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Maharashtra: State board extended deadline for grace marks submission
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has announced an extension of the deadline for submitting proposals for grace marks awarded to sports students appearing for their Class 10 and 12 board examinations. The decision has been taken in light of scheduled maintenance work on the state government’s ‘Aaple Sarkar’ portal, which will remain inaccessible from 10 to 14 April. Initially, district sports offices were required to submit grace mark proposals online to their respective Divisional Boards by 15 April. However, with the portal unavailable until a day prior to the deadline, the State Board has now extended the submission deadline to 21 April, ensuring sufficient time for all concerned parties to complete the process. In an official press release, MSBSHSE Secretary Devidas Kulal clarified that students who have represented their district, division, state, or nation in recognised sporting events are eligible to receive grace marks. Until last academic year, applications for these grace marks were handled through a physical, offline process. However, in a significant shift, the State Board has for the first time implemented a fully online system for submitting and processing these applications. The digitisation move has not been without its share of criticism. Stakeholders in both education and sports have raised concerns about the imposition of dual processing fees—one charged by the State Board and another by the ‘Aaple Sarkar’ portal. Despite the objections, the Board has decided to continue with the digital process. District sports offices have been urged to make full use of the extended window to ensure that all eligible students are considered and that the proposals are submitted promptly.
13 April,2025 02:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Archana Dahiwal
Passenger caught with Rs 6.3 crore gold hidden in his shoes at Mumbai airport
In a significant breakthrough in the fight against gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has apprehended a passenger at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for attempting to smuggle gold worth Rs 6.3 crore concealed in his shoes. The passenger, who had arrived from Bangkok, was intercepted by DRI officials on specific intelligence about gold being smuggled into India. According to an official from the DRI, the passenger was searched upon his arrival and was found to be carrying 6.7 kg of gold bars, which had been cunningly hidden inside the shoes he was wearing. The gold was valued at a staggering Rs 6.3 crore, and the passenger was promptly arrested. The DRI acted on precise information received prior to the passenger's arrival, leading to the successful interception. The passenger, whose identity has not been revealed, was questioned by the DRI officials. During the investigation, the name of a prospective buyer of the smuggled gold emerged. Further operations were carried out, and the buyer was arrested in connection with the smuggling syndicate. The involvement of a prospective buyer sheds light on the complex web of gold smuggling networks operating at the airport. This operation is part of the ongoing efforts by the DRI to curb gold smuggling activities, which have seen an increase in recent times, especially through unconventional methods of concealment. Hydroponic weed of over Rs 9 crore, gold worth Rs 54 lakh seized at Mumbai international airport; 3 passengers held In two separate operations, the Customs department arrested three passengers from the Mumbai International Airport and seized from them hydroponic weed worth Rs 9.53 crore and gold pieces valued at Rs 53.83 lakh, officials said on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI. The Mumbai Customs officials on April 6 apprehended a passenger, who arrived from Bangkok at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and seized from him hydroponic weed weighing 9.532 kilograms, an official said, reported PTI. The contraband was concealed in the trolley bag of the passenger, he said. In another case, two passengers travelling from Dubai to Mumbai were arrested for smuggling 21-karat crude gold in the form of pieces, weighing 789 grams, he said, reported PTI. The gold was concealed in their undergarments, he said. Nigerian national held with MD drug valued more than Rs 80 lakh In another case, police arrested a Nigerian national for allegedly possessing a banned Mephedrone drug valued at Rs 80.4 lakh in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, an official said on April 5, reported PTI. Police seized 402 grams of Mephedrone (MD) from the accused, identified as Ifeanni Nwafor, on April 3. He is currently residing in the Rehmat Nagar area of Nallasopara, reported PTI. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. "We are investigating the source of the seized drugs and trying to identify the network involved, including who the accused was planning to sell the contraband to," a police officer said. Two held with mephedrone worth Rs 65,000 in Nashik Two persons were arrested for alleged possession of mephedrone (MD) worth Rs 65,000 in Maharashtra's Nashik city, police said on Saturday, reported PTI. Based on a tip-off, the anti-narcotics cell intercepted the accused when they arrived to sell the contraband at Nandur Naka on Friday night, an official said. He said that 13 gm of MD worth Rs 65,000 was recovered from the duo. A case has been registered against the accused, Jai Phirke (25) and Ankush Shantaram Chaudhari (24), under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985, and further investigations were underway, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
13 April,2025 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai
From bay to beach, olive ridley turtle stuns experts with 3,500-km journey
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so goes the saying. In the case of the Olive Ridley turtle known as “03233”, it began with a flap of her flippers. These were no ordinary flippers, but had been tagged in 2021, on the east coast of India. And to the amazement of researchers, the turtle swam all the way to the opposite coast to lay her eggs, which is when her story came to light. On January 27 this year, under the crescent moon with the tide rising, the local turtle nest managers of Maharashtra’s Mangrove Foundation, Sanjay Bhosle and Shardul Todankar, started out on their routine patrol to look for nesting turtles at the Guhagar beach in Ratnagiri district. Soon they encountered a nesting turtle on the beach. After waiting for her to finish nesting, they approached her to flipper tag—and discovered that someone had already done it. The tag read “03233” and on the underside, it read “ZSI N.A.P.O. KOL-53. IN DIRECTOR@ZSI.GOV.IN”, from which they found that the turtle had been flipper-tagged on the east coast of India, in Odisha, in 2021 by researchers from Zoological Society of India (ZSI). The tag helped researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the mangroves cell of the Maharashtra Forest Department understand the journey undertaken by 03233. The turtle’s journey of at least 3500 kilometres is remarkable because while it is established that Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) nest across multiple beaches in a season or across years, this turtle nesting across two ocean basins is the first such known record. Olive Ridleys are one of the most abundant sea turtle species in India, and nest all along the Indian coastline including the islands. Interestingly, the species adopt two different nesting strategies: nest en masse in thousands at select beaches in Odisha, and also nest solitarily along the coast. Despite legal protection, Olive Ridley turtles remain highly threatened. The species is classified as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, according them the highest level of protection. However, fishing-related mortality continues to pose a severe challenge, resulting in hundreds of turtles washing ashore dead every year. Several efforts to mitigate the threats to turtles are currently underway, and one of the approaches for long-term monitoring of turtle populations is flipper-tagging. This passive and cost-effective method involves attaching a small metal tag on the inner end of the fore-flippers. The tag has a number inscribed on one side for individual turtle identification, with contact details on the underside. It was later learnt that the turtle carrying the tag was an individual tagged by a research team of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), while mass-nesting at the Gahirmatha beach in Odisha on March 18, 2021. Dr Basudev Tripathy, Senior Scientist at ZSI, who is undertaking the flipper-tagging study in Odisha said that the turtle 03233 had been tagged along with over 15,000 other turtles along Odisha’s coast. “Little did I imagine that the turtle would move to the west coast of India, from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea,” said Dr Tripathy. Dr Suresh Kumar, Senior Scientist at WII, was equally surprised at the finding of the turtle. Talking to mid-day Dr Kumar said, “This is indeed very important information, that the turtles which arrive to nest solitarily along the Maharashtra coast do also join in to mass-nest along the Odisha coast. This turtle has travelled at least 3,500 km from the Odisha coast to Guhagar, circumnavigating the southern tip of India.” It is likely that we are dealing with different populations, Dr Kumar said, with some moving between the two coasts and adopting different nesting strategies, while others remaining faithful to a particular ocean basin and showing site-fidelity to a specific nesting beach. For decades it had been thought that nesting turtle populations on India’s east and west coasts are separate, with no known interconnections, Dr Tripathy said, adding that the flipper-tagging effort had shown this to be wrong. The Mangrove Foundation with WII support has begun flipper-tagging nesting turtles along the Ratnagiri coast to arrive at estimates of nesting turtle populations. Turtles are known to nest multiple times in a season, and so without individual identification the true estimate of the population can never be known. SV Ramarao, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) of the mangroves cell and Executive Director, Mangrove Foundation said, “The flipper-tagging of nesting turtles along the Maharashtra coast recently launched by the Mangrove Foundation along with WII is likely to help us understand the Olive Ridley turtle populations better.” Deputy Director of the Mangrove Foundation Dr Manas Manjrekar told mid-day that while many questions remain unanswered, one thing is certain—the story of this turtle has rewritten what scientists thought they knew about Olive Ridley migration. “And for the nest managers, researchers, and conservationists who witnessed this discovery firsthand, they are not just observers of history; they are now part of it,” he said. “This turtle’s journey has become a testament to the boundless mysteries of the sea and it’s a story that will be studied, debated, and told for generations to come.” 3500Kilometres that Olive Ridley turtle 03233 is believed to have swum 45 to 60Days it takes for eggs to hatch Turtle nesting facts A female turtle lays between 100 and 150 eggs at a time. Did you know? Sea turtles play a crucial role in maintaining ocean ecosystems. They help sustain seagrass beds and coral reefs, contribute to nutrient cycling, and provide habitat for other marine life. A decline in sea turtle populations weakens these essential functions, affecting overall ocean health. Action plan Approximately 40,000 to 11,00,000 turtles nest on Indian beaches annually, though nesting numbers vary each year. Graphic/Aparna Chaudhari . MOEF&CC has developed a National Marine Turtle Action Plan (2021-2026) to conserve marine turtle species and their habitats. The plan aims to reduce threats to turtle survival, enhance research and monitoring, raise awareness about conservation, promote sustainable ecotourism and strengthen national, regional, and international cooperation. Indian coastal waters support five of the world’s sea turtle species: the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and loggerhead (Caretta caretta). They are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. India is home to the largest known nesting population of olive ridley turtles. Except for loggerheads, the other four species nest along the Indian coastline and islands. . Additionally, the success of sporadic nests has been declining due to predation and habitat degradation. . According to forest department officials, there are six nesting beaches in Sindhudurg, four in Raigad, and 13 in Ratnagiri. The nesting season runs from November to March each year.
13 April,2025 01:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Accused in Kalyan minor rape-murder case dies by suicide in Navi Mumbai jail
A man who had been facing trial for the brutal rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Kalyan, Maharashtra, was found dead inside a prison facility in Navi Mumbai during the early hours of Sunday, police authorities confirmed. According to PTI, the accused, identified as 35-year-old Vishal Gawli, was discovered hanging in the toilet of Taloja Central Jail at approximately 3.30 a.m. Preliminary reports suggest that he used a towel to end his life. The discovery was made by prison personnel during a routine check, an official from Kharghar police station stated. Following the incident, the local police were immediately alerted and a panchnama (spot inspection) was conducted at the location. As per PTI, the deceased's body has been sent to JJ Hospital in Mumbai, a government-run facility, where a post-mortem examination will be carried out to ascertain the precise cause of death. Vishal Gawli was the key accused in a case that had shocked the region and sparked public outrage late last year. The minor girl, aged 12, had gone missing from the Kolsewadi locality in Kalyan on 24 December 2024. Her body was later found in Bapgaon village, located in the Padgha area under Thane Rural police jurisdiction, PTI reports. Investigations led by the Kolsewadi police resulted in the arrest of Gawli and his wife, Sakshi, on charges that included kidnapping for ransom, rape, murder, and destruction of evidence. The couple was also charged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. In February 2025, the Kalyan police submitted a comprehensive 948-page chargesheet against the duo. As per earlier police statements cited by PTI, Vishal was accused of sexually assaulting and murdering the child, while his wife allegedly assisted in disposing of the body. Woman doctor found murdered at home in Nagpur In an another incident, a 50-year-old woman doctor was found dead with a head wound in her house in Maharashtra's Nagpur city, police said on Sunday. The woman's body was discovered in her house in Ladikar Layout under the Hudkeshwar police station limits on Saturday night, an official said. He said the victim, Dr Archana Anil Rahule, was an assistant professor in the physiotherapy department of the Government Medical College and Hospital. According to police, Archana lived alone, as her husband, Dr Anil Rahule, worked in Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and their son, a third-year medical student, studied in Pune. The official said the victim's husband discovered the body around 9.30 pm as he returned home after several days. He said the husband noticed a foul smell emanating from the house, found the main door open, and the body was on the bed. As per preliminary probe, the woman had sustained a serious head injury, suggesting that she was attacked, and the death might have taken place three days ago, as the body had started decomposing, the official said.
13 April,2025 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai
Mumbai weather updates: Warm, humid Sunday with no rain relief in sight
Mumbaikars woke up to another warm and humid morning on Sunday, April 13, 2025, as the city experienced clear skies and temperatures rising steadily. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there are no rainfall alerts for the day, meaning that the city will remain dry. However, residents will not get much relief from the humidity, which is expected to stay high throughout the day. The city’s humidity level is predicted to be around 77 per cent today. This means that the air will feel sticky and uncomfortable for many, especially in the afternoon when the temperatures are expected to peak. The minimum temperature this morning was around 27 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is likely to reach 32 degrees Celsius by midday. The humidity combined with the high temperatures will make it feel warmer than it actually is, so it’s advisable to stay hydrated and seek shade when outdoors. The sun will set at 6:55 PM, but until then, the skies will remain clear, offering no relief from the heat. Yesterday, the city experienced similar conditions with mainly clear skies and no heatwave alerts, despite the humidity and high temperatures. The lack of a heatwave warning is good news for Mumbaikars, but it doesn’t mean that the weather will be comfortable for everyone. Those with respiratory issues or sensitivities to the heat may find the conditions challenging. In terms of air quality, Mumbai is currently experiencing moderate conditions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 83, indicating that the air quality is generally acceptable, but may pose some concerns for people with respiratory conditions or allergies. The AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500, with 0-50 considered 'good', 51-100 as 'moderate', and anything above 300 categorised as 'hazardous'. People sensitive to air pollution are advised to take precautions, particularly if they have existing health issues. As for the weather outlook for Monday, April 14, Mumbaikars can expect a similarly warm day with temperatures ranging from 27 degrees Celsius in the early morning to 34 degrees Celsius during the day. The humidity will dip slightly to around 60 per cent, which may provide a bit more comfort. The winds are expected to blow at a speed of 23 km/h from the north, offering a little breeze to help alleviate the heat. For those who are planning to step out today, wearing lightweight clothing and using sun protection will be crucial to avoid discomfort. Make sure to drink plenty of water and stay cool to beat the heat.
13 April,2025 12:59 PM IST | Mumbai
Mumbai’s Ambedkar memorial hits halfway milestone, says MMRDA
Dr Sanjay Mukherjee (IAS), Metropolitan Commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), along with Vikram Kumar (IAS), Additional Commissioner–I, recently paid a visit to the site of the Grand Memorial of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Indu Mill, Dadar. According to officials, significant progress is being made across major components of the ambitious project. The double basement, designed to serve as a parking facility, has reached 95 per cent completion, with a targeted completion date of 31st May 2025. The entrance plaza, which will welcome visitors to the memorial complex, currently stands at 88.5 per cent completion. The lecture hall has progressed to 78.75 per cent, while the library — envisioned as a knowledge hub in honour of Dr Ambedkar’s lifelong commitment to learning — is 81 per cent complete. Work on the Exhibition and Auditorium block has reached 68 per cent, with the targeted finish date set for 31st August 2025. The pedestal building, which will form the base of the central statue, is currently 52.8 per cent complete. In addition to these structures, the statue of Dr Ambedkar itself is advancing steadily. A full-scale 1:1 model of the statue, measuring 230 feet and constructed using thermocol, has already been completed. To support the structure, 1,395 metric tonnes of structural steel have been procured. So far, 155 metric tonnes of baseplate fabrication and erection have been carried out. Furthermore, 308 square metres of bronze panelling have been completed out of a total requirement of 10,510 square metres. The Metropolitan Commissioner, during his site visit, urged all departments and contractors involved to expedite the work across all segments of the project. He emphasised the need to meet the outlined deadlines without compromising on quality, so as to deliver a memorial that truly reflects the stature and legacy of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
13 April,2025 10:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar share dais at Satara event during Rayat meeting
In what marks a rare public appearance together since their political fallout, veteran politician and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar and his nephew, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, shared the dais at an official event in Satara on Saturday, according to PTI. This was the second occasion in the week where the estranged family members were spotted in each other's company. Just two days earlier, on Thursday, Sharad Pawar had attended the engagement ceremony of Ajit Pawar’s younger son, Jay Pawar, held near Pune — an event that had already sparked speculation about possible reconciliations within the Pawar family. Despite being blood relatives, the two leaders remain on opposing ends of Maharashtra’s political spectrum. Ajit Pawar, who leads the original Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), had caused a significant political stir in 2023 when he led a factional rebellion against his uncle and aligned himself with the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government in the state. Since then, political observers have closely tracked every encounter between the two, given the complex mix of familial ties and political rivalry that now defines their relationship. The leaders came together in Satara for a meeting of the Managing Council of the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, which was held at the Chhatrapati Shivaji College premises. Sharad Pawar, who presides over the organisation, took to social media following the meeting to highlight the key decisions taken by the council. “The Managing Council has resolved to launch a monthly magazine titled Rayat. This magazine aims to carry diverse and informative articles spanning education, science, technology, health, literature, sports, social issues, art, culture, and global affairs,” Pawar stated. He added that the magazine’s intent is to ensure this content reaches a wide and engaged audience. Furthermore, the council also decided to introduce new-age educational courses focused on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, and 3D Printing. Sharad Pawar mentioned that a dedicated ‘Centre of Excellence’ will be established in Satara as part of this initiative. “These are all part of our visionary roadmap. I express my gratitude to all members of the Managing Council for their continued cooperation,” said Pawar. (With inputs from PTI)
13 April,2025 10:26 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Weekly horoscope: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs
Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Think competitive situations through before deciding on how to handle it. Be mindful with money matters and avoid taking unnecessary risks.Relationship tip: Avoid getting into arguments with people who are controlling. Make time for those who matter. TaurusApril 20 – May 20A situation may need prompt action, even if you would rather wait it out. Keep an open heart and don’t allow your fears to get the better of you.Relationship tip: Be willing to put in the effort if any relationship requires extra understanding from you. Make decisions only after analysing your choices. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Any legal issues should be handled with care and a realistic perspective. Those with heart or high blood pressure type health issues should take care of themselves.Relationship tip: Keep communication clear, and try not to over complicate an issue. Those in a long distance relationship might think about making important decisions. CancerJune 21 – July 22A stressful situation may not be as bad as you think. Avoid getting into worst case scenarios. Try to minimize the time you spend scrolling on social media.Relationship tip: Focus on positives, and make decisions based on your own experience and opinion rather than others’. Seniors might need extra attention. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Any stressful situation will ease up, and you will be able to handle it effectively. This is a good time for self employed businesspersons.Relationship tip: Be very careful about what you say in an emotionally charged situation. Those in a committed relationship might want to take it to the next level. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Give changing situations your complete attention, but think your options through very carefully. Handle difficult seniors diplomatically.Relationship tip: Avoid getting drawn into any complicated family situation. Singles are in a positive phase, and might want to make extra effort to meet new people. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Learn all that you can about any business or investment option you have before diving into it. Do not try to cut corners to do work quickly.Relationship tip: Those going through a challenging time in a relationship should think before making any drastic decision. Be willing to put in the effort needed for friendships and relationships. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Stand up for yourself when you have to, but keep your temper in check and respond to situations appropriately. Pay attention to advice from those you trust.Relationship tip: Be careful about what you tell people who like to gossip, or play mind games. Keep your opinion to yourself, unless it directly affects you. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Those with a busy schedule and multiple projects need to manage their time very well. Make time for a meditative practice no matter how busy you are.Relationship tip: Ignoring any relationship hurdles that can cause major issues will not make them go away. Make promises only if you intend on keeping them. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Bosses and those in authority need to be handled in a practical manner.Speak carefully and stick to organizational protocols. Relationship tip: Give minimal information to people and avoid talking about personal matters. Make commitments only if you intend to keep them. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Try not to make impulsive decisions, especially if you are over-emotional. Time management and discipline is essential if you have too much work without enough time.Relationship tip: Make choices on your own, and do not pay attention to gossip. Look for realistic solutions if you face challenges. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Those facing a challenging situation need to handle it very intelligently. Be willing to make any drastic choices if you have to, with the long term in mind.Relationship tip: Make time for a family member who needs a little extra attention. Let go of any need to control situations or to make people see your point of view.
13 April,2025 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna Bose
Mumbai Diary: Sunday Dossier
Striking a balance Salt pan workers at Jai Ambe Nagar, Bhayandar West. Teaching for tomorrow (From left) Priya Anand, Ujjwal Anu Chowdhury, Mona Seervai, Dr Swati Popat, Museum of Solutions founder Tanvi Jindal-Shete, Howard Gee, Todd Bazley, and moderator Sudarshan Rodriguez Last week, the Museum of Solutions hosted an insightful panel discussion titled Real World and Experiential Learning—The Evolving Role of Educators in a Dynamic Learning Environment as part of the ImaginED Educators’ Summit 2025. We attended this session that examined the importance of integrating real-world challenges into curricula and the growing relevance of experiential learning in preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. Moderated by Sudarshan Rodriguez, CEO of RTLWorks, the panel featured prominent voices in education, including Dr Swati Popat, President, ECA; Howard Gee, Principal, DSB, PriyaAnand, Principal, Mount Litera; education consultant Mona Seervai, Todd Bazley, Principal, JBCN International, and Ujjwal Anu Chowdhury, Director General of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Mumbai. The summit highlighted the need to move beyond traditional teaching models, advocating for hands-on, real-world learning that builds curiosity, creativity, and resilience. Madrid swigs coffee, Mumbai ishtyle Coffee goals for the players and staff at Malido Let us begin with an alliteration that we will try to stretch as much as possible. Match. Madrid. Mumbai. Memories. Malido. All that came together a week ago, when footballers Real Madrid Legends took on Barcelona Legends at Navi Mumbai in a match that sent football fans into a frenzy. While in the city, far, far away from Navi Mumbai, Real Madrid players visited Malido Café at Kala Ghoda for coffee, and afforded the Kodak moment of their life to the staff and owners, mother-son duo Kermeen and Neville Bose. Malido is born out of their love for the Parsi food they grew up eating at home, and Kermeen said, “Next time, maybe a Parsi meal instead of only coffee.” Real Madrid—jamva chaalo ji! Cricket legends on your screen The documentary is named after the four Parsis on the Indian team of 11 during the 1961-62 tour of West Indies—Farokh Engineer, Nari Contractor, Rusi Surti and Polly Umrigar Nearly eight months after we wrote about a documentary on legendary Parsi cricketers, this diarist was glad to hear back from the filmmaker, Shrikaran Beecharaju, with some good news. The film, Four on Eleven: The Fading Glory of Parsi Cricket, has been picked up by Book My Show’s streaming service and will be available to watch from April 18! “When Sunday mid-day published the article [August 25 report, titled When will a Parsi play cricket for India again?], I started getting calls from interested institutes the same day… It’s surreal; our work is finally being showcased to Indian audiences after being screened at festivals around the world,” he says. Shrikaran Beecharaju The film covers the little known contribution of the community, which once put India on the cricketing map, but is now disappearing from the field as fewer youngsters step up to the crease. “When I started this project, we couldn’t find a single article about the subject. Now Google has two pages of information on Parsi cricket—that’s the difference we created,” he says, “I hope seeing players like Arzan Nagwaswalla and legends such as Diana Edulji, Nari Contractor and Farokh Engineer inspires the next generation of Parsi players.” A (stylish) seat at the table Sudheer Rajbhar on one of his chair sculptures at Soho House; (right) The chairs went viral after Rihanna was spotted on one in Miami. Pic/Instagram@chamarstudio Remember the red chair that went viral after Rihanna sat on it in December 2024? Mumbai was buzzing too, because the chair was sculpted by the city’s own Sudheer Rajbhar. This diarist jumped at the chance to try out the Dalit designer’s other chairs at Juhu’s Soho House recently. The verdict? Comfy and avant garde! Rihanna’s photo op catapulted Rajbhar’s Chamar Studio to international fame, giving him and his fellow Dalit craftsmen a seat at the table in the elite art world. He hopes this gives wings to his dream to “set up a contemporary crafts school, to bring visibility to the Chamar community, which has been doing this for generations but never got recognition”. Pace great gets unusual request Dale Steyn. Pic/Getty Images In the wee hours of Friday, South Africa’s all-time great fast bowler Dale Steyn, 41, decided to express his anguish at non-performers in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The incisive pundit said on X (formerly known as Twitter): “There’s some guys that really shouldn’t be at this league.” Users wondered who Steyn was talking about and some urged him to name the players. A few sports enthusiasts wondered whether he was referring to the UEFA Champions League. Steyn did not elaborate on his thought, but the comments flew thick and fast. Amidst them was one cricket fan asking the pace great to wish his girlfriend on her birthday because, “she and I are big fan [sic] of yours”. Past and present cricketers have big responsibilities. Perform, open up to satisfy curiosity and also wish fans on their birthdays. But then, as one of the responses to Steyn’s post said while referring to the IPL, “that’s the beauty of the league”.
13 April,2025 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMD
Sindhudurg: Liquor gang held for killing member over unpaid debt
Four members of a local liquor mafia gang have been arrested by the police in the south Maharashtra district of Sindhudurg for allegedly killing their fifth accomplice, Siddhivinayak alias Prakash Bidwalkar, and disposing of his body in March 2023. The matter came into light on Friday. Police had been looking for Bidwalkar, wanted in an inter-state liquor smuggling matter, who had not been traceable for two years. Bidwalkar had been living with his maternal aunt, who is hearing and speech impaired. “We found out with the help of the aunt’s cousin that Bidwalkar had been taken away in March 2023 by four men—Siddhesh Shirsat, Ganesh Narvekar, Sarvesh Kerkar and Amol alias Vallabh Shirsat—and he never came back home even when his mother passed away during the last 24 months,” said an officer privy to the investigation. “A kidnapping case was registered at the police station in Nivti, Vengurla taluka, against the four,” the officer added. The Nivti police team, led by API Bhimsen Gaikwad, were empowered to take the four into custody. Prakash Bidwalkar Local police sources informed mid-day that the four accused are key members of an inter-state liquor smuggling racket, allegedly sourcing bottles from neighbouring Goa by evading law enforcement. “After they were arrested, the prime suspect Siddhesh Shirsat spilled the beans and told us that they kidnapped Bidwalkar from his house, brought him to Kudal where they mercilessly thrashed him as the deceased had reportedly not been returning some cash that he had borrowed from them. Bidwalkar succumbed to these injuries, according to Siddhesh,” said the police sources. When the gang learnt that Bidwalkar had died, they decided to dispose of his body. “His body was taken to a remotely located cremation ground in Satarde village in Kudal town where his last rites were conducted in the middle of the night, his ashes collected and disposed of into the nearby Terekhol river,” the officer added.
13 April,2025 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar Sharma
Raigad should be seen as inspiration, says Amit Shah
The BJP-led Union and Maharashtra government is committed to make all efforts to ensure that visit to Raigad fort is not just seen as tourist destination, but a place of inspiration reflecting the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, said Union home minister Amit Shah. The Union minister visited Raigad on Saturday to offer tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his 345th death anniversary. Referring to Aurangzeb, he mentioned that those who called themselves “Alamgir” and fought against Maratha, were buried here in this soil itself. “This historic monument [Raigad fort] continues to inspire the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and spirit of self-rule. Shivaji sowed the seeds of Swarajya not only here, but across the country,” the BJP leader added. Meanwhile, CM Devendra Fadnavis reiterated that his government is committed to installing a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Arabian Sea. “We will leave no stone unturned,” he said.
13 April,2025 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar