State School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse on Thursday highlighted that the government is installing CCTV cameras and providing other necessary safety infrastructure to strengthen the safety and security in schools across the state, news agency IANS reported. While filing a written reply to a question raised by NCP legislator Sulabha Khodke during the Maharashtra Winter Assembly Session, Bhuse said, “Following the directions from the High Court, a Government Resolution (GR) was issued on May 13 mandating the installation of CCTV cameras for the security of students in all schools." The decision to install CCTV cameras will cover schools of all mediums and management types, IANS reported. The GR also directs the implementation of comprehensive safety guidelines. Furthermore, the government also confirmed that a major factor contributing to inadequate school safety is the lack of school safety committees, complaint boxes, and first-aid facilities in many institutions. Bhuse also highlighted that a total of 60,049 government schools run by local self-governing bodies and 29,049 private schools in the state have installed CCTV cameras, IANS reported. Moreover, 45,677 teachers and non-teaching staff in the state have registered in the Teachers-Staff Database. “Nearly 4,888 schools have registered under the School Portal. About 103,665 School Safety Committees and 103,703 Parent-Teacher Associations have been formed. In addition, 103,703 schools have confirmed awareness and compliance regarding the POCSO Act and child protection guidelines,” the minister added. The state has also allocated Rs 18 crore for the purchase and installation of CCTV cameras in 16 Tribal Development Department (TDD) ashram schools, with the average cost of installation estimated between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh per school. In Amravati District, the work for installing CCTVs in 27 government schools was completed at a cost of Rs 2 crore through the 'Super Computer' company. Moreover, the Palghar District has submitted a request for Rs 44 lakh from the zilla parishad to the district collector for CCTV installation. While the administrative approval for Rs 14 crore (80 per cent of the total cost) was received in the 2018-19 financial year, the tender process is currently underway. Separately, 63 schools in the Amravati District are also in the process of installing CCTVs. Minister Bhuse also emphasised, “Measures related to student security and safety are being implemented in all schools across the state as per the May 13 GR, and continuous action is underway." The opposition made a strong pitch for increasing the speed of the installation of CCTV cameras. Citing implementation delays, the opposition said that there is a lack of dedicated funding across a majority of the state's schools in the process. (With inputs from IANS)
11 December,2025 04:41 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentTo highlight the issue of rising leopard attacks across Maharashtra, Junnar MLA Sharad Sonawane arrived at the state legislature in Nagpur on Wednesday for the Maharashtra Winter Assembly Session dressed in a leopard costume, news agency PTI reported. The Shiv Sena MLA's gesture came on a day when seven people were injured after a leopard attack in the Pardi area of Nagpur city. The wild cat was captured by the forest department following the incident during the early hours of Wednesday. While speaking to the media on Wednesday outside the assembly premises, Sonawane claimed that 55 people have died in leopard attacks in Junnar Taluka of Pune district in the past three months. VIDEO | Maharashtra Assembly Winter Session: MLA Sharad Sonawane dons a leopard costume while addressing a press conference to protest against the rising incidents of leopard attacks in the state.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/GDL5KskQwo — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 10, 2025 The Shiv Sena MLA further highlighted that people in the area are living in fear, demanding that the government should build rescue centres which can accommodate up to 2,000 leopards in Junnar taluka and Ahilyanagar district, PTI reported. On Wednesday, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik had informed the assembly about a proposal to release goats in forests to provide prey for leopards. Responding to this, Sonawane said that it would be of no use as leopards increasingly live in sugarcane fields and near human settlements. “The government should declare a ‘state emergency’ and capture at least 2,000 leopards and put them in rescue centres,” Sonawane further stated. In the latest spate of attacks, seven people were injured by a leopard on Wednesday morning in a neighbourhood in the Nagpur District of Maharashtra. According to officials, the forest department received a call reporting that a leopard had been spotted in Shiv Nagar in the Pardi area of Nagpur, causing panic among local residents. According to Dr Vinita Vyas, deputy conservator of forests, Nagpur, at least five and at most seven people suffered injuries during the incident, reported the PTI. A team from the forest department and the wildlife treatment centre quickly reached the location, tranquilised the leopard, and safely rescued it. All the injured persons were taken to hospital for treatment. (With inputs from PTI)
11 December,2025 04:04 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Citizens, a network of 28 organisations working for the welfare and rights of older people in Maharashtra, has praised the State Election Commission (SEC) for successfully conducting the recent Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. In a letter, addressed to Dinesh Waghmare, State Election Commissioner, the group said it is confident that the elections will also be carried out with the same level of care and efficiency. With Maharashtra’s population ageing quickly, the JAC said it is important to ensure that senior citizens can vote safely, comfortably, and with dignity. After speaking with older people and senior citizens’ groups across Mumbai and the rest of the state, the committee has submitted several recommendations to make voting more senior-friendly. The JAC has requested ground-floor polling booths with ramps, lifts, and wheelchairs at polling stations. It has also asked for priority voting or separate queues for senior citizens, with enough seating and shaded waiting areas. The group further recommended better ventilation, fans, bright lighting, drinking water, and proper toilet facilities at polling sites. It also suggested that digital ID should be accepted if a senior forgets their physical ID, along with digital electoral rolls to avoid delays. The committee called for first aid and basic medical support at polling stations, along with transport assistance for older voters up to the main gate. It also urged the authorities to strengthen home voting options with advance awareness and enrolment for people above 85 years of age, persons with disabilities, and bedridden or medically fragile individuals. The JAC also requested special registration and voting support for senior citizens living in old age homes across Maharashtra. The organisation said it hopes the Election Commission will adopt these measures for the upcoming elections. It stated that with special attention to voters aged 60 and above -- especially those over 85 -- these steps can greatly improve accessibility, safety, and turnout. The committee said it will continue to raise awareness on social media and is ready to support the Election Commission as volunteers on election day.
11 December,2025 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray appeared before a Thane Court on Thursday in connection with a 2008 rioting case and pleaded not guilty, news agency PTI reported, quoting his lawyer. Thane , Maharashtra: In connection with the 2008 railway recruitment case, MNS President Raj Thackeray appeared today at the Thane District Sessions Court Advocate Omkar Rajurkar says, "There were 1-8 accused and we have decided to charge them and the trial will start soon..." pic.twitter.com/CLCmtsFFv7 — IANS (@ians_india) December 11, 2025 A large crowd of supporters gathered outside as Thackeray appeared before Chief Judicial Magistrate AV Kulkarni. The court framed charges against him and several MNS workers related to rioting, assault on candidates, and attacks on police personnel on October 19, 2008. When the magistrate asked whether he accepted the charges, Thackeray said he did not. The matter has now been posted for the next hearing on December 16, according to his lawyer Rajendra Shirodkar. He added that the MNS chief would attend court proceedings whenever directed. Security was heightened and the court premises saw heavy crowds as Thackeray arrived for the hearing. The case stems from allegations that Thackeray and MNS workers targeted candidates from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who had come to appear for the Railway Recruitment Board exam in 2008. In all, 54 cases were registered against him and party members. He was granted bail at the time on a surety of Rs 1 lakh. Acting on a Bombay High Court directive, Thackeray surrendered before the court in June 2009 after his anticipatory bail was set aside. The High Court had concluded that custodial interrogation was not required but agreed with the state government that the anticipatory bail granted earlier by a lower court had become infructuous. Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS release videos alleging Maharashtra government corruption The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday released separate videos alleging corruption within the Maharashtra government, triggering sharp political exchanges during the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur. In a video shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve, Alibaug MLA Mahendra Dalvi from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction is allegedly seen handling a large bundle of cash. Dalvi has denied the allegation. Speaking to the media in Nagpur, Dalvi said the video had been manipulated and held no truth. He also hinted, without naming him directly, that Ajit Pawar, led NCP leader and MP Sunil Tatkare, was involved. “Someone from Raigad is behind all this,” Dalvi said. Although both Tatkare and Dalvi belong to the Mahayuti alliance, the two are known for frequently taking jabs at each other. “Attempts are being made to tarnish my image. I am willing to resign as MLA if this video is proven genuine,” Dalvi added. The video circulated by Danve sparked uproar on the second day of the winter session. While Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders demanded action, Shinde Sena ministers defended their MLA. Responding to Dalvi’s allegations, Danve said the MLA should first prove the video is fake rather than questioning its source. “I stand by what I have said,” Danve asserted. Tatkare also hit back, criticising Dalvi for dragging him into the controversy. “I haven’t spoken to Danve, not even over the phone. Why would I involve myself in something like this? I deal with issues directly, not in such a manner [with opposition's help],” the MP from Raigad said. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande held a press conference alleging large-scale corruption in the public works department. He also showed a video in which an alleged PWD employee is seen handling cash. “This money is taken for clearing tenders and for processing pending contractor bills,” Deshpande claimed. (With PTI inputs)
11 December,2025 02:30 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentPius Wilfred Minino Coutinho, who had been stuck at a deportation centre in Doha, Qatar, for two and a half months, returned home to his family in Mumbai eight days after mid-day shed light on his plight. The 68-year-old, who moved to the West Asian country for work over 35 years ago, said he had handed over his passport to his sponsor — the general manager of the company he used to work for — for safekeeping a few years ago. However, when he subsequently enquired about it, the sponsor replied that he had lost it. “I didn’t think much while keeping my passport with him all these years, as I used to get my working licence renewed every few years, and wouldn’t have any issues, but the last time I asked him, he said he had misplaced it,” Coutinho told mid-day on Wednesday. When the Qatar authorities realised that Coutinho didn’t have his passport, he was sent to the deportation centre. Deportation centre saga “I was worried, at first, about how the centre would be. But to my surprise, its condition was the least of my worries. I found it to be very clean and hygienic, where all the employees and other occupants treated each other with respect,” Coutinho recalled. Calling his family when he could, Coutinho was not worried at first, as he expected his return to Mumbai was inevitable. But things took a grim turn. A long wait “After my family submitted my baptism certificate and ration card to the authorities, they both were rejected as the former wasn’t a government-issued certificate and the latter did not have my full name,” he added. As the initial efforts failed, Coutinho was told that the Indian embassy couldn’t issue him a passport until he obtained a valid certificate proving his Indian citizenship. Coutinho said, “My formalities towards the Qatar authorities had been long completed; I was just waiting for the Indian authorities to acknowledge that I was an Indian citizen to get a new passport or an emergency certificate, and the fact that the embassy was also helpless till a valid certificate was provided made me start having an identity crisis.” Civic apathy Pavithran Nicholson, Coutinho’s brother-in-law, was leading the efforts to get him back from Mumbai. As mid-day reported in its December 1 edition, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) delays and apathy threatened to make Coutinho’s stay in the deportation centre a long one. Nicholson, recounting the ordeal, said, “We still haven’t received the birth certificate from BMC, not even an update call. After the mid-day article came out, I approached the Indian embassy in Doha, showing them the report and photos, matching Coutinho’s ration card with that of my wife. It is then that they gave us hope.” The embassy authorities then approached Coutinho, asking him questions based on what Nicholson had told them. As Coutinho answered the questions, the authorities from the embassy were satisfied and issued an emergency certificate, which acts as a temporary passport, to Coutinho, which helped him return home, according to Nicholson. What’s next? Coutinho is still getting medical help for his diabetes, as he depends on a wheelchair for long walks, and he plans to get healthy. “He has been asking to get a new suit stitched for himself as Christmas is coming close. We are moving slowly as there are still things that need to be done, like getting his bank accounts unfrozen and then getting other documents so that such a situation doesn’t happen again,” said Nicholson, who expressed gratitude to the Indian embassy in Doha as well as Labour Officer Ravi Rathe. Coutinho told this reporter, “I want to get my passport reissued, properly this time, so I have the option of travelling internationally in the future.” 2009Year Pius Coutinho last visited Mumbai before his detention
11 December,2025 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturThose travelling on Ghodbunder Road this weekend have been asked to brace for major diversions. The Thane Traffic Police have announced that road maintenance and resurfacing work will take place from December 12 to 14, affecting several key stretches. The Thane Traffic Police have announced significant planned diversions on the Thane-Ghodbunder Highway 84, specifically between Gaimukh Nirakendra, Kajupada, and Fountain Hotel. This is due to roadwork being carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). List of road closures and alternate routes: Heavy vehicles from Mumbai and Thane towards Ghodbunder Road All heavy vehicles travelling from Mumbai and Thane towards Ghodbunder Road will be stopped at Y Junction and Kapur Bawdi Junction. Alternate routes:a) Heavy vehicles may proceed straight from the Y Junction towards their destination via Kharegaon Toll Plaza – Mankoli – Anjurphata – Nashik Road.b) Heavy vehicles may take a right turn at Kapurbawdi Junction and continue towards their destination via Kasheli – Ajurphata. Heavy vehicles from Mumbra and Kalwa towards Ghodbunder Road All heavy vehicles travelling from Mumbra or Kalwa towards Ghodbunder Road will be stopped at Kharegaon Toll Plaza. Alternate route:Vehicles must travel via Kharegaon Khadi Bridge – Kharegaon Toll Plaza – Mankoli – Anjurphata to reach their destination. Heavy vehicles from Nashik towards Ghodbunder Road All heavy vehicles coming from Nashik towards Ghodbunder Road will be blocked at Mankoli Naka. Alternate route:Vehicles should take a right turn beneath Mankoli Bridge and proceed via Ajurphata to reach their destination. Advisory for light vehicles According to the official notification, light vehicles travelling from Thane towards Ghodbunder may proceed from Gaimukh Chowki on Ghodbunder–Thane Road by using the wrong-side diversion provided, and then move towards their destination through the designated cut near Fountain Hotel. 🚧 महत्वाची वाहतूक सूचना 🚧ठाणे घोडबंदर मार्ग ८४ वर डि.बी.एम. व मास्टींग कामासाठी रात्रभर वाहतूक बदल.तारीख: १२/१२/२०२५ (रात्र ००:०१) ते १४/१२/२०२५ (रात्र २३:५९)कृपया वाहतूक नियमानुसार आणि बदलांची सूचना पाळा. 🚗🛑#ठाणे #वाहतूकबदल #सार्वजनिककाम pic.twitter.com/pXIA3nvd89 — ठाणे पोलीस.. Thane Police (@ThaneCityPolice) December 7, 2025 The official notification from Thane Traffic Police clarifies that the traffic control measures will not affect police vehicles, fire brigades, ambulances, green corridor vehicles, oxygen gas transporters, and other essential service vehicles. The PWD and TMC will be conducting DBM and mastic repairs on the stretch between Gaimukh Nirakendra, Kajupada, and Fountain Hotel. According to the advisory, all heavy vehicles heading towards Ghodbunder Road from Mumbai and Thane will be stopped at the Y Junction and Kapurbawdi Junction. DCP Traffic Pankaj Shirsath stated that repair work is underway on the damaged road section between the new and old Octroi Naka up to the Nira Centre, carried out by the PWD and TMC. From December 12 to 14, all 6-wheel and 10-wheel goods vehicles approaching from the Thane side will be redirected to alternate routes to ease traffic flow during the repairs. Heavy vehicles are expected to face entry restrictions, while light vehicles may experience delays due to controlled traffic flow through the work zones. Commuters are advised to plan their routes in advance, follow traffic instructions, and, if possible, use alternate roads to avoid congestion. Thane, Maharashtra: DCP Traffic Pankaj Shirsath says, "Through the PWD and TMC, repair work has been undertaken on the stretch from the new Octroi Naka and old Octroi Naka up to the Nira Centre, which had been damaged. During the 12th, 13th, and 14th, 6-wheel and 10-wheel goods… pic.twitter.com/rbJSXRJbIk — IANS (@ians_india) December 10, 2025 Thane traffic: Complete Ghodbunder Road final-stage projects by Dec 15, Sarnaik tells officials Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday directed the official to complete all ongoing works at Thane's Ghodbunder Road on a war footing and the final-stage projects must be finished by December 15. These include several development works and the groundbreaking ceremony for a new theatre at Waghbil. A review meeting was held on Friday in the Arvind Pendse auditorium at the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) headquarters. Sarnaik, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pankaj Shirsat, and senior officials from the TMC, MMRDA, Metro, PWD, the Collector’s Office and other departments were present, an official statement said on Friday. Sarnaik said that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had provided significant funds for Thane’s development. Using this funding, projects such as the scientific rejuvenation of 67 wells across the city are underway. Water from these wells will be made potable, it said. Modern upgrades to crematoriums, a dedicated crematorium for pets, the Balasaheb Thackeray Digital Aquarium, and jogging tracks for morning walkers are also being created. Work on the service road connection along Ghodbunder Road is in progress. Sarnaik instructed that with coordination between MMRDA, the electricity and water departments, the Metro authority and the traffic police, the service road must be completed by January 15. He added that citizens should not suffer due to traffic congestion and that the Regional Transport Office will assign five squads to assist the traffic police, according to the statement.
11 December,2025 01:13 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai woke up to mainly clear skies on Thursday, with temperatures expected to range between 15 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Today, Colaba recorded a minimum temperature of 20.9 degrees Celsius with no rainfall, while Santacruz saw a colder start at 15.6 degrees Celsius, also with zero rainfall, as per IMD Mumbai. Air quality remains a concern across the city. According to the SAMEER App, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 109, categorised as moderate. Authorities have warned that this level of air pollution may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions. Breaking down the AQI across different city zones: Bandra Kurla Complex registered 113, Borivali 73, Byculla 120, Chakala-Andheri East 80, Chembur 118, Colaba 88, Deonar 112, and Ghatkopar 125. Residents are advised to take precautions, particularly those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, while enjoying the mostly pleasant winter weather. Winter grips Maharashtra with low temperatures and dry conditions Maharashtra experienced a chilly start on Thursday, with several regions recording low temperatures and clear skies. In coastal Ratnagiri, the minimum temperature was 17.2 degrees Celsius with no rainfall, while Dahanu recorded 15.2 degrees Celsius accompanied by 71 per cent relative humidity. Colaba and Thane Belapur areas reported slightly warmer conditions, with minimums of 20.9 degrees Celsius and 20.2 degrees Celsius, respectively, both experiencing dry conditions, according to the IMD. In western Maharashtra, Pune and Baramati recorded cold mornings with minimum temperatures of 7.9 degrees Celsius and 7.5 degrees Celsius, respectively. Nasik registered 8.2 degrees Celsius, Satara 10.0 degrees Celsius, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar 10.8 degrees Celsius. Kolhapur and Sangli saw minimums of 14.4 degrees Celsius and 12.3 degrees Celsius, with Sangli experiencing haze and Kolhapur remaining dry. Northern and central regions of the state also felt the winter chill. Nandurbar recorded a minimum of 12.4 degrees Celsius, while Ahilyanagar dipped to 6.6 degrees Celsius with high humidity of 90 per cent. Relative humidity across the state ranged from 30 per cent in Ratnagiri to 89 per cent in Pune, highlighting dry conditions in coastal areas and moist conditions inland. Rainfall remained absent across the state, with all major regions reporting zero rainfall over the last 24 hours. Seasonal rainfall totals showed 405.7 millimetres in Ratnagiri, 296.4 millimetres in MWR, 184.6 millimetres in Dahanu, 112.5 millimetres in Sangli, and 70–84 millimetres in parts of Pune, Baramati, and Ahilyanagar. Visibility was generally good, with clear skies reported in Satara and haze in Sangli. Overall, Maharashtra continues to experience typical winter conditions with cold mornings, dry weather, and low rainfall across most regions.
11 December,2025 11:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIf the state government’s plans move forward, developers of new buildings and redevelopment projects will soon be required to provide dedicated two-wheeler parking spaces. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that two-wheeler parking has long spilt onto streets and lanes because the Development Control Regulations (DCR) never accounted for it. Speaking in the state legislative council on Wednesday, he said the gap became evident during the redevelopment of the BDD chawls. “I will ask the Urban Development Department and the BMC to examine how this issue can be incorporated into the DCR,” Fadnavis said. The DCR sets rules for urban development, ensuring planned growth and public welfare. It already mandates a minimum number of parking spaces in new constructions, but these primarily cover four-wheelers. During a discussion on traffic police imposing fines on two-wheelers parked on roads, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab urged the government to find a solution for residents who face chronic parking shortages in their neighbourhoods and buildings. Responding to concerns raised by Sena UBT members, Fadnavis admitted the scale of the problem and said the government would work towards a practical solution.
11 December,2025 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarKonkan Railway has intensified its ticket checking operations along its route to promote safe and responsible travel, targeting ticketless journeys and ensuring smooth, hassle-free trips for passengers with valid tickets. In November 2025 alone, the railway conducted 1,070 special ticket checking drives, detecting 42,965 unauthorised or irregular travellers and collecting Rs 2.33 crore in fares and penalties. From January to November 2025, a total of 7,483 special drives were carried out, during which 2,90,786 passengers travelling without valid tickets were identified, generating Rs 17.83 crore in fare and penalty collections. Konkan Railway has urged all passengers to purchase proper tickets before starting their journeys, emphasising that travelling without a valid ticket is a punishable offence. The KRCL has announced that intensified ticket checking drives will continue across its entire route during the winter and the upcoming Christmas festive season to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for all authorised passengers.
11 December,2025 10:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIf Mumbaikars are happy about anything right now, it is the weather that finally feels like winter season. If not during the day, at least the mornings and nights that are cooler, amid the constantly fluctuating AQI and worsening air pollution. However, this good feeling often makes us take our health for granted, as you may look for comfort in steaming street food, but it may not always do well for you, apart from the fact that you may not be consuming enough water due to lack of thirst, say city dieticians. After irregular spells of rain and sunshine leading up to these cooler months, Mumbaikars deserve nothing more than a healthy winter season. Amreen Sheikh, chief dietician at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, and Jinal Patel, dietician at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Ghatkopar West, share the whats and whys of winter food and how to stay healthy as the mercury drops. Amreen Sheikh, chief dietician, KIMS Hospitals Winter foods to say yes to Seasonal fruits such as oranges, sweet lime, strawberries, custard apples, guava, apples, amla, and pomegranate, which are rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre, as well as spinach, methi (fenugreek), sarson (mustard), beetroot, carrots, cabbage, green peas, cauliflower, and sweet potato. Healthy habits and home remedies Simple habits make a big difference: warm water instead of cold, a teaspoon of chawanprash or jaggery after meals, ginger-tulsi tea, steam inhalation, and adding pepper, ajwain, and cinnamon to food. A spoon of ginger juice mixed with honey helps soothe the throat, reduce cough, and enhance immunity. Consuming turmeric milk at night keeps the body warm, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent colds and throat infections. What to avoid Ignore the myth that one must eat more in winter. Warmth comes from balanced meals, hydration, and staying active. Overeating only causes sluggishness and weight gain. Fried foods, such as pakoras, don’t boost immunity but can increase inflammation. Avoid heavy, oily foods, which only add excess calories and tend to slow digestion. Why take precautions? Winter naturally slows digestion, increases cravings, and makes us drink less water. At the same time, infections, dry skin, joint stiffness, and fatigue are more frequent. A balanced seasonal diet helps regulate immunity, keeps energy steady, and prevents the winter slump that many people experience. Immunity boosters Children need warm, nutrient-dense meals with enough protein, healthy fats, and seasonal fruits. Adults should focus on balanced meals with whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, and hydration to maintain energy and prevent fatigue. Jinal Patel, dietician, Zynova Shalby Hospital Senior citizens need softer, easy-to-digest foods, adequate protein, calcium, and warm fluids to support immunity, digestion, and joint health. Adding spices like ginger and turmeric helps improve digestion and immunity.
11 December,2025 09:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoMore than 24 hours after a leopard entered Nagaon village near Alibag, the search for the animal continued on Wednesday. Dense coconut and supari plantations, many barricaded, posed major challenges for the forest department. The search was called off in the evening, as officials believe the leopard may have left the area. On Tuesday morning, two people walking along a road in Nagaon were attacked by the leopard in an unprovoked confrontation, causing panic in the area Nagaon sarpanch Harshada Mayeker said the incident began around 10.30 am on Tuesday when two people walking along a road were attacked. “Everyone was shocked; nothing like this has ever happened here. We alerted the forest department and police, who arrived within half an hour to locate and rescue the leopard,” she said. Students were safely sent home via school buses or picked up by parents A resident told mid-day that the village, home to roughly 12,000 people and nine schools, acted quickly once news spread. About 700-800 students were safely sent home via school buses or picked up by parents. An extensive search using thermal drones failed to locate the big cat The leopard, possibly agitated by the crowd, later injured five more people, including a forest department officer. All were treated for minor wounds. Pune-based NGO, RESQ CT, joined efforts in the evening to tranquilise the leopard. Forest department officials and the police arrived to locate and rescue the animal within half and hour of being alerted by locals But thick plantations and fencing made tracking difficult, and thermal drones were of no use. Over 150 personnel from the forest department, police, and NGOs continued the search overnight and resumed operations on Wednesday morning. Nagaon sarpanch Harshada Mayeker and local police review safety measures. Pics/By Special Arrangement Expert Speak Neha Panchamia, RESQ founder “Our Pune team reached Nagaon in three-and-a-half hours. Thick vegetation, numerous hiding spots, and large crowds kept disturbing the leopard. Thermal drones couldn’t penetrate dense plantations or structures. Despite night-long searches, it appears the leopard has left the area.” Leopard spotted in Nagaon village Kedar GoreThe Corbett Foundation “Leopards venturing into cities doesn’t always mean they are man-eaters. These incidents often reflect habitat fragmentation, lack of wild prey, and mismanaged waste, attracting stray dogs. People need awareness of safety measures. Releasing goats in forests can worsen conflicts by spreading invasive species and affecting forest quality.” Dos and Don’ts: If a wild animal enters your area Pune-based NGO RESQ reaches Nagaon village on Tuesday evening Dos:>> Stay calm and immediately inform the forest department or police>> Keep a safe distance; keep pets and children indoors>> Close doors, windows, and gates>> Follow instructions from authorities; avoid crowding the area Don’ts:>> Don’t chase or corner the animal>> Avoid loud noises that may disturb it>> Never block its escape routes Emergency contactMaharashtra forest department: 022-25445459 10K-12KPeople in the villages, and nine schools, acted swiftly after the initial attack 7No of people injured by the leopard
11 December,2025 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavADVERTISEMENT
