In a shocking incident, a 78-year-old man from Maharashtra's Thane city has allegedly been duped of Rs 1.06 crore in an online investment fraud. The incident happened after the individual was lured with promises of lucrative returns. As reported by news agency PTI, the police have registered a case against one person in this connection, the police officials stated. An official from the Rabodi police station further asserted that, “The accused first added the senior citizen to a WhatsApp group and later lured him to join another group for investments, promising high returns,” as per PTI. He added that, “Believing the assurances, the victim allegedly made 21 online transfers to multiple bank accounts, amounting to Rs 1.06 crore between October and November. But when he asked for his money back, the accused stopped responding.” Based on the victim's complaint, the police on Thursday registered a case on charges of cheating against the accused. While a detailed probe has been initiated by the police authorities, further investigation into the matter is still underway to trace the accused and identify the money trail, the police added. Thane man loses Rs 11.69 lakh in forex trading fraud In a different scenario, earlier on December 1, police had registered a case against 16 persons for allegedly cheating a man of Rs 11.69 lakh in a forex trading racket in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI. As per the reports, the accused lured the 24-year-old victim, a resident of Ulhasnagar, into forex trading by promising high returns. Based on their instructions, he transferred Rs 11,69,165 to multiple bank accounts between October 14 and November 22. But when he asked for his returns and his invested amount, the accused stopped responding, an official from Ulhasnagar police station said, reported PTI. Furthermore, based on the victim's complaint, the police registered a case on November 30 against 16 persons, including a woman and a person posing as a customer care executive, on charges of cheating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, he added, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
06 December,2025 02:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBJP MLA Mihir Kotecha on Friday demanded that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) immediately cancel the Rs 550-crore contract awarded to S. P. Singla for the Goregaon–Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project, citing poor-quality work that has contributed to rising air pollution in Mulund. Speaking to the media, Kotecha said last week Mulund’s Air Quality Index (AQI) spiked significantly, affecting residents’ health. “The dust, polluted air, and substandard work from this project are major contributors to the deteriorating AQI,” he said. The MLA, accompanied by municipal engineers, project consultants, ward officials, and solid-waste management teams, inspected a 2-km stretch of the project from Amar Nagar to Nahur. During the inspection, around 100 instances of violations were identified. Kotecha said that while the BMC had issued 40 warning letters and imposed a Rs 1-crore fine on the contractor, no improvement has been observed. “Because of the contractor’s negligence and substandard work, residents are not getting clean air. A serious threat to citizens’ health has emerged. The BMC chief must immediately cancel this contract,” he demanded. Kotecha also highlighted safety concerns along the elevated sections of the GMLR. “There are no barricades, railings, or proper lighting installed, creating serious risks for commuters. Any incident could result in a fall of 20–25 feet, which is potentially life-threatening,” he said. This comes after the MLA recently inspected a 2-km stretch of LBS Road, where Metro Line-4 construction is underway, and had demanded action against the contractor there as well.
06 December,2025 02:52 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar gathered at his memorial in Mumbai's Dadar on Saturday to pay tributes to the social reformer on his death anniversary, observed as 'Mahaparinirvan Din'. As reported by news agency PTI, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were also present at Chaityabhoomi in Shivaji Park to pay tribute to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. On the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Din, the Maharashtra Governor, while addressing the public, asserted that Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar gave the country a constitution which ensured equal rights to all people. Every year, thousands of people from across the state converge at 'Chaityabhoomi' on December 6. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar died on this day in 1956. In view of expecting a large crowd on this day, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set up temporary sheds, mobile toilets, drinking water and medical stalls at the Shivaji Park to make sure that followers of the Ambedkar who gathered do not experience any kind of inconvenience. On the occasion of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s death anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also recalled Ambedkar's 'visionary' leadership. While taking to social media, PM Modi wrote, “Remembering Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism continue to guide our national journey. He inspired generations to uphold human dignity and strengthen democratic values. The Prime Minister further added that, “May his ideals keep lighting our path as we work towards building a Viksit Bharat,” as reported by PTI. Today, on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, paid tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in Delhi. We will keep working with full vigour to realise his dream for our nation. pic.twitter.com/nIejtgr0nJ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 6, 2025 Central Railway to not operate weekly mega block in Mumbai on December 6 The Central Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday also said that it will not operate a weekly mega block in Mumbai in view of Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2025. In an official statement, Central Railway said that it will not operate the weekly mega block on the Mumbai suburban network over the CSMT-Kalyan Main Line and CSMT-Panvel Harbour Line, including the Trans-Harbour Line and Port Line, on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in view of "Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2025". Meanwhile, in another statement, the Central Railway on Thursday announced a temporary restriction on the sale of platform tickets at 13 major stations from December 5 to 7, 2025, ahead of the expected heavy rush of devotees visiting Mahaparinirvan Diwas. The move aims to manage crowding on platforms and ensure smooth passenger movement within station premises, officials said. (With inputs from PTI)
06 December,2025 02:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the state is committed to ensuring that the grand memorial for Babasaheb Ambedkar at Indu Mill in Mumbai’s Dadar is completed by December 6 next year. Speaking at Chaityabhoomi on the 69th Mahaparinirvan Day, he said construction is underway and the government will make every effort to meet the deadline. The Maharashtra government had also appointed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority as the Special Planning Authority for the 4.84-hectare project in 2013, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the bhoomi pujan on October 11, 2015, reported news agency PTI. Envisioned as a ‘Shanti Sthala’, the memorial will feature gardens reflecting Ambedkar’s life and philosophy, a towering bronze-clad statue, and facilities including a 1,000-seat auditorium, lecture halls, a library, conference rooms, a meditation centre, a Parikrama Path, administrative offices, and parking, reported PTI. In May 2022, the state set up a cabinet sub-committee under the Social Justice Department to coordinate the project. The site lies close to Chaityabhoomi, where lakhs gather every year on December 6 to pay homage to Ambedkar, who passed away on this day in 1956. Thousands gather at Chaityabhoomi; Governor and CM hail Ambedkar's enduring legacy Thousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar gathered at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai’s Dadar on Saturday to pay homage on his death anniversary, observed as Mahaparinirvan Din. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were among the dignitaries who offered tributes at the memorial. Governor Devvrat said Ambedkar gifted India a Constitution that ensured equal rights to all, noting that great leaders live on through their thoughts and work. Despite adversities, Ambedkar believed in the transformative power of education, he said. Fadnavis highlighted Ambedkar’s far-sighted vision, saying he laid the foundation for India’s progress and contributed to the nation’s energy security through the concept of a national power grid. He added that India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, is on track to reach third place soon. The state government, he said, remains committed to completing developmental works at the Chaityabhoomi complex. Shinde said Ambedkar’s lifelong struggle centred on equality, liberty, justice and fraternity, and that his call to “Educate, Organise and Agitate” continues to inspire social change. The Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and several ministers, MPs, MLAs and dignitaries laid floral tributes at the memorial and visited a BMC-organised photo exhibition. A helicopter showered flower petals over Chaityabhoomi, and attendees received copies of the Constitution. Every year, thousands converge at the site on December 6; Ambedkar passed away on this day in 1956. To manage the crowd, the BMC set up temporary sheds, mobile toilets, drinking water facilities and medical stalls at Shivaji Park. In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Ambedkar’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism”, saying his ideals continue to illuminate India’s path toward building a Viksit Bharat. (With PTI inputs)
06 December,2025 02:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar gathered at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai’s Dadar on Saturday to pay homage on his death anniversary, observed as Mahaparinirvan Din. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were among the dignitaries who offered tributes at the memorial. Governor Devvrat said Ambedkar gifted India a Constitution that ensured equal rights to all, noting that great leaders live on through their thoughts and work. Despite adversities, Ambedkar believed in the transformative power of education, he said, reported news agency PTI. Fadnavis highlighted Ambedkar’s far-sighted vision, saying he laid the foundation for India’s progress and contributed to the nation’s energy security through the concept of a national power grid. He added that India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, is on track to reach third place soon. The state government, he said, remains committed to completing developmental works at the Chaityabhoomi complex. Shinde said Ambedkar’s lifelong struggle centred on equality, liberty, justice and fraternity, and that his call to “Educate, Organise and Agitate” continues to inspire social change, reported PTI. The Governor, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and several ministers, MPs, MLAs and dignitaries laid floral tributes at the memorial and visited a BMC-organised photo exhibition. A helicopter showered flower petals over Chaityabhoomi, and attendees received copies of the Constitution. Every year, thousands converge at the site on December 6; Ambedkar passed away on this day in 1956. To manage the crowd, the BMC set up temporary sheds, mobile toilets, drinking water facilities and medical stalls at Shivaji Park. In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Ambedkar’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism”, saying his ideals continue to illuminate India’s path toward building a Viksit Bharat. Maharashtra CM Fadnavis vows to complete Ambedkar memorial by December 6 next year Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the state is committed to ensuring that the grand memorial for Babasaheb Ambedkar at Indu Mill in Mumbai’s Dadar is completed by December 6 next year. Speaking at Chaityabhoomi on the 69th Mahaparinirvan Day, he said construction is underway and the government will make every effort to meet the deadline. The Maharashtra government had appointed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority as the Special Planning Authority for the 4.84-hectare project in 2013, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the bhoomi pujan on October 11, 2015, reported news agency PTI. Envisioned as a ‘Shanti Sthala’, the memorial will feature gardens reflecting Ambedkar’s life and philosophy, a towering bronze-clad statue, and facilities including a 1,000-seat auditorium, lecture halls, a library, conference rooms, a meditation centre, a Parikrama Path, administrative offices, and parking, reported PTI. In May 2022, the state set up a cabinet sub-committee under the Social Justice Department to coordinate the project. The site lies close to Chaityabhoomi, where lakhs gather every year on December 6 to pay homage to Ambedkar, who passed away on this day in 1956. (With PTI inputs)
06 December,2025 02:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a significant breakthrough, the civic officials on Saturday seized as many as nine tonnes of banned plastic from a godown in Maharashtra's Palghar district. As reported by news agency PTI, acting on specific inputs, a team of personnel from the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVMC) reached the godown at Sari Compound, Achhole, in the Nalasopara area on Friday and found the banned plastic stock kept there. The official statement released by the civic authorities says that this is the largest seizure of prohibited plastic by VVMC. The civic officials emphasised, "A fine of Rs 5,000 has been recovered from the godown owners, and punitive action has been initiated," as cited by news agency PTI. The release issued by the civic authority also stated that “anyone manufacturing, storing, selling, or using banned plastic will face penalties of Rs 5,000 for a first offence, Rs 10,000 for the second, and Rs 25,000 along with three months' imprisonment for repeated violations,” as quoted by news agency PTI. BMC clears 50 illegal stalls in Mulund In a different scenario, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s T ward on Wednesday, December 3, launched a crackdown on hawkers encroaching on footpaths and roads in Mulund, a day after clashes broke out between residents and hawkers over illegal occupation of public spaces. The Mumbai civic authorities removed more than 50 hawkers from the Mulund market area and nearby arterial roads. On Tuesday, two separate altercations took place between locals and hawkers over encroachments on RRT Road, Ganesh Gawde Road and Walji Raja Road. Residents alleged they were verbally abused and threatened when they objected, prompting two police complaints from citizens who say they have been raising the issue for over two years. Nirmal Thakkar, a Mulund resident and member of the citizens’ group Jagrut Mulundkar, and one of the complainants, said, “After the two incidents on Tuesday, we also approached the DCP, who assured us that action will be taken against hawkers who are threatening residents.” Residents also said that the hawkers have increasingly taken over footpaths and road corners, creating severe congestion. While writing a letter to the BMC earlier this year, resident Sharad Sejpal wrote, “For years hawkers have been selling on the roadside, but in recent months they have taken things to the extreme. They have encroached on sidewalks and set up bases at every junction. Pregnant women, the elderly, schoolchildren and all Mulundkars are struggling to walk and drive. Traffic problems are increasing. Is this acceptable?” (With inputs from PTI)
06 December,2025 02:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn equal canvas On World Disability Day (December 3), differently-abled artist Nadeem Shaikh paints with his foot at a mall in Goregaon Tango with the Argentine GOAT Kruti Gandhi performs stage tango The last time Kolkata was in such a frenzy, a certain Diego ‘La Mano de Dios’ Maradona was in town. Now, it is time for the late footballing icon’s heir, Lionel Messi, to make his visit to the Salt Lake Stadium on December 13. While there are close to 70,000 people vying for a chance to get close to the Argentinian ‘GOAT’, Kruti Gandhi might have it better than most when she will join her team from the Mumbai-based Abrazo Tango School for the opening ceremony. “It will be a choreographed performance of Argentinian tango and Rabindra Nritya that will later blend into a duet. It is a beautiful amalgamation of the two cultures. It was the organisers in Kolkata, who reached out to ask if we'd like to perform at the ceremony," explained the tango exponent. Lionel Messi with the Golden Ball trophy after the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. Pic/Getty Images With a preparation time of only 15 days, the 10-member troupe plans to choreograph a stage tango performance. “It is a creatively challenging process to weave a story between Argentina — home to both Messi and the tango — and Kolkata. So, we opted for stage tango because unlike the social form, it has bigger and dramatic movements,” Gandhi said. Jussawalla goes to Kochi Adil with Father, 1940. Pic Courtesy/Artist, and The Guild After its showcase at The Guild in June, Enlightenment from an Unlikely Envelope: Archives of Adil Jussawalla will open at the Kerala Museum-MNF Gallery of Contemporary Art in Kochi on December 7. “It explores the links between his [Adil Jussawalla] photographic practice, his life in writing, and the milieu he inhabited. Intimately bound to Bombay/Mumbai, many of these works can be read as a reflection on the city’s literary and artistic landscape,” shared curators Deeptha S Achar and Chithra KS. Big win for mid-day’s Mohar Basu At the 19th Crossword Book Awards held on Wednesday night on the lawns of an Andheri five-star, a toast was raised to India’s literary talent as well as its icons. In the Popular Choice Awards category, mid-day’s chief correspondent, Mohar Basu bagged the award (Shah Rukh Khan-Non-Fiction) for her refreshing take on fandom around the Bollywood superstar. Other winners in this category included Prajakta Koli (Too Good To Be True-Fiction) and Thomas Mathew (Ratan Tata: A Life-Business and Management). Bachi Karkaria with Shanta Gokhale (right) Anupama Chopra with Mohar Basu The glittering spectacle, hosted by the ever-dependable Hrishikesh Kannan, began in the right spirit by celebrating the contribution of literary and theatre icon, Shanta Gokhale with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Close friend, senior journalist and author, Bachi Karkaria bestowed her with the honour, while warmly reminiscing about their shared love for literature, and their long friendship. Gokhale, was her honest self, reminding all of us, including this diarist, of why discipline and humility go a long way in a long, accomplished literary career such as hers. (From left) Award-winners Manu S Pillai, Ruchir Joshi, J Devika, Prajakta Koli, Mohar Basu, Thomas Mathew, Shanta Gokhale, Manoj Kuroor, Varsha Seshan, and Denise Antao. Pics Courtesy/Crossword Bookstores The other chief category was the hotly-contested Jury Awards. Winners included Ruchir Joshi (Great Eastern Hotel-Fiction), Manu S Pillai (Gods, Guns and Missionaries-Non-fiction) and Varsha Seshan, illustrated by Denise Antao (The Wall Friends Club-Children’s Books). Seated in the audience were luminaries that panned the cultural and literary universe but it was the authors – both nominees and winners – who deservingly were the stars that shone the brightest. Second chance for streeties Pic courtesy/@worldforallanimaladoptions World for All Animal Care and Adoptions recently held their 10th Adoptathon for rescued Indian breed puppies and kittens. These dewormed, vaccinated, and healthy street animals, aged between two and six months, are waiting to find loving homes. It turns out these pups will get another chance at adoption at the Adoptathon Hangover to be held on January 11, at Cat Cafe Studio in Versova. Speaking to the diarist, founder Ruchi Nadkarni and co-founder and president Taronish Bulsara (inset) of World for All Animal Care and Adoptions said, “We urge people to adopt, and not shop. Adopting, fostering, rescuing, sterilisation, and awareness is the way forward.” Science, kids, and art Students celebrate during the competition. Pic courtesy/Nehru Science Centre The Nehru Science Centre in collaboration with ROSATOM (a Russian state atomic corporation) hosted a two-day Science Festival on Wednesday and Thursday, featuring multiple events — from creating a science-themed rangoli to a panel discussion on nuclear energy and its future. The festival also included a fun do-it-yourself session where children built the tallest and most stable tower using only paper and glue. “Students from Bai Kabibai English School and Junior College in Fort constructed the most stable paper tower, measuring about 62 centimetres in height,” revealed Dr Anindita Mondal, curator, Nehru Science Centre.
06 December,2025 01:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayThe Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has successfully driven the installation of 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in just 30 days. This milestone was recognised as a new world record by the Guinness World Records (GWR) on Friday. The massive achievement positions Maharashtra as the fastest-deploying solar agriculture state in India and second only to China globally in the scale and speed of solar pump deployment by a single administrative region. MSEDCL’s accomplishment reflects their commitment to accelerating India’s clean energy transition, improving farmer livelihoods, and supporting sustainable irrigation through the effective implementation of the PM-KUSUM (Component B) and Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana (MTSKPY) schemes. MSEDCL’s strategic approach to record deployment Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s operational excellence and farmer-centric model were key to achieving this historic milestone: Structured planning and prioritisation: Installation efforts focused on drought-prone zones to maximise irrigation impact and sustainability. Vendor accountability: Transparent empanelment and strict service-level agreements ensured grievances were resolved within three days, with automatic escalation mechanisms for unresolved issues. Rapid, large-scale deployment: Multiple installation teams deployed simultaneously across districts, supported by pre-positioned pump inventory and digital tracking systems. Farmer-centric execution: Pumps were sized based on landholding (3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farms), with hands-on support for installation, usage, and maintenance. Policy synergy: Future connections are being given by off-grid solar pumps to ensure a reliable and daytime power supply to farmers. Through these initiatives, MSEDCL has established a scalable and replicable model for solar irrigation deployment, demonstrating how strong systems, real-time monitoring, and farmer-first execution can drive transformative outcomes. With over 7.47 lakh solar pumps installed to date and a target of 10.45 lakh pumps, MSEDCL is spearheading one of the largest renewable energy transitions in India’s agricultural sector, creating a model that can be replicated across states and internationally. A giant leap in Maharashtra’s energy transition Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis said, “Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his transformative PM-KUSUM initiative, Maharashtra has accelerated the shift toward clean, farmer-centric irrigation. In one month, we have installed more than 45,911 solar pumps across the state, making Maharashtra the No. 1 state in India for solar agriculture. This achievement also ensures irrigation security, improves productivity and farmer incomes and reduces the dependence on conventional energy sources. Also, the state government is committed to expanding this momentum and building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for every farmer in Maharashtra. Congratulations to State Discom (Mahaviotaran). Shri Lokesh Chandra, IAS, Chairman and Managing Director, MSEDCL, added, “This success has been possible due to efficient scheme design, transparent vendor empanelment, and strict service-level compliance. Every vendor is mandated to resolve farmer grievances within three days, failing which the matter escalates to MSEDCL for action. The State has also adopted a policy to release new agricultural connections through off-grid solar pumps, shifting fully to solar-based solutions. He further added that, “Our pump-sizing policy: 3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger holdings. This ensures equitable distribution and maximum benefits to small and marginal farmers.” A replicable model for India and the World Through its structured planning, transparent pump allocation, strong vendor ecosystem, ecological safeguards, and farmer-first execution, Maharashtra has created a national model for clean energy in agriculture which can be replicated by the global south. The Government of Maharashtra and MSEDCL remain committed to expanding solar irrigation, strengthening farmer resilience, and accelerating India’s clean energy transition.
06 December,2025 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBabasaheb stands tall Two workers draw a purple sheet across a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar outside Thane Railway Station, ahead of Mahaparinirvan Diwas on December 6. The Maestro’s 90th bash Zubin Mehta directs the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra in Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in 2024. Pic Courtesy/Beogradska Filharmonija on YouTube January will arrive with a celebratory tone for composer and maestro Zubin Mehta. Ahead of the celebrations for his 90th birthday on April 29, the city will witness two special concerts by close friends and collaborators of the maestro, hosted by the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation. On January 15, violinist Pinchas Zukerman will perform Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, while students from the foundation will put on a showcase of Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances. Zukerman traces his friendship with the Indian composer to their early days in the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. The concerts will also be led by The Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the leading orchestras in Europe. Mehta has been a close friend to the orchestra for over 70 years, having led them for the first time in 1958. Pianist Lang Lang performs in Vienna. Pic Courtesy/@langlangpiano The second day will also see Chinese pianist and virtuoso Lang Lang perform the Piano Concerto No. 5 by Beethoven on his return to India. Fans of Classical Music might want to hurry, as tickets will open to the public on December 15. Bandra’s steps get an arty makeover A recent mural at The Steps, by British mural artist Alex Pawson The side walls of The Steps Bandra, on Mount Mary Road, will be painted with new murals, ahead of the annual Festival At The Steps on December 20. Artists can submit their proposals by December 8. “A jury of respected figures, including Kiran Rao and Arzan Khambatta, among others, will select the finalists, who should be available between December 10 and 15,” revealed Anca Florescu Abraham, member of co-founder of Bombay Greenway, the platform which re-designed The Steps into an accessible, open-air amphitheatre, which was inaugurated in 2019. For more, log on to @thestepsbandra. Artists and children paint a previous mural. Pics Courtesy/thestepsbandra Spoken goes big Roshan Abbas at a previous edition of the festival. File pic The preparations are already underway for Spoken Fest 2026 in February, shared festival director Roshan Abbas. With the first list of names on the line-up featuring talents from Swanand Kirkire and Sriti Jha to Soumik Datta & Travellers, the veteran Waseem Barelvi, to the more contemporary voices of Psycho Shayar (Abhi Munde) and Mahi G, among them, Abbas told us, “As the largest listening party, Spoken needs to maintain the torch for discovery. That is why we need to find voices that need attention, and voices that people will pay attention to.” Founder and executive chef at Junsei, Aman Lakhiani Crab Croquettes, on the pop-up menu at Soho House. Pics Courtesy/Junsei Mumbai's Soho House, Juhu has been in the middle of a trippy pop-up since yesterday (December 5) and today. This is courtesy of Junsei, a Japanese izakaya and listening bar in London and Jakarta. An izakaya includes small dishes with alcoholic drinks. Founder and executive chef at the Juhu haunt, Aman Lakhiani fondly recalls, “Izakaya dining was part of my daily life. I can’t wait to bring that fire, smoke, and warmth to Mumbai.” Aman Lakhiani Secular seekers at Shivaji Park Pic Courtesy/YouTube Fables can also have their grounding in reality. Ask Professor Gautamiputra Kamble (right). On Mahaparinirvan Diwas today, the award-winning Marathi litterateur and founder of the Secular Art Movement will be present at Shivaji Park as he talks about his latest work, The Seekers (Blaft Publications). Translated by Sirius J Libeiro, the compilation of five stories delve into the principles that are central to Ambedkarite-Phule thought, and weave together ideas of freedom, ideological conflict and the struggle for artistic excellence. Blending both symbolic allegory and fantasy, the stories stitch together the past and present of the struggle and caste awareness in Maharashtra. Readers looking to catch the title can visit the Secular Movement & Secular Art Movement Stall (No 121) and English Book Stall at Shivaji Park.
06 December,2025 12:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Mumbai will experience a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 22 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with mainly clear skies expected across the city and suburbs. According to the Sameer app, the air quality index (AQI) for the city stands at 122, showing a slight improvement compared to Friday. Residents, especially those with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions, may experience breathing discomfort. AQI readings across Mumbai: Kurla: 101Powai: 74Vile Parle West: 136Borivali East: 107Worli: 122Sion: 88Mazgaon: 106Deonar: 136Malad West: 128 Delhi wakes up to toxic smog as AQI hits 333, remains in 'very poor' category The national capital woke up to a thick blanket of smog on Saturday morning, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 333, placing it in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Although there has been a slight improvement compared to recent weeks, several parts of the city remained shrouded in dense haze, significantly reducing visibility. Areas such as Ghazipur Mandi, Anand Vihar, and Wazirpur reported particularly heavy smog, while many regions across Delhi continued to fall in the very poor AQI range, the CPCB said, reported news agency ANI. The area around Anand Vihar was blanketed in a dense layer of toxic smog, with an AQI of 366 in the 'very poor' category. According to CPCB data, Sonia Vihar recorded an AQI of 352, Wazirpur measured 359, while Ghazipur Mandi recorded 366. Bawana recorded the highest AQI of 375 at 7 am, placing it in the 'very poor' category. In contrast, NSIT Dwarka recorded an AQI of 260, which falls under the 'poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The India Gate and Kartavya Path area is blanketed by a layer of toxic smog that covers the city. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in the area is 311, categorised as 'Very Poor'. According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Further to combat the continuously deteriorating air quality in the national capital and its adjoining areas, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, has released a statement regarding the alarming levels of pollution in Delhi. The statement was issued on Friday in response to a question raised by MP Dr Laxmikant Bajpayee in the Rajya Sabha, asking whether it is a fact that "one in every seven deaths in Delhi can be attributed to the city's toxic air as claimed by several studies and reported in the media". The Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, responded by saying various studies have been conducted by academic and research institutes on the impact of air pollution. During the year 2025, not a single day has the AQI reached the severe plus level in Delhi. The government continues to take measures to address the issue in Delhi-NCR, reported news agency ANI. The government has established the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, to oversee air quality management in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas. The Commission has been addressing the issue of air pollution in Delhi-NCR in a collective, collaborative, and participative mode involving all major stakeholders. The Commission has issued 95 Statutory Directions to guide and direct various actions toward the abatement of air pollution in the region and has prepared a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle pollution during peak winter months. The government has also implemented stricter emission norms for polluting activities in NCR and conducts regular review meetings to monitor progress. (With ANI inputs)
06 December,2025 12:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHundreds of teachers skipped school on Friday and assembled outside the offices of education department officials in Jogeshwari, Chembur, and Charni Road, among many spots across the city, to protest against various polices, including the Teachers’ Eligibility Test (TET), which has been made mandatory, and Sanch Manyata regulations. “Between 400 and 500 teachers participated from over 70 per cent of aided Marathi schools across the city. Despite the education department officials’ warning that those who took part would face a pay cut, we saw large participation. While we received no written response from the officials, we are expecting these points to be raised in the Assembly. If not, we are prepared to stage a larger demonstration in Nagpur,” said Subhash More, working president of Shikshak Bhaarti, who protested at Charni Road. A primary reason for the unrest is the fear of loss of jobs, as a recent Supreme Court verdict mandates TET even for in-service teachers. However, a 2024 government order regarding ‘Sanch Manyata’, a system that allots teachers to schools based on the head count of their students, was a central point of contention. “Allotting a teacher as per student head count is an unfair practice. Even if a school has a low population, those handfuls of students also deserve to study. Moreover, this cannot be a blanket regulation, since rural students, especially girls, find it difficult to travel to far-off schools if the one in their neighbourhood lacks a teacher,” said Jalindar Sarode, president of Shikshak Sena Maharashtra. 400Minimum no. of teachers who took part in stir
06 December,2025 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarADVERTISEMENT
