In yet another grim&nbsp;development, the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Mumbai has now surpassed that of China where the virus first originated&nbsp;in late 2019, according to the official data here on Tuesday.

Mumbai presently&nbsp;has 4,938 COVID-19 deaths and 85,724 cases, while China has a total of 4,634 fatalities and 83,565 patients, and stands 22nd on the Worldometer.

China has slid to single-digit new cases daily -- or less than the new infectees recorded in Dharavi every day -- though with a series of stringent measures implemented by the state and civic governments, this Asia`s largest slum has now clawed out of the worry-zone.

In comparison to China, Mumbai city has been recording new patients in excess of 1,100 every day since July 1.

The development came a day after Maharashtra with 211,987 cases zoomed past Turkey (205,758 cases), which currently ranks 14 on the Worldometer.

On June 4, Maharashtra had shot past Germany (198,064) and South Africa (205,721), both currently ranked at 16 and 15 respectively on the Worldometer.

Last month, the state had whizzed past two major affected countries like Canada and France in terms of total patients, besides recording more daily cases than the UK.

Maharashtra`s latest Covid-19 tally is 9,026 deaths and 211,987 patients, including 87,681 active cases, but with a mortality rate of 4.26 per cent and an encouraging recovery rate of 54.37.

In a silver lining, of the 36 districts in the state, only two -- Bhandara and Chandrapur -- have recorded zero fatality, though they have 78 and 69 Covid-19 patients, respectively, while Gadchiroli, Hingoli and Wardha have only one death each till date.

In yet another grim development, the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Mumbai has now surpassed that of China where the virus first originated in late 2019, according to the official data here on Tuesday.

In yet another grim development, the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Mumbai has now surpassed that of China where the virus first originated in late 2019, according to the official data here on Tuesday. Mumbai presently has 4,938 COVID-19 deaths and 85,724 cases, while China has a total of 4,634 fatalities and 83,565 patients, and stands 22nd on the Worldometer. China has slid to single-digit new cases daily -- or less than the new infectees recorded in Dharavi every day -- though with a series of stringent measures implemented by the state and civic governments, this Asia`s largest slum has now clawed out of the worry-zone. In comparison to China, Mumbai city has been recording new patients in excess of 1,100 every day since July 1. The development came a day after Maharashtra with 211,987 cases zoomed past Turkey (205,758 cases), which currently ranks 14 on the Worldometer. On June 4, Maharashtra had shot past Germany (198,064) and South Africa (205,721), both currently ranked at 16 and 15 respectively on the Worldometer. Last month, the state had whizzed past two major affected countries like Canada and France in terms of total patients, besides recording more daily cases than the UK. Maharashtra`s latest Covid-19 tally is 9,026 deaths and 211,987 patients, including 87,681 active cases, but with a mortality rate of 4.26 per cent and an encouraging recovery rate of 54.37. In a silver lining, of the 36 districts in the state, only two -- Bhandara and Chandrapur -- have recorded zero fatality, though they have 78 and 69 Covid-19 patients, respectively, while Gadchiroli, Hingoli and Wardha have only one death each till date.

Now, Mumbai overtakes China in COVID-19 deaths and cases

Mumbai's suburbs and neighbouring Thane district received over 100 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, the IMD said on Monday and predicted more heavy showers in those areas and other parts of Konkan in Maharashtra.

The observatory in the Thane-Belapur Industrial Association area recorded 213.4 mm rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heavy-rain-causes-waterlogging-in-several-areas-in-mumbai-310826">Heavy rain causes waterlogging in several areas in Mumbai</a>

Mumbai &amp; around realised heavy rains with isol very hvy (&gt;115.6 mm) at Thane/West Suburbs in last 24 hrs at 8.30 am 6 Jul. Mumbai, Konkan, isol hvy showers nxt 24 hrs, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai's Deputy Director-General KS Hosalikar said in a tweet.

The Santacruz weather station in Mumbai's western suburbs recorded 116.1 mm rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday, while the Colaba weather station in South Mumbai recorded 12.4 mm downpour during the same period.

The Matheran bureau in Maharashtra's Raigad district recorded 90 mm rainfall during the 24-hour period, while the Dahanu observatory in Palghar district recorded 60.3 mm rain.

Besides, the Nashik weather station reported 13.4 mm rainfall, the Ratnagiri bureau and the Harnai observatory in the district recorded 5.4 mm and 5.9 mm rain, respectively, and the Osmanabad district in Marathwada region of the state recorded 7.4 mm downpour during the period.

Hosalikar said the satellite images suggested dense clouds over Saurashtra and Kutch regions in Gujarat, and warned of extremely heavy rainfall in those areas.

Mumbai and other parts of the Konkan region have been experiencing heavy rains since Friday.

On Sunday, the Powai lake in suburban Mumbai started overflowing after the heavy downpour.&nbsp;

Mumbai's suburbs and neighbouring Thane district received over 100 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, the IMD said on Monday and predicted more heavy showers in those areas and other parts of Konkan in Maharashtra.

Mumbai's suburbs and neighbouring Thane district received over 100 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, the IMD said on Monday and predicted more heavy showers in those areas and other parts of Konkan in Maharashtra. The observatory in the Thane-Belapur Industrial Association area recorded 213.4 mm rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday. Also read | Heavy rain causes waterlogging in several areas in Mumbai Mumbai & around realised heavy rains with isol very hvy (>115.6 mm) at Thane/West Suburbs in last 24 hrs at 8.30 am 6 Jul. Mumbai, Konkan, isol hvy showers nxt 24 hrs, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai's Deputy Director-General KS Hosalikar said in a tweet. The Santacruz weather station in Mumbai's western suburbs recorded 116.1 mm rainfall during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday, while the Colaba weather station in South Mumbai recorded 12.4 mm downpour during the same period. The Matheran bureau in Maharashtra's Raigad district recorded 90 mm rainfall during the 24-hour period, while the Dahanu observatory in Palghar district recorded 60.3 mm rain. Besides, the Nashik weather station reported 13.4 mm rainfall, the Ratnagiri bureau and the Harnai observatory in the district recorded 5.4 mm and 5.9 mm rain, respectively, and the Osmanabad district in Marathwada region of the state recorded 7.4 mm downpour during the period. Hosalikar said the satellite images suggested dense clouds over Saurashtra and Kutch regions in Gujarat, and warned of extremely heavy rainfall in those areas. Mumbai and other parts of the Konkan region have been experiencing heavy rains since Friday. On Sunday, the Powai lake in suburban Mumbai started overflowing after the heavy downpour.

Mumbai witnesses over 100 mm rains in last 24 hours

Mumbai Police have seized 5,877 vehicles in the last two days for violation of its guideline prohibiting citizens from travelling beyond two-km radius of their homes, an official said on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-beefed-up-at-taj-hotels-in-mumbai-after-a-bomb-threat-call-from-pakistan-309602#:~:text=%22Security%20tightened%20outside%20Taj%20Hotels,the%20late%20hours%20on%20Monday.">Security beefed up at Taj Hotels in Mumbai after a bomb threat call from Pakistan</a>

In a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19, the city police issued new guidelines on Sunday, stipulating that citizens cannot travel beyond two-kms radius of their residences, except for attending office or in the event of medical emergencies.

Accordingly, the police seized 3,508 vehicles on Tuesday and 2,369 vehicles till Wednesday evening for violating the norm, the official said.

Out of these, maximum 1,784 vehicles were seized in the western suburbs in last two days, he said.

Since the lockdown was enforced in March, the city police have registered 12,251 offences against 25,276 people under Indian Penal Code Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), the official said.

More than 14,500 people have been arrested till now in the city for violation of the lockdown orders, he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Mumbai Police have seized 5,877 vehicles in the last two days for violation of its guideline prohibiting citizens from travelling beyond two-km radius of their homes, an official said on Thursday.

Mumbai Police have seized 5,877 vehicles in the last two days for violation of its guideline prohibiting citizens from travelling beyond two-km radius of their homes, an official said on Thursday. Also read | Security beefed up at Taj Hotels in Mumbai after a bomb threat call from Pakistan In a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19, the city police issued new guidelines on Sunday, stipulating that citizens cannot travel beyond two-kms radius of their residences, except for attending office or in the event of medical emergencies. Accordingly, the police seized 3,508 vehicles on Tuesday and 2,369 vehicles till Wednesday evening for violating the norm, the official said. Out of these, maximum 1,784 vehicles were seized in the western suburbs in last two days, he said. Since the lockdown was enforced in March, the city police have registered 12,251 offences against 25,276 people under Indian Penal Code Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), the official said. More than 14,500 people have been arrested till now in the city for violation of the lockdown orders, he said.

Mumbai police seized nearly 6,000 vehicles in 2 days for violating 2-km travel norm

While the BCCI is trying its best to hold the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League</a> this year, one of the major stakeholders of the league has suggested that IPL must entirely be held in Mumbai, as per a PTI report.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-news-ms-dhoni-named-captain-as-ab-de-villiers-picks-his-all-time-ipl-xi-309866">MS Dhoni named captain as AB de Villiers picks his all-time IPL XI</a>

This year's IPL season was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic and the BCCI was planning to host the league during the September-October window, however, ICC is yet to announce T20 World Cup's future.&nbsp;

“It’s at a very preliminary stage but if IPL happens in India and by October, the situation is under control in Mumbai, there are four top-class floodlit grounds available in Mumbai. The logistics for BCCI, broadcasters, maintaining a bio-bubble, everything could be managed smoothly,” another BCCI official told PTI.

Mumbai currently is the worst-hit city in India in terms of coronavirus pandemic with over 31,000 cases. “Everything depends on Covid-19 situation in Mumbai. But if there are no spectators allowed and a bio-bubble is created, then Mumbai won’t be a bad option,” the official said.

While the BCCI is trying its best to hold the Indian Premier League this year, one of the major stakeholders of the league has suggested that IPL must entirely be held in Mumbai, as per a PTI report.

While the BCCI is trying its best to hold the Indian Premier League this year, one of the major stakeholders of the league has suggested that IPL must entirely be held in Mumbai, as per a PTI report. Also read: MS Dhoni named captain as AB de Villiers picks his all-time IPL XI This year's IPL season was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic and the BCCI was planning to host the league during the September-October window, however, ICC is yet to announce T20 World Cup's future. “It’s at a very preliminary stage but if IPL happens in India and by October, the situation is under control in Mumbai, there are four top-class floodlit grounds available in Mumbai. The logistics for BCCI, broadcasters, maintaining a bio-bubble, everything could be managed smoothly,” another BCCI official told PTI. Mumbai currently is the worst-hit city in India in terms of coronavirus pandemic with over 31,000 cases. “Everything depends on Covid-19 situation in Mumbai. But if there are no spectators allowed and a bio-bubble is created, then Mumbai won’t be a bad option,” the official said.

Indian Premier League could be entirely held in Mumbai: Reports

A Ghanaian footballer, who stuck in India for 74 days because of the nationwide lockdown and slept in an airport, has finally been rescued and shifted to a hospital till the time he leaves for his home.&nbsp;

Randy Juan Muller came to India on November 7 for a six-month contract to play football for ORPC Sports Club in Kerala, a state in southern India.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/igor-stimac-indian-team-has-changed-from-kick-and-chase-football-to-a-more-possession-based-game-300230">Igor Stimac: Indian team has changed from kick and chase football to a more possession based game</a>

As the coronavirus situation in India started becoming serious, Muller booked a flight ticket for March 30 to travel back home.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopps-passion-restored-as-english-football-nears-return-302841">Klopp's 'passion' restored as English football nears return</a>

However, India imposed a nationwide lockdown beginning from March 25 and when he reached Mumbai on March 21, he was short of money because of which he had to stay in Mumbai international airport.&nbsp;

"I didn't know anyone so I saw some policemen and told them my story. They told me to go to the airport," Muller said, reported CNN.

India also suspended all international and domestic travel, which meant that Muller could not return to his home soon.&nbsp;

The 23-year-footballer then decided to sleep in the departures hall of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai until international flights resumed services.&nbsp;

"People in the airport were very helpful. They gave me food and helped me a lot," Muller said.&nbsp;

He added that his damaged phone was also replaced by one security guard.&nbsp;

Muller also sought help from Ghanaian Consulate in Mumbai but due to the lockdown even they could not lend their hands to him.&nbsp;

His struggles ended in early June when he posted on Twitter about his troubles after being suggested by a security official.&nbsp;

A local journalist came across his tweets and tagged the ruling Shiv Sena party's leader Aaditya Thackeray, who also heads Mumbai District Football Association.&nbsp;

After a few hours, the footballer was taken to a hotel where he was given accommodation until he finds a flight to reach back home.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"I tried to stay strong and motivated ...There are things in life you can never change." said Muller, who wishes to come back to India if his now-expired contract is renewed.&nbsp;

A Ghanaian footballer, who stuck in India for 74 days because of the nationwide lockdown and slept in an airport, has finally been rescued and shifted to a hospital till the time he leaves for his home.

A Ghanaian footballer, who stuck in India for 74 days because of the nationwide lockdown and slept in an airport, has finally been rescued and shifted to a hospital till the time he leaves for his home. Randy Juan Muller came to India on November 7 for a six-month contract to play football for ORPC Sports Club in Kerala, a state in southern India. Also read | Igor Stimac: Indian team has changed from kick and chase football to a more possession based game As the coronavirus situation in India started becoming serious, Muller booked a flight ticket for March 30 to travel back home. Also read | Klopp's 'passion' restored as English football nears return However, India imposed a nationwide lockdown beginning from March 25 and when he reached Mumbai on March 21, he was short of money because of which he had to stay in Mumbai international airport. "I didn't know anyone so I saw some policemen and told them my story. They told me to go to the airport," Muller said, reported CNN. India also suspended all international and domestic travel, which meant that Muller could not return to his home soon. The 23-year-footballer then decided to sleep in the departures hall of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai until international flights resumed services. "People in the airport were very helpful. They gave me food and helped me a lot," Muller said. He added that his damaged phone was also replaced by one security guard. Muller also sought help from Ghanaian Consulate in Mumbai but due to the lockdown even they could not lend their hands to him. His struggles ended in early June when he posted on Twitter about his troubles after being suggested by a security official. A local journalist came across his tweets and tagged the ruling Shiv Sena party's leader Aaditya Thackeray, who also heads Mumbai District Football Association. After a few hours, the footballer was taken to a hotel where he was given accommodation until he finds a flight to reach back home. "I tried to stay strong and motivated ...There are things in life you can never change." said Muller, who wishes to come back to India if his now-expired contract is renewed.

After spending 74 days in Mumbai airport, Ghanaian footballer rescued

Asia`s largest slum Dharavi, which was once a hotspot of coronavirus infection with rapidly increasing COVID-19 positive cases, has now in the last seven days not recorded a single person to the virus and has also seen a decline in the number of positive cases as well.

According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official data, June 1, there were 34 cases of COVID-19 positive reported from Dharavi whereas, on June 7, a total of 13 cases were reported.

Further, on June 6, Dharavi had recorded only 10 COVID-19 positive cases. On June 5 there were 17 positive cases while on June 4, it reported 23 positive cases. Hence, as per official data, the curve of COVID-19 positive cases in Dharavi slum has started showing a declining trend.The total positive cases in Dharavi stands at 1,912 as on June 7. Since May 30, in the last 7 days, there were no deaths due to COVID-19 in Dharavi which is a sign of relief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-gears-up-for-unlock-10-devotees-flock-to-religious-places-304096">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: India gears up for Unlock 1.0; devotees flock to religious places</a>

Assistant Municipal Commissioner of BMC Kiran Dighawkar who is also in charge of Dharavi`s Mission Corona said: "The aggressive screening in Dharavi area has helped in lowering the positive cases. Nearly 6 to 7 lakh people have been screened home to home by BMC health workers, private clinic doctors, mobile van, Municipal dispensary, etc."

He further added: "We worked on the formula of screen maximum people for fever, oxygen level and other symptoms and isolate them and test them proactively."

According to data available with BMC, Dharavi has a population of 8.5 lakh. A total of 8,500 people from the area were kept in government quarantine facilities at various places.BMC has tested 4,000 people while 1,350 people were tested through fever camps set up in Dharavi.

This slum in central Mumbai had become the hotspot of corona infection since the first case was detected here on April 1, a week after the national lockdown came into force.

Asia`s largest slum Dharavi, which was once a hotspot of coronavirus infection with rapidly increasing COVID-19 positive cases, has now in the last seven days not recorded a single person to the virus and has also seen a decline in the number of positive cases as well.

Asia`s largest slum Dharavi, which was once a hotspot of coronavirus infection with rapidly increasing COVID-19 positive cases, has now in the last seven days not recorded a single person to the virus and has also seen a decline in the number of positive cases as well. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official data, June 1, there were 34 cases of COVID-19 positive reported from Dharavi whereas, on June 7, a total of 13 cases were reported. Further, on June 6, Dharavi had recorded only 10 COVID-19 positive cases. On June 5 there were 17 positive cases while on June 4, it reported 23 positive cases. Hence, as per official data, the curve of COVID-19 positive cases in Dharavi slum has started showing a declining trend.The total positive cases in Dharavi stands at 1,912 as on June 7. Since May 30, in the last 7 days, there were no deaths due to COVID-19 in Dharavi which is a sign of relief. Also read: COVID 19: India gears up for Unlock 1.0; devotees flock to religious places Assistant Municipal Commissioner of BMC Kiran Dighawkar who is also in charge of Dharavi`s Mission Corona said: "The aggressive screening in Dharavi area has helped in lowering the positive cases. Nearly 6 to 7 lakh people have been screened home to home by BMC health workers, private clinic doctors, mobile van, Municipal dispensary, etc." He further added: "We worked on the formula of screen maximum people for fever, oxygen level and other symptoms and isolate them and test them proactively." According to data available with BMC, Dharavi has a population of 8.5 lakh. A total of 8,500 people from the area were kept in government quarantine facilities at various places.BMC has tested 4,000 people while 1,350 people were tested through fever camps set up in Dharavi. This slum in central Mumbai had become the hotspot of corona infection since the first case was detected here on April 1, a week after the national lockdown came into force.

Once a coronavirus hotspot of Mumbai, Dharavi records no deaths during last 7 days

India is yet to see coronavirus figures decline on a daily basis and the cases and fatalities are increasing by the day. The data looks even more depressing in the western state of Maharashtra, where coronavirus cases are more than 80,000. Also, more than half the number of total cases, 46,080, is in its capital city Mumbai.

Mumbai, which is often referred to as the 'City of Dreams' has not even thought in its worst nightmare a crisis like this unfolding.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-maharashtra-records-highest-single-day-death-toll-as-cases-rise-to-over-80000-303661">COVID-19: Maharashtra records highest single day death toll as cases rise to over 80,000</a>

<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-numbers-explained-testing-in-india-mumbai-kerala-6443703/">According to a report</a>, despite a daily surge in COVID-19 cases, Mumbai has not improved its testing and nearly 4,000 tests are being carried out each day for the last one month. The report further claimed that Mumbai has a testing capacity of 10,000, and this means that city is not even utilising half of its testing capacity. &nbsp;

However, India's financial capital claims that the lower number of tests is because it is successfully implemented targetting testing, in which people who are likely to be infected are only tested.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-maharashtra-police-reports-more-cases-death-toll-in-uttar-pradesh-rises-to-257-303617">COVID-19: Maharashtra Police reports more cases; death toll in Uttar Pradesh rises to 257</a>

The good news on this front is Mumbai's doubling rate has improved to 20 days, which was a month ago was close to 12 days.&nbsp;

A few days ago, a <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/bodies-left-on-hospital-beds-as-coronavirus-overwhelms-mumbai/story-VXZBmFzIY38Uen87fgZ6pJ.html">report </a>claimed that the rising cases in Mumbai has caused its health infrastructure to overwhelm, with corpses lying on hospital wards and patients asked to sleep on floor until new beds come up.&nbsp;

A resident doctor at the govt-run King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai said that the situation is "very bad" and the hospital being unable to take more COVID-19 patients as wards are operating at their full capacity.&nbsp;

The report further said that emergency wards are witnessing twice the number of patients it can accomodate in a hospital.&nbsp;

Amid all this, some shops and markets in Mumbai opened up on Friday as government eases some lockdown measures to contain coronavirus spread and restart economy. However, markets in the city's containment zone malls across the city remain closed.&nbsp;

Maharashtra has earlier launched 'Mission Begin Again' to kickstart the economy in three phases, however a lot still needs to be done to save lives and livelihoods.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India is yet to see coronavirus figures decline on a daily basis and the cases and fatalities are increasing by the day. The data looks even more depressing in the western state of Maharashtra, where coronavirus cases are more than 80,000.

India is yet to see coronavirus figures decline on a daily basis and the cases and fatalities are increasing by the day. The data looks even more depressing in the western state of Maharashtra, where coronavirus cases are more than 80,000. Also, more than half the number of total cases, 46,080, is in its capital city Mumbai. Mumbai, which is often referred to as the 'City of Dreams' has not even thought in its worst nightmare a crisis like this unfolding. Also read | COVID-19: Maharashtra records highest single day death toll as cases rise to over 80,000 According to a report, despite a daily surge in COVID-19 cases, Mumbai has not improved its testing and nearly 4,000 tests are being carried out each day for the last one month. The report further claimed that Mumbai has a testing capacity of 10,000, and this means that city is not even utilising half of its testing capacity. However, India's financial capital claims that the lower number of tests is because it is successfully implemented targetting testing, in which people who are likely to be infected are only tested. Also read | COVID-19: Maharashtra Police reports more cases; death toll in Uttar Pradesh rises to 257 The good news on this front is Mumbai's doubling rate has improved to 20 days, which was a month ago was close to 12 days. A few days ago, a report claimed that the rising cases in Mumbai has caused its health infrastructure to overwhelm, with corpses lying on hospital wards and patients asked to sleep on floor until new beds come up. A resident doctor at the govt-run King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai said that the situation is "very bad" and the hospital being unable to take more COVID-19 patients as wards are operating at their full capacity. The report further said that emergency wards are witnessing twice the number of patients it can accomodate in a hospital. Amid all this, some shops and markets in Mumbai opened up on Friday as government eases some lockdown measures to contain coronavirus spread and restart economy. However, markets in the city's containment zone malls across the city remain closed. Maharashtra has earlier launched 'Mission Begin Again' to kickstart the economy in three phases, however a lot still needs to be done to save lives and livelihoods.

With nearly 50,000 coronavirus cases, Mumbai has more than one challenge

My parents are products of the old city of Bombay, now Mumbai. By old, I specifically mean, Girgaon - the cultural, political and culinary hub of the old town. A treasure chest of the city’s original seven islands. While my family can certainly not afford to live in the area which is now referred to as ‘SoBo (hip for South Bombay)’, ‘town’ and other such funky names, the stories of their childhood they shared with me have always intrigued me about the old city. Food is a major connecting factor. My mother's eyes light up at the mention of Gupta Bhelpuri of Girgaon and there is a spring in the steps of my father when I tell him I was at Yazdani sipping a chai or at Kyani gorging on an aamlet pav (Mumbai lingo for Omellete with buns).&nbsp;

Both these joints are the last of a dying breed of Irani cafes famous for their chai, bun maska and baked goodies. My parents fondly tell me how the food culture was simple and filled with quality. They of course talk of the good old post-independence years, when they grew up eating at joints that were culinary hubs. My father reminisces his culinary love affair with Yazdani. He describes in detail about how the smell of fresh bread at Yazdani bakery would make him stop in his step and how the aroma of their trademark chai made him postpone many a business meeting.

The humble bun maska and chai are beyond just a simple snack for Mumbaikars who understand what it feels to stretch the day in budgetary constraints. It’s in their DNA. Making sure that the quantity is filling, the venue decent and cost in check is so crucial for someone like my father who had it tough, while making sure I had a comfortable life.

He often described in detail, how after a tough day looking for jobs or small-time gigs (my father was a struggling actor back in the 70s), a bun maska &amp; chai is all he could afford and along with his friends, they would converse, agree, disagree, argue, laugh and just forget failures and disappointments that plagued him during the day. So after a conversation with him, where he passionately spoke about one of his chai sessions with his friends at Yazdani in 1970, I decided to take a stroll down the old Horniman Circle area (that still makes me giggle). &nbsp;

I have a friend who does poetry and we have this unspoken pact where we take off every weekend exploring the now-forgotten areas of the city which were once talk of the town. Bakeries, restaurants, junctions, places of worship, docks...we literally go out of our way to find out when was it that these places or their food got forgotten. This gives us an opportunity to come out of our cages and just know the city a bit better, perhaps taking a lesson or two on the way back home. So off I went him in search of this culinary romance that my father so emotionally narrated. We had an image in our mind, as we were looking for this bakery. A nice carved wooden entrance, colonial exterior, beautiful wooden tables and chairs, all this because of multiple visits to Kyani near Metro Cinema, which still holds on to some of that British era feel. &nbsp; 
 
<img alt="Old Bombay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e28a354c-0b40-41e3-b7b0-c8126827a029" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bun2.jpg" />

But when we saw this place, we were sadly surprised. Almost dilapidated, surrounded by xerox and mobile shops, the bakery seemed like a lonely old prostitute – who in her mind has a lot to offer, but has no takers. A few people sitting inside on what seemed like old school benches clearly didn't appreciate the place or its food. The colonial-era bread making machine though was still able to churn out hot freshly baked bread loaves and buns and that aroma of the chai seemed exactly how my father had described it. That was all the invitation that we needed. That bread machine was perhaps the last bit of the structure's soul keeping it going.&nbsp;

We attempted to speak to the old man sitting at the counter. But he was as grumpy as this place looked. There was so much that I wanted to ask him about the place and the life that it had lived. Attempts to strike small conversations fell on deaf ears. He too, it seemed, had become a part of the structure’s misery.

I sat down with my friend on the rickety bench, biting into our bun maska and its cousin, the brun pav or as Maharashtrians call it, kadak pav. Hard and crunchy on the exterior and as soft as the bun inside. It was like that this bread was born to be paired with the chai. We ate and drank, our eyes searching and ears thirsty for some old soul who would share a story. But we had to leave empty handed. The chai and the bread was the only good part of the visit.&nbsp;

Later that evening, as I returned home, I told my father about my visit. "Does it still smell the same?” he quickly sat up on his bed and inquired like a curious child. "The chai and bread does", I replied. His excitement turned into a clearly visible sorrow on his face. Perhaps it finally dawned on him that 1970 was a long time ago. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

My parents are products of the old city of Bombay, now Mumbai. By old, I specifically mean, Girgaon - the cultural, political and culinary hub of the old town. A treasure chest of the city’s original seven islands.

My parents are products of the old city of Bombay, now Mumbai. By old, I specifically mean, Girgaon - the cultural, political and culinary hub of the old town. A treasure chest of the city’s original seven islands. While my family can certainly not afford to live in the area which is now referred to as ‘SoBo (hip for South Bombay)’, ‘town’ and other such funky names, the stories of their childhood they shared with me have always intrigued me about the old city. Food is a major connecting factor. My mother's eyes light up at the mention of Gupta Bhelpuri of Girgaon and there is a spring in the steps of my father when I tell him I was at Yazdani sipping a chai or at Kyani gorging on an aamlet pav (Mumbai lingo for Omellete with buns). Both these joints are the last of a dying breed of Irani cafes famous for their chai, bun maska and baked goodies. My parents fondly tell me how the food culture was simple and filled with quality. They of course talk of the good old post-independence years, when they grew up eating at joints that were culinary hubs. My father reminisces his culinary love affair with Yazdani. He describes in detail about how the smell of fresh bread at Yazdani bakery would make him stop in his step and how the aroma of their trademark chai made him postpone many a business meeting. The humble bun maska and chai are beyond just a simple snack for Mumbaikars who understand what it feels to stretch the day in budgetary constraints. It’s in their DNA. Making sure that the quantity is filling, the venue decent and cost in check is so crucial for someone like my father who had it tough, while making sure I had a comfortable life. He often described in detail, how after a tough day looking for jobs or small-time gigs (my father was a struggling actor back in the 70s), a bun maska & chai is all he could afford and along with his friends, they would converse, agree, disagree, argue, laugh and just forget failures and disappointments that plagued him during the day. So after a conversation with him, where he passionately spoke about one of his chai sessions with his friends at Yazdani in 1970, I decided to take a stroll down the old Horniman Circle area (that still makes me giggle). I have a friend who does poetry and we have this unspoken pact where we take off every weekend exploring the now-forgotten areas of the city which were once talk of the town. Bakeries, restaurants, junctions, places of worship, docks...we literally go out of our way to find out when was it that these places or their food got forgotten. This gives us an opportunity to come out of our cages and just know the city a bit better, perhaps taking a lesson or two on the way back home. So off I went him in search of this culinary romance that my father so emotionally narrated. We had an image in our mind, as we were looking for this bakery. A nice carved wooden entrance, colonial exterior, beautiful wooden tables and chairs, all this because of multiple visits to Kyani near Metro Cinema, which still holds on to some of that British era feel. But when we saw this place, we were sadly surprised. Almost dilapidated, surrounded by xerox and mobile shops, the bakery seemed like a lonely old prostitute – who in her mind has a lot to offer, but has no takers. A few people sitting inside on what seemed like old school benches clearly didn't appreciate the place or its food. The colonial-era bread making machine though was still able to churn out hot freshly baked bread loaves and buns and that aroma of the chai seemed exactly how my father had described it. That was all the invitation that we needed. That bread machine was perhaps the last bit of the structure's soul keeping it going. We attempted to speak to the old man sitting at the counter. But he was as grumpy as this place looked. There was so much that I wanted to ask him about the place and the life that it had lived. Attempts to strike small conversations fell on deaf ears. He too, it seemed, had become a part of the structure’s misery. I sat down with my friend on the rickety bench, biting into our bun maska and its cousin, the brun pav or as Maharashtrians call it, kadak pav. Hard and crunchy on the exterior and as soft as the bun inside. It was like that this bread was born to be paired with the chai. We ate and drank, our eyes searching and ears thirsty for some old soul who would share a story. But we had to leave empty handed. The chai and the bread was the only good part of the visit. Later that evening, as I returned home, I told my father about my visit. "Does it still smell the same?” he quickly sat up on his bed and inquired like a curious child. "The chai and bread does", I replied. His excitement turned into a clearly visible sorrow on his face. Perhaps it finally dawned on him that 1970 was a long time ago.  (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: Forgotten culinary treasures of old Bombay

Tropical cyclone Nisarga is going to make landfall near Mumbai on June 3, 2020, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and a possible storm surge to the city before the monsoon season begins in the region, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cyclones-before-amphan-that-wrecked-indias-coast-299747">In pictures: Cyclones before 'Amphan' that wrecked India's coast</a>

Maharashtra and Gujarat are on pre-cyclone alert as very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the states on June 3 and June 4. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea for the next few days as it is expected to be very rough. 
 
The NDRF has already deployed 13 teams in Gujarat including 2 kept as reserve and 16 in Maharashtra including 7 teams as a reserve, while one team each was deployed for Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. NDRF is aiding the state governments for the evacuation of people from low lying coastal areas.

This will be the first time that a cyclone will make landfall on the Maharashtra coast in June since record-keeping began in 1891.

Meanwhile, at 9 pm on Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said that the well-marked low-pressure area over South-East and adjoining East-Central Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep area concentrated into a depression and it is very likely to intensify into a deep depression during next 12 hours and intensify further into a cyclonic storm over the East-Central Arabian Sea during the subsequent 24 hours."The depression lays about 310km southwest of Panjim, 570km south-southwest of Mumbai, 800 km south-southwest of Surat. It will cross Harihareshwar (Maharashtra) and Daman coast on the evening of June 3," IMD said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tropical cyclone Nisarga is going to make landfall near Mumbai on June 3, 2020, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and a possible storm surge to the city before the monsoon season begins in the region, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Tropical cyclone Nisarga is going to make landfall near Mumbai on June 3, 2020, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and a possible storm surge to the city before the monsoon season begins in the region, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In pictures: Cyclones before 'Amphan' that wrecked India's coast Maharashtra and Gujarat are on pre-cyclone alert as very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the states on June 3 and June 4. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea for the next few days as it is expected to be very rough. The NDRF has already deployed 13 teams in Gujarat including 2 kept as reserve and 16 in Maharashtra including 7 teams as a reserve, while one team each was deployed for Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. NDRF is aiding the state governments for the evacuation of people from low lying coastal areas. This will be the first time that a cyclone will make landfall on the Maharashtra coast in June since record-keeping began in 1891. Meanwhile, at 9 pm on Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said that the well-marked low-pressure area over South-East and adjoining East-Central Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep area concentrated into a depression and it is very likely to intensify into a deep depression during next 12 hours and intensify further into a cyclonic storm over the East-Central Arabian Sea during the subsequent 24 hours."The depression lays about 310km southwest of Panjim, 570km south-southwest of Mumbai, 800 km south-southwest of Surat. It will cross Harihareshwar (Maharashtra) and Daman coast on the evening of June 3," IMD said. (With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai on red alert as Cyclone Nisarga to strike pandemic-hit city

Forty-four flights operated with 4,224 passengers from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Tuesday, day 2 of resumption of air services

Flight operations resume at Mumbai airport

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells. The sounds of hawkers calling out, and customers haggling and talking. The meats and the fish was in a corner towards the end, fresh flowers and the nariyal paani guy sat at the entrance. The emergence of supermarkets and online grocery stores might have changed things a little in urban centres, but most of India still shop for food from similar ‘wet markets’ in their neighbourhood, either early morning or on their way back from work.

A live animal market in Wuhan was held responsible for the pandemic that has dragged the world to a massive slowdown. The exact origins of the virus is unknown, but given that the outbreak in the initial phases was linked to a local wet market in Wuhan, questions are being asked about the safety of such markets. Close proximity of species, unhygienic conditions and stressed animals, which results in lower immunity, can be dangerous. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all potential threats. There is a real possibility of newer, deadlier viruses making the jump from them to us.&nbsp;

World leaders led by the UN, have called for a global ban on wildlife markets to prevent future pandemics such as the COVID-19. There are growing calls, particularly from the western world, to shut down live animal markets. But despite their valid fears, it will not be a sustainable solution. Wet markets are a part of the culinary culture of the east. The tradition is to eat fresh food, not frozen, bought from a vendor you trust, not a faceless corporation who has packaged and neatly labelled your meat. Australia’s Prime Minister is ‘totally puzzled’ by this phenomenon, which is but a way of life for us.&nbsp;

Millions of traders, hawkers, butchers and vendors in India make their living through markets like these. The size of our meat, poultry and fish business is well over billions of dollars. Over 70 per cent of our country is non-vegetarian, and although poultry is most consumed, we also eat porcupine, deer, frogs, boar, worms, rabbits, snakes, snails, quails, tortoise, bison and dogs.&nbsp;

Wet markets are cheaper, more personal and no doubt they are fresher. Yes, rules are flouted, exotic animals sold, livestock stacked mercilessly and entrails, faecus, blood and feather clot the drains. Most of the meat we consume is farmed, where animals are reared, pumped with antibiotics and bred solely to be consumed. All of that ideally should change.

But a total ban is unfair. It doesn’t solve the problem. There is a risk of infection every time we encroach on forests to build settlements. Animals are slaughtered not just in the markets, but for religious ceremonies. They are killed for food and medicine. A ban will only lead to a thriving black market, where controls will be even tougher.&nbsp;

Food is essential for life. So much of our culture, memories, habits and customs are associated with food. There is enough historical evidence to show that we ate a vast variety of meats even thousands of years ago. The Vedas listed around fifty animals that were suitable for sacrifice, and hence could be consumed. This diversity is our culinary heritage. What we eat, how we source it, cook it and eat it, defines our choices and who we are.

Traditional markets are under the scanner for the right reasons, but banning them is not a solution. Even contemplating such a move, is inherently unfair.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells.

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells. The sounds of hawkers calling out, and customers haggling and talking. The meats and the fish was in a corner towards the end, fresh flowers and the nariyal paani guy sat at the entrance. The emergence of supermarkets and online grocery stores might have changed things a little in urban centres, but most of India still shop for food from similar ‘wet markets’ in their neighbourhood, either early morning or on their way back from work. A live animal market in Wuhan was held responsible for the pandemic that has dragged the world to a massive slowdown. The exact origins of the virus is unknown, but given that the outbreak in the initial phases was linked to a local wet market in Wuhan, questions are being asked about the safety of such markets. Close proximity of species, unhygienic conditions and stressed animals, which results in lower immunity, can be dangerous. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all potential threats. There is a real possibility of newer, deadlier viruses making the jump from them to us. World leaders led by the UN, have called for a global ban on wildlife markets to prevent future pandemics such as the COVID-19. There are growing calls, particularly from the western world, to shut down live animal markets. But despite their valid fears, it will not be a sustainable solution. Wet markets are a part of the culinary culture of the east. The tradition is to eat fresh food, not frozen, bought from a vendor you trust, not a faceless corporation who has packaged and neatly labelled your meat. Australia’s Prime Minister is ‘totally puzzled’ by this phenomenon, which is but a way of life for us. Millions of traders, hawkers, butchers and vendors in India make their living through markets like these. The size of our meat, poultry and fish business is well over billions of dollars. Over 70 per cent of our country is non-vegetarian, and although poultry is most consumed, we also eat porcupine, deer, frogs, boar, worms, rabbits, snakes, snails, quails, tortoise, bison and dogs. Wet markets are cheaper, more personal and no doubt they are fresher. Yes, rules are flouted, exotic animals sold, livestock stacked mercilessly and entrails, faecus, blood and feather clot the drains. Most of the meat we consume is farmed, where animals are reared, pumped with antibiotics and bred solely to be consumed. All of that ideally should change. But a total ban is unfair. It doesn’t solve the problem. There is a risk of infection every time we encroach on forests to build settlements. Animals are slaughtered not just in the markets, but for religious ceremonies. They are killed for food and medicine. A ban will only lead to a thriving black market, where controls will be even tougher. Food is essential for life. So much of our culture, memories, habits and customs are associated with food. There is enough historical evidence to show that we ate a vast variety of meats even thousands of years ago. The Vedas listed around fifty animals that were suitable for sacrifice, and hence could be consumed. This diversity is our culinary heritage. What we eat, how we source it, cook it and eat it, defines our choices and who we are. Traditional markets are under the scanner for the right reasons, but banning them is not a solution. Even contemplating such a move, is inherently unfair. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

Local markets are a way of life

One of the fondest memories of my childhood were the early morning inter-school cricket matches at Mumbai's iconic Cross Maidan. This venue was special for me as a budding cricketer because the square boundaries were short on either side and it was a batsman's paradise. It would generally mean that if the wicket was good, any team batting first would pile on the runs. But piling on all those runs meant that one would need to fill up the old gas tank to its capacity. In maidan cricket lingo, the gas tank would refer to one’s tummy. Fortunately, the Khau Galli, Mumbai's very own eat street, was right next to the ground. 
 
I distinctly remember this old man who would place a humble wooden table and sell nothing but soft buns sandwiched with fresh butter and jam. As I passed the entrance of the maidan, where he would usually set up his stall, a smile from him was like an entry ticket on the field, without which my day would be incomplete. His routine while setting up his bun maska stall, was much like a batsman prepping himself mentally to go out in the middle to fend off a spell of hostile fast bowling. A tall lanky figure, he would walk briskly with a spring in his step, which hid his age, otherwise clearly visible in the wrinkles on his face. He would take out his foldable wooden stool, which looked like it would give away any moment. But perhaps it had carried the weight of this man’s life and livelihood for a long time. Then he would reach into his huge cloth bag, and out came the freshly baked buns! 
 
<img alt="BUn Maska" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c87759d9-6059-424d-89c4-05057fcd6866" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mumbai1.jpg" />

At times, the batsman batting nearest to his stall would get distracted at the aroma of the freshly baked bread, which mingled well with the moist maidan essence. And then like a skillful batsman negotiating a battery of pace bowling, the man would use his butter knife with precision, to create a work of culinary art – perfectly sliced buns with the right amount of Amul butter and some jam. Not too little, not too much! For only five rupees, any batsman eating the bun maska, could lead the charge against the opposition till the lunch break.

The bun maska, though humble, is a culinary icon which is an integral part of the old city's food culture. A piping hot cutting chai and a bun maska to start the day is a routine without which many Mumbaikars would have a restless day, almost as if something was missing. One can easily find small tables set up outside most Mumbai railway stations selling the bun maska for a humble sum. But none of these have the character and grace of the bun maska that you get at the city's traditional Irani cafes. The aroma of freshly baked buns with melting butter and the Irani chai was enough is enough to kick start the day on an optimistic note. A good Irani chai can actually make your worries disappear and an unassumingly sumptuous bun maska with it is just the push one needs to get the day going.

Mumbai's romance with Irani cafes goes back to the 19th century when Zoroastrian immigrants from Central Asia opened up bakeries and cafes, marking the start of a never-ending romance with Mumbaikars. There were around 200 notable Irani cafes across Mumbai in the 50s, and now only a handful remain. Breathing their last, these colonial joints known for their unique bun maska, kheema pav, mutton samosas, pastries and other mouth-watering delicacies were the talk of the town. One such Irani joint was Grant Road's B Merwan &amp; Sons. Their mawa cakes are to die for. I remember my father getting up as early as six in the morning during summer vacations to make sure that he got to the bakery all the way from Kandivli so that he could manage to get me fresh cakes by the time I was up. 
 
<img alt="Cafe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1b641f7-198a-4375-bdbf-7c8441f09b48" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mumbai3.jpg" /> 
 
The term 'to sell like hot cakes' would perhaps have started from the Merwan bakery because those cakes with their soft spongy interior and christmasy cardamom after taste would sell out by nine. One can still grab a chai and mawa cake or a mutton puff at the bakery, but the glory days have been over for a long time. The hustle and bustle of the 20th century that gave these Irani joints its identity is long lost in today's coffee shop culture. Simplicity, perhaps, has no takers. I still pass the bakery whenever I am in the old city and one glimpse of it's crumbling pre-independence architecture still woos me. The Victorian-style carvings at the entrance, the century-old wooden gates are still a tease. The typical 60s advertising with posters on the bakery's exterior and the large font announcing the menu are all there, but it's not the same anymore. Something seems a miss

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .&nbsp;

One of the fondest memories of my childhood were the early morning inter-school cricket matches at Mumbai's iconic Cross Maidan. This venue was special for me as a budding cricketer because the square boundaries were short on either side and it was a batsman's paradise.

One of the fondest memories of my childhood were the early morning inter-school cricket matches at Mumbai's iconic Cross Maidan. This venue was special for me as a budding cricketer because the square boundaries were short on either side and it was a batsman's paradise. It would generally mean that if the wicket was good, any team batting first would pile on the runs. But piling on all those runs meant that one would need to fill up the old gas tank to its capacity. In maidan cricket lingo, the gas tank would refer to one’s tummy. Fortunately, the Khau Galli, Mumbai's very own eat street, was right next to the ground. I distinctly remember this old man who would place a humble wooden table and sell nothing but soft buns sandwiched with fresh butter and jam. As I passed the entrance of the maidan, where he would usually set up his stall, a smile from him was like an entry ticket on the field, without which my day would be incomplete. His routine while setting up his bun maska stall, was much like a batsman prepping himself mentally to go out in the middle to fend off a spell of hostile fast bowling. A tall lanky figure, he would walk briskly with a spring in his step, which hid his age, otherwise clearly visible in the wrinkles on his face. He would take out his foldable wooden stool, which looked like it would give away any moment. But perhaps it had carried the weight of this man’s life and livelihood for a long time. Then he would reach into his huge cloth bag, and out came the freshly baked buns! At times, the batsman batting nearest to his stall would get distracted at the aroma of the freshly baked bread, which mingled well with the moist maidan essence. And then like a skillful batsman negotiating a battery of pace bowling, the man would use his butter knife with precision, to create a work of culinary art – perfectly sliced buns with the right amount of Amul butter and some jam. Not too little, not too much! For only five rupees, any batsman eating the bun maska, could lead the charge against the opposition till the lunch break. The bun maska, though humble, is a culinary icon which is an integral part of the old city's food culture. A piping hot cutting chai and a bun maska to start the day is a routine without which many Mumbaikars would have a restless day, almost as if something was missing. One can easily find small tables set up outside most Mumbai railway stations selling the bun maska for a humble sum. But none of these have the character and grace of the bun maska that you get at the city's traditional Irani cafes. The aroma of freshly baked buns with melting butter and the Irani chai was enough is enough to kick start the day on an optimistic note. A good Irani chai can actually make your worries disappear and an unassumingly sumptuous bun maska with it is just the push one needs to get the day going. Mumbai's romance with Irani cafes goes back to the 19th century when Zoroastrian immigrants from Central Asia opened up bakeries and cafes, marking the start of a never-ending romance with Mumbaikars. There were around 200 notable Irani cafes across Mumbai in the 50s, and now only a handful remain. Breathing their last, these colonial joints known for their unique bun maska, kheema pav, mutton samosas, pastries and other mouth-watering delicacies were the talk of the town. One such Irani joint was Grant Road's B Merwan & Sons. Their mawa cakes are to die for. I remember my father getting up as early as six in the morning during summer vacations to make sure that he got to the bakery all the way from Kandivli so that he could manage to get me fresh cakes by the time I was up. The term 'to sell like hot cakes' would perhaps have started from the Merwan bakery because those cakes with their soft spongy interior and christmasy cardamom after taste would sell out by nine. One can still grab a chai and mawa cake or a mutton puff at the bakery, but the glory days have been over for a long time. The hustle and bustle of the 20th century that gave these Irani joints its identity is long lost in today's coffee shop culture. Simplicity, perhaps, has no takers. I still pass the bakery whenever I am in the old city and one glimpse of it's crumbling pre-independence architecture still woos me. The Victorian-style carvings at the entrance, the century-old wooden gates are still a tease. The typical 60s advertising with posters on the bakery's exterior and the large font announcing the menu are all there, but it's not the same anymore. Something seems a miss (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

Mumbai's romance with Irani cafes and bun maska is fading away

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not very happy with the central government's decision of sending 36 trains to the state without consulting her first.

As 36 trains were sent to West Bengal from Mumbai by the central government, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the decision was taken without her knowledge.

She also said that the functioning would have been smoother and better if the plans would have been discussed with her in advance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-asks-railways-not-to-send-shramik-special-trains-to-state-till-may-26-300555">Also read:&nbsp;West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26</a>

"Without concerning us 36 trains are coming from Mumbai... I spoke to the Maharashtra Government, they said they were informed at 2 am on the night before. If the Central Government had planned with us, if the Railway Ministry had consulted us then it would have been better. We are hearing reports of 2-3 people sharing one seat in trains and not following social distancing," she said in a review meeting through video conference with all District Magistrate (DMs) and Superintendent of Police (SP) over cyclone Amphan.

"By today (Wednesday) night 11 trains are coming to West Bengal...tomorrow 17 trains will be arriving, they are trying to disturb the state and spoil it politically. I told Amit Shah that had sent teams (Inter-Ministerial Central Teams) to West Bengal, if you think West Bengal can't manage on its own then you come and handle. Amit Shah had then said--chune huye Sarkar ko hum kaise tod sakte hai (How can we disturb the government which has been elected). I thank him for saying this."

Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and handle the situation, she said, "I appeal to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to take care of the situation. I want PM to intervene, this is no time for politics. There is a spike in cases in Bihar and other BJP ruled states. This is one country. The virus has to be stopped from spreading.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not very happy with the central government's decision of sending 36 trains to the state without consulting her first.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is not very happy with the central government's decision of sending 36 trains to the state without consulting her first. As 36 trains were sent to West Bengal from Mumbai by the central government, Mamata Banerjee claimed that the decision was taken without her knowledge. She also said that the functioning would have been smoother and better if the plans would have been discussed with her in advance. Also read: West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26 "Without concerning us 36 trains are coming from Mumbai... I spoke to the Maharashtra Government, they said they were informed at 2 am on the night before. If the Central Government had planned with us, if the Railway Ministry had consulted us then it would have been better. We are hearing reports of 2-3 people sharing one seat in trains and not following social distancing," she said in a review meeting through video conference with all District Magistrate (DMs) and Superintendent of Police (SP) over cyclone Amphan. "By today (Wednesday) night 11 trains are coming to West Bengal...tomorrow 17 trains will be arriving, they are trying to disturb the state and spoil it politically. I told Amit Shah that had sent teams (Inter-Ministerial Central Teams) to West Bengal, if you think West Bengal can't manage on its own then you come and handle. Amit Shah had then said--chune huye Sarkar ko hum kaise tod sakte hai (How can we disturb the government which has been elected). I thank him for saying this." Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and handle the situation, she said, "I appeal to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to take care of the situation. I want PM to intervene, this is no time for politics. There is a spike in cases in Bihar and other BJP ruled states. This is one country. The virus has to be stopped from spreading.

Mamata Banerjee slams central government for sending 36 trains without consulting

Fire broke out in the late hours of Wednesday night in Fortune Hotel of Mumbai. The fire was confined to the first three floors of the hotel, officials reported.&nbsp;

The fire started around 11 pm and the fire department was able to bring the fire under control after nearly three hours, around 1:40 am.

Fire was contained in the electric wiring and cables in the electrical duct, false ceiling in the lobby and the common passages on the first three floors. The cooling operation is underway.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/75-maharashtra-police-personnel-affected-with-virus-cases-rise-to-over-1900-301314">Also read: 75 Maharashtra Police personnel affected with virus, cases rise to over 1,900</a>

The five-storey hotel was being used as a temporary accommodation for emergency and essential service staffers, including doctors and nurses.

Twenty four doctors and three others were rescued after the fire broke out. NO casualties have been reported yet.&nbsp;

More details are awaited.

Fire broke out in the late hours of Wednesday night in Fortune Hotel of Mumbai. The fire was confined to the first three floors of the hotel, officials reported.

Fire broke out in the late hours of Wednesday night in Fortune Hotel of Mumbai. The fire was confined to the first three floors of the hotel, officials reported. The fire started around 11 pm and the fire department was able to bring the fire under control after nearly three hours, around 1:40 am. Fire was contained in the electric wiring and cables in the electrical duct, false ceiling in the lobby and the common passages on the first three floors. The cooling operation is underway. Also read: 75 Maharashtra Police personnel affected with virus, cases rise to over 1,900 The five-storey hotel was being used as a temporary accommodation for emergency and essential service staffers, including doctors and nurses. Twenty four doctors and three others were rescued after the fire broke out. NO casualties have been reported yet. More details are awaited.

Mumbai: Fire breaks out in a hotel; 24 doctors rescued

Amid coronavirus lockdown, paranoia is working overtime for a lot of us. Stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das just got a taste of it when his neighbour heckled him and sneezed at him for not wearing a mask. 
 
Vir shared a video of the man, who can be seen screaming at Das for not wearing a mask. Das was standing at the doorstep of his own house and waiting to give his friend cooked food. The friend, Das states, lives three blocks away from him. But his neighbour, a senior citizen shouted at him for allegedly flouting social distance norms. 
 
The actor-comedian, who recorded the incident, issued a statement on the matter on his Twitter late Sunday night. In the video, posted by Vir, one can see an elderly man shouting relentlessly and threatening actor for allegedly breaking the social distancing rules. 
 
At one point, the man also appears to sneeze at Vir, even as the latter continues to request him to maintain social distancing of six feet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Lockdown Neighbour. I was giving my friend Kavi who lives three houses down from me some dinner. We were waiting for it to get cooked 15 feet away from each-other. Me on my doorstep, him out. This happened. 🤦🏻‍♀️ <a href="https://t.co/YKgErSxqBC">pic.twitter.com/YKgErSxqBC</a>
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) <a href="https://twitter.com/thevirdas/status/1264612718247641088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Detailing the incident, Vir wrote, "This is one crazy evening. I live on the ground floor. We've got a little sit out. At 10pm, a neighbour came by, because we had cooked dinner for them too. We do that with them and also some of the others within the complex. We gave him a chair fifteen feet away, FULLY socially distanced. My neighbour had a can of coke from his house, a mask on, which he had pulled down to have a smoke. I was on the outdoor sit out area of my house, neighbour was in the complex, fully socially distanced. Five minutes later, this happens. 
 
"This man is not my landlord, he lives on the first floor of the annexe building. He is upset because my landlord inherited the house I live in and he didn't. This man does not own my doorstep, my sit-out, or my house. I'm not sure if an old man threatening to assault me, or sneezing on me, or asking his dead parent to haunt me qualifies as harassment. But this is a little ridiculous. And before this turns into him going to the media, as he has done before, and I've sat through it quietly...I'm not normally one for drama I'm sorry but this crossed the line. How's your lockdown going?"

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Detailed Statement. <a href="https://t.co/k9hWTW99JZ">pic.twitter.com/k9hWTW99JZ</a>
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We weren't having dinner. Just FYI. We made a parcel for kavi to take home. Was waiting for it and having a smoke fifteen feet away from eachother on a chair we pre set for him. I'm not sure why I'm continuing to explain why a dude sneezed at me...but anyway 🙂 Done.
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) <a href="https://twitter.com/thevirdas/status/1264772230589939712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Several of Vir's celebrity friends including Kubbra Sait, Sayani Gupta and Shruti Seth lauded the comedian for keeping his composure throughout the argument.

Amid coronavirus lockdown, paranoia is working overtime for a lot of us. Stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das just got a taste of it when his neighbour heckled him and sneezed at him for not wearing a mask.

Amid coronavirus lockdown, paranoia is working overtime for a lot of us. Stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das just got a taste of it when his neighbour heckled him and sneezed at him for not wearing a mask. Vir shared a video of the man, who can be seen screaming at Das for not wearing a mask. Das was standing at the doorstep of his own house and waiting to give his friend cooked food. The friend, Das states, lives three blocks away from him. But his neighbour, a senior citizen shouted at him for allegedly flouting social distance norms. The actor-comedian, who recorded the incident, issued a statement on the matter on his Twitter late Sunday night. In the video, posted by Vir, one can see an elderly man shouting relentlessly and threatening actor for allegedly breaking the social distancing rules. At one point, the man also appears to sneeze at Vir, even as the latter continues to request him to maintain social distancing of six feet. Lockdown Neighbour. I was giving my friend Kavi who lives three houses down from me some dinner. We were waiting for it to get cooked 15 feet away from each-other. Me on my doorstep, him out. This happened. 🤦🏻‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/YKgErSxqBC — Vir Das (@thevirdas) May 24, 2020 × Detailing the incident, Vir wrote, "This is one crazy evening. I live on the ground floor. We've got a little sit out. At 10pm, a neighbour came by, because we had cooked dinner for them too. We do that with them and also some of the others within the complex. We gave him a chair fifteen feet away, FULLY socially distanced. My neighbour had a can of coke from his house, a mask on, which he had pulled down to have a smoke. I was on the outdoor sit out area of my house, neighbour was in the complex, fully socially distanced. Five minutes later, this happens. "This man is not my landlord, he lives on the first floor of the annexe building. He is upset because my landlord inherited the house I live in and he didn't. This man does not own my doorstep, my sit-out, or my house. I'm not sure if an old man threatening to assault me, or sneezing on me, or asking his dead parent to haunt me qualifies as harassment. But this is a little ridiculous. And before this turns into him going to the media, as he has done before, and I've sat through it quietly...I'm not normally one for drama I'm sorry but this crossed the line. How's your lockdown going?" Detailed Statement. pic.twitter.com/k9hWTW99JZ — Vir Das (@thevirdas) May 24, 2020 × We weren't having dinner. Just FYI. We made a parcel for kavi to take home. Was waiting for it and having a smoke fifteen feet away from eachother on a chair we pre set for him. I'm not sure why I'm continuing to explain why a dude sneezed at me...but anyway 🙂 Done. — Vir Das (@thevirdas) May 25, 2020 × Several of Vir's celebrity friends including Kubbra Sait, Sayani Gupta and Shruti Seth lauded the comedian for keeping his composure throughout the argument.

Vir Das' neighbour shouts and sneezes at him for not wearing mask, comedian shares video on social media

Maharashtra on Tuesday recorded 53 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total death toll to 921, while the total number of cases increased to 24,427, a jump of 1,026 new cases.

Of the total deaths, 28 -- the highest till date -- were recorded in Mumbai, taking the city's toll to 556, while the number of coronavirus cases in the city shot up by 426 to 14,947 on Tuesday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

Dharavi slum alone continued to be a major hotspot in Mumbai, notching 46 new cases, taking the total number of patients to 962, besides recording 31 deaths till now.

In its daily update, the Union health ministry said the death toll rose to 2,293 and the positive cases climbed to 70,756, registering an increase of 87 deaths and 3,604 cases in the last 24 hours till Tuesday 8 AM.

However, a PTI tally of numbers announced by different states and UTs put the total number of confirmed cases much higher at 74,029 and the death toll at 2,338, as of 9 PM.

DELHI 
With 406 fresh instances, the total number of coronavirus cases reached 7,639 while the death toll has risen to 86.

TAMIL NADU 
Eight people with co-morbid conditions died of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu and as many as 716 fresh coronavirus cases were reported, pushing the tally to 8,718 in the state, authorities said on Tuesday.

TELANGANA 
Two deaths and 51 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported in Telangana on Tuesday, taking the number of infections in the state to 1,326. The deaths pushed the toll due to the coronavirus to 32, a COVID-19 bulletin issued by the state government said.

UTTAR PRADESH 
Two more people died of coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday as the number of people testing positive for the infection rose to 3,664 due to 91 fresh cases, an official release said. So far, the infection has claimed 82 lives in the state.

GUJARAT 
Gujarat reported 362 new COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths, including 21 in worst-hit Ahmedabad.

WEST BENGAL 
West Bengal, officials said at least eight people have died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, raising the death toll in the state to 126, while over 100 more people tested positive for the deadly virus.

KERALA 
Kerala, which had stopped seeing fresh cases till a few days back, saw five new cases as the flow of Keralites returning home from other countries and states continued.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a fourth stage of lockdown, saying its contours will be completely different from those seen yet. On the basis of recommendations received from states, new rules will be framed, and information about the same will be conveyed before May 18, he said.

PM Modi had first announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown on March 24 during his first address to the nation on COVID-19. This was later extended till May 3 and then further till May 18 with some relaxations in the third phase, especially in areas with nil or less cases.

While the cases have continued to rise during the lockdown period, government officials have been saying that the tally could have been much higher but for the containment measures and a targetted testing strategy.

Maharashtra on Tuesday recorded 53 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total death toll to 921, while the total number of cases increased to 24,427, a jump of 1,026 new cases.

Maharashtra on Tuesday recorded 53 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total death toll to 921, while the total number of cases increased to 24,427, a jump of 1,026 new cases. Of the total deaths, 28 -- the highest till date -- were recorded in Mumbai, taking the city's toll to 556, while the number of coronavirus cases in the city shot up by 426 to 14,947 on Tuesday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. Dharavi slum alone continued to be a major hotspot in Mumbai, notching 46 new cases, taking the total number of patients to 962, besides recording 31 deaths till now. In its daily update, the Union health ministry said the death toll rose to 2,293 and the positive cases climbed to 70,756, registering an increase of 87 deaths and 3,604 cases in the last 24 hours till Tuesday 8 AM. However, a PTI tally of numbers announced by different states and UTs put the total number of confirmed cases much higher at 74,029 and the death toll at 2,338, as of 9 PM. DELHI With 406 fresh instances, the total number of coronavirus cases reached 7,639 while the death toll has risen to 86. TAMIL NADU Eight people with co-morbid conditions died of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu and as many as 716 fresh coronavirus cases were reported, pushing the tally to 8,718 in the state, authorities said on Tuesday. TELANGANA Two deaths and 51 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported in Telangana on Tuesday, taking the number of infections in the state to 1,326. The deaths pushed the toll due to the coronavirus to 32, a COVID-19 bulletin issued by the state government said. UTTAR PRADESH Two more people died of coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday as the number of people testing positive for the infection rose to 3,664 due to 91 fresh cases, an official release said. So far, the infection has claimed 82 lives in the state. GUJARAT Gujarat reported 362 new COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths, including 21 in worst-hit Ahmedabad. WEST BENGAL West Bengal, officials said at least eight people have died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, raising the death toll in the state to 126, while over 100 more people tested positive for the deadly virus. KERALA Kerala, which had stopped seeing fresh cases till a few days back, saw five new cases as the flow of Keralites returning home from other countries and states continued. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a fourth stage of lockdown, saying its contours will be completely different from those seen yet. On the basis of recommendations received from states, new rules will be framed, and information about the same will be conveyed before May 18, he said. PM Modi had first announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown on March 24 during his first address to the nation on COVID-19. This was later extended till May 3 and then further till May 18 with some relaxations in the third phase, especially in areas with nil or less cases. While the cases have continued to rise during the lockdown period, government officials have been saying that the tally could have been much higher but for the containment measures and a targetted testing strategy.

India's coronavirus tally: Mumbai's Dharavi continues to be a major hotspot

Bollywood starlet Poonam Pandey has landed herself in controversy yet again. The model-actress was booked on Sunday for violating lockdown norms. 
 
An FIR was registered against Pandey and a person accompanying her by the Marine Drive Police. 
 
She was found roaming in her high-end car at Marine Drive without any reason, the police stated to a news agency. 
 
"A case has been registered against Pandey and Sam Ahmad Bombay (46) under sections 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 188 (Disobedience of order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under provisions of the National Disaster Act," senior police inspector Mrityunjay Hiremath said. 
 
Her car has reportedly been seized by the police.

Bollywood starlet Poonam Pandey has landed herself in controversy yet again. The model-actress was booked on Sunday for violating lockdown norms. An FIR was registered against Pandey and a person accompanying her by the Marine Drive Police.

Bollywood starlet Poonam Pandey has landed herself in controversy yet again. The model-actress was booked on Sunday for violating lockdown norms. An FIR was registered against Pandey and a person accompanying her by the Marine Drive Police. She was found roaming in her high-end car at Marine Drive without any reason, the police stated to a news agency. "A case has been registered against Pandey and Sam Ahmad Bombay (46) under sections 269 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 188 (Disobedience of order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under provisions of the National Disaster Act," senior police inspector Mrityunjay Hiremath said. Her car has reportedly been seized by the police.

Bollywood starlet booked by Mumbai police for violating lockdown rules

The Mumbai city in India has become the biggest hotspot of coronavirus cases in the country. Mumbai alone has 5,500 COVID-19 cases. Watch report.

Is Mumbai India's New York: 27% COVID-19 cases in Mumbai

A 52-year-old head constable of Mumbai Police, who was battling coronavirus for past few days, has passed away.

"Mumbai Police regrets to inform you of the sad demise of Head Constable Sandip Surve, aged 52. Shri. Surve had been fighting Coronavirus for the past few days," said Mumbai Police in a tweet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-complaints-of-faulty-kits-by-several-nations-china-confiscates-89-million-face-masks-294838">Also read:&nbsp;Amid complaints of faulty kits by several nations, China confiscates 89 million face masks</a>

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones," it added.

Mumbai had on Saturday confirmed 281 new positive cases and 12 deaths, taking the total number of people infected with coronavirus in the city to 4,870, the state health officials had said.&nbsp;

A 52-year-old head constable of Mumbai Police, who was battling coronavirus for past few days, has passed away. "Mumbai Police regrets to inform you of the sad demise of Head Constable Sandip Surve, aged 52.

A 52-year-old head constable of Mumbai Police, who was battling coronavirus for past few days, has passed away. "Mumbai Police regrets to inform you of the sad demise of Head Constable Sandip Surve, aged 52. Shri. Surve had been fighting Coronavirus for the past few days," said Mumbai Police in a tweet. Also read: Amid complaints of faulty kits by several nations, China confiscates 89 million face masks "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones," it added. Mumbai had on Saturday confirmed 281 new positive cases and 12 deaths, taking the total number of people infected with coronavirus in the city to 4,870, the state health officials had said.

Mumbai Police head constable succumbs to coronavirus

Indian state of Maharashtra has become epicentre of coronavirus in the country. The biggest challenge is to contain COVID-19 in Asia's largest slum Dharavi.

Drones being used for surveillance in Asia's largest slum Dharavi

'Mission Dharavi': Virus battleground in India's biggest slum

Following the footsteps of Shah Rukh Khan and Sonu Sood, Bollywood actress Ayesha Takia and her husband Farhan Azmi have offered their Mumbai hotel to Brihanmumbai Municipality Corporation (BMC) to convert it into a quarantine facility amid an outbreak of coronavirus pandemic. 
 
Speaking to a website, Farhan confirmed the news and said, "Yes, we have given our Gulf Hotel for quarantine to the BMC. We are together during this time of crisis. We have handed over our hotel to BMC and the Mumbai Police as the quarantine centre. Ours is a small hotel. And we hope that in future, the government should support small businesses too.”

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B80oxqSHNg-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Happiest birthday to my darling @abufarhanazmi 🖤</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ayeshatakia/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Ayesha Takia Azmi</a> (@ayeshatakia) on <time datetime="2020-02-21T08:36:42+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 21, 2020 at 12:36am PST</time>
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The couple is not the first Bollywood celebrity to have offered their property to BMC in these difficult times. 
 
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and wife Gauri offered their four storey <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shah-rukh-khan-gauri-offer-mumbai-office-for-quarantine-facility-290604">office space to BMC a few weeks back. </a>This was among the various initiatives the actor has taken to help the country during the crisis. 
BMC took to social media to thank Shah Rukh and Gauri for the help. 
 
SRK's co-star from 'Happy New Year', Sonu Sood also offered his hotel in the city for the healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and the paramedical staff, as accommodation while they battle the coronavirus pandemic.

The actor said it’s important for everyone to stand strongly with the medical staff across the country, who are the “real heroes” of the fight against Covid-19. 
 
Many other Bollywood stars including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan have made donations to various relief funds to battle COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the footsteps of Shah Rukh Khan and Sonu Sood, Bollywood actress Ayesha Takia and her husband Farhan Azmi have offered their Mumbai hotel to Brihanmumbai Municipality Corporation (BMC) to convert it into a quarantine facility amid an outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

Following the footsteps of Shah Rukh Khan and Sonu Sood, Bollywood actress Ayesha Takia and her husband Farhan Azmi have offered their Mumbai hotel to Brihanmumbai Municipality Corporation (BMC) to convert it into a quarantine facility amid an outbreak of coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to a website, Farhan confirmed the news and said, "Yes, we have given our Gulf Hotel for quarantine to the BMC. We are together during this time of crisis. We have handed over our hotel to BMC and the Mumbai Police as the quarantine centre. Ours is a small hotel. And we hope that in future, the government should support small businesses too.” View this post on Instagram Happiest birthday to my darling @abufarhanazmi 🖤 A post shared by Ayesha Takia Azmi (@ayeshatakia) on Feb 21, 2020 at 12:36am PST × The couple is not the first Bollywood celebrity to have offered their property to BMC in these difficult times. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and wife Gauri offered their four storey office space to BMC a few weeks back. This was among the various initiatives the actor has taken to help the country during the crisis. BMC took to social media to thank Shah Rukh and Gauri for the help. SRK's co-star from 'Happy New Year', Sonu Sood also offered his hotel in the city for the healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and the paramedical staff, as accommodation while they battle the coronavirus pandemic. The actor said it’s important for everyone to stand strongly with the medical staff across the country, who are the “real heroes” of the fight against Covid-19. Many other Bollywood stars including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Aamir Khan have made donations to various relief funds to battle COVID-19 pandemic.

Ayesha Takia and husband Farhan Azmi offer their Mumbai hotel to BMC as a quarantine facility

The number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra on Monday crossed the 2000-mark, with 352 more people, including 242 from Mumbai, testing positive for the novel coronavirus infection, a Health department official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-at-10-am-today-292346" hreflang="en">Live: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address nation at 10 AM today</a>

While the number of total cases has gone up to 2334, the COVID-19 death toll increased to 160 with 11 more people succumbing to the infection on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/controversy-erupts-over-food-distribution-in-tamil-nadu-amid-lockdown-292315" hreflang="en">Controversy erupts over food distribution in Tamil Nadu amid lockdown</a>

Notably, Maharashtra had crossed the 1000-mark of COVID-19 cases on April 7.

The country's financial capital now alone accounts for 1540 COVID-19 cases and 101 deaths, he said.

Across the state, a total of 229 people have so far been discharged from hospitals after recovering from the viral infection.

The 11 fresh deaths were reported from the worst-hit Mumbai (9) while one death each was reported from Mira-Bhayandar region near Mumbai and Pimpri Chinchwad near Pune, the official said.

Among the 11 deceased, eight patients were suffering from diabetes, Asthma and heart disease, he added.

In neighbouring Thane circle, which consists of Thane city as well as several municipal corporations in Thane and Palghar districts, the total number of COVID-19 cases is 1790 with 116 deaths, the official said.

In Nashik circle in north Maharashtra which covers districts like Nashik, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalgaon and Nandurbar and all civic bodies, the number of patients who have contracted coronavirus infection stood at 64 with four deaths.

Notably, 29 of the total 64 cases from the Nashik circle are reported from the Malegaon municipal corporation, where two people have succumbed to the infection, the official said.

The Pune circle comprising Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad area, and Satara and Solapur districts has 315 COPVID-19 cases with 34 deaths.

In Kolhapur circle in western Maharashtra, the number of coronavirus positive cases stood at 38 with one fatality, the official added.

The Aurangabad circle in Marathwada region has reported 25 cases and one death so far, while the tally for Latur is 13 cases, but no death.

In Akola circle in east Maharashtra, a total of 40 COVID-19 cases have been found with two deaths, he said, adding that Nagpur has reported 40 cases and one death so far.

A total of nine patients from other states are being treated in Maharashtra for the virus infection while one person has died, the official said.

"Of the total 43,199 laboratory samples in Maharashtra, 39,089 samples have tested negative and 2334 positive," the official said.

Out of the 755 members of Tablighi Jamaat from Maharashtra who had attended the religious event in Delhi last month, 50 have tested positive from various cities, the official added.

Moreover, six contacts of these people have also been found to have contracted the infection in Ahmednagar and one in Pimpri-Chinchwad, he said.

"As per the guidance from the Centre, a cluster containment action plan is being implemented in places where groups of patients have been found in the state," he said, adding that a total of 4223 surveillance squads have been deployed across the state and 15.93 lakh people have been surveyed.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra on Monday crossed the 2000-mark, with 352 more people, including 242 from Mumbai, testing positive for the novel coronavirus infection, a Health department official said.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra on Monday crossed the 2000-mark, with 352 more people, including 242 from Mumbai, testing positive for the novel coronavirus infection, a Health department official said. Also read: Live: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address nation at 10 AM today While the number of total cases has gone up to 2334, the COVID-19 death toll increased to 160 with 11 more people succumbing to the infection on Monday. Also read: Controversy erupts over food distribution in Tamil Nadu amid lockdown Notably, Maharashtra had crossed the 1000-mark of COVID-19 cases on April 7. The country's financial capital now alone accounts for 1540 COVID-19 cases and 101 deaths, he said. Across the state, a total of 229 people have so far been discharged from hospitals after recovering from the viral infection. The 11 fresh deaths were reported from the worst-hit Mumbai (9) while one death each was reported from Mira-Bhayandar region near Mumbai and Pimpri Chinchwad near Pune, the official said. Among the 11 deceased, eight patients were suffering from diabetes, Asthma and heart disease, he added. In neighbouring Thane circle, which consists of Thane city as well as several municipal corporations in Thane and Palghar districts, the total number of COVID-19 cases is 1790 with 116 deaths, the official said. In Nashik circle in north Maharashtra which covers districts like Nashik, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalgaon and Nandurbar and all civic bodies, the number of patients who have contracted coronavirus infection stood at 64 with four deaths. Notably, 29 of the total 64 cases from the Nashik circle are reported from the Malegaon municipal corporation, where two people have succumbed to the infection, the official said. The Pune circle comprising Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad area, and Satara and Solapur districts has 315 COPVID-19 cases with 34 deaths. In Kolhapur circle in western Maharashtra, the number of coronavirus positive cases stood at 38 with one fatality, the official added. The Aurangabad circle in Marathwada region has reported 25 cases and one death so far, while the tally for Latur is 13 cases, but no death. In Akola circle in east Maharashtra, a total of 40 COVID-19 cases have been found with two deaths, he said, adding that Nagpur has reported 40 cases and one death so far. A total of nine patients from other states are being treated in Maharashtra for the virus infection while one person has died, the official said. "Of the total 43,199 laboratory samples in Maharashtra, 39,089 samples have tested negative and 2334 positive," the official said. Out of the 755 members of Tablighi Jamaat from Maharashtra who had attended the religious event in Delhi last month, 50 have tested positive from various cities, the official added. Moreover, six contacts of these people have also been found to have contracted the infection in Ahmednagar and one in Pimpri-Chinchwad, he said. "As per the guidance from the Centre, a cluster containment action plan is being implemented in places where groups of patients have been found in the state," he said, adding that a total of 4223 surveillance squads have been deployed across the state and 15.93 lakh people have been surveyed.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 tally reaches 2334 with 352 fresh cases; death toll 160

Daily wage workers amid coronavirus lockdown gathered at Bandra station and demanded essential supplies. Watch report.

Massive violation of lockdown in India: Workers demand essential supplies

Mumbai`s Dharavi slum on Sunday reported 6 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the locality to 28, the state health department said.

COVID-19 cases surge in Asia's biggest slum Dharavi

New York to Pune: Coronavirus 'hotspots' across the globe

With 67 new cases on Friday, the infected coronavirus tally in Maharashtra has gone up to 490, health officials said.&nbsp;

Six COVID-19 patients died today in the state that continues to remain the worst-hit state with a big margin.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/42-drop-in-crime-rate-since-march-15-nearly-2000-cases-registered-police-290478">42% drop in crime rate since March 15, nearly 2,000 cases registered: Police</a>

The state's capital city Mumbai recorded 43 cases today with which the infected toll now stands at 278 with 19 deaths.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/53000-dead-over-1-million-infected-with-deadly-coronavirus-globally-290382">53,000 dead, over 1 million infected with deadly coronavirus globally</a>

At least 50 people have also been treated and discharged in Maharastra, the state's health department said.&nbsp;

Out of the six new deaths, two were reported from Mumbai, and one each from Vasai-Virar, Badlapur in Thane, Jalgaon, and Pune.&nbsp;

Earlier today, Maharashtra government announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the next of any police officer who may die while discharging his duty during the lockdown and coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

In India, coronavirus cases continue to rise at an increasing level with the number of positive cases standing at 2,547 and death toll at 62.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)

With 67 new cases on Friday, the infected coronavirus tally in Maharashtra has gone up to 490, health officials said. Six COVID-19 patients died today in the state that continues to remain the worst-hit state with a big margin.

With 67 new cases on Friday, the infected coronavirus tally in Maharashtra has gone up to 490, health officials said. Six COVID-19 patients died today in the state that continues to remain the worst-hit state with a big margin. Also read | 42% drop in crime rate since March 15, nearly 2,000 cases registered: Police The state's capital city Mumbai recorded 43 cases today with which the infected toll now stands at 278 with 19 deaths. Also read | 53,000 dead, over 1 million infected with deadly coronavirus globally At least 50 people have also been treated and discharged in Maharastra, the state's health department said. Out of the six new deaths, two were reported from Mumbai, and one each from Vasai-Virar, Badlapur in Thane, Jalgaon, and Pune. Earlier today, Maharashtra government announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the next of any police officer who may die while discharging his duty during the lockdown and coronavirus outbreak. In India, coronavirus cases continue to rise at an increasing level with the number of positive cases standing at 2,547 and death toll at 62. (With inputs from ANI, PTI)

Coronavirus: Infected toll in Maharashtra nears 500, over 250 in Mumbai

In the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown, the Centre has come up with a Rs 1.70 lakh crore relief package for the daily wage earners, women workers, and migrant workers as the country remains in a 21-day lockdown period.

Coronavirus Lockdown: India’s FM says 'No one will go hungry'

The outbreak of coronavirus has led to shutting down of several production houses temporarily. Shoots of TV series, films and web series have also been called off for some time in India. Owing to the shutdown, a&nbsp;lot of workers who&nbsp;are daily wage earners on film sets&nbsp;have&nbsp;gotten effected.&nbsp; 
 
On Tuesday, Producers Guild of India (GUILD) announced to establish a relief fund for these daily-wage workers involved in the entertainment industry whose livelihoods have been hit by COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The press release which was tweeted by film critic and analyst Taran Adarsh declared that the PGI "would set up a Relief Fund for daily wage earners impacted by the complete shutdown of film, television and OTT productions owing to the COVID-19 epidemic."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
IMPORTANT... Producers Guild of India announce Relief Fund for daily wage earners impacted by complete shutdown of film, 
television and OTT productions... OFFICIAL statement... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/UywHCZL3O3">pic.twitter.com/UywHCZL3O3</a>
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1239914736549916672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Siddharth Roy Kapur, president of Producers Guild of India, said that "in light of the complete shutdown of all production-related activity for the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there is bound to be a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of daily wage earners in the industry. Therefore, the Producers Guild has decided to set up a Relief Fund to help support those most affected by the shutdown." 
 
"We would encourage the entire fraternity to contribute to the Fund, to ensure that we can do all we can to minimise the disruption in the lives of our valued colleagues and associates in this difficult time," Kapoor added.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees has also come forward to help those in need of financial assistance in these times.&nbsp; 
 
In a statement issued to the press, the Federation has stated that it would be organizing the distribution of ration and basic materials of daily needs for the needy members of all its affiliates. 
 
The statement which was Tweeted by Adarsh, declared that the distribution will go on for a whole week beginning from Sunday 22nd March 2020.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
IMPORTANT... FWICE to distribute ration and basic material of daily needs to needy members of its affiliates... OFFICIAL statement... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/zBT8IvQ9uI">pic.twitter.com/zBT8IvQ9uI</a>
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1239956489558609920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The organization then went on to notify the beneficiaries that "the distribution will happen in Filmistan Studios Goregaon West on Sunday the 22.03.2020 from 11:00 AM onwards till 5:00 PM."&nbsp;

The outbreak of coronavirus has led to shutting down of several production houses temporarily. Shoots of TV series, films and web series have also been called off for some time in India.

The outbreak of coronavirus has led to shutting down of several production houses temporarily. Shoots of TV series, films and web series have also been called off for some time in India. Owing to the shutdown, a lot of workers who are daily wage earners on film sets have gotten effected. On Tuesday, Producers Guild of India (GUILD) announced to establish a relief fund for these daily-wage workers involved in the entertainment industry whose livelihoods have been hit by COVID-19 pandemic. The press release which was tweeted by film critic and analyst Taran Adarsh declared that the PGI "would set up a Relief Fund for daily wage earners impacted by the complete shutdown of film, television and OTT productions owing to the COVID-19 epidemic." IMPORTANT... Producers Guild of India announce Relief Fund for daily wage earners impacted by complete shutdown of film, television and OTT productions... OFFICIAL statement... #CoronaVirus #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/UywHCZL3O3 — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 17, 2020 × Siddharth Roy Kapur, president of Producers Guild of India, said that "in light of the complete shutdown of all production-related activity for the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there is bound to be a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of daily wage earners in the industry. Therefore, the Producers Guild has decided to set up a Relief Fund to help support those most affected by the shutdown." "We would encourage the entire fraternity to contribute to the Fund, to ensure that we can do all we can to minimise the disruption in the lives of our valued colleagues and associates in this difficult time," Kapoor added. Meanwhile, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees has also come forward to help those in need of financial assistance in these times. In a statement issued to the press, the Federation has stated that it would be organizing the distribution of ration and basic materials of daily needs for the needy members of all its affiliates. The statement which was Tweeted by Adarsh, declared that the distribution will go on for a whole week beginning from Sunday 22nd March 2020. IMPORTANT... FWICE to distribute ration and basic material of daily needs to needy members of its affiliates... OFFICIAL statement... #CoronaVirus #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/zBT8IvQ9uI — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) March 17, 2020 × The organization then went on to notify the beneficiaries that "the distribution will happen in Filmistan Studios Goregaon West on Sunday the 22.03.2020 from 11:00 AM onwards till 5:00 PM."

As film industry shuts down amid COVID-19 scare, Producers guild come forward to help daily wage earners

Health Ministry of India is planning to enhance the capacity for diagnosis and detection of novel coronavirus and has decided to allow accredited private labs to conduct the tests across the country.

India plans to boost Covid-19 testing

A 64-year-old patient died to coronavirus in Mumbai's Kasturba hospital today. It is the third death due to COVID-19 in India. It is the first death due to the virus in Maharashtra.

Third death due to coronavirus in India, 64-year-old dies in Mumbai

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