In sharp contrast to last week’s scorching heat, Mumbai woke up to a pronounced chill on Tuesday as minimum temperatures plunged nearly two degrees below normal. Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed the Santacruz observatory recorded a minimum of 15.2 degrees C (1.8 degrees below normal), while the Colaba observatory registered 18.6 degrees C. Maximum temperatures also saw a significant dip, prompting meteorologists to predict that cold conditions will persist for the next two to three days. According to the IMD and private meteorologists, the ongoing cool spell will last until at least Thursday, before making way for another spike in both minimum and maximum temperatures. “These prevailing conditions will continue until January 10, with the temperature hovering between 14 to 15 degrees on January 8 and 9,” said climatologist Rajesh Kapadia from the private weather blog Vagaries of the Weather. Friday marked Mumbai’s hottest day in January since 2016 when the Santacruz station logged 36 degrees. Following this, on Monday, the temperature marked a notable departure from Sunday’s 33 degrees maximum or daytime temperature; Santacruz recorded 30.3 degrees (one degree below normal), while Colaba clocked in at 28 degrees, about 2.6 degrees cooler than usual. ‘Typical conditions’ Experts attribute the current cold snap to the influx of northerly winds flowing down from the northern belt after a western disturbance brought snowfall to Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh last week. “This is the result of northerly winds blowing towards Mumbai,” confirmed Sunil Kamble, director of IMD Mumbai, noting that such conditions are typical of winter. He clarified, however, that these temperatures do not qualify as a cold wave. Kamble added that a rise in temperatures can be expected again after two days. IMD’s forecast bulletin stated that Mumbai will continue to see below-normal temperatures through midweek, with suburban maximums likely to remain in the 31-to-32-degree range. After Thursday, temperatures are set to climb, with minimums expected to rise to around 19°C and maximums hovering around 33 to 34 degrees. This winter season, a minimum temperature of 13.7 degrees was recorded in the city on December 9. Historical data reveals that Mumbai’s coldest January day was recorded in 1962 at 7.4 degrees, while its warmest such day was recorded in 2006 at 37.4 degrees.
08 January,2025 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a circular granting permission for setting up pandals for Maghi Ganesh Utsav. According to the circular, mandals must submit an undertaking that they will only use eco-friendly idols. The festival will be celebrated from February 1. As per BMC’s directive, sarvajanik mandals are required to submit an affidavit confirming that they will not install idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP). Similarly, it is mandatory for households to celebrate with eco-friendly idols. The BMC has also advised citizens to immerse Ganpati idols either in their homes or in artificial ponds arranged by the BMC in their colonies. In May 2020, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued guidelines banning POP idols, which are known to cause significant pollution in water bodies. In August 2024, the Bombay High Court ruled that only non-POP Ganesh idols should be used. The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 and other relevant laws will apply if the rules are violated. A BMC official stated that officials will monitor the activities of mandals. Vasant Raje, president of Shree Ganesh Murti Kala Samithi, said the ban should not just remain on paper. He urged the BMC to take action to protect the environment. Reshma Khatu, a sculptor from Parel, said, “This should be a decision made by the mandals. However, instead of imposing a direct ban on PoP idols, the authorities should offer alternatives.”
08 January,2025 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe state cabinet has made FASTag mandatory for all four-wheelers liable to pay toll tax. Starting April 1, vehicles without a FASTag will have to pay double the prescribed toll rate. The move is expected to reduce traffic congestion at toll plazas, make toll collection more transparent, and save both fuel and time, said the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Vehicles attempting to pay toll by means other than FASTag or entering a FASTag lane without one will be charged extra. For example, if the toll is Rs 50, vehicles without a FASTag or with a non-functional one will need to pay Rs 100. Currently, the state Public Works Department (including the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation) operates 22 toll plazas. The new system will be implemented at these existing plazas and future ones.
08 January,2025 07:44 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe motive behind my father’s assassination, as outlined in the charge sheet filed by the Mumbai Crime Branch, is nothing but an eyewash and a cover-up. I strongly suspect the builder lobby is behind my father’s murder, and I have revealed everything to the Mumbai Crime Branch, including the names of the builders I suspect. But no investigation has been conducted,” said Zeeshan Siddique, son of political leader Baba Siddique who was assassinated on October 12, 2024. As per the charge sheet, the Crime Branch has identified three motives behind Siddique’s assassination: His close association with Salman Khan; the Bishnoi gang’s aim to establish supremacy in Mumbai to extort from Bollywood and businessmen; and the custodial death of Anuj Thapan, an accused in the Salman Khan firing case, which the Bishnoi gang alleges was a murder carried out on Salman Khan’s instructions. Zeeshan Siddique. Pic/Kirti Surve Parade “I want to ask the authorities what steps have been taken regarding my allegations. Which builders have been summoned, and were their mobile tower locations checked?” Siddique said while speaking with mid-day. “While I will not reveal the names of the builder publicly, all of them are mentioned in my statement,” Siddique said. “I also questioned the police about a rumour of a firing outside my home just a few months before my father’s death. Who spread that rumour, and why hasn’t the person responsible been identified?” he added. mid-day had reported that on May 21, there was a rumour of a firing outside Siddique’s house while both father and son were in London. Six months later, Siddique was actually shot by members of the Bishnoi gang in Bandra East. Zeeshan Siddique has raised questions about the investigation, asking how the Crime Branch ruled out the SRA angle and arrived at conclusions about the motive behind his father’s assassination while he was under police protection. “The key conspirators—Zeeshan Akhtar, Shubham Lonkar, and Anmol Bishnoi—are still at large. Without their statements, how has the Crime Branch determined the motive? Has the statement of Anmol Bishnoi been recorded, confessing to the motive and detailing my father’s assassination? Without his statement, how will they uncover which builder might have communicated with him to plan my father’s murder? The individuals arrested so far are only shooters and part of the conspiracy—how would theyknow about the motive?” he asked. He also pointed to an FIR registered against him last year in September by the Kherwadi police after he opposed an illegal survey being conducted at Sant Dnyaneshwar Nagar without the consent of the residents. “I wanted the Crime Branch to investigate who instructed that FIR to be filed. The same people might also be involved in my father’s assassination,” he added. Zeeshan further told mid-day that he has learned this from media reports and now plans to obtain the charge sheet from the court to review what the Crime Branch has done and understand the reasons behind ruling out the SRA angle as the motive, which he and his family strongly suspect. mid-day reached out to senior officers of the Crime Branch for comment, but there was no response till the time of going to press.
08 January,2025 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanThe Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a self-limiting isolated virus, which is always in the atmosphere,” say paediatricians. Ideally, they (paediatricians) provide symptomatic treatment for seasonal flu with fever, cold and cough, which is caused by self-limiting viruses, that last for a mere four days, and in case of secondary bacterial infection, they provide antibiotics. Dr Fazal Nabi, director of paediatrics, Jaslok Hospital and Dr Santosh Kadam, president, IMA, Maharashtra While there’s been a rise in pediatric clinic visits recently, most cases don’t require hospitalisation. These are self-limiting viruses. Parents should avoid panic and seek medical help only if symptoms worsen or persist beyond two to three days.” said Dr Fazal Nabi, Director of Pediatrics at Jaslok Hospital. Virus not new “When infection persists, the Respiratory BioFire test is advised. This is a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that identifies nucleic acids from 23 different bacteria and viruses that commonly cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections. It is an expensive test and would vary anywhere between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per test,” said Dr Nabi. Avoid rushing to the clinic the moment your child shows seasonal flu, say doctors. Representation pic/iSTOCK Viral vs bacterial infections “In cases of cold, symptoms include watery nasal discharge, sore throat, body aches, and fever, following this pattern: day one (severe), day two (moderate), day three (mild), and day four (near normal). However, secondary bacterial infections may worsen symptoms from day three onwards, causing yellow-green nasal discharge, similarly coloured phlegm, and throat redness. Conditions like influenza or swine flu can escalate to bronchitis, ear infections, and pneumonia, requiring antibiotics, hospitalisation, and viral panel/BioFire tests to identify and treat the infection,” said Dr Nabi. Natural immunity in newborn HMPV does not impact or affect any newborn baby (day 1 to breastfeeding age eight months). It only impacts infants who are nine months and older and are vulnerable. When asked to explain, Dr Nabi said, “A newborn receives protective immunity from their mother at birth, lasting three months. With proper lactation and care, this immunity extends naturally, offering further protection until the infant reaches nine months of age.” “However, from the ninth month, infants naturally encounter infections, building immunity through exposure. This process strengthens their defence until school age. However, poor nutrition, overprotection, excessive medication, and frequent visits to clinics or hospitals can hinder immune development, preventing natural adaptation to infections. A balanced diet and limited interference are crucial,” said Dr Nabi. Mildly symptomatic carriers When asked how a newborn may get infected with HMPV without having any travel history, Dr B Srikanth, a consulting paediatrician attached to Apollo Hospital, CBD Belapur, said, “Like other respiratory infections, many carriers of the virus may be mildly symptomatic, and infection can spread through droplets. These infected but mildly symptomatic siblings or elders in the family can be the carriers and transmit the virus to the newborn.” “Avoid rushing to the clinic or hospital the moment your child shows seasonal flu symptoms. Do not presume it to be HMPV, just observe at home for two to three days by providing basic line of treatment and home remedies, and this would prevent the child from getting any secondary infections. Though the state and civic health officials have not listed out any advisory, wearing a mask, proper hand washing with soap and water, and avoiding crowded areas will be advisable,” said Dr Srikanth. Parents need not worry: IMA “Almost all the infants, who tested positive for HMPV have been discharged from the hospitals, and this itself shows that the cases of HMPV so far have not caused any severe illness. We are seeing non-mutated HMPV virus in India, unlike China, where the virus might have mutated,” said Dr Santosh Kadam, a paediatrician and president of, Indian Medical Association, Maharashtra. “We have not seen any surge in the respiratory infection cases during winter, as per data available between December and January’s first week, and hence parents need not panic and become anxious about HMPV. If the number increases in the coming days, we are supposed to adhere to universal precautions, viz wearing masks, not touching your face, washing hands with soap and water etc,” Dr Kadam added. Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000Cost of Respiratory BioFire test
08 January,2025 06:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonThe road less taken Youngsters explore the untrodden path as they trek up the Kharghar hills. Let’s build and connect Moments from the plays Samer (right) the English play Hunt during the 2024 edition The third edition of Connections India, an initiative by the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) and National Theatre, UK, will culminate in a series of performances across 10 days starting January 16. “It is a real festive atmosphere that will witness plays, music, dance, and spoken verse — all performed by young people, for young people,” shared (left) Shernaz Patel, creative learning director for Connections India. The latest edition of the festival will see 16 schools, colleges and NGOs across Mumbai will perform works by international and Indian playwrights for performances. “The subjects cover a range of themes that matter to young people from climate change to relationships, even mutism,” revealed Patel. Bruce Guthrie, head of theatre & films, NCPA, added that a positive sign for the showcase was the ‘robust bootcamp’ in August. “Another addition this year was the Backstage Pass programme for students offering technical training and design, not performance. This involved training in facets such as sound, costume, lights and props. Though we expected 25 to 30 students, we had 70 students signing up. That was exciting.” Meet my green pals George’s illustration of a crow pecking at a jungle jalebi (right) An illustration of a Khirni tree While everyone looks to start the New Year with new experiences, illustrator Sefi George is turning to old ones for a change. Having struck on the idea of creating a monthly newsletter of stories, George decided on opening 2025 with a story about her nature friends. “The newsletter is just an idea for me to share nature stories that I come across on my walks in the neighbourhood or during my visits to other cities. Sefi George It just happens that most of my inspirations are in and around Mumbai,” she shared. For her January edition, she decided to illustrate some of the familiar faces of her Dahisar neighbourhood, namely the rain tree, silk cotton tree or the Bombax Ceiba, as well as a young laburnum that she passes by every day. “They are trees that I pass by during my walks or chores in the neighbourhood every other day. I think of them as old friends, each with a story. I love it so much that now I look for stories wherever I go,” George told this diarist. Unravelling the secrets of the studio Jones (centre) takes participants through the production process In May 2024, music producer Darius Jones decided to throw open the doors of his recording space, Hilltop Studios, in Borivli for those interested in learning tricks of the trade. “It was a one-off session where I sat down with a few interested listeners to talk about the process of making music,” he shared. This month, the founder has decided to invite four musicians to the studio for a unique session that brings together music, conversation and food. “We have Krunal Ghorpade aka DJ Kratex (left) talking about creating your own identity in music, while Aditya Mishra aka Outsky will talk about developing signature melodies. Composers Jeetu Ramanujam and Saptak Adgiri will complete the list. We hope to make this a bi-monthly event that allows people to have a conversation about the art of music,” he told us. Azadi on the cards A panel of cards from the new board game, Azadi After Andheri-based media lab Memesys’s boardgame Shasn became a household favourite among politically savvy gamers, the team is plotting another big release titled Azadi. While founder Anand Gandhi is all set to head to the Jaipur Literature Fest to talk about all things boardgames later this month, co-founder Zain Memon (inset) revealed to this diarist, “While Shasn allowed players to role-play as politicians, in Azadi, they must collaborate as revolutionaries fighting for a cause. Set to launch in February, it will include the Indian Independence struggle, the French Revolution and even a fictional war on Mars!” New space, new ideas A moment from an earlier edition of the mela Sachin Joshi (inset), co-founder, Swadesi Mela has big plans for the upcoming edition to be held at an adventure resort in Khopoli. “The idea is to get art, music and adventure together in one place,” he told us. Held in association with Nandu Chavan, Mountain Sports Academy, will be a three-day event from February 8 to 10. “We hope to keep it as low-key as possible attended by interested participants. This year, watersports like kayaking will be added to the list of adventure activities,” Joshi concluded.
08 January,2025 06:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for January 8. Aries March 21 – April 20Following dreams is as important as working through family karma. Retain a balanced mind-set.Cosmic tip: Bring a balance into life by choosing one of two options. You intuitively know which one is right. Taurus April 21 – May 20A new job is demanding and a little tough sometimes, but you manage admirably. Health is good. Cosmic tip: Treat any hurdle as a learning experience, taking life forward with renewed zeal and positivity. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Moderation is the keyword in a relationship difficulty. Keep decisions on hold. Financial news is positive.Cosmic tip: Tap inner reserves of strength by exercising regularly/ practicing yoga or meditating. Cancer June 22 – July 23Singles may not want to meet new people their friends introduce them to. Using psychology to deal with someone younger is the way to resolve the issue.Cosmic tip: Acknowledge your own power with self-reliance. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Stepping back from someone who upset you is quite normal in the given circumstances. Enjoy spending ‘me time’ regularly.Cosmic tip: Be kind even if you can’t really help or give a viable suggestion. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Singles in a relationship is akin to a goods train (going too slow) may need to make a decision. Cosmic tip: Believe negative karma weaves its web around the person responsible for an incident. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22A change of residence or buying property is revealed. A relationship blighted by past karma hobbles into a balanced space finally. Cosmic tip: Accept what the universe sends in its endlessly wise wisdom. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Practising gratefulness increases celestial blessings threefold. Dance to the internal vision of what you want to achieve.Cosmic tip: Be humble even if the first reaction is to put the person in their place. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Very often restricted circumstances gradually lead to the tunnel widening gradually, with sunshine and happiness back where they belong. Cosmic tip: Don’t be a slave to external circumstances. Have faith in a Higher Power. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Today is excellent for financial decisions. An overdue debt is finally cleared by the person. Cosmic tip: Live in the moment, making as wise choices as the occasion demands. Leave the rest to God. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A new friend turns out to be opposite of what was expected according to their words and behaviour. Cosmic tip: Continue with a changed lifestyle and news habits being followed for a healthier you. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A legal case (if any) is favourable. Work related travel is delayed due to the project developing unexpected problems and closure. Cosmic tip: Enjoy being a recipient of receiving karmic justice. Forgive and forget.
08 January,2025 03:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseThe Maharashtra government has announced that toll collection through FASTag will become mandatory across all toll plazas in the state starting from April 1. The decision, approved by the state cabinet on Tuesday, is part of the government's efforts to streamline toll collection and enhance the efficiency of traffic management at toll booths. The cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved the proposal put forth by the Public Works Department (PWD) to implement electronic toll collection exclusively via FASTag. The initiative aims to eliminate long queues, reduce fuel wastage, and improve transparency in the toll collection process. In line with this move, the government has also amended the Public-Private Partnership Policy of 2014 to accommodate the mandatory use of FASTag at toll plazas. Vehicles without a FASTag or those entering designated FASTag lanes without proper tagging will be required to pay double the toll fee. FASTag, which is an electronic toll collection system, is already in use on national highways across India. By making it mandatory at toll plazas in Maharashtra, the government intends to reduce congestion and enhance the overall commuting experience for drivers. At present, toll collection is managed at 13 road projects under the Public Works Department and nine projects under the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. The new rules will apply to these existing toll projects and all future toll collection projects across the state, as per the government statement. In addition to the FASTag decision, the Maharashtra cabinet also approved revisions to the Maharashtra Government Rules of Business to streamline the state’s administrative processes. These changes aim to make governance more efficient and transparent by detailing the processes involved in cabinet meetings, legislative proposals, and approvals from the chief minister or governor. The revised rules, which have undergone their third major revision since they were first framed in 1975, include provisions that aim to enhance the decision-making process and ensure more effective governance. The new regulations cover 48 sections, four schedules, and one annexure, focusing on the procedures for cabinet and council meetings, the presentation of cases for cabinet approval, and legislative processes. Once approved by the governor, the revised rules will be published in the official gazette, marking a step towards more transparent, efficient, and public-centric governance in Maharashtra. These administrative reforms, according to the government, are designed to simplify processes, expedite decisions, and ultimately benefit the citizens of the state. (With inputs from PTI)
07 January,2025 10:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentChief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadanvis will inaugurate the renovated Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla, Mumbai, on Wednesday (January 8). The museum will be opened to the public on the same day. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had, in March 2023, started the museum’s renovation work, and the restoration, rejuvenation, and conservation efforts were completed within 18 months as per the schedule. This included waterproofing and restoration of the roof, intricate repairs of its ornamentation, internal and external plasterwork, repairs to windows, plinth protection, painting, and refurbishing of railings and ramps. The Mumbai civic body spent around Rs 2.8 crore on this project, which enhances the grandeur and beauty of this iconic structure. The museum showcases the city's rich cultural heritage and artistic history. The concept of the museum emerged from the Great Exhibition in London,1851. Initially named the Victoria and Albert Museum, it was established in 1855 and opened to the public in 1857. The foundation stone of the current museum building was laid on November 19, 1862, by then-Governor Sir Henry Bartle Frere, and its construction was completed in 1872. In honor of Dr Ramkrishna Vithal, also known as Bhau Daji Lad, who played a key role in its establishment, the museum was renamed after him on November 1, 1975. The museum is a confluence of science, art, and spirituality, featuring clay figurines, maps, stone engravings, photographs, rare books, and more. It is organised into six sections that include the history of Mumbai, industrial arts, 19th-century paintings, founding exhibits, the Kamalnayan Bajaj Mumbai Gallery, and the Kamalnayan Bajaj Special Exhibition Gallery. In 2005, the museum received the UNESCO Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Conservation for its restoration project. The museum is committed to cultural education and fostering a dialogue through exhibitions, workshops, and performances, inspiring an appreciation of the artistic, cultural, and economic history of Mumbai.
07 January,2025 09:45 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentDr Sukanta Majumdar, the Minister of State for Education and Development of the North East Region, launched the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay's Sustainability Policy on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward environmental conservation and sustainable development. His visit included a series of high-level meetings, presentations, and facility tours showcasing IIT-Bombay’s contributions to research, innovation, and sustainability. IIT-Bombay's step towards a greener futureThe centerpiece of Dr Majumdar’s visit was the unveiling of IIT-Bombay’s Sustainability Policy, which aims to integrate sustainability into the core functioning of the institute. The policy focuses on critical areas such as environmental education, zero-carbon emission strategies, waste management, biodiversity enhancement, and green energy research. Dr Majumdar also launched the report of the Pan-IIT Sustainability Conclave, which highlighted collaborative efforts across IITs for achieving net-zero campuses, and the first newsletter of IIT-Bombay’s Research Hub for Green Energy and Sustainability (GESH). Speaking on the occasion, Majumdar lauded IIT-Bombay’s initiatives, and said, “The launch of the Sustainability Policy reflects the institute’s unwavering commitment to creating a greener future. Through its exceptional research and innovation, IIT-Bombay is contributing significantly to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat." The launch event included a detailed presentation by Professor Anurag Garg, Associate Dean (Infrastructure Planning and Support), on IIT-Bombay’s Campus Sustainability Plan, which outlined actionable steps for reducing the campus’s carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. Following this, Sanjay Mahajani, the Professor-In-Charge of GESH, elaborated on the hub’s mission to enable cutting-edge research and education in sustainability, with a focus on green energy and climate change. Some of the key features of IIT-Bombay’s Sustainability Policy include environmental education — Integrating sustainability concepts into academic and research programmes — and zero carbon emission approach.
07 January,2025 08:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghTragedy struck in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Monday evening as two school students lost their lives in a road accident near the Manmad Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Nandgaon taluka, police said on Tuesday. The incident, involving a truck and a two-wheeler, led to public outrage and a brief road blockade by local residents. According to the police, the accident occurred when a truck transporting fodder from Chandwad to Manmad encountered stray animals sitting on the road near Manmad APMC. As the animals suddenly stood up, the truck driver swerved to avoid them, inadvertently hitting a two-wheeler carrying two Class 10 students. The victims, identified as Vaishnavi Pravin Kekan and Aditya Mukesh Solse, both aged 15, were students of Swami Vivekanand Vidyalaya and residents of Hanuman Nagar in Manmad town. The impact of the collision was so severe that both students died on the spot, police stated. The driver of the truck, identified as Rakesh Dadaji Khairnar, was later detained by the police. The tragic incident sparked anger among the local residents, who staged a 'rasta roko' (road blockade) near the accident site, disrupting traffic flow for a brief period. The residents expressed their frustration over the presence of stray animals on the road and demanded immediate measures to prevent such incidents in the future. A local resident said, "The authorities must take steps to ensure stray animals do not roam on busy roads. This accident could have been avoided if proper measures were in place." The police have initiated an investigation into the accident and are looking into the negligence that led to the tragedy. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased students were handed over to their families after post-mortem examinations. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by stray animals on roads, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, and the need for stringent measures to address the issue. The Nashik district administration has assured the public that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. However, the grieving families and the local community continue to demand accountability and prompt action to ensure road safety. (With inputs from PTI)
07 January,2025 07:04 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
