The work to convert Nahur railway station into a double-discharge platform has finally begun. Nahur, a key station for the Airoli road connector, has been witnessing an increase in footfall, thereby necessitating the need for a double-discharge platform at the station. The new platform will serve as the station's home platform and will provide wider access from the west side, which is currently very limited. As per the works planned for the financial year 2023-24, Central Railway (CR) had plans to complete the construction of an additional platform at three stations: Diva, Vidyavihar, and Nahur. According to the latest statistics, an average of 69,060 tickets are sold at Nahur station, and this number is expected to increase further. Currently, the west side of the station consists of a small public pathway and the entrance to a private industrial firm. The work on widening the existing road bridge is also ongoing at this station. The halt station was originally opened on 21 April 2006.
08 January,2025 04:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Bombay High Court on Wednesday questioned whether a woman with intellectual disability has the right to become a mother, while hearing a plea filed by the father of a 27-year-old unmarried woman, seeking the medical termination of her 21-week pregnancy, news agency PTI reported. The petitioner submitted that his daughter wanted to continue the pregnancy, but she was of unsound mind. A division bench of Justices RV Ghuge and Rajesh Patil had last week directed that the woman be examined by a medical board at the state-run JJ Hospital in Mumbai. On Wednesday, the medical board submitted the report to the Bombay High Court, concluding that the woman is not mentally unsound or ill, but was diagnosed with borderline intellectual disability with an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 75 per cent, PTI reported. The bench noted that the woman's parents did not make her go through any psychological counselling or treatment, but only kept her on medication since 2011. The medical board's report said that there were no abnormalities or anomalies in the foetus and the woman was medically fit for continuation of the pregnancy, while adding that termination was also possible. Additional government pleader Prachi Tatke submitted to the court that consent of the pregnant woman is of paramount importance in such matters. 'Nobody can be super intelligent... Everybody has different levels of intelligence' The bench took note of the fact that the medical board report has clearly stated the woman is not mentally disabled or of an unsound mind. "The observation [in the report] is that she has below average intelligence. Nobody can be super intelligent. We are all human beings and everybody has different levels of intelligence," the court said, adding "Just because she has below average intelligence, does she have no right to be a mother? If we say that persons with below average intelligence do not have the right to be parents, it would be against the law." As per provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, a pregnancy beyond the 20-week gestation period is allowed in cases where the woman is mentally ill, it said. "Borderline case cannot be said to be a mental disorder. She [the pregnant woman in the present case] has not been declared as mentally ill. It is only a borderline case of intellectual functioning," the bench said. The advocate of the petitioner informed the Bombay High Court that the woman has now disclosed to her parents the identity of the man with whom she is in a relationship and who was responsible for the pregnancy, PTI reported. The court then asked the woman's parents to meet the man and interact with him to see if he was willing to marry their daughter. "As parents, take the initiative and talk to the man. They are both adults. It is not an offence," the court said. The petitioner and his wife had adopted the woman when she was five months old, and must now do their duty as parents, it said and posted the matter for further hearing on January 13. (With PTI inputs)
08 January,2025 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently captured public attention, prompting concerns and questions about its potential impact. Here are the key facts to understand this respiratory illness. 1. Nature of the VirusHMPV is not a new virus nor does it have an unprecedented health threat as a self-limiting respiratory virus. The virus is always present in the atmosphere. 2. Infection characteristicsThe virus has a low fatality rate and it primarily affects young children, elderly individuals or people with serious underlying illnesses. 3. Symptoms and their progressionThe virus doesn’t have specific symptoms, resembling other causes of the common cold or sore throat (pharyngitis). Typical symptoms follow a predictable 4-day pattern:Day 1: Severe symptomsDay 2: Moderate intensityDay 3: Mild conditionDay 4: Near-normal condition 4. Transmission and immunityHMPV spreads through respiratory droplets and mildly symptomatic carriers can transmit the virus. Immunity of affected individuals post-infection is weak and short-lived. 5. Government and medical responseMaharashtra has placed all medical colleges and state-run hospitals on alert regarding the spread of the HMPV virus, however, no panic measures or lockdowns are planned. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the states is to be issued soon. 6. Prevention strategiesRecommended precautions include:Covering mouth while coughing/sneezingFrequent hand washingUsing hand sanitizersAvoiding crowded spacesOptional mask-wearing during cold season 7. Treatment ApproachIt is important to note that most cases do not require hospitalisation and antibiotics are used only for secondary bacterial infections. A respiratory BioFire test (Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000) is available for detailed diagnosis. 8. Comparison with COVID-19Significantly different from COVID-19The much lower risk profileNo pandemic potentialNo widespread public health emergency anticipated 9. Infant and child considerationsNewborns (0-8 months) are naturally protected by maternal immunity, whereas infants over nine months are relatively more vulnerable. 10. Expert recommendationsMedical professionals advise:Do not panicMonitor symptoms at homeSeek medical help if symptoms persist beyond 2-3 daysMaintain balanced nutritionAllow natural immune response Key takeaway: HMPV is a manageable respiratory virus that requires a cautious but not panicked approach. Pro Tip: Consult healthcare professionals for personalised medical advice.
08 January,2025 02:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday claimed that the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was trying to engineer defections in the rival NCP (SP), promising its leaders berths in the union cabinet, reported news agency PTI. Raut's comment came after NCP leader Amol Mitkati said that some Lok Sabha members from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP were in contact with Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. NCP (SP) MLA and former state minister Jitendra Awhad also alleged that Sunil Tatkare, state chief of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, had asked MPs of the rival faction to "leave the father and daughter", reported PTI. Tatkare's reaction to these claims was awaited. Speaking to reporters, Raut alleged that senior NCP leader Praful Patel and Tatkare had been assigned the task of engineering defections in the Sharad Pawar-led faction. At present, the Ajit-led NCP has only one Lok Sabha MP, Tatkare, while the rival NCP (SP) has eight Lok Sabha members. "The party (NCP) will not get any post in the Union government unless they manage to secure defections from the Sharad Pawar-led faction," said Raut, reported PTI. Elsewhere, when asked about the possibility of the two NCP factions coming together, Jitendra Awhad said, "If both NCPs are to come together, why did Sunil Tatkare make an offer to our Lok Sabha members to switch sides? His offer was to 'leave father-daughter aside and come to us'....I think Tatkare himself does not want both the Pawars to reunite," reported PTI. Tatkare's purported "father-daughter" remark referred to Sharad Pawar and his daughter, Baramati MP Supriya Sule. Awhad also claimed that the reports of imminent reunion of the two NCP factions was aimed at putting pressure on BJP ally and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, by sending a message that the BJP government at the Centre could get support from other quarters. (With inputs from PTI)
08 January,2025 02:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the newly renovated Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum on Wednesday. "The richness of a city is not seen in the wealth of its people or its towering buildings, but through its museums," said Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis today, during the inauguration of the renovated Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum. Speaking at the event organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed his happiness at the unveiling of such a culturally significant landmark in the city. The Maharashtra Chief Minister highlighted that museums are the windows to a city's civilisation, culture, people's lives, and history. "The purpose of building a museum is to ensure that future generations can connect with our historical heritage. It is essential for them to understand the development that has shaped our present and the changes that have taken place," he added. Further emphasising the importance of preserving India's ancient culture, CM Fadnavis said, "India is the only country in the world that still holds the oldest living culture. Our nation is a mine of culture, and it is our duty to preserve and protect it." Paying tribute to Dr Bhau Daji Lad, the Maharashtra Chief Minister noted, "Dr Bhau Daji Lad was not only a doctor but also a dedicated social worker who spent his life preserving historical relics. His efforts in collecting and donating valuable items laid the foundation for this museum, which has carried his name for the last 50 years." The newly renovated museum, now reintroduced to the public in a refreshed form, promises to become a major attraction for both locals and tourists. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed his joy at seeing the museum's restoration, which will offer a unique experience through its display of historical artefacts and rare photographs. He also congratulated all those who contributed to the renovation project, acknowledging their hard work in revitalising the museum to its former glory. The inauguration event was attended by several prominent personalities, including Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha, Member of Parliament Milind Deora, MLA Rajhans Singh, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Administrator and Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Commissioner Ashwini Joshi, and several other dignitaries. The reopening of Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum marks an important moment in Mumbai’s cultural journey, offering an enriching opportunity for people to connect with the city's rich heritage, the Maharashtra CMO said in a statement.
08 January,2025 02:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has raised strong objections to the One Nation One Election Bill, warning that it could pave the way for a consolidated political system under a single party and leader. Speaking to ANI, ahead of the first Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the bill, Sanjay Raut said, "One Nation One Election Bill will head towards One Party One Election and One Leader One Election. So, all of us - including the INDIA Alliance, have opposed the Bill." The JPC is meeting today, where the bill will be discussed in detail. Raut confirmed that the opposition, including members of the INDIA Alliance, would actively participate in the meeting. "The Bill has been sent to JPC. Its first meeting is being held today and all of our people will attend that meeting," he added, reported ANI. Meanwhile, BJP leader and Member of Parliament PP Chaudhary who is the chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on 'One Nation, One Election' has expressed confidence that a consensus will be built among the members of the Parliament who are part of the JPC. He said that the efforts of the JPC will be to reach a consensus and scrutinise the bills in an "unbiased" manner. Chaudhary highlighted that the parliamentary panel will hear from every stakeholder in this matter. "Our efforts will be to listen to people from every field - be it from political parties, civil societies, or judiciary. We want to take everyone's input. We will examine the bills introduced by the government in an unbiased manner and with an open mind. Our effort will be to reach a consensus since the members who are part of the committee are eminent (personalities). I have faith that we will work for the nation's interest and reach a consensus," Chaudhary told ANI. He further added that the concerned ministry will brief the members on the first day of the meeting today. The BJP MP said that they will take everyone's opinion to figure out how to move forward. "Today, on the first day, the members will be briefed by the concerned ministry. We will take everyone's opinion on how to move forward step by step. Our effort will remain to be transparent and rise above the party line to reach a consensus for the nation's interest," Chaudhary added. The JPC is supposed to examine the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, which consists of members from Lok Sabha including Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Manish Tewari, NCP's Supriya Sule, TMC's Kalyan Banerjee and BJP's PP Chaudhary, Bansuri Swaraj and Anurag Singh Thakur. The members of the Rajya Sabha are also part of the panel. (With inputs from ANI)
08 January,2025 01:47 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Western Railway on Wednesday pioneered the national iconic train Vande Bharat Express into film shootings. The Vande Bharat Express train was used for a film shoot for the first time on Indian Railways at Mumbai Central on Western Railway this morning. Three-time National Film Award winner Shoojit Sarkar is shooting for his new project. "WR has streamlined the approval processes for film shootings and we are proactive with all such proposals. It's a single window system. We want all agencies to directly approach us and will ensure quick decision making and approval process," Western Railway chief public relations officer Vineet Abhishek said.
08 January,2025 01:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarBJP MLA Suresh Dhas has said he did not meet Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head Ajit Pawar to seek minister Dhananjay Munde's removal in connection with the case of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder, reported news agency PTI. Dhas has been targeting NCP leader Munde over his close associate's alleged involvement in an extortion case linked to Beed sarpanch murder. Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9, allegedly in retaliation for his efforts to prevent extortion attempts against an energy firm linked to a windmill project. As part of the investigation, police have so far arrested seven persons connected to the case. Munde's associate Walmik Karad has been arrested in a related extortion case. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday evening after meeting the NCP chief, Dhas said, "I met Deputy CM Ajit Pawar regarding a multi-state cooperative bank that has caused heavy financial losses to people in Beed district and some neighbouring areas. I sought his intervention in this matter," reported PTI. Asked about the deceased sarpanch's family members meeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, Dhas said the CM has given them a firm assurance that those involved in the Beed sarpanch murder case will not be spared. They will face appropriate legal action irrespective of who they are, he said. "We have also requested Fadnavis that Santosh Deshmukh's wife be given a government job on compassionate grounds. Fadnavis has agreed to the demand and she may get a posting in Latur district so that the education of her two children will not be hindered," Dhas said, reported PTI. Asked about the demand for Munde's ouster from the council of ministers, the BJP leader said, "We did not come here to seek Dhananjay Munde's resignation. We informed him (Pawar) about the suffering of Deshmukh's family," reported PTI. Santosh Deshmukh worked as booth chief of the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha and assembly elections as well as the general and state polls held last year, he said. "He worked for the BJP every time and it is a major loss for us," Dhas added, reported PTI. A controversy has erupted over the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Maharashtra government to investigate the sarpanch murder case after photographs showing close links of some of its members with the accused persons went viral on social media. Leaders from the opposition parties as well as Dhas have demanded formation of a new SIT which could work impartially. "Fadnavis has agreed to look into our demand about the SIT and appropriate decisions will be announced in the next couple of days," Dhas said, reported PTI. He further claimed that persons accused in Deshmukh's murder case as well as in the extortion case are habitual offenders. (With inputs from PTI)
08 January,2025 12:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra minister Pankaja Munde on Tuesday announced that an app is being developed by the government to involve citizens in the fight against pollution, reported news agency PTI. The app will allow users to report environmental violations by uploading photos with geo-tags, enabling swift government action, she said. "We are developing an app to empower citizens to participate in addressing air pollution. People can take photos of the violations, geo-tag them and upload them. Based on these reports, we will take strict action," the Environment and Climate Change Minister told reporters. She highlighted the importance of public involvement in improving air quality and tackling harmful practices. "Citizens play a crucial role in our fight against pollution. This initiative ensures that their concerns are directly addressed," she said, reported PTI. Munde also outlined broader efforts to reduce air pollution in Mumbai and across Maharashtra. She said the government is working with various departments and central authorities to implement stricter norms. "Pollution is a serious issue, and we are taking every possible step to minimise its impact. We are in contact with different departments and aim to bring down pollution levels by the third week of February," she said, reported PTI. The minister emphasised the state's commitment to enforcing a ban on plastic and empowering the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to act against the violators. "We have already taken a strong stand against harmful plastics. The MPCB has the authority to issue notices, and we will ensure compliance," she said, reported PTI. On various state departments chalking out a 100-Day Plan and Task Force, the minister revealed that a task force is being created to implement a 100-day air pollution control plan set by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. "We are forming a task force involving the transport department and other key stakeholders to execute the plan. The goal is to bring tangible improvements to Mumbai's air quality and beyond," Munde said, reported PTI. Although Maharashtra currently falls under the 'moderate' category in terms of air quality, the minister expressed optimism about the progress being made. "Our aim is to work collaboratively and ensure a healthier environment for everyone. Citizens' participation through this app is a significant step towards achieving this goal," she said. (With inputs from PTI)
08 January,2025 12:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDespite the infrastructure advancements rural hospitals are still struggling with a critical gap that includes a lack of trained medical personnel and medical infrastructure to manage snakebite emergencies. Snakebite still remains a silent yet deadly public health crisis thus affecting rural populations. The recently launched National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE) aims to change this by prioritizing medical training, referral systems, and infrastructure improvements to ensure timely, life-saving treatment. A paper titled Primary Health System Strengthening and System-level Interventions for tackling snakebite envenoming in India by Priyanka Kadam, Stuart Ainsworth, and Bhupeshwari Patel was published by Transactions Journal of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene before World NTD (neglected tropical diseases) day on 31st January. Priyanka Kadam, PhD (Hon), President and Founder- of Snakebite Healing and Education Society Member of WHO's roster of experts on Snakebite Envenoming said, "India reports the highest number of snakebite deaths annually, with 58,000 lives lost each year, surpassing other countries with high snakebite burdens. As a result, snakebite has been designated a notifiable disease and included in the National Health Program. Timely treatment at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) can significantly reduce this burden. However, PHCs face numerous challenges, including high staff vacancies, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of skilled personnel to handle medical emergencies such as snakebites. To address this, it is crucial to allocate at least 2.5% of the country's GDP to enhance the medical facilities at government-run health centres across India. "According to the research paper, Snakebite envenoming is classified by the WHO as a priority neglected tropical disease and it presents a significant global health challenge, inflicting substantial morbidity and mortality. India bears the highest snakebite burden, with approximately 58,000 deaths reported annually. For the past 13 years, the Snakebite Healing and Education Society of India, operating within the civil society sector, has been dedicated to mitigate the impact of snakebites through both grassroots interaction, extending to the remotest regions across 12 snake bite endemic states in India, and through national and international advocacy. As snakebite envenoming is a medical emergency, prompt treatment, which includes antivenom administration, is crucial in obtaining positive outcomes. In other global snakebite endemic regions that experience a high snakebite burden, lack of antivenom is often cited as a primary cause of high mortality. India has five major antivenom manufacturers, ensuring ample availability of antivenom, which is provided free of charge in government hospitals. Although the efficacy and availability of antivenoms available in India may vary, it is their experience that these issues are not primary factors in contributing to high snakebite mortality in India. Instead, the high number of snakebite deaths is primarily attributable to delays and barriers in snakebite victims accessing healthcare. The research paper also states that the rudimentary facilities and lack of knowledge in appropriate snakebite management in many PHCs make handling medical emergencies such as snakebite a daunting task. This results in frequent referral of snakebite victims, commonly without primary treatment or stabilisation, to higher district hospitals which are often located some distance away in major population centres further delaying critical treatment and intervention, and so increasing the likelihood of poor outcomes. "Often these patients are transported privately by the family, with little to no medical support, often resulting in patients dying en route. In discussions with SHE-INDIA during district-level Doctors and Nurses capacity-building workshops, clinicians who are familiar with the treatment of snakebite in India listed 10 common reasons why snakebite patients are referred from PHCs to other hospitals: A lack of trained medical personnel capable of managing snakebites, An absence of antivenom and necessary supportive drugs, Inadequate respiratory support equipment, Apprehension about anaphylaxis following antivenom administration, Cases where the snake responsible and the physical signs and symptoms of envenomation are unusual or atypical, Insufficient beds available for patient admission at PHCs,Patient families being uncertain about the treatment provided at PHCs, Concerns regarding potential violence from the patient’s family if the condition worsens, Absence of a pathological laboratory for diagnostic purposes, especially for viper envenomation and Lack of a blood bank, investigation facility and dialysis machine or qualified technician in PHCs.The list above demonstrates areas in which interventions could be put in place to mitigate the referral of snakebite patients from PHCs to higher level hospitals." states the paper In conclusion, the paper clearly states that over the past two decades, there has been significant proactive investment in infrastructure development across India, with a primary focus on building roads, bridges, railways and hospitals. However, hospitals in many areas still face challenges related to the availability of medical personnel with appropriate knowledge of snakebite care and the associated medical infrastructure in which to manage it. We hope that the recent publication of the NAP-SE with a focus on education and training for proper emergency snakebite care and referral practices, alongside improving infrastructure, will lead to a wholesale change over the next decade towards more frequent positive outcomes for rural populations exposed to snakebite in India.
08 January,2025 12:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavDr 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.
08 January,2025 11:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghADVERTISEMENT
