In a boost for Mumbai's access to open spaces and green cover, Shantivan Gardens in Malabar Hill is all set to reopen for the public on February 1 as 'The Nest', a 1.2-acre urban forest that will act as a biodiverse sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. Revived by The Heritage Project in collaboration with nature:re and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), the urban forest aims to be a breath of fresh air in the city, which is now suffering not only from declining green cover but also open spaces for Mumbaikars. Ahead of the opening, speaking exclusively to mid-day, Radha Goenka, founder of The Heritage Project and director of RPG Foundation, said, "Just like we have our cultural heritage, we also have inherited our natural heritage, which we need to preserve. When I talk about natural heritage, I mean our forests." We as a city, Goenka says, are fortunate enough to have the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is within our city limits. She explains, "It is unlike any other city, like for example, New York has Central Park, and London has Hyde Park, we have a forest. Why is it like that? It is because we inherited it like that in its natural state, and that's amazing." Goenka says when you have the SGNP, it has its climate. It could be hot outside but it won't be as hot inside. If it is raining outside, it will be less strong inside the forest as it trickles down the trees in the forest. It is because a forest naturally lets you regulate climate as it has its ecosystem inside that not only includes the bugs on the ground but also the butterflies, bees and birds play an important role.Also Read: Feeling 'Wanderlost'? Follow these five hacks to ease travel planning in 2025 With that being said, Goenka says Mumbai is also facing worsening AQI and temperatures, and the need for the forest is now more than before. "The whole idea that we have with the Green Corridor in Mumbai is to plant the same kind of trees that are in SGNP, which are native to Maharashtra. With that, we are also creating what is scientifically known as 'Stepping Stone Habitats', which means that when the birds fly out of SGNP, they have a place that resembles a micro forest, which resembles the Park with native species. By creating these micro forests, we are encouraging them to fly out of the park and thrive in an ecosystem through these forests across the city. Even the coastal road presents the opportunity to plant trees along it to create a habitat. Creating this would not be a curated garden but a forest to have an environmental impact. It is where 'The Nest' replicates the forest by having walking pathways that don't go through the forest parts of the area, but around it, to not disturb the habitat. Looking futuristically, Goenka says The Heritage Project proposes that there should be more urban forests than parks in Mumbai and around the country in the future. "It is not a garden that you can step on and walk, but one that you can walk around the green oasis," she adds. Radha Goenka, founder of The Heritage Project and director of RPG Foundation, says more native species need to promoted in Mumbai.The Nest has over 8,000 new plants and trees (350 species with over 200 native species) resulting in an ideal 70:30 ratio of native to exotic species. With so many different kinds of plants, ask Goenka which is her favourite and she says, "I love the Madhumalti flowers, which are fragrant and native to India. We have planted them along the entrance, and they are yet to grow but they will thrive and that's the beauty of it. The space also aims to be multi-sensory experience through thoughtfully curated zones – Bird Zone, Butterfly Zone, Indigenous Zone, Medicinal Zone, and Carbon-Sink Zone – each featuring its unique ecosystem and biodiversity. Last but not least, Goenka says with The Nest, the goal is to build a prototype not only as a private-funded NGO but more importantly for the government to adopt such a cause. She explains, "If the government converted open spaces with this kind of thinking, it would help." Beyond that, they have already started encouraging people to plant native species of plants and trees in their balconies to build the ecosystem. "With every person in the city planting native trees, it will be helpful as the cause but not without the government taking it up that you should plant only native trees," highlights Goenka as a call to action for everybody in Mumbai.
13 January,2025 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoA 65-year-old French woman, Pascal, has reached Prayagraj to participate in the Kumbh Mela. Pascal, who resides in France, has been drawn to Hinduism since childhood, revering Lord Shiva as her idol and possessing knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita and Puranas. "I have a great attachment to the Hindu religion and Lord Shiva. I have no reason to express my attachment to Hinduism. This feeling comes from my heart," Pascal told ANI. Pascal's connection to Hinduism began in 1984 when she first visited India. Her experiences have left her so enamoured with the Sanatan tradition that she is considering becoming a sadhu. Pascal revealed her extensive knowledge of the Kumbh Mela and its significance, including the legend of Samudra Manthan and the drop of Amrit. "I know everything about Kumbh Mela and I also have complete information about Samudra Manthan. I also have complete information about the drop of Amrit," she said. She expressed her delight in meeting sadhus, sanyasis, and Hindus, saying, "I like meeting Sadhu Sanyasis and Hindus here." Pascal also showcased her Rudraksha necklace, a gift from a friend, which she believes offers her protection. "I am wearing a Rudraksha necklace around my neck which was given to me by my friend. Wearing it feels like it protects me," she said. She praised the arrangements at the Kumbh Mela, highlighting the safety, free accommodations, food, and drink available to all attendees. "Mahakumbh is amazing. Crores of people are coming here and I feel very safe here. Staying here is free, eating is free, drinking is free and sleeping is also free. All the arrangements are very good," Pascal exclaimed. The Maha Kumbh, the world's largest spiritual congregation, is being celebrated after 12 years and a huge turnout of devotees is expected in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. To prevent mishaps, the district administration has been taking important steps to ensure the safety of the devotees, especially for crowd management and avoiding fire incidents. DIG Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna and SSP Kumbh Rajesh Dwivedi on Tuesday inspected the Kumbh Mela area. "Police are conducting their drills and rehearsals on the placement of force at different points in the Kumbh area. The emphasis of the police is to ensure that devotees face no problems," said DIG Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna while speaking to ANI.
13 January,2025 11:13 AM IST | Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) | ANIA major water laser show showcasing key events related to the Mahakumbh 2025 was inaugurated by the Industrial Development Minister, Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, at the Yamuna Bank Ghat in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. The water laser show was held for 45 minutes and prepared at a cost of nearly Rs 20 crore. It was created by a team of about 100 people in just 60 days. The private company behind the project had previously organised similar water laser shows in Ayodhya and Jhansi. During the inauguration, Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi described the show as a historical and visually stunning experience, highlighting the beauty. Taking to the social media platform X, Minister Nandi wrote that the water laser show would be operated daily, with the Kumbh Katha displayed on the water screen. "Under the able leadership of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, the water laser show of the Tourism Department, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore at Kali Ghat on Yamuna Bank Road, was inaugurated today by performing Puja and pressing a button. It will be operated daily. In this, the Kumbh Katha will be displayed on the water screen," Nandi wrote. "On the occasion, Regional Tourism Officer Aparajita Singh, Uttar Pradesh PCL General Manager Suresh Yadav, Project Manager Rajesh Sharma, APM Ganesh Prasad and Suraj Babu were present," the post said. The Minister also said that the show would provide an attractive and visually spectacular experience to the tourists visiting the Mahakumbh. "The water laser show will provide an attractive and visually stunning experience to the tourists visiting Mahakumbh. This presentation, decorated with a wonderful combination of water and light, will add to the grandeur of Mahakumbh and the audience will get to witness a unique confluence of spirituality and modern technology," the post added. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/08KX81hZ-dg?si=VuPKj57IfdPwBcYw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> The Mahakumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and more than 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. During the Mahakumbh, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip. The Mahakumbh will conclude on February 26. The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). Also Read: From travel to health, know all about the special provisions at Mahakumbh 2025 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
13 January,2025 11:12 AM IST | Prayagraj | IANSLaurene Powell Jobs, the wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, is in India to attend Maha Kumbh 2025, slated to begin on January 13. On her way to the Maha Kumbh, to be held in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, she also offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Accompanied by Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara to the temple, Laurene adhered to the traditions of the temple. She wore a pink suit and had a white "dupatta" on her head. Laurene offered her prayers from outside the sanctum sanctorum at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. "She followed the traditions of the temple...As per our Indian tradition, in Kashi Vishwanath, none other than Hindus can touch the Shivling. That's why she was made to see the Shivling from outside," said the Swami. He also mentioned that they prayed for the successful completion of the Maha Kumbh without any obstacles or difficulty. "Today, we have come to Kashi to pray to Mahadev that the Kumbh is completed without any obstacles... I came here to invite Mahadev. Our disciple Maharshi Vyasanand is with us from America. Tomorrow he is becoming a Mahamandaleshwar in my Akhara," he added. Laurene, who was renamed as 'Kamala' by the Akhara, will attend the Maha Kumbh. According to Kailashanand Giri, she will stay in Kumbh and is also planning to take a dip in Ganga. 'Maha Kumbh', the grand mela, will conclude on February 26 in Prayagraj. It is held once every 12 years. Meanwhile, in a bid to tap global tourists, the Union Ministry of Tourism plans to offer a toll-free Tourist Infoline (1800111363 or 1363). Besides English and Hindi, the toll-free Tourist Infoline will operate in 10 International languages to provide help, information, and guidance to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for international visitors at the mega event.
13 January,2025 11:09 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSPrayagraj witnessed a large gathering of devotees at Triveni Sangam as Maha Kumbh commenced with the 'Shahi Snan' on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima on Monday. A large number of devotees are arriving at the bank of Triveni Sangam - a scared confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and 'mystical' Saraswati. Devotees took a holy dip and performed the sacred ritual on this auspicious occasion. A devotee Vijay Kumar said, "... The arrangements here are very good. There is an arrangement for everything - for food and accommodation... the roads are also good." "We go to Kumbh Mela wherever it is organised. I live in a small temple - I go to every pilgrim in India...," another devotee said. A devotee from Rajasthan's Jaipur, Chunni Lal said, "...I thank CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Modi; we all are feeling good by being here." "The government has made good arrangements. I am thankful to the media as well... We are going to take a holy dip," a devotee said. Meanwhile, NDRF teams and water police of Uttar Pradesh Police deployed at places to ensure the safety and security of devotees. This year, Maha Kumbh, the largest spiritual gathering in the world, has become more special because of the rare celestial alignment that occurs only once in 144 years. Traffic Police authorities have made elaborate arrangements and implemented a detailed plan to ensure smooth vehicular movement and safety for devotees visiting the Maha Kumbh Mela Notably, the entry route to the Sangam Mela area will be through Jawaharlal Nehru Marg (Black Road), while the exit route will be via Triveni Marg. During the major bathing festivals, the Akshayavat Darshan will remain closed for visitors. Parking lots for vehicles coming from Jaunpur would include Chini Mill Parking, Purva Surdas Parking, Garapur Road, Samyamai Temple Kachar Parking and Badra Saunoti Rahimapur Marg, Northern/Southern Parking. The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26. 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.
13 January,2025 11:09 AM IST | Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) | ANIAs India’s harvest season arrives, it brings many vibrant celebrations. This auspicious time of the year is marked by different names in different parts of the country. Lohri is one of the most popular harvest festivals in India and is primarily celebrated in but not limited to Punjab and other northern regions of the country. Lohri 2025 date and time Lohri is generally celebrated on January 13 every year, the night before Makar Sankranti, another harvest festival observed on January 14. This year, the Lohri Sankranti Moment will occur at 09:03 AM on January 14, as per Drik Panchang. Significance It is believed that this folk festival marks the end of winter, and is followed by longer days. It holds special significance among the agrarian community as it marks the ripening of rabi crops like wheat and sugarcane, and the beginning of the new harvest season. Additionally, several folklores are also associated with the festival. One is that of Dhulla Bhatti, a figure central to Lohri celebrations in Punjab. He became a folk hero due to his Robin Hood-esque acts of kindness to the poor during Mughal emperor Akbar’s rule. The first Lohri is considered special for newlyweds and newborns as it marks fertility and good fortune. Celebrations A tradition central to Lohri celebrations is lighting a huge bonfire. It’s a festival of togetherness, where family, friends and communities come together, circle around the bonfire, and make wishes and offerings to the fire deity. Farmers also pray to the Sun God, expressing gratitude for agricultural prosperity and wishing for a good harvest. The offerings made to the sacred fire include peanuts, jaggery, sesame seeds, gajak, revari, etc. People also recite folk songs and enjoy together. Sarson ka saag and makke ki roti is a traditional dish served for dinner on Lohri.
12 January,2025 11:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentContinuing the ongoing debate on the work-hour balance, Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla on Sunday said that quality of work is always more important than quantity. The debate was first ignited by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and more recently triggered by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan. While Murthy has been advocating 70-hours a week, Subrahmanyan suggested employees work 90-hour per week, even on Sundays, to remain competitive. “Quality of work over quantity always. #worklifebalance,” Poonawalla said in a post on X. Further, echoing Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra's sentiment, Poonawalla said, "Yes [Anand Mahindra], even my wife [Natasha Poonawalla] thinks I am wonderful, she loves staring at me on Sundays. Yes @anandmahindra, even my wife @NPoonawalla thinks i am wonderful, she loves staring at me on Sundays. Quality of work over quantity always. #worklifebalance pic.twitter.com/5Lr1IjOB6r — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) January 12, 2025 His comments follow Mahindra's recent remarks saying that it's not about working 48, 70, or 90 hours a week, but rather the output produced. "My wife is wonderful, I love staring at her," Mahindra had said, taking a dig at the L&T Chairman's latest comments. Subrahmanyan had recently said that he regretted that L&T employees weren't working on Sundays, saying, "If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy, because I work on Sundays also." He further questioned, "What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wives stare at their husbands? Get to the office and start working." Subrahmanyan’s remarks were condemned by Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone, Harsh Goenka, Chairperson of the RPG Group, and former Indian badminton star Jwala Gutta. After facing backlash, the company said the Chairman’s remarks reflect the larger ambition of nation-building, “emphasising that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort”. Also Read: 'A time demanding collective dedication and effort’: L&T defends chairman’s 90-hour work week remarks As per health experts, overworking can increase the risk of burnout and lower productivity at work. In addition, personal life and family relationships can also be affected by overworking. It can also affect the sleep cycle, leading to a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and stress. All this can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death. 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
12 January,2025 09:11 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPrayagraj is gearing up to host Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, and several provisions across departments are being made to ensure a seamless experience for visitors. The grand religious and spiritual event, spanning 45 days from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is expected to host over 40 crore visitors from across the country and the world. According to a press release by the Ministry of Culture, measures are being taken to facilitate convenience for visitors in terms of travel, infrastructure, health, security, sustainability, etc. Travel and stay A luxury tent city has been set up in the Maha Kumbh area by IRCTC, offering deluxe tents and villas with modern amenities. Other shelters and tents have also been set up to facilitate a comfortable stay. Both Central and Western Railways are running special trains for Mahakumbh 2025. Also Read: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Western Railway to run special trains to manage passenger rush, check details Security Robust security arrangements are being made for the occasion. Thousands of CCTV cameras and aeriel drones will ensure advanced surveillance. For the first time, underwater drones capable of diving up to 100 meters will provide round-the-clock surveillance at the Sangam area. Additionally, a team of 56 cyber warriors will monitor online threats and cyber help desks will be set up in all police stations. To enhance safety and ensure quick response, a state-of-the-art Multi-Disaster Response vehicle will be deployed. Facial recognition technology will be used at entry points for increased safety. Infrastructure Infrastructural provisions include renovation of 92 roads and beautification of 17 roads, construction of 30 pontoon bridges (28 already done) and installation of 800 multilingual signages (400 already installed). Mobile toilets and robust waste management systems will ensure hygiene Medical arrangements Various temporary hospital and health camps have been set up in the city with diagnostic and surgical facilities. Additionally, a special eye-care initiative ‘Netra Kumbh’ will aim to conduct eye tests for over 5 lakh pilgrims and distribute more than 3 lakh eyeglasses, potentially setting a Guinness World Record. Also Read: Temporary hospital in Maha Kumbh Mela area witnesses birth of first baby Culture and tourism The Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to provide a major boost to Indian tourism. Various events and programmes will be arranged to showcase Indian culture and spiritual heritage. The Uttar Pradesh Pavilion, spanning 5 acres near Nagavasuki Temple, will showcase UP’s tourism circuits (e.g., Ramayana Circuit, Krishna-Braj Circuit, Bundelkhand Circuit) and feature a handicrafts market along with cultural programmes. Performances of classical music, dance and exhibitions on India’s spiritual heritage will also be organised. Environment-friendly measures According to the press release, three temporary sewage treatment plants (STPs) are being installed to ensure clean water in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Additionally, eco-friendly measures like use of solar power for lighting, promotion of reusable materials and a ban on single-use plastics are also being taken.
12 January,2025 07:22 PM IST | Prayagraj | mid-day online correspondentD has been under fire this week for now because of him saying that employees should work for 90 hours a week. The revelation was made in an undated video that appeared on Reddit, where he is seen saying that he also regrets not being able to make them work on Sundays too. He also went on to say, "What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working." However, these comments haven't gone down well with many sections of people. In fact, this comes after quite a few other CEOs including Narayan Murthy, who had said employees need to work 70 hours a week. While the debate rages, here are some things to know about SN Subrahmanyan: Early life and education SN Subrahmanyan was born on March 16 in 1960 in Chennai. He completed his graduation in civil engineering from Regional Engineering College Kurukshetra, which is known as the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, in 1982. After which he also pursued a Masters in Business Administration from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management in Pune, and even an Executive Management Programme from the London Business School. CareerSubrahmanyan, popularly known as SNS, joined Larsen & Toubro in 1984. The chairman and managing director of Larsen & Toubro, joined the board of L&T Infotech in January 2015, and was appointed as the Vice Chairman of L&T Infotech on May 4, 2017. He was also instrumental in the acquisition of Mindtree in 2019 and then led the merger of L&T Infotech and Mindtree, now called LTIMindtree. In October 2023, he was appointed as the chairman and MD of L&T. Reaction to the 90-hour work week controversyEver since his comments went viral, he has not only faced criticism from Deepika Padukone but several other stars, and even laymen, who are a part of the workforce.
11 January,2025 07:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday inaugurated the four-day International Kite Festival, which has drawn 143 participants from 47 countries. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said Gujarat has a 65 per cent share of the country's kite market, with exports to countries like the US, UK, and Canada. The 'International Kite Festival-2025' is being organised at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad from January 11 to January 14. Apart from Ahmedabad, the festival has also been organised at the Statue of Unity (Ekta Nagar), Rajkot and Vadodara on January 12 and Surat, Shivrajpur, and Dhordo on January 13.State Tourism Minister Mulu Bera said this year, 143 international kite flyers from 47 countries and 52 kite flyers from 11 states in India are participating in the festival. Patel said as the then chief minister of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced modern elements to the festival by integrating it with tourism. "Thus, this kite festival has given Gujarat a global identity," he said. The chief minister launched the festival by releasing a tricolour balloon into the sky and said that this year, ambassadors from 11 countries have travelled to Gujarat to see the kite festival. He said PM Modi's Vocal for Local campaign has received a boost from tourists attending the kite festival. "People setting up food and crafts stalls during the festival earn lakhs of rupees. More than five and a half lakh people joined the International Kite Festival last year," Patel said. He said Gujarat has gained recognition in the world as the state that makes the most number of kites because Gujaratis love kites. He said Ahmedabad, Nadiad, Khambhat and Surat have become kite manufacturing hubs. "Today, Gujarat has a 65 per cent share in the country's kite market. Every year, kites are exported from Gujarat to countries like the US, UK and Canada," Patel added. He said the kite of Gujarat's development should soar high to realise PM Modi's promise to make India a developed nation by 2047. 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 January,2025 04:31 PM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIAmid the excitement for Coldplay's India tour this year, BookMyShow has just announced that "limited tickets added for all Coldplay Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 - India, Mumbai shows". The Mumbai shows are set to happen on January 18, 19 and 21 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The tickets will go live today at 4 pm on BookMyShow. The waiting room opens at 3 pm. The live entertainment platform has also put together a guide to book the tickets to help concert attendees: Apart from the tickets going live today, they have said the following: - Early entry in the waiting room does not guarantee priority access in the queue- Once the sale begins, each user will be assigned a position in the queue based on the automated queue randomisation- Each user can purchase a maximum of 4 tickets per transactionIN PHOTOS: Love Coldplay? Here's all you need to know about members of the British bandEver since Coldplay announced their India tour in 2024, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the concert. While many fans were happy, they were disappointed when getting tickets became difficult every time the window opened. Some even did not get tickets after two more shows were added for Mumbai, and one for Ahmedabad later. Earlier this week, the Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed a petition seeking guidelines to prevent black marketing and ticket scalping at major events in the backdrop of the alleged foul play in the ticket sale process for the British band's concerts.A little before that, the District Child Protection Unit in Ahmedabad has issued a notice to singer Chris Martin and the organisers of the Coldplay concert, instructing them not to use children in any form on stage during the concert scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26.
11 January,2025 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
