A Pakistani currency note of Rs 20 denomination has been discovered in a housing society in Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune district, Maharashtra, leading to a police investigation into the matter, an official confirmed. According to PTI, the housing society in question is situated in Bhukum, approximately 18 kilometres from the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA). The presence of the foreign currency in such a locality has raised concerns, prompting authorities to look into the circumstances surrounding its appearance. As per PTI reports, the note was found outside a service lift within the premises of the residential complex on Saturday. Upon discovering the note, residents and office-bearers of the society promptly informed the police. Given the nature of the finding and the proximity to a key military institution, law enforcement agencies have initiated a thorough probe to determine whether there is any underlying security concern. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vishal Hire of the Pimpri Chinchwad police, speaking to PTI, stated, "The office-bearers of the society approached the police regarding the matter. A probe has been launched, and we are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the housing society to gather further details." 45 Pakistani nationals granted Indian citizenship in Pune Pune district administration on Thursday granted Indian citizenship to 45 Pakistani nationals, who had migrated to India long back and were staying in the city for the past many years. Fearing atrocities in their native nation the applicants, who belonged to the minority community had migrated from Pakistan. "The Collector Office Pune has issued a certificate to 45 people today. These applications were pending at several levels and offices including FRO and other offices for so many years. We have done away with the tedious process of granting citizenship which took months and years and have made it hassle-free," Pune District Collector Naval Kishore Ram said. "After the amendment in the Citizenship Act, the district collector has been empowered to give citizenship to applicants from the minorities. As per that amendment, I have given the citizenship to these persons after I got clearances from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). I called them on a single day for signing on all affidavits and have cleared their application as these rights are now with the collector" he said. Talking about his struggles in Pakistan, Jaykash Nebhvani, one of the migrant who got the Indian Citizenship told ANI, "We faced a lot of troubles in Pakistan and then struggled here to get nationality, finally we got it." "It has been 20 years now, we came here to attend a marriage and I said to my husband that we must stay here only. There we were afraid of even stepping outside our houses because of the kidnappings and other things," said another migrant Laj Virwani. Echoing similar sentiments Rakhi Aswani said, "I came here in 2008 and because of my Pakistani passport it was hard for me to go out of India and I have to take special permission from the government to go and meet my family in the Philippines. But now I have Indian citizenship and can go anywhere." While Om Prakash, asserted that Pakistan was 'unsafe' place. There, parents are afraid of letting their children go outside because of the kidnappings and other crimes. (With inputs from PTI)
11 February,2025 11:26 AM IST | MumbaiThe Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) has announced a significant milestone, with Metro Lines 2A and 7 surpassing an impressive 158,481,589 riders. The achievement, shared via an official tweet, highlights the trust and support of Mumbaikars who continue to embrace the metro as a preferred mode of transport. In addition to record-breaking ridership, the adoption of the Mumbai 1 Card has seen substantial growth, with 269,602 passengers now enjoying seamless, hassle-free travel. This reflects a growing shift towards digital and contactless commuting, enhancing convenience for daily travellers. Expressing gratitude to commuters, MMMOCL reaffirmed its dedication to expanding and improving metro services. With continued public support, Mumbai Metro is set to achieve even greater milestones, shaping the future of urban transportation. Mumbai metro lines 7 and 2A receive CCRS nod for full-speed operations In a significant milestone for Mumbai's metro network, the Chief Commissioner of Rail Safety (CCRS), New Delhi, has granted safety certification for the regular operation of Mumbai Metro Line 7 (Red Line) and Metro Line 2A (Yellow Line). This certification marks the successful compliance with all conditions set during the provisional authorization, enabling unrestricted operations at a full capacity speed of 80 kmph—an increase from the previous temporary speed limits of 50 to 60 kmph at certain locations. Both lines, operated by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), play a crucial role in reducing congestion on Mumbai’s busiest routes. Metro Line 2A stretches 18.6 km from Dahisar to DN Nagar, with 17 stations, while Metro Line 7 spans 16.5 km from Andheri (East) to Dahisar (East), with 13 stations. Together, they cater to over 2.5 lakh daily passengers, with cumulative ridership exceeding 15 crore since the start of operations. MMRDA has implemented cutting-edge technology on these lines, including driverless-capable trainsets, CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control) signalling, platform screen doors, and advanced ticketing systems. These initiatives demonstrate MMRDA's commitment to creating a safe, eco-friendly, and efficient metro network, aligning with the Hon. Chief Minister’s vision of “Mumbai in Minutes.” Hon. Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis remarked, “The regular authorization for Metro Lines 7 and 2A is a step closer to transforming Mumbai into a world-class city with an efficient transport network. This achievement reflects our government’s commitment to providing sustainable, time-saving, and eco-friendly mobility options for Mumbaikars. With this development, we are delivering on our promise to make Mumbai’s public transport system the backbone of its progress.” Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of MMRDA, Shri Eknath Shinde, added, “Mumbai’s metro expansion is a game-changer for the city, and the regular authorization of Metro Lines 7 and 2A is a testament to MMRDA’s dedication to its vision. This development will significantly reduce congestion on key routes and improve the quality of life for commuters. We remain committed to further developing Mumbai’s metro network to meet the demands of our ever-growing city.” Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee stated, “This milestone reflects MMRDA’s relentless efforts to adhere to the highest safety standards and operational excellence. The removal of speed restrictions and the safety certification by CCRS will enhance the metro experience and help achieve our goal of ‘Mumbai in Minutes.’” The regular authorisation of Metro Lines 7 and 2A underlines MMRDA's focus on transforming urban mobility, offering Mumbaikars a faster, safer, and more sustainable commute.
11 February,2025 11:16 AM IST | MumbaiThe bridge, built over the Malwani and Evershine Nagar creek in Malad West and used as a shortcut by the bikers to reach the Link Road, has now been shut by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body also demolished the ramps on both sides and permanently closed the bridge by placing cement barriers, making the regular commuters furious. The bridge previously being used by bikers On Monday, various NGOs and local political leaders gathered with more than 100 people under the banner of ‘Malwani Vikas Manch’ and protested outside the BMC office, demanding that the bridge be reopened for bikers. Advocate Saeed Shaikh said despite demonstrations, the BMC officials did not accept their demands. The protestors have alleged that civic officials were involved in a conspiracy and had closed the bridge to benefit local builders. Social Rizwana Khan sitting on hunger strike The protesters warned that if the bridge is not reopened for bikers, they will stage a protest outside the offices of the political leaders and also go on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan. Rizwana Khan, a female social worker from Malwani, speaking to mid-day, said, “This bridge was reconstructed in 2018 by demolishing the old bridge at a cost of Rs 7 crore from government funds. People using the old bridge travelled by both bike and foot. The new bridge was built with a strong structure, capable of handling thousands of bikers daily. Today, the BMC claims that this bridge was never meant for bikers. If that is so, who built the ramp for bikers on the bridge? If it was not intended for bikers, why was no notice issued?” She demanded that the bridge remain open for bikers until an alternative route is provided. People under the banner of Malwani Vikas Manch stage protest outside the BMC office Jamil Merchant, another social worker and founder of the Jamil Merchant Foundation, filed a PIL last week in the Bombay High Court against the BMC, calling it a violation of fundamental human rights and labelling it an inhumane act. “I had written to the state administration and also the chief minister, requesting that the bridge be reopened for bikers, but no action was taken. Nearly 49,000 people have signed this petition. After this, the only option left for me was to approach the court. I have no personal agenda or interest in this matter. I filed this PIL solely for the public.” Speaking on the issue, P North Municipal Corporation ward officer Kundan Vali, said, “The BMC has clearly stated that this bridge was never built for bikers; it was originally meant for water pipelines and electric cables, with pedestrians using it to cross. However, over time, a large number of bikers started it daily, posing a risk of a major accident. To ensure public safety, the bridge was closed for bikers. However, pedestrians are still allowed to use it.” People under the banner of Malwani Vikas Manch stage protest outside the BMC office He stated that the flyover bridge on Marve Road has been built and is open for public movement and that people should use that bridge. “A bridge connecting Malwani to Link Road has been approved, with the tendering process set to take place this month. The construction of the bridge will commence soon,” Vali added.
11 February,2025 11:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA biker in his late 20s died after his two-wheeler rammed into a bus at Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon East on February 8. Locals, who have been demanding that traffic calming devices be installed on the newly made cement concrete main road, said the incident underscores the need for speed breakers and speed restrictions. Laxman Jadhav, a friend of the deceased, said, “On Saturday, my friend Arun Kavandar, was going to Goregaon to collect documents but on the way, he realised that he had forgotten to take a document, so he took a turn on the main road and, while overtaking a vehicle, his bike hit a bus coming from the opposite direction. The unfortunate incident highlights the need for speed restrictions as well as speed breakers.” Arun Kavandar, the deceased A neighbour of the deceased said that the youth had lost his ailing father over a month ago and his mother, younger sister and brother were dependent on him. Shiv Sena (UBT) Shakha Pramukh Sandeep Gadhave told mid-day, “In the past year, at least four people have died on the main road in Aarey colony. Earlier, this stretch had speed breakers and signs alerting motorists about speed restrictions at accident-prone areas and locations where four roads meet. But, after the road was concreted, speed breakers and signs have not been installed. The traffic police should take note of the rash driving on this road and install speed breakers to prevent mishaps involving not only motorists and bikers but also pedestrians, who risk life and limb walking on the road, which lacks footpaths on either side.” mid-day has been highlighting the need for speed restrictions and speed breakers on the cement concrete road as speeding vehicles pose a huge threat to both pedestrians and wildlife. Sandeep Gadhave, Sena (UBT) shakha pramukh, points to the spot where the mishap occurred Tribal residents and nature lovers have also batted for these measures as bikers and motorists tend to speed after 10 pm. A SGNP official said, “We have begun mapping the area to install speed breakers and signs to ensure wild animals don’t meet with accidents and motorists drive at a slower pace. Once the mapping is done, the information will be shared with the BMC and public works department.” Senior Police Inspector of Aarey milk colony police station Ravindra Patil said, "One Arun Kavandar (29), a resident of Aarey, was riding his bike on Saturday when his bike rammed into the bus coming from opposite direction on main Aarey road. He was rushed to the BMC-run trauma hospital where he was declared dead."
11 February,2025 11:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAs the Std XII (HSC) and Std X (SSC) board exams are here, the Maharashtra government and the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) have ramped up security measures to ensure a completely copying-free examination process. The board is implementing several strict protocols to prevent malpractices and uphold the integrity of the exams, scheduled between February and March. The Std XII (HSC) exams will be held from February 11 to March 18, while the Std X (SSC) exams are scheduled from February 21 to March 28. HSC students pore over study material outside Mithibai college ahead of the examination on February 21, 2024. File pic/Anurag Ahire Tightened security In a bid to curb any form of cheating, all photocopy shops within a 500-metre radius of examination centres will remain closed on exam days. Sensitive exam centres will be under drone surveillance, and video monitoring will be conducted outside examination venues to ensure compliance with strict guidelines. Additionally, the district administration has been instructed to ensure that all necessary facilities at exam centres are in place at least a day before the exams. Authorities have also decided to deploy mobile and static squads at examination centres. Officers and employees from various government departments will be assigned specific responsibilities to maintain a fair and disciplined examination environment. "The stringent security arrangements reflect the seriousness of the issue and aim to provide students with an environment free from any form of malpractice. With these measures in place, we are hopeful that this year’s SSC and HSC board exams will be conducted in a completely fair and copy-free manner. Besides this, the board’s focus will also remain on assisting students at every step and ensuring a smooth examination process," said Rajendra Ahire, chairman of the Mumbai Divisional board of MSBSHSE. High-risk centres Centres that reported incidents of copying between 2018 and 2024 will see a complete overhaul in personnel/ staff assigned on duty. These centres will be staffed with new centre heads and supervisors to prevent any recurrence of malpractice. Police restrictions The Mumbai Police have issued stringent orders to prevent any form of cheating during the Maharashtra HSC exam, particularly concerning electronic devices. The use of mobile phones, laptops, Bluetooth devices and the internet is strictly prohibited inside and near examination centres. Public telephone booths, fax machines and photocopy shops within a 500-metre radius of centres will also remain closed before and during the examination period. Furthermore, security at examination centres will be as stringent as that at polling stations. The police have warned that any violations of these orders will be punishable under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code. Satyanarayan Chaudhary, joint commissioner of police, law and order, said, “Necessary actions are taken as per the requirements and information shared by the state board of education, you should talk to the education board for more information.” Facial recognition for exam staff To further ensure the integrity of the Maharashtra HSC exam, the Maharashtra government has introduced facial recognition verification for centre heads, supervisors, and all personnel involved in the exam process. These individuals will be required to carry official identification cards issued specifically for the exams. March 18Last day of the HSC exams Counselling support team . Shrikant Shingare (9869634765). Muralidhar More (7977919850 / 9322105618). Hayalij V. K. (9423947266). Anil Kumar Gadhe (9969038020). Vikas Jadhav (9867874623). Vinod Panhalkar (9527587789). Sanjay Jadhav (9422594844 / 9657079344). Chandrakant Mundhe (8169699204). Ashok Sarode (9322527076 / 8888830139). Shailaja Mulye (9820646115). Sheikh Akhlakh Ahmed A. Razzak (9967329370). Sneha Chavan (8369015013). Ujwala Zare (9920125827) Guidelines for students and staff during exams . Photocopy shops within 500 metres of the exam centre will remain closed. Section 144 CrPc will be enforced, prohibiting gatherings of four or more people. Only examinees, teachers, officials and authorised staff can enter within 100 metres. Unauthorized individuals and vehicles are strictly prohibited. No gathering of two or more persons near the exam centre. Mobile phones, wireless devices, laptops, and other communication gadgets are banned. Loudspeakers are not allowed within a 100-metre radius Stress helpline To help such students deal with exam stress, the state board has appointed counsellors to provide online counselling.Their mobile numbers are as follows.9011302997, 8263876896, 9960644411, 7208775115, 8767753069, 8169202214, 7387400970, 9834084593, 8329230022, 9552982115 Board helplines For any examination-related inquiries:022-27893756, 022-27881075 Appointed Officials: Assistant Superintendent & Assistant Secretary: Kalpana Pawar (9423476023)Assistant Superintendent: Charushila Adhav (9890261046)
11 February,2025 10:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghOn Tuesday, Mumbai recorded a minimum temperature of 18.8 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a clear sky on Tuesday, February 11. Temperatures will range from a cool 17 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 32 degrees Celsius during the day. The relative humidity is 70 per cent. The sun rose at 07:09 AM and will set at 06:37 PM. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 34.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 18.8 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 21.5 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "clear sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'moderate' category On February 11, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 111 at 10:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'moderate' AQI. Bandra Kurla Complex recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 147. Kandivali, Mazgaon and Vile Parle recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 112, 118 and 118, respectively. Meanwhile, Colaba, Byculla and Borivali recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 73, 93 and 75, respectively. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 133, while Thane registered a 'good' AQI of 96. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revised guidelines issued last year for construction sites. The civic body will also form squads at the ward level to visit construction sites and act if guidelines are flouted.
11 February,2025 10:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government is preparing for significant spending cuts in its 2025 budget, set to be presented in March. Finance department officials say the reductions could total thousands of crores, possibly reaching Rs 1 lakh crore. According to Mantralaya officials, Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has already begun streamlining the state’s finances and creating a roadmap to reduce debt. During budget review meetings, Pawar keeps stressing the need for a plan to cut the state's debt,” an official said on condition of anonymity. Although the state expects revenue increase for FY25—from Rs 4.49 lakh crore to Rs 4.99 lakh crore, a 12 per cent rise—the growth won't be enough to cover rising expenses, particularly welfare schemes. Currently, 50 per cent of the state's revenue is spent on salaries, pensions, and interest payments. Maharashtra’s total debt has already crossed Rs 7.11 lakh crore and is expected to rise further if timely action is not taken. With the state struggling to balance revenue and expenditure, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana—which provides Rs 1500 per month to women—has added a Rs 46,000 crore burden. The Centre’s PM Kisan scheme is another financial strain, costing Maharashtra R5500 crore annually to support 9.4 million farmers with Rs 6000 each. During the Assembly elections, the government also promised to increase the allowance under the scheme to Rs 2100, adding further pressure on the budget. “The state is facing an uphill task as spending continues to outpace revenue. The concern is growing as expenditure is rising rapidly compared to income,” said a former bureaucrat. Retired IAS officer Mahesh Zagade admitted that state finances are spiralling out of control. “Welfare schemes should be productivity-oriented, not just populist,” he said. Discussing budget trends, Zagade added, “Earlier, the budget was a vision document. Today, it’s just a numbers game.” A senior Mantralaya official, speaking anonymously, also warned that without corrective action, Maharashtra will struggle to balance revenue and spending. “The government has limited options: cutting development program funds, imposing restrictions, or increasing borrowing,” he said. Pawar has already urged all ministers and departments to reduce expenditure this fiscal year. “The cabinet, too, is convinced that tough decisions are necessary to streamline the state's fiscal position,” the official added. Rs 1500Amount promised to women in state per month
11 February,2025 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarAir India recently made changes to its Mumbai-Melbourne service for the next summer schedule (NS2025). According to the latest schedule updates, the airline has decided to convert this route into a seasonal operation, leading to the suspension of flights starting March 30 till September 13, 2025. This adjustment means that for more than five months there will be no direct connectivity between Mumbai and Melbourne—a route that used to be served three times weekly with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The decision is expected to have widespread implications for passengers, aviation markets, and the travel industry, particularly affecting those who rely on this direct link between India and Australia for business, tourism, and education-related travel. According to the official DGCA data, the route served 30,000 passengers during these six months in 2024. The revised operations for this route have been scheduled for the period following the suspension, running from September 14 to October 3, 2025. The details are as follows: Flight AI310 departs Mumbai (BOM) at 01.35 hours, arriving in Melbourne (MEL) at 17.30 hours, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Flight AI311 departs Melbourne (MEL) at 19.00 hours, arriving in Mumbai (BOM) at 02.35 (+1), operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Travellers on the Mumbai-Melbourne sector are expected to face significant inconvenience due to this suspension, as they will no longer have a non-stop option for nearly half the year. The primary effects according to Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) analysts include longer travel times as without a direct connection, travellers will be required to reroute through other hubs, such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, or Doha. There will also be a higher demand for alternative airlines that will absorb displaced passengers, potentially leading to higher ticket prices and reduced seat availability. As Australia is home to a large Indian expatriate population and thousands of Indian students, the suspension during peak seasons could affect business travel and academic schedules as well. Those travelling from India to Australia will have to book alternative connections or adjust their travel plans based on the seasonal availability of Air India’s direct flights. Reasons for Air India’s call MoCA analysts have speculated that Air India’s decision to suspend the Mumbai-Melbourne route for over six months is influenced by multiple operational and economic factors. “One of the primary reasons could be route profitability and seasonal demand patterns. Airlines frequently review demand trends and revenue performance for their international routes, adjusting schedules, accordingly. It is possible that Air India observed lower demand during the March-September period, leading to the decision to pause operations rather than operate at suboptimal load factors,” said a senior MoCA analyst. “Another factor might be fleet optimisation and aircraft reallocation. Given the airline’s expansion, aircraft and fleet modernisation strategies, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners used for this route may be reassigned to other long-haul destinations that generate higher returns during this period,” the senior analyst added. He further disclosed that operational costs, fuel price fluctuations, and competitive pressure from other carriers may have influenced the decision. “Since many non-Indian airlines offer one-stop connectivity between Mumbai and Melbourne, Air India might be focusing resources on more profitable sectors where it faces less direct competition.” 30,000No. of people travelled in Air India between the two routes in 2024 What Air India’s decision means… . Higher reliance on connecting flights through major transit hubs like Singapore, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. Potential impact on bilateral tourism, as fewer nonstop options might discourage some travellers. Greater competition among other airlines, as travellers seek the best alternative routes How to adapt to change… . Plan travel and consider alternative options. Book in advance as alternative routes via Singapore, Doha, and Dubai will see higher demand . Monitor airline announcements for schedule updates to book flights accordingly for post-suspension periods. Explore other nonstop routes from other hubs like Delhi or Bengaluru, where connectivity to Melbourne may remain unaffected Shortest route… Mum-Melbourne . Via Singapore: 7,690 km (approx. 13 hrs and 5 min). Via Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia): 10,195 km (approx. 14 hrs and 10 min). Via Dubai: 13,492 km (approx. 16 hrs and 50 min). Via Doha: 14,233 km (approx. 17 hrs and 15 min) *As per DGCA data*The above timings do not include the layover time at any airport; also, the time taken may vary depending on aircraft model.
11 February,2025 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariNearly sixty dog bites are reported on an average in Ulhasnagar every day, according to data available at civic-run hospitals in the suburb. Since January 1, there have been 335 such cases registered already while on February 10 alone, 135 citizens were bitten by stray canines. Despite the Ulhasnagar Central Hospital repeatedly raising concerns about the menace with the local municipal corporation, not much has been done to address the issue, residents told mid-day. Ulhasnagar Central Hospital officials claim that the civic body’s dog sterilisation department has been non-functional for the past six to seven months, leading to the drastic increase in the population of strays in the area. Stray dogs near a row of dumpsters in Tanaji Nagar, Ulhasnagar Dr Manohar Bansode, dean of the hospital, said, “In 2024, 21,411 cases of dog bites were reported across Ulhasnagar. Patients were given anti-rabies shots and some were referred to various hospitals. Today [Monday], 135 citizens are receiving medical treatment for dog bites.” ‘Bitten on way to work’ On Monday, Kokila Dilip Jogdand was bitten by a dog in the Tanhaji Nagar area while heading to her workplace. Ranjana Sonawane, who was bitten on her leg and is undergoing treatment at the Ulhasnagar Central Hospital According to her brother-in-law, Vinayak, Jogdand has sustained grievous injuries, “Her injury is so grievous that her bone has been damaged; she is yet to receive the rabies injection. The hospital has told us that there is no adequate supply of injections and they will shift her to a different facility tomorrow if needed. This is not an isolated incident. I request the authorities to look into the matter as we are daily-wage workers and we can’t afford treatment. We live in constant fear of these dogs.” Another local Santosh Sonawane told mid-day, “My mother, Ranjana Sonawane, was bitten on her leg and is undergoing treatment at the hospital. I want the authorities to act as this is not a new phenomenon. Dogs target senior citizens and children who cannot defend themselves.” A pack of stray dogs in Ulhasnagar. Pics/Navneet Barhate ‘They return to area’ Pinky Benjamin, another resident, said, “I take tuitions in the area and students are constantly being bitten by dogs. The municipality has been cooperative and canines have been rescued. But, they come back here. I am a dog lover and feed dogs and I understand that the dogs need to be cared for. The corporations should act on this.” MNS leader Moundin Shaikh said, “We get calls from citizens daily and have been helping them. The corporation has failed to act. Some dogs were sterilised and released, but after some days, the problem resurfaced.” When contacted, a senior UMC official stated, “Tenders have been issued to ensure the stray dog population doesn’t rise and the sterilisation department will be functional in the next couple of days.” PETASpeak Dr Mini Aravindan, director of veterinary services, PETA India, said, “Dogs are normally friendly, social, good-natured animals who would not usually attack a person unprovoked. Yet, when humans shout at stray dogs, kick or beat them, throw rocks at them, toss hot water or acid on them, poison them or abuse them in other ways as they commonly do, they may feel cornered or be put in the fearful mindset that they need to protect themselves or their puppies.” She urged citizens to support dog feeders who help build trust in dogs. According to the organisation, stray dogs are surgically neutered and then released in their own area. “They are also vaccinated against rabies. Since territories are not left vacant, new dogs cannot enter. Mating and breeding also cease. With no mating or crossing of territories, dog fights reduce dramatically. Since fighting reduces, bites to humans also become rare. The dogs are immunised, so they do not spread rabies. Over time, as the dogs die natural deaths, their numbers dwindle. The dog population becomes stable, non-breeding, non-aggressive and rabies-free, and it gradually decreases over a period of time,” Dr Aravindan said. She added, “Despite the abuse that stray dogs routinely face, it seems that many dog bites are from pet dogs, such as those who play roughly, and not from strays. For example, statistics show that stray dogs were not responsible for the majority of the bite cases reported by General Hospital Ernakulam in the six-month period. Pet dogs, not strays, were reportedly the cause of 75.6 per cent of the bite cases.”
11 February,2025 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheThe Adani Group will spend R6,000 crore in setting up two 1,000-bed multi-specialty hospitals and medical colleges in Mumbai and Ahmedabad in partnership with Mayo Clinic. The expenditure is part of Rs 10,000 crore that Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Group, had pledged when his younger son Jeet got married last week. Mayo Clinic, the world’s largest integrated not-for-profit medical group practice, will provide technical expertise, Adani Group said in a statement. “Adani Group will fully meet the cost of building affordable, world-class medical care and medical education to people from all strata of society pan India,” it said. “The family will donate upwards of Rs 6,000 crore to build the first two of these integrated health campuses in Ahmedabad and Mumbai.” Gautam Adani has plans for more such integrated Adani Health Cities in cities and towns across India, the statement said without giving details. Each of these integrated campuses will comprise 1,000-bed multi-super-specialty hospitals, medical colleges with an annual intake of 150 undergraduates, 80+ residents and 40+ fellows, step-down and transitional care facilities, and cutting-edge research facilities. This “medical ecosystem aims to serve people from all socio-economic backgrounds, train the next generation of doctors and focus on clinical research, artificial intelligence and biomedical informatics,” it said. Adani Group has engaged USA’s Mayo Clinic to provide strategic advice on organisational objectives and clinical practices at these establishments. Mayo Clinic will also offer expert guidance on the integration of technology, with a focus on digital and information technology and healthcare quality enhancement. “Two years ago, as a gift to me on my 60th birthday, my family committed Rs 60,000 crore towards improving healthcare, education and skill development,” said Gautam Adani. “The development of Adani Health City is the first of many major projects from this contribution, which will go a long way towards providing affordable, world-class healthcare to people from every section of the Indian society. I am confident that our partnership with Mayo Clinic...will help elevate healthcare standards in India, with a special emphasis on complex disease care and medical innovation.” Mayo Clinic extends its expertise to independent healthcare providers wherever they are located. The Mayo Clinic program provides a tailored approach by designing engagements that help clients get the right answers from the right experts to help them achieve their goals. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 February,2025 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesSchool Education Minister Dada Bhuse assured on Monday that the number of non-academic tasks assigned to teachers would be significantly reduced in the coming days. He made this announcement during a one-day educational development workshop in Igatpuri, attended by teachers from across Maharashtra. For years, teachers have protested against being assigned non-academic duties, arguing that such responsibilities take away valuable time from their primary role. Addressing these concerns, Bhuse said, “Teachers’ extra-curricular and non-academic activities will be reduced by half in the future. Additionally, the government is considering merging all school committees into a single active committee to streamline administrative work.” Mahendra Ganpule, school principals’ body; (right) Vijay Kombey, president, Maharashtra State Primary Teachers Committee He encouraged teachers to enhance the quality of Marathi-medium schools. “Teachers should work in such a way that, in the future, students from English-medium schools would seek admission to Marathi-medium schools,” Bhuse said. Teachers and schools react Vijay Kombey, state president of the Maharashtra State Primary Teachers Committee, said, “Many of these tasks, such as submitting various reports to the education department, are unrelated to teaching and consume valuable instructional time. Teachers are already stretched thin with their core responsibilities. We appreciate the minister’s assurance but urge swift implementation, especially with exams and evaluation duties approaching. Even reducing such tasks to once a month or fortnight would bring significant relief, as it is not feasible for teachers to handle these duties daily.” Mahendra Ganpule, state spokesperson for the Maharashtra School Principals’ Association, said, “At times, 50 to 60 per cent of a school’s staff is occupied with non-academic duties. In rural areas, teachers are often required to verify students’ Aadhaar cards at different centres and manage their bank accounts—tasks that ideally should be handled by parents. However, due to the need for maintaining and updating student records, teachers are forced to take on these responsibilities. We are glad that these concerns are now being addressed by the the new education minister.” What the RTE Act says? At the heart of this issue lies Sections 25 and 27 of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which prohibit assigning teachers non-academic tasks except for specific duties, which include decennial population census, disaster relief and elections to parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies. State-appointed committee In January 2024, a committee appointed by the Maharashtra government submitted a detailed report addressing concerns over non-academic tasks assigned to teachers. It recommends that teachers focus only on education-related duties and proposes a separate system to oversee school nutrition records. This initiative arose from objections to teachers being overburdened with administrative work, reports, and surveys. Teacher unions strongly opposed these duties, arguing they hinder academic work. They even boycotted the illiteracy survey under the Nav Bharat Saksharta Abhiyan, affecting its implementation. In response, a committee led by the principal secretary of the education department was formed. The report, recently presented in the legislative session, outlines key recommendations to address these concerns. . Exclusivity to the Education Department: Except for assignments related to elections and the national census, teachers should not be encumbered with tasks from other government departments. The primary focus should be on educationally necessary work. . Separate system for school nutrition records: The committee advocates for the establishment of a dedicated system to manage school nutrition records. This recommendation aims to streamline administrative processes and ensure the efficient handling of vital data. Non-academic tasks imposed on teachers Online Tasks:. Mid-Day Meal (MDM): Daily data entry and payment updates. Student portal: Admission, promotions, document uploads, and details like marks, parent information, bank details. School and staff portal management. School achievement: Updating 46 core standards in 7 domains, submitting evidence and hard copies to authorities. Swachh Vidyalaya Award: Uploading 10 proof photos, filling forms, and regular updatesMahadbt: Uploading Aadhaar, bank passbooks for student scholarships Offline Tasks:. Census, out-of-school survey, Aadhaar updates. Election duties as Booth Level Officer—voter registration, awareness. School deworming campaign, Swachhta Mission, toilet awareness. Participation in the economic survey
11 February,2025 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghADVERTISEMENT