Soon Maharashtra would begin trials for the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy, to treat critical patients of Covid-19. A step in this direction was taken today when state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated Project PLATINA, a mega convalescent plasma therapy trial and project.

Launched by the medical Education and Drugs Department, the e-inauguration was attended by various ministers including Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh- Minister of Medical Education and Cultural Affairs, Rajesh Tope- Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare and Rajendra Patil Yedravkar- Minister for Medical Education and Drugs and Cultural Affairs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-3-lakh-covid-19-patients-cured-recovery-rate-at-58-health-ministry-309362" hreflang="en">Over 3 lakh COVID-19 patients cured, recovery rate at 58%: Health ministry</a> 
 
A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office said, “This trial will help formulate definite treatment guidelines for the entire country in managing serious COVID patients and thus be a milestone in turning a page in this pandemic. The PLATINA trial will be World’s largest trial and hence will give robust data regarding role of convalescent plasma in treatment of Covid 19 patients, thereby helping Governments to issue guidelines in the management of the pandemic.”&nbsp; 
 
Convalescent plasma therapy is an experimental treatment used on patients with severe coronavirus disease. Plasma is a component of blood that contains antibodies, the blood of people who have recovered from Covid-19 infection contains required antibodies.

These antibodies are molecules that have learned to recognise and fight the pathogens, such as viruses, that cause the disease.&nbsp;In recent times, world over researchers and healthcare professionals have been studying the possibility of using this method to treat people with Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus.

Under this trial in Maharashtra, all critical patients will receive two doses of 200ml of convalescent plasma. The entire plasma treatment will be free of cost to all coronavirus patients admitted in any one of the 21 listed Covid centers of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In his virtual address to the state on Sunday, CM Thackeray had urged Covid-19 survivors to come forward and donate their plasma to strengthen the fight against the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chief Minister’s Office through its relief fund has allocated Rs 16.85 crore for the project cum research trial. Ahead of the launch, crucial planning, clearances and most importantly completion of dedicated Covid-19 plasma banks to initiate this project was accomplished within 21 days.

Today’s launch would enable, clinical trials with immediate effect, setting up of covid-19 plasma banks at 13 centres, eligible donors to donate plasma and in cases of emergency permission would be granted for&nbsp;convalescent plasma in mild and moderate cases in dedicated COVID hospitals, government, private and charitable.

Also, the state intends to take this study further and isolate monoclonal antibodies against COVID from this plasma and study its structure and possibly produce it in an artificial form. As a collateral benefit, this will create an infrastructure of plasmapheresis in all medical colleges in various districts of Maharashtra, said the Chief Minister's&nbsp;

As per latest data, Maharashtra has 70,607 active cases of Covid-19, almost half of these have been reported from its capital city of Mumbai.&nbsp;

Soon Maharashtra would begin trials for the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy, to treat critical patients of Covid-19. A step in this direction was taken today when state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated Project PLATINA, a mega convalescent plasma therapy trial and project.

Soon Maharashtra would begin trials for the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy, to treat critical patients of Covid-19. A step in this direction was taken today when state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated Project PLATINA, a mega convalescent plasma therapy trial and project. Launched by the medical Education and Drugs Department, the e-inauguration was attended by various ministers including Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh- Minister of Medical Education and Cultural Affairs, Rajesh Tope- Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare and Rajendra Patil Yedravkar- Minister for Medical Education and Drugs and Cultural Affairs. Also read: Over 3 lakh COVID-19 patients cured, recovery rate at 58%: Health ministry A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office said, “This trial will help formulate definite treatment guidelines for the entire country in managing serious COVID patients and thus be a milestone in turning a page in this pandemic. The PLATINA trial will be World’s largest trial and hence will give robust data regarding role of convalescent plasma in treatment of Covid 19 patients, thereby helping Governments to issue guidelines in the management of the pandemic.” Convalescent plasma therapy is an experimental treatment used on patients with severe coronavirus disease. Plasma is a component of blood that contains antibodies, the blood of people who have recovered from Covid-19 infection contains required antibodies. These antibodies are molecules that have learned to recognise and fight the pathogens, such as viruses, that cause the disease. In recent times, world over researchers and healthcare professionals have been studying the possibility of using this method to treat people with Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. Under this trial in Maharashtra, all critical patients will receive two doses of 200ml of convalescent plasma. The entire plasma treatment will be free of cost to all coronavirus patients admitted in any one of the 21 listed Covid centers of the government. In his virtual address to the state on Sunday, CM Thackeray had urged Covid-19 survivors to come forward and donate their plasma to strengthen the fight against the pandemic. The Chief Minister’s Office through its relief fund has allocated Rs 16.85 crore for the project cum research trial. Ahead of the launch, crucial planning, clearances and most importantly completion of dedicated Covid-19 plasma banks to initiate this project was accomplished within 21 days. Today’s launch would enable, clinical trials with immediate effect, setting up of covid-19 plasma banks at 13 centres, eligible donors to donate plasma and in cases of emergency permission would be granted for convalescent plasma in mild and moderate cases in dedicated COVID hospitals, government, private and charitable. Also, the state intends to take this study further and isolate monoclonal antibodies against COVID from this plasma and study its structure and possibly produce it in an artificial form. As a collateral benefit, this will create an infrastructure of plasmapheresis in all medical colleges in various districts of Maharashtra, said the Chief Minister's As per latest data, Maharashtra has 70,607 active cases of Covid-19, almost half of these have been reported from its capital city of Mumbai.

Maharashtra to conduct world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial

The Crime Branch of Mumbai Police on Wednesday arrested gangster Ejaz Lakdawala on from Patna, in a joint operation with Bihar police. 
&nbsp; 
Wanted in several cases related to attempt to murder, extortion and rioting, Ejaz Lakdawala was known to be a leading shooter and former aide of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. He formed his gang after a split in the original D-company. 
&nbsp; 
Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Barve said, “Ejaz Lakdawala was arrested by Mumbai City Crime Branch yesterday from Patna. He made extortion calls to businessmen in Mumbai from locations abroad. Today he was produced in the court and remanded to police custody till January 21.” 
&nbsp; 
Mumbai police on December 28, 2019, arrested Ejaz Lakdawala’s daughter Soniya Shaikh alias Sonia Lakdawala who was travelling to Nepal on a forged passport, she was later booked and arrested for forgery under the passport act.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As per officials in the anti-extortion cell, even Lakdawala’s daughter had made extortion calls to property realtors in the city on the behest of her father.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Earlier a red corner notice had been issued against him. In May 2004, he was arrested by the Canadian Police in Ottawa.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Sources suggest, Lakdawala has been living in Kathmandu for almost sixteen years, and before that, he was staying in Bangkok. The investigating officials were also able to elicit vital information about Chotta Shakeel and Dawood, especially their business interests and investments abroad. 
&nbsp; 
Reportedly, Chotta Shakeel has his aides based out of Mumbai looking after hawala transactions. While Dawood Ibrahim continues to have businesses at many foreign locations, he also has investments in Nepal. 
&nbsp; 
His arrest is a big catch by the police as India’s investigating agencies had been on the lookout for Lakdawala for almost two decades now. 
&nbsp; 
Authorities are certain that subsequent interrogation of Ejaz Lakdawala could unravel crucial information about the country’s most wanted underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.&nbsp;

The Crime Branch of Mumbai Police on Wednesday arrested gangster Ejaz Lakdawala on from Patna, in a joint operation with Bihar police. Wanted in several cases related to attempt to murder, extortion and rioting, Ejaz Lakdawala was known to be a leading shooter and former aide of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

The Crime Branch of Mumbai Police on Wednesday arrested gangster Ejaz Lakdawala on from Patna, in a joint operation with Bihar police. Wanted in several cases related to attempt to murder, extortion and rioting, Ejaz Lakdawala was known to be a leading shooter and former aide of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. He formed his gang after a split in the original D-company. Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Barve said, “Ejaz Lakdawala was arrested by Mumbai City Crime Branch yesterday from Patna. He made extortion calls to businessmen in Mumbai from locations abroad. Today he was produced in the court and remanded to police custody till January 21.” Mumbai police on December 28, 2019, arrested Ejaz Lakdawala’s daughter Soniya Shaikh alias Sonia Lakdawala who was travelling to Nepal on a forged passport, she was later booked and arrested for forgery under the passport act. As per officials in the anti-extortion cell, even Lakdawala’s daughter had made extortion calls to property realtors in the city on the behest of her father. Earlier a red corner notice had been issued against him. In May 2004, he was arrested by the Canadian Police in Ottawa. Sources suggest, Lakdawala has been living in Kathmandu for almost sixteen years, and before that, he was staying in Bangkok. The investigating officials were also able to elicit vital information about Chotta Shakeel and Dawood, especially their business interests and investments abroad. Reportedly, Chotta Shakeel has his aides based out of Mumbai looking after hawala transactions. While Dawood Ibrahim continues to have businesses at many foreign locations, he also has investments in Nepal. His arrest is a big catch by the police as India’s investigating agencies had been on the lookout for Lakdawala for almost two decades now. Authorities are certain that subsequent interrogation of Ejaz Lakdawala could unravel crucial information about the country’s most wanted underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

Ejaz Lakdawala, a former member of Dawood Ibrahim’s gang arrested in Patna by Mumbai Police

