Mumbai sees highest COVID-19 cases since July 26
Cases of COVID-19 have gradually increased in Mumbai since the festive season began with Ganesh Chaturthi. On Thursday, the number hit 5,317, the highest in the city since July 26.
Officials from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s health department said they are anticipating a spike post-Dussehra as more people step out.
However, officials said the rise in cases is not a cause for concern. They say the situation is under control since most of Mumbai’s population has taken at least one dose of the and nearly half have taken both doses.
Source: The Indian Express
Read more: Mumbaikars’ contribution to the fight against COVID19
Fishermen protest coastal road work at sea near Worli
Over 200 fishing boats from Worli Koliwada protested against ongoing construction of the coastal road connector between the coastal road and the Bandra-Worli sea link.
The Worli Koliwada fishermen alleged that buoys anchored last week in the fishing waters by the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) damaged their nets.
Source: Free Press Journal
Read more: Are Mumbaikars prepared for the environmental impact of new coastal projects?
Railways to allow under-18 teenagers to travel by local train
Schools in the city reopened earlier this month and colleges are now set to open next week. Mumbai Railways have, since, decided to allow teenagers under 18 years of age to travel by local trains regardless of vaccination.
The move comes days after the state government issued an order expanding the definition of fully vaccinated persons to include persons less than 18 years of age and those who have medical conditions which prohibit them from taking the COVID-19 vaccines.
Source: Mumbai Live, The Indian Express
Read more: Mumbai is not fully open until the trains start running
Mumbai University to soon issue a circular on reopening of colleges
Mumbai University (MU) said it will soon issue a circular for the reopening of all colleges associated with it, based on a government resolution passed on Wednesday.
The government has allowed students above the age of 18 to attend college from October 20 if they are fully vaccinated. Those who are not vaccinated can continue to attend online classes. The government has also asked universities and colleges affiliated with them to arrange vaccination drives for students who have not been vaccinated. The government has permitted colleges to allow students according to their capacity after taking permission from the local municipality.
Source: The Indian Express
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Maharashtra government approves scrapping of Police Naik rank
The Maharashtra home department has decided to remove the post of Police Naik so that police constables can go up to the rank of Police Sub-Inspector by the time they retire.
State Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil tweeted that in a meeting on Thursday, the in-principle nod was given to the proposal submitted by the DGP.
Currently, a police officer who joins the force as a constable can rise up to an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) rank by the time they retire. They go from constable to police naik rank to head constable to ASI rank, when they generally retire after more than 30 years of service.
Source: The Indian Express