The demolition of an old structure at Atgaon station in Thane district on the Central Railway turned tragic on Saturday after an iron staircase collapsed, killing a labourer and leaving another critically injured, an official said, reported news agency PTI. An official from the Shahapur police station said that the accident occurred while workers were dismantling the station's old ticket house. During the operation, a portion of an adjoining staircase, part of an ageing iron bridge structure, suddenly gave way and crashed down, trapping two labourers working below, he said, reported PTI. Police and railway officials rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. One labourer was pulled out with serious leg injuries and taken to the Shahapur sub-district hospital, where doctors said his condition remains critical, he said, reported PTI. The second labourer was trapped under the heavy, rusted iron staircase and was declared dead at the scene. Rescue teams had to use a gas cutter to retrieve the body, the official added. Man killed as MSRTC bus rams into motorcycle in Beed district In another incident, a 40-year-old man riding a motorcycle died after a bus operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) rammed into his two-wheeler in Beed district, police have said, reported PTI. The incident took place near Kakadhira on Beed-Ahilyanagar road on Wednesday evening, reported PTI. The deceased has been identified as Vishwas, alias Rajabhau Shivaji Baglane, a resident of Kakadhira in Beed tehsil, reported PTI. According to police, Baglane was going on a motorcycle from Beed towards his village when a speeding MSRTC bus hit his vehicle, killing him on the spot. A case has been registered against the bus driver, an official said. Senior citizen killed after autorickshaw overturns Meanwhile, a sixty-year-old man was killed after an autorickshaw overturned in Parli Vaijnath town in Beed district of Maharashtra on Friday afternoon, police said, reported PTI. The incident occurred at 2.30 pm near Neela cross road on Parli Vaijnath-Gangakhed Road, they said. The deceased has been identified as Baban Raut, who ran a barber shop in Parli Vaijnath, reported PTI. "He and his relatives were returning from Gangakhed after attending a wedding when the autorickshaw they were travelling overturned. There were a total of 10 passengers inside the vehicle. Soon after the accident, the driver fled from the spot," a police official said, reported PTI. Raut, who was sitting next to the driver, and received a severe blow from the vehicle's handle, causing him to lose consciousness and die on the spot. Other passengers sustained minor injuries, he said, reported PTI. Raut's body was taken to the Parli Vaijnath sub-district hospital, reported PTI. His son, Srinivas Raut, is the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) candidate for the Parli Municipal Council. (With inputs from PTI)
14 December,2025 01:25 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe opposition on Sunday criticised the Mahayuti government in the Assembly over the issue of trainees from the CM Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana being thrashed by the police, reported news agency IANS. Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who was joined by members Jayant Patil and Nana Patole, grilled Minister of Skill Development Mangal Prabhat Lodha on this issue and asked what the fate of these trainees will be after their 11-month training is completed. They jointly brought to the Minister’s notice during the discussion on the calling attention motion, the purported statements made by former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and current CM Devendra Fadnavis that these trainees will be given permanent jobs in the state government. However, Minister Shambhuraj Desai objected to statements by Wadettiwar, Patil and Patole clarifying that Shinde, during his tenure as the chief minister, had never spoken about giving a permanent job in the state government but had announced that the issue would be considered sympathetically, reported IANS. The scheme aims to provide job-oriented, on-the-job practical training to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements, enhance the skills and employability of young graduates and diploma holders and provide financial support in the form of a monthly stipend during the training period. Wadettiwar pointed out that the scheme was introduced by the state government before the Assembly elections with the promise of employment, which has now left the youth on the streets. He sharply criticised the government, asking, "What kind of system is this? Why were they beaten when they protested yesterday?," reported IANS. He said, "This scheme was brought in before the elections, and now it has been shut down. These children campaigned for the government; they toiled for you in the elections. What was the reward they received? They were severely beaten for protesting yesterday; some children sustained fractures. This shows the government's insensitive attitude. What about the future of these children? What happened to the promise made by the then Chief Minister that they would be permanently absorbed into the service?," reported IANS. Patil and Patole wanted Minister Lodha to explain the government’s policy to provide permanent jobs to the students after completing 11 months of training. After the opposition’s aggressive stance, Minister Lodha clarified that the scheme has not been closed down but assured the House that these trainees would be accommodated under a new scheme and that the government is formulating a new policy regarding this matter. (With inputs from IANS)
14 December,2025 01:15 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Eknath Shinde and ruling BJP, Shiv Sena legislators visited RSS founder K B Hedgewar's memorial in Nagpur on Sunday, while Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and other NCP leaders skipped the event. During the visit, Shiv Sena chief Shinde congratulated the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for completing 100 years of its formation, lauded present RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat as a "true patriot", and said this is the year of "centenary of patriotism". The winter session of the Maharashtra legislature is currently underway in Nagpur. Ministers and MLAs belonging to the BJP visit the memorial of Hedgewar and the second Sanghchalak, M S Golwalkar, at the Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh every year during the winter session of the state legislature. Last year, MLAs Raju Karemore and Rajkumar Badole were the only representatives of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, which has 41 legislators in the assembly, at the Smruti Mandir. On Sunday morning, Fadnavis, Shinde, state legislative assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, council chairperson Ram Shinde and several other legislators of the BJP and Shiv Sena paid tributes at the memorial of Hedgewar and Golwalkar. Later, speaking to reporters, Shinde said whenever they come to Nagpur for the winter session, they visit the Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir. "We all experience a different feeling and get strength and inspiration for patriotism and serving the nation after coming here. This is the centenary of patriotism," he said, reported PTI. "RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is a true patriot and is a big personality, who always guides the country as a Sanghchalak, and we, as common karyakarta (workers), always draw inspiration from him for serving society," he said, reported PTI. Dr Hedgewar established the RSS in Nagpur 100 years ago and it is a big achievement, Shinde noted. Nagpur is not just the second capital of the state, but the birthplace of RSS. Hence, everyone coming here, irrespective of caste, religion and region, learns the teachings of patriotism and serving the nation, he said. Shinde also said that the RSS, working for the last 100 years, is a historic achievement, reported PTI. "We, both RSS and Shiv Sena workers, are always present during calamities and work impartially for society," he said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
14 December,2025 11:44 AM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out on Sunday morning at a godown storing autorickshaws in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said, reported news agency PTI. No casualties were reported, they said. The authorities were alerted at 5.45 am about the blaze at the godown, where autorickshaws were kept, at Kalher in the Bhiwandi area, a fire official said, reported PTI. A fire brigade team rushed to the spot and efforts were on to douse the blaze, he said. The cause of the fire was not yet known. Diesel tanker erupts in flames after hitting vehicle in Beed district; none injured In another incident, a speeding diesel tanker caught fire after hitting a heavy vehicle on a highway in Beed district of Maharashtra on Friday evening, but no casualties were reported in the incident, police officials said, reported PTI. The fuel tanker erupted in flames at 5.15 pm near Kolwadi on the Solapur-Dhule National Highway after hitting another vehicle, an official from the Beed police said. No one was injured in the fire, he added. Due to the massive quantity of diesel, the fire escalated rapidly, quickly engulfing the tanker and reducing it to ashes. The intensity of the blaze was such that trees lining the roadside also caught fire, sending huge plumes of smoke and flames high into the air, another official said, reported PTI. Rural police and Fire Brigade personnel immediately rushed to the scene and brought the inferno under control, he said. Tea stall owner dead, 2 injured as part of balcony collapses near railway station in Mumbai Meanwhile, a tea stall owner died and two others were injured when part of a balcony of a building located near Masjid Bunder railway station in south Mumbai collapsed on Thursday night, officials said. Citing Mumbai Fire Brigade, a civic official said the incident took place at Kotak Bhavan on Narsee Natha Street in Masjid (West) at around 9 pm when a portion of the second-floor balcony suddenly caved in. Three persons, including a tea stall owner, and his two customers were injured in the incident. The tea stall owner was operating his business from below the building, he said. All three persons were rushed to nearby state-run JJ Hospital, where doctors declared one of them, Mukesh Dendore (28) -- the stall owner -- dead, according to the official. The injured, identified as Shafiq Islam (40) and Shalikram Jaiswal (52), were undergoing treatment, the official added. (With inputs from PTI)
14 December,2025 11:37 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai woke up to clear skies and mild winter conditions on Sunday, December 14, offering residents a relatively pleasant start to the day. However, air quality across the city continued to be a cause for concern, with pollution levels remaining in the unhealthy category. The city recorded a minimum temperature of around 22 degrees Celsius during the morning hours. Weather conditions ranged from sunny to partly cloudy in some areas. Humidity levels were observed between 77 and 84 per cent, while moderate wind speeds of 11 to 14 km per hour prevailed across the city, according to latest Mumbai weather update. As per the latest Mumbai weather update, the maximum temperature is expected to climb to approximately 33 degrees Celsius during the day, while the minimum temperature may dip to around 18 degrees Celsius at night, providing generally comfortable weather conditions for residents. Humidity is likely to remain at about 77 per cent, helping limit discomfort despite the warmer afternoon. Despite the favourable weather, Mumbai’s air quality remained moderate, with the city recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 126, according to data from the SAMEER app. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such pollution levels may cause breathing discomfort, particularly among individuals with asthma, lung ailments, or heart conditions. AQI readings varied across different parts of the city, with Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) recording 156, Borivali 89, Byculla 149, Chakala in Andheri East 113, Chembur 180, Colaba 124, Deonar 131, and Kandivali West 104, indicating uneven but persistent pollution levels across Mumbai. Delhi chokes under hazardous smog as air quality worsens; visibility low Air pollution in the national capital, which had already deteriorated into the ‘severe’ category, worsened further on Sunday as a thick blanket of toxic smog enveloped the city, pushing air quality to hazardous levels and affecting visibility in several areas. According to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 461 at 7 am on Sunday, up from 431 recorded a day earlier. The alarming figures underscored the deepening air quality crisis gripping the national capital. All 40 air quality monitoring stations across Delhi reported readings in the ‘severe’ category, with several locations nearing the maximum measurable limit. Rohini emerged as one of the worst-affected areas, recording an AQI of 499, followed closely by Bawana at 498. Vivek Vihar reported 495, while Ashok Vihar and Wazirpur registered AQI levels of 493 each. Narela recorded 492, and Anand Vihar stood at 491. Other parts of the city also remained heavily polluted. ITO recorded an AQI of 485, Mundaka 486, Punjabi Bagh 478, Nehru Nagar 476, and both Chandni Chowk and Okhla registered readings of 470, reflecting widespread and persistent pollution across the capital city.
14 December,2025 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter pagadi tenants across the city received a long-awaited assurance from the state government on redevelopment, residents of gaothans, koliwadas and Adivasi padas, who are considered to be the sons of soil or the original inhabitants of Mumbai, have also asked for recognition of their habitation rights. Activist Godfrey Pimenta, representing the communities, has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the same. “We respectfully request the immediate notification and enforcement of demarcated boundaries for all Gaothans, Koliwadas, and Adivasi Padas in the Development Plan, dedicated FSI and redevelopment norms that are community-centric that aligns with local livelihoods,” said Pimenta. “These reforms will not only protect socio-cultural heritage but also ensure inclusive growth for all stakeholders in Mumbai’s urban and rural transformation,” said Sanfur Maxie Netto, the resident of Worli gaothan since 1971.
14 December,2025 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarAt Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Maharashtra, a long wait ended on a sweet note when vultures previously released into the wild returned to guide their friends, captive-bred birds, helping them learn their first lessons in survival including taking their maiden flight in the wild. The Maharashtra Forest Department, in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), has been working to release the captive bred vultures in the wild. These vultures were brought from Pinjore in Haryana on April 24, 2025, and trained them to feed on carcasses. The vultures were then housed in the pre-release aviary, specially constructed in Pench for releasing them in the wild. The aviary helped them to acclaimatise to local environmental conditions. December 11 (Thursday) marked an important milestone in vulture conservation with the initiation of a soft release of critically endangered vultures under the ongoing Vulture recovery programme. PTR and BNHS had earlier released 10 Long billed Vultures in August 2024. Two birds from this released lot, have been spotted in PTR of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The 14 birds released on the day were exclusively vultures. Kishor Rithe, Director of BNHS, said, “The Wild vultures were also observed soaring and perching around the aviary during the release, further indicating habitat suitability and reinforcing the effectiveness of the release strategy.”
14 December,2025 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe long-awaited burn care ward at KEM Hospital was inaugurated on Saturday. The medically advanced ward will bring much-needed relief as the city will no longer have to rely on the National Burns Hospital in Airoli to treat burn victims. The ward has nine regular beds and three ICU beds, along with a separate bathing area, which is a must for the treatment of burn victims. It also has a separate pantry to cook protein-rich food for the patients. The ward was inaugurated by donor Shailesh Limdi, who provided Rs 2.5 crore for its establishment, as well as hospital dean Dr Sangeeta Rawat and head of plastic surgery department, Dr Vinita Puri.
14 December,2025 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarIn a major relief for residents of Juhu (DN Nagar) and Dahisar, the Maharashtra government has decided to relocate the high-power radar stations in these areas. For years, these radars have blocked redevelopment and new construction, but the move is expected to remove long-standing hurdles and allow old, dilapidated buildings to be redeveloped. On December 10, mid-day reported that about 15,000 residents from nearly 200 Juhu housing societies plan to boycott the upcoming BMC elections. These societies lie within 500 metres of an Army wireless station, where redevelopment is banned due to security rules. Both Dahisar and Juhu currently have high intensity radar centres. Due to safety restrictions around these radar installations, construction of tall buildings in nearby areas is not allowed. This has made redevelopment of old buildings in these localities almost impossible. On Friday, during the ongoing winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state government plans to shift the radar centres to alternate and suitable locations. The Maharashtra government informed the members of the legislature that it has suggested an alternative site for shifting the Juhu radar. “The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been invited to inspect this proposed location. Once AAI completes its technical study and approves the site, the formal approval process for shifting the Juhu radar will begin,” Fadnavis claimed. Mumbai BJP unit chief Ameet Satam welcomed the move as it would pave the way for redevelopment of several old and dilapidated buildings in these areas. Meanwhile, the CM further informed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the AAI have approved the plan to shift the Dahisar radar to Gorai. In fact, the Maharashtra government has assured the central government that it will pay for the relocation and provide alternative land. “Also, 50 per cent of AAI’s land in Dahisar will be kept aside for public gardens,” Fadnavis added. “The relocation of the radar centres will pave the way for the redevelopment,” Fadnavis concluded. Govt announces ‘housing for all’ policy The Maharashtra government announced a “Housing for All” policy to restart stalled redevelopment projects in Mumbai, especially in restricted areas like funnel zones, Juhu military transmission station, Kandarpada, Malad COD area, and other protected lands. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “The policy aims to allow stalled redevelopment in these zones.” Under this scheme, EWS families will get up to 300 sq ft homes free of cost, while LIG families will receive redeveloped flats up to 600 sq ft without any charges. Developers will be given incentive FSI to make projects viable.
14 December,2025 07:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarOf all the pretty horses A couple makes sure to take a selfie to document their horse ride at Dadar Chowpatty. Of Kasavu meeting Louboutin Her installation, Sathya, at the Paris exhibit Mumbai-based conceptual artist Lakshmi Madhavan is taking her textile practice based on the kasavu handloom heritage to new international heights, with her signature weaves on exhibit in a Paris showcase conceived by Christian Louboutin, no less. The historic exhibition brings Indian and French artists and designers into dialogue through textiles, and is on at the Galerie des Gobelins et Mobilier National till January 4, 2026. Lakshmi Madhavan with one of her artworks One of two works on display is an installation, Sathya, in which Madhavan wraps loom shuttles with thread and hair — hers and her son’s — in a commentary on weavers’ lineage and generational memory. The second piece, a kasavu panel titled Hanging by a Thread II, explores the weave from Kerala as a charged material shaped by caste, gender, and labour. “My practice is rooted in kasavu as both material and method—a way of thinking through labour, lineage, and belonging. Working in long-term collaboration with the Balaramapuram weaving community, I seek to make visible the bodies, gestures, and inherited knowledge that sustain this cloth but are often erased once it enters public life,” she says. Three of Madhavan’s weaves have also been acquitted by the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, and are on display in the museum’s first-ever permanent Kerala section. She also has a showcase on (Looming Bodies) at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale till March 31, 2026. Santa spotted in Bandra (W) The shiny letter box Ho Ho Ho! ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Santa Claus has made a stopover at Bandra (W) where a letter box for kids to post their Santa communication stands ready for the season. A resident informed, “this is installed at the DeLima Apartments on St Andrews Road at Bandra (W) right till December 24.” The circular/letter alongside the post box stated. “This is jolly old Santa Claus. Guess what? I’ve found the PERFECT spot for my special red-and-gold Letter Box again this year! Come skipping, hopping, or dancing over to drop your beautiful letters straight to me! Write your wishes, dreams, and doodles, fold them with love, and pop them in my box!” An interesting aspect is a drum next to the letter box where everyone is encouraged to drop in their pre-loved toys and clothes. Death of a cricketer revisited Terry O’Connell and the late Martin Bedkober. Pic Courtesy/ cricket.com.au For years, cricket lovers, especially those from Australia, have known what happened to grade cricketer Martin Bedkober without actually hearing the story of his death in great detail. On December 13, 1975, Sydney’s Bedkober, representing Toombul club in Brisbane was struck on his heart. No amount of on-ground rescue work could save Bedkober’s life. In 2014, Australian batsman Phil Hughes lost his life after being struck below his left ear from a delivery bowled by Sean Abbott. A news report in the January 1976 issue of the Australian Cricket magazine Now, 50 years on, cricket.com.au has a large feature on that incident and interviewed the man who bowled that fatal ball to Bedkober — Terry O’Connell, 75.Bedkober was a flat mate of Australian cricket stars Jeff Thomson and Ian Davis. Thomson recalled being shattered when he received the of his friend’s death during the December 12-16 Perth Test against the West Indies. Bedkober’s girlfriend was at the club match and so were O’Connell’s parents. “The thing that haunts me, is that… this was a trap that we set … I deliberately bowled the one short to hit him. I meant to hit him, but I didn’t want to do that damage. It’s an accident, I know. But deep in my mind, I deliberately did it,” O’Connell is quoted as saying. He’s lived with this guilt for 50 years and his torture will probably never end. Some sad life this. Women with colours Art by Moon Sutradhar. Pic Courtesy/Zubaan Books In 2006, Zubaan initiated Poster Women, a project, conceptualised to visually map the history of the women’s movement. They worked closely with over 160 organisations and individuals to source 1100+ posters which today form an open archive. In 2026, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Poster Women collection, Zubaan in collaborating with Takshila Education Society to hosted multiple exhibitions at Arthshila Santiniketan, Goa, and Ahmedabad. Bidisha Mahanta, Executive Director at Zubaan, says, “The poster collection contains 1200+ posters from the 1970s onwards, documenting women’s resistance against violence, domestic abuse, loss of land, struggle for reproductive rights and so much more. In the 40 submissions encompassing around 60-70 posters, we also see the recurring themes of invisibilised labour, increasing (and digital/online forms of) violence against women, queer, trans folks, issues of communalism, etc. In some ways, we have moved forward in visibilising marginalised communities but in so many ways, we are still where we started, albeit with more layers added to it.”
14 December,2025 06:49 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 19Avoid getting into arguments with a friend who has your best interests at heart. Self employed businesspersons may want to expand their professional network.Life tip: Make the most of opportunities that might move at a fast pace- live life to the fullest, and be the best version of yourself you can be.have a fall. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Reply to emails and messages as promptly as possible, as you could forget to reply to an important one if you delay. Stick to a budget if you are redecorating or renovating your home.Life tip: Making time to indulge your playful side is the key to sparking creativity and imagination. Allow yourself to have fun. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Think before you speak, especially at work. Beware of anyone trying to manipulate you. Avoid overindulging while socializing.Life tip: Choose to look at situations from a higher perspective without losing touch with what needs to bene at a very practical level. CancerJune 21 – July 22Be very mindful with investments, and avoid risky ones even if they seem very good. This is a positive time for those who want to conceive a child.Life tip: BThose who want to upgrade their life would have to work on it in a disciplined manner. Do not give up prematurely. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Say only as much as you need to in the middle of an argument. Don’t make commitments if you don’t intend on keeping them.Life tip: Remember that people are not always as they seem, so don’t trust blindly. Follow through on your commitments. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Someone from your professional or social network may reach out for help. Understand your needs before making any lifestyle changes.Life tip: Count your blessings, and help those who genuinely need it. Be happy where you are, while also working towards the future you want. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Get all the information you need if you are dealing with any family issue. Make sure you are extremely disciplined at work and stick to timelines.Life tip: Cut through any unnecessary emotions that are blocking you from making right decisions. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Make a thought-out decision if you are at a life-changing crossroad. Avoid eating food that is difficult to digest.Life tip: Cut through unnecessary things and focus on what’s important. Pay attention to focused thought, clear communication and timely responses. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Try not to react impulsively – you need to understand the other side of the story. Time spent with family and close friends will very enjoyable.Life tip: Trust any burst of inspiration and follow through, especially if it is something creative. Make the most of all opportunities. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Handle any fast situation with clarity and do not allow yourself to get distracted by non essentials. This is a positive time for those who want to conceive a child.Life Tip: Cherish the people in your life, and don’t take them for granted. Not everyone is blessed to have genuine people around them. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Speak your mind without getting too emotional, and make choices after careful thought. Do not allow anyone to undermine you or your achievements.Life tip: Be at your best, and choose discipline over laziness. Look at how you can use any structured situation to your advantage. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Make the most of opportunities at work, even the relatively smaller ones. Singles who have met someone new should take the equation slowly.Life tip: Know what you want, but make sure you are not reacting from ego. Maintain a balance and awareness in everything you do.
14 December,2025 03:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseADVERTISEMENT
