The documentary 'MONOBLOC' by Hauke Wendler is a portrait of the ubiquitous plastic chair and its role in globalization. The film, which took eight years to complete, explores the chair's design history and its presence across five continents, offering a lens to view inequality and the world order. Wendler's perspective on the chair evolved during the making of the film, recognizing its deeper significance beyond its simple appearance. The documentary is seen as timely and relevant, especially in the context of the coronavirus crisis, as it encourages Western audiences to look beyond their own experiences and consider a broader global perspective.

Intense rainfall in Pune on Monday evening led to waterlogging at the railway station and other parts of the city, including Dagadusheth temple. With Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited buses out of service, cab drivers charged exorbitant fares, up to four times the usual amount. Passengers reported being charged ₹300 to ₹600 for short distances, significantly higher than normal rates. The situation was similar at Pune International Airport, where passengers faced long waits for cabs due to delayed flights.

Footpaths in Pune, such as those on Laxmi Road and Fergusson College Road, are heavily encroached upon by hawkers, impeding pedestrian movement. Residents express frustration over the lack of walking space. Pune Municipal Corporation acknowledges the issue but cites challenges in relocating long-established hawkers. The PMC is considering traffic planning solutions in collaboration with traffic police. Harshad Abhyankar of Save Pune Traffic Movement criticizes the mere observance of Pedestrians’ Day without substantive action and notes that the presence of hawkers is driven by customer demand, not the existence of footpaths.

The Excise Department in India has issued 165,000 one-day liquor permits ahead of December 31 celebrations, with permits available at wine shops and from excise inspectors for ₹5. Superintending State Excise Officer Charansingh Rajput stated that with parties allowed to continue until 5 am, the department aims to ensure legal and wise drinking. The department has also increased its excise flying squad from 14 to 22 officials to monitor illegal liquor activities and has so far received 24 applications for one-day party licenses, expecting over 100 in total.

The Pune Municipal Corporation is finalizing the 655-metre-long flyover at Golf Course Chowk in Yerawada, which is expected to be operational before the G20 meet in January 2023. The flyover aims to alleviate traffic congestion on Airport Road, a critical issue causing commuters to miss flights. Despite a 30-month construction plan, the project faced delays due to a lockdown and local protests. The flyover, constructed by Atur India at a cost of ₹31 crore, includes space for nine godowns or warehouses and is designed to reduce traffic by 85% for those heading towards the airport.

The Consulate General of Israel Mumbai and the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) have signed a letter of intent to develop a Jewish heritage route in Maharashtra. This initiative aims to preserve Jewish heritage and attract tourists, especially those from the Jewish community abroad, to explore the rich history and contributions of the Jewish people in the state. The route will include 22 sites such as synagogues and cemeteries, with the first phase starting in Mumbai. The plan coincides with the 30th anniversary of full diplomatic relations between Israel and India. Trained tourist guides will lead visitors through the sites, and the route is expected to become operational in February 2023. The effort has been supported by local tourism officials and is seen as a way to strengthen cultural ties between India and Israel.

Residents of Baner and Balewadi in Pune have been experiencing law-and-order issues due to roadside liquor consumption, hooliganism, and noise pollution from nearby pubs and restaurants. A meeting was held where community representatives discussed these problems and the need for increased police presence. The police have acknowledged the concerns and plan to add more marshals for night patrolling and increase staff at the local chowki. They will also monitor wine shops and meet with their owners to address the issues. Residents have identified 60-70 spots for night patrolling, and the police have agreed to add more personnel. Issues regarding senior citizen cards were also raised, with promises to address them.

The Swargate underpass in Pune, maintained by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), is undergoing repairs due to water seepage issues. Commuters like Dr. Ranjeet Kotkunde and architect Hrishikesh Patil have expressed concerns over the underpass's design and the inconvenience caused. The Pune Municipal Corporation's special projects department, represented by executive engineer Abhijeet Ambekar, is addressing the problem by investigating the water leakage sources and plans to concretise approach roads. The repair work is expected to take about a month, during which commuters are requested to be patient.

The Pune Municipal Corporation's road department has selected three top urban design teams to implement a school travel improvement plan in local schools. The trial for the design proposals is set from December 11 to 16, focusing on the Kharadi, Deccan, and Parvati areas. The initiative aims to encourage school children to walk and cycle to school, with a cycle rally being organized and feedback from students and parents to be considered for the final implementation to ensure safety and independent mobility.

Sugarcane farmers discovered a leopard cub on their farm, leading to a successful late-night reunion with its mother by Wildlife SOS and the Forest Department. The process involved overcoming challenges such as changing the mindset of locals and ensuring timely health examinations. The first 72 hours were critical for the reunion, and advancements in technology and local community awareness have played significant roles in the success of these operations.

The Pune-Bremen friendship square, symbolizing the sister city partnership between Pune and Bremen, celebrated its 25th anniversary. The square, awarded by the United Nations in 1997, has been credited with the development and branding of Aundh, making it a desirable location for IT professionals. The Pune-Bremen Solidarity Forum, supported by Spicer Adventist University, plans to restart its activities. Key figures in establishing this partnership include former Pune mayor Dattatray Gaikwad, International Relations and Development Officer Gunther Hillgis, and other local dignitaries.

API Rajendra Kendre issued notices to 25 hotels and bars in Balewadi, Pune, warning against norm violations. He met with Baner Balewadi residents to discuss issues such as late-night parties, loud music, and construction work extending into the night. Residents also highlighted the need for increased police patrolling, addressing dark spots that attract street drinkers, penalizing footpath parking, and the need for a police station due to the growing population. They suggested police collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation to prevent footpath parking.

A marathon titled 'Run for the Hills' is scheduled for October 30 at 6 am on Vetal Tekdi in Pune as part of the 'Yellow Ribbon campaign' to protect the hills from unchecked development. The event, organized by the Pune Running group, aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the area's biodiversity and the role of the hills in supporting the city's environment. Sushma Date of Save Vetal Tekdi group and Deccan Gymkhana Parisar Samiti highlighted the ecological significance of Vetal Tekdi. Arvind Bijwe, the event organizer, emphasized the experience of the hills' flora and fauna and the need for sustainable development. The event is a response to proposed projects by the Pune Municipal Corporation that are seen as threats to the local environment.

Intense rainfall in Pune has led to waterlogged roads, causing commuter distress due to ineffective development works by authorities. Readers suggest penalizing officials for unauthorized constructions, auditing stormwater drains, pre-monsoon cleaning of drainage systems, and improving road repairs. They also emphasize the need for citizen participation in maintaining cleanliness and allowing natural water seepage. The lack of accountability from the municipal corporation is highlighted, with calls for action against negligent officials.

The Pimpri Chinchwad police commissionerate has issued an order restricting the bursting of firecrackers with noise levels above 125 decibels from 10 pm to 6 am, from October 24 to November 23, in accordance with the Maharashtra Police Act 1951. The order also prohibits the indiscriminate bursting of firecrackers within 50 feet of any street or road and sets noise level limits for chain firecrackers. Violators will face legal punishment under Section 131 of the Maharashtra Police Act.

Pune is experiencing severe traffic jams, prompting criticism of the police and civic body's management. Police Chief Amitabh Gupta attributes the congestion to infrastructure projects, including the Pune Metro. To alleviate the situation, 600 wardens are planned to be deployed at key locations, with the possibility of enlisting home guards or NCC students. A review by Patil highlighted the need for expedited Metro work and improved traffic management, with a meeting scheduled post-Diwali to discuss progress on the University flyover and Metro projects.

During Diwali, gold and silver sales in India saw a 35% increase compared to the previous year. Stable gold rates and the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions contributed to the rise in sales. Silver items, particularly coins and utensils, were in high demand, with many customers also purchasing silver showpieces as gifts. The Diwali season, which started with a successful Dhanteras, is expected to continue strong sales until after the upcoming Sunday. Jewellers like Ranka and PNG reported a significant uptick in sales, particularly in gold and diamond jewelry, over bullion.