The Goregaon police on Monday registered an FIR in connection with last week’s lift accident at R-1 Building in Mitha Nagar, Goregaon West, in which two minor boys fell into the lift duct from the third floor after the lift door shaft reportedly broke, plunging them to the ground floor. Families, relatives, and friends of the injured boys — Rudra and Vignesh — gathered at the police station demanding strict action and registration of an FIR against those responsible. After recording statements, police registered a case against the lift contractor under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Critical condition Rudra’s father, Anil, said he is still in pain post surgery and remains worried about Vignesh and repeatedly asks about his condition. Eleven-year-old Vignesh Mahatre remains in critical condition at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he is on ventilator support. Doctors continue to describe his condition as alarming. Side railings are fixed with clips on the lift’s outer doors; While some floors have clipped railings, photographs show safety clips missing on other lift doors. Pics/By Special Arrangement Vignesh’s maternal uncle, Yogesh Mohite, blamed both the lift contractor and the housing society management for the incident. “Both are responsible for what has happened to the children. Strict police action must be taken against the contractor as well as the society office-bearers,” he said. Sharing details of Vignesh’s injuries, Mohite said the child suffered a severe head injury. “The bone above his forehead cracked and pierced the skull. Doctors have performed surgery to fix the bone, but clotting has developed in the brain,” he said, adding that the boy has been under critical observation for over 72 hours. “The dosage of medicines has been reduced. If his condition improves, doctors will begin treatment for the clotting. Expert doctors are doing their best, but the cost of treatment is extremely high,” he added. Safety lapses Raising safety concerns, Mohite claimed he inspected the lift on every floor and submitted photographs to the police. “On the ground and seventh floors, the lift’s outer doors have side railings fixed with clips. On other floors, these safety clips are missing. Had these railings been properly fixed, the lower railing would not have broken, and the door would not have swung open,” he alleged. He further said the society also shares responsibility. “The society collects maintenance charges. It was their duty to ensure safety. Had they paid attention, this accident could have been avoided,” he said. Contractor responds Responding to the allegations, Ronny Parakal, owner of Alpine Elevator, Marol, Andheri East, said his company has been maintaining the lift for the past 21 years. “Our mechanic services the lift every month. The last maintenance was done on December 3,” he said. Parakal said maintenance includes checking the lift lock, weight balance, cleaning debris from inner and outer sliding doors, and inspecting door condition. “We have never encountered such an issue before,” he said. He added that it is clearly mentioned — even in metro trains and automatic lifts — that people should not lean or apply pressure on lift doors. “Excessive pressure can break the door. As per the information I received, the children were playing and repeatedly pushing the door,” he claimed. Maintaining that the lift was technically sound, Parakal said the lift undergoes a yearly audit by the Public Works Department (PWD), though he was unsure whether the latest audit had been conducted. “The lift is in proper condition. The door swung open due to excessive pressure,” he said, adding that police are investigating the matter. “We will fully cooperate with the investigation and follow whatever directions emerge,” he further said. Police probe Senior Inspector Suryakant Kharat, Goregaon police station, said statements of the victims’ families have been recorded, and the FIR is being registered under relevant negligence charges against the lift contractor.
13 January,2026 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe members of Mumbai March, a citizen group representing residents of north and suburban Mumbai, have outlined pressing civic issues demanding completion of the pending roadworks, Metro works, and slum rehabilitation, among others, in the wake of the municipal elections. The group has flagged frequent problems faced by the residents of suburban Mumbai, where incomplete roads and transport infrastructure remain key issues. The demands include the completion of Development Plan (DP) roads, link roads, service roads, and bridges, and the clearing of footpaths of all hawkers, along with citizen audits and a comprehensive citizen audit mechanism. “The incomplete road work leads to traffic congestion and poor air quality. The incomplete work on nullah cleaning leads to waterlogging in monsoons. These problems have been sustained year-on-year for suburban residents,” said Gopal Jhaveri, founder of Mumbai March. The group has further asked for prompt completion of Metro projects such as line extensions/connections (Line 7, Line 2A, and Aqua Line), bridges in Rajendra Nagar and Oshiwara-Ram Mandir, and public transport hubs in suburbs like Borivali East. Slum rehabilitation remains a key demand for the group, especially for areas where Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) construction is not feasible. “Areas like Ganpat Patil Nagar, areas around the airport, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and Malwani have slum pockets, where SRA construction is not feasible owing to the nature of the land. We hope that the civic body resolves the issue, inching closer to the dream of ‘Zero-Slums Mumbai’,” said Jhaveri. The group has laid out a timeline for authorities, with six months to identify pending roads, six to 18 months to begin working on pending projects, and 18 to 36 months to commission transport hubs and other civic plans.
13 January,2026 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarResidents of St Anthony Street Welfare Association from the Vakola-Kalina area, along with members of the Voice of Kalina Association, invited all candidates contesting Ward No. 91 in the upcoming BMC elections for a meeting on Sunday evening. During the meeting, residents demanded that the candidates address long-pending civic issues, including broken and encroached footpaths, illegal hawkers, debris dumping, pollution, development of education facilities such as schools and colleges, and zero tolerance for corruption. The residents took written and video-recorded assurances from all candidates, stating that if elected, they would resolve these issues. Speaking with mid-day, all candidates said they had promised to address these concerns after winning the election. The residents said they wanted to understand the candidates’ views and intentions so they could vote accordingly. Points raised by residents >> In some areas (Kalina, Sunder Nagar, Vakola Naka, Kurla-Kalina Road, and Santacruz), roads are repeatedly dug up; even after completion of work, proper reinstatement is not carried out, resulting in traffic congestion, increased risk of accidents, and inconvenience >> Several illegal constructions and encroachments have come up in the Kalina area, which need to be stopped >> Sunder Nagar Garden and surrounding areas lack adequate lighting, and many walls are broken, making it unsafe for women, children, and senior citizens; immediate repairs and installation of lights are needed >> Need for transparency with proper coordination among BMC departments before initiating any work >> Despite a government circular mandating public grievance days on Mondays and Fridays, the assistant commissioner of H East ward is usually unavailable and does not meet citizens. The new candidate must ensure availability of the assistant commissioner to address public grievances Resident Speak Melwyn Fernandes‘After winning elections, nobody comes forward to help. That is why the welfare association and residents decided to meet candidates, record their assurances on video, and take written commitments from them’ Russell Moraes‘We wanted to understand what the candidates think and believe in. We need encroachment-free footpaths, proper street lights, and CCTV cameras along roads’ Candidate Speak Krishna Vasudev Mhadgut, Shiv Sena (UBT)‘Once I win, I will definitely fulfil all the demands of the residents. First, the residents should question what the earlier winning candidates did for them. We have the support of Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, and we will deliver’ Shagun Naik, Shiv Sena‘We have resolved many problems in the area and will continue to do so. Whatever comes under the BMC, we will solve all issues. It is our duty, and we will work honestly. I promise all residents of Vakola-Kalina’ Mohammad Rafique Shaikh, Indian National Congress‘I have won elections three times and have good knowledge of the area and its problems. There are issues such as low water pressure, traffic congestion, and inadequate BMC hospital facilities. Students are not opting for BMC schools due to their poor condition. We will improve schools so that more students enrol. I promise the residents that I will fulfil all their demands’ Raj Hegiste, Independent‘I have been a social worker for the last 20 years. I enjoy helping people, and my focus is mainly on youth. I promise all citizens that I will fulfil all their demands’
13 January,2026 07:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanWith the Municipal Corporation elections just days away, residents of tribal hamlets in Aarey Milk Colony have stepped up their demand for an effective garbage collection and disposal system. The absence of regular waste collection has made garbage management a major challenge, often forcing residents to dump waste outside their settlements. Locals warn that the mounting trash is increasingly threatening the surrounding forest ecosystem and wildlife. Tribal leader Prakash Bhoir said there are around 2700 to 2800 voters in 27 tribal hamlets in Aarey Milk Colony where indigenous residents have lived for generations, yet garbage collection remains a neglected issue. “The BMC collects waste from slum pockets in Aarey, but our hamlets are ignored. We are appealing to candidates contesting the civic polls to ensure regular garbage collection and proper disposal in tribal hamlets, so that waste is not dumped in the open, which poses a serious threat to wildlife,” Bhoir said. A site visit by mid-day revealed garbage dumped at multiple locations outside hamlets due to the absence of nearby public dustbins. In contrast, garbage bins have been installed outside slum pockets in Aarey Milk Colony, from where the BMC collects waste daily. Dilip Jadhav, a tribal resident of Vanichapada, said, “We want the corporator elected from our area to ensure that the forest is protected from encroachment, while ensuring daily garbage pickup.” With no proper system in place, some residents dump waste at common points and later burn it once it accumulates, adding to air pollution. NGO raises concerns Aarey resident Sunil Kumre, chairman of Navkshitij Charitable Trust, said he has urged Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Jitendra Valvi, who is contesting from the area, to ensure daily garbage collection from tribal hamlets and slum pockets if elected. “Currently, BMC garbage trucks visit these areas only once every two or three days, leading to a pile-up of waste and a foul stench. I have also demanded that large community dustbins be placed outside every tribal hamlet so residents can dispose of garbage properly,” Kumre said.
13 January,2026 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA day after the Thackeray cousins mounted a joint offensive against the ruling alliance from Shivaji Park, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde returned to the same venue on Monday with a counterattack built on the past, playing video clips of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray publicly attacking each other to question the credibility of their sudden unity and their claim that Marathi identity is under threat. Setting the tone for the rally, Fadnavis said he was “borrowing” the popular phrase ‘Lav re toh video’ before playing a series of short clips in which Uddhav and Raj Thackeray were seen criticising each other in the past over Hindutva, family politics, civic governance, corruption, and leadership style. After the clips were screened, Fadnavis asked the audience, “Do we really need to say anything more in response to these people?” Targeting the Thackeray cousins for repeatedly calling the upcoming civic polls the “last election for Marathi people,” Fadnavis questioned their track record. “If Marathi identity still feels insecure after 25 years of their rule, then what exactly have they done for the community?” he asked. He asserted that Marathi identity was never under threat and never would be. “This narrative exists only because their politics is under threat. They are using Marathi pride as a shield to protect themselves,” the chief minister said. Referring to Aaditya Thackeray allegedly imitating him, Fadnavis said sarcastically, “I don’t mind people trying to copy me. But they should remember what happened to Raj Thackeray’s party, which kept mimicking others.” MNS has suffered repeated electoral setbacks and was now struggling for political relevance. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also directly targeted the Thackeray cousins, accusing them of putting personal interests above public welfare. “Our government follows a Mumbai-first policy, while the opposition follows a corruption-first approach,” Shinde said. Shinde alleged that the earlier split between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, and their current reunion, were both driven by political convenience rather than concern for Marathi people. “Their coming together has nothing to do with Marathi pride or community welfare,” he claimed. He further accused the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS of creating a false narrative that Marathi identity was under threat. “Marathi was never in danger and will never be in danger. It is their politics that is under threat,” Shinde said, adding that the Marathi manoos stood firmly with the ruling alliance. Responding to the Thackeray cousins’ repeated attacks on the Adani Group, Shinde alleged double standards. “They criticise the same businessman with whom they have held closed-door meetings. What kind of politics is this?” he asked. Fadnavis and Shinde were addressing a joint rally of the ruling alliance as campaigning entered its final phase ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Polling for Mumbai’s 227 wards and 28 other municipal corporations will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled the following day.
13 January,2026 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarIn the past 20 days, with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the civic body has seized Rs 3.1 crore in cash, confiscated narcotic substances weighing 55 kg, worth Rs 44 crore, and seized 1237 litres of alcohol worth Rs 8.3 lakh during election patrolling drives. A total of 16 election-related non-cognisable offence cases have been filed by the civic body, along with 13 cognisable offence cases, the civic body revealed at a briefing on Monday. PADU as back-up Speaking at the briefing, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed that the civic body has received 140 PADU machines (Printing Auxiliary Display Unit), which will act as a backup if there is a technical problem while counting votes. Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray join forces. PIC/RANE ASHISH As per instructions of the State Election Commission, voting units must be connected to the main control unit during the counting of votes. “In case of any emergency situation or technical error in connecting the voting units to the control unit, PADUs will be used as a backup,” he said. A senior official of BMC's election department explained, “EVM has two components, the voting units and the control unit. The voting unit needs to be connected to the control unit at the time of vote counting. Increase in polling locations This time, the BMC has set up 2600 polling locations, an increase of 300 in comparison to the Vidhan Sabha locations in October 2024. This came in a bid to reduce congestion on roads and at the polling locations. ‘Don’t carry mobile phones’ Mayayuti camp leaders, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and CM Devendra Fadnavis. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI BMC urged voters not to carry mobile phones to polling stations. “In case one carries a mobile phone, it must be switched off,” said an official. BMC polls: A numbers game mid-day gives you a breakup of all that is involved with this civic election Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at polling stations The BMC Election Cell conducts mock polls. PIC/SHADAB KHAN >> Drinking water>> Waiting room/shed for voters>> Restrooms>> Adequate lighting>> Suitable ramp and wheelchair for differently-abled voters>> Standard voting compartment, necessary signage>> Preference will be given to voters with disabilities, pregnant women and senior citizens while entering the polling booth Pink/sakhi polling stations Election duty staff gets training on Electronic Voting Machines. PIC/SHADAB KHAN >> At least one pink/sakhi polling station managed exclusively by women established in each ward>> All election staff, including police and security personnel, at the polling station are women Polling locations 2278Polling stations 10,231 Polling Stations at…Government Buildings Enclosed 2382Semi-enclosed 879Open spaces 1143 Cooperative housing societiesEnclosed 181Semi-enclosed 312Open space 209 Private buildingsEnclosed 2693Semi-enclosed 1385Open spaces 1040 60 lakhNo of voter information slips distributed door-to-door by Monday (January 12) 64,375No of staff appointed to manage polling stations 22,000No of Mumbai Police officers deployed on election duty 4,500Approximate No. of volunteers recruited to help with voter queues, crowd management, disabled/senior citizens Male: 55,16,707Female: 48,26,509Others: 10,990Total: 1,03,44,315
13 January,2026 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSOn the surface, there seems to be little in common with a garment called the lungi and a sweet known as Rasmalai and yet, both have been referenced together in a sizzling controversy pre-BMC polls. On Sunday, when the cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray came together for a pre-municipal polls rally in Dadar, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray mocked BJP Tamil Nadu leader K Annamalai as ‘Rasmalai’ in his speech and invoked the slogan of years ago, synonymous with late uncle Bal Thackeray, ‘Hatao Lungi, Bajao Pungi’. Raj Thackeray was responding to Annamalai’s reported references to Mumbai as a global or international city. Simmering now The controversy has erupted and is simmering now, with sharp reactions all across. Chief Spokesperson, BJP Mumbai, Niranjan Shetty said in response, “The lungi is the attire of the working-class people of India. These are the very people who will teach a lesson to the Thackeray cousins.” Niranjan Shetty, chief spokesperson, BJP Mumbai. Pic/By SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT ‘Pick up the lungi, play the pipe’ is the English translation of the lungi-pungi slogan. Shetty slammed, “The Thackeray brothers have insulted working-class people. For hundreds of years, people in India commonly wore the dhoti. The lungi was introduced to India through cultural exchange with Southeast Asia. Because the lungi is easy to wear and comfortable, it has become popular, especially in places with hot and humid weather. In Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, the lungi is known by different names such as Veshti, Mundu and Kaili, while in Punjab and Haryana it is known by various names such as Tamba, Tehmat, and Lach.” Shetty added another dimension, stating the lungi is also international, going by other names. He said, “The lungi, also known as Sarong, is the principal attire in a vast region including Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Burma, Brunei, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Africa, and the southern Arabian Peninsula.” Divisive, who? Firing an arrow, Shetty said specifically to the Rasmalai barb, “People who rent out their party, shouldn’t even speak about Tamil Nadu leader Annamalai. Annamalai has created a storm for the BJP in Tamil Nadu, while here, the MNS is being rented out every day. One can certainly use allegations and score points in pre-poll debates, but this is crossing a line. Overall, the people of Mumbai will surely teach the Thackeray brothers a lesson.” When pointed out specifically that the BJP cannot accuse anybody of creating divisions, as there are strong accusations against the BJP itself of being divisive, Shetty countered, “There is not a single example to prove that the BJP is divisive. We believe in ‘sab ka saath, sab ka vikaas’ nation first, party next, and self last.” Times, climes When it was pointed out that the lungi slogan had been used earlier in the political context, Shetty said, “That time when it was used has passed. We are living in a different era. The children of Marathi manoos have now grown up and are more educated. They are able to distinguish between mere talkers and leaders who work in the larger interest. By larger interest, I mean work for development and infrastructure. Mumbaikars are more relieved with the ease of travel by Metro, coasting through the Coastal Road or the Atal Setu. They are focused on elevators and escalators at railway stations, and are making constant efforts to improve affordable and comfortable commuting.” Shetty said as a sign off, “Raking up non-issues will boomerang. We will see who will be distributing Rasmalai post elections.”
13 January,2026 07:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharAs Mumbai’s rapidly changing skyline becomes routine for residents, schools along the railway tracks in Sion are beginning to feel the unintended fallout of infrastructure-led relocations. Several schools in the area are witnessing a drop in attendance following the shifting of some Dharavi residents. Jagdish Indalkar, principal of Lion MP Bhuta School in Sion’s Jain Colony, said the trend became noticeable a few months ago. “Since houses along the railway tracks adjoining Dharavi were vacated, we have seen a decline in student attendance, particularly in the Gujarati-medium section,” Indalkar told mid-day. According to him, the numbers began to fall after Diwali. However, schools must wait several months before officially categorising students as dropouts. “We believe relocation has made daily commuting difficult for parents. In some cases, families may have anticipated redevelopment and moved back to their native villages in Gujarat. We have no way of tracking what has happened to these students,” he said. The school has also been unable to reach many parents. For aided and government schools, declining enrolment has wider implications. As student numbers drop, teacher strength is also reduced, since staffing is allocated based on enrolment. Mid-academic shift Some families living on railway land have been relocated to a housing near Vidyavihar. Earlier, students from these areas would cross a foot overbridge near Sion to attend nearby schools, including Guru Nanak National High School, which is located close to the tracks. Now, the commute takes over 30 minutes. “We have students travelling from Vidyavihar daily. Since the move happened mid-academic year, parents are ensuring their children attend classes. But next year, many may seek schools closer to home,” said principal Getziyal Johnson. A former Dharavi resident who moved to Vidyavihar two months ago said his family continues to send their twin 12-year-old daughters to a school in Sion. “It takes us at least 30 minutes one way. Schools closer to Vidyavihar charge much higher fees. In Sion, we pay about Rs 10,000 a year. Nearby schools charge Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000,” he said. He added that the lack of a direct bus route has made commuting harder. “Our daughters say they can travel alone, but as parents, we worry,” he said. Another relocated resident who drops her senior kindergarten daughter and Std VIII son to Sion-based schools said they were still undecided about changing schools. “The commute takes about 30 minutes. We are managing for now, but we do not want to exhaust the children,” she said. Younger students at risk While older students are adjusting to longer travel, parents of primary school children are more hesitant. Aparna Yadav, head of the primary section at DS School in Sion, said evening travel poses challenges. “Classes for Std I and II end at 5 pm. Taking young children back by train during peak hours is risky. Road travel going to Sion is also difficult for Vidyavihar or Kurla residents. Infrastructure changes have unintentionally left schools in a difficult position,” she said. The school has recorded one dropout so far this year, but the parents could not be contacted. Beyond relocation Some educationists believe the decline cannot be attributed solely to infrastructure changes. “Irregular attendance due to commuting issues is one factor, but not the only one. Many Dharavi residents are yet to accept relocation plans. Dropouts may also be driven by changing parental preferences and a shift towards English-medium schools,” said Baburao Mane, former MLA and associate of the Mahatma Phule Education Trust in Dharavi. Demolition not DRP Officials from Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited, the special purpose vehicle for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, said no demolition is currently underway in Dharavi. “No demolition has been carried out by us or our agencies. The only construction in progress is staff quarters for the Railways at Matunga. Notices to vacate have been issued only to a limited number of residents for infrastructure work, and around 250 families from Shatabdi Nagar have been provided transit accommodation in a nearby MHADA building,” a spokesperson said. Officials from the Central Railway informed that the relocation is being done as part of the proposed 5th & 6th line project between CSMT-CLA under the MUTP II B project, on the west side of the track from Sion to Dadar, essential for increasing capacity between CSMT and Kurla. For this project, rehabilitation and resettlement is being done by MMRDA. 711 project-affected persons were identified, alternate tenements have been given to all, and they are being shifted to the identified locations in the HDIL project, Kohinoor, Kurla West. Out of these 711 tenements, tenants of 489 tenements have already been relocated and tenements demolished. Work is in progress across locations. Further details are available with MMRDA as the work of relocation is being carried out by MMRDA. However, schools and colleges are available in the new locality, which is near the Vidyavihar station. Due to the model code of conduct, MMRDA did not respond to queries before publication. What next for students BMC education official said systems exist to accommodate displaced students. “If students from Std I to IV are relocated due to infrastructure projects, the education department ensures they are accommodated in nearby municipal or aided schools. For higher classes, education inspectors oversee the process. So far, no such proposal has been brought to us,” she said.
13 January,2026 07:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarSeen on the spot A Chital (spotted deer) crosses a buggy on a road in Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivli East Nyra’s Nerul WPL moment Nyra Prasanna at the WPL opener at DY Patil Stadium in Nerul last week. Pic/Special Arrangement We often hope that the likes of Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues touch the right chords with young girls to either follow the women’s game closely or play it. Now here’s an example of that coming to fruition. Nyra Prasanna, eight, was at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) opening game last week when Mumbai Indians clashed with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, armed with a poster that reflected her following of the teams. Nyra has cricket keenness in her blood. Father Prasanna is a commentator and presenter while her late grandpa Chandrashekhar (also known as CP Sant) was a famous name to grace the air waves and the pages of a Marathi daily. CP Sant was one of the few journalists to cover India’s 1983 World Cup triumph. Nyra was also at the Women’s World Cup final with her poster. Future cricketer or commentator? Nyra’s field of dreams is wide! India in melodies The choir performs at Abhivyakti Festival, Ahmedabad in November 2025. Pic courtesy/Pratidhwani Choir One way to celebrate India is to recount the country’s journey over centuries, and there seems to be no better way to do it than through the medium of poetry. This is what Pratidhwani Art Studios will be doing this Republic Day at Rangshila Theatre, Andheri, where the Pratidhwani choir will present a special showcase titled, Choral Kavita - Desh Dhwani. “The choir will use poems from iconic poets, from Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Ram Prasad Bismil, to Rabindranath Tagore, to portray themes of freedom, resistance, and hope, which have been integral to India for a very, very long time,” Shridhar Nagraj (left), founder-director, Pratidhwani shared with this diarist. Diverse minds come together SSKC Diwale Koliwada performs at a show. Pic courtesy/Aamhi Kalakaar Brass Bandwale on Youtube Navi Mumbai has reason to rejoice. The Mindscape Festival is returning from January 16 to 18 in Nerul, after a long gap of six years since its last edition in 2020. This was due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this diarist was informed by Jinu Kurien, co-founder and curation team member. “It is an interdisciplinary ideas and arts festival anchored around a set of talks, performances, screenings, workshops, and exhibitions. (From left) Robert Stephens, Pranav Joshi, and Natasha Sharma. File pic; Pics courtesy/Instagram We will host discussions on urban futures with author Robert Stephens, city-building through the arts with Govandi Arts Festival curators Natasha Sharma and Parveen Shaikh, and food history as well, with content creator Pranav Joshi, amongst many others,” Kurien revealed to us. In addition, the brass band SSKC-Shree Sai Kala Circle, Diwale Koliwada will stage a performance. “They are important to the Koli community of Mumbai,” Kurien mentions, adding, “While we try to bring diverse voices together, this year, we also aim to connect communities.” We’re all ears. Poetry set in motion, across cities After six years of showing curious walkers around the city through her Bombay Poetry Crawl series dedicated to 20th century poets of Mumbai, writer Saranya Subramanian (below) is turning a new page. Absent People, Absent Places (Westland), Subramanian’s debut collection of poems in English will hit bookstores and e-stores on January 23. “The book consists of 42 poems, written over a span of three years, encapsulating themes such as depression, bodies, desire, politics, belonging, and even the concept of cities, drawing from my own experiences living in various cities, like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, among a few others,” she told us. The multilingual poet gave this diarist a peek into the thought behind the poignant title. “Many of my writings showcase the trajectory of the individual from self-erosion to self-acceptance, hence the choice of a title like this, to connote the idea of absence to presence [of the self],” she revealed. A matter of concern An injured pigeon rescued last year. Pic courtesy/Karan Solanki Given the infamous use of manja (kite string) during Makar Sankranti, city-based NGO Aasha-The Hope for Animals Welfare Trust, with Samkit Group, will host a bird rescue camp from January 14 to 16 at Jawahar Nagar, Goregaon West. Navin Solanki, founder, Aasha, said, “Mumbai often sees over 1000 bird injury cases around this time of the year; pigeons and black kites are a few species most affected.” Those who spot an injured bird can contact their helpline numbers: 9987929223 and 9076388362.
13 January,2026 06:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for January 13. Aries March 21 – April 20At times, adversities of life may seem like tough lessons, but aren’t in retrospect.Cosmic tip: Remember, people make time for those who matter to them. Being an option means you are replaceable. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Delegating repetitive work frees up quite a lot of time, so getting ahead with the important work can be done.Cosmic tip: Look out for red flags in a relationship. GeminiMay 21 – June 21A relationship flourishes depending on what both are willing to invest into it, as it has to be a joint effort.Cosmic tip: Help out a colleague who seems to be stuck in a project point. Cancer June 22 – July 23Singles enter a karmic cycle of meeting new people. Physical distance with your spouse/partner is not issue based.Cosmic tip: Speak rationally to set the tone for further talks/ negotiations. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A karmic cycle of income increasing begins. Be calm if life seems slightly confusing. There’s clarity soon.Cosmic tip: Base decisions on the desire to incur positive karmas. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Discussing and sorting finances is an easier task because of guidance received. Delays happen in everyone’s life, so take it in your stride. Cosmic tip: Move on as life moves on, waiting for no one. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Singles feel so blessed when someone they met recently gets in touch, and a friend from the past calls.Cosmic tip: Make time for friends even though schedule every day is quite busy. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22A relationship gradually moves towards sending each other very safe and unemotional messages. Give it time.Cosmic tip: Keep plans and decisions fluid, chipping what’s no longer feasible. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Work related pressure is something one has to cope with. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Don’t remain hooked to a past missed opportunity. Maybe it wouldn’t have turned right for you over time. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20It’s quite acceptable if you don’t want to meet some people. Create a distance over time.Cosmic tip: Take work related travel calmly. It’s a good way to keep oneself stress-free, at least about that. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Working the conversation around, gradually edging towards what your agenda is, is just the way it works out.Cosmic tip: Pursue emotional stability with your spouse/partner. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Professionally this karmic cycle attracts premium projects, causing slight envy at work. Cosmic tip: Nudge the mood into one of happiness and positivity. You need not live under a cloud of regret or misery.
13 January,2026 05:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseAhead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Election 2026, the Mumbai Traffic Police (Headquarters and Central Division) have announced temporary traffic curbs in Sion East to facilitate smooth election operations. The restrictions will be in effect from 10 am on Tuesday, January 13, until midnight on Saturday, January 17, aiming to ensure unhindered movement of election materials and vehicles around the strong room and election office for wards 172 to 181. According to the notification issued by Dr Dipali Dhate, deputy commissioner of police (headquarters and central), traffic, the election office and strong room are located at New Sion Municipal School near Lion Tarachand Bappa Hospital in Sion. Voting for BMC Election 2026 is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, with the counting set for Friday, January 16. Vehicles carrying polling materials will arrive at the site on Tuesday at 6 pm, and post-polling, electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be deposited back at the strong room. The restrictions have been imposed under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and related government notifications to prevent public inconvenience, obstruction, or danger during the sensitive period. Local residents’ vehicles are exempt from the no-entry rules, while strict enforcement will apply to others. Affected areas No-entry roads (except local residents’ vehicles) Road No 24-B, Sion East: From Sun Stone Building to Abhinandan Co-operative Housing Society (Plot No 149) up to Kismat Laundry RL Kelkar Marg, Sion East: from Sun Stone Building to Bhaveshwar Kunj Swami Vallabhdas Road, Sion East: From Sun Stone Building to Yashodhan Building No-parking zones The same stretches as the no-entry roads will be designated as no-parking zones throughout the period. The police have urged motorists and residents to cooperate and plan their routes to avoid disruptions. While no specific alternative routes were provided, commuters are advised to use nearby main roads such as Sion-Trombay Road or the Eastern Express Highway for detours. Violators will face action under the Motor Vehicles Act and other applicable laws. This advisory forms part of broader preparations across Mumbai’s suburbs for the civic polls, following similar restrictions announced earlier in areas like Kandivali and Malad. Authorities emphasised that these steps are essential for maintaining security and order during the election process.
12 January,2026 11:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
