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 16. Aries March 21 – April 20Saying what you need to convey in a firm but polite manner makes you feel good about yourself. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Accept what has to be done (there’s no two-ways about it). TaurusApril 21 – May 20Listening to financial advice from a professional instead of doing what a friend advises is a wise decision. Cosmic tip: Try not to reveal irritation if the boss isn’t as complimentary with completed work. GeminiMay 21 – June 21An interesting session of negotiations keeps you mentally alert for pitfalls and clever clauses. Cosmic tip: Make peace with a relative. This kind of emotional distance isn’t good for mental or physical health. Cancer June 22 – July 23Quite certain explanations had smoothened the way with a relative; so it’s a surprise to receive an angry call.Cosmic tip: Fix as many meetings as the potential client needs to close the deal. Leo July 24 - Aug 23It’s good you re-checked an important email before hitting the ‘send’ button. You wish team members would complete work without you hovering.Cosmic tip: Spend enough time with family. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Be in touch with friends over the phone if too busy to meet for now. Drink enough water.Cosmic tip: Be to the point but tactful, since what you’ve communicated earlier isn’t being accepted. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Keep extra expenses within limits with well-thought-out choices. Singles, stay away from someone not single, or has a complicated life.Cosmic tip: Step back a little if feeling you are being too opinionated. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22The day speeds up in the afternoon, and then there’s a mad rush to complete work. Keep documents, jewellery and money safely. Cosmic tip: Concentrate on eating healthy food and exercising. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Any planning should be done with a long-term perspective in mind instead of focusing too much on the immediate.Cosmic tip: Balance family and professional life carefully since an extra busy time begins. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Re-check paperwork if giving/sending hard copies of completed work to the boss/client. Focus on solutions instead of problems. Cosmic tip: Maintain this love, keeping vibes at home harmonious. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Look at learning new skills pertinent to technological changes in your field of work. A simple diet works best. Advice given is for your benefit.Cosmic tip: Take life easy for a couple of days. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A matter gets resolved after an open discussion, as long as you keep stubbornness under check.Cosmic tip: Remain open to change, or having to deviate slightly from a chosen course of action.
16 January,2026 02:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMumbai on Thursday recorded 53 to 55 per cent voter turnout in BMC Election 2026 as polling concluded for 227 wards. The vote counting will begin on Friday morning at 10 am and the results would be announced later in the day. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), polling Mumbai recorded a voter turnout of 53 to 55 per cent. The voting began at 7.30 am and continued steadily until the polls concluded at 5:30 pm. According to BMC officials, around 29.96 per cent of voters had cast their ballots by 1.30 pm. By 3:30 the financial capital of the country had recorded 40.08 per cent voter turnout. Celebs step-out to poll Tight security arrangements were in place across the city during polling. Mumbai has over one crore registered voters. Many Bollywood personalities also turned up to vote, including Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Gulzar, Salim Khan, Paresh Rawal, Hema Malini, John Abraham, Sonali Bendre, Isha Koppikar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Divya Dutta and singer Kailash Kher. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar voted along with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara. Former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar also cast her vote in her respective ward. KDMC records 52.11 pc voter turnout In the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation election 2026, a voter turnout of 52.11 per cent was recorded on Thursday, officials said. 51 per cent voting in Nagpur Meanwhile, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) polls saw a voter turnout of 51 per cent by 5.30 pm, according to civic officials. Among those who voted were Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Nagpur has 2,483,112 eligible voters, including 1,226,690 males and 1,256,166 females, across 151 seats in 38 wards. The BJP is contesting 143 seats, its ally Shiv Sena is contesting eight seats, and the Congress is contesting all 151 seats independently. In the 2017 NMC elections, BJP had won 108 seats, Congress 28, BSP 10, Shiv Sena two, and NCP one. Poll results on Friday Counting will take place under tight security at 23 designated counting centres. Mumbai Police has made elaborate security and traffic arrangements at and around the counting centres, officials said. Officials have said that all necessary preparations are in place to ensure a smooth and transparent counting process. Candidates, party workers and election observers are expected to be present during the counting. The BMC election is considered crucial in Maharashtra's politics with the civic body is one of the most high-profile municipal corporations in the country. Voters and political parties, candidates and party workers were on Thursday seen waiting closely for the final outcome scheduled for January 16, which is expected to shape the Mumbai’s political landscape for the coming years.
16 January,2026 01:50 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe BMC Election 2026 results will be announced on Friday, January 16 after the voting for the high-stake civic polls concluded on Thursday. The vote counting process will begin at 10 am, officials said. Counting will take place under tight security at 23 designated counting centres. Mumbai Police has made elaborate security and traffic arrangements at and around the counting centres, officials said. Officials have said that all necessary preparations are in place to ensure a smooth and transparent counting process. Candidates, party workers and election observers are expected to be present during the counting. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election is considered crucial in Maharashtra's politics with the civic body is one of the most high-profile municipal corporations in the country. Voters and political parties, candidates and party workers were on Thursday seen waiting closely for the final outcome, which is expected to shape the Mumbai’s political landscape for the coming years. Phase-wise counting of votes The phase-wise counting of votes for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections may delay the announcement of final results, civic officials said on Thursday, reported the PTI. Unlike the 2017 elections, when votes from all 227 wards were counted simultaneously, the counting process this time will be carried out in phases. According to a BMC release, vote counting will begin at 10 am on Friday across 23 centres in the city. Votes from two wards to be counted at a time As per the plan, votes from only two wards at a time will be counted, meaning that counting for just 46 wards will start initially. Officials said this approach could result in delayed trends and late declaration of results for all wards. Results could be delayed by an hour According to the PTI, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani acknowledged that the final results could be announced about an hour later than usual, though he added that the phased method is expected to improve focus and efficiency by allowing staff to concentrate on fewer wards at a time. The civic body has deployed 2,299 officials and staff for the counting process, including 759 supervisors, 770 assistants and 770 Class IV employees, all of whom have received prior training. Counting will be carried out using a computerised system to ensure accuracy and transparency, reported the PTI. CCTV surveillance in place The BMC has also arranged CCTV surveillance, security, traffic management, fire safety and medical facilities at all counting centres. Entry will be restricted to authorised candidates, their representatives and accredited media personnel with valid identity cards. Fate of 1,700 candidates A total of 1,700 candidates contested the elections for 227 seats in Mumbai. The polls were held to form a new civic body for India’s richest municipal corporation, which has a budget of Rs 74,400 crore for 2025–26. The previous BMC elections were held in 2017, and the term of the last elected body ended in March 2022. (wit PTI inputs)
15 January,2026 11:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 50-year-old firefighter was electrocuted to death while attempting to rescue a crow trapped in a high-tension power line in Bhiwandi town of Thane district in Maharashtra, a senior official said on Thursday, reported the PTI. The deceased has been identified as Nitin Pashte, who had been serving with the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) fire services for the past 18 years, the news agency reported. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in the Temghar area, after the fire services received a distress call about a crow entangled in a main power line. A rescue team rushed to the spot to free the bird. Crow was rescued During the rescue operation, Pashte and his colleague Asaram Aghav (52) accidentally came into contact with a live wire. While the crow was successfully rescued, both firefighters suffered a high-voltage electric shock. Pashte was declared dead on the spot, while Aghav was thrown back by the force of the shock and sustained a head injury. He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors administered two stitches. Officials said he is out of immediate danger. Fearless firefighter Fire Officer Nitin Lad, speaking to the media, expressed deep sorrow over Pashte’s death and described him as a dedicated and fearless firefighter. “We have lost a ‘tiger’ in our service. Nitin could do the work of ten people alone. He was always at the forefront of rescue and relief operations. This loss is truly irreparable,” Lad said. Pashte’s body has been sent to a government hospital for a post-mortem examination, and local police have registered a case of accidental death. Man killed in tiger attack in Chandrapur Meanwhile, a 60-year-old man was killed by a tiger in the Nagbhid forest area of Chandrapur district in Maharashtra, an official said on Wednesday, as per the PTI. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when Bhaurao Raut was working in a field, said Range Forest Officer (RFO) Bharti Bagmare. The big cat dragged Raut inside the forest. He died on the spot due to severe injuries. Upon receiving information about the incident, officials from the Forest Department, along with the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), rushed to the spot. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway. (with PTI inputs)
15 January,2026 09:40 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe State Election Commission (SEC) on Thursday evening said that a voter turnout of around 46-50 per cent range was likely in the Maharashtra local body elections which concluded on January 15. Voting for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra concluded at 5:30 pm on Thursday According to the PTI, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the final voter turnout was in the 46-50 per cent range, higher than the figures recorded in the 2017 civic polls. He expressed satisfaction with the public participation. According to SEC data, turnout by 3:30 pm was 41.13 per cent statewide. Mumbai records 41.08 per cent voting In Mumbai, overall voter participation crossed 41 per cent, with Ward No. 114 in the eastern suburbs reporting the highest turnout at 41.08 per cent. In contrast, Ward No. 227 in South Mumbai recorded the lowest turnout at 11.24 per cent. Polling for 29 municipal corporations including high-stake BMC kicked off early on Thursday. Voter turnout by 3:30 pm - Kolhapur: 50.85 per cent - Pune: 36.95 per cent - Nagpur: 41.23 per cent - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 43.67 per cent - Nashik: 39.64 per cent Counting of votes is scheduled to begin at 10 am on Friday, covering 25 locations in Mumbai, with final results expected by 4 pm. 40.07 per cent voter turnout in KDMC by 3:30 pm Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) election on Thursday continued smoothly, officials said, adding that 40.07 per cent voter turnout was reported till 3.30 pm. In the early hours, Kalyan-Dombivli recorded 29.48 per cent turnout, according to officials. Authorities said polling was peaceful and urged citizens to vote in the remaining hours. By 3.30 pm, voter turnout improved noticeably. Turnout crosses 45 pc in Vasai-Virar According to officials, 45.69 per cent of eligible voters had cast their ballots by 3.30 pm. Nearly 38 pc voters cast ballots in Bhiwandi Officials reported that 38.21 per cent of eligible voters had cast their ballots between 7.30 am and 3.30 pm. They urged citizens who had not yet voted to take part in the remaining hours to ensure a strong democratic participation. 44 pc voter turnout in Thane Meanwhile, poll officials reported a voter turnout of 44 per cent in Thane till 3:30 pm. The voting was conducted smoothly across the city, with all election protocols in place, they said. Voter turnout in Ulhasnagar 34.88 per cent Polling for the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation polls began at 7:30 am and by 3:30 pm, the officials reported a voter turnout of 34.88 per cent. (with PTI inputs)
15 January,2026 08:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Congress leader Asif Zakaria on Thursday alleged that several citizens were frustrated due to no Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines and home voting arrangements for octogenarians in the BMC Election 2026 held on Thursday. Zakaria further claimed that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections were allegedly marred by multiple technical and administrative problems. In a post on X, the former Bandra councillor and Mumbai Congress Vice President, Asif Zakaria, criticised the BMC, describing it as “the world’s richest corporation with an annual budget of Rs. 75,000 crore,” and expressed concern over its failure to ensure basic election facilities. What Zakaria highlighted - No voting arrangements for 85+ senior citizens, denying them the right to vote. - Non-use of VVPAT machines, which are designed to verify votes. - Broken and illogical electoral parts at certain polling stations. - Matadhikaar voter search apps reportedly non-functional throughout the day. World's richest Corporation with an annual Rs. 75,000 crore budget of @mybmc, Elections being held 4 years late,Still @mybmc couldn't get its act together...No 85+ senior citizen home voting thereby denying them the right to vote, no VVPAT machines used, illogical and wrongful… — Asif Zakaria (@Asif_Zakaria) January 15, 2026 Confusion and frustration among citizens: Zakaria Zakaria also noted that these failures contributed to confusion and frustration among citizens and suggested they were a key reason for the low voter turnout in Mumbai. The issues have drawn attention from the Election Commission of India’s SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) programme, which aims to ensure smooth and accessible voting, he wrote on X. The post was also shared by Mumbai Congress chief and MP Varsha Gaikwad. Congress alleges BJP's misuse of power in BMC Polls Meanwhile, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad accused the ruling BJP-led alliance of widespread misuse of money and power during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, but expressed confidence that Congress would emerge victorious. Speaking after casting her vote in Dharavi, Gaikwad alleged that cash and goods, including mixer grinders, were distributed openly by the Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, while Congress workers were targeted. Ink on voters’ fingers being erased Gaikwad criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) for alleged mismanagement, pointing to unresolved discrepancies in electoral rolls, lack of information about new printing and auxiliary display machines, and reports of ink on voters’ fingers being erased.
15 January,2026 07:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPolling for Maharashtra local body elections, including in Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai-Virar and Bhiwandi continued on Thursday. Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) election on Thursday continued smoothly, officials said, adding that 40.07 per cent voter turnout was reported till 3.30 pm. By 3.30 pm, participation ranged from 38 per cent in Bhiwandi to 45.69 per cent in Vasai-Virar. Voting began at 7.30 am in both cities amid tight security arrangements. In the early hours, Kalyan-Dombivli recorded 29.48 per cent turnout, according to officials. Authorities said polling was peaceful and urged citizens to vote in the remaining hours. By 3.30 pm, voter turnout improved noticeably. Kalyan-Dombivli also saw an increase, with 40.07 per cent of voters casting their ballots by 3.30 pm. Election officials highlighted that polling remained smooth in both civic bodies and encouraged residents who had not yet voted to participate. Follow Maharashtra local body elections LIVE updates here Kalyan-Dombivli authorities also urged eligible voters to make the most of the remaining polling hours to strengthen the democratic process. Turnout crosses 45 pc in Vasai-Virar Municipal polls According to officials, 45.69 per cent of eligible voters had cast their ballots by 3.30 pm. Nearly 38 pc voters cast ballots in Bhiwandi Officials reported that 38.21 per cent of eligible voters had cast their ballots between 7.30 am and 3.30 pm. They urged citizens who had not yet voted to take part in the remaining hours to ensure a strong democratic participation. 44 pc voter turnout in Thane Meanwhile, poll officials reported a voter turnout of 44 per cent in Thane till 3:30 pm. The voting was conducted smoothly across the city, with all election protocols in place, they said. Voter turnout in Ulhasnagar 34.88 per cent Voting for the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation polls began at 7:30 am and by 3:30 pm, the officials reported a voter turnout of 34.88 per cent. Mumbai records 41.08 per cent voting In Mumbai, overall participation crossed 41 per cent, with Ward No. 114 in the eastern suburbs reporting the highest turnout at 41.08 per cent. In contrast, Ward No. 227 in South Mumbai recorded the lowest turnout at 11.24 per cent. Polling for 29 municipal corporations including high-stake BMC kicked off early on Thursday. Pimpri-Chinchwad records 40.5 per cent at 3.30 pm as first half sees poor response Polling for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections began peacefully at 7.30 am on Thursday, January 15, 2026. However, the first half of the day witnessed a weak voter response, with many citizens staying away from polling booths during the morning hours. According to election officials, several residents chose to travel during the holiday, which affected voter participation. Heavy traffic congestion was reported in areas such as Somatane Phata, Bhosari and parts of Pune, making it difficult for some voters to reach polling centres. By 11.30 am, PCMC recorded a voter turnout of 16.3 per cent, while PMC reported 14.92 per cent voting. Follow BMC Election updates LIVE here Turnout improves after afternoon Voter participation improved as the day progressed, particularly after 3 pm. Long queues were seen outside several polling booths in Pimpri-Chinchwad during the afternoon hours. By 3.30 pm, PCMC had registered a turnout of 40.5 per cent.
15 January,2026 06:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the ongoing Maharashtra civic body polls, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde exercised his right to vote on Thursday at a polling station in Kisan Nagar, Thane. Along with Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his son Shrikanth Shinde, wife Lata Shinde and his father Sambhaji Shinde were also present at the polling booth. ЁЯУН #рдард╛рдгреЗ |рдард╛рдгреЗ рдорд╣рд╛рдирдЧрд░рдкрд╛рд▓рд┐рдХрд╛ рд╕рд╛рд░реНрд╡рддреНрд░рд┐рдХ рдирд┐рд╡рдбрдгреВрдХ - реирежреирем рдХрд░рддрд╛ рдЖрдЬ рдард╛рдгреНрдпрд╛рддреАрд▓ рдХрд┐рд╕рдирдирдЧрд░ рдпреЗрдереАрд▓ рдорддрджрд╛рди рдХреЗрдВрджреНрд░рд╛рдд рдЬрд╛рдКрди рд╕рд╣рдХреБрдЯреБрдВрдм рдорддрджрд╛рдирд╛рдЪрд╛ рд╣рдХреНрдХ рдмрдЬрд╛рд╡рд▓рд╛. рдпрд╛рд╡реЗрд│реА рдореБрдВрдмрдИ, рдард╛рдгреНрдпрд╛рд╕рд╣ реиреп рдорд╣рд╛рдирдЧрд░рдкрд╛рд▓рд┐рдХреЗрдд рдЖрдЬ рдорддрджрд╛рди рдкреНрд░рдХреНрд░рд┐рдпрд╛ рдкрд╛рд░ рдкрдбрдд рдЕрд╕реВрди рдЖрдкрд▓реНрдпрд╛ рд╢рд╣рд░рд╛рдЪреНрдпрд╛ рд╕рд░реНрд╡рд╛рдВрдЧреАрдг рд╡рд┐рдХрд╛рд╕рд╛рд╕рд╛рдареА рдЖрдгрд┐ рдкреНрд░рдЧрддреАрд╕рд╛рдареА рдкреНрд░рддреНрдпреЗрдХ… pic.twitter.com/QJFz7Bya83 — Eknath Shinde - рдПрдХрдирд╛рде рд╢рд┐рдВрджреЗ (@mieknathshinde) January 15, 2026 The elections in Maharashtra were being held simultaneously across 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai and Thane. Eknath Shinde while posting the picture of his family voting during the municipal elections highlighted the importance of civic participation. The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde while posting on X also urged everyone earnestly exercise their right to vote for the all-round development and progress of their city. While posting on X, Eknath Shinde said, “Today, I exercised my right to vote along with my family at the polling station in Kisan Nagar, Thane.” Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde exercised his right to vote at a polling station in Kisan Nagar, Thane, accompanied by his family. Shinde urged all citizens to earnestly cast their votes for the all-round development and progress of their city. The voting is still underway for the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) General Election 2025тАС26. The voter turnout till 3:30 pm was recorded at 44 per cent, reflecting active participation from the city’s residents. BMC election 2026: 41.08 per cent voter turnout till 3:30 pm As voting continues in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election 2026, voter turnout has reached 41.08 per cent till 3:30 PM. Election officials reported smooth polling across the city’s 227 wards, with arrangements in place to ensure safe and orderly voting. As per the latest polling data shared by civic authorities, ward number 114 in the eastern suburbs recorded the highest voter turnout at 41.08 per cent, while the lowest turnout of 11.24 per cent was reported in ward number 227 in south Mumbai till 1:30 pm. Several other wards also saw relatively higher participation above the 23 per cent mark, though the turnout remained in single digits in a few pockets, reflecting uneven voter participation across the megapolis during the morning hours. Voting for the civic polls, which began at 7.30 am, is underway amid tight security arrangements across Mumbai and is scheduled to continue till 5.30 pm. The metropolis has 227 electoral wards.
15 January,2026 06:18 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on Thursday clarified that attempting to remove the ink applied on a voter’s finger to create confusion or to vote again is a punishable offence. Polling for 29 municipal corporations including high-stake BMC kicked off early on Thursday. Voting for the BMC Election 2026 on January 15 began amid unexpected controversy, after videos circulated widely on social media showing voters allegedly removing the so-called “indelible” ink from their fingers. Some of the videos, viral on social media platforms, show that the ink appeared to be wiped off using substances such as acetone, nail polish remover and hand sanitisers, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the marking process. Officials have warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found trying to vote a second time after removing the ink. Cannot vote again The SEC said that even if a voter removes the ink from their finger, they cannot vote again. Clear safeguards are already in place to prevent such malpractice. After a voter casts their vote, an official record is maintained, which ensures that the same person cannot vote twice. Simply removing the ink does not change this record, an official statement said. The Election Commission has also instructed all election officials to remain alert and vigilant at polling stations to prevent any such attempts. These instructions have been reissued to ensure smooth and fair polling. Follow BMC Election updates LIVE here Marker pens for applying indelible ink The SEC recalled that it had issued official orders on November 19, 2011 and November 28, 2011 regarding the use of marker pens for applying indelible ink on voters’ fingers. Since then, marker pens have been used in elections to local self-government bodies. As per the guidelines, the ink must be applied clearly using a marker pen. It should be rubbed three to four times on the nail and on the skin above the nail to ensure it remains visible. These instructions are printed on the marker pens and have been communicated earlier to election staff. Follow Maharashtra local body elections LIVE updates here SEC's appeal to voters In view of recent concerns, the State Election Commission has appealed to voters not to attempt any form of malpractice and to cooperate in maintaining a free and fair election process.
15 January,2026 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai on Thursday afternoon reported a voter turnout of 41.08 per cent by 3.30 pm as polling for BMC Election 2026 continued for 227 wards following an average start in the morning. Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections continued steadily on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with voter turnout improving as the day progressed. The voting began at 7.30 am amid tight security arrangements across Mumbai. According to BMC officials, around 29.96 per cent of eligible voters had cast their ballots by 1.30 pm. Mumbai has over one crore registered voters. Election authorities said public participation remained moderate during the morning hours. Similarly, in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation general elections 2026, 29.48 per cent polling was recorded between 7.30 am and 1.30 pm. Follow BMC Election updates LIVE here Higher turnout in select wards Polling data released till 1.30 pm showed wide variation across wards. Ward No. 114 in the eastern suburbs recorded the highest turnout at 41.08 per cent, indicating strong voter participation in that area. In contrast, Ward No. 227 in south Mumbai reported the lowest turnout at 11.24 per cent during the first six hours of voting. By 3.30 pm, overall voter turnout in parts of the city had crossed 41 per cent, according to election officials. Prominent leaders cast votes Several senior political leaders were seen at polling booths during the day. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray, Union minister Piyush Goyal and former Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik exercised their franchise and appealed to citizens to vote. Celebrities join voting drive Many Bollywood personalities also turned up to vote, including Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Gulzar, Salim Khan, Paresh Rawal, Hema Malini, John Abraham, Sonali Bendre, Isha Koppikar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Divya Dutta and singer Kailash Kher. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar voted along with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara. Former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar also cast her vote in her respective ward. Follow Maharashtra local body elections LIVE updates here Polling till 5.30 pm Voting for the 227-member BMC, India’s largest and richest civic body, will continue until 5.30 pm. A total of around 1,700 candidates are contesting the elections. Officials said polling was largely peaceful and urged citizens to participate in large numbers during the remaining hours. KDMC polls: Voter turnout crosses 40 pc by 3.30 pm Polling for the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation Election 2026 continued smoothly on Thursday. The officials reported that 40.07 per cent of eligible voters had cast their ballots between 7.30 am and 3.30 pm.
15 January,2026 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) on January 15 will be closed for trading, as Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra will be voting in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and several other civic body polls across the state. In view of the Maharashtra civic polls on Thursday, trading in the equity, derivatives, commodity, and electronic gold receipts segments will remain suspended for the day. As per the circular issued by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). In a circular issued on Monday, January 12, the National Stock Exchange said it has “Notified Thursday, January 15, 2026, as a trading holiday in the capital market segment on account of the Municipal Corporation Election in Maharashtra.” Earlier, the exchange had also stated that January 15 would be observed as a settlement holiday, while trading would remain open. Along with NSE, the Bombay Stock Exchange also announced that trading will remain closed on January 15 due to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Election. Typically, stock exchanges observe around 15 trading holidays in a year, apart from regular weekly closures on Saturdays and Sundays. On January 10, the Maharashtra Government declared a public holiday on January 15 in Mumbai for the BMC Election 2026. The holiday on January 15 applies to government and semi-government offices, corporations, boards, public sector undertakings, banks, and Central Government offices falling within the BMC’s jurisdiction. The commodity market operated on a limited schedule Trading in commodities will remain closed during the first half of the day and is scheduled to resume after 5 PM, allowing market participants to trade in the evening session. Also, the initial public offering (IPO) market witnessed strong investor interest. The IPO of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) saw bumper demand, with the issue being oversubscribed by 98.51 times. The strong response highlights robust participation across investor categories for the Coal India subsidiary. Sensex and Nifty extend losses for the second consecutive session Earlier on Wednesday, the Sensex and Nifty 50 extended losses for the second consecutive session. At close, the Sensex dropped 245 points, or 0.29 per cent, to end at 83,382.71, while the Nifty 50 fell 67 points, or 0.26 per cent, to settle at 25,665.60. Most sectoral indices ended lower; however, the Nifty Metal (2.70 per cent) and PSU Bank (2.13 per cent) posted solid gains. Add these two links to the corresponding ‘here’ in the template
15 January,2026 05:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
