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Wed, 30 August 2017
RBI report on 'notebandi' points to big scam: Mamata
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23:57 RBI report on 'notebandi' points to big scam: Mamata
The Reserve Bank of India report stating that all but 1.4 per cent of the old Rs 1,000 notes have returned to the banking system post demonetisation 'points to a big scam', West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today alleged.
The RBI said in its Annual Report for 2016-17 that only Rs 16,050 crore out of the Rs 15.44 lakh crore of the old high denomination notes had not returned.
'Is not the RBI's revelation this evening on demonetisation pointing to a big scam?' Banerjee wrote on her Facebook wall tonight.
'I feel it (demonetisation) was totally a flop show. 99 per cent of the demonetised currency has come back to the RBI. Only one per cent has not returned,' she said.
She wondered if there was some 'hidden agenda' behind the decision to scrap old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.
Because of demonetisation, the country lost Rs three lakh crore in the fourth quarter and hundreds of people died, she claimed.
"Demonetisation was supposedly done to uncover several lakhs of crores of black money. And now what we have got is a big big zero!" Banerjee said.
The government had on November 8 banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country.
The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks, with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny.
The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with the new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1000 notes has been made. Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post note ban. -- PTI
The RBI said in its Annual Report for 2016-17 that only Rs 16,050 crore out of the Rs 15.44 lakh crore of the old high denomination notes had not returned.
'Is not the RBI's revelation this evening on demonetisation pointing to a big scam?' Banerjee wrote on her Facebook wall tonight.
'I feel it (demonetisation) was totally a flop show. 99 per cent of the demonetised currency has come back to the RBI. Only one per cent has not returned,' she said.
She wondered if there was some 'hidden agenda' behind the decision to scrap old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.
Because of demonetisation, the country lost Rs three lakh crore in the fourth quarter and hundreds of people died, she claimed.
"Demonetisation was supposedly done to uncover several lakhs of crores of black money. And now what we have got is a big big zero!" Banerjee said.
The government had on November 8 banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country.
The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks, with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny.
The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with the new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1000 notes has been made. Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post note ban. -- PTI
22:49 Class 7 girl student ends life over 'harassment' by teacher
Unable to bear 'harassment' by her school teacher, a Class 7 girl student has allegedly committed suicide in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, the police said today.
Sabrine Harjeera, 12, a student of a private matriculation school at Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli, leaped to death from the open terrace of her house at about 3 am yesterday.
Police said the girl left behind a suicide note in which she accused her woman teacher of harassing her beyond 'tolerable' limit and hence she was ending her life.
The girl's parents did not notice her going to the terrace as they were fast asleep.
She suffered bleeding and multiple fractures and died on the way to the hospital, police said.
The note, addressed to the girl's mother, was today found from her school bag, they said.
"There was no complaint against me when I was studying in 6th standard. Now, why is she complaining against me so much? What mistake did I do? Why is the teacher tormenting me? I am not able to bear it," the girl said in the hand-written note.
"I agreed, I lied to the teacher. But she should not torture me by harassing me...I don't know the way to protect myself...I am committing suicide," she said.
The police said further investigation was on and they would question the teacher regarding the girl's note.
As the news about the suicide spread, local people gathered at the police station and demanded action against the teacher. -- PTI
Sabrine Harjeera, 12, a student of a private matriculation school at Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli, leaped to death from the open terrace of her house at about 3 am yesterday.
Police said the girl left behind a suicide note in which she accused her woman teacher of harassing her beyond 'tolerable' limit and hence she was ending her life.
The girl's parents did not notice her going to the terrace as they were fast asleep.
She suffered bleeding and multiple fractures and died on the way to the hospital, police said.
The note, addressed to the girl's mother, was today found from her school bag, they said.
"There was no complaint against me when I was studying in 6th standard. Now, why is she complaining against me so much? What mistake did I do? Why is the teacher tormenting me? I am not able to bear it," the girl said in the hand-written note.
"I agreed, I lied to the teacher. But she should not torture me by harassing me...I don't know the way to protect myself...I am committing suicide," she said.
The police said further investigation was on and they would question the teacher regarding the girl's note.
As the news about the suicide spread, local people gathered at the police station and demanded action against the teacher. -- PTI
21:40 CBI begins probing land deals of Vadra-linked firms
The Central Bureau of Investigation today began its probe into 18 cases referred to it by the Rajasthan government for alleged irregularities in land deals in Bikaner by companies, including one linked to Robert Vadra.
CBI sources said the agency has re-registered 18 first information reports in connection with these land deals, which were earlier probed by the Rajasthan Police.
"The cases pertain to fraudulent and fictitious claims and allotments in lieu of land acquired for Mahajan Field Firing Range Bikaner, which is used by the Army," a CBI spokesperson said after the cases were registered this evening.
Among the 18 FIRs registered by the agency, 16 were lodged at the Gajner police station while two at Kolayat police station in Bikaner between August and September, 2014, agency sources said.
The cases were referred to the CBI by the Centre on the request of the Rajasthan government.
The Rajasthan government had written to the CBI for a probe into alleged land scams in Bikaner, including those involving a company linked to Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra.
The Congress had accused the state government of misusing the CBI ahead of assembly elections.
"As many as 18 FIRs are registered. Four of them are against Vadra's company which were allegedly involved in illegal purchase of nearly 275 bigha land. All the 18 FIRs are in connection with the purchase of close to 1,400 bigha land in fake names," Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria had said on August 22 after referring the matter to the CBI.
He had alleged that Vadra's company was the third party to purchase 275 bigha of land in 2010 and it sold it to a fourth party in 2012.
"When the matter came to light, 18 FIRs were registered. Four FIRs are related with Vadra's company and now the state government has written to the CBI to investigate them altogether. The issue was also raised in the state assembly in 2014," Kataria had said.
Reacting to this, state Congress president Sachin Pilot had said, "(The) BJP misuses CBI, ED (Enforcement Directorate) and other agencies for political gains. In this alleged land scam case, the state government had formed a committee but the committee's findings were not disclosed by the government."
He had said, "Those who have been arrested in the land scam are connected with BJP. If BJP people are being arrested in the land scam, then we are ready for any probe."
The state government had on December 31, 2014 cancelled 18 mutations (transfer of ownership) in Bikaner after allegedly finding them to be illegal.
It is alleged that the land was illegally allotted or possessed in 2006-07 by some villagers, who were 'wrongfully' shown as farmers displaced by the acquisition of land for the Mahajan Field Firing Range for the Army.
It was alleged that Vadra's company also purchased chunks of land. However, the farmers who were actually displaced were allotted land between 1992 and 1996. -- PTI
CBI sources said the agency has re-registered 18 first information reports in connection with these land deals, which were earlier probed by the Rajasthan Police.
"The cases pertain to fraudulent and fictitious claims and allotments in lieu of land acquired for Mahajan Field Firing Range Bikaner, which is used by the Army," a CBI spokesperson said after the cases were registered this evening.
Among the 18 FIRs registered by the agency, 16 were lodged at the Gajner police station while two at Kolayat police station in Bikaner between August and September, 2014, agency sources said.
The cases were referred to the CBI by the Centre on the request of the Rajasthan government.
The Rajasthan government had written to the CBI for a probe into alleged land scams in Bikaner, including those involving a company linked to Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra.
The Congress had accused the state government of misusing the CBI ahead of assembly elections.
"As many as 18 FIRs are registered. Four of them are against Vadra's company which were allegedly involved in illegal purchase of nearly 275 bigha land. All the 18 FIRs are in connection with the purchase of close to 1,400 bigha land in fake names," Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria had said on August 22 after referring the matter to the CBI.
He had alleged that Vadra's company was the third party to purchase 275 bigha of land in 2010 and it sold it to a fourth party in 2012.
"When the matter came to light, 18 FIRs were registered. Four FIRs are related with Vadra's company and now the state government has written to the CBI to investigate them altogether. The issue was also raised in the state assembly in 2014," Kataria had said.
Reacting to this, state Congress president Sachin Pilot had said, "(The) BJP misuses CBI, ED (Enforcement Directorate) and other agencies for political gains. In this alleged land scam case, the state government had formed a committee but the committee's findings were not disclosed by the government."
He had said, "Those who have been arrested in the land scam are connected with BJP. If BJP people are being arrested in the land scam, then we are ready for any probe."
The state government had on December 31, 2014 cancelled 18 mutations (transfer of ownership) in Bikaner after allegedly finding them to be illegal.
It is alleged that the land was illegally allotted or possessed in 2006-07 by some villagers, who were 'wrongfully' shown as farmers displaced by the acquisition of land for the Mahajan Field Firing Range for the Army.
It was alleged that Vadra's company also purchased chunks of land. However, the farmers who were actually displaced were allotted land between 1992 and 1996. -- PTI
20:14 Confiscation of currency was not the objective of demonetisation: Jaitley
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addresses the media on note ban figures released by the Reserve Bank of India. Excerpts:
- People with inadequate understanding of how to tackle the black money problem were confusing the demonetisation exercise with how much money comes back into the banking system and how much doesn't. This was never the purpose of demonetisation.
- Currency confiscation was not the object of demonestisation.
- Object of demonetisation was that India is predominantly high cash economy therefore that scenario requires to be significantly altered.
- The primary objective of note ban was to reduce the volume cash transactions and expand the tax base. Both direct and indirect tax base have been expanded substantially.
- As per the RBI's report the volume of cash currency has come down by 17 per cent.
- The other major objective was to encourage formalisation and digitisation of the economy. The volume of digital transactions reached its peak during demonetisation.
- Detection of fake currency was another objective that was fulfilled.
- People with inadequate understanding of how to tackle the black money problem were confusing the demonetisation exercise with how much money comes back into the banking system and how much doesn't. This was never the purpose of demonetisation.
- Currency confiscation was not the object of demonestisation.
- Object of demonetisation was that India is predominantly high cash economy therefore that scenario requires to be significantly altered.
- The primary objective of note ban was to reduce the volume cash transactions and expand the tax base. Both direct and indirect tax base have been expanded substantially.
- As per the RBI's report the volume of cash currency has come down by 17 per cent.
- The other major objective was to encourage formalisation and digitisation of the economy. The volume of digital transactions reached its peak during demonetisation.
- Detection of fake currency was another objective that was fulfilled.
19:46
Sensex- Top gainers today.
19:45
Bombay Stock Exchange Sensex today.
19:44 7.62 lakh pieces of counterfeit notes detected in 2017: RBI
As many as 7,62,072 pieces of counterfeit notes were detected in the banking system last fiscal, a 20.4 per cent increase over the previous year, the Reserve Bank said today.
During 2015-16, 6.32 lakh pieces of fake currency notes had been detected, the central bank said in its annual report for 2016-17.
It also said that barring Rs 100, the detection of counterfeit notes increased across denominations -- notably, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 -- during the last fiscal.
In the report, the RBI said that coincident with the announcement of the withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8, 2016, it launched a nation-wide exercise to estimate the density of fake Indian currency notes detected during the counting and verification of notes.
"The result showed the rate of FICN detected per million pieces of notes processed at the CC (currency chest) level at 7.1 pieces for Rs 500 denomination and 19.1 pieces for Rs 1,000 denomination, which were higher than the rate of detection at the Reserve Bank," it added.
At the RBI's currency verification and processing system, in 2015-16, there were 2.4 pieces of FICNs of Rs 500 denomination and 5.8 pieces of Rs 1,000 for every million pieces notes processed; which rose to 5.5 pieces and 12.4 pieces, respectively, during the post-demonetisation period. -- PTI
During 2015-16, 6.32 lakh pieces of fake currency notes had been detected, the central bank said in its annual report for 2016-17.
It also said that barring Rs 100, the detection of counterfeit notes increased across denominations -- notably, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 -- during the last fiscal.
In the report, the RBI said that coincident with the announcement of the withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8, 2016, it launched a nation-wide exercise to estimate the density of fake Indian currency notes detected during the counting and verification of notes.
"The result showed the rate of FICN detected per million pieces of notes processed at the CC (currency chest) level at 7.1 pieces for Rs 500 denomination and 19.1 pieces for Rs 1,000 denomination, which were higher than the rate of detection at the Reserve Bank," it added.
At the RBI's currency verification and processing system, in 2015-16, there were 2.4 pieces of FICNs of Rs 500 denomination and 5.8 pieces of Rs 1,000 for every million pieces notes processed; which rose to 5.5 pieces and 12.4 pieces, respectively, during the post-demonetisation period. -- PTI
18:33 Priyanka discharged after recovering from dengue
Congress president Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Vadra was today discharged from a private hospital, where she was admitted a week ago with dengue fever, hospital authorities said.
She was admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) in New Delhi on August 23 and was recuperating under the care of Dr Arup Basu, Senior Consultant, Department of Chest Medicine.
"Priyanka Vadra, who was admitted under the care of Dr Arup Basu, was discharged from the hospital at 4 pm, after recovering from dengue," Dr D S Rana, Chairman, the Board of Management of the SGRH, said.
"She has been advised to take rest at home and avoid physical exertion," he said.
Delhi is reeling under the triple sting of vector-borne diseases dengue, chikungunya and malaria, with at least 657 people affected by dengue this season till August 19 in the city, according to a municipal report. -- PTI
She was admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) in New Delhi on August 23 and was recuperating under the care of Dr Arup Basu, Senior Consultant, Department of Chest Medicine.
"Priyanka Vadra, who was admitted under the care of Dr Arup Basu, was discharged from the hospital at 4 pm, after recovering from dengue," Dr D S Rana, Chairman, the Board of Management of the SGRH, said.
"She has been advised to take rest at home and avoid physical exertion," he said.
Delhi is reeling under the triple sting of vector-borne diseases dengue, chikungunya and malaria, with at least 657 people affected by dengue this season till August 19 in the city, according to a municipal report. -- PTI
18:02 Only 1.4% old Rs 1,000 notes not returned post ban: RBI
All but 1.4 per cent of the old Rs 1,000 notes have come back into the banking system post demonetisation, the Reserve Bank said today.
In its annual report for 2016-17, the RBI said that out of 632.6 crore pieces of Rs 1,000 currency notes in circulation, 8.9 crore have not been returned post the note ban last November.
The government had on November 8, banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country.
The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks, with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny.
The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1000 notes has been made.
Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post note ban.
The RBI said there were as many 588.2 crore of Rs 500 notes, both old and new in circulation as of March 31, 2017.
As of March 31, 2016, there were 1,570.7 crore Rs 500 notes in circulation.
The report further said that the cost of printing of currency notes more than doubled to Rs 7,965 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 3,421 crore in the previous year on account of new currency printing.
Besides, new Rs 500 and Rs 2000 notes, the RBI has also printed new Rs 200 notes. -- PTI
In its annual report for 2016-17, the RBI said that out of 632.6 crore pieces of Rs 1,000 currency notes in circulation, 8.9 crore have not been returned post the note ban last November.
The government had on November 8, banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country.
The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks, with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny.
The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1000 notes has been made.
Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post note ban.
The RBI said there were as many 588.2 crore of Rs 500 notes, both old and new in circulation as of March 31, 2017.
As of March 31, 2016, there were 1,570.7 crore Rs 500 notes in circulation.
The report further said that the cost of printing of currency notes more than doubled to Rs 7,965 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 3,421 crore in the previous year on account of new currency printing.
Besides, new Rs 500 and Rs 2000 notes, the RBI has also printed new Rs 200 notes. -- PTI
17:53 Breather for Mumbai: Heavy rains unlikely; BMC says situation in control
A day after heavy rains and severe flooding in Mumbai after parts of
the city received as much as 300 mm of rainfall, Brihanmumbai Municipal
Corporation Commissioner Ajoy Mehta on Wednesday said that such
'unprecedented situation' was much mitigated and are much under control.
Addressing the media, the BMC Commissioner called the rainfall 'unprecedented' and added that the water levels are kept 'under check' and are reseeding quickly.
He also claimed that as many 30,000 employees of the BMC were present on the streets to help in tackling the situation.
"The quantum of rainfall was extremely high. We had 325 mm of rainfall and there were almost 26 locations where the rainfall exceeded 250mm.
"So, it was one of the highest unprecedented rainfalls.
"More than that there are two things we need to see that how fast Mumbai came back to normal which was really unprecedented, it was something that was beyond the infrastructure of Mumbai," he said.
The commissioner lauded the coordination among the various agencies and the people of Mumbai in order to effectively tackle the flood situation.
"I have to give credit to the people, to the employees and officers of the corporation and all other people like the police, the BST and brought Mumbai back on its feet," he added.
The Deputy Director General of India Meteorological Department has said that the rain has reduced in the past 8 to 10 hours and the situation is likely to be the same for a few hours more.
Speaking on the mitigation measures taken post the Mumbai floods, Sanjay Kumar, Directorate General, National Disaster Response Force said that 10 of their teams are on standby in the city and ready to be deployed, if need arises.
In light of the past experiences, three NDRF teams had been prepositioned in Mumbai at strategic locations, the DG informed.
Further, two of their teams were deployed after yesterday's weather forecast, and five additional teams were rushed from their battalion headquarters in view of water logging, heavy rains and high tide situations.
"Those 10 teams are still on standby in Mumbai watching the situation, and as per requirement and in consultation with local authorities, we'll further review the situation and deploy it ( NDRF teams), and if need be, any operation can also be carried out," Kumar said.
He also added that the teams are fully equipped to carry out operations in heavy rains, flood-like situations, in water-logged areas and even during night time. -- ANI
IMAGE: A road covered with mud after the rains water receded in Mumbai. Photograph: Shashank Parade/PTI Photo
Addressing the media, the BMC Commissioner called the rainfall 'unprecedented' and added that the water levels are kept 'under check' and are reseeding quickly.
He also claimed that as many 30,000 employees of the BMC were present on the streets to help in tackling the situation.
"The quantum of rainfall was extremely high. We had 325 mm of rainfall and there were almost 26 locations where the rainfall exceeded 250mm.
"So, it was one of the highest unprecedented rainfalls.
"More than that there are two things we need to see that how fast Mumbai came back to normal which was really unprecedented, it was something that was beyond the infrastructure of Mumbai," he said.
The commissioner lauded the coordination among the various agencies and the people of Mumbai in order to effectively tackle the flood situation.
"I have to give credit to the people, to the employees and officers of the corporation and all other people like the police, the BST and brought Mumbai back on its feet," he added.
The Deputy Director General of India Meteorological Department has said that the rain has reduced in the past 8 to 10 hours and the situation is likely to be the same for a few hours more.
Speaking on the mitigation measures taken post the Mumbai floods, Sanjay Kumar, Directorate General, National Disaster Response Force said that 10 of their teams are on standby in the city and ready to be deployed, if need arises.
In light of the past experiences, three NDRF teams had been prepositioned in Mumbai at strategic locations, the DG informed.
Further, two of their teams were deployed after yesterday's weather forecast, and five additional teams were rushed from their battalion headquarters in view of water logging, heavy rains and high tide situations.
"Those 10 teams are still on standby in Mumbai watching the situation, and as per requirement and in consultation with local authorities, we'll further review the situation and deploy it ( NDRF teams), and if need be, any operation can also be carried out," Kumar said.
He also added that the teams are fully equipped to carry out operations in heavy rains, flood-like situations, in water-logged areas and even during night time. -- ANI
IMAGE: A road covered with mud after the rains water receded in Mumbai. Photograph: Shashank Parade/PTI Photo
17:46 AIADMK lawyer meets Jaitley over two-leaves symbol
AIADMK lawyer and former Rajya Sabha member Manoj Pandian on Tuesday met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to discuss the restoration of the two-leaves symbol to the party against the backdrop of the OPS and EPS factions having merged, and the legal angles in the case pending before the Election Commission where it may come up in the middle of September.
Manoj Pandian, son of former Tamil Nadu speaker P H Pandian, also met the deputy election commissioner in Nirvachan Sadan, in this connection.
17:36 After rains, flight operations in Mumbai hit by unavailability of crew
Flight operations in Mumbai largely remained affected for the second day today, even though rains subsided and the city struggled to get back on its feet following incessant downpour a day before.
The airlines had to either cancel or delay a number of flights, mainly due to difficulties being faced by their crew and passengers in reaching the airport.
Private carrier Jet Airways cancelled 19 flights out of the city, including some of its international services. Its other flights are delayed by up to two hours.
Though Air India did not cancel any of its flights, its operations were delayed by around half-an-hour on an average.
The airline said though the situation was under control and the visibility improved, they were witnessing operational delays due to non-availability of crew who are stuck, as most part of the city roads remained water-logged for the second consecutive day today.
Jet Airways, which had yesterday cancelled 12 flights including some international operations and diverted many, today said there were no diversions.
'Flights are released as per crew reporting. Due to which flights are getting delayed with the maximum delays going up to two hours,' the airline said in a statement.
'The total number of flights cancelled is 19 today. Many passengers, crew are stranded for hours due to non- availability of transport. Cockpit crew are coming by company transport, while some cabin crew are coming on their own,' it said. -- PTI
The airlines had to either cancel or delay a number of flights, mainly due to difficulties being faced by their crew and passengers in reaching the airport.
Private carrier Jet Airways cancelled 19 flights out of the city, including some of its international services. Its other flights are delayed by up to two hours.
Though Air India did not cancel any of its flights, its operations were delayed by around half-an-hour on an average.
The airline said though the situation was under control and the visibility improved, they were witnessing operational delays due to non-availability of crew who are stuck, as most part of the city roads remained water-logged for the second consecutive day today.
Jet Airways, which had yesterday cancelled 12 flights including some international operations and diverted many, today said there were no diversions.
'Flights are released as per crew reporting. Due to which flights are getting delayed with the maximum delays going up to two hours,' the airline said in a statement.
'The total number of flights cancelled is 19 today. Many passengers, crew are stranded for hours due to non- availability of transport. Cockpit crew are coming by company transport, while some cabin crew are coming on their own,' it said. -- PTI
17:26 After rains, flight operations in Mumbai hit by unavailability of crew
Flight operations in Mumbai largely remained affected for the second day today, even though rains subsided and the city struggled to get back on its feet following incessant downpour a day before.
The airlines had to either cancel or delay a number of flights, mainly due to difficulties being faced by their crew and passengers in reaching the airport.
Private carrier Jet Airways cancelled 19 flights out of the city, including some of its international services. Its other flights are delayed by up to two hours.
Though Air India did not cancel any of its flights, its operations were delayed by around half-an-hour on an average.
The airline said though the situation was under control and the visibility improved, they were witnessing operational delays due to non-availability of crew who are stuck, as most part of the city roads remained water-logged for the second consecutive day today.
Jet Airways, which had yesterday cancelled 12 flights including some international operations and diverted many, today said there were no diversions.
'Flights are released as per crew reporting. Due to which flights are getting delayed with the maximum delays going up to two hours,' the airline said in a statement.
'The total number of flights cancelled is 19 today. Many passengers, crew are stranded for hours due to non- availability of transport. Cockpit crew are coming by company transport, while some cabin crew are coming on their own,' it said. -- PTI
The airlines had to either cancel or delay a number of flights, mainly due to difficulties being faced by their crew and passengers in reaching the airport.
Private carrier Jet Airways cancelled 19 flights out of the city, including some of its international services. Its other flights are delayed by up to two hours.
Though Air India did not cancel any of its flights, its operations were delayed by around half-an-hour on an average.
The airline said though the situation was under control and the visibility improved, they were witnessing operational delays due to non-availability of crew who are stuck, as most part of the city roads remained water-logged for the second consecutive day today.
Jet Airways, which had yesterday cancelled 12 flights including some international operations and diverted many, today said there were no diversions.
'Flights are released as per crew reporting. Due to which flights are getting delayed with the maximum delays going up to two hours,' the airline said in a statement.
'The total number of flights cancelled is 19 today. Many passengers, crew are stranded for hours due to non- availability of transport. Cockpit crew are coming by company transport, while some cabin crew are coming on their own,' it said. -- PTI
17:19
And meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit dons the uniform for the first time after being granted bail by the Supreme Court in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case. Photograph: ANI
16:55 Sacrifice on Bakrid is 'haram', like triple talaq: RSS Muslim wing
Ahead of the festival of Bakrid, the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh affiliate, has appealed to Muslims to sacrifice bad habits and not goats.
"Animal sacrifice during Bakrid is a bad practice like Triple Talaq. People should boycott those advocating sacrifice on the day. Giving 'kurbani' during Bakrid is 'haram' (not approved) in Islam," MRM Convenor (Awadh Prant-UP) Syed Hasan Kausar told reporters in Lucknow.
If anyone wanted to give sacrifice, he should 'shun his bad habits and cut a (symbolic) goat cake', on Bakrid, which will be celebrated on September 2, he said.
Kausar said that there were a number of superstitions among Muslims about animal sacrifice and added that those who get better education would 'understand Islam'.
Meanwhile, MRM co-convernor K A Khurshid Agha advocated a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
"As per Quran, prayers can not be offered at a disputed place, so how can the Babri mosque be constructed at the disputed site at Ayodhya," he said.
Earlier this month, the Manch had announced that it would launch a countrywide campaign to persuade Muslims against sacrificing cows on Bakrid with a special focus on Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar. -- PTI
"Animal sacrifice during Bakrid is a bad practice like Triple Talaq. People should boycott those advocating sacrifice on the day. Giving 'kurbani' during Bakrid is 'haram' (not approved) in Islam," MRM Convenor (Awadh Prant-UP) Syed Hasan Kausar told reporters in Lucknow.
If anyone wanted to give sacrifice, he should 'shun his bad habits and cut a (symbolic) goat cake', on Bakrid, which will be celebrated on September 2, he said.
Kausar said that there were a number of superstitions among Muslims about animal sacrifice and added that those who get better education would 'understand Islam'.
Meanwhile, MRM co-convernor K A Khurshid Agha advocated a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
"As per Quran, prayers can not be offered at a disputed place, so how can the Babri mosque be constructed at the disputed site at Ayodhya," he said.
Earlier this month, the Manch had announced that it would launch a countrywide campaign to persuade Muslims against sacrificing cows on Bakrid with a special focus on Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar. -- PTI
16:48 This Maha minister appeals stuck Mumbaikars to use his official bungalow
Maharashtra Parliamentary Affairs Minister Girish Bapat has appealed to people stranded in south Mumbai for unavailability of transport following heavy rains, to take shelter in his official residence for time being.
In his appeal made through Facebook, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader, who hails from Pune, said that people stranded in areas such as Fort, and at Mantralaya can rest or stay in his official residence 'Dnyaneshwari', located at Malabar Hill, till the situation shows improvement. -- PTI
In his appeal made through Facebook, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader, who hails from Pune, said that people stranded in areas such as Fort, and at Mantralaya can rest or stay in his official residence 'Dnyaneshwari', located at Malabar Hill, till the situation shows improvement. -- PTI
16:42 This Maha minister appeals stuck Mumbaikars to use his official bungalow
Maharashtra Parliamentary Affairs Minister Girish Bapat has appealed to people stranded in south Mumbai for unavailability of transport following heavy rains, to take shelter in his official residence for time being.
In his appeal made through Facebook, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader, who hails from Pune, said that people stranded in areas such as Fort, and at Mantralaya can rest or stay in his official residence 'Dnyaneshwari', located at Malabar Hill, till the situation shows improvement. -- PTI
In his appeal made through Facebook, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader, who hails from Pune, said that people stranded in areas such as Fort, and at Mantralaya can rest or stay in his official residence 'Dnyaneshwari', located at Malabar Hill, till the situation shows improvement. -- PTI
16:15 Countdown for launch of 'back-up' satellite for NavIC begins
The 29-hour countdown for tomorrow's launch of navigation satellite 'IRNSS-1H' to augment the existing seven satellites of the NavIC constellation began today.
To be launched on board PSLV-C39, IRNSS-1H will be a 'back-up' navigation satellite for IRNSS-1A, one of the seven satellites in the constellation, as its three rubidium atomic clocks on board had stopped functioning.
"The 29-hr countdown operations of PSLV-C39/IRNSS-1H mission have started on Wednesday at 14:00 hrs IST (2 pm)," the Indian Space Research Organisation said.
The launch is scheduled at 7 pm from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The Mission Readiness Review committee and Launch Authorisation Board had yesterday cleared the 29-hour countdown.
The launch vehicle PSLV-C39 will use the 'XL' version of PSLV equipped with six strap-ons, each carrying 12 tons of propellant.
The over 1,400 kg spacecraft was built and tested by ISRO along with a consortium of six small and medium industries.
The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System is an independent regional navigation satellite system developed by India on par with US-based GPS.
The system that offers services like terrestrial and marine navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking and fleet management, navigation aide for hikers and travellers, visual and voice navigation for drivers, was named 'NavIC' (Navigation with Indian Constellation) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
ISRO had launched seven satellites - IRNSS-1G on April 28, 2016, IRNSS-1F (March 10, 2016), IRNSS-1E (January 20, 2016), IRNSS-1D (March 28, 2015), IRNSS-1C (October 16, 2014), IRNSS-1B (April 4, 2014) and IRNSS-1A on July 1, 2013.
According to ISRO officials, the total cost of all the seven satellites was Rs 1,420 crore. -- PTI
To be launched on board PSLV-C39, IRNSS-1H will be a 'back-up' navigation satellite for IRNSS-1A, one of the seven satellites in the constellation, as its three rubidium atomic clocks on board had stopped functioning.
"The 29-hr countdown operations of PSLV-C39/IRNSS-1H mission have started on Wednesday at 14:00 hrs IST (2 pm)," the Indian Space Research Organisation said.
The launch is scheduled at 7 pm from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The Mission Readiness Review committee and Launch Authorisation Board had yesterday cleared the 29-hour countdown.
The launch vehicle PSLV-C39 will use the 'XL' version of PSLV equipped with six strap-ons, each carrying 12 tons of propellant.
The over 1,400 kg spacecraft was built and tested by ISRO along with a consortium of six small and medium industries.
The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System is an independent regional navigation satellite system developed by India on par with US-based GPS.
The system that offers services like terrestrial and marine navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking and fleet management, navigation aide for hikers and travellers, visual and voice navigation for drivers, was named 'NavIC' (Navigation with Indian Constellation) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
ISRO had launched seven satellites - IRNSS-1G on April 28, 2016, IRNSS-1F (March 10, 2016), IRNSS-1E (January 20, 2016), IRNSS-1D (March 28, 2015), IRNSS-1C (October 16, 2014), IRNSS-1B (April 4, 2014) and IRNSS-1A on July 1, 2013.
According to ISRO officials, the total cost of all the seven satellites was Rs 1,420 crore. -- PTI
15:48
JUST IN: TN CM Edappadi Palaniswamy summons all AIADMK MLAs tomorrow for a meeting in the wake of MK Stalin planning to meet President Kovind
15:26 Indian student rescued from lake in hurricane-hit Texas dies
A 24-year-old Indian student died today, three days after he was rescued along with another Indian woman from a swollen lake in the US state of Texas where Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc.
Nikhil Bhatia, a PhD student at the Texas A&M University, was rescued from the Lake Bryan, where he along with Shalini Singh had gone swimming, on Saturday.
Bhatia who was critical died in hospital while Singh continues to be in a critical condition, according to officials at the Indian Consulate.
Bhatia, originally from Jaipur, along with Singh, 25, from New Delhi, were admitted to a hospital in a critical condition.
Singh was pursuing Masters degree in public health from the same university.
According to their friends and some witnesses, the two were swimming in the lake when a sudden current of water pushed them deeper.
The friends accompanying them noticed that the duo were in distress and flagged down nearby police officers.
Bryan Police officers were able to rescue and provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the victims until medics arrived, according to Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson.
14:53 What happens when PM meets IAS officers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted a new style of governance. He has been interacting with additional secretaries and joint secretaries in groups and has so far met around 65-70 of them.
