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 April 24. Aries March 21 – April 20Preparation is half the success for a business meeting, especially one which promises enormous returns/ profits. Travel for business, part leisure is revealed.Cosmic tip: Consider transforming a hobby into a grassroots level business. Taurus April 21 – May 20Extra work keeps you extra busy. A relationship strengthens through fluidity, bringing the much needed transformation. What’s hidden remains secure till it’s time for disclosure.Cosmic tip: Make time to meet friends who matter. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Side-stepping important matters, highlighting small issues amounts to playing mind games with someone important to you (or are you sending non-verbal signals for closure?).Cosmic tip: Maintain clarity when speaking- be it with anybody. Cancer June 22 – July 23Having severed all connection with someone you thought was beloved, and receiving a call from them is actually annoying. Cosmic tip: Find a solution for an issue which, like an itch, refuses to go away. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Taking a decision about property matters is distressingly difficult. Take extra care about your diet.Cosmic tip: Make the most of this turning karmic cycle path which makes it easier to calm tumultuous feelings. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Pursuing further self-studies has been a life-long hobby which continues. An explanation answers a question. Get immediate medical attention if a parent feels unwell.Cosmic tip: Enjoy reliving a recent holiday spent with family. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22A new relationship for singles begins quietly and lovingly. Being ethical helps maintain mental equanimity and peace of mind.Cosmic tip: Transparently hold onto promises, not breaking them on the quiet just because you can. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Admitting you made a mistake is both brave and the right karmic decision which halts further discussions which meander onto different paths. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Have the courage to admit a mistake. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22A change of residence is likely soon. Deal promptly with a legal case. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Stop yourself from having expectations as that puts too much unnecessary pressure on the other person. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Receiving too many phone calls is a part of this morning and not surprising. A working trip doubles up as a mini getaway.Cosmic tip: Nurture this level of understanding with a loved one. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A key person is supportive, not that you need someone else to back you; being quite capable of fighting your own battles.Cosmic tip: Extend the same support to family as you’ve been receiving. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Time spent with family has been a rejuvenating experience, like a vitamin shot. Now you can get back to work and all the unavoidable stress.Cosmic tip: Learn to just let be and enjoy yourself.
24 April,2024 02:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseBJP general secretary Vinod Tawde on Tuesday claimed that like former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "agenda" is that the minorities should have the first right to the country's wealth, and not tribals or Dalits. He was replying to a question about the manifesto of the NCP led by Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a BJP ally, which mentions a caste-based census. Congress too has been demanding such a census. "Caste-based census is not Rahul Gandhi's agenda. His agenda is what Manmohan Singh had stated earlier: minorities have the first right to the country's wealth," Tawde told reporters. BJP welcomed anyone for a debate on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks in this regard, Tawde added. "I am using the words minorities; he (Manmohan Singh) had said very clearly that Adivasis and Dalits would not get anything. And there is no comment on it by Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, (Mallikarjun) Kharge, which means they approve of it. Does it mean that (Maharashtra Congress president) Nana Patole and his allies Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray also want the same thing that Singh had said?" he asked. 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
23 April,2024 08:24 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIIn the fiscal year 2023–24, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) experienced a notable surge in passenger traffic, welcoming over 52.8 million travellers, marking a 16 per cent increase compared to the preceding fiscal year. Alongside this growth, CSMIA also saw a rise in air traffic movements (ATMs), accommodating 3,24,972 movements, reflecting a 12 percent year-on-year increase. November 11 recorded the highest air traffic, surpassing 1000 movements. An official said, "The airport recorded 26 million passengers on arrivals and 26.7 million on departures in FY24." According to data CSMIA recorded growth in other key metrics. It processed 40.7 million bags (passenger luggage) during FY 2023–24, a 31 per cent surge compared to the previous fiscal year. A senior official from CSMIA said, “November 11 marked the highest air traffic movements, reaching 1,032 movements, the highest single-day traffic ever recorded. Additionally, in December, the airport witnessed its highest monthly traffic ever, catering to 4.89 million passengers, a 13 per cent increase compared to December 2022." Expanding international and domestic reach "The airport expanded its international reach through the addition of new destinations such as Almaty, Lagos, Jakarta, Entebbe, and Melbourne. Furthermore, the airport increased frequencies to several cities, including Paris, Nairobi, Frankfurt, London, Doha, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, among others.” said another official from CSMIA “One of the standout performances was London, which experienced a significant 55 per cent increase in passenger traffic, equivalent to almost 4,00,000 additional passengers. Istanbul and Hong Kong also recorded substantial growth, with 1,80,000 and 1,77,000 additional passengers, respectively, compared to the previous fiscal year,” the official added. Projects Introduced at CSMIA: Runway recarpeting: Completed runway recarpeting project for runway 14/32, improving overall operational efficiency. Expansion of PESC facility: Expanded Pre-Embarkation Security Check (PESC) facility at Terminal 2, adding eight new security lanes and a new domestic-to-domestic (D2D) transfer facility. Introduction of Taxiway Zulu: Introduced ‘Taxiway Zulu,’ offering a flexible-use apron to reduce aircraft taxi time and carbon emissions, a first in the Asian region. Hybrid solar project: Commissioned a rooftop hybrid solar and vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) project at Terminal 2, increasing total solar installed capacity to 4.782 MW
23 April,2024 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday told the Bombay High Court that an ad hoc compensation of Rs 10 lakh would be paid to the parents of two minor boys who died after falling into an open water tank in a civic garden. A division bench of Justices Gautam Patel and Kamal Khata was informed by BMC counsel Anil Singh that the amount would be paid by the contractor concerned, who was to maintain the garden where the incident took place. Two young children aged four and five years were reported missing and were later found dead on April 1. The bodies were discovered in the water tank at the Maharshi Karve Garden located in Wadala. The tank did not have any proper cover or lid. The incident occurred when the two children went to the garden to play. The high court had taken suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the incident and initiated a public interest litigation. Singh on Tuesday told the court a sum of Rs 10 lakh (Rs 5 lakh per child) would be paid by the contractor to the parents of the victims as ad hoc compensation. The court accepted the statement and posted the matter for further hearing in June. 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
23 April,2024 07:47 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIAhead of a rally of opposition leaders for Lok Sabha elections 2024, Union minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narayan Rane has warned the opposition that if anybody used abusive language against PM Modi, the person will not be allowed to return home, reported the PTI. Narayan Rane, the BJP candidate from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra, was speaking at a campaign rally in Sindhudurg district on Monday. The coastal seat, currently represented by Vinayak Raut who is again the candidate of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), has not been contested by the BJP earlier. Narayan Rane's son Nilesh Rane had won the seat in 2009 as the Congress candidate. The MVA and the ruling Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, NCP led by Ajit Pawar, and Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, are in a tough contest for the 48 parliamentary seats in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his party's MP Sanjay Raut criticise PM Narendra Modi while not understanding what they are talking about, said the minister, according to the PTI. "I learnt that opposition parties will be holding a rally in Sindhudurg soon. It is part of democracy, so they are welcome here. But if anyone uses abusive language against our leader, prime minister Narendra Modi, we will not allow that person to return from here," Narayan Rane said, as per the PTI. Rane, the BJP leader, who left the Shiv Sena after falling out with Uddhav Thackeray in 2005, claimed that Uddhav Thackeray was never his father Bal Thackeray's choice for the post of Maharashtra Chief Minister, the news agency reported on Tuesday. "Had Uddhav Thackeray been his choice, Balasaheb Thackeray would have made him CM instead of me in 1999. Uddhav Thackeray is a zero-performance person," said Narayan Rane, who was chief minister for less than a year, the PTI reported. Narayan Rane also alleged that during the coronavirus pandemic, Uddhav Thackeray, then chief minister, tried to get "15 percent commission" on vaccine procurement, and inquiry into such corruption of his government was going on, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
23 April,2024 06:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) over the symbol of a trumpet-like instrument allotted to an independent candidate contesting Lok Sabha elections 2024 from its stronghold, Baramati, in Maharashtra's Pune district, the PTI reported on Tuesday. The NCP (SP) has claimed that the Election Commission has allotted a trumpet-like symbol to independent candidate Shaikh Soyalshah Yunusshah and has identified it as "tutari", according to the PTI. The Election Commission of India has allotted "a man blowing turha" (a traditional trumpet) as the poll symbol for the NCP (SP). The complaint filed by Laxmikant Khabiya, the poll representative of the party's candidate, Supriya Sule, stated that there is a similarity in both names, which can cause confusion among voters, as per the PTI. Laxmikant Khabiya submitted the complaint to the returning officer on April 20. "The symbol given to the independent candidate is a trumpet. In Marathi, it cannot be called 'tutari'. We have requested the ECI to call the symbol 'trumpet' instead of 'tutari'," he stated in the complaint, the news agency reported on Tuesday. The "turha" in the NCP (SP) symbol is also called "tutari" in Marathi. It is sounded to mark the entry of important persons, ranging from kings earlier to political leaders now. Baramati in Maharashtra's Pune will go to polls in the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 7. Baramati is the home turf of the Pawar family, and Supriya Sule, the daughter of Sharad Pawar, has represented the constituency thrice so far and is seeking a fourth term. Supriya Sule is pitted against her sister-in-law and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar, the candidate of the NCP. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP is part of the Mahayuti alliance comprising the Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and BJP. Earlier, Supriya Sule and her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar had filed their nominations on Thursday. Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Vishwajeet Kadam, among others, accompanied Supriya Sule as she filed the nomination papers before the returning officer at the Council Hall in Pune. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Praful Patel were present when Sunetra Pawar, who is making her poll debut, filed her nomination. (with PTI inputs)
23 April,2024 05:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Crime Branch has recovered two guns from the Tapi River at Surat which were used by the accused in the Salman Khan house firing incident. They also recovered 10 cartridges from the river. According to the sources, one of the shooters Vicky Gupta gave the information about the location where they disposed of the gun used in the Salman Khan house firing case. The Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 9 arrested the accused Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, who opened fire outside Salman Khan's residence in Galaxy Apartments on April 14, from the Kutch Bhuj area. During the investigation, the accused revealed that they threw the gun in the Tapi River at Surat. Following that, on Monday morning the Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 9 reached Surat and began a search operation following which they recovered both guns and live bullets. Crime Branch Unit 9 was assisted by the Surat Crime Branch and the best divers to retrieve guns from the Tapi River. During the probe, the crime branch also found that the accused were told to fire 10 rounds on Salman Khan's residence but they only shot five round firings and escaped. Until now, the crime branch has recorded 10 people's statements in connection with the Salman Khan house firing incident.
23 April,2024 02:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaOn Tuesday, the Bombay High Court dismissed a 2014 case challenging Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin's designation as leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community. The Dawoodi Bohra succession case was initially brought by Khuzaima Qutbuddin and was later taken over by his son Taher Fakhruddin, challenged Saifuddin's status as the leader of the community following the death of his brother and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in January 2014 at the age of 102, reported PTI. According to the report, Justice Gautam Patel, who presided over the single bench, stated that the court's conclusion focused entirely on the issue of proof rather than faith. The lawsuit aimed to prevent Saifuddin from executing his duties as Syedna. Qutbuddin in his lawsuit claimed that his brother, Burhanuddin, had privately anointed him as his successor via a secret "nass" (conferment of succession) and publicly selected Saifuddin as the mazoon (second command) in 1965. Meanwhile, Fakhruddin pursued the court struggle, claiming that his father nominated him for the job. In his decision, Justice Patel emphasised his neutrality, saying, "I don't want any upheavals. I have kept the judgment as neutral as possible. I have only decided on the issue of proof and not faith." He dismissed the lawsuit to minimise any disruptions in the community. The Dawoodi Bohra community, a Shia Muslim denomination predominantly made up of traders and entrepreneurs, adheres to the belief of appointing a successor by "divine inspiration." Reportedly, there are 5 lakh members of the community in India and 10 lakh community members across the world. Meanwhile, the community's top religious leader is known as the Dai-al-Mutlaq (most senior). According to their conferment of succession, the incumbent Dai's family member can traditionally assume the office, however, this practice may be extended to meritorious community members. Saifuddin rejected the action, claiming that the purported 1965 "nass" lacked witnesses and couldn't be acknowledged. He stated that the nass was given to him on June 4, 2011, in front of witnesses at a London hospital, following the 52nd Dai's stroke, the report added. The lawsuit also demanded access to Saifi Manzil, the Syedna's Mumbai home, alleging that Saifuddin fraudulently assumed authority, the PTI report further stated.
23 April,2024 01:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDuring an informal interaction with reporters after the release of the party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, NCP working president Praful Patel revealed that despite contesting only four seats in Maharashtra and one in Lakshadweep under the 'clock' symbol, the party was able to secure an additional seat in the Rajya Sabha during seat-sharing negotiations. Patel clarified that, while the NCP withdrew its claim to the Satara seat for Lok Sabha Elections 2024, which the BJP will now contest, the party negotiated to obtain a Rajya Sabha seat after incumbent and union minister Piyush Goyal from the Mumbai North constituency resigned, in addition to one that became vacant following Patel's resignation, reported IANS. The report quoted Praful Patel as saying, "It is true that the NCP left its claim over Satara which the BJP will now contest. However, in return during our seat-sharing talks, it was decided that the NCP will get a Rajya Sabha seat after the election of the incumbent and union minister Piyush Goyal from the Mumbai North constituency in addition to one that is now vacant after my resignation. Therefore, NCP will get two seats, one of mine (he resigned from the Rajya Sabha after he was again elected to the Upper House till 2030 during the recent election) and another of Piyush Goyal." Patel went on to explain that, despite having a term in the Rajya Sabha till 2028, he resigned and was re-elected as the NCP nominee for a term ending in 2030, the agency report stated. Furthermore, the report stated that in terms of seat distribution in Maharashtra, Patel justified the NCP gaining four seats while leaving Parbhani to MahaYuti partner Rashtriya Samaj Paksha founder Mahadev Jankar. He remarked that the party began with only one seat, held by Sunil Tatkare from Raigad, and has already secured four seats following the NCP split. "NCP had one seat that of Sunil Tatkare from Raigad (after the split in the NCP). Now we have got four seats," Praful Patel noted. Patel also stated that senior party minister Chhagan Bhujbal has opted not to run for the Nashik seat in Lok Sabha Elections 2024, although conversations with the BJP and Shiv Sena are ongoing about the party's claim to the seat. "The discussions are underway with the BJP and the Shiv Sena," he added per IANS report. In a related development, ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Mushtaq Antulay, the son-in-law of former Maharashtra Chief Minister AR Antulay, joined the NCP alongside party heavyweights Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal. Antulay is from Raigad district, where Tatkare is up against Shiv Sena UBT nominee Anant Geete.
23 April,2024 12:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The political landscape of Maharashtra has long been a theatre of dynamic alliances and strategic maneuvering. However, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 have injected a new level of intrigue into the battleground, courtesy of the splits within two formidable political entities: Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Splits in key political parties Shiv Sena and NCP have made the battle for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra more interesting, besides the focus on traditional issues like unemployment and farmer suicides. The Shiv Sena, a stalwart in Maharashtra politics, has traditionally aligned itself with Hindutva ideology and maintained a strong presence in the state. However, the fissures within the party resulting in the emergence of factions with differing ideologies have added a layer of complexity to the electoral scenario. One faction of the Shiv Sena continues to uphold its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while another faction, the Shiv Sena (UBT), has opted for an alliance with Congress and Sharad Pawar-led NCP, citing ideological differences and dissatisfaction with the BJP-led government’s policies. This rift within the Shiv Sena has not only fragmented its voter base but has also opened up opportunities for rival parties to capitalise on the disarray. Similarly, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a key player in Maharashtra politics, has also witnessed internal divisions, particularly regarding leadership and strategy. Now, NCP is led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Member Ajit Pawar, while the other faction - Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) - is led by Sharad Pawar. The fallout between factions within the NCP has led to speculation about its ability to retain its stronghold in the state. The BJP-Shiv Sena won 41 of the 48 seats in the 2019 polls, but the Sena has split since and a vast majority of the Bal Thackeray-founded party is now allied with the BJP. The NCP also split as well with Ajit Pawar joining the ruling alliance in the state, led by Eknath Shinde. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP emerged the top party with 23 seats, followed by the undivided Sena with 18. The undivided NCP had emerged victorious on four seats, the Congress one, while the AIMIM and an Independent accounted for the remaining two. The factions Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena is referred to as the ‘Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray),’ while the rival faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is simply known as Shiv Sena. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena’s election symbol is the Bow and Arrow, whereas Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray uses a flaming torch as its symbol. Following the splits, the faction led by Ajit Pawar is now recognised as the Nationalist Congress Party, retaining the original party name and symbol. Founder and president Sharad Pawar formed the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) after the Election Commission recognised the Ajit Pawar faction as the original party. The Sharad Pawar faction will contest both Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly polls under the party symbol of the 'trumpet.' What experts have to say? The implications of these splits extend beyond mere intra-party dynamics. The fragmentation of these political entities has the potential to realign the political landscape of Maharashtra, giving rise to new alliances, power dynamics, and electoral strategies. "In this context, the battle for Maharashtra in the Lok Sabha elections 2024 assumes heightened significance. The traditional political equations are being reshaped, and the outcome of this electoral contest will not only determine the composition of Maharashtra’s representation in the Parliament but also set the tone for future political developments in the state," a political analyst said. "The splits within Shiv Sena and NCP have injected uncertainty into the electoral calculus, making it imperative for all stakeholders to recalibrate their strategies and alliances. The political landscape is evolving rapidly, and every move made by the key players will be closely scrutinised for its potential impact on the electoral outcome," he added. As Maharashtra braces itself for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the battle lines are being drawn, alliances are being forged, and political fortunes hang in the balance. In this high-stakes contest, the only certainty is the unpredictability that defines the ever-changing dynamics of Maharashtra politics. While discussing the potential confusion among voters due to splits in parties like Shiv Sena and NCP, political analyst Abhay Deshpande suggested that Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar could garner sympathy votes. "There's a factor at play here: both Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar hold the victim card, which could attract sympathy votes. As for confusion over party symbols, I don't anticipate a significant issue because we're in the age of social media," he remarked. "Detailed information is readily available to everyone. Political consciousness is high, so people are well-informed about the dynamics of Maharashtra politics. While some voters might experience confusion, I believe the percentage will be minimal," Deshpande concluded. What leaders have to say? Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said that voters can distinguish between the real Shiv Sena and the fake. "Voters won't be misled regarding their choice of party. The electorate is astute enough to discern which party and symbol deserve their vote. In this digital age, people are well-informed and aware of all political developments in Maharashtra. They know precisely which Shiv Sena is real. We don't require validation from the Election Commission to authenticate our identity as the true Shiv Sena. We resonate in the hearts of the people, carrying forward the ideologies of Balasaheb Thackeray, and the public recognises that." NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Sunil Tatkare stated that voters are now well-informed and won't be confused between the real NCP and the fake once. "Voters are astute and aware of everything happening in the state and Maharashtra politics. I believe they can discern the real NCP from the fake," he emphasised. What younger generation thinks about Shiv Sena and NCP split In the political landscape of Maharashtra, the recent rift within the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has sent ripples through the socio-political fabric of the state. Traditionally, these two parties have been pivotal players, shaping the course of Maharashtra's governance. However, as they part ways, it's imperative to explore how the younger generation perceives this split and what it signifies for the future of Maharashtra's politics. For many young individuals, political affiliations are not merely inherited but rather subject to scrutiny based on ideology, policy, and performance. The Shiv Sena and NCP, both entrenched in Maharashtra's political scene for decades, have garnered varied perceptions among the youth. The Shiv Sena, once synonymous with staunch Marathi nationalism and Hindutva ideology, has been undergoing a metamorphosis, especially since its alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra in 2019. This alliance marked a departure from its historical partnership with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). For some younger individuals, this shift signifies an adaptability to changing political realities, while for others, it raises questions about the party's core principles and opportunistic alliances. "The leadership transition within the Shiv Sena, with Uddhav Thackeray taking the reins after the demise of his father Bal Thackeray, has intrigued the younger generation. Uddhav's leadership style, often perceived as more moderate compared to the aggressive rhetoric of the party's past, has garnered both praise and criticism. Some view it as a sign of pragmatism and a willingness to engage in coalition politics, while others see it as a dilution of the party's original ethos," Jay Shah, a Girgaon resident, said. In contrast, the NCP, under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, has been perceived as a seasoned player in Maharashtra's political arena. Pawar's political acumen and ability to navigate complex alliances have earned him respect across generations. The NCP's decision to break away from the Shiv Sena-led coalition government reflects its strategic calculations and desire to maintain its distinct identity. "Among the younger generation, there is a nuanced view of the NCP. While some admire Pawar's political astuteness and the party's focus on development issues, others criticise its dynastic politics and alleged involvement in corruption scandals. The splits within the Shiv Sena and NCP has prompted discussions about both parties future trajectory and its potential alliances in the upcoming elections," Jay addded. The splits within the Shiv Sena and NCP holds significance for the younger generation beyond immediate political ramifications. It underscores the evolving nature of coalition politics and the emergence of new fault lines within Maharashtra's political landscape. "For many young voters, this split serves as a reminder of the importance of critically evaluating political decisions and holding parties accountable for their actions," Rita Todankar said. She further said the split opens up space for new political actors and alternative ideologies to emerge. As the traditional power dynamics undergo transformation, there is an opportunity for youth-led movements and grassroots initiatives to shape the discourse and demand greater transparency and accountability from political parties. "As Maharashtra gears up for future elections, the split within the Shiv Sena and NCP sets the stage for a realignment of political forces. While alliances may shift, and strategies may evolve, the voices of the younger generation will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of Maharashtra's politics. Their demands for inclusive governance, sustainable development, and social justice are poised to reshape the political landscape, challenging established narratives and paving the way for a more dynamic and responsive democracy," Rita said. When asked if the Shiv Sena and NCP splits will confuse voters, she said the voters won't be confused. "In this digital era, with every party reaching to voters digitally people are well aware about which person represents which party," Rita added.
23 April,2024 11:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarThe male leopard, which was first sighted at the remains of an Indo-Portuguese fort on March 29 in Vasai and triggered panic among residents, has been caught by the joint efforts of the Maharashtra Forest department, wildlife NGOs and researchers in the wee hours of Tuesday. The officials had installed multiple trap cameras to monitor the movement of the leopard, which initially survived on the stray dogs but, later, it is believed that the big cat was surviving on rodents that are found abundant in the fort. Sources said that the authorities concerned had installed two cages at different locations in the Vasai Fort area to trap the wild cat. Finally, the male #leopard has been caught on 25th day of rigorous search operations by the joint efforts of Forest officials, #wildlife NGOs and researchers in Vasai. The first sighting of a big cat in the iconic Indo-Portuguese Fort in #Vasai had triggered panic among locals pic.twitter.com/Pd5KLFDQdX — Diwakar Sharma (@DiwakarSharmaa) April 23, 2024 Sources within the department told mid-day that they had to realign the cages which they had installed on the premises of majestic Vasai Fort, ‘and this helped us in catching the leopard on the 25th day,’ said a source. After the wild cat was imprisoned, it was taken to the Range Forest Office (RFO) in Mandvi, Virar East where its medical tests were conducted. Thousands of local fishing communities had been facing difficulties after the first leopard sighting near Vasai Fort, as the authorities concerned had barricaded all the exits to restrict public movement for 12 hours after 7 pm. The recently launched RoRo boat services - connecting Vasai and Bhayandar via sea- were also impacted as the Vasai fort road leading to Vasai jetty was barricaded in the evening. Of late, the leopard was mostly seen near the creek side of the fort and the wildlife researchers believe that it might be eating crabs, fish and other aquatic animals found near the thick mangrove forest.
23 April,2024 10:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaADVERTISEMENT
