BADLAPUR: On the second-last day of filing nominations for the Badlapur Municipal Council elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) displayed a major show of strength as its President (Mayoral) candidate, Ruchita Ghorpade, submitted her nomination form. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of party workers and leaders.With the Mahayuti alliance failed to materialize between the BJP and Shiv Sena in Badlapur, the upcoming election is expected to see a direct contest between the two parties. Meanwhile, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has yet to finalize its candidate for the President post.For the Badlapur Municipal Council polls, the BJP has formed an alliance with the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and the RPI. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP is set to field nine candidates in this election of which eight filed nomination on Sunday with Ghorpade. On Sunday, several prominent leaders were present for Ghorpade’s nomination filing, including former Union Minister Kapil Patil, MLA Kishan Kathore, and Ashish Damle, Chairman of the Parshuram Economic Development Corporation (PEDC).Badlapur, once considered a BJP stronghold, has seen Shiv Sena’s Waman Mhatre win the President post for the last two consecutive terms. This time, Shiv Sena may field his wife, Veena Mhatre, and the party is confident of retaining the seat.Speaking at the nomination event, former Union Minister Kapil Patil said, “Badlapur has elected a BJP mayor twice in the past. In keeping with the spirit of the city’s name, Badlapur, this election will definitely bring a change, and we are confident the BJP will reclaim the President’s post.”Local BJP MLA Kishan Kathore has also been actively working to ensure that the BJP secures the President position this time.

The data for this weather forecast has been sourced from AQI.in, providing residents with comprehensive information to plan their daily activities and weekly schedules accordingly.Mumbai is experiencing a bright and sunny day on November 17, 2025, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 22°C to 29.1°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities despite yesterday’s ‘Poor’ air quality with an AQI of 158, primarily due to elevated PM2.5, PM10, and carbon monoxide levels, prompting advice for mask usage, while the week ahead promises consistently pleasant weather with clear skies and no rain.Mumbai wakes up to a bright and sunny morning today, November 17, 2025. Clear skies are dominating the day.The forecast promises a comfortable high of 29.1°C. A refreshing low of 22°C is also expected.The day kicks off with a cool morning. This is perfect for a jog or a stroll along Marine Drive.As the sun climbs higher, temperatures will peak at 29.1°C by the afternoon. The humidity remains low at 41%, ensuring a comfortable experience.A gentle breeze of 15.8 km/h will keep the air feeling fresh. Excellent visibility of 10 km is reported.There are zero chances of rain today. This makes it a great day for both work and leisure.The evening will cool down gradually. Temperatures will drop to 22°C after sunset.This makes the evening pleasant for outdoor dinners. It is also suitable for a late-night walk.

Air Quality Concerns

Yesterday, Mumbai’s air quality was classified as ‘Poor’. It registered an AQI of 158.This air quality might still linger in certain traffic-heavy areas.The primary pollutants were PM2.5 at 77 µg/m³ and PM10 at 102 µg/m³. Both of these exceeded safe limits.Carbon monoxide levels were also elevated at 258 µg/m³. This was likely due to increased vehicular traffic and industrial emissions.

Health and Safety Advice

For those planning to step out, carrying a mask is a good idea. This is especially true during peak hours when vehicular emissions are higher.While the sunny weather today might help disperse some pollutants, sensitive individuals should remain cautious. This particularly applies to those with respiratory issues.Masking up in crowded areas is advisable. Staying hydrated is also recommended.

Outdoor Activities and Precautions

With sunny skies and a gentle breeze, today is perfect for outdoor plans.Early risers can enjoy the crisp morning air.Late afternoons are ideal for a trip to the beach or a park.However, given yesterday’s lingering pollution, it is wise to avoid heavily congested areas. This applies during peak traffic hours.Those commuting by bike or on foot should consider wearing sunglasses and a mask. This helps protect against dust and emissions.For a stress-free evening, opting for open-air spaces like cafes with outdoor seating is suggested.

The Week Ahead

The coming week in Mumbai looks consistently pleasant. Little change in weather patterns is expected.Temperatures will hover between 22°C and 30.5°C. This maintains a comfortable range.The skies will remain clear. No rain is expected over the next seven days.November 21, a Friday, will be the warmest day. Highs of 30.5°C are predicted for this day.November 23, a Sunday, will see slightly higher humidity. It is expected to reach 49%.If planning outdoor activities, Tuesday, November 18, and Wednesday, November 19, are particularly favourable. These days offer clear skies and moderate temperatures.

“Interestingly, yesterday’s AQI of 158 was among the highest this month, reflecting the impact of increased pollution post-Diwali.”

“However, the consistent sunny weather over the coming week should help improve air quality gradually.”

“Data referenced in this article is taken from AQI.in.”

Mumbai: A citizens’ agitation in Bhandup recently resulted in the BEST administration restoring bus routes that were scrapped or short-terminated and also increasing the number of buses operating in the area. Supported by the local Shiv Sena and a few activists, citizen protesters forced BEST to resume discontinued services after passengers faced higher fares when forced to travel by autorickshaws, said regular commuter and bus fan Yash Mhadgut.“The buses were deployed on the Bhandup routes, and the administration reinstated 605 and 606 to their original courses after being short-terminated, while services on 608 also returned to normal,” said another bus fan, Shubham Padave.Advocate Karan Shinde, a local commuter, said scrapping and short-terminating bus services impacted 20,000 to 30,000 commuters who rely on the service to connect with local train timings. He said the decision not only inconvenienced passengers but also increased passenger load on remaining services and pushed commuters towards more expensive and unreliable modes like autos and Uber/Ola. He welcomed BEST’s decision to restore all services.Rajool Patil, a political and social activist who was part of the protesters near Bhandup railway station recently, said, “The agitation was supported by the local Shiv Sena and a few activists. BEST administration has not just bowed to citizens’ demand and resumed services, but also increased the number of buses for better frequency. It will benefit scores of residents in the area who depend largely on public transport buses.“Suresh Nandire from Bhandup said that there were initially two types of buses for the hilly narrow tracts of Bhandup West. “They introduced six-metre-long and nine-metre-long buses. Since the latter had problems in taking a turn at a few locations and there was traffic congestion and delays, the six-metre buses were taken off completely. Now only 9-metre Midi buses are plying.”A BEST official said, “Small buses have their advantages in some pockets of the city where it is not easy for the 12-metre-long bus to operate.” Small buses can navigate through narrower, more congested residential streets, providing crucial connectivity to many Bhandup neighbourhoods that might not be accessible to larger buses. Bhandup has several homes along the hilly areas, and there are lanes and bylanes which can be accessed either by share autos (which are also popular here) or the small buses.Yogesh Mhatre from Bhandup West said, “There is a huge demand for the buses. Many senior citizens and school students depend on these buses, while office-goers also stand in long queues outside railway stations during peak hours to catch these popular buses in Bhandup.”Mhadgut recalled that citizens were left fuming when the bus services were short-terminated or scrapped on November 1. “For example, the Bhandup station to Tembipada bus, which got short-terminated, upset many passengers. Another two routes were Hanuman Nagar to Bhandup and Kanjurmarg stations. I am happy that Bhandupkars have got their demands fulfilled and the services have been restored back to normal.”