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 19Double check any information you get before acting on it. This is a good time to learn a new skill or take update yourself.Relationship tip: Knowing whom you can truly depend on is important, and you need to be sure you trust the right person. Do not rush any new friendship or relationship. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Be very clear in your communication, especially when dealing with any challenging situation. Relationship tip: Those in a long distance marriage or relationship might need to make an extra effort to keep the spark going. Singles should be very clear about what they are looking for. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Use the resources at your disposal in an efficient manner, and make the most of any help you can get. Maintain a cordial equation with seniors.Relationship tip: Be mindful about what you say. Singles need to be very careful while giving out any personal information to someone they may have just met. CancerJune 21 – July 22Any new opportunities would need a prompt response. Be clear about your goals and don’t get distracted. Follow your dreams, but be practical in your approach.Relationship tip: Those dating multiple people at the same time could face a few complications. Make time for family and close friends. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Follow office procedure and protocols, even if they seem outdated. This is a positive time for investments, but you do need to do your due diligence.Relationship tip: Fulfill responsibilities, even if you think it is sometimes unfair. Those in a committed relationship might want to take it to the next level. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Work with situations as they are, and use your advantages in the best manner. This is a positive time for property matters. Relationship tip: Challenges should be dealt with before they escalate. Those who have met someone new shouldn’t rush into anything. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Think about what you really want if you have to make a choice. This is a positive time for interviews and negotiations..Relationship tip: Knowing whom you can trust is important. Think before you speak, and remain polite at all times. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Lifestyle changes would help you bring a little more balance into your life if you find it getting too hectic. Make the best use of the resources you have.Relationship tip: Step back from people who lie and whom you can’t trust. Avoid getting into complicated equations with people who love to create drama. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Any new ideas have potential, but you might need to make them practical. Put in your best at work, even with routine tasks.Relationship tip: Be very clear about your expectations, and do not expect people to read your mind. Those in a long distance relationship might make an important decision. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Choose correctly instead of going with an impulsive decision. Focus on your goals and don’t allow yourself to get distracted.Relationship tip: Think before you speak, and make sure you are not reacting on the basis of gossip. Do not make any premature commitment you would be unable to keep. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Learn from the past but do not remain stuck in it. Listen to advice from a mentor, but make you own decision taking your future plans into consideration.Relationship tip: Be firm, but not pushy if you have a difference of opinion. Avoid getting into unnecessary arguments. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Pay attention to office politics and stay out if it if possible. Take extra care of yourself, and try to eat healthily, especially if you eat out a lot.Relationship tip: Any challenges would need adjustment from all. Singles are in a positive phase, and should make the most to meet new people.
29 September,2024 12:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseIn a significant settlement during the National Lok Adalat held in the Thane district of Maharashtra on Saturday, the relatives of a man killed in a road accident two years ago were awarded a compensation of Rs 4.50 crore, reported news agency PTI. The settlement involved the case of Pankaj Ramesh Shedge, a senior employee at an IT company in Irvine, California, who earned an annual salary of USD 110,000. Shedge tragically lost his life on December 9, 2022, after being hit by a truck while riding his scooter on the Panvel-Mumbra Road. The family had sought Rs 30 crore in compensation from the insurance company. Advocate GA Vinod, representing the claimants, highlighted the severe emotional and financial impact of Shedge's death, emphasising that he had been the primary breadwinner for the family. After negotiations, the insurance company settled the claim at Rs 4.50 crore. In addition to this case, numerous other claims were resolved during the hearing by the Lok Adalat. The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) secretary, IK Suryavanshi, stated that a total of 31,125 matters, including both pre-litigation and pending cases, were settled during the Adalat, involving an amount of Rs 159.67 crore. Thane district led Maharashtra in terms of resolved cases, with 20,034 matters settled, including 950 ones that had been pending for 10 to 30 years. Among the claims settled was a Rs 1.33-crore compensation case following the death of Sushil Mohan Sawant, a 46-year-old manager at a computer firm. Sawant was killed last year in March when a bus hit his motorcycle while he was commuting to work. His family had sought Rs 2 crore from the insurance company. Settlement cheques were handed over to the claimants during a formal ceremony attended by District Judge AN Sirsikar, Chief Judicial Magistrate SK Fokmare, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) member SN Shah, and Suryavanshi. During the Lok Adalat, 217 MACT claims amounting to Rs 26.8 crore were settled, along with 51 marital disputes that were resolved amicably. A total of 985 cheque-bouncing cases involving Rs 12.79 crore were also settled by 108 different panels in Maharashtra. Additionally, various authorities resolved 103 matters involving Rs 33.77 crore. (With PTI inputs)
28 September,2024 10:33 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Election Commission of India (ECI) has requested updates on the first information reports (FIRs) linked to electoral offences during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Superintendents of Police (SPs) in the state, during a review meeting on the state’s preparedness for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, sources told ANI. According to sources, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar instructed the SPs to assess all cases involving personnel, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and social media. The CEC emphasised over the need for swift action and response to fake news circulated on social media, news agency ANI stated. State Police Nodal Officers were urged to expedite all 2024 Lok Sabha-related cases, ensuring no delays in bringing them to conclusion, sources informed. During the meeting, Kumar further directed all the District Election Officers (DEOs) and SPs to ensure adequate facilities and efficient queue management at polling stations. He urged DEOs to visit the polling stations to inspect the arrangements, install benches for voters while waiting in queues, provide drinking water, and manage parking in congested areas. Additionally, it was noted that polling stations in shared locations should have clear signage and directions to guide voters, sources stated. Some of the facilities introduced for voters above 85 years as well as persons with disabilities include holding polling on ground floor, building ramps with proper gradient, providing volunteer and wheelchair facility, giving them priority in voting and making home voting available. For home voting, citizens can fill Form 12 D. The ECI team, led by Kumar, is on a two-day visit to Mumbai to assess preparations for the Maharashtra Assembly elections. During the review meeting on Friday with senior officials, the CEC questioned why over 100 police inspectors continue to hold key positions in Mumbai, ANI reported. Sources revealed that Kumar highlighted that despite an order issued on July 31 to relocate officers who have served in their home district or current post for more than three years, the state administration is yet to fully implement the directive. ANI reported that Kumar voiced his dissatisfaction with the state administration’s lack of compliance. ECI has requested a formal explanation from the state Chief Secretary and Director General of Police for not fully executing the transfer orders ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. Additionally, the CEC reprimanded the Excise Commissioner of the state, issuing strict instructions to halt the flow of illicit liquor from neighbouring states in the run-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The Excise Commissioner has been directed to closely monitor the movement and distribution of illegal liquor in the state, sources said. 288 seats in fray in Maharashtra The forthcoming elections will witness a contest between the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi alliance, consisting of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), and Congress, and the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar-led NCP. The Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held in 288 constituencies, with the Election Commission yet to announce the official polling dates though the term of the current assembly ends on November 26. Of the 288 seats, 25 are reserved for the members of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community and 29 for Scheduled Castes. According to ECI, 9.59 crore will cast their ballot for the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Of these, 4.95 crore are male voters, 4.64 female voters and 5,997 people are those who identify themselves as the third gender. There are more than 19 lakh first-time voters in the state, ECI said. (With ANI inputs)
28 September,2024 08:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has sanctioned a substantial amount of Rs 8,498 crore for the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar slum rehabilitation scheme in Ghatkopar (East). The decision to allocate the amount was taken during the 158th meeting of MMRDA, which was presided over by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The initiative is designed to improve the living conditions of thousands of slum residents in the Ghatkopar area of Mumbai while promoting sustainable urban growth. The Maharashtra Government has empowered the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to implement these projects in coordination with local government bodies and agencies such as MMRDA, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), and City And Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). "The Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar rehabilitation scheme will be carried out as a partnership between MMRDA and SRA, exemplifying effective collaboration in the city’s slum redevelopment efforts," MMRDA stated in a press release on Saturday, September 28. The project will come across 31.82 hectares and is set to benefit around 17,000 slum dwellers. The slum rehabilitation scheme, expected to take 48 months to complete, will provide free housing units for eligible slum residents and include the development of critical infrastructure such as gardens, health centres, and educational facilities. The scheme will also support the extension of the Eastern Freeway, which is an essential infrastructure project for the region. Commenting on the approval of funds, Shinde said, "This project demonstrates our government's dedication to improving the quality of life for slum dwellers in Mumbai, while simultaneously enhancing the city's infrastructure. The Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar project showcases the importance of collaboration and sustainable urban growth." MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee stated, "This slum rehabilitation scheme not only aims to uplift the lives of thousands of slum residents but also forms a crucial part of our vision for a more modern and inclusive Mumbai. We take pride in leading initiatives that contribute to the city’s progressive development." On Thursday, MMRDA had has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the World Economic Forum (WEF), becoming the first parastatal agency to sign such an agreement. The collaboration with WEF is likely to leverage MMRDA’s leadership in executing large-scale infrastructure projects.
28 September,2024 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAs Mumbai grapples with pressing governance and fiscal challenges, the findings from the National Urban Convention 2024 offer a crucial roadmap for reform. The convention underscored the importance of strengthening the city’s fiscal autonomy, improving governance structures, and ensuring efficient coordination between planning agencies as the key steps towards securing Mumbai’s future as a vibrant, resilient, and financially empowered metropolis. Organised by the Praja Foundation on Friday, September 27, the convention saw the release of three key reports: Fiscal Empowerment of City Governments, Praja's Urban Governance Index 2024, and Spatial Planning Index 2024 by Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI). These reports, released in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), provide insights into the state of governance, fiscal health, and spatial planning across 43 cities in 28 states and two Union Territories. Mumbai, India’s financial capital, was a focal point of the reports, which spotlighted its unique challenges and called for urgent reforms to boost municipal governance, fiscal autonomy, and urban planning. By bolstering fiscal autonomy, empowering governance structures, and fostering better coordination between agencies, Mumbai can secure its place as a financially independent, well-governed city that is prepared to meet future demands, experts emphasised. Highlighting the event, Milind Mhaske, CEO of Praja Foundation, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday afternoon and wrote: "Engaging in the pursuit of improving urban governance has been a passion for the @Prajafoundation team & I enjoy every moment of it. But one initiative stands out for its sheer scale, our flagship report, *Urban Governance Index 2024*." Engaging in the pursuit of improving urban governance has been a passion for the @Prajafoundation team & I enjoy every moment of it. But one initiative stands out for its sheer scale, our flagship report, Urban Governance Index 2024 (https://t.co/MExxALgi81). pic.twitter.com/1wBafz0IqY — milind mhaske (@milindmhaske) September 28, 2024 Key points from the three reports Mumbai’s fiscal struggles Impact of GST and decline in revenue: Mumbai’s fiscal health has faced significant setbacks, notably after the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, which eliminated the Octroi Tax—previously a major revenue source for the city. The loss of this tax has severely impacted the city’s financial autonomy, with the following trends outlined in the Fiscal Empowerment Report: - Own-source revenue grew at a nominal 6.93% CAGR, but when adjusted for inflation, this growth reduced to just 3.09%. - Mumbai’s tax revenue saw a sharp decline, with a -10.58% nominal CAGR and -13.80% real CAGR, highlighting the struggle to maintain revenue streams post-Octroi. - Despite having a relatively high Per Capita Own Source Revenue of ₹17,807.05, the city has become increasingly dependent on state and central government grants, indicating a worrying decline in fiscal self-reliance. Moreover, the stagnation in property tax growth— a crucial revenue source — was another red flag. Mumbai’s per capita property tax revenue was reported at ₹1,071.73, far below other major cities such as Hyderabad (₹3,639.63). The report found little growth in property tax between 2016 and 2022, calling for urgent reforms in revenue collection methods. Governance challenges: Weak executive power and fragmented planning The Urban Governance Index painted a less-than-ideal picture of Mumbai’s governance structure. The report emphasised the ceremonial role of the city’s mayor, whose powers remain limited by state laws. - The report highlights how the Mumbai Mayor lacks the authority to appoint committee chairpersons, undermining their influence over city governance. - While councillors are salaried, the city council does not have the power to pass a no-confidence motion against the mayor, limiting checks and balances on executive power. The governance report also raised concerns over financial autonomy. Although Mumbai can raise and revise taxes, the city council lacks the authority to approve its own budget — a key limitation that hampers fiscal independence. Additionally, multiple agencies, such as the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), manage core city functions like sanitation and public health, leading to fragmented control and ineffective governance. Spatial Planning: Strong framework, but coordination needed Mumbai’s spatial planning system, however, showed promise. The UDRI Spatial Planning Index 2024 commended the city for its robust legislative framework, which enables regional and zonal planning, aligning well with the 74th Constitutional Amendment. The city’s development plans are well-matched to administrative boundaries, ensuring smoother governance. Yet, issues of coordination between multiple planning agencies remain a significant challenge. The fragmentation between the MCGM and MMRDA creates inefficiencies in plan implementation. The report also pointed out that while Mumbai boasts an in-house team of planners and has established partnerships with educational institutes, on-ground implementation often lags behind the legislative framework. Recommendations: Reforms for a resilient future The three reports collectively call for comprehensive reforms across fiscal and governance structures, offering a roadmap for Mumbai’s future, which includes recommendations such as: - Revenue diversification: To reduce dependence on state and central grants, the city needs to explore new financing methods and optimise property tax collection. - Enhanced coordination: A more integrated approach between the various planning agencies, especially MCGM and MMRDA, is essential for smoother governance and more effective implementation of spatial plans. - Empowering the mayor’s office: Strengthening the mayor’s role with greater executive powers and forming functional committees could lead to more effective city governance. - Stronger fiscal autonomy: Granting the city council the authority to approve budgets would improve fiscal independence and enable more efficient financial management.
28 September,2024 04:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis said the state government is considering a proposal to provide tuition stipend to new lawyers. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the Advocate Academy and Research Centre in Taloja in Raigad district on Saturday, September 28, reported news agency PTI. "It is a pleasure that the country's first advocate academy is coming up in Maharashtra. I congratulate the Maharashtra and Goa Bar Council for taking the lead in this initiative. The state government has earmarked Rs 10 crore for this academy," the Deputy CM said. This academy will be a a transformative force in legal education and practice, he added. "There is a proposal being considered by the Maharashtra government to provide tuition stipend to lawyers entering the profession," Fadnavis 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.
28 September,2024 04:01 PM IST | Thane | PTISixteen years have passed since the 2008 Malegaon bomb, which killed six people and injured over 100. Nonetheless, as the trial draws to a close, the victims and their families continue to await justice. The prosecution has already delivered its final submissions, and the defence is slated to begin closing arguments on September 30. However, families who have lost loved ones have endured an agonising wait for justice. Malegaon blast: Attack killed 6 The Malegaon blast occurred on September 29, 2008, when an explosive device mounted to a motorbike detonated near a mosque in Malegaon, roughly 200 kilometres from Mumbai. The attack resulted in six deaths and more than 100 injuries. Several people, including Lt Col Prasad Purohit, BJP leader Pragya Thakur, Major (Retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, and Sameer Kulkarni, are on trial on accusations under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) initiated the inquiry, which was later transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011. "The trial is now finally approaching its end, and we expect the court to conclude it soon," said advocate Shahid Nadeem, who represents the victims. He also expressed concern over the ATS's lack of interest in the case, which has delayed justice for the victims. Malegaon blast: Man says trial has been dragged Nisar Ahmed, who lost his son Sayed Azhar in the blast, expressed unhappiness with the trial's poor progress. He believes the trial has dragged on due to the accused's influence, but he is still hopeful that justice will be served. He encouraged the court to treat the case seriously and to conclude it as soon as possible in the victims' best interests. During the trial, the prosecution questioned 323 witnesses, 34 of whom turned hostile. The defence introduced eight witnesses, seven of whom were called by Purohit. Malegaon blast: NIA submitted chargesheet in 2016 In 2016, the NIA submitted a chargesheet that cleared Pragya Thakur and three others — Shyam Sahu, Praveen Takalki, and Shivnarayan Kalsangra — of any participation, citing a lack of evidence. However, the court only released Sahu, Kalsangra, and Takalki, while Thakur will still face prosecution. The court also withdrew the accused's harsh Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) charges from that period. On October 30, 2018, charges were formally filed against seven suspects under the UAPA and IPC. The accusations included sections 16 (terrorist act) and 18 (conspiracy to perform a terrorist act) of the UAPA, as well as sections 120(b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempted murder), 324 (causing pain), and 153(a) (promoting hatred between religious communities) of the IPC. The trial began in 2018, and the recording of witness testimony ended in September 2022.
28 September,2024 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe BMC stated on Friday that the water levels in Mumbai's seven reservoirs, which supply the city with potable water, have reached 99.44 per cent. Based on data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the combined water stock of the Mumbai lakes stands at 14,47,363 million litres at present, or 99.44 per cent of their capacity. Mumbai gets its water from the Upper and Middle Vaitarnas, Bhatsa, Tansa, Vihar, Tulsi, and Modak Sagar. The civic body's data on the Mumbai lakes indicates that Tansa's water level is 99.58 per cent. 100 per cent of the water stock is accessible at Modak-Sagar. In Middle Vaitarna 98.79 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 99.79 per cent, Bhatsa 99.35 per cent, Vihar 100 per cent and Tulsi 100 per cent of useful water level is available. In the wake of heavy rains, one more lake supplying water to Mumbai, Middle Vaitarna Lake, started overflowing on July 4. Lakes Vihar and Modak Sagar began to flood on July 25 due to persistently high rains. Around 4 pm on July 24, Tansa Lake started to overflow, increasing the amount of water stored in all seven reservoirs by 17 days in a single day. Approximately 400 million gallons of water are supplied to Mumbai by Tansa Lake, which is situated in the Shahpur region of Thane. On July 26, 2024, it overflowed. One of the two lakes that directly feed water to the BMC, Tulsi Lake, started to overflow on July 20 at around 8:30 am, mimicking the event that occurred on the same day last year at 1:28 pm, according to the civic body. Mumbai rains: City to receive moderate rainfall today Mumbai is likely to receive moderate spells of rainfall on Saturday, as per the latest Mumbai rain updates. In the latest Mumbai rain updates, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has forecast a "Generally cloudy sky with possibility of moderate rain and thundershowers in the city and its suburbs" for the next 24 hours. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in its Mumbai rains update, said a high tide hit the coast at 9.40 am, reaching a height of 3.72 metres, while another high tide is expected at 9.56 pm of height 3.27 metres. Meanwhile, one low tide is expected at 4.02 pm lowering to 1.78 meters. BMC said another low tide of 1.42 meters is expected in the wee hours of September 29.
28 September,2024 01:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSix months ago, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) inaugurated the new flyover at Vile Parle on the Western Express Highway (WEH). However, following a few heavy spells of rain, the road surface on the flyover has started to deteriorate, leading to an uneven driving surface. On Friday, this correspondent observed that the road surface on a 200-250 meter stretch of the flyover had started to come apart again. The flyover was inaugurated by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, and MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, on March 9. The flyover was constructed to improve the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Domestic Terminal (T1) Junction. MMRDA had claimed that the flyover's inauguration opens up a new and effective route to ease the movement of traffic headed towards Bandra from the International Airport T2, and from Andheri to the T1 Terminal/Vile Parle, thereby preventing traffic congestion, reducing pollution, and promoting passenger safety on the Western Express Highway. The construction of this flyover witnessed the implementation of various innovative procedures, including the use of steel and PSC girders and a groundbreaking technique called the inverted T arrangements. Construction work on the 790-m-long project started in June 2021 at a cost of R48.43 crore (provisional). The MMRDA decided to construct the two-lane flyover as motorists coming via the Sahar elevated road and going towards Bandra via the WEH got stuck in traffic near the domestic airport flyover signal. With the construction of the new flyover, which is adjacent to the existing domestic airport flyover, motorists can bypass the signal.
28 September,2024 12:51 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Bar Council of India wants law colleges to check the backgrounds of students aspiring for legal studies to check for criminal antecedents. In the wake of a PIL before the Bombay High Court seeking to make attendance compulsory for students in law colleges, BCI has issued a slew of guidelines to law colleges and universities. The BCI circular envisages introducing several new measures aimed at fostering transparency and ethical standards in law colleges. In addition to checking background of aspiring students, BCI also wants law colleges to ensure students make declarations regarding simultaneous degree and/or regular academic programmes, employment status and attendance compliance. Besides, the law colleges have to make use of biometric systems for attendance and install CCTV cameras, etc. This circular is being seen as a knee-jerk reaction by BCI in response to a writ petition filed by a law associate professor in HC. In favour U K Nambiar, principal of MCT Law College, Airoli, welcomed the directives issued by BCI. Nambiar said that this would bring in the much-needed transparency in both students enrolling for legal education and also private law colleges mushrooming today. To ensure adherence of the circular is done in its true spirit BCI should conduct surprise checks. BCI should come up with a professional curriculum for five-year LLB courses, with mandatory one year practical courses, at par with medicine, pharmacology engineering, etc., and completely do away with the three-year LLB programme, to have quality legal education and continuity of education after HSC.” Dissenting view “It is unfair to have expectations from the college principals to check if the student has a criminal background. And moreover, we have instances in the past where convicted accused in terror cases have approached the high court and have sought judicial intervention to appear for a law exam. On the one hand, the judiciary directs the university to allow such convicts to appear for law exams and on the other the judiciary points out that 75 per cent attendance is a must. How can convicts adhere to rules meant for the classroom? Does BCI have a mechanism to check a student’s criminal background?” asked a law professor. Law faculty’s view “BCI had issued a recent notification introducing several new regulatory measures aimed at fostering transparency and ethical standards within the legal profession. The implementation of these measures is aimed at upholding the ethical standards of the legal profession by ensuring that law students entering the field maintain the highest standards of honesty and professionalism. Though the move is to promote transparency and accountability, I personally fear that colleges may indulge in corrupt practices and exploit students who do not fit in BCI norms,” said advocate Dhanpal Jain, a visiting law faculty. Exploitation of students Nitin Yadav, president of the Self-Finance College Federation, said, “BCI has issued a circular to make legal education stronger and cleaner. This will ensure transparency and proper quality in legal education. But it cannot be denied that after this order the level of exploitation of students will also increase across the country. It would not be fair to deprive a student of education on account of being booked in an FIR. There are many such cases in the country in which the court has given permission to encourage education even after having a criminal history and such people have also returned to the mainstream society. BCI's move is towards transparency but it also has to be seen that no student or institution is exploited under the guise of this order.”
28 September,2024 12:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar Menon
Navratri, the nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine, holds immense cultural and religious significance in India, especially in Mumbai. Over the decades, the way Mumbai has celebrated Navratri has transformed, blending tradition with contemporary trends, while remaining a vibrant expression of devotion. From small community gatherings to large-scale extravaganzas, let’s take a journey through how Navratri 2024 celebrations in Mumbai have evolved over the years. The early days: Intimate and traditional Navratri celebrations in Mumbai were originally simple, traditional, and rooted deeply in religious customs. In earlier decades, the focus was primarily on prayers, fasting, and intimate gatherings at home or in local temples. Women would gather to recite bhajans (devotional songs) and perform Garba or Dandiya Raas, both folk dances from Gujarat. In those years, the festivities primarily revolved around devotion and individual worship of the goddess Durga in her various manifestations. Nandita Desai, a senior citizen who has witnessed the evolution of Navratri in Mumbai, recalls: “Back in the 60s and 70s, the festival was less commercial. We would visit each other’s homes for Garba and Aarti, and it felt more like a community coming together.” 1980s and 1990s: Rise of public celebrations In the 1980s and 1990s, Mumbai saw a rise in public Navratri celebrations, with large-scale events taking place in various localities. The introduction of professional orchestras and live singers transformed Navratri into a grand social event. People of all ages would gather to dance to devotional songs played by live bands. Garba nights began to be organised on larger scales, with famous singers like Falguni Pathak becoming synonymous with the festival. This era also marked the rise of the Dandiya Raas culture, where people—dressed in colourful, traditional attire—would swirl to the rhythmic beats of the dhol. The festival was no longer restricted to homes or temples; public grounds across the city became venues for mass celebrations. Asmita Joshi, a Mumbai-based event organiser, mentions, “By the 90s, Navratri had taken on a new avatar. It was no longer just about devotion—it was about celebration, glamour, and music. There was a palpable excitement as more people started getting involved.” 2000s: The age of commercialisation As Mumbai entered the 2000s, Navratri underwent a major transformation, with increasing commercialisation. Bollywood music began to dominate Navratri events, pushing traditional devotional songs to the background. Many organisers saw the profit potential, leading to ticketed events featuring DJs and celebrity performances. High-profile sponsors from the corporate world also started investing in these celebrations, further fueling the grandeur. Garba and Dandiya Raas became not just a religious expression but also a fashion statement. Designer chaniya cholis and kediyas were the talk of the town. Events were held at large grounds with elaborate decorations, light shows, and modern sound systems, adding a new layer of extravagance. A Mumbai-based fashion designer, shares: "Navratri has transformed into a celebration of glamour. People wanted to look their best, with outfits that would grab attention on social media. It’s where tradition met trend.” Recent years: Balancing tradition with modernity In recent years, Mumbai’s Navratri 2024 celebrations have strived to maintain a balance between tradition and modernity. While glitzy, high-energy Garba nights remain popular, there has been a conscious effort to return to the festival's devotional roots. Many local community groups now organise “Eco-Friendly Navratri” to minimise the environmental impact of large events. The use of biodegradable decorations, eco-friendly idols, and less noisy instruments is gaining traction. The expansion of digital platforms has further introduced a modern element to Navratri celebrations. Virtual Garba nights, live-streamed prayers, and online workshops teaching the art of Dandiya have emerged, making the festival more accessible, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sneha Karnik, a young Mumbaikar, shares, “While we miss the energy of big gatherings, online celebrations have allowed us to participate in the festival even when we couldn’t physically attend. It’s different, but it’s still special.” Cultural significance The spirit of Navratri 2024 in Mumbai remains as powerful as ever, despite the changes in how it is celebrated. The city, known for its cosmopolitan culture, brings people from different communities together during the festival. The celebration goes beyond religious and cultural differences, bringing together people from all faiths in a shared expression of dance and devotion. Over the years, Navratri has also evolved into a platform for promoting social causes. Numerous events now highlight women's empowerment, resonating with the festival's tribute to the goddess Durga. In addition, some organisers have used Navratri as an opportunity to promote campaigns around education, health, and environmental conservation. Evolving with time, holding onto tradition Navratri celebrations in Mumbai have come a long way—from small community gatherings to large-scale, glamorous public events. Over the decades, the festival has evolved to reflect the city’s dynamic nature, blending devotion, music, dance, and even social awareness. Yet, despite the changes, Navratri continues to be a joyous celebration of culture, faith, and togetherness. As Rita Todankar, a Gurgaon resident, says, "Regardless of how the celebrations evolve, the essence of Navratri stays unchanged—it's about uniting in devotion and joy, honouring the divine feminine and the spirit of community." Mumbai's Navratri has certainly evolved with the times, yet the core of the festival—devotion to the goddess and the joy of dance—remains constant.
28 September,2024 11:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarADVERTISEMENT
