News / Author / Manasi Deshpande

Manasi Deshpande

Articles by Manasi Deshpande

Centre should be strict with international passengers: Ajit Pawar

Of the seven Omicron cases, six patients are from Pimpri-Chinchwad and belong to one family. Three of the six returned from Lagos, Nigeria, on November 24

In light of seven cases of Omicron, the new Covid variant being reported from Pune district, deputy chief minister and Pune guardian minister Ajit Pawar said that centre should adopt a strict approach towards international passengers coming into various states. (HT PHOTO)

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Published on Dec 07, 2021 12:15 AM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

New girl’s school at Pune’s Bhide Wada to have 19th-century architecture, advanced technology classes

The seven-storey structure will have five floors reserved for the school which will have all the modern amenities. The school will be run by PMC, and the basement will house shops, which are already located there

Bhide Wada, where India's first girls's school was opened by Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule in Budhwar peth is lying in a dilapidated state after it was shut down 15 years ago. (HT PHOTO)

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Published on Dec 04, 2021 11:43 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande, Pune

Festival organisers on back foot due to looming Omicron threat

With the spectre of the new, Omicron variant of coronavirus looming large, the state government is maintaining restrictions for theatres, auditoriums and open spaces and organisers of popular cultural and music shows are consequently on the back foot

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Published on Dec 04, 2021 12:27 AM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

State clarifies rules for flyers after Centre redflags Maharashtra’s 4 new Covid guidelines

The Maharashtra government, on Wednesday, clarified that its rules related to RT-PCR tests and quarantines for flyers are only limited to those arriving from high-risk countries and not for domestic air travellers after the Centre redflags Maha’s Covid guidelines

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Published on Dec 02, 2021 12:52 AM IST

ByManasi Deshpande and Jigar Hindocha

Centre red-flags Maharashtra’s 4 new Covid rules for flyers, wants them scrapped

Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan told Maharashtra to align its Covid-19 guidelines for air travellers to the ones issued by the Centre on November 30 .

The four Covid-19 testing and quarantine conditions identified by the Union health ministry are more stringent than the cnentral guidelines notified a few hours before Maharashtra issued its version. (REUTERS)

india news

Updated on Dec 01, 2021 05:38 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

PMC rules: Multiplexes, auditoriums to continue to operate at 50% capacity

As per the PMC order, the guidelines issued by the state government will be applicable in the city even as deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar made an announcement regarding some relaxations

The latest PMC order implies that multiplexes, single-screen theatres and auditoriums will continue to operate at 50% capacity, contrary to Ajit Pawar’s announcement about allowing these establishments to operate at 100% capacity. (HT PHOTO)

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Updated on Nov 29, 2021 09:18 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Power restored in schools ahead of reopening: Pune ZP

According to ZP officials, out of the due bill payment of ₹2.28 crore, ₹1.91 crore has been sanctioned. With most primary schools reopening on December 1, power has been restored in all schools, says Ayush Prasad, chief executive officer Pune zilla parishad

Pune ZP operates 3,639 schools in Pune district. According to officials, the MSEDCL had snapped power of 800 schools. (HT PHOTO)

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Published on Nov 28, 2021 08:00 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

No Covid test report check for domestic passengers arriving at Pune airport: Ajit Pawar

Pawar clarified that this exemption from Covid test is only meant for domestic flights. However, for international flights, the rules set by the union government for the passengers will be followed, said Pawar

Domestic travellers arriving at Pune airport can now breathe a sigh of relief, as deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, on Saturday announced that no Covid test report will be checked for passengers who arrive in Pune. (HT Photo)

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Published on Nov 28, 2021 12:25 AM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Ajit Pawar announces further relaxations, contradicts state order

As per the new relaxations announced by Pawar, theatres and auditoriums can operate with 100% occupancy from December 1. Cultural programmes and music festivals will also be permitted on open rounds in adherence to all Covid-19 protocols

Though Pawar did not specify the relaxations for restaurants, Pune municipal commissioner Vikram Kumar said, “Eateries are likely to be allowed to function at full capacity and we will issue orders soon.” (HT Photo)

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Published on Nov 28, 2021 12:04 AM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Pune theatres to operate at 100% capacity, cultural programs permitted in open spaces

The Maharashtra government, after a gap of five months, had allowed theatres and auditoriums to reopen with 50% seating capacity from October 22, though cinema hall owners and film personalities have been complaining about its adverse impact on business.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced on Saturday that the restrictions of only 50% capacity in establishments such theatres, auditoriums would be eased from December 1. (HT PHOTO.)

