Latest news with #Narvekar
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Margao chief officer targets Rs 10 crore recovery
Margao: Newly appointed chief officer of Margao Municipal Council (MMC), Madhu Narvekar, has made revenue recovery his top priority to tackle MMC's financial crisis. Narvekar aims to recover Rs 10 crore in six months from the council's Rs 35-crore dues. Narvekar, who assumed charge last month, acted swiftly to address the MMC's financial crisis to meet its basic obligations, including monthly staff salaries of Rs 2.5 crore. 'The target is achievable through planning and consistent monitoring,' he said. 'We have developed a strategy to target defaulters systematically. The performance of our recovery team will be monitored regularly to ensure objectives are met. ' Narvekar constituted a dedicated team to spearhead the drive. The recovery exercise begins with a Rs 20 lakh weekly target, which will be enhanced based on the results. 'We will tweak our strategy based on results, but I am confident we can recover at least Rs 10 crore within the next six months through constant monitoring and meticulous planning,' Narvekar said. He also identified significant revenue leakage from unlicensed businesses and issues related to the subletting of premises, including shops in municipal markets. According to observers, earlier revenue recovery attempts faced challenges due to political interference, poor implementation, and failure to bring unassessed properties into the tax net, with 40–50% of Margao traders lacking valid licences. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Margao civic body chief officer targets Rs 10cr recovery in 6 months
Margao: Newly appointed chief officer of Margao Municipal Council (MMC), Madhu Narvekar, has made revenue recovery his top priority to tackle MMC's financial crisis. Narvekar aims to recover Rs 10 crore in six months from the council's Rs 35 crore dues. Narvekar, who assumed charge last month, acted swiftly to address the municipality's financial crisis to meet its basic obligations, including monthly staff salaries of Rs 2.5 crore. 'The target is achievable through strategic planning and consistent monitoring of progress,' he said. 'We have developed a strategy to target defaulters systematically. The performance of our recovery team will be monitored regularly to ensure we meet our objectives. ' Narvekar constituted a dedicated team to spearhead the drive. The recovery exercise begins with a Rs 20 lakh weekly target, which will be enhanced based on the results. 'We will tweak our strategy based on results and team capabilities, but I am confident we can recover at least Rs 10 crore within the next six months through constant monitoring and meticulous planning,' Narvekar said. The chief officer also identified significant revenue leakage from unlicensed businesses and issues related to the subletting of commercial premises, including shops in municipal markets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3–6 BHK luxury residences at Address by GS S3 Raymond Realty Learn More Undo According to observers, earlier revenue recovery attempts faced challenges due to political interference, poor implementation, and failure to bring unassessed properties into the tax net, with 40–50% of Margao traders lacking valid licences. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
FDA ropes in confectioners, consumers in food safety inspection drive for festive season
Mumbai: Ahead of the festive season, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an inspection campaign to ensure hygiene and quality of food items, like sweets, and roped in confectioners and consumer representatives in this exercise, its top official said on Wednesday. Festive season in Maharashtra will kickstart with the 10-day Ganesh festival from the end of this month. It will be followed by the Navratri festival, Dussehra and Diwali in September and October. Talking to PTI after a meeting here, FDA commissioner Rajesh Narvekar said such an exercise was being carried out for the first time. "Till last year, FDA implemented such drives through regulatory inspections conducted by our officials. This time, we have ensured that producers and consumers participate in our training sessions so that they also understand and adopt good practices," he said. The first phase of the 'San Maharashtracha, Sankalp Anna Surakshecha' (Festival of Maharashtra, resolution of food safety) campaign began on August 11 and it will continue till October 25, during which at least 3,000 inspections are planned, Narvekar said. With the support from Nestle's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the first training session was held on Wednesday for food makers and consumer representatives, he said. The festive inspection campaign aims to ensure that citizens get pure, clean and high-quality food during Ganeshotsav, Eid, Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali, when demand for sweets, modaks, snacks and prasad surges. The FDA will also hold hygiene workshops for sweet manufacturers, modak makers, women's self-help groups and Ganesh mandals, he added. FDA secretary Dheeraj Kumar urged food business operators to strictly follow the law and appealed to citizens to report complaints about food quality to the agency's toll-free helpline 1800-222-365.>
Mint
16-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Mint
Why birds make great pets
Gift this article If you've ever wondered whether birds make good pets, the answer is a resounding yes. 'Birds are smart, social, and often much easier to care for than dogs or cats," says Mumbai-based Dr Sayali Narvekar, a wildlife science veterinarian. 'They don't need daily walks or a garden, and many adapt very well to smaller spaces like apartments. Their colours, songs, and even the ability of some species to mimic human words make them endlessly engaging." If you've ever wondered whether birds make good pets, the answer is a resounding yes. 'Birds are smart, social, and often much easier to care for than dogs or cats," says Mumbai-based Dr Sayali Narvekar, a wildlife science veterinarian. 'They don't need daily walks or a garden, and many adapt very well to smaller spaces like apartments. Their colours, songs, and even the ability of some species to mimic human words make them endlessly engaging." For Indian pet parents, the first and most important step is to understand what species are legal to keep. 'India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, strictly prohibits the keeping of native wild birds as pets," says Dr Narvekar. 'This includes birds like Indian ringneck parakeets, Alexandrine parakeets, mynas, and munias." Instead, pet parents should opt for birds of foreign origin, which are legally permitted and widely bred in India. Popular examples include budgerigars (budgies), cockatiels, lovebirds, African Grey parrots, macaws, canaries, and certain finches. For Indian pet parents, the first and most important step is to understand what species are legal to keep. 'India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, strictly prohibits the keeping of native wild birds as pets," says Dr Narvekar. 'This includes birds like Indian ringneck parakeets, Alexandrine parakeets, mynas, and munias." Instead, pet parents should opt for birds of foreign origin, which are legally permitted and widely bred in India. Popular examples include budgerigars (budgies), cockatiels, lovebirds, African Grey parrots, macaws, canaries, and certain finches. However, legality isn't enough, ethics matter too. Dr Narvekar says to source birds from reputable, registered breeders who can provide documentation proving the bird's foreign origin. Once you've welcomed your bird home, creating the right environment becomes key. 'A cage should never be a prison—it should be a safe, enriching base that allows the bird to move comfortably," says Dr Narvekar. As a rule of thumb, the cage should be large enough for the bird to fully stretch and flap its wings without touching the sides. Daily cleaning of the cage and feeding bowls is essential to prevent infections. Also Read | How to keep your pet safe from disease in the monsoon Equally important is time outside the cage. 'Birds need to fly. Even small species like budgies and cockatiels require regular supervised time in a safe, bird-proofed room," she adds. This means shutting windows, turning off ceiling fans, and keeping toxic fumes—like those from non-stick pans, incense, or aerosol sprays—far away. Toys, foraging opportunities and mirrors can provide important mental stimulation. Dr Narvekar says that in most pet birds, routine vaccines and deworming aren't commonly administered, but exceptions do exist. 'More importantly, regular health check-ups with an avian vet are advisable to gauge if vaccines are needed and to catch any issues early." A balanced diet is critical, says Dr Narvekar. High-quality commercial pellets should form the base, with seeds given only in moderation. A mix of fresh fruits and vegetables adds much-needed nutrients and variety. 'Never feed birds avocado, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, or anything salty or fried. And fruit seeds should be avoided, as many are toxic." While their physical care is relatively straightforward, Dr Narvekar says that a bird's emotional well-being is just as important. 'Birds are highly intelligent and deeply social creatures. Some form lifelong bonds with their human caregivers, and yes, they do grieve if separated from a companion or neglected." A consistent routine, gentle handling, and regular interaction go a long way in helping birds feel safe and loved. Also Read | Pet Matters: How to breed your dog at home safely New bird parents should also be aware of common illnesses . Psittacosis, or parrot fever, is a bacterial infection that can even spread to humans if not handled correctly. 'Look out for signs like lethargy, breathing issues, and green droppings—and always quarantine new birds before introducing them to existing ones," says Dr Narvekar. Another issue to watch for is yeast infections, which often arise from damp cages or mouldy food. These can cause laboured breathing, weakness, and watery stools and require prompt veterinary attention. When prescribed antibiotics, they need them in far higher doses than dogs and cats. Giving medication like paracetamol can cause severe kidney disease. Hence, a pet bird must be treated by a veterinarian specialised in avian medicine. Birds may not wag their tails or curl up in your lap, but they do form bonds and respond to affection in a way that's hard to describe—until you've experienced it. Nameeta Nadkarni is a veterinary soft tissue surgeon and pet blogger from Mumbai. Also Read | Pets enrich the lives of the elderly Topics You May Be Interested In
India Today
12-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Reserve 20% houses in buildings for Marathis, demands Uddhav Sena leader
The Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmakers on Friday demanded that 20 per cent houses in buildings in Mumbai be reserved for native Marathi of Opposition in the legislative council Ambadas Danve and Milind Narvekar gave a letter with this demand to minister Shambhuraj Desai, who belongs to the rival Shiv Sena."We demand 20 per cent of houses in buildings in Mumbai for Marathi Manoos," Narvekar said in a post on On Thursday, Narvekar had asked in the legislative council whether a social organisation had demanded that 50 per cent housing units in the city be reserved for the Marathi people, and if the government had taken any decision on a written reply, deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who is also the Housing Minister, said his department had not received any such on behalf of Shinde, Mines Minister Shambhuraj Desai had said when the Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray was in power during 2019-2022, it did not bring in any such law."You did not do it, and this has come on record. Your love for Marathi Manoos is fake and hollow," Desai had said.- EndsMust Watch
