Satellite-tagged Olive Ridley turtle Dhaval Lakshmi, released off the Dahanu coast over a week ago, appears to be enjoying the waters nearby. Since its release, the turtle hasn’t moved in any specific direction and continues to remain roughly 27 km northwest of Dahanu, swimming around the same area without showing any clear directional movement over the past week. This is the same turtle that was found injured off the Dahanu coast in August. After receiving treatment, she was rehabilitated and released back into the sea. According to officials from the Mangrove Cell, Dhaval Lakshmi continues to hover between 27 km and 45 km northwest of Dahanu. “Since her release, she appears to be spending time in the same stretch of water, likely due to the abundant availability of food in the area. It will be interesting to track her movements once she begins travelling further in the coming days.” Dr Dinesh J Vinherkar, the veterinarian at the Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) in Dahanu, along with the WCAWA (Wildlife Conservation and Animal Welfare Association) team, officials from the Mangrove Cell, and the forest department (Dahanu), played a crucial role in rescuing the turtle after it was found entangled in a ghost net off the Dhakti Dahanu coast. “The female turtle was critically injured and found entangled in a ghost net. After rescuing her safely, we treated her wounds with antibiotics, painkillers and fluid therapy for hydration. We also had to carry out stomach tube feeding and hand-feeding until she began eating on her own. She was given regular swimming practice in the seawater pools at the TTC in Dahanu, and we used laser therapy to help with muscle healing. She responded well to the treatment, and later the decision to fit her with a satellite tag was taken by officials from the Mangrove Cell and forest department, along with experts from the Wildlife Institute of India,” Dr Vinherkar said. Dr Vinherkar believes that tracking a turtle that has recovered from serious injuries with a satellite tag will be a significant milestone in understanding the fate of critically injured sea turtles after rehabilitation. “This will give us hope and confidence to save more injured marine wildlife. The data will help us understand their post-release survival and to develop better strategies for rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and the release of marine wildlife in the future,” he said. The development was a first for the Dahanu coast, wherein the Mangrove Cell fitted a satellite tag on an Olive Ridley turtle to track its journey from the shoreline. The project aims to gather important data on the species’ migration routes, foraging grounds, and population patterns along India’s western coast. Deputy Director Manas Manjrekar from Mangrove Cell said, “As on 04/12/2025, the satellite-tagged turtle ‘Dhaval Lakshmi’ was observed to be around 50 km northwest of Dahanu and around 40 km offshore from the coast of Daman”
05 December,2025 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavFive apex organisations under the Maharashtra Rajya Vyapari Kruti Samiti have declared a statewide one-day bandh on Friday, December 5, to protest against the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) system. The participating bodies include the Chamber of Association of Maharashtra Industry and Trade (CAMIT), Federation of Association of Maharashtra (FAM), Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), Grain, Rice & Oil Merchants Association (GROMA) and the Poona Merchants Chamber (PMC). CAMIT chairman Mohan Gurnani told mid-day, “The APMC system has collapsed. It has become exploitative, outdated and a burden on traders and farmers. Maharashtra’s traders are demanding that the APMC structure be abolished entirely.” Gurnani confirmed that markets, mandis, kirana establishments, wholesale grain merchants and several linked trade units will remain closed for the day. All bodies have called it a peaceful but total shutdown. Impact on you? >> Vegetable and fruit supply may dip as APMC mandis will remain shut>> Grain, oil, pulses and provisions from major markets like Vashi APMC may not reach your neighbourhood stores>> Online delivery platforms may face shortage of fresh produce>> Restaurant procurement may be hit
05 December,2025 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghThose who drive on the road towards Lucky Junction in Bandra West are in for a surprise, as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has dealt with the deadly metal cover, but only halfway! As several complaints were made over the smoothness of the surface that caused vehicles to skid, which mid-day had also pointed out, the H West has now welded thin metal strips horizontally across the metal cover to provide some traction. However, this will mostly help only those who drive straight down from SV Road. Taking care of the smooth surface is only half the issue resolved. The civic body still has to come up with a solution for the pothole underneath the metal cover, which gets exposed with vehicular movement, and the raised surface of the cover, which is almost 3-4 inches above the road surface. Lack of traction on lid would lead to vehicles skidding. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE Mushtaq Ansari, a local who has been raising concerns over the issue for the last few months, said, “Though the new metal strips might help, we are all still worried about that patch of the road, and drive very carefully. Those who drive straight down from SV Road can see the lid ahead and are prepared to drive over or around it. But it’s a gamble for those approaching from Hill Road or Bandra railway station.” Dharmatejas Prasannadas, assistant engineer, BMC’s Waterworks Department, told mid-day, “The cover will only be removed once we deem that the utility duct under it can be driven over and will not cause any damage, and that will take some time. But till then, we are trying our best to ease the difficulties faced by commuters.”
05 December,2025 07:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturI still love her and want to marry her,” says 81-year-old Chandrashekhar Madhukar Kalekar, who was acquitted on Thursday in a 48-year-old attempt-to-murder case. Kalekar was arrested in October 2025 by the Colaba police for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend in 1977 and then vanishing after securing bail. Out of 15 witnesses in the case, 10 had died, and the remaining five could not be traced. The court eventually contacted the victim, now 80 and living in the US, over a video call. She told the court that Kalekar never stabbed her and refused to identify him, leading to his acquittal. Kalekar told mid-day he is grateful to her. “I want to thank her. I still love her and want to marry her,” he said. The 1977 incident According to police, Kalekar, then 33, was in a relationship with a woman from Lalbaug while living in Haji Kasam Chawl near Hindmata Cinema and working in Worli. The two attended parties together and grew close. Police alleged that he suspected her of having another relationship and, in a fit of rage, stabbed her multiple times on her stomach and hand. The Colaba police arrested him and he spent 15 days in jail before being released on bail. Soon after, he disappeared, shifting between Lalbaug, Mahim, Goregaon, and Badlapur, and stopped attending court hearings, prompting summons and a R10,000 surety fine. Tracing him decades later A special team tracked voter records and RTO data, eventually finding that Kalekar renewed his driving licence in 2024. His updated photo was shown to acquaintances, confirming his identity. He was re-arrested on October 14, 2025, and released on bail three days later. Acquittal and a proposal Advocate Sunil Pandey said, “There were 15 witnesses in the case. Ten had died, and five were untraceable. Only the victim was located in the US. The court video-called her; she is nearly 80 years old. She told the court that Kalekar did not stab her and that she did not remember such an incident. She also refused to identify him. On this basis, my client was acquitted on Thursday.” Speaking to mid-day, an emotional Kalekar said, “I did not stab my ex-girlfriend. I loved her. I was framed. Because of this case, I lost my job and my reputation in society. Last year, I lost my wife, and then in October, the police arrested me again. I was innocent.” He added, “I still love her. If she is ready, I am ready to marry her. She is in the US. I will send my proposal to her. I want to thank her for helping me and saving me from a case in which I was wrongly accused.” Last wish Kalekar further said, “Because of this case, I never got a passport, and my wish was to visit Singapore. Now I will apply for a passport and go to Singapore on a tour. I thank the court, my ex-girlfriend, and advocate Sunil Pandey for helping me.” 1977Year the incident occurred
05 December,2025 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaYesterday, Thursday, December 4, Malabar Hill resident Dina Desai marked a sombre first anniversary. This one did not warrant celebrations but introspection and action. Desai, 73, suffered a heinous injury one year ago at Nana Chowk when she had gone to buy medicines from a pharmacy. She had placed her leg on what she took to be a grated gutter after her car dropped her close to the pharmacy. The diminutive Desai’s left leg went all the way up to her thigh into the gutter grate as two spokes of this grate broke. Dina Desai marks the injury anniversary. Pics/By Special Arrangement Desai’s cries for help were heeded, and then, battling excruciating pain, she was diagnosed with a large Haematoma. A Haematoma or blood suffusion is localised bleeding outside of the blood vessels, due to either disease or trauma, including injury or surgery. Some Haematomas can be seen as surface bruises. The suffering Dina Desai a year ago, with her injured leg One year on, Desai said, “I still battle with pain. As a swimmer and walker, I was fairly agile, but this has affected my agility. Since it was my left leg that was affected, I have been using my right leg and putting all my weight on it, so it hurts too. Most of all, the sound of the grate spokes caving in as I stepped on it has stayed with me.” This cycle may serve as warning. Pics/By Special Arrangement At that time, Desai had followed through to ensure that there was some action taken, and the gutter grate was repaired by the BMC. Personnel had stated that this was not a broken gutter but a ‘double water entrance’. That, though, is a mere technicality. The point is that the infrastructure broke, and a senior citizen suffered as a result. Action caution Slip and break a hip in Colaba? Desai has turned agony into action. A couple of weeks ago, to ‘mark’ this date, Desai asked people to send her pictures of broken grates or gutter covers. She said, “The pictures started flowing in. I saw broken infrastructure outside the Mahalaxmi racecourse a few weeks ago when I had visited for an art show and was walking back to my car. Many of these photos are taken in upscale SoBo. I want to warn people, I have done so earlier, not to step on this infrastructure. Always look down while walking. Some of these broken covers look strong, but that is deceptive. If spokes could give way under my 50-kg weight, it is entirely possible that these covers may break entirely if somebody heavy steps on them. You will be in severe pain even if just your leg slips in, as I experienced.” Keep your eyes on the ground near Kemps Corner Many photos supplied by Desai have been taken by persons who learnt of her initiative. She explained, “This is to create awareness. I hope authorities become proactive, find out about these problems themselves and start repairs. I am also grateful to alert and intrepid citizens who have responded once I announced my initiative on social media, roughly three weeks ago. Yet the sheer numbers and Formula-I speed at which pictures are coming in shows this is a widespread issue. The one-year anniversary is no memorable milestone, just an awakening,” Desai concluded.
05 December,2025 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharAnger and frustration reigned supreme at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) as the IndiGo crisis entered its third day. Weary fliers, some of whom had been standing at the airline’s counter outside Terminal 1 for more than 24 hours, expressed feelings of abject helplessness amid cancellations and delays, which are likely to persist for a week. Though IndiGo did not issue a statement mentioning the exact reason for the situation, mid-day’s sources say it is a consequence of the Flight Duty Time Limitations implemented by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on November 1 and stated that even the airline’s officials are unsure when the matter will be resolved. A flyer has a heated exchange with a staffer at the IndiGo counter outside Terminal 1 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Thursday. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur The new rules increase the weekly rest period for pilots from 36 hours to 48 hours and limit landings at night from six to two, impacting the crew rostering of the airline, which accounts for almost 65 per cent of India’s domestic aviation market. Passengers in a fix The IndiGo crew have been facing severe backlash from passengers, with sources inside the airport telling mid-day that some fliers have been getting physically aggressive. A flier has a moment of despair Sayantani Sarkar, who was standing at T1, told mid-day, “My relative needs to reach Hyderabad urgently because of a legal obligation. IndiGo first cancelled our flight on the night of Wednesday, December 3, and rebooked us a flight for the 4th. Now they have cancelled that flight as well. When I asked them about the possibility of an alternative flight, the crew member at the counter replied rudely.” Sarkar and the crew member were seen arguing loudly, with the crew calling the airport security to handle the situation. Both sides alleged that the other one spoke improperly with them. Wounded emotions The busy IndiGo counter outside Terminal 1 of CSMT Airport on Thursday. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur Not all passengers had screaming matches with the crew; many silently fought back tears. Chandigarh resident Karishma Sharma, her husband Ravi, and their toddler had come to Mumbai for an important meeting. However, after receiving the news that Karishma’s mother’s health had taken a turn for the worse, the Sharmas tried to rush back home. “Our flight had been cancelled, and we only got to know about this when we reached the airport. We were first sent a message about a delay, which we were okay with. After we checked in online, reached the airport, and talked to the desk staff, the final blow was dealt.” Karina Ostwal, flier who was due to be engaged on Friday Ravi added, “If we want, we can start screaming and make a scene, but this wouldn’t be to anyone’s benefit. The airline is unable to help us. With every passing hour, new levels of chaos are being reached.” Raised fares Pramod Vishwakumar, who had to travel to Udaipur with his wife due to a personal emergency, paid Rs 22,000 for two round-trip tickets. He said, “They haven’t told me that my flight was cancelled or delayed, but neither are they confident that the flight will not be delayed or cancelled. We are in a very peculiar state, where we can’t be angry, nor can we be relieved.” Sayantani Sarkar, relative of flier Official Speak mid-day contacted IndiGo, but received no reply by press time. While the official number of cancelled flights has not been released, 80-plus flights have certainly been affected. Flight cancelled? Pic/Istock 1 Airlines are required to refund tickets in case one is unwilling to travel on their alternate or the subsequent flight or on another airline’s flight.2 Airlines are bound to provide fliers with alternate travel opportunities at no additional cost, if they so desire.3 You will not be entitled to any compensation in case you don’t accept alternate travel arrangements offered by the airline or when the cancellation occurs due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the airline 4 If you have already reported at the airport to undertake journey on original flight and are waiting for the alternate flight, the airline is bound to provide you meals and refresh-ments. What airlines owe you for this mess For delays under 24 hours, passengers are entitled to meals and refreshments at airports. For delays over 24 hours, passengers are entitled to hotel accommodations with transfers. These are only applicable in conditions that are not caused due to extraordinary circumstances. 118 flightsCancelled in Mumbai on December 4. Sources said this was because of operational reasons Dec 2Day crisis began
05 December,2025 07:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturDo 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 December 5. Aries March 21 – April 20A wish is answered quicker than expected. A financially stable karmic cycle draws in quite a lot of new business. Cosmic tip: Send a prayer of thanks for being able to sleep easily every night. TaurusApril 21 – May 20An addition to positive past karmas is a decision to get in touch with someone you’ve unfriended. Many people consider you a guru-figure.Cosmic tip: Be aware if accepting or rejecting an unusual offer. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Everyday schedules seem boring now since a positive karmic cycle draws in good times, having fun with friends, enjoying the food. Cosmic tip: Do maintain a healthy diet. Cancer June 22 – July 23A decision to relocate has been made. Life is a learning lesson of how actions bring karmic justice. Cosmic tip: Appreciate how life has gradually progressed, advancing to the present. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Work might be slightly challenging, but you are quite prepared to deal with it. A relative keeps on harping about the ‘good old days. Cosmic tip: Be aware, allowing new friends to enter life. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A plateau phase challenges patience since there are so many messages expected. Cosmic tip: Be supportive towards a colleague who has just joined the organisation. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Be cautious about interactions with a colleague whom you may offend without meaning to, especially when working with a team. Cosmic tip: Follow through with the desire to increase knowledge. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Some consult a mentor about a decision. Self-employed Scorpios must carefully consider a friend’s idea of starting a business partnership.Cosmic tip: Keep chaotic and confused emotions under check. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Receiving expected money feels great. A karmic cycle for buying/ selling/renting property begins. There are a few difficult moments in a meeting. Cosmic tip: Pay attention to subtle body language cues. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Change your investing pattern if the present one isn’t working. Maintain distance from complex conditions. Cosmic tip: Acknowledge help received at home and at work. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Appreciate the fact that a mini holiday can be taken any time. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Let go of ego-based arguments with your spouse/ partner; a peaceful and loving atmosphere is more important. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A business meeting stops mid-way to acknowledge someone who is late by half an hour; then commences again. Practise mindful living in the moment.Cosmic tip: Appreciate wisdom of elders which never gets dated.
05 December,2025 01:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseThe Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has ordered the closure of 19 ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for breaching environmental guidelines and contributing to worsening air quality, reported the PTI. RMC plants manufacture pre-mixed concrete -- a blend of cement, water and aggregates -- for use in construction projects. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the MPCB said that the action followed a compliance survey that revealed several RMC units were operating without adequate dust control measures, emission management systems or mandatory permissions. Inspection teams are currently carrying out field checks across the MMR, and the board has said strict enforcement will continue through the winter, according to the PTI. The MPCB operates 32 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan and Panvel. Fourteen of these are managed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) readings from these stations are available on the Central Pollution Control Board’s online dashboard and are shared across media platforms, as per the PTI. To identify pollution hotspots, 22 mobile air quality monitoring vans have also been deployed across Maharashtra. These have been scanning transport corridors, industrial zones and areas with a high concentration of RMC plants. The board warned that violations detected during such surveys would attract strict action. The MPCB said it had issued revised operational guidelines for RMC units in October 2023 and had now begun reviewing their implementation on the ground. During the latest survey, four RMC units in Deonar and Govandi -- Om Global Operation, SSG Ltd, Rambha Infrastructure Pvt Ltd and Unity Construction Pvt Ltd—were ordered to shut, while three units submitted a bank guarantee of Rs 5 lakh each. The board has also ordered action against unauthorised metal furnaces operating in Sanjay Gandhi Nagar and Sion, directing them to cease operations and asking the BMC to begin dismantling procedures. In addition, the Mumbai Port Trust has been told to impose preventive restrictions in the Wadala-Mahim belt after emissions were detected during monitoring, the news agency reported. Further violations were found at six RMC units each in Thane and Navi Mumbai, and nine in Kalyan, bringing the total number of shutdowns to 19 plants. The MPCB said it has stepped up its pollution-control campaign and will continue strong enforcement against non-compliant industries. Senior officials, including member secretary M. M. Devendra Singh, have been personally involved in inspections. The board appealed to industries to comply with environmental regulations. (with PTI inputs)
04 December,2025 11:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway on Thursday announced that Mohope Railway Station on the Panvel-Karjat line in Maharashtra was renamed as Poyanje and the new station code will now be PYJE. The change follows a decision by the Government of Maharashtra. Mohope and Poyanje are small villages near the railway station on the Panvel-Karjat line, which is currently seeing significant development under the ambitious Mumbai Urban Transport Project-III. All railway records, station signage, announcements, and passenger information systems was being updated with the new name of the railway station, officials said. "Passengers and the public are advised to take note of the change," said an official. The renaming marks the second railway station in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to be renamed within a week. Earlier, the Seawoods-Darave station was renamed Seawoods-Darave-Karave station by railway authorities.
04 December,2025 11:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarDo 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 December 4. Aries March 21 – April 20Evolving changes bring unexpected opportunities which have a direct impact on work. Maintain a sustained diet.Cosmic tip: Keep emotions calm, settled and secure to keep the relationship steady. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Be there for a friend who needs your practical no-nonsense advice, which is still laced with empathy. Cosmic tip: Study for a certification or a diploma course if that’s the need of the times. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Reacting to what might be a miscommunication might confuse an already sensitive situation further. Cosmic tip: Nurture an important friendship. Cancer June 22 – July 23Life is a palette of bright and happy shades with a few greyer tones added, because that is life. Cosmic tip: Avoid aggressively pursuing what you feel is right (it may not be so). Leo July 24 - Aug 23A feeling of restriction felt in several areas of life disappears. Cosmic tip: Initiate talks about an ongoing issue that is more irritating for you than really a problem. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23News or a conversation over the phone has you congratulating the one calling. A minor conflict settles down, with you being relieved. Cosmic tip: Allow the mind-set to change without trying to hold onto the past. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Several high-end clients are signed for the company. Travel for business negotiation is kept on the back burner for now. Cosmic tip: Enjoy this family time of strengthening or renewing bonds of love. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Diversifying the business further is considered by some. Keep a professional façade while interacting with colleagues.Cosmic tip: Take up a hobby to calm the mind. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Receiving expected money feels great. A karmic cycle for buying/ selling/renting property begins. There are a few difficult moments in a meeting. Cosmic tip: Pay attention to subtle body language cues. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Relocation due to the job is revealed for some. Losing your temper places you at a disadvantage.Cosmic tip: Enjoy this emotional connection with the spouse/ partner. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A reconciliation is revealed if ready for it. Dealing with more responsibility at work is a sign of success as well as (a possible) commencement of office politics. Cosmic tip: Take care of general health. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Try not to complicate accounts and finances by juggling money between investments and bank accounts. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Be patient, willing to wait for the right moment to have a talk.
04 December,2025 09:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseStudents of a college in Mumbai’s western suburbs staged a protest outside the institute’s premises this week, contesting what they said was a recent burqa ban imposed by the administration. According to the students of Vivek Vidyalaya Junior College in Goregaon, they were not allowed to wear a burqa despite repeated requests, though the institute permitted a headscarf. Following the protest and a letter submitted by the students, the college issued a detailed statement denying the allegations. “At the outset, we deny all your allegations, averments against our educational institution by reserving our right to initiate appropriate remedy provided under law and respond as follows,” the statement said. The institute added: “Our institute has no reservations for the Muslim girl students wearing the hijab, and in fact, there is no ban to the said practice. It seems that there is a misrepresentation, which has led to unnecessary issues which were totally avoidable.” The college further said it had “decided to implement the request of burkha without niqab with immediate effect”, while clarifying that the decision “shall not be considered as a precedent”. It also said no fundamental rights had been violated “as stated in your letter under reply”. The statement urged the students to ensure that “communal harmony, law and order issues are not created in and around the premises” and asked that “all the posts, videos, materials circulating in the social media” be deleted. It added: “We deny all your allegations in the letter under reply and nothing may be deemed as admitted unless specifically admitted… we advise you not to create any unnecessary issues which may affect the unity, integrity, social fabric of our diverse nation.” Student representatives said the matter has now been resolved, and that the college will allow the wearing of the burqa.
04 December,2025 09:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarADVERTISEMENT
