Mumbai: The Central Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has claimed to have seized mephedrone MD drugs worth Rs 50 crore by busting a factory and lab supplying mephedrone MD. The NCP had conducted an operation in Mumbai’s Bhandup area, during which two drug peddlers were arrested, out of which drugs were hidden in plastic containers at the house of one of the accused.

Interrogation of the arrested accused revealed that he had set up a drug manufacturing lab in Mahad Industrial Area of ​​​​Raigad district and a case is already registered against the supplier of the suspected chemical factory under the NDPS Act and it is being investigated by the DRI and he is on bail in this case.

The NCB has continuously launched a campaign against drugs and drug smugglers. The NCB has appealed to the citizens to cooperate in the campaign against narcotics. Citizens should actively participate in this campaign being run to eliminate drug addiction and citizens can directly contact the helpline toll-free number 1933.

In line with the campaign of the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, on the instructions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the NCB has intensified its action against drugs. During the action, the NCB has also recovered 46.8 kg of mephedrone, which has an estimated market price of Rs 50 crore. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also praised the action of NCB in this matter.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Private Placement Agency (Regulation) Bill, 2025 has been passed in both houses of the legislature, creating a safer and more transparent system for job seekers in the state.

About The Bill

The bill includes preventive measures to curb fraudulent recruitment practices and safeguard the employment interests of job seekers. Members of the Legislative Council acknowledged the increasing number of job fairs in Maharashtra and the employment opportunities provided to students through the Mukhyamantri Yuva Prashikshan Yojana. They emphasised that these initiatives are visionary and beneficial for young job seekers.

Speaking about the bill, skill development minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said that with mandatory government registration, every placement agency will now operate within a regulatory framework, ensuring transparency and building trust among job seekers.

The bill aims to provide national and international employment opportunities for youth, enhance collaboration with placement agencies, bring transparency in their operations, and encourage quality services in the sector.

Mumbai: In a bid to tackle the issue of ticketless travel and encourage commuters to buy valid tickets, Central Railway has decided to introduce an exciting new initiative called “The Lucky Yatra” scheme. Under this program, one lucky commuter will win Rs 10,000 daily, while a bumper prize of Rs 50,000 will be awarded once a week.

According to CR, the scheme started on March 20th and will run for eight weeks, aiming to promote lawful travel among Mumbai’s suburban railway passengers. The initiative is sponsored by FCB Interface Communication Pvt. Ltd., ensuring that passengers do not have to pay any extra fees to participate, said an official of CR. “Currently, the scheme is running as a pilot project only for passengers traveling from CSMT to Karjat/Kasara stations, i.e., only on the main line,” said an official.

How does It Work?

Division selects a UTS number and coveys to Advertising agency daily. They put it on website and passenger has to claim it by registering on website and collect it by coming to CSMT and showing their ticket. If found valid, prize will be given on the spot.

“The scheme is not just about encouraging ticket purchases but also about appreciating honest commuters,” said a railway official. “We want to reward those who follow the rules and ensure a disciplined travel culture in Mumbai’s local trains.”

Who Can Participate?

The scheme is open to all passengers traveling on central railways main line between CSMT- Kasara/ Karjat, including those using single journey tickets, daily tickets, and monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual passes.

With Mumbai’s local trains carrying over 7.5 million passengers daily—nearly 4 million of whom use the suburban train services operated by CR across all four routes, including the Main Line, Harbour Line, Trans-Harbour Line, and the Fourth Corridor (Uran Line)—ticketless travel remains a significant issue. Central Railway officials estimate that around 20% of passengers travel without a valid ticket.

Encouraging Valid Travel

To make ticket purchasing easier, passengers have multiple options, including ticket counters, ATVM machines, mobile tickets, online tickets, and smart cards. The railway authorities urge commuters to buy tickets and participate for a chance to win cash rewards while traveling in dignity on a valid ticket.