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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
One dead, one critical in AC blast near Mahim dargah
MUMBAI: One person died and seven others were injured, one of them critically, due to an explosion in the outdoor unit of an air-conditioner (AC) of a food outlet in Mahim on Friday. The deceased and critically injured individual were technicians repairing the ACs of the outlet, located near the famous Makhdoom Shah Dargah on Cadell Road. Onlookers said the explosion was so fierce that the technicians were flung several feet onto the street. The blast also damaged the façade of the eaterie and the flat above. 'The technicians had come a day earlier too, returning on Friday to continue the repairs,' said Rizwan Khan, who lives next to the ground-plus-one structure where the blast took place. 'Something went horribly wrong and there was a loud explosion. My children play outside but, thankfully, they were inside when the accident happened as it was raining.' The explosion took place at 6.15pm, and it took fire personnel 25 min to extinguish the blaze. 'Investigations are ongoing,' said the fire officer in charge of the operation. The deceased is Noor Alam, 38, who was declared dead on arrival at Sion Hospital. Pravin Pujari, 34, the other technician, was admitted to the hospital. He is in critical condition, having sustained 30% burns. The others who were injured, likely those who worked in the food outlet as well as passersby on the busy street, are: Mukesh Gupta, 34, Shivmohan, 24, Deepali Godatkar, 24, Sana Shaikh, 25, Shridevi Bandichhode, 31, and Kamlesh Jaiswal, 22. They sustained minor injuries. The storey above the food outlet houses a residential home but the occupants were away when the explosion took place. Their home, however, was damaged in the blast. 'Luckily, both of us were out,' said Sahil Kapadia, who lives in the house above with his mother Sheena Lala. 'Only our African Grey Parrot was home. He's fine but he has plucked out all his feathers in fear.' Sheena Lala added, 'Our windows have cracked, parts of the ceiling are damaged, and portions of the floor have cracked. The damage is worst where the blast took place. We have to figure out where to spend the night.' Kapadia added, 'The cloud kitchen was an outlet of a popular chain of eateries. It has been operating here for 8 to 10 years.' The fire officer on duty did not confirm these details but said they had found freezers of the food outlet on the ground floor.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
7 beautiful parrots that cannot be kept as pets — Here's why
Parrots are admired worldwide for their intelligence, vivid colours, and engaging personalities. However, not all parrot species are suitable or legal to keep as pets. In fact, several countries have placed strict bans on the ownership of certain parrots, either because they are endangered or pose a threat to native ecosystems. Here are seven parrot species that are banned from pet ownership in many parts of the world. Pesquet's Parrot (Dracula Parrot) Native to the rainforests of New Guinea, the Pesquet's Parrot, often called the Dracula Parrot due to its gothic appearance, is known for its black and red plumage. While striking to look at, this species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss and illegal trapping. As a result, it is protected under international laws and banned from trade and ownership in many regions. Lear's Macaw This deep blue macaw is native to a small region in Brazil and is considered Endangered. Its limited habitat and the threat of illegal trade have led to severe population declines. Lear's Macaws are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), making it illegal to own or sell them across borders without special permits. Spix's Macaw Famously featured in the animated movie Rio, the Spix's Macaw is critically endangered and possibly extinct in the wild. Conservation efforts have kept a small number alive in captivity, but strict bans are in place to prevent any private ownership. Trade and transport of these birds are heavily restricted and only allowed for breeding and conservation purposes. Kakapo A flightless, nocturnal parrot from New Zealand, the Kakapo is one of the world's rarest birds. With fewer than 300 individuals remaining, all of which are under government protection, this parrot is completely off-limits for pet ownership. Conservationists closely monitor the existing population to help it recover. African Grey Parrot Highly intelligent and capable of mimicking human speech, the African Grey Parrot has long been popular in the pet trade. Unfortunately, this popularity has led to overexploitation and a sharp decline in wild populations. It is now listed under CITES Appendix I, which bans international trade in wild-caught birds. In many countries, even captive-bred African Greys require special documentation. Cape Parrot Native to South Africa, the Cape Parrot is facing the dual threats of habitat destruction and illegal capture. Although not as well-known as other parrots, it is rare in the wild and considered vulnerable. Laws in South Africa prohibit the capture and sale of wild Cape Parrots to help preserve the species. Monk Parakeet Unlike the others on this list, the Monk Parakeet is not endangered. However, it is considered an invasive species in parts of the United States and Australia. Monk Parakeets can build massive nests that damage power lines and displace native birds. Because of this, they are banned in several U.S. states and Australian territories. While parrots can be wonderful companions, it is crucial to understand the legal and ethical implications of pet ownership. These bans serve an important purpose: protecting endangered species and preserving natural ecosystems. If you are considering adopting a parrot, always choose legal, captive-bred birds and support responsible pet ownership. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