IAS officers from four states are clubbed together, and are asked to give their suggestions to improve the image of the government and the administration, as well as discuss future mega projects and their vision for the next five or 10 years.
Some additional secretaries were eager to tell the prime minister about certain lacunae in the Swach Bharat mission. The PM heard them out and said improvements were a must in all social welfare schemes. The Navi Mumbai airport, linking Bengaluru airport to Namma Metro, Chennai airport's expansion are some of the other topics that have come up before the PM.
Interestingly, Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha is not part of these discussions, as the PM doesn't want the additional secretaries to feel constrained in any manner. However, Sinha has told the additional secretaries that issues that have been brought to his notice, need not be repeated before the prime minister.
Therefore a set of informal guidelines has been drawn up before these officials meet the prime minister.
For the officials, apart from the interaction, group and individual photo ops with the prime minister is an added attraction. The prime minister remembers each official's name and asks everyone to introduce themselves. Some officials do get nervous, but then it's all part of the game.
Next in line to meet the PM on September 1 are IAS officers from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
14:35 Derailment survivor gets stuck in Mumbai local
Talk about having bad luck!
He survived a derailment only to get stuck in a local train for eight hours as incessant rain brought Mumbai and its suburbs to a grinding halt on Tuesday.
For 54-year-old Sukhdev Meshram, a passenger on the Nagpur-Mumbai Duronto Express that derailed between Maharashtra's Vasind and Asangaon stations early morning on Tuesday, it was a day he will never forget.
After the accident, caused by a landslide, Meshram walked till the Vasind station and took an auto till Kalyan where he boarded a Mumbai-bound local train on the Central Railway network.
"After the derailment, I saw that no trains were operating on the track so I walked to the nearest station and took an auto to Kalyan,' Meshram told reporters.
But home in Mumbai was still many hours away.
"After spending almost eight hours in the local train, we hadn't even reached Sion station. There was no announcement, neither did anyone inform us about the status of the train amid the heavy downpour," he said.
14:24 Sandra Bullock donates $1 million to help Hurricane Harvey relief efforts
Sandra Bullock has donated $1 million (Rs 6.3 crore) to help victims of Hurricane Harvey.
The actress has joined a host of Hollywood stars who have pledged money to the American Red Cross following the devastating flooding in Houston, Texas.
"I'm just grateful I can do it. We all have to do our part," Bullock said.
The American Red Cross called it an incredible gift, adding: We're so thankful.
Other celebrities including the Kardashians, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, comedian Kevin Hart and singer Jennifer Lopez have all donated.
An estimated 30,000 people have been left temporarily homeless following unprecedented flooding after a years rain fell in just a week.
14:17 Anna Hazare to carry out another Lokpal agitation in Delhi?
In a stinging letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, social activist Anna Hazare today slammed the government for its delay in appointing a Lokpal even after three years in power and threatened another round of agitation in New Delhi.
In his letter, Hazare said his protest will be aimed predominantly against the Modi government's apathy in appointing a Lokpal even after three years in power.
The crusader of the 2011 India Against Corruption movement fame said he may also demand the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report, which talks of food security and farmers' welfare.
"It has been six years of a historical movement that aimed at creating a corruption-free India. But even after six years, the government has not drafted a definitive law to end corruption," Hazare's letter to PM says.
"For three years now, I kept reminding your government on the appointment of Lokpal and Lokayukts as well as on the welfare of farmers, but you neither replied to my letters nor took any action," he wrote.
The letter demands that a Lokpal (ombudsman) be appointed at the Centre, a Lokayukta in every state, and a Citizen's Charter on ending corruption be adopted by the government.
14:04 290 children died at BRD Medical College this August: Official
A total of 290 children have died in the Baba Raghav Das Medical College here in the month of August, of which 213 died in the neo natal ICU and 77 in the encephalitis ward, principal P K Singh said.
There have been 1,250 deaths since January this year at the hospital, especially in encephalitis, infant and children's wards, he said.
Giving a break up of the causalities at the infamous medical college, Singh said 37 children have died on August 27 and 28, of which 26 died in the neo natal ICU and 11 in encephalitis ward.
The toll in January was 152 (143 in NICU and nine in encephalitis ward), in February it was 122 (117 and five), in March 159 (141 and 18), in April 123 (114 and nine), May 139 (127 and 12), June 137 (125 and 12), July 128 (95 and 33), he said.
The principal said children with different complications and ailments arising out of premature delivery, under weight, jaundice, pneumonia, infectious diseases and encephalitis are admitted to the hospital, mostly in a very serious condition.
13:52 DMK should ask Speaker for TN floor test, Rajnath tells AIADMK team
Home Minister Rajnath Singh does not want the Tamil Nadu government to undergo a floor test in the assembly to prove its majority.
The reason being that when the two factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam have merged, it is for the opposition to approach the TN speaker to move a no-confidence against the Edappadi K Palaniswami government.
Instead of meeting the governor and President of India, the DMK as the principal opposition party should ask the Tamil Nadu speaker to convene the assembly for moving the no-trust against the EPS government.
This was the clear signal that emanated from Home Minister Rajnath Singh when he met an AIADMK delegation on Wednesday morning. Interestingly, Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha M Thambidurai was also present during the AIADMK leaders' meeting with Singh.
On Tuesday, the AIADMK delegation met Union ministers Arun Jaitley and Nirmala Sitharaman to brief them about the smooth merger of the two AIADMK factions.
13:29 Haryana CM rejects demands for resignation over Dera violence
Responding to demands for his resignation over the violence that led to 38 deaths following the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday said his government had carried out its work well.
After meeting BJP national president Amit Shah in New Delhi to submit a report on the situation in the state, Khattar added his government complied with the Punjab and Haryana High Courts order.
"Jo maangta hai, vo maangta rahe. Humne apna kaam acchi tarah kiya tha (Whosoever is asking for my resignation, let them ask. We did out work well), Khattar was quoted as saying.
Thirty-eight people died on Friday after violence broke out following the CBI court convicting Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim of raping two women.
PLEASE READ: 'Ram Rahim verdict shows no one is above the law'
13:08
Umm, the weathermen predicted more rain today. However, this photograph says otherwise. The sun is shining bright and there's not a cloud in the sky. Phew!
12:54 Union Cabinet hikes GST cess on sedans, SUVs to 25%
The Cabinet today gave its nod for hike in cess on mid-size, large cars and SUVs to 25 per cent from 15 per cent under the new GST regime.
Prices of most SUVs were cut between Rs 1.1 lakh and Rs 3 lakh following the implementation of GST, which subsumed over a dozen central and state levies like excise duty, service tax, and VAT from July 1.
With the increase in cess, the cuts will be reversed.
12:28 Learn lessons from Doklam standoff: China's foreign minister tells India
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today said the 73-day stand-off between India and China in Doklam ended after India withdrew its troops and asked New Delhi to "learn lessons" and prevent such incidents in future.
India and China on Monday ended their standoff in Doklam by withdrawing their troops from the area, just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China to attend the BRICS summit next week.
"The border face off caused by Indian trespassing has been settled," Wang told the media in Beijing, while answering a question from the Chinese media reports that India withdrew troops to provide a face saver for China after reaching a settlement.
"We hope that the Indian side will learn lessons from this incident and prevent similar things from happening again," he said, answering a question on media reports stating that India withdrew troops to provide a face saver for China after reaching a settlement.
11:46
JUST IN: Explosion heard in the city of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, reports TOLO News.
11:39 Shiv Sena says BMC should be complimented for Mumbai's preparedness
Even as the country's financial capital reeled under the impact of heavy rains, the Shiv Sena, which rules the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, on Wednesday complimented the civic body for ensuring that the situation did not "go out of hand".
The saffron party has been ruling the cash-rich Mumbai civic body since over two decades.
"The BMC's preparedness to tackle the natural calamity ensured that the situation did not go out of hand. The civic body should be complimented for this. Even after heavy rains, no big untoward incident has taken place," the Sena said in an editorial in its party mouthpiece Saamana.
"Mumbai and Maharashtra have always received the blessings of Ganpati. We believe that God will ease this trouble as well," the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said.
It said the heavy downpour reminded the megapolis of the cloudburst on July 26, 2005, when there was about 950 mm rainfall in 24 hours.
"Even the IMD on Monday said the rainfall was more than their expectations. The sun was not visible throughout the day and the high tide added to the city's woes. Yet, Mumbai's spirit won over the natural calamity," it said.
Torrential rains pounded the metropolis throughout the day on Tuesday. The city gauged a whopping 298 mm of rainfall, the highest in a day in August since 1997.
The city and its suburbs virtually have a public holiday today with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advising people to stay home.
11:31 Air India waives all penalties on re-issuance of tickets or date change
In view of the heavy rains in Mumbai, Air India, the national carrier, has announced that it will not charge customers for re-issuing tickets.
In a tweet, it announced, "In view of inclement weather due #MumbaiRains, all applicable penalties on re-issuance/date change/no-show/cancellation & refund charges stands waived of on all tkts issued on/before 29/8/2017 for travel to/from #Mumbai has now been extended till 31st August 2017."
Earlier, on Tuesday, flights had been cancelled. However, early on Wednesday, they resumed services.
11:21 After rains, beware of back-breaking potholes
This ain't a pothole, it's a crater. Rediff.com's Sahil Salvi shares this photo of what's left of a road in Dadar after unprecedented rain lashed Mumbai on Tuesday.
11:06 No surge pricing in Mumbai, says Uber; offers free pool rides
Cab aggregator Uber has announced that dynamic pricing will be off in Mumbai in view of the floods. Additionally, free rides will be provided on uberPOOL for those using the code 'MUMBAIRAINS'.
11:04 Heavy rains lash Andheri, Thane; death toll reaches 6
After rain easing up a bit overnight, Andheri and Thane are again experiencing heavy showers forcing people to remain indoors.
Between 8.30 am and 8.30 pm on Tuesday, the Santacruz weather station recorded 331.4 mm rain, categorised as extremely heavy. Colaba recorded 101.8 mm during the period.
The toll in Mumbai owing to the rains has increased to 6 after two more died in a Vikhroli house collapse.
Image: Severe waterlogging at Thane railway station on Wednesday early morning hours following heavy rain
10:48 Mumbai's dabbawalas cancel lunch delivery for today
Mumbai's famed 'dabbawalas' today cancelled their delivery of over two lakh tiffins to office-goers in the city in view of the disruption of suburban rail services.
Dabbawalas who had ventured out on their task yesterday, returned home only this morning after being stranded at railway stations.
"The over 5,000 'dabbawalas' who deliver around two lakh 'dabbas' (tiffins) a day won't be able to do so today as they returned only this morning after being stranded at railway stations," Subhash Talekar, spokesperson of the Mumbai Dabbawala Association said. "We will resume our services tomorrow," he said.
10:39 Don't believe rumours of cyclone, says Mumbai police
The Mumbai police has issued an advisory asking people not to believe in rumours that a cyclone was headed to Mumbai.
In a widely-circulated tweet, the police said news of Cyclone Phuyan, which was being circulated on WhatsApp groups, was from 2009, as were the coordinates.
09:59 Mumbai's local train services resume, WR announces normalcy
Both Western Railway and Central Railway, which form the backbone of Mumbai's transport system, have resumed services, after a day of disruption caused by torrential rains.
Western Railway tweeted: Local trains are running on all lines on WR. Speed restriction imposed at Matunga Rd from safety point of view. Trains running normal over all suburban lines of western Railway.
Central Railway too has resumed services, though normalcy is yet to be restored.
It tweeted: Up and Dn services through Sion resumes slowly. Stranded trains being cleared first and then CSMT-Thane services will resume.
CST-Kalyan Special suburban train departed at 0726 hrs from CST. Further updates will follow.
First CSMT-Panvel local on Harbour line left CSMT at 0903 hrs.
Outstation train services too have been affected, and both the railways have announced rescheduling and cancellation of various trains.
For cancellations on Western Railway, click here.
09:45 Roger Federer, 36, narrowly grazes into 2nd round of US Open
Roger Federer needed five sets to win a topsy-turvy first-round match at the US. Open against 19-year-old American Frances Tiafoe.
The No 3-seeded Federer got broken in the first game and dropped the opening set, and then appeared to take control before letting a lead slip away. Eventually, he edged the 70th-ranked Tiafoe 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 by breaking serve in the last game.
It was Federer's 79th career victory at the US Open, equaling Andre Agassi for second-most. Only Jimmy Connors has more, with 98.
09:35 Sensex rises 180 point after yesterday's slump
Stock markets opened on Wednesday despite yesterday's torrential downpour. On Tuesday, Rupee-denominated corporate bond deals slumped 84 per cent, while trading on the National Stock Exchanges Nifty 50 index was 13 per cent lower than the three-month daily average, Livemint reported.
09:25 Mumbai braces for another day of hardship after rain fury
After incessant downpour threw life out of gear, disrupting road, rail and air traffic, Mumbai braced for another day of hardships even as let up in
rains last night is expected to bring some relief today.
Schools and colleges have been asked to remain shut by authorities amid indications of a fresh spell of heavy showers in the megapolis.
The city and its suburbs virtually have a public holiday today with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advising people to stay back home unless there is an emergency.
"However, the essential services and critical staff in the government will be on duty today," Fadnavis said.
Meanwhile, dabbawalas won't operate today as they were not able to collect back lunch boxes which they delivered yesterday: Subhash Talekar, spokesperson announced today.
09:12 Navy comes to the rescue of residents in Mumbai's Parel area
The Indian Navy distributes breakfast to people in Parel area. Navy helicopters are on standby in view of heavy rains in Mumbai and its adjoining areas. Flood rescue teams and divers are also ready for deployment, a navy spokesperson had said.
08:54 Weathermen predict a few dry hours in Mumbai
This may come as good news for Mumbaikars.
KS Hosalikar, DDG IMD, has said that the city won't see rains for few hours as the monsoon clouds have moved towards the north.
The city and its suburbs virtually have a public holiday today with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis advising people to stay back home unless there is an emergency.
08:27 UPDATE: 5 dead, Mumbai told to stay home as more rain is expected
The weather office has sounded a "red alert" for heavy rain today in Mumbai, which reported nearly 300 mm of rain in some parts of the city on Tuesday - at least 10 times more than normal.
Five people were killed in Mumbai and Thane in incidents blamed on the incessant downpour.
Schools and colleges will be closed today.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted to say that people in and around Mumbai are "advised to stay back home unless there is an emergency" but "essential services" will be up.
03:36 Mumbai rains: Two minors among 3 killed in house collapse incidents
Three persons, including two minors, were today killed in two house collapse incidents in suburban Vikroli in the wake of torrential rains that lashed the megapolis, police said.
In the first incident in the hilly Suryanagar area, a house at a higher level collapsed on one below, trapping a one-and-a-half-year-old infant, Nikhil, 40-year-old Suresh Arjun Prasad Mourya and Kiran Baby Pal (25), a senior police official said.
They were taken to a nearby civic hospital where Nikhil and Mourya were declared dead before admission, the official said. At Varshanagar hill area of Vikroli Parksite, a protective wall collapsed on a house, killing two-year-old Kalyani Jangam on the spot, he said. Her parents Gopal Jangam (36) and Chhaya Jangam (30) suffered injuries. They have been admitted to a hospital, the official said.
IMAGE: Suburban services were disrupted with trains on all the three lines -- western, central and harbour -- running late. This is a top view of flooded tracks at Mahim station. Photograph: Afsar Dayatar/Rediff.com
In the first incident in the hilly Suryanagar area, a house at a higher level collapsed on one below, trapping a one-and-a-half-year-old infant, Nikhil, 40-year-old Suresh Arjun Prasad Mourya and Kiran Baby Pal (25), a senior police official said.
They were taken to a nearby civic hospital where Nikhil and Mourya were declared dead before admission, the official said. At Varshanagar hill area of Vikroli Parksite, a protective wall collapsed on a house, killing two-year-old Kalyani Jangam on the spot, he said. Her parents Gopal Jangam (36) and Chhaya Jangam (30) suffered injuries. They have been admitted to a hospital, the official said.
IMAGE: Suburban services were disrupted with trains on all the three lines -- western, central and harbour -- running late. This is a top view of flooded tracks at Mahim station. Photograph: Afsar Dayatar/Rediff.com
03:34 Mumbai rains: Suburban train services limp back to normalcy
Rain-hit suburban train services in Mumbai are slowly limping back to normalcy with the first train chugging out of the Churchgate station around midnight.
Traffic on the Western Railway suburban network had come to a grinding halt earlier today due to torrential downpour. The first train left Churchgate in south Mumbai for Virar at 2358 hrs, the Western Railway tweeted.
"Evacuation of all stranded passengers is priority and trains will be run throughout the night, if required," it said.
Mumbai's suburban train network, which carries over 65 lakh passengers a day, is the lifeline of the financial capital and halting of the services had led to inconvenience to many office-goers who had braved the heavy rains to make it to their offices.
There was, however, no clarity over the fate of the trains of the Central Railway, which originates from the Chhtrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The CR tweeted around 11:30 pm that services on the Thane-Kalyan line, which is a section on the main line, had resumed.
Image: A train pulls in at Mahim station on the Western railway at 1:58 am. Photo: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com
Traffic on the Western Railway suburban network had come to a grinding halt earlier today due to torrential downpour. The first train left Churchgate in south Mumbai for Virar at 2358 hrs, the Western Railway tweeted.
"Evacuation of all stranded passengers is priority and trains will be run throughout the night, if required," it said.
Mumbai's suburban train network, which carries over 65 lakh passengers a day, is the lifeline of the financial capital and halting of the services had led to inconvenience to many office-goers who had braved the heavy rains to make it to their offices.
There was, however, no clarity over the fate of the trains of the Central Railway, which originates from the Chhtrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The CR tweeted around 11:30 pm that services on the Thane-Kalyan line, which is a section on the main line, had resumed.
Image: A train pulls in at Mahim station on the Western railway at 1:58 am. Photo: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com
02:47 On the way to Borivali
Inside the train, exhausted and sleepy, after a day when the city drowned, weary Mumbaikars take a nap.
Pictures: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com
Pictures: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com
02:44 Mahim station: 1:58 am
1:58 am: Twenty minutes later, a packed train draws in. No announcements, indicator on the blink. Rajesh makes his way inside.
02:42 Mahim station: 1:37 am
Our colleague Rajesh Karkera, who decided to brave it home to Borivali, by train, sent us these pictures from Mahim station at 1:37 am. No trains, tracks flooded, and an empty station.
00:26 Woman, teenage girl drown in rainwater-filled drains in Thane
A 32-year-old woman and a teenage girl died while two others were injured in rain-related incidents Thane on Tuesday, civic officials said.
The woman fell into a 'nullah' filled with rainwater in Kalwa and drowned, officials in the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation said.
The deceased, Sainath Shaikh, was a housewife who resided in Shanti Nagar.
In the second incident, 14-year-old Gauri Jailwar died after falling into a swollen drain near a mall in Thane, they said.
Two women were injured when the compound wall crashed on houses located in the Manpada locality, the officials said.
Several houses were also damaged, they said.
The city witnessed very heavy rains in which several trees were uprooted and vehicles washed away. The downpour also caused flooding in low-lying areas.
Image: A view from Thane railway station. Photograph: PTI Photo
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