The air quality in Mumbai and its surrounding areas remained at a "moderate" level on Sunday. Meanwhile, the latest Mumbai weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department indicated a temperature rise. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 35.6 degrees Celcius, which was 1.2 degrees above normal. The Met Department data showed that the Colaba observatory recorded a temperature of 35 degrees. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the IMD, the maximum temperature will likely be around 36 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature will likely be around 21 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is 55 per cent. The sun rose at 06:42 AM and will set at 06:02 PM. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather updates forecast a "mainly clear sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'moderate' category On November 10, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 139 at 10:05 AM. Many areas across Mumbai—per the SAMEER app dashboard—showed 'moderate' AQI. However, Deonar's AQI slipped further into the 'poor' category, at 210. Worli, Chembur and Malad recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 119, 134 and 191. Meanwhile, Borivali recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 97. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 135, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 140. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'. Meanwhile, as air pollution levels continue to rise in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revised guidelines issued last year for construction sites. The civic body will also form squads at the ward level to visit construction sites and act if guidelines are flouted. Sensor-based air pollution monitoring systems will be installed at all construction project work sites and immediate action to be taken if pollution levels are detected above the limit.
10 November,2024 10:20 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia's renowned sarangi player Pandit Ram Narayan passed away on Friday, November 8, at his Bandra residence at the age of 97. He was a distinguished recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, among numerous other accolades. Born near Udaipur, Rajasthan, on December 25, 1927, Pandit Ram Narayan hailed from a family deeply rooted in music. He transformed the sarangi from an accompaniment instrument to a revered solo instrument in Hindustani classical music. His artistry stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sarangi. Survived by his family and countless admirers, his music will continue to inspire and resonate with generations of music lovers. Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan paid tribute to Pandit Ram Narayan on X: "I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of internationally acclaimed Sarangi maestro Pt Ram Narayan Ji. Pt Ram Narayan took Sarangi to global heights through his masterly performances. The sound of his Sarangi touched hearts and heavens." Further adding, "In the true Indian tradition, Pt Narayan passed on the knowledge of Sarangi to numerous disciples from India and abroad. His divine music will live on for centuries. With his demise, an era in Sarangi has come to an end." Deeply saddened to know about the demise of internationally acclaimed Sarangi maestro Pt Ram Narayan Ji. Pt Ram Narayan took Sarangi to global heights through his masterly performances. The sound of his Sarangi touched hearts and heavens. — Governor of Maharashtra (@maha_governor) November 9, 2024
10 November,2024 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentAfter Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant passed derogatory remarks on Shaina NC, she said she was a “mahila, not maal”. She visited Mumbadevi temple with Union minister Kiren Rijiju and Govinda (Sena).
10 November,2024 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentIn response to the death of five Golden Jackals in Mumbai, suspected to be infected with rabies, a six-member committee was established by the Maharashtra Forest Department to take measures to control the spread of rabies among wild animals. On October 28, mid-day broke the news of the growing number of rabies cases among the jackals. We carried a story ‘Forest dept to investigate the rise in jackal deaths in Chembur’, which highlighted how in a concerning series of events, five jackals had died in the Trombay-Chembur belt over the past month alone, prompting investigations by the forest department. While the reason behind their deaths is difficult to ascertain, sources from the forest department told mid-day that the rescued jackals were sick and showed signs indicative of a potential rabies infection. As a result of our coverage, the additional principal chief conservator of forest (APCCF)—Wildlife , Dr V Clement Ben had instructed Mangroves Foundation and Thane Forest Department (Territorial) to look into the issue and the committee was formed, to further investigate the deaths in and around the city. Dr Ben said, “The committee is chaired by the deputy conservator of forest (DCF) Thane (Wildlife), Akshay Gajbhiye. It is composed of a wildlife veterinarian, senior forest department officials, and a representative from a wildlife conservation NGO. Its primary task will be to develop an action plan and recommend measures to prevent the spread of rabies among golden jackals in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.” Apart from Gajbhiye, the other members are Dattatreya Misal, Assistant Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Tansa; Assistant Conservator of Forest Sonal Valvi from Thane Forest Department (Territorial); ACF Dyaneshwar Rakshe from Mangroves Cell; Neha Panchmiya from the Rescue Charitable Trust, Pune; and SGNP veterinary officer Dr Vinaya Jangale. The forest department will conduct habitat-mapping of the areas where the Golden Jackal is high in numbers. To track their movements, a camera trapping study will be undertaken, along with sample tests to detect if they are carriers of the virus. If a jackal is found to be infected, vaccination will be carried out with the permission of the concerned Deputy Conservator of Forests under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The committee has been asked to correspond periodically with the BMC to control garbage depots in urban areas, which is mainly where stray dogs—the suspected source of the infection—scavenge. The committee has also been asked to report every week to the wildlife and mangroves departments, Thane Territorial office and the office of Conservator of Forests and Director, Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
10 November,2024 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA very mumbai sunset Machimaar take stock of their boats during dusk at the Versova jetty in Mumbai. Perks of exercising your franchise The store has put up a banner announcing discounts for those who show their inked finger Have you ever been given a discount for doing something as basic as choosing your leader? With the Maharashtra Assembly elections less than ten days away, the administration is doing all it can to encourage you to exercise your right to vote. The BMC has even declared a holiday on polling day, November 20, to counter urban voter apathy (yes, the polls are midweek on purpose, so you don’t take a long weekend off). Adding to these efforts, a departmental store in Crawford Market is offering a special discount on every purchase made on November 20 and 21. The store’s owner, Viren Shah, told Sunday mid-day, “We haven’t yet decided the exact discount we would be giving, but we are definitely giving one on every purchase, with no minimum spend. All people have to do is show their inked finger to avail the discount. It’s our way of encouraging more people to vote.” Redefining social media with Chwippy In a world where the focus of social media giants lays primarily on entertainment and fostering global connections, Chwippy is flipping the script. Founded by Ramakrishnan Laxman, a Bangalore resident with over two decades of experience in the media, Chwippy is on a mission to connect the hyperlocal dots. “We often connect with people around the world but remain disconnected from our own neighbours,” says Laxman, unveiling his app dedicated to connecting Maharashtra’s diverse regions. “The goal is to launch across the country.” From bustling cities to 44,000 plus villages, Chwippy let’s small businesses, farmers, and everyday locals broadcast their voices, whether it’s about crops, local concerns, or promoting their wares. But it doesn’t stop there—Laxman’s ambitious roadmap includes integrating in the Indian Government’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, taking e-commerce right to the village. Wheels push poll goals Rock and roll down the roads for polls; (right) Wise up and vote say those cyclists The Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign, hosted an inspiring cycle rally on Saturday morning telling Mumbaikars not to cool their heels on November 20, but to go out and vote. Scores of cyclists pedalled across Juhu, early yesterday with banners, t-shirts urging all to celebrate democracy. More than 200 enthusiastic cyclists promoted voter awareness alongside Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and a host of other top officials. We caught sight of t-shirts with the message: “Vote Mumbaikar Vote” emblazoned across. We say this pedal for polls rally scored on several fronts: the obvious was of course, go and vote. The cycling, too, was about fitness and clean, green energy. SVEEP-ing success is our vote. Desire to succeed was a Constant with Sunny Former English umpire David Constant; (right) Sunil Gavaskar in June 2024. Pic/Rane Ashish Our in-house cricket nut is delighted to have recently acquired a book on umpiring by former English umpire David Constant. He is quite sure this book has completed his set in the Sporting Skills series published in the 1980s. Bob Willis on pace bowling, Graham Gooch on batting, Ray Illingworth on captaincy and spin bowling, Bob Taylor on wicketkeeping and one written by Peter Walker on being an all-rounder made up this series. These instructional books were quite popular on these shores as well because Tarang Paperbacks published the Indian editions. On page 66 of the British edition, our man found a mention of Gavaskar, who in Constant’s words, “made a deep impression on me.” Constant tells us why. This was in 1971, before Gavaskar’s first Test in England. The young opener, according to Constant, walked into the umpire’s room at Lord’s, where Constant and Charlie Elliott were preparing for the day. Gavaskar asked, ‘can you please tell me how to play in England?’ Elliott was forthcoming: “Let the ball come on to your bat, don’t go fishing too much for it. Leave your shot till the last possible moment.” Gavaskar soaked it all in. This is another example of Gavaskar’s desire to get runs, big runs. And that’s going to be hard to get for the current Indian team that will tour Australia.
10 November,2024 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDThe chief ministers of Congress-ruled Telangana and Himachal Pradesh and the deputy CM of Karnataka on Saturday vehemently countered the BJP’s allegation that poll-related promises were not being fulfilled in their states. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, his Himachal Pradesh counterpart Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar held a press conference in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra where assembly elections will be held on November 20. Shivakumar said, “Mahayuti leaders should visit my state to see how Congress’ welfare guarantees are benefiting people.” Telangana CM Reddy said, “In ten months, our government gave 50,000 jobs to the youth in the state.” The BJP does not have any success story to boast of in Maharashtra, he said. He alleged that big ticket investment projects were being transferred from Maharashtra to Gujarat. Sukhu said his government’s decision to implement the old pension scheme has benefited people immensely. “People of Maharashtra have to decide whether toppling the government with the use of money is democracy,” he 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
10 November,2024 07:15 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesHammering in the last nail in the coffin for Jet Airways, the Supreme Court scrapped the Jalan-Fritsch Consortium’s (JFC) resolution plan for revival of the bankrupt Jet Airways, and ordered the liquidation of the grounded airline’s assets. The court found that the liquidation of Jet Airways was in the best interest of its creditors, employees, and other stakeholders. “The resolution plan was violated after the consortium failed to infuse even the first tranche of funds within the stipulated timeline, as mandated by the plan. Additionally, the Rs 200 crore previously infused by the Jalan-Fritsch Consortium will be forfeited,” said the SC in its order, which was passed on Thursday and uploaded on Saturday. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, overturned the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal’s (NCLAT) decision that had upheld the airline’s resolution plan, which transferred ownership to the Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC). Justice Pardiwala, delivering the judgment on behalf of the bench, allowed the appeal of SBI and other creditors, who had contested the NCLAT’s approval of the plan and cited the failure of the resolution applicant to meet crucial financial obligations. Calling the case an “eye-opener”, the SC bench strongly criticised the NCLAT for its decision and invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, which grants the apex court the authority to pass orders and decrees to ensure complete justice in any pending matter. The NCLAT had on March 12 upheld the resolution plan, but its ruling was challenged by creditors. This follows a previous hearing in which the Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on a plea from the SBI-led consortium, seeking to scrap the three-year-old Rs 4,783-crore resolution plan. The creditors’ consortium argued that the resolution applicant, led by Murari Jalan and Florian Fristch, had failed to deposit even the first tranche of Rs 350 crore, which was part of a larger payment under the plan.
10 November,2024 07:11 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentWith two Shiv Senas in the fray this time round, and the MNS also eyeing a revival and contesting 27 seats, Marathi votes are likely to be split in the assembly polls. This is anticipated particularly in constituencies where all political parties have fielded Marathi-speaking candidates. In Sewri, Mahim and Worli, there are three Marathi candidates in direct contest due to the re-entry of MNS. Out of a total of 36 seats in the city, at least 16—or 44.4 per cent—will see Marathi candidates pitted against each other this time. Interestingly, there are six constituencies where there isn’t a single Marathi candidate in the race. Marathi-speaking voters comprise 37 per cent of Mumbai’s electorate. During the Lok Sabha election, the two main contenders—the Mahayuti and MVA alliances—had sought to woo the Marathi vote bank. Out of MVA and Mahayuti’s combined 12 candidates in six constituencies, 10 were Marathi-speaking contestants. Five out of those six seats were won by Marathi candidates in June, which is the highest representation of the community among city MPs so far. In 2009, they numbered at two, which rose to four Marathi MPs in the city in 2014 and 2019. Notably, in the impending assembly polls, every constituency in the Western suburbs has at least one Marathi candidate. On the other hand, three seats in South Mumbai and three in Eastern suburbs don’t have a single one. There are a total of 30 seats where at least one Marathi candidate is in the fray. In the last assembly elections, out of 36 constituencies 25 marathi MLAs emerged victorious across parties. 30No. of seats with at least 1 Marathi candidate Non-Marathi candidates face off Mumbadevi: Amin Patel (Congress) V/S Shaina NC (Sena) Malabar Hill: Bherulal Dayalal Chaudhari (UBT) V/S Mangalprabhat Lodha (BJP) Sion Koliwada: Ganesh Yadav (Congress) V/S Captain Tamilselvan (BJP) Anushakti Nagar: Fahad Ahmed (SP NCP) V/S Sana Malik (AP NCP) Mankhurd: Abu Azmi (SP) V/S Nawab Malik (AP NCP) Mulund: Rakesh Shetty (Congress) V/S Mihir Kotecha (BJP)
10 November,2024 07:07 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentDo 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 19Be prompt with replies to calls, texts and emails, and make sure you use simple, situation-appropriate language. Avoid high risk investments as far as possible.Health tip: Be careful while working out as you could injure yourself quite seriously. Older Arians might need to make some long-term lifestyle changes. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Carefully think through ideas and make sure you have all the information you need beforehand. Focus only on what is possible, Heath tip: Make sure you consult the right practitioner if you need any health advice. Pay attention to your spine while working out and focus on building strength. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Be mindful of what you say during any family gathering, and avoid getting into arguments. It’s the right time to reassess your investment portfolio.Health tip: You may need to take a few days off to relax at home. Make sure you have all the information you need before making any changes in your diet. CancerJune 21 – July 22Try to avoid saying exactly what is on your mind—be diplomatic if you need to make a point with someone. Make sure you stick to timelines at work.Health tip: Those with a compromised immune system need to take extra care. Avoid self medicating yourself if you feel unwell. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Listen to your intuition, and don’t allow yourself to get rushed into any important decision. Stick to timelines at work, and keep your boss updated as needed.Health tip: Try and avoid overuse of digital devices if you tend to get headaches. Make sure you get enough sleep on a regular basis. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Self-employed people who are in a comfort zone might want to look at ways to take their business to the next level. Avoid getting into arguments at home.Health tip: Make a commitment to any necessary lifestyle changes, even if it means changing habits drastically. Avoid eating out. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Work within circumstances and do your best rather than wishing for perfection. Make sure to get a good deal in any property matters.Health tip: Only sign up with any expensive gym or diet program if you are completely committed to it. Make sure you keep drinking enough water. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Make choices looking at the long term, rather than short sighted reactions. Self-employed businesspersons should avoid going over budget.Health tip: Small heath issues may become chronic if you do not take care of it as soon as possible. Be very clear about your health goals. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Spend time with people who support you and genuinely wish the best for you. Those on a budget need to be very careful with their spending.Health tip: Focus on the basics of a healthy diet and sustainable fitness routine. Those prone to respiratory allergies need to take a little extra care of themselves. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Choose whom to socialise with, and avoid people who just want to use you. Stay balanced in your investments, and look at new options.Health tip: Take your health in your control, and ensure your energy levels are high. Those with a chronic illness should take their medication according to what is prescribed. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Try not to use unconventional methods just for the sake of it. This is a positive time for investments as long as you do due diligence.Health tip: Focus on making small changes to habits rather than making intense ones that might be unsustainable. Those prone to coughs should take a little extra care. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Pay attention to how you react to people and situations you dislike. New ideas have potential as long as you are willing to work on them.Health tip: Those with a sensitive digestive system need to be very mindful about what they eat. Make a commitment to let go of habits that are not good for you.
10 November,2024 12:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseA fire broke out in the grass along the railway tracks near Kasara on Saturday evening. No injuries have been reported in the incident. The 11041 Nandigram Express train, which was passing by, had to be stopped for some time owing to the incident "The fire had reached the tracks. Seeing the blaze, the passengers of Nandigram Express panicked and stopped the train by pulling the chain. No damage has been reported to the train nor has any passenger been injured," Railway Public Relations Officer Swapnil Neela said. A fire broke out in the grass along the railway tracks near Kasara, temporarily halting the Nandigram Express. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.Via: @rajtoday #Fire #Mumbai #Kasara #NandigramExpress #News pic.twitter.com/aZaZuktmEL — Mid Day (@mid_day) November 9, 2024
09 November,2024 09:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarActivists have expressed concern that political parties contesting the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 are paying little attention to environmental issues affecting the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which could lead to serious consequences in the future. According to news agency PTI, representatives from not-for-profit organisations and citizen groups highlighted key concerns, including erratic rainfall, flooding, increasing air and sea pollution, and vanishing wetlands. "Mumbai and its urban centres are grappling with a severe shortage of open spaces. Former textile mill lands have been converted into concrete jungles, with little focus on tree plantation," said BN Kumar, director of NatConnect. Kumar said World Health Organization (WHO) report on shrinking per capita open space in MMR is self-explanatory on the stifling air pollution and appealed to political parties to move beyond the usual election rhetoric and focus equally on environmental care. Nandakumar Pawar, the director of another green group called Sagar Shakti, echoed these concerns, and pointed out that creek and sea waters were becoming increasingly contaminated while officials continued to deny the problem. "In areas such as Uran in coastal Raigad, inter-tidal wetlands have been buried, and some villages are facing unseasonal floods owing to the diversion of natural watercourses," he said. According to PTI, Pawar also warned that the proposed housing projects on salt pan lands, such as those in Mulund, could potentially flood Mumbai if these "urban sponges" disappear. "Mumbai has not learned from the flooding of cities such as Chennai. A WWF ( World Wide Fund) study shows that more than 60% of Chennai’s wetlands have been lost to real estate development, contributing to annual monsoon flooding," he added. Activists also criticised the former Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government for drafting the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP), which has been sidelined under successive administrations. They noted that the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) is the only party to mention environmental protection in its manifesto, promising to revive the climate action plan across all districts. According to PTI, Jyoti Nadkarni of the Kharghar Hills and Wetlands Group, raised concerns over the destruction of wetlands and mangroves, often under the guise of development projects such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and coastal roads. Mumbai's rapid urbanisation is contributing to challenges that directly impact public health, infrastructure resilience, and environmental sustainability, said advocate Godfrey Pimenta, director of the Watchdog Foundation. "The city's air quality is deteriorating owing to uncontrolled construction and increasing vehicular traffic, posing a serious health risk, particularly to children and the elderly," he added. With the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 to be held on 20 November and votes to be counted three days later, activists are calling on political parties to prioritise the environment in their campaigns. (With PTI inputs)
09 November,2024 05:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