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Published on Nov 27, 2021 04:29 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Waiting for respite from traffic jams at Hinjewadi? You’ll have to wait a little longer

The alternate road to phase three of the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi through Maan-Mhalunge is expected to cut short the commute time by an hour, thus reducing the traffic congestion. However, the work on various stretches of the proposed road has been stalled due to opposition from locals

The work of the proposed project at Hinjewadi has been jointly undertaken by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the Public works Department (PWD) of the state government. (HT PHOTO)

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Published on Nov 26, 2021 07:55 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Mixed reaction from parents; Pune schools seek smooth transition

Parents are anxious as the paediatric vaccination hasn’t begun and the Covid cases have been recording a spike in other countries

As the state government has allowed the reopening of offline classes for Class 1 to 7 in urban areas from December 1, schools say that it is a short period and have insisted on a smooth transition for the students and parents and continuation of the hybrid teaching mode for a while. (HT PHOTO)

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Published on Nov 25, 2021 10:44 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Change in ring road alignment to cost MSRDC an additional Rs500 crore

MSRDC’s two feasibility reports to change the alignment of the proposed ring road in Pune district likely to add financial burden of approximately Rs500 crore to the budget, said MSRDC officials

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Published on Nov 25, 2021 08:48 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

HIA asks MIDC to relocate waste plant proposed near Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park

Hinjawadi Industries Association (HIA) has asked Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to change the location of a proposed waste management plant near the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park

Vehicular movement at Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjewadi in Pune. Hinjawadi Industries Association (HIA) has asked Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to change the location of a proposed waste management plant near the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park. (HT FILE)

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Published on Nov 23, 2021 11:36 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Pune’s performing arts’ festivals waiting for govt clarity before going ahead

Organisers of the music and performing arts’ festivals are seeking clarity from the administration on rules related to shows on open grounds and have also demanded relaxations of the 50% occupancy rule for auditoriums

As Covid cases have gone down and restrictions have been considerably eased this year, organisers of the music and performing arts’ festivals are optimistically looking forward to hosting the shows this year. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

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Published on Nov 22, 2021 12:24 AM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Power unlikely to be restored in over 800 Pune ZP schools by November 22

Pune ZP vice-president Ranjit Shivtare said that the process of paying the dues has begun and the administration has been asked to resolve the situation in 15 days

Out of the total 3,639 ZP schools in Pune district, more than 800 are currently without electricity over failure to pay bills on time. (Hindustan Times)

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Published on Nov 21, 2021 12:19 AM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

At Rs63.90/kg, CNG prices see third hike in 1.5 months in Pune

A third hike in one-and-a-half-month, CNG price was increased by Rs1.8 on Wednesday. The total rise in price over this period has been Rs6.4 per kg. Pune consumers now have to pay Rs63.90 per kg

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Published on Nov 18, 2021 11:33 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Maha may see all-time high production of sugar this year

With the sugarcane crushing season for 2021-22 having started from October 15 in Maharashtra, state sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad has predicted record high sugar production this season

With the sugarcane crushing season for 2021-22 having started from October 15 in Maharashtra, sugar commissioner of the state, Shekhar Gaikwad, has predicted a record high sugar production this season. (AFP (PIC FOR REPRESENTATION))

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Published on Nov 17, 2021 01:34 AM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

MSEDCL cuts power to 800 Pune ZP schools over non-payment of bills

As per the information released by Pune Zilla Parishad’s (ZP) CEO Ayush Prasad, electricity supply to 800 schools has been disconnected by MSEDCL over non-payments of bills

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Updated on Nov 16, 2021 11:56 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Maharashtra unlikely to be able to cut taxes on fuel: Ajit Pawar

Pawar said that taxes are the only source of income for the state and that cyclones, unseasonal rain and the pandemic have already added to the burden on state finances. He also took a dig at the BJP, the opposition party in the state, saying that it makes demands that put the state in trouble

While the Union government has slashed taxes on petrol and diesel, deputy chief minister and finance minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, expressed hesitation to cut down state taxes to bring down fuel prices further. (HT Photo)

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Updated on Nov 15, 2021 07:36 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Heroes of our time: Meet Indians making a difference

You’ve seen the pictures. You’ve heard the names. Read on to see what some of the winners who have largely remained away from the spotlight achieved and how

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Padma Awardees at Rashtrapati Bhavan(Twitter)

india news

Updated on Nov 15, 2021 06:27 AM IST

ByMegha Sood, Srinivasa Rao Apparasu, Manasi Deshpande, Shruti Tomar, Utpal Parashar, Sharan Poovanna, Arun Dev, Joydeep Thakur, Hindustan Times, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhopal, Hyderabad

October saw highest ever revenue collection of Rs3,200cr from stamp duty: Balasaheb Thorat

The Maharashtra government on August 26, 2020 decided to temporarily reduce stamp duty on housing from 5% to 2% till December 31, 2020. From January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021, stamp duty was increased from 2% to 3%. During FY2021-22, stamp duty was reinstated to 5%

Maharashtra revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat said in October 2021, the state received Rs3,200 crore in revenue through stamp duty which is the highest ever in a month. He clarified that the state does not plan to give concession on stamp duty. (HT PHOTO)

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Updated on Nov 13, 2021 09:33 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Pune restaurant menus may see 10% price hike... but not for now

Against the backdrop of soaring prices of LPG cylinders, edible oil and vegetables, hoteliers in Pune hinted at an increase in rates of the restaurant dishes

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Updated on Nov 10, 2021 01:30 AM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

As bus fares spike, assoc requests operators not to take advantage of Maharashtra strike

The Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) has asked private bus operators not to overcharge passengers and take advantage of Maharashtra strike

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Published on Nov 09, 2021 08:07 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Fuel price drops... Punekars say not good enough

Transport operators and Punekars express dissatisfaction by drop in fuel price saying that even these prices are too high and further relief should be provided

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Published on Nov 04, 2021 07:47 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Alternate routes likely to open for traffic post-Diwali ahead of multilevel flyover construction work at SPPU

In the last week of October, a meeting of the PUMTA was held to plan the smooth passage of the traffic from the university chowk whenever the construction work of the flyover would start. The body drafted multiple measures to be undertaken by the various involved agencies

Ahead of the multilevel flyover construction work at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) chowk, changes in the traffic routes are likely after Diwali. (HT Photo)

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Updated on Nov 03, 2021 10:40 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

More gardens reopen in Pune; Diwali cultural programmes allowed in Sarasbaug

As per the garden department now, a total of 135 gardens have been reopened in Pune city. However, the operating hours in the evening have not been increased yet, despite a demand from the residents to keep them open beyond 7pm

In Sarasbaug, two programmes are permitted on November 4 and November 5. The events should be conducted during the operational hours of the gardens, says Ashok Ghorpade, head of PMC’s garden department. (HT PHOTO)

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Published on Nov 03, 2021 06:47 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

PUMTA plans alternate routes ahead of SPPU flyover construction

Pune divisional commissioner Saurabh Rao on October 26 chaired a meeting with the authorities of various agencies including PUMTA when a detailed plan was discussed for traffic diversion, opening of alternate routes, broadening of roads, and relocation of the PMPML bus stops on Ganeshkhind road which have been riddled with traffic jams

The Pune Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (PUMTA) has planned various measures to ensure the smooth flow of traffic at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) chowk once construction of the proposed multilevel flyover along with the third metro line begins. (Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo)

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Updated on Nov 01, 2021 11:02 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

Pune district has 7,895,894 voters; increase of just 8,020: Official Draft Electoral Roll

Voters have time till November 30 to register their objections after which the final electoral roll will be published in January 2022

According to the official draft electoral roll released by the Election Commission of India on November 1, Pune district has 7,895,894 voters. (HT PHOTO)

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Published on Nov 01, 2021 09:24 PM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

PMC order: Masks compulsory in all offices; firms to ensure staff fully vaxed

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made wearing the face mask mandatory for staff and visitors in all government and private offices, along with industries

Dr A Bhondwe, former state head, IMA, said there are serious lapses in Covid norms. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made wearing the face mask mandatory for staff and visitors in all government and private offices, along with industries. (HT)

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Published on Oct 29, 2021 12:36 AM IST

ByManasi Deshpande

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Manasi Deshpande

Of the seven Omicron cases, six patients are from Pimpri-Chinchwad and belong to one family. Three of the six returned from Lagos, Nigeria, on November 24

The seven-storey structure will have five floors reserved for the school which will have all the modern amenities. The school will be run by PMC, and the basement will house shops, which are already located there

With the spectre of the new, Omicron variant of coronavirus looming large, the state government is maintaining restrictions for theatres, auditoriums and open spaces and organisers of popular cultural and music shows are consequently on the back foot

The Maharashtra government, on Wednesday, clarified that its rules related to RT-PCR tests and quarantines for flyers are only limited to those arriving from high-risk countries and not for domestic air travellers after the Centre redflags Maha’s Covid guidelines

Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan told Maharashtra to align its Covid-19 guidelines for air travellers to the ones issued by the Centre on November 30 .

As per the PMC order, the guidelines issued by the state government will be applicable in the city even as deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar made an announcement regarding some relaxations

According to ZP officials, out of the due bill payment of ₹2.28 crore, ₹1.91 crore has been sanctioned. With most primary schools reopening on December 1, power has been restored in all schools, says Ayush Prasad, chief executive officer Pune zilla parishad

Pawar clarified that this exemption from Covid test is only meant for domestic flights. However, for international flights, the rules set by the union government for the passengers will be followed, said Pawar

As per the new relaxations announced by Pawar, theatres and auditoriums can operate with 100% occupancy from December 1. Cultural programmes and music festivals will also be permitted on open rounds in adherence to all Covid-19 protocols

The Maharashtra government, after a gap of five months, had allowed theatres and auditoriums to reopen with 50% seating capacity from October 22, though cinema hall owners and film personalities have been complaining about its adverse impact on business.

Parents are anxious as the paediatric vaccination hasn’t begun and the Covid cases have been recording a spike in other countries

MSRDC’s two feasibility reports to change the alignment of the proposed ring road in Pune district likely to add financial burden of approximately Rs500 crore to the budget, said MSRDC officials

Hinjawadi Industries Association (HIA) has asked Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to change the location of a proposed waste management plant near the Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park

Organisers of the music and performing arts’ festivals are seeking clarity from the administration on rules related to shows on open grounds and have also demanded relaxations of the 50% occupancy rule for auditoriums

Pune ZP vice-president Ranjit Shivtare said that the process of paying the dues has begun and the administration has been asked to resolve the situation in 15 days

A third hike in one-and-a-half-month, CNG price was increased by Rs1.8 on Wednesday. The total rise in price over this period has been Rs6.4 per kg. Pune consumers now have to pay Rs63.90 per kg

With the sugarcane crushing season for 2021-22 having started from October 15 in Maharashtra, state sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad has predicted record high sugar production this season

As per the information released by Pune Zilla Parishad’s (ZP) CEO Ayush Prasad, electricity supply to 800 schools has been disconnected by MSEDCL over non-payments of bills

Pawar said that taxes are the only source of income for the state and that cyclones, unseasonal rain and the pandemic have already added to the burden on state finances. He also took a dig at the BJP, the opposition party in the state, saying that it makes demands that put the state in trouble

You’ve seen the pictures. You’ve heard the names. Read on to see what some of the winners who have largely remained away from the spotlight achieved and how

The Maharashtra government on August 26, 2020 decided to temporarily reduce stamp duty on housing from 5% to 2% till December 31, 2020. From January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021, stamp duty was increased from 2% to 3%. During FY2021-22, stamp duty was reinstated to 5%

Against the backdrop of soaring prices of LPG cylinders, edible oil and vegetables, hoteliers in Pune hinted at an increase in rates of the restaurant dishes

The Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) has asked private bus operators not to overcharge passengers and take advantage of Maharashtra strike

Transport operators and Punekars express dissatisfaction by drop in fuel price saying that even these prices are too high and further relief should be provided

In the last week of October, a meeting of the PUMTA was held to plan the smooth passage of the traffic from the university chowk whenever the construction work of the flyover would start. The body drafted multiple measures to be undertaken by the various involved agencies

As per the garden department now, a total of 135 gardens have been reopened in Pune city. However, the operating hours in the evening have not been increased yet, despite a demand from the residents to keep them open beyond 7pm

Voters have time till November 30 to register their objections after which the final electoral roll will be published in January 2022

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made wearing the face mask mandatory for staff and visitors in all government and private offices, along with industries

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