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 January 3. Aries March 21 – April 20Dealing with too much work is tiring. Those recovering from a relationship gone sour could pray about recovering from it quickly.Cosmic tip: Be aware of how an older relative is looking and feeling. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Discussing clauses in a contract till satisfied protects from some legal issues which may evolve later. Cosmic tip: Remember fleeting dreams as light as a thought, since these carry memories of another lifetime. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Those in a relationship could be ready to offer a commitment after eight months. Life is good, even career is satisfying.Cosmic tip: Master the art of giving space, yet being emotionally close and inseparable. Cancer June 22 – July 23This karmic cycle supports branching out, broadening the job profile/business. Take care of general health.Cosmic tip: Wear low-key accessories, avoiding the really expensive ones. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Outcome of a business trip is as unexpected as snow in Mumbai. Being appreciative towards family keeps bonds strong. Cosmic tip: Speak your mind, but do so in a non-threatening manner. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A financially lucky karmic cycle begins which supports inking deals, making profits. Eat at pre-set times.Cosmic tip: Speak to people in the manner in which you like to be spoken to — quietly respectful. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Changing one habit has been easier than expected. Doubts about working closely with two people have been cleared.Cosmic tip: Keep yourself motivated as the year has begun well. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Last-minute work has to be done before a meeting, so take this seriously. Pay attention to benefits in the present job as compared to a new offer.Cosmic tip: Plan the next career goal. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Helping a friend put life into perspective is an emotionally satisfying experience. You don’t like discussing anyone in their absence, but don’t mind listening to it sometimes.Cosmic tip: Regularly get sleep at night. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Keep the faith in each other. Sometimes, shredding an issue makes it worse, because even one wrong word used creates chaos.Cosmic tip: Meet half way, so a reconciliation can be a happy occasion for both. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19What you consider a good idea is nixed by family, with them pointing out certain legalities not considered by you.Cosmic tip: Don’t carry a load of resentments. Cover yourself with a white healing light. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Feeling emotionally isolated doesn’t feel good, so take steps towards getting closer to the people you were attached to once.Cosmic tip: Don’t ask awkward questions. You may not appreciate the answer.
03 January,2026 03:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseWith the deadline for withdrawal ending on Friday, January 2, 453 nominations were withdrawn across Mumbai. A total of 1,729 candidates will now contest the upcoming BMC Election 2026, officials said. The Mumbai civic polls are scheduled for January 15, 2026. The final list of contesting candidates will be published by the civic body on Saturday. Election symbols to be allotted The election symbols will also be allotted to the candidates from 11 am on Saturday, January 3, 2026. According to the officials, a total of 11,391 nomination papers were distributed by the civic body for filing nominations for the BMC elections. Of these, 2,516 forms were filed by the deadline of December 30, 2025. 2,516 nomination papers received The 2,516 nomination papers received were scrutinised on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. As many as 164 nomination papers were declared invalid during scrutiny, while the remaining 2,185 nomination papers were declared valid. The deadline for withdrawing nominations, or candidature applications, was Friday.
02 January,2026 10:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSCentral Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that it will operate a mega block on its suburban sections of on the Main Line and the Trans-Harbour Line on Sunday, 4 January 2026. An official statement said that the block will be undertaken to carry out essential engineering and maintenance works. Main Line block between Matunga and Mulund On the Main Line, up and down slow lines between Matunga and Mulund will remain under block from 11.05 hrs to 15.55 hrs. The down slow services departing CSMT Mumbai between 10.14 hrs and 15.32 hrs will be diverted to the down Fast line between Matunga and Mulund. These trains will halt at Sion, Kurla, Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, Bhandup, and Mulund stations. Trains will be re-diverted to the down slow line at Mulund and are expected to reach their destinations around 15 minutes late. Up Slow Line services The up slow services departing Thane between 11.07 hrs and 15.51 hrs will be diverted to the Up Fast line between Mulund and Matunga, the statement said. These services will halt at Mulund, Bhandup, Vikhroli, Ghatkopar, Kurla, and Sion stations. Trains will return to the up slow line at Matunga and arrive at destinations about 15 minutes behind schedule, officials said. Trans-Harbour Line services to remain suspended The official statement further said that a mega block will also be imposed on the up and down Trans-Harbour Line between Thane and Vashi/Nerul from 11.10 hrs to 16.10 hrs. All up and down Trans-Harbour services will remain suspended between Thane and Vashi/Nerul during the block period. Down services for Vashi, Nerul, and Panvel leaving Thane from 10.35 hrs to 16.07 hrs will remain cancelled, the officials said. Up services for Thane leaving Panvel, Nerul, and Vashi from 10.25 hrs to 16.09 hrs will also remain cancelled, they said. Passenger advisory Railway authorities have advised passengers to plan their journeys accordingly. Central Railway stated that these mega blocks are essential for infrastructure maintenance and passenger safety. Passengers are requested to co-operate with the railway administration and make alternate travel arrangements to minimise inconvenience.
02 January,2026 10:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSenior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik on Friday asserted that Mumbai will have NCP mayor, expressing confidence that the party is poised to significantly improve its performance in the BMC Election 2026. Addressing his first press conference in nearly three-and-a-half years, Malik said that if a Chief Minister can be formed in Jharkhand with just one seat, the NCP can certainly stake a claim to the mayor’s post in Mumbai even with 30 seats. Malik, who is also Chairman of the Mumbai Divisional NCP Election Management Committee, said there was unnecessary speculation around the party’s prospects in Mumbai, adding that the NCP’s actual strength would become clear on January 16. NCP fields candidates across 94 wards Providing details of the party’s electoral preparations, Malik said the NCP has fielded candidates in 94 wards across Mumbai. A nomination for the 95th ward was rejected on minor technical grounds, he added. In addition, the party is extending support to candidates in two areas, including Dharavi and Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar–Kamraj Nagar. He said candidates were chosen after careful deliberation and only in wards where the party believes it has a strong chance of winning. Malik expressed confidence that the party would surpass its past electoral performance in Mumbai, recalling that since 2002 there had been a perception that the NCP could not cross 14 seats in the city. Greater representation for women and marginalised sections Malik underlined that the NCP has given higher representation to women in this election. He said the party’s candidates come from diverse professional and social backgrounds, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, vegetable vendors, and sanitation workers, ensuring representation for every section of society. He added that the party has given opportunities to Marathi-speaking candidates and “sons of the soil” who see Mumbai as their workplace. Candidates from all religions, including Muslims and Christians, have been fielded. Malik also noted that the NCP has given the highest number of tickets in Mumbai to North Indians, cutting across castes and communities, while also accommodating South Indian and Telugu-speaking candidates. Ajit Pawar backs decision to go solo Malik said some leaders had opposed alliances if he was involved, but NCP national president Ajit Pawar stood firmly by him. He said Pawar took a clear stand that the party did not need alliances and should contest independently. Malik expressed gratitude to Pawar for his support. Allegations of irregularities in nomination process Raising serious concerns over the election process, Malik alleged arbitrary actions by certain election decision officers. He claimed that valid nominations were rejected while ineligible candidates were declared eligible, sometimes late at night, in violation of rules. He cited ward-level cases involving alleged illegal constructions, lack of caste certificates, and candidates contesting reserved seats despite ineligibility. Malik said complaints would be submitted to the State Election Commission and warned that officials could face action if violations are proven in court. He clarified that he has no objection to the Election Commission as an institution but has concerns about specific officers in wards such as M Ward, Vikhroli, and S Ward. No fixed rival, focus on winning seats Malik said the NCP is contesting against the BJP, the Shiv Sena, and the Congress in different areas depending on local equations. The party’s sole focus, he said, is on winning seats and reclaiming constituencies, including some currently held by the BJP. Responding to questions, Malik said being accused and being convicted are two different matters, and under the law, a person can be barred from contesting elections only after conviction, not merely on allegations.
02 January,2026 08:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarWestern Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that it will carry out a 13-hour major block between Grant Road and Mumbai Central on January 3-4. An official statement said that the block was being undertaken for essential maintenance and construction work including the Prabhadevi bridge dismantling. The block will affect train operations between Grant Road and Mumbai Central stations on Saturday and Sunday, officials said. 13-hour block for re-girdering of bridge A 13-hour major block will be in effect on both UP and Down Slow lines to facilitate the re-girdering of Bridge No. 5. The block will start at 23:00 hrs on January 3 and continue until 12:00 hrs on January 4, 2026. During this period UP Slow line trains will operate on UP Fast lines between Mumbai Central and Churchgate and Down Slow line trains will run on Down Fast lines between Churchgate and Mahim, the statement said. It said that due to platform unavailability or inadequate length, trains will not stop at certain stations including Mahalaxmi, Prabhadevi, Matunga Road (no platform), Lower Parel and Mahim (short platform). Some suburban trains may be cancelled, while others will be short-terminated or reversed at Bandra/Dadar stations, the officials said. ROB dismantling at Prabhadevi The statement said that simultaneously, a 7-hour 30-minute block will be undertaken on the Down Slow line for dismantling the Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Prabhadevi. The block will run from 23:30 hrs to 07:00 hrs. During this time, the passengers will be allowed to travel in the opposite direction to reach affected stations, it further said. - Passengers from Churchgate aiming for Mahalaxmi, Lower Parel, and Prabhadevi can alight at Dadar and take UP Slow line trains on the same ticket, officials said. - Passengers heading to Matunga Road and Mahim can alight at Bandra and travel on UP Slow line trains in the opposite direction. The Western Railway's Mumbai Division has requested local train passengers to plan their journey in advance and some expect delays during the period. It has advised check train schedules during the block period. Alternative travel arrangements are advised to avoid inconvenience.
02 January,2026 08:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDays before BMC Election 2026, former corporator and Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Irfan Khan on Friday withdrew his nomination from Govandi’s Ward 138 and announced his full support for the Congress candidate Sufiyan Vanu, reported the PTI. The BMC elections are scheduled to be held on 15 January. Speaking to supporters and party workers, Khan said that the decision was taken after careful thought and in the larger interest of local residents. He said the future development of the ward was the key factor behind his move, according to the PTI. Praise for Congress candidate Khan said the Congress had fielded a well-educated, experienced and capable candidate who understands local and grassroots issues. He described Sufiyan Vanu as a visionary and hardworking leader committed to public service. Congress candidate welcomes support Sufiyan Vanu thanked Irfan Khan and his supporters for the backing. He said the support has strengthened his resolve to work honestly, transparently and with dedication for the people of Govandi, as per the PTI. Leaders from NCP factions in Beed unite during Ajit Pawar's visit Meanwhile, leaders from both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) showed signs of unity during Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s visit to Beed district ahead of Maharashtra local body elections. Ajit Pawar was in Beed on Thursday to felicitate winners of the recent municipal council elections, the results of which were declared on December 21. Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction won municipal council elections in Beed, Parli Vaijnath and Dharur. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) secured victory in Majalgaon, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won in Georai and Ambajogai. At a public event, Beed MP Bajrang Sonawane from the NCP (SP) and MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar shared the stage with Ajit Pawar. Kshirsagar was also seen seeking the deputy chief minister’s blessings, a gesture that drew attention amid the ongoing political divide. After the programme, MP Sonawane also travelled in Ajit Pawar’s helicopter, further underlining the show of bonhomie between leaders of the two factions. During his visit, Ajit Pawar also inaugurated several development projects in the district. Addressing the gathering, he said that Parli MLA and former state minister Dhananjay Munde could not attend the event as he was on vacation. (With inputs from PTI)
02 January,2026 07:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the BMC Election 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Amit Thackeray jointly presented the alliance’s vision for Mumbai to party candidates on Friday. The two leaders were seen sharing the stage at Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar area of Mumbai. Aaditya Thackeray said that a detailed manifesto would be released within the next two to three days. Affordable housing, financial support for women, and stronger public services are among the key promises made by the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance ahead of the Mumbai civic elections scheduled for January 15. ‘Swabhiman Nidhi’ for domestic helps and Koli women According to the PTI, the alliance announced a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 under a proposed ‘Swabhiman Nidhi’ scheme for women working as domestic helps and for Koli women. The scheme is on the lines of the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides financial support to eligible women. Subsidised food through 'Maa Saheb' kitchens The Thackeray cousins also announced the launch of ‘Maa Saheb’ kitchens, named after their grandmother Meenatai Thackeray. These kitchens will offer breakfast and lunch at Rs 10, similar to the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme, as per the PTI. Protecting Mumbai’s Marathi identity Aaditya Thackeray said that the alliance is committed to protecting the “Mumbainess of Mumbai” and ensuring the city remains rooted in the Marathi identity. He added that the alliance would work towards affordable housing for Marathi people if voted to power. Property Tax relief and parking reforms The alliance promised to waive property tax on homes up to 700 sq ft. It also proposed changes in parking rules to ensure one parking space per flat in redeveloped buildings. Public Transport and health infra push Aaditya Thackeray accused the current ruling dispensation of weakening Mumbai’s public transport system, including the BEST bus service, as per the PTI. He said the alliance would reduce the minimum bus fare to Rs 5, introduce new buses, and expand routes across the city. On healthcare, he announced plans to set up five new medical colleges in civic-run hospitals and vowed to oppose any attempt to privatise public health facilities. Cancer hospital and early detection Amit Thackeray said a dedicated cancer hospital would be established in Mumbai. A cancer survivor himself, he stressed the importance of early detection for faster and more effective treatment. Education, childcare and animal welfare On education, Aaditya Thackeray said BMC-run Mumbai Public Schools would offer education from junior kindergarten to Class 12. Amit Thackeray announced that creches would be set up in every assembly segment to support working parents. The alliance also promised pet parks, veterinary clinics and pet ambulances across Mumbai, the news agency reported. Support for gig workers The alliance said gig workers would be offered interest-free loans of Rs 25,000 to purchase e-bikes, helping improve livelihoods and sustainable transport. Before the presentation, Aaditya Thackeray met MNS president Raj Thackeray at his residence, signalling continued coordination within the alliance. (with PTI inputs)
02 January,2026 06:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSix Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates have been elected unopposed to the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) after the scrutiny and withdrawal of nomination papers, the party claimed on Friday. Party’s Bhiwandi city chief Harshal Patil said Paresh Chandrakant Chowgule, Sumit Purushottam Patil, Ashwini Sunny Futankar, Deepa Deepak Madhvi, Abushah Lallan Sheikh, and Bharti Hanuman Chaudhary were declared elected unopposed for the January 15 polls. Similar trends have been reported in the neighbouring Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), where the Mahayuti alliance has secured several seats without a contest. “With these unopposed wins, the BJP has officially opened its account in the Bhiwandi civic polls, positioning itself strongly against the opposition,” Patil said. Formal certificates of election will be issued by returning officers on polling day. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena claimed that five of its candidates have been elected unopposed to the 131-member Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). A party spokesperson said Jaishree Phatak, Sukhada More, Ram Repale, Ekta Bhoir, and Shital Dhamale won from the Wagle Estate region ahead of the civic corporation polls. Phatak is the wife of former Member of Legislative Council (MLA) Ravi, an ally of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while More is married to the state secretary of Shiv Sena and former Thane mayor. Poll authorities are yet to confirm these developments. Thane civic polls 2026: Mahayuti will win at least 100 out of 131 seats, says BJP Spokesperson BJP Spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said the party is poised to dominate the municipal corporation polls on January 15, similar to its performance in recent municipal council elections. “The Mahayuti will win at least 100 seats in the 131-seat Thane Municipal Corporation. BJP will emerge as the number one party,” he said. BJP Thane unit chief Sandeep Lele stated the party expects to win at least 32 of the 40 seats it is contesting in the city. Addressing internal dissent over ticket distribution, he added that the party does not label protesting workers as “rebels.” MLA Sanjay Kelkar said that 85 percent of activists who filed nominations against official candidates had been convinced to withdraw. (With PTI inputs)
02 January,2026 06:31 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the next Mumbai mayor will come from the ruling Mahayuti alliance and will be both Hindu and Marathi, reported the PTI. Fadnavis' remarks come amid growing political debate over who should hold the city’s top civic post ahead of the BMC Election 2026. Responding to a question, CM Fadnavis said, “The Mumbai mayor will be from the Mahayuti. The Mumbai mayor will be a Hindu and a Marathi person.” The issue gained momentum after Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam said his party would not allow any 'Khan' to become Mumbai’s mayor. The statement drew strong criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Raj Thackeray’s stand on Marathi mayor After recently joining hands with Uddhav Thackeray, MNS chief Raj Thackeray said that Mumbai’s mayor would be Marathi and would belong to their alliance. His statement added to the political sparring among parties contesting the civic elections. By stressing that the mayor will be both Hindu and Marathi, CM Fadnavis has further sharpened the BJP-led alliance’s stance, intensifying the campaign battle as the BMC polls draw closer, sources said. Remarks made during metro interaction The Chief Minister made these comments while speaking to the ‘Mumbai Tak’ news channel during a special interaction titled ‘Mahachavadi’. He was travelling on Mumbai’s underground Metro line at the time and answered questions on various political issues. Clarification on Kripashankar Singh’s comment Addressing questions about former minister Kripashankar Singh, Fadnavis clarified that Singh’s reported remarks were not related to Mumbai. He said Singh is not an official party spokesperson. Singh had earlier said efforts would be made to elect a north Indian, Hindi-speaking mayor in the Mira Bhayandar municipal corporation, which falls under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the BMC, will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for the following day. Fadnavis hails BJP's local polls performance Meanwhile, CM Fadnavis on Friday said the BJP has received an unprecedented mandate in the elections to municipal councils, winning 130 president posts and more than 3,000 councillor seats across the state. Addressing party workers in Satara while felicitating newly elected presidents and councillors of municipal councils, he said that the BJP's tally was double that of all other recognised parties combined. (with PTI inputs)
02 January,2026 06:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhed of the BMC Election 2026, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Harshvardhan Sapkal on Friday asked the State Election Commission (SEC) to register a criminal case against State Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar for an alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), reported the IANS. In a letter to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, Sapkal accused the Narwekar of misusing his constitutional position to influence the municipal corporation election process, the news agency reported. The controversy relates to the nomination process for the Municipal Corporation elections in the Colaba constituency, covering Wards 225, 226 and 227. Sapkal alleged that Narwekar was personally present at the nomination centre around 5 pm and used police personnel to intimidate Opposition candidates who were filing nominations against his family members, as per the IANS. BJP tickets to speaker’s relatives Rahul Narwekar’s brother Makrand Narwekar, sister Gauravi Shivalkar, and sister-in-law Harshada Narwekar have filed their nomination papers as BJP candidates from the same constituency, according to the IANS. Sapkal claimed that the Speaker pressured officials to delay or reject Opposition nominations, thereby obstructing the legal electoral process. ‘Mockery of democracy’, says Sapkal “For a person holding such a high constitutional office to obstruct the electoral process is a mockery of democracy,” Sapkal said in his letter to the Election Commission, reported the IANS. Alleged misuse of govt machinery The Congress leader further alleged large-scale misuse of government resources, claiming that around 70 officers and employees from the speaker’s office were involved in campaigning for Narwekar’s relatives, as per the IANS. He demanded disciplinary action and criminal cases against the officials for violating service rules and election norms. Call for probe Raising concerns about the fairness of the upcoming polls, Sapkal urged the SEC to take strict action. He also called for an immediate investigation into the conduct of Speaker Rahul Narwekar and the police officials present at the nomination centres, stressing that the Election Commission must ensure free, fair and transparent elections in Maharashtra. AAP alleges poll process violation in Colaba The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged serious irregularities in the BMC Election 2026 nomination process in Mumbai’s Colaba area, accusing Maharashtra Assembly Speaker and BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar of interfering in the electoral process and misusing official machinery. Addressing a press conference, AAP leaders claimed that the party’s Ward 227 candidate, Margaret Da Costa, was unlawfully prevented from filing her nomination papers despite being present inside the Returning Officer’s (RO) premises well before the stipulated deadline of 5 pm. The party described the incident as a “grave subversion of democratic norms” and alleged that due process was deliberately ignored. (with IANS inputs)
02 January,2026 05:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Police have arrested a 25-year-old man for playing the provocative song “Kashmir Banega Pakistan” at high volume near a temple in Chinchoti in Palghar, sparking outrage among residents. According to the FIR registered at Naigaon Police Station, Sub-Inspector Pankaj Kilje, while patrolling the area in a private vehicle around 1.30 p.m., heard the anti-national song blaring from Ruhann Hair Cutting Salon in Karamdpada, located opposite the Durga Mata Mandir. The song, streamed via Bluetooth from a mobile phone to the salon’s loudspeaker and audible on the street, was considered a serious threat to India’s sovereignty, unity, and public peace, with the potential to incite enmity and communal tension. Upon entering the salon, SI Kilje found two individuals: Guljari Raju Sharma (51), a local resident and salon worker, and Abdul Rahman Sadruddin Shah (25), originally from Gauri Sirajpur village in Lalganj, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. Investigations revealed that Shah was streaming the song from the YouTube app on his Techno Spark Go 2021 phone. Locals, angered by the incident, detained Shah and handed him over to the police. The content of the song was subsequently verified on his device by authorities. The incident caused considerable tension among residents in the busy Chinchoti neighbourhood, given its proximity to the Durga Mata Mandir. Following the verification, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Shah under BNS Section 197(1)(d) for acts prejudicial to national integration. Shah was arrested immediately, while no charges were reported against Sharma, the salon worker. Police have stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities emphasised that acts threatening national unity or inciting public unrest would not be tolerated. This case highlights growing concerns over the circulation of provocative content in public spaces and the need for vigilance to maintain communal harmony, particularly in sensitive neighbourhoods. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
02 January,2026 05:19 PM IST | Palghar | IANSADVERTISEMENT
