The Free Press Journal - Mumbai - December 21, 2024

In this issue

December 21, 2024

ROAD INFERNO TAKES 12 LIVES

BLAZE | Truck rams into LPG carrier; 35 hurt, seven critical; 37 vehicles are gutted

2 mins

Prof is convicted for multiple molestation

Ten years after his arrest, Dr. Shaileshwar Natarajan, a senior professor at Rajiv Gandhi Medical College, Kalwa, has been convicted in multiple molestation cases registered against him a decade ago.

1 min

Temple trusts to meet next week

Trustees and representatives from nearly a thousand Hindu temples in Maharashtra will meet on December 25 and 26 in Shirdi to demand an end to government involvement in temple management and the creation of a Sanatan Temple Board on the lines of the Muslim Waqf Board.

1 min

Beed, Parbhani issue: Judicial probe ordered

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday ordered a judicial inquiry into the Parbhani violence as well as the killing of the Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

2 mins

False alarm over Raut house recce

Police have begun analysing CCTV footage from Raut's residence and nearby areas to identify suspects

1 min

Fadnavis assures action on grabbing of temple properties

A delegation of Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh met CM and highlighted illegal sales of temple properties

1 min

Fresh BEST promise: 1800 e-buses by '25-end

HERE TO STAY | A new decision amid protests over shrinking BEST fleet; delivery by Evey Trans which has other orders too; limited e-bus manufacturers in the market is a hurdle

1 min

Alleged planting of drugs by cops: FIR finally lodged

The FIR has been lodged after the victim, Dylan Estbeiro, ran pillar to post for more than three months

1 min

Ganja grown in bedroom: Drugs worth ₹26 cr seized

The drugs were seized in three different ops; in one of the cases, weed was being grown inside the flat

1 min

Experts knock bottom out of engine failure theory

The operator of the Navy's speedboat that rammed into a ferry, killing 14 people and injuring many others on Wednesday, has been identified as Karamveer Yadav, a sailor.

1 min

Bohras' global campaign to protect kids

The Dawoodi Bohra community has launched a global campaign to protect children from the mental and emotional dangers of excessive mobile phone usage.

1 min

Using children, glib talkers' gang rob people in twin-city

A 67-year-old woman who works at an industrial unit in Bhayandar was recently robbed of gold ornaments worth Rs72,000 by a man, member of a glib talkers' gang, who was accompanied by a boy (aged around 12 years).

1 min

BMC to recover excess payment to contractor

GOLDEN GATE SCAM

1 min

TURNING WASTE INTO RESOURCES

Free service for up to 500kg, with charge of ₹10 per additional 50kg; former corporators oppose move, citing narrow road

1 min

Action against 2 RMC plants for violation

The BMC has sent closure directions and show cause notice to two ready mix concrete (RMC) plants in Deonar citing non-compliance with a no-objection certificate from the building proposal.

1 min

Matunga parking tower under audit following protests

BMC official says decision to scrap the project will be taken after evaluation

1 min

67-year-old booked for drunk driving

The DN Nagar police have booked a 64-year-old businessman for allegedly driving a car in a reckless manner in the wee hours of Thursday.

1 min

Informant who double-crossed nabbed: DRI

R S Jain said to be gold smuggling ring member; held after wife's arrest

2 mins

Will shut Thane schools, warns MESTA over illegal institutes

Will also stop RTE school registration, SSC board paper checking from January 1 if there is no action, it asserts

2 mins

SARTHI declares scholarship after delay

After a delay of over four months, the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) has announced the names of meritorious students chosen for the prestigious Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad SARTHI overseas higher education scholarship.

1 min

SC wants all Aarey tree felling info

Move aimed to safeguard interest of environment, says apex court

1 min

Karad civic body wins SWM award

Karad Municipal Council (KMC) has been honoured with an award by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), an international organisation focused on pollution reduction and environmentally sustainable practices, in recognition of its exceptional and consistent performance in solid waste management.

1 min

Construction site death sparks inquiry

The absence of safety equipment led to the death of a 19-year-old labourer who fell from the seventh floor of a construction site in Kondhwa's Yewalewadi area.

1 min

Forex reserves drop $2 bn to $652.86 bn

India's forex reserves dropped by USD 1.988 billion to USD 652.869 billion for the week ended December 13, the RBI said on Friday.

1 min

Steel imports from China hit record high, data shows

China, Japan and South Korea accounted for 79% of India's total finished steel imports

1 min

PLI scheme achieves ₹1.46L cr investment, FDI inflows up 26%

From achieving Rs 1.46 lakh crore in investment under the product-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to 26 per cent increase in FDI inflows (year-on-year) in Q1 this fiscal (FY25), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said on Friday that it has played a pivotal role in 2024 in building a self-reliant and globally competitive India.

1 min

S&P Global arm lowers India's GDP growth forecast to 6.5% for FY25

S&P Global Market Intelligence has lowered its India GDP growth forecast for 2024-25 (Apr-Mar) after growth moderated sharply in Jul-Sept.

1 min

TeamLease acquires stakes in TSR Darashaw, Crystal

To expand its HR Services portfolio

1 min

Cipla faces over ₹1 crore penalty by GST authority

Pharma major Cipla Ltd on Friday said a fine of over Rs 1 crore has been imposed on the company by GST authority for alleged inadmissible input tax credit (ITC) claims.

1 min

Google layoffs: CEO Pichai announces 10% job cuts in managerial roles

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced that the company will cut 10 percent jobs in managerial roles, including directors and Vice Presidents.

1 min

UltraTech Cement gets CCI's clearance to acquire majority stake in India Cements

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Friday cleared over Rs 7,000-crore deal, wherein billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla-promoted UltraTech Cement will acquire a majority stake in India Cements Ltd.

1 min

MSL to introduce comprehensive charging infra along with eVitara

Maruti Suzuki India on Friday said it will introduce a comprehensive EV ecosystem, including charging stations and home charging solutions, alongside its first offering in the segment - eVitara.

1 min

Bihar gets record ₹1.81L cr investment

Bihar may witness a major industrial boost as a number of leading industrial houses on Friday signed MoUs with the state government, to invest a record Rs 1.80 lakh crore.

1 min

Congress resorting to physical fight: Rijiju

BRAWL & BRAWN | Rahul Gandhi should apologise and it's a valid demand of the NDA, says Parliamentary Affairs Minister

1 min

SSB doing great job at Nepal, Bhutan border, says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday had visited North Bengal's Siliguri to attend Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Frontier Headquarters' Raising Day celebrations.

1 min

2,200 attacks on minorities: Govt

'In Pak, there have been 112 cases of violence against minorities till Oct'24

1 min

Tripura Police nabs 6 headed for B'desh

Tripura Police have detained six Bangladeshi nationals including two children and two women, after they came into the state from Delhi.

1 min

PM Modi to leave for Kuwait today

Gulf Outreach | The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981

1 min

Unauthorised construction: Govt sets March 2025 deadline to clear 5,500 pending regularisation cases

ADDITIONAL COLLECTOR-I TASKED WITH OVERSEEING PROGRESS, SUBMIT MONTHLY REPORTS

2 mins

Few 'bad apples' tarnishing reputation of dept: DGP

With a series of controversies tarnishing the image of Goa Police, Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar on Friday expressed disappointment that misconduct by some personnel undermines the department's efforts.

1 min

Collector, police empowered to act against clubs violating sound laws, says GSPCB

The Chairman of the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Mahesh Patil emphasised that the responsibility to act against clubs and restaurants violating mandatory noise curfews lies primarily with the police and the office of the Collector or Deputy Collector.

1 min

Heart monitoring units must for big housing complexes

PUBLIC HEALTH ACT RULES TWEAKED TO DEAL WITH CARDIAC EMERGENCIES OF RESIDENTS

1 min

Govt to recover cost of repairs from organisers

EXPERT CALLED TO ASSESS TRACK CONDITION

1 min

US Government launches children's book series to promote gender empowerment

U.S. Ambassador to India Eric M. Garcetti reaffirmed the U.S. government's commitment to girls' education by launching a new children's book series to promote gender-inclusive learning.

1 min

Dalit speaker faced humiliation in TG Assembly: Seethakka

Minister for Panchayat Raj Seethakka stated that Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was disrespected in Parliament, and the Dalit Speaker faced humiliation in the Telangana Assembly.

1 min

Hassle free communication system planned for Bhavani ceremony

NTR district Collector Dr. G. Lakshmisha said on Friday that based on past experiences and correcting the shortcomings, arrangements are being made to provide hassle-free digital services to the lakhs of devotees who will come for Bhavani's Deeksha conclusion ceremonies.

1 min

DKS rules out interference in police action against BJP leader

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday ruled out any government interference in the police action and arrest of BJP MLC C T Ravi, who was held for allegedly using a derogatory word against minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.

1 min

Kannada meet chairman seeks fair share of central taxes

Folk expert Go Ru Channabasappa on Friday wants the state government to initiate measures to protect Kannada besides reaching out to the younger generation by utilizing technology effectively.

1 min

'Memory of socialist martyrs to aid harmony'

At a time when communalism threatens social harmony, All India Democratic Students Organisation (AIDSO) said that it was highlighting the martyrdom of Hindu and Muslim socialists at the hands of British colonialists to bridge gaps.

1 min

Shocked and sad, says Hebbalkar accusing BJP MLC of using derogatory word

Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, who has accused BJP MLC C T Ravi of using a derogatory word against her in the Legislative Council, on Friday said she is in \"great shock and sadness\" following the incident.

2 mins

Infra projects highlights misplaced priorities of BBMP

A stimulating discussion on \"Misplaced Priorities of BBMP's Infrastructure Projects\" was held on December 20, 2024, at Gandhi Bhavan, Bengaluru.

1 min

ZP CEO pays surprise visit to GP in Hunsur

Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer (ZP CEO) Gayatri KM has directed taluk panchayat officials to initiate all measures for construction of the new building of Kallahalli Gram Panchayat and ensure the effective functioning of Bapuji Seva Kendra at the GP.

1 min

Sack Mallikarjun, Congress Davangere dist MLA tells DKS

Infighting has broken out in the Congress, this time in Davangere district, as Channagiri MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga wrote to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar demanding sacking of Minister for Horticulture, Mines and Geology SS Mallikarjun from the Cabinet over alleged undermining of party interests.

1 min

Arrested BJP leader slams police for 'violating' human rights

Karnataka BJP MLC C T Ravi, who has been arrested for allegedly using a derogatory word against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, on Friday accused the police of \"violating\" human rights, as he alleged that they took him on rounds the entire night to various places in the district.

1 min

Workshop on "Forest Fire Prevention and Management" Held in Nawa Raipur

A workshop on \"Forest Fire Prevention and Management\" was organized by the Department of Forest and Climate Change, Government of Chhattisgarh, at the Dandakaranya Auditorium of Aranya Bhavan, Nava Raipur, on Friday.

1 min

Naxal IED blast, 2 soldiers airlifted to Raipur

The ongoing Naxalite threat in the affected districts of Chhattisgarh took a violent turn on Friday as Naxalites triggered an IED blast in Narayanpur district.

1 min

'Accelerate procurement, ensure seamless process'

PADDY PROCUREMENT REVIEW | Yet to pick pace

1 min

Ahd flyers opt for connecting flights to save on int'l airfare

Travelers from Ahmedabad increasingly prefer connecting flights through Mumbai or Delhi to save on international airfare, as direct flights from Ahmedabad remain significantly costlier.

1 min

Bids invited for 1,800-bed hospital in Ahd

Health Minister Rushikesh Patel chaired a review meeting on Thursday to assess the progress of the master plan for Medicity, a healthcare hub centred around Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

1 min

Morbi man caught with 12 kg of drugs

A man was arrested with 12 kilograms of drugs (hybrid cannabis) worth ₹3.60 crore near the Vatva toll booth on Sardar Patel Ring Road in Ahmedabad.

1 min

2 Kheda policemen booked in ₹ 3.75 lakh bribe case

Two police officials from Kheda have been booked by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹3.75 lakh in February 2023.

1 min

Twist of fate: Govt told to do job it protested

UCC waste incineration in Pithampur

1 min

Fame, Privacy, Boundaries

How far is too far and where should the public draw the line, are the questions this incident poses. Kohli evokes interest as much for his off-field persona as for his on-field achievements

1 min

Cybercrime epidemic in India: Urgent need to curb mounting threats

India's cybercrime hotspots demand immediate attention as financial scams and sextortion devastate countless lives.

3 mins

RUSSIA FIRES MISSILES AT KYIV, ONE DEAD

Hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about unconditional talks with Ukraine in an effort to end the war, its forces hit military targets in Ukraine with long-range high-precision weapons on Friday in response to an attack on Russia's Rostov region this week in which Ukraine used US and British-supplied missiles, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

1 min

DNA trail: Pelicot a suspect in rape-murder case

Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, who has been jailed for 20 years for drugging her and inviting men to rape her, faces a further investigation for the rape and murder of an estate agent in Paris in 1991, and an attempted rape in 1999, amid questions over whether he could have been a serial offender for decades.

1 min

ICE deported highest number of illegals since '14

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported more than 270,000 people to 192 countries over a recent 12-month period, the highest annual tally in a decade, according to a report released on Thursday that illustrates some of the financial and operational challenges that President-elect Donald Trump will face to carry out his pledge of mass deportations.

1 min

Sustainable spaces

New technology can help you build a house that is affordable and eco-friendly

3 mins

SCULPTING SPACE WITH FLUIDITY

The Liquescent house, located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, is a testament to organic architecture, a dialogue between the built and unbuilt, and the careful integration of natural elements.

2 mins

Missouri immigration bill

Missouri bill offers $1,000 reward for reporting undocumented immigrants

2 mins

US extends work authorization for immigrant families

In a move aimed at addressing processing delays and ensuring economic stability, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a major change in its employment policies.

2 mins

'OUR PLANT HAS EMBRACED KPS'

Sanjeev Bajaj, Chief Officer, Construction Equipment Business Division, Escorts Kubota, shares insights on innovation, sustainability, and global strategy

4 mins

EDITAS CUTS 65% OF STAFF AFTER FAILING TO FIND A GENE THERAPY BUYER

Less than two months after launching a search to find a partner or buyer for its lead ex vivo-edited programme, Editas Medicine has come up empty.

1 min

iMerit Opens Automotive AI Center of Excellence

iMerit, a software-delivered AI data solutions player, has launched an Automotive AI Center of Excellence in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

2 mins

Time to drop baggage and make fresh start

Check out how you should end 2024 and start 2025

2 mins

Nuanced & moving portrait of girlhood

This coming-of-age film by writer-director Shuchi Talati is a thoughtful, tightly crafted exploration of girlhood, where the personal and the political (societal norms and power dynamics) simmer under a cloak of delicate intimacy.

2 mins

Aishwarya, Big B reunite for Aaradhya

Aishwarya Rai spotted with father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan for first time in a year amid divorce rumours with Abhishek Bachchan

1 min

Rishab's dream collaboration

'Love to be involved in any projects Sandeep Reddy Vanga's currently working on,' says Rishab Shetty

1 min

Vedang inspires differently-abled

Vedang Raina returns to Jamnabai Narsee's 21st annual inclusive sports day uniting differently abled children

1 min

Konstas called up for Boxing Day Test

He is set to become Australia's youngest Test debutant in 70 years

1 min

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The Free Press Journal - Mumbai Newspaper Description:

The Free Press Journal is one of the oldest English Daily newspapers from Mumbai with a heritage of more than 90 years. And yet, The Free Press Journal is a contemporary paper and rooted in current urban realities.

In keeping with the international trend, it has reinvented itself in terms of design, get up and content. It means different thing to different people – a platform for the articulate, a trendsetter for the young and a chronicle for the old.

It was at the forefront of freedom struggle against the British and continues with the free and fearless journalism till date. Indeed, the history of The Free Press Journalism mirrors that of Indian independence.

Swaminath Sadanand, a 30-year-old idealist from Madras trudged his way to Bombay and with a vision that was to prove uncomfortably ahead of his day, brought out a newspaper as unorthodox in character as it was innovative in concept. For Swaminath Sadanand, the Free Press Journal was not so much a business venture as a cause.

The spirit with which he launched the paper and ran it for almost three decades helped it make it an integral part of two great Indian movements — the struggle for independence and the evolution of Indian publishing.