In the aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India now faces a new threat in the form of cyber warfare. A recent report titled ‘Echoes of Pahalgam’, prepared by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, has revealed a sharp surge in cyber attacks targeting India, with nearly 10 lakh attempted breaches recorded since April 23. The report indicates that the education, defence, banking, and communication sectors are the primary targets. “All departments concerned have been alerted accordingly. The report has been issued to ensure that people are aware of the threat and can take necessary precautionary measures,” Yashasvi Yadav, ADG, Maharashtra Cyber, told mid-day. Following the Pahalgam attack, there has been a significant escalation in cyber attacks on Indian digital infrastructure. This is not merely a series of random hacks—it’s a coordinated cyber war,” he added. The report identifies the origins of these cyber attacks as being primarily from Pakistan, the West Asia, Morocco and Indonesia. Most of the attackers claim affiliation with Islamic cyber groups. The most active among them is Team Insane PK—a known Pakistani Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group. This group has reportedly targeted websites of the Army College of Nursing, Sainik Welfare Boards and several Army Public Schools. Hackers target vulnerabilities in websites, according to experts. Representation pic The report has revealed that the primary modus operandi of these attackers involves website defacement, establishing command and control through web protocols and exploiting vulnerabilities in Content Management Systems (CMS). In simple terms, they target weaknesses in the online resources of websites—plugins, outdated software, or misconfigured settings—and use these vulnerabilities to compromise the site. Once access is gained, they often deface the website by altering its appearance or posting unauthorised content. They have seen a significant degree of success using these tactics, which encouraged them to carry out such attacks more frequently. The number of these website defacement attacks is increasing with each passing day, posing a growing threat to digital infrastructure and online security. The report also suggests that a highly active hacker group from Bangladesh called Mysterious Team Bangladesh (MTBD) has made a significant appearance in the cyber warfare domain. “This group is particularly known for carrying out major cyber attacks such as DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) and DNS flood attacks. These attacks involve sending an overwhelming number of requests to a system, causing it to crash or become non-functional,” Yadav said. According to Maharashtra Cyber, MTBD has reportedly targeted several Indian digital platforms, including education portals and rating forums, and created several clone websites. Their target sectors also extend to critical domains such as e-governance platforms, state-level portals, and the banking sector. Further, the report shed light on another prominent group called Indo Hax Sec from Indonesia, which has claimed responsibility for multiple cyber intrusions. According to their statements, they have targeted and breached databases of Indian telecom firms and exploited local admin panels using default credentials. Their activities also include publishing leaked data on the dark web. Notably, they released documents under the names Root Express and Gara Leaks, containing sensitive information and access data. From West Asia, a hacker group named Golden Falcon, is known for deploying malware into targeted systems. “Maharashtra Cyber found that the group recently released a report on the dark web titled ‘Falcon Dump Leaks Site’, which details multiple attacks on Indian IT resources,” Yadav said. These attacks began around April 23, and several were reported to have been successful. While Maharashtra Cyber has managed to block some of these intrusions, the report warns that India’s critical infrastructure—including railways, banking systems and government portals—remains under serious threat. One of the most alarming findings is the leakage of terabytes of Indian telecom data on the dark web, raising serious concerns about the nation’s cyber defence capabilities. Yadav stated that agencies have been urged to strengthen their cyber defences by conducting red team assessments, DDoS failover tests and comprehensive system audits.
02 May,2025 06:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanAnuradha Kulkarni, a 74-year-old resident of Santacruz, has been helping the Mumbai police manage traffic, solve cases, and assist accident victims for the past 30 years—all without any salary. Despite walking with a slight bend due to a back issue, she actively stops motorists from entering the wrong lanes and recently helped the Bandra police catch a thief by chasing him on her bike along with the victim. Kulkarni resides in Saraswat Colony, Santacruz West, with her daughter, son-in-law, and their two children. She began her journey as a traffic warden three decades ago after undergoing training at the Byculla-based Traffic Training Institute. She passed both the written and practical exams but chose not to wear the official uniform while on duty. Kulkarni is often seen with her 30-year-old whistle around her neck, managing traffic at various spots, including Juhu Aeroplane Garden Junction, Captain Vinayak Gore Road signal at Vile Parle West, Podar School Lane, and near St Lawrence School in Santacruz West. Anuradha Kulkarni, the 74-year-old traffic warden, in action as she assists with traffic management in Santacruz. Pic/Ashish Raje Speaking with mid-day, Anuradha Kulkarni said, “Around 30 years ago, I was near Podar School in Santacruz and noticed many bikers entering the wrong lane. I immediately informed the traffic police and stopped several bikers. A traffic officer encouraged me to join as a traffic warden. Since then, I’ve been doing this voluntarily as a concerned citizen.” “Managing traffic, helping ambulances, and assisting schoolchildren are every citizen’s duty. I’m just doing my part. I still use the same whistle I began with—it’s lucky for me and motivates me to continue,” she added. Kulkarni always carries the whistle she received when she first joined the Mumbai Traffic Police as a traffic warden. “This whistle is very lucky for me and serves as my weapon—it motivates me to work for the betterment of the city. It also helps me stop vehicles from entering the wrong lane. I will carry this whistle until my last breath,” she said. When she nabbed a thief An officer from Bandra police station shared, “In March, a man snatched R5000 from a person inside an ATM near Bandra Circle. The victim chased him, and granny Kulkarni, who witnessed the incident, joined the chase on her bike. She knew the accused had entered Tata Colony, which has only one exit. She alerted the Bandra police and waited at the colony gate with the victim. An hour later, when the accused tried to escape, the police apprehended him and recovered the stolen money.” Saved truck driver from mob A Santacruz police officer recalled, “Two months ago, a man died while crossing the road. Kulkarni was managing traffic at the time and saw that the victim’s slipper got stuck in a divider, causing him to fall in front of a moving truck. Angry locals began attacking the truck driver, but Kulkarni intervened and later testified that it wasn’t the driver’s fault. She remains a key witness in the case.” Helped catch a mobile thief “About six months ago, a mobile phone was stolen from a watchman in a Santacruz society. Based on CCTV footage, Santacruz police asked Kulkarni for help identifying the accused. She investigated the area and learned the suspect was a sweeper in Juhu who had been absent for three days. She informed the police, who eventually arrested the man and recovered the phone,” a police officer said. Kulkarni helps guide pedestrians and manage the flow of vehicles in Santacruz. Pic/Ashish Raje Beyond traffic management, Kulkarni is also a singer, cricketer, and sportsperson. She plays cricket, badminton, and carrom regularly in her neighbourhood. Kulkarni said, “Every day I roam around on my bike, and if I see a traffic issue, I stop and help. My mother-in-law gifted me a house in Tardeo, and the rent I receive is enough to cover my expenses. My family also supports my work. My husband, Ashok Kulkarni, who worked in a bank, passed away in 2004.” “People often disregard traffic rules, which causes more congestion and accidents. I try to educate them on the dangers of wrong-side driving. Following rules is every citizen’s responsibility,” she emphasised. Senior Inspector Salim Tamboli of the Juhu traffic division said, “Though she is not an official traffic warden, Kulkarni assists us greatly. She even informs us about wrongly parked vehicles that obstruct traffic flow.” Kulkarni was honoured in 2014 by actor Anupam Kher for her outstanding voluntary work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also helped the BMC distribute food to SARS-Cov-2-positive patients. Locals Speak Vinod Kumar Singh, who works at a motor training centre near Juhu Circle, said, “I have seen this granny multiple times in the Juhu area managing traffic alone. She is very active and fearlessly stands in the middle of the road. Many times, I’ve given her water when I saw her helping ease traffic. She is an inspiration to others, proving that age doesn’t matter when you have a passion for work.” Prakash Badade, who runs a sugarcane juice stall outside the Juhu aeroplane garden, said, “I’ve been running this juice centre for the past 30 years, and I’ve seen this granny many times. She’s often seen managing traffic and helping children cross the road. A few months ago, I saw her helping a man who had fallen from his bike at Juhu—she gave him water and even treated his injuries. She also carries a medical kit on her bike to help accident victims.”
02 May,2025 06:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaBig brothers are watching A group of black kites rest on a lamp post with CCTV cameras under the scorching sun at Versova beach Lights out People queue up at a bus stop in Barcelona. Pic courtesy/Sefi George As Spain struggled with an unprecedented power outage on Monday, Dahisar-based illustrator Sefi George (inset) found herself caught behind the lines. “Following a workshop, I was to explore Barcelona on Monday and return to Mumbai on Tuesday. My husband and I were at an art store in the afternoon when the power outage hit. Shops couldn’t process our bills, and the Metro service came to a standstill. We survived on bread and fruits that we had bought earlier. Interestingly, the Indian-owned souvenir stores seemed to be running just fine. Thankfully, Barcelona is a walkable city so we walked our way around. By 2 am, power was restored. I will never take electricity and the Internet for granted,” George told this diarist. While we can’t make up for the illustrator’s lost time, it should suffice to say, more power to her. Unlocking India A section from the exhibition. Pic courtesy/Godrej Enterprises Archives With the intent to document India’s transformation through issues of Industrial India magazine from Godrej Enterprises’ Archives, Stitch in time, an ongoing exhibition curated by the students of Bengaluru-based Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology with guidance from professors Sudebi Thakurata and Vishwesh Vishwanathan seeks to map changes across politics, business, design, and culture. “The exhibition is a delightful discovery of post-Independence India which reminds us how archives are living narratives,” Vrunda Pathare, head, Godrej Enterprises Archives told this diarist. Voicing resistance An illustration from the Dalit History Month series. Pic courtesy/Bao With the final illustration of the Dalit History Month (April) series out on social media, city-based artist, and illustrator Bao has documented some of the leading figures of anti-caste revolution in her ‘firebrand feminist matchbox’ artworks. “I wished to document, celebrate, and understand rage by building an archive of the cumulative repressive experiences, cultural formatting and subsequent exploration of Dalit Bahujan Adivasi and Vimukta feminist viewpoints. The series explores women’s anger as a cathartic and emancipatory force,” she shared with us. An aerial ode to the city An aerial view of Saat Rasta While Mumbai’s bustling streets might be the most conspicuous subject for those who love capturing its infectious spirit, it takes someone with a keen eye to watch over its ever-evolving skylines and document its myriad changes. A wide angle shot of Bandra Reclamation With a similar thought in mind, mid-day photo editor Rane Ashish’s exhibition, Mumbai From Above, opening today at the Mumbai Press Club, will take visitors through 30 aerial photographs, shot over a period of more than 10 years in 80 different locations including Saat Rasta, Haji Ali in the city. “This project began in 2014, when I started capturing aerial photographs of the city. Over time, I could see how landscapes transformed and localities changed. I have tried to stitch it all together in this exhibition, which is my tribute to Mumbai,” he shared with this diarist.
02 May,2025 06:37 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 May 2. Aries March 21 – April 20Some receive a loan or pay off debts (if any). Self- employed Ariens may be considering diversifying the business.Cosmic tip: Make a tough decision about an issue that has no black or white answers. Taurus April 21 – May 20There’s a sense of relief as some news is received. There’s a favourable assessment of facts. Time to move in a new direction.Cosmic tip: Treat others as you would want to be treated. GeminiMay 21 – June 21This feeling of restriction fades away as a time of abundance begins, with circumstances looking good. Drink enough water.Cosmic tip: Do your best, as usual. There’s more clarity when making long term plans. Cancer June 22 – July 23Making decisions based on past experiences is the right way forward. Take a short vacation if time and work permits. Cosmic tip: Appreciate what your positive karmas have won for you when feeling dissatisfied. Leo July 24 - Aug 23This is a successful time, so confidently accept opportunities you are offered. Legal matters, business expansion and some short trips are the focus. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Make ethical decisions (as usual). Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Hard work pays off; several new business assignments are negotiated. Speaking your mind with confidence turns a business meeting in the company’s favour. Cosmic tip: Enjoy this karmic cycle of new beginnings/ wish fulfilment. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Those planning a joint venture find the right person to do business with. Let go when something doesn’t feel right. Cosmic tip: Make up your mind with a firm either ‘yes’ or a ‘no’. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Career/ business is better. A friend giving advice means well, so don’t over react. There’s offer of a transfer that entails moving to another city. Consider it carefully.Cosmic tip: Don’t create obstacles for yourself. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Take a sensible approach when dealing with challenges that can be sorted out easily. Be more trusting in relationships that matter a lot. Cosmic tip: Deal with challenges in a kind and understanding manner. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A turning point in life leads to wonderful opportunities that offered due to being fair and just. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Do what you know is right by standing up for your beliefs. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Be yourself, not even being willing to tell a little white lie. Be patient with an irritating colleague.Cosmic tip: Harness this powerful positive energy towards work (and see the wonderful and dramatic changes). Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Don’t worry unnecessarily; the Higher Power is working behind the scenes to gift you the kind of life you deserve. Cosmic tip: Enjoy this new love. Life makes a shift in focus for now.
02 May,2025 02:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseIndia's media and entertainment industry revenues are set to grow by nearly four-fold to cross USD 100 billion in the next decade, billionaire Mukesh Ambani said on Thursday. Speaking at the government-promoted WAVES here, Ambani, whose company controls a sizable part of the sector, said the day is not far when the country becomes the entertainment hub of the world. India is one of the most populous countries in the world, and once, it becomes the third largest economy globally, its media and entertainment sector has the potential to be the largest in the world, the richest person in the country said. Ambani, whose group controls Network18 - one of India's largest media conglomerates - as well as digital platforms, entertainment channels and content streaming platforms, said the fusion of storytelling and digital technologies has created a strategic and economic opportunity. "India's media and entertainment industry is today valued at USD 28 billion. It can grow to over USD 100 billion in the next decade. This growth will drive entrepreneurship, generate millions of jobs, and create a ripple effect across sectors," he said while speaking at the inaugural session of the WAVES 2025 conference here. The world-class digital infrastructure built on 5G is the country's "secret weapon", Ambani said, adding that soon it will be elevated to 6G. Ambani said Jio's partnership with Disney to run the over-the-top platform Hotstar "marks the dawn of a new era in digital storytelling". India has to invest in content clusters, train talented youngsters in animation and visual effects and create an enabling regulatory environment that rewards inclusion and imagination. He also said that we have to forge partnerships and collaborations with innovative entrepreneurs, artists and studios from around the world. India's entertainment and cultural industry is not just soft power - it is real power, he said. "In our civilizational heritage of over 5,000 years, we have vast treasure troves of timeless tales - from the Ramayana and Mahabharata to folklore and classics in dozens of languages. They touch people's hearts around the world because they celebrate universal human values - brotherhood, compassion, courage, love, beauty, and care for nature," he said. "No nation can match India's storytelling power. Therefore, with great confidence and creativity, let us take our stories globally to heal a divided world," he said, terming the media and entertainment sector as presenting a "strategic" opportunity and not just cultural and economic prospects. Stating that India has become a front-ranking digital nation, he said the fusion of storytelling and digital technologies is unique to India. "It has multiplied the impact and reach of entertainment and cultural experiences beyond imagination. The tools of AI and immersive technologies can make our stories more captivating than ever before and take them instantly to audiences across languages, countries, and cultures." By mastering these tools, India's super-talented young creators will rule the global entertainment industry with blockbusters, Ambani noted. "In an increasingly turbulent and uncertain world, our stories give the hope of a better future with their power to unite, inspire, and enrich," he said. Referring to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Ambani said the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the conference sends a strong message of "hope, unity, and unshakable resolve". "All of us, gathered here, offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims," he said. "Modi ji, you have the full support of 145 crore Indians in this fight against the enemies of peace, justice and humanity. Their defeat is certain. India's victory is also certain." Speaking about the conference, he said representatives from 90 countries and 10,000 delegates are participating in the WAVES 2025. "This is the josh of Naya Bharat - the spirit of New India. Bold in its dreams. Fast in its execution. And determined to surpass global standards." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 May,2025 08:55 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIMaharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Pankaja Munde has urged the state government to treat the demands of Maratha quota campaigner Manoj Jarange with empathy and fairness. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in Jalna, following her participation in the official Maharashtra Day celebrations, Munde emphasised the need for justice for the Maratha community within the boundaries of the law. According to PTI, Jarange has announced plans to resume his hunger strike from 29 August, intensifying his push for reservation for the Maratha community in government employment and educational institutions. His campaign for Maratha rights has gained significant traction over the past year, drawing attention to the perceived marginalisation of the community in public policy. "The government should think of Jarange's demands with sympathy," Munde stated, adding, "As I always say, the Maratha community should be given justice within the legal framework." Her remarks appear to signal support for Jarange’s agitation, while maintaining a firm stance on ensuring legal compliance in any quota-related decisions. The ongoing Maratha reservation issue has remained a contentious topic in Maharashtra politics. Various stakeholders have expressed divergent views, with many calling for a balanced and legally sustainable resolution. In addition to speaking about the Maratha quota agitation, Munde also commented on the recent announcement by the Union government regarding the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. Munde expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the move as a long-awaited step towards accurately reflecting India’s social realities. “I thank and congratulate the Narendra Modi government many times, because this decision was long awaited,” said Munde. “I remember a speech by my late father, Gopinath Munde, where he stated that a caste census will provide the correct picture of society.” BJP MP Kulkarni irked as Ajit Pawar inaugurates building 'before time' BJP Rajya Sabha member Medha Kulkarni on Thursday expressed displeasure after Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated the building of the Parshuram Arthik Vikas Mahamandal here 'before' the scheduled time. She missed the early morning event even though she was not late, said Kulkarni who is a member of the Mahamandal (corporation) set up for the Brahmin community.Pawar, a BJP ally, later posed for a photo with Kulkarni in front of the inauguration plaque. Kulkarni told reporters that she reached the venue ten minutes before the scheduled time of 6.30 am, but the inauguration was over by then. "I was a little upset as it took place well before the time," she said, adding there was no point in being invited in such a case. She had the same experience on a few earlier occasions where Pawar was to inaugurate a project, the BJP leader claimed. "Since I could not take part in the main function today, we stood in a corner and clicked pictures. I would like to request him to fix a time, be it early morning or night," she said. The BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena government has set up the Parshuram Arthik Vikas Mahamandal for helping the Brahmin community in the state. (With inputs from PTI)
01 May,2025 04:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith a heavy rush due to the Maharashtra Day 2025 holiday, the Pune-Mumbai Expressway on Thursday witnessed a massive traffic jam leaving thousands of vehicles stranded, the officials told the PTI. Vehicles backed up for about five km in the Bhor Ghat section on the Pune-bound corridor while the traffic flow on the Mumbai-bound corridor was normal though the volume, especially that of cars, was a bit higher than usual, the Expressway control room said, according to the PTI. Traffic control personnel were managing to normalise the movement of vehicles on the Pune-bound carriageway before afternoon, said an official. A passenger who travelled towards Pune to attend a wedding on Wednesday night said that it took their bus more than an hour to cross the Amritanjan Bridge in the ghat section on the route, as per the PTI. The expressway often witnesses traffic snarls near the bridge as heavy vehicles slow down to negotiate the stiff gradient. To bypass this section, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is constructing a 'missing link' road between the Ghat section and the Singhagad institute to the east of Lonavala. Earlier this week, Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde held a project review meeting on Monday. An official statement followed after the meeting stated that the work on the much-awaited ‘missing link’ project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway has reached 95 per cent completion. The final stage involving construction of the tallest bridge in the project was now underway, an official statement said. At a review meeting which was held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, Shinde instructed engineers and officials to carry out the final bridge work with utmost care and no compromise on quality. “This is a critical phase. The tallest bridge must be built with continuous safety testing, especially considering wind pressure and height,” Shinde said. The review meeting was attended by Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod, Minister of State for Public Works Meghna Bordikar, Deputy CM’s Principal Secretary Naveen Sona, and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) Managing Director Anil Gaikwad, among other senior officials, the statement said. The 13.3 km-long 'missing link' is divided into Package 1 and 2. The final stage focuses on constructing a high-altitude bridge, which will significantly improve travel time, it said. Once completed, the new link is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 20 to 25 minutes. (with PTI inputs)
01 May,2025 04:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTaking a strong action against faulty work in road concretisation project in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday said that it has suspended an engineer and imposed Rs 75 lakh as penalty. The Mumbai civic body said that a sub-engineer has been suspended and fines worth Rs 75 lakh have been imposed after poor quality work was found in a road concretisation project in the H (West) ward of the BMC. An official statement said that as per instructions from BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, the contractor has been fined Rs 50 lakh and the quality monitoring agency Rs 25 lakh for using substandard Dry Lean Concrete (DLC) in the road base layer. It said that the contractor has also been ordered to remove the faulty work and redo it properly using quality materials. The action followed after a surprise inspection on April 7 2025 by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar, who found serious quality issues in the road surface-- uneven grading, poor compaction, and improper concrete mix, the statement said. It was also found that the mandatory seven-day curing time for the DLC had not been followed, with only three days completed instead of the required seven, it said. Despite being given a chance to explain, the responses from the engineer, contractor, and quality agency were found unsatisfactory following which the BMC proceeded with the disciplinary action, it said. Bangar stated that ensuring quality in road construction is the shared responsibility of the contractor, engineers, and quality monitoring agency. Any deliberate negligence or carelessness will lead to strict action, he stated. The statement said that the BMC is working to complete cement road concretisation project in Mumbai by May 31 with an aim to make city roads pothole-free. The city civic body has issued strict orders to the contractors and its department for timely completion with top quality standards and to ensure timely completion of road works, surprise visits, on-site engineer presence, and accountability are being done by top BMC officials as part of its monitoring efforts. Bangar said that the contractors and engineers must take the work responsibility seriously. The BMC will not hesitate to take strict action if quality is compromised in any way, the statement said.
01 May,2025 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday inaugurated the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai and said that it will lay the foundation for a global ecosystem housing international talent and creativity. He said that India is emerging as global hub for Orange Economy--rooted in content, creativity, and culture--will be a strong pillar of India’s GDP. In his address during the inauguration ceremony of WAVES 2025, PM Modi said that it was the right time for 'create in India, create for world' since the world is currently looking for new ways of story-telling and India has so much to offer. #LIVE | पंतप्रधान नरेंद्र मोदी यांचे 'WAVES 2025' च्या उदघाटन कार्यक्रम येथे संबोधन@narendramodi @Dev_Fadnavis @WavesSummitIndia#Maharashtra #DevendraFadnavis #WAVES2025 https://t.co/5dx42K49D0 — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) May 1, 2025 PM Modi, while batting for creative responsibility, said that technology is playing in extremely important role in people's lives today. Here are 10 key takeaways from PM's speech in Mumbai on May 1. - WAVES 2025 has the potential to provide global talent a platform at a time when India is emerging as an international hub for film production, digital content, gaming, fashion, music and live concerts. - Foundation for global ecosystem of talent and creativity being laid through WAVES 2025. - WAVES is not merely acronym, it's a wave of culture, creativity, film music, gaming and story telling. - The WAVES summit is roaring with purpose and it is drawing global attention. - India has a lot to offer, besides being a country of billion plus population it is also a land of billion plus stories. - Just like the Indian 'khana' (Indian food), I am sure Indian 'gaana' (Indian songs) will also become globally popular, PM Modi said. - Every street, every river, every mountain in India carries a story to tell. - Across more than six lakh villages, each one holds a new story, a fresh perspective. - Extra effort needed to maintain human sensitivity and humans should not be turned into robots. We need to make them more sensitive. - Protecting the young generation from anti-humanity ideas. His comments came in at the time where there is an increasing debate over controversial online content in the country. WAVES 2025, a four-day summit kicked off on Thursday at the Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). PM Modi called it a historic moment for India's cultural and creative sectors. WAVES, themed "Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries," aims to position India as a global hub for media, entertainment, and digital innovation.
01 May,2025 03:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn the occasion of Maharashtra Day 2025, Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan said that the state was aiming to become a USD 1 trillion economy as he urged people to work together to create a modern, strong, and developed Maharashtra. He said that Maharashtra would play a key role in building a "Developed India" during the nation's Amrit Kaal (golden era). The official state flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Shivaji Park in Dadar area of central Mumbai. The event was attended by top government officials including state's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Council Chairman Ram Shinde, and various Maharashtra ministers, military officials, and several foreign diplomats. Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan paid tribute to the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, and praised the state for quickly stepping up efforts in helping stranded tourists and ensuring their safe return back home. The Governor said that Maharashtra has set a target to become a USD 1 trillion economy, supporting India’s larger USD 5 trillion economy goal. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the state signed 63 agreements worth Rs 15.7 lakh crore, expected to generate nearly 16 lakh jobs, he said, adding that major industries involved include IT, electric vehicles, green energy, defence, pharmaceuticals, and steel. Gadchiroli is being developed as a “Steel Hub” with nine new steel projects. He announced that under the Chief Minister's Annapurna Scheme, the needy families in Maharashtra will receive three free gas cylinder refills each year. "The farmers in the state will also receive Rs 20,000 per hectare as support. Over Rs 3,389 crore has been distributed to 31 lakh farmers affected by natural disasters," Radhakrishnan said. He mentioned that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, over 93 per cent of the homes in Phase 1 are complete, and work is ongoing for nearly 18.5 lakh homes in Phase 2. A new policy for sand mining has also been introduced, he said. The Governor, in his Maharashtra Day message said that to preserve cultural heritage, plans are underway to build a Maharashtra Cultural Centre and Museum in Mumbai. Efforts are ongoing to get UNESCO recognition for the state’s sea forts. Monuments for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are being planned in Panipat and Agra. He further stated that the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) is being implemented across the state. Maharashtra won 201 medals at the 38th National Games and has offered government jobs to 31 athletes. Prize money for Asian Games medal winners has been increased, the Governor said.
01 May,2025 03:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a rare sight, flocks of lesser flamingos were witnessed at Mogara Nullah near Millat Nagar area of Andheri in suburban Mumbai. The lesser flamingos are usually found in saltwater lakes and wetlands. Dhaval Shah, President of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association (LOCA), said, "One of our nature lovers from Lokhandwala Complex sent us the video of the lesser flamingos. A good number of flamingos are being spotted at the Mogara Nullah, along with a good diversity of birds in the mangrove forest patch around Lokhandwala, which also means that focus should be on protection of the mangrove forest in the area." LOCA posted a video of the flamingos on its Instagram page, and the post states that lesser flamingos in large numbers were spotted at Mogara Nullah near Lokhandwala, Andheri West. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andheri West (@andheriloca) "There are a total of six species of flamingos in the world; two are found in India: the tallest of them, the greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), and the smallest, the lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor). Nearly 90 per cent of the flamingo population that comes to the city consists of the latter species, while the rest are greater flamingos. Greater flamingos are tall, with black-tipped, light pinkish beaks, yellowish eyes, and pinkish-white bodies. Their neck is S-shaped. The lesser flamingos are comparatively smaller and pinker, with dark beaks and red eyes. Their neck is inverted or J-shaped," the post reads. Thousands of flamingos usually migrate to Mumbai between November and December and camp in the city till May-June. Between December and January it is usually considered a peak period to spot the flamingos in the parts of state. Flamingos usually visit the wetlands of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) in November, mostly for feeding purposes, from breeding sites in the Gujarat region as well as Iran. Their migration starts after the monsoon, when water-filled regions begin drying up. However, owing to the good availability of water over the past few years through the winter, arrivals have been delayed. The places where Mumbaikars can see them in abundance are Thane Creek, Airoli, Mahul, and Sewri. Since 1994, Thane Creek has been attracting flamingos in large numbers. These elegant birds and their chicks descend here and occupy mudflats bordering mangroves until May, after which most migrate to Bhuj, Gujarat, for breeding, leaving behind a small resident population.
01 May,2025 03:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavADVERTISEMENT
