MUMBAI: An alleged acid attack on a Class 6 girl in Sangamner’s Ahilyanagar district prompted sharp criticism of the Maharashtra government in the legislative assembly on Wednesday. Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar called the incident “extremely disturbing” and accused the state government of failing to prevent crimes against women and minor girls. Raising the matter through an adjournment motion, he demanded an immediate discussion, noting that the girl remains in serious condition while the accused have not yet been arrested. Wadettiwar questioned how the perpetrators were able to flee after committing such a serious offence. He also criticized local police, alleging inefficiency and corruption, and warned that such lapses embolden criminals. Highlighting a rise in attacks against minor girls in the state, he said the government has not taken effective action to curb these crimes. Speaker Rahul Narwekar took note of the issue and instructed the government to submit a detailed statement to the House as soon as possible. Congress member Nana Patole urged that the girl be brought to Mumbai for better medical treatment at no cost. He added that her facial injuries are serious and could affect her future, and expressed concern over the anxiety caused to citizens and the victim’s family due to the delay in apprehending the accused.(With agency inputs)

What happened when a home turned into a living, breathing celebration of indie creativity? That’s exactly what curator Neel Dutt did with The Maryanne Pop-Up, named after the iconic song Mary Anne by his father, Anjan Dutt, and the result was far more heartfelt than he had imagined. Held over March 14 and 15, the debut edition saw an overwhelming response, with visitors turning up in large numbers to support young, independent brands. “It went better than I expected. I didn’t expect that so many people would turn up and show love to these wonderful brands and young entrepreneurs,” said Neel, adding, “In our own little way, I think the first edition did contribute to the endeavours of these young creative minds.” What stood out most was a growing shift towards conscious living. “I am glad to see that so many people are thinking of the environment. A good amount of people are using sustainable products daily… trying to minimise plastics in their lives,” he shared, while acknowledging, “It’s a long process.”Curated in just a month, the pop-up brought together a mix of new and familiar brands. “I tried to invite some brands who are very new and are doing interesting things… some have been friends for a long time,” he said. Transforming his home into an “eclectic bazaar,” Neel added, “I had a dream to turn my house into this space because I believe in independent arts and indie cinema.” For Neel, the goal went beyond retail. “My main goal was to connect with new people and learn from them… we need to collaborate more and adapt to a more conscious lifestyle.” Swastika Mukherjee, who participated with her brand The Leaf Story, shared, “The pop-up felt deeply human. Leaf Story is about bringing nature into everyday life, from green installations and low-maintenance terrariums to eco-friendly design. Being part of this event gave me a chance to connect with people who value sustainability and conscious living, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have my own stall there.”

Neel grilling BBQ at the pop-up.

Anjan Dutt at the pop up

THANE: A hospital in Thane has been found operating an unauthorised IVF centre, prompting authorities to order a comprehensive inspection of all such facilities and sonography centres across the city, officials said on Wednesday. The action comes in the wake of an illegal human “egg-selling” racket recently busted in the Badlapur area of Thane district in Maharashtra, accordint to news agency PTI. The Thane Municipal Corporation’s (TMC) health department carried out a raid on March 6 at the unlicensed IVF facility operating within a prominent local hospital, according to an official release.“The centre’s approval has been cancelled and three sonography machines at the facility have been sealed,” it said. Taking serious note of the violations, Thane mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by TMC Chief Medical Health Officer Dr Prasad Patil and Shiv Sena group leader Pawan Kadam. “The mayor has directed the administration to immediately inspect all IVF and sonography centres within the Thane Municipal Corporation limits,” the release said. She also ordered the launch of a “special campaign against illegal sonography centres” to ensure strict compliance with medical safety norms. During the meeting, Dr Patil said, “Poor women were being coerced into producing excess eggs through hormonal injections in exchange for money. These were then extracted and sold for lakhs of rupees to childless couples.” To ensure accountability, the mayor has mandated a strict monitoring mechanism.“The administration should monitor the investigation regularly and submit a report every week. The action taken by the health department must be continued without interruption,” the release said quoting the mayor.

Jag Laadki at Mundra port

NEW DELHI: The Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Jag Laadki arrived at Mundra port in Gujarat on Wednesday, becoming the third such vessel to reach India in as many days amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Click here for live updatesThe tanker docked carrying approximately 80,886 metric tonnes of crude oil, sourced from the UAE and loaded at the Emirate’s Fujairah Port.The arrival comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, where Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz following the US and Israel’s joint strikes on February 28 that triggered the conflict. The strait is a critical waterway, handling nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil supply, making it vital for countries such as India.