Leaders of the Mahayuti alliance were sworn in as cabinet ministers in the Maharashtra government during a ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Nagpur on Sunday. The 10-day-old BJP-led alliance ministry in Maharashtra was expanded with 39 ministers being sworn in, taking its strength to 42. In the expansion, BJP got 19 ministerial berths, followed by 11 to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and nine for Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. While 33 legislators were sworn in as cabinet ministers, six took oath as ministers of state. Governor P C Radhakrishnan administered the oath to the new ministers at the ceremony held on the eve of the state legislature's winter session being held in Nagpur from December 16 to 21. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, who took oath in Mumbai on December 5, were present. BJP’s state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, along with Ashish Shelar, Ganesh Naik, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Pankaja Munde, Girish Mahajan, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Chandrakant Patil and Nitesh Rane were among those who took the oath. CM Devendra Fadnavis and his wife Amruta at a roadshow in Nagpur on Sunday. Pic/PTI Shiv Sena leaders Shambhuraj Desai, Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse, Sanjay Rathod, Uday Samant, Gulabrao Patil, and Sanjay Shirsat, representing Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction, were also sworn in as ministers. NCP leaders Aditi Tatkare, Dhananjay Munde, and Hasan Mushrif were also inducted into the cabinet. The new cabinet includes state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar. The Mahayuti alliance had faced criticism from the Opposition for delaying the announcement of its cabinet despite holding a significant majority. In the November 20 Assembly polls, the Mahayuti swept to power, winning 230 out of 288 seats in the state. The BJP led with 132 seats, followed by Shinde's Shiv Sena with 57 and Pawar's NCP getting 41. Results of the elections were declared on November 23. MVA boycotts customary tea party The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will boycott the tea party to be hosted by the Maharashtra government on the eve of the state legislature’s winter session here on Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve said. Danve said that although the Opposition’s strength in the Assembly may be less, it will, with its full force, take on the government on various issues, including those pertaining to farmers. The six-day duration of the winter session was too short, the leader of Opposition in the state legislative council added. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also demanded an extension of the session. New Ministers BJP (19)1. Chandrashekhar Bawankule2. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil3. Chandrakant Patil4. Girish Mahajan5. Ganesh Naik6. Mangal Prabhat Lodha7. Jaykumar Rawal8. Pankaja Munde9. Atul Save10. Ashok Uike11. Ashish Shelar12. Shivendrasinh Bhosale13. Jaykumar Gore14. Sanjay Savkare15. Nitesh Rane16. Akash Fundkar17. Madhuri Misal18. Pankaj Bhoyar19. Meghana Bordikar Shiv Sena (11)1. Gulabrao Patil2. Dada Bhuse3. Sanjay Rathod4. Uday Samant5. Shambhuraj Desai6. Sanjay Shirsat7. Pratap Sarnaik8. Bharat Gogawale9. Prakash Abitkar10. Ashish Jaiswal11. Yogesh Kadam NCP (9)1. Hasan Mushrif2. Dhananjay Munde3. Dattatray Bharne4. Aditi Tatkare5. Manikrao Kokate6. Narhari Zirwal7. Makrand Jadhav-Patil8. Babasaheb Patil9. Indranil Naik
16 December,2024 03:05 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentA man was found hanging from a skywalk in front of the BMC’s N-Division office in Ghatkopar on Sunday morning. The Pant Nagar Police received a call about the incident this afternoon and rushed to the spot. The fire brigade and ambulance teams also arrived to bring the body down and transport it to the hospital. At this stage, the reason behind the suicide remains unclear. The man, whose identity has not been revealed, was discovered hanging from the skywalk railing, prompting immediate investigations by local police. Officials are working to identify the man and determine the cause of his death to proceed with the investigation. "We are investigating, and so far, we have preliminary information," said Vijaykant Sagar, DCP, Zone 7. More details awaited.
16 December,2024 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanThe Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday continued grilling actress Gehana Vashisht in connection with the pornography case involving Raj Kundra and others. Vashisht is currently under the agency's scanner in its money laundering probe linked to the making and distribution of pornography. She was previously questioned by the ED for several hours in connection with a money laundering investigation. The case is linked to businessman Raj Kundra. On December 10, actress Gehana Vashisht appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning. Sources said that the ED is scrutinising whether the payments Vashisht received were part of a larger money-laundering operation orchestrated through the alleged pornography racket. Vashisht, who was questioned for seven hours on December 9, returned to the ED office for further interrogation on December 10. On the second day of her interrogation, Gehna was questioned for nearly six hours, during which the officials continued recording her statement as well and asked her to appear again when required. Speaking to the press after the interrogation, Gehna said that the ED officials are yet to retrieve data from her mobile and that is why she was being summoned again and again. The ED is investigating payments made to her by Kenrin Limited, a London-based company owned by Kundra’s brother-in-law, Pradeep Bakshi, who is a wanted accused in the case. Vashisht allegedly received multiple payments from Kenrin Limited for pornographic films shot in India and transferred to London, where they were allegedly uploaded on various platforms. However, Vashisht has maintained her stance that the films she worked on were erotica, not pornography. She said the ED’s questioning revolved around her financial transactions and her connections with Kundra and Kenrin Limited. Vashisht was previously arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in February 2021. During that time, she spent over three months in jail.
16 December,2024 02:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the wake of the custodial death of an accused in connection with the Parbhani violence, calling it a "failure of the system". Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Raut took aim at the Maharashtra administration's handling of the incident, which involved the vandalism of a replica of the Constitution near Dr B R Ambedkar's statue outside the Parbhani railway station on December 10. The violence that followed led to widespread arrests and unrest in the city. Raut, a prominent opposition figure, stated that he would raise the issue in the Rajya Sabha, accusing the state government of being "anti-constitutional". He further questioned why "protectors" of the Constitution were being victimised under the current government. "This is a failure of the system. Devendra Fadnavis is responsible for it," he said, while referring to the Chief Minister, who also holds the home minister portfolio. The incident, which sparked violence in the central Maharashtra city, resulted in more than 50 arrests and multiple cases filed. One of the accused, 35-year-old Somnath Venkat Suryawanshi, was detained following the unrest. While in judicial custody at the Parbhani District Central Prison, he reportedly complained of chest pain and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on Sunday morning at 6:59 am. A magisterial inquiry has been launched to investigate the allegations surrounding Suryawanshi's custodial death, and his body has been sent to a government hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for a postmortem examination. Raut noted that Suryawanshi had fought to "save" the Constitution after its replica was damaged, although his methods may have been questionable. He demanded accountability from the Maharashtra government and called for justice for Suryawanshi. Local organisations in Parbhani have called for a bandh on Monday to press for action. In response to the incident, Meghana Bordikar, BJP MLA from Jintur in Parbhani, who was recently appointed as a minister in the Maharashtra government, described the events as "unfortunate" but defended the police’s actions. She claimed that Suryawanshi’s death was due to a heart attack and praised the police for promptly arresting those involved in the violence. According to Bordikar, while the city is observing a bandh, the situation is gradually returning to normal. (With inputs from PTI)
16 December,2024 02:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe passing of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain marks an irreparable loss to the world of music and rhythm. Expressing his heartfelt condolences, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, "With the demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain, we have lost a genius who brought the world together with the mesmerising sounds of the tabla." Fadnavis described Zakir Hussain as a "son of Maharashtra" who captivated global audiences with his tabla artistry. "His jugalbandis across three generations inspired countless young musicians to take up the tabla. He established a unique identity for India in the realm of tabla playing," Fadnavis remarked. Revered as a Padma Vibhushan awardee, Zakir Hussain's mastery over the tabla was unparalleled, often described as synonymous with the instrument itself. Fadnavis said, "The inseparable bond between Ustad Zakir Hussain and the tabla has now been broken. The magical performances he created with his fingers will forever echo in the hearts of music lovers." Having started his musical journey at the tender age of seven, Ustad Zakir Hussain revolutionised the art of solo tabla recitals, elevating them to a prestigious platform. His efforts played a pivotal role in earning Indian classical music respect and recognition on the global stage. His students, spread across the world, continue to carry forward his musical legacy. Fadnavis lauded the maestro’s contribution to taking the inheritance of music from his father, Ustad Allah Rakha, and not just preserving it but also raising the art of tabla to extraordinary heights. "Zakir Hussain's tabla was alive and singing, a testament to his magical touch. His jugalbandis with senior artistes were a treat for audiences, while his consistent efforts to support budding artistes and provide them platforms were truly commendable," Fadnavis added. The Chief Minister also highlighted how Zakir Hussain transformed the tabla from a supporting instrument to a centre-stage act, creating an indelible impact on audiences worldwide. "Ustad Zakir Hussain made the tabla synonymous with his name. His departure has left a void in the world of Indian classical music. A luminous star of Indian music has fallen," he said. Offering his deepest respects, Fadnavis concluded, "I extend my heartfelt tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain. We share the grief of his family and fans in this moment of loss."
16 December,2024 01:07 PM IST | MumbaiShiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, on Monday, launched a strong critique against the current government, accusing it of working against the fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution. Speaking to the media, Raut alleged that key institutions, including the judiciary, Parliament, the Election Commission of India (ECI), and Raj Bhavan, which are supposed to act as protectors of the Constitution, are being undermined by the ruling regime. According to ANI, Raut claimed, "The present government is working against the Constitution of India. Today, there will be a discussion on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha. However, the role being played by the judiciary, Parliament, the Election Commission, and Raj Bhavan—institutions which should be the guardians of the Constitution—is not in the interest of the nation." Raut further stated that if the government had a stronger mandate in the Lok Sabha, discussions about altering the Constitution might have already taken centre stage. He alleged, "If the government had won more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, the topic of discussion in the Lok Sabha would have been 'Why is it necessary to change the Constitution.' In a country where the judiciary and the Election Commission of India are functioning under the pressure of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Constitution is in danger." The winter session of Parliament, which began on November 25, has witnessed repeated disruptions, with both Houses frequently adjourned. The session is set to conclude on December 20. Criticism of PM Modi's stance on corruption Raut also launched a pointed attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent speech in the Lok Sabha, questioning his sincerity in tackling corruption. The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP accused the Prime Minister of hypocrisy, claiming that his alleged association with business magnate Gautam Adani undermines his statements on zero tolerance for corruption. "Ask your 56-inch chest, how many corrupt people are around me? You (PM Modi) tolerate Adani and then speak about zero tolerance towards corruption. PM Modi never acts on what he says," ANI quoted Raut as saying. Raut went further, calling for action against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde. He accused both leaders of being corrupt and questioned the Prime Minister’s ability to take a stand against them. "He (PM Modi) should remove Ajit Pawar from the party (alliance). He took an oath in your 'great' presence. Eknath Shinde is one of the most corrupt leaders, and the other 10-12 individuals who defected with him underwent raids by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED). Can you dare to sideline them?" Raut asked. Earlier, on December 15, Raut had criticised the Prime Minister for his alleged inaction against corruption and his association with Adani, implying that these relationships contradict Modi's public commitments to good governance.
16 December,2024 12:57 PM IST | MumbaiThe Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has so far issued show-cause notices to 10,773 lapsed projects that were registered with the regulator since May 2017. The notices have been issued to developers who have failed to update their project’s status and related information with MahaRERA even after the project’s completion date was initially submitted with the regulator. MahaRERA has taken serious cognisance of this irregularity and has issued show cause notices to around 10,773 projects, explained a MahaRERA official. The developers of the lapsed projects are expected to submit an Occupation Certificate (OC) with Form 4 or seek an extension of projects. The application is to be supported with the requisite documents. In cases of such failures, MahaRERA may initiate strict action against the erring projects. Under this, so far, MahaRERA has initiated action by directly suspending or cancelling the project’s registration, imposing punitive action, and issuing instructions to the Joint District Registrar directing not to register any purchase and sale of any flats in such projects. Even bank accounts associated with such projects may be frozen, the official said. Section 11(1)(b), (c), (d) and (e) of The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, makes it mandatory to update quarterly progress reports of every project. MahaRERA’s order 33/2022 issued in July 2022 also states the action that may be initiated with regard to lapsed projects, he added. He continued, “Of the 10,777 projects, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, which includes the surrounding northern Konkan region has the highest lapsed projects at 5,231, followed by Pune region with 3,406, Nashik 815, Nagpur 548, Sambhaji Nagar 511, Amravati 201, Dadra & Nagar Haveli 43 and Daman & Diu 18 projects.” When applying for a MahaRERA registration number, every builder has to unambiguously mention the scheduled date of the project’s completion. Towards the completion date, an occupancy certificate along with Form 4 certifying the project has been completed is mandatory to be submitted, the official said. In case the project remains incomplete, the builder is expected to move the deadline extension application. Alternatively, if there are any issues with starting the project, it becomes necessary to apply for de-registration of the project. As per Sections 3, 4, 5 and 11 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, as well as the order 33/2022 of July 2022, it is mandatory for the developers to update their project’s projects every quarter as well as share annual reports on the website. MahaRERA Chairman Manoj Saunik, confirming the same said, “Through the Compliance Cell, as per the regulatory provisions, the MahaRERA has initiated micro-monitoring of the real estate sector at multiple levels. Each of the projects registered with MahaRERA is required to submit a quarterly report as well as the project’s status on the website, on a periodic basis. Presently, in Maharashtra, there are 10,773 real estate projects that have lapsed leading to investments of several homebuyers getting stuck.” Saunik continued, “As per the regulation, it is mandatory for the developers to submit an Occupancy Certificate (OC) along with Form 4 of their respective projects or to seek deadline revision. After the 30-day window provided to the developer has expired and the developer hasn’t initiated any attempt to submit OC with Form 4 or sought a deadline’s extension, MahaRERA is left with no other alternative but to either cancel or suspend the project’s registration. This also means imposing restrictions on the sale and purchase of flats in such projects and also to freeze the bank accounts associated with the projects. MahaRERA urges the real estate industry not to put itself into such a situation.”
16 December,2024 12:43 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentOpposition members staged a demonstration on the steps of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhawan in Nagpur on Monday and raised slogans against the use of EVMs in elections, reported news agency PTI. The protest was held on the opening day of the Maharashtra Assembly winter session in Nagpur. Leader of opposition in the state legislative council Ambadas Danve led the demonstration of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders, who called for "saving" the Constitution and democracy and opposed the use of EVMs, reported PTI. They raised slogans like "EVM Hatao Desh Bachao", "EVM Hatao Constitution Bachao" and "EVM Hatao Democracy Bachao", reported PTI. Danve was joined by Congress legislators Vijay Wadettiwar, Nitin Raut, Bhai Jagtap and Vikas Thakre, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Bhaskar Jadhav, Varun Desai and Sachin Ahir, and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad, reported PTI. Talking to reporters, Danve claimed the Electronic Voting Machines were "dangerous" for democracy and that people were opposing the use of EVMs in elections. "We think the EVMs should be removed and elections should be held on ballot papers," the Sena (UBT) leader said, reported PTI. Notably, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday slammed the opposition MVA for terming the ruling Mahayuti as a "government of EVM", reported PTI. "Our government came to power because every vote has gone for Maharashtra," Fadnavis said. Reacting to it, Danve quipped, "Every vote for ballot paper," reported PTI. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap said that EVM implied "Every vote for Mahayuti", reported PTI. He alleged that the Centre and the BJP-led Maharashtra government misused EVMs. The Congress and MVA will raise awareness about the use of ballot papers in elections, instead of the EVMs, he said. NCP (SP) MLA from Beed, Sandeep Kshirsagar, alleged the involvement of local NCP functionary Valmik Karad in the last week's murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of a village in the district. Kshirsagar demanded justice for Deshmukh and said if the demand is not fulfilled, a huge morcha will be held in Beed after the Maharashtra Assembly winter session. (With inputs from PTI)
16 December,2024 12:14 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentDark, dingy, and unsafe—pedestrian subways across Mumbai’s island city and suburbs are in dire need of attention. Many lack proper lighting, are plagued by hawkers, and serve as hubs for illegal activities. During monsoons, they often become unusable due to waterlogging and leaks. mid-day explored these subways to uncover their persistent issues. Here’s what we found, starting with the suburbs. Eastern Suburbs Chunabhatti Subway Chunabhatti subway suffers from chronic leakage and drain water flooding. “There is always drain water overflowing into the subway. We have to wade through it daily,” said Ashok Kalar, a local resident. The subway built 40 years ago under the Eastern Express Highway, also has cracked walls and a foul odour. Recently, the BMC installed iron grills at the entrance to minimise water seepage. However, proper maintenance remains lacking. Ramabai Colony Subway (Ghatkopar) Ramabai Colony subway is not clean and has broken flooring, and walls stained with paan. PIC/ASHISH RAJE This is one of the busiest subways in eastern suburbs, located under the Eastern Express Highway. It suffers from irregular cleaning, broken flooring, and walls stained with paan. Though locals claim there is a security guard, none were present during mid-day’s visit. Dhanajay Singh, a resident, said, “Subway is always dusty and stinks. Better lighting, CCTV cameras, and regular cleaning are badly needed.” Kurla Subway Subway inb Kurla is closed due to ongoing Metro construction, forcing pedestrians to cross the busy road instead. PIC/ASHISH RAJE One subway at Kurla, near the signal, is closed due to ongoing Metro construction, forcing pedestrians to cross the busy road instead. Another subway connecting Kurla East and West is overrun by hawkers and becomes inaccessible during monsoons. Mankhurd Subway Mankhurd Subway is in a deplorable condition. PIC/ASHISH RAJE Located under the railway tracks, this subway connects Maharashtra Nagar to the Sion-Panvel highway and is in a deplorable condition. It floods during monsoons, rendering it unusable despite a pedestrian bridge built nearby by the BMC. “Flooding during the monsoons is a major problem. A proper footpath would help,” suggested Ashok Kalokhe, a resident. Western Suburbs Vanrai Subway (Goregaon) Vanrai subway lacks accessibility for physically disabled and is not clean. PICS/NIMESH DAVE This subway near Vanrai police station on the Western Express Highway is popular among residents. However, it lacks accessibility for physically disabled individuals. While lights are installed, there is a need for better tiling, additional lighting, CCTV cameras, and ramps for wheelchair users. Gundavali Subway (Andheri) This subway, at the level of the service road, is among the more accessible options. It is well-lit, but locals suggested adding CCTV cameras and deploying security guards for nighttime safety. Santacruz East Subway (New Agripada) Santacruz subway is in relatively good condition. PICS/NIMESH DAVE In relatively good condition, this subway is well-lit but would benefit from a ramp or platform for wheelchair users. Shankarwadi Subway (Jogeshwari) Shankarwadi subway urgently requires proper steps and ramps for accessibility. PICS/NIMESH DAVE This subway urgently requires proper steps and ramps for accessibility. A senior citizen using the subway said, “Pedestrian needs are overlooked, while all facilities are in place for vehicles. This subway needs better lighting, security guards, and CCTV cameras, especially at night, as drug addicts sometimes take refuge here.” Bandra East Subway (Subhash Nagar) Bandra East subway faces problems with broken tiles and poor lighting. PICS/NIMESH DAVE This subway faces problems with broken tiles and poor lighting. Like others, it also needs a ramp to accommodate wheelchair users. Ramnagar Subway (Near domestic airport) Ramnagar subway lacks proper illumination also doesn’t have disability access. PICS/NIMESH DAVE This subway lacks proper illumination and is not wheelchair-friendly.
16 December,2024 11:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav | Sameer SurveThe police on Monday said that a 15-year-old girl, who left her house earlier this month after her mother reprimanded her for spending too much time on mobile phone, was found dead in a Dombivli creek after nine days in Thane district of Maharashtra, reported news agency PTI. The girl resided with her family in the Dombivli area. On December 5, her mother asked her not to spend too much time on her mobile phone and rather pay attention to her studies, reported PTI. The girl, in a fit of anger, later left the house, the official from Vishnu Nagar police station said. After failing to find her, her family members filed a missing complaint with the local police the next day, reported PTI. The police subsequently registered an FIR on charges of kidnapping. According to the official, the police had also got a message that on December 5, a girl jumped into a creek from Motagaon bridge in Dombivli, reported PTI. On Saturday afternoon, a body was in the Dombivli creek and was identified as that of the teenager by her family members, he said, reported PTI. The body was later sent for postmortem to a government hospital and a case of accidental death was registered, the police said, adding a probe was on into the girl's death. Woman kills 1-yr-old son after quarrel with mother-in-law in Thane A woman allegedly killed her one-year-old son by throwing him in a water tank following a dispute with her mother-in-law over the infant's health issues in Maharashtra's Thane district, police said, reported PTI. The incident took place at Kasane village near Vasind in Shahapur taluka on Wednesday and the Padgha police later arrested the woman, they said. The child's father, who worked as a security guard at a nearby godown, married the woman in 2022. Last year, the couple's son was born with a congenital illness and had been receiving treatment at the Wadia Hospital in Mumbai, an official from Padgha police station said. The woman and her mother-in-law were frequently at odds over the child's care and well-being. On Tuesday, the child's grandmother, concerned about his health, decided to take him to Titwala during a visit to her daughter. However, the child developed a fever there and his grandmother brought him back to Kasane late Tuesday night, the official said. Later, a heated argument took place between the child's mother and grandmother over his health condition, he said. The child's father left for his night shift work after attempting to calm the situation, reported PTI. When he returned on Wednesday morning, he briefly played with his son before falling asleep. During this time, the child's mother allegedly drowned him in a water tank located on the first floor of the house, the official said. Later, when the man was unable to find his son, he began a search for him along with family members and friends. In the meantime, the child's mother approached police with a complaint, claiming her son had gone missing, the official said. Her husband grew suspicious and confronted her. The woman then confessed to him that she had killed their child, he said. The man subsequently contacted the Padgha police and filed a complaint. The body was recovered and sent to a government hospital for post-mortem, police inspector Bala Kumbhar said, reported PTI. The woman was taken into custody and booked for murder and other charges, he added. (With inputs from PTI)
16 December,2024 11:48 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai's minimum temperature plummeted to 14 degrees Celsius on Monday morning, recording a sharp drop in the last 48 hours. After witnessing a significant drop in its minimum temperature by four degrees Celsius within 24 hours on Sunday, meteorologists now anticipate a further sharp decline in temperatures across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, in the coming days. This sudden change, described by many as "unexpected," has already started to take effect. According to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Santacruz observatory, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 16.3 degrees Celsius on Sunday, which is 2.2 degrees below the seasonal average, and it dropped further to 14 degrees Celsius on Monday. On Saturday, December 14, the nighttime temperature was recorded at 20.1 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal by 1.6 degrees. Weather experts have indicated that the city’s nighttime temperatures are expected to remain below average during the first half of this week. “We had predicted a dip in the minimum temperature, hovering around 18-16 degrees Celsius. However, such a sharp drop was unexpected due to the incoming northerly winds. There is a possibility of temperatures increasing again after December 18 due to the influence of easterly winds. For now, the overall temperature drop can be attributed to a shift in the prevailing weather patterns,” stated Sushma Nair, scientist at IMD's Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai. Meanwhile, independent weather enthusiast Rushikesh Agre, who is popular for his social media handle ‘Mumbai Rains’ on X, wrote on Sunday: “Temperatures are expected to see a sharp fall from tomorrow onwards. Coldwave-type weather in many areas of Maharashtra, including Mumbai. I will be sharing updates in some time.” While Mumbai recorded a minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, other areas in Maharashtra also experienced low temperatures. These include Talegaon (Pune) at 8.3 degrees Celsius, Rajgurunagar (Pune) at 8.5 degrees Celsius, Baramati at 7 degrees Celsius, Daund at 7.3 degrees Celsius, and Pusad (Yavatmal) at 5.6 degrees Celsius.
16 December,2024 11:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghADVERTISEMENT
