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 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 correspondentMaharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Tuesday accused state minister and BJP leader Chandrakant Patil of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force for the forthcoming Zilla Parishad elections and demanded action against him, reported the PTI. The Congress accused Patil of publicly urging Opposition candidates to withdraw their nomination papers, as per the PTI. Sapkal approached the State Election Commission (SEC) and lodged a formal complaint against Patil over the alleged poll code violation. Elections to 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis are scheduled to be held on February 5. In a letter addressed to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, Sapkal alleged that Patil, the minister for higher and technical education, made the remarks during a public programme in Sangli district on Monday, a day before the deadline for the withdrawal of nominations. According to Sapkal, Patil appealed to Opposition candidates to withdraw from the contest, claiming they stood no chance of winning and should not waste their time and money. Flouting rules The Congress leader said that despite the Model Code of Conduct being in operation, ministers from the ruling party were openly flouting the rules. He argued that Patil’s statement amounted to direct pressure on Opposition candidates and constituted interference in the electoral process. Sapkal demanded that a case be registered against the minister for violating the election code and also sought a ban on Patil from holding election-related public meetings to prevent any undue influence on the polls. It is a serious issue, says Congress leader He said it was the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair and fearless manner. However, when a senior minister uses a public platform to influence candidates, it becomes a serious issue, he added. Sapkal further said that Patil wields both administrative and political authority, and such statements could create fear among Opposition candidates. Forcing or intimidating candidates to withdraw or refrain from campaigning amounts to an attack on democratic values, Sapkal said, urging the SEC to take strict action to safeguard the integrity of the election process. (with PTI inputs)
27 January,2026 09:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAt least four people, including a child, from Dombivli in Maharashtra’s Thane district were killed after their van was hit by a speeding truck in Solapur district, police said on Tuesday, reported the PTI. The accident, which left 10 others injured, occurred late on Monday evening near Degaon Shivara village in Mangalwedha taluka, when a group of devotees was travelling to Pandharpur, a prominent temple town in Solapur district, around 400 km from Thane. According to Thane district police, the group of 12 devotees from the Umeshnagar area of Dombivli (West), along with a few relatives from Diva, had set out two days earlier on a pilgrimage covering Solapur, Kolhapur and nearby religious sites. Devotees were visiting other temples after offering prayers at the Tulja Bhavani After offering prayers at the Tulja Bhavani Temple in Dharashiv district and visiting other temples, they were on their way to Pandharpur - home to the temples of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini - when the truck rammed into their van at around 7.30 pm. Three devotees - Sonam Ahire, Savita Gupta and Yogini Kekane - died on the spot due to the impact. A critically injured child later succumbed during treatment at the district government hospital in Solapur, taking the death toll to four. Truck was travelling at a very high speed “The truck was travelling at a very high speed and collided head-on with the van. The front portion of the vehicle was completely crushed and some passengers were thrown onto the road,” a police official said, according to the PTI. The truck driver has been detained and further investigation is under way, police added. Family members of the victims in Dombivli said the pilgrimage had been planned to coincide with the long weekend. “They were supposed to return home after visiting Pandharpur. We never imagined such a tragedy,” said a relative of the Kekane family, as per the PTI. Entire locality is in shock, says locals Another local resident said that most of the victims lived in Shewanta Heights building in the Umeshnagar area. “The entire locality is in shock. These families are well known here. It is an irreparable loss,” he said. The injured, including women and children, were admitted to the district hospital in Solapur and are reported to be in a stable condition, police said. Following the incident, Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan contacted Solapur officials and instructed them to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
27 January,2026 09:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil on Tuesday asked officials to fast-track Kunbi caste certificate applications filed by Marathas in all eight Marathwada districts, according the PTI. The move follows a September 2025 government resolution, based on the Hyderabad Gazetteer, allowing such applications across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Dharashiv and Parbhani. An official release said that Vikhe Patil instructed officials to ensure that no application remains pending and asked them to work proactively at the village level to clear cases. Chairing a meeting of the Maratha Reservation Sub-Committee at the Mantralaya in Mumbai, he said clear government orders have been issued for granting Maratha Kunbi caste and validity certificates and stressed that the process must strictly adhere to the resolution, as per the PTI. He also directed divisional commissioners to regularly review the progress made by district administrations. High-level meeting on issue The meeting was attended by Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, former judge Sambhaji Shinde, and senior officials. Divisional Commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Jitendra Papalkar and collectors of all eight Marathwada districts participated via video conferencing. Sambhaji Shinde, who has been appointed to determine the methodology for issuing OBC certificates to Marathas, will visit districts in Marathwada to guide officials and help speed up the distribution of certificates. Number of applications processed Vikhe Patil said the number of applications processed and certificates issued since September 2025 remains low and must be increased. Chandrakant Patil said students from the Maratha community are receiving educational benefits and called for better inter-departmental coordination for scholarships and fee reimbursements. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse urged officials to immediately clear pending applications and address procedural gaps, according to the PTI. Officials also presented the current status of certificate distribution, stating that applications are being processed based on residence proof, family records and documents dated prior to 1967. Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community In September last year, the state government announced the formation of a committee to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members with historical evidence of Kunbi lineage. The Kunbi community, a traditional farming group, is classified as an Other Backward Class (OBC) in Maharashtra, making its members eligible for government reservations in education and employment. (With PTI inputs)
27 January,2026 08:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra has become the first state in India to introduce dedicated menopause clinics in government hospitals and urban health centres, an official statement said on Tuesday. The initiative aims to provide women with comprehensive care during menopause, a phase that is often overlooked in public healthcare. The programme is being implemented under the guidance of Minister of State for Public Health, Meghna Bordikar, and has received a positive response from women across the state, the statement said. Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, but it can bring physical, emotional and hormonal changes. Issues such as hormonal imbalance, bone disorders, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular risks and mental health concerns often remain unaddressed in the public health system. Recognising this gap, the Maharashtra government has taken a pioneering step by setting up menopause-focused services within the state’s healthcare network. One-stop care for women The new clinics offer a range of services under one roof, including expert medical consultation, mental health counselling, hormonal, bone and heart health assessments and treatment, medication and lifestyle guidance. Women who have visited the clinics have described the initiative as timely, respectful and empowering. Maharashtra is the first state in the country to launch such a structured, state-wide menopause care programme. The move is expected to set an example for other states to follow, the officials said. The programme was launched around Makar Sankranti, seen as a symbolic and meaningful gift for women’s health. Menopause is a natural phase Minister of State Meghna Bordikar said, “Menopause is not a disease, but a natural phase in a woman’s life. However, during this period, women require strong physical and emotional support. These Menopause Clinics have been established to ensure that every woman in Maharashtra receives proper medical guidance, treatment and dignity during this phase. When women’s health is strengthened, families, society and the state as a whole become stronger.”
27 January,2026 07:26 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarOn Tuesday morning, hundreds of people, including men and women, gathered inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) to oppose the demolition drive, leading to tense scenes in the protected area. The demolition drive sparked strong resistance from residents, which they claim have been their homes for generations. The protesters alleged that the move violates their traditional rights and ignores protections under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). The residents condemned the administration’s action of issuing eviction notices during a holiday period, leaving them little time to respond or seek legal remedies. Why the demolition drive in SGNP sparked protests The forest department launched the drive targeting families in the Navapada area of SGNP, previously resettled at Chandivali in Powai under a rehabilitation programme. Officials allege that some beneficiaries sold or rented out their allotted homes and later reoccupied forest land inside SGNP. Forest officials maintain that the action is part of legal measures to reclaim protected land. They cite violations by some families of the rehabilitation conditions. Residents claim the demolition affects long-standing local communities. Tensions escalated but no violence has been reported so far. Activists question eviction and rehabilitation process Activist Aslam Shaikh said that Adivasi communities are an integral part of SGNP, having lived in the area for decades with a traditional ecosystem-based lifestyle deeply intertwined with the forest. He questioned whether the government, while planning to relocate the Adivasis, also intends to relocate their entire ecosystem, asserting that the communities cannot be separated from their natural surroundings. Shaikh alleged that decision-makers lack an understanding of the Adivasi way of life and are unwilling to engage meaningfully with the community. Raising concerns over rehabilitation, he said there has been no proper research on how the Adivasi population will be resettled. He claimed that no comprehensive survey has been conducted, noting that only a small number of families have accepted rehabilitation housing in Chandivali, while residents from more than 10 padas are still awaiting accommodation. Despite this, Shaikh alleged that the government is attempting to evict all Adivasi residents from the national park. Activist flags legal and procedural lapses Aarey activist Amrita Bhattacharjee told Mid-Day that the dispute dates back to 1995, when a petition led to a court order directing the removal of what were termed illegal encroachments. She alleged that during that period, some Adivasi families were compelled to accept rehabilitation flats in Chandivali. Bhattacharjee pointed out that the original order predates the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which became applicable to forest areas under municipal corporations in 2015. She said tribal communities should not be treated as encroachers and relocated to slum rehabilitation buildings without due process under the FRA. She also questioned the role of the Tribal Development Department and its project office in Borivali, stating that the authorities should have conducted awareness programmes and facilitated the filing of forest rights claims. "Notices were served on January 22 asking residents to submit documentary proof by January 24, following which announcements were made that demolitions would begin from January 27," Bhattacharjee said. Bhattacharjee claimed that notices were issued to 10 out of 11 Adivasi padas in the area, affecting around 350 families. "The residents alleged that entire families were deemed ineligible for protection because one member had accepted rehabilitation decades ago," she said. SGNP gates closed temporarily amid tension Amid heightened tension in the area, the SGNP administration announced that the park’s main entrance would remain closed to tourists and the general public on Tuesday, January 27. “All concerned are hereby informed that today, on Tuesday, 27.01.2026, the main entrance of Sanjay Gandhi National Park will remain closed for tourists and the general public,” said an official notice issued by the Deputy Director (South), SGNP, requesting cooperation from citizens. According to forest department sources, the demolition drive was halted by afternoon. SGNP Director issues clarification on eviction drive The Conservator of Forests and Director, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, issued a detailed statement seeking to address what the administration termed “misconceptions” surrounding the eviction drive. The statement stated that in 1997, the Bombay High Court directed the removal of all encroachments on forest land within SGNP and laid down specific eligibility criteria for rehabilitation. Only those residing within the protected area and whose names appeared on the electoral roll as of January 1, 1995, were deemed eligible. Under Phase I of the rehabilitation programme, more than 11,000 eligible families were allotted tenements at Chandivali, Powai. However, 299 families could not be rehabilitated due to a shortage of constructed tenements and were earmarked for Phase II. High-Powered Committee and re-encroachment findings As the 1997 court directions were not fully complied with, a contempt petition was filed and remains pending. The High Court subsequently constituted a High-Powered Committee to oversee compliance and recommend measures to protect SGNP. The committee comprises former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Dilip Bhosale, former Maharashtra Chief Secretary Nitin Kareer, former Maharashtra Director General of Police Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, and SGNP Director Anitta Patil as Member Secretary. During consultations with various government agencies and stakeholders, the committee found that around 385 families who had already received rehabilitation at Chandivali had allegedly re-encroached upon forest land within SGNP. The administration said such actions amounted to misuse of the rehabilitation scheme and that their eviction was ordered as a first step toward ensuring rehabilitation for other eligible families still awaiting allotment. Notices issued after the enquiry, says the administration According to the statement, SGNP authorities conducted detailed enquiries and provided hearings to the concerned families before identifying those who had allegedly re-encroached after rehabilitation. Eviction notices were published at relevant locations on January 17, 2026, asking occupants to vacate voluntarily. The administration stressed that unless such families are evicted, other eligible beneficiaries would continue to be deprived of rehabilitation benefits envisioned under the 1997 court order. Tribal status claim rejected by SGNP authorities The SGNP administration rejected claims that the eviction drive targets tribal communities, calling such arguments untenable. The statement cited a Bombay High Court judgment in Manik Rama Sapte vs State of Maharashtra, which held that original tribal inhabitants of the forest area were rehabilitated to Palghar in 1977 and that no original Adivasi population remains within SGNP. The administration maintained that the current occupants are governed by the 1997 High Court order, which has attained finality. Stating that the eviction drive is mandatory to uphold the rule of law, protect forest land and ensure equitable rehabilitation, the SGNP administration appealed for public support. The statement urged stakeholders to cooperate in safeguarding the forest ecosystem of the park and ensuring that eligible families awaiting rehabilitation receive their due benefits in accordance with court orders. What politicians have said An NCP (SP) spokesperson, in a post on X, raised concerns over the ongoing actions inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, alleging that Adivasi padas are being demolished without proper surveys or verification under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). The spokesperson claimed that basic services such as electricity and transport have been cut, children have been forced out of school, and families who have lived in the area for generations are being labelled as encroachers. Calling the actions “displacement without due process,” the post warned that if demolitions continue without adherence to the law, affected residents would be compelled to intensify democratic protests and seek legal remedies. What’s happening inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park needs to be on record.Adivasi padas are being demolished without surveys, without Forest Rights Act verification, and with basic services cut. Families who’ve lived here for generations are being labelled encroachers. Children… pic.twitter.com/9gULnm4At3 — Anish Gawande (@anishgawande) January 27, 2026 In a separate post, the spokesperson said he had written to the Forest Minister, urging an immediate halt to what he described as illegal evictions of Adivasi padas inside the national park without FRA verification. He reiterated that continued demolitions would leave no option but to escalate protests and pursue legal action. AAP Mumbai working president Ruben Mascarenhas also expressed concern in a post on X, alleging that Adivasi communities—whom he described as Mumbai’s indigenous people—are being unlawfully displaced from their padas within Sanjay Gandhi National Park and that their homes are being demolished. He said attempts to visit the padas along with AAP Mumbai leaders to move the court were hindered, describing the situation as chaotic. According to Mascarenhas, the area has been barricaded, water and electricity supplies disconnected, and public transport suspended. He termed these actions a gross violation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and the principles of natural justice, asserting that Adivasis are the city’s original inhabitants and not encroachers, and called for an immediate halt to the demolitions. URGENT : Adivasis- Mumbai’s indigenous people are being wrongly displaced from their Padas inside SGNP, their houses are being DEMOLISHED.Tried visiting the padas with @AAPMumbai leaders, to move court. Situation is chaotic. SGNP has been barricaded, water supply and… pic.twitter.com/WI3MfSCDZc — Ruben Mascarenhas (@rubenmasc) January 27, 2026
27 January,2026 07:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarSoon, 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 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. Senior officials and representatives of various fuel companies attended the meeting, according to an official release. 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. Immediate suspension for drunk on-duty drivers, says Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik Pratap Sarnaik last week 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 reportedly 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 merely indiscipline but a serious offence that directly endangers passengers’ lives,” Sarnaik said. (With PTI inputs)
27 January,2026 06:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSeven people, including a two-year-old child, were injured in a fire after a gas cylinder explosion caused by a suspected leakage was reported in a chawl near Malvani Gate No. 8 in Malad (West) on Monday morning, leaving several people injured. According to preliminary information, the incident was reported at around 9.25 am on January 27 to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). The blast occurred near A.C. Masjid, adjacent to Bharat Mata School, in the Malwani area. Officials said the explosion was so powerful that the first-floor slab collapsed, causing occupants to fall into the ground-floor house below. The fire was confined to the main valve of the cylinder, a gas stove, an LPG cylinder, AC sheets, and household articles including eatables and a mattress in a room on the first floor of a ground-plus-two-storey structure. Fire brigade personnel brought the blaze under control by 9.42 am. According to the officials, a total of seven people were reported injured in the incident. Of these, four were shifted to Aadhar Hospital, while three were taken to Care Hospital. At BDBA Hospital, Vijay Choudhary (54), Tausib Khan (18) and Ali Kasim (17) were treated and later discharged against medical advice (DAMA). At Aadhar Hospital, Julekha Bano Aftaf Ansari (60) suffered 55-60 per cent burns and was later shifted to Cooper Hospital. Adil Shaikh (2) sustained 20 per cent burns and was also transferred to Cooper Hospital. Roma (35) and Alisha (18), both with 35 per cent burns, are admitted and reported to be in critical condition. Emergency response teams, including personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, local police, officials from the concerned electricity distribution company, a 108 ambulance service, and BMC ward staff, were deployed at the spot. Further details were awaited. 5 injured as balloon gas cylinder explodes in Maharashtra's Malegaon town In another incident, five people, including three women, were injured after a helium gas cylinder used for filling balloons exploded in Malegaon town of Maharashtra's Nashik district on Monday morning, police said. Four of the injured were in a critical condition, they said. The explosion took place near College Stop in the Malegaon Camp area at 10.10 am when a vendor was filling gas in balloons. Five people, including three women, received injuries in the cylinder blast, according to police. The injured were taken to a private hospital in Malegaon initially and later shifted to Nashik for advanced treatment, they stated. The balloon seller, Mohammed Sadiq Makbool Ahmed (33), a local resident, was taken into custody, a police official informed. A case was registered against him under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 125 (act endangering human life or personal safety of others), 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 288 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances), and the Explosives Act at the Malegaon Camp police station, he added. Ethanol-carrying tanker overturns and catches fire; no casualty Meanwhile, a tanker transporting ethanol from Solapur in Maharashtra to neighbouring Gujarat caught fire after it overturned in Georai tehsil of Beed district in the wee hours of Saturday, police said. The incident occurred on the Dhule-Solapur highway around 2 am, they said. "The tanker going to Gujarat veered off the road and hit the divider as its driver lost control over it. It overturned and immediately caught fire," a police official said. After being alerted, a fire brigade team of the Georai Municipal Council rushed to the spot. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours and brought it under control around 6 am, he said. The tanker driver and his assistant escaped unhurt as they jumped out in time, but the vehicle was completely gutted in the fire, he added. The incident led to a traffic jam on the highway, but the route was soon cleared by the police.
27 January,2026 06:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
