one who introduced the lenses to India and overseas. Customers have so far haven't complained of any discomfort as the gold does not touch the sensitive eye tissue. Dr Chawan also makes designer lenses for Bollywood movies. Mrunal Gaikwad, a model based out of Mumbai said, "I have been using the gold contact lenses for four years and I love how they look on me, without any safety issues." India is the world's second-biggest consumer of gold. Be it for weddings or investment, the golden metal is an invaluable commodity for millions of people in Asia's third-largest economy. While many have adapted gold in the form of jewellery, clothing to even tooth implants, fashionistas in Mumbai are taking it a notch higher. The latest to pick trend are gold plated, diamond studded contact lenses. Dr Chawan has invented these gold plated contact lenses that use a very minimum amount of gold nanoparticles of 24 carats in a specialised paste form and is surface coated on soft lenses with an extra layer of ''Tetrafilcon A'' to set it together. Prices for these sparkling contact lenses go up to $11,000. "Indians love gold tremendously and on every social occasion, they wear gold jewellery. I wanted to put the glitter of gold in the eyes of India and so invented, Golden View. I believe this is a great fashion statement," said Dr Chawan. Customers can opt for gold, silver, diamond studs or even customize patterns to bring the desired sparkle to the eye. For anybody who wears regular cosmetic contact lenses, these designer soft contacts can be the next big thing.

For your eyes only - Patented gold, silver & diamond contact lenses

Vienna waltzes to quality of living win for 10th year

Civic body authorities Friday brought down the remaining part of the foot overbridge (FOB), a major portion of which had collapsed Thursday evening, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-bridge-collapse-two-civic-engineers-suspended-inquiry-ordered-203614">killing six persons and injuring over 30 others</a>.

Civic chief Ajoy Mehta, after a meeting with officials concerned of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), had decided to dismantle the entire bridge located near the busy Mumbai CSMT railway station.

"With the help of gas cutters and huge cranes, the entire frame of iron and steel was brought down by evening and was further being cut into pieces to transport them to the godown," local ward officer Kiran Dighawkar said.

Civic officials, however, did not dismantle the ramp of the bridge on the Times of India building side, indicating a new bridge may be built for the convenience of passengers.

The ill-fated bridge in South Mumbai connected the area near the Times of India building with the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) station.

To a query whether the BMC will build a new bridge as the old structure's ramp has not been dismantled, Dighawkar said, "That's up to the higher-ups to decide."

He said a zebra crossing, as well as a pedestrian signal, will be installed beneath the bridge till some permanent arrangements are made.

"Till then, the traffic police will man the zebra crossing to guide pedestrians," Dighawkar added.&nbsp;

Civic body authorities Friday brought down the remaining part of the foot overbridge (FOB), a major portion of which had collapsed Thursday evening, killing six persons and injuring over 30 others.

Civic body authorities Friday brought down the remaining part of the foot overbridge (FOB), a major portion of which had collapsed Thursday evening, killing six persons and injuring over 30 others. Civic chief Ajoy Mehta, after a meeting with officials concerned of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), had decided to dismantle the entire bridge located near the busy Mumbai CSMT railway station. "With the help of gas cutters and huge cranes, the entire frame of iron and steel was brought down by evening and was further being cut into pieces to transport them to the godown," local ward officer Kiran Dighawkar said. Civic officials, however, did not dismantle the ramp of the bridge on the Times of India building side, indicating a new bridge may be built for the convenience of passengers. The ill-fated bridge in South Mumbai connected the area near the Times of India building with the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) station. To a query whether the BMC will build a new bridge as the old structure's ramp has not been dismantled, Dighawkar said, "That's up to the higher-ups to decide." He said a zebra crossing, as well as a pedestrian signal, will be installed beneath the bridge till some permanent arrangements are made. "Till then, the traffic police will man the zebra crossing to guide pedestrians," Dighawkar added.

Mumbai: BMC brings down remaining part of damaged overbridge

The morning after the deck of a foot overbridge outside CSMT station collapsed, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-foot-overbridge-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-six-fir-registered-203405">killing six people and leaving 31 injured</a>, the Brihnamumbai Municipal Corporation chief will chair a meeting to decide on the future course of action for the structure.

A BMC spokesperson said civic commissioner Ajoy Mehta will meet Road and Bride department officials Friday and then take a call on dismantling the entire FOB.

On Friday morning, the BMC kept the busy DN Road blocked as part of the post-collapse safety stipulations and civic staff went about dismantling the entire deck of the FOB.

"DN Road (on which the FOB stood) has been blocked as a precautionary measure. BMC commissioner Mehta has called a meeting on this to decide on its re-opening," another civic official said.

He added that the FOB was found structurally safe when it was audited in August 2016, soon after a British-era bridge over Savitri River got washed away in monsoon downpour in Mahad in Raigad district.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after meeting those injured in footover bridge collapse in Mumbai: There are around 10 injured admitted in the ward, one in ICU; all out of danger now. High-level enquiry will be done to probe into the matter. FIR has been lodged. <a href="https://t.co/gBgsukeKe2">pic.twitter.com/gBgsukeKe2</a>
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"During that audit, 354 bridges were checked for their structural soundness. The FOB that collapsed on Thursday was marked C2B. This means it needed minor repairs only. Tenders were floated for the repair but it got held up," the official said.

"We will investigate whether the tender was held up by the BMC Standing Committee or the Road and Bridge department," he said.

Among the deceased, Apoorva Prabhu, Ranjana Tambe and Bhakti Shinde were nurses working in GT Hospital about half a kilometre away from the FOB. Others who died in the collapse were Zahid Shiraj Khan (32), Tapendra Singh (28) and Mohan, officials said.

Among the injured was Atmaram Yedge (32) who sold bananas on the FOB. He has received injuries to his head, back and arms.

Activists, meanwhile, said strict action should be taken against errant officials and those who had audited the overbridge and found it "safe".

Subhash Gupta, president of Rail Yatri Parishad said, "The days of blame game should be over now. Action should be taken against the auditors who certified this FOB structurally safe."

He also said that Central Railway, which has said the FOB belongs to the civic body, cannot wash its hands off the episode as the bridge was used by railway passengers.

"If accountability is not fixed, such incidents will keep taking place. The average Mumbaikars does not care whose job it was to keep the bridge safe," Congress leader Milind Deora said.

Suhas Pandey, a relative of a person injured in the incident, demanded to fix of accountability at the highest level.

"BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta must be booked for this incident," he said.

He also hit out at politicians visiting the injured in hospitals, alleging that they were doing it for publicity.

Criminal lawyer Tanveer Nizam called it a case of negligence and said the concerned officials should be held responsible for the deaths in the incident.

A case has been registered against officials of Central Railway and the BMC in connection with the incident, police said Thursday.

"We have registered an offence under section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the IPC at the Azad Maidan police station," Manjunath Singe, Mumbai police spokesperson, had said hours after the incident.&nbsp;

The morning after the deck of a foot overbridge outside CSMT station collapsed, killing six people and leaving 31 injured, the Brihnamumbai Municipal Corporation chief will chair a meeting to decide on the future course of action for the structure.

The morning after the deck of a foot overbridge outside CSMT station collapsed, killing six people and leaving 31 injured, the Brihnamumbai Municipal Corporation chief will chair a meeting to decide on the future course of action for the structure. A BMC spokesperson said civic commissioner Ajoy Mehta will meet Road and Bride department officials Friday and then take a call on dismantling the entire FOB. On Friday morning, the BMC kept the busy DN Road blocked as part of the post-collapse safety stipulations and civic staff went about dismantling the entire deck of the FOB. "DN Road (on which the FOB stood) has been blocked as a precautionary measure. BMC commissioner Mehta has called a meeting on this to decide on its re-opening," another civic official said. He added that the FOB was found structurally safe when it was audited in August 2016, soon after a British-era bridge over Savitri River got washed away in monsoon downpour in Mahad in Raigad district. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after meeting those injured in footover bridge collapse in Mumbai: There are around 10 injured admitted in the ward, one in ICU; all out of danger now. High-level enquiry will be done to probe into the matter. FIR has been lodged. pic.twitter.com/gBgsukeKe2 — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2019 × "During that audit, 354 bridges were checked for their structural soundness. The FOB that collapsed on Thursday was marked C2B. This means it needed minor repairs only. Tenders were floated for the repair but it got held up," the official said. "We will investigate whether the tender was held up by the BMC Standing Committee or the Road and Bridge department," he said. Among the deceased, Apoorva Prabhu, Ranjana Tambe and Bhakti Shinde were nurses working in GT Hospital about half a kilometre away from the FOB. Others who died in the collapse were Zahid Shiraj Khan (32), Tapendra Singh (28) and Mohan, officials said. Among the injured was Atmaram Yedge (32) who sold bananas on the FOB. He has received injuries to his head, back and arms. Activists, meanwhile, said strict action should be taken against errant officials and those who had audited the overbridge and found it "safe". Subhash Gupta, president of Rail Yatri Parishad said, "The days of blame game should be over now. Action should be taken against the auditors who certified this FOB structurally safe." He also said that Central Railway, which has said the FOB belongs to the civic body, cannot wash its hands off the episode as the bridge was used by railway passengers. "If accountability is not fixed, such incidents will keep taking place. The average Mumbaikars does not care whose job it was to keep the bridge safe," Congress leader Milind Deora said. Suhas Pandey, a relative of a person injured in the incident, demanded to fix of accountability at the highest level. "BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta must be booked for this incident," he said. He also hit out at politicians visiting the injured in hospitals, alleging that they were doing it for publicity. Criminal lawyer Tanveer Nizam called it a case of negligence and said the concerned officials should be held responsible for the deaths in the incident. A case has been registered against officials of Central Railway and the BMC in connection with the incident, police said Thursday. "We have registered an offence under section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the IPC at the Azad Maidan police station," Manjunath Singe, Mumbai police spokesperson, had said hours after the incident.

Mumbai bridge collapse: BMC to decide on dismantling structure

6 people killed and 31 injured in Mumbai's Bridge collapse

At least six people were killed and over 30 injured after a portion of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/footbridge-that-collapsed-at-mumbais-cst-railway-station-was-called-kasab-bridge-203394">(CSMT) railway station in Mumbai </a>collapsed on Thursday evening.

A big slab of the bridge came crashing down at around 7.20 pm due to which several pedestrians were injured.

Teams from the NDRF, Mumbai Police, Fire Brigade and other rescue agencies reached the spot and immediately evacuated those buried under the rubble and shifted them to hospitals.

The injured were admitted to three nearby hospitals -- St George Hospital, G T Hospital and Bombay Hospital.

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Six of the injured who succumbed to their injuries have been identified as &nbsp;Apoorva Prabhu (35), Ranjana Tambe (40), Zahid Shiraj Khan (32), Bhakti Shinde (40), Sarika Kulkarni (35) and Tapendra Singh (35). &nbsp;

Two women who were killed in the tragedy were staff of GT Hospital, police said.

According to reports, 66-year-old Dilip Parekh remains in a critical condition at Bombay Hospital.

An FIR has been registered against officials concerned of the Central Railway and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) under section 304A (Causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code at the Azaad Maidan Police Station.

The Maharashtra Government has announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each for the next of kin of those who were killed in the tragic incident.

"Ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each will be given to the families of those who died in the incident and compensation of Rs 50,000 each will be given to the injured, the state government will provide for their treatment," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis said he has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.

"A structural audit of the bridge had earlier been done and it was found to be fit. Even after that if such an incident happened, it raises a question on the audit. The inquiry will be done. Strictest action will be taken", the chief minister added.

The Chief Minister also said that he has spoken to BMC Commissioner and Mumbai Police officials and instructed to ensure speedy relief efforts in coordination with the Rail Ministry.

Thursday's incident is the second major bridge collapse in Mumbai within a span of nine months.

Two people were killed and five others injured when Gokhale Bridge over Andheri railway station in suburban Mumbai collapsed on July 3, 2018.

Minutes after the collapse on Thursday, Mumbai Police had tweeted about the incident stating the foot overbridge connecting CST platform 1 north end with B T Lane had collapsed.

"Foot overbridge connecting CST platform 1 north end with B T Lane near Times of India building has collapsed. Injured persons are being shifted to hospitals. Traffic affected. Commuters to use alternate routes. Senior officers are on spot"Maharashtra Minister Vinod Tawde said a joint inquiry by Railways and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be conducted."

A slab of the bridge has fallen which led to the death and injuries of pedestrians. Railway and BMC will conduct a joint enquiry of the incident. There were minor damages in the bridge and the maintenance was going on, why the bridge was not closed during this period will be part of the enquiry," Tawde said.

Soon after the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the tragedy and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

"Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the foot overbridge accident in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected," he tweeted.

The Railway Ministry said the bridge belonged to the BMC but the Ministry is extending all support to the victims."Railway doctors and personnel are cooperating with BMC in relief and rescue operations," informed Railways.

This bridge, a portion of which has collapsed today <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/footbridge-that-collapsed-at-mumbais-cst-railway-station-was-called-kasab-bridge-203394">was also called as 'Kasab Bridge</a>'&nbsp;because terrorist Ajmal Kasab apparently used this bridge to exit from the CSMT station after the horrific 26/11 attack terror attack in Mumbai. He was pictured near this same bridge while running towards Cama Albless Hospital lane where he killed senior ATS officials.

At least six people were killed and over 30 injured after a portion of a (CSMT) railway station in Mumbai collapsed on Thursday evening. A big slab of the bridge came crashing down at around 7.

At least six people were killed and over 30 injured after a portion of a (CSMT) railway station in Mumbai collapsed on Thursday evening. A big slab of the bridge came crashing down at around 7.20 pm due to which several pedestrians were injured. Teams from the NDRF, Mumbai Police, Fire Brigade and other rescue agencies reached the spot and immediately evacuated those buried under the rubble and shifted them to hospitals. The injured were admitted to three nearby hospitals -- St George Hospital, G T Hospital and Bombay Hospital. Six of the injured who succumbed to their injuries have been identified as Apoorva Prabhu (35), Ranjana Tambe (40), Zahid Shiraj Khan (32), Bhakti Shinde (40), Sarika Kulkarni (35) and Tapendra Singh (35). Two women who were killed in the tragedy were staff of GT Hospital, police said. According to reports, 66-year-old Dilip Parekh remains in a critical condition at Bombay Hospital. An FIR has been registered against officials concerned of the Central Railway and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) under section 304A (Causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code at the Azaad Maidan Police Station. The Maharashtra Government has announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each for the next of kin of those who were killed in the tragic incident. "Ex-gratia of Rs 5 Lakh each will be given to the families of those who died in the incident and compensation of Rs 50,000 each will be given to the injured, the state government will provide for their treatment," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. Fadnavis said he has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. "A structural audit of the bridge had earlier been done and it was found to be fit. Even after that if such an incident happened, it raises a question on the audit. The inquiry will be done. Strictest action will be taken", the chief minister added. The Chief Minister also said that he has spoken to BMC Commissioner and Mumbai Police officials and instructed to ensure speedy relief efforts in coordination with the Rail Ministry. Thursday's incident is the second major bridge collapse in Mumbai within a span of nine months. Two people were killed and five others injured when Gokhale Bridge over Andheri railway station in suburban Mumbai collapsed on July 3, 2018. Minutes after the collapse on Thursday, Mumbai Police had tweeted about the incident stating the foot overbridge connecting CST platform 1 north end with B T Lane had collapsed. "Foot overbridge connecting CST platform 1 north end with B T Lane near Times of India building has collapsed. Injured persons are being shifted to hospitals. Traffic affected. Commuters to use alternate routes. Senior officers are on spot"Maharashtra Minister Vinod Tawde said a joint inquiry by Railways and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be conducted." A slab of the bridge has fallen which led to the death and injuries of pedestrians. Railway and BMC will conduct a joint enquiry of the incident. There were minor damages in the bridge and the maintenance was going on, why the bridge was not closed during this period will be part of the enquiry," Tawde said. Soon after the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the tragedy and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the foot overbridge accident in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected," he tweeted. The Railway Ministry said the bridge belonged to the BMC but the Ministry is extending all support to the victims."Railway doctors and personnel are cooperating with BMC in relief and rescue operations," informed Railways. This bridge, a portion of which has collapsed today was also called as 'Kasab Bridge' because terrorist Ajmal Kasab apparently used this bridge to exit from the CSMT station after the horrific 26/11 attack terror attack in Mumbai. He was pictured near this same bridge while running towards Cama Albless Hospital lane where he killed senior ATS officials.

Mumbai foot overbridge collapse: Death toll rises to six, CM Fadnavis calls for high-level inquiry

A foot overbridge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station collapsed Thursday evening, leaving five people dead and 36 injured. The injured have been rushed to hospital.&nbsp;Mumbai Police said the bridge used to connect CST railway station's platform no. 1 with BT Lane near the Times of India building.&nbsp;

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Mumbai: A team of NDRF and dog squad also present at the spot where portion of a foot over bridge near CSMT railways station collapsed earlier this evening. 5 people have died, 36 injured. Toll is likely to rise. <a href="https://t.co/KxR4uxQ7BC">pic.twitter.com/KxR4uxQ7BC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106227246463967232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Foot over bridge connecting CST platform 1 north end with B T Lane near Times of India building has collapsed. Injured persons are being shifted to hospitals. Traffic affected. Commuters to use alternate routes. Senior officers are on spot.
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/MumbaiPolice/status/1106197431526543366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A picture&nbsp;from the accident site (see below) showed that a large section of the floor of the bridge had collapsed.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a>: Two people died, 23 injured when part of a foot over bridge near CSMT station in Mumbai collapsed earlier this evening. (Pic source: NDRF) <a href="https://t.co/LjI1qvRqlE">pic.twitter.com/LjI1qvRqlE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106208805489127424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The National Disaster Response Force meanwhile said 10 to 12 people are thought to be trapped under the debris. They added that a team had been rushed to CST railway station.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Mumbai: A foot over bridge near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station has collapsed. Multiple injuries have been reported. <a href="https://t.co/r43zS5eA0l">pic.twitter.com/r43zS5eA0l</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106201091279151107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A foot overbridge at another Mumbai railway station had collapsed in September 2017. That collapse, at Mumbai's Elphinstone Road railway station, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saw-woman-fall-off-lie-dead-on-the-ground-witnesses-tell-of-mumbai-stampede-horror-20845">had left 23 people dead</a>.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the news agency ANI quoted the Ministry of Railways as saying the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation was responsible for the foot overbridge at CST. "However, we're extending all our support&nbsp;to the victims. Railway doctors and personnel are cooperating with BMC in relief and rescue operations," the Ministry of Railways added.&nbsp;

Maharastra minister Vinod Tawde, who visited the accident site, said "a slab of the bridge had collapsed".&nbsp;He added that the "bridge wasn't in a bad condition". And that "it required minor repairs for which work was underway".&nbsp;

"Why was it not closed until the work was completed? It'll also be probed," he said.&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he had ordered a "high-level inquiry" into the collapse.

"A structural audit of the bridge had earlier been done and it was found to be fit. Even after that if such incident happened, it raises question on the audit. Inquiry will be done. Strictest action will be taken," he said.&nbsp;

Tawde meanwhile said an enquiry into the collapse would be conducted by the Railways and the BMC.&nbsp;

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Raj Purohit, BJP MLA on portion of foot over bridge near CSMT Railway station collapse: It's unfortunate, it shouldn't have happened. Action should be taken against the engineer who gave certificate to this bridge in auditing, he should be arrested. He should be punished. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qzx55j0j7s">pic.twitter.com/Qzx55j0j7s</a>
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Fadnavis said an ex-gratia&nbsp;payment of Rs 5 lakh would be made to the families of each of the dead, and Rs 50,000 to each of the injured. He added that the state government would provide for their treatment.&nbsp;

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Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant reaches St George hospital to meet the people injured in the incident where part of a foot over bridge near CSMT railway station collapsed earlier this evening. <a href="https://t.co/TdKmG5TXwU">pic.twitter.com/TdKmG5TXwU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106236244013387776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mumbai: Mumbai mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar arrives at St George Hospital to meet the people who were injured in the incident where part of a foot over bridge near CSMT railway station collapsed earlier this evening. <a href="https://t.co/RkZxquhL2Z">pic.twitter.com/RkZxquhL2Z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1106232018067775488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile said he was "deeply anguished by the loss of lives".&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the foot overbridge accident in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1106225943176273920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected," he added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A foot overbridge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station collapsed Thursday evening, leaving five people dead and 36 injured. The injured have been rushed to hospital.

A foot overbridge at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station collapsed Thursday evening, leaving five people dead and 36 injured. The injured have been rushed to hospital. Mumbai Police said the bridge used to connect CST railway station's platform no. 1 with BT Lane near the Times of India building. Mumbai: A team of NDRF and dog squad also present at the spot where portion of a foot over bridge near CSMT railways station collapsed earlier this evening. 5 people have died, 36 injured. Toll is likely to rise. pic.twitter.com/KxR4uxQ7BC — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × Foot over bridge connecting CST platform 1 north end with B T Lane near Times of India building has collapsed. Injured persons are being shifted to hospitals. Traffic affected. Commuters to use alternate routes. Senior officers are on spot. — Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) March 14, 2019 × A picture from the accident site (see below) showed that a large section of the floor of the bridge had collapsed. #SpotVisuals: Two people died, 23 injured when part of a foot over bridge near CSMT station in Mumbai collapsed earlier this evening. (Pic source: NDRF) pic.twitter.com/LjI1qvRqlE — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × The National Disaster Response Force meanwhile said 10 to 12 people are thought to be trapped under the debris. They added that a team had been rushed to CST railway station. #WATCH Mumbai: A foot over bridge near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station has collapsed. Multiple injuries have been reported. pic.twitter.com/r43zS5eA0l — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × A foot overbridge at another Mumbai railway station had collapsed in September 2017. That collapse, at Mumbai's Elphinstone Road railway station, had left 23 people dead. On Thursday, the news agency ANI quoted the Ministry of Railways as saying the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation was responsible for the foot overbridge at CST. "However, we're extending all our support to the victims. Railway doctors and personnel are cooperating with BMC in relief and rescue operations," the Ministry of Railways added. Maharastra minister Vinod Tawde, who visited the accident site, said "a slab of the bridge had collapsed". He added that the "bridge wasn't in a bad condition". And that "it required minor repairs for which work was underway". "Why was it not closed until the work was completed? It'll also be probed," he said. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he had ordered a "high-level inquiry" into the collapse. "A structural audit of the bridge had earlier been done and it was found to be fit. Even after that if such incident happened, it raises question on the audit. Inquiry will be done. Strictest action will be taken," he said. Tawde meanwhile said an enquiry into the collapse would be conducted by the Railways and the BMC. Raj Purohit, BJP MLA on portion of foot over bridge near CSMT Railway station collapse: It's unfortunate, it shouldn't have happened. Action should be taken against the engineer who gave certificate to this bridge in auditing, he should be arrested. He should be punished. #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/Qzx55j0j7s — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × Fadnavis said an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh would be made to the families of each of the dead, and Rs 50,000 to each of the injured. He added that the state government would provide for their treatment. Mumbai: Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant reaches St George hospital to meet the people injured in the incident where part of a foot over bridge near CSMT railway station collapsed earlier this evening. pic.twitter.com/TdKmG5TXwU — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × Mumbai: Mumbai mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar arrives at St George Hospital to meet the people who were injured in the incident where part of a foot over bridge near CSMT railway station collapsed earlier this evening. pic.twitter.com/RkZxquhL2Z — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile said he was "deeply anguished by the loss of lives". Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the foot overbridge accident in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 14, 2019 × "My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wishing that the injured recover at the earliest. The Maharashtra Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected," he added.

Five dead, 36 injured after foot overbridge collapses at Mumbai's CST railway station

Mumbai's 135-year-old blue synagogue restored

Mumbai based businessman Raphael Samuel is making headlines for planning to sue his parents for giving birth to him. The 27-year-old goes by the fundamentals of anti-natalists who believe it is wrong to bring children into the world because they have to put up with a life of suffering.&nbsp;

Samuel told WION that the thought first came to his mind when he was five.&nbsp;

"The thought came to my mind when I was five. I asked them why did you have me and they had no answer. Then I got the usual answer, "for you to experience life and how beautiful it is," and I didn't believe all of that and then I realised that parents do it only for their pleasure, they do not think of the child. They are getting certain pleasure form the child growing up," Samuel said. &nbsp;

He noted that he thinks that parents are selfish for bringing another life into a world full of suffering just for their pleasure, in a way, they use the child. He added that he has been warned by top court judges for wasting their time, therefore he will need to be very cautious and "perfect" with his legalities.&nbsp;

"It is going to take a while. I have to be very careful as Supreme Court lawyers have warned me that they could fine me for wasting the Court's time, so I have to be very perfect with my legalities. I have started a legal team for this," he said. &nbsp;

Samuel admitted to having a cordial relationship with his parents but is not living with them.&nbsp;

"I'm not living with them currently but we regularly meet for lunch, dinner. Yes, I am very cordial, it is just that I have a simple objection, I did not consent to be here, I didn't want to be here, why did you get me here?" Samuel shared. &nbsp;

"The Right to Life is imposed on me, why should it be imposed on me and even if they have not taken my consent, which they can't, at 18, do I have right to consent? And if I don't consent, what are the options? That's what I want to pursue legally," he concluded.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in a statement, Samuel's mother Kavita Karnad Samuel, who is a lawyer herself, explained her response to the ongoing frenzy after her son made his wish public.

"I must admire my son's temerity to want to take his parents to court knowing both of us are lawyers. And if Raphael could come up with a rational explanation as to how we could have sought his consent to be born, I will accept my fault," she said.

Top legal expert Amit Karkhanis believes that Samuel's plea holds little ground.

"I don’t think any court will accept such a plea. An infant gets rights according to the law of the land only after birth, taking such permission before birth is not possible. No one has any legal rights before birth, so such petition is baseless," he noted.&nbsp;

Mumbai based businessman Raphael Samuel is making headlines for planning to sue his parents for giving birth to him. The 27-year-old goes by the fundamentals of anti-natalists who believe it is wrong to bring children into the world because they have to put up with a life of suffering.

Mumbai based businessman Raphael Samuel is making headlines for planning to sue his parents for giving birth to him. The 27-year-old goes by the fundamentals of anti-natalists who believe it is wrong to bring children into the world because they have to put up with a life of suffering. Samuel told WION that the thought first came to his mind when he was five. "The thought came to my mind when I was five. I asked them why did you have me and they had no answer. Then I got the usual answer, "for you to experience life and how beautiful it is," and I didn't believe all of that and then I realised that parents do it only for their pleasure, they do not think of the child. They are getting certain pleasure form the child growing up," Samuel said. He noted that he thinks that parents are selfish for bringing another life into a world full of suffering just for their pleasure, in a way, they use the child. He added that he has been warned by top court judges for wasting their time, therefore he will need to be very cautious and "perfect" with his legalities. "It is going to take a while. I have to be very careful as Supreme Court lawyers have warned me that they could fine me for wasting the Court's time, so I have to be very perfect with my legalities. I have started a legal team for this," he said. Samuel admitted to having a cordial relationship with his parents but is not living with them. "I'm not living with them currently but we regularly meet for lunch, dinner. Yes, I am very cordial, it is just that I have a simple objection, I did not consent to be here, I didn't want to be here, why did you get me here?" Samuel shared. "The Right to Life is imposed on me, why should it be imposed on me and even if they have not taken my consent, which they can't, at 18, do I have right to consent? And if I don't consent, what are the options? That's what I want to pursue legally," he concluded. Meanwhile, in a statement, Samuel's mother Kavita Karnad Samuel, who is a lawyer herself, explained her response to the ongoing frenzy after her son made his wish public. "I must admire my son's temerity to want to take his parents to court knowing both of us are lawyers. And if Raphael could come up with a rational explanation as to how we could have sought his consent to be born, I will accept my fault," she said. Top legal expert Amit Karkhanis believes that Samuel's plea holds little ground. "I don’t think any court will accept such a plea. An infant gets rights according to the law of the land only after birth, taking such permission before birth is not possible. No one has any legal rights before birth, so such petition is baseless," he noted.

'I don't wish to be here,' says Mumbai boy who plans to sue parents for giving him birth 

Nothing is permanent in Indian politics. Right after a triple victory in Assembly elections, Congress lost Jind in Haryana and Mausam Noor shifted her loyalty to TMC from Congress in West Bengal.&nbsp;

In this context, what has happened in Mumbai is also not a small development. It has brought out fissures in the party in open before the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Senior leaders have addressed internal issues in public drawing strong attention of the ruling dispensation to the state of affairs within the Congress. 
&nbsp; 
Today, Mumbai Congress stands split wide open over the issue of leadership and choice of candidates. Ticket distribution has dominated the reportage but the real reason for the tiff lies elsewhere. The fight also brings out the tussle between who started their political career from Congress and those who joined after having a career in regional parties.&nbsp;

In this case, for Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam - Shiv Sena will always remain a baggage. 
&nbsp; 
A lot of local leaders within the Congress feel that Mumbai Congress is on the verge of becoming a casualty of identity politics. Mumbai’s electorate is primarily divided among Marathi, Gujarati and people from North India.&nbsp;

Leaders like Milind Deora feel that aggressive polarisation between communities has upset Gujarati and Marathi communities in Mumbai. Some local politicians believe that aggressive identity politics done by past party presidents like Kripashankar Singh, Janardan Chandurkar and present chief by Sanjay Nirupam have alienated the Gujarati and Marathi votes from the Congress. This section feels that strong identity politics is Shiv Sena's domain and Congress should not walk the same path as it is a&nbsp;recipient of votes from&nbsp;broad section of the society. 
&nbsp; 
Many leaders in Congress admit that aggressive politics on identity is a departure from the politics of the earlier era. Rajni Patel was a Gujarati who could manage a broad spectrum of communities for the Congress. Murli Deora was a Marwari who stayed as Mumbai Congress president for 22 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gurudas Kamat was a Kannadiga but avoided hard identity politics. The view is that hard identity politics is Shiv Sena’s domain and Congress would not fetch political results if it tries to walk the same route.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On the other hand, the detractors argue that Marathi votes would get divided between all the parties in the fray in Mumbai, and Gujarati votes are, anyways, predisposed towards Prime minister Narendra Modi, and hence, the strategy to go after the North Indian votes is a good one.&nbsp;

But all these perspectives instead of being discussed behind close room are being debated in public. 
&nbsp; 
Subsequently, the squabble has found expression in ticket distribution in Mumbai. Who gets which seat is a big question. Whether Sanjay Nirupam should get Mumbai North West or Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi or Kripa Shankar Singh is a matter of debate.&nbsp;

Whether Sanjay Nirupam should be replaced and Milind Deora be made the Mumbai Congress chief is again a matter of&nbsp;strategy. 
&nbsp; 
But if Congress does not put its own house in order then it would be in no position to fight BJP-Shiv Sena combine in Maharashtra. It should worry the Congress leadership in Delhi. When Congress beat BJP in 2009 Lok Sabha elections, it did very well in both Mumbai and Delhi. Both cities represent a cosmopolitan idea of India and unfortunately, the party lies in a disarray.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Nothing is permanent in Indian politics. Right after a triple victory in Assembly elections, Congress lost Jind in Haryana and Mausam Noor shifted her loyalty to TMC from Congress in West Bengal.

Nothing is permanent in Indian politics. Right after a triple victory in Assembly elections, Congress lost Jind in Haryana and Mausam Noor shifted her loyalty to TMC from Congress in West Bengal. In this context, what has happened in Mumbai is also not a small development. It has brought out fissures in the party in open before the Lok Sabha elections. Senior leaders have addressed internal issues in public drawing strong attention of the ruling dispensation to the state of affairs within the Congress. Today, Mumbai Congress stands split wide open over the issue of leadership and choice of candidates. Ticket distribution has dominated the reportage but the real reason for the tiff lies elsewhere. The fight also brings out the tussle between who started their political career from Congress and those who joined after having a career in regional parties. In this case, for Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam - Shiv Sena will always remain a baggage. A lot of local leaders within the Congress feel that Mumbai Congress is on the verge of becoming a casualty of identity politics. Mumbai’s electorate is primarily divided among Marathi, Gujarati and people from North India. Leaders like Milind Deora feel that aggressive polarisation between communities has upset Gujarati and Marathi communities in Mumbai. Some local politicians believe that aggressive identity politics done by past party presidents like Kripashankar Singh, Janardan Chandurkar and present chief by Sanjay Nirupam have alienated the Gujarati and Marathi votes from the Congress. This section feels that strong identity politics is Shiv Sena's domain and Congress should not walk the same path as it is a recipient of votes from broad section of the society. Many leaders in Congress admit that aggressive politics on identity is a departure from the politics of the earlier era. Rajni Patel was a Gujarati who could manage a broad spectrum of communities for the Congress. Murli Deora was a Marwari who stayed as Mumbai Congress president for 22 years. Gurudas Kamat was a Kannadiga but avoided hard identity politics. The view is that hard identity politics is Shiv Sena’s domain and Congress would not fetch political results if it tries to walk the same route. On the other hand, the detractors argue that Marathi votes would get divided between all the parties in the fray in Mumbai, and Gujarati votes are, anyways, predisposed towards Prime minister Narendra Modi, and hence, the strategy to go after the North Indian votes is a good one. But all these perspectives instead of being discussed behind close room are being debated in public. Subsequently, the squabble has found expression in ticket distribution in Mumbai. Who gets which seat is a big question. Whether Sanjay Nirupam should get Mumbai North West or Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi or Kripa Shankar Singh is a matter of debate. Whether Sanjay Nirupam should be replaced and Milind Deora be made the Mumbai Congress chief is again a matter of strategy. But if Congress does not put its own house in order then it would be in no position to fight BJP-Shiv Sena combine in Maharashtra. It should worry the Congress leadership in Delhi. When Congress beat BJP in 2009 Lok Sabha elections, it did very well in both Mumbai and Delhi. Both cities represent a cosmopolitan idea of India and unfortunately, the party lies in a disarray. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Congress's Mumbai blues: Locals vs outsiders at heart of the debate

A molestation case has been filed against popular dancer&nbsp;Salman Yusuff Khan on January 30 at the Oshiwara Police Station.

The victim, a dancer herself, alleged that Salman, along with his brother, tried to behave inappropriately with her on two separate occasions.

According to the FIR filed, the victim was approached by the dancer`s manager while she was in London for work in August 2018.&nbsp;

Subsequently, she met Salman at a coffee shop in Oshiwara Andheri, where he offered her an opportunity to perform in Bollywood Park, Dubai with him.

The victim claimed that Salman "touched her inappropriately" on the day she was offered the opportunity after he offered to drop her home.&nbsp;

When she objected to Salman`s behaviour, the dancer, she said, claimed that such things happened in Bollywood.

The FIR filed by the victim further goes on to add that following the incident, she got a call from the dancer`s manager regarding the work and left for Dubai on August 20, along with her dance group.

The victim alleges that, while in Dubai, Salman asked her, on August 30, to accompany him to Bollywood park resort in Bahrain, for another show.

As soon as they reached the airport, Salman allegedly introduced her to his cousin brother, who, along with Salman, allegedly touched her inappropriately on their journey back to Dubai via car on November 3.

The victim alleged that Salman and his team harassed her and her troupe for days after the incident, and even threatened her with dire consequences.&nbsp;

He allegedly forcefully made them terminate their contracts and on November 10 sent her and her troupe flight tickets back to Mumbai when they refused to budge.

These incidents of harassment prompted the victim to file a case against the dancer and his brother.

Notably, Salman, who rose to fame for his participation in popular reality shows, has also had subsequent stints in Bollywood. &nbsp;

A molestation case has been filed against popular dancer Salman Yusuff Khan on January 30 at the Oshiwara Police Station. The victim, a dancer herself, alleged that Salman, along with his brother, tried to behave inappropriately with her on two separate occasions.

A molestation case has been filed against popular dancer Salman Yusuff Khan on January 30 at the Oshiwara Police Station. The victim, a dancer herself, alleged that Salman, along with his brother, tried to behave inappropriately with her on two separate occasions. According to the FIR filed, the victim was approached by the dancer`s manager while she was in London for work in August 2018. Subsequently, she met Salman at a coffee shop in Oshiwara Andheri, where he offered her an opportunity to perform in Bollywood Park, Dubai with him. The victim claimed that Salman "touched her inappropriately" on the day she was offered the opportunity after he offered to drop her home. When she objected to Salman`s behaviour, the dancer, she said, claimed that such things happened in Bollywood. The FIR filed by the victim further goes on to add that following the incident, she got a call from the dancer`s manager regarding the work and left for Dubai on August 20, along with her dance group. The victim alleges that, while in Dubai, Salman asked her, on August 30, to accompany him to Bollywood park resort in Bahrain, for another show. As soon as they reached the airport, Salman allegedly introduced her to his cousin brother, who, along with Salman, allegedly touched her inappropriately on their journey back to Dubai via car on November 3. The victim alleged that Salman and his team harassed her and her troupe for days after the incident, and even threatened her with dire consequences. He allegedly forcefully made them terminate their contracts and on November 10 sent her and her troupe flight tickets back to Mumbai when they refused to budge. These incidents of harassment prompted the victim to file a case against the dancer and his brother. Notably, Salman, who rose to fame for his participation in popular reality shows, has also had subsequent stints in Bollywood.

Molestation case filed against dancer Salman Yusuff Khan

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui on Wednesday described Mumbai as a "city of dreams" that has helped several outsiders like him pen their success stories.

The Uttar Pradesh born actor's next release is 'Thackeray', a biopic on Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray who advocated the 'Maharashtra for Maharashtrians' plank in the late 1960s.

The actor, who has done the pendulum shift from playing progressive Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto to enacting the role of Thackeray, dismissed fears of belonging to a Hindi speaking northern state and living in Mumbai and said the city welcomed everyone with open arms.

"I think Mumbai is a place which has the maximum number of outsiders. I am also an outsider there. Lakhs and thousands of people have realised their dreams in that city... Whoever has come there from the outside -- someone is a superstar, a writer, a singer. They have become someone or the other," Nawazuddin told reporters here.

Not so long ago, in the years before he became a star, the actor from Budhana village in Muzaffarnagar reportedly could not act in the local Ram Lila because of his minority status following objections from the local Shiv Sena unit. But Mumbai dispelled many of his fears.&nbsp;

"If this zehniyat (mindset) had been prevalent in the city, all these things would not have been possible. I came out of a small village in UP and went there and saw dreams. No other place would have helped me make my dreams come true. And it happened in a bindas (carefree) manner. The kind of narrow-minded thinking that we harbour about Mumbai, it doesn't exist in the city," he said.&nbsp;

Nawazuddin's casting as Thackeray raised a lot of eyebrows but the actor said he has 'full freedom' to pick or reject any role.

"Since 1991, I have only thought about becoming an actor day and night. Whenever I get a role like this, I feel happy that some of the hard work that I have done in the past 25 years will be executed.&nbsp;

"I will do whatever role I want to do. I enjoy doing challenging roles. I like to be pushed outside my comfort zone. Experiment as much as possible, there is only one life to live," he said.

However, the actor said he draws a line at doing some kinds of films and, stretching his arms in a gesture reminiscent of Shah Rukh Khan, said there are some roles he cannot do. The two actors had starred together in the 2017 film 'Raees'.

Every character he plays has an effect on his personal life, Nawazuddin said.&nbsp;

He said his mother was overjoyed when she found out that he was playing the title role of Thackeray in the biopic.&nbsp;

"Her happiness is my happiness. That's it," he added.

If things were in his control, he would only do romantic films, he joked.&nbsp;

"I love doing romance. But Anurag Kashyap has spoiled me. He always puts a gun in my hand. My upcoming films 'Roam Rome Mein', 'Photograph' and 'Motichoor' are all romantic and I had a lot of fun working in these," he said.

As a National School of Drama graduate, Nawazuddin has a special connection with the capital.

Asked if he would like to go back to plays, the actor said he is currently enjoying his time at the movies.

"As of now, I'm very happy doing films. If I reach a saturation point, I'll definitely head back to theatre. It is has given me a lot," he said.

Also present at the event were actor Amrita Rao, senior Shiv Sena leader and producer-writer Sanjay Raut and co-producer Urvashi Raut.&nbsp;

'Thackeray' is set to clash with 'Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi' this Friday. &nbsp;

