The Centre has directed the Maharashtra government to urgently address concerns raised by climate activists over the decline of flamingo habitats as Navi Mumbai wetlands turn toxic, reported PTI. On World Water Day, activists flagged the deteriorating condition of the DPS, NRI, and T S Chanakya lakes in Nerul, which serve as satellite wetlands for the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS), a Ramsar site. According to PTI, they sounded a “wetland emergency,” stating that three key flamingo habitats in Navi Mumbai have turned toxic, with water sample tests revealing alarming results. MoEFCC seeks urgent action report from state authority The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in its response on Monday, asked the Maharashtra State Wetland Authority to address the grievance on priority and submit an action taken report to both the complainant and the Centre. The ministry cited the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, under which the discharge of untreated waste and effluents, dumping of solid and construction waste, encroachment, and any alteration of the ecological character of wetlands are prohibited. Flamingo season in Navi Mumbai runs from November to May, with January to March being the peak viewing period, when bird lovers and enthusiasts gather at wetlands to catch a glimpse of the “pink parade.” Tests show wetlands under severe stress, activists alert PM Modi and CM Fadnavis Water sample tests commissioned by the NatConnect Foundation indicate a system under severe stress, activists said in messages sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The warning is reinforced by the absence of flamingos this season, said B N Kumar, director of the NatConnect Foundation. Four basic indicators, TDS, pH, BOD, and COD, paint a consistent picture of decline. The results show over-concentrated, stagnant water instead of natural tidal flushing. “Put simply, all four indicators tell the same story, the water is not moving as it should in a healthy intertidal wetland,” Kumar said, pointing to blocked or restricted tidal flow, the news agency reported. Instead of being regularly flushed, the wetlands are turning into stagnant, polluted basins. Activist blames CIDCO, alleges regulatory inaction in wetland damage The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) is “largely responsible for what has happened,” climate activist Nandakumar Pawar said, adding that regulators such as the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority and the forest department have “simply looked the other way.” The wetlands, he warned, are a public asset being destroyed in plain sight. (With PTI inputs)
24 March,2026 01:00 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentNCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar hosted a dinner for Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders in Mumbai, in his first meeting with them after a recent spell of illness kept him away from public engagements. Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray attended a dinner hosted by NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar pic.twitter.com/JsAA8x9HmV — IANS (@ians_india) March 23, 2026 According to PTI, the dinner meeting, held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre on Monday night, was attended by key alliance leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) head and former Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, his son and MLA Aaditya Thackeray, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, and former state Congress president Nana Patole. PTI sources said discussions touched on the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) elections, with the terms of nine members, including Uddhav Thackeray, set to expire in May. Earlier this month, MVA nominee Pawar and six candidates of the ruling Mahayuti alliance were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra. Last month, the 85-year-old former Union minister was admitted to a hospital in Pune twice following a chest infection and complaints of dehydration. Sharad Pawar discharged from Ruby Hill Clinic after health scare After suffering serious health concerns, Sharad Pawar was discharged from Ruby Hall Clinic on February 14. Dr Purvez said that, “He will be discharged today. The medical team has advised him to take adequate rest for a few days, following which he may gradually resume his routine work and public engagements.” The party chief was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune on February 9, due to throat-related problems, persistent coughing, and chest congestion. Sharad Pawar’s condition after being admitted to hospital improved significantly within two days. However, he was kept under observation for the next few days, considering his medical history. Sharad Pawar was admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic on February 9 The initial assessment by the treating doctor, Dr Abhijeet Lodha, showed stable heart rate and oxygen levels, though respiratory rate was slightly elevated when the NCP (SP) was brought to Ruby Hill Clinic on February 9. Sources said the chief, an oral cancer survivor, had experienced fatigue due to continuous travel and engagements, along with chest congestion. No oxygen support or ventilator was required, and he was admitted to a private room. Briefing further about Pawar’s improving health, Dr Simon Grant earlier added, “Mr Pawar continues to show consistent improvement under medical supervision. Based on his current progress, the medical team is planning for his discharge in the next two days, subject to continued recovery.” (With PTI inputs)
24 March,2026 12:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carried out a massive demolition drive in Versova, removing 33 structures that were obstructing the ongoing Mumbai Coastal Road (North) project, officials said, reported the PTI. The action was undertaken by the K-West ward, focusing on constructions that were delaying progress on the proposed stretch connecting Versova to Dahisar. The Mumbai civic body stated that clearing these obstructions is essential to ensure timely completion of the infrastructure project. According to an official release, the demolished structures included 3 residential units and 29 commercial establishments, according to the PTI. One property owner has challenged the demolition in court, with the matter scheduled for hearing on March 24, officials said. More removals planned The BMC also indicated that proposals are underway to remove an additional 12 structures that fall under the jurisdiction of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, the news agency reported. Demolition in Worli In a similar action last year in September, the BMC had conducted a massive demolition drive near Mumbai Coastal Road in Worli and removed 169 illegal structures. An official statement had earlier said that the Mumbai civic body carried out a major demolition drive in Madraswadi in Worli to demolish illegal structures built along Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road, near the Dharamveer Swarajya Rakshak Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Coastal Road Project also known as the Mumbai Coastal Road. The action was taken by the G (South) ward of the BMC as part of its ongoing campaign to clear encroachments and ensure compliance with urban regulations. Also a cause of waterlogging "These structures were also identified as a major cause of waterlogging during monsoons," the BMC had said. It had said that the demolition was conducted under the instructions of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, and under the guidance of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi. The operation was led by Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Sapkale and Assistant Municipal Commissioner of G (South) Ward, Swapnaja Kshirsagar, the official statement had earlier said. It had said that a team of 35 workers, along with the necessary machinery and equipment, carried out the demolition. Security and law-and-order arrangements were provided by Worli Police Station. The BMC has made it clear that action against illegal structures and encroachments will continue across the city in a systematic and sustained manner, the officials said. (with PTI inputs)
24 March,2026 11:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA dramatic rescue unfolded in Ratnagiri after a black panther fell into a 50-foot-deep well in Kolambe village, likely while chasing prey. The incident came to light around 7 am on Saturday, March 21, when people from Kolambe village heard loud growls and discovered the animal trapped at the bottom. Chasing prey, a rare melanistic black panther slipped and fell into a 50-foot-deep well, leaving it stranded and visibly distressed Locals immediately alerted the forest department, prompting a team led by officials, including Round Officer Lahanu Gavde, to rush to the site. The well had around five feet of water and a rocky ledge where the panther had settled, making the rescue more challenging as the animal remained calm and unwilling to move. Startled by loud growls, villagers gathered around the well and were shocked to find the trapped big cat pacing inside Rescue plan Round Officer Lahanu Gavde said, “Our priority was to rescue the animal safely, but it wasn’t moving as it had found the spot comfortable to rest, which made the operation challenging. We then devised a strategy and called in two water tankers. From a distance of nearly 400 metres, water was pumped into the well through pipes to gradually raise the water level and prompt the animal to move." The forest department rushed in and, after assessing the situation, began a careful rescue by raising the water level and lowering a metal cage into the well As the water level increased, the animal was forced to shift and eventually entered the water. That’s when the forest department lowered a metal trap cage into the well using ropes. After some time, the animal stepped into the cage, allowing the forest department to safely pull it out. After hours of waiting, the panther finally entered the cage. Following a 36-hour-long operation, it was safely pulled out under close supervision. Illustrations/Uday Mohite The operation, involving 20 forest staff and over 20 villagers, lasted 36 hours. The approximately five-year-old animal was later examined, found fit, and released back into its natural habitat. The black panther that fell into the well Did you know? Rescue team with the black panther after a 36-hour operation in Ratnagiri. Pics/By Special Arrangement Melanistic leopards are commonly called black panthers or black leopards. They are found in the forests of the Western Ghats and north-east India and are black due to the presence of excess melanin in their bodies. The colour of their fur is a mixture of blue, black, grey, and purple. 5Approximate age of the animal
24 March,2026 11:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad, forecasting hot and humid conditions at isolated places, particularly in suburban areas. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Santacruz recorded a high of 36.5 degrees Celsius, while Colaba saw slightly lower temperatures at 34.9 degrees Celsius, according to IMD's latest data. Meanwhile, Mumbai’s overall air quality remained in the moderate category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 96 on Tuesday, as per the Centre Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer App. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex – 113Borivali East – 100Byculla – 99Andheri East – 117Chembur – 86Colaba – 83Deonar – 123Ghatkopar – 117 Rising heat sweeps Maharashtra, Jalgaon among hottest at 37.6 degrees Celsius Meanwhile, Maharashtra continued to reel under rising temperatures on Tuesday, with several regions recording above-normal heat, according to the IMD. Jalgaon and Sholapur emerged as the hottest locations in the state, both recording a maximum temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Jeur at 37.5 degrees Celsius and Satara at 37.2 degrees Celsius, as per the Meteorological Department. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Santacruz recorded a high of 36.5 degrees Celsius, while Colaba saw slightly lower temperatures at 34.9 degrees Celsius. Coastal areas like Alibag and Ratnagiri reported relatively moderate highs of 32.9 degrees Celsius and 33.7 degrees Celsius, respectively. Among other key cities, Nashik recorded 36.3 degrees Celsius, Aurangabad 36.0 degrees Celsius, and Kolhapur 36.3 degrees Celsius, indicating widespread heat across interior Maharashtra. Notably, Harnaí reported a sharp departure from normal at 7.3 degrees Celsius above average, making it one of the most unusually warm locations. Coastal humidity remains high, interiors stay dry Humidity levels varied significantly, with coastal stations like Dahanu (69 per cent) and Ratnagiri (61 per cent) witnessing higher moisture levels, while drier conditions prevailed in interior regions such as Aurangabad (25 per cent) and Parbhani (23 per cent). Overall, the data indicates a mix of hot and humid conditions across Maharashtra, with interior regions facing intense heat and coastal belts experiencing relatively milder but humid weather.
24 March,2026 10:31 AM IST | MumbaiAt Mumbai’s bus depots, the people who keep the city moving work under ceilings that could come down at any moment. During inspections across 27 BEST depots on Sunday, committee member Nitin Nadgaonkar found the Vikhroli depot in a condition that raised serious concerns — cracked walls, a weakening roof slab, overgrown surroundings, and even reports of snakes nearby. But what stood out wasn’t just the decay. It was how normal it has become. “How can drivers and conductors rest in such conditions?” Nadgaonkar asked. “Every employee here is working while putting their life at risk.” BEST committee member Nitin Nadgaonkar (in brown shirt) during his inspection with the depot manager What the inspection found >> Roof slabs on the verge of collapse>> Cracked walls and weakening structure>> Overgrown vegetation around staff areas>> Unhygienic, poorly maintained rest spaces Weakening roof structure at the depot, with parts at risk of collapse Questions raised Nadgaonkar has demanded answers:“Why has a structural audit not been conducted? If it has, where are the details?”“Are they waiting for an accident to happen?”“Is the administration asleep?” Overgrown vegetation around the Vikhroli depot, reflecting poor upkeep of the premises Voices from inside For staff, this is not an isolated issue. It is an everyday reality. “We come to work knowing the building itself isn’t safe. The ceiling looks like it could fall anytime,” said a ticket inspector. “We are responsible for passengers’ lives, but who is responsible for ours?” asked a 50-year-old driver. “After long hours, this is where we’re supposed to rest. It feels like our safety doesn’t matter,” a conductor said. “In the monsoon, it gets worse. Water seeps in, and we worry about electrical hazards too.” A cracked roof slab inside the Vikhroli bus depot that raises concerns about safety of staff Political pushback BEST committee member Faisal Khan said: “Do the lives of BEST employees have no value? This is absolutely unacceptable.” Official line BEST officials say there are plans to redevelop ageing depots and improve staff amenities The bigger picture 27 depots inspectedRs 1000 crore allocated by BMC this year >> BEST is increasingly dependent on civic funding>> pressure to generate its own revenue>> Even as finances tighten, infrastructure appears to be deteriorating
24 March,2026 10:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAfter repeated objections from parent groups, students and activists, ex-students of BD Hiray College said they were finally asked to collect their mark sheets. However, many alleged that the subjects listed did not match what they had studied. Students from the first batch (2021-2024) said they were called to the college office on Sunday, March 22, to collect mark sheets for all semesters. Subject mismatch The results, copies of which were shared with mid-day, were issued by ‘Sikkim International University’. Students said they remain unclear about the university’s credentials. They also alleged that subjects appeared shuffled, some names had been changed, a few were unfamiliar, and their dissertation work was missing from the mark sheets. Meeting cancelled On March 22, they were promised a meeting with the management on March 23. Students claimed this meeting was cancelled. Legal route “We had given the college an ultimatum to meet us on March 23, but they failed to do so. We will now approach authorities or take legal action,” said Nitin Nanavare, activist, Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena. This newspaper tried to get in touch with the authorities from the BD Hiray College but did not receive a response by the press time. Student Speak Shruti Sorap (Batch of 2021-2024)“Since I was unable to collect the mark sheets on Sunday, I went to the college on Monday and was stopped at the gate itself. We were handed our mark sheets outside and treated with hostility. Despite graduating two years ago, I was not able to find a job because I had no recognised documents in hand. The mark sheets have come, but we still have doubts about their reliability.” Nidhi Raut (Batch of 2021-2024)“I was initially studying interior design, but I moved to this study centre for better education. Despite not having attended my first year, they still gave me mark sheets for it. My marks disclosed in college, and those on the mark sheets are different. I lost my job as I couldn’t produce documents.”
24 March,2026 10:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarMaharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik stated that it was the state government that requested the Reliance Foundation to accommodate leopards at its Vantara facility. So far, 25 leopards have already been transferred, with an agreement in place to relocate a total of 50 animals, reported the PTI. Naik explained that the move followed a sharp rise in leopard captures, particularly in Pune district, where around 150 leopards had been trapped. "Twenty-five leopards have been sent to Vantara. We made a demand (to take the leopards) because 150 leopards were trapped in Pune district," Naik said. The minister highlighted a significant increase in wildlife numbers across the state. He noted that the leopard population has grown nearly fourfold over the past decade. Similarly, tiger numbers have surged from 101 around seven to eight years ago to 444 at present, indicating successful conservation but also increasing management challenges. Amendment to Wildlife Protection Law The Maharashtra legislature has passed an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act, aimed at addressing delays in managing human-leopard conflict, according to the PTI. The minister said there is a misunderstanding due to amendment to the bill and asserted no permission will be given to anyone to kill leopards. Previously, the Chief Wildlife Warden required permission from the Union government under Section 12 to undertake measures such as translocation or population control. According to Naik, this process was highly regulated, cumbersome, and time-consuming, often hindering timely intervention. Faster Decision-Making for Wildlife Management Under the amended provisions, the Chief Wildlife Warden will now be able to take necessary steps for scientific management of leopards—including relocation and population control—with approval from the state government alone. This is expected to streamline responses to conflict situations and improve wildlife management efficiency, as per the PTI. Addressing public concerns Naik clarified that there has been some misunderstanding regarding the amendment. He firmly stated that the changes do not permit the killing of leopards under any circumstances, the news agency reported. He also added that the forest department is planning to establish leopard and tiger safari initiatives in every district, aimed at both conservation awareness and tourism. (with PTI inputs)
24 March,2026 10:09 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government’s plan to introduce dedicated menopause clinics across public hospitals is facing on-ground hurdles, with several peripheral facilities in Mumbai yet to operationalise the service. While civic health officials claim clinics have been launched in maternity homes and hospitals, a mid-day ground report found otherwise. “We have informed all hospitals about the directive. Implementation is their responsibility,” said Dr Varsha Puri, deputy executive health officer. The hurdles Hospital heads, however, pointed to multiple challenges — a lack of gynaecology departments, infrastructure gaps, and no clear operational guidelines — that were slowing progress. Some said menopause care is already being offered within existing services, making separate clinics seem redundant for now. “We do not have a functional gynaecology ward yet. Once the new multispecialty building is ready, we can start the clinic,” said Dr Nitiraj Mane of Bhagwati Hospital. Dr Rajeswari Khyade Dr Rajusingh Rathod, MT Agarwal Hospital, added that their gynaecology department will begin in the next few months, after which the menopause OPD will follow. Dr Bharti Rajulwala, Rajawadi Hospital, said, “The idea is to give more focused attention to women experiencing menopausal symptoms, so that conditions like ovarian cancer can be detected early. As we have a fully functional gynaecology department, we already provide all services from consultation to screenings and surgeries. So far, we haven’t received any communication from the head office to establish a separate menopause clinic. Even if we do get one, we do not need to specifically set it up. The only thing is that we will have to keep dedicated OPD hours only for menopause cases.” Officials from KEM, Sion, Nair and Cooper hospitals echoed similar concerns, pointing to a gap between policy announcement and on-ground readiness. The exception Bhabha Hospital in Bandra is the only peripheral hospital to roll out a dedicated menopause clinic, seeing 70-80 patients in two months. “The count should have been more. However, there is no awareness at all about such a facility being started at government hospitals, that too for free. These patients, we also had to first tell them about the facility, then convince them to take a check-up and only then did they agree,” said Dr Rajeswari Khyade, senior consultant – OB-GYN. Facilities include >> Psychological counselling>> Pap smear>> Bone health check-up>> Breast screening>> Blood tests (CBC, LFT, lipid, kidney, diabetes)>> USG abdomen and pelvis>> Medicines (vitamins, calcium)>> Referrals for further treatment>> OPD hours: Wednesday, 11 am to 1 pm Existing services While public hospitals are only now moving towards structured menopause care, private hospitals have been offering dedicated services for nearly five years. One such example is Reliance Hospital’s specialised facilities, which provide comprehensive screening, early diagnosis and management of menopause-related conditions under one roof. Facilities at Reliance Hospital >> Necessary scans, screening tests, blood tests, and sonography >> Pap smear & pelvic and abdominal ultrasound; colposcopy if required>> Mammography>> Osteoporosis screening>> Colorectal examination>> Urinary bladder studies>> Neurological examination>> Correction of vitamin D, B12 and folic acid deficiencies
24 March,2026 10:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarAs the hottest stretch of the year approaches, birds in the city are struggling to cope with extreme heat even as animal hospitals are regularly receiving cases where dehydrated and exhausted birds are falling from heights, ending up getting injured. Mayur Dangar, manager at Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals, shared, “For this month, the hospital has already received 72 cases of birds and 18 cases of dogs and cats involving dehydration. This figure is alarming because last year we received around 70 such cases across the entire month of March.” Dogs, cats also at risk An injured and dehydrated barn owl (right) A dehydrated crow resting Although it’s tough to single out dehydration as a key factor in cases of dogs and cats compared to the birds, it is very common for them as well to experience increased fatigue during heat waves. Dogs and cats make up 20 per cent of dehydration cases at Petit Hospital. Commonly reported heat-stress cases include... >> House sparrow>> Rock pigeon (blue rock pigeon)>> Black kite>> Common myna>> Barn owl>> Parakeet A community dog at Petit Hospital (right) An exhausted cat receives treatment. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Birds suffering from heat stress show several visible behavioural and physical signs... >> Open-mouth breathing (panting)>> Drooping wings>> Lethargy or weakness>> Reduced movement>> Moderate stress>> Sitting still on the ground or balcony>> Unable to fly properly>> Eyes partially closed>> Rapid breathing>> Collapse or unconsciousness>> Trembling or seizures Petit Hospital staff rescue a Brahminy kite Doctor speak Dr Shahir Gaikwad, Associate professor of surgery, Mumbai Veterinary College, and I/C Surgery Ward, BSDP Hospital‘There has been a spike in bird rescue calls during intense summer heatwaves. Most rescue calls tend to come from South Mumbai and dense urban and suburban zones, especially where green cover and natural water sources are limited’ Citizen rescue Harshita Charatker, a resident of Ambekar Nagar, found a barn owl fallen on a road near her building on Thursday. She, along with her family, rescued the bird. “We tried calling different animal helplines, but the calls were not going through. We have been bird parents in the past, so we were well equipped for the rescue,” said Charatker. Harshita Charatker and family, who rescued a fallen barn owl Steps citizens can take to help birds Step 1 Move the bird to shade; place it in a cool, quiet area away from predators (cats, dogs) Step 2 Reduce body temperature; sprinkle room-temperature water lightly on the bird; wrap it gently in a cool damp cloth if necessary. Step 3 Do not force-feed water; do not pour water directly into the beak (risk of choking) Step 4 Let the bird rest; many birds recover after cooling and hydration Step 5 Contact rescue service Simple citizen actions like placing water bowls can save thousands of birds every summer. If the bird cannot stand or fly after 30-60 minutes one must contact the Forest Department Control Room: +91 81049 26313 90 cases of dehydration within first 13 days of March 32 pigeons2 parrots12 crows4 owls22 kites12 dogs6 cats*Data is as of March 13, 2026.
24 March,2026 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaCreating a spin-off of the reality show Shark Tank, underprivileged school students from Mumbai teamed up with business school pupils to pitch their own ideas for seed fund. From mobile repairs and beauty services to arts and crafts, students as young as 16 years old, who work to support their families, showed up on Thursday to showcase their talents at the ‘Dolphin Tanki’ — a seed-funding platform organised by the Salaam Bombay Foundation. For three weeks, these teenagers were paired with MBA students from NMIMS who helped them create a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities, threats) analysis for their business ideas while helping them with the 101s of entrepreneurship the students learnt through their course. As many as 36 students presented their ideas to a panel of industry experts brought together by Salaam Bombay, who offered a total sum of '11 lakh in grants to the students, while pitches were judged on practicality, local demand, and community needs for micro-businesses like theirs. Sectors pitched by students >> Beauty and wellness>> Mobile repair>> Home appliance repair>> Photography>> Video editing>> Creative arts>> Fashion design>> Bakery>> Choreography Salaam Bombay Foundation Founded in 2002, Salaam Bombay Foundation is a Mumbai-based non-profit that focuses on keeping children from low-income communities in school. It provides underprivileged kids education, preventive healthcare, vocational training, and extracurricular programmes in arts and sports. Students Speak Mohammed Nasir, 15, Std XI student of Arts from GhatkoparI started repairing phones at first because I liked solving problems, now it helps my family and neighbours too. Eventually I took up the course via Salaam Bombay, and I want to start an affordable phone repair shop with no duplicate spare parts, no hidden charges, and no compromise on people’s data security. Right now, I make around '20,000 a month, servicing 25-30 customers, and hope to get new tools with my fund Shagun Gupta, 16, Std XI student from KurlaAfter my father passed away, I had to step up to help my mother and siblings, so I started my own home-based beauty service business in Kurla West. I can do basic haircuts, makeup, facials, and threading, and am now up-skilling in bridal makeup and nail art. I asked the judges for basic tools like a vanity box and hair straightener. I help my younger siblings buy stationery and other needs for their school with this service. Rukmini Poojari, 19, Third-Year BMM StudentPhotography, for me, is about finding the story behind every frame. My father works as an auto-rickshaw driver, and my mother is a cook. For now, I work on basic photo projects. I have asked for an investment of around '50,000 for equipment like reflectors and renting cameras. I enjoy travelling, so I hope to become a destination wedding photographer.
24 March,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarADVERTISEMENT
