Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday criticised the postponement of the appointment of Guardian Ministers for Nashik and Raigad districts. In a strongly-worded social media post, Aaditya Thackeray expressed his dismay over the unexpected postponement of the appointment of Guardian Ministers for Nashik and Raigad districts. नाशिक आणि रायगड जिल्ह्यांच्या पालकमंत्री पदाच्या घोषणेला काल रात्री स्थगिती देण्यात आलीय!हे नक्की काय चाललंय? मुख्यमंत्री परदेशी असताना अशी स्थगिती येणं आणि पालकमंत्री म्हणून जाहीर केलेल्या मंत्र्यांचा अपमान होणं हे विचित्र आहे. पहिल्यांदाच ‘सह पालकमंत्री’ आणि मग स्थगिती ही… — Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 20, 2025 Thackeray criticised the decision, labelling it an "insult" to the ministers already declared and questioning the Maharashtra Chief Minister's handling of the situation while he is abroad. "What exactly is going on?" Thackeray wrote in a post on X, highlighting the unusual nature of the postponement and the introduction of a new concept of 'co-guardian minister,' which he noted had been suspended shortly after its introduction. He accused certain ministers of exerting undue pressure on the Maharashtra Chief Minister, despite their ministerial appointments, referring to them as "selfish traitorous ministers." Thackeray further said that these ministers are prioritising personal gains over public service, calling for a sense of responsibility and shame among them. He pointed out the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s tolerance of what he described as bullying by a few individuals, asking why such actions are being permitted and why the significant responsibilities of the Guardian Minister posts are being postponed. Amidst these political manoeuvres, Thackeray drew attention to the plight of people in Beed and Parbhani, who he said are still "crying out for justice" and waiting for attention from the government. He criticized the ministers for being preoccupied with internal disputes and the Chief Minister for being entangled in the humiliation and quarrels among the ministers, suggesting that this neglects the pressing needs of Maharashtra's citizens. Maharashtra govt stays appointment of guardian ministers for Nashik, Raigad Cracks have started showing in the Mahayuti government, as a day after announcing district guardian ministers, it issued an order staying the appointments for Nashik and Raigad districts. The general administration department issued an order to this effect on Sunday. The state government announced the appointment of guardian ministers for 36 districts on Saturday, with NCP's Aditi Tatkare getting Raigad and BJP leader Girish Mahajan given the responsibility of Nashik. The appointment of guardian ministers was awaited after the formation of the new BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena government last month. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is in Davos for the World Economic Forum to attract investments in the state, had to intervene, and the general administration department, which is under him, issued an order to stay the appointments for the two districts until further orders. District guardian ministers are responsible for distributing funds for various developmental works in their areas. In Raigad, where the new international airport is coming up along with a large number of residential buildings, the district guardian ministership given to Tatkare has irked Shiv Sena leader and state Minister Bharat Gogawale, who is also from the coastal district. Gogawale had said in the past that he was keen to be the guardian minister of Raigad. Similarly, Shiv Sena leader and Minister Dada Bhuse from Nashik was keen on becoming the guardian minister of his home district. The post, however, went to Mahajan, a close confidant of CM Fadnavis. (With inputs from Agencies)
20 January,2025 01:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out this morning at an open field near Nagla Bandar on Ghodbunder Road, Thane (West). The incident, reported around 8:30 am to the Disaster Management Cell by a local resident, Mr Satish Bhoir, involved a blaze among dry wood stored in the area. The Thane Fire Brigade promptly responded to the scene with one fire engine and one rescue vehicle. Firefighters successfully extinguished the flames, ensuring that the situation was brought under control without delay. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the fire was confined to the dry wood, preventing further damage. The situation is now under control, and authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Maharashtra: Fire breaks out at Thane residential building; no injuries reported A minor fire broke out early on Monday morning in a Thane residential building, the Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell said. According to the disaster management cell, a minor fire broke out early this morning in the electrical wiring duct on the sixth floor of the Guruprerna Building, a 17-storey residential complex located in Guruprerna Society, Hazuri Dargah, opposite Shri Mahavir Jain Hospital, Thane West. The fire was promptly brought under control, and no injuries were reported. The disaster management cell received the information about the fire at around 5:03 AM. The fire brigade, along with Mahavitaran employees, swiftly responded to the scene with one fire engine, one rescue vehicle, and a pickup vehicle from the Disaster Management team. By 5:13 AM, the fire was fully extinguished with the combined efforts of local residents and the fire brigade. Authorities have confirmed that the situation is now under control and that there was no significant damage to the building. 250 residents evacuated after fire breaks out in building Civic officials said that nearly 250 residents were evacuated after a fire broke out in a five-storey building in Maharashtra's Thane city on January 12. No one was injured in the blaze which erupted at around 5 am in a laundry shop on the ground floor of the building located at Srinagar in Wagle Estate area, Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said. After being alerted, local fire personnel and the regional disaster management cell team members rushed to the spot to carry out the fire extinguishing operations and evacuated the building occupants, he said. The blaze was put out in about an hour following which the people were allowed to return to their apartments, the official said. The cause of the fire was under investigation, he added. Fire breaks out at Thane hotel; cat dies of suffocation Meanwhile, the civic officials said that a hotel in Maharashtra's Thane city was destroyed in a fire which broke out in the premises. No person was injured in the incident, they said, adding a cat inside the Thane hotel got suffocated to death. The blaze erupted at 6.15 am in the Bombay Duck Hotel located near the Upvan lake, Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said. Local fire personnel and the regional disaster management cell team rushed to the spot. The blaze was brought under control after about an hour and extinguished by 7.45 am, he said, reported PTI. The Thane hotel's furniture, air conditioners, television sets, computers, bar counter, refrigerators and electrical wiring were completely destroyed, he said.
20 January,2025 01:03 PM IST | MumbaiOne of the most anticipated events of the Indian Sailing Calendar, the Sail India 2025 is set to begin on January 21 off Girgaon Chowpatty in Mumbai. The event draws top-tier sailors from across the country and sparks excitement for both competitors and spectators alike. The annual sailing event is held in the month of January every year off Girgaon Chowpatty hosted by the Army Yachting Node, Mumbai. The last two editions of the event in 2023 and 2024 witnessed participation by approximately 150 sailors each year from various clubs across the country. The event is one of a kind in Mumbai, showcasing the city as a prime destination for the sport of sailing, attracting thousands of viewers both at Chowpatty and along Marine Drive. Sailing as a sport requires not only physical endurance but also mental toughness, and often provides the competitors an opportunity to rise to the challenge. SBI Sail India 2025 will be this year’s Senior National Championship and is being conducted under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India (YAI) with the support of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation from January 21 to January 26. The races will be conducted in the bay area of Marine Drive and off Raj Bhavan. This year’s event will feature several categories, including ILCA 7, ILCA 6, 49er, NACRA 17, IQ Foil, Formula Kite, 470; with over 120 participants having registered. As preparations are underway, sailors are getting their boats ready and fine-tuning their strategies. The racing begins on January 22. A team of event officials including World Sailing qualified International Race Officers, International Judges, Measurers and qualified race officials will be ensuring fair conduct of races and a level playing field for all the competitors.
20 January,2025 12:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonCracks have started showing in the Mahayuti government, as a day after announcing district guardian ministers, it issued an order staying the appointments for Nashik and Raigad districts, reported news agency PTI. The general administration department issued an order to this effect on Sunday. The Maharastra government announced the appointment of guardian ministers for 36 districts on Saturday, with NCP's Aditi Tatkare getting Raigad and BJP leader Girish Mahajan given the responsibility of Nashik. The appointment of guardian ministers was awaited after the formation of the new BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena government last month. Maharastra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is in Davos for the World Economic Forum to attract investments in the state, had to intervene, and the general administration department, which is under him, issued an order to stay the appointments for the two districts until further orders. District guardian ministers are responsible for distributing funds for various developmental works in their areas. According to political observers, such control over fund distribution is also used to corner the political opponents in districts, reported PTI. In Raigad, where the new international airport is coming up along with a large number of residential buildings, the district guardian ministership given to Tatkare has irked Shiv Sena leader and state Minister Bharat Gogawale, who is also from the coastal district, reported PTI. Gogawale had said in the past that he was keen to be the guardian minister of Raigad. Similarly, Shiv Sena leader and Minister Dada Bhuse from Nashik was keen on becoming the guardian minister of his home district. The post, however, went to Mahajan, a close confidant of CM Fadnavis. Ministers in Maharashtra are given responsibility for one or more districts. The announcement was awaited after the formation of the new BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena government last month. The state has 36 districts. As per the list released on Saturday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also handles the Home department, would be the guardian minister of the Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district, while Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has been allotted Beed district in addition to Pune, Pawar's home district. Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, another deputy CM, would be the guardian minister of Mumbai city and Thane district, which is his stronghold. State BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule was named guardian minister of Nagpur and Amravati. Ashish Shelar was named guardian minister of Mumbai Suburbs, while Mangal Prabhat Lodha would be co-guardian minister of the district. Both Shelar and Lodha are BJP leaders from Mumbai. (With inputs from PTI)
20 January,2025 11:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested two civic officials for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 1.3 lakh from a man to not demolish his house in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Monday, reported news agency PTI. The ACB laid a trap on Saturday and caught one of the accused, a beat inspector from the Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC), accepting Rs 50,000 from the complainant, the official said, reported PTI. He said the ACB arrested assistant commissioner Sunil Bhoir (56) and beat inspector Amol Varghade (43) under the Prevention of Corruption Act, reported PTI. The official said the duo had initially demanded Rs 1.5 lakh from the complainant so as not to demolish his house in Bhiwandi, but later, they brought down the amount to Rs 1.3 lakh, reported PTI. He said the accused beat inspector was caught accepting the first instalment of Rs 50,000 on behalf of the assistant commissioner. Cop held for taking Rs 50,000 bribe in Dharashiv An assistant police inspector has been arrested in Maharashtra's Dharashiv district for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a man for clearing his name in a case and not arresting him, the Anti-Corruption Bureau said on Saturday, reported PTI. An ACB team laid a trap and caught Suraj Shantilal Deokar, the in-charge of Tamalwadi police station, red-handed while accepting the bribe, an official said. The accused policeman had allegedly demanded Rs 1 lakh from the complainant to clear his name in a case and not arrest him, he said, reported PTI. The official said Deokar was caught while accepting the first instalment of Rs 50,000.A case has been registered at Tamalwadi police station, he added. Power distribution company engineer held for accepting Rs 40,000 bribe in Jalna district An additional executive engineer of state-run Maharashtra Electricity Distribution Company Limited from Jalna district was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000, an official said on Thursday, reported PTI. Prakash Taur had demanded Rs 50,000 to clear the bills of a contractor who had installed a transformer in the Ambad area. After negotiation, he reduced the amount to Rs 40,000, said the official from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), reported PTI. After receiving a complaint from the contractor, the ACB laid a trap and caught Taur red-handed when he accepted the bribe money on Wednesday evening, the official said. Following the operation, which was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Balu Jadhavara, Taur was booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act, he added. (With inputs from PTI)
20 January,2025 11:30 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe average speed of BEST buses has decreased by 2 km/h over the past decade, leading to longer waiting times for commuters. Data from the BEST administration reveals that in 2013-14, the average bus speed was 12 km/h, which dropped to 10 km/h in 2023-24. Each bus operates for an average of 16 hours daily. During this time, the planned distance for a bus to cover was 197.2 km in 2023-24, but could manage to cover only 161.1 km. In 2013-14, the planned distance was 206.9 km, while buses covered 186.2 km. BEST officials attribute the reduced speed to traffic congestion, noting that bus speeds are even slower on highways. To tackle this, BEST introduced smaller buses in the last five years to improve speed in traffic. However, the average speed still falls short of the planned targets.Fleet size has also seen a decline. In 2013-14, BEST operated 4,288 buses, but this number has dropped to 2,889 in 2023-24, with 989 buses owned by BEST and 1,900 wet-leased. This reduction in fleet size, combined with slower speeds, has increased the waiting time for buses from 15 to 18 minutes a decade ago to 25 to 28 minutes now. Ridership has also declined from 36 lakh daily passengers a decade ago to 31.5 lakh. In 2021-22, the average bus speed was 11 km/h against a scheduled speed of 12 km/h and covered 170.3 km in 16 hours, compared to the scheduled 192 km. Rupesh Shelatkar, president of the commuter rights group Aapli BEST Aaplya Sathi, said, "We have discussed this issue with BEST transport department officials many times. Due to delays, several bus routes have been curtailed. To address this, separate bus lanes can be introduced, especially on the Eastern and Western Expressways. We will meet with officials from the BEST, the BMC, and police, to push for this. Apart from traffic, hawkers on narrow roads also contribute to the delays," Shelatkar added.
20 January,2025 11:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveA minor fire broke out early on Monday morning in a Thane residential building, the Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell said. According to the disaster management cell, a minor fire broke out early this morning in the electrical wiring duct on the sixth floor of the Guruprerna Building, a 17-storey residential complex located in Guruprerna Society, Hazuri Dargah, opposite Shri Mahavir Jain Hospital, Thane West. The fire was promptly brought under control, and no injuries were reported. The disaster management cell received the information about the fire at around 5:03 AM. The fire brigade, along with Mahavitaran employees, swiftly responded to the scene with one fire engine, one rescue vehicle, and a pickup vehicle from the Disaster Management team. By 5:13 AM, the fire was fully extinguished with the combined efforts of local residents and the fire brigade. Authorities have confirmed that the situation is now under control and that there was no significant damage to the building. 250 residents evacuated after fire breaks out in building Civic officials said that nearly 250 residents were evacuated after a fire broke out in a five-storey building in Maharashtra's Thane city on January 12. No one was injured in the blaze which erupted at around 5 am in a laundry shop on the ground floor of the building located at Srinagar in Wagle Estate area, Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said. After being alerted, local fire personnel and the regional disaster management cell team members rushed to the spot to carry out the fire extinguishing operations and evacuated the building occupants, he said. The blaze was put out in about an hour following which the people were allowed to return to their apartments, the official said. The cause of the fire was under investigation, he added. Fire breaks out at Thane hotel; cat dies of suffocation Meanwhile, the civic officials said that a hotel in Maharashtra's Thane city was destroyed in a fire which broke out in the premises. No person was injured in the incident, they said, adding a cat inside the Thane hotel got suffocated to death. The blaze erupted at 6.15 am in the Bombay Duck Hotel located near the Upvan lake, Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said. Local fire personnel and the regional disaster management cell team rushed to the spot. The blaze was brought under control after about an hour and extinguished by 7.45 am, he said, reported PTI. The Thane hotel's furniture, air conditioners, television sets, computers, bar counter, refrigerators and electrical wiring were completely destroyed, he said. (With inputs from Agencies)
20 January,2025 10:11 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentOn Monday, the minimum temperature in Mumbai reached 18.1 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a clear sky on Monday, January 20. Temperatures will range from a cool 18 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 35 degrees Celsius during the day. The relative humidity is 78 percent. The sun rose at 07:15 AM and will set at 06:24 PM. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai's Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 34.3 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 18.1 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 21.4 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 January 20, 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 138 at 9:05 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 139. Byculla, Ghatkopar and Malad recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 184, 138 and 147, respectively. Meanwhile, Borivali and Colaba recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 86 and 93, respectively. Deonar recorded 'poor' air quality, with an AQI of 255. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 127, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 124. 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, as air pollution levels continue to rise in Mumbai, 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. Sensor-based air pollution monitoring systems will be installed at all construction project work sites and immediate action to be taken if pollution levels are detected above the limit.
20 January,2025 09:51 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA village in Worli Koliwada, where Saif Ali Khan’s attacker, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, 30, took shelter, is being labelled “Mini Bangladesh” by locals. Residents have expressed serious concerns about the increasing Bangladeshi population in the area and have even carried out a rally on January 19 to protest against them. As per the police, Fakir had been living in a 10x10 rented room in Worli without a valid agreement since August 2024. His case isn’t unique, as locals allege that many Bangladeshis reside in the area without proper documentation or leave-and-licence agreements. Sources also claimed that he had been staying in Thane and would frequently switch between houses in Worli and Thane as he was later working in Thane. Residents protest against the illegal immigrants in Worli on Sunday Fakir, along with six others, lived in a 1+1 structure at Om Gyandeep Nagar, Worli Village, also without proper documents. All of them work as housekeepers in various Mumbai restaurants and are suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals. The police are verifying their credentials. Fakir reportedly confessed that he struggled to find stable employment. Aishwarya Upadhyay, Fakir’s neighbour, said, “On Saturday morning, the police came to our house and questioned us about the suspect. They showed us his photo, and I was shocked. I live with my husband and kids and had no idea a dangerous man was staying upstairs. Many Bangladeshis live in our area without valid agreements, and the police should act against them too.” Aishwarya Upadhyay, the accused’s neighbour. Pic/Shadab Khan She added, “These individuals return home late at night, around 3-4 am, after working in restaurants. We often hear knocking at odd hours. They rarely step out except for groceries and water. After this incident, I feel scared.” The fishermen of Worli Village held a rally on January 19 to protest against the illegal presence of Bangladeshi nationals. Fisherman Roshan Pawaskar said, “Over the past six months, the number of Bangladeshis in our area has increased. They not only live here illegally but also affect our fish-selling business. Fishing is our livelihood, and we are losing income because of them.” He added, “We’ve held multiple meetings with the police over the past two months, asking them to survey the area and identify the number of Bangladeshis staying here. We want our locality free from illegal activities, including drugs and other crimes. Even Saif Ali Khan’s attacker was residing here illegally.” Police said Fakir reportedly entered India illegally eight months ago through the Malda border, facilitated by an agent. Initially, he worked as a housekeeper at Slink & Bardot in Worli. “On August 19, one of the customers dropped some cash, he returned to the restaurant upon realising it. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage we notice Fakir had picked it up and didn’t inform anyone about it. We immediately fired him,” said officials at the Slink & Bardot. Later, he took up a waiter job at Blabber All Day in Kasarvadavali, Thane. Meanwhile, the defence lawyer refuted police claims, stating that the accused has been living in Mumbai for the past seven years. After the attack, the accused was also reportedly in touch with Amit Pandey, a housekeeping contractor who allegedly helped Fakir escape. Pandey runs the Shri Om services. After the incident, Pandey informed Fakir that his photos had gone viral in the news and advised him to leave the city immediately. Senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya tweeted, “I visited the Labour Camp at Kavesar, Thane, where Mohammad Shehzad (the accused) stayed for three months. I met 12 workers; 9 were Bangladeshi Muslims (Imman Husein, Amir Sohel, etc.). They claim to be from Malda but lack authentic documents. I spoke to the police commissioner about a combing operation.” Aug 2024Month since allged accused has been living illegaly in Worli
20 January,2025 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe 20th edition of the Mumbai Marathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from senior bureaucrats and officials, showcasing their dedication to fitness and resilience. Among them, I S Chahal, additional chief secretary in the Maharashtra chief minister's office, completed the half marathon (21 km) in two hours and 21 minutes, continuing his unbroken streak of participation in every Mumbai Marathon since 2004. Chahal previously served as Mumbai’s civic chief for four years during the pandemic. The event also saw remarkable performances from other senior officials, highlighting their commitment to health and endurance despite demanding professional roles. The half marathon began at Reti Bandar/Mahim Dargah Urus Ground, located near St Michael’s Church junction. Another participant, Rajasthan cadre IAS officer Ram Prakash, completed the full marathon in five hours and 7 minutes. A 2018 batch officer, he shared on X: “Running journey started in September 2024. Completed Mumbai Marathon on Sunday.” Sonal Goel, a 2008 batch IAS officer and currently the resident commissioner of Tripura Bhawan in New Delhi, also completed the half marathon of 21 km. Ashok Kumar Misra, general manager of Western Railway, participated in the 10 km run and successfully completed the race. Several senior officers from Western Railway also took part in various categories of the event, including the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 km run, and Dream Run. 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
20 January,2025 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentDifferently abled runners take part in the marathon at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Pic/Shadab Khan Marathoners take the best mode of transport to reach the starting line on Sunday. Pic/Satej Shinde Marathoners navigate Marine Drive at dawn. Pic/Atul Kamble An elderly runner shows off a cool headstand. Pic/Shadab Khan Participants goof around in the middle of a run on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Pic/Anurag Ahire Pedestrians are allowed on the sea link only once a year, during the Mumbai Marathon. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi A runner waves a placard with a message about beating cancer en route to Worli. Pic/Anurag Ahire Two runners in desi attire make some easy strides on the sea link. Pic/Anurag Ahire
20 January,2025 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayADVERTISEMENT