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui on Wednesday described Mumbai as a "city of dreams" that has helped several outsiders like him pen their success stories. The Uttar Pradesh born actor's next release is 'Thackeray', a biopic on Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray who advocated the 'Maharashtra for Maharashtrians' plank in the late 1960s.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui on Wednesday described Mumbai as a "city of dreams" that has helped several outsiders like him pen their success stories. The Uttar Pradesh born actor's next release is 'Thackeray', a biopic on Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray who advocated the 'Maharashtra for Maharashtrians' plank in the late 1960s. The actor, who has done the pendulum shift from playing progressive Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto to enacting the role of Thackeray, dismissed fears of belonging to a Hindi speaking northern state and living in Mumbai and said the city welcomed everyone with open arms. "I think Mumbai is a place which has the maximum number of outsiders. I am also an outsider there. Lakhs and thousands of people have realised their dreams in that city... Whoever has come there from the outside -- someone is a superstar, a writer, a singer. They have become someone or the other," Nawazuddin told reporters here. Not so long ago, in the years before he became a star, the actor from Budhana village in Muzaffarnagar reportedly could not act in the local Ram Lila because of his minority status following objections from the local Shiv Sena unit. But Mumbai dispelled many of his fears. "If this zehniyat (mindset) had been prevalent in the city, all these things would not have been possible. I came out of a small village in UP and went there and saw dreams. No other place would have helped me make my dreams come true. And it happened in a bindas (carefree) manner. The kind of narrow-minded thinking that we harbour about Mumbai, it doesn't exist in the city," he said. Nawazuddin's casting as Thackeray raised a lot of eyebrows but the actor said he has 'full freedom' to pick or reject any role. "Since 1991, I have only thought about becoming an actor day and night. Whenever I get a role like this, I feel happy that some of the hard work that I have done in the past 25 years will be executed. "I will do whatever role I want to do. I enjoy doing challenging roles. I like to be pushed outside my comfort zone. Experiment as much as possible, there is only one life to live," he said. However, the actor said he draws a line at doing some kinds of films and, stretching his arms in a gesture reminiscent of Shah Rukh Khan, said there are some roles he cannot do. The two actors had starred together in the 2017 film 'Raees'. Every character he plays has an effect on his personal life, Nawazuddin said. He said his mother was overjoyed when she found out that he was playing the title role of Thackeray in the biopic. "Her happiness is my happiness. That's it," he added. If things were in his control, he would only do romantic films, he joked. "I love doing romance. But Anurag Kashyap has spoiled me. He always puts a gun in my hand. My upcoming films 'Roam Rome Mein', 'Photograph' and 'Motichoor' are all romantic and I had a lot of fun working in these," he said. As a National School of Drama graduate, Nawazuddin has a special connection with the capital. Asked if he would like to go back to plays, the actor said he is currently enjoying his time at the movies. "As of now, I'm very happy doing films. If I reach a saturation point, I'll definitely head back to theatre. It is has given me a lot," he said. Also present at the event were actor Amrita Rao, senior Shiv Sena leader and producer-writer Sanjay Raut and co-producer Urvashi Raut. 'Thackeray' is set to clash with 'Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi' this Friday.

Mumbai only city in world that makes dreams come true: Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Petrol prices on Sunday in the national capital and in Mumbai rose by Rs 0.23 at Rs 70.95 per litre and Rs 76.58 respectively.&nbsp;

Diesel, on the other hand, was selling for Rs 65.45 per litre - up by Rs 0.29 - in Delhi. A litre of diesel is selling for Rs 68.53, up by Rs. 0.31, in Mumbai.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fresh-hike-in-fuel-prices-on-saturday-191380">Fuel prices witnessed a fresh hike on Saturday</a>, adding to commuters' woes.

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Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 70.95/litre (increase by Rs 0.23) &amp; Rs 65.45/litre (increase by Rs. 0.29), respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 76.58/litre (increase by Rs. 0.23) &amp; Rs 68.53/litre (increase by Rs. 0.31), respectively in Mumbai. <a href="https://t.co/qra9C6i9wQ">pic.twitter.com/qra9C6i9wQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1086810260915011585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In New Delhi, petrol was being sold 17 paise higher at Rs 70.72/litre, and diesel at Rs 65.16/litre after a 19 paise hike.

Also, petrol was retailing at Rs 76.35/litre (increased by 17 paise) and diesel at Rs. 68.22/litre (increased by 20 paise) in Mumbai on Saturday.

The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Petrol prices on Sunday in the national capital and in Mumbai rose by Rs 0.23 at Rs 70.95 per litre and Rs 76.58 respectively. Diesel, on the other hand, was selling for Rs 65.

Petrol prices on Sunday in the national capital and in Mumbai rose by Rs 0.23 at Rs 70.95 per litre and Rs 76.58 respectively. Diesel, on the other hand, was selling for Rs 65.45 per litre - up by Rs 0.29 - in Delhi. A litre of diesel is selling for Rs 68.53, up by Rs. 0.31, in Mumbai. Fuel prices witnessed a fresh hike on Saturday, adding to commuters' woes. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 70.95/litre (increase by Rs 0.23) & Rs 65.45/litre (increase by Rs. 0.29), respectively in Delhi. Petrol and diesel prices at Rs 76.58/litre (increase by Rs. 0.23) & Rs 68.53/litre (increase by Rs. 0.31), respectively in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/qra9C6i9wQ — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2019 × In New Delhi, petrol was being sold 17 paise higher at Rs 70.72/litre, and diesel at Rs 65.16/litre after a 19 paise hike. Also, petrol was retailing at Rs 76.35/litre (increased by 17 paise) and diesel at Rs. 68.22/litre (increased by 20 paise) in Mumbai on Saturday. The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future. (With inputs from ANI)

Fuel prices continue to rise, petrol up by 23 paise in Delhi, Mumbai

Fuel prices witnessed a fresh hike on Saturday, adding to commuters' woes.

In New Delhi, petrol is being sold 17 paise higher at Rs 70.72/litre, and diesel at Rs 65.16/litre after a 19 paise hike.

Also, petrol is retailing at Rs 76.35/litre (increased by 17 paise) and diesel at Rs. 68.22/litre (increased by 20 paise) in Mumbai.

The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future.

In New Delhi, petrol is being sold 17 paise higher at Rs 70.72/litre, and diesel at Rs 65.16/litre after a 19 paise hike.

Fuel prices witnessed a fresh hike on Saturday, adding to commuters' woes. In New Delhi, petrol is being sold 17 paise higher at Rs 70.72/litre, and diesel at Rs 65.16/litre after a 19 paise hike. Also, petrol is retailing at Rs 76.35/litre (increased by 17 paise) and diesel at Rs. 68.22/litre (increased by 20 paise) in Mumbai. The rise in prices comes amidst the revision of global crude oil prices owing to a possible stifling of supply in the near future.

Fresh hike in fuel prices, petrol rises by 17 paise in Delhi, Mumbai

Commuters in Mumbai continued to suffer as the BEST bus strike entered the ninth day on Wednesday with the workers' union rejecting the management's '10-step increment' proposal to end the stalemate.

All eyes will now be on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/best-strike-bombay-high-court-seeks-response-from-all-parties-190544">Bombay High Court </a>which is hearing the case related to the strike, the longest such protest in the history of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST).

Over 32,000 BEST employees have been on strike since January 8 over their various demands, including pay hike, revision of pay grade for junior level employees, and merger of loss-making BEST's budget with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The HC had on Tuesday directed the BEST workers' union to take a final decision on the withdrawal of its ongoing strike and inform the court on Wednesday.

The direction came after the BEST told the court that it was willing to implement the redressal measure suggested by the state government's high-powered committee on granting an interim pay hike to its employees.

The high-powered committee, headed by chief secretary, has recommended, among other things, that subject to the strike being called off, as an interim measure, workers be granted a '10-step increase' in salary for about 15,000 employees in a time-bound manner.

However, BEST workers' union leader Shashank Rao rejected the proposal on Tuesday.

The union was adamant on its demand of merging BEST's budget with that of its parent body BMC.

A senior BEST official said the government was seriously considering the demand.

"The high-powered committee is giving a serious thought to merge both the budgets. A decision on this is likely to come soon," an official said.

Meanwhile, commuters continued to face hardships due to the strike, even as the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) deployed its buses to minimise their woes.

A BEST driver apologised to commuters for the inconvenience, but also appealed them to understand the problems faced by the bus employees.

"We have been financially distressed since the last few years. We had no option but to resort to this (strike). But we are hopeful that this will end," he said. 
Some commuters also took to social media to express their anger.

"Palpable anger among daily bus commuters against BEST union &amp; their ongoing strike. Common sentiment - quit the job if you are not happy with the wages/terms (coming from daily wage earners and lowmiddle-classass commuters). Overheard inside NMMT bus which have stepped up service," a harried commuter wrote on Twitter.

The state government had last week invoked the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) against the striking employees.

But, it has so far not taken any stringent action except for sending them notices to evict the houses provided to them by the undertaking.

The BEST has a fleet of over 3,200 buses which criss-cross the metropolis and also operate services in the neighbouring Thane district and Navi Mumbai. 
It is the second-biggest mode of transport in Mumbai after local trains, which ferry over 80 lakh passengers every day.

Commuters in Mumbai continued to suffer as the BEST bus strike entered the ninth day on Wednesday with the workers' union rejecting the management's '10-step increment' proposal to end the stalemate.

Commuters in Mumbai continued to suffer as the BEST bus strike entered the ninth day on Wednesday with the workers' union rejecting the management's '10-step increment' proposal to end the stalemate. All eyes will now be on the Bombay High Court which is hearing the case related to the strike, the longest such protest in the history of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST). Over 32,000 BEST employees have been on strike since January 8 over their various demands, including pay hike, revision of pay grade for junior level employees, and merger of loss-making BEST's budget with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The HC had on Tuesday directed the BEST workers' union to take a final decision on the withdrawal of its ongoing strike and inform the court on Wednesday. The direction came after the BEST told the court that it was willing to implement the redressal measure suggested by the state government's high-powered committee on granting an interim pay hike to its employees. The high-powered committee, headed by chief secretary, has recommended, among other things, that subject to the strike being called off, as an interim measure, workers be granted a '10-step increase' in salary for about 15,000 employees in a time-bound manner. However, BEST workers' union leader Shashank Rao rejected the proposal on Tuesday. The union was adamant on its demand of merging BEST's budget with that of its parent body BMC. A senior BEST official said the government was seriously considering the demand. "The high-powered committee is giving a serious thought to merge both the budgets. A decision on this is likely to come soon," an official said. Meanwhile, commuters continued to face hardships due to the strike, even as the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) deployed its buses to minimise their woes. A BEST driver apologised to commuters for the inconvenience, but also appealed them to understand the problems faced by the bus employees. "We have been financially distressed since the last few years. We had no option but to resort to this (strike). But we are hopeful that this will end," he said. Some commuters also took to social media to express their anger. "Palpable anger among daily bus commuters against BEST union & their ongoing strike. Common sentiment - quit the job if you are not happy with the wages/terms (coming from daily wage earners and lowmiddle-classass commuters). Overheard inside NMMT bus which have stepped up service," a harried commuter wrote on Twitter. The state government had last week invoked the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) against the striking employees. But, it has so far not taken any stringent action except for sending them notices to evict the houses provided to them by the undertaking. The BEST has a fleet of over 3,200 buses which criss-cross the metropolis and also operate services in the neighbouring Thane district and Navi Mumbai. It is the second-biggest mode of transport in Mumbai after local trains, which ferry over 80 lakh passengers every day.

No end to commuter woes as BEST bus strike in Mumbai continues

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday sought a&nbsp;response from all the parties in connection with the ongoing indefinite strike by BEST employees here.

The high court asked all the parties to decide about the ongoing BEST strike till 11 am on Wednesday and inform the court about their decision.

The lawyer representing BEST also said that BEST is ready to give 10 step increments to employees which will be implemented from February 2019.

Mumbai's civic transport, comprising a workforce of 32,000 people, has been demanding the merger of BEST budget with 'A'&nbsp;budget of BMC.

They are also seeking resolution of the issue of employee service residences and recruitment. When the talks with the authorities failed, the employees resorted to the strike.

In the wake of the ongoing strike, locals in Mumbai are forced to bear the brunt of higher fares as they now have to opt for a private taxi or an auto-rickshaw to commute.

Moreover, rides to busy areas such as Churchgate, Lower Parel, BKC, Andheri, and Goregaon are costing more than the rest of the places.

BEST, the lifeline of Mumbai has a fleet size of as many as 3,200 buses. It the second largest transport system in the metropolis after local trains which ferry more than 70 lakh commuters on a daily basis.

 
&nbsp;

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday sought a response from all the parties in connection with the ongoing indefinite strike by BEST employees here. The high court asked all the parties to decide about the ongoing BEST strike till 11 am on Wednesday and inform the court about their decision.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday sought a response from all the parties in connection with the ongoing indefinite strike by BEST employees here. The high court asked all the parties to decide about the ongoing BEST strike till 11 am on Wednesday and inform the court about their decision. The lawyer representing BEST also said that BEST is ready to give 10 step increments to employees which will be implemented from February 2019. Mumbai's civic transport, comprising a workforce of 32,000 people, has been demanding the merger of BEST budget with 'A' budget of BMC. They are also seeking resolution of the issue of employee service residences and recruitment. When the talks with the authorities failed, the employees resorted to the strike. In the wake of the ongoing strike, locals in Mumbai are forced to bear the brunt of higher fares as they now have to opt for a private taxi or an auto-rickshaw to commute. Moreover, rides to busy areas such as Churchgate, Lower Parel, BKC, Andheri, and Goregaon are costing more than the rest of the places. BEST, the lifeline of Mumbai has a fleet size of as many as 3,200 buses. It the second largest transport system in the metropolis after local trains which ferry more than 70 lakh commuters on a daily basis.

BEST strike: Bombay High Court seeks response from all parties

India's air passenger traffic is expected to grow six-fold to 1.1 billion and the number of operational airports increases to around 200 in 2040, according to Ministry of Civil Aviation's vision document released Tuesday.

India was the seventh largest aviation market with 187 million passengers — travelling to, from and within India — in the financial year 2017-18.

The 'Vision 2040 for the Civil Aviation Industry in India' document released at a summit here also said that the country would have its own aircraft leasing industry, with tax structure and repossession processes" being "equally or more attractive than those in leading global jurisdictions".

"The passenger traffic is expected to grow six-fold to around 1.1 billion.&nbsp; 
India has one of the largest aircraft order books currently with pending deliveries of over 1,000 aircraft," the document from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said.

The fleet of commercial planes is likely to rise to 2,359 in March 2040 from 622 in March 2018.

"India may have around 190-200 operational airports in 2040. Its top 31 cities may have two airports, and the cities of Delhi and Mumbai three each.

"The incremental land requirement is expected to be around 1,50,000 acre and the capital investment (not including the cost of acquiring land) is expected to be around $ 40-50 billion," the document said.

As per the document, the government may consider establishing a Nabh Nirman Fund (NNF) with a starting corpus of around $2 billion to support low traffic airports in their initial phases.

The concept of land pooling may be used to keep land acquisition costs low and to provide landowners with high value developed plots in the vicinity of the airport, it added.

India was the seventh largest aviation market with 187 million passengers — travelling to, from and within India — in the financial year 2017-18.

India's air passenger traffic is expected to grow six-fold to 1.1 billion and the number of operational airports increases to around 200 in 2040, according to Ministry of Civil Aviation's vision document released Tuesday. India was the seventh largest aviation market with 187 million passengers — travelling to, from and within India — in the financial year 2017-18. The 'Vision 2040 for the Civil Aviation Industry in India' document released at a summit here also said that the country would have its own aircraft leasing industry, with tax structure and repossession processes" being "equally or more attractive than those in leading global jurisdictions". "The passenger traffic is expected to grow six-fold to around 1.1 billion. India has one of the largest aircraft order books currently with pending deliveries of over 1,000 aircraft," the document from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said. The fleet of commercial planes is likely to rise to 2,359 in March 2040 from 622 in March 2018. "India may have around 190-200 operational airports in 2040. Its top 31 cities may have two airports, and the cities of Delhi and Mumbai three each. "The incremental land requirement is expected to be around 1,50,000 acre and the capital investment (not including the cost of acquiring land) is expected to be around $ 40-50 billion," the document said. As per the document, the government may consider establishing a Nabh Nirman Fund (NNF) with a starting corpus of around $2 billion to support low traffic airports in their initial phases. The concept of land pooling may be used to keep land acquisition costs low and to provide landowners with high value developed plots in the vicinity of the airport, it added.

India's air passenger traffic to touch 1.1 billion in 2040: Civil Aviation Ministry

City-based Khar Gymkhana has revoked all-rounder Hardik Pandya's honorary membership of the club.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-kl-rahul-out-from-1st-odi-amid-recommendation-of-suspension-189599">The cricketer, along with opener KL Rahul, was earlier suspended pending</a> an inquiry by the BCCI for making sexist comments on a television show.

"The three-year honorary membership was given to Hardik Pandya in October 2018. But the club's Managing Committee Monday evening decided to revoke the membership," Khar Gymkhana's honorary general secretary Gaurav Kapadia told PTI.

Kapadia informed that such honorary memberships were given to sportspersons by the club.

Another club official said the committee took up the issue following the backlash over the comments. Khar Gymkhana is one of the better-known clubs in Mumbai.

A <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-issues-showcause-notice-against-hardik-pandya-k-l-rahul-for-comments-on-women-in-tv-show-189173">BCCI official had Monday </a>said the two suspended cricketers had tendered apologies.

Pandya and Rahul, during an appearance on the 'Koffee with Karan' show, spoke about hookups with multiple women and being casual about it even with their parents.&nbsp;

City-based Khar Gymkhana has revoked all-rounder Hardik Pandya's honorary membership of the club. The cricketer, along with opener KL Rahul, was earlier suspended pending an inquiry by the BCCI for making sexist comments on a television show.

City-based Khar Gymkhana has revoked all-rounder Hardik Pandya's honorary membership of the club. The cricketer, along with opener KL Rahul, was earlier suspended pending an inquiry by the BCCI for making sexist comments on a television show. "The three-year honorary membership was given to Hardik Pandya in October 2018. But the club's Managing Committee Monday evening decided to revoke the membership," Khar Gymkhana's honorary general secretary Gaurav Kapadia told PTI. Kapadia informed that such honorary memberships were given to sportspersons by the club. Another club official said the committee took up the issue following the backlash over the comments. Khar Gymkhana is one of the better-known clubs in Mumbai. A BCCI official had Monday said the two suspended cricketers had tendered apologies. Pandya and Rahul, during an appearance on the 'Koffee with Karan' show, spoke about hookups with multiple women and being casual about it even with their parents.

Hardik Pandya loses Mumbai's Khar Gymkhana membership over his sexist comments on TV show

The indefinite strike by employees of the city's civic transport undertaking Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) will continue Friday, as talks between union leaders and officials remained inconclusive.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, whose party controls the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), met the BEST union leaders in the presence of Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta and the BEST commissioner Surendra Kumar Bagde at the Mayor's bungalow Thursday.

The negotiations went on for nearly seven hours but failed to break the deadlock.

"The officials have refused to relent on our demands to merge the budget of BEST with that of the BMC. Therefore, the strike will continue. They did not agree to even give us a written assurance about our other demands," BEST Workers Union president Shashank Rao told reporters after the meeting.

He added that while Thackeray tried to find a middle ground, he did not succeed.

The Union has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and demanded a written assurance on its demands, Rao said.

"This strike was called by workers. In the absence of definite assurance, what will we tell them?" said Rao.

Nearly 32,000 BEST employees are on indefinite strike since Tuesday over various demands, including higher salaries and merger of budgets. While the BMC is the richest municipal body in the country, BEST is a loss-making undertaking.

Not a single BEST bus plied on Mumbai roads since morning, an official said.

Commuters complained that auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers were charging much more than normal rates.

A PIL was filed in the Bombay High Court Thursday seeking a direction to BEST workers to end the strike. The court will be hearing it Friday.

The BEST has a fleet of over 3,200 buses, which criss-cross the metropolis and also operate services in the neighbouring Thane district and Navi Mumbai. It is the second-biggest mode of transport in Mumbai after the local trains.&nbsp;

The indefinite strike by employees of the city's civic transport undertaking Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) will continue Friday, as talks between union leaders and officials remained inconclusive.

The indefinite strike by employees of the city's civic transport undertaking Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) will continue Friday, as talks between union leaders and officials remained inconclusive. Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, whose party controls the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), met the BEST union leaders in the presence of Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta and the BEST commissioner Surendra Kumar Bagde at the Mayor's bungalow Thursday. The negotiations went on for nearly seven hours but failed to break the deadlock. "The officials have refused to relent on our demands to merge the budget of BEST with that of the BMC. Therefore, the strike will continue. They did not agree to even give us a written assurance about our other demands," BEST Workers Union president Shashank Rao told reporters after the meeting. He added that while Thackeray tried to find a middle ground, he did not succeed. The Union has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and demanded a written assurance on its demands, Rao said. "This strike was called by workers. In the absence of definite assurance, what will we tell them?" said Rao. Nearly 32,000 BEST employees are on indefinite strike since Tuesday over various demands, including higher salaries and merger of budgets. While the BMC is the richest municipal body in the country, BEST is a loss-making undertaking. Not a single BEST bus plied on Mumbai roads since morning, an official said. Commuters complained that auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers were charging much more than normal rates. A PIL was filed in the Bombay High Court Thursday seeking a direction to BEST workers to end the strike. The court will be hearing it Friday. The BEST has a fleet of over 3,200 buses, which criss-cross the metropolis and also operate services in the neighbouring Thane district and Navi Mumbai. It is the second-biggest mode of transport in Mumbai after the local trains.

Mumbai: BEST indefinite strike to continues

Over 33,000 employees of Mumbai's civic transport undertaking BEST went on an indefinite strike since midnight over their demands, including higher wages, paralysing bus services and causing inconvenience to nearly 25-lakh daily commuters.

Responding to a call given by their union leaders, the agitating staff did not take out any bus from all 27 depots on Tuesday, even as the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) administration and an industrial court declared the strike as "illegal".

The BEST has a fleet of over 3,200-red-colour buses which criss-cross the metropolis and also operate services in the neighbouring Thane district and Navi Mumbai. It is the second-biggest mode of transport in Mumbai after local trains, which ferry over 80-lakh passengers every day.

The employees are demanding higher salaries, merging budget of the loss-making BEST with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), deliberations on new wage agreement, resuming appointments on compassionate grounds and bonus equivalent to that of the civic body employees.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a>: BEST (Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport) have begun an indefinite strike from Monday midnight, over the demands of implementation of the merger of the BEST budget with principal budget of the BMC, employee service residences and recruitment among others.. <a href="https://t.co/DgPprAHGkM">pic.twitter.com/DgPprAHGkM</a>
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With its employees having gone on strike, the cash-strapped BEST is likely to face a loss of Rs 3 crore per day, a source said.

Shashank Rao, leader of the BEST Workers' Union, which has called the strike, alleged that the transport body's administration showed a lackadaisical approach in resolving the stalemate and that the employees had no option but to go on strike.

An industrial court had on Monday declared the strike as illegal and restrained the labour unions and BEST staffers from going ahead with their protest. But, Rao said they had not received the copy of the court order till they went on strike.

Meanwhile, some commuters opposed the strike, saying it was always the passengers who bore the brunt of the feud between the BEST administration and its employees.

"Why torture innocent passengers? What wrong have we done to BEST employees and their management?" asked Anita Nayak, a Ghatkopar resident who commutes by bus everyday to go for work in suburban Mulund.

The Amchi Mumbai-Amchi Best (AMAB), an independent forum of public transport enthusiasts, took a neutral stand and said the matter should be resolved as soon as possible.

"No doubt commuters are going to face hardships, but it is also true that the BEST workers have also been not paid enough. No harm if BEST is merged with the BMC," a member of the forum said.

Meanwhile, the BEST management has issued internal circulars, warning employees of stringent action if they participated in the strike. It has also threatened to invoke the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) against them.&nbsp;

Over 33,000 employees of Mumbai's civic transport undertaking BEST went on an indefinite strike since midnight over their demands, including higher wages, paralysing bus services and causing inconvenience to nearly 25-lakh daily commuters.

Over 33,000 employees of Mumbai's civic transport undertaking BEST went on an indefinite strike since midnight over their demands, including higher wages, paralysing bus services and causing inconvenience to nearly 25-lakh daily commuters. Responding to a call given by their union leaders, the agitating staff did not take out any bus from all 27 depots on Tuesday, even as the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) administration and an industrial court declared the strike as "illegal". The BEST has a fleet of over 3,200-red-colour buses which criss-cross the metropolis and also operate services in the neighbouring Thane district and Navi Mumbai. It is the second-biggest mode of transport in Mumbai after local trains, which ferry over 80-lakh passengers every day. The employees are demanding higher salaries, merging budget of the loss-making BEST with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), deliberations on new wage agreement, resuming appointments on compassionate grounds and bonus equivalent to that of the civic body employees. #Mumbai: BEST (Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport) have begun an indefinite strike from Monday midnight, over the demands of implementation of the merger of the BEST budget with principal budget of the BMC, employee service residences and recruitment among others.. pic.twitter.com/DgPprAHGkM — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019 × With its employees having gone on strike, the cash-strapped BEST is likely to face a loss of Rs 3 crore per day, a source said. Shashank Rao, leader of the BEST Workers' Union, which has called the strike, alleged that the transport body's administration showed a lackadaisical approach in resolving the stalemate and that the employees had no option but to go on strike. An industrial court had on Monday declared the strike as illegal and restrained the labour unions and BEST staffers from going ahead with their protest. But, Rao said they had not received the copy of the court order till they went on strike. Meanwhile, some commuters opposed the strike, saying it was always the passengers who bore the brunt of the feud between the BEST administration and its employees. "Why torture innocent passengers? What wrong have we done to BEST employees and their management?" asked Anita Nayak, a Ghatkopar resident who commutes by bus everyday to go for work in suburban Mulund. The Amchi Mumbai-Amchi Best (AMAB), an independent forum of public transport enthusiasts, took a neutral stand and said the matter should be resolved as soon as possible. "No doubt commuters are going to face hardships, but it is also true that the BEST workers have also been not paid enough. No harm if BEST is merged with the BMC," a member of the forum said. Meanwhile, the BEST management has issued internal circulars, warning employees of stringent action if they participated in the strike. It has also threatened to invoke the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) against them.

Mumbai: Buses go off roads as BEST staffers go on strike

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