Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vasant Dhoble, better known as the 'Hockey stick man', is set to enter politics by contesting the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election. He is already in touch with the Bharatiya Janata Party and as well as Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). Dhoble has confirmed his entry into politics, but has not decided on the party yet. He was requested by the merchants association, traders' associations and certain residents groups to fight the polls. Dhoble will be the second cop after former Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey to enter politics in the upcoming elections. The 67-year-old, six-foot tall cop retired from service in 2015. On September 19, another former senior cop, Sanjay Pandey, joined politics. The former Mumbai Police Commissioner, who was arrested in 2022 in the National Stock Exchange (NSE) co-location case, joined the Congress ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. He was inducted into the Congress by its Mumbai unit chief and Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Varsha Gaikwad at the party office in south Mumbai, news agency PTI reported. Calling himself a 'secular-minded' person, the retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who briefly served as the acting Maharashtra Director General of Police, maintained that no other political party, except the Congress, follows secular ideology. Expressing confidence about the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coming to power in the state after the assembly polls, Pandey noted that under its rule, common citizens will not have to fear anything. "As a retired police commissioner, I can say how false cases were filed against me," he said. The retired 1986-batch IPS officer was arrested in 2022 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged illegal phone tapping of NSE employees. Pandey, probed in the case in connection with a company founded by him, was later granted bail. He served as Maharashtra's acting DGP and later as Mumbai Police commissioner when the MVA government, headed by Uddhav Thackeray, was in office. He was accused by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), then in the opposition, of conspiring with the MVA government to implicate its leaders in false cases.
24 September,2024 05:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe first look of Mumbai's first underground Metro Aqua Line 3, connecting Aarey and BKC, was unveiled on Tuesday. The phase one of the Metro Aqua Line 3 between Aarey and BKC, slated to open on October 4, may open without the two airport stations on the line. The 33.5 km long Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 Corridor is a key project to improve the transportation scenario in the city with 26 underground stations. First Look: Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 – the city's first underground metro. BKC Station, next to Income Tax #MumbaiMetro #AquaLine3 #UndergroundMetro #BKCPublicTransport #MumbaiInfrastructure #MetroTravel #PublicTransport #MumbaiCity Video: @rajtoday pic.twitter.com/OKsplVUt2B — Mid Day (@mid_day) September 24, 2024 The Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 integrates with the suburban railway, other Mumbai Metro lines and existing transport modes at around eight locations These include, besides the city’s big rail termiii of Mumbai CSMT and Churchgate. Grant Road, Mumbai Central (also close to the MSRTC bus depot) and about a 10-minute walk from Dadar station. At Mahalaxmi, the line is close to the Monorail station and at BKC integrates with the Mumbai Metro Line 2-B and with Metro Line 1 with the Mumbai Metro Line 1. The key project is set to improve and facilitate transportation in the city. The trains will operate at a frequency of about three-four minutes, ferrying approximately 2,500 passengers on each train, which will be of eight coaches. The system is designed to run the train at a two-minute frequency by simply procuring and introducing additional trains. Mumbai Metro Line 3 Route Map Apart from easing commutes, the metro line will link six major employment and business hubs: Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC. It will also provide access to over thirty educational institutions, fourteen religious sites, thirteen hospitals, and over thirty recreational facilities. Importantly, it will improve connectivity to underserved areas like Kalbadevi, Girgaon, and Worli. Mumbai Metro Line 3 Stations Stations on this line include Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CSMT, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Science Museum, Acharya Atre Chowk, Worli, Siddhivinayak, Dadar, Shitladevi, Dharavi, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Vidyanagri, Santa Cruz, CSIA Terminal 1 (Domestic Airport), Sahar Road, CSIA Terminal 2 (International Airport), Marol Naka, MIDC, SEEPZ, and Aarey Colony (the only at-grade station). About Metro Line 3 Once fully operational, this 33.5-km line between Colaba and Seepz is expected to serve an estimated daily passenger capacity of 1.7 million. It will connect with eight railway stations, the MSRTC bus depot, and Metro Yellow Line 2B and Blue Line 1. Out of 27 stations on the line, 26 will be underground. Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) currently has a fleet of 19 rakes, which is sufficient to operate Phase 1 of the metro. Once operational, the Aqua Line is expected to offer 260 services daily, accommodating approximately 1.7 million passengers. MMRCL is also focusing on integrating multi-modal connectivity at stations, which includes connections to other public transport modes, improved footpaths, seating arrangements and foot over bridges to enhance last-mile connectivity. The project will provide connectivity to six major business and employment centres, including Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC and SEEPZ/MIDC. According to authorities, the line will provide easy access to more than 30 educational institutes, 13 hospitals, 14 religious places and 30recreational facilities as well as to areas which are not connected with the suburban rail network, such as Kalbadevi, Girgoan, Worli, and the international and domestic airports. The state has generated employment opportunities for around 15,000 people during the construction of the metro line and 2,000 jobs in the post-construction phase. Features of Mumbai Metro-3 In a press release issued by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, it has stated the train has features such as 'twin-booted low vibration track - high attenuation'system to mitigate system induced noise and vibrations in the buildings on-ground. The trains are also equipped with driverless technology which will help in achieving uninterrupted services even during heavy monsoons. This corridor will lead to reduction in vehicular trips by 6.65 lakh per day. It will also facilitate reduced fuel consumption by 3.54 lakh liters/day and cut down road traffic by 35% along with reduction in noise pollution. Further, the trains will be equipped with fire and smoke detectors as well as fire extinguishers on each coach. The voice communication facility will enable communication between passenger and controller in case of an emergency while the regenerative braking system will result in saving about 30% electric energy and also reduce the wear and tear of wheels, brake blocks. The smart LED lighting system with automatic light control feature will also reduce energy consumption. Passengers will be asked to scan their baggage and security personnel will also frisk the commuters before boarding the trains to ensure safety. The stations and trains will be under 24X7 surveillance of CCTV cameras. The authorities also said that trespassing is not possible. The stations and platforms would be well-lit and there will be segregated space allocation for women passengers on the trains. The barrier-free design will facilitate better accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs) and the stations will have retail areas, washrooms with baby diaper-changing facilities and signages in two-three languages.
24 September,2024 04:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert and predicted "Heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorm with lightning & gusty winds at isolated places" for the city in its latest Mumbai weather update. The rains are likely to subside by Friday and Saturday, IMD stated in its latest Mumbai weather update, and issued green alert for the city for the weekend. Thane and Palghar districts have also received yellow alert. IMD has predicted "Heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorm with lightning & gusty winds at isolated places" for the two districts in its latest weather update. Early on Tuesday, most parts of Mumbai and Thane witnessed thunder and lightning, accompanied by heavy showers. By morning, the rains had subsided. In the wee hours of September 24, Mumbaikars were woken up by thunderstorms and lightning as rains made a comeback in the city after weeks-long hiatus. The rains lashed several parts of the city; according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Colaba observatory recorded 16 mm rainfall however, the Santacruz observatory recorded a rainfall of 75 mm. Several took to social media to share their captures of the thunder and lightning. While some netizens advised people to be safe, many claimed that the thunders were so loud that they kept everyone up through the night. "Thunderstorms hit Mumbai. Loud enough to keep you awake," a user had written sharing a video of the incident. A user who goes by the name Mumbai Nowcast on X (formerly Twitter) shared videos of the thunder and lightning and wrote, "Those who did not get Cold Play tickets, it was a fantastic Light show yesterday with the highest possible beats! Lightning fell on my tower. Hear the sound. Soo frightening!" Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the temperature in the city is likely to be around 32 degrees Celsius, the IMD website stated in its latest Mumbai weather update. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that a low tide of 1.33 metres is expected at 10.03 pm. Tomorrow, a high tide is predicted at 5.28 am with a height of 3.53 metres and low tide at 12.12 am at 2.38 metres.
24 September,2024 04:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe German Consulate has issued a notice to student visa applicants, advising that some students may not secure appointments before the official start of the winter semester. The consulate is working hard to expedite visa applications but cautions that delays may arise owing to high demand. Students who have received appointment slots in October must submit either a Certificate of Enrolment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) from their German university or a confirmation letter from the university stating that they are permitted to begin the winter semester after the official enrolment deadline, the consulate said. This letter is intended for future candidates who are already on the waiting list since the consulate continues to support students with their study plans despite the hurdles. Important Announcement for Student Visa applications: pic.twitter.com/7NXx1qlTE7 — German Consulate General Mumbai (@GermanyinMumbai) September 24, 2024 "Since the Winter Semester is about to begin, we are working hard to help each of you as quickly as possible, because we know how immensely important your study plans are, the German consulate said in their statement. They further wrote, "Despite our continued efforts, it might not be possible for everyone to secure an appointment before the official start of the winter semester. We, therefore, would like to inform all future applicants of student visas, who are already on the waiting list and who receive an appointment slot in October, to submit either a Certificate of Enrollment from the German university ("Immatrikulationsbescheinigung") OR a Confirmation letter from the university stating that you will be allowed to join the current winter intake/semester at a later date than the official enrolment deadline." Studying abroad? Platforms to guide you through the process Moving abroad for higher education can be daunting, from selecting a university to cracking applications, securing scholarships, and surviving in foreign lands. Mid-day curated a list of handy platforms to ease your job. One such platform is Leverage Edu which supports students from India, Nepal and Nigeria who plan to study overseas. Their videos on how students can apply to move overseas for higher study meet all of the requirements. They provide financial advice, recommend the best nations and universities based on the area of interest, and provide movies about different countries' cultures and beliefs. Another platform is that of IDP India who create videos on how students can apply to move abroad for their education. The tutorials on their YouTube channel can help you plan your budget and choose the finest destinations, universities, and courses based on your interests.
24 September,2024 03:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a new development on Tuesday, the Maharashtra Student Union (MASU) withdrew its petition that sought a stay on the Mumbai Senate election. The petition, which challenged the validity of the election process and called for a postponement, was addressed in a hearing held at the Supreme Court. On Monday, MASU approached the apex court, alleging irregularities in the voter registration process for the senate elections and demanding a probe. Despite the union’s plea, the court did not halt the election process, scheduling the hearing for Tuesday, the same day voting was set to take place. During the proceedings, sources indicate that when the court questioned how a suspension could be requested while voting was already in progress, MASU’s counsel responded by announcing their decision to withdraw the petition. The Supreme Court refused to intervene, asserting that there was no legal ground to entertain the petition, given that the election process was already underway at polling centres across Mumbai University’s jurisdiction. Siddharth Ingale, president of the Maharashtra Student Union, had originally filed an online petition seeking the postponement of the elections for the Mumbai University Registered Graduates Constituency. Ingale had claimed that the election was being driven by political motives rather than the interests of students. In the petition, Ingale stated, “The elections are more focused on political parties rather than student interests. There is a sharp decline in voter registration, which indicates deeper issues within the election process. We are seeking a stay on the elections and an inquiry into the process.” As of now, Ingale has not commented on the latest developments following the withdrawal of the petition.
24 September,2024 03:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghThe Maharashtra assembly election is approaching, and Anil Desai, head of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has declared that there are no divisions among the allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). He underlined that the capacity of candidates to win will be the most important issue in seat distribution. Desai, who represents the Mumbai South Central district, told PTI that conversations about seat sharing are going well. He indicated that the Shiv Sena (UBT) will attempt to win the most seats in Mumbai, which has always been their bastion. "There are no differences among the opposition alliance partners, as projected," Desai said in an interview with PTI. Maharashtra Assembly Election for the 288-member legislative is expected to take place in November. When asked if the Shiv Sena (UBT) would focus on winning the most seats in Mumbai, Desai told the news agency, "Yes. Mumbai is also Shiv Sena's bastion and it will continue to be so, and so will be MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region), Konkan and other parts of the state. However, the winning factor is important and it will be an important criterion for seat-sharing irrespective of who gets how many seats." Desai indicated that the inclusion of Muslim candidates would be up to party president Uddhav Thackeray. He also stated that tickets would be provided to fresh and younger candidates, citing Aaditya Thackeray as an example of the party's youth. Desai referred to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) as the BJP's "B team" during a recent meeting with MNS president Raj Thackeray and state Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, implying that it functions under their command, the report added. When asked if Uddhav Thackeray would field a candidate against Raj Thackeray's son, Amit Thackeray, Desai stated that the party leader would make the decision. Desai backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks about reservations during his tour to the United States, which generated outrage in India. He stated that Gandhi's comments were misunderstood in altered video recordings. Gandhi indicated at Georgetown University that the Congress would consider eliminating reservations once India became a more equitable country, but he later clarified that he was misquoted and has repeatedly stated that he supports increasing reserves beyond 50 per cent, the report added.
24 September,2024 02:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe phase one of Mumbai's first underground Metro Aqua Line 3 between Aarey and BKC, slated to open on October 4, will open with all stations. Mumbai Metro on Tuesday clarified that the line will open with all stations. The two airport stations will, however, open with limited access as works continue. The airport stations would be an inter-modal transportation hub for the under-construction Metro Aqua Line 3, Red Line 7A and planned Airport Express Gold Line 8. The Terminal 2 station will be two levels below the 6,45,835 sq ft TOD building with India's tallest escalators and, three entry/exits at Andheri side. The Aarey to BKC stretch has ten stations (including the two airport ones) and there will be nine trains for use of which two will be kept away with one for regular maintenance, one as stand by and seven others in active passenger service, as per a presentation made by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) Managing Director Ashwini Bhide. The detailed plan includes running 260 round trip services (130 Aarey to BKC and 130 between BKC to Aarey) with operational time of 6am to 11pm (based on passenger response). The 33.5 km long Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 Corridor is a key project to improve the transportation scenario in the city with 26 underground stations. The Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 integrates with the suburban railway, other Mumbai Metro lines and existing transport modes at around eight locations These include, besides the city’s big rail termiii of Mumbai CSMT and Churchgate. Grant Road, Mumbai Central (also close to the MSRTC bus depot) and about a 10-minute walk from Dadar station. At Mahalaxmi, the line is close to the Monorail station and at BKC integrates with the Mumbai Metro Line 2-B and with Metro Line 1 with the Mumbai Metro Line 1.
24 September,2024 01:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA 22-year-old man from Chennai was held for allegedly molesting a minor girl in a long-distance train, CSMT-Chennai Express, a police official said on Monday, reported news agency PTI. The incident took place when the CSMT-Chennai Express was about to depart on Sunday. "Accused S Ragvendra touched the girl's back. She slapped him but he still put his hand around her waist. The girl raised an alarm after which he was apprehended by the ticket checker and co-passengers. She filed a complaint while the train was travelling between Karjat and Pune," he said, reported PTI. A case was registered and Ragvendra was remanded in judicial custody for 14 days, the Karjat police station official said, reported PTI. Mumbai TC suspended after his adverse remarks against communities The Western Railway (WR) has suspended a Mumbai-based Ticket Collector after an audio clip surfaced wherein he is purportedly heard making objectionable remarks against Maharashtra natives and a minority community, reported PTI. Ticket Collector (TC) Ashish Pande, hailing from Uttar Pradesh and currently residing in Mumbai's Vikhroli area, was suspended on Sunday, pending an inquiry, the WR's Mumbai Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) said after the clip's content triggered an uproar. The audio clip was on Sunday posted on X by a social media user and it quickly went viral, reported PTI. In the clip, Pande is purportedly heard making disparaging remarks against Maharashtrians and a minority community, reported PTI. Responding swiftly, the Western Railway announced the TC's suspension on Sunday and ordered an inquiry. "We take this matter very seriously. The staff commenting adversely about the religious community and Maharashtrians has been suspended immediately, pending an inquiry. A thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure accountability," the DRM said on X while replying to clip-related comments. "Appropriate actions will be determined based on the findings to uphold our standards and ensure the integrity of our services," the official added. (With inputs from PTI)
24 September,2024 12:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The death of their only daughter–Anna Sebastian Perayil–has left her family grappling with a profound loss. The 26-year-old reportedly died from cardiac arrest caused by severe exhaustion due to overwork, as revealed by her family and friends, who emphasised the burden she faced. Her mother Anita Augustine, in her now-viral letter to the top gun of Ernst & Young India, said that it was deeply hurtful that no one even attended her funeral and hoped no other family had to endure what she did. In response, the firm’s India chief Rajiv Memani extended condolences and apologised for a company representative not being present at her funeral. However, Anna’s death has forced many to confront the horrors many people are dealing with as they work their days away in firms where they are seen as nothing more than a resource, in firms where apathy has a better scope of growth than them. The organisations’ poisonous work culture fosters an environment of constant stress, resulting in employee burnout, anxiety, and despair. Despite increased awareness of mental health issues, the workplace culture, particularly in India, continues to impair the well-being of its workers. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), 60 per cent of employees in key Indian cities, including Mumbai, reported job stress, with 40 per cent admitting to having experienced burnout at least once in their careers. According to the same survey, 35 per cent of workers pondered resigning due to toxic office situations. mid-day reached out to employees, HR professionals, and mental healthcare providers to discuss how a toxic work environment takes a toll on people and how can a healthy work environment be fostered. The roots of a toxic work culture A toxic work culture is often defined as a workplace that promotes unhealthy work practices, such as excessive workloads, a lack of work-life balance, constant pressure to fulfil unattainable goals, and inadequate managerial assistance. Employees are typically locked in a loop of extended working hours, leaving little room for personal leisure or recovery, said all respondents. Speaking to mid-day, Saaransh D* said that he has been working at a firm where micromanagement is prevalent, often deadlines set are unrealistic and 12-hour shifts are pushed week after week. The engineer, who is in his 30s, said that it “certainly brings the productivity down, creates undue mental stress and anxiety, causing sleeplessness”. Nalani Mondal*, speaking about her experience at a toxic workplace said, “This is a common experience for young professionals who enter the workforce without sufficient mentoring. Some employers blur the distinction between professional and personal limits, often taking a stepparent-like approach. If you object, you're frequently faced with comparisons like, 'Oh, but so-and-so is prospering at a top company now,' as well as claims of having cultivated fresh talent. That's how I encountered minor gaslighting at a tiny media firm where I worked during the peak of the pandemic in 2020.” Nalani, a writer by profession, added, “At my next job, things weren't much different. Expectations to stay well beyond working hours were common. One night, after staying late to assist the editor, I was even questioned about it the following day. Small teams often come with constant scrutiny, and while I liked aspects of the second workplace, the management style left much to be desired. The pressure and fear-driven atmosphere made it difficult to stay motivated.” She added that feeling so unsupported made her not adhere to deadlines and that she “ultimately, needed therapy to regain my sense of balance and keep moving forward”. Aadhya Trivedi*, who is a dentist and freelance journalist, told mid-day that while she had not faced a toxic environment firsthand but spotted that staffers at the clinic where she worked were ill-treated. “The unskilled workers were informally employed and without a contract; they are far more susceptible to a toxic work environment. The staffers were made to run personal errands including cleaning homes despite being employed for the clinic. The girls also often faced demeaning remarks and their characters were assassinated because they came from low-income families and could not continue their education,” said Aadhya. These workers would be under duress since they did not have the same privilege and education to quit and join other organisations. Moreover, being unkilled also caused an issue, she added. When asked whether approaching HR professionals would ever help, Siya Sinha* said that it never did since the HR personnel at the business-to-business organisation she worked for were in cahoots with the employer and their concerns would often be brushed aside or trivialised. Sinha recognises that her reporting senior was toxic to her because she faced similar pressure from her seniors. “We were expected to pick up the workload of five persons and had to work 14-15 hour shifts to complete responsibilities. The toxic behaviour was very cyclical,” she added. The impact on mental health The relationship between toxic workplace culture and mental health issues is well-established. Prolonged exposure to a high-stress environment can lead to anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disruptions, and even physical health issues such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Employees in toxic settings frequently experience feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and chronic weariness, which lead to a sense of powerlessness and despair. Dr Sanjay Popat, Chartered organisational psychologist, speaking on toxic work environment’s impact on an employee's mental health, said, “Research, toxic work environments can hurt an employee's mental health in the short and long term. In the short term, derogatory statements or gossip can elicit the 'fight or flight' response, causing tension that, if prolonged, can injure the body. Toxic practices, such as bullying, can eventually lead to exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems. Employees may feel a drop in self-esteem, changing beliefs of themselves, and personality changes as they attempt to justify their treatment. Toxic cultures in organisations increase turnover and reduce employee engagement.” Mumbai-based psychiatrist Dr Shaunak Ajinkya, responding to a question about indicators of a person being stressed, said the physical signals are headaches, hyperacidity, joint pains, persistent fatigue, disturbance of sleep pattern and changes in appetite. Speaking of emotional signs, Dr Ajinkya of Kokilaben Hospital, said that difficulty in concentration, mood swings, irritability, repeated feelings of frustration, anxiety and panic. And behaviourally, employees can procrastinate, remain absent from work, their performance declines, and they rely on alcohol, cigarettes and more, he added. “Prolonged exposure to stressful environment could result in burnout, can lead to diseases like hypertension or worsen conditions like Asthma, lead to hair loss, and affect immunity. Apart from that it can cause depression, PTSD and anxiety,” said Dr Ajinkya. He added that depression is lethal since it increases the chances of an individual dying by suicide by 25 per cent. “We are currently facing a pandemic of depression,” said Dr Ajinkya. Both Dr Popat and Dr Ajinkya, when asked about how can individuals build mental resilience, said that it entails improving emotional equilibrium, mental toughness and physical endurance. This, they both said, includes techniques such as reframing ideas, practising mindfulness, exercising, and setting boundaries. Dr Popat added, “However, evidence demonstrates that, while resilience can help with occasional harassment, prolonged bullying harms employees regardless of resilience. As a result, organisations must prioritise building a healthy work environment, as relying merely on individual resilience is insufficient for combating workplace toxicity. Organisations have a responsibility to protect employee well-being, particularly from internal pressures.” The HR perspective Srinivas Kulkarni, an HR consultant, answering a question regarding toxic work culture said that maintaining work-life balance since the pandemic has been a difficult task and that the work culture is built on a top-down approach. “Companies focused on allowing people to take vacations, providing help for mental health fosters a healthy work environment. HR professionals should push back on policies that will kill work-life balance. They should also appropriately hire, and set expectations for the workload,” said Kulkarni. “Unfortunately, the companies provide leadership training to managers but they fail to train them on how to manage people better. At times, managers are also struggling since their work is affected by the availability of resources like staff members,” Kulkarni said and added that it is a give-and-take relationship insinuating that if the company fosters a healthy work environment, the staffers will be able to perform well. He also said that the HR’s role goes beyond looking after hiring and ensuring policies are in place. “HR professionals have to be proactive and be in touch with grassroots employees and managers. Constantly talking and taking stock of the teams’ needs, and building a relationship to foster a sense of community is crucial. Since people spend the majority of their time at work, it is important to make them feel a sense of belonging,” Kulkarni added. He further added that freshers should be gradually eased into work and that more work should be gradually increased throughout the training period. “Keeping communication channels open also allows to foster open communication. Usually, open open-door policy is a facade. When I used to work as an HR professional with a firm in the advertising industry, the CEO would meet new joiners every month which would be informal. This usually makes it easier for the team to trust top executives,” he said. Ways to improve the workplace environment There is an urgent need for systemic reform in Mumbai's workplace culture. To improve employees' mental health and overall well-being, consider the following measures: Normalising mental health talks is one of the first steps towards having a healthy workplace. Organisations should have rules that allow employees to discuss their mental health issues openly and without fear of being judged or discriminated against. Regular mental health awareness training can assist in reducing stigma and encourage staff to seek treatment when necessary, suggested experts. They also said that companies can play a proactive role by “offering mental health resources such as counselling services, implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer confidential support can significantly impact employees’ well-being”. Both Dr Ajinkya and Dr Popat had previously stated that setting boundaries around work hours helps deal with stress. Moreover, Kulkarni suggested that flexible work arrangements, such as remote working options or flexible hours, can also help employees manage their personal and professional lives more effectively. All respondents pointed out that having empathetic leadership fosters a more supportive and compassionate environment, where employees feel valued and heard. Srinivas Kulkarni and Dr Shaunak Ajinkya both said that recognising employees' contributions, offering growth opportunities, and fostering collaboration rather than competition can go a long way in improving morale and reducing stress. Regular feedback sessions where employees can voice their concerns are also essential.
24 September,2024 11:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjana DeshpandeAt least 20 two-wheelers were damaged when the compound wall of a Thane housing complex collapsed on Tuesday morning, civic officials said. No person was injured in the incident which took place in Shivai Nagar at around 4 am, Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management said. The city received heavy rains in the last 24 hours. A portion of the compound wall of the Thane housing complex collapsed on vehicles parked by the side, the Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management said, adding that 20 two-wheelers were damaged in the incident. Local fire personnel and the regional disaster management cell team members rushed to the spot after being alerted and cleared the debris. They removed the crushed two-wheelers aside and the remaining dangerous portion of the wall was also pulled down, the officials said. The area around the wall has been cordoned off as a safety measure, the Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management said. In another incident, a huge jackfruit tree fell on a godown, damaging its roof in Siddheshwar Talao area. No one was injured in the incident which took place at around 7 am, the Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management said. The city received 84.57 mm rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday. Heavy rain spells of 30.98 mm and 49.28 mm lashed the city between 2.30 and 3.30 am and between 3.30 and 4.30 am, respectively, the official said. Till date, the city has recorded 3,110.28 mm this monsoon season, compared to 3,192.88 mm in the corresponding period last year, he added. Five-year-old girl killed, three injured in ceiling plaster collapse in Thane A five-year-old girl died and three of her family members suffered injuries after a chunk of ceiling plaster collapsed on them in their flat at a 30-year-old building in Thane on Sunday, an official said, reported PTI. The incident occurred around 8 am in their ground floor home at the 6-storey Jeevan Baug building in the Mumbra area, said Yasin Tadvi, chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, reported PTI. The victims were in their kitchen when a large piece of concrete fell on them, he said. Uneja Sheikh (5), Umar Sheikh (23), Muskan Sheikh (21) and one-year-old Izan Sheikh sustained injuries. They were rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared Uneja dead, reported PTI. The others are being treated, he said. The three-decade-old building has 20 apartments and six shops. It has been classified as a dangerous building (C2B category) and had been issued a notice to carry out repairs. (With inputs from PTI)
24 September,2024 11:23 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the wee hours of September 24, Mumbaikars were woken up by thunderstorms and lightning as rains made a comeback in the city after weeks-long hiatus. The rains lashed several parts of the city; according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Colaba observatory recorded 16 mm rainfall however, the Santacruz observatory recorded a rainfall of 75 mm. Several took to social media to share their captures of the thunder and lightning. While some netizens advised people to be safe, many claimed that the thunders were so loud that they kept everyone up through the night. "Thunderstorms hit Mumbai. Loud enough to keep you awake," a user had written sharing a video of the incident. A user who goes by the name Mumbai Nowcast on X (formerly Twitter) shared videos of the thunder and lightning and wrote, "Those who did not get Cold Play tickets, it was a fantastic Light show yesterday with the highest possible beats! Lightning fell on my tower. Hear the sound. Soo frightening!" Those who did not get Cold Play tickets, it was Fantastic Light show yesterday with Highest Possible beats! Lightning fell on my tower. Hear the sound. Soo frightening! Captured while facing fear🎥 #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/CXKYPGRqjg — Mumbai Nowcast (@s_r_khandelwal) September 24, 2024 Take shelter. Lightning is striking ground. Just captured by me ⚡️🎥 #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/gcRg9JRy8Z — Mumbai Nowcast (@s_r_khandelwal) September 23, 2024 Another user had a very humourous take on the entire incident; they said, "Cold Play se phele Mumbai mai Imagine Dragons ka Concert ho gaya ft. IndraDev (Before Coldplay's concert, Imagine Dragons held a concert in Mumbai ft Indradev, Lord of Rain)." Thunder feel the thunder lightning like a thunder⛈️ ⚡ 😨Cold Play se phele Mumbai mai Imagine Dragons ka Concert ho gaya ft. IndraDev#MumbaiRains #Coldplayindiapic.twitter.com/NxwqtceGqv — Apricity_Joy⛅☀️ (@Apricity_joy) September 23, 2024 Thunderstorms were witnessed in the metropolitan region as well. A user shared visuals saying, "What an epic thunderstorm tonight. Glad I could capture the sky going red followed by the deafening boom." What an epic #Thunderstorm tonight. Glad i could capture the sky going red followed by the deafening boom 💥 #Mumbai #MumbaiRains #Thane pic.twitter.com/FHDObEZgI3 — Ricky G (@Ricko_chet) September 23, 2024 Mumbai weather update: Moderate to heavy rainfall expected today The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall in Mumbai on Tuesday, according to the most recent Mumbai weather update. In their Mumbai weather update, the meteorological agency predicts a "thunderstorm accompanied with moderate to heavy rain isolated places in the city and its suburbs" for the next 24 hours. The IMD has issued a yellow notice (moderate rainfall) for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar for Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as an orange alert (very severe weather) for Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and other districts for Tuesday. Maharashtra weather update: Thunderstorms to hit Pune, Kolhapur, Nasik The IMD, in their Nowcast warning issued at 10 am stated that isolated places in the districts of Pune, Kolhapur, Nanded, Nandurbar, and Nashik will see thunderstorms with lightning and light spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph in the next 3-4 hours. Take precautions while moving out, the officials said.
24 September,2024 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
