Scientist from National Institute of Virology have developed a test to diagnose mpox in an hour; Mumbai’s railway network set for major upgrades with ₹16,240 crores; a 120 crore penthouse in Lower Parel that Bollywood stars can’t buy; Mumbai‘s plummeting AQI and more. Catch up with the latest news from the city with this Mumbai news roundup for November 18.

Dr Shyam Sundar Nandi, from National Institute of Virology, has been honoured by ICMR for developing a rapid molecular test that diagnoses mpox within an hour. The kit uses a detection method, LAMP, to deliver quick, visual results without requiring complex lab equipment.

Mpox, declared an international health emergency by WHO in August, has seen over 24,000 cases globally this year, including two in India.

The government has reportedly allocated ₹16,240 crore to upgrade Mumbai's railway network, including station improvements, 301 new tracks, elevated corridors, and enhanced terminals at Parel, Jogeshwari, Bandra, and CSMT. Plans also include turning Parel, Panvel, and Kalyan into major junctions. By 2027, 300 local trains will be added to the current 3,200 local trains on Mumbai's rail lines.

As per reports, Bollywood stars have their eyes on a 16,000 sq ft penthouse on the 60th floor of One Avighna Park, Lower Parel, priced at ₹120 crore. Complete with six bedrooms, a glass-walled lift, a rooftop pool, and parking for eight cars.

However, the penthouse remains unsold because the owner, Nishant Agarwal, seeks a buyer with a strong reputation and social standing. Even Bollywood’s finest have failed to meet the stringent criteria.

Mumbai woke up to a thick layer of smog today, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 147, falling under the ‘Moderate’ category. According to a SAFAR report, the AQI was 153 in BKC and reached 225 at Shastri Garden, Worli. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures across Maharashtra are expected to remain stable for the next five days before gradually dropping by 2-4°C. Clear skies are forecasted, so plan your day accordingly.

With the State Assembly elections set for November 20, police officers and government employees on election duty were unable to vote in person. To address this, the Election Commission enabled postal voting, allowing 6,567 police officers across 10 Mumbai constituencies to cast their ballots.

The highest turnout was in Colaba with 1,879 votes, followed by Wadala with 1,407.

As Maharashtra prepares for Assembly elections on November 20, a series of dry days have been scheduled across the state to ensure a smooth electoral process. In line with this, the Election Commission has ordered the closure of liquor sales for today, tomorrow, and the day after in Mumbai, with varying durations each day.