Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for February 1. Aries March 21 – April 20Be focused, not distracted to make the most of today. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Be honest with yourself if there’s a need to make life changes, or find yourself in a challenging situation. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Enjoy the journey while working hard, knowing putting in your best will bring results when the time is right. Drink enough water.Cosmic tip: Stand firm in values. Those who bend easily lose quickly. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Simplifying life helps use the advantage of auspicious planetary positions. Focus on maintaining a healthy diet, exercising as advised. Cosmic tip: Be selective about friends (you’ve been let down so many times). Cancer June 22 – July 23Some singles have found true love, where all habits and personality traits tick the right boxes. Cosmic tip: Approach a reconciliation with your spouse happily, as you want to end a misunderstanding. Leo July 24 - Aug 23You enjoy working through a challenging assignment where the brain has to work on all cylinders. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Enjoy life, living it to the fullest. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Career enters a karmic cycle of forward movement with some changes. A delayed payment is received with apologies. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Keep the home tidy and also get rid of clutter regularly. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Some may buy/ sell property. You feel healthier and happier as karmas draw in positive times. Receiving a phone call makes you feel good.Cosmic tip: Accept appreciation with a calm mindset. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Tread carefully when tempted to give suggestions at work. An important career milestone is reached.Cosmic tip: Be careful with money, documents and other valuables while travelling. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Opt for further studies if that brings happiness; never mind what people say about this decision. Eat home cooked food.Cosmic tip: Re-read some books you’ve read earlier some years ago. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A relocation is a conscious decision made; but don’t do it to escape problems. A project close to your heart begins.Cosmic tip: Look ahead to the future with optimism and faith in God. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Spending time alone helps understand exactly where you went wrong and what needs to be done to right it.Cosmic tip: Be careful about what you say, controlling spontaneous remarks that may do more harm. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Those seeking employment receive some replies. Focus on a long-term goal.Cosmic tip: Plan an assignment with a calm mind, knowing exactly what angle to pursue.
02 February,2026 03:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMaharashtra CM Fadnavis on Sunday said that if talks about the merger of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions were at an advanced stage, the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar would have informed him, reported the PTI. Speaking to reporters, CM Fadnavis said that Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati in Pune district in Maharashtra on January 28, shared all important political matters with him. He said he had no information about any proposed merger date. His statement came a day after NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar claimed that February 12 had been finalised to announce a merger between the two NCP factions. Sharad Pawar also said the process could now face hurdles following Ajit Pawar’s death. A video of a meeting between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar held on January 17 has since gone viral on social media. ‘No Merger Without BJP’s Knowledge’ CM Fadnavis said he was unaware of any such discussions or dates. “Can merger talks be finalised without our knowledge? We have no information about February 12 being the announcement date,” he said. He added that while the NCP is an independent party, it is part of the BJP-led alliance and is expected to consult allies before taking such major decisions. Responding to reports that the BJP opposed the merger, CM Fadnavis said his party had not opposed anyone. “If Ajit Pawar was working on a merger, would he have done so without taking the BJP into confidence? Would he have prepared to leave the NDA when he was politically stable? He shared everything with me,” the Chief Minister said, the news agency reported. Finance portfolio to stay with me till state budget: Fadnavis Days after Ajit Pawar's death, CM Fadnavis on Sunday stated that state the finance ministry, a portfolio earlier handled by late NCP chief, would now be with him until the budget, reported the PTI. On Saturday, Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, becoming the first woman to hold the post. She was given charge of excise, sports, minority development and Aukaf departments, but not the finance and planning portfolio earlier handled by her husband. CM Fadnavis, who now has finance portfolio, said “I will present the state budget. Preparing a budget is not just about delivering a speech; it requires multiple departmental meetings. It was not possible to immediately hand over this responsibility to Sunetra Pawar. We will take a decision on the finance portfolio after the budget session," according to the PTI. Sunetra Pawar’s oath-taking Addressing criticism over the speed of Sunetra Pawar’s oath-taking, CM Fadnavis said that the NCP would respond to it. He added that political decisions are often shaped by circumstances, citing the example of Rajiv Gandhi being sworn in as Prime Minister in 1984 even before Indira Gandhi’s cremation. The Chief Minister also said he will not campaign for the February 7 Zilla Parishad elections in the state following Ajit Pawar’s death, as per the PTI. He explained that public meetings often lead to political statements, which should be avoided during this period. Meanwhile, on the firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s home in Mumbai earlier on Sunday, CM Fadnavis said that the scooter used by the assailants has been recovered and the person involved has been identified. (with PTI inputs)
01 February,2026 10:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Union Budget 2026 is a clear and forward-looking roadmap for building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of NAREDCO and the Hiranandani Group said on Sunday. He said the budget places strong emphasis on infrastructure development, regional growth and the empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which will drive India’s next phase of economic expansion. Dr Hiranandani highlighted the government’s proposal to increase public capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, describing it as a decisive step that will create strong multiplier effects across key sectors such as real estate, construction, logistics and allied industries. He noted that the focus on better execution and policy certainty will improve investor confidence and support long-term, sustainable development. Shift towards regional economic growth One of the most important features of the Budget, according to Dr Hiranandani, is the move away from a metro-centric growth model. The introduction of City Economic Regions (CERs) aims to integrate Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, temple towns and surrounding rural areas into unified economic zones. Each CER will receive Rs 5,000 crore through a challenge-based funding model. Dr Hiranandani said this approach will improve connectivity, competitiveness and liveability, and create balanced regional growth across the country. Infra investments to create new growth corridors The budget’s focus on logistics, warehousing and data centre infrastructure will help India strengthen its position as a global supply chain and digital hub. Investments in multimodal logistics parks and cold chains are expected to reduce costs and wastage, directly benefiting manufacturers and exporters. Dr Hiranandani said simplified customs processes and safe-harbour norms will further improve ease of doing business. The extension of tax holidays for data centres till 2047, along with incentives for green and sustainable infrastructure, will attract foreign investment and support India’s fast-growing digital economy. Boost to Real Estate, Tourism and Urban Economies The Budget also recognises hospitality and tourism as major growth drivers. Improved connectivity and rising domestic travel are likely to increase demand for hotels, mixed-use developments and destination-based real estate, creating jobs and boosting local economies. Commercial real estate is expected to benefit from expanding urban centres, better mobility and increased demand from MSMEs, service industries and global capability centres. In addition, public sector enterprises will be allowed to unlock the value of government-owned land and buildings through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). This move will help recycle capital and fund new infrastructure projects. Logistics, warehousing and data centres get support A dedicated investment of Rs 75,000 crore for logistics and warehousing will support the development of modern warehouses, cold storage facilities and multimodal transport hubs. Safe-harbour norms for bonded warehouses will lower compliance costs and improve efficiency for exporters. The extended tax benefits and incentives for foreign data centre and cloud service providers will position India as a leading global data hub, driving innovation and long-term investment. Infra risk guarantee fund to reduce project risks To address execution and financing risks in infrastructure projects, the Budget proposes the creation of an Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund. This fund will provide partial guarantees to lenders, reduce borrowing costs and encourage private sector participation in large infrastructure projects. Continued focus on affordable housing The government has reaffirmed its commitment to affordable housing by continuing the PM Awas Yojana, with an allocation of Rs 79,000 crore. Hiranandani said this sustained support will improve housing access while boosting construction and allied sectors, making housing a key pillar of inclusive urban growth. A future-ready vision for India Dr Hiranandani said the Union Budget 2026 presents a pragmatic and future-ready framework for building competitive cities and strong economic regions. With its focus on regional integration, infrastructure investment, affordable housing and policy stability, the budget is expected to unlock new growth opportunities beyond major cities and strengthen India’s global economic position.
01 February,2026 09:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) in Maharashtra will launch a massive deep clean drive in Kopri area of the city on Monday, officials said, adding that the initiative will focus on roads and public spaces. An official statement said that the civic body will carry out a comprehensive deep clean drive in the Kopri area on Monday, February 2, 2026, starting at 7 am. It said that the cleanliness campaign will be organised under the leadership of proposed Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar and is inspired by the vision of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The drive will be conducted under the Naupada Ward and will cover several localities in the Kopri area. Preparations for the campaign were reviewed during a meeting held at the municipal headquarters on Sunday, chaired by Sharmila Pimpalolkar, officials said. Meeting at TMC HQ According to the officials, a high-level meeting was held at the Thane Municipal Corporation headquarters attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner Sandeep Malvi, Health Officer Dr Rani Shinde, corporator Bharat Chavan. Several other senior civic officials were also present during the meeting. The officials discussed the scope of work and coordination required to ensure the smooth execution of the cleanliness drive. Areas to be covered The special deep clean drive starting on Monday will begin from Ashtavinayak Chowk in Kopri and will cover the areas in Kopri including Kopri village, Kanhaiya Nagar, Siddharth Nagar, Bara Bangla area and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk and surrounding localities, the statement said. Focus on hygiene, sanitation As part of the campaign, roads and public spaces will be thoroughly cleaned, garbage will be collected, and roads will be washed with water. Public toilets in the area will also be cleaned and disinfected to improve hygiene and sanitation standards. Tree plantation to promote environmental awareness In addition to cleanliness activities, the campaign will also include tree plantation to spread the message of environmental conservation. Municipal officials and staff will actively participate in the drive. The Thane Municipal Corporation said the initiative aims to improve public health, enhance cleanliness, and encourage citizens to maintain a clean and green city.
01 February,2026 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Union Budget 2026 has recorded a modest rise in allocations for children, indicating incremental progress rather than a major shift in fiscal priorities, according to an analysis by CRY – Child Rights and You. An official statement issued by CRY on Sunday said that a review of the Expenditure Budget Statement No. 12 shows that total child-related allocations have increased to Rs 1,32,296.85 crore in 2026–27 (Budget Estimates), up from Rs 1,16,132.5 crore in 2025–26. This marks an absolute increase of Rs 16,164.35 crore. Compared to the previous year, the share of the Child Budget in the overall Union Budget has risen from 2.29 per cent to 2.47 per cent. As a percentage of GDP, allocations have increased marginally from 0.33 per cent to 0.34 per cent. Puja Marwaha, CEO of CRY – Child Rights and You, said that while the increase reflects positive intent, the overall scale of investment remains limited given India’s population and the growing developmental needs of children. “Incremental increases in health, nutrition and education are welcome, but inclusive and sustainable growth will require stronger prioritisation of children, with more equitable investments that go beyond marginal year-on-year gains,” she said. Higher spending on child health and nutrition Allocations for the Flexible Pool for Reproductive and Child Health (RCH), Health System Strengthening, the National Health Programme and the National Urban Health Mission have increased by Rs 261.15 crore, taking the total to Rs 4,591.58 crore, the statement said. It said that the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme has seen a 5.19 per cent rise, with allocations increasing by Rs 969 crore to Rs 19,635 crore. The Poshan 2.0 programme aims to address malnutrition among children, adolescent girls, and pregnant and lactating women. The PM Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme has received a 2 per cent increase, with funding rising to Rs 12,749.99 crore. Notably, the Jal Jeevan Mission has been reintroduced into the Child Budget after 2024–25, with an allocation of Rs 6,736.36 crore, highlighting the importance of safe drinking water for child health. Education, development and child protection The Mission Vatsalya scheme has seen a marginal increase of 3.33 per cent, with allocations reaching Rs 1,550 crore. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan has been allocated Rs 42,100 crore, marking a 2.06 per cent increase over the previous year. Funding for Eklavya Model Residential Schools has risen sharply by over 20 per cent to Rs 7,200 crore, indicating a stronger focus on education for tribal children. Allocations for Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas have also increased. The budget has set aside Rs 3,200 crore for Atal Tinkering Labs in 2026–27, signalling renewed emphasis on innovation and scientific learning in government schools. The inclusion of the Skill India Programme in the Child Budget also aligns with the National Education Policy’s focus on early vocational education. Concerns over equity-focused schemes Despite these increases, several scholarship schemes for marginalised children have remained largely unchanged. Allocations for pre- and post-matric scholarships for Scheduled Castes have seen no increase, while scholarships for OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, and children with disabilities have recorded only marginal rises. While the Programme for Development of Scheduled Tribes (PM Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana) has seen a substantial increase, CRY noted that overall attention to equity-focused interventions remains uneven. Call for stronger focus on children CRY said that the budget 2026-27 reflects incremental gains rather than transformative investment. The organisation stressed that future budgets must place children more firmly at the centre of fiscal planning, backed by adequate scale, equity and a long-term vision to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.
01 February,2026 08:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway on Sunday launched ‘Mera Ticket, Meri Shaan’ public awareness campaign in Mumbai and urged train passengers to travel responsibly. An official statement said that Pradeep Kumar, General Manager (at present in-charge) of Western Railway, along with senior officials at Churchgate Railway Station on Sunday announced the special initiative and stated that the campaign 'Mera Ticket, Meri Shaan - Viksit Bharat ke Liye Mera Yogdan' is part of the Western Railway's public awareness drive. The campaign aims to encourage passengers to follow ethical ticketing practices and travel responsibly. Speaking on Sunday, Pradeep Kumar urged the public to purchase valid tickets for train travel, stressing that every ticket bought contributes directly to railway development and passenger services. Ticket revenue supports development During the briefing, he explained that ticket revenue plays a vital role in funding railway infrastructure projects, improving passenger amenities, and enhancing safety systems. He said this revenue is essential for sustaining operations and supporting capacity expansion and service improvements. Civic responsibility and financial sustainability Pradeep Kumar also highlighted that ethical ticketing and voluntary compliance are crucial for the financial sustainability of Indian Railways. He added that responsible travel behaviour supports the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat, where every citizen contributes to nation-building. Western Railway’s ongoing outreach efforts The Western Railway urged commuters to support the campaign by travelling with valid tickets and encouraging others to do the same. Officials said collective responsibility and cooperation will help improve operational efficiency and strengthen passenger trust.
01 February,2026 08:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Citizens’ Organisations, representing 28 groups across India, has expressed disappointment over the Union Budget 2026 presented on Sunday, saying no rail concession and pensions were announced. The committee said the budget once again neglects the needs of senior citizens, offering only limited and indirect measures. The JAC acknowledged that the budget refers to building a “care ecosystem” and training caregivers under health and skilling sections. It also mentions including senior citizens in access to assistive devices. However, the committee said these steps are insufficient without strong financial protection, social security and rights-based support. Key demands ignored despite detailed representation The JAC highlighted that it had submitted a detailed representation to the Finance Minister on January 26, 2026. However, none of the core demands were addressed in the budget, an official statement said. It said that the major expectations that failed to meet the expectations include - - No restoration of Indian Railways concession for senior citizens, which was withdrawn during the Covid pandemic and has not been reinstated despite repeated appeals. - No withdrawal of the 18 per cent GST on elder care services, including residential care, home care and support services. - No provision for a Universal Old Age Pension, leaving millions of older persons dependent on low or non-existent pensions that do not reflect inflation or rising healthcare costs. Other crucial issues The committee also noted that the budget is silent on several important issues, including - - Inclusion of all citizens aged 60 and above under Ayushman Bharat - A National Dementia Policy or elder mental health programme - GST exemption on essential items such as adult diapers, wheelchairs and walking aids - Enhancement of income tax relief for senior and super senior citizens JAC Calls for Immediate Action The JAC said the budget continues a long-standing pattern of neglect, where senior citizens are mentioned rhetorically but not supported through meaningful fiscal or policy commitments. The committee urged the government to initiate consultations and bring forward corrective measures through policy amendments, special packages or supplementary provisions. “Senior citizens are not a burden -- they are citizens who have contributed a lifetime to nation-building,” the JAC said.
01 February,2026 07:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is set to elect its new mayor and deputy mayor on February 5, 2026, with four candidates filing their nominations ahead of the civic body’s special general meeting. The nomination process concluded on Sunday, February 1, with papers submitted between 11 am and 1 pm before NMMC Secretary Sangharatna Khillare, in line with the official election programme. Contest for mayor’s post For the mayor’s post, Saroj Rohidas Patil from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Sujata Suraj Patil from the BJP have filed their nominations, signalling a keen contest for the civic body’s top leadership role. Both candidates’ nomination papers were accepted following scrutiny. Deputy mayor candidates Meanwhile, Akash Balkrishna Madhvi from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Dashrath Sitaram Bhagat from the BJP are contesting for the deputy mayor’s position, with their nominations also cleared by the municipal administration. Polls on February 5 Senior civic officials said the elections will be held during a special general body meeting on February 5 at 11 am at the NMMC headquarters in Belapur. The elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor will assume office immediately after the declaration of results. Political significance of mayor’s role While the mayor’s role is largely ceremonial, the position holds significant political importance, including presiding over general body meetings and representing the city at official events. The deputy mayor assists in these responsibilities and steps in when required. With nominations finalised and no withdrawals reported so far, political activity within the civic body is expected to intensify ahead of the February 5 vote, which will determine Navi Mumbai’s civic leadership for the coming term.
01 February,2026 06:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghNationalist Congress Party (NCP) working president Praful Patel on Sunday dismissed reports claiming that he had been appointed the party’s national president, calling them baseless and untrue. “I have noted a few reports circulating in the media regarding my appointment as the National President of the Nationalist Congress Party. I wish to state with absolute clarity that these reports are totally baseless and lack any truth,” Patel said in a post on X. Patel’s clarification came after remarks made by Union Minister Piyush Goyal in an interview to PTI. Emphasising the party’s democratic functioning, Patel said any decision of such significance would be taken only after consultations with senior leaders, legislators and party office-bearers, while respecting the collective will and sentiments of party members. “The Nationalist Congress Party is a democratic institution. Being a national party, we follow an established process in such matters,” he stated. Subsequently, Goyal acknowledged that his earlier remarks were based on incorrect information. In a post on X, he said a senior journalist had wrongly informed him that Praful Patel had been elected NCP president, following which he made statements without verification. “Later it came to light that the information was incorrect and that the Nationalist Congress Party continues to function under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajitdada Pawar. I express my regret for the misleading information,” Goyal said. I have noted few reports circulating in the media regarding my appointment as the National President of the Nationalist Congress Party. I wish to state with absolute clarity that these reports are totally baseless and lack any truth.The Nationalist Congress Party is a… — Praful Patel (@praful_patel) February 1, 2026 Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare told PTI that the party would follow due procedure and take into account the sentiments of workers, office-bearers and leaders before taking any decision on leadership. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray commented on the leadership issue within the NCP, saying a party “rooted in Marathi soil” should be led by someone reflecting that identity. In a post on X, Thackeray remarked that the NCP’s working president should be a “proper Marathi person”, a comment widely seen as a veiled reference to Patel. The remarks come amid uncertainty over the NCP’s top organisational posts following the death of party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an air crash on January 28. (With PTI inputs)
01 February,2026 06:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a major step towards improving the quality and durability of Mumbai’s road infrastructure, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) engineers on Saturday received a one-day brainstorming and technical training workshop at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. As per the civic authorities, over 300 BMC engineers participated in the programme, which aimed at the evaluation of completed and ongoing cement concrete (CC) road works across the city. The workshop organised by the BMC focused on equipping engineers with scientific, technical and practical knowledge related to the planning, execution and quality control of cement concrete roads. During the programme at IIT Bombay, representatives from the Quality Monitoring Agency (QMA) and contracting firms were also present, ensuring a comprehensive discussion involving all key stakeholders. Focus on quality and best practices The BMC has undertaken cement concrete (CC) road works on a large scale, and the workshop was organised as part of the civic body’s efforts to ensure high-quality and long-lasting road construction. Furthermore, the engineers were trained on the use of state-of-the-art construction technology, best practices to follow on site, common mistakes to avoid, and solutions to challenges faced during implementation. The workshop was inaugurated with a keynote address by Prof. Dr K V Krishna Rao, a noted civil engineering expert from IIT Bombay. Emphasising the importance of third-party auditing, he emphasised, “A practical, field-orientated approach combined with technical cooperation is essential to make Mumbai’s road infrastructure more robust, sustainable and durable.” Addressing the gathering, Additional Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar said, “The cement concrete road programme, which began in October 2023, has achieved around 60 per cent completion, with the remaining work progressing despite several challenges.” The Commissioner further added, “Mumbai’s high population density and congested urban environment make this a highly complex project. However, the work is being carried out in a planned and effective manner.” Stressing that it is mandatory for engineers to be present at project sites during execution to ensure quality outcomes, Bangar enlightened the gathering with a more organised approach towards road infrastructure in Mumbai. Bangar also added, “Good riding quality enhances road lifespan and reduces maintenance costs. Proper utilisation of service ducts can prevent repeated road digging,” urging engineers to prioritise both aspects. Technical Guidance from Experts As per the civic authority, observations from site visits and technical inspections were also reviewed during the workshop at IIT Bombay. Professor KV Krishna Rao and Professor Solomon Debbarma also provided detailed guidance on: Use of quality materials in concrete mixing Proper transportation of concrete from RMC plants to worksites Precautions during concrete pouring Timely joint cutting after pouring Effective curing methods Experts suggest protective netting around tree trunks Experts also suggested that protective netting around tree trunks could help create additional space for pedestrians on footpaths. During the workshop, senior BMC officials, including Deputy Commissioner (Infrastructure) Girish Nikam and Chief Engineer (Roads and Transport) Mantayya Swami, were also present at the workshop. The civic body said that it will continue to engage with technical institutions like IIT Bombay to maintain continuous technical dialogue, strengthen quality control mechanisms, and deliver safer, smoother, and more durable roads for Mumbai.
01 February,2026 05:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have welcomed the Union Budget 2026, calling it a strong and decisive step towards building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Both leaders said the budget will significantly strengthen Mumbai and Maharashtra while accelerating growth across smaller cities. In a post on social media platform X, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the budget focuses on planned urbanisation, promotion of industry and entrepreneurship, and strong measures to boost investment and job creation. He highlighted the allocation of Rs 12 lakh crore for infrastructure development, along with substantial provisions for agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and irrigation. Fadnavis said the decision to create exclusive malls and business opportunities for women, following the success of the Lakhpati Didi scheme, is a crucial step towards women’s economic empowerment. He also welcomed the announcement of hostels for girls pursuing higher education in every district and the strengthening of emergency medical services in district hospitals. High-speed rail corridors The Chief Minister added that high-speed rail corridors such as Mumbai-Pune and Pune-Hyderabad will significantly increase GDP growth. He said growth hubs like the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, and Nagpur will each receive Rs 5,000 crore over five years, giving a major boost to regional development. Budget, a firm step towards fulfilling PM Modi’s vision: Shinde Reacting to the budget, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that it will accelerate the overall development of small cities while strengthening infrastructure and providing large-scale support to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He described the budget as a firm step towards fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed and self-reliant India. Shinde said that despite global economic instability, India has maintained its growth rate, and the budget balances economic development, improvement in living standards, and the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. He noted that the budget reflects awareness of present challenges while preparing for the future. The Deputy Chief Minister said Mumbai and Maharashtra will benefit greatly from the budget. He welcomed the announcement of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai, following the global WAVES conference held in the city last year. He said the institute will strengthen Mumbai’s position in the entertainment and creative industries, an official statement said. Will boost their economic potential, says Shinde Shinde also highlighted the focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities, saying this will boost their economic potential. He said infrastructure funding of Rs 12 lakh crore for cities with populations above five lakh, along with incentives of Rs 100 crore for municipal bonds, will help strengthen urban local bodies across Maharashtra. He added that Maharashtra’s strong manufacturing base will benefit from incentives for MSMEs, semiconductor manufacturing, biopharma, textiles, handlooms, handicrafts, container manufacturing, and data centres. According to Shinde, these sectors are well represented in the state and will see significant growth. Development of medical hubs The Deputy Chief Minister also welcomed the announcement of high-speed rail corridors, the development of medical hubs to promote medical tourism, and support for the fisheries sector, including coconut and cashew production through technology-based measures. Shinde said the introduction of ‘She-Marts’ will help women from self-help groups become entrepreneurs, while hostels for girls in every district will provide strong support for education. He also said the reduction in import duty on medicines for serious illnesses will bring relief to thousands of patients. He further noted that the simplified income tax system announced earlier will be implemented from April 1, benefiting taxpayers across all income groups.
01 February,2026 04:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
