The cricketing world is in mourning following the passing of renowned cricket analyst and writer Dwarkanath Sanzgiri. His ability to articulate the intricacies of cricket, his in-depth analysis, and his deep-rooted love for Marathi literature made him a beloved figure among cricket enthusiasts. Paying tribute, Maharashtra’s Sports Minister Dattatraya Bharne expressed his sorrow, stating that Sanzgiri’s passing marks the loss of an extraordinary sports critic. In his condolence message, Sports Minister Bharne said, “Dwarkanath Sanzgiri was widely recognised as a proud Marathi commentator. His unparalleled skill in bringing a cricket match to life through his writing was truly remarkable. Cricket fans always appreciated his penmanship, as he had a unique way of portraying the beauty and nuances of the game. Today, we have lost an exceptional analyst, and his ever-inspiring words have fallen silent. His popular personality and insightful writing will forever be cherished by cricket lovers." Expressing his heartfelt sympathies, Bharne added, "The Sanzgiri family and all those who admired him are going through an immense loss. We share in their grief during this difficult time." Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in his condolence message, stated that he was deeply saddened by the news of Dwarkanath Sanzgiri’s passing. “His place in the field of sports journalism was unparalleled, and his contributions remain unforgettable. Sanzgiri went beyond journalism, dedicating himself to the service of cricket and the broader sporting world. He possessed a deep understanding of the essence of sports, building a bridge between games and their players. His analytical approach, engaging writing style, and live commentary brought sporting events to life for enthusiasts,” said Pawar. With profound knowledge across all sports, particularly cricket, Sanzgiri had an unparalleled ability to break down the nuances of the game in an easily comprehensible manner. His unique storytelling approach made sports more accessible and exciting for audiences. Over generations, budding sports journalists and passionate sports lovers looked up to him as a guiding force. His passing has left a void in Marathi sports journalism that will be difficult to fill. Ajit Pawar, who also serves as the President of the Maharashtra Olympic Association, further emphasised that Dwarkanath Sanzgiri’s name would remain immortal in the annals of sports journalism and history. Mourning his loss, he extended his deepest condolences and paid his heartfelt respects to the legendary journalist. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran cricket analyst and writer Dwarkanath Sanzgiri, describing him as a multifaceted personality who played a key role in showcasing Maharashtra’s deep love for cricket to the world. In his condolence message, CM Fadnavis stated, “Maharashtra's passion for cricket is well known, but it was Sanzgiri who helped spread its fame far and wide. His captivating style of commentary had a large and dedicated audience. His cricket analysis was both engaging and thrilling. Beyond cricket, he also made significant contributions to theatre, cinema, and literature. His love for cricket remained unwavering until the very end." He further added, "With his passing, we have lost an ardent sports enthusiast and a versatile writer who enriched Marathi literature through his cricket commentary and analysis. May his soul rest in peace. We stand with his fans and family in this moment of grief."
07 February,2025 11:10 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe number of suspected fatalities linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Maharashtra's Pune district has climbed to six following the death of a 63-year-old man, a health official confirmed on Thursday. According to PTI reports, the deceased was admitted to a hospital in the Sinhgad Road area after experiencing fever, loose motions, and weakness in his lower limbs. He was subsequently diagnosed with GBS. Despite medical intervention, his condition deteriorated, and he succumbed to an acute ischemic stroke on Wednesday, a Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health official stated. The official further clarified that, among the six fatalities, five are classified as suspected GBS-related deaths, while one has been confirmed as directly caused by the rare nerve disorder. Rise in suspected GBS cases As per PTI, the Maharashtra health department reported three new suspected GBS cases in Pune, bringing the total number of suspected cases to 173. Out of these, 140 individuals have been diagnosed with GBS. According to the official release, the distribution of cases is as follows: 34 patients are from areas under the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits.87 cases originate from newly added villages in the PMC jurisdiction.22 cases have been reported from the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal limits.22 patients hail from rural parts of Pune district.8 cases have been detected in individuals from other districts. The health department’s report further revealed that of the 173 affected individuals: 72 patients have been discharged.55 are currently in intensive care units (ICU).21 require ventilator support.Water contamination linked to outbreak A senior health official from the Rapid Response Team (RRT), which is investigating the outbreak within a 5-kilometre radius of Nanded village in the Sinhgad Road area, has confirmed a crucial development, as per PTI reports. A tap water sample from a housing society in Nanded village, where the highest number of GBS cases have been recorded, tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterial pathogen known to cause gastroenteritis and potentially trigger GBS. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) has corroborated findings that the outbreak in Nanded and its surrounding areas was caused by water contamination, specifically due to the presence of waterborne Campylobacter jejuni, according to a PMC official. In response to these findings, the PMC has sealed 11 private reverse osmosis (RO) plants in Nanded and nearby localities, as water samples from these sources were deemed unfit for human consumption. This action brings the total number of RO plants sealed by the civic body’s water supply department to 30. Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC’s water department, announced that standard operating procedures (SOPs) would soon be issued for private RO plants, water tanker operators, and borewell owners supplying drinking water. "They will be required to use bleaching solutions to ensure the supply of clean and uncontaminated water," Jagtap stated. Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)GBS is a rare but serious autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. Symptoms include muscle weakness, loss of sensation in the limbs, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. Severe cases may lead to near-total paralysis. As per PTI reports, GBS is more common in adults and men, but individuals of all ages can be affected. The ongoing investigation into the outbreak aims to prevent further cases and ensure safe water supply measures in the affected regions.
07 February,2025 10:47 AM IST | MumbaiMaharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik visited the Dahisar toll naka on Thursday to assess the traffic situation. He instructed officials to clear the main highway of divided lanes, ensuring a clear path for vehicles exempt from tolls and allowing smoother traffic flow. Officials stated they would try to finalise a plan by Monday, February 10. “Currently, toll is levied only on heavy vehicles, therefore, toll contractors should continue to collect toll from heavy vehicles on both sides of the highway, with three lanes going towards Mumbai and two lanes (coming) on the way. The remaining road should be cleared for light vehicles,” Sarnaik said. “Boards giving information about the reserved queue should be put up on both sides for 500 metres. So that vehicle owners will be able to move their vehicles through the respective queue in an orderly manner,” Sarnaik said. “The different lanes set up by the toll contractors on the highway slow down the speed of vehicles, which naturally leads to long queues and all ordinary vehicle owners have to face traffic jams. To overcome this, the toll contractors should immediately reserve only three lanes on the highway towards Mumbai and two lanes on the highway towards Mumbai for heavy vehicles. The remaining road should be cleared for light vehicles. So that the obstruction of light vehicles will be removed and vehicles will pass through the checkpoint area quickly, otherwise there will be no traffic jams,” Sarnaik added. He inspected the Dahisar check point area today along with Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sanjay Katkar, the traffic branch police officer, toll contractors.
07 February,2025 10:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarResidents of the Pannalal Terrace housing society at Grant Road are facing persistent disturbances because of ongoing film and television shoots at a now-shuttered municipal school and ground adjacent to their building. They claim that the presence of generator vans that emit diesel exhaust, shoots that start early in the morning and continue till late at night, as well as the building and dismantling of sets, are adversely affecting their lives. According to residents, roughly, three shoots lasting about a week each take place every month. Bharti Chauhan, a resident, alleged. “We have been suffering because of continuous shooting. These people start shooting around 6.30 am and continue way past midnight, sometimes wrapping up for the day at 3 am. My bedroom window faces the school ground. Around 6 am, two giant focus lights are turned on. People shout constantly on the set, sometimes while using megaphones.” Bharti Chauhan, a resident of Pannalal Terrace She added that the loading and unloading of equipment at night was also creating a disturbance, stating that heavy vehicular movement is restricted inside the city till 10 pm. Chauhan said, “Since the past 10-odd years, the ground where schoolchildren used to play has been turned into another Film City. I have been having respiratory issues because of the generator vans’ fumes.” Heaps of filming equipment can be seen from the flat of a resident Chandrika Nandu, another resident, said, “The first major concern is that the shooting starts early and goes on till late at night. Another is the diesel fumes emitted by the generator vans which are operated at least 18 hours a day. My husband has had a chronic cough since these activities started. Frustrated, we have tried meeting with various senior BMC officials and police officers over the past year, but they were of no help.” The set of a film being shot on the premises of the defunct civic-run school at Grant Road East on January 30. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Shobana Desai, who has been staying at Pannalal Terrace for 40 years, said, “There have been shoots since the past decade, but they have become more intense in post-COVID times. There is a continuous racket, with people using megaphones or just shouting in general, constant usage of diesel generator vans releasing toxic fumes that we are forced to inhale, an extended shooting schedule that starts early and ends late and the noise of equipment being packed and sets being built and dismantled, heavy vehicles moving in and out of the vicinity at night. The situation is such that we cannot sleep peacefully in our own homes now.” Shobana Desai, who has been staying in the housing society for 40 years; (right) Pranav Damle, resident, Pannalal Terrace Pranav Damle, another resident, said, “This place gained prominence since the film Raees was partially shot here. We are frustrated by the continuous shoots. Once, this ground was used by kids and senior citizens. Now, it isn’t available to them. Our demand to the municipal corporation is simple: We do not want generator vans, which are affecting our health, to be parked here round the clock; BMC officials must ensure that shooting does not go on beyond a certain time; and no noise should be made at night. We have no problem with shooting activities inside the school building as long as the generator van and sound issues are addressed.” Harsh Chauhan, a resident, suggested, “Instead of using generators constantly, the BMC can set up a box with an electricity meter, which would ensure our health is not affected.” Officials respond Education Officer Rajesh Kankal said, “The school was closed a long time ago. The year when this happened and number of students need to be checked in the records.” Speaking about the generator and noise issues, he said, “Residents are facing these problems. We are working on a solution to tackle them.” Prachi Jambhekar, deputy municipal commissioner, education, said, “This location used to be a school, which is not functioning at the moment. It is in huge demand for shooting activities and is also generating good revenue for the BMC.” Chandrika Nandu, resident, Pannalal Terrace Asked whether the ground and the building have been permanently reserved for shooting activities, replied in the negative, saying, “There is a one-window system where permissions for such activities is given. Permission is given at the ward level.” Questioned about complaints from residents regarding the shooting activities, she said, “As and when we get complaints from locals, we have taken action. There have been complaints regarding the constant use of generator vans. We are also in the process of installing an electric box to address these concerns.” Sharad Ugade, assistant municipal commissioner, D ward, said, “There is a portal where applications need to be made for shooting permits. We do not have the exact data regarding the number of permissions issued in January.” Cop Speak Sanjay Gaikwad, Senior PI, DB Marg police station said, “The place belongs to BMC, which gives permissions for shoots. The BMC reaches out to us for NOCs. But, whenever we get a call either from locals or someone dials 100 to complain about shooting after 10 pm, we act. I do not have the exact number of NOCs issued, but the BMC will have the exact data.” Health implications Asked what are the effects of loss of sleep at night, Dr Subhas Salunke, former director, Public Health Services, Maharashtra government, said, “Sleep is very important. The body needs time to rest and if it doesn’t get it, it can lead to many diseases. The body not only rests when we sleep but also heals in a way. If one is deprived of sleep, it can be very harmful and may even lead to psychosis [a collection of symptoms that affect the mind and make it difficult to distinguish reality from what is not real]. There are multiple negative impacts on the body because of this.”
07 February,2025 10:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe expansion of the fifth and sixth lines on Central Railway (CR), for which the Sion bridge is being demolished, is facing several hurdles, including the acquisition of about 14,626 sq m of land between Kurla and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). After the Sion connector is reconstructed a few years from now, the Dharavi road overbridge will be razed, officials said. “The Dharavi bridge has been put on the demolition list to make way for a wider and bigger connector, but the work will only be undertaken after completion of the Sion bridge,” an official said. Six months after Sion bridge was shut in August, mid-day had highlighted how four trees and a toilet block were blocking the demolition of the structure. Railway authorities have written to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), asking that hurdles to the demolition be removed speedily. The mail express line corridor comprising the fifth and sixth lines that start from Kalyan and end at Vidyavihar is being extended to Parel in phase one and all the way to CSMT in phase two. Line expansion This expansion will lead to the segregation of suburban and outstation trains all the way from Kalyan to CSMT. About 37 railway structures, signalling and electrical infringements are yet to be shifted on the alignment while 714 project-affected people reside on land that is yet to be acquired. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is addressing their needs. The harbour line platforms at Kurla will be shifted to an elevated level and the existing harbour line tracks will be converted into the fifth and sixth lines to maintain continuity. Mill land as well as the civic body and privately owned plots account for 14,626 sq m of land required to lay the new lines. While 5909.41 sq m of land belongs to the government, 8716.54 sq m is owned by private entities.
07 February,2025 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Beed district police in central Maharashtra have launched a QR (Quick Response) code system aimed at enhancing communication between the public and the police department. This initiative enables citizens to share valuable inputs, suggestions, and feedback conveniently through their mobile phones, according to PTI reports. As per PTI, the QR codes have been prominently displayed at all police stations across Beed district and on the desks of station in-charges. This new digital system, designed to improve efficiency and responsiveness, is directly monitored by the superintendent of police (SP) office. Authorities have assured that the personal details of individuals interacting through the system will remain strictly confidential. PTI reports that after scanning the QR code, citizens will be prompted to enter their contact information and relevant details. If a person is dissatisfied with the response received from a particular police station, they can escalate their grievance through the QR system, which will immediately alert the SP’s office. The officials will then directly reach out to the complainant to address their concerns. Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar sets up panel to probe fund allocation by Beed district planning committee Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on Tuesday set up a three-member inquiry panel to investigate alleged discrepancies in the allocation of Rs 877 crore by the Beed district planning committee when his cabinet colleague Dhananjay Munde was the guardian minister, PTI reported. Ahead of the state cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Mumbai, Munde, who is under fire from the opposition over Beed sarpanch murder, met Ajit Pawar, who heads the NCP. The details of the meeting were not available. According to PTI, the panel's investigation will cover the administrative approvals granted for projects under the district planning committee for 2023-24 and 2024-25 when Munde, a prominent NCP leader from Beed, was the guardian minister. As per PTI sources close to Pawar, the committee will review all approved works and scrutinise their technical clearances, commencement orders, and fund allocations in the years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The decision comes after BJP MLA Suresh Dhas levelled allegations against Munde a few days ago, and Pawar had assured a thorough probe into the matter. PTI Sources said that the inquiry committee has since convened at the district collector's office in Beed and sought records of all works undertaken over the past two years. In a post on X, activist Anjali Damania said Dharashiv deputy collector Santosh Bhor would chair the committee, which will include M K Bhange, additional director of the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, and Jalna district planning officer Sunil Suryawanshi. She said that the team had been tasked with examining the status of approved works, the technical clearances granted to them, and the distribution of funds. The inquiry team must submit its report within a week, as per the directive issued by State Secretary Sushma Kambli, PTI reported. The panel was set up following the first meeting of the district planning body chaired by Pawar on January 30. After this meeting, a decision was made to investigate the approval of works worth Rs 877 crore undertaken in Beed in the last two years. The opposition has been mounting pressure for Munde's resignation after the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, as his close associate Walmik Karad was arrested in an extortion case related to the murder, PTI reported. (With inputs from PTI)
07 February,2025 10:29 AM IST | MumbaiMumbai is set to experience clear skies today, February 7, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather is expected to remain warm, with temperatures ranging between 22 and 34 degrees Celsius. Gentle winds will blow at around 6 km/h, while humidity levels are expected to stay at 53%. The sun will rise at 7:11 AM and set at 6:34 PM. The IMD predicts that Mumbai will continue to enjoy mainly clear skies over the next few days. On February 8, temperatures are likely to range between 22 and 33 degrees Celsius, with similar weather conditions expected. As the Valentine’s weekend approaches, Mumbaikars can look forward to pleasant and comfortable weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Mumbai’s air quality today Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) is recorded at 92 today, which falls under the ‘satisfactory’ category. This marks an improvement compared to previous months. However, individuals with respiratory conditions are advised to take precautions, such as wearing masks and limiting outdoor exposure. Air quality in different areas of Mumbai While some areas of the city enjoy relatively better air quality, certain regions are experiencing moderate to poor air conditions. Here is the AQI breakdown for various locations in Mumbai: Colaba – 92 AQI (Satisfactory)Dockyard – 175 AQI (Moderate)Worli – 132 AQI (Moderate)Sion – 154 AQI (Moderate)Deonar – 215 AQI (Poor)Bandra Kurla Complex – 184 AQI (Moderate)Ghatkopar – 197 AQI (Moderate)Malad West – 201 AQI (Poor)Borivali East – 190 AQI (Moderate)Mulund West – 135 AQI (Moderate) Understanding AQI levels The Air quality index (AQI) is classified as follows: 0-50 – Good51-100 – Satisfactory101-200 – Moderate201-300 – Poor301-400 – Very Poor401-500 – Severe Mumbai’s air quality continues to fluctuate, with some areas experiencing pollution levels that could affect sensitive groups. Authorities advise residents to stay informed about daily AQI updates and take necessary precautions when needed. With clear skies and improving air quality in some parts of the city, Mumbai is set for a pleasant day ahead.
07 February,2025 10:01 AM IST | MumbaiAs a 4-year-old boy, he was lost on an unfamiliar street in Mumbai, struggling to piece together memories of his family. Found by the police, he was placed in a children’s home—confused, displaced, and questioning his very existence. Thirty years later, that same boy—now Dr Aditya Charegaonkar working as a grant manager at the Azim Premji Foundation in Bangalore—still searches for his true identity and the family he lost. As he fights the “system” that he believes can prevent children like him from becoming orphans, his battle remains deeply personal. At the beginning of 1995, Aditya, who still remembers his family calling him 'Sunny', was separated from his grandmother. It remains one of his most vivid memories, followed by the police sending him to the Mankhurd-based Children’s Aid Society and later to Asha Sadan rescue home. Dr Aditya Charegaonkar as a child Moving from one institution to another, Aditya embarked on a long academic journey across Maharashtra, completing his school education from Balgram SOS Children’s Village in Pune. He was selected for graduation at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), but due to the policies of the organisation he was part of, financial constraints prevented him from enrolling. However, driven by determination and willpower, he saved up on his own and eventually secured admission to TISS for an integrated program in social work, successfully completing his MPhil and PhD. Between his academic pursuits, Aditya also participated in fellowship programmes focused on children, including the Gandhi Fellowship, where he worked in government schools in Rajasthan. During his workshops and programmes, Aditya realised how many young people struggle without parental guidance. This deeper understanding also exposed him to the flaws in the “system”, which he saw as a major barrier preventing children and youth from thriving in society. Aditya told mid-day, “During my research work, I realised that no child is actually an orphan. It is the failure of our system that creates orphans, as it lacks leadership and willingness. We even have orphan reservations now, but declaring us orphans is, in itself, unconstitutional. According to the literal terms of our Constitution, every child is a ward of the state. This means there should be a proper mechanism within the system to care for us until the age of 18, instead of placing us with NGOs and institutions that turn us into a business commodity.” At the age of 34, Aditya claims to have achieved “success” by “societal standards.” He says, “I have the best education, achievements, money, property—everything that society deems as a measure of success. And yet, I have no knowledge of my roots. Clueless, I’m doing my best to locate my family. Many years down the line, I don’t want to regret not trying to find my family or understanding my existence and roots.” At this point, Aditya runs a social media campaign while simultaneously working to locate his family, using his own research module, which is still in progress. Discussing his plan of action, he says, “I am developing a care-living network to connect children and youth, like me, with a chain that links them to their families. As I’ve said, no child or youth is an orphan… it's the deficiencies in our system’s machinery that make it difficult for a child to reconnect with lost family. While I work on my module, I also aim to sensitise the system. I don’t seek sympathy for being an orphan, but assistance—for myself and many others like me.” “The search continues,” concluded Aditya, who now lives in his own flat in Bengaluru’s Sarjapura area, supported by the police and the Children Welfare Committee in his journey.
07 February,2025 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerFor the first time, a stray dog in the buffer zone of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has died of rabies. In response, the TATR administration is implementing preventive measures, and experts on the ground have said this is an isolated case, so there is no cause for panic. Dr Jitendra Ramgaonkar, Field Director and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) at TATR, said, “We are conducting our ABC program for stray dogs in non-forest areas and villages in the buffer zone. One of the captured dogs from Kolara village tested positive for rabies. As a preventive measure, we have administered vaccinations. There are no rabid dogs in either the core or buffer forest areas of TATR.” One of the captured dogs from Kolara village tested positive for rabies A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) established by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is already in place to manage stray and feral dogs in tiger reserves. The SOP aims to minimise disease transmission and physical threats to tigers and other wildlife, particularly young and juvenile animals. Wildlife Veterinarian Bahar Baviskar, founder & executive director of Wild-CER, said, “As part of the ABC program in buffer zone villages, we recently found a dog that tested positive for rabies. Other dogs from that village have been isolated and are under health monitoring. So far, this is the only confirmed case, and there is no immediate cause for concern. Every dog brought in for ABC is vaccinated against rabies and other diseases before being released.” Through Wild-CER’s "One Health" initiative, a dedicated health centre has been established in TATR, Maharashtra. “Recently, we held an ABC camp where 151 dogs were neutered and immunised with the anti-rabies vaccine,” Baviskar added. Highlighting the importance of conservation medicine, he pointed out that diseases in wildlife are often understudied, with many cases going unreported. “Further research is needed to understand the true extent of disease threats to wildlife,” he said. Wild-CER has also launched rabies awareness campaigns around TATR, including mass vaccination drives and educational programmes for schools and local communities. Other side Dr Nikhil Sopan Bangar, wildlife veterinary officer at the Maharashtra Forest Department, described the presence of a rabid domestic dog in TATR’s buffer zone as a serious risk to both wildlife and humans. “Rabies is a fatal viral disease, spread through bites, scratches, or saliva. The infected dog’s presence increases the risk of transmission to wild carnivores such as tigers, leopards, and jackals, which could then exhibit aggressive behaviour, neurological symptoms, and eventually die. The disease can also spread to other domestic animals and humans, making vaccination and awareness crucial.” “Surveillance and vaccination efforts in Tadoba are commendable. These measures helped detect the rabies-infected dog. If necessary, affected animals may need to be removed or isolated to prevent an outbreak. Strict surveillance, prompt reporting, and vaccination campaigns are essential to contain the spread. Immediate action is needed to safeguard wildlife and local communities,” Bangar added. Wildlife Conservationist Kedar Gore from the Corbett Foundation said. “The death of a dog due to rabies in Tadoba’s buffer zone calls for close monitoring of other dogs and even jackals or wolves that may show symptoms.” He also highlighted the potential for disease transmission through scavenging. “Dogs often feed on livestock carcasses killed by tigers or leopards, which in turn attract scavengers like hyenas and jackals. This increases the risk of disease spread. Hopefully, immediate vaccination efforts will help protect the remaining dog population in the area.”
07 February,2025 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavWhere more is not merrier Passengers throw caution to the wind and travel in an overcrowded boat at Arnala Jetty in Virar This sounds like India Alec Goldfarb (left) jams with Ramana Balachandran in Tamil Nadu. Pic courtesy/Bhavajan Kumar American guitarist Alec Goldfarb is stringing together stories from across India with his guitar as you read this. After a quick jugalbandi with veena player Ramana Balachandran in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai, earlier this week, followed by a performance in Bengaluru yesterday, Goldfarb is now headed to Mumbai to perform at Bandra venue Two Extra Lives, on February 13. Known for his peculiar playing style that mimics a traditional sitar, Goldfarb revealed to us, “Through my tour in India thus far, I have felt my style evolving in new directions, influenced by the musicians I have been interacting with. For my first ever performance in Mumbai, I am excited to present classical and jazz pieces, and a very conscious integration of new textures and techniques on the guitar.” Bantai is back Emiway Bantai (centre) in a still from the recently released music video of the song, Badshah. Pic courtesy/Youtube Fans of Antop Hill-based rapper Bilal Shaikh aka Emiway Bantai could be still reeling from a musical treat that dropped earlier this week. The new single, Badshah, features a medley of hip-hop and 1990s Bollywood music. “Since childhood, I have been a fan of Shah Rukh Khan and when the opportunity came to create this song for the Badshah of Bollywood, I immediately went to the studio and got busy,” the rapper shared. Inspired from the music and cultural temper of the 1990s, the new album borrows elements from Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic song Baadshah O Baadshah from the 1999 film, Baadshah and infuses it with hip-hop beats. “We have all grown up singing along and jamming to songs featuring him and some of our core childhood memories are linked with these songs. I took the opportunity to create the extended play, which is the best of both worlds, Bollywood and hip-hop. There are more iconic tracks coming up in the Bajis EP, which my fans are going to love,” he told this diarist. For our furry friends Students create awareness about animal abuse Nisarg, the nature club of the Royal College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Mira Road recently held a two-day pet trade awareness campaign in its campus, in collaboration with Wildlife Conservation Trust’s (WCT) #TrappedInTrade initiative. “We had a session with WCT’s president, Dr Anish Andheria in 2023. Inspired by his talks, we decided to start the campaign,” Radhika Dsouza (inset), convenor of the club, told this diarist. The students also conducted research to understand the statistics behind illegal exotic pet trade. “My research was a survey to understand the type and number of pets people owned. Then, we prepared a signing sheet and got people on-board, to spread awareness about animal abuse,” Anindita Mukherjee, student, shared. Echoes of resistance The group interacts with residents of Jai Bhim Nagar after a screening Media students from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Chembur, will premiere their documentary, Ekjut, at the Bangalore Film Society on February 11. The film highlights the struggles faced by residents following last year’s demolition in Jai Bhim Nagar in Powai. “We came across a report on the Reclaim the Night protest, which made us reflect on how women’s safety discussions often exclude marginalised communities,” said Ananya K (below), a member of the group. Through immersive research, the group spent days with displaced residents, documenting their resilience. A pre-release of the documentary was also screened in Jai Bhim Nagar, allowing the community to see their own stories represented on screen. Of water bodies in a city The postcards feature curated photographs and letters As part of a project started by Dr Sara Ahmed of Living Waters Museum, a series of postcards by architect Minaz Ansari, urban designer Jinisha Lodaya and Ipshita Karmakar provide reflections on Mumbai’s water bodies as part of a research that started in 2020. “The postcards depict the city’s relationship with water through narratives that focus on communities whose livelihood depend on it,” Ansari shared with us.
07 February,2025 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayFollowing Minister Nitesh Rane's letter to the education minister last month, seeking a ban on the burqa in board exams due to concerns about its misuse for smuggling chits and malpractice, the Akhil Bhartiya Urdu Shikshak Sangh has urged the education minister to issue a written directive to the state board. They demand assurance that no girl student is stopped or denied entry at any exam centre across the state for wearing a burqa. The Std X (SSC) exams are scheduled from February 21 to March 17, while the Std XII (HSC) exams will be held from February 11 to March 11. In his January 29 letter, Nitesh Rane urged the state government and the School Education Department to ban the burqa at examination centres for SSC and HSC board exams, citing concerns about cheating. Addressing Education Minister Dada Bhuse, Rane demanded uniform rules for Hindu and Muslim students. Dada Bhuse, Maharashtra school education minister and Malegaon (Outer) MLA Rane, who is the minister for fisheries and ports, also claimed that past law and order issues and exam malpractices had involved students wearing burqas. “There have been cases of cheating and copying. This should not happen in Maharashtra, so I have written a letter to the education minister,” he added. His statement triggered strong reactions from Opposition leaders and Muslim scholars, who argue that Rane’s letter targets religious freedom. Last week, while addressing the media, Rane remarked, “They should go to Bangladesh and Pakistan if they want to take exams wearing a burqa. In our country, we follow a Constitution drafted by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, not Sharia law.” The demand for a burqa ban in exam centres has reignited the hijab debate in India, raising concerns over religious freedom and students’ rights. The state government has not yet issued an official response to Rane’s letter. However, Bhuse has assured that there will be no burqa ban during board exams. “Instead of focusing on a dress code, the priority will be on preventing cheating and malpractices at exam centres,” Bhuse stated. Sajid Nisar Ahmed, founder and general secretary of the Akhil Bhartiya Urdu Shikshak Sangh He added that strict measures will be implemented to curb cheating, regardless of whether students wear a burqa. “Cheating-free exams are the motto of the school education department and the state board. CCTV cameras have been installed at exam centres, adequate police security has been arranged, and invigilators will be present. The department will ensure that no student resorts to cheating,” Bhuse said. Meanwhile, the Akhil Bhartiya Urdu Shikshak Sangh has urged the state board and the school education minister to issue a written directive ensuring that no Muslim student is denied entry to exam centres for wearing a burqa. Sajid Nisar Ahmed, founder and general secretary of the Akhil Bhartiya Urdu Shikshak Sangh, expressed concerns over the controversy and the fear it has created among Muslim students. “Checking and frisking of students can be conducted. We have already requested that female personnel be present to frisk and verify girl students. They can check their faces and conduct security checks, but banning the burqa would be unfair to many Muslim girls,” Ahmed told mid-day. He added, “We are grateful to the school education minister for assuring that students wearing burqas will not face problems or be denied entry to exam halls. However, to prevent any such incidents across the state, we have requested the minister and the state board to issue an official circular or directive to all exam centre in-charges.” SP MLA Rais Shaikh, who intervened in the matter following Rane's statement, wrote to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, stating, “This demand is unconstitutional and has no legal basis.” He further asserted, “It specifically targets the Muslim community, aiming to deprive minority students of their education. Such demands will only lead to polarisation in the education sector.” Shaikh told mid-day, “A minister writing to a department or making statements demanding something does not automatically turn it into policy or law. Banning the burqa during exams is not an official rule, and therefore, there cannot and should not be a written directive enforcing it. The minister’s assurance is enough. As far as students are concerned, we have alerted all our volunteers and local NGOs working with us to remain vigilant during the board exams. If any student faces such discrimination or is denied entry at an exam centre, they can reach out to us, and we will assist them.”
07 February,2025 07:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghADVERTISEMENT