Rest, Assured A child takes a nap in the shade of an umbrella on the Carter Road promenade in Bandra. Pulling in Pusha Pusha T. PICs COURTESY/INSTAGRAM The latest addition to Mumbai’s star studded guestlist for the year is American rapper Pusha T. As part of the Gully Fest 2024 announced by rapper Divine, the 47-year-old will fly in to perform at the hip-hop showcase scheduled for October 26 and 27. For beatboxer Gaurav Gambhir aka D-Cypher (inset)who features on the line-up, the concert is a dream come true. “Pusha has been an important voice in the hip-hop community. His collaborations with Kanye West and Jay Z are masterclasses in hip-hop for artistes like me,” he shared. Gambhir will be joined by the original gully boy, Vivian Fernandes aka Divine and popular artistes like Prabh Deep, Lisa Mishra and Shah Rule. “This is the first time I will be presenting a 40-minute set of beatboxing. There couldn’t have been a bigger stage to debut the set,” Gambhir told this diarist. Ga-ga over ghazals A moment from a previous ghazal show hosted by the organisation Navigating the complex world of music distribution is set to get a tad easier for ghazal artistes in the city. Mumbai-based performing arts organisation, Banyan Tree Events is on a hunt for the best voices to feature on an upcoming ghazal album later this year. “In the recent years, there has been a spike in the interest for ghazals among the youth. However, having your voice heard in a competitive environment requires you to be more than a great singer. Our goal is to take promising talent under our wing to keep the love for the classical style alive,” shared Mahesh Babu, the platform’s managing director. Interested folk can check out @banyan_tree_events on Instagram Hands behind the blessings Volunteers pack prasad bags at the venue; (right) holy threads crafted by the team As we bid a yearly farewell to Ganpati Bappa, Mulund-based photographer Sharmila Kurian captured a lesser-seen side of the festival — the tireless behind-the-scenes operations. At the GSB Ganesh Pandal at King’s Circle, Kurian photographed devotees in the bustling prasad-packing room. “I wanted to showcase the young and old devotees meticulously packing the prasad bags,” she shared. The prasad included coconut laddu, dry fruits, betel leaf, tulsi, panchamrut flower and sugar candy. “It was a wholesome moment as I looked at their excited and smiling faces, that were waiting to be photographed,” she told this diarist. Good signs for city strays Do ads really work? NGO Groot Guardians is making sure they do, and doubly at that, with their new #adshelter initiative in Mumbai. A set of convertible billboards crafted by the NGO will transform into shelters for strays across the city at night. “Building shelters in Mumbai is a challenge, both in terms of space and finances. With the billboards, we hope to solve both problems,” shared Gaurav Rai (inset), founder, adding, “Gated housing societies often let strays loiter in their premises during the day, but at night, the guards clear the area. We have installed these billboards in residential areas in cities like Bengaluru and Ranchi. It warms our hearts when we see our furry friends snuggling into the shelters.” Rai is now collaborating with local administrative bodies and animal welfare groups to gather like-minded people to kickstart operations in Mumbai. To join the initiative, log on to @grootguardians. Behind the forensic scene Krupa Nishar (extreme right) interacts with students at the event Forensic psychologist Krupa Nishar conducted a workshop yesterday for students of NMIMS College, Navi Mumbai, that introduced them to her field with avenues and approaches on how to pursue a career in it. “One of the highlights was debunking popular myths furthered by movies, like the idea that forensic psychologists only contribute in criminal profiling or that the job is dangerous,” she shared. The workshop included a quiz, and a mock crime scene, where students deciphered clues. The session included an explanation of five psychological tools, including the polygraph test. “The students were extremely enthusiastic. I hope to see more young faces in the field soon,” she concluded.
19 September,2024 05:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for September 19. Aries March 21 – April 20Don’t allow age to be criteria when taking financial advice. A second round of negotiations is more positive than the first. Cosmic tip: Enjoy dinner with extended family who are visiting from another country. Taurus April 21 – May 20An end to one chapter in life is but natural before something better can fall into place. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Avoid reliving an emotional conflict since it has been long over. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Be patient as the universe is working behind the scenes to smoothen out life.Cosmic tip: Be aware that every action has a reaction; this is an unavoidable theory of karma and its natural course. Cancer June 22 – July 23Financial situation sees an upward trend which is heartening. Energy levels are restored after a good diet.Cosmic tip: Ignore people who find fault with everything as their energy is a little negative. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Time spent with friends is enjoyable. You are so overwhelmed with an unexpected gift.Cosmic tip: Take life easy today, not making any major decisions or holding talks with someone important. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Childhood memories crowd the mind, comparing with the simple life of those days with today. Do get enough sleep. Cosmic tip: Don’t be critical; instead, try to find something good in every situation. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Juggling meetings is a big chore today as most clients want to reschedule the meeting. Cosmic tip: Relentlessly focus on the smallest detail to give a 200% accurate and creative presentation. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22News over the telephone is something to be happy about. Remember to eat meals at regular times.Cosmic tip: Find time to stop and mentally thank people who make a difference to your life. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22By noon you are pleased by how the day proceeds. Plans fall into place and meetings are conducted without a hitch. Cosmic tip: Live a simple and uncomplicated life always. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Older Capricorns need to take better care of their health. Consult your doctor.Cosmic tip: Be grateful for what you are and have. Let your mindset be always in a mode of appreciation. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Every relationship is unique; don’t compare this with a past one. Being given more responsibility at work is revealed. Cosmic tip: Acknowledge and appreciate the tough chapter you’ve navigated. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Being confident without understanding what’s required is like floundering in the dark. Familiarise yourself about nuances of the project. Cosmic tip: Work towards achieving clarity in a situation.
19 September,2024 12:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseAround 2.1 lakh idols were immersed in Mumbai over the 11 days of the Ganesh festival this year including over 37,000 idols on the final day, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials said on Wednesday. The civic officials said that the 37,534 idols those were immersed till 6 pm include 31,011 Gharguti (household) idols, 6,315 sarvjanik (public) idols and 208 Gauri idols, the civic officials said. Out of these, 11,364 idols were immersed into artificial lakes, ensuring an environmentally-friendly option, the civic officials said on Wednesday. "The immersion process was conducted without any untoward incidents, and the civic authorities have reported a successful and peaceful immersion process," an official said. The highest number of immersions took place on the second day of the festival, with 66,339 idols immersed. It was followed by 48,004 immersions on the sixth day, 38,717 on the fifth day, 37,534 on the 11th day, and 18,427 on the seventh day, according to the BMC data. The Ganeshotsav festival began in Maharashtra on September 7, with idols of the deity being installed in homes and at public pandals across the state amid fanfare. Families, including children and elderly members, stepped out of their homes early morning to bring their beloved god home amid chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya" and the beating of drums. Traditional 'dhol-tasha' (drum) troupes accompanied the processions in parts of Mumbai. Many mandals - groups that celebrate the festival in public places - brought in their Ganesh idols with grand processions. On Tuesday, huge crowds gathered on the lanes of Lalbaug, braving the scorching sun to bid farewell to the famous Lalbaugcha Raja idol, which attracts the maximum number of devotees, celebrities and prominent personalities. Processions from various parts of Mumbai, including Fort, Mazgaon, Byculla, Dadar, and Chembur, will make their way towards the Arabian Sea and other water bodies for the final immersion, marking the end of this year's festivities. Devotees thronged the streets, especially on the main road leading to the Girgaon beach, in large numbers on Anant Chaturdashi, eager to catch a final glimpse of the elaborately adorned idols of the elephant-headed god when they are taken out of pandals for their journey to immersion sites.
18 September,2024 10:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLess than 40 percent of Ganesh idols turned to artificial lakes, even after 204 lakes were made available across the city. Out of 2.09 lakh idols, only 82,222 idols were immersed in man-made ponds. Immersing idols in artificial ponds helps prevent water pollution and offers a more environmentally friendly way to dispose of the remains. Though the concept of artificial lakes was mooted in 2008, progress has been on a slow track for 17 years. In 2019, there were 32 artificial lakes across the city, but the number saw a five-fold increase after crowd restrictions during the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The immersions in artificial lakes rose from less than 20 per cent to more than 50 per cent in these two years. Even after Covid, the popularity of such lakes due to a safe and clean environment increased, but the numbers have stagnated after three years. Approximately 2.06 lakh idols were immersed in natural as well as artificial lakes last year. Out of the 2.06 lakh idols, 76,000 found their way into artificial ponds. Last year, the BMC provided 194 artificial lakes; this time, the number increased by just 10. Out of 2.09 lakh idols, a little over 82,000 idols were immersed in the last 11 days into artificial lakes. Naresh Dahibaonkar of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti said, “As there aren't enough artificial lakes available in the vicinity, many people nowadays opt to immerse clay idols at home or in drums turned into ponds inside the housing society premises. It also impacts the counting of idols at public immersion spots.” This year, the BMC made available the list of artificial lakes on Google Maps with the aim of making the information easily accessible to the citizens. The 'QR Codes' for information on artificial lakes were placed in a visible area outside sarvajanik pandals. Total idols - Immersion in artificial lakes (% of Total) 2015 - 1,92,308 - 25,453 (13) 2016 - 2,10,118 - 30,359 (14) 2017 - 2,02,352 - 29,283 (14) 2018 - 1,80,565 - 36,719 (20) 2019 - 1,96,483 - 33,925 (17) 2020 - 1,35,515 - 70,233 (52) 2021 - 1,64,761 - 79,129 (48) 2022 - 1,93,062 - 66,127 (34) 2023 - 2,05,722 - 76,709 (37) 2024 - 2,08,992 - 82,222 (39)
18 September,2024 08:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta KasaleThe Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday ridiculed the Centre for approving the proposal for 'one nation, one election', jibing that it could not hold voting in Maharashtra and Haryana together but intends to conduct simultaneous polls, reported the PTI. According to the PTI, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson and MP Arvind Sawant wondered whether 'one nation, one election' was a priority of the government when there were more pressing issues like unemployment, inflation, crimes against women and farmers' woes. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra minister and (Shiv Sena UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray termed the move a 'joke' and called it a ploy to extend the deadline for all pending polls for the next five years. Arvind Sawant said, "The government should get an award for being bogus and cunning. You could not schedule the Maharashtra and Haryana polls together. You could not hold Mumbai civic body polls. Can't people see through this (plan)," as per the PTI. Usually, the Maharashtra and Haryana elections are held around the same time. However, the Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir elections have been scheduled together this time. The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls is being held on Wednesday. Arvind Sawant said that the government has lost the ground beneath its feet after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won 240 seats in the Lok Sabha polls, could not get a majority on its own. He accused the BJP of playing with democracy. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal for 'one nation, one election' as recommended by a panel headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind. The high-level committee had recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies as the first step followed by synchronised local body polls within 100 days. Aaditya Thackeray claimed the Centre is talking of 'one nation, one election' to extend the deadline for all pending polls for the next five years. Aaditya Thackeray dubbed the 'one nation, one election' proposal a "joke" saying the Centre cannot even hold simultaneous polls in four states. Polls for Jammu Kashmir and Haryana were announced but what about Maharashtra and Jharkhand, he asked, the news agency reported on Wednesday. In Maharashtra, civic body polls have been pending for over two years and the BJP is scared of holding the elections, Aaditya Thackeray said. (with PTI inputs)
18 September,2024 05:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress in Maharashtra on Wednesday questioned the 'silence' of the ruling Mahayuti alliance over the objectionable comments made by its leaders against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, reported news agency PTI. It also accused Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis of extending "tacit support" to those making such statements. "Shiv Sena MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) Sanjay Gaikwad is a brainless thug. One doubts if he should be called an MLA. But BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Rajya Sabha member Anil Bonde is an educated man. Even he has lowered the level of public discourse while talking about the leader of Opposition. It is clear that BJP leaders have become very arrogant," said Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole in a post on X. He also wondered if Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and state deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis will take action against the members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) who have made such statements."BJP came to power at the Centre by using crutches [support of allies], but the people of Maharashtra will not allow you to have any crutches," Patole further said. State Congress legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat said BJP and its allies have "muddied the politics of Maharashtra". "Everyday, their leaders' actions are becoming a blot on the state's political culture. What is dangerous is that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are giving tacit support to these elements. The people of Maharashtra will punish Sanjay Gaikwad and Anil Bonde and also those who are supporting the violent comments of these two elected representatives," he said. BJP MP Bonde said on Tuesday that Rahul Gandhi's "tongue should be singed" as what he said about reservations during his US tour was dangerous. His remark followed Shiv Sena's Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad announcing a reward for chopping off the Congress leader's tongue for the same remarks. 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.
18 September,2024 04:51 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) in Maharashtra on Wednesday said that on Anant Chaturdashi, it collected around 7 tons of waste. The civic body said during the immersion period, around 12 tons of waste was collected on the first day and 13 tons on the sixth day of Ganesh Visarjan 2024. It said that the immersion of a total of 8,523 Ganesh idols at designated immersion sites in the city were done. In artificial ponds created by the TMC, 3,994 idols were immersed. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the Masunda Lake, Kopri immersion ghat, and Parsik immersion ghat to check the facilities provided and interact with the devotees. CM Shinde was accompanied by MP Naresh Mhaske, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, Additional Commissioners Sandeep Malvi and Prashant Rode, and Deputy Commissioner Manish Joshi, among others. Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao thanked the citizens of Thane for their enthusiastic response to the immersion arrangements made by the municipality. Over 37,000 idols immersed in Mumbai as Ganesh festival draws to a closeMeanwhile, more than 37,000 idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Gauri were immersed in water bodies across Mumbai by Wednesday morning as devotees bade farewell to their favourite elephant-headed deity with the conclusion of the festival, officials said. The immersion processions, which began on Tuesday morning on the last day of the Ganesh festival, continued smoothly throughout the night, with devotees thronging the city's beaches, lakes and artificial ponds for immersion of the idols. The idol of Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh - which like every year drew lakhs of devotees - was immersed into the Arabian Sea off the Girgaon beach in south Mumbai around 10.30 am. Thousands of devotees made a beeline to catch the last glimpse of the deity. Chinchpoklicha Chintamani, another famous Ganesh mandal from Lalbaug and idols of few other groups were also brought to the beach for immersion. Immersion took place at artificial ponds as well as Girgaon, Dadar, Juhu, Marve and Aksa beaches, among other spots in the megapolis. "By 6 am on Wednesday, a total of 37,064 idols of Lord Ganesh and Gauri were immersed in various water bodies across Mumbai. These include 5,762 idols of 'sarvajanik' (community groups). Of the total, 11,713 idols were immersed in the artificial ponds set up across the city," a civic official said. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had made elaborate arrangements for the immersion by deploying thousands of personnel, lifeguards and emergency services to ensure that the processions pass off smoothly and safely. (with PTI inputs)
18 September,2024 04:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid the Eid-e-Milad 2024 processions taking place across Mumbai, a number of bus routes have been diverted on Wednesday, September 18, for ensuring that the processions take place smoothly. As such, commuters are urged to make appropriate travel plans, the authorities have informed. On Wednesday, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) informed that the services of buses 608 and 612 have been temporarily suspended from 10.15 am in Sahyadri Nagar, close to the Ekta Police Post in Hanuman Nagar, Bhandup, owing to an Eid procession that was passing by the area. In addition to Bhandup, the 90 Feet Road in Dharavi has been closed since 9.40 am owing to the ongoing Eid-e-Milad 2024 celebrations. Accordingly, buses on this route have been diverted through alternative roads. The diverted buses are now taking the 60 Feet Road in Dharavi and proceeding via the Yellow Bungalow T Junction towards the Dharavi Labour Camp. Residents and commuters have been cautioned by Mumbai's civic authorities and the local police to be aware of the diversions in these locations, especially during rush hours. To prevent delays and traffic, travellers are also advised to choose other routes. In order to minimise interruption to public transportation, local transportation officials have underlined that these adjustments are only temporary and that they are actively monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police has also issued a traffic advisory for motorists and shared details of vehicle movement restrictions around Mankhurd on Wednesday. In the traffic notification, the Mumbai Traffic Police said that in the Mankhurd Traffic Division, every year the religious festival of Eid-E-Milad 2024 is celebrated on a grand scale. This year, about 70,000 to 80,000 people, along with 100 to 200 two-wheelers, 50 to 55 big and other vehicles will participate in the procession of Eid-E-Milad 2024. The traffic notification was issued by Pradeep Chavan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (eastern suburbs), Traffic, Mumbai. In order to prevent danger, obstruction and inconvenience to the public, the traffic police was issuing the following diversions around Mankhurd area of eastern Mumbai, the traffic notification said. Road Closed Entry to all types of heavy vehicles (excluding Eid-E-Milad vehicles and BEST buses) are prohibited on both bounds between Chheda Nagar Junction and Mankhurd T Junction on Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road. Also light vehicles shall use Ghatkopar -Mankhurd Link Road flyover. No Parking Parking on both bounds is prohibited on the following roads- 1) Ghatkopar - Mankhurd Link Road (between Chheda Nagar Junction and Mankhurd T. Junction)2) Madhukar Kadam Marg. 3) P.L. Lokhande Marg. Road Diversion 1) Heavy vehicles going from Chheda Nagar Junction to Vashi will take Eastern Expressway to Umarshi Bappa Junction- V.N. Purav Marg. 2) Heavy vehicles going to Ghatkopar, Vikhroli from Mankhurd T Junction via Sion Panvel Road will proceed from V.N. Purav Marg- Umarshi Bappa Junction. The above order shall be in force from 14.00 hrs. of 18/09/2024 to 02.00 am of 19/09/2024, the police said.
18 September,2024 01:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWater levels in Mumbai's seven reservoirs, which provide the city with drinking water, have reached 98.64 per cent, as reported by the BMC on Wednesday. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the collective water stock in Mumbai lakes is currently at 14,27,691 million litres, which is 98.64 per cent of capacity. Mumbai draws water from Tulsi, Tansa, Vihar, Bhatsa, Modak Sagar, Upper Vaitarna, and Middle Vaitarna. As per the data shared by the civic body on the Mumbai lakes, the water level in Tansa is at 98.08 per cent. At Modak-Sagar, 99.99 per cent of water stock is available. In Middle Vaitarna 98.45 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 98.73 per cent, Bhatsa 98.43 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: IMD predicts light showers for city today The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light spells of rainfall in Mumbai on Wednesday, as per the latest Mumbai weather update. The weather department, in its latest Mumbai weather update, has predicted a "fog in the morning and partly cloudy sky later. Possibility of light rain and drizzle in the city and its suburb" over the next 24 hours. The maximum temperature in the city is likely to settle at 32 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature will be recorded at 24 degrees Celsius. A high tide of about 4.54 metres is expected to hit Mumbai at 11.14 am today, stated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Another high tide of 4.39 metres is expected to hit at 11.34 pm. The civic body also said a low tide of about 0.86 metres is expected at 5.22 pm today.
18 September,2024 12:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNawab Malik’s son-in-law Sameer Khan, who was arrested by NCB in a drug case, was critically injured when his driver accidentally rammed into him and his wife outside Criticare Hospital in Kurla last evening. Khan has been admitted to hospital and is critical with multiple injuries, said sources. More details awaited
18 September,2024 10:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanA fire broke out at the Dev Corpora building in Thane on Tuesday. Nearly 10 persons were rescued from the building. According to the officials, the fire broke out at midnight at the Khopat building. The blaze was extinguished by the Fire Brigade personnel at around 4:00 AM, and cooling operations are currently underway. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. According to the Disaster Management Section, the incident occurred at the Jijau Foundation office, located on the 11th floor of a building near Cadbury Junction in Khopat, around 11:51 PM on Tuesday night. Further details awaited
18 September,2024 09:20 AM IST | Thane | A CorrespondentADVERTISEMENT
