Back-door boarding? A man gets a hand up as he clambers onto a ferry at the Gorai jetty in Borivli. Music, drama, and a lot of fun REPRESENTATIONAL PIC/ISTOCK Here’s one more option to keep your little ones entertained these summer holidays. The National Centre for the Performing Arts has a three-month lineup with its Summer Fiesta for Kids, starting this month. It’s a vibrant celebration of music, plays, and workshops created specially for young audiences — the perfect blend of learning and fun for children of all ages. There’s YouTubing, rap, drama, classical music, and storytelling, and whether they love being on stage or exploring their creativity, there’s something for everyone. Book your kids’ fun time at www.ncpamumbai.com/event/summer-fiesta-2025. Loud message from a silent march Laughter club takes up a serious subject Mornings at Juhu beach are typically filled with fitness enthusiasts running, exercising, practising yoga, and engaging in cheerful banter during their walks. However, last Thursday, the Juhu Laughter Club (JLC) set aside their usual routine for a silent march. The 28-year-old community gathered at Birla Garden to pay tribute to the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Daily, around 80 people join JLC’s session for exercise. This time, dressed in yellow kurtas, they transformed the beach into a canvas of solidarity with carefully crafted props and patriotic songs. The march was spearheaded by Haresh Modi and Jashwant Bhai.For a club built on joy, the club’s quiet moment had a poignant message: that unity isn’t just about shared joy, but also shared sorrow. Also, it’s not every day that you witness a protest on a weekday morning at Juhu Beach. Before settling into the daily grind, the participants sent out a powerful reminder that Mumbai’s heart beats just as strong, even in its moments of stillness. Soul sounds Ronit Sarkar Ronit Sarkar — better known to fans as Rono — just dropped his second full-length album Adhoore Se Khwaab, and it’s what some may call a soul-soothing ride. The nine-track record, written after the loss of his father, explores grief, love, and the fragile threads that tie them together. Produced by Rono and Satyajit Chatterji, Adhoore Se Khwaab is a completely organic album, with every instrument recorded live and no digital elements used. The sound is a unique blend of nylon-string guitar, piano, and analog synthesisers, layered with traditional instruments like the dotara, mandolin, harmonium, dafli, and ghungroos. The result is a rich, textured soundscape that stays true to Rono’s signature style while drawing deeply from Indian musical roots. “This album is for anyone who has tried their hardest to keep love alive while having to make hard choices,” says Rono. It’s all about prints! Print works at the NGMA A new exhibit at The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) celebrates women printmakers across the field. Showcasing the work of 150 artists, Nabha Sparsh: Indian Women Printmakers highlights the diversity of techniques. You will spot lithographs, etchings, aquatints, engravings, screen prints, and more. With Shruti Das as Deputy Curator, Nabha Sparsh traces the evolution of Indian printmaking — this time, through the hands, eyes, and stories of the women who shaped it. A tour is all you need to get a glimpse of these artists’ resilience, creativity, and innovation, as well as their individual perspectives and artistic journeys. “Historically, the contributions of female printmakers have too often remained on the periphery — overshadowed, underrepresented, or misattributed,” says Nidhi Choudhary, director, NGMA. The exhibition brings together works by some of India’s most iconic women printmakers, including Rini Dhumal, Lalitha Lajmi, Jaya Appasamy, Shobha Broota, Zarina Hashmi, and many more. An exclusive section pays a tribute to the late Gogi Saroj Pal, featuring a rare selection of her etchings, lithographs, and handwritten letters to her son, Punna, penned during her days at the Garhi studio. There’s a dedicated corner for children, and on the second floor, nature-inspired pieces, focusing on animals and human portraits, reflect our deep, instinctive connection to the natural world. The Nabha Sparsh exhibit will be on display at the NGMA till May 25. We’re right behind you, Vaibhav RR’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi. PIC/AFP Rajasthan Royals will continue to be watched with great interest despite the fact that they are languishing at the bottom of the Indian Premier League-18 points table. That’s because teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi opens the batting for them along with the dashing Yashasvi Jaiswal. Sure, 14-year-old Suryavanshi was dismissed for a duck against Mumbai Indians on Thursday night, but who is to say he won’t come up with a big score today against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens or later in the tournament for that matter. Suryavanshi inauspiciously followed up his ton against Gujarat Titans with zero against Mumbai Indians. Interestingly, his opening partner Jaiswal experienced the reverse in the Perth Test against the Australians last November when he made up for his first-innings duck by carving a match-winning 161 to put the Australians on the back foot right at the start of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Not that Suryavanshi is not prepared for it, but he has experienced the game’s ebb and flow early enough for him to be a better player for it.
04 May,2025 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDImmigration authorities at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport apprehended a man attempting to fly to Rome on forged Indian documents. The man, identified as Bipin Mahendra Basnet is alleged to be a Nepali national, residing in India illegally for the last 40 years. According to an FIR registered with Sahar Police, Basnet was scheduled to travel to Rome via Doha for a seaman’s job on May 2. But while examining his documents, an assistant immigration officer grew suspicious after noticing multiple trips to Nepal. During interrogation, the accused claimed that his parents were stranded in Mumbai during the 1976 Emergency, and that he was born in India in 1984. However, during a forensic check of his mobile phone, officials discovered frequent call records to Nepal and photos of his Nepali citizenship. Basnet is said to have used a fabricated Indian birth certificate to acquire an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and a voter ID. Basnet was arrested under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Passport Act. “If proven to be a Nepali national, he will be deported following due legal procedures,” a police officer said. 40No of years he allegedly lived illegally in India
04 May,2025 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanWith the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections in sight, political parties are revamping their strategies to attract the next generation of voters. Both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Opposition Shiv Sena UBT are planning to give youth leaders a platform to make a significant impact in the upcoming civic polls, according to political pundits. The Shiv Sena, which ruled the BMC for over two decades, has decided to introduce new faces in its shakhas (local branches). Party insiders said new appointments of office-bearers at the ward level will start soon, providing opportunities for young leaders to connect with new voters. Former mayor and Shiv Sena UBT spokesperson Kishori Pednekar said, “Shiv Sena is a youth party. We have a youth network, and the party always gives responsibility to the youth.” She added that changing office bearers is a routine process, not just for elections, and that both youth and experienced individuals will get opportunities. The BJP, a strong contender in the upcoming civic poll, has also decided to give opportunities to young leaders in its parent organisation. The party has set an age limit of 35-45 for Mandal Adhikari (ward-level leaders), which is considered the “youth face” in politics. Bhalchandra Shirsat, BJP spokesperson, said the appointment of office bearers is an ongoing process, and this time the party has decided to appoint Mandal Adhikari, responsible for two electoral wards, from the 35-45 age group. Other parties, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Congress, are also giving opportunities to young leaders. Sandeep Deshpande, former corporator and city head of MNS, said most office bearers in the party are young, and new appointments will provide further opportunities for youth. Nizamuddin Rayeen, spokesperson for the Mumbai Congress, said the party always gives opportunities to youth, with 33 per cent of party faces being youth. The party has also launched a program to give ground-level office bearers a chance to create leadership. With around 10.65 lakh new voters registered in Mumbai in the last seven years, political parties are focusing on attracting young voters. Each electoral ward has seen a rise of around 4000-5000 voters, and parties believe these are mainly youth voters between 18-30 years. Observers say these are uncertain voters who can be swayed by parties that connect with them early. Political analysts Abhay Deshpande and Hemant Desai said the upcoming civic poll will be a significant contest between Shiv Sena UBT and BJP, with both parties trying to attract young voters. Deshpande added that old and traditional leaders may have limitations in fighting the ruling party, while new faces have no vested interests and can fight harder. The civic election, delayed due to pending cases in the Supreme Court, is expected to take place in October or November this year. The term of the civic body ended in 2022, but the cases related to OBC and ward delimitation are pending in the Supreme Court. In 2017, there were 217 wards, and after delimitation, the number of wards increased by nine, becoming 236 wards during the Maha Vikas Aghadi rule in the state. These two cases are still pending in the Supreme Court. Political parties are hoping the election will be conducted in October or November this year. Mumbai is not the only city in the state without elected representatives; around 17 corporations in the state have been without corporators for almost three to five years. Political observers say this election will see a fight mainly between the Shiv Sena UBT and the BJP. The undivided Shiv Sena ruled the city for more than two decades. After the split in the party, almost 30 former corporates who won in 2017 joined the Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. In the 2017 civic poll, the Shiv Sena won 84 seats while BJP won 82 seats. Later six MNS corporators joined the Shiv Sena. This is the first time the BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting elections independently after more than two decades.
04 May,2025 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveA week after “Chandivali Mahotsav” was illegally organised at the Matoshree Meenatai Thackeray Garden, and just two days after mid-day broke the story with a front-page report, the organisers finally halted operations there on Saturday. Despite citizens’ criticism for the encroachment on a public park, the fair concluded on a grand note. Chandivali MLA Dilip Lande visited the stalls put up by self-help groups and felicitated them late on Friday. No police complaint had been registered against the organisers. They shut down the fair after BMC issued a warning on Friday morning. BMC officials visited the garden on Saturday and ensured that the organisers had begun to dismantle the carnival setup. Local residents expressed happiness over the development. “Satyamev Jayate {truth will prevail). We thank Mumbai Police and BMC for their action against the illegal fair. We express our gratitude to mid-day for amplifying citizens’ voices,” said Mandeep Singh Makkar, founder of the Chandivli Citizens’ Welfare Association. Manisha Porwaal, a resident of Panchavati Co-operative Housing Society, located opposite the garden, said, “As per the banner, the last date of the Chandivali Mahotsav was May 6. However, we did not see any activity there on Saturday. Finally, we can have a peaceful weekend and there won’t be loudspeakers playing songs in the evening.”
04 May,2025 07:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarRailway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday announced that after completion of strengthening of walls of India’s first underground bullet train station at BKC, work on the station walls had started even as the construction of the lowest B3 basement was also at a crucial stage. The agitation planned by motormen on the Central Railway was withdrawn late on Saturday after a mediation meeting between the Additional Divisional Railway Manager, CR, Mumbai, and the motormen’s union led to assurances that all demands would be looked into. The motormen were protesting against “increased duty pressure” and the installation of cameras under a new system called the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) in local train’s driving cabs. CR administration clarified that the ADAS and the Crew Voice and Video Recording System (CVVRS) systems would be used solely for constructive feedback and counselling, not for punitive purposes. The 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (bullet train) stretch has a 21-km-long India’s first underground/undersea tunnel between Mumbai Bullet Train underground station at Bandra-Kurla Complex and Shilphata. The platform is planned at a depth of about 24 mtrs from the ground level.
04 May,2025 07:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarFollowing a police complaint and pressure from animal welfare activists, community dogs from a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) housing society in Kandivli, which had been relocated to Aarey Milk Colony, will be brought back to the premises of the housing society from where they were taken. Honorary Animal Welfare officer and Mumbai President of NGO People For Animals Vijay Rangare told mid-day that at present the dogs are in a shelter home and will soon be released to their original location — the housing society at Kandivli East — after sterilisation (birth control) is carried out on the dogs which require it. “The SRA housing society in Kandivli East from where the dogs were relocated have promised the police that they will cooperate. The Samta Nagar police station will be taking a written bond from the society stating that they will not relocate the dogs again. At present the dogs are in our custody at a shelter home,” said Rangare. Under the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) rules, street and community dogs have to be released back into their area after sterilisation and/or other treatment, so releasing the dogs back to their original location is following the law. Rangare had also filed a complaint against the society with the SRA on April 21. The SRA in response had written to the housing society instructing that pets in the society should be treated according to the provisions of the law. Four individuals have been booked in connection with the matter under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Those named in the FIR are reported to be residents of the housing society from where the dogs were taken. The video of the relocation had gone viral on social media.
04 May,2025 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Maharashtra Cyber Police have arrested four individuals for their involvement in a cyber-slavery racket, in which a 36-year-old man was trafficked to Myanmar and forced into cyber-fraud operations. The victim, a call centre employee, told police that he was offered a job in Thailand that matched his profile. However, he was instead taken to Myanmar and forced to work for a cyber-fraud company named ‘Zuxi’. Upon arrival, he was told to carry out online scams. When he refused and asked to be sent back to India, he was told to pay USD 3600 for his release. Unable to pay, he was allegedly tortured and coerced into continuing the fraudulent work. After eventually managing to return to India, he approached the police and lodged a complaint. Based on his statements, four people were booked and arrested by the police. Identified as Aditya Ravichandran aka Tyson, Rupnarayan Gupta, Talanity Nulasky and Jency Rani Daniel, they were a group who lured people with lucrative job offers in Thailand, and pushed them into the world of cyber-slavery. “They are repeat offenders, and have several cases against them with the same modus operandi. They are connected with the international cyber-criminal networks and get paid for every victim that they send from India,” the official added. Senior officials said that Zuxi is a cyber-fraud company operating out of Myanmar, where victims are lured with promises of legitimate employment abroad but are instead trafficked and forced to work under duress. “Zuxi is part of a larger network run by organised criminal syndicates that exploit legal loopholes and basic human rights,” said an official. The company’s modus operandi includes confiscating victims’ passports, subjecting them to harsh working conditions, and compelling them to execute online scams targeting people across the globe. “We have rescued several victims in the past, but our intel suggests that many more Indians remain trapped there, not just in Zuxi but in similar companies as well,” said an official. Officials added that such cyber-slavery rackets also operate in Cambodia, Laos, and other Southeast Asian countries. The scams typically include phishing, courier fraud, cryptocurrency cons, and other online frauds. Victims who refuse to comply with orders are often subjected to physical abuse, starvation, and various forms of torture. Further investigations to rescue more Indians and dismantle the syndicates that push Indians to cyber-slavery are underway. $3600Amount the victim was told to pay in order to return to India
04 May,2025 07:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerMumbai local train services will not be affected on Monday after the motormen union on Saturday late evening decided to call off their plan to protest following the assurance on their demands from a top Central Railway official, the officials said. The motormen union had earlier planned to protest against “increased duty pressure” and the installation of cameras under a new system called the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) in local trains’ driving cabs. On Saturday late evening, a mediation meeting between Additional Divisional Railway Manager, CR, Mumbai, and the motormen's union led to assurances that all the demands of motormen would be looked into and the motormen have decided to withdraw the agitation. The Central Railway administration clarified said the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the Crew Voice and Video Recording System (CVVRS) systems would be used solely for constructive feedback and counseling, not for punitive purposes. After getting the assurance, the motormen union decided to call off their protest. ADAS is a technology that assists drivers with various aspects of driving, enhancing safety, reducing workload, and improving the overall driving experience by using sensors, cameras, and other technologies to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and detect potential hazards, then provide warnings or even take corrective actions. Earlier, notice boards had been put up by the Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS) at Mumbai CSMT stating that train motormen will “work to rule” starting Sunday morning. A warning letter was sent by Anil Dube of the CRMS Loco Running Staff to the Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai CR, a copy of which is with mid-day. The letter objects to the fact that cameras have been installed in the driver’s cab to ensure that the motorman is pointing and calling out signals. Pointing and calling is a globally recognised occupational safety practice in train driving. It is aimed at avoiding mistakes by pointing at important indicators and verbally calling out their status. CRMS Loco Running Staff Branch had also demanded that the administration should either seriously consider the hazardous working conditions of motormen or provide an assistant loco pilot to support them. Following this, the Central Railway officials had said that they were negotiating with the union.
04 May,2025 12:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA massive fire broke out on the second floor of a ground-plus-two-storey house near in Malvani area of Mumbai, the officials said on Saturday night. The blaze was reported at a house located at Gate No. 8 of Malvani, they said. The fire was reported in a store room containing cardboard materials reportedly used in a factory, all of which were completely gutted in the blaze, officials said. According to Mumbai Fire Brigade officials, the blaze was reported past 8 pm following which the firefighters rushed to the spot and launched a firefighting operation. The officials further said that the officials at the spot managed to fully extinguish the fire after about one and a half hour. A fire broke out on the second floor of a house at Malwani Housing Board on Saturday night, starting in a storeroom filled with cardboard materials used in a local factory.The blaze occurred past 8 pm on Saturday and was fully extinguished by firefighters after about an hour… pic.twitter.com/Ts11Du9WhP — Mid Day (@mid_day) May 3, 2025 Fortunately, no one was present in the house at time of the incident, and no injuries were reported in the incident, an official said. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was likely caused by a short circuit. The electricity personnel also arrived at the scene and has temporarily shut down the power supply in the area as a safety precaution. A team from Malvani Police also reached the spot to join the relief efforts. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause fire, an official said.
04 May,2025 12:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Make sure you have all information before making an important decision. Focus on safe investments and do not risk more than you can afford to lose.Life tip: Listen to your inner wisdom, rather than fears or concerns about what others may think. You alone know what is the best option from a holistic point of view. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Timing is very important if you are dealing with an intensely emotional situation. Focus on strength and stability if you want to change your workout routine. Life tip: Regular and consistent effort is the way to improve any part of your life. Do not be afraid to put in the work needed. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Think before speaking and don’t make any commitments you can’t keep. Seniors need to take a little extra care of their health. Life tip: Focus on your goals and ignore any negative people. Remind yourself repeatedly that not everyone would be happy to see you succeed, even if they don’t show you anything to indicate otherwise. CancerJune 21 – July 22Reread emails and messages before sending them, and use clear words as far as possible. Make the most of your professional network if you need any help.Life tip: Be willing to make the effort if you want any situation to change, even if it means getting out of your comfort zone and taking a calculated risk. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Think carefully before taking on any additional responsibilities, even if you feel it is your duty. Handle any legal matter with attention to details.Life tip: Be yourself, but remember that being different just for the sake of being different might not bring in any real change or value in your life. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Put in your best at work and ignore any office politics or drama. Any challenging relationship needs to be dealt with in a mature and compassionate manner..Life tip: Pay attention to what can be easily considered coincidences. Be willing to keep an open mind and accept people the way they are. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Take a little extra care of yourself, especially if you need to travel. This is a positive time for those working in a large multinational organisations.Life tip: Listen to your intuition if something feels wrong. Be patient and get all the facts before making any important decisions. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Let go of what happened in the past, and make it a point to not repeat those mistakes that cost you. Avoid spending money unnecessarily.Life tip: Allow yourself to flourish without limits. Give the best of yourself to your personal as well as professional life, and make the most of what life gives you. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Those going through a challenging time in a relationship may make an important decision. This is a positive time for self employed businesspersons!Life tip: Work through any trauma from the past, and don’t make decisions based on assumptions. You are capable of much more than you think. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Avoid procrastinating if there is work to do but you don’t want to do it. Those suffering from chronic ailment need to take care of themselves.Life tip: Any situation you want to change will need you to take a step back and think about it. Don’t judge a book by its cover. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Focus on investments rather than spending money. This is a good time for self employed businessmen who are trying to make new contacts.Life tip: Believe in yourself. You have more inner strength than you think. Do what is right, even if it makes you uncomfortable. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Be clear in communication, and make sure you understand the other person’s perspective. Be prompt with replies at work, and stick to timelines.Life tip: Don’t assess your capabilities based on what you could do in the past — you are capable of so much more now. Be willing to grow beyond your comfort zone.
04 May,2025 12:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseWestern Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Saturday said that it has cancelled the planned jumbo block this weekend between Mumbai Central and Mahim stations and the train services will be running as normal. An official statement issued by the Western Railway said, "The Jumbo Block scheduled during the night of 03rd/04th May 2025 between Mumbai Central and Mahim has been cancelled. Train services will run as per normal schedule." Earlier, on Friday, Western Railway had said that it will operate a jumbo block of four hours at night this weekend between Mumbai Central and Mahim stations. An official statement, the Western Railway said that to carry out maintenance work of tracks, signaling and overhead equipment, a jumbo block of four hours will be taken on up and down fast lines from 00.15 hrs to 04.15 hrs between Mumbai Central and Mahim stations in the intervening night of Saturday/Sunday, May 3 and 4. According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, during the block period, all Fast line trains will be run on slow lines between Santacruz and Churchgate railway station. It had said that there will be no block in the day over Western Railway's suburban section on Sunday. Western Railway reopens Mahim South-Shahu Nagar Foot Over Bridge (FOB) In an another statement, the Western Railway said that it has reopened Mahim South-Shahu Nagar Foot Over Bridge (FOB) for the public and that citizens can now use the newly repaired FOB. It said that in a move to strengthen safety and ensure convenience for local residents and commuters, Western Railway has repaired and reopened the Mahim South – Shahu Nagar FOB for the use of public use after being temporarily closed on 17th April 2025 due to safety concerns. According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, this foot over bridge serves as a crucial east-west link for residents of Shahu Nagar to reach the west side of Mahim station which had deteriorated over time. The top deck slab which was built with precast RCC slabs had developed cracks had become unsafe for public movement. To restore safety and stability of the bridge, the old deck slab--40 meters long and 4 meters wide--was replaced with new I-section beams and chequered plates. The work involved the use of approximately 28.5 metric tonnes of steel and was completed in just 16 days, at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh.
03 May,2025 09:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
