Shahpur: In recognition of her innovative work in agriculture, Bhumika Bharat Shirke from Shahapur taluka in Thane district was felicitated at a special event organised at the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in Mumbai. The programme was jointly organised by the Government of Maharashtra and the Maharashtra Legislature under the theme “Empowerment of Women Farmers”.

Shirke was selected from the Thane division for her progressive farming practices and sustained efforts in promoting modern agricultural techniques among women farmers. During the ceremony, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented her with a memento, shawl and citation in appreciation of her contribution to the agricultural sector. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present on the occasion.

Shirke has been widely recognised in Shahapur taluka for adopting innovative farming practices while successfully combining traditional methods with modern agricultural technology. She has also actively promoted crop diversification and encouraged other women farmers to adopt sustainable and profitable farming models.

Her efforts have helped set an example of progressive agriculture in the region and have inspired many rural women to explore new opportunities in farming. The honour bestowed upon her at the state-level programme has brought recognition to the agricultural sector of Shahapur and Thane district.

Reacting to the honour, Bhiwandi Lok Sabha MP Suresh Mhatre, popularly known as Balya Mama, said that when women farmers undertake innovative experiments in agriculture, it helps bring rural regions into the spotlight at the state level.

He added that the recognition of progressive farmers from Shahapur in the state assembly was a matter of pride for the Bhiwandi parliamentary constituency and would motivate both women and men farmers to adopt modern and sustainable farming practices.

Local farmers, social activists and dignitaries from Shahapur have also congratulated Shirke for her achievement.

Mumbai: The Mumbai Airport Customs officials on Sunday arrested a 28-year-old man for allegedly smuggling drugs worth Rs 12.68 crore sourced from Bangkok.

According to the Customs sources, on the basis of spot profiling, a passenger Noushad Olappulan, a resident of Kerala, was intercepted on Sunday after he arrived at the international airport in Mumbai from Bangkok.

The Customs officials then examined his bag and found it to be containing clothes and Upon removing the clothes, 12 packets containing green coloured dry leafy substance in lump form were found. The said material tested positive for the presence of narcotic drug purported to be hydroponic weed, a substance covered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

The officials recovered and seized total 12688 grams of hydroponic weed valued at Rs 12.68 crore. In his statement, he admitted non-declaration, concealment, recovery and seizure of the narcotics substance that is fruiting and flowering-top of plant purported to be hydroponic weed having net weight 12688 grams from his bag.

“The accused stated that he was getting handsome amount of quick money for drugs. The investigations in the case are at a very preliminary stage and efforts are also being made to identify and apprehend key associates of the accused. We are probing who had supplied drugs to the accused in Bangkok and who was supposed to receive the same in Mumbai,” said a Customs official.

The DRI in its recent report had stated policy changes permitting the cultivation and sale of cannabis in Thailand have increased accessibility, creating new opportunities for traffickers. This has led to rising instances of hydroponic weed being smuggled into India through airports and courier routes. Most cases involved smuggling from Bangkok to various Indian airports, following a common modus operandi wherein carriers conceal weed in vacuum-sealed packets.

The ongoing USA-Iran-Israel conflict is not only affecting the Middle East but also having a ripple effect in India. Domestic supply chains, particularly commercial LPG gas cylinders, are facing disruptions. This shortage is impacting hotels and restaurants across India, including in Maharashtra and the capital, Mumbai. Many hoteliers have resorted to menu rationing, slower cooking schedules, and even purchasing cylinders from the black market. Amid this LPG crisis, Mumbai’s iconic eatery Shree Thaker Bhojanalay has announced it will remain closed on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, the iconic Mumbai restaurant known for its authentic Gujarati thali, is located in Fanaswadi, Kalbadevi. Established in 1945 by Manganlal Purohit, the eatery has been a beloved culinary landmark for decades. Amid the ongoing LPG shortage affecting the city and other regions, the restaurant’s owners have decided to shut for a day. They announced on their Instagram handle and wrote, “Due to a shortage of LPG gas, our kitchen operations have been affected. Therefore, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay will remain closed on Monday, 16th March 2026. We will update you regarding operations for 17th March 2026 soon. Thank you for your continued support and understanding 🙏❤️.”

A disruption in commercial LPG supplies is beginning to shut restaurants across Mumbai. According to the Association of Hotels And Restaurants (AHAR), around 20 per cent of hotels and restaurants in Mumbai have already shut operations. If the situation continues to be like this, nearly half of Mumbai’s hotels could shut down in the coming days, according to Vijay Shetty, the president of AHAR.

20 per cent of Mumbai’s restaurants have already shut down due to the ongoing LPG shortage. The crisis comes at a time when global energy markets are under pressure from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Geopolitical tensions have disrupted fuel shipments, raising concerns about supply chains. However, the Indian government is working to control the situation and has assured that efforts are underway to stabilise LPG availability, aiming to minimise disruptions for households and businesses across the country.