Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday paid homage to late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe on the occasion of his 75th birth anniversary, joining residents and party workers across Thane in commemorating the revered figure popularly called “Dharmaveer.” Shinde, who leads the Shiv Sena, travelled from his native village of Dare in Satara district to Thane—his long-time political base—to offer floral tributes to his mentor. Along with local functionaries, he visited Shaktisthal and Anand Ashram, two memorial sites closely linked with Dighe’s life and work, recalling the influence Dighe had on his own political journey. Parallel events were held by the Shiv Sena (UBT), with the party’s district unit hosting a large public programme at Tembhi Naka. Former MP Rajan Vichare and district chief Kedar Dighe led party workers in raising slogans celebrating Dighe’s legacy, underscoring their commitment to his principles of loyalty and grassroots service. To mark the milestone in a people-centric manner, 75 auto-rickshaws offered free rides across Thane between 10 am and 6 pm, symbolising each year of Dighe’s life and his enduring bond with ordinary citizens. More than two decades after his death in 2001, Anand Dighe continues to command deep respect in Thane, remaining a lasting presence in the city’s political and social consciousness. Shiv Sena MP asks BJP to restrain minister Naik, says his remarks damaging coalition unity Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske has appealed to the BJP leadership to rein in the party leader and minister Ganesh Naik, noting that his remarks targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde can potentially damage the coalition unity, reported news agency PTI. A day before, Shiv Sena ministers had warned of a befitting reply after Naik's "we can finish off their existence if BJP allows" remark, allegedly aimed at Shinde, sparked a sharp exchange between the ruling allies. Mhaske has written to Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan, asserting that the Shiv Sena was prepared to respond to every political challenge, reported PTI. He alleged Naik had been venting his frustration and appealed to the BJP leadership to review Naik's statements and actions before assigning him further responsibilities. The Thane MP stated that Naik had publicly declared his intention to "eliminate" the Shiv Sena from Navi Mumbai and had challenged Shinde on several occasions, reported PTI. Referring to Naik's latest remarks, Mhaske said such statements reflected distrust towards a key constituent of the ruling alliance. He pointed out that the BJP and the Shiv Sena jointly fought and won elections in several civic bodies, including Kalyan Dombivli, Thane, and Mumbai. "However, such comments are damaging the coalition unity", reported PTI. Mhaske recalled that both the BJP and the Shiv Sena had played a crucial role in toppling the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and forming the ruling Mahayuti alliance, reported PTI. He said, despite ideological differences, the alliance had provided a stable government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Shinde. Naik, a former guardian minister of the undivided Thane district, and Shinde are old rivals. (With inputs from PTI)
28 January,2026 08:23 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentColour me proud A spectator flaunts a tricolour face paint at the Republic Day parade on Veer Savarkar Road in Dadar. All booked for the night Readers at a previous event by the library. Pic Courtesy/Pundalik Pai Parents, you’d do well to extend your child’s night curfew this weekend. In an effort to draw in younger readers, Dombivli’s Pai’s Friends Library will keep its doors open past midnight on January 31. “Teenagers clearly have time after 12 am. You’ll see them in shopping malls, theatres, and pubs. The initiative might spark the love for reading in these impressionable kids,” said owner Pundalik Pai. To that end, an outdoor library near the KDMC Office in Dombivli East will stay open long after most clubs in the city shutter for the night — Saturday 11 pm to Sunday 7 am. We’re told the books on sale range from writings of PL Deshpande to illustrated bedtime stories, all at a 30 per cent discount for the night. Pundalik Pai President’s nod for Indian calligraphy Achyut Palav; (right) The calligraphy panels at the new Granth Kutir Hall. Pic Courtesy/Achyut Palav The newly inaugurated Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi has a Mumbai connect on its walls. Veteran calligrapher and Sir JJ Institute of Art alumnus Achyut Palav designed a red and gold calligraphy panel for the new hall inaugurated by President Draupadi Murmu last weekend. The panel features the words ‘We the people of India’ in 11 languages that have been granted classical language status in India — including Assamese, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. “The initiative of including Indian scripts in the hall equals a royal patronage given to the calligraphy art form. It will surely boost morale, and enthuse numerous artists working in the field,” Palav shared. While you’d have to make the trip to the national capital to catch a glimpse, the library’s collection of classic Indian manuscripts and books in Indian languages, can also be accessed online at rb.nic.in. Linked to her roots Akhila Banoth sports the saree featuring portraits of Linkin Park band members during Lollapalooza 2026 at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Pic Courtesy/Akhila Banoth We’d heard of Usha Uthup’s viral Skyfall in a saree, but nothing could have prepared us — or concert goers at Lollapalooza last weekend — for Linkin Park ‘on’ a saree. Navi Mumbai resident Akhila Banoth sported a drape featuring the band’s logo and stylised portraits of the original band members, including their late frontman Chester Bennington. “I was hoping to make it to the front of the crowd and get noticed by the band, but the enormous crowd made it next to impossible,” Banoth told us. Mumbaikars played good sport, though. “I never expected all the attention. I became the centre of attention even before entering Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Everyone wanted to pose for a selfie with the saree, and know where it was from,” she revealed to this diarist. We’ll put an end to the avid fans’ growing curiosity — the saree is from a studio called Oikkyo Calcutta, which also stocks designs featuring The Beatles and Bob Marley. “I have been desperately trying to reach them, and thank the designer for making me go viral. I wish there was some way to get through,” she said. We’re hoping for a mid-day miracle. Winging it in Marol The new flamingo mural at Marol Art Village. Pics Courtesy/Srushti Bansode Birders have a new location to sight flamingos this migration season. Graffiti artist Srushti Bansode has given a wall in Marol Art Village a colourful makeover to welcome the winged visitors. “If you look closely, I’ve reimagined the bird in multi-colour neon plumage for an urban, modern twist,” she told us. Considering the signature pink hue comes from a healthy diet of molluscs and algae, we hope the real visitors are nothing but pink this year. As for the colourful experiment, we’re all for it. Srushti Bansode Mavs won’t leave Bandra! Patrons at the new space in Bandra. Pic Courtesy/Cafe Mavs; (right) Mavourneen Peters Banderites were in for a gloomy January when Café Mavs announced it is closing doors. For 11 years, the venue has been home to little celebrations and friendly cuppas for Waroda Road regulars. Thankfully, the popular venue has now moved to a new space on the same street. “It was a hectic few months. After being on the lookout since November, we were delighted to find a spot right across the road,” shared Mavourneen Peters, owner and head chef. With a closely-knit community, and Christmas trees to light, Peters admitted leaving Pali Hill was out of question. With a larger space, she promised a larger menu in addition to the familiar seasonal fare. Fun times, foodies.
28 January,2026 08:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayFollowing the rise in cases of passenger misbehaviour and assault on ticket checking staff, the Western Railway (WR) is installing a complete CCTV network at nearly 200 locations across the suburban network. It will also help the vigilance department to monitor ticket checking operations. The Mumbai Central Division of Western Railway is rolling out CCTV coverage worth Rs 25.81 crore across ticketing offices, counters, and passenger interface areas, railway officials said. Official records show that CCTV cameras will be installed at 29 Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centres at stations and 31 Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS)-cum-PRS stations at a cost of Rs 7.12 crore, strengthening security at some of the most crowded ticketing locations on the Mumbai suburban railway network. More CCTV cameras will be installed at 68 UTS stations at a cost of Rs 12.39 crore, a move officials say is crucial to deter ticketless passengers threatening staff, altercations, abuse and physical threats faced daily by booking clerks and staff handling cash and ticketing disputes. Additionally, CCTV cameras will be installed at 40 Head Ticket Collector (TC) offices and Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) lobbies across stations at a cost of Rs 6.30 crore, improving safety for staff working late hours and during peak rush when tensions often run high, while paying fines, etc. Railway officials say the combined Rs 25.81 crore investment is aimed at creating a safer working environment for ticketing and booking staff, who routinely deal with overcrowding, fare disputes and aggressive behaviour when fined on the Mumbai suburban network. Which areas does it cover? Locations where CCTV cameras will be installed (Mumbai Central division) include 29 PRS stations and booking offices handling long-distance and reserved ticketing, often crowded and cash-intensive; 31 UTS-cum-PRS stations, where both unreserved and reserved ticketing counters operate under one roof; 68 UTS located at high footfall suburban stations where booking clerks frequently face rush-hour stress, fare disputes, and crowd pressure; 40 Head TC offices where ticketing staff work extended hours and handle sensitive cases; TTE lobbies at stations, rest and reporting areas. 37Total no. of stations on WR’s suburban section 200Locations where CCTVs will be installed Voices Sandeep More, IT professional, Borivli‘You see arguments during ticket checks almost every day now. One small dispute can suddenly turn violent. CCTV is not about policing commuters; it’s about protecting people who are duped by fake TCs, etc.’ Meena Iyer, bank employee, Andheri‘Most commuters just want to get home peacefully. When there’s chaos during ticket checks, everyone suffers. Better security helps calm situations before they explode’ Shailesh Goyal, former member, National Railway Users Consultative Committee‘It is a nice move that will help catch offenders. It will help the staff identify miscreants and also help to monitor staff activities. They should also do it in RPF offices like this so that it is helpful’ A history of violence August 17-18, 2024AC local train (Churchgate-Virar)A passenger assaulted a TC after being asked to pay a fine for travelling without a valid ticket. August 15, 2024AC local train (between Borivli and Nalasopara)Passengers reportedly assaulted a TTE onboard an AC local. An FIR was filed. September 21, 2024 Nalasopara stationTicket inspector Vijay Kumar Pandit was attacked by a passenger wielding a hockey stick. August 2, 2025Borivli station A ticketless man assaulted railway staff and damaged equipment in the ticket checker’s office leading to police action. August 4, 2025Kurla and Dadar stationsA woman allegedly manhandled on-duty TC staff after being stopped for a ticket check; she later apologised and paid the penalty. June 28, 2025CSMT Three passengers, including a woman, were booked for assaulting and pushing a female TC. January 1, 2026Sewri stationTwo commuters assaulted a TC during a ticket check in a local; an FIR was filed.
28 January,2026 08:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA fire erupted at a textile processing facility in Bhiwandi, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district, late Tuesday night. Officials confirmed that the incident did not result in any injuries. The blaze was reported around 11 pm at a unit situated in the Karivali area of the powerloom hub on the outskirts of Mumbai. Emergency services were alerted immediately after the fire was spotted. According to Saquib Kharbe, head of the Disaster Management Cell at the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation, told PTI that two fire tenders were deployed to the site and successfully brought the flames under control. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown and is being investigated, officials said. Fire breaks out in garbage heap on Thane’s Pokharan Road, no injuries reported In another incident, a fire that erupted in a heap of garbage near the Voltas Company in Gandhi Nagar on Pokharan Road No. 2 in Thane (West) was successfully extinguished late Monday night, with no injuries reported, officials said. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), information regarding the incident was received at around 10.20 pm on January 27 from the Balkum Fire Station. Following the alert, teams were promptly dispatched to the site. Personnel from the Disaster Management Cell arrived at the spot with a pickup vehicle, while the fire brigade deployed one fire engine and a water tanker to contain the blaze. Coordinated efforts by the fire brigade and disaster management staff ensured the fire was completely doused by around midnight. Officials confirmed that the situation is presently under control and no casualties were reported in the incident. Seven injured in gas cylinder blast in Mumbai; two critical Meanwhile, a toddler and six other persons were injured when a gas cylinder exploded in Mumbai's Malad area on Tuesday morning, officials said. Two of the injured women were in critical condition, they said. The incident occurred at 9.25 am after a gas leak from a cylinder triggered an explosion at a chawl (row tenement) near Bharat Mata School in Malvani area of Malad (West), they said. A fire broke out following the blast, damaging several household items and other materials in a room located on the first floor of the two-storey structure, a civic official said. Seven persons suffered burn injuries. Local residents rushed them to private hospitals from where some of them were later shifted to civic-run medical facilities, he said. Two of them -- Roma (35) and Alisha (18) -- suffered around 35 per cent burn injuries and their condition was stated to be critical, the official said. Julekhabano Aftaf Ansari (60) and 2-year-old Adil Shaikh were shifted to the civic-run Cooper Hospital. Three other persons -- Vijay Choudhary (54), Tuasib Khan (18) and Ali Kasam (17) -- were admitted to the civic-run BDBA Hospital and were later discharged against medical advice, the official added. (With inputs from PTI)
28 January,2026 08:10 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentAfter a six-year legal battle, a single flat owner has secured a landmark ruling from the Maharashtra Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (MahaREAT), directing the developers of the stalled Neelkanth Kingdom project in Vidyavihar West to register the entire project under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) within 60 days. The order overturns a June 18, 2019, decision of the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), which had held that only the project’s balance amenities required registration. The appellate tribunal has now ruled that where completion and occupation certificates remain pending and construction is incomplete, the entire project must be treated as an “ongoing project” under RERA, regardless of when construction began. Solicitor Stuti Galiya. Pic/By Special Arrangement Advocate Awadhesh Jha, who represented the flat owner solicitor Stuti Galiya before MahaREAT, said the ruling reinforces RERA’s intent. “This judgment makes it clear that developers cannot escape accountability merely because some buildings were occupied before RERA came into force,” Jha said, adding that the order could have wide implications for several pre-2017 projects across Maharashtra. Project mired in delays Neelkanth Kingdom comprises seven residential buildings developed on land leased by the Suburban Collector to M/s Vidyavihar Containers Ltd. The project was launched in 2005, with possession promised in 2008. However, internal disputes among the developer partners stalled construction until 2010, according to the petitioner. Although the structures were largely completed by 2012-13, buyers were handed only “fit-out possession” under mounting legal pressure. To date, none of the buildings have received completion or occupation certificates, and key amenities such as the clubhouse, temple, and swimming pool remain unfinished.An FIR was registered against the developers earlier, and the criminal case is currently under trial. One flat owner versus many The appeal before MahaREAT was filed by solicitor Stuti Galiya, a flat owner in the project, who challenged the MahaRERA order passed in 2019. Remarkably, she pursued the case alone, even as nearly 499 other flat owners and seven housing societies chose not to join the legal proceedings. “What should have been a collective fight for legality and safety became a solitary struggle,” Galiya said. “We were fighting 11 developer respondents, most of them large corporate entities, represented by some of the country’s leading law firms.” Safety concerns The MahaREAT ruling comes amid serious safety concerns at Neelkanth Kingdom. Around 374 flat owners currently face criminal proceedings in the Shindewadi Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Dadar East, for occupying flats without an occupation certificate. The complex has witnessed three major fire incidents in the past nine months, one of which claimed the life of a security guard and injured several residents and staff. “These repeated incidents show that the buildings are not fit for human habitation,” Galiya said. Occupation without statutory approvals places residents, visitors, staff and emergency responders at serious risk, she added. The concerns echo recent observations of the Bombay High Court in the Wellington Heights case, where the court warned that occupation of buildings without OCs poses grave dangers and cannot be treated casually. A ruling with wider impact Legal experts say the MahaREAT judgment could serve as a major precedent, strengthening RERA’s reach over stalled and incomplete pre-2017 projects. Once registered, developers will be compelled to:. Complete pending amenities within fixed timelines. Rectify regulatory violations. Hand over lawful possession. Face penalties and compensation claims in case of default “This 32-page order gives real teeth to RERA,” Galiya said. “It sends a strong message that developers cannot hide behind technical loopholes.” For hundreds of residents at Neelkanth Kingdom, the ruling offers a rare glimmer of hope after years of uncertainty. At the same time, it highlights a stark reality — that the fight for safety and legality was carried forward by a single flat owner. “As this case shows, silence has a cost,” Galiya said. “Justice may prevail, but collective inaction can push entire communities towards irreversible risk.” Alone against all odds For Stuti Galiya and her family, the fight for justice at Neelkanth Kingdom has been a lonely battle. While the stalled project has affected more than 500 flat owners, she took on 11 powerful developers, represented by top legal firms, entirely on her own. According to case records, she also faced resistance from within the residential complex. Stuti alleges that she was denied basic society membership rights, share certificates and formal society communications by the office bearers of the housing society. She claims this was done deliberately to pressure her into withdrawing the legal cases she filed against the developers and certain residents before various courts, including MahaREAT. Court battles for securing an Occupation Certificate were weakened by collective inaction, even as 374 flat owners continue to face BMC cases and serious fire safety hazards. Stuti’s struggle underscores how justice can sometimes rest on the courage of a single family. She says she is prepared to continue the fight until justice is fully served. 2008 Year Neelkanth Kingdom project’s possession was promised in
28 January,2026 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonA fire that erupted in a heap of garbage near the Voltas Company in Gandhi Nagar on Pokharan Road No. 2 in Thane (West) was successfully extinguished late Monday night, with no injuries reported, officials said. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), information regarding the incident was received at around 10.20 pm on January 27 from the Balkum Fire Station. Following the alert, teams were promptly dispatched to the site. Personnel from the Disaster Management Cell arrived at the spot with a pickup vehicle, while the fire brigade deployed one fire engine and a water tanker to contain the blaze. Coordinated efforts by the fire brigade and disaster management staff ensured the fire was completely doused by around midnight. Officials confirmed that the situation is presently under control and no casualties were reported in the incident. Fire breaks out in textile processing unit in Bhiwandi town; none hurt In another incident, a fire broke out in a textile processing unit in Bhiwandi town of Thane district on late Tuesday night, though no one was injured in the blaze, civic officials said. The unit, where fire broke out at around 11 pm, was located in the Karivali area of the powerloom town on Mumbai's outskirts, they said. Chief of Disaster Management Cell, Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNMC), Saquib Kharbe, told PTI that no one was injured in the blaze, whose cause was not immediately known. Two fire engines were rushed to the spot to put out the flames, he added. Seven injured in gas cylinder blast in Mumbai; two critical Meanwhile, a toddler and six other persons were injured when a gas cylinder exploded in Mumbai's Malad area on Tuesday morning, officials said. Two of the injured women were in critical condition, they said. The incident occurred at 9.25 am after a gas leak from a cylinder triggered an explosion at a chawl (row tenement) near Bharat Mata School in Malvani area of Malad (West), they said. A fire broke out following the blast, damaging several household items and other materials in a room located on the first floor of the two-storey structure, a civic official said. Seven persons suffered burn injuries. Local residents rushed them to private hospitals from where some of them were later shifted to civic-run medical facilities, he said. Two of them -- Roma (35) and Alisha (18) -- suffered around 35 per cent burn injuries and their condition was stated to be critical, the official said. Julekhabano Aftaf Ansari (60) and 2-year-old Adil Shaikh were shifted to the civic-run Cooper Hospital. Three other persons -- Vijay Choudhary (54), Tuasib Khan (18) and Ali Kasam (17) -- were admitted to the civic-run BDBA Hospital and were later discharged against medical advice, the official added. (With inputs from PTI)
28 January,2026 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBandra Talao, a Grade II landmark in the western suburbs of Mumbai, has been around for about 200 years, but its condition has deteriorated over the past few years, causing people to avoid visiting it. Broken pavements, missing fences, and a stench are what greet visitors now. Floyd Gracias, an advocate and resident of Bandra since his birth, said, “Earlier, the lake was actually fun to visit. From what I remember, it had some pedal boating activities and also fountains. But now those are just past memories.” Lotus Lake, Motha Sarovar, Swami Vivekanand Sarovar, or most commonly known as Bandra Talao, is a historical Grade II landmark in the western suburbs. The lake has been around for about 200 years, but its condition has deteriorated over the last few years, causing people to avoid it. Broken pavements, missing fences, and a stench are what greet visitors now. Garbage floating in the lake LocalSpeak Floyd Gracias, an advocate and resident of Bandra since his birth, said, “Earlier, the lake was actually fun to visit. From what I remember, it had some pedal boating activities and also fountains. But now those are just past memories. Watching the authorities actually work to restore the lake would be a sight for sore eyes.” Asif Zakaria, a Congress leader who resides in Bandra, told mid-day: “The lake did not even have an area to walk around it earlier. After suggestions from many locals, including me, the civic body worked on making the promenade area. Though the restoration work which was carried out a few years ago had been beautiful and inviting to all of us, the lack of maintenance has now quashed any interest people had in visiting the lake.” A section of the lake where the fence is missing Zakaria said, “When the work tender was floated recently, those who know more about the lake had told me that even during the intense Mumbai summer heat, the lake does not lose much water, which they suspect is due to the lake having some sort of a natural supply. Some even assume that it has about seven natural springs, which help maintain the required water level.” Zakaria asserted that the tender lists plans to remove lake water, clean the lake, and then refill it. “But this might adversely affect the supposed natural source of the water and cause irreversible damage. The BMC has to proceed with caution,” he said. A broken section of the lake periphery wall According to Zakaria, when the water was tested a few years ago, it was discovered that the water was losing its re-oxygenating qualities due to stagnation. As a result, a few fountains and other elements, which also add aesthetic value, were installed at the time. While this reporter was at the location, it was observed that some locals also fish in the lake, though it has garbage thrown into it. Locals claim the lake hosts a variety of flora and fauna, including pomfret, which they fish from time to time. The badly maintained entrance. Pic/Clayton Murzello OfficialSpeak Dinesh Pallewad, assistant municipal commissioner, H West ward, told mid-day, “The tender to carry out the work has been passed, and the project has been awarded to a contractor. There have been delays only due to security deposit issues, but those have been resolved now. We are expecting the work order to be given in a day or two, and the work will begin in a week.” Addressing the concerns of the lake’s natural water system being disrupted by the restoration, Pallewad said, “We have consulted environment consultants and have made the restoration plans according to their advice. Steps will be taken to retain the natural elements of the lake, and to leave any flora and fauna undisturbed.” 7.5 acresArea the lake spans across Bandra Talao history . Created about 200 years ago. Constructed by a philanthropic Konkani man. Spread over 7.5 acres of land. Boating and pisciculture were common practices at lake in the 1990s Voices Adv Floyd Gracias, Bandra residentThe lake was fun to visit. It had pedal boating and also fountains. But now those are just past memories. Watching the authorities work to restore the lake would be a sight for sore eyes Asif Zakaria, Congress leader and localThough the restoration work which was carried out a few years ago had been beautiful and inviting to all of us, the lack of maintenance has now quashed any interest people had in visiting the lake
28 January,2026 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for January 28. Aries March 21 – April 20Government permissions will be easier to get. Any legal work to be completed gets done quickly. Cosmic tip: Read documents with complete concentration. TaurusApril 21 – May 20A job offer may not turn out as promised, so think about it again if planning to accept it.Cosmic tip: Explain that you don’t have the complete angle (giving an opinion isn’t advisable). GeminiMay 21 – June 21Old limitations and blockages fall away, with life taking a new turn.Cosmic tip: Remember, life is not about just following a path, but creating one specially for yourself and your needs. Cancer June 22 – July 23A court case ends, much to your relief. Live life peacefully without any ego issues to unnecessarily upset you.Cosmic tip: Don’t view the past with rose coloured glasses. It was anything but that. Leo July 24 - Aug 23You know every thought, action and word begins a fresh karmic cycle, so be aware. Keep a superficial friendship on track.Cosmic tip: Just bide your time if feeling sidelined at work. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Be careful with cash and valuables. Don’t make an island of yourself; meet friends.Cosmic tip: Release familiar routines, stagnant situations or challenging relationships for something better. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Pressure is off with emotionally draining worries easing off. The time for rising and falling income is over. Cosmic tip: Trust feelings from the heart core, even if at odds with your mind. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Physical clutter could be indicative of emotional clutter (if you don’t use it or love it, it is clutter)Cosmic tip: Be careful while signing legal papers, understanding clauses for their complicated language. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Don’t give advice if you can simply step away quietly. Business or career enters a positive karmic cycle of reaching goals easily.Cosmic tip: Value the present relationship for its strength and solidarity. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Free time with this new project is at a premium. Just make enough time for family no matter how busy you are.Cosmic tip: Be calm, avoiding rash and hasty decisions you may later regret. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Control the urge to splurge, buying only what’s needed. Drive carefully, leaving home well in time for a meeting. Working with others may be a challenge today.Cosmic tip: Think first, act later. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20How you communicate today is important, as one word out of place could create the wrong impression. A desire will manifest when least expected.Cosmic tip: Leave behind old resentments.
28 January,2026 01:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseAs thousands of farmers continued their ‘long march’ towards Mumbai, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) on Tuesday said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has given concrete assurances on several key demands, reported the PTI. The marchers crossed into neighbouring Thane district after covering nearly 60 km over the past two days. The protest was launched after talks with the administration in Nashik failed to yield firm commitments. A delegation of AIKS, affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), met Chief Minister Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai. Earlier in the day, the delegation held a nearly two-hour meeting at Mantralaya with Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, School Education Minister Dadasaheb Bhuse, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, the chief secretary and senior officials. The state government had not issued an official statement on the meetings till late evening. AIKS leader Nivrutti Nawale said the government agreed to re-examine all forest rights claims at the district level. He said errors had occurred due to incorrect reports submitted by the forest department. District-level committees headed by sub-divisional officers will be formed to review every case, and the exercise will be completed within three months. An implementation committee including ministers will also be set up to speed up the process. Crop inspections on forest land will be conducted so that cultivators can access government schemes, Nawale said. Assurances on crop procurement and bonuses The government also agreed to procure paddy and tribal crops such as varai, nagli and sawa, along with strawberries and baal hirda, from cultivators on forest land at fair prices. The paddy bonus will be extended to these farmers, and e-crop inspection will be carried out to ensure they receive all eligible benefits. Following the meeting, CPI (M) posted the pictures of the talks on X and wrote, "The meeting between the Long March delegation comprising CPI (M), Kisan Sabha leaders and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis concluded. The final decision regarding the protest will be made tonight after discussions with the protesters." The meeting between the Long March delegation comprising #CPIM and @KisanSabha leaders and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has concluded. The final decision regarding the protest will be made tonight after discussions with the protesters. pic.twitter.com/uTjqTsm1Bg — CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) January 27, 2026 Temple lands and water management On temple lands, Nawale said the government has begun drafting a law to transfer ownership to cultivators. A draft has been shared with AIKS, and a meeting chaired by the revenue minister will be held within eight days to address shortcomings. The government also accepted the demand to retain rainwater from seven west-flowing rivers in tribal areas for local use and drought-prone regions. A plan to build a chain of check dams will be prepared at the Nashik district collector level. PESA jobs, power supply and workers’ pay The government agreed to implement court orders allowing recruitment of up to 50 per cent of sanctioned posts under the PESA Act. On electricity supply, information will be collected on districts where farmers receive power at night, and a decision will be taken on shifting them to daytime supply. A decision to increase the honorarium of school nutrition meal workers will also be taken immediately, Nawale said. Education and Infrastructure Promises School Education Minister Dadasaheb Bhuse assured action to repair school buildings in remote tribal areas and recruit teachers wherever required. The AIKS also urged the government to retain the Nashik–Pune high-speed rail alignment via Akole. The chief minister assured that technical issues linked to any route change would be reviewed. Decision on protest awaited A final decision on withdrawing the agitation will be taken after consultations with AIKS state leaders and protesters gathered at Khardi in Thane district. Ministers Girish Mahajan and the Nashik district collector are expected to address the protesters on Wednesday evening, after which the decision will be announced. The march began on Sunday after an agitation outside the Dindori tehsil office in Nashik district failed to secure assurances. Protesters, carrying red flags, started marching on foot to Mumbai and descended through the Kasara Ghat on Tuesday morning, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
27 January,2026 10:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court on Tuesday observed that the impact of Mumbai air pollution on the economy needed to be examined and just uttering "harsh words will not yield any results," the PTI reported. During a hearing on the issue of air pollution, amicus curiae (friend of court) Darius Khambata cited former International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief economist Gita Gopinath's recent comments in Davos that "pollution is a major economic threat to India than trade-related challenges," according to the PTI. Earlier in 2023, the Bombay High Court had also taken suo motu (on its own) cognizance of increasing air pollution. The High Court then also passed a slew of directions to civic bodies and other authorities to take steps to deal with the problem. High Court slammed civic authorities for negligence During the previous hearing on January 23, a bench of Bombay High Court led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar slammed civic authorities for their "belligerent disregard" of its orders to mitigate air pollution and warned of halting salaries of top municipal officials, reported PTI. When the matter was called on Tuesday, Amicus Darius Khambata, during his submissions, referred to Gopinath's comments on pollution being a major economic threat to India. IMF chief economist at Davos talks about rising pollution The former IMF chief economist made the remarks while speaking at the just concluded World Economic Forum meeting at Davos, Switzerland. Khambata then asserted that the economic cost of pollution needed to be examined. He submitted that "some shock treatment should be given to the authorities and the system" to effectively address pollution concerns, reported PTI. The court-appointed amicus curiae underlined that there was no "quick-fix solution," and even a country like China took eight to ten years to achieve a sharp reduction in air pollution levels. It (solving the air pollution problem) can be done, but "there has to be political will," the senior advocate argued. Senior advocate Janak Dwarkadas, appearing for NGO Vanshakti, said that there must be compensation for the "person who suffers a health setback due to pollution" and that the authorities must be held accountable. Dwarkadas pointed out that "the pace of any action taken by the authorities is pathetically slow." After listening for a while, the Bombay High Court posted the matter for further hearing on Thursday without passing any directions. However, the court commented that "the economic impact of the pollution needed to be examined.” It also asserted, “Harsh words will not yield any results." (With inputs from PTI)
27 January,2026 09:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Cabinet’s Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday approved a 35-kilometre Metro Line 8 also known as the Gold Line connecting Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, reported the PTI. The project is estimated to cost over Rs 22,000 crore, with a total outlay of Rs 22,862 crore, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office. The corridor will feature 20 stations, including six underground and 14 elevated stations. Land acquisition for the project is expected to cover 30.7 hectares, costing around Rs 388 crore. The 35-km route will include 9.25 km underground, from Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 to Ghatkopar East, while the remaining 24.63 km will be elevated, stretching from Ghatkopar West to Navi Mumbai Airport Terminal 2 on the Metro Gold Line. Deadlines set for approvals, construction Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that all land acquisition and necessary approvals be completed within six months, and that construction should be finished within three years of receiving approvals, according to the PTI. Other infra projects fast-tracked The committee also instructed concerned departments to accelerate the extension of the Samruddhi Expressway on the Nagpur-Gondia and Bhandara-Gadchiroli routes, ensuring that projects do not face delays, as per the PTI. In preparation for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, the committee approved the Nashik city ring road project, spanning 66.15 km, at a cost of Rs 3,954 crore. Highway upgrade in Gadchiroli Additionally, the panel cleared the upgrade of the 85.76-km Navegaon More-Konsari-Mulchera-Hedri-Surjagad highway in Gadchiroli district into a four-lane cement concrete road, aimed at improving mineral transportation. EV charging stations to be mandatory at MSRTC fuel outlets Soon, Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be made mandatory at Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fuel outlets in the state, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Tuesday, reported the PTI. The Maharashtra minister asked officials to give priority to setting up EV charging stations at all proposed retail fuel outlets on MSRTC land in the state. According to the PTI, he said that a phased shift to electric buses is already in progress. The directions were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the minister, who also heads the MSRTC. Eco-friendly transport system Sarnaik said India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 must be supported by a sustainable and eco-friendly transport system. “Future travel will be based on electric energy, and the ST Corporation is committed to building the required infrastructure from today itself,” he said, reported PTI. Acknowledging that nearly 90 per cent of the existing ST fleet currently runs on diesel, Sarnaik said a phased transition to electric buses is underway and that e-buses will be prioritised in future procurements. “EV charging stations will be made mandatory alongside diesel and CNG facilities at fuel pumps to be established on MSRTC land through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. This approach will not only create a steady source of revenue for MSRTC but will also ensure the availability of both conventional fuel and electric charging facilities at a single location,” he said, reported PTI. Sarnaik added that the availability of both conventional fuel and electric charging facilities at a single location would give a major boost to the future transport system. “This is not just a matter of convenience, but a visionary step towards environmental protection,” the minister said. (with PTI inputs)
27 January,2026 09:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
