Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for April 14. Aries March 21 – April 20A karmic cycle of life moving ahead quicker than usual requires being one step ahead of priorities. Avoid overtraining. Ask for dietary guidance. Cosmic tip: Stop seeking clarity from others. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Take your time about making a relationship decision. Be extra careful while working out or lifting anything heavy. Cosmic tip: Use silence and quietness to heal yourself. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Maintaining a professional, but cordial attitude at work makes you a winner. Two parties are lined up for the weekend. Cosmic tip: Maintain self-respect in a relationship. Cancer June 22 – July 23An important relationship passing through a challenging time needs patience and a genuine desire to understand the person’s point of view. Cosmic tip: Don’t make easy decisions which are actually wrong. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A legal/bureaucratic issue is in your favour, making you sigh with relief, letting go of tension. Cosmic tip: Step back for a while if having second thoughts about a friendship/a newly minted relationship. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Some Virgos have an increased income, so utilise a part of it in savings. Use challenges as opportunities to take you to the next level. Cosmic tip: Be restrained in conversations. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Keep the diet healthy every day. Take care of any small medical issue. Cosmic tip: Consider life from a renewed perspective even if you feel each day is quite predictable, but is not. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22The spiritual path appears clearer now that you’ve spent so much time thinking about where you went wrong. Singles, stay away from problematic situations. Cosmic tip: Avoid even going near a water body. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Moving on from a situation because of which a wedge was created unintentionally is a good way to turn life around gradually. Cosmic tip: Spend time alone if that helps bring clarity to a complicated situation. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Taking time to make a decision is usually the norm; except today for a change. A new assignment requires focused and immediate work. Cosmic tip: Avoid self-medicating. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Believe you are taking the best possible decisions with full awareness of prevailing circumstances. Cosmic tip: Don’t keep harping on the past. Any decision taken was right for that karmic cycle. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Letting go of unnecessary arguments helps protect vital energy that can be directed towards worthy issues. Cosmic tip: Go ahead and make lifestyle changes if you feel up to following them.
14 April,2026 01:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has put in place a range of arrangements across Mumbai ahead of the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on April 14, officials said. Civic facilities have been set up at key locations, including Chaityabhoomi and Rajgruha, where large crowds are expected to gather to pay tribute. Every year, thousands of followers visit Chaityabhoomi in Dadar, the cremation site of Dr. Ambedkar, to mark the occasion. In anticipation of a similar turnout this year, the BMC said it has focused on ensuring basic infrastructure and safety measures are in place to manage the flow of visitors. Leaders to Visit Chaityabhoomi According to the BMC, several senior leaders are expected to visit Chaityabhoomi on Tuesday morning to offer floral tributes. These include Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, as well as Mayor Ritu Tawde and Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadigaonkar. Crowd Management and Civic Facilities To handle the expected crowds, the BMC said it has set up facilities such as drinking water stations, mobile toilets, and sanitation services in and around Chaityabhoomi and nearby areas. Control rooms have also been established to coordinate operations and respond to any issues during the day. The civic body added that CCTV cameras have been installed at multiple locations for monitoring, and lifeguard boats have been deployed along the adjoining coastline as a precautionary measure. Fire brigade teams will also remain on standby. Medical and Emergency Preparedness The BMC said medical services will be available at the site, with teams of doctors and healthcare staff deployed at key points. Ambulances have been stationed in the vicinity to ensure quick response in case of emergencies. Officials said these arrangements are part of routine preparedness measures taken every year to ensure that visitors can pay their respects without inconvenience. Exhibition on Ambedkar’s Life According to the BMC, a photo exhibition highlighting the life and work of Dr. Ambedkar will be organised at Chaityabhoomi on April 14. The exhibition will feature photographs documenting key moments from his life and public career. A coffee table book on Dr. Ambedkar, regarded as the architect of the Indian Constitution, will also be available for visitors at the venue, the civic body said. Live Streaming of the Programme The BMC said the commemorative programme at Chaityabhoomi will be streamed live on its official YouTube channel. It will also be broadcast on social media platforms such as Facebook and X, allowing people who are unable to attend in person to follow the event. With a steady influx of visitors expected throughout the day, the BMC has appealed to the public to follow on-ground instructions and cooperate with authorities to ensure smooth crowd management, officials said.
13 April,2026 10:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAt least eleven people were killed and two others seriously injured after a van collided with a cement mixer in Maharashtra’s Thane district on Monday, police said, reported the PTI. The accident took place at around 11:30 am on Raita bridge in Govili village of Murbad area in Thane. According to officials, the van crashed into a cement mixer coming from the opposite direction, leading to a severe impact. Casualties and injuries Police said that 11 occupants of the van died in the accident. Two others sustained critical injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, the news agency reported. Their condition is reported to be serious. The officials said that the rescue teams, medical staff and local police reached the spot soon after the incident. Efforts were made to assist the injured and clear the wreckage from the bridge, according to the PTI. The officials said that more details about the victims and the cause of the crash are awaited. An investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances leading to the accident. Eight men, three women among those dead At least 11 occupants of the van have died, and two injured have been shifted to the central hospital at Ulhasnagar, Murbad tehsildar Abhijit Deshmukh said. Six of the victims have been identified, and the process of identifying the others is underway, a senior police official said. The deceased included eight men and three women, he said. Following the accident, traffic was affected on the road from Kalyan to Ahilyanagar for a few hours. The stretch has now been cleared, he said. Shinde expresses grief Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde expressed grief. In a post on X, he wrote, "at least 11 people were killed in a tragic road accident on the Kalyan-Ahilyanagar National Highway." He conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for peace to the departed souls. Shinde wrote that an investigation into the accident has been initiated and the incident will be properly probed. Speeding truck kills seven pilgrims on Lakhtar-Viramgam highway in Gujarat Meanwhile, in an another incident, seven members of a pilgrim group from the Bharwad community were killed while several others suffered injuries after a speeding truck ran over them on the Lakhtar-Viramgam Highway in Gujarat's Surendranagar district in the early hours of Monday. The accident took place between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages near Lakhtar around 1.20 am when a group of foot pilgrims, travelling from Gadhka village in Rajkot towards Viramgam for temple darshan and a flag-hoisting ritual, was hit from behind by a dumper truck. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. "The mishap in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, is deeply distressing. Heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," the PM's office posted on X. The victims belonged to the Mundhva family and were part of a larger group of around 700 devotees undertaking the pilgrimage. Seven people, including five women and two men, died on the spot. The deceased were identified as Masabhai Mundhva, Jaluben Mundhva, Raniben Lambariya and Vajiben Mundhva, among others. (with PTI inputs)
13 April,2026 10:01 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe first non-air-conditioned (non-AC) automatic door-closing EMU local on Monday arrived at the Kurla car shed in Mumbai, marking a key step in the city’s suburban railway upgrade plan. The new train is part of efforts to improve safety and commuter experience on the city’s busy suburban network. The newly introduced EMU rake features a door-closing system aimed at reducing accidents caused by overcrowding and passengers travelling on open doorways. The system is designed to enhance safety during peak-hour travel, when Mumbai’s suburban trains are heavily crowded. Read more: Mumbai local gets automatic doors in first for non-AC suburban trains Developed after the Mumbra incident The new rake, developed after the Mumbra incident, is aimed at improving passenger safety by preventing falls from open doors. The 12-car train is manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Railway officials had earlier stated that the move is part of a broader policy shift to introduce closed-door systems across all future suburban trains, both AC and non-AC. Mid-Day had earlier reported about the city soon to receive India’s first non-AC suburban local train with automatic door closure, marking a significant shift in the design of the city’s lifeline trains. A first for Mumbai and Indian Railways This is the first time a non-AC local train with automatic doors has been developed for Mumbai’s suburban network and for Indian Railways. The rake has been designed following consultations between the Railway Board. New non-AC door-closure train introduced in Mumbai The new non-AC door-closing suburban train arrived in Mumbai on Monday, featuring several upgraded facilities. A first-hand inspection by Mid-Day at the Kurla carshed revealed that the train retains its segregated compartments while offering larger windows, forced ventilation, increased leg space, and significantly bigger luggage compartments. Key concerns observed One of the immediate concerns is that coach alignments may differ from existing trains due to the technical design of the new rake. This could lead to last-minute confusion and passenger scrambling on platforms. Additionally, there are apprehensions that the door opening and closing mechanism may impact train halt times and potentially cause delays. Train configuration and features The train is divided into six-coach units connected by vestibules. It includes internal partitions to clearly separate ladies, first-class, and general compartments. Dedicated coaches for persons with disabilities have also been incorporated. The rake, numbered 268201–268212, is the first of its kind on Indian Railways. Design and structural differences The coaches are built on an AC EMU shell but are configured to maintain class segregation, including first class (with cushioned seating), ladies compartments, and accessible sections. Despite being vestibule-connected, physical partitions ensure separation between categories. Enhanced passenger comfort Wider Windows: The train features significantly larger windows measuring 1,900 mm, compared to 900 mm in existing trains. These include sliding glass panels similar to buses. Improved Ventilation: Each coach is equipped with two high-capacity blowers, each supplying 10,000 cubic metres of air per hour, ensuring better airflow. More Legroom: Increased space between seats enhances passenger comfort, along with a wider gangway for easier movement. Increased storage and safety features Larger Luggage Areas: The luggage compartments at both ends of the train are twice the size of those in current suburban trains. Closed Doors with Ventilation: The train features closed doors with glass panels on top and louvered (slatted) designs, allowing air circulation while improving passenger safety.
13 April,2026 09:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe alleged irregularities in the implementation of the MHADA quota in Nashik, warning that those denying the poor their rightful homes will not be spared. Allegations over 20 per cent quota for EWS and LIG The decision comes in the wake of alleged irregularities in the implementation of the 20 per cent MHADA quota reserved for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG) in Nashik. SIT formed under Nashik divisional commissioner According to PTI, on the directions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the SIT has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Nashik divisional commissioner and will comprise senior state officials. “No one will be spared,” says Bawankule Bawankule, in an official statement, said, “People who choke the rights of the poor and deprive them of their entitlements, no matter how influential they are, will not be spared.” Report to be submitted within one month The SIT will submit its report within one month, the revenue minister added, PTI reported. According to the statement, the probe will focus on layouts exceeding 4,000 square metres, where developers allegedly failed to reserve 20 per cent of land or units for the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), as mandated under a notification dated November 8, 2013. Action against developers and officials The SIT will examine recovery of reserved land, recommend disciplinary action against erring officials and employees, and propose criminal proceedings against landowners or developers found responsible for the irregularities. It will also suggest measures to prevent such violations in the future. Several builders in Nashik allegedly defrauded the government of crores of rupees by using forged documents, fake seals, and signatures under the MHADA housing scheme. Rules for MHADA quota compliance According to norms, developers undertaking housing projects on plots exceeding 4,000 square metres are required to reserve 20 per cent of units for MHADA. Developers allegedly under-reported project areas to bypass the rule and misled authorities using fabricated documents and forged authorisations. 128 cases under review, 49 found fraudulent Verification by the Land Records Department covered 128 cases, of which 49 revealed instances of fraud. A case has been registered at Sarkarwada police station based on a complaint by the department, the statement said. (With PTI inputs)
13 April,2026 08:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTraffic on the busy Ghodbunder Road in Thane district of Maharashtra was affected on Monday after a petrol tanker emitted heavy smoke, officials said, adding that the civic authorities rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. No injuries were reported in the incident, the officials said. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation, a petrol tanker emitted heavy smoke near Dosti Imperia on Ghodbunder Road in Thane on Monday evening, prompting a swift response from emergency services. The incident occurred around 5:20 pm in the Manpada area after the tanker’s rear tyre developed a technical fault, it said. Brake liner jam caused smoke According to officials, the smoke was caused due to a jammed brake liner in the rear tyre of the tanker. The vehicle, carrying around 20,000 litres of petrol, was travelling from Turbhe to Daman. The situation raised safety concerns due to the flammable nature of the cargo. Fire brigade personnel, disaster management teams, and police officials from Manpada and Kasarvadavali stations quickly reached the site. A fire engine and utility vehicle were deployed to manage the situation and prevent any escalation. No injuries reported The civic officials confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident. The situation was brought under control in time, avoiding any major mishap. Due to traffic congestion on the busy Ghodbunder Road, the tanker was safely moved to an open space under police supervision and fire brigade monitoring. Traffic was gradually restored after the vehicle was cleared from the main road, the officials said. 11 Killed in van-cement mixer accident in Kalyan Meanwhile, in an another incident, at least eleven people were killed and two others seriously injured after a van collided with a cement mixer in Thane district on Monday, police said. The accident took place at around 11:30 am on Raita bridge in Govili village of Murbad area in Thane. According to officials, the van crashed into a cement mixer coming from the opposite direction, leading to a severe impact. Casualties and injuries Police said that 11 occupants of the van died in the accident. Two others sustained critical injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The officials said that the rescue teams, medical staff and local police reached the spot soon after the incident. Efforts were made to assist the injured and clear the wreckage from the bridge. The officials said that more details about the victims and the cause of the crash are awaited. An investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances leading to the accident.
13 April,2026 08:11 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra cabinet, chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Monday approved a major healthcare initiative backed by financial assistance of Rs 3,708 crore from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reported news agency IANS. The project, titled “Strengthening Tertiary Health Care Delivery, Medical Education System and Nursing System in Maharashtra,” aims to significantly upgrade healthcare infrastructure, medical education, and nursing facilities across the state. Focus on Medical Colleges and Healthcare Infrastructure The initiative will prioritise the development of infrastructure and the provision of advanced medical equipment for government medical colleges, nursing colleges, and associated hospitals. Funding will be allocated to newly established government medical colleges in Wardha, Palghar, Ratnagiri, and Ahilyanagar. In addition, existing nursing colleges across key locations will be upgraded to enhance training capacity and quality, reported IANS. Nursing Education Expansion Across Key Districts As part of the project, nursing colleges at major institutions such as GT Hospital and St George’s Hospital in Mumbai, as well as those in Dhule, Solapur, Ambajogai, Akola, Nagpur, Ratnagiri, Palghar, and Dharashiv, will undergo upgrades, reported IANS. New nursing colleges will also be constructed in Baramati, Sangli (Miraj), and Kolhapur, strengthening the pipeline of trained healthcare professionals in the state. Advanced Equipment for Government Hospitals The state government will invest in advanced medical equipment for government medical colleges in several districts, including Ahilyanagar, Bhandara, Gadchiroli, Hingoli, Jalna, Mumbai, Nashik, Parbhani, Satara, Palghar, Ratnagiri, and Wardha, reported IANS. Officials said this move is expected to improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities, ensuring better healthcare delivery for citizens. Indo-Japan Academic Exchange to Build Capacity The project also includes provisions for human resource development through the Indo-Japan Academic Exchange Programme. This will focus on enhancing skills in hospital management, administration, and clinical practices, bringing global expertise into Maharashtra’s healthcare system, reported IANS. Authorities stated that the overarching goal is to provide affordable and quality medical care to people across the state. Major Reforms in Recruitment Process Approved Alongside the healthcare initiative, the cabinet approved a comprehensive reform plan aligned with the “Viksit Maharashtra 2047” vision, aimed at simplifying recruitment and expanding job opportunities, reported IANS. The number of cadres under the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) will increase to 102, with the combined examination scheme now covering 18 additional services and 93 new cadres. ‘No Interview Policy’ and Digital Verification Introduced In a significant reform, the cabinet approved a “No Interview Policy” for non-gazetted Group-B and Group-C posts to ensure a faster and more transparent recruitment process, reported IANS. The state will also adopt a system similar to the Union Public Service Commission’s Pratibha Setu, allowing data sharing of qualified candidates with employers to enhance job prospects. Additionally, DigiLocker will be used for instant, paperless verification of educational and caste certificates, streamlining the recruitment process. Push for Future-Ready Workforce The government has also identified obsolete roles as “dying cadres” and plans to create new positions requiring expertise in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence. (With inputs from IANS)
13 April,2026 07:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government on Monday signed a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Novarion Energy for the development of the ‘Ranavadi off-stream close-loop pumped storage project’ spanning Pune and Raigad districts, marking a significant push toward clean energy generation in the state. 🤝 CM Devendra Fadnavis presided over the MoU signing between Government of Maharashtra (Water Resources Dept) and Novarion Energy for the development of the 'Ranavadi off-stream close-loop Pumped Storage Project' in Pune and Raigad districts.âś… Capacity: 1200 MWâś… Total… pic.twitter.com/H9DRMxGuIH — CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 13, 2026 The agreement was signed by the Water Resources Department in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with senior ministers and officials. Major Boost to Clean Energy Capacity The Ranavadi project is expected to generate 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, contributing substantially to Maharashtra’s renewable energy portfolio. The project will be developed with an estimated investment of Rs 5,760 crore. Officials highlighted that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader strategy to enhance sustainable power generation while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources. Employment Opportunities for 1,500 People In addition to strengthening energy infrastructure, the project is expected to generate around 1,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities. This is seen as a boost for local economies in Pune and Raigad districts, particularly in construction, operations, and allied sectors. Part of Larger Pumped Storage Expansion Plan The Ranavadi project is one of 56 pumped storage projects currently being pursued across Maharashtra. These projects collectively aim to generate a massive 79,415 MW of clean energy capacity. The state government estimates that the entire pipeline of pumped storage initiatives will attract investments worth approximately Rs 4.22 lakh crore and create employment opportunities for nearly 1.29 lakh people. Ministers and Officials Present at Signing The MoU signing ceremony was attended by key members of the state cabinet, including Girish Mahajan and Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, along with other senior dignitaries. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the project as a major step toward ensuring energy security and accelerating Maharashtra’s transition to clean and sustainable power sources. Strategic Role of Pumped Storage Projects Pumped storage projects are considered crucial for balancing power supply, especially with the increasing share of renewable energy such as solar and wind. These systems store excess electricity during low demand and release it during peak hours, ensuring grid stability.
13 April,2026 07:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMarking the end of a golden era in Indian music, legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle was cremated with full state honours at Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park on Monday. ‘Asha Tai’, as she was affectionately known, passed away on Sunday, April 12, at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure following a cardiac arrest. She had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital a day earlier, suffering from extreme exhaustion and a chest infection. The Maharashtra government accorded the veteran singer a state funeral, a tribute reserved for those who have made monumental contributions to the nation. The ceremony mirrored the farewell given to her elder sister, the late Lata Mangeshkar, at the same historic venue. Her mortal remains were kept at her residence in Lower Parel from 11 am to 3 pm to allow fans and celebrities to pay their last respects. Thousands of emotional fans lined the streets of Mumbai as the funeral procession made its way to Dadar. At around 5 pm, amid a sombre atmosphere, she was cremated with a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour by the Maharashtra Police. Political leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, and ministers Chhagan Bhujbal, Ashish Shelar, Bharat Gogawale, and Sanjay Shirsat, were present at the funeral to pay their final respects. MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai also attended. Several members of the film fraternity, including actor Aamir Khan, attended the cremation and expressed profound grief over the loss of one of music history’s most versatile voices. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Asha Bhosle Ji. Her extraordinary musical journey, spanning decades, enriched our cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his condolence message, the IANS reported. From the film industry, stars including Shah Rukh Khan, A.R. Rahman, and Hema Malini shared heartfelt tributes, describing her as an “irreplaceable pillar” of Indian cinema. With a career spanning over eight decades, Asha Bhosle’s achievements are as remarkable as her talent. Recognised by the Guinness World Records as the most recorded artist in music history, with over 12,000 songs, she mastered everything from classical ghazals and soulful melodies like ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’ to high-energy hits like ‘Dum Maro Dum’. She was also a recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Padma Vibhushan, and two National Film Awards. The void left by Asha Bhosle’s passing is immense, but as her fans often say, she will live on forever through the timeless magic of her voice. (With IANS inputs)
13 April,2026 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia Post’s Mumbai Region on Monday launched a special initiative to deliver Geographical Indication-tagged (GI-tagged) Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes directly to households across the city. Direct market link for farmers The initiative seeks to create a direct market link between mango farmers in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri and urban consumers, helping eliminate middlemen and ensuring better returns for growers. It also aims to support small-scale sellers and agro-entrepreneurs by expanding their access to metropolitan markets. Seamless ordering and doorstep delivery Leveraging its extensive logistics network, India Post is facilitating seamless ordering through QR codes and WhatsApp, along with the convenience of cash-on-delivery (COD), enabling even small producers to participate without significant investment in infrastructure or marketing. Supporting rural livelihoods Postmaster General, India Post Mumbai Region, Kaiya Arora, said the initiative is designed to strengthen the connection between local farmers and city consumers while ensuring fair pricing and fresh produce. “This initiative leverages India Post’s vast network to connect Ratnagiri mango farmers with Mumbaikars. Doorstep delivery of GI-tagged mangoes supports rural economies while ensuring farmers receive a higher share of the final price,” she said. Next-day delivery now possible as India Post rolls out its ‘24 Speed Post’ in Mumbai, Delhi and 4 other cities Earlier in March, the Department of Posts launched a new premium express delivery service, ‘24 Speed Post’, offering guaranteed next-day delivery for urgent consignments across six major cities. According to news reports, the service was inaugurated by Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Minister of State Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani at Rang Bhawan Auditorium, Akashwani Bhawan in New Delhi. In the first phase, the service will be available in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, as per the reports. Alongside this, the department has also introduced a ‘48 Speed Post’ option, ensuring a D plus 2 (two-day) delivery timeline through dedicated processing and priority air transmission. According to the India Post, the upgraded services come with features such as OTP-based secure delivery, end-to-end tracking with SMS alerts, and a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) facility for business users. Bulk customers will benefit from free pickup, API integration and centralised billing, making the service more efficient for e-commerce and corporate clients. The department has also announced a money-back guarantee in case of delivery delays, aiming to strengthen its premium express delivery services.
13 April,2026 06:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government on Monday unveiled a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at safeguarding outdoor informal workers in urban heat risk districts, as rising temperatures continue to pose serious health threats across the state, reported IANS. The guidelines, released under the direction of State Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, focus on reducing heat exposure, improving workplace safety, and strengthening medical preparedness in high-risk urban areas. Work Timings Revised to Avoid Peak Heat Hours One of the key measures introduced in the SOPs is the rescheduling of outdoor work hours to cooler parts of the day. Workers are advised to operate between 6 am and 11 am and again from 4 pm to 8 pm during heat alerts, reported IANS. Additionally, mandatory rest breaks have been enforced between 12 pm and 4 pm during orange and red alerts. The government has also directed authorities to implement schedule shifts across sectors such as construction, industrial operations, and street vending, reported IANS. To ensure compliance, district administrations and urban local bodies will issue official circulars mandating these changes. Focus on Women’s Safety and Workplace Facilities The SOPs place special emphasis on ensuring safe working conditions for women. Authorities have been instructed to improve lighting, provide transport facilities, and ensure access to protective infrastructure at work sites, reported IANS. This move is seen as a step toward addressing gender-specific vulnerabilities faced by women working in outdoor and informal sectors, particularly during extreme weather conditions. High-Risk Districts Identified Across Regions The SOPs have been introduced in response to Maharashtra being ranked among the most heat-vulnerable regions in India. According to the State Heat Action Plan, 15 districts across Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Khandesh have been identified as highly susceptible to extreme heat, reported IANS. These include Latur, Amravati, Yavatmal, Washim, Akola, Buldhana, Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, Gondia, Bhandara, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Dhule, and Nanded. The guidelines apply to all municipal corporations, councils, and nagar panchayats in these high-risk zones, reported IANS. Water Access, Shade, and Cooling Infrastructure Boosted To combat heat stress, the SOPs mandate the installation of water booths at key informal work locations such as markets, traffic junctions, transit hubs, and vending areas. These booths will ensure regular access to drinking water with proper signage and maintenance. Authorities will also distribute Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and electrolyte sachets through primary health centres, ward offices, and non-governmental organisations, reported IANS. Public parks and gardens are to remain open during afternoon hours, while temporary shaded structures will be erected at labour hubs, vending zones, and high-traffic areas. Long-term measures include promoting tree plantation, reflective surfaces, and misting systems in urban planning, reported IANS. Strengthening Medical Preparedness and Emergency Response The SOPs also outline enhanced medical readiness to tackle heat-related illnesses. Primary and urban health centres will be stocked with ORS, intravenous fluids, and essential treatment kits. Healthcare workers, including ASHAs and ward-level staff, will be trained to identify and respond to heat-related conditions. Emergency services will be strengthened by pre-positioning ambulances in high-risk areas and closely monitoring response times during peak heat days, reported IANS. Disaster Management Centre Planned in Nagpur In a parallel initiative, the state government has announced plans to establish a dedicated disaster management training and research centre in Nagpur at an estimated cost of Rs 184 crore. The centre will focus on training personnel and conducting research on extreme heat conditions and sustainable cooling solutions, reinforcing the state’s long-term strategy to address climate-related challenges. (With inputs from IANS)
13 April,2026 06:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
