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FIR registered against six CNG pump staff in Mumbai’s suburbs for assaulting officer and overcharging consumers | Mumbai News
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FIR registered against six CNG pump staff in Mumbai’s suburbs for assaulting officer and overcharging consumers | Mumbai News


Vasai: The Pelhar police have registered an FIR against six staff members of a CNG pump located in Dhanivbaug, Nalasopara (E), for allegedly assaulting a govt officer and overcharging customers. The case has been filed under sections related to assault, causing grievous hurt to a public servant on duty, along with provisions of the Essential Commodities Act and the Petroleum Act.The complainant, Bhagwat Sonar, a Food Supply Inspection Officer from Vasai, had conducted a raid at the pump on Saturday afternoon following multiple complaints of overcharging. During the inspection on Saturday afternoon, Sonar allegedly found that customers were being charged Rs 30 to Rs 50 extra per refill despite fixed government rates.According to the FIR, the situation escalated when Sonar questioned the staff about the malpractice. The staff allegedly behaved aggressively, argued with the officer, and disobeyed his instructions. In a video recorded by Sonar, the employees can be seen confronting him in a hostile manner. He further alleged that his movement was restricted and that he was physically assaulted during the incident.One of the staff members also reportedly helped a colleague escape from the spot, who was allegedly involved in collecting the excess cash from customers. Following the incident, Sonar alerted the Pelhar police, who reached the location and intervened.Sonar said the raid was conducted after receiving several complaints. He added that the staff appeared to be taking advantage of rumours about a possible shortage of CNG supply to overcharge customers. They also feel that this overcharging may have been going on for some time. He also confirmed that the action taken report will be shared with the state govt with a proposal to cancel the licence of this pump.Police officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the malpractice and whether more individuals were involved in the racket.



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Gold Price: Dubai gold price climbs on March 27: 24K at around Dh624 per gram as inflation fears drive buying | World News
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Gold Price: Dubai gold price climbs on March 27: 24K at around Dh624 per gram as inflation fears drive buying | World News


Gold prices in Dubai rise sharply on March 27 as global uncertainty, weak dollar and strong demand / Image: file

The “City of Gold” witnessed a vibrant morning on Friday as gold prices in Dubai staged a notable recovery, snapping a downward streak that had dominated the market for over a week. In a classic display of retail resilience, residents and tourists alike flocked to the Dubai Gold Souk and major jewellery outlets to capitalize on the price swings. By 9:42 am on March 27, 2026, the 24-karat variant was retailing at Dh543.73 per gram, marking a significant jump from the previous day’s lower levels and providing a much-needed boost to market sentiment after a volatile month.

Dubai gold price today

Metal Type Category / Purity Retail Price (per gram)
Gold 24K AED 543.73
Gold 22K AED 503.42
Gold 21K AED 480.52
Gold 18K AED 411.87
Silver Retail Spot AED 10.79
Platinum Retail Spot AED 283.54
Palladium Retail Spot AED 217.50

This upward movement is largely tied to global spot gold prices, which have remained firm due to persistent concerns over inflation and economic slowdown risks. Currency fluctuations, particularly a softer US dollar, have further supported gold’s upward trajectory, making it more attractive to international buyers.Jewellers across Dubai noted that while footfall remains steady, buyers are becoming more value-conscious, often opting for lighter jewellery or delaying bulk purchases in anticipation of price corrections.

Global inflation cues

The primary catalyst behind this morning’s price hike lies across the Atlantic, where investors are laser-focused on the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data. This metric is the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge and is expected to dictate the pace of interest rate cuts for the remainder of 2026. Earlier this year, a hawkish shift from the Fed—following the nomination of Kevin Warsh as Chair, sent precious metals into a tailspin, with silver crashing 44% from its January highs. However, the current technical support levels have invited fresh buying interest as traders hedge against potential inflation surprises and a slightly softening US dollar.

UAE gold demand trends

In the UAE, gold demand remains resilient but measured. Retail buyers, especially ahead of festive and wedding seasons, continue to show interest, though rising prices are influencing purchasing patterns.Jewellers report a shift towards:

  • Lightweight and budget-friendly jewellery
  • Exchange offers and promotions
  • Delayed purchases in anticipation of dips

Tourist demand, a key driver for Dubai’s gold market, remains stable, providing additional support to overall sales despite higher price levels.Earlier dips in gold rates had encouraged buying, particularly among residents and tourists. However, the current upward movement suggests the market remains sensitive to external triggers; any signs of economic stress quickly translate into higher gold prices.Analysts expect this trend to continue in the near term. Gold will likely remain volatile but supported at higher levels unless global economic conditions shift significantly.

Outlook for Dubai gold market

Looking ahead, global economic indicators, Dubai gold price climbs on March 27: 24K at around Dh624 per gram amid global market jitters particularly inflation data and central bank policy decisions, are expected to influence gold prices in Dubai. Any signals of easing monetary policy could further strengthen gold prices.For buyers in the UAE, this means navigating a market where prices may stay elevated in the short term. For investors, gold continues to offer stability and diversification, especially in uncertain economic environments.As markets await clearer direction, gold’s role as a safe-haven asset remains firmly intact, keeping Dubai’s bullion trade active and closely watched.



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Saba Azad hospitalised after being diagnosed with parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, says Hrithik Roshan is keeping her spirit up |
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Saba Azad hospitalised after being diagnosed with parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, says Hrithik Roshan is keeping her spirit up |


Actor Saba Azad has been hospitalised after being diagnosed with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Taking to Instagram on Friday, she shared a photo of herself lying in a large hospital bed, looking visibly frail, and described the ordeal as the “worst 14 days” of her life. She also mentioned that Hrithik Roshan has been a constant source of support during this time.Posting the picture, Saba wrote, “Worst 14 days of my life. Cyclospora cayetanensis you nasty piece of work!! For somone who only ever eats home food, carries her water bottle everywhere, this bug came outa nowhere, that too at the busiest time of the year for me. Iv lost 4 kgs that I didn’t have spare in two weeks and I can barely walk.”She further shared how the illness drastically affected her physical strength. “One day im training twice a day, doing pull-ups, lifting heavy and the next im half my size, without strength to lift a goddamn toothpick leave alone weights. So pls for the love of your gut wash your salad leaves and veg like your life depends on it – cause sometimes it really does!! Our new method is Baking soda + veggie wash (Herbal Strategi has a good one),” wrote Saba.Concluding her note, she credited Hrithik for lifting her spirits, “(camera emoji) by @hrithikroshan who’s kept my very grumpy sprits up and always manages to find humour in the darnest situations. PS – I haven’t shrunk quite as much as it may seem here, the bed is supersized and the angle is wide.”

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Hrithik Roshan overflows with pride: ‘My heart is full. I love you’ — a loving tribute to Saba Azad

Hrithik was previously married to Sussanne Khan from 2000 to 2014. They have two sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan, born in 2006 and 2008. They separated in 2013, with their divorce finalised a year later, and have since maintained an amicable relationship while co-parenting.Hrithik and Saba began dating in 2022 and celebrated four years together in October 2025. Their relationship became public after they were spotted together at dinner outings and at Karan Johar’s 50th birthday celebration.



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Varun Dhawan shares his daughter was diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH); says, ‘Want to write book on it’ |
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Varun Dhawan shares his daughter was diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH); says, ‘Want to write book on it’ |


Actor Varun Dhawan revealed his daughter was diagnosed with DDH, a condition affecting hip development. She recently underwent a procedure and was in a spica cast for 2.5 months. Dhawan shared this to raise awareness about the treatable condition in India, urging parents to monitor their children’s movements. Read on to know more in detail.

Varun Dhawan and his wife, Natasha Dalal, became parents in the year 2024, as they welcomed a daughter together. In a recent interaction, the actor opened up about how his little one was diagnosed with DDH (developmental dysplasia of the hip), due to which she was not able to run properly. He then went on to reveal that his daughter underwent a procedure recently.

Varun Dhawan shares his daughter has been diagnosed with DDH

In an interview with the Be A Man, Yaar! podcast, Varun Dhawan revealed, “My daughter was diagnosed with DDH, in which the hip slips out of the hip socket. Ek pair lamba chota hojaata hai jiski wajah se walk tedi hojaati hai (One leg becomes longer or shorter than the other, because of which the walking becomes uneven). You can’t walk or run properly.”In the same conversation, the actor added, “You get arthritis early, slip disc early.”He further shared, “West main iska bahut accha treatment hota hai birth pe hi India main har jagah nahi hai itna. But yahan bhi bahut acche doctors hain jo iska care karte hain (In the West, there is very good treatment for this right from birth, but in India it’s not available everywhere to that extent. However, there are also very good doctors here who take care of it).”

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Varun Dhawan shared that his daughter didn’t need any kind of surgery during this treatment. He said, “With one procedure they could put the hip back. But she had to be in a spica cast. That means she had to be in cast for 2.5 months. Which is extremely difficult. To put her in anesthesia, and then she woke up in a cast. Now the cast is out. I want to write a book on it.”The actor urged every parent out there to pay attention to their children’s movement and go for a checkup if they see anything unusual.Varun asked his fans not to show him sympathy for this, as he shared about the situation just to make people in India aware related to DDH. He added that DDH is curable if diagnosed during the baby’s development.

More about Varun Dhawan

Varun Dhawan was last seen in the film ‘Border 2’, directed by Anurag Singh. The movie went on to score over Rs 400 crore at the global box office. Next, he will be seen in ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, directed by David Dhawan. The movie is slated to release in June this year.



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Bappi Lahiri House: Inside Bappi Lahiri’s 1,050 sq ft Mumbai home: Gold chair, 1000 Ganesh idols, Kishore Kumar’s last photo | Hindi Movie News
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Bappi Lahiri House: Inside Bappi Lahiri’s 1,050 sq ft Mumbai home: Gold chair, 1000 Ganesh idols, Kishore Kumar’s last photo | Hindi Movie News


Bappi Lahiri’s 1,050 sq ft Mumbai home pulses with his legacy: music, memories, gold chair, 1,000 Ganesh idols, Kishore Kumar’s last photo. Grandson reveals cozy rooms, award walls, soundproof studio for Disco Dancer, heartfelt meals, faith nooks, and verandah vibes—beyond real estate, a disco era shrine.

Music director and singer Bappi Lahiri is no longer with us. But walk into his Mumbai home, and you will see his presence is still there. It stays in every corner with the music, memories, and strong personality that made him special. He bought the 1,050 sq ft house in 1983 for Rs 19.32 lakh. Today, it is much more than just land or a building. It is a personal collection of the man who changed Indian music for a whole era.

Bappi Lahiri’s grandson shares rare peek

Lately, his grandson gave a rare peek into this legendary home on Instagram, uncovering stories far deeper than fans witnessed on stage. Outside, the house looks peaceful and simple, white-painted with a classic verandah. Step inside, though, and a lively sitting room greets you, instantly revealing its famous resident. Walls packed with awards, records, and photos map Lahiri’s path from a three-year-old prodigy earning his first medal to the disco king. The room radiates a deliberate coziness. Wooden-framed glass windows, gentle lighting, and comfy blue sofas add a retro allure. In one spot sits his photo, where guests stop to honor him like a silent tradition.

Bappi Lahiri’s meals with heart

His grandson recalls that meals were far more than just eating. Lahiri, simple at heart despite his showy public image, ate lightly but gave generously. He’d divide his plate with family, offering bites like sacred prasad. The house’s core, however, pulses from a soundproof nook, his private creative den. Iconic songs like ‘Disco Dancer’ and ‘Tamma Tamma’ were born. Two chairs within, once occupied by greats like Kishore Kumar, lend a hushed historical aura.

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Bappi Lahiri’s hall of fame

Then there is the “hall of fame,” as the family calls it. It feels like a time capsule, not just a collection. Old music instruments, some over 100 years old, sit with awards, fan art, and rare items. One sad but special thing is a photo Lahiri took of Kishore Kumar one day before he died. It is one of the last pictures of the singer. The house shows Lahiri’s love for God. He prayed to Lord Ganesha a lot. He went to Siddhivinayak Temple before every big project. At home, over 1,000 Ganesha idols are placed in rooms. It mixes music and faith. A gold velvet chair where he sat, practiced, and taught others. A gold-plated microphone from Disco Dancer time. Even after his death, family keeps his footprints on the chair, as per Bengali tradition.

Bappi Lahiri’s verandah vibes

The tour ends at the verandah, where Lahiri liked to relax. It was his favorite place for evening tea, easy music sessions, and festivals like Ganapati and Saraswati pujas.



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405 schools set for upgrade as state’s model institutions | Mumbai News
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405 schools set for upgrade as state’s model institutions | Mumbai News


Mumbai: As many as 405 schools will be upgraded as Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Model schools. The project involves upgrading infrastructure across local body schools. Key physical improvements include the installation of RO/UV water purification systems and the creation of “Pink Rooms,” designed to provide female students with private facilities for menstrual hygiene. Additionally, the state will establish a model sports academy in every district to support athletic development.In a seperate initiative to address declining enrollment, the ministry has outlined a new outreach strategy. Teachers and education officials are mandated to conduct door-to-door visits to identify and enroll out-of-school children. Acknowledging the shifting trends, the department will place a greater emphasis on English language instruction within these govt schools. The initiative also introduces fiscal measures, including local tax exemptions at the Gram Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat levels for families sending their children to local govt schools. To formalise the start of the academic year, schools will now host an annual ‘School Pravesh’ festival on the first day of classes to welcome returning and new students. The initiative also includes alumni associations. By tapping into the expertise and resources of alumni, schools aim to upgrade physical facilities and provide mentorship. To maintain momentum, the state will formally honour schools and teachers that demonstrate exceptional performance in increasing student enrollment and overall academic excellence.



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‘Unusual’: Two Chinese vessels abort bid to pass Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s assurances of safe passage
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‘Unusual’: Two Chinese vessels abort bid to pass Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s assurances of safe passage


Two large Chinese-linked container ships made an abrupt U-turn near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday as Iran tightens its grip on one of the key passages for global shipping. Ship-tracking data showed the CSCL Indian Ocean and CSCL Arctic Ocean, both linked to China’s state-owned COSCO Shipping, attempted to leave the Gulf in the early hours before turning back close to Iranian waters. The move came despite Tehran’s recent assurances that vessels from “friendly nations”, including China, would be allowed to pass.Interestingly, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had stated just a day earlier that Tehran would permit safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for ships from five “friendly” nations: China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan.

The Strait of Hormuz

According to ship-tracking data, the two vessels moved towards the narrow Strait at around 0350 GMT before reversing course near Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands.

  • This marked the first known attempt by a major global shipping operator to exit the Gulf since the war began
  • Both ships had been stranded in the region for weeks
  • Analysts cited by WSJ described the reversal as “unusual” given prior signals that Chinese-linked vessels might be allowed through

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Rebecca Gerdes, an analyst at Kpler, told Reuters that the episode showed that “safe passage could not be guaranteed”, despite diplomatic messaging from Tehran.Bloomberg reported that the vessels had earlier altered their tracking signals to indicate Chinese ownership and crew, a tactic previously used by ships seeking to avoid confrontation in the waterway.

Iran tightens control over key chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas normally flows, has effectively been brought under Iranian control since the conflict escalated.

  • Tehran has combined military threats with selective permissions to regulate movement
  • Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces have reportedly turned back multiple vessels
  • Shipping firms now face a patchwork system of approvals and restrictions

Iran has also indicated that vessels linked to countries seen as backing the United States or Israel could be denied passage altogether. On Friday, Iranian forces said they had warned off three container ships of different nationalities attempting to cross.

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Do you think Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz is justified?

‘Toll booth’ system emerges

Industry data and maritime reports suggest Iran is increasingly operating a de facto approval system for ships seeking transit.

  • Vessels may be required to submit cargo, ownership and crew details for clearance
  • Some ships have reportedly paid fees — in Chinese yuan — to secure passage
  • Approved vessels are sometimes escorted through Iranian-controlled routes

Shipping intelligence firms have described this as a “toll booth” model, effectively allowing Tehran to control who moves through the strait and on what terms.At least some vessels, particularly those carrying goods destined for Iran, have been allowed through in recent days, while others remain stuck.

Traffic collapses, risks surge

The broader impact on global shipping has been severe.

  • Traffic through the strait has fallen by up to 90–95% since early March
  • Only a fraction of normal daily vessel movements are currently taking place
  • At least 20,000 seafarers are believed to be stranded in the Gulf region

Security risks have also intensified. Maritime agencies report multiple attacks on commercial vessels since the conflict began, with casualties among crew members.Many ships are now switching off tracking systems while navigating the region, reflecting heightened fears of targeting.

Energy markets and geopolitics

The disruption has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with exports of crude oil and liquefied natural gas from Gulf producers sharply curtailed.Despite the broader slowdown, Iranian oil shipments — particularly to smaller Chinese refineries — appear to have continued, suggesting Tehran is leveraging its control to maintain key export flows.Meanwhile, tensions remain high. The United States and Iran are exchanging proposals through intermediaries, but the situation on the ground — and at sea — continues to deteriorate.



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Mumbai Police files chargesheet against sunshine developers partners; Rs18.22 crore diverted, project stalled | Mumbai News
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Mumbai Police files chargesheet against sunshine developers partners; Rs18.22 crore diverted, project stalled | Mumbai News


MUMBAI: The Economic Offences Wing of Mumbai police have submitted a voluminous chargesheet against the three partners of Sunshine Developers who took a construction loan of about Rs 90 crore from LIC Housing Finance Limited in 2017 for the two projects in Bhandup. However, investigators found that of Rs 90 crores, Rs 18.22 crore was allegedly diverted into other companies and personal accounts and misused in violation of loan conditions. Due to the diversion of funds, construction work at the project stopped in 2019 and the company later went bankrupt, causing financial losses to the complainant and the lender. The EOW has filed chargesheet against Pankaj Bhuta, Kashyap Mehta and Atul Bharani under the IPC sections 420 of cheating and 406 of forgery. Police informed the court that when the officials went to serve notices to these three accused for their appearance at the time of filing the chargesheet, none of them were available and one of the accused’s wives refused to even accept the notice. The case pertains to an FIR lodged by complainant Pratik Vira, a construction and finance entrepreneur who alleged that he was deceived into investing ₹150 crore from his group into the Sunshine Group and was later defrauded through forged documents and unauthorised loans amounting to ₹250 crore.Vira and his father, Jayesh Vira, began investing in Sunshine Group in 2006 after being promised high returns and a business partnership. Over time, he became a shareholder and director in multiple companies within the group but claims he had no control over financial decisions. Vira further said that Sunshine Group secured loans from financial institutions like ICICI Prudential and LIC Housing Finance Ltd (LICHFL) under fraudulent pretences. Vira alleges that a ₹25 crore loan was taken in his name without his consent in 2015, and another ₹55 crore loan was secured in 2016. Further, in 2017, a ₹90 crore construction loan from LICHFL meant for the Samruddhi Garden project in Bhandup was taken, with ₹18.22 crore allegedly siphoned off to other entities.Tensions between Vira and Sunshine Group escalated when he began questioning financial irregularities. He was subsequently removed from company operations, and legal battles ensued in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), and the Supreme Court.According to the EOW chargesheet, the accused — Kashyap Mehta, Atul Bharani and Pankaj Bhuta — had taken a construction loan of about Rs 90 crore from LIC Housing Finance Limited in 2017 through Sunshine Housing Pvt. Ltd. for the two projects. However, investigators found that out of Rs 19.62 crore disbursed from the loan, Rs 18.22 crore was allegedly diverted and misused in violation of loan conditions.However, the chargesheet states the investigation revealed that large amounts were transferred from Sunshine Housing Pvt. Ltd. to Mayurpankh Properties Pvt. Ltd. and other companies in multiple transactions between October and November 2017. These funds were not used for construction but were diverted to other companies and personal accounts of the accused.The EOW also found that part of the diverted funds was used to purchase flats in the Samruddhi Garden project in the names of the accused. Police have sealed these flats belonging to the accused. Due to the diversion of funds, construction work at the project stopped in 2019 and the company later went bankrupt, causing financial losses to the complainant and the lender.The chargesheet states that the accused violated loan agreement conditions, diverted project funds without permission from the lender and misappropriated company funds for personal gain. Police said notices were issued to the accused to appear in court at the time of filing of the chargesheet, but some of them did not respond to the notices.



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Dhurandhar 2: ‘Only R Madhavan said yes immediately; Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna weren’t sure’: Mukesh Chhabra on Dhurandhar casting | Hindi Movie News
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Dhurandhar 2: ‘Only R Madhavan said yes immediately; Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna weren’t sure’: Mukesh Chhabra on Dhurandhar casting | Hindi Movie News


Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has been dominating conversations ever since its first instalment, winning both critical acclaim and audience love. While the film’s performances have been widely praised, casting director Mukesh Chhabra has now revealed that getting its star-studded ensemble on board wasn’t easy.

Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has been dominating conversations ever since its first instalment, winning both critical acclaim and audience love. While the film’s performances have been widely praised, casting director Mukesh Chhabra has now revealed that getting its star-studded ensemble on board wasn’t easy.

‘Only R Madhavan agreed instantly’

In a recent interaction with Hindustan Times, Mukesh Chhabra opened up about the casting process.“Initially, even Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna were not sure about being a part of the film. Only R Madhavan said yes. For the others, it took time,” he said.He added that the scale of casting evolved over time. “Aditya and I were considering so many people, and honestly, earlier we had never thought we would cast so many big stars. We had a very different kind of actors in mind. Then I pushed him to think bigger.”

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‘It all fell into place gradually’

Chhabra further explained how the ensemble slowly came together.“When you start a film, you wonder how so many big actors will come on board. At first, none of this was there, but gradually, as we discussed, it started falling into place,” he said. Talking about the hesitation among actors, Chhabra highlighted a key concern in multi-starrers — screen time.“Madhavan and Arjun were on the set only for 12 days. Most actors usually worry about how much screen time they will get. We told them that here, impact is what matters,” he shared.“If you look at Madhavan’s part, with only 12 to 14 days of work, the impact of the role is huge,” he added.



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Fuel pump ops hit by new rules for dealer payments, see long queues | Mumbai News
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Fuel pump ops hit by new rules for dealer payments, see long queues | Mumbai News


MUMBAI: Rumours of fuel shortage and a change in dealer payment rules led to long queues at petrol pumps across MMR on Friday.Motorists crowded outlets in Mumbai, Kalyan, Badlapur, Thane, Koparkhairne, Vashi and Belapur, pushing up sales by over 40%, especially at smaller stations in the city with limited storage. Some pumps faced partial dryouts, while a few were close to shutting until fresh stocks arrived. Oil company officials and petrol dealers clarified that refinery operations and fuel dispatches remained normal across Maharashtra, including MMR. They said tankers continue to deliver supplies to pumps since early morning and there is no statewide shortage of petrol or diesel. The disruption, they said, was linked to a new advance payment system.

Fuel pump ops hit by new rules for dealer payments, see long queues

Till March 16, dealers could lift fuel on short-term credit and make payment a day or two later. That cushion has now gone. Dealers must first deposit the full amount and only then can they place an order for delivery. For larger pumps with stronger cash flow and reserve storage, the shift is manageable. For smaller dealers, especially during sudden spikes in demand, it has become difficult. Bank holidays compound the problem. Dealers said that if payments are not deposited before bank closures, some pumps may not be able to place fresh orders in time. With bank holidays on Saturday and Sunday and more closures lined up next week for Mahavir Jayanti as well as the annual bank closing, some outlets could face temporary dry spells next week if they miss the payment window. Similar pressure may arise around Good Friday. Sources said that a few pump owners in Mumbai have managed to get fuel on credit from an oil marketing company during the holiday period, although this privilege was not extended to all pump owners across MMR. A typical pump procures around 12,000 litres of petrol and 8,000 litres of diesel. Bigger stations often maintain a 50% buffer, allowing them to keep selling while waiting for the next tanker. Smaller pumps usually have less storage and less financial flexibility. So, their stocks get exhausted faster if sales surge unexpectedly. Another factor is diesel demand from heavy goods vehicles. Some trucks that are unable to refuel on highways enter Mumbai to top up, adding to the load on city pumps. Dealers’ associations have urged citizens not to panic. They said affected pumps are likely to receive supplies within six to 24 hours or at most in two days. Chetan Modi, Petrol Dealers’ Association president, said, “Fuel is available, supply lines are working, and the queues are largely the result of panic buying colliding with advance payment and bank closure constraints.” In Thane, apart from one petrol pump in Kapurbawdi, where a long queue was seen (which is a regular occurrence at that location), petrol pumps within the city did not witness any unusual rush. The owner of BabuBhai Petrol Pump in Thane appealed to motorists not to form unnecessary queues or stock excess fuel. Citizens were also requested not to carry bottles or containers for extra fuel. A motorist at the spot said he did not want to take any chance in the face of uncertainty. (With inputs from Nishikant Karlikar)



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