State

Mumbai: Following the untimely death of Ajit Pawar, calls are growing within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to appoint his wife, Sunetra Pawar, as the party’s national president. More than 30 office-bearers from various NCP cells have written to Executive President Praful Patel and Maharashtra State President Sunil Tatkare, formally proposing her candidature. Sunetra Pawar was recently sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Context of the ProposalThe letter comes a day after Praful Patel denied reports suggesting he had been appointed as the new NCP chief, calling the speculation baseless. Ajit Pawar, 66, NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, tragically died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Details of the LetterThe signatories, represent...

Mumbai: Ahead of the coronation of the new mayor, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued strict rules to keep India’s financial capital clean and orderly. Under the BMC’s new Solid Waste Management Sub-Rules 2025, hefty fines will be imposed for littering, spitting, and other violations of public hygiene norms. According to the BMC, individuals caught spitting in public will be fined ₹250, while littering will attract a penalty of ₹500. The rules are part of the city’s initiative to ensure proper management and handling of solid waste across public and private spaces. Key Fines under the BMC Rules: Spitting in public: ₹250 Littering in public spaces (streets, lanes, footpaths, gardens): ₹500 Bathing in public areas: ₹300 Open urination: ₹500 Open defe...