Maharashtra
Maha Cabinet makes toll payment through FASTag mandatory from April 1

Mumbai, Jan 7: The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has decided to make toll payments through FASTag mandatory at all toll plazas across the state starting April 1, 2025. Vehicle users will be required to use FASTag exclusively for toll payments.
Light motor vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers are already exempted from toll payments at Mumbai’s five entry points. However, the new decision will apply to toll plazas located on state highways and roads developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
The Cabinet emphasized that toll payments via FASTag will enhance consistency and transparency in toll collection. It is expected to reduce vehicle delays at toll gates, saving both time and fuel.
As per the government statement, vehicles entering FASTag lanes without an active FASTag or attempting to pay through other means will be charged double the toll amount.
Currently, toll collection is in place on 13 road projects under the Public Works Department and nine under the MSRDC. The new rule will apply to these projects as well as any future toll-collection initiatives.
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Policy of 2014 to streamline administrative processes. The revised policy aims to make governance more efficient and dynamic.
The Cabinet also approved the publication of updated Maharashtra Government Rules of Procedure, marking the third revision since their inception in 1975. These updates, to be published in the Government Gazette upon the Governor’s approval, are designed to enhance administrative transparency, efficiency, and public orientation.
The revised Rules of Procedure consist of 48 rules, 4 schedules, and 1 annexure, divided into nine parts.
The First Schedule contains the names of the administrative departments of the Ministry. The Second Schedule contains matters to be presented before the Cabinet. The Third Schedule is about matters requiring the Chief Minister’s approval and the Fourth Schedule contains matters requiring the Governor’s approval.
The annexure outlines the procedures for the Council of Ministers and Cabinet, as well as simplified protocols for introducing bills. Provisions have also been made to delegate government orders to the level of Under Secretary.
The updates include newly added tasks for the Planning Department and relaxation in procedural formalities to expedite governance.
A study group of departmental secretaries, formed for periodic rule revisions, conducted a comparative analysis of practices in other states and the Government of India to recommend these amendments.
The Maharashtra government anticipates that these decisions will foster a more transparent and citizen-centric administration while ensuring efficiency in toll collection and governance.
Maharashtra
Major Bust of EcoStar Recycling Company in Thane for Selling Expired Goods

Thane, Maharashtra – In a significant operation, the Thane Crime Branch has exposed EcoStar Recycling Company for allegedly selling expired food items, grains, cosmetics, and sanitary products instead of properly disposing of them as mandated by Flipkart. The company was found to be illegally reselling these goods to the market, raising serious concerns about consumer safety.
The investigation began when the Crime Branch received credible information regarding the questionable practices of EcoStar Recycling. Authorities discovered that the company was reversing the standard protocol for handling expired products, allowing them to enter the market rather than being properly destroyed.
During the raid, officials seized a substantial quantity of expired items that were intended to be discarded. Investigators are now scrutinizing the extent of the operation and the potential network involved in the fraudulent sales.
The Thane Crime Branch, known for its proactive measures against such illegal activities, has emphasized the importance of consumer health and safety. “We are committed to ensuring that companies comply with regulations regarding expired products. Our team is determined to put an end to these harmful practices,” said an officer involved in the investigation.
As inquiries continue, EcoStar Recycling Company faces serious legal repercussions, and additional investigations are underway to track down distribution channels that may have been complicit in the sale of these products.
Authorities remind consumers to be vigilant when purchasing food and hygiene products, advocating for awareness regarding expiry dates. The case highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal sales and the need for stricter enforcement of laws designed to protect public health.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra Honeytrap Row: Minister Yogesh Kadam Rejects Allegations, Calls It ‘Political Mudslinging’

Mumbai: Amid uproar in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly over sensational honeytrap allegations, Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam on Thursday firmly denied any official confirmation regarding the matter.
Reacting to Congress leader Nana Patole’s claims, Kadam said, “There has been no official confirmation so far. No complaint has been filed at any police station. The reports in the media appear completely baseless. This seems like an attempt to defame the government. If anyone has evidence, they should present it, politics should not be played through rumours.
Nana Patole Raises Honeytrap Issue In Assembly
The controversy erupted on Wednesday during Zero Hour when Congress MLA Nana Patole alleged in the Assembly that senior IAS officers and cabinet ministers were being targeted in a honeytrap operation. According to Patole, this may have resulted in the leak of confidential state information.
“There is growing concern that classified information from Maharashtra has been accessed through a systematic honeytrap. Reports suggest involvement of senior officials and ministers. If this has reached anti-national hands, it’s a direct threat to state security,” he said.
Patole demanded that the government issue a clarification in the House by the end of the day, warning that the Opposition would otherwise intensify its agitation. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar acknowledged the matter and stated that the government should take note.
Outside the House, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule yesterday commented that the Home Department and police authorities may already be examining the claims. However, Yogesh Kadam’s statement today marked the first official government rejection of the charges.
Meanwhile, Opposition leaders alleged that several top officials had been filmed in compromising positions at a luxury hotel in Nashik. They claimed the footage was being used for blackmail and that at least 72 names had surfaced in preliminary findings. However, these claims remain unverified, and no formal complaints have been lodged.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Tragedy: 40-Year-Old Differently-Abled Woman Dies By Suicide After Jumping Off 16th Floor Of Bandra Govt Colony; Husband Being Questioned

Mumbai: In a tragic incident on Wednesday, a 40-year-old differently-abled woman allegedly died by suicide by jumping from the 16th floor of her apartment in the New Bandra Government Colony today at 3 PM. The deceased, Sheetal Pawar, lived with her husband Satish Pawar, a government employee with the Bombay High Court, in flat number 1605.
According to Kherwadi police, Satish was present inside the flat at the time of the incident. However, no suicide note was recovered from the scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Sheetal was physically challenged and unable to walk, which may have contributed to her mental distress.
The police are continuing their probe from all possible angles. Satish Pawar is also being questioned as part of the investigation.
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