Maharashtra Transport Minister and State Transport (ST) Corporation chairman Pratap Sarnaik on Sunday directed officials to immediately suspend drivers and other employees found consuming alcohol while on duty, warning that no compromise would be tolerated on passenger safety. The directive came during a surprise inspection of the Parel bus depot in Mumbai, where the minister visited restrooms used by drivers and conductors. Officials found empty liquor bottles at several locations, while some staff members were allegedly under the influence of alcohol. A visibly upset Sarnaik reprimanded senior officials present at the depot over the lapse. “Providing proper facilities at restrooms for drivers and conductors posted away from their hometowns is a priority for the government. However, alcohol consumption at such places is not just a case of indiscipline but a serious offence that directly endangers passengers’ lives,” Sarnaik said. He warned that employees reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol invite accidents and undermine the safety and credibility of ST services. “Such irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated and should lead to dismissal from service after due inquiry,” the minister said. Sarnaik also held senior officials accountable, stating that negligence by the ST’s safety and vigilance departments encourages indiscipline among staff. He ordered departmental inquiries against concerned safety and vigilance officers and directed strict action against those found responsible. The minister further instructed that breath analyser tests be made mandatory for all employees reporting for duty, particularly drivers. Any employee found intoxicated during the test should be suspended immediately, he said. He also ordered the appointment of a separate departmental inquiry committee to investigate the irregularities detected during the inspection and submit a report for further action. During the visit, Sarnaik reviewed sanitation facilities, cleanliness and bus operations at the depot, and directed officials to remain more vigilant about passenger safety and amenities. On Balasaheb Thackeray centenary, MSRTC rolls out statewide pilgrimage scheme On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of late Balasaheb Thackeray, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Thursday launched a statewide religious tourism initiative titled the Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray — ST Sange Tirtha Yatra scheme. The initiative aims to make pilgrimage travel more accessible, affordable and safe for ordinary citizens across Maharashtra. Launched under guidance of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde The scheme was launched under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik highlighting its people-centric approach. Addressing the launch, Sarnaik said the initiative reflects a harmonious blend of faith, social justice, convenience and public welfare, while staying true to the legacy and ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. Focus on senior citizens, women and weaker sections According to MSRTC officials, the scheme is founded on the principle of “affordable and safe” travel. Its core objective is to provide organised religious tourism experiences at rates that are within the reach of common travellers, particularly senior citizens, women and economically weaker sections. All existing concessions offered by the state government to various social groups will continue under the new scheme.
25 January,2026 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA major fire broke out at Pawane MIDC in Navi Mumbai on Saturday, January 24, around 12.30 pm, engulfing four industrial units and triggering panic across the industrial belt. The blaze spread rapidly to Beta Chemical, Raigad Chemical, and two units of National Rubber, officials said. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the industrial premises as the fire intensified, raising concerns due to the presence of chemical and rubber materials in the affected units. Workers in nearby factories rushed out as a precautionary measure, while police and civic authorities moved quickly to secure the area. Upon receiving information about the incident, the Navi Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed multiple fire engines to the spot. Fire tenders from Koparkhairane, Shirvane, and CIDCO fire stations were deployed to tackle the blaze. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly three hours before bringing the fire under control. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of the Vashi division, Adinath Budhwant, who was present at the site, said swift coordination between emergency agencies helped prevent further damage. “As soon as we received information about the fire at Pawane MIDC, fire brigade teams and police personnel were immediately deployed at the spot. The fire spread to four industrial units, but timely action helped contain the situation,” Budhwant said. He added that safety remained the top priority during the operation. “The area was secured to avoid any untoward incident. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported so far. The fire was brought under control after nearly three hours of continuous firefighting,” he said. Police personnel cordoned off the surrounding area to restrict movement, while nearby industrial units were advised to remain alert until the situation was fully stabilised. Civic officials said cooling operations were still underway to prevent any re-ignition. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Authorities said a detailed investigation will be carried out once the site is declared safe, and the extent of damage to the affected units will be assessed thereafter.
25 January,2026 01:51 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghA 31-year-old man was brutally stabbed to death following a scuffle while alighting from a local train at Malad railway station in Mumbai on Saturday evening. The victim has been identified as Alok Kumar Singh, a resident of Kandivali. According to police sources, the incident occurred around 6 pm on the platform. During an argument while getting off the train, a person attacked Singh, stabbing him in the abdomen with a sharp object, which led to his death. The accused fled the scene immediately. A joint team of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) has tracked down and arrested the prime accused in the fatal assault case at Malad station. The accused is currently being interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation. Timeline as per railway records The passenger was to get down at Malad station, deceased was at the gate. Some altercation on getting down, and then the incident happened. Churchgate-Borivali train Malad arrival at 5.45 pmInformation received at 5.55 pmMaster at the site with medical help at 6.00 pm Departure for Shatabdi Hospital in an ambulance at 6.05 pmHospital arrival 6.25 pm Victim worked as a professor in Vile Parle college Singh was employed as a mathematics professor at a college in Vile Parle, police said. Confirming the incident, Senior Inspector Datta Khupekar stated that a murder case has been registered and the Borivali Government Railway Police (GRP) is conducting further investigations. Efforts are ongoing to nab the absconding suspect.
25 January,2026 01:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Mangrove Cell on Saturday conducted a waterbird census as part of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) programme, a citizen science initiative that monitors waterbirds and wetlands across Asia. The AWC is organised by Wetlands International under the global International Waterbird Census and is conducted annually in January. The census was carried out at four key waterbodies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region—Bhandup Pumping Station, Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, T S Chanakya Wetlands, and NRI Wetlands. Around 100 citizen volunteers, along with Forest Department staff, participated in the exercise. Participants were divided into four groups, each assigned to a site where waterbird species and their numbers were systematically recorded. The survey was guided by experienced bird experts and researchers from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the nodal agency for the AWC programme in India. More than 30 species of waterbirds were recorded during the activity, including several migratory species such as Northern Pintails, Eurasian Spoonbills, Gadwalls, Temminck’s Stints, Marsh Sandpipers, Wood Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwits, Northern Shovelers, Whiskered Terns and Brown-headed Gulls. Speaking on the occasion, Madhumitha S., Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell, said, “The Asian Waterbird Census is an excellent programme for monitoring waterbirds and wetlands. It also plays an important role in raising awareness about the conservation of waterbirds and wetlands in the country.” S. V. Ramarao, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell, said, “Such programmes provide a valuable opportunity for citizens and Forest Department staff to work together towards wildlife monitoring. The Mangrove Cell plans to conduct this census every year with the support of citizen volunteers.”
25 January,2026 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMumbai is set to experience pleasant weather, with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius and 18 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Air quality across the city remains largely satisfactory, registering an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 96, which may cause only minor breathing discomfort for sensitive individuals, as reported by the Sameer app. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 114 Borivali East: 102 Byculla: 82 Andheri East: 106 Chembur: 98 Colaba: 76 Ghatkopar: 109 Meanwhile, Thane recorded an AQI of 100 and Navi Mumbai 85, both levels being satisfactory. Maharashtra weather update Several regions of Maharashtra experienced slightly cooler-than-normal temperatures on Sunday, with maximums dipping below seasonal averages in parts of the state. Ahmednagar recorded a high of 28.9 degrees Celsius, about 1.8 degrees Celsius below normal. Jalgaon and Jeur reported highs of 28.4 degrees Celsius and 31.0 degrees Celsius, respectively, remaining below average. Kolhapur and Mahabaleshwar saw more noticeable drops, with maximums of 28.4 degrees Celsius and 23.0 degrees Celsius, around 2–4 degrees Celsius lower than typical readings for this time of year. Mumbai continued to experience warm and pleasant conditions, with Colaba registering a maximum of 28.5 degrees Celsius and Santacruz reaching 29.8 degrees Celsius, slightly below seasonal norms. Minimum temperatures remained mild, hovering around 19.3 degrees Celsius in Colaba and 17.7 degrees Celsius in Santacruz. Northern and central Maharashtra experienced cooler nights, with Ahmednagar dropping to 11.4 degrees Celsius, Jeur at 11.0 degrees Celsius, and Jalgaon at 13.5 degrees Celsius. Malegaon recorded a comparatively warmer minimum of 13.8 degrees Celsius, 3.9 degrees Celsius above normal. Other districts such as Osmanabad (14.0 degrees Celsius), Parbhani (15.6 degrees Celsius), and Udgir (16.8 degrees Celsius) experienced mild nights, slightly deviating from typical patterns. Coastal and western regions recorded warmer minimum temperatures, with Dahanu at 15.9 degrees Celsius and Ratnagiri at 17.6 degrees Celsius. Harnai experienced a low of 20.4 degrees Celsius, marginally below its normal values. Overall, while daytime temperatures remained slightly below average in many interior districts, Maharashtra continued to witness pleasant winter conditions, with no extreme variations reported. AQI across key cities in Maharashtra Pune: 164 Nashik: 100 Nagpur: 232 Dhule: 100 Jalgaon: 92 Jalna: 110 Amaravati: 232
25 January,2026 10:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFollowing the arrest of three Kalyan–Dombivli residents at Bengaluru airport for smuggling exotic animals in a suitcase, conservationists are urging the forest department to investigate the area as a possible hub for wildlife trafficking. Sources indicate that officials are now searching for evidence of a larger trafficking network operating out of Kalyan-Dombivli. On January 16, there was an attempted import of live exotic animals from Bangkok to Bengaluru through Indigo Airlines Flight. The Air Intelligence Unit of Customs at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, had intercepted three passengers who arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, to Bengaluru through Indigo Airlines Flight No 6E- 1056 on January 16. When the authorities checked the baggage of the three people, live exotic pets were seized from their bags. The accused are from Kalyan Dombivli The three accused were identified as Aryan Sudan Gite(21) a resident of Ashok nagar in Dombivli West, Alsana Aslam Shaikh , aged 26 Years, who is the resident of Mhatre Chal kalyan West and Zareen Aslam Shaikh(46) of the same Kalyan west area. What was seized? Exotic animals were seized at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, from three passengers arriving from Bangkok. The seizure included two squirrel monkeys (one dead), five green/yellow iguanas (all alive), eleven albino iguanas (four dead), five blue iguanas (all alive), two Abert’s squirrels (one dead), two Patagonian hares (one dead), and eight albino sugar gliders, of which seven were found dead. The live animals were handed over to wildlife authorities. The Rhinoceros rat snake found in Vietnam and southern China; (right) Brown Basilisk lizard is native of tropical lowlands of Mexico, Central America, and northwestern Colombia. Representational pics/Special Arrangement The exotic wildlife trade If you have been paying attention to the news, you will notice that incidents of illegal wildlife trafficking, as well as trade in exotic species, are growing more frequent, and the network for the same has only grown bigger. It is not limited to the usual suspects, like the super-rich as buyers and regular importers like breeders/traders, or sellers, as seen in previous years. The new customer cuts across economic classes Pawan Sharma, Advocate and wildlife conservationist, Founder & President RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare) which has been assisting the state and centre in countering illegal wildlife trafficking since more than a decade said, “Kalyan Dombivali has been in the spotlight in the past as well when a baby Orangutan along with many snakes, lizards, tortoise and turtles were recovered from the house of a pet trader who earlier operated from Mumbai and had shifted base to KDMC limits. The location as a base seems to be of more strategic value, and the customer base has been expanding across the MMR — and not limited to Mumbai city alone,” he said. “The forest department and wildlife crime control bureau should investigate the Bangalore case in parallel and check the background and link of the three arrested, who are also residents of Kalyan-Dombivli,” he added. Sharma told Sunday mid-day that the interceptions are being noticed in areas that are otherwise considered highly secured. Airports, for example, have become the scene of intel-based raids and seizures. “Just imagine what would be coming in from the sea route and the roadways across borders unknown and unchecked. A national counter-trafficking team, including multiple agencies and multi-jurisdictional powers, is the need of the hour. This is not and cannot just be the job of the Forest Department, Police, or Customs, etc., as each department is already overburdened and understaffed,” added Sharma. Social media posts where people show off “owning” an exotic animal are also one of the major reasons that have influenced this spike in demand among everyday Indians, for whom this was earlier an indulgence of the affluent. The dark web has also provided a new trade channel, say officials involved in the rescues and seizures. Experts believe that not only traditional hunters and poachers but also a new wave of buyers and sellers, probably lured with a big payout, are involved in the smuggling. One can come to this conclusion as most who are caught seem to be first-timers, making the organised syndicate almost untraceable and therefore untouched. “The concept of exotic wildlife as pets has penetrated into the system so deeply and is spreading. The rich, elite, and influential people are seen practising and supporting this, including top business tycoons, actors, and politicians. The concept of regulatory trade through CITES has been exploited and misused to import and export several species of flora and fauna across the globe, and the unseen negative impact is immeasurable and equally ignored,” said Sharma. The situation seems to be right out of a crazy millionaire movie, “Private collection individuals and private zoos, both regulated and illegal in the name of exotic wildlife trade, revenue generation models in the name of rescue and rehabilitation, or spreading awareness and information, are falsely shown in a positive light without understanding the core ethics of wildlife conservation. What we see in the open is just the teaser, and the actual script is beyond imagination,” added Sharma Rohit Mohite from the Thane-based NGO-WWA, echoes Sharma’s sentiments of cross-departmental collaboration. “There is a need for enhanced coordination and intelligence-sharing among wildlife conservation authorities and enforcement agencies to assess whether certain pockets of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including Kalyan-Dombivli, are being misused as transit or operational points in the illegal exotic pet trade,” said Mohite. Mapping out the route being used, he explains, “Preliminary inputs suggest possible movement routes passing through Kalyan–Dombivli and Mumbra, with linkages extending to cities such as Pune, Thane, Palghar, and Nashik, indicating the likelihood of a wider inter-district supply chain that warrants close monitoring and timely action.” What do Forest Dept officials say A forest official, on condition of anonymity, said, “Preliminary observations suggest that areas such as Kalyan–Dombivli and Mumbra may be points from where exotic wildlife animals are supplied to parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and adjoining districts, including Thane, Pune, Nashik, and Palghar. Notably, the three individuals recently arrested in Bengaluru for possession of exotic wildlife pets are residents of Kalyan–Dombivli. Authorities are examining whether they have a prior history of involvement and possible links to a larger network.” An official from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) said they have received details of the three Maharashtra-based accused who were apprehended at Bengaluru airport with exotic pets, and efforts are underway to gather further information. “We will also keep a close watch on those who have been arrested,” the official added. What happens to seized species? Under existing Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS) and Indian Customs rules, these animals must be sent back immediately to their country of origin, with intimation to all relevant authorities there. The transport of animals and birds by air is already governed under Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 9 of 1985. The Dombivli case In November 2024, the Forest Department conducted a raid in Dombivli, during which orangutans and other wild species were rescued. Pricing of exotic animals Rs 10K-R15KSquirrel monkey Rs 10K-R20KBlue iguanas Rs 10K-R15KGreen yellow iguana pair Did you know? . As per the provisions of the Export Import(EXIM) policy, import of live animals listed under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are strictly regulated. . The import of such animals without a valid CITES Export Permit, a Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) license, NOCs from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC), and an Animal Quarantine Certificate is prohibited. . Furthermore, the commercial trade of species listed in CITES Appendix-l and Schedule-IV of the Wild Life (Protection) ACt, 1972, is also prohibited.
25 January,2026 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavIn a shocking breach of trust, a caretaker hired to look after an ailing senior citizen allegedly siphoned off Rs 70,000 from the elderly man’s bank account by forging his signature on a cheque. Charkop Police have arrested the accused after the fraud came to light. The arrested accused has been identified as Vishal Vikram Mane, 31, a native of Kolhapur district According to the police sources, the 73-year-old complainant, a retired professional currently residing at Eksar Gaon, Borivli West, lives with his daughter and son-in-law. Due to age-related illness and difficulty in walking and standing, the family had hired a full-time caretaker for his daily needs. According to the police complaint, while the family was residing earlier at Charkop, Kandivli West, they employed Mane, a native, as a caretaker from May 2 to October 2, 2025, for 12 hours a day (8 am to 8 pm). He was paid Rs 650 per day, mostly through Google Pay and occasionally in cash. At the time of employment, the family had collected xerox copies of his Aadhaar and PAN cards. The fraud came to light on October 6, 2025, when complaints noticed that R70,000 had been debited from his IndusInd Bank account. Alarmed, he visited the bank’s Santa Cruz West branch, where officials informed him that the amount had been transferred via cheque to the caretaker’s account. A closer inspection of the cheque revealed a disturbing detail while the cheque belonged to the complaints but, the signature on it was forged. The complaint told Charkop police that he had never issued or handed over any cheque to Mane. “Following the complaint, Charkop Police registered a case of cheating and forgery and launched an investigation. The accused caretaker was subsequently arrested on Friday, was produced before the court today and he remanded police custody till 27 January. Further probe is underway to ascertain whether similar offences were committed earlier, said an officer from Charkop police. “If the signature was forged, the cheque would have been dishonoured,” said the defence lawyer. Speaking to mid-day, criminal defence lawyer Meet Ashok Rajpopat, who represents accused Vishal Vikram More, dismissed allegations of cheque forgery, stating that the claim does not stand scrutiny under established banking procedures.
25 January,2026 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanWith Maharashtra State Board Class 10 and Class 12 examinations inching closer, schools and exam centres that do not have CCTV cameras in every classroom are being asked to set up surveillance in the nick of time. In the west zone of Mumbai alone, 42 of 198 SSC exam centres and 20 of 149 HSC exam centres have been sent a notice for not having enough CCTVs in the premises and classrooms on January 21. The Class 12 exams this year are to commence from February 10 and the Class 10 exams are to begin on February 20.“The schools and centres may have surveillance set up in their premises. However, ahead of the exams these exam centres need to have CCTVs in every classroom,” said education inspector Sanjay Javir. mid-day previously reported that in the Mumbai division — Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban 1 and 2, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Palghar — nearly 90-95 per cent of exam centres already have CCTV facilities as per the board chairman Rajendra Ahire. Over the past month, teacher and principal delegations have written to the Maharashtra board stating that implementing CCTV surveillance in such a short time using the school’s own funds would prove difficult for many. The groups had also taken objection to the exchange of exam centres, where teachers on supervision duty will have to move to other schools instead of their own.
25 January,2026 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarThe Insta Husband A couple takes pictures during low tide near Dadar Chowpatty. Mapping music without borders Nomads is happening at the Abheygarh fortress in Rajasthan The independent music festival Nomads by Magnetic Fields arrives with a lineup that feels less like a booking list and more like a musical map in motion. Among the standout names are Rival Consoles, one of the UK’s most influential electronic composers; Malian guitar virtuoso Vieux Farka Touré; and the Auntie Flo Band, blurring borders with their globe-spanning electronic fusion. Indian electronica finds a centrepiece in Curtain Blue’s Kesar, while Portuguese selector Mafalda, and Canada’s fearless D. Tiffany bring distinct club sensibilities to the desert. Taking place from February 13–15, 2026, at the sandstone fortress of Abheygarh, Khetri, Nomads was conceived as an antidote to over-stimulation. When Chennai was too hot for Mumbai Madras University skipper SM Krishnakumar (left) and SK Patel receive the Rohinton Baria Trophy from Bombay Cricket Association president SK Wankhede in January 1976. Pic Courtesy/Sportsweek’s World of Cricket To beat Mumbai at any level of cricket in the 1970s was huge. And it’s safe to say that the Madras University team felt they achieved something more than just significant when they triumphed over Bombay University in the final of the Rohinton Baria Trophy at the Wankhede Stadium in January 1976. Some members of that victorious team met on Friday evening to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the triumph. Several players in that team went on to play Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu and one of them, Sankaran Srinivasan (a friend of this newspaper), played first-class cricket for Bombay before he did for his state of birth. While the Madras squad had a couple of future Test players (Bharath Reddy and TA Sekar), the Bombay University was flushed with players who would go on to represent the city at the Ranji Trophy level. One among those — Sandeep Patil — ended up playing for India. Bombay University piled up 331 at the then one-year-old ground, where opener Ibrahim Ansari carved a century. Madras responded with 295, but Bombay could amass only 200 in their second innings; left-arm spinner SK Patel claiming five. The visitors got to their 237-run target with three wickets to spare. Reddy, India’s wicketkeeper in the 1979 Test series in England, starred with bat and the big gloves in the final while Bombay’s off-spinner Avadhoot Zarapkar’s nine-wicket match haul went in vain. University cricket was strong in those days. To merely say it is the opposite today won’t entirely encompass its irrelevance. The Chennai boys deserved to celebrate nevertheless. Time for a 90s bash A sanitised new safe house for women In a here-today-gone-tomorrow world, we have the highest respect for stayers. One of those is a non-governmental organisation like The Time and Talents Club of Mumbai, which will be celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The Time and Talents Club fundraises through events for its different projects working primarily in the women’s health space or for paediatric cancer. A lot of Time and Talents work is on in Naxal-affected Gadchiroli. “Here, women are often banished to a dirty, unhygienic hut when menstruating. We have built safe houses/spaces for them,” said a T&T spokesperson. A glitzy coffee table book launch event is planned at the Mini Turf Club, Mahalaxmi Race Course on January 28 at 6.30 pm. The special guest will be Retd. Chief Justice of India: Rohinton Nariman. When there’s this NGO, music cannot be far behind. A couple of opera singers: Natalie de Lucia, an Italian soprano and Frazan Adil Kotwal a baritone from Germany, are going to sing. Crooning and causes — sometimes the twain do meet. Call: 8369972136 for tickets and details. Banganga’s silent revamp Varun Mukhi If you’ve walked through Banganga in recent months, you may not have noticed anything different. That’s exactly the point. One of the precinct’s key heritage structures — Kashi Math, a centuries-old religious site near the Banganga Tank — has undergone conservation to protect its carved wooden dome. Humidity, pollution, sunlight and pests had begun to take a toll on the wood over the years, which has raised concerns of long-term damage.This effort to preserve the wooden dome was deliberately subtle. Mumbai-based nano-technology company Vetro Power was brought in to treat the wooden dome using a transparent protective coating that strengthens the surface without changing its appearance. “The most important question was, can we protect this structure without anyone ever knowing we were there?” says Varun Mukhi, Founder, Vetro Power, Zyax Chem Pvt Ltd. The nanotechnology treatment will help shield the wood from moisture, termites, fungal growth and sun damage, among other common threats in coastal Mumbai.
25 January,2026 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19A situation from the past could resurface, and you should handle it in an appropriate manner. This is a positive time for property and inheritance matters.Career tip: Get all the information you need before making any career decision. This is a positive time for entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Those dealing with any legal matters need to make sure they have all the paperwork needed. Let go of any fears stopping you from moving ahead.Career tip: Be culturally aware if you are negotiating with a possible client abroad. Positive time for entrepreneurs looking to expand their business. GeminiMay 21 – June 20What seems to be a possibly challenging situation may not be as bad as it seem. Listen to your instincts, as well as sense of what is right and wrong.Career tip: Handle any competitive colleagues intelligently, and avoid giving them any information they do not need. Make any decisions only after careful thought. CancerJune 21 – July 22A friendship or relationship may need a little extra effort, and you should give it the focus it requires. Let go of any need to be right all the time.Career tip: Respond to communication timely and be clear in negotiating new contracts. Don’t rely on verbal assurances and get written commitments. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Keep a check on your temper if you’re getting irritable. Handle finances well, and do not take on a loan you will not be able to pay back.Career tip: An idea would have potential, but be aware of the challenges. Get all the information needed before making a presentation. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Challenges can be worked through if you listen to your intuition and do not overcomplicate things. Be careful about whom you trust.Career tip: Expand on any information you have, and maintain accounts balance properly. Positive time for self employed people who have a home-business. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Take time out for a hobby you enjoy without getting competitive about it. Be very careful with investment and financial matters.Career tip: Pay attention to any information you get from a senior. Avoid indulging in gossip with colleagues and focus on your work. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Deal with any situation from the past in a strong manner, and do not back down. Put in the hard work needed to reach your goals.Career tip: Maintain a cordial but professional equation with bosses and seniors. Leverage your professional network to the best of your ability. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Do what is right, and do not allow yourself to get influenced by another person’s opinion. Make the best of opportunities that come your way.Career tip: A small project could have potential if handled correctly. This is a positive time for entrepreneurs and those who have a side gig going. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Deal with any challenges to the best of your abilities, and do what you need to do to make your daily schedule more efficient. This is a positive time for singles.Career tip: Finish any pending small jobs and don’t let emails pile up. This is a positive time for start ups, if you know what is really needed. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Handle any changing situation in a decisive manner. Those going through any relationship challenges should look at the larger picture before making a decision.Career tip: Take only thought out risks before making a career change. Avoid gossiping with colleagues, even if they are friends. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21What you do will come back to you, even if it is in an unexpected manner. Be realistic in you expectations from others but don’t lower your standards.Career tip: Be careful with all communication, as any mistake could be problematic. This is a positive time for entrepreneurs.
25 January,2026 02:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseThe Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has initiated the second phase of the biomining project at the Aadharwadi dumping ground. Under this ambitious plan, approximately nine lakh metric tonnes of waste will be processed using biomining techniques to clear the entire site at Kalyan, Municipal Commissioner Abhinav Goyal informed. He also directed officials to accelerate work by deploying additional machinery and manpower. Goyal, along with Additional Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Ramdas Kokre, inspected the ongoing operations at Adharwadi, as well as the wet and dry waste management projects at Umbarde and Barave in Kalyan. He highlighted that waste dumping at Adharwadi had been stopped since the Covid-19 period, and the biomining process has successfully segregated thousands of metric tonnes of waste so far. Refuse derived fuel (RDF) generated from the process is being supplied to cement factories, while the soil recovered will be used for proposed civic landfill projects, the civic body said in a statement. The project will also facilitate future development of a proposed ring road from Durgadi to Barave once the site is cleared. Goyal said the work is expected to be completed within the next six to eight months and urged officials to enhance machinery and workforce deployment to maintain pace. The cleared space will later be used for city beautification, parks, and other public amenities. KDMC civic chief reviews Barave and Umbarde waste projects in Kalyan During the inspection, Goyal noted a significant increase in segregated waste at Barave’s dry waste project, which has a capacity of 200 tonnes per day. Currently, 150 tonnes of segregated waste are being processed daily, reflecting growing citizen participation. He praised residents for contributing to waste segregation, noting that the RDF produced benefits cement and plastic factories, promoting environmental sustainability alongside urban cleanliness. Goyal also reviewed operations at Umbarde and Barave, seeking detailed updates on processes and advising officials on improving project efficiency. He lauded the efforts of Deputy Commissioner Ramdas Kokre, who, during the Covid-19 period, had achieved 90 per cent waste segregation, allowing the Aadharwadi dumping ground to be shut down. Plans are underway to permanently eliminate dumping in the area and develop it into a well-planned civic space. Executive Engineer Jaywant Vishwas and various project contractors were present during the inspection.
24 January,2026 08:12 PM IST | Kalyan | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
