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 March 2. Aries March 21 – April 20Living in vibes of happy togetherness is possible, if only you’d allow yourself to do so. Cosmic tip: Make a relationship decision after ample consideration. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Minor redecoration is something followed through (finally). Reconciliation with someone you had distanced yourself from brings in great happiness. Cosmic tip: Gradually draw in changes you’ve been considering. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Chart out career/ business plans for next two years. A wedding and a business meeting overseas are slated for the same day.Cosmic tip: Make a wish close to your heart and desires. Cancer June 22 – July 23Rapport with the boss and colleagues is good, but that doesn’t mean you can be manipulated into completing someone else’s work. Cosmic tip: Live from within the peace in your heart. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A business meeting is cancelled. Reaching a career/business milestone feels good. Take care of health.Cosmic tip: Take a disappointment in your stride and as a spiritual lesson. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A phone call brings good news you were not expecting. Schedules are completed as planned.Cosmic tip: Keep words diplomatic to maintain relationships at a comfortable level. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22A one-day trip out of town brings desired results (you feel great about this). Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Be careful about choosing only food that suits the system when attending a party. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Keep unrelentingly sharp focus at work to meet an important deadline. Stay out of office politics; Cosmic tip: Try and reach home earlier than usual. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Self-employed Sagittarians working on a new concept must keep it under wraps or it gets plagiarised.Cosmic tip: Guide life that gives a proper perspective. Spending quiet times alone helps. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Small issues are a part of life. Just deal with them one at a time without getting irritated. Negotiating an assignment brings closure.Cosmic tip: Stand up for yourself and your rights. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Some have a new job/ sign an important contract/ deal/ project soon.Cosmic tip: Work within the circumstances you find yourself in, making the most of what’s already there. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Try and stay within the budget. A karmic cycle begins for dealing with international projects.Cosmic tip: Make a practical decision when faced with a surprising turn of events.
02 March,2026 03:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseDozens of residents from Maharashtra, including senior citizens and students, are stranded in Dubai due to airspace closures triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel strike, news agency PTI reported, quoting officials on Sunday. Twenty-three tourists—including 12 senior citizens—from Kalyan, Shahapur and Murbad talukas of Thane district had travelled to Dubai on February 23 and were scheduled to return on Sunday. Shahapur Tehsildar Parmeshwar Kasule said talathis were instructed to gather details from families after reports of their situation surfaced on social media, PTI reported. One of the stranded tourists, Ramesh Dhalpe, said he had contacted the Ministry of External Affairs seeking immediate assistance for the group’s safe return. “With the return journey uncertain, we appeal to the Indian government for urgent financial and logistical support,” he said. Meanwhile, 84 MBA students and four faculty members from Pune’s Indira School of Business Studies (ISBS), who were in Dubai on a five-day study tour, were also stranded, PTI reported. While 40 students were scheduled to return on Saturday and the remaining 44 on Sunday, flights were cancelled due to the airspace closure. All students and staff from Pune institute secure in Bur Dubai “All students and staff are safe and have been shifted to a hotel in Bur Dubai,” ISBS Dean Janardhan Pawar said. Chairperson Tarita Shankar added, “We are in constant touch with the students and coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Civil Aviation. They will be brought back at the earliest.” Rahul Pathak, a faculty member accompanying the students, said the situation outside the hotel was normal. “The parents have connected with their wards. The hotel stay is comfortable and food is available. All shops around are open,” he said. The district administration confirmed that besides the ISBS group, another 10 residents from Pune are stranded in Dubai. “We have made contact with all of them, and they are safe,” a statement said. Dubai and other Middle Eastern airspaces have seen major disruptions, with reports of air defence fire in the UAE’s commercial capital following the strikes, leaving many travellers in transit stranded. (With PTI inputs)
01 March,2026 11:13 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai city recorded 12,848 property registrations in February, generating more than Rs 1,118 crore in stamp duty revenue for the state exchequer. This marks the strongest February performance in 14 years for both registrations and revenue, according to data from the Maharashtra Department of Registrations and Stamps and Knight Frank India. Registrations rose 6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) from 12,066 in February 2025, while stamp duty collections increased 20 per cent YoY from Rs 935 crore, reflecting a higher share of premium and large-ticket transactions. Residential properties accounted for nearly 80 per cent of total registrations. The market showed a clear shift toward higher-value properties. The share of homes priced above Rs 5 crore rose to 8 per cent from 6 per cent a year ago, while the Rs 2–5 crore segment expanded to 20 per cent from 17 per cent, and the Rs 1–2 crore bracket increased to 33 per cent from 31 per cent. Properties below Rs 1 crore fell to 40 per cent from 46 per cent, highlighting rising demand for mid-to-premium housing. Apartments up to 1,000 sq ft continued to dominate, making up 81 per cent of total registrations, with the 500–1,000 sq ft segment remaining the most preferred at 45 per cent. Meanwhile, larger units in the 1,000–2,000 sq ft and over 2,000 sq ft categories saw modest growth, suggesting growing interest in upgraded living spaces. Suburban Mumbai leads property demand, western and central suburbs drive growth Suburban areas continued to drive residential activity, with the western suburbs accounting for 57 per cent of registrations and the Central Suburbs 30 per cent. Core city markets contributed a smaller share due to supply constraints and higher prices. Shishir Baijal, chairman and managing director of Knight Frank India, said, “Mumbai’s residential market is showing not a short-term spike, but a structurally strong and resilient performance. Demand remains largely end-user driven, with suburban micro-markets benefiting from improved connectivity and infrastructure expansion. Projects such as the Coastal Road and key link corridors are expected to further reinforce this positive trend.” The data underscores sustained market momentum, with buyers increasingly gravitating toward well-connected suburban localities that offer a balance of affordability, liveability, and long-term value.
01 March,2026 09:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai–Vijaydurg Ro-Pax maritime service was inaugurated on Sunday, aimed at improving travel and trade connectivity between Mumbai and the Konkan region. The first journey of the service was flagged off by Maharashtra Minister for Fisheries and Ports Development Nitesh Rane. The inaugural voyage received an enthusiastic response from passengers and tourists. Pramod Dhuri, a well-known Bhajan singer from Konkan, performed traditional rituals and devotional songs as the vessel departed from Mumbai, creating a spiritual atmosphere on board. The service, considered part of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ broader infrastructure and maritime development plan, is expected to save passengers both time and travel costs. Rane highlighted that the service will strengthen the link between Mumbai and the Konkan coast, offering a reliable alternative to road transport. The Ro-Pax vessel can carry around 625 passengers along with 40 four-wheelers and 25 two-wheelers per trip. It is equipped with modern navigation systems, safety equipment, and comfortable seating. The journey from Mumbai to Vijaydurg is expected to take six to seven hours, making it significantly faster than existing road routes. Officials said the service is likely to provide a boost to tourism, local trade, fisheries, and small industries along the Konkan coast. It is also expected to benefit Mumbai-based residents who travel frequently to the region. The launch of the Ro-Pax service comes as part of Maharashtra’s wider efforts to enhance maritime transport and regional connectivity, positioning the state as a leader in coastal infrastructure development. Mumbai water metro likely to roll out from December: Minister Nitesh Rane The Mumbai Water Metro project, which aims to introduce battery-powered ferries to ease traffic congestion in the metropolis and surrounding areas, is expected to roll out in phases starting in December, Maharashtra Ports Minister Nitesh Rane said last month. The state government has proposed six to eight routes in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to be connected through a network of electric-powered boats under the water taxi project, estimated to cost Rs 1,200 crore, according to the minister. "We have decided to start with Mumbai city and then expand to the wider MMR, which includes adjoining districts," Rane said. Water metro services within Mumbai city will focus on Nariman Point–Worli–Bandra–Juhu–Versova routes, he added, noting, "We plan to take up two routes in the first phase."
01 March,2026 08:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) will organise a three-day residential training camp in Chiplun from February 27 to March 1 (Friday to Sunday) for its candidates from the Konkan division who recently contested the municipal council and nagar panchayat elections. The initiative aims to equip party representatives in local self-government bodies with the skills and knowledge required to address pressing civic challenges. State Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal, along with senior party leaders, social activists and subject experts, will guide participants during the camp. Sessions will focus on urban issues affecting small towns and semi-urban areas, including civic infrastructure gaps, public grievances, quality of development works and strategies for effective coordination with administrative authorities to ensure timely resolution of problems. According to Advocate Ganesh Patil, vice-president (organisation and administration) of MPCC, the objective is to make Congress representatives more capable, responsive, and development-oriented in their functioning. He added that similar training camps will be conducted in other regions in the next phase. BJP-NCP set to form governing body in Raigad, Shinde's Shiv Sena likely to be in opposition The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are set to join hands in Raigad to form the governing body of the zilla parishad, even as Shiv Sena, the single largest party, is expected to sit in the opposition. In the 59-member body, Shiv Sena won 21 seats, nine short of a majority, while the NCP secured 16 seats and the BJP bagged 15, paving the way for a BJP-NCP coalition to take control. The president's post is likely to go to BJP, while the deputy president's post will be allotted to NCP. Shiv Sena leader Bharat Gogawale said his party was ready to sit in the opposition. "If consensus is not reached and things do not work out, are we supposed to sit idle? There is no problem with sitting in the opposition. However, we are waiting for directions from the senior leadership," he said. Maharashtra NCP President Sunil Tatkare, a native of the district, told PTI that he had met Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde to discuss the issue. Notably, Tatkare and Gogawale are rivals in local politics.
01 March,2026 06:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday termed the Nagpur explosives factory blast as “extremely tragic and unfortunate” and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. At least 17 people were killed and 18 others injured in the explosion at the detonator packing unit of SBL Energy Limited in Raulgaon, located in Katol tehsil of Nagpur district. In an official statement, Fadnavis said that orders have been issued for a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the blast. CM monitoring situation, officials rush to spot The Chief Minister said he is in constant touch with the local administration, with senior officials—including the district collector and superintendent of police—reaching the site immediately after the incident. He assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that all necessary measures are being taken. NDRF, SDRF and safety agencies deployed Multiple agencies have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are conducting operations at the site. Officials from key safety bodies, including the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the Defence Information System for Security (DISS), are also present to assist in the investigation and ensure compliance with safety protocols. Rescue efforts are being carried out on a war footing to manage the aftermath of the explosion. Condolences expressed, medical aid for injured Fadnavis expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast. He also assured that the injured have been shifted to hospitals in Nagpur and are receiving the best possible medical treatment. Praying for their speedy recovery, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the victims and ensuring accountability through a detailed probe into the incident. PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for families of Nagpur factory blast victims Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in a blast at an explosives factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
01 March,2026 01:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAt least 17 persons were killed and 18 others injured in a powerful blast at an explosives manufacturing factory in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district on Sunday morning, police officials said, reported news agency PTI. The incident occurred at SBL Energy Limited’s facility in Raulgaon, located in Katol tehsil. According to initial reports, the explosion took place at the company’s detonator packing unit between 7:00 am and 7:15 am, reported PTI. Authorities said the intensity of the blast caused significant casualties, with several workers present at the unit at the time. Rescue operations launched, NDRF deployed Emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were rushed to the site to carry out rescue and relief operations. Efforts were underway to search for survivors and ensure the area is secured, reported PTI. Local administration officials, including District Collector Vipin Itankar and Superintendent of Police Harrsh Podar, reached the spot to oversee the rescue operations. Injured shifted to hospitals in Nagpur The 18 injured persons were immediately rushed to hospitals in Nagpur for treatment. Officials said some of the injured are in critical condition, though detailed medical updates are awaited, reported PTI. Authorities are working to identify the deceased and inform their families, while ensuring medical support for those injured. Company yet to issue detailed statement Representatives of SBL Energy Limited confirmed the location and timing of the blast and said a detailed statement will be issued after preliminary assessment, reported PTI. The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, and investigations will be conducted to ascertain whether safety protocols were followed at the facility. The incident comes just a day after a similar explosion at a cracker unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district, which claimed 21 lives, raising fresh concerns over industrial safety standards. PM announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for families of Nagpur factory blast victims Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in a blast at an explosives factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). "The explosion at a factory in Nagpur, Maharashtra, is deeply distressing. My condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected," PM Modi said in a post on X. "An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," the PM said. (With inputs from PTI)
01 March,2026 12:53 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentA major fire broke out at a hotel in south Mumbai shortly after midnight on Sunday, officials said. No injuries were reported in the incident, they said. According to Mumbai Fire Brigade, a Level-1 fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday at a hotel in South Mumbai’s Fort area, triggering a swift emergency response. The incident was reported at around 12:57 am at Hotel Babel on Walchand Hirachand Road, opposite the General Post Office (GPO). The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) declared it a Level-1 fire at 12:58 am, indicating a minor but controlled blaze. Blaze confined to upper floors, affects 2,000 sq ft area According to officials, the fire was initially confined to the first and second floors of the ground-plus-two-storey hotel building. It later spread across an area of approximately 2,000 square feet, including parts of the terrace. The blaze damaged electrical wiring, installations, wooden furniture, mattresses, and scrap materials within the premises. Multiple agencies respond, fire doused quickly Firefighting operations were carried out promptly by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, with support from local police, BEST electricity personnel, 108 ambulance services, and BMC ward staff. Multiple fire engines were deployed to the site to control the situation and prevent further spread. Fire extinguished, cause yet to be known Officials confirmed that the fire was brought under control and completely extinguished by 2:25 am. No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and further investigation is underway to determine what triggered the blaze. 17 persons killed, 18 injured in blast at explosives factory in Nagpur Meanwhile, at least 17 persons were killed and 18 others injured in a blast at an explosives manufacturing factory in Maharashtra's Nagpur district on Sunday morning, police said. The blast took place at the SBL Energy Limited factory, a mining and industrial explosives manufacturer, at Raulgaon in Katol tehsil, a senior police official said. At least 17 persons were killed and 18 others suffered injuries, the police said. A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reached the site to carry out the rescue operations. Representatives of SBL Energy Limited told PTI that the incident occurred at the company's detonator packing unit between 7 am and 7.15 am. Rescue operations were underway, a company official said, adding that they will release a statement soon.
01 March,2026 12:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn an extraordinary and rare wildlife development, researchers at the Melghat Tiger Reserve have documented a remarkable instance of peaceful coexistence between two traditionally separate carnivore species — the Indian grey wolf and the Asiatic wild dog (dhole). Wildlife researcher observes wolf leading dhole pack Senior wildlife researcher Dr. Sawan M Deshmukh, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Amravati district, spotted both species together on February 22 at 5.40 pm inside the Melghat Tiger Reserve, a rare sighting that coincided with the reserve’s Foundation Day. "I observed an adult Indian grey wolf moving in close association with a pack of four dholes. Most strikingly, the wolf appeared to be leading the group, an unusual behavioural pattern that has surprised all of us," said Dr. Sawan M Deshmukh. Species typically occupy distinct habitats, experts note According to wildlife experts, both species are among the largest social canids in the Indian subcontinent, yet they typically occupy distinct habitats. Indian grey wolves are commonly found in open grasslands, semi-arid plains, and agro-pastoral landscapes, while dholes primarily inhabit dense deciduous and evergreen forests. Encounters between the two species are rare, and cooperative or friendly interactions are even rarer. No aggression observed during 40-minute interaction Dr. Deshmukh notes that this is only the third recorded instance of such inter-species association in India, and the first ever documented in Melghat. The observation further highlights the ecological significance and conservation value of the tiger reserve. Notably, during the 40-minute observation period, no signs of aggression, growling, or territorial hostility were witnessed. Instead, the animals moved calmly and cohesively as a single unit. Dr. Deshmukh emphasized that the adult wolf consistently stayed at the front, clearly guiding the group’s movement. Study underway to analyse rare behavioural phenomenon The incident is being considered highly significant for wildlife conservation and the study of interspecies social behavior. Dr. Deshmukh is currently consulting with subject experts to further analyze the rare documentation and is preparing a scientific paper on the findings, which is expected to be published in an upcoming wildlife research journal. This unprecedented sighting opens new avenues for understanding adaptive behavior and ecological dynamics among India’s top social predators.
01 March,2026 12:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA minor scare was reported during the ongoing ‘Hind Ki Chadar’ programme in Kharghar on Saturday afternoon after a large flex poster collapsed near the main ground, leaving a woman with minor injuries. According to officials at the venue, the incident took place when a sudden gust of wind destabilised the flex structure, causing it to fall on a woman standing nearby. The unexpected collapse briefly triggered panic among attendees present at the site. Security personnel and volunteers deployed at the programme rushed to the spot and removed the fallen poster within minutes. The woman was safely pulled out and attended to by the on-site medical team. She sustained minor injuries and was administered first aid at the venue itself. An ambulance reached the location shortly after as a precautionary measure. However, as the flex material was lightweight and the injuries were not serious, the woman did not require hospitalisation. An official overseeing the arrangements said the poster fell due to wind pressure and not because of any structural defect. Following the incident, the company responsible for installing the flex boards, along with administrative authorities, conducted a thorough inspection of all display structures at the venue to ensure safety compliance. Officials said additional checks and reinforcements have been put in place to prevent any recurrence during the remainder of the programme.
01 March,2026 12:13 PM IST | Kharghar | Amarjeet SinghMumbai woke up to a warm yet slightly hazy Sunday morning, marking a gradual shift towards summer conditions. While bright skies prevailed across most parts of the city, a thin layer of smog lingered over the skyline, mildly affecting visibility in certain areas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to witness mainly clear skies throughout the day, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. The steady rise in daytime temperatures indicates that the city is transitioning into warmer weeks ahead, with afternoons likely to become more intense. Haze persists despite stable weather Despite otherwise stable weather conditions, a layer of haze continued to hang over parts of Mumbai, raising concerns about air quality and visibility. The smog, though not severe, was noticeable in several areas and contributed to a slightly dull skyline. Experts caution that even moderate pollution levels, when combined with rising temperatures, can impact respiratory health, especially among sensitive groups such as children, senior citizens, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. AQI remains satisfactory but varies locally Air quality across Mumbai remained largely within acceptable limits, though variations were observed across different locations. As per data from the Centre’s SAMEER app, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 65 on Sunday morning, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category. However, certain areas reported relatively higher AQI levels. Bandra-Kurla Complex recorded 86, Andheri East 85, and Deonar 94. Other areas such as Kandivali (78), Mulund West (59), and Malad (47) also showed fluctuating air quality levels. South Mumbai sees relatively cleaner air Comparatively better air quality was recorded in parts of South Mumbai. Areas including Worli (56) and Colaba (62) remained within the satisfactory range, while Byculla recorded an AQI of 105, indicating moderate conditions. Delhi records minimum temperature of 15.4 deg C The national capital on Sunday recorded a minimum temperature of 15.4 degrees Celsius, 2.9 notches above the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Relative humidity was recorded at 74 per cent at 8.30 am. The weather department has predicted strong surface winds during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to settle around 32 degrees Celsius. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 197, in the 'moderate' category, at 9 am, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed.
01 March,2026 10:46 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
