The Indian government has issued an advisory to all states due to a rising number of Zika virus cases in Maharashtra. The advisory emphasizes the importance of monitoring pregnant women who test positive for the infection, as Zika can lead to complications like microcephaly in newborns. This article discusses the symptoms of Zika, its transmission, and how to stay safe.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab secured victory in the Mumbai Graduates constituency of the Maharashtra Legislative Council polls, defeating the BJP’s Kiran Shelar. The elections were held on June 26, with Parab receiving 44,784 votes compared to Shelar’s 18,772 votes. Meanwhile, the Congress has re-nominated MLC Pradnya Satav for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council from the MLA quota. These elections are scheduled for July 12 and will fill 11 seats becoming vacant on July 27. The ruling BJP has fielded five candidates, including former state minister Pankaja Munde, while the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) has announced support for Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) candidate Jayant Patil.
A video of an eight-foot crocodile leisurely walking on a road in Chiplun, Maharashtra, after heavy rainfall has gone viral. The reptile, likely venturing from a nearby river, prompted humorous reactions and concerns about safety on social media.
A family outing to a waterfall near Bhushi Dam in Lonavala turned tragic as five members were swept away by strong currents. Three bodies have been recovered, including a woman and two children, while two children remain missing. Authorities are continuing the search and rescue operation.
Sujata Saunik, a seasoned IAS officer of the 1987 batch, has become the first woman to hold the position of Chief Secretary in Maharashtra’s 64-year history. She succeeds Nitin Kareer, who retired on Sunday. Saunik, with three decades of experience in various fields, will serve for a year before her own retirement in June 2024.
A woman and a 13-year-old girl tourist drowned, while three other children are missing after being swept away at a waterfall near Bhushi Dam in Lonavala, Pune. The incident occurred due to increased water flow caused by continuous rainfall in the region.
Maharashtra’s budget has allocated funds for climate change mitigation, particularly through a large-scale bamboo plantation program. The scheme aims to combat climate change impacts like biodiversity loss, drought, and rising temperatures, with funding split between the central and state governments. Bamboo will be planted on private and tribal lands, as well as along highways and in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced a new pilgrimage scheme for senior citizens of all religions, aiming to help them fulfill their religious aspirations. He also vowed to make Maharashtra drug-free, emphasizing a crackdown on drug suppliers and businesses.
A senior BJP leader from Maharashtra, Suresh Dhas, has publicly blamed the alliance with Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction for the BJP’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections. He claims the alliance was unpopular and that BJP workers were disaffected by the sudden inclusion of the NCP. Dhas’ statement comes amid growing discontent within the BJP about the NCP alliance, with other leaders also expressing similar sentiments.
The Maharashtra government has announced a reduction in Value-Added Tax (VAT) on fuel in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, leading to a price decrease for petrol and diesel. The decision, announced during the state budget presentation, is expected to come into effect from July 1st. This move, costing the state ₹200 crore, aims to provide relief to residents and comes ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. The budget also includes other key announcements like financial assistance for women, farmers, and healthcare improvements.
