Maharashtra News Archive: February 2007

10th, 12th class Board exams re-scheduled
Wednesday, February 28, 2007 | AY

The 10th and 12th class board examinations in Maharashtra have been re-scheduled in view of Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in the State. Four papers of the on-going 12th class examination have been postponed, while the 10th class exam, which was to begin on March 8, will start on March 24. The change has been effected in view of the March 11 elections to 27 Zilla Parishads and 310 Panchayat Samitis in the State. The 12th class exam papers slated for March 8, 9, 10 and 12 will now be held on March 14, 15, 16 and 17 respectively. The 10th class exam papers scheduled for March 8, 9, 10 and 12 will now be held on March 24, 26, 28 and 29. As per earlier schedule, the 12th class exam was to be held from February 21 to March 16. The 10th class exam was to be held from March 8 to 23.

Marathi writer Kale passes away
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 | AY

Noted Marathi writer Kishore Shantabai Kale, whose autobiography created a literary sensation in Maharashtra, has died. He was 37. Kale passed away at a hospital in Solapur, over 600 km from here. He was undergoing treatment there after being injured in a road accident on February 3. Kale's autobiography, `Kolhatyacha Por', was not only a dramatic and moving story of an individual's struggle to break free, it also brought to light a world and a lifestyle of the Kolhati community of Tamasha dancers of western Maharashtra. Fired with rare courage and determination to change his life and be free, he educated himself and went on to become a doctor - the first in his community.

Navi Mumbai gets its first five star hotel
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 | AY

Prospects of an international airport and SEZ have already started attracting lifestyle and leisure spots in Navi Mumbai, with the first five star hotel becoming operational there this month. Park Hotels, promoted by Apeejay Surrendra Hotels, has launched the first boutique hotel "The Park" in Navi Mumbai's CBD Belapur, a thriving business district and a IT-manufacturing hub. The Rs 32 crore property - the sixth boutique hotel of the group - became operational on February 1 and is just 40 minutes drive from the domestic airport here and 10 minutes walk from Belapur railway station. The hotel has been designed in conjunction with Project Orange, UK and also has rooms specially designed for the physically handicapped.

Mumbai's ambulances lack emergency equipment
Saturday, February 24, 2007 | AY

A recent survey shows that of Mumbai's 1,400 registered ambulances, just about 100 have basic emergency equipment like an oxygen cylinder or a resuscitation kit. Only 20-25 ambulances have ICU like facilities. What makes it worse is that often these ambulances also double up as hearses to transport the dead. It's all about running a business, so first they transport a cadaver then if they get a call for a patient, they will attend to that. What they don't realise is how this causes cross contamination, which could cause serious infection to an already critically ill patient.

Wal-Mart team in Mumbai
Thursday, February 22, 2007 | AY

A team of executives from Wal-Mart Stores Inc., led by Vice Chairman Michael Duke, has arrived in Mumbai to look at retail stores and hold meetings. Mumbai, India's financial hub, is home to a wide range of retail formats, ranging from hypermarkets to tiny family-run convenience stores called 'kirana'. Duke and his team are expected to visit key ministers and joint venture partner Bharti Enterprises in New Delhi on Friday. Wal-Mart and Bharti have a wholesaling joint venture.

Final decision on Sanjay Dutt's plea Feb 23
Wednesday, February 21, 2007 | AY

A special court looking into the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts Tuesday asked actor Sanjay Dutt to appear before it Feb 23 for a final decision on his application seeking probation for good conduct. The 48-year-old actor has urged for leniency under the Probation of Offenders Act before the special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities - Act - court that had convicted him in November 2006 for possessing illegal weapons but absolved him of terror conspiracy. Sanjay's senior counsel V.K. Manohar argued that the actor was not a terrorist and that he had voluntarily acquired the weapons for self-defence and security of his family. Under the Arms Act, Sanjay faces five to 10 years' punishment.

Multiple Z Plasty
Tuesday, February 20, 2007 | AY

Pune-based surgeon Dr Pradeep Sharma has found a mention in the prestigious World Journal of Surgery for developing a new surgical procedure — Multiple Z Plasty — to treat pilonial sinus (PNS). PNS occurs between the buttocks, causing discomfort, embarrassment and absence from work. Hairy body, sweat, obesity, male sex hormone, dark skin, prolonged sitting, and poor hygiene are some of the causative factors of PNS. Acute case of PNS leads to abscess, discharging pus mixed with blood. Though not life threatening, it causes a lot of discomfort, and loss of working hours and earnings. Sharma had previously made a presentation on this procedure at the 41st World Congress of Surgery at Durban, South Africa in 2005.

Saif Ali Khan hospitalised
Monday, February 19, 2007 | AY

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan on Sunday night underwent an angiography after he was admitted to a hospital here following chest pain and his condition is stable. Mr. Khan, who got the Star Dust award for the best negative role in "Omkara," was rehearsing for a dance performance at an award function when he complained of chest pain. He was admitted to Leelavati Hospital in Bandra.

Mumbaites waiting for Roger Waters
Sunday, February 18, 2007 | AY

Mumbai is getting ready to experience the dark side of the moon as Roger Waters is all set to rock India's financial capital on Sunday evening. Although Waters split from Pink Floyd more than 20 years ago, he briefly reunited with his former bandmates David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Rick Wright at 2005's Live 8 concert in London. The move had sparked much speculation about a full-time comeback for the band. But Waters had said that it was in all likelihood just a one-off.

Pune has 1700 food processing units
Saturday, February 17, 2007 | AY

Apart from automobiles, IT and ITeS, Pune is emerging as a thriving hub of food-processing units. Apart from a vibrant domestic market, food products of every kind is being exported from here across the world. The Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) released the first study on the sector, in Pune sector which said there were 1,700 food processing units registered in Pune district. Out of this the chamber was able to carry a survey of 450 units which accounted for a turnover of Rs 1,800 crore employing 30,000 people and employing plant and machinery worth Rs 300 crore. Spices accounted for 33% of the business, bakery and confectionary 18% while, dairy 15%. Around 40 units were exporting food products worth Rs 150 crore. Around 80% of the units were micro units while there were 10 large units. The large units accounted for Rs 1,000 crore turnover.

Rahul Bose launches new range of Titan Xylys
Thursday, February 15, 2007 | AY

Titan Industries demonstrated that it is at the forefront of the Indian wristwatch market, with the launch of its premium watch brand, Xylys in Pune. The Xylys Brand Ambassador and popular Bollywood actor and director, Rahul Bose, launched the new range in the city. Infused with style, attitude and power, Xylys marked Titan’s foray into the Swiss made premium watch segment in India, which is presently dominated by well-known European brands. Xylys has been created in collaboration with renowned Swiss designer Laurent Rufenacht and Titan’s very own design advisor Michael Foley. It is manufactured in a state-of-the-art factory in Switzerland, which has a heritage of 80 years in the art of watch making.

Maharashtra to shop for power
Wednesday, February 14, 2007 | AY

Facing a massive shortfall of nearly 5,000 MW, the Maharashtra government is planning to buy electricity from neighbouring states to provide relief to agriculture and industry. Fearing that failure to meet the growing demand for power in agriculture may cost it votes in the forthcoming district-level elections, the ruling Congress-Nationalist Congress alliance has drawn up a proposal to get around 500 MW of power from neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, Maharashtra State Electricity Board - officials here said they are likely to forward a proposal to the state government to sanction Rs.3.3 billion per month to the board's distribution wing, Maha Vitaran, for purchase of power from other states.

Zee launches Marathi news channel
Tuesday, February 13, 2007 | AY

Zee News Ltd. has launched its Marathi news channel Zee 24 Taas as part of a "region-specific strategy." This is the country's first 24-hour news channel in Marathi. Zee Business is the first 24 hour Hindi business channel, and now Zee 24 Taas continues the tradition by becoming the first 24 hour Marathi news channel." Zee Network chairman Subhash Chandra had announced the launch of Zee's Marathi news channel at the Zee Gaurav Awards on 5 February. The channel is already a strong player in the GEC with Zee Marathi.

Maharashtra to add 17,000 Mw by 2012
Monday, February 12, 2007 | AY

Maharashtra has firmed up plans to generate and supply a17,000 Mw of additional power in next three to five years. Most of the additional capacity will come from projects within the state, Maharashtra will get its share from other projects outside the state, like 2,000 Mw from Sasan and Mundra Ultra Mega Power Projects. Ajay Mehta, MD, Mahagenco (Maharashtra Power Generation Co. Ltd.) said the state currently generates 6,000-7,000 Mw of power against the installed capacity of 9,600 Mw. Peak-hour deficit often goes up to 4,500 to 5,000 Mw. Within the state sector, two 250 Mw plants are coming up at Parli and Paras, a 500 Mw-plant in Khapherkheda and a 1,000 Mw one at Bhusawal. Mehta said all these projects were expected to be operational by 2009-10.

Maharashtra swimmer sets record
Sunday, February 11, 2007 | AY

Maharashtra swimmer Veerdhaval Khade set a new national record while Delhi girl Richa Sharma shared the limelight by winning two gold to set the pool ablaze on the second day of 33rd national games today. Khade clocked 1.54.18 to clinch the gold in the 200 m freestyle, bettering his own national seniors' record of 1.57.17 minutes. He also set a new meet record by going past 10-year-old previous national games record of 1.58.68 set by J Abhijith of Karnataka. Manipur is heading the medal tally with four gold, two silver and two bronze whiile Delhi are second and Karnataka third.

BHEL secures Rs3,900-crore contract
Thursday, February 8, 2007 | AY

Power equipment major Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has secured contracts worth Rs3,900 crore for supply and installation of main plant package for three projects in Maharashtra, with a total generating capacity of 1,500 MW, taking the annual order book of the Navratna PSU to over Rs20,000 crore. The contract, awarded by Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd (MAHAGENCO), include one 500 MW unit at Khaperkheda Thermal Power Station (TPS) expansion project and two 500 MW units at Bhusawal TPS expansion project. Khaperkheda and Bhusawal TPS are already equipped with four and two BHEL-built units of 210 MW each. The new units, due to be synchronised during the 11th plan, would add 36 million units every day to the grid.

Mumbai blasts film to be released
Wednesday, February 7, 2007 | AY

A film about the 1993 Mumbai bombings will be screened in India this week almost two years after it hit legal trouble when it was released in 2005. Its release was delayed because of concerns that it could prejudice trials of those accused over the bombings. More than 250 people were killed and 700 wounded in the blasts in India's financial capital on 12 March 1993. The 13-year trial finally ended last September with the judge finding 100 of the 123 defendants guilty, while those remaining were acquitted. Sentences have still to be passed. The film has already done the rounds of several film festivals and received positive reviews. It will be released in India on 9 February.

Court extends Sanjay Dutt's bail
Tuesday, February 6, 2007 | AY

The special TADA court in Mumbai has extended the bail of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt till Wednesday. At the court, a few family members of 69 other people found guilty in connection with the 1993 Bombay blasts, were detained by the police after they staged a protest and raised slogans. All 69 were convicted under TADA but Dutt was convicted under the Arms Act. Dutt has been out on bail after being convicted under the Arms Act and his bail has been extended three times so far.

Gojiri
Monday, February 5, 2007 | AY

Gojiri-A Love Story is the name of Marathi film director Viju Mane's film, produced under the banner of Tanvi films. It goes deeper, trying to explore the human psyche, more so, a condition called short term memory loss. Gulraj Singh's music sets the mood aptly and Giridharan's cinematography is breath taking.

Mumbai airport redesigned by 2010
Sunday, February 4, 2007 | AY

The entire domestic flight operations will move to the Sahar side of the Mumbai airport by 2010. The brand new 1B domestic terminal constructed with an investment of nearly Rs 180 crore and currently used for departure of private airlines will be demolished to make space for cargo operations. Admitting that infrastructure growth could not take pace with the rapid increase in air traffic, the minister said that the introduction of satellite based communication and navigation technology by 2008 will enable airports to handle the growing traffic. This also means that the ongoing flight delays of 30 to 40 minutes at the Mumbai airport will be reduced substantially.

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