Maharashtra's law enforcement agencies, where the model code of conduct is in full force ahead of the Maharashtra Elections 2024, have seized goods worth Rs 52 crore in 24 hours, officials said, PTI reported. Since the announcement of the Maharashtra assembly elections on October 15, 19 law enforcement agencies have confiscated goods worth Rs 90.74 crore across the state, they said. Poll officials released a statement on Thursday saying that the police, Income Tax, Revenue Intelligence, Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs and Excise departments were among the agencies that took action in the districts of Mumbai suburban, Nagpur and Ratnagiri, PTI cited. Till now, 1,144 complaints of poll code violations have been reported through the cVIGIL app of the Election Commission, with 99 per cent of the complaints have been resolved, added the statement. The EC has launched the cVIGIL mobile app in order to help citizens flag election code violations. Poll authority asks for 1,752 'misleading' social media posts to be taken down Last week, the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra sent notices to various social media platforms, asking them to take down a total of 1,752 posts containing fake news which meant to create confusion among voters, PTI reported. Over 300 of these posts were deleted after being flagged by the poll body, according to an official release dated 18 October. The notices were sent under section 79(3) (b) of the Information Technology Act, which empowers law enforcement agencies to order intermediaries to remove any content that can be used for unlawful activities, reported PTI. Of the objectionable posts, 143 were found on Facebook, 280 on Instagram, 1,296 on X, 31 on YouTube, and two on other platforms. Facebook has so far deleted 16 posts, while action was awaited on 127 more posts. Instagram has deleted 29, X has deleted 251 and YouTube has deleted five posts since the notices were sent, the release said. It also informed that 420 complaints of violation of the election code of conduct were received on the c-VIGIL app of the Election Commission. Out of which, 414 complaints were disposed of, the statement said, adding that the highest number of disposals were in Thane district. Since the code of conduct has been in force since last week, material costing Rs 10.64 crore was recovered in the form of cash, drugs, liquor and expensive freebies, the release said. The Maharashtra elections are scheduled to be held on November 20, and the results are to be declared on November 23. (With inputs from PTI)
25 October,2024 12:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOctober is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the Nanavati Max Hospital is putting that message not in a bottle but in Mumbaikars commuting battle for greater recall. The facility has launched a ‘pink speed breaker’ campaign across Juhu, Santacruz and Bandra (West). Pink is the colour associated with breast cancer awareness, with the pink ribbon becoming an international symbol of the awareness initiative. Break and brake In this campaign, speed breakers at certain spots in Juhu, Santacruz and Bandra have been painted pink, with each speed breaker carrying the message: “Some bumps can slow down life”. The aim is to encourage people to take time out for regular health screenings, emphasising the importance of early detection in preventing life-threatening complications. Screenings, please Dr Garvit Chitkara Senior Consultant, Breast Surgical Oncology and Oncoplasty, said, “We do see an uptick in awareness about breast cancer, especially, the importance of early screening. What we need now is a real awareness push by government-driven screening campaigns, which are still few and far between. We now have opportunistic screening, which means a woman may visit a hospital or healthcare clinic for some reason. Inside, she looks at some banners or messages about the importance of breast cancer screening, related to an ongoing campaign. That may propel her to come in for screening, at least start thinking about the importance of doing so.” The doctor replied to a question about breast cancer demographics that, “women in the age bracket 45 to 60 years are particularly susceptible. Yet, that does not mean a woman younger than 45 or older than 60 cannot get breast cancer.” Besides self-examination and screening, the doctor said increasing belly fat especially, “when waist circumference and belly fat increases during menopause” is a red flag. “Exercising at a good intensity for 40 minutes at least five times a week may cut your risk of breast cancer by almost half.” On the research side, when asked if vaccines are in use for cervical cancer, can one see vaccines for breast cancer soon, Dr Chitkara answered, “Vaccines for two subtypes of breast cancer are in the research stage. There is some way to go, though.” About the current campaign, the doctor said, “using public infrastructure to drive the message home, is part of the bouquet of creating awareness about early detection in cancer. If a pink speed breaker helps women take a break from their speedy lives and come in for screening, that may possibly save a life. Even one life saved in millions through early detection means an awareness campaign is not in vain.” Fly high The hospital is also organising a Pink Walk on October 26 starting near Mithibai College and going towards Juhu Beach, where over 100 people will come together, donning pink T-shirts and carrying placards with messages of solidarity for breast cancer survivors. The event will culminate with the release of pink balloons.
25 October,2024 12:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharA political hotbed of Baramati is bracing up for yet another family feud. This time around, Ajit Pawar has been challenged by his nephew Yugendra Pawar, who was named officially by the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) that announced a 45-candidate list on Thursday evening. Ajit leads a rebel faction of the NCP, and Yugendra is with granduncle Sharad Pawar’s faction. The family split post the party split in 2023, and a year later the Pawars witnessed an electoral fight between the members, who till then vouched for their unity. Yugendra and his father Shriniwas, who is Ajit’s brother, remained with Pawar senior. The rest of the family campaigned against Ajit’s wife Sunetra who contested the Baramati Lok Sabha seat against sister-in-law Supriya Sule. “I thank Pawar Saheb. I will try my best to live up to expectations,” Yugendra told the media persons in Baramati, adding that he had a multi-point agenda to work on. He indirectly suggested that his candidature against his uncle was a direct fall-out of what had happened in the Lok Sabha turf of Baramati. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar during a press conference in August. File pic/Atul Kamble In another intra-family fight, Bhagyashree Atram has been put against her minister father Dharmarao Baba Atram (Ahire), who is with Ajit Pawar’s faction. Rakhi Jadhav has been named for Mumbai’s Ghatkopar East. In Belapur, BJP’s Manda Mhatre has a rival in her party colleague Ganesh Naik’s son Sandeep Naik, who entered the NCP a couple of days ago. Yugendra Pawar’s cousin and sitting MLA, Rohit Pawar, will again be taking on BJP’s Ram Shinde in Karjat Jamkhed. Rohit made his Assembly debut in 2019 beating Shinde, then a Cabinet minister. Former deputy CM, late RR Patil’s son Rohit has made his debut from Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal. He replaced his mother who represented the constituency after her husband’s death. Senior NCP leader Eknath Khadse’s daughter Rohini Khadse will attempt revenge in Muktainagar where she was beaten by an independent (now with Shinde Sena)in 2019. Both father and daughter were in the BJP then. Ahmednagar MP Nilesh Lanke’s wife Rani Lanke will hold the fort in Parner which was with her husband, who had left Ajit Pawar before Lok Sabha elections. The Pawar faction has retained the ex-ministers and MLAs, who sided with it since the party split and came back after being with Ajit for a year or so. NCP-SP’s state president Jayant Patil (Islampur), Anil Deshmukh (Katol), Rajesh Tope (Ghansawangi), Balasaheb Patil (Karad), Jitendra Awhad (Kalwa-Mumbra), Shashikant Shinde (Koregaon), Jayprakash Dandegaonkar (Basmat), Gulabrao Deokar (Jalgaon Rural), Harshvardhan Patil (Indapur), Prajakt Tanpure (Rahuri), Ashok Pawar (Shirur), Mansingh Pawar (Shirala), Sunil Bhusara (Vikramgad) and others were among 45 nominees. Mahebub Shaikh, the president of the party’s youth wing, who has been defending the party very aggressively, will be fighting from Ashti in central Maharashtra.
25 October,2024 12:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreMumbai’s bustling roads face a silent menace—speed breakers that are either poorly marked or entirely unmarked, turning crucial safety measures into accident hotspots. While designed to slow down vehicles, these improperly maintained speed breakers are creating more problems than they solve, particularly for two-wheeler riders and motorists navigating the city’s traffic. A recent mid-day survey revealed a concerning number of unmarked speed breakers in the city’s major arteries, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially at night. mid-day filed a Right to Information (RTI) query to obtain data on road accidents, fatalities and injuries in Mumbai between 2013 and 2023. In response, the Mumbai Traffic Police provided data from 2013 to 2021. Between 2013 and 2021, a total of 4,514 people died in road accidents in Mumbai—3,780 men and 734 women. Shockingly, 2,326 (51 per cent) of these victims were pedestrians, followed by 1,142 (25 per cent) bikers and 493 pillion riders. Additionally, 190 car drivers and 111 co-passengers were killed. An autorishaw whizzes by a barely visible speed breaker on the Andheri-Ghatkopar Road. PIC/NIMESH DAVE Western Suburbs Lokhandwala Back Road – Andheri West During a visit to the Lokhandwala Back Road in Andheri West, we noticed that the speed breakers on the route towards the Oshiwara depot signal via Millat Nagar lacked visible white markings. This makes it challenging for two-wheeler riders and motorists to safely navigate the area. Residents have expressed concerns and believe the BMC should prioritise painting the speed breakers with visible white stripes to enhance night-time visibility and help prevent accidents. Unmarked and damaged speed breakers on the Andheri-Ghatkopar Road between the Saki Naka and Asalpha Metro Blue Line 1 stations. PICs/NIMESH DAVE Senior citizen Yatindra Pal, a Lokhandwala resident, voiced concern about the stretch leading to the Oshiwara Link Road junction, pointing out that the speed breakers lack visible markings, which can cause vehicle damage and pose risks, especially to seniors like himself. Karan Jotwani, founder of Buddy Riders and a Lokhandwala resident, added that while the BMC has installed signage for speed breakers, many on the back road towards Millat Nagar and Oshiwara are difficult to see. “This poor visibility has caused cyclists to trip and injure themselves,” Jotwani said, criticising the quality of paint used. “Cheap acrylic paints are applied instead of durable reflective coatings, causing the markings to wear off within ten days. Polyurethane coatings, as specified by the Indian Road Congress, should be used,” he emphasised. Aarey Milk Colony Internal Road During a visit to the internal road in Aarey Milk Colony, from the VIP Guest House junction towards the New Zealand Hostel and towards Western Express Highway (WEH) from the internal road, we observed that the speed breakers lacked white markings. This makes it difficult for two-wheeler riders and motorists to see them, increasing the risk of accidents. In the past, mid-day reported on how many internal roads in Aarey Milk Colony suffer from non-operational street lights and unmarked speed breakers, further elevating the danger for vehicles needing to apply emergency brakes when approaching these obstacles. Aditya Shinde, a resident of Aarey, said, “The internal road from New Zealand Hostel to Goregaon exit of WEH is frequently used, and the non-operational street lights combined with unmarked speed breakers make it dangerous.” Saki Naka to Asalpha – Ghatkopar-Andheri Link Road On the Ghatkopar-Andheri Link Road, between Saki Naka and Asalpha Metro stations, there are at least three speed breakers on a 1 km stretch, all of which are damaged and unmarked. This has caused confusion for motorists. Rickshaw drivers report that the speed breakers often damage vehicles, especially at night when they are not visible from a distance. Tausif Siddique, a Saki Naka resident, noted, “These speed breakers are huge and unmarked, confusing motorists, especially bikers and three-wheeler drivers. At night, they become particularly dangerous.” Danger zones City Naigaon There is a huge, partially marked speed breaker near the BMC Labour Camp on Mumbai Marathi Granth Sangrahlaya Road. “The speed breaker here is very high and uneven. Motorists and two-wheeler riders have been facing problems negotiating it, and we have complained to the BMC and the traffic police several times,” said Rugved Kanade. “These bumps are painful on the back and create difficulties when senior citizens ride pillion on two-wheelers. The height of this speed breaker needs to be reduced,” added a resident. Matunga In Matunga East, there is a lane between ICT (UDCT) and Don Bosco school that has two large speed breakers, which are poorly designed. “The speed breakers may be necessary, but they are badly constructed. They scrape the chassis of cars even when driven over at a very slow speed,” said activist Gaurang Damani. Near Badhwar Park, Colaba The markings on the speed breaker near Don Bosco school in Matunga have faded. Pic/Rajendra B. Aklekar There are speed breakers on both sides of the main road at the entry gate of the railway colony at Badhwar Park. While they do help slow down vehicles, they are unmarked and cover only the central part of the road, causing bikers and two-wheeler riders to swerve and avoid them. “The speed breakers should cover the entire road, not just the traffic lanes. Two-wheeler riders skip them and speed away. Our fishermen’s colony is right along the stretch, and there are children and women walking here, which makes it risky,” said Surya Gaokar, a local resident. Near Sassoon Dock The speed breaker near Sassoon Dock Road in Colaba is another example of an incomplete speed breaker. It was once marked, but the paint has almost worn out, making the markings barely visible at night. “The speed breaker needs to be repainted. In fact, all the speed breakers on the Colaba stretch need a complete makeover and fresh paint so they are clearly visible. Also, they don’t cover the entire road, leaving gaps for bikers to pass through,” said Sagun Shah, a resident. 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba The smaller lanes of Colaba have rubber speed bumps which are not only ideal but are also broken. These were installed quickly, but due to poor maintenance, many are now broken, turning them into danger zones rather than safety features. “The small yellow strips are broken in places, and two-wheelers get stuck in them if they are at speed. You can’t even bypass them. They’re not just danger zones, but they also damage vehicles and tyres,” said local resident Anmol Khande. Specifications The Indian Road Congress recommends speed breakers should have a radius of 17 metres, a height of 10 cm and a width of 3.7 metres to maintain a vehicle speed of 25 kmph for the general traffic. “There are specifications for the size of speed breakers based on the road size. Speed breakers are usually constructed at pedestrian crossings. However, all speed breakers must be painted like zebra crossings so they are visible to motorists and avoid last-minute confusion,” said Girish Arekar, a council member of the Indian Road Congress. Eastern Suburbs An unmarked speed breaker outside Kurla depot on LBS Road.PIC/ASHISH RAJE Outside Ghatkopar depot The road opposite Ghatkopar depot is part of the Ghatkopar-Andheri Link Road. Currently, work on the Ghatkopar West Connector is underway on this road. The speed breaker opposite the entrance to the Ghatkopar depot is badly damaged, and there are no markings on it. Sachin Manjrekar, a resident of Ghatkopar’s Pant Nagar, said, “The speed breakers at Ghatkopar depot are in poor condition. Now, the road has become narrower due to the ongoing work on the connector. I saw some bikers struggling as the speed breaker is not visible, even from a short distance, causing them to lose balance.” Kurla LBS Road Lal Bahadur Shastri Road (LBS Road) is the main road in the eastern suburbs, but in Kurla, damaged and unmarked speed breakers create a terrible driving experience, especially between Phoenix Market City and Kurla Court. There are around seven speed breakers along the 4 km stretch, all of them damaged and unmarked. One biker told mid-day on condition of anonymity, “I regularly travel from Ghatkopar to Sion via LBS Road. There are speed breakers only in Kurla. These speed breakers are large and unmarked. Since I use this road often, I’m aware of their locations, but at night, motorists get confused because they are not visible.” Dharavi-Sion-Bandra Link Road There are two large speed breakers on Sion-Bandra Link Road between Maharashtra Nature Park and Dharavi BEST depot. These speed breakers are not marked. Locals mentioned that the speed breakers were marked in the past, but the markings have faded. At night, motorists struggle to spot these speed breakers, increasing the risk of accidents. An out-of-shape speed breaker lacking visible markings near Sarvodaya hospital in Ghatkopar.PIC/ASHISH RAJE BMC Statement A Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official stated that speed breakers are constructed after receiving applications and suggestions from local residents and authorities. Once the applications are received, inputs are taken, and the traffic police division is consulted. “If approved, the process of building a speed breaker begins, usually handled by ward-level offices. It is the responsibility of the official concerned to ensure the speed breakers are constructed according to guidelines. Any deviations should be reported to the BMC, which will then be addressed by the Roads Department,” says the statement Cop Speak Senior city traffic police official “We generally inform the BMC regarding the need for a speed breaker. In other cases, when citizens approach us for speed breakers at specific locations, we first inspect the area and assess its potential impact on traffic flow, as well as the surroundings—such as whether there is a school or college nearby that would require a speed breaker for children’s safety. After a thorough assessment, we issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and inform the civic body of the requirement,” a senior traffic police official said. Is there an unmarked speed breaker in your neighbourhood? Tell us! mid-day is running a campaign to have unmarked and dangerous speed breakers fixed to proper specification with reflective stripes. If you know a spot that we must highlight, let us know at mailbag@mid-day.com with a photograph and the exact location. 10 cmRecommended height of speed breakers
25 October,2024 12:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav | Rajendra B. AklekarChief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena will be fielding Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora from Worli for the Maharashtra Elections 2024. He will be squaring off Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray who filed his nomination for the same constituency on Wednesday. Milind Deora, currently a Rajya Sabha member, is a three-time MP from South Mumbai. He jumped the ship to join Eknath Shinde-led Sena earlier this year after his tiff with Congress. During Lok Sabha Elections 2024, he was tasked with handling Worli and despite it being Thackeray Jr's bastion, Sena (UBT) was leading merely by 6500 votes, reported ANI. According to the report, on Thursday, Sena (UBT) faction leader Aaditya Thackeray filed his nomination from the Worli constituency, speaking to ANI before filing his nomination, he said he was confident that the people would bless him. He told ANI, "I am very confident that the people will bless me because we are about to form government in Maharashtra and that is for sure. As you can see, this atmosphere is very good, you can see the love people are giving me, and with this, I will be filing my nomination." Maharashtra Elections 2024: Sena (UBT) Arvind Sawant expressed confidence in Aaditya's victory Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant also expressed confidence in Thackeray scion's win from the Worli seat. Sawant, speaking to ANI said, "His (Aaditya Thackeray) name is not new - the entire Maharashtra knows him and he is known in the entire country and even abroad. The works done by him are so important that he gets compliments from everyone and is in the hearts of the people." Maharashtra Elections 2024: MVA and Mahayuti to square off Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, have stepped up preparations for Maharashtra Elections 2024 for 288 Assembly seats. The ruling Mahayuti alliance includes the BJP, the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with counting for all 288 constituencies on November 23. In the 2019 assembly election, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena 56, and the Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42.
25 October,2024 12:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe police said that three persons, including a woman, were killed in an accident involving the car they were travelling in and a dumper in Navi Mumbai early on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The victims were going from Pune to Mumbai when their car met with the accident around 4.15 am on the Vashi Creek bridge, an official said while sharing an update on the Navi Mumbai accident, reported PTI. Police are yet to ascertain how the Navi Mumbai accident took place. Two men and a woman died at the scene. Their bodies have been sent to a government hospital for post-mortem, the official said, adding that police are registering an FIR, reported PTI. 16-year-old killed as tempo hits two-wheeler in Thane district A 16-year-old boy was killed and his friend injured when a speeding tempo hit their two-wheeler in the Dombivli MIDC area in the district on Wednesday evening, police said, reported PTI. Budhshal Khandare died on the spot and his friend Vabhav Shendge (16) was admitted to the hospital, reported PTI. The duo were returning from a tuition when the accident took place. Local people bashed up the tempo driver before handing him over to police. A case of rash driving was registered against the tempo driver. Police are also probing how the deceased teenager got access to a two-wheeler, an official said. Pedestrian killed after construction trolley falls on him in Bhiwandi A 60-year-old man was killed when a construction trolley fell on him from a building in Maharashtra's Thane district, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred in the Subhash Nagar locality of Bhiwandi town on Monday afternoon, an official said. The trolley was being installed at the construction site when it gave way and fell on the victim, Akbar Sheikh, who was walking on the road, he said. The injured man was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead, the official said, adding that a case of accidental death has been registered. (With inputs from PTI)
25 October,2024 11:52 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentDeputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who will be contesting Maharashtra Elections 2024 from Nagpur South-West constituency for the sixth time, will be filing his nomination papers today. He exuded confidence as he claimed that the public supported him the last five times he contested elections and that he would win my a good majority this time. Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, speaking before filing his nomination for Maharashtra Elections 2024, told ANI, "This is my sixth election. But, just like I had people's blessings in the last five elections, I will have blessings this time too and I will get elected with a good margin." #WATCH | Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "This is my 6th election. But, just like I had people's blessings in last 5 elections, I will have blessings this time too and I will get elected with a good margin." https://t.co/0zM5QqZcUY pic.twitter.com/FCBtQo7EmW — ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2024 Visuals surfaced of Amruta Fadnavis, Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule meeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari when they visited the latter's residence in Nagpur. #WATCH | Maharashtra deputy CM and BJP candidate from Nagpur South-West assembly constituency Devendra Fadnavis along with Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule meet Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at latter's residence in Nagpur.Devendra Fadnavis will file his… pic.twitter.com/XhBxnk8LWB — ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2024 The visuals from Devendra Fadnavis' residence also surfaced where his family applied tilak and performed aarti before he filed his nomination papers. Maharashtra Elections 2024: Polls to be held on Nov 20 Maharashtra Elections 2024 are scheduled for November 20 and the counting for all 288 assembly constituencies will be held on November 23. The main electoral battle is between the two alliances--Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi. Mahayuti comprises of BJP along with Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP while the opposition MVA comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress. Both sides have increased their preparations as the polling dates approach. Earlier, the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) announced its first list of candidates, with deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar running from Baramati. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena won 56, and the Congress won 44. With ANI inputs
25 October,2024 11:44 AM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday exuded confidence in the Mahayuti alliance's victory in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 and said the people of the state are aware of the developmental work done by them in the state, reported ANI. "Our agenda is strong. The people have seen our work and the speed with which we have done various developmental work. We will contest the elections on that only," Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said while speaking to the media, reported ANI. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also exuded confidence in the Mahayuti alliance retaining power in Maharashtra. "I am more than a hundred per cent confident because people will work in favour of the work the Mahayuti government has done in two years, when compared with Maha Vikas Aghadi work in two and a half years and people can see development happening at a fast pace," Shinde said while speaking to ANI. Calling the Mahayuti alliance a 'common man's government', he further highlighted that the government has done a lot of developmental work. "Our government is a common man's government, and that is why there should be a change and improvement in the common man's life too. We have worked on improving the lives of the people," he added. The party has pushed for CM Shinde to be presented as the face for the chief ministerial position in its recent meeting held on October 18. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 are scheduled for November 20, with the counting for all 288 assembly constituencies to be held on November 23. The main electoral contest is between two alliances; the ruling Mahayuti alliance - comprising of the BJP along with Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) and Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) - comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress. Both the factions have intensified their preparations as the polling dates draw near. Earlier, Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) released its first list of candidates, with deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar contesting from Baramati. In the 2019 assembly elections in Maharashtra, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena secured 56, and Congress won 44 seats. (With inputs from ANI)
25 October,2024 11:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFor the third consecutive day, Mumbai's temperatures remained one degree higher than normal temperature. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Santacruz Observatory recorded 35.5 degrees which is 1.3 degrees more than normal. Colaba Observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 34.9 degrees Celcius which is 1.2 degrees higher than normal temperature. Meanwhile, the current temperature was at 34.9oC. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the IMD, the maximum temperature will likely be around 36 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature is likely to be around 24 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is 89 per cent and the wind speed is 3.7 km/h. The sun rose at 06:36 AM and will set at 06:09 PM. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather updates have forecasted a "partly cloudy sky with possibility of light rain/ drizzle towards evening/night" for the city and suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI remains 'good' On October 23, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality was in the 'good' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 85 at 10:05 AM. Many areas across Mumbai—per the SAMEER app dashboard—showed 'good' AQI. However, Bandra Kurla Complex's AQI slipped further into the 'moderate' category, at 128. Similarly, other areas like Kherwadi, Borivali, Mazgaon, Vasai and Worli's AQI was in 'moderate' category at 111, 102,130, 113 and 105 respectively. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 120, while Thane registered a 'good' AQI of 93. 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.
25 October,2024 11:05 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe National Investigation Agency (NIA) has declared a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Anmol Bishnoi, brother of infamous gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol has been named in two NIA cases filed in 2022 and is wanted for several criminal activities, making him a key target in the agency’s ongoing crackdown on organised crime. Recently, Anmol has gained attention in connection with investigations in Mumbai, particularly for his alleged involvement in activities linked to a political party. Additionally, he is wanted in relation to a shooting incident outside Bollywood star Salman Khan’s residence earlier this year, according to ANI. The NIA has issued a public appeal, urging anyone with information on Anmol’s whereabouts to come forward. The agency believes that his arrest could unveil crucial details about the extensive criminal networks he is associated with. Anmol has been linked to numerous organised crime activities, including smuggling and extortion. This reward announcement comes as part of the NIA’s larger efforts to dismantle organised crime rings that have spread across the country. Earlier this year, the agency conducted a multi-state raid, targeting criminal and terrorist outfits. In January, NIA teams raided 32 locations in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Chandigarh as part of three ongoing cases, according to ANI reports. The raids led to the recovery of illegal arms, including two pistols and ammunition, as well as cash totalling Rs 4.60 lakh, and other incriminating materials such as documents and digital devices. These operations were linked to the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the Lawrence Bishnoi Crime Syndicate. These groups have been accused of orchestrating terror-related activities, smuggling arms and explosives, and carrying out targeted killings. Anmol’s brother, Lawrence Bishnoi, and his associates, including Goldy Brar, have been under the NIA’s scrutiny for their role in a variety of criminal activities. Their syndicate has expanded its influence across several Indian states and even operates internationally in collaboration with Harwinder Singh, also known as Rinda, a designated individual terrorist. According to ANI, this criminal network has been linked to some of the most high-profile cases in recent years, including the murder of famous Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and religious leader Pardeep Kumar. They have also been involved in large-scale extortion targeting businessmen and professionals. As the NIA steps up its efforts to crack down on organised crime, Anmol Bishnoi’s capture is seen as a vital step towards disrupting these criminal operations. Authorities are confident that his arrest could help further expose the workings of the Lawrence Bishnoi Crime Syndicate and other terror-linked networks operating within the country. Anyone with information on Anmol Bishnoi’s location is urged to contact authorities immediately, with the NIA offering Rs 10 lakh for credible leads that result in his arrest. (With inputs from ANI)
25 October,2024 10:24 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday announced its second list of candidates for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections 2024. Sana Malik, daughter of Nawab Malik, has been fielded from the Anushakti Nagar seat. Zeeshan Siddique, who joined NCP earlier today, will be contesting for the Bandra East seat. Check the full list here: महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा निवडणूक - २०२४ साठी राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस पक्षाच्या वतीनं अधिकृत उमेदवारांची दुसरी यादी जाहीर करण्यात येत आहे. मी सर्व उमेदवारांना त्यांच्या यशस्वी वाटचालीसाठी शुभेच्छा देतो.#विजयी_भव_महाराष्ट्रवादी#MaharashtraElection2024 pic.twitter.com/snydOBpujF — Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) October 25, 2024 Zeeshan Siddique, whose father and NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead earlier this month, will contest from Bandra East, which he had won in 2019 on a Congress ticket. He also joined the NCP. The legislator on Thursday criticised the decision of the Shiv Sena (UBT), a partner of Congress in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), to field Varun Sardesai in his constituency for the Maharashtra assembly elections 2024, saying staying together was never in their nature. Zeeshan had been suspended from Congress for cross-voting in the recent legislative council elections. His father and Congress veteran Baba Siddique had crossed over to the NCP, a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, earlier this year. Former BJP MP Pratap Chikhalikar, who lost the Lok Sabha polls from Nanded, has been nominated from Loha. BJP ex-MP Sanjay Kaka Patil, who unsuccessfully contested from Sangli in the general elections, has been given an NCP ticket. He also joined the party on Friday. Sanjay Kaka Patil will face off with NCP (SP) candidate Rohit Patil, son of late NCP leader R R Patil, in Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal constituency in Sangli district. Nishikant Patil will take on NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil in Islampur. NCP has given the ticket to Sunil Tingre from Wadgaon Sheri in Pune. It has picked Dnyaneshwar Katke from Shrirur. Until recently, Katke was the Pune district chief of the Uddhav Thackeray-led NCP (SP). Earlier, NCP had released its first list featuring 38 candidates. NCP, BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are the constituents of the ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra assembly elections 2024 to the 288-member assembly will be held on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23.
25 October,2024 10:20 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
