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Mumbai's heat eases, but sweltering days may return after Eid
As March draws to a close, Mumbai and South Central Maharashtra are getting some relief from the intense heat. After enduring a stretch of scorching days marked by occasional red heat alerts, temperatures have now settled to normal levels or even dipped slightly below the seasonal average in some areas. However, this reprieve may be short-lived, as forecasters predict a return of sweltering summer temperatures after Eid. Rising humidity ahead “After a few hot days and the occasional red heat alert, Mumbai and South Madhya Maharashtra are finally experiencing normal and even slightly below-normal temperatures,” said climatologist Rajesh Kapadia of the blog Vagaries of Weather. “In Mumbai, temperatures have dropped to around 32°C recently, thanks to the return of ultra-warm easterlies and the delayed but steady resumption of the sea breeze, which is typically a relief for a coastal city like Mumbai. While this has provided some respite from the heat, it has also led to higher humidity levels,” Kapadia said. As per Vagaries of Weather looking ahead to the weekend (March 28–31), Mumbai is expected to remain partly cloudy, with daytime temperatures hovering around 35°C and nighttime temperatures dropping to 22°C. Kapadia hinted at unseasonal showers in parts of the state during the first week of April, which may bring additional relief from the heat. Increased chances of rain Independent weather enthusiast Rushikesh Agre, whose X handle is Mumbai Rains, highlighted the likelihood of significant changes in weather patterns. “Massive changes in weather patterns have increased the chances of rain in Mumbai to 75 per cent in the first week of April 2025,” Agre wrote. Meanwhile the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai has echoed this sentiment, forecasting a spell of light drizzles and thundershowers for Mumbai and surrounding areas on April 1 and 2. Following this rainy spell, maximum temperatures in Mumbai are expected to dip to around 33°C after April 2, providing some relief from the heat. However, humidity levels may remain high due to lingering moisture in the air. According to Skymet Weather, a private weather forecasting agency, a cyclonic circulation is expected to develop at lower levels over north interior Karnataka and south-central Maharashtra in early April, which will activate the north-south peninsular trough. “This trough is a permanent feature during the pre-monsoon season and, as it progresses eastward and westward, will trigger widespread rain and storm activity across southern India,” the Skymet team explained.
30 March,2025 07:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti Singh
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 19Self-employed businessmen and professionals need to make well thought out decisions. This is a positive time for partnerships.Health tip: Those prone to sinus allergies need to take extra care of themselves. Make sure you get restful sleep on a regular basis or you could face slight burnout. TaurusApril 20 – May 20A traditional approach may work best while interacting with extended family. Avoid overspending on things that do not really have any value.Health tip: Do your research if you want to make any changes in your diet or fitness routine. Those prone to throat infections need to take care of themselves. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Changing your perspective may be necessary, lest you miss an opportunity. Make sure you have all the facts right when dealing with a legal matter.Health tip: Avoid triggering situations and food if you are prone to migraines and headaches. Try and eat fresh, home cooked food as much as possible. CancerJune 21 – July 22Keep a steady pace and do not let yourself get lulled into procrastination. Stand up for what you believe in, without making a fuss about it.Health tip: Any chronic health issue needs to be seen to immediately. Seniors should make sure they do age and health appropriate exercise regularly. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Let go of controlling situations or people, and focus on what you need to do. This is a good time for self-employed businessmen.Health tip: A small issue could worsen quickly if you do not take care of it in a timely manner. Those with a sensitive immune system need to take a little extra care of themselves. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Balance your personal and professional life as best possible. Avoid making risky investments even if you are promised high returns.Health tip: Clarity about your health goals is important if you want to make any lifestyle changes. Seniors should stick to what they know works for their diet. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Look at situations from a different perspective to get the right solutions. Be diplomatic with people, and honest – remember that the truth always comes out.Health tip: Small changes in habits will go a long way to improve your health. Choose carefully if you need to consult a specialist for any chronic health issue. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Any challenging situation needs to be handled in a calm and controlled manner. You can take a skill to the next level with some focused effort.Health tip: Those prone to respiratory allergies need to take care of themselves. A complete diet overhaul might be needed for those who want to loose or gain weight. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Focus on your strengths rather than letting any insecurities get the better of you. Self-employed businessmen may need to rethink their approach to a project.Health tip: Make sure you know what you are getting into if you want alternate therapy. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Any issue in your personal life needs to be handled firmly, with care. Be careful with investments and avoid taking risks even if you are promised high returns.Health tip: Those with any chronic ailment need to follow their doctors’ guidance. Seniors must excersie regularly. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Be clear about what you want before having any important discussion. Put in your best at work, even if you are not sure about the outcome.Health tip: Make sure you take any prescription medication in the proper manner and dosage. Be careful of back and spine while working out. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Look at your situation from a holistic perspective, and make decisions taking the longer term into view. Any new idea has potential if approached in the right manner.Health tip: Take a little extra care of your throat, especially if you like to sing. Avoid taking health advice from those not qualified to give it.
30 March,2025 03:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna Bose
Flying of balloons, paragliding banned for 60 days in airport's free flight zone
Police on Saturday banned paragliding, flying of balloons and use of light-emitting objects for 60 days in the free flight zone of Mumbai international airport, a police official said. According to the official, these objects should not affect the landing and take-off of aircraft and other flying operations. He said flying balloons can sometimes be seen in and around the airspace, while laser beams are pointed towards landing aircraft in the free flight zone around the airport, Juhu aerodrome and Naval air station INS Shikra, endangering aviation operations. The restriction will be in place from March 31 to May 29, he said, adding that those flouting the order will face action. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 March,2025 12:01 AM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Cops issue preventive order asking landlords to furnish tenant details online
The Mumbai Police on Saturday issued a regular preventive order mentioning an apprehension that subversive or anti-social elements may seek hideouts in residential areas to cause breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity. This could pose grave danger to human life and damage to private or public property, it added. "It is necessary that some check should be put on landlords or tenants so that terrorist or anti- social elements in the guise of tenants may not cause subversive activities, riots, affray etc. Immediate action is necessary for the prevention of the same," said the order, which will be in force from March 31 to May 29. "Each landlord or owner or persons dealing in property business of any house or property, hotel, loge, guesthouse, musafirkhana etc who has let, sub-let or rented out any accommodation shall immediately furnish the particulars on the citizen portal of Mumbai Police," the order added. If the tenant is a foreigner, then his name, passport details etc must be furnished, failing which action will be taken, an official said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 March,2025 11:26 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Paltan can take a free Uber Shuttle to Wankhede to cheer Mumbai Indians
Uber Shuttle, the ridesharing app’s bus offering, is the official mobility partner of Mumbai Indians (MI). To give the MI Paltan (fans) an unbeatable matchday experience, Uber is offering free Shuttle rides for cricket lovers attending home matches at Wankhede Stadium. On each match day, 10 MI-branded Uber Shuttle buses will ferry fans from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Wankhede before the match, and then drop them back to Bandra, Worli, and BKC once the match ends. Fans can skip traffic, parking woes, and last-minute ride searches this cricket season as their ride will be on Uber. To further encourage fans to avoid travelling from their private vehicles, Uber will also roll out exclusive, limited number match-day promo codes for discounted car rides to and from the stadium. To bring the Mumbai Indians' vibe home, the Uber app will go in 'MI' mode - vehicle icons will feature the iconic Mumbai Indians logo, making every trip a celebration of one of the most successful franchises for its loyal legion of MI Paltan, the app-based aggregator said. An official Mumbai Indians spokesperson added, “The MI Paltan are part of our family and we’re always looking for ways to elevate their match day experience. With Uber Shuttle, they will get a smooth, hassle-free ride to the stadium and back so they can focus on cheering louder. We hope fans use the services offered by Uber Shuttle and have a free and easy travel experience.” Snehashish Nag, Head of Strategy, Uber Shuttle, said, "With Uber Shuttle, we’re bringing the magic of Uber to buses - reliable, easy to book, and stress-free daily rides. As Mumbai Indians’ official mobility partner, Uber Shuttles will be the fans’ go-to ride for their home matches. This partnership gives fans a smarter way to travel while helping decongest roads around the stadium. MI Paltan and Uber Shuttle make for a winning combo.” Uber Shuttle is running operations in Delhi and Kolkata and is currently being piloted in Mumbai as a daily commute option connecting residential neighbourhoods to commercial districts. Buses are air-conditioned, with an option to pre-serve seats and no standing passengers, with cashless payments, and backed by Uber’s in-app safety features including a 24X7 Safety Line. How to book your free Uber Shuttle ride to Wankhede: 1. Open the Uber app and choose Wankhede as your pick-up or drop-off location2. Tap the Shuttle icon3. Choose your preferred time and tap Confirm Shuttle4. Reserve your seat in advance – no standing, always air-conditioned, always on timeMumbai Indians home match day Uber Shuttle route: ● Pre-match: MMRDA Ground Parking (opposite Metropolitan)● BKC → Wankhede Stadium● Post-match: Parking near Cooperage Bandstand (close to Wankhede) → Haji Ali → Phoenix Palladium → BKC Note: Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
29 March,2025 08:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai DCP Sudhakar Pathare dies in road accident
Mumbai's Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sudhakar Pathare, who was posted in the Port Zone, passed away in a road accident on Saturday. Pathare had visited Hyderabad for training. He was on his way to visit a temple with a friend when the accident occurred. Both Pathare and his friend lost their lives in the crash. Mumbai Police have been informed about the incident. While speaking to mid-day.com, Nagarkurnool (Telangana) Superintendent of Police, Vaibhav Gaikwad, said, “Both the individuals were traveling to Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh in an Innova when around 12 pm, their car was struck by an ST (state transport) bus in the ghat section. Sudhakar Pathare sustained a head injury, while his friend Bhagwat Khodake suffered leg and internal injuries. Both were declared dead upon arrival at a private hospital. The post-mortem is currently in progress. We are investigating the tragic incident further." Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police has condoled the DCP's death. In a WhatsApp message, Datta Nalawade, DCP (Detection), Mumbai Crime Branch, said, "Mumbai Police is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shri Sudhakar Pathare in a tragic road accident in Telengana today. DCP Pathare was a dedicated officer who served the force with commitment and integrity. His contribution in maintaining law and order in Mumbai Port Zone and in his earlier assignment are invaluable. His sudden departure leaves a profound void in our ranks. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. The Mumbai Police force stands together in mourning the loss of one of its finest officers. We pray the departed soul rests in peace."
29 March,2025 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan
Tata Power brings cheer to consumers: Electricity to become more affordable
There is a good news for Tata Power consumers. The power company will implement a new tariff structure approved by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC). This move is set to make electricity more affordable and sustainable for its eight lakh residential, commercial, and industrial consumers. Following MERC approval of its Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) proposal for Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 to FY 2029-30, Tata Power's tariff in the 0-100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) and 100-300 kWh categories continue to remain low in the suburban areas of Mumbai. According to a press release, the average tariff of Tata Power has been reduced gradually from the existing Rs 9.17 per Kwh to Rs 6.63 per Kwh in FY 2029-30, signifying 28 per cent reduction in five years. According to the company, the average tariff of Tata Power is much lower than that of other distribution licensees in Maharashtra. In suburban Mumbai, the lower tariff rates for the 0–100 kWh and 100–300 kWh categories will see an average reduction of 10 per cent in FY 2026 compared to existing rates. The company in its statement also informed that the green power contribution in overall power purchase is set to increase to about 70 per cent from the present 39 per cent, over five years. The Green Tariff has been reduced from the existing Rs 0.66 per Kwh to Rs 0.25 per Kwh to consumers to avail a green certificate. Also, data centres with 100 per cent green energy will get 10 per cent rebate on wheeling charges. Demand Side Management Initiative of Tata Power gets a nod from MERC According to the company, MERC has approved the expenditure to the extent of about Rs 48 crores over the next five years towards various schemes proposed such as energy efficiency and energy audit, EV (electric vehicle) charging, demand response initiatives, and shifting of water pumping load. TATA Power will collaborate with their customers for optimising peak power and ensuring energy efficiency. For the residential categories, the Time of Day (ToD) benefit has been introduced, which means that residential consumers with a load of below 10 KW can avail ToD benefits with the implementation of Smart Meters, a move to allow customers to consume power during solar hours with additional rebate to optimise their electricity bills. The company also stated that EV charging has been made more economical. According to the company, applicability of demand charges have been removed for EV charging stations, which will enable them to get electricity at more economical rate. This “Use-and-pay' single part tariff will promote the adoption of EVs.
29 March,2025 05:50 PM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Mumbai: One year on, Mulund residents still waiting for vital FOB to be rebuilt
Mulund residents have requested the authorities to expedite the building of a foot overbridge (FOB) across the railway station, which has been closed for over a year now. The structure was the only one that pedestrians could use to cross from the east to the west without having to buy a ticket. “We want to know the status of the foot overbridge. Why it is taking so much time? Does building a single FOB take so long?” advocate Sagar Devre, a local resident and activist, asked. mid-day had exposed how the 50-year-old pedestrian bridge had been corroded due to rotting vegetables and fruits left behind by hawkers and illegal alterations by a public toilet contractor. The bridge was subsequently repaired, upgraded and opened by the Central Railway (CR) for about six months in 2023. CR had assured the public that under a replacement plan, a new FOB was to be constructed seven metres away from the existing structure towards the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus-end and only after the commissioning of the new FOB, the old one would be dismantled. Nevertheless, the repaired bridge was pulled down, leaving commuters without an alternative. “What kind of Gati Shakti is this? This is Tortoise Gati. I visit the worksite every two days and there is no progress. If the newbie Gati Shakti unit is unable to do the task, they should transfer the work to CR,” passenger activist Madhu Kotian said. In 2018, CR managed to construct an FOB at Masjid Bunder in a record 33 days. “The Mulund bridge is a key connector for all pedestrians travelling from the east to the west. Its reconstruction should not take so much time. If the earlier bridge had been upgraded, why was it demolished before a new one was constructed? The removal of the structure has led to a lot of inconvenience. The next pedestrian bridge after this is near Apna Bazar at the CSMT-end and the road overbridge at the Thane end,” passenger activist Rajesh Gupta said. Official Speak CR officials said that the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation had taken up the overall development of the station and added an elevated deck and multiple new bridges which led to a change in the plan. “The east-west bridge is being built by the Prime Minister’s Office’s Gati Shakti unit of the Mumbai division and work on the foundation, column and girder fabrication has been completed. Of 40 columns, 24 have been erected,” a CR spokesperson said.
29 March,2025 03:45 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Sanjay Nirupam urges Mumbai Police to shut shawarma stalls for Navratri
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has urged the Mumbai Police to shut down the street-side Shawarma and other non-vegetarian food stalls during Navratri, stating that their sale hurts Hindu sentiments. Addressing the issue, the former Member of Parliament (MP) said, "From tomorrow [Sunday], the holy festival of Navratri will start. A large number of Hindu devotees will observe fast and worship the goddess. In such a situation, Shawarma stalls are open on the roads in Mumbai, and non-veg is sold there. This is hurting Hindu sentiments."He claimed that there are over 250 Shawarma stalls in Andheri East alone and announced that he, along with his party members, would approach the MIDC Police Station to demand action against street vendors selling non-vegetarian food during Navratri."Today, we are going to MIDC PS against this and requesting the police to shut down the shops selling non-veg on the streets at least during the days of Navratri," he stated, according to ANI.Nirupam clarified that his demand does not apply to restaurants operating indoors but only to street vendors."Someone selling non-veg in a closed restaurant, they can do it, but selling non-veg on the streets during Navratri days definitely hurts the sentiments of Hindus," he added, according to ANI. Opposition trying to mislead Muslim community on Waqf Bill: Milind Deora Meanwhile, Shiv Sena lawmaker Milind Deora attacked the Opposition parties on Saturday for trying to "mislead the Muslim community" on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and urged the community to trust that the Central Government would be initiating reforms which would benefit them and their children."We have to understand that when it comes to the issue of Waqf, that whenever there is an issue that relates to a particular community, there are certain people who try to mislead the community that the government is doing something against them," Milind Deora told ANI."I will only urge my Muslim brothers and sisters, while I wish them Eid in advance, I would urge them not to fall into the trap of these people who only want to use them as a vote banks to join the mainstream, trust the government, initiate reforms which will benefit them and their children in the long run," he said.The former Union Minister's comments came days after the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced a nationwide agitation against the proposed changes to the Waqf Board. The board has urged protestors to wear a black arm band as a symbol to oppose the bill. (With ANI inputs)
29 March,2025 03:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
'Simultaneous polls' push bid to deprive people of other religions from voting'
Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday targeted the Centre over its push for simultaneous polls, claiming polling will be eventually conducted by excluding people from "other" religions from the voters list under the guise of electoral reforms, reported news agency PTI. An editorial in the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana claimed the BJP wants only one party to survive in the country and that the "one party one election" is its ultimate goal, reported PTI. Referring to Donald Trump, the editorial stated that while the US President wants to stop Latinos, black Americans, and immigrants from voting, similarly, in India polling will be conducted by excluding people from "other" religions from the voters' list and this will be labelled as election reform. It also pointed to the executive action signed by Trump on Tuesday to overhaul elections. The order makes the documentary proof of citizenship necessary for registration to vote in federal elections and demands that all ballots be received by Election Day. "India is the world's largest democracy, and the US is the strongest democracy. However, it is evident that the roots of democracy are so weak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have no faith in democracy and the freedom of expression," the Shiv Sena (UBT) said. Dubbing Trump a "White Modi", the editorial said the decision is a blow to the vote bank of the democrats because this will automatically eliminate the Latinos, black Americans, and immigrants from voting, reported PTI. "Modi and the BJP want only one party to survive in the country. 'One party one election' is the ultimate goal," the editorial said, taking a dig at the Modi government's push for simultaneous polls. (With inputs from PTI)
29 March,2025 02:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Centre should grant protection to Kunal Kamra: Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday demanded Central protection for comedian Kunal Kamra, facing flak and investigation over his jibe against Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, on the similar lines it had protected actor Kangana Ranaut in 2020, reported news agency PTI. Multiple FIRs were registered against Kamra for his "traitor" jibe at Shiv Sena head and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde during a show, leading to the ransacking of a studio by Shiv Sena workers last Sunday. On Friday, the Madras High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to Kamra, against whom Mumbai Police had issued two notices seeking his personal appearance for questioning. Raut also welcomed the Supreme Court order on quashing an FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi for allegedly posting a clip of a poem advocating the protection of freedom of speech and expression, reported news agency PTI. He said like Pratapgarhi, Kamra is also an artist, poet, and satirist. "Kamra should come to Mumbai to put forth his point (before the police). The Centre protected Kangana Ranaut (fearing) that we would attack her. I demand that Kunal Kamra also get a special protection," Raut told reporters. In 2020, a portion of Ranaut's bungalow in Bandra was demolished by the Mumbai civic body for alleged alterations when Uddhav Thackeray was the chief minister, triggering an outrage and verbal spat between the actor and Sena leaders. The Centre subsequently extended protection to Ranaut, currently a BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday justified the summons issued to the stand-up comedian, asserting that it should be done if it is required by the law of the land, reported news agency PTI. Speaking at the Times Now Summit in New Delhi, Vaishnaw said, "If the law of the land requires it, it should be done," when asked if summoning of Kamra by the police was "too extreme" an action, reported news agency PTI. Vaishnaw said while the Constitution granted citizens certain rights, they were accompanied by some safeguards. (With inputs from PTI)
29 March,2025 01:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent