A major accident took place opposite Poonam Chambers in Worli after a speeding car rammed into a bus stop on Sunday afternoon, Mumbai Trafffic Police said. According to Worli Police, three people, including the driver of the car, have suffered injuries in the accident. The other two injured were those waiting for bus at the stop. The injured have been taken to Nair Hospital for treatment. The police said they have identified the car driver and are in the process of registering a first information report (FIR) against him. "The accident took place near Poonam Chambers and two people, along with the driver, have been injured. They have been taken to Nair Hospital,” a police officer said. More details are awaited.
22 December,2024 04:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray, who heads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), came together at the wedding of the latter's nephew in Mumbai on Sunday. The politically estranged cousins were seen standing together along with other relatives at the wedding of Yash Deshpande, the son of Raj Thackeray's elder sister Jaywanti, who is close to Uddhav's wife Rashmi Thackeray. Raj Thackeray and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray were accompanied by their family members at the function held in Dadar. Smita Thackeray, the former wife of Uddhav Thackeray's elder brother Jaidev, was also seen at the function. Last week, Raj Thackeray attended the wedding of the son of Rashmi's brother Shridhar Patankar. But the MNS chief had left before Uddhav Thakeray arrived. Notably, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief and his wife had been introduced to each other through Jaywanti. Raj Thackeray quit the (undivided) Shiv Sena in 2005 and floated his own party the following year. In the last month's polls to the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, the Shiv Sena (UBT), which is part of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), won 20 seats, while MNS drew a blank. 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.
22 December,2024 03:47 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIShiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Sunday expressed her discontent regarding Rahul Gandhi's forthcoming visit to Parbhani in Maharashtra, characterising it as hypocritical, reported news agency ANI. Shaina NC pointed out that the Congress leader, who is set to arrive via special flight, has shown little concern for the recent disturbances in Parliament. "Rahul Gandhi is coming to Parbhani by a special flight. He will come to Nanded, go to Parbhani and show that he is with Somnath Suryavanshi's family... My question is, when Rahul Gandhi sees such a scuffle outside the House, he does not even come out and is coming here with a special charter? People understand this hypocrisy. We are fully with Parbhani's Somnath Suryavanshi and his family, although we will never do any politics in this matter," Shaina NC told ANI. Rahul Gandhi is set to visit Parbhani on Monday, which is aimed at meeting the family of Somnath Vyankat Suryawanshi, a law student who tragically died in judicial custody following violent incidents in Parbhani earlier this month. The unrest was triggered by the alleged vandalism of a replica of the Indian Constitution. Congress leaders have expressed strong criticism regarding the handling of the Parbhani violence by the state government. MPs Varsha Gaikwad and Praniti Shinde have been particularly vocal, with Gaikwad condemning the violence and demanding swift accountability for those responsible. Gaikwad stated, “Action should be taken against those who vandalised the statue of Baba Saheb Ambedkar in Parbhani,” highlighting her discontent with the state's approach to maintaining order, especially amidst the curfew imposed in the city without restoring peace. She asserted that the authorities have failed to manage the situation effectively and should avoid registering false cases. She also criticised the authorities for their approach to law enforcement, stating, "They have failed to restore peace in Parbhani city. They should not register false cases," ANI stated. Sharad Pawar calls Fadnavis to discuss Parbhani violence and Beed sarpanch's murder Sharad Pawar, the president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-Supremo), engaged in a telephonic discussion with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, addressing concerns regarding the murder of a sarpanch in Beed and the death of a man following violent protests in Parbhani. Pawar, who visited the families of both victims on Saturday, sought accountability and swift action. According to PTI, he met the relatives of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, who was abducted and brutally murdered on December 9. He also visited the family of Somnath Suryavanshi, who allegedly died while in judicial custody after being arrested in connection with the Parbhani unrest. (With inputs from ANI, PTI)
22 December,2024 02:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a remarkable journey across Maharashtra, a male tiger born in the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal has travelled an astounding 500 kilometres, reaching the Solapur district. This sighting is being closely monitored by the Maharashtra Forest Department, which has installed camera traps in the area to track the tiger’s movements. Sources from the Maharashtra Forest Department informed this newspaper that they are closely monitoring the tiger's movement, and camera traps have been installed in the area to track its further movements. Currently, the young male tiger is said to be in Barshi taluka of Solapur district. In Solapur, some farmers alerted forest department officials about an increase in cattle attacks in recent weeks. In response, the forest department installed camera traps. When the cameras were checked, officials were surprised to find an image of a male tiger. This is believed to be the first recorded sighting of a tiger at the Yedshi Ramalinga Wildlife Sanctuary in Dharashiv district, Marathwada. At present, the big cat is said to have entered Barshi taluka in Solapur district.
22 December,2024 02:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavSharad Pawar, the president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-Supremo), engaged in a telephonic discussion with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, addressing concerns regarding the murder of a sarpanch in Beed and the death of a man following violent protests in Parbhani. Pawar, who visited the families of both victims on Saturday, sought accountability and swift action. According to PTI, he met the relatives of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, who was abducted and brutally murdered on December 9. He also visited the family of Somnath Suryavanshi, who allegedly died while in judicial custody after being arrested in connection with the Parbhani unrest. The Parbhani violence, as reported by PTI, was triggered by the vandalisation of a replica of the Constitution, which led to widespread protests. The situation escalated, and Suryavanshi’s subsequent death in custody further fuelled tensions in the area. Speaking to reporters in Pune on Sunday, Pawar revealed that he had raised the matter during a telephonic conversation with the chief minister. "I discussed the gravity of the situation in Beed and Parbhani with the chief minister and urged him to take appropriate action," he stated, as per PTI. Fadnavis, on his part, had earlier announced judicial inquiries into both incidents. Additionally, financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each has been assured for the families of Santosh Deshmukh and Somnath Suryavanshi. Pawar welcomed the judicial probes and expressed hope that justice would be delivered swiftly. Pawar's call to the chief minister came while he was attending the Bhimthadi Jatra at the College of Agriculture in Pune. The NCP chief also extended an invitation to Fadnavis to attend the forthcoming 98th All India Marathi Literary Convention (Marathi Sahitya Sammelan), set to take place in Delhi. According to PTI reports, Pawar has been actively monitoring the unfolding situations in Beed and Parbhani. His visit to the affected families underscored the seriousness of the matter and the urgent need for resolution. The Beed sarpanch's murder and the Parbhani unrest have raised questions about law and order in the state. Pawar’s engagement with Fadnavis is being seen as an attempt to ensure that these incidents do not exacerbate tensions further. (With inputs from PTI)
22 December,2024 01:20 PM IST | MumbaiOn Sunday, Sharad Pawar, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), flagged off the "Family Run 3.0" marathon in Pune. The event, organised by the Jayesh Murkute Social Foundation, was led by Jayesh Sanjay Murkute, the Kothrud working president of NCP. At the event, Pune NCP president Prashant Jagtap praised Murkute for his consistent efforts in organising both political and social events in the Baner and Balewadi regions. He shared that Murkute, a young and active member of the party, has been instrumental in hosting numerous functions, including this marathon, which Pawar flagged off. "The atmosphere was fantastic as Pawar Sahib arrived at around 6:45 AM to attend the event," Jagtap told ANI. Additionally, Jagtap spoke on the possibility of the NCP contesting the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently. His remarks come after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut suggested that his party may contest the elections alone, citing demands from party workers. In response, Jagtap expressed that while NCP is open to contesting solo or in alliance with Congress, they remain focused on defeating the BJP. He stated, "If Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sanjay Raut are exploring a solo contest, we are also ready to go ahead independently or with Congress. However, we prefer an alliance, as breaking it could potentially benefit the BJP." The Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) have long been part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, which opposes the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. Jagtap also clarified that despite the recent differences within the coalition, their focus remains on stopping the BJP's influence in the state and across India. The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections witnessed a decisive victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti, which secured 235 seats. Shiv Sena and NCP garnered 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The BJP emerged as the dominant party, with 132 seats, marking a significant win in the state's political landscape. On Saturday, NCP leader Jayant Patil expressed his intent to address Raut's comments, suggesting further discussion on the future course of action for the alliance. (With inputs from ANI)
22 December,2024 10:32 AM IST | PuneIn a significant crackdown on child labour, a 49-year-old man has been booked for allegedly employing children as labourers at his packaging company in Maharashtra's Thane district. The police registered a case after a joint raid conducted by the labour department, women and child welfare authorities, and local police on Friday. According to an official from the Narpoli police station, the raid took place at four different shops owned by the accused in Vehale village, located in the Bhiwandi area of Thane. The company owner, who operates a packaging business, was found to have employed several minors at his premises. During the raid, the authorities discovered eight minor girls and one minor boy engaged in packing electronic goods, a task that they were forced to perform under questionable conditions. The authorities acted after receiving a tip-off and a subsequent investigation. The presence of the minor workers at the company raised immediate concerns over child exploitation and illegal child labour. As per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, employing minors in such conditions is a criminal offence, and the police moved swiftly to file an FIR against the accused. The packaging company, where the minors were discovered working, has now come under investigation, with the authorities looking into how long the children had been employed and the nature of their work. The accused has been charged under the relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice Act, and the police are now working to ensure that the minors are provided with the necessary protection and care. They are also working in collaboration with child welfare organisations to ensure that the children are returned to their families or placed in rehabilitation centres, depending on their circumstances. Similar case happened in the past where offences have been registered against four persons in Maharashtra's Thane and Palghar districts for allegedly employing children and practising bonded labour. The cases were registered at Padgha police station in Thane and Jawhar police station in Palghar on Monday and no arrests have been made so far, an official said. According to the police, the case registered in Jawhar was against Deoram Kandadkar and Pundalik Kandadkar, who had allegedly taken two sisters, aged six and eight, to Akole in Ahmednagar and employed them to graze sheep and goats. (With inputs from PTI)
22 December,2024 09:39 AM IST | MumbaiLike every December for the past decade, Bandra is once again abuzz with excitement over Wonderland, a unique community festival organised at Bandra Reclamation. Between December 23 and January 1, the entire promenade is lined with Christmas trees and lit up for the occasion. The Carter Road amphitheatre is turned into a festive venue for live street performances, installations and other activities between 6 and 10 pm. There’s a kids zone with trampolines and rides, as well as mascots such as Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse for fun interactions and photo ops. On December 30, children can enjoy activities such as pottery and T-shirt making free of cost. Ashish Shelar The decade-old event was originally started by Bandra boy, social worker and politician Rahool N Kanal with the support of Bandra MLA and BJP leader Ashish Shelar. “The aim was to spread the message of oneness and brotherhood across all communities,” said the duo. Kanal, president of the I Love Mumbai Foundation and a Shinde Sena leader, said, “I was born and raised in Bandra. For us, December has always been a time of celebration, eagerly awaited since childhood, especially with the school holidays. Bandra’s vibrant mix of cultures inspired us to create a festival where people from all walks of life could come together to celebrate—and the best part was, it would be free for everyone.” Shelar said it was this message of unity that had made the festival popular with people from all walks of life. “Bandra, the Queen of Suburbs, is a melting pot of all communities and Bandra Wonderland has become an anchor of this vision over the past few years,” he said. Kanal, also an environment and animal welfare activist, said that they had prioritised green festivities. “Organising an event with such a huge footfall is not an easy task,” though, says Shelar. “We work in coordination with all government agencies, including BMC, traffic police and police. In order to prevent traffic jams, this year we will have around 100 traffic wardens on duty,” Kanal added.
22 December,2024 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar | Ranjeet JadhavMumbai is experiencing a warm start to the day on December 22, 2024, with temperatures beginning at 22.9°C. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum and maximum temperatures for the day are expected to range between 22.9°C and 24.67°C, respectively. The city is currently witnessing 76% relative humidity, with wind speeds reaching 76 km/h. The sky is predominantly cloudy, providing a varied outlook throughout the day. The sun rose at 07:07 AM and is expected to set at 06:06 PM. While the weather remains pleasant, the air quality is a matter of concern. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Mumbai has reached a hazardous level of 500, indicating extremely poor air quality across the city. This level of pollution can significantly impact health, especially for individuals with respiratory issues. The IMD has strongly advised against outdoor activities, as the hazardous air quality could lead to severe health complications. It is highly recommended to use face masks and air purifiers to mitigate the effects of pollution. Looking ahead to December 23, 2024, Mumbai is expected to experience a slight increase in temperatures. The minimum temperature is predicted to be 23.14°C, with a maximum of 23.88°C. The humidity level is forecasted to remain at 72%, so it’s essential to prepare for another humid day. The sky is expected to remain cloudy, with occasional breaks of sunshine, offering a relatively comfortable day overall. As Mumbai faces hazardous air quality conditions today, residents should take extra precautions, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions. It is crucial to monitor the AQI and stay updated on any air quality alerts issued by the IMD. If outdoor activities are necessary, limiting exposure to polluted areas and wearing appropriate protective gear is essential. The IMD’s forecast for the next week suggests varied weather patterns across the city, with fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels. For the coming days, the IMD has advised residents to stay informed about any changes in weather conditions and to plan their activities accordingly.
22 December,2024 09:30 AM IST | MumbaiMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented an extensive review of the measures being taken to foster the overall development of Vidarbha and Marathwada, including significant initiatives in irrigation, industry, river-linking projects, and infrastructure. During the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature in Nagpur, Fadnavis outlined a comprehensive blueprint aimed at ensuring a developed, balanced, and prosperous future for the state. The winter session saw the passage of 17 bills, after thorough discussions, with a special mention of the Public Safety Bill, which was referred to a joint committee to gather inputs from all stakeholders. The session also underscored the government's commitment to the development of Vidarbha and Marathwada, regions that have often faced developmental challenges. In a press conference held after the adjournment of the session, Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted the government’s focus on the well-being of farmers, citizens, and the economic growth of these crucial regions. During the session, budgetary provisions amounting to Rs 35,788 crore were allocated to support ongoing initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Baliraja Mofat Veej Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana. Fadnavis announced that Rs 165 crore had been provided to support 55,000 orange farmers impacted by recent calamities, as well as a bonus given to cotton farmers. The government has also recorded a significant soybean procurement, which will continue until January 12. With cotton and tur prices remaining high in the market, farmers have been able to sell their produce at favorable rates. The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to providing relief to farmers and promoting agricultural stability in the state. Fadnavis also shared significant progress in infrastructure development, particularly in Nagpur, where an agreement has been signed with the Asian Development Bank for the second phase of the Nagpur Metro project. The Rs 3,586 crore financial assistance, set for a 20-year tenure at a low interest rate of 0.72%, is expected to enhance urban mobility. In addition, the ADB will support initiatives to connect villages with a population of over 1,000 with concrete roads, bolster industrial training institutes, and promote bamboo cultivation. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde highlighted the government’s recent achievements, particularly in improving the lives of common citizens, and emphasised the need for continued teamwork to ensure the welfare of the people, with a special focus on women. He affirmed that the successful winter session would serve as a stepping stone for sustained progress in the state’s development. Ministers Shambhuraj Desai, Sanjay Rathod, Ashish Jaiswal, and Nitesh Rane were also present at the event.
22 December,2024 09:16 AM IST | MumbaiExternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised that India will not allow any external force to dictate its decisions, stressing that the nation will act in accordance with its own interests and for the greater good of the world, without feeling pressured to conform. Speaking via a video message at a function in Mumbai, Jaishankar highlighted the profound impact of India’s growing global presence. As the world faces challenges such as unhealthy habits, stressful lifestyles, and recurrent climate events, Jaishankar believes there is much that the global community can learn from India’s rich heritage. However, he pointed out that such lessons can only be imparted if Indians take pride in their cultural traditions. "In an age of globalisation, technology and tradition must march together," he remarked, underscoring the importance of balancing modernity with cultural preservation. Jaishankar also reiterated that India’s future progress should never come at the expense of its identity. "Bharat will inevitably progress, but it must do so without losing its Bharatiyata (Indianness). Only then can we truly emerge as a leading power in a multi-polar world," he said, reflecting on India’s vision for its place on the global stage. He was speaking on the occasion of receiving the 27th SIES Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati National Eminence Award, which recognises outstanding contributions in fields such as public leadership, community leadership, human endeavour, science and technology, and social leadership, with a primary focus on spiritualism. While Jaishankar did not attend the event in person, he sent his message via video. The foreign minister stressed the need to distinguish between independence and neutrality, saying, "Independence should never be confused with neutrality. We will do whatever is right in our national interest and for global good without being intimidated to conform." He added that India must never allow others to veto its choices. Jaishankar also noted how India has, in the past, been led to believe that progress and modernity necessitate a rejection of its heritage and traditions. This belief may have stemmed from a preference for imported models or a discomfort with indigenous practices. However, as democracy deepens in India, the nation is rediscovering its authentic self and its cultural roots, he stated. The minister described India as an exceptional nation due to its status as a civilisation state. "Such a country will only exercise influence when it fully leverages its cultural strengths in the global arena," he said, emphasising the need for the younger generation to recognise and value their heritage. (With inputs from PTI)
22 December,2024 09:05 AM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
