Shiv Sena compares demonetization to Hiroshima bombing
What's the story
Shiv Sena said in its party mouth piece 'Saamna' that demonetization was akin to dropping an atom-bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The article accused Modi of "not heeding anybody's" advice and even ignoring advice of RBI governor before invalidating notes: it also lamented millions of job-losses, closure of industries, high unemployment as fallout of demonetization. To read what all happened in Mumbai, tap in!
Elections
Actors in Sairat brand ambassadors for elections
Lead actors of Marathi movie Sairat, Rinku Rajguru and Akash Thosar, shot to fame when their movie opened to rave reviews across the country. The actors and their performance resonated with the youth and they have an impressive fan base. To leverage their popularity, Rinku and Akash have been appointed brand ambassadors for Maharashtra elections to encourage young voters to participate in electoral process.
Infrastructure
Mumbai scores least on punctuality
Mumbai airport continues to be ranked as most unpunctual among all four private-run airports. Other airports in metros like Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Delhi performed better than Mumbai in December, which saw record surge in passengers. In December 300,000 travellers were stranded for over 2 hours in Mumbai - the highest ever. Mumbai airport is short on space and airlines aren't willing to increase flights.
Travel
Holidays hit by service tax increase
The resurgence in holiday planning has been hit by an unexpected increase of service tax. From January 22, the taxable component of a holiday package has increased from 25% to 60%. This is likely to most impact families booking package tours. Demonetization had already dealt a big blow to families' travel plans and this sudden levy and implementation was an additional blow.
Transport
Private players to modernize Mumbai stations
5 railway stations in Mumbai are set to be redeveloped by private players. Although there is a plan to develop a total of 44 stations pan-India, the maximum number of stations are in Mumbai. Plans to redevelop are expected to be firmed-up by March. Boston Consulting Group is conducting feasibility study for 55 stations and total cost of redevelopment is pegged at Rs.4000 crore.
Bhiwandi
CA topper assisted father at shop while studying
23-year old Piyush Lohia has placed been ranked in the chartered accountancy final exams. Lohia lives in Bhiwandi with his family and was pursuing B.Com as well as CA simultaneously. While studying for his CA finals he would also assist his father at his shop along with his brother who is also pursuing CA. The family had moved to Bhiwandi from Rajasthan years ago.
Politics
Mumbai dancers at Trump's inaugural show
Mumbai choreographer Suresh Mukund is training 30 Indian American dancers to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony on January 20. The performance will be a medley of Bollywood and Indian classical songs. Former Miss India Manasvi Mamgai is supposed to lead the performance. Mukund is part of the United India Dance group which won a bronze at World Hip Hop Championship in 2015.