India's first rail ambulance makes debut in Mumbai
What's the story
Mumbai's Central Railway displayed India's first air-conditioned rail ambulance, which aims to aid injured passengers during the crucial first-hour after the accident. The rail ambulance will be based at Kalyan; four AC coaches used for passenger services were modified to make it. When not assisting accident victims, it will provide medical facilities to crowds. Read on to know what else is happening in Mumbai.
Transport
Drivers of Ola, Uber to stay off roads today
15,000 drivers employed by cab-aggregators Ola and Uber are on a strike today against the companies' policies. Demonstrations and peaceful protests have been planned at the Ola and Uber offices, as well as Azad Maidan. According to the drivers, slashing of incentives, penalties imposed in the form of payment deduction and other faulty policies were the main grievances for their agitation.
Education
Will launch 5 courses in film-making: MU
Vice-chancellor of Mumbai University, Sanjay Deshmukh announced the university's grandiose plan to introduce 5 degree courses in film-making. These programmes will be in collaboration with the Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment (RSACE). A 1.2 lakh sq.ft. infrastructure worth Rs. 3,000cr will be created in its Kalina campus for the same. The courses are film art, film production, screenwriting, animation and visual effects.
Maharashtra
Construction industry professionals liable for building upto 10 years
The Maharashtra State Government ruled that if any building faces structural flaws/defects within 10 years of being built, those involved in its construction (including architects and engineers) will be held liable for the same. This new rule is applicable only to projects with an area of 20,000 sq.m and above. 80% of the buildings in Mumbai, however, are less than 20,000 sq.m.
Bollywood
Boney Kapoor's Twitter account hacked
The cyber crime cell of the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) police registered an FIR after actor Boney Kapoor complained that his Twitter account had been hacked in December 2016. According to the actor, the hacker demanded Rs. 10,000 from one of his followers who is an acquaintance. The Deputy Commissioner of Police said that the accused also tried to extort money from other followers.
Worli Seaface
20 date palm trees planted at Worli Seaface
20 date palm trees were planted along the promenade of Worli Seaface by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The Garden Department of the BMC implemented this move after approximately 50 trees along the walkway either died or dried up in the last 2 years. According to botanists, however, the species of date palm trees along Mumbai's coast will have a survival chance of 50%
Crime
Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya charged for abusive tweets
The cyber crime cell of Mumbai Police on Thursday filed a chargesheet against singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya for sexually harassing women on Twitter with abusive tweets. In July 2016, Preeti Sharma Menon, AAP spokesperson had lodged a complaint against Bhattacharya leading to his arrest, however he was bailed out of prison. The singer's advocate said the complaint was politically motivated.