About a year ago, Carol D’Souza’s 95-year-old mother passed away after a decade-long battle with dementia. The diagnosis had come as a shock to the family, residents of Bandra West, who were largely unfamiliar with the condition. She was one of 38,43,118 individuals in the country living with dementia in 2019, and like many other families, Carol and her loved ones are still at a loss for answers about the cause and why it happened. The Lancet Commission’s latest report, released a few days ago, outlines 14 preventable risk factors for dementia. However, as Dr Pawan Ojha, a neurologist at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, remarks, “We understand how dementia and Alzheimer’s disease occur, but we do not fully grasp why they happen. It’s likely we may never truly understand the underlying reasons.” Answering a question in Lok Sabha in 2022, the health ministry cited the earlier Lancet report and noted that while there is no locally maintained data for dementia, it is estimated to rise to 1,14,22,692 in the country by 2050. Penned by 27 of the world’s leading dementia experts, including Dr Suvarna Alladi at NIMHANS in Bangalore, the Lancet report identifies lower education levels in early childhood as a significant risk factor. Furthermore, it states that in middle age, hearing loss, high cholesterol levels, depression, brain injury, physical inactivity, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, obesity and alcoholism can increase the likelihood of dementia to varying degrees. In later ages, the highest risk of developing dementia is social isolation, followed by air pollution and vision impairment. Dr Alladi could not respond till press time. Explaining the connection between education levels and dementia, Dr Ojha said, “Higher education levels lead to more neural networks and connections in the brain. Individuals with more education develop greater cognitive reserves, thanks to increased synapses and neurotransmitter activity.” Reflections in data When Carol, a psychologist and part of an Alzheimer’s association, was informed about the findings of the research, she said, “My mother was very healthy; she exercised and enjoyed crossword puzzles. Among the risk factors mentioned, she had hypertension, was exposed to air pollution and may have experienced a bit of social isolation after losing her husband.” Considering these factors, Carol’s mother would have had a 10 per cent risk of developing dementia. The Lancet study also noted that the incidence of dementia is higher in women than in men. Another Mumbai resident, Suraj Iyer, whose 78-year-old father is currently grappling with dementia and has forgotten everyone but his wife, said, “It took about four to five years for him to forget. Having a doctor in the family helped us understand what was happening to my father. He is now at an Alzheimer’s care centre.” Unlike Carol, Suraj said he cannot identify any specific risk factors for his father based on the study. “In epidemiological terms, risk factors are variables that increase the likelihood of developing a particular disease. While having certain risk factors does not guarantee that someone will acquire the disease, it does elevate the probability. In the case of dementia, it provides some answers in the form of possibilities,” Dr Ojha said. Act now or suffer later The Lancet Commission report offers solutions to combat the rising incidence of dementia, but these measures cannot be implemented without government intervention. “Our cities are not built to provide safe space to be healthy; even physical activity on Mumbai roads can put someone at risk of getting run over by a car. The recommendations in the report aim to ensure quality of life for citizens. If they are not implemented, we will certainly face a public health emergency in the future,” Dr Ojha said. The report urges countries to address several critical areas: making hearing aids accessible to those with hearing loss, ensuring high-quality education for all and curtailing tobacco consumption. It also recommends promoting exercise and sports, managing high blood pressure from age 40 and treating high cholesterol and obesity early in life. Additionally, it emphasises the need to reduce drinking, prevent social isolation, screen for vision impairment and cut down on air pollution exposure. Dr Ojha, who also works on stroke prevention, added, “From my experience, interacting with bureaucrats, there is a sense that they have the will to act. The government needs to strive to implement these recommendations now that they are on paper.”
21 September,2024 11:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshan KalyanikarMumbai's Dharavi area is witnessing unrest as the Muslim community has staged protests against the demolition of Mehboob-e-Subani mosque. A team of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation officials had reached the area to demolish the mosque, located in one of the city's most densely populated areas. According to the reports, the BMC had sent a demolition notice for the Mehboob-e-Subani mosque in Dharavi stating that it was built illegally; however locals argued that it was built 25 years ago. Media reports claimed that as the BMC team reached the spot, locals blocked the road which caused disruptions to traffic. Reports also stated that the angry protestors vandalised the civic body vehicle by pelting stones. The situation in Dharavi remains tense. Dharavi mosque demolition: Varsha Gaikwad met CM Shinde Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad, in a social media post, stated that she had met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after a notice for demolition was sent. She, in a social media post, had said that she conveyed the sentiments of people. She was accompanied by MLA Amin Patel. आज मुख्यमंत्री @mieknathshinde जी से धारावी के महबूब - ए - सुबानिया मस्जिद को आई बीएमसी की डिमोलिशन की नोटिस को लेकर मुलाकात की और लोगों की भावनाओं से अवगत कराया। मुख्यमंत्री से सकारात्मक बातचीत हुई। उन्होंने कहा की वे संबंधित अधिकारियों से बात करेंगे और आश्वासन दिया की तोड़क… pic.twitter.com/LmxYAt3k0W — Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) September 20, 2024 "Met CM Eknath Shinde ji today regarding BMC's demolition notice to Mahboob-e-Subania Masjid in Dharavi and conveyed the sentiments of the people. I had a positive conversation with the CM. He said he would speak to the authorities concerned and assured them that the demolition drive would be stopped," she wrote. This is a developing story
21 September,2024 11:20 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA truck fell upside down on the premises of the city post office in the Budhwar Peth area of Pune city after a portion of the premises caved in on Friday, CCTV footage from the Pune City Post Office showed. Fire department officials said the driver jumped out of the vehicle, so is safe. The truck belonged to the Pune Municipal Corporation and was there for drainage cleaning work. Twenty officials of the fire department and police officers arrived at the spot for the rescue operation. Fire Department PRO Nilesh Mahajan said, “At 4.15 pm, we received a call that at the City Post Office on Laxmi Road that a truck had fallen in after a road caved in. Our two fire vehicles reached the spot. We came to know that the truck was there to carry out drainage cleaning work. We have called JCB machines and cranes to pull the truck out. Our priority is to take out the vehicle. The pit might be 40-50 feet deep.” He added that the reason why the road caved in has not been ascertained yet. “There is information that two other bikes parked here have also fallen in the pit,” he added. 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
21 September,2024 09:04 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesMumbai University has announced the postponement of its senate elections for nominee representatives, just a day before voting was set to take place. The elections, originally scheduled for September 22, 2024, had been notified on August 3, 2024, under Clause 28(2)(n) of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act of 2016. The university’s circular emphasised the importance of notifying all involved parties—voters, candidates, and election officers—through the appropriate election authorities and polling station heads. The document also stressed that all appointments and responsibilities related to the election process should be fulfilled in a timely manner. Despite this, the abrupt cancellation has raised questions. In response, the voter list will remain valid until further instructions from the government are received, according to the circular. The notice concluded with a request for all election-related personnel to follow through with their duties as previously outlined.
21 September,2024 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentJagran New Media has expanded its digital footprint in Maharashtra with the launch of MarathiJagran.com, a dedicated portal catering to the Marathi-speaking community. The website offers a wide array of verified and credible content, including real-time news coverage, entertainment, business, lifestyle and more, all in Marathi. Leaders cutting across party lines—including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray and the Congress’s Nana Patole—commended the platform for its attempt to engage the Marathi-speaking population and promote the state’s rich cultural heritage. The platform will also provide a national perspective on current affairs. With this launch, readers will have access to Jagran Group’s extensive news network, including investigative reports from Jagran Prime and fact-checked stories from Vishwas News, in Marathi.
21 September,2024 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe BMC has decided to keep the Mumbai Coastal Road open seven days a week, from 7 am to midnight. Previously, northbound traffic had been closed on weekends before the Ganesh festival. mid-day reported on September 1 that the traffic police division of the Mumbai police recommended this change after receiving complaints from citizens. The weekend closure of northbound traffic led to congestion on Nepean Sea Road, as many motorists were unaware of the restrictions. During the Ganesh festival, the civic body allowed traffic in both directions every day, and they have now opted to continue this practice. However, the road will close from midnight to 7 am for ongoing work; officials state that 92 per cent of the project is complete. On August 13, the BMC opened northbound traffic from the Coastal Road to Bandra via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The remaining work on the Coastal Road is expected to be finished by December this year. The 10.5-km stretch has a total cost of Rs 13,983 crore, with construction having begun in October 2018. Rs 13,983crCost of the 10.5-km Coastal Road stretch
21 September,2024 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Maharashtra government is considering the introduction of National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks for mathematics and science in state board schools starting next academic year. This move is a response to the increasing demand for CBSE schools, which are often perceived as better preparing students for competitive exams. However, many worry that this shift could erode the distinct identity of vernacular medium schools, especially those that cater to underprivileged communities. In a recent meeting with officials, principals, and teacher representatives, School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar stressed the need to align state board curricula with CBSE standards to meet the goals of the New Education Policy (NEP), which is set for full implementation by 2025-26. The introduction of NCERT textbooks will be phased in, beginning with Std I, II, III, VIII, and XI in the 2025-26 academic year. However, history and geography will continue to use state board textbooks, with only minor additions from NCERT, officials from the school education department informed. Impact on vernacular schools As NCERT textbooks for mathematics and science will only be available in English, critics argue that this move undermines vernacular education. Although Marathi will remain a mandatory language, parents and education activists are concerned about the long-term impact of this shift on the state's education system. Prasad Gokhale, a parent and convenor of the parents’ awareness group Marathi Shala Aapan Tikavlya Pajihet (We Must Save Marathi Schools), said, “This goes against the fundamental universal principle that school education should be in the mother tongue. These decisions are being made solely to benefit CBSE and ICSE board schools, while the demands of the state board and vernacular medium schools are being completely neglected.” He added, “Lakhs of students come from less privileged backgrounds—why are they being forced to opt for semi-English or English mediums for subjects like science and maths? It’s ridiculous and contradicts the new education policy, which emphasises education in the mother tongue.” The introduction of NCERT textbooks has been attempted before, but teachers noted that the transition proved challenging for academically weaker students. Sushil Shejule, president of Aamhi Shikshak, said, “The opinions of the state board's science and mathematics teachers, as well as experts, should be considered. Today it is about these two subjects, tomorrow it might be the CBSE pattern for all subjects. The potential positive and negative impact this will have on marathi-medium schools should also be considered. This consideration should be done by a neutral committee. The notion that this decision will reduce the number of marathi schools and that they will be empowered is wrong because, for the empowerment of these schools, the priority should be on filling vacant positions of teaching and non-teaching staff, their training, effective implementation of the RTE, providing essential facilities, and giving schools where needed. The government should seriously focus on these matters.” Speaking with mid-day, a senior official from the school education department said, “The introduction of NCERT textbooks is a part of the larger NEP reforms aimed at creating a uniform curriculum across states. But it's still being discussed and the final decision will be taken after considering the views of all stakeholders.”
21 September,2024 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThere is hope for the Mogra pumping station in Andheri, which will help reduce flooding during the monsoon season. Progress had stalled due to an ongoing land dispute, but the court has now directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to deposit the land cost and proceed with the work. The pumping station on Mogra nullah, among others, was recommended by the Chitale Committee after the July 2005 downpour. While five of the pumping stations are already operational, the futures of the Mogra and Mahul stations were uncertain. The BMC appointed contractors M/s Michigan Engineers and M/s Mhalsa Construction (jointly) for the construction of the Mogra pumping station in June 2021, at a cost of Rs 393 crore. A partial work order was issued for miscellaneous tasks. To address land acquisition issues, the BMC even changed the original site for the Mogra pumping station. BMC officials stated that the new location was chosen to reduce land acquisition costs. However, the acquisition process has been delayed due to ongoing legal proceedings in the high court regarding land ownership.“The BMC was ready to deposit the land cost. Following the court’s directive, the BMC will deposit Rs 33 crore next week, allowing us to start construction since the contractor has already been awarded the work,” said Abhijit Bangar, additional municipal commissioner. During high tide, seawater enters the city and prevents floodwaters from draining into the sea. Floodgates are installed at almost every major nullah to prevent seawater from entering the city while pumping stations are needed to remove excess water. The Chitale Committee recommended eight pumping stations, six of which have been established at Haji Ali, Lovegrove, Cleveland, Irla, Britannia, and Ghazdarbandh. The Mogra and Mahul stations are still pending. The Mogra pumping station will help reduce waterlogging in Andheri and Versova. Additionally, the BMC has begun widening drainage lines worth R150 crore in Andheri West, a project expected to take three years to complete. The BMC has yet to decide whether to implement anti-flooding measures proposed by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, which would cost Rs 600 crore.
21 September,2024 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleSenior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat’s declaration that the party will have its chief minister installed triggered a sharp reaction from the Shiv Sena (UBT). The statement has come while the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has decided to not project anyone as a CM aspirant or discuss the issue openly while seat-sharing talks are on, so that fissures, if any, are not evident ahead of the Assembly elections. The statement also came in the backdrop of Uddhav Thackeray’s recent remark that he had never aspired for the top post. Thorat spoke about the party’s high confidence in installing its CM at a party workers’ meeting on Thursday. He indicated that the Congress, which emerged as the single largest party in Maharashtra’s Lok Sabha election results, will repeat the feat in the Assembly polls that are due this winter. No place for regional parties? The statement pitted the Congress, a national party, directly against another national outfit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which, like the Congress, has demanded more share in seat-sharing, and aims to have its leader as the next CM. In a way, it appeared that the regional parties from both fronts, two factions of the Sena and Nationalist Congress Party have a limited scope in Maharashtra’s electoral battleground. ‘Congress up because of Sena’ Sena (UBT) chief spokesperson, Sanjay Raut, said there was nothing like a big or little brother in the MVA which was a three-party coalition. “Still, if someone is desperate to know who is a big or small brother, then the picture in Maharashtra will become clear in the near future. But I think that the senior Congress leaders have a very clear view,” he said, adding that it was time the Congress knew about the Sena’s contribution to its victory at three more Lok Sabha seats. “We gave them our winning [Lok Sabha] seats of Kolhapur, Ramtek and Amravati. Their number increased because of this. It is inappropriate for them if they want to forget about it. I again tell you that the senior leadership of the Congress will never hold a view [that state leadership does],” he said. According to Raut, not just the Congress had its confidence boosted because of the Lok Sabha results, but it was true for other MVA partners too. “Is it that they will fight alone because their confidence level is high? We all three will have to work together to get our confidence higher,” he said. Raut said the distribution of seats for the Lok Sabha was easier than for the Assembly because there were only 48 seats. “But in the Assembly, we have 288 seats, and we have three main parties and in addition, we also have smaller allies. Our view is to accommodate all smaller parties. I think we will succeed in doing that.”Thorat said he did not say anything wrong. “Remember what I say. I said the MVA will have its CM. The Congress will have its CM (as it is part of the MVA).” Since 1995, the undivided Sena has had three CMs—Manohar Joshi, Narayan Rane (between 1995 and 1999) and Uddhav Thackeray (2019-22). Thackeray headed a coalition government that was made in 2019’s unprecedented political situation. The rivals, the Sena and Congress-NCP had joined hands to keep the BJP at bay. Before that, the BJP had made a three-day government with undivided NCP’s Ajit Pawar. Power struggle in NDA Eknath Shinde, who was a cabinet minister in the Thackeray cabinet split the Sena in 2022 to become a CM of the BJP majority regime. BJP’s hot contender for the top job and ex-CM Devendra Fadnavis was made Shinde’s deputy. A year later, Ajit Pawar broke the NCP to become a DyCM in the Shinde government. The tripartite arrangement has led to a power struggle, with all constituents demanding more seats to contest so that they win more to stake claim to the CM’s post. The BJP is unwilling to settle for anything less than the number of seats it fought in 2019 (160 plus out of 288). Shinde Sena and NCP have not yet agreed to share the rest between them. It is said that the final formula could be achieved when the union minister Amit Shah visits Maharashtra next week. Third front As the fight is clearly between the two major alliances where space is very tight, some smaller parties have decided to form a third front. Swabhimani Shetkari (farmers) Sanghatana’s former MP Raju Shetti, Prahar chief and former minister Bacchu Kadu, and former Rajya Sabha member Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati have come together to form a third front for the assembly elections. In addition, Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi will fight solo, and its one-time partner AIMIM too has taken an independent route. Going by Raj Thackeray’s statements and pre-poll campaign tours, his Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will also contest the elections on its own. He plans to field candidates in over 200 seats. His son Amit, who heads the party's youth wing is being tipped as a potential contestant from Mumbai’s Bhandup constituency. However, BJP’s long-time ally Ramdas Athawale (Republican Party of India) is not convinced about MNS's stand-alone posturing. Fearing that Raj could be inducted into NDA (Mahayuti), he has said that the addition of MNS would deny him his share. He said he has asked for 10 to 12 seats from the BJP which itself wants at least 155 to 160 seats to contest to win the numbers that will install its CM. The Jarange factor A long-standing agitation for the Maratha reservation has emerged as a new political force. Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil, who has sat on hunger strike on multiple occasions, had given a call to beat Mahayuti candidates in Lok Sabha, but it turned out that the agitation's real target was the BJP. The dent the Marathas caused led to the BJP's fall in certain Maratha-dominated seats. Ahead of the Assembly elections, Jarange has intensified his stir and prepared his candidates to be fielded. He has interviewed prospective Maratha candidates, and he is expected to get more as the established parties start declaring their respective candidates. 288No. of Assembly seats in Maharashtra
21 September,2024 07:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreFor more than 20 years, Ashok Dagale, 44, served as a conductor for a public service—the BEST bus. But on Thursday night, his family found themselves navigating the complex maze of the city’s public hospital system after Dagale was stabbed while trying to stop a thief who had snatched his phone and was eyeing his bag containing Rs 2,195 in cash. The incident occurred at 9.15 pm, while the bus was stationary at the Yellow Bungalow bus stop in Dharavi, and as per Sion hospital records, Dagale was admitted by 10.45 pm. His treatment started immediately because his injuries were visibly serious,” recalled his wife, Shilpa, who was accompanied by their 16-year-old son. However, the family also recounted having to plead with hospital authorities to secure a proper bed for Dagale, who was left on a metal trolley throughout the night due to a lack of beds in the surgical ward. Despite their ordeal, the family remained gracious. “There are so many patients here, and everyone is in urgent need. Whether it’s a bed or a trolley, it doesn’t matter now. He was cared for through the night, and because of that, he is alive,” Shilpa said. Around noon on Friday, Dagale was transferred to ward no. 16, where his treatment continued. Ashok Dagale at Sion hospital. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi In a faint voice, Dagale asked his wife to relay a message to this reporter—the man who stabbed him was not a commuter, but someone who had entered the bus with the sole intent to steal. “He was only 20 years old,” Shilpa added. The senior resident doctor in the surgical ward overseeing Dagale’s treatment said, “He sustained a penetrating injury near his shoulder, which extended into the lung. He is currently out of danger. A chest tube has been inserted to drain excess fluid. Further treatment plans will be decided today.” According to the doctor, it is common for patients to be on a trolley when a bed is unavailable. “We cannot deny treatment to them so we start it then and there itself, and then shift the patient to a ward as soon as there is a vacancy,” he added. Despite the timely medical attention, the incident has drawn the wrath of the workers’ union. Representatives stormed the ward Dagale was in to ask about his experience with the hospital, but were asked to leave by nurses. Prior to that, BEST officials were seen accompanying the family and assuring them that all the expenses at the hospital would be reimbursed by BEST. Speaking to reporters, BEST Kamgar Sena president Suhas Samant said, “In the push for privatisation, worker safety has been neglected. BEST officials have forgotten their responsibilities toward employees. They only woke up when the press started asking questions. There was a time when BEST looked out for its workers, even if it was just a minor injury.” “We at BEST Workers Union have conveyed our anger and resentment against the ‘unsafe’ working conditions of bus conductors and BEST staff in general. The cases of assault on BEST staff have risen in recent days. We have organised a mega protest at Wadala bus depot on Monday against the working conditions of the BEST conductors and staff in general,” BEST Workers Union general secretary Shashank Sharad Rao said. 9.15 pmTime Ashok Dagale was stabbed on Thursday 20yrsAge of the assailant
21 September,2024 06:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshan KalyanikarOver the past 10 days, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has invited 125 tenders worth Rs 11.25 crore for ward-level work such as repairing toilets and sprucing up playgrounds. BJP and Shinde Sena-dominated wards seem to have received the most attention, accounting for 75 and 19 tenders respectively. According to civic data, the average cost of each tender is R9 lakh. Sources claimed that the works feature in the BMC budget. The highest number of tenders issued—14—were issued for ward no. 73 in Jogeshwari. This ward used to be represented by Pravin Shinde, a member of the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. Bhushan Gagrani, municipal commissioner. File pic/Ashish Raje; (right) Ravi Raja, former Opposition leader in the BMC The civic body has issued nine tenders for ward no. 77 of Jogeshwari. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bala Nar, is the former corporator of this ward. “I had not suggested that these works be carried out. I think the funds were allocated as per the MLA’s suggestion,” Nar said. Ravindra Waikar, who joined the Shinde Sena before the Lok Sabha election and went on to win the Mumbai North West seat by a narrow margin, was the MLA of Jogeshwari East. He did not respond to mid-day’s calls and messages by press time. BJP leader Vinod Mishra said, “I’m not aware of these tenders. I need to look into this. But if these are ward-level tenders, they are mostly necessary works.” BMC issued 12 tenders for ward number 20 in Kandivali West, which used to be represented by BJP leader Deepak Tawde. “I have suggested that around 40 works be carried out in my ward. I’m not aware which proposals have been approved. But these are mostly local-level necessary civil works,” he said. BJP leader Leena Deharkar, former corporator of ward no. 30 in Charkop—for which 10 tenders were issued—said, “I sent a letter to MLA Yogesh Sagar as per the rules. I'm not aware what tenders are for which work. But I requested that local civic work be carried out.” The BMC issued 10 tenders for the Kurla Assembly constituency, which is represented by Shinde Sena leader Mangesh Kudalkar. The MLA didn’t respond to mid-day’s calls by press time. Four tenders were issued for the Chandivli Assembly seat, represented by Shinde Sena’s Dilip Lande. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani told mid-day that the tenders pertained to maintenance or small new works in various wards. The BMC cannot only issue tenders or approve projects while the model code of conduct is in force. If emergency work must be carried out, the Election Commission’s permission is mandatory. Rs 11.25 crTotal worth of the BMC tenders for repairs of roads, toilets and gardens 14Most number of tenders issued in a single ward—in Jogeshwari—last held by Pravin Shinde, now with the ruling Sena OppositionSpeak Ravi Raja, Former Opposition leader, BMCRavi Raja, former Opposition leader in the BMC, said, “This is just an eyewash before the Assembly election. The ruling party just wanted cut ribbons. Wards dominated by the Opposition didn’t get the funds necessary for civic work. Voters have been done an injustice, and they [ruling parties] will be answered during the Assembly election. They were already taught a lesson with the Lok Sabha election results.”
21 September,2024 06:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveADVERTISEMENT
