Mumbai: The residents of Mumbai woke up to a warm sunny morning on Tuesday, 24th February. But the pleasant weather did not last long as smog covered the sky in most parts of the city, posing an issue to early morning commuters.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience mainly clear skies today, with temperatures likely to range between 19°C and 34°C, the same as the previous day, indicating the arrival of the summer months.

The city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 235 on Tuesday, placing it into the ‘unhealthy’ category, as per data from AQI.in. In the last 24 hours, there have been major fluctuations in the AQI, with the lowest recorded AQI of 164 at 1.30 pm the previous day. The AQI has only increased ever since. The sudden spike in pollution levels is concerning, as such fluctuations can have adverse effects on vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens, and those with respiratory ailments.

Several pockets in Mumbai continue to report severe air quality. Kannamwar Nagar Li recorded the highest AQI at 357, placing it in the ‘Severe’ category. Other areas with critically high readings included BS Ambedkar Nagar, Mithchowki, Sarvodaya Nagar, Savitribai Phule Nagar, which recorded AQI levels of 346, 345, 325 and 324, respectively, falling into the ‘severe’ category.

In contrast, a few localities reported relatively better air quality. Gamdevi Station 1 recorded an AQI of 67, falling in the ‘Moderate’ category. Hira Nagar, New Navy Nagar, Saraswati Colony and Walkeshwar reported AQI levels of 97 (Moderate), 98 (Moderate), 100 (Moderate) and 103 (Poor), respectively.

As per standard air quality classifications, AQI values between 0 and 50 are considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘moderate’, 101 to 200 ‘poor’, 201 to 300 ‘unhealthy’ and levels above 300 are classified as ‘severe’ or ‘hazardous’.

Varanasi, Feb 23: Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Monday said he is ready to face arrest and will fully cooperate with any probe in connection with the POCSO case, even as he criticised the Uttar Pradesh government.

Addressing reporters during media interaction here, the seer said that if an investigation is underway, he has a greater interest than the authorities in ensuring that the matter of the alleged wrongdoing is resolved swiftly.

“If any investigation is being conducted, we will cooperate. The police and the state may have an interest in resolving a case, but we have even more interest in ensuring that this wrongdoing is addressed quickly,” he said.

On the possibility of custodial arrest, he argued that such a step would serve no purpose at this stage. According to him, custodial arrest is typically undertaken to preserve evidence, conduct medical examinations, or prevent the accused from absconding.

“All three matters have become irrelevant after so many days, so there is no point in making an arrest now. However, if anything of that sort happens, we will extend full cooperation,” he added.

The Shankaracharya also said he had limited information about the case details and claimed that media personnel appeared to know more than he did. He maintained that no special legal team had been urgently called, though some lawyers had arrived voluntarily to offer support.

Invoking a reference from the Ramcharitmanas, he said that deceit and hypocrisy ultimately come to an end, citing an episode involving Ravana as a moral lesson.

He further pointed to extensive surveillance arrangements at Prayagraj during his earlier stay, noting that CCTV cameras had been installed widely and monitored from a control room.

“You can ask the officials how much was spent on CCTVs and where the footage is stored,” he said, suggesting that visual records could clarify events if required.

The case remains under investigation, with no official statement yet from the state authorities on the seer’s case.

A video shared widely on X has sparked anger across social media after it allegedly showed portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Padmini being used as washroom signage at Milan Banquet Hall in Sikri, Haryana.

The short clip, which quickly went viral, appears to show framed images of the revered historical figures placed on doors marked for men and women. The incident has triggered sharp reactions, with many calling it an insult to icons who are deeply respected across India.

Several users questioned how such portraits could have been used in a manner they described as insensitive and unacceptable. “Do they not have any manners about where to place photos of legends?” one user wrote.

Another post expressed anguish, saying that Shivaji Maharaj symbolised Swarajya while Rani Padmini chose sacrifice to protect her honour, and that using their faces on washroom doors felt like a wound to the sentiments of millions.

Some reactions went further, alleging deliberate intent and demanding strict punishment against the banquet hall management. A few users called for heavy penalties, while others urged authorities to intervene immediately and ensure removal of the portraits.

Many social media posts emphasised the need for an official clarification from the hall’s management. “Such usage is deeply insensitive and hurtful. Corrective action is urgently needed,” one comment read.

As of now, there has been no formal response from the banquet hall management or local authorities. It remains unclear whether the images were placed intentionally as signage or if they were part of decorative artwork later misused.

The controversy has once again highlighted how historical figures continue to hold emotional and cultural significance, and how any perceived slight can quickly ignite public sentiment in the age of viral media.