The Maharashtra BJP's convention in Shirdi on Sunday, to be attended by Union minister Amit Shah, is expected to fine-tune its strategies for the local body polls, building on its impressive show in the 2024 state assembly polls. The state-level convention is the BJP's first major gathering since its win in the November 2024 assembly polls and formation of government under its leader Devendra Fadnavis. Senior BJP leader Shah is expected to address the party workers during the event, at the Shirdi temple town in Ahilyanagar district, which is likely to see the participation of nearly 15,000 delegates. The BJP has now shifted focus on the local body polls, including in Mumbai, and the convention is aimed at formulating strategies for them, a party functionary said, reported PTI. The convention will focus on strengthening the party's position in 27 municipal corporations by discussing strategies, addressing ground-level challenges, and planning organisational changes, he said, reported PTI. Speaking to reporters on Saturday evening, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "This convention is about expressing our gratitude towards the party functionaries and workers. We will also get a new task for our party workers." Fadnavis is set to meet district party leaders, state office-bearers, newly elected legislators and ministers to discuss strategies and plans for the elections. Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule will open the event proceedings and Fadnavis will propose a resolution thanking the people of the state for their support in the assembly elections, a party functionary said, reported PTI. Amit Shah will also address the event. A youth-focused campaign, inspired by the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, will be launched to coincide with the National Youth Day, celebrated on January 12 every year in commemoration of the spiritual leader, sources told PTI. Ex-minister Ravindra Chavan appointed Maharashtra BJP working president MLA and former Maharashtra minister Ravindra Chavan was appointed as the working president of the BJP's state unit on Saturday, the party said in a release. The release said the appointment is with immediate effect. BJP's Maharashtra unit is scheduled to hold a daylong convention in the temple town of Shirdi, around 240km from Mumbai, in Ahilyanagar district on Sunday. Chavan (54) is a four-term MLA from Dombivali in Thane district. He was not inducted as a minister in the new BJP-led Mahayuti government. It was speculated that he might replace Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who has taken charge as the revenue minister, as the state BJP president. Chavan had earlier served as a minister of state and was a cabinet minister from 2022 to 2024. (With inputs from PTI)
12 January,2025 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCivic officials said that nearly 250 residents were evacuated after a fire broke out in a five-storey building in Maharashtra's Thane city on Sunday morning, reported news agency PTI. No one was injured in the blaze which erupted at around 5 am in a laundry shop on the ground floor of the building located at Srinagar in Wagle Estate area, Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said, reported PTI. After being alerted, local fire personnel and the regional disaster management cell team members rushed to the spot to carry out the fire extinguishing operations and evacuated the building occupants, he said, reported PTI. The blaze was put out in about an hour following which the people were allowed to return to their apartments, the official said. The cause of fire was under investigation, he added. Fire breaks out in hotel in Mumbai's Kurla A fire broke out in a hotel in Mumbai's Kurla West area on Saturday, though there is no report of injuries at present, an official said, reported PTI. The blaze broke out in Rangoon Zaika Hotel on the arterial LBS Marg at 9:05 pm and four fire engines and four water tankers have been deployed for the dousing operation, he said, reported PTI. "It is a level one (less intensity) fire. There are no report of injuries as of now. Civic officials, police, power supply personnel are at the site to monitor the operation to douse the fire," the official informed. Part of one-storey building collapses in Navi Mumbai A portion of an old, one-storey building in a bustling market place collapsed in Navi Mumbai on Saturday, fire officials said, reported PTI. There were no occupants in the structure, located on a narrow lane at the Janta Market in Turbhe, when a part of it came crashing down in the afternoon, they said, reported PTI. It was immediately not known how old the building was. Civic teams are clearing the area to ensure that no one is trapped under the debris, said an official. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has urged locals to avoid the vicinity while efforts are underway to secure the area, he said. (With inputs from PTI)
12 January,2025 10:37 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentOn Sunday, the minimum temperature in Mumbai reached 17.8 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a partly cloudy sky on Sunday, January 12. Temperatures will range from a cool 20 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 32 degrees Celsius during the day. The relative humidity is 60 percent. The sun rose at 07:15 AM and will set at 06:19 PM. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai's Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 17.8 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "partly cloudy sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'moderate' category On January 12, 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 117 at 9:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'moderate' AQI. Byculla recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 130. Colaba, Ghatkopar and Malad recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 109, 143 and 159, respectively. Meanwhile, Mulund, Powai and Shivaji Nagar recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 92, 76 and 73, respectively. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 120, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 149. 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.
12 January,2025 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA police official on Saturday said that a man was booked for allegedly cheating a family in Bhiwandi in Thane of Rs 8.87 lakh after promising to cure illness through black magic, reported news agency PTI. The accused has been identified as Hazrat Baba, a resident of Millat Nagar in Bhiwandi, the Shanti Nagar police station official said while sharing an update on the Thane crime, reported PTI. "He took advantage of the illness of the complainant's husband and son and took Rs 8.87 lakh after promising to cure them. He has indulged in bogus rituals since October 2023. The 46-year-old complainant approached police after realising her family was being duped," the official said while sharing an update on the Thane crime, reported PTI. Hazrat Baba was booked under Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the official said while sharing an update on the Thane crime, reported PTI. He is yet to be arrested, the official informed. Call centre busted in Thane; man held for selling medicines illegally to US citizens A man was arrested for allegedly operating an illegal call centre and selling controlled medications to US citizens without authorisation, a Thane police official said on Saturday, reported PTI. Akash Ravendrasingh Yadav (31) was arrested on Friday after a raid by the Crime Unit of the Wagle Estate police, he added. "Posing as a representative of a legitimate pharmaceutical company, Yadav was selling controlled medications such as Soma, Tramadol, Viagra, Cialis, Tramadol, and Oxycodone. He was using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology connected to desktop computers to contact American citizens," the Kapurbawdi police station official said, reported PTI. "The illegal sale of controlled medications without proper authorization is a violation of both national and international regulations. We have seized several gadgets and accessories from the call centre. He was charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Information Technology and Indian Telegraphic Act for cheating, impersonation and other offences," the official said. (With inputs from PTI)
12 January,2025 08:55 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentDays after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the University Grants Commission (UGC) draft policy for the appointment of teachers and academic staff to universities and colleges, it has been criticised as an alleged attempt to centralise and corporatise higher education. The draft, titled Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education (Regulations, 2025), was released on January 6. It will remain in the public domain for feedback until February 5. The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Progressive Students Forum have publicly opposed it and called on other student bodies to reject it. A statement issued by them reads: “Governments in several Opposition-ruled states, such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala, were already in conflict with their Governors—who also serve as Chancellors of several state-run universities—over the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. Now, the revised rules grant state Governors increased authority in the selection of Vice-Chancellors. It is quite evident that the candidate shortlisting and final selection processes remain opaque, lacking clarity on who will be called for interviews.” The statement adds: “Additionally, for the first time, the new draft regulations permit the consideration of industry experts and public sector veterans for Vice-Chancellor roles... This shift introduces corporate culture into the academic realm.” It also flags other concerns regarding promotions as well as reservations. A senior official from the state higher education department said: “This is just a draft policy and has been made open for objections and suggestions from the public. Anyone with doubts or objections can submit them to the UGC. There’s no need to jump to negative conclusions or issue protest warnings preemptively.”
12 January,2025 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghThe residents of Evershine Nagar in Malad West have decided to give an ultimatum to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the Mumbai Police to demolish illegally constructed ramps on a pedestrian bridge over the Malvani creek connecting Malvani and Evershine Nagar. The residents held a public meeting on Saturday evening to discuss the danger of two-wheeler riders who use this pedestrian walkway bridge. A letter from the residents to the BMC and the police states the ramps have caused many accidents, including many that involved senior citizens. The residents have demanded demolition of the ramps which allow bikers access, stationing of traffic police at the FOB to stop bikers from using it, and installing of bollards to prevent bikers from getting onto the bridge. The residents have given January 20 as their deadline, failing which, they plan on an huge protest, including an indefinite fast by Tajinder Singh Tiwana, a resident of Evershine Nagar and a BJP worker. Tiwana said at the meeting, “We have written letters to BMC and other authorities for the demolition of these illegal ramps but no action has been taken.” In a reply to an RTI query filed by Deepak Modi in 2016 asking why the ramps were not demolished even after BMC sending machinery to do so, the civic body had replied, “During the demolition, a local representative and some others had shown strong opposition.”
12 January,2025 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe Borivli Police have dismantled two drug smuggling gangs operating from Haridwar and Saharanpur. The gangs used an unusual method of concealing drugs by hiding them in the soles of slippers and shoes. The police seized 472 grams of heroin, valued at Rs 50 lakh in the Indian market, and arrested four individuals involved in the operation. Under the guidance of DCP Anand Bhoite (Zone 11) and Senior Inspector Maloji Shinde, Inspector Pradeep Kale, along with ATC officer PSI Pramod Nimpalkar, arrested two suspects, Parvez Khan (45) and Irfan Khan (35), on January 5. They recovered 88 grams of heroin during the operation. According to sources, during interrogation the suspects disclosed the method used to transport drugs into Mumbai. They revealed that they worked as courier boys for a gang leader in Khadki Taluka, Haridwar district, earning Rs 15,000 monthly. Their role involved creating small drug packets and delivering them to individuals based on their employers’ instructions in Mumbai. The accused said they would get calls from their boss with instructions to hand over the drugs to unidentified individuals near locations such as medical stores. The individuals were identified only by descriptions of their clothing. Information from Parvez and Irfan led the police to another gang operating from Saharanpur. Two more suspects, Shoeb Ansari (24) and Abhishek Kumar (25), were arrested from the Kashimira area. A search of their residences led to the recovery of 384 grams of heroin concealed in the soles of footwear. The suspects admitted to working as couriers for another gang smuggling drugs from Saharanpur to Mumbai and other parts of the country. Senior Inspector Maloji Shinde stated that investigations are ongoing to trace the gang leaders operating from Haridwar and Saharanpur.
12 January,2025 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanMind the Yawwwning gap Commuters at Borivili Railway Station display a variety of moods and expressions as they await the arrival of the iron horse. Straight outta asylums, literally A spot inside Ranchi Mental Asylum where the author (inset) crafted his latest book. Pic/Instagram Rithwik Aryan faced challenges like OCD and anxiety from a young age, which later fuelled his interest in mental health and eventually inspired his latest book, Out of Madness. He wrote this from two of India’s largest mental health centres, in Agra and Ranchi, after dropping out of Harvard. “Since I was enrolled in a prestigious institution, the heads at the mental hospitals knew that I would do legitimate work. There were a few rules, like not taking photos of the inmates or disclosing their identities, but otherwise, they were quite supportive,” says Aryan. The thought-provoking read blends psychological thriller and dark comedy, taking you on a journey into the heart of India’s psychiatric institutions, where Aryan spent one-and-a-half years of his five-year writing spree for this book, an eye-opener on mental health and human vulnerability. Aryan says he aimed to blend entertainment with deeper themes like loneliness and men’s mental health. Abhonkar ahoy! You go, boy Juggle, don’t struggle: Abhonkar embodies endurance and dexterity Marathons are not just about sweat, blood, cheers and fears. Like for the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) on January 19, Ketan Abhonkar will be attempting “joggling” through the searing 42.2 km, full marathon distance. Joggling? That’s when participants run while juggling. Abhonkar has several half marathons (21 km) done and dusted, and now he is attempting joggling for the full for the first time, managing three balls continuously. Way to go joggler; we’ll cheer for you! Free school of hip-hop Beatboxer Tasheer Khan, or Tash Rappers, beatboxers, and breakers come together in a circle every Sunday at 4 pm at Marol’s Bharat Van Joggers Park. This gathering of rap artistes is called a rap cypher, and Marol now has one of the only ones in the city. Adding a challenging note, Tasheer Khan or Tash, a beatboxer and founder of the Marol Rap Cypher, has started a Sunday Chit Code Cypher series. Now, every Sunday, the collective of 500 to 600 artistes who meet here will pick up chits with a writing prompt. Each artiste will get five minutes to write, and then freestyle away. “This increases confidence and helps improve writing,” he says. Tash, who launched the Marol Rap Cypher in 2017, said he used to go to a cypher in Shivaji Park in 2013, where he learnt to beatbox. But the cypher stopped in 2015-16 and with no place to learn about hip hop, Tash picked up The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument, a book by American rapper KRS-One which taught him a lot and led him to launch a cypher himself. “I have been hosting the cypher consistently for free. Even if I’m travelling, it continues. I want to give all underground artistes a chance to polish their skills and grow,” he says. Batting for queer pride! Ashish Pandya We may not all play for the same team in the dating scene, but we sure can bat for the same cause and support our LGBTQiA+ friends. As many as 80 players—a mix of mostly LGBTQiA+ community members along with some allies—will don shin pads and step up to the crease today at SportingLions Sports Turf in Bandra West to participate in the Queer Premier League. The QPL is being organised by the Humsafar Trust and Gaysi Family as part of the annual Mumbai Queer Pride Month celebrations running through January. “It’s a friendly cricket match in the 10-over format [aka T10] that’s hosted to foster a space where people from the community can come together and play. It’s also meant to break stereotypes that queer people don’t play sports—we do,” says Ashish Pandya, moderator, Mumbai Queer Pride Collective, adding that there will also be cheerleaders to keep team spirits high. While registrations are now closed for the match, today, those who’d like to participate in Pride festivities can also take a seat in the Pride Bus, which will be adorned with rainbow flags and will ferry across Kala Ghoda at 4.30 pm. A day of Bridge in Mumbai (From left) Pooja Shetty, Mukul Deora, Milind Deora, Hema Deora (with trophy), chief guest, ex-chairman of HDFC Deepak Parekh, and Soham Sarkar Mumbaikars are known for their love of the mind sport of Bridge and if you think we are lying, you should check out the Shri Murli Deora Memorial Bridge Tournament that is held this month every year near the date of his birthday (January 10). Bombay Gymkhana was packed on January 7 with those who love the game, and a large screen showed the journey of the late Murli Deora. The mind sport is played in pairs and the winner was Hema Deora and her partner Soham Sarkar. Hema said, “It was a very memorable tournament as my late husband’s bridge colleagues were present too, and Deepak Parekh, his favourite partner, presented me with this winners’ trophy. The tournament used to be held in various cities during the Winter National Bridge Tournaments, but Murli Deora being Mumbai’s Member of Parliament and fondly known in the city, Hema felt it is more appropriate to hold it here. “The game requires patience and a strategic mind, and we hope that the tournament helps spread the love!” she says. It was an enjoyable full-day tournament, and the event was a great success for Bombay Gymkhana members as well as Hema’s invitees.
12 January,2025 06:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDDo 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 19Pay attention to details and manage your time efficiently. Get all the information you need before making any big decision that affect you in the long term.Life tip: Make time to work on yourself and bring your life into balance. Working on your body-mind connection will be healing, and help your relationships. TaurusApril 20 – May 20This is a positive time for those negotiating a new contract or even a raise in salary. Seniors need to do their research before making any health related decision.Life tip: Focus on creating the life you want without trying to control how it manifests in the end. Do not resist change. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Speak out when you need to, but make sure your words are situation appropriate. This is a positive time if you want to expand your social network.Life tip: Recognize any self created blocks for what they are, and work on them on a priority basis. You are capable of much more than you think. CancerJune 21 – July 22Work within structures, even if you find them restricting. Those with sensitive digestive systems should eat only home cooked food.Life tip: Release what is no longer needed – this includes decluttering your home, especially your closet. Make space for new experiences and possessions. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Dream big, but also do the practical work needed to manifest what you want. Break any complex situation down into smaller manageable parts.Life tip: Pay attention to your creative side and make time for a hobby just for it’s own sake. Have fun – you do not need to be perfect all the time! VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Your professional network is important. You need to use it to your advantage. Those renovating their home need to stick to a budget.Life tip: Focus on what is important if you feel overwhelmed. Remember that you don’t need to do everything at once. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Use any information you hear at the right moment, and in the right manner. Let go of any bad habits that would have an impact on your long term health.Life tip: Though it is a good idea to listen to the opinions of people you trust, there are time when it is best to follow your own inner guidance. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Be mindful if you repeat any gossip, as it could spread quickly. This is a good time for meetings, negotiations and interviews.Life tip: Work on your shadow self, which needs healing. Some may want to take professional help , and this would be a step in the right direction. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Do not let yourself get swayed by someone who has an agenda of their own. Those in a long distance relationship could make an important decision.Life tip: Step into your power and do not be afraid to be a leader. You have much to offer the world even if you do not think so. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Those in large organisations may make a career changing choice. Take care if you have bone related health issues.Life tip: Be authentic when dealings with others, and don’t make it about yourself. Make choices that bring you closer to goodness. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Handle any differences of opinion at home or with family in an appropriate manner. Do not make any promises you will not be able to keep.Life tip: Be part of a community or friend group without losing yourself in it. Use any leadership position you may have to inspire and uplift others. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Those who have multiple homes may find themselves shuttling between them. Timing is crucial when making a big decision.Life tip: Break through any rut you might be experiencing, and remember that you need to get out of your comfort zone in order to grow and improve.
12 January,2025 12:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseEight passengers sustained minor injuries after a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus hit a metro rail pillar in Thane, a police officer said on Saturday. The incident took place at 6 am on Friday on Pankhanda road near Ovla village and the injured persons were discharged after preliminary treatment, the Kasarvadavali Police Station officer said. "Driver Krishna Adsul, 34, was driving the vehicle in a rash and negligent manner. An FIR (first information report) under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Motor Vehicles Act was registered on the complaint of MSRTC. He has not been arrested as yet," the officer 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.
11 January,2025 10:47 PM IST | Thane | PTIA blaze was reported at Rangoon Zaika Hotel on LBS Marg in Kurla on Saturday night. No injuries have been reported so far. The Mumbai Fire Brigade has engaged in firefighting operations. The blaze has been confined to the ground floor of the hotel, and the surrounding area is empty. It was reported at 9:08 pm to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, which confirmed that it is a Level-1 blaze. Apart from firefighters, ambulance, medical, police, and power supply personnel have also been stationed at the site. More details are awaited.
11 January,2025 10:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
