Western Railway on Sunday said that its official made a record collection of fines, their highest-ever earnings, during a half-day 'fortress check' drive at Bhayandar, collecting Rs 4.06 lakh in penalties from ticketless and irregular travellers. Officials said the previous highest collection for a similar half-day drive was Rs 3.90 lakh, recorded on April 2, 2025 at Bhayandar. The latest drive has now set a new benchmark. What is a fortress check? A fortress check is a large-scale ticket inspection drive in which multiple teams are deployed across stations and trains simultaneously to catch fare evaders and enforce ticketing rules. Such drives are conducted periodically to improve compliance and deter unauthorised travel. WR collects over Rs 191 crore in fines from ticketless travellers Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Western Railway had stated that it recovered more than Rs 191 crore in fines after detecting nearly 30 lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel during intensive ticket checking drives carried out between April 2025 and February 2026. This is a surge of over 42 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year, Western Railway had said in an official statement issued by Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek on March 5. The statement had stated that the ticket-checking staff, under the supervision of senior commercial officers, carried out extensive checks in Mumbai suburban local trains, long-distance Mail and Express trains, passenger services and holiday special trains. The drives were aimed at curbing ticketless travel, minimising revenue leakage and promoting travel discipline among passengers, it said. Nearly three lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel During February 2026 alone, nearly three lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel were detected, leading to the recovery of around Rs 18.50 crore in fines. This marks an increase of more than 10 per cent compared to the same month last year. In the Mumbai suburban section, intensive checking drives also yielded significant results. In February 2026, about 87,000 cases of ticketless and irregular travel were detected, resulting in the recovery of Rs 4.28 crore. Cumulatively, from April 2025 to February 2026, more than 10 lakh cases were detected in the Mumbai suburban network, with total fines amounting to nearly Rs 50 crore, including penalties collected in air-conditioned (AC) local trains. WR also conducted focused checking drives in AC suburban local services to prevent unauthorised travel by passengers holding general tickets. Penalties in Mumbai AC locals Between April 2025 and February 2026, more than 1.16 lakh penalty cases were booked in Mumbai AC local trains, resulting in the recovery of Rs 3.76 crore in fines — an increase of nearly 99 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. Officials had said the drives will continue as part of Western Railway’s efforts to curb ticketless travel and ensure disciplined and authorised travel across its network.
22 March,2026 01:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai on Sunday morning woke up to clear skies with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting temperatures likely to touch 35 degrees Celsius on March 22. The weather department has predicted mainly clear skies throughout the day on Sunday. Such conditions are typical during this time of the year when humidity remains moderate and skies stay largely cloud-free. According to a weather bulletin, the maximum temperature in Mumbai is expected to be around 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle at approximately 23 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The weather is likely to remain warm during the afternoon hours, though mornings and late evenings may feel relatively comfortable. Yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar The IMD has predicted hot and humid weather conditions for Mumbai and its adjoining areas on Monday, March 23 and issued a yellow alert for the city, Thane and Palghar areas. A weather bulletin stated that hot and humid conditions were very likely at isolated pockets in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar. A similar alert has also been issued for parts of Maharashtra including Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. Thunderstorm, rain in parts of Maharashtra Meanwhile, according to the IMD, some parts of Maharashtra were very likely to witness rains and thunderstorm on March 23. Districts including Ahilyanagar, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Latur and Dharashiv were likely to witness thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) at isolated place. A yellow alert has been issued for these districts for Monday, March 23. AQI in Mumbai Despite the rising heat, Mumbai’s air quality has improved over the past 24 hours. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was on Sunday recorded 'Satisfactory' at 10:05 pm and stood at 78. A health impact message stated, "Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people." AQI recorded in parts of the city Bandra Kurla Complex: 89 (Satisfactory) Borivali East: 93 (Satisfactory) Byculla: 84 (Satisfactory) Malad West: 78 (Satisfactory) Andheri: 110 (Moderate) Deonar: 103 (Moderate) Colaba: 71 (Satisfactory) Meanwhile, the air quality was recorded as 'Satisfactory' in Thane which reported an AQI at 84 on Sunday morning. In Kalyan AQI was recorded at 98 (Satisfactory), and in Navi Mumbai at 108 was in 'Moderate' category.
22 March,2026 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPlatform extension work for 15-coach Mumbai local trains on the Central Railway line was delayed in the early hours after a rail crane became entangled in overhead wires near Khadavali station, officials said. The work was part of ongoing efforts to extend platforms to accommodate longer trains on the Kasara-Kalyan section in Mumbai division. According to railway officials, a scheduled block had been granted from 2.45 am to 4 am to carry out the work. However, the operation overran after the crane’s zip wire got caught in the overhead equipment (OHE). “The crane block was given for platform extension work from 2.45 am to 4 am, but since the crane zip got entangled in the overhead equipment, the block timing was exceeded,” a Central Railway spokesperson said. An Accident Relief Train (ART) was rushed to the site to manage the situation and help clear the obstruction. The Central Railway teams worked quickly to resolve the issue, and both lines were cleared by around 5.40 am. Services return to normal Train operations resumed soon after, with normal services restored by 6 am, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The block The Central Railway had earlier announced that it will operate a 10-hour special traffic and power block on Mumbai suburban sections between the Mulund-Thane and Diva-Dombivli lines from midnight to 10 am on Sunday, March 22, to facilitate platform extension works at Thane and Dombivli stations for accommodating 15-coach trains. According to a press release issued by Central Railway on Saturday, the block was to be carried out on the UP and DOWN Slow lines between Mulund-Thane and Diva-Dombivli, impacting Mumbai local as well as mail and express services. The Central Railway had stated that the suburban services would remain cancelled intermittently during the block period. Several DOWN Slow services from Parel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) between late Saturday night and Sunday morning will be diverted on the Fast line at Mulund and later re-diverted to the Slow line at Thane. These trains will also skip halts at Kopar and Thakurli stations after being diverted via Diva. UP Slow services affected The official statement had stated that the UP Slow services departing Kalyan between late Saturday night and Sunday morning would be diverted on the Fast line and will not halt at Thakurli and Kopar stations. They would be re-diverted between Diva and Thane, and further between Thane and Mulund. During the block period, fast trains in both directions will make additional halts at Kalva, Mumbra, and Diva stations. All local train services between Mulund-Thane and Diva-Kalyan would remain suspended during the block window. Additionally, all services originating from or terminating at Dombivali would remain cancelled on Sunday, it had said. Mail and Express trains affected It further stated that the Mail and Express trains will also be affected. DOWN trains departing CSMT or Dadar would be diverted via the fifth line between Vidyavihar/Thane and Kalyan, while UP trains heading towards CSMT/Dadar would be diverted via the sixth line between Kalyan and Thane/Vidyavihar.
22 March,2026 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarWhile India celebrated International Women’s Day recently, the national conversation often highlighted stories of women breaking barriers in boardrooms, laboratories, courtrooms, and sports arenas. Yet, beyond the spotlight of achievement lies a quieter and more troubling reality unfolding in court corridors and police stations across the country. For thousands of women who approach the justice system after experiencing violence, the journey toward accountability is marked not by swift protection but by years of hearings, adjournments, and uncertainty, raising a difficult question: Can empowerment truly be celebrated if justice itself remains delayed? Silent battles behind the applause In the dimly lit corridors of courts across India, a woman waits. She first came seeking protection years ago, her voice trembling as she asked the State to stand beside her. Today, she is still here, clutching her case files, navigating endless adjournments, delayed investigations, and a justice system moving slower than the trauma it was meant to heal. Stuti Galiya, Venkatesh Nayak and Audrey D’mello “Thousands of women continue to fight battles unseen, often alone. Empowerment is celebrated through CEOs shattering glass ceilings, women scientists leading innovations, lawyers reshaping jurisprudence, and athletes redefining limits. But behind the headlines, in police stations and courtrooms, empowerment has a different, quieter face, one defined by resilience against neglect, bias, and delay,” said Advocate Mohini Priya, Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court, who has witnessed it all, in her last two decades of legal practice. The numbers that speak in silence In 2022, 4,45,256 crimes against women were registered across India — nearly 51 complaints every hour. The largest category? Cruelty by husbands or relatives. “Rape cases numbered 31,516, and in more than 90 per cent of these, the accused was someone the survivor knew, someone she might have trusted. Homes, workplaces, schools, and neighbour-hoods meant to be their haven are often the scene where a woman’s dignity is ravaged,” points out Advocate Priya. Mohani Priya, Advocate Yet the law, despite its promises, moves at a snail’s pace. Repeated court appearances, adversarial cross-examinations, and prolonged uncertainty transform the very system meant to deliver justice into another form of trauma. “Criminologists call it secondary victimisation, where institutional delays and scrutiny deepen the wounds survivors already carry,” Priya explains. The invisible chains of bias Even when the law is on her side, a woman faces unseen barriers. Gender stereotypes subtly shape investigations and trials. “Questions about her clothing, her behaviour, her past, the very life she lived before the crime are wielded like weapons against her credibility,” said Mohini. This, despite the Supreme Court repeatedly warning against such reasoning, yet patriarchal shadows persists. “For survivors, the fear of disbelief becomes as terrifying as the violence itself. Justice, they discover, is not just about proving guilt; it is about surviving the glare of suspicion,” Priya tells Sunday mid-day. “Even recently, the brutal rape and murder of a young trainee doctor at Kolkatta’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital shocked the nation. The outrage was not only for the crime, but for the haunting questions it raised about institutional response, evidence handling, and the vulnerability of women in professional spaces,” she further added. Weak investigations, says solicitor Stuti Galiya “India’s courts face a mounting backlog, and trials in gender-based violence cases are often delayed, denied, and stripped of dignity due to adjournments, judicial vacancies, and procedural hurdles. For many women, the struggle begins at the police station, where reluctance to file FIRs, weak investigations, and pressure to ‘settle’ cases create early barriers. Even after proceedings start, survivors may face insensitive questioning and repeated testimony, adding to emotional strain. “Empowerment cannot rest solely on visible achievements; it must include timely, dignified justice. True progress is measured in a system that responds swiftly, fairly, and sensitively to every woman seeking accountability.” Worshipped, yet silenced “In our society, women are worshipped as ‘Devi’ and ‘Shakti’, yet often denied the respect these words imply. From birth, girls are subtly taught to be quiet, obedient, and dependent. When they speak about violence, they face compromise instead of justice. India’s laws promise equality, but societal and institutional attitudes lag behind. Women who report abuse often meet disbelief, pressure, and isolation. True empowerment isn’t a symbolic celebration; it’s creating a society where women who raise their voices are supported, believed, and able to reclaim their dignity without fear,” said Advocate Audrey Dmello, director of Majlis. Beyond celebrations “In India, women’s achievements are celebrated every International Women’s Day, yet thousands still face delayed justice after violence. Our 2024 study on the heinous offence of rape and criminal law reforms, following the Nirbhaya case, showed systemic gaps that persist today. Even after recent protests over the murder of a young doctor in Kolkata survivors confront delays, stigma, institutional apathy, and poor rates of conviction. District-level police interventions are ignored, and preventive measures place the burden on women rather than addressing male predatory behaviour. True reform requires courts, institutions, and society to support survivors, eliminate biases, and hold offenders accountable. Only then can laws provide real protection,” said Venkatesh Nayak, director, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), New Delhi. From Representation to Redressal Celebrating women in leadership and entrepreneurship is vital, but true empowerment is measured in how the State responds when a woman’s dignity is violated. Legal reforms and representation mean little if survivors continue to wait, their trauma left unacknowledged, their cases stalled. Experts advocate urgent structural reforms: Statutory timelines for sexual offence trialsStrengthening Fast-Track Special CourtsTime-bound forensic processingDigital dashboards tracking case pendencyInstitutional survivor support and witness protection Mandatory gender-sensitisation across the justice systemThese measures are not ideals — they are necessities, lifelines for women whose voices are too often muffled by bureaucracy and bias. Silent struggle “We are providing pro bono legal representation to two hearing-impaired women, one in Delhi and one in Rajasthan, navigating the justice system after sexual violence and intimate partner abuse. These survivors face multiple barriers: Systemic Communication Gaps: Lack of accessible infrastructure, certified sign language interpreters, and sensitive communication protocols excludes them from interacting effectively with police. Socio-Economic Barriers: Financial dependence on abusers and the responsibility of providing for children create a “survival trap”. Cultural Stigma: The vulnerability of disabled women survivors is compounded by gender, socio-economic status creating barriers to justice.” Karuvaki Mohanty, ProgramManager, iProbono India, New Delhi.
22 March,2026 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonParents, students, alumni, and activists gathered at Dr Baliram Hiray College in Bandra East on Wednesday, March 18, alleging its interior design study centre has not issued valid degrees since its first batch that graduated in 2024, despite charging around Rs 80,000 per year. Families waited outside seeking clarity as a delegation met the principal and representatives, with trustees absent, and were asked to return on March 23 for a detailed discussion, said activist Nitin Nanavare, Maharashtra Navnirman Vidhyarthi Sena. Students said there is still no clarity on degree issuance or the authorised body, and while classes continue, they have no valid academic proof. They added that the course, run through a study centre, was earlier linked to Sangai International University, which was removed from the UGC list in 2024. They have now been told that a Sikkim-based university will award degrees, raising fresh concerns. Students Speak Shivani PawarFirst batch of 2021-24“We still haven’t been given proper marksheets and degrees. Only a few got their marksheets from the Sangai University, but those were full of errors too. Now the university has been de-recognised. We are consistently asked to move jobs since we can’t turn in our degree even 6 months into the job” Shravani SonawaneBatch of 2022-25 “We were never told that the affiliated university was shut down and the degree-awarding authority is being shifted. Through the six semesters, we have not received any official certificates or mark sheets that we can present. The parents and students have been persistently following up with the authorities, but we received no clarity” Manasvi Parab, Batch of 2022-2025“I graduated in May 2024 and hoped to apply to foreign universities, but I may miss the September intake since I have no degree in hand. My friends who have applied to jobs, are looking for promotions, or are trying to switch profiles, are facing difficulty, too. In fact, we don’t even know what our exact degrees state. So far, I have 2 marksheets from Sangai University, but the subjects don’t match the tests I took” Official response A senior official from the Dr Baliram Hiray College said, “The college is working towards giving students their degrees, and they will be distributed shortly. The students will be getting a BSc marksheet.”
22 March,2026 08:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarWith the third-party infrastructure provider being switched off for failing to meet contract conditions and any new network, there is now complete communication blackout inside Mumbai Metro’s Aqua Line, the city’s first underground corridor. Vodafone India services that were available between Worli and Aarey-JVLR have also been now impacted, along with BSNL services. A Vodafone India spokesperson said, “Vi services on the Mumbai Metro line are currently impacted. As per the MMRCL arrangement, Vi’s connectivity was being provided via ACES, whose primary contract with MMRCL is now terminated. Despite our readiness, factors involved are beyond our direct control.” The third-party provider had also signed a deal with the state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). In order to provide cellular connectivity in the underground Metro system, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited had partnered with Saudi Arabia-based Advanced Communications and Electronics Systems Company (ACES). The contention? Commissioning a third-party vendor was in line with the best practices followed by other large-scale infrastructure projects such as airports and Metro rails across India. But telcos disputed this and said the Aqua Line has created a monopoly on providing connectivity exclusively through a third-party vendor.
22 March,2026 08:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarWe all need a basera A man from Udaipur, Rajasthan, sells weaver nests on a bike on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad highway. The nests make for a safe haven for small birds during oppressive heat. A blockbuster night for fans Dhurandhar: The Revenge album launch Music is expected to be free in India,” a musician friend had once told us. So we were surprised to see that a large crowd had paid to preview the new soundtrack to Dhurandhar: The Revenge this week at NESCO. What tickled our funny bone was when rapper Khan Saab brought out Yung, a Korean musician featured on the album. Khan Saab yelled into his mic, in his classic Punjabi accent, “Yung paaji, kaha reh gaye tussi? [Yung brother, where are you]”. Yung played a rockstar medley on his guitar. Fans were lost in the music. Meeting the Ranis of Indian hockey At the recent The Sportstar Aces Awards, former India hockey captain MM Somaya was delighted to meet the two Ranis of Indian hockey — Rani Rampal and Pritam Rani Siwaich. MM Somaya with Rani Rampal and Pritam Rani Siwaich (right) Rampal hit the high notes while captaining India to the semi-finals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She had earlier received the prestigious World Young Player of the Year in 2010. Pritam played a lead role in India winning its only hockey gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Both hail from Haryana and have been exceptional forward line players; Pritam from Sonepat and Rampal from Shahbad. Both are now making big forays into coaching, says Somaya. “Pritam runs a successful academy in Sonepat that is churning out some of India’s best hockey players and FIH-qualified coach Rampal is poised to make a mark as a mentor for the next generation of hockey players.” Somaya asked them what was the secret behind Haryana sportspersons excelling across multiple disciplines. “Doodh mein ghee aur badam ghol ke peetey hai [drinking milk that has almonds and ghee],” they said. Somaya gives the Ranis full marks for a simple and uncomplicated approach! Home is where the auto is FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE This week, we spotted our regular auto driver in a shiny new ride. He tells us that after years of grinding, he’s finally bought his own auto. He looks so pleased, we tease him, “How will you part from it when you go home to Bihar for the summer?” He turns serious. “I haven’t gone back in three years. My kids have never been. Because of the summer rush, I’d have to pay through my nose for tickets in black.” This year, he says, “I might drive us down 1800 km to my village.” A five-day journey in blazing heat just to get home. It’s a sobering thought for us when so many around us are complaining about soaring flight fares to Sri Lanka or other exotic vacation spots. Clean-green gift of the gab at the Gateway of India The students send a no litter message at the Gateway Clean Mumbai Foundation led a student initiative at the buzzing Gateway of India recently. Wilson College students from the Green Warrior group have joined the cleanliness awareness campaign with placards. Corporator Harshita Narwekar saluted the students and their efforts. Clean Mumbai Foundation founder Kunti Oza said, “The Gateway is a prime location. Tourists need to put away trash in the bins placed there. Hawkers also need to realise that immediate surroundings have to be tidy. When youngsters deliver this message they also subtly imbibe it,” she said. Adding decibels to this is the fact that the BMC A ward has installed an announcement system reminding people about cleanliness. In these conflict-ridden times, the only war we appreciate is the one waged on litter and dirt. An evening of art! Raja Ravi Varma’s Yashoda and Krishna This week, when this diarist heard about Saffron Art’s collection for their Spring Auction 2026, we were instantly intrigued. It holds a collection of works that have supported the evolution of modern Indian art, including rare antiquities, sculptures, and contemporary masterpieces by Raja Ravi Varma, MF Husain, and Edwin Lord Weeks, among others. But the highlight is Raja Ravi Varma’s Yashoda and Krishna, one of his most accomplished works. He skillfully merges European academic realism with Indian mythological narrative. Seeing it in person left us in awe, and it was a while before we moved to the next painting. The auction goes live on April 1 in Mumbai and online.
22 March,2026 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDWeeks after this paper reported how 12-year-old Parwez Ali quit his schooling to fund his mother’s treatment, her condition has taken a turn for the worse. This has led to further delay in her much-awaited surgery. Parwez’s mother was set to undergo multiple procedures simultaneously, including stomach, gynaecological, and urinary tract-related surgeries. Doctors have now prioritised treating her worsening infection first. “After her test reports, we found that major organs are infected. Without clearing the infection there won’t be a clear view of her organs,” said one of the treating doctors. Amid these challenges, there has been a positive development. Sion Hospital dean Dr Pramod Ingale confirmed to Sunday mid-day that the hospital’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Services department has stepped in to support the young man. “Beyond medical aid, the hospital has taken responsibility for Parwez’s education, ensuring his future is not disrupted during this crisis,” said Dr Ingale.
22 March,2026 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarWar clouds have now cast a shadow over the fishing community. The Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti (AMMKS) has issued an urgent appeal to the central and Maharashtra government to intervene in the mounting fuel pricing crisis that threatens to anchor the state’s fishing fleet indefinitely. Devendra Damodar Tandel, AMMKS president, said, “Following the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict… while retail prices at petrol pumps remain stable for the general public at approximately Rs 90.03 per litre, the price for fisheries co-operative societies has skyrocketed to over r112 per litre. Because fishing co-operatives are technically classified as ‘bulk consumers’, they are currently facing a surcharge of over Rs 22 per litre.” “It is a cruel irony that a luxury car owner can fuel up for r90, while a traditional fisherman, who provides food security to the nation, is forced to pay Rs 112 through his co-operative society,” he said, adding that this was a direct blow to the livelihood of 3.6 lakh fishermen in Maharashtra. The AMMKS represents all coastal districts of Maharashtra from Palghar to Sindhudurg. Bernard Demello, working president of AMMKS, said this was like a repeat of the 2022 crisis during the Russia-Ukraine war. “At that time, a formal representation was made to then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, requesting the creation of a ‘third categorFuel price hike leaves fisherfolk high and dryy’ for the primary sector [fishing and farming] to decouple them from industrial bulk pricing. But nothing happened.” “If the government does not act immediately, the fishing industry in Maharashtra will be forced into a total shutdown,” warned Pradeep Tapke, vice-president of AMMKS. Tandel added that the government has taken a decision to classify fishermen’s cooperative societies under the ‘retail’ category. An official announcement is expected shortly. List of demands 1) Immediate removal of fisheries from the “Bulk/Industrial” category2) Fuel price protection for the industry3) Granting agriculture status to fisheries Rs 90.03 Per-litre price of petrol for general publica
22 March,2026 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Look at situations from a long-term perspective instead of focusing on short-term gains. Avoid overindulging while socialising with friends.Career tip: Make sure you have up to date information and data, and try not to finish projects in a rush. Pay attention to the small details. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Maintain your focus and don’t allow yourself to get distracted by unimportant matters. This is a positive time for family finances.Career tip: Handle colleagues who are frenemies in a very careful manner. A small project could have more potential than you think. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Choose carefully if you have multiple options, and don’t make decisions by default. Take a little extra care of your health.Career tip: Focus on what you need to do rather than what could go wrong. Look at the options you have before making any career decisions. CancerJune 21 – July 22Think before you speak, and try to keep your emotions in check. Look for creative solutions to any challenge you face.Career tip: Make commitments only if you can keep them. Double check documents and presentations before sending them. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Don’t get into complicated situations that don’t concern you. This is a positive time for singles willing to get out of their comfort zone.Career tip: Get all the information you need before making important decisions. Advice from a senior would be invaluable. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Handle challenging situations in a clear and decisive way. Avoid risky investments and spending on unnecessary things.Career tip: A small project has more potential than you think. This is a positive time for those who have international clients or businesses. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Focus on what is important and do not allow yourself to get distracted. Make the most of the opportunities you get, no matter how small they are..Career tip: Look at all the options you have if you are negotiating with a new client. Maintain a cordial equation with bosses and seniors. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Listen to your intuition if you feel someone is not being completely honest with you. This is a positive time for family finances and investments..Career tip: Build a firm foundation with any new clients. Those with a micromanaging boss need to handle the person intelligently. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21This is a good time to let go of any habit that is not good for you. Avoid making impulsive financial decisions and investments.Career tip: Find solutions to any challenges as quickly as possible. Those who have a home based business may need to promote themselves a little aggressively. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Any decision that could be impulsive should be well thought out beforehand. Make time for friends who are drama free and fun to be with.Career tip: Make sure you do not overlook any small but important details. This is a positive time for those who want to make any career changes. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Avoid getting into an argument with a family member or friend. Let go of the past and accept what cannot be changed.Career tip: Make sure you have all the information needed before signing a new contract. This is a positive time for those who travel extensively for work. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Pay attention to your home and the people living with you. Make investments only after a thorough analysis of what it is about.Career tip: Base any decision on actual verifiable information. Be careful while interacting with seniors, as they may not be on your side.
22 March,2026 05:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseFormer Deputy Mayor of Mumbai and sitting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Corporator from Ward No 98, Alka Kerkar, passed away on Saturday after a brief illness. She was 74 years old. Kerkar breathed her last on Saturday evening at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. She was among the prominent names considered for the post of Mumbai Mayor, but her candidature was later dropped from the race. Senior BJP leader and MLA Ashish Shelar expressed deep grief over her passing through a post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Former Deputy Mayor and Ward No. 98 Corporator Alkatai Kerkar following a brief illness. A 3rd-term corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, she shared an exceptional rapport with the people of her constituency. A retired teacher, she led a simple life, devoted to her party and upheld the highest standards of integrity, never allowing corruption or unauthorized practices to take root. Widely admired for her dedication and tireless service, she worked relentlessly for the welfare of citizens and set a benchmark for fellow corporators and political workers. Her unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of ordinary people makes her loss deeply felt in the Vandre West constituency. For over three decades, we have dedicated ourselves to serving the people of Vandre West Assembly constituency and advancing the work of the BJP. Today, I have lost one of the most important pillars of that journey. Her passing is a profound loss and has plunged our entire Vandre West community into deep grief. Heartfelt condolences to her family. Om Shanti.” Deeply saddened by the passing of Former Deputy Mayor and Ward No. 98 Corporator Alkatai Kerkar following a brief illness. A 3rd-term corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, she shared an exceptional rapport with the people of her constituency.A retired teacher,… pic.twitter.com/nuJuaxW79i — Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) March 21, 2026 Alka Kerkar was a three-term corporator in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and was known for her simplicity, integrity and close connect with the people of her ward.
21 March,2026 11:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSADVERTISEMENT
