The operation to capture a tiger that walked approximately 500 kilometres from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary near Yavatmal to Dharashiv in Solapur district is set to commence today. Forest department officials will use thermal drones and camera traps to track and capture the animal. Sources revealed that the tiger has been killing two cattle daily, causing widespread panic among locals. Dr V Clement Ben, additional principal chief conservator forest (Western Wildlife Region), said, “The state government has authorised the capture of the tiger that journeyed from Tipeshwar to Solapur district. After its safe capture, the tiger will be fitted with a radio collar and released into the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.” The Rapid Rescue Team (RRT) from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) will lead the operation. The team, headed by Dr Ravikant S. Khobragade (veterinary officer, wildlife, TATR), includes Ajay C. Marathe (police constable and shooter), Vikas Tajne, Yogesh Lakde, Praful Wadghure, Gunanak Dhore, Dipesh Tumhare, Wasim Sheikh, and drivers Amol Korpe and Akshay Dandekar. The team is expected to leave TATR shortly, with the operation beginning by Monday. Kushagra Pathak, deputy conservator of forest (Solapur), and B A Pol, deputy conservator of forest (Dharashiv), along with their teams, are monitoring the tiger’s movement with support from Pune-based RESQ Charitable Trust. B A Pol said, “The RRT will work with our staff to capture the tiger. We’ve installed camera traps and are using drones, including thermal drones, to track its movements along the Barshi-Dharashiv border. The tiger is killing two cattle daily, and the decision to capture it is in the interest of both the tiger and the people.” This young male tiger, born in 2022 to tigress T22 in Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, has been dispersing in search of new territory. It has travelled about 500 kilometres to Solapur district and will be relocated to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, about 300 kilometres from Mumbai and spread across Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri districts. The longest journey In June 2019, a tiger named Walker, fitted with a radio collar, began its journey from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal. By December 2019, it had reached Dnyanganga Sanctuary, travelling through eight districts of Maharashtra and Telangana. The tiger’s movement was tracked until February 2020, when its radio collar was removed. Walker covered nearly 3,000 km, making it the longest distance travelled by a tiger with a radio collar. Its current whereabouts are unknown. The silent journey In 2021, a young male tiger, T3C1, travelled 330 km from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Vidarbha to Gautala Autram Sanctuary in Aurangabad. This tiger’s journey involved no human-animal conflict and went unnoticed by the public. It was first spotted on March 15, 2021, through camera traps, marking the first sighting of a tiger in Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary since 1940. Experts believe T3C1 travelled through Pandharkawada, Umarkhed, parts of Telangana, Akola, Dnyanganga, Hingoli, and Ajanta mountain ranges, covering around 2,000 km.
13 January,2025 08:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA 39-year-old motorcyclist, who was out with his wife and 10-year-old son on Sunday evening, suffered serious injuries when a banned synthetic plastic manja got entangled around his neck in the Madhuban area of Vasai, where a kite festival is organised by Suraksha Smart City. The victim Vikram Dange works in the sales department of an automobile company. His wife immediately removed her dupatta and wrapped it around his neck before he was taken to a nearby hospital. “A total nine stitches were administered at a multi-speciality hospital in Vasai,” said his wife Neetal Dange. Neetal told mid-day, “My husband was riding the motorcycle, and I was sitting pillion with our 10-year-old son. When we reached the Madhuban area, my husband suddenly screamed, ‘Arey, arey!’. I turned to see a cobweb of sharp kite strings around his neck. “By the time I could hold these strings my husband’s neck was badly cut. After he stopped the motorcycle, I immediately removed my dupatta and wrapped it around his neck which had started to ooze blood. His T-shirt got stained with blood. It was a scary moment for us, but none of the passers-by came to help us,” Neetal said. “I called my husband’s friends who were nearby and they immediately arrived and rushed him to a hospital. There was a deep wound around his neck and he received nine stitches,” Neetal said. “Strong legal action must be taken against the organiser of this ongoing kite festival which has risked the lives of many people. Who permitted them to organise a kite festival using the banned manja? And what is the police doing? Do the police wait for someone like my husband to get injured to initiate action? I will submit a complaint against this organiser. I won’t spare anyone in this matter,” Neetal added. A team from Valiv police station rushed to the spot and the kite festival was suspended for a while. At the time of going to the press, the cops had been conducting panchanama at the accident spot.“We will record the statement of the victim in this matter and initiate legal action,” said a police officer.
13 January,2025 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaThe BMC has decided to procure mobile dust suction vans, which will be deployed in every ward to tackle air pollution caused by construction dust. According to data from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, construction dust is a significant contributor to Mumbai’s air pollution, accounting for around 28-30 per cent of total pollution. To address this issue, the BMC has implemented a 28-point dust mitigation guideline for construction sites. Now, the BMC plans to introduce dust suction vans. “These will be deployed in every ward. We are currently evaluating the effectiveness of these machines. Each machine is estimated to cost R40 lakh,” a civic official said. Officials also mentioned considering the addition of dust suction units to BEST buses. “We will prioritise areas with severe dust problems in every ward, and these machines will move around different parts of the ward,” the official added. The dust collection system installed in these vehicles operates as a single-stage vacuum unit. It creates suction, performs air filtration, and deposits the collected dust into a container. The air is recirculated through a filter to trap smaller particles. Additionally, the BMC has banned construction at 191 sites that failed to comply with the dust mitigation guidelines. As per the guidelines, construction sites must enclose buildings under construction on all four sides with green cloth, jute, or tarpaulin. A 25-foot-high sheet or metal covering is required around the construction project, along with regular water spraying, the use of misting plants, scientific storage and transportation of debris, air quality monitoring sensors, and vehicle wheel washing facilities. Furthermore, project promoters, building developers, and mechanical/electrical contractors are required to prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
13 January,2025 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentSelf-proclaimed whistleblower Tausif Reyaz, a wanted accused in the Torres scam where thousands of investors were defrauded, has shared details about the 10 alleged masterminds behind the scam, among whom are foreign nationals from Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey. Following Reyaz's revelations, the police arrested two foreign nationals, one of whom was identified as Valentina Kumari, a Russian citizen with Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), status. She has been living in India for the past 17 years after marrying an Indian. Olena Stoian and Oleksandra Brunkivska Sources within the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) have confirmed that several foreign nationals named in Reyaz’s letter have fled the country and are suspected to be the primary architects of the fraud. However, Reyaz himself has not appeared before the agency so far and was last reportedly seen in Delhi. He has claimed that his life is under threat. In his letter, Reyaz provided details such as passport numbers and photographs of some of the accused. “We have received certain information from the FRRO [Foreigners Registration Office] of the Mumbai police and are currently verifying the details,” an EOW officer stated. Viktoriia Kovalenko, a Ukrainian national allegedly involved in the investment scam According to a letter sent by Reyaz to the authorities on January 4, he identified Olena Stoian and Oleksandra Brunkivska as the masterminds of the scam. Reyaz alleged that the two were also involved in similar scams in Turkey and Ukraine. He claimed that Brunkivska, who operated under the alias “Alia” in India, had remained in the country until the first week of January. Officials suspect that both have since fled India. Other names Reyaz further named several others involved in the scam, including Ukrainian nationals Oleksandra Tverdokhlib, Oleksandr Borovyk, Oleksandr Zapichenko, Nika, Anita and Viktoriia Kovalenko as well as Mustafa Karakoc, a Turkish national, and a Russian national named Ugyin. Wanted posters uploaded on social media by the Torres jewellery chain Reyaz also claimed that Anita was once detained at Mumbai International Airport for possessing illegal items. However, another accused, Tazagul alias Tania Khatasova, allegedly intervened to secure her release from police custody. Khatasova has since been arrested by Shivaji Park police and handed over to the EOW. Sources in the EOW have also said that they have found a criminal record of Khatasova, which is related to cheating. “This document contains a detailed comparison of photographs of foreign scammers operating in India with individuals involved in scams in Ukraine and Turkey. The analysis is based on credible sources and references provided within the file,” Reyaz stated in his letter. Investors gathered outside the Torres Jewellery store in Dadar. File Pics/Ashish Raje “By examining these sources and matching similarities, the conclusion drawn suggests a strong connection between the scammers behind operations like Torres in India and Ukraine-based scam groups. These scammers appear to follow a consistent pattern, adapting their fraudulent activities across different countries,” he further claimed, adding that he is willing to share more details with the agencies. Ukrainian connection The letter also mentions that more than 40 individuals, mostly from Ukraine, have been involved in these operations in India. While some stayed for a short period, others are still actively working. Reyaz identified a person named Helan, who reportedly does not speak English but handles all bank transactions and has custody of the company’s internet banking IDs and passwords. The passport of Viktoriia Kovalenko, a Ukrainian national allegedly involved in the racket Reyaz has also named one Alex, who allegedly coordinates the entire operation from outside India. The EOW, which is investigating the case, stated that they have so far received complaints amounting to Rs 30 crore. Statements from additional complainants are being recorded at a special cell set up at Shivaji Park police station. Accused Sarvesh Surve Police suspect that if all affected investors come forward, the scam’s total value could exceed Rs 1,000 crore. The EOW has so far arrested three accused in the case including one Sarvesh Surve, who also claims to be a whistleblower in the case and claims he was framed by Ukrainian nationals who forged his signatures.
13 January,2025 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanThe addition of poor-quality soil during a 2021 beautification project at Shivaji Park has turned the iconic ground into a dust bowl, sparking complaints from residents. The red soil layer, blamed for the dust pollution, continues to plague the area as the BMC delays its decision to remove it. A proposal to level the ground and address the issue has been pending since December 2024, leaving citizens frustrated and choking in the meantime. Shivaji Park was covered in smog last month. File pic/Ashish Raje The proposal was submitted by the G North ward office to tackle the dust problem by removing a 9-inch layer of soil from the ground. According to records, the proposal was tabled in the last week of December 2024. “While removing the soil layer, care must be taken not to disturb the original appearance of the ground,” said a civic official. Officials added that the problem of dust could be significantly reduced as the layer underneath consists of sand-mixed soil. The BMC is consulting experts from IIT Mumbai. Last week, Siddesh Kadam, Chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, visited Shivaji Park and ordered the BMC to take an immediate decision. Shivaji Park, which spans 28 acres or 1.2 square kilometres, consists of 70 per cent soil and 30 per cent green cover. In 2021, as part of a beautification project, the BMC deposited around 250 truckloads of soil at the ground. “Since 2021, the dust problem has only worsened,” said a resident. “The issue becomes especially bad after the monsoon season, the dust issue starts at 10 am and lasts almost all day,” another resident added. Prakash Belvade, a local resident, said, “Citizens have been suffering from the dust at Shivaji Park for years, but the problem has intensified since 2021. At that time, the BMC used dry soil of poor quality, which was spread improperly. Even after sprinkling water, the soil dries within an hour. During storms, the dust even reaches the 13th floor of buildings! Despite repeated complaints, there has been no response from the authorities.” Civic Chief Bhushan Gagrani confirmed that the civic administration has yet to make a final decision regarding the removal of the soil layer. 70 per centArea of park covered in soil
13 January,2025 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveThere has been a frenzy surrounding the sale of branded sneakers on Instagram, with people rushing to grab the best pair, often without verifying the authenticity of the shoes, despite sellers’ claims of legitimacy. To investigate, undercover reporters from mid-day logged into various online platforms and contacted several sellers, uncovering an extensive network of counterfeit sneaker vendors operating out of Agra. Astonishingly, as the investigation deepened, it was revealed that nearly every house in the area doubles as a factory outlet for mass-producing counterfeit sneakers at throwaway prices. Mimicking designs of OG The sneaker fanatics, driving the high-end sneaker market, have turned sneakers into a cornerstone of fashion, blurring the lines between athletic wear and luxury. The craze for limited-edition releases and exclusive collaborations has fuelled demand, making sneakers a symbol of status, culture, and style. Fake Air Jordan purchased by mid-day. Pic/Ashish Raje (right) Fake Adidas Samba purchased by mid-day. Pic/Ashish Raje As the market evolved, demand for high-end sneakers skyrocketed, with prices reaching astronomical levels in secondary markets. Simultaneously, the rise of ‘first copy’ sneakers—high-quality replicas mimicking coveted originals—gained traction among budget-conscious buyers. These enthusiasts, passionate about stylish footwear yet constrained financially, seek deals and alternatives to expensive limited-edition releases. The counterfeiters not only replicate the look of branded sneakers but also imitate packaging, including trademarks, to deceive buyers. Counterfeiters in Agra revealed to mid-day that they source soles, laces, and packaging materials from nearby markets, including Delhi/NCR and Ludhiana. Agra, a manufacturing hub mid-day discovered that Hing Ki Mandi in Agra is a hub for manufacturing first-copy branded sports shoes. Almost every house in the area is involved in this illegal activity, selling replicas locally and exporting them across India. Manufacturers sell these shoes to wholesalers for as little as R240–R400 per pair, regardless of exclusive branding. mid-day reporter with the fake shoes. Pics/Ashish Raje During a three-day investigation, undercover reporters visited multiple manufacturing units in Agra, posing as wholesalers and retailers. They discovered that small houses in Hing Ki Mandi produce 200–300 pairs of shoes daily. Materials, including soles from Jalandhar and branded cloth from Delhi, are assembled by labourers who heat and paste the soles onto the upper materials. History of Hing Ki Mandi Historically, Hing Ki Mandi was renowned for the asafoetida (hing) trade during the Mughal era of Akbar and Shah Jahan. Today, it has transformed into a hub for counterfeit sneaker production. Counterfeiting operations in Agra have existed for over a decade, with techniques passed down through generations. Mad rush for sneakers Sneaker releases have become much-anticipated events, often creating chaotic scenes in retail stores. Shoppers queue for hours to snag coveted pairs, as budget-conscious buyers celebrate scoring deals in retail stores while resale prices skyrocket online. Fake Adidas Samba shoes at the manufacturing unit The rise of online platforms has further fuelled the global sneaker trade, cementing sneakers as a cultural and fashion staple driven by passionate fans and savvy marketers. To understand the world of first-copy sneakers, a mid-day undercover reporter spent three days in Agra, purchasing samples directly from local manufacturers. The reporter found that bulk orders significantly reduced prices, making replicas even more affordable. Day 1: December 19, 2024Kaibo Shoes Manufacturer, Loha Mandi, Agra, UP mid-day contacted Kaibo Shoes Manufacturer via IndiaMART and visited their manufacturing unit in Loha Mandi. Reporter: I am looking for first-copy branded shoes. I’m a retailer in Mumbai, where there is a high demand for them. Can you share the price range and show me some samples?Manufacturer: We offer first copies of many brands, such as Adidas, Puma, Nike, Air Jordan, and others. Will they look the same as the original? What about the quality?Manufacturer: Yes, the quality will be identical to what you need. However, you must purchase a minimum of one carton, which includes 40 pairs in various colours and sizes. Shoaib, manufacturer in Agra Can I take some samples to show my partner in Mumbai?Manufacturer: We don’t provide individual samples from cartons, but we can give you sample pairs of first-copy brands.The reporter purchased six pairs of sample shoes (Puma, Adidas, Nike) for Rs 3,500. Day 2: December 20, 2024 (Morning)Sultanpura, Agra Manufacturer Shoaib: We can manufacture first copies of any brand you want. Just show us the brand’s photo, and we’ll make it for you. Reporter: Do you have any sample pairs?Shoaib: Yes, we have first copies of Nike shoes. We are currently manufacturing 300 pairs for a customer. Manufacturer at Agra Reporter: What is the cost?Shoaib: Rs 280 per pair. Reporter: That’s impressive—it looks just like the original!Shoaib: Yes, check the market rate. It’s very expensive. You can easily sell it for Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 in the market. We supply these products to Mumbai, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and many parts of Maharashtra. The reporter verified online that the original Nike shoes were priced at R7,085 on the official Nike website. Shoaib: We have two colours in this Nike edition—red and green.Reporter: How do you manufacture these shoes?Shoaib: All materials are sourced—soles from Jalandhar and branded cloth from Delhi. At home, labourers assemble the materials, heat the soles twice, and paste them onto the upper materials.The reporter purchased one sample pair of Nike Sega first-copy shoes for R280. (Evening) Hing Ki Mandi After extensive searching, the reporters found the hub of shoe manufacturing units in Hing Ki Mandi, where almost every house produces first-copy branded shoes.Manufacturer: We have been running this manufacturing unit for many years. We make the first copies of all major brands. Reporter: Show the shoes.Manufacturer: We source materials from Delhi factories and produce brands like Adidas, Puma, Nike, Skechers, and Air Jordan. You can get these first copies for Rs 260-Rs 350. The manufacturer explained the process, which takes 8–10 days for bulk orders. However, the reporter did not purchase shoes from this manufacturer. Day 3: Dec 21, 2024Hing Ki Mandi The manufacturer took the reporter to his unit, which had three floors: Ground Floor: Storage for finished products.First Floor: Manufacturing of first-copy sports shoes.Second Floor: Manufacturing of leather shoes. Manufacturer: We produce 200–300 pairs daily, priced between R240–R300 per pair, and deliver them to Mumbai.The reporter purchased seven pairs of Air Jordan’s first copies for R300 each. These shoes were priced at R28,000 on the official website. Sneaker lovers speak Danish Alfaaz,Singer and rapper Singer and rapper Danish Alfaaz said, “OG is OG. If you’re wearing originals, it feels good because you’ve earned it. But most people can’t afford them, so they go for first copies. I’ve done the same in the past.” Alfaaz stressed the importance of personal style. “The brand stamp makes it unique, but creativity matters more. ‘Bhed Bakri ki chal duniya chalti hai – apne aapko khud design karo’ (Don’t follow the herd; create your own style). Handmade designs and your own brand hold more value than anything else.” Ayush Palande,A third-year mechanical engineering student at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology ”I use branded shoes which give me comfort while walking and running. I feel bad seeing others wearing fake or first copies of branded shoes, but many college students can’t afford to purchase expensive ones. However, we can easily identify the first-copy shoes.” Anurag Kamat, Third-year hotel management student “First copies of shoes should be available in the market for people who can’t afford expensive ones. Shoes are daily necessities, but college students can’t spend Rs 10,000-30,000 on them. It’s true that original sneakers provide comfort but they’re expensive. However, first-copy manufacturing companies should not use the brand names as it damages their brands and affects their business.” Avantika Padalkar, Final-year architecture student ”I never use first-copy sneakers. I only use original brand sneakers which give me comfort. First-copy shoes are not comfortable and look cheap in style. Many college students save money from their pocket money to purchase branded shoes. I think the first-copy market should be shut down as it is damaging brands.” Raftaar Rapper “I’m a sneaker fanatic. I have no objections to replicas because, during my early career, I wore first copies,” rapper Raftaar told mid-day. “I used to buy them from Chor Bazaar for Rs 300 or Palika Bazaar.” Acknowledging the illegality of the replica business, he added, “Once I could afford expensive sneakers, I replaced all my fake with originals.” Raftaar compared replicas to ambition. “Not everyone can afford a luxury car, but they can modify theirs to look like one. People buy replicas out of ambition, and that’s why originals retain their value. Companies often don’t stop counterfeiting for this reason.” “Today, I can’t wear replicas—they’re easily identified in my circle. But I’m not upset seeing others wear them. For many, it’s the start of a dream,” he concluded. Police’s role Last December, Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) police carried out raids at three shops in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road where shopkeepers had been selling counterfeit branded footwear. Police officers privy to the investigation told mid-day that fake products worth over R12 lakh were confiscated from these retail outlets and three to four people were arrested. The cops had also confiscated cartons bearing logos of branded footwear companies. Counterfeiting issues are dealt with under the Copyright Act, 1957, and Trademarks Act, 1999, said a senior police officer, adding, “In cases of copyright infringement, the aggrieved party approaches us against people selling counterfeit products.” “Based on the complaint of the aggrieved party, an FIR is registered and counterfeit products are seized,” said the police officer. Such cases are investigated by an officer, not below the rank of a sub-inspector. An officer privy to the investigation of an infringement case in Mira Road said, “Sample pieces of counterfeit products are sealed in the presence of panch witnesses and sent to experts to check their quality. The experts issue a certificate, which is crucial in such cases.” “The experts’ observations differentiate between original and fake products available in the market,” said the officer. Though the cops can also take suo moto action in such matters, they generally prefer the aggrieved party to file a complaint.
13 January,2025 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania | Diwakar SharmaMonday blues A duo lays out pairs of washed blue denim jeans to dry at Dhobi Ghat in Mahalaxmi The high life in Dombivli A moment from the Powai highlining act. Such feats are performed by professionals and are not to be replicated without expert guidance Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky, is how you might spot professional highliners (a discipline akin to tightrope walking) of the Slackistan collective this Thursday in Dombivli. After staging a 13-floor-high spectacle in Powai in 2022, the group is all set to walk the tightrope at the Holy Angels High School in Dombivli East. “We have been conducting extensive recces, and have acquired all permissions from the private property owners as well as local police authorities. While highlining outdoors is an entirely different challenge, urban highlining has its own charm. We have limited ourselves to a height of 60 ft this time to ensure a safe and sound walk,” revealed group member Akshay Dange. Between the lines Bengaluru-based Bhasha Centre is back with its fifth volume of Hear, Here — rehearsed readings of works by young directors. While the event, to be held at Harkat Studios in Andheri, is open to all, the readings will be a treat for theatre students and theatre makers looking to explore the artform beyond the stage. On four select days between today and February 17, directors will showcase readings of works, including Mahanirvan by Satish Alekar and Fat Pig by Neil LaBute. “We started the series two years ago to give theatre makers a chance to present their plays without worrying about logistics like lights, staging and ticketing,” shared Vivek Madan (inset), executive director, Bhasha Centre. From Marseille to Mumbai (From left) A section from L’Arrivée des pêcheurs au quai St. Jean by Andre Marius Guindon; Bhatia’s recreation featuring Koli fisherwomen. PICS COURTESY/KRIPA BHATIA It is true that one can never really take away Mumbai from a Mumbaikar. During a recent workshop trip to Marseille in France, city-based illustrator Kripa Bhatia (right) found the inspiration to reimagine a French painting into an artwork rooted in the culture of Mumbai. “When I saw the painting L’Arrivée des pêcheurs au quai St. Jean at the Musée d’Histoire deMarseille museum, I immediately thought of the Koli fisherwomen back home,” Bhatia shared with this diarist. Involved in documenting the lives of Mumbai’s indigenous inhabitants, Bhatia’s painting depicts a group of fisherwomen carrying baskets filled with bombil, instead of sardines, as depicted in the original painting by artist Andre Marius Guindon. Love is all around Khushi Ganatra (in brown) at a previous meeting with the community All is fair in love and war, except it’s not. “Dating is considerably more challenging as an individual with locomotor disabilities. I realised this when I dipped my toes in the dating pool recently,” Khushi Ganatra, PwD (People with Disabilities) rights activist, told this diarist. That’s about to change now with Ganatra’s new inclusive dating initiative, Lovable 2025. In collaboration with PwD welfare community We Can Club, an inclusive dating event will be organised on February 9, just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 14. “Everyone has the right to find love and care in their own ways in this world. The event is open to anyone who wants to join us, and not just members of the PwD community. Isn’t that what true inclusivity means?” Ganatra added. While the venue for the event is still being finalised, Ganatra confirmed that an accessible venue on the Andheri-Ghatkopar route will be chosen for convenience. Those keen to find love with an open mind can log on to @wecan_club_ to register. CSMVS’s birthday resolutions A rangoli marks the (right) Museum’s 103rd anniversary. FILE PIC It’s a 103 cheers for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya where celebrations on January 10 marked 103 years since the heritage landmark opened its doors as a museum to the general public in Mumbai. In addition to a vibrant rangoli inspired by its facade, the Museum has already jotted down its checklist for the 104th year. Giving us a sneak peek into the plans, Joyoti Roy (inset), head of strategy and marketing, revealed, “The focus is on the structure and its upkeep this year. A new book that traces the history of this intricate architectural marvel is in the works.” Visitors can also keep an eye out for the second part of the Ancient Sculptures series which will put a spotlight on the Harappan Civilisation this time. “In addition to these major plans, we will aim to step up our educational programming and launch some satellite projects around the new Mumbai Gallery at the Museum,” Roy told this diarist.
13 January,2025 06:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for January 13. Aries March 21 – April 20Be aware of surroundings and people if carrying a big amount of cash.Cosmic tip: Don’t succumb to sweet words and flattery which is used only for the other person’s gain. Taurus April 21 – May 20Make sure vehicle is in top condition before driving out of town. Completing work in advance saves unnecessary tension.Cosmic tip: Mentally argue out the relevant issue first before discussions. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Being creative, you know exactly how to transform intangible ideas into workable forms. Be aware of alternative therapy’s limitations.Cosmic tip: Think in a positive manner that attracts a positive karmic cycle. Cancer June 22 – July 23Work is completed exactly as anticipated and on time. Those in a relationship enter a karmic cycle of marriage. Cosmic tip: Leave gray areas of life behind, looking ahead with joy and a peaceful mind. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Recheck tickets, airport transport, hotel bookings, etc. once more. A late night is revealed.Cosmic tip: Understand the intention behind actions if wondering why life is suddenly slightly puzzling. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Leave work issues behind once home. Make ‘now time’ consciously for family. Long-term plans don’t include change of job.Cosmic tip: Work on a well-thought-out plan that helps deal with a sensitive issue. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Letting go of a situation not working for you is better. Seek other workable options. Cosmic tip: Be aware every decision and action taken has a true and balanced reaction. Think calmly and clearly. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22A turning point early evening is a surprise and something to celebrate. Negotiations bring results. Cosmic tip: Understand, what seems an imbalance in life is actually very finely balanced by the universe. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22An important project becomes reality soon. Work towards closure of a legal issue. Go slow, but sure of facts.Cosmic tip: Listen to intuition when someone you just don’t like or trust gets in touch. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Making correct karmas has earned this lucky karmic cycle to be extended. Retain focus. Cosmic tip: Make time for a hobby, even though there’s laser-like focus on work. The brain needs relaxation time too. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Focusing on what’s really important helps keep sights only on what’s working. Do get enough sleep. Cosmic tip: Be aware what you consider as a restrictive obstruction is actually a balancing coming into play. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Career goes on a high at a tremendous speed that catches you unawares. Eat nutritious food.Cosmic tip: Consciously believe life has its ebbs and flows according to planetary positions and karma.
13 January,2025 12:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseIn a challenging operation, a tiger that was injured in a territorial fight at Brahmapuri near Chandrapur district of Maharashtra was successfully tranquilised. The injured tiger had attacked one person recently. On January 4, a territorial fight took place between two male tigers in Mindala area that comes under the Brahamapuri forest division. In the fight, the T-100 tiger was found to have sustained severe injuries on its front left leg, while another unidentified tiger was found to be bleeding from its neck, back and legs. Subsequently, the forest department undertook the operation to capture both tigers for medical treatment. Meanwhile, on January 10, T-100 unexpectedly attacked Gurudev Purushottam Saraye, a resident of Pardi Village in the area. It is said that the tiger might have attacked the person as it was unable to hunt due to the wound on its front left leg. “On Sunday, Dr Ravikant Khobragade, veterinary officer, TATR, Chandrapur, along with his team darted T-100 at 7.31 am and the tiger was anesthetised and caged at approximately 8.15 am,” said a forest department official. The operation was undertaken under the guidance of Deputy Conservator of Forest Rakesh Sepat, by Range Forest Officer (Nagbhid) Arup Kannamwar and other field forest staff, Dr Khobragade, Police Constable Ajay Marathe (shooter) and his team, and biologist Rakesh Ahuja. Tiger T-100 is approximately 10 years old and will be shifted to the Transit Treatment Centre, Chandrapur, for further medical treatment. Forest department officials are yet to capture the other tiger that was injured in the territorial fight.
12 January,2025 11:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAt least five people were injured after part of house collapsed in Jogeshwari east area of Mumbai, the civic officials said on Sunday. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the incident took place at around 4:57 pm when a part of a house collapsed in the Chunnilal Marwadi Chawl area near Gumpha Darshan Building in Majas Wadi, Jogeshwari East in Mumbai. The incident occurred when part of the upper floor of a ground-plus-one (G+1) structure came down, resulting in injuries to five people. The incident was reported by the BMC's Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) at 6:56 pm following which the civic officials rushed to the spot and launched a rescue and relief operation. The BMC said that emergency services rushed to the site, and the injured were shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. It said that according to information from the Assistant Medical Officer (AMO) at the hospital, one person was admitted with injuries, while the others were treated and their condition is said to be stable. Those injured in the incident were Lalina Vikram Bhati, 26, was admitted to the hospital, Vikram Bhati, 28, Nitin Mahamunkar, 42, Fancy Bhati, 35, Latika Bhati, 11, were treated and discharged from the hospital. Fire breaks out in kitchen of flat in Thane building, residents evacuated Meanwhile, in an another incident, A fire broke out in the kitchen of a flat in Thane building on Sunday evening, the civic officials said. The blaze completely destroyed the kitchen of the flat, they said, adding that no one was injured in the incident. The fire occurred in Saket Complex, located in the Rabodi area of Thane district in Maharashtra, Yasin Tadvi, Chief of the Disaster Management Cell, TMC said. He said that as a precautionary measure, around 15 residents from the sixth and seventh floors of the building were evacuated due to the smoke. Fire brigade teams and disaster management personnel responded quickly following the information after receiving the emergency call at around 6 pm regarding the fire. The fire was brought under control and the cause of the fire was being investigated by the officials.
12 January,2025 10:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveThe Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) on Thursday announced extra bus services in parts of north Mumbai in view of the Erangal Fair 2025. In an official statement, BEST said, in view of the large number of passengers expected to attend the 'Erangal Fair' on January 12, 2025, has announced additional bus services to ensure smooth travel. The BEST said that to manage the crowd during the fair several additional services will be running to and from Malad, Marve, Madh, Malvani and Borivli. Extra buses will run from the following routes: Malad West (Station) to Erangal Bus Route No. 271: 8 buses in the morning and 20 buses in the evening.Marve Beach to Madh Jetty Bus Route No. 271: 6 buses in the morning and 6 buses in the evening.Erangal to Marve Beach Bus Route No. 271: 3 buses in the morning.Borivli West (Station) to Madh Jetty Bus Route No. A-269: 6 buses in the morning and 8 buses in the evening. The BEST said that in total, 20 buses will operate in the morning and 37 buses in the evening, starting from 6 am. Depending on the passenger demand, more buses will be added if necessary. The statement further said that to assist passengers, traffic officers, bus inspectors, and security personnel will be stationed at key locations, including Malad West Station, Marve Beach, Madh Jetty, Erangal, Bhati Village, and Malvani Depot. "BEST has urged all passengers to make the most of these additional bus services to avoid any inconvenience," the BEST said. The nine-day novena at the historic St. Bonaventure Church in Erangal Beach, Madh, began on January 3. Built nearly five centuries ago during the Portuguese era, the church is a significant pilgrimage site. The novena prayers are part of the spiritual preparations leading up to the feast of St. Bonaventure, which will be celebrated on January 12. The church, constructed with stone and lime mortar, features a marble plaque that outlines its rich history. Visitors from Mumbai can reach the church by taking a ferry from Versova to Madh. The annual Erangal Feast is held on the second Sunday of January.
12 January,2025 10:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
