Only 67 of the 989 buses owned by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) have CCTV cameras, but the devices are functional in 42 of these vehicles. According to the administration, the cameras in the remaining 25 are inoperative due to “technical error”. Even buses with cameras lack road-facing dashboard cameras amid calls from experts to make them mandatory. In total, apart from the 989 buses it owns, the BEST has 1,900 buses that are operated under the wet-lease system. All of these have CCTV cameras but the surveillance systems on 420 buses are not functioning. The site of the December 9 accident in Kurla West. File Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Rajesh Pandya, a civic activist, said, “We have raised our voices against this issue in the past. Video recordings are useful for those investigating any incident or crime. Also, they are necessary for security reasons. When CCTV cameras are functional, commuters feel safe. When the buses in service were new, their CCTV were working fine but with time, they stopped functioning.” While there are no existing regulations regarding the installation of dashboard cameras in India, they are legal and experts said they should be made mandatory. Jitendra Gupta, a transport expert, said, “The installation of not only CCTV cameras but also dashcams must be made compulsory in India. In an accident where there were no mistakes on the part of the driver, dashcam recordings are crucial. Dashcams also need to be made mandatory as the security of commuters is important. At least CCTVs should be made mandatory in the city’s transport system.” “In the December 9 Kurla bus accident, there is no footage available from the driver’s point of view. If there are any cases of molestation, video recordings can serve as proof against offenders, so it is necessary that all buses should have working cameras,” said Rupesh Shelatkar, a commuter rights activist. Nine people died and dozens were injured on SG Barve Marg in Kurla West in the recent accident when a BEST bus on route number 332 between Kurla West and Agarkar Chowk in Andheri ran amok. A few months prior to this, a mobile phone snatcher stabbed a BEST bus conductor in Dharavi.
24 December,2024 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for December 24. Aries March 21 – April 20Missing someone special is understandable, but there’s so much work to complete before the end of the day; so consciously snap out of it.Cosmic tip: Meet a friend for some retail therapy. Taurus April 21 – May 20There’s a turn for the better in this karmic cycle of major changes taking place as the universe brings a much needed balance in life.. Cosmic tip: Keep the mind stress-free and happy. GeminiMay 21 – June 21One of two options is the message. Choose with care as one of them takes life on a higher position at work..Cosmic tip: Ask for clarity about some clauses before signing a contract. Cancer June 22 – July 23A friend from overseas gets in touch, wanting to meet. Health is good. Cosmic tip: Be aware what seems to be so right is actually not so. Wait it out for a few days. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Sometimes a problem urges looking at the issue from a different perspective altogether. Having dinner with extended family is fun.Cosmic tip: Maturely work on a relationship issue instead of getting annoyed or irritated. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Use advantages at work very carefully, thinking of all possible ways to make them work. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Discuss each plan with your spouse/partner instead of just deciding on your own. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Don’t give constructive criticism to colleagues, allowing them to work in a way they believe is correct. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Believe in yourself, trusting instincts. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Returning work-related calls as quickly as possible is advisable to make negotiations move ahead quicker. Some may consider an image makeover. Cosmic tip: Make the most of workshops/ training attended. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Try to keep away from legal hassles even if it means a slight loss. Make investments after careful thought and consideration.. Cosmic tip: Try and improve media coverage and PR for the company. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20The Tarot highlights property issues can be sorted out in this karmic cycle. Continue with the new and improved diet and exercise routine.Cosmic tip: Be careful while driving (follow traffic rules, driving carefully). Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Keep vibes positive to attract even more luck. Appreciate those who make daily living simpler, taking care of repetitive chores.Cosmic tip: Hold on to values learnt in childhood to keep yourself grounded. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Positive financial news received makes it an auspicious start to the day. Letting go of the past and any injustice done to you is difficult but advisable. Cosmic tip: Devote time to friends and family.
24 December,2024 05:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseAdani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd (ADSTL) has announced the acquisition of an 85.8% stake in Air Works, India’s largest private-sector Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company. The deal, valued at an enterprise value of Rs 400 crore, marks a significant step in the group’s strategy to enhance its capabilities within the aviation sector, particularly in defence MRO services. Air Works, with operations across 35 cities and a workforce of more than 1,300 personnel, is known for its comprehensive range of aviation services. The company is capable of servicing both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including line maintenance, heavy checks, interior refurbishment, painting, avionics, and asset management services. Its expertise extends across narrow-body, turboprop, and rotary aircraft maintenance, with facilities in Hosur, Mumbai, and Kochi, all supported by regulatory approvals from civil aviation authorities in more than 20 countries. In addition to its dominance in civil aviation, Air Works has developed substantial capabilities in the defence MRO sector, delivering services to key platforms of the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airports, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "The Indian aviation industry stands at a transformative juncture, now the third-largest globally and on track to induct over 1,500 aircraft in the coming years. This growth aligns seamlessly with the government’s vision to connect every corner of our nation, creating unprecedented opportunities in aviation services." He added, "For us, creating a presence in the MRO sector is more than just a strategic step — it’s a commitment to building an integrated aviation services ecosystem that strengthens the backbone of India’s aviation infrastructure. Together, we are excited to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s skies." Ashish Rajvanshi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adani Defence & Aerospace, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition. "This landmark acquisition represents a pivotal step in Adani Defence & Aerospace’s mission to strengthen India’s MRO capabilities. Our vision is to deliver a full-spectrum MRO offering — spanning line, base, component, and engine maintenance — to meet the needs of both commercial and defence aviation sectors." Rajvanshi further emphasised, "In a time when ‘Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance)’ in defence is a national imperative, we stand fully committed to scaling domestic capabilities to serve both our armed forces and the broader aviation sector. This is our pledge to the nation — to build capabilities that secure our skies and strengthen our sovereignty."
23 December,2024 10:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA massive fire has broken out in a scrap godown in the Mandala area of Mankhurd, Mumbai, on Monday evening. The blaze has spread over a 1,000X1,000 square feet area. No casualty has been reported so far in the incident. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the blaze is confined to the electrical wiring, wooden scrap, and plastic materials in various scrap material storage units. MFB has declared the blaze a 'Level-2' fire and said it has spread owing to the compostable materials stored in the scrap godowns. Four fire engines, 10 water jets and other firefighting machinery, along with an ambulance, have been deployed at the scene. A team of the local ward of the Mumbai civic body is also at the spot. Water filling points have been opened at Baiganwadi Signal in Deonar, Deonar Abettor, Panjarpol filling point in Chembur and Cheda Nagar in Ghatkopar. "As the fire is spreading rapidly, we need more water for the dousing operations. So we have opened the nearby water-filling points to reduce the response time," an MFB official stated. According to the official, the cause of the fire has not been ascertained yet. However, he said the fire is spreading rapidly due to the compostable materials stored in the godowns, adding that, as most of the structures are load-bearing and made of tin, it is risky to enter them, which is creating challenges during firefighting Several incidents of fire have been reported from locality in the past.
23 December,2024 10:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a significant step towards accelerating the city’s infrastructure projects, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has secured essential permissions for several major developments following a meeting between its chief Dr Sanjay Mukherjee and Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare. In a concerted effort to expedite pending approvals, Dr Mukherjee, accompanied by project engineers, met with Kumbhare to highlight the urgency of progressing key projects in the city. As a result of the meeting, 17 vital permissions were granted across nine significant projects, including the Sewri-Worli Connector, Metro Lines 2B and 6, and the Missing Link Flyover. The long-pending traffic-related approvals are expected to provide a major boost to Mumbai's ongoing infrastructure initiatives, which are crucial to improving the city’s public transport network. "These approvals are a key step toward achieving the ‘Mumbai in minutes’ vision," said Dr Mukherjee, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration between MMRDA and the traffic authorities. The permissions granted will ensure that work progresses smoothly without any unnecessary delays. Some of the key permissions include: Metro Line-2B - Extension of traffic permission for the entire Line-2B (DN Nagar to Mandale) - Permission for height gauge near Milan Subway Junction, SV Road - Traffic diversion permission at Bandra railway overbridge on Western Express Highway and BA369 (Bandra Metro Station) on SV Road Metro Line 6 - Traffic diversion permission at Indian Institute of Technology-IIT Mumbai (Powai) Grid A - Extension of traffic permission for the entire BC02R Package (Mahakali Caves to Powai Lake) - Traffic Diversion permission at Saki Vihar to Rambaug - Traffic Permission at P103 Missing Link Flyover Permission pending for Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) and Poonam Nagar up to June 1, 2026 Metro Line-7A - Extension of traffic permission for the elevated stretch along WEH Metro Line-9 - Extension of traffic permission for the stretch from Dahisar (East) to Mira Bhayandar Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector Project - Signal pole shifting at P31-P32 on Acharya Donde Marg - Road closure for the launching of girder on Acharya Donde Marg - Elphinstone Road closure Vehicular Underpass at Janta Colony, Jogeshwari - Widening and construction of existing Akurli Subway on WEH
23 December,2024 09:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Monday said that the new signal-free road connecting the SEBI Building to Avenue-5, passing under the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) connector and Avenue-3 (WeWork) has opened for commuters. According to MMRDA, this 180-metre missing link has been completed in a record-breaking time of three-and-a-half months— which is half the time of the originally planned deadline. The road will significantly reduce traffic congestion at BKC One and BKC Connector junctions. The road was opened in the presence of Joint MMRDA Commissioner Radhabinod Sharma and Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare. Commuters from the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) will now have three alternative routes to enter BKC, thereby easing congestion and optimising traffic flow. The new road ensures signal-free movement, reducing travel time and enabling seamless connectivity from the eastern suburbs to BKC in just 15 minutes. Of the six lanes, three have been opened for vehicular traffic, while the remaining three will be operational soon. This 180-metre road offers uninterrupted traffic flow, minimising delays and enhancing the commuter experience. By distributing traffic through three routes — BKC Connector, EEH, and internal avenues — the project reduces bottlenecks and accelerates traffic movement. The new road ensures seamless connectivity for vehicles traveling to and from the NSE side, Avenue-5, and key BKC landmarks such as the MCA Club, consulates, and MTNL. This initiative is part of MMRDA's ongoing commitment to eliminating traffic jams and improving urban mobility. MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee said, “The opening of this new link road is a significant milestone in our efforts to make BKC more accessible and commuter-friendly. This road not only provides faster connectivity from the Eastern Express Highway but also ensures smoother traffic dispersal within BKC, enhancing its reputation as a global business hub. Completing this project in just 3.5 months underscores MMRDA’s commitment to delivering infrastructure with efficiency and excellence.” This is the third road connecting the eastern suburbs to BKC, joining the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR), BKC connectors, and the road below the BKC-Chunnabhatti connector. MMRDA has constructed the elevated connector between BKC 'G Block' and EEH to improve accessibility between the two ends. The connector was opened to traffic on November 10, 2019.
23 December,2024 07:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a groundbreaking adult BCG vaccination campaign targeting high-risk populations across 12 administrative divisions of Mumbai, the civic body said in an official statement. On the first day of implementation on Monday, 1,990 citizens were successfully vaccinated as part of a strategic effort to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, said BMC. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani emphasised the importance of preventive health services, urging citizens to participate in the voluntary vaccination program. The initiative, a pilot project by the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, focuses on six high-risk groups above 18 years of age for vaccination. The high-risk groups are patients who were diagnosed with TB in the last 5 years, household contacts of TB patients in the last 3 years, self-declared diabetes, self-declared smokers, undernourished and more than 60 years old age group. The vaccination drive introduces two innovative approaches to TB prevention. A voluntary BCG vaccination program will be implemented with written consent from eligible beneficiaries, following an extensive survey conducted by health volunteers from September 2024 onwards. Additionally, the Cyt-TB test, under the Programmatic Management of TB Preventive Therapy by the Central TB Department, is a skin layer test based on tuberculosis antigen, the civic body stated. In 2023, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region registered 50,206 TB patients undergoing treatment, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive prevention strategies. The Cyt-TB test specifically aims to identify asymptomatic individuals with potential TB infection, particularly focusing on family members of TB patients. The test has been started mainly to check the possibility of future TB infection in the family members of TB patients. If the test is positive only then the person in contact needs to take TB preventive medicines, BMC stated. Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr. Vipin Sharma appealed to Mumbai residents to contact their nearest health center and cooperate with TB staff to maximize the program's effectiveness. The test, which requires a follow-up within 48 to 72 hours, represents a simple, affordable, and proactive approach to tuberculosis management. The test is similar to the Tuberculin Skin Test. This comprehensive initiative aligns with the Government of India's ambitious goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025, demonstrating Mumbai's commitment to innovative public health interventions and preventive care.
23 December,2024 07:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday took a dig at the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, saying that they are together for political power and not because of ideological similarities, reported news agency ANI. The Sena (UBT) leader also said that the Mahayuti focuses on fulfilling their party's financial needs and then only come together to form the government in the state. "No matter how much those in the coalition government say that they are together because of ideological reasons, it is not like that. They come together for political power. They focus on fulfilling their party's financial needs and then come together to form the government," Raut told reporters in a press conference, stated ANI. Pointing out the delay in portfolio allocation even after forming the government a month ago, Raut, speaking on the allocation for guardian ministership, said that the process will remain ongoing. "First the government was not formed and once they formed the government, portfolio allocation happened after a month, yesterday only. Now there is a discussion regarding the Guardian minister post. Nothing will happen from this...this will continue till the end..." Raut said. Raut further added that the appointment of guardian ministers was of no use since they only serve their interests and it was another way to maintain power, stated ANI. "Munde (either Pankaja or Dhananjay) might be the guardian minister of Beed, will Santosh Deshmukh get justice? Whoever becomes the guardian minister for Parbhani, will Somnath Suryavanshi who was killed in police custody get justice? Whoever becomes the guardian minister of Thane, will the Marathi family get justice against the injustice they faced in Kalyan? This has no use. This is just another way to maintain power for oneself. Those who become the Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli don't work towards finishing Naxalism. The ministerial position is required for the mining companies worth crores. This is my assessment," Raut said in Marathi. Raut also took a dig at Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, and said that his party was working with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which considers Devendra Fadnavis, Narendra Modi, and Amit Shah as their "ideals", stated ANI. However, the Shiv Sena MP said his party's position on the three BJP leaders was clear that they are responsible for looting Maharashtra and Mumbai. "If the Thackeray brothers come together, the people of Maharashtra will cherish it. People have an immense connection with the Thackeray family...Both brothers have different parties. Raj Thackeray established his own party (MNS) but works with the BJP. Devendra Fadnavis, Narendra Modi, and Amit Shah are their ideals. But our party doesn't work like this. We have a clear position that these people are enemies of Maharashtra. These three are responsible for looting Maharashtra and Mumbai," Raut said. Raut, on the changes in election conduct rules, said that it was the murder of democracy and called it dictatorship. "This is the murder of democracy. The rule that has been made is that we cannot go to the Election Commission and ask for information. Now we cannot ask for any kind of information from the Election Commission. This is a dictatorship. Why can't we ask? If you want that we don't ask for information from you, then first of all you should remove EVM and conduct elections on ballot paper," Raut said. He accused the Election Commission of changing the rules after it was asked for CCTV footage and election documents, stated ANI. "We will not ask for any information. What do you want to hide from the public? Advocate Mohammad tried to ask for documents. He asked for CCTV footage. After this, the Election Commission changed the rule. What kind of dictatorship is this? There is democracy in the country. That is why we say that these people are against the Constitution written by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar...We have the right to know what has happened to our votes. Where did the vote we gave go?" Raut remarked. These changes come in the wake of a recent Punjab and Haryana High Court directive in the Mahmoud Pracha vs ECI case, where the court ordered the sharing of all documents related to the Haryana Assembly elections, including CCTV footage under Rule 93(2) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, reported ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
23 December,2024 02:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSenior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal, who has expressed discontent over not being included in the newly-formed Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Monday. The 30-minute meeting, which took place at Fadnavis’s residence in the city, also included Bhujbal’s nephew Sameer Bhujbal. Addressing reporters after the meeting, Bhujbal shared that the conversation had revolved around the current political and social climate in Maharashtra. He mentioned that the Chief Minister had emphasised the vital role played by the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the overwhelming victory of the Mahayuti alliance during the state assembly elections held on November 20. “Fadnavis assured me that the interests of the OBC community, which has been crucial to the Mahayuti's success, would be safeguarded," Bhujbal said, adding that the Chief Minister had assured him that decisions on issues related to OBCs would be made thoughtfully. Bhujbal revealed that Fadnavis has requested a period of 10 to 12 days to consider the concerns raised during the meeting. The OBC community in Maharashtra has been protesting against activist Manoj Jarange’s demand for Maratha reservation within the OBC category, a matter which has been a source of contention. Bhujbal, an influential figure in the state’s OBC circles, has been outspoken in his opposition to Jarange’s demands and the potential shift of Maratha reservations into the OBC category. When asked whether he was considering joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bhujbal declined to comment directly. However, he did allude to his frustration over being overlooked during the latest cabinet expansion. Notably, Bhujbal had chosen to stay away from the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur, leaving for Nashik after the first day of the session. This absence came just a day after 39 Mahayuti legislators took oath as ministers in the new government. Chhagan Bhujbal, who represents the Yevla constituency in Nashik district, has remained a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s political scene. The Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar's NCP, emerged victorious with 230 out of 288 seats in the recent Maharashtra assembly elections. (With inputs from PTI)
23 December,2024 02:18 PM IST | MumbaiAn owl found itself perched in the window of an eighth-floor apartment in Maharashtra's Thane district, said officials on Monday. The owl, sitting in the window of Room No. 803, owned by Mr. Darshan Kariya, was discovered by the Disaster Management Room at approximately 10:49 AM on Monday. According to Kariya, the owl had perched on the window of his apartment located in Girija Society, a building with 10 floors. Upon receiving the report, the Disaster Management team swiftly responded to the scene. A pickup vehicle was deployed, and the team arrived promptly to ensure the safe rescue of the bird. No injuries were reported during the rescue operation. The owl was safely retrieved by the trained staff without incident. The event took place near A.K. Joshi School in Naupada, Thane and no one was harmed. Thane: Municipal Corporation rescues cat stuck on 15th-floor balcony in Manpada Last month, the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation rescued a cat that was stuck on the 15th-floor balcony of a residential building. The incident occurred at Ashwood Society, a 28-story building in Manpada. The distress call was received at 11.52 am from Shekhar Thorat, the owner of the flat where the cat was stranded. Following the call, a team of the Disaster Management Cell promptly dispatched a pickup vehicle to the site and efficiently carried out the rescue operation. The cat was safely rescued without any injuries. The Disaster Management Cell personnel earned appreciation from the residents for ensuring the safety of the animal while maintaining public safety. ‘Rescued dogs’ found under heaps of scrap at Badlapur shelter house Animal feeders from Vikhroli are at their wits’ end trying to get an FIR registered in a case where seven dogs were allegedly shoved under a scrap heap at a shelter house in Badlapur. The matter came to light when a feeder found out that the dogs were missing from the embassy park area in Vikhroli. The company had claimed that the dogs in the area had been behaving aggressively and had hence been shifted to a shelter home in Badlapur. However, they had no permission from BMC to relocate the dogs,” said Rita Monteiro, a dog lover. “We had to conduct several meetings before the company told us that the dogs had been moved to safe and hygienic conditions at Jannat Shelter House, Badlapur,” a community animal feeder told mid-day on condition of anonymity. The employees of the shelter house had initially shown the feeders that the dogs were all kept in a safe, hygienic environment, “The dogs were kept in a room and they had assured us that all the dogs would be safe,” Monteiro said. However, on December 1, when a team of feeders went to the shelter, they found out that the dogs were bundled under a pile of scrap. “We suspect they had even been intoxicated. Faecal matter was stuck to the pile of scraps and the dogs seemed terrified. We rescued six dogs; one was missing. They are currently undergoing treatment. Two dogs had maggots on their wounds and we have sent blood samples to see if they have been infected by some disease,” Monteiro said.
23 December,2024 01:49 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Rahul Gandhi departed from his residence in New Delhi on Monday morning to visit Parbhani district in Maharashtra, where he is set to meet families affected by the ongoing violence in the region. Among those he will meet is the family of Somnath Suryawanshi, a Dalit activist and budding advocate who allegedly died in judicial custody following protests over the alleged desecration of a replica of the Indian Constitution. According to ANI, heightened security arrangements have been put in place by Maharashtra Police ahead of the Leader of Opposition’s (LoP) visit. Gandhi's visit aims to provide support to the families of victims and to address their demands for justice. Somnath Suryawanshi’s family has called for strict action against the police officer under whose custody the activist reportedly died on December 15. Speaking to ANI, the activist’s brother, Premnath Suryawanshi, expressed anguish over the alleged lack of transparency and accountability from law enforcement. “The police did not inform us about my brother’s condition after his arrest. We were only told on December 15 that he had passed away due to a heart attack. We do not believe this explanation. Those responsible for my brother’s death should face the death penalty. Suspending them is not enough. We will demand this directly from Rahul Gandhi,” Premnath stated. His mother, Vijayabai Suryawanshi, echoed the sentiment, describing her son’s death as murder. She urged the government to take decisive action and reiterated the family’s demand for capital punishment for the accused. The alleged custodial death occurred against the backdrop of violent protests in Parbhani city on December 10. According to ANI reports, the unrest began following claims of vandalism involving a replica of the Indian Constitution. Special Inspector General of Nanded, Shahaji Umap, confirmed that eight cases had been registered in connection with the violence, and around 50 individuals had been arrested. During the clashes, a deputy superintendent of police and nine other police personnel reportedly sustained minor injuries. The arrests, according to Umap, were made at the scene of the unrest to maintain law and order.
23 December,2024 01:43 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