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) recently submitted the Mumbai Clean Air Plan to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, the city-based environmental groups believe that it lacks coherent solutions that could alleviate environmental woes.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) recently submitted the Mumbai Clean Air Plan to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, the city-based environmental groups believe that it lacks coherent solutions that could alleviate environmental woes. While Delhi had been struggling last month to get air quality markers under control, the entire conundrum around the need for clean air grew louder. Mumbai which often breathes a sigh of relief in this regard considering proximity to the sea and adequate rainfall has not fared too well on the pollution measuring indicators recently. The air quality index in the island city has been hovering at 'poor' and 'very poor.' In January this year, the Ministry of Earth sciences launched the National Clean Air Programme, a strategy to tackle increasing air pollution in a time-bound manner. Under the same plan, Mumbai is among one of 122 cities identified by the CPCB to scale down air pollution by 20% to 30%. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board's (MPCB) plan for the city was submitted last month, with a slew of measures it believes will help Mumbai breathe clean air. Some of them are the introduction of a congestion tax on private vehicles, the introduction of a 'clean air fund,' converting city's BEST buses into AC buses, two and four wheelers to be charged more for fuel and parking to encourage public transport. Lowering of fuel charges for public transport to slash bus fares and subsequently recovering losses from car-users. Increasing road tax from existing 10% to 25%. In a day-long consultation seminar organised this week by Mumbai based environment protection organisations, in the presence of members of the civil society, activists and several like-minded individuals a detailed discussion on various aspects of pollution missing in MPCB's plan took place. A detailed copy of recommendations will soon be presented to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and pollution control body in the state. Conversation Action Trust and Waatavaran, two of the organising members gave an array of suggestions ranging from transport emissions, industrial emissions, emphasis on the protection of existing green zones, airshed based approach to manage air pollution. The recommendations of the public consultation were broadly divided into Transport, Data, Industry and Construction/demolition waste and biomass burning. Debi Goenka, founder and executive trustee- Conservation Action Trust said, "the plan that has been presented is not authentic in nature, there are quotations from unknown people. The plan of action is completely vague, no individual on whom responsibility can be fixed the entire document is not implementable. For example, a section in the plan talks about consequences of industrial pollution in case of a violation, the comment section says 'MPCB issues show-cause notices,' there is no strict action that follows up." Members at the congregation expressed displeasure that non of them had been asked for suggestions while the plan was being drafted, in fact their inputs on the same have not been included in the document. Further, a detailed suggestion on improvising existing public transport by opting for an integrated approach to address mobility by building walking and cycling infrastructure to restrain private transport growth. We live in the times of data analytics, however, the plan doesn't give clarity on the total number of monitoring stations and where they will be made. Need for data from the Continuous Emission Monitoring System to be made public for accountability of industry was also raised. Industry centric solutions upheld the need to make industries accountable for their carbon footprint, necessitating the state pollution control board to deal with violations with an iron hand. Over the years Mumbai city has seen large scale infrastructure projects cropping up in every corner, the state pollution control board needs to regulate the process of construction and demolition with builders and infra companies. Bulk emissions cause unprecedented toxic pollution which needs to be addressed. While the situation in Mumbai may not seem alarming at the moment, the clock is already ticking with regards to climate change and pollutions levels in the city. National Institute of Oceanography data reveals that the average rate at which sea level is rising has more than doubled in India from 1.27 mm/year to 3.22 mm/year in just over a decade. A worrying data because much of the infrastructure here is built on reclaimed land. In October this year, a British journal in its research report published potential dangers of climate change Mumbai is staring at, indicating that anthropogenic climatic alterations will deluge sizeable parts of the city by 2050. As per global environmental reports, Mumbai along with Guangzhou, Jakarta, Manila and Miami appears frequently on a list of cities endangered by climate change. A serious effort from the governing body is the most immediate need of the hour.

Maharashtra Pollution Control body's report lacks coherent solutions: Experts

With Maharashtra election&nbsp;roughly a month away, the state's far-right Nationalist party- Shiv Sena got its first 'Thackeray' as an electoral candidate. Aditya Thackeray, the 29-year-old grandson of Shiv Sena's founder Bal Thackeray filed his nomination in the presence of younger sibling Tejas, parents Uddhav and Rashmi Thackeray today.

On the way to file his candidature, Aditya Thackeray was given a rousing welcome, hundreds of Shiv Sena members accompanied him to the nomination centre in Worli. Dancing alongside his open jeep, fans and supporters were also seen showering flower petals on their young leader's cavalcade.

Having entered active politics in 2009, Aditya Thackeray will contest from South Mumbai's Worli constituency. Considered a safe bet for the Sena, Worli has a total strength of 2,68,932 voters.

The assembly constituency is a high-end residential locality, home to the rich and famous, surrounded by plush business parks. A sizeable number of Mumbai's original inhabitants- the Kolis reside along the Worli sea face- a popular seaside promenade.&nbsp;

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Shiv Sena's first poster of Aditya Thackeray that went up on the roads around his constituency read "Hello Worli" in various Indian languages. The party's move to put multilingual posters all across the constituency was viewed as an attempt to move away from regional politics it has long stayed loyal to.

With a young leader from the Thackeray clan being projected at the helm of affairs, the Sena is changing its messaging to appease all communities, thereby ensuring a greater victory margin for its star debutant.&nbsp;

October 4 being the last day for filing nominations, so far no other political party has fielded any candidate against Aditya Thackeray from the same constituency. This has further bolstered the party's confidence for an easy win.&nbsp;

Mandatory upon all candidates running for public office, the nomination process requires declaring assets owned by politicians in the election form affidavit. The details are for voters to know the source of the politician's wealth.&nbsp;

Aditya Thackeray declared assets worth over Rs 16 crore. As per the nomination form, he has bank deposits of Rs 10.36 crore, bonds/shares/mutual funds of approximately Rs 97 lakh, jewellery worth around Rs.1 crore, immovable properties worth Rs 4.67 crore, other investments worth Rs 10.22 lakh and cash in hand Rs 13,344.00.

With Maharashtra election roughly a month away, the state's far-right Nationalist party- Shiv Sena got its first 'Thackeray' as an electoral candidate. Aditya Thackeray, the 29-year-old grandson of Shiv Sena's founder Bal Thackeray filed his nomination in the presence of younger sibling Tejas, parents Uddhav and Rashmi Thackeray today.

With Maharashtra election roughly a month away, the state's far-right Nationalist party- Shiv Sena got its first 'Thackeray' as an electoral candidate. Aditya Thackeray, the 29-year-old grandson of Shiv Sena's founder Bal Thackeray filed his nomination in the presence of younger sibling Tejas, parents Uddhav and Rashmi Thackeray today. On the way to file his candidature, Aditya Thackeray was given a rousing welcome, hundreds of Shiv Sena members accompanied him to the nomination centre in Worli. Dancing alongside his open jeep, fans and supporters were also seen showering flower petals on their young leader's cavalcade. Having entered active politics in 2009, Aditya Thackeray will contest from South Mumbai's Worli constituency. Considered a safe bet for the Sena, Worli has a total strength of 2,68,932 voters. The assembly constituency is a high-end residential locality, home to the rich and famous, surrounded by plush business parks. A sizeable number of Mumbai's original inhabitants- the Kolis reside along the Worli sea face- a popular seaside promenade. × Shiv Sena's first poster of Aditya Thackeray that went up on the roads around his constituency read "Hello Worli" in various Indian languages. The party's move to put multilingual posters all across the constituency was viewed as an attempt to move away from regional politics it has long stayed loyal to. With a young leader from the Thackeray clan being projected at the helm of affairs, the Sena is changing its messaging to appease all communities, thereby ensuring a greater victory margin for its star debutant. October 4 being the last day for filing nominations, so far no other political party has fielded any candidate against Aditya Thackeray from the same constituency. This has further bolstered the party's confidence for an easy win. Mandatory upon all candidates running for public office, the nomination process requires declaring assets owned by politicians in the election form affidavit. The details are for voters to know the source of the politician's wealth. Aditya Thackeray declared assets worth over Rs 16 crore. As per the nomination form, he has bank deposits of Rs 10.36 crore, bonds/shares/mutual funds of approximately Rs 97 lakh, jewellery worth around Rs.1 crore, immovable properties worth Rs 4.67 crore, other investments worth Rs 10.22 lakh and cash in hand Rs 13,344.00.

Aditya Thackeray files nomination for upcoming Maharashtra election

Master Archie, the son of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-gets-invictus-games-romper-suit-for-baby-archie-217372">Britain's Prince Harry</a> and his wife Meghan Markle, will receive special gifts from Mumbai's famed Dabbawalas - silver waist and anklet bands.

"According to the Maharashtrian tradition, a grandfather gifts a waistband (kamarpatta) and anklet bands on the birth of a boy and we'll be following the same tradition and gifting the same to baby Archie," said Mumbai Dabbawalas Association spokesperson Subhash Talekar.

On Friday, a group of Dabbawalas were seen scouring some of the reputed jewellers in Mumbai for shopping the best-design items for Master Archie to make it a memorable gift.

"We would have loved to present these auspicious items in gold, but we are constrained by resources. It is not the value of the gift but the thought that is valued. And this will be adorned by the blessings of all the Dabbawalas," Talekar added.

The bonhomie between Britain's royal family and the iconic dabbawalas dates back to 2003 when Prince Charles had visited them in Mumbai. Prince Charles was impressed by the work and services rendered by the ultra-efficient army of 5,000-odd dabbawalas, who meticulously ferry tiffin lunch boxes to around 200,000 hungry Mumbai office-goers.

Later in 2005, Prince Charles had sent an all-expense paid invitation the dabbawalas for his wedding to Camilla Parker. Accepting the invitation, two senior dabbawalas had attended the wedding in London.

They had also sent traditional Maharashtrian clothing as a gift for Prince Harry and Meghan Markel on their wedding.

On May 29, 2018, Queen Maxima of The Netherlands also came a calling on the dabbawalas and witnessed them at the peak of their duties around noon, at the suburban Andheri station.

Master Archie, the son of Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, will receive special gifts from Mumbai's famed Dabbawalas - silver waist and anklet bands.

Master Archie, the son of Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, will receive special gifts from Mumbai's famed Dabbawalas - silver waist and anklet bands. "According to the Maharashtrian tradition, a grandfather gifts a waistband (kamarpatta) and anklet bands on the birth of a boy and we'll be following the same tradition and gifting the same to baby Archie," said Mumbai Dabbawalas Association spokesperson Subhash Talekar. On Friday, a group of Dabbawalas were seen scouring some of the reputed jewellers in Mumbai for shopping the best-design items for Master Archie to make it a memorable gift. "We would have loved to present these auspicious items in gold, but we are constrained by resources. It is not the value of the gift but the thought that is valued. And this will be adorned by the blessings of all the Dabbawalas," Talekar added. The bonhomie between Britain's royal family and the iconic dabbawalas dates back to 2003 when Prince Charles had visited them in Mumbai. Prince Charles was impressed by the work and services rendered by the ultra-efficient army of 5,000-odd dabbawalas, who meticulously ferry tiffin lunch boxes to around 200,000 hungry Mumbai office-goers. Later in 2005, Prince Charles had sent an all-expense paid invitation the dabbawalas for his wedding to Camilla Parker. Accepting the invitation, two senior dabbawalas had attended the wedding in London. They had also sent traditional Maharashtrian clothing as a gift for Prince Harry and Meghan Markel on their wedding. On May 29, 2018, Queen Maxima of The Netherlands also came a calling on the dabbawalas and witnessed them at the peak of their duties around noon, at the suburban Andheri station.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to receive special gifts from Mumbai's Dabbawala for son Archie

For the longest time, the city of Mumbai, despite urbanisation, managed to keep its green cover or what we call natural vegetation intact. The city had over 35 per cent tree cover until two decades ago and severe climatic conditions were never a worry for the coastal city.&nbsp;

But things changed in the past decade and environmental research corroborated that Mumbai, in the process of concretisation, has lost 60 per cent of its vegetation and 65 per cent of its water bodies.&nbsp;

On October 7 last year, the city sweltered at 37.8 degree Celsius (average temperature), making it Mumbai's second hottest October day in a decade. Monsoon patterns have seen a stark change here, with several days of heavy rainfall now as compared to a decade back.

While statistics have been around for a long time, the need to commence an action on the ground was the call of the hour and a team of young Mumbaikars are doing that - 12,000 saplings at a time! 
&nbsp; 
On a dusty barren land near a suburban local railway station here, city-based Pradeep Tripathi and his team are creating Mumbai's first urban dense forest. A man-made 'green wall,' which will protect the city from environmental damages.&nbsp;

Tripathi, an environmental enthusiast is using the Miyawaki method, invented by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki. The technique enables growing over thrice the number of trees than conventional afforestation methods.

WION spoke to Pradeep Tripathi under whose guidance the forest is taking shape, he said, "This forest has been created using an innovative method, we can plant 12,000 trees in a single acre versus 1,000 in the conventional method. In the Miyawaki method, we create a 3-feet deep trench, analyse the soil and as per the deficiencies, we mix coco peat (a water retainer), rice hulls (which acts as a water perforator), compost and other nutrients. We refill the trench using the layer method so that trees don't interrupt each other's growth."&nbsp;

Megacities like Mumbai, where infrastructural needs have led to unprecedented concretisation, the number of trees per person is very low and decreasing every year. With constricted plantation space and rising pollution, the Miyawaki method can prove to be successful.

"Forests grown in this fashion are 10 times faster, 30 times denser, have 30 times more oxygen emission. We have planted more than 30 varieties of native saplings in this patch, this is how we can get a 100-year-old forest in just 10 years," said Tripathi.&nbsp;

According to a study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), there should be seven trees for every human. In Mumbai, there are five people per tree.&nbsp;

Concerned citizens like Pradeep Tripathi and others in his team have set out to better this dismal ratio.

For the longest time, the city of Mumbai, despite urbanisation, managed to keep its green cover or what we call natural vegetation intact. The city had over 35 per cent tree cover until two decades ago and severe climatic conditions were never a worry for the coastal city.

For the longest time, the city of Mumbai, despite urbanisation, managed to keep its green cover or what we call natural vegetation intact. The city had over 35 per cent tree cover until two decades ago and severe climatic conditions were never a worry for the coastal city. But things changed in the past decade and environmental research corroborated that Mumbai, in the process of concretisation, has lost 60 per cent of its vegetation and 65 per cent of its water bodies. On October 7 last year, the city sweltered at 37.8 degree Celsius (average temperature), making it Mumbai's second hottest October day in a decade. Monsoon patterns have seen a stark change here, with several days of heavy rainfall now as compared to a decade back. While statistics have been around for a long time, the need to commence an action on the ground was the call of the hour and a team of young Mumbaikars are doing that - 12,000 saplings at a time! On a dusty barren land near a suburban local railway station here, city-based Pradeep Tripathi and his team are creating Mumbai's first urban dense forest. A man-made 'green wall,' which will protect the city from environmental damages. Tripathi, an environmental enthusiast is using the Miyawaki method, invented by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki. The technique enables growing over thrice the number of trees than conventional afforestation methods. WION spoke to Pradeep Tripathi under whose guidance the forest is taking shape, he said, "This forest has been created using an innovative method, we can plant 12,000 trees in a single acre versus 1,000 in the conventional method. In the Miyawaki method, we create a 3-feet deep trench, analyse the soil and as per the deficiencies, we mix coco peat (a water retainer), rice hulls (which acts as a water perforator), compost and other nutrients. We refill the trench using the layer method so that trees don't interrupt each other's growth." Megacities like Mumbai, where infrastructural needs have led to unprecedented concretisation, the number of trees per person is very low and decreasing every year. With constricted plantation space and rising pollution, the Miyawaki method can prove to be successful. "Forests grown in this fashion are 10 times faster, 30 times denser, have 30 times more oxygen emission. We have planted more than 30 varieties of native saplings in this patch, this is how we can get a 100-year-old forest in just 10 years," said Tripathi. According to a study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), there should be seven trees for every human. In Mumbai, there are five people per tree. Concerned citizens like Pradeep Tripathi and others in his team have set out to better this dismal ratio.

One man and his team have set out to give Mumbai its first man-made forest

Actor Urmila Matondkar, who recently took a political plunge and joined the Congress party, said that coming in public light is the most challenging part of her new assignment.

"Having been almost a reclusive star to coming in such a huge focus, that's going to be a bit of a challenge, but I think that goes with the territory," Urmila told WION on Thursday.

Today, the party announced that the actor will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North constituency.

Urmila joined the Congress on Wednesday after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best.

Talking about why she chose Congress, Urmila told WION, "There is so much going on that the people seem to have been lost in the translation. I think that's the time when you need to step out and tell them what this country stands for, where we were headed and where we have reached."

I found my ideology closest to the Congress party and therefore I've entered Congress, she said.

When asked about why Congress always finds faults in Centre's policies, Urmila said, "I don't think every party is going to do everything right. There are going to be challenges and constant struggle... we are a huge country with huge variations in thoughts and culture... it is going to be challenging all the time. But what I think is as important is the atmosphere of the country. What the country is standing for, what it is feeling. Are we feeling safe? No, we are not. Why there are constant question about what I can say, eat, my life, everything. That is not fine."

She had earlier said that the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom.

Actor Urmila Matondkar, who recently took a political plunge and joined the Congress party, said that coming in public light is the most challenging part of her new assignment.

Actor Urmila Matondkar, who recently took a political plunge and joined the Congress party, said that coming in public light is the most challenging part of her new assignment. "Having been almost a reclusive star to coming in such a huge focus, that's going to be a bit of a challenge, but I think that goes with the territory," Urmila told WION on Thursday. Today, the party announced that the actor will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North constituency. Urmila joined the Congress on Wednesday after meeting party chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best. Talking about why she chose Congress, Urmila told WION, "There is so much going on that the people seem to have been lost in the translation. I think that's the time when you need to step out and tell them what this country stands for, where we were headed and where we have reached." I found my ideology closest to the Congress party and therefore I've entered Congress, she said. When asked about why Congress always finds faults in Centre's policies, Urmila said, "I don't think every party is going to do everything right. There are going to be challenges and constant struggle... we are a huge country with huge variations in thoughts and culture... it is going to be challenging all the time. But what I think is as important is the atmosphere of the country. What the country is standing for, what it is feeling. Are we feeling safe? No, we are not. Why there are constant question about what I can say, eat, my life, everything. That is not fine." She had earlier said that the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom.

Coming in such a huge focus challenging: Urmila Matondkar to WION as Congress fields her from Mumbai North

Mumbai, a city known for its high-end fine dining restaurants and lifestyle extravaganza, is always open to out of box ideas, not shying away from experiments.&nbsp;

And the new Cardboard cafe is taking Mumbai's experimental side to another level, with its entire interior landscape, including furniture, light fixtures, cutlery holder made with cardboard.

Cardboard is India's first cafe outfitted with the material and is located in the city's bustling business district of Bandra Kurla Complex. &nbsp;

The overall space has been designed using parametric modelling, one of the striking features is the interior wall of surging circular panels, giving a seemingly wave-like effect.&nbsp;
<img alt="Cardboard cafe in Mumbai." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9c9300db-68a3-4066-96e5-17255a208f39" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cardboard%202.jpg" />
Mumbai based architect Nuru Karim who designed the cafe said, "Cardboard is a tremendous material, it comprises 50 per cent of air which makes it lightweight. It has flutings which makes it structurally strong. The furniture inside is wax laminated to repel any water seepage."

Conceived and designed to bring a contemporary appeal to the concept of environment-friendly and sustainable architecture, the cafe is driving home the message of climate change and global warming in a snazzy way.&nbsp;

While the cafe is high on eco-design, its also endeavouring to offer an offbeat culinary experience, plenty of vegan options and an array of organic coffees to choose from. &nbsp;
<img alt="Cardboard cafe" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a18ce12-26f7-4c4f-be93-c355133ed877" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cardboard%203.jpg" />
"When people enter the cafe, they realise it's not just packaging, the concept is around sustainability and we uphold the idea to create, consume and change. The food served is a fusion of Spanish, American and South Indian," said Yung Dhanani, founder of the Cardboard cafe.

Mumbai, a city known for its high-end fine dining restaurants and lifestyle extravaganza, is always open to out of box ideas, not shying away from experiments. And the new Cardboard cafe is taking Mumbai's experimental side to another level, with its entire interior landscape, including furniture, light fixtures, cutlery holder made with cardboard.

Mumbai, a city known for its high-end fine dining restaurants and lifestyle extravaganza, is always open to out of box ideas, not shying away from experiments. And the new Cardboard cafe is taking Mumbai's experimental side to another level, with its entire interior landscape, including furniture, light fixtures, cutlery holder made with cardboard. Cardboard is India's first cafe outfitted with the material and is located in the city's bustling business district of Bandra Kurla Complex. The overall space has been designed using parametric modelling, one of the striking features is the interior wall of surging circular panels, giving a seemingly wave-like effect. Mumbai based architect Nuru Karim who designed the cafe said, "Cardboard is a tremendous material, it comprises 50 per cent of air which makes it lightweight. It has flutings which makes it structurally strong. The furniture inside is wax laminated to repel any water seepage." Conceived and designed to bring a contemporary appeal to the concept of environment-friendly and sustainable architecture, the cafe is driving home the message of climate change and global warming in a snazzy way. While the cafe is high on eco-design, its also endeavouring to offer an offbeat culinary experience, plenty of vegan options and an array of organic coffees to choose from. "When people enter the cafe, they realise it's not just packaging, the concept is around sustainability and we uphold the idea to create, consume and change. The food served is a fusion of Spanish, American and South Indian," said Yung Dhanani, founder of the Cardboard cafe.

High on sustainability, Mumbai gets India's first Cardboard Cafe

A school in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai has introduced a virtual teacher to its students. The 'robo-teacher', as students fondly call it, teaches them mathematics, science and languages.

The teacher interacts with students through a voice interface and answers their questions ranging from weather updates to general information.

The 'robo-teacher' is a hit with students; the attendance record has actually improved as students are excited to come back with questions.

The novel idea to introduce a voice interface enabled teacher is the brainchild of a teacher, Pooja Sankhe. She introduced the virtual assistant almost a year ago, at Ramakrishna Paramhans Marathi school run by BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

"I am always keen to incorporate new ways into my teaching, and the virtual teacher does exactly that. Students are learning questioning skills and researching to come up with new questions. This is also an attempt to improve their English language skills," she told WION.

Sankhe got the idea of creating this teacher after using Amazon's voice assistant Alexa. She merged the voice interface with a mannequin to give education a scientific touch.&nbsp;

She adds, "other government&nbsp;schools in the city have also got in touch with me to create their virtual teacher. Each virtual assistant comes at a cost of rupees ten thousand, which includes the Alexa device and externally sourced mannequin."

In 2018, Pooja Sankhe was honoured with the Best teacher award for her novel contribution to school education.

Civic schools in India offer subsidised education to all sections of society. They cater to a large number of students in modest set-ups. But one of the biggest problems they face is low attendance.

The "robo-teacher"&nbsp;aims to change that. Sankhe's idea has caught the attention of many government schools in Maharashtra; they are turning to virtual teaching to aid traditional curriculum. And excited students are eager to use this technology in their course of learning.

A school in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai has introduced a virtual teacher to its students. The 'robo-teacher', as students fondly call it, teaches them mathematics, science and languages.

A school in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai has introduced a virtual teacher to its students. The 'robo-teacher', as students fondly call it, teaches them mathematics, science and languages. The teacher interacts with students through a voice interface and answers their questions ranging from weather updates to general information. The 'robo-teacher' is a hit with students; the attendance record has actually improved as students are excited to come back with questions. The novel idea to introduce a voice interface enabled teacher is the brainchild of a teacher, Pooja Sankhe. She introduced the virtual assistant almost a year ago, at Ramakrishna Paramhans Marathi school run by BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). "I am always keen to incorporate new ways into my teaching, and the virtual teacher does exactly that. Students are learning questioning skills and researching to come up with new questions. This is also an attempt to improve their English language skills," she told WION. Sankhe got the idea of creating this teacher after using Amazon's voice assistant Alexa. She merged the voice interface with a mannequin to give education a scientific touch. She adds, "other government schools in the city have also got in touch with me to create their virtual teacher. Each virtual assistant comes at a cost of rupees ten thousand, which includes the Alexa device and externally sourced mannequin." In 2018, Pooja Sankhe was honoured with the Best teacher award for her novel contribution to school education. Civic schools in India offer subsidised education to all sections of society. They cater to a large number of students in modest set-ups. But one of the biggest problems they face is low attendance. The "robo-teacher" aims to change that. Sankhe's idea has caught the attention of many government schools in Maharashtra; they are turning to virtual teaching to aid traditional curriculum. And excited students are eager to use this technology in their course of learning.

Mumbai's Alexa-inspired 'robo-teacher' excites students, answers questions on weather to general information

While fashion has no bounds, a Mumbai-based optometrist is making contact lenses out of pure gold, silver and diamond. The never seen before trend comes at an exorbitant price but the glitterati of Mumbai are eager to sport dazzling gold eyes.

Dr Chandrashekhar Chawan has received a patent for the gold, silver, diamond lenses. And he has been selling these abroad as well.

He filed for the patent from India. So, he is the only one who introduced the lenses to India and overseas.&nbsp;

Customers have so far haven't complained of any discomfort as the gold does not touch the sensitive eye tissue.

Dr&nbsp;Chawan&nbsp;also makes designer lenses for Bollywood movies.

Mrunal Gaikwad, a model based out of Mumbai said, "I have been using the gold contact lenses for four years and I love how they look on me, without any safety issues."

India is the world's second-biggest consumer of gold. Be it for weddings or investment, the golden metal is an invaluable commodity for millions of people in Asia's third-largest economy.&nbsp;

While many have adapted gold in the form of jewellery, clothing to even tooth implants, fashionistas in Mumbai are taking it a notch higher.

The latest to pick trend are gold plated, diamond studded contact lenses.&nbsp;

Dr Chawan has invented these gold plated contact lenses that use a very minimum amount of gold nanoparticles of 24 carats in a specialised paste form and is surface coated on soft lenses with an extra layer of ''Tetrafilcon A'' to set it together.

Prices for these sparkling contact lenses go up to $11,000.&nbsp;

"Indians love gold tremendously and on every social occasion, they wear gold jewellery. I wanted to put the glitter of gold in the eyes of India and so invented, Golden View. I believe this is a great fashion statement," said Dr Chawan.&nbsp;

Customers can opt for gold, silver, diamond studs or even customize patterns to bring the desired sparkle to the eye.

For anybody who wears regular cosmetic contact lenses, these designer soft contacts can be the next big thing.&nbsp;

While fashion has no bounds, a Mumbai-based optometrist is making contact lenses out of pure gold, silver and diamond. The never seen before trend comes at an exorbitant price but the glitterati of Mumbai are eager to sport dazzling gold eyes.

While fashion has no bounds, a Mumbai-based optometrist is making contact lenses out of pure gold, silver and diamond. The never seen before trend comes at an exorbitant price but the glitterati of Mumbai are eager to sport dazzling gold eyes. Dr Chandrashekhar Chawan has received a patent for the gold, silver, diamond lenses. And he has been selling these abroad as well. He filed for the patent from India. So, he is the only one who introduced the lenses to India and overseas. Customers have so far haven't complained of any discomfort as the gold does not touch the sensitive eye tissue. Dr Chawan also makes designer lenses for Bollywood movies. Mrunal Gaikwad, a model based out of Mumbai said, "I have been using the gold contact lenses for four years and I love how they look on me, without any safety issues." India is the world's second-biggest consumer of gold. Be it for weddings or investment, the golden metal is an invaluable commodity for millions of people in Asia's third-largest economy. While many have adapted gold in the form of jewellery, clothing to even tooth implants, fashionistas in Mumbai are taking it a notch higher. The latest to pick trend are gold plated, diamond studded contact lenses. Dr Chawan has invented these gold plated contact lenses that use a very minimum amount of gold nanoparticles of 24 carats in a specialised paste form and is surface coated on soft lenses with an extra layer of ''Tetrafilcon A'' to set it together. Prices for these sparkling contact lenses go up to $11,000. "Indians love gold tremendously and on every social occasion, they wear gold jewellery. I wanted to put the glitter of gold in the eyes of India and so invented, Golden View. I believe this is a great fashion statement," said Dr Chawan. Customers can opt for gold, silver, diamond studs or even customize patterns to bring the desired sparkle to the eye. For anybody who wears regular cosmetic contact lenses, these designer soft contacts can be the next big thing.

For your eyes only - Patented gold, silver & diamond contact lenses

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Pragya Jha

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