The fate of Rashmi Shukla, Maharashtra’s first woman Director General of Police (DGP) and a 1988-batch IPS officer, hinges on the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The next government will decide whether she will continue as DGP or retire, following the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) order for her removal ahead of the upcoming polls. “We have received a letter from the ECI, based on which she has been sent on compulsory leave, and the names of three eligible officers for the next DGP have been forwarded to the ECI,” said Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik. The new government will make a decision after the elections. For now, she has been sent on compulsory leave based on the ECI’s orders,” Saunik added. According to sources, Shukla’s leave was prompted by multiple complaints from the Opposition, led by Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole. “There are no specific details about the grounds for her removal. We have only received a letter from the ECI requesting her removal. It is possible that the ECI wants the elections to be conducted under a new DGP, in response to Opposition complaints,” a senior IAS officer of the Maharashtra government stated. Rashmi Shukla, Maharashtra’s first woman DGP. File pic Shukla was accused of being close to the BJP and biased in favour of the ruling party. The Congress argued that her continuation as DGP would hinder free and fair elections in Maharashtra, which is set to go to the polls on November 20. Reacting to the EC’s order, Patole stated that Shukla is a controversial officer, having taken contentious actions in her previous postings that favoured the current ruling regime in the state. Allegations such as illegal phone tapping of Opposition leaders and criminal charges filed against her surfaced; despite this, Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde allegedly extended her term by two years for their benefit. Due to doubts about her ability to ensure fair and transparent elections, a letter demanding her immediate removal was sent to the EC on September 24. On September 27, when the Chief Election Commissioner visited Maharashtra, a Congress delegation met with him to request her removal, yet no action was taken. Reminders were subsequently sent to the Election Commission on October 31 and November 4. “Finally, the EC has removed Rashmi Shukla, although after much delay,” said Nana Patole. In February 2024, the state government granted Shukla a two-year extension, allowing her to remain eligible to serve until January 2026, in line with an Apex Court ruling that states IPS officers appointed as DGPs must receive a minimum two-year term, regardless of their retirement date. Saunik also confirmed the development, stating that the additional charge would be given to the senior-most IPS officer in the state, Vivek Phansalkar, who currently serves as the commissioner of Mumbai police until a full-time DGP is appointed. In 2009, Maharashtra faced a similar situation when DGP A N Roy was removed following a complaint to the Election Commission. The senior-most DGP, S Chakravarty, was then given charge. After the election results, the UPA government returned to power and reinstated A N Roy as DG Maharashtra. Allegations against Shukla Patole, in his complaint ECI, alleged that DGP Rashmi Shukla’s term was “illegally extended” until January 2026, despite her scheduled retirement on June 30, 2024. This extension, he claims, violates the Maharashtra Police Act, which mandates a maximum two-year tenure or retirement, “whichever is earlier.” Nana Patole Patole accused Shukla of “engaging in illegal activities” that compromise her impartiality. He alleged that she engaged in “unauthorised tapping of Opposition leaders’ phones” and misused her position to intimidate political rivals by “generating false inquiries and baseless cases.” Patole further claimed that Shukla’s tenure has aligned the State Intelligence Department (SID) with BJP interests, thus creating a biased environment ahead of the state elections. To ensure a “fair, free, and transparent” election, Patole requested that the ECI immediately remove Shukla from both her roles as DGP Maharashtra and DG ACB, stating her continued presence “compromises the democratic process.” Rashmi Shukla controversies Rashmi Shukla’s tenure as State Intelligence Department (SID) commissioner was marked by allegations of unauthorised phone tapping of Opposition leaders, including Nana Patole, Sanjay Raut, and Eknath Khadse. Following the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, three FIRs were filed against her. After the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition—comprising the Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress—took office, three FIRs were filed against her in Mumbai and Pune. These charges accused her of illegally tapping the phones of Nana Patole, NCP’s Eknath Khadse, and Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut. Shukla was named as an accused in two of the cases. One case pertained to the alleged leak of the phone-tapping report. When the Shinde-Fadnavis government took power, the investigation was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). In December last year, the Bombay High Court quashed two of the three FIRs filed against her. The third case, also transferred to the CBI, was closed after the court approved the CBI’s closure report, ultimately allowing Shukla to re-assume a key role in the state apparatus. Shukla was scheduled to retire in June 2024 but was granted a two-year extension to serve a full-term tenure. This decision was made in line with the Prakash Singh judgment of the Supreme Court, which mandates a two-year tenure for DGPs to ensure their independence from political pressure. Who is Rashmi Shukla? Rashmi Shukla, a 1988-batch IPS officer, became Maharashtra’s first woman Director General of Police (DGP) on January 8, succeeding Rajnish Seth. Formerly the chief of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), she took over from Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, who was holding additional charge following Seth’s retirement. In her distinguished law enforcement career, Shukla has held high-profile roles, including SP in Nashik, Aurangabad, Satara, and Pune Rural districts, and key positions in Mumbai as Deputy Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, and Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch). She served as Police Commissioner of both Nagpur and Pune and was Commissioner of the State Intelligence Department from 2016 to 2019. Shukla’s central assignments include roles as ADG of CRPF in Jammu & Kashmir and Hyderabad, and Director General of Civil Defence. In 2023, she was appointed Director General of Seema Suraksha Bal before assuming her current position as Maharashtra’s DGP.
05 November,2024 09:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanOn October 20, Mumbai’s Kranti Salvi, 56, crossed the finish line of the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon in Canada. She did so wearing the traditional Japanese kimono and tabi socks, clocking a very creditable four hours, 37 minutes and 31 seconds, or 4:37:31 as they write in race lingo. Speedy Salvi from Malabar Hill in South Mumbai, a familiar face and flying feet on the city’s marathon circuit, set a Guinness World Record (GWR) by running 42 km in Japanese attire. Days later, she received her Guinness World Record certificate, officially ratifying her feat. Kranti Salvi spotted amongst runners during the marathon in Ontario, Canada; Vroom with a whew for Kranti Salvi The certificate states: “The fastest marathon in a kimono (female) is 4 hr 37 min and 31 sec and was achieved by Kranti Salvi (India) during the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on October 20, 2024.”. Below that it says: “Officially Amazing”. There was no previous record mentioned by the GWR. However, Salvi was given a limit of 5 hours considering the difficulties of running in a kimono. Weighed down Previously weary but now cheery Kranti, who is back in Mumbai said, “Running a marathon in a kimono combines the endurance required for long-distance running with the cultural significance and traditional attire of Japan. The kimono, with its intricate layers and flowing design, adds an extra level of difficulty, as it is not designed for athletic performance. It has eight layers and weighs approximately 5 kg. I had to adapt movements to manage the long sleeves and hem, maintaining a steady pace for 42.2km. I was also wearing Tabi socks, which separate the big toe from the other toes, and are often paired with traditional Japanese footwear. These differ significantly from standard running shoes which give added cushioning, support and energy return.” Prep pep While Salvi is a seasoned distance runner, with so many marathons and ultra-races done and dusted, this one running in a kimono took special practice. She said, “The practice with a full Kimono was done at Aalen, Germany during the first week of October this year. After arriving in Toronto earlier, I joined some Toronto running clubs to get a feel of the streets wearing the Tabi socks as footwear.” Salvi added, “With four weeks to go for race day, I registered for Toronto while trekking across Europe. Then with three weeks to go, I did a 20-mile training run as a spectator at the Berlin Marathon. With a fortnight to go, I did a final dress rehearsal in Aalen (Germany) experiencing the kimono’s full weight and grace while I ran. Then it was October 20, and here I was crushing the kilometres dressed in a kimono,” she said with a laugh. “This prep and the race itself has been a unique journey, I felt a connection to culture and tradition, had challenges of course but had the resilience to finish.” Record runner Salvi was to run the Tokyo Marathon 2025 in a kimono but an unexpected twist from the Tokyo Marathon Foundation (TMF) led her to attempt a Guinness World Record (GWR) attempt at the TCS Toronto Waterfront marathon instead. The Mumbai runner said, “This was my 20th international marathon. I’ve done the Comrades Race, a few ultramarathons, countless half marathons, and 10ks.” With the kimono run and done, Salvi adds to her two previous Guinness World Records which are: 1) Fastest full marathon in Sari and 2) Fastest full marathon in traditional Welsh dress. 5 kgWeight of the Kimono
05 November,2024 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharA 45-year-old garbage collector identified as Raju was allegedly beaten to death by an elderly man in Vasai on Friday (November 1), who later died of a heart attack two days after the incident on Sunday. The accused, identified as Prakash Merwa, 75, also a garbage collector, attempted to dispose of the evidence by setting the victim’s body on fire near a foot overbridge and fled the scene. The police said that they received a call about the fire, and only after reaching the spot, they discovered the body of the victim. The discovery of the partly burned body initially led the Vasai Government Railway Police (GRP) to register an Accidental Death Report (ADR). Upon examining the scene and noticing suspicious blood clots, an autopsy was conducted, which revealed head injury as the cause of death, following which a case was registered and a thorough investigation was launched. The police said that they examined CCTV footage and spoke to residents where the alleged incident took place. Assistant Commissioner of Police Kishore Shinde (GRP) said that further probe into the matter revealed that Raju, at the time of the incident, was accompanied by other scrap collectors identified as Ankit Teniram, 25, and Babban Channa Roy, 35. The police said that the duo were detained for investigation and revealed Merwa and Raju had a scuffle, and Raju, who was in an inebriated condition, picked up a bamboo stick to struck Merwa, but the latter snatched the stick and beat Raju to death with it before fleeing the scene. After the police began searching for the accused following the confession from the duo, it was discovered that he had died due to a cardiac arrest on Friday under the jurisdiction of Waliv Police Station, said senior inspector Angha Satavse from Vasai government railway police (GRP). Nov 1Day of the incident
05 November,2024 08:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA total of 420 candidates are contesting the Assembly elections across 36 constituencies in Mumbai, an increase from the 333 candidates who ran last time. Mahim, Chembur and Vile Parle have the fewest candidates, with six each, while Mankhurd and Jogeshwari East see the highest number with 22 candidates each. On the final day for withdrawals, 65 contestants, including Gopal Shetty from Borivli, pulled out of the race. This election sees a 25 per cent increase in candidates compared to 2019, driven by the splits in Shiv Sena and NCP, as well as the decision by the MNS to contest independently. The rise in the number of smaller party and independent candidates also contributed to this increase. The final candidate count reached 420 after the deadline for withdrawals ended on Monday, November 4. Out of the 65 candidates who withdrew, 53 were from suburban constituencies and 12 from the city. In Mahim, a high-stakes triangular battle is underway between the factions led by Shinde, Uddhav, and Raj Thackeray. This constituency has just six candidates, tied for the lowest number with Chembur and Vile Parle. Sewri (7), Wadala (9), Kandivli East (9), Charkop (9), and Magathane (8) also have fewer candidates, while Mankhurd and Jogeshwari East lead with 22 each. Dindoshi (19) and Malad West (18) also have a high number of contenders. Shetty stands down Sada Sarvankar of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena opted to stay in the Mahim race, choosing to compete against MNS candidate Amit Thackeray. However, Gopal Shetty, a former BJP MP who filed his nomination papers as an independent after being denied a party ticket, withdrew his nomination on the last day. The BJP managed to contain the potential intra-party conflict, resulting in a direct contest in Borivli between BJP’s Sanjay Upadhyay and Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Bhosale. Nov 20Day Maharashtra goes to the polls
05 November,2024 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentChief Secretary Sujata Saunik has forwarded the names of three eligible IPS officers for the post of the new full-time director general of police (DGP) of Maharashtra. “As requested by the ECI [Election Commission of India], three names have been submitted, and a decision will be made soon,” she said. The three names sent to the ECI are IPS officers Sanjay Verma, Sanjeev Kumar Singhal and his batchmate Ritesh Kumar. Saunik added that until a new DGP is appointed, additional charge has been given to Vivek Phansalkar, a 1989-batch IPS officer and the senior-most officer in Maharashtra. 2No. of 1992 batch officers in the running Sanjay VermaA 1990-batch officer currently serving as DG, law and technical, he is set to retire in April 2028 and is at the top of the list of contenders for full-time DGP of Maharashtra Ritesh KumarAlso from the 1992 batch, he is presently the DG of Home Guards. He was unexpectedly transferred from his position as Pune commissioner during the Lok Sabha elections and is now in the running for the position of full-time DGP. Sanjeev Kumar SinghalA 1992-batch officer, Singhal is currently posted as DGP of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). He was recently appointed to this role after the retirement of IPS officer Jaijeet Singh in April.
05 November,2024 08:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanThe new alignment of the Bellasis Bridge at Mumbai Central has drawn the ire of the local fishing community. The widened bridge will encroach on a 50-year-old fish market where 36 fisherwomen earn their livelihood, putting their income at risk. The fisherwomen feel that their concerns are being ignored and say they are being treated as “step sisters” (savatra bahins) instead of “sisters” (ladki bahins) by the government. They have warned that they may boycott the upcoming elections in protest. “Where will we go? This has been our only source of income. We are illiterate and do not understand the processes much. If our market is gone, we will all lose our livelihood. We are very angry and will boycott the upcoming election process if we are not rehabilitated,” fisherwoman Ranjana Worlikar said. Many of these fish sellers stand to lose their livelihood Another fisherwoman Kirti Babul said it was not just a question of their livelihood, but their life. “How will we live? We will suddenly have no source of income. Our children are yet to grow and the government is making us jobless by doing this. We are not against the reconstruction of the bridge, but the way we are being treated. We have been there for a lifetime and suddenly one day they come and tell us we are not eligible,” she said. “Out of a total of 36 Koli women fish sellers who have been in the business for five decades, only five women have had their licences renewed while the remaining 31 have been left with an uncertain future. The authorities have neglected these fisherfolk for the planned construction of the century-old Bellais Bridge while other shopkeepers adjacent to the bridge will be rehabilitated,” Devendra Tandel, president of Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti, said. “All shopkeepers working near Bellasis Bridge have the right to earn their livelihood under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The negligence by officials against the Koli women is a violation of the constitution,” he added. As mentioned in Clause 7.9 of Development Control and Promotion Regulation (DPCR-2034), the shopkeepers and tenants who are operating on land required by railway or government are expected to be rehabilitated suitably before making way for public and semi-public projects. “All other shopkeepers nearby have been issued notices by the BMC. But since the BMC has not issued notices or given anything in writing to the Koli fish-selling women, the future of the Koli women is in darkness,” said Mumbai city president of the fishermen committee, Prafulla Bhoir. While Western Railway officials said the process and authority of rehabilitation of project-affected people is with the BMC, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Shard Ughade, the official did not respond to the calls and messages despite repeated attempts till the time of going to the press. 05No. of fisherwomen that have been granted a licence
05 November,2024 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Shinde Sena candidate Sada Sarvankar stayed in the fight against MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s son Amit for the Mahim Assembly constituency, but not before drama unfolded in Dadar on Monday afternoon as the deadline for nomination withdrawal came to a close. Raj refused to meet Sarvankar, asking him to “do what he wanted”, because the veteran had given enough hints that he was determined to make it a three-way contest with Sena (UBT) nominee Mahesh Sawant also in the fray. Earlier in the day, Sarvankar said he had no specific instructions from his party boss, CM Eknath Shinde, to withdraw. He had also put a condition that, if he were to withdraw, then the MNS could also pull out its candidates against Mahayuti from other constituencies in Mumbai. Amit Thackeray plays football with youngsters at Prabhdevi beach while on his campaign trail on Monday. Pic/Ashish Raje ‘Why only me?’ “Shinde asked me to discuss with my local supporters before taking any decision and also asked me to meet Raj Thackeray. I was ready to take Raj Thackeray’s orders. But he refused to meet me,” said Sarvankar, after his son and associates returned from Raj’s Shivaji Park residence with a message that he didn’t want to discuss elections with him and that he may contest or withdraw. Sarvankar said he had no option left but to fight as the Mahayuti candidate. “Some BJP leaders may have extended their support to Raj Thackeray’s son because of their friendship, but I’m sure the Mahayuti workers will campaign for me and win the elections.” Sada Sarvankar All-Marathi again Sarvankar has won Mahim since 2014. He beat MNS heavyweight candidates, including a sitting MLA, twice, after he was beaten in 2009 by MNS. It was the undivided Shiv Sena that powered him between 2014 and 2019. Now, the Sena is split. MNS is already there nurturing the constituency. Raj fielded his son expecting cooperation from his friends in Shinde Sena and BJP. He also expected a return favour from his estranged cousin whose son Aaditya was given a pass by MNS in Worli in 2019. But as it turned out, not only Shinde Sena but also Uddhav Sena gave their official candidates in Mahim, making it a contest between three Marathi candidates having their affiliation with undivided Sena’s offsprings. This year, MNS has put a candidate Sandeep Deshpande in Worli against Aaditya, making it tougher for the ex-minister, whose other opponent is Milind Deora (Shinde Sena). BJP a deciding factor In Mahim, MNS has maintained a share of 40-42,000 votes in the last two elections. Sarvankar, as a Congress candidate, had polled less than his 2014 and 2019 share in 2009 but finished a second runner-up ahead of Shiv Sena’s Aadesh Bandekar. That was a triangular fight between three Marathi candidates. However, Sarvankar increased his share in 2014 and took it up further in 2019, bagging almost 50 per cent votes, thanks to the BJP’s contribution. BJP had polled over 33,000 votes here in 2014 when it had fought independent of undivided Sena. Observers said Sarvankar’s fate will depend largely on the BJP, whose senior BJP leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Ashish Shelar have openly supported Raj Thackeray’s son. 36No. of Assembly seats in Mumbai
05 November,2024 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreThose festive vibes A woman police constable’s mehendi art on her hand adds a pop of colour while on duty in Andheri. Pic/Ashish Raje Winged wonders Hrishikesh Rane at a previous session; (right) Hrishikesh How many of you are aware of the coastal birds that flock Maharashtra every year? Hrishikesh Rane, assistant director, Mangrove Foundation, will reveal such facts in a session at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Borivli on November 6. To celebrate Bird Week 2024, SGNP and the Mangrove Foundation have collaborated to spread awareness on the coastal and mangrove ecosystem of Maharashtra. “This is an introductory session to knowing and recognising the various species of coastal birds that visit every year. It is integral to understand how their migratory patterns are important for the fishing community as well as for keeping bio-habitats clean,” Rane informed this diarist. Loving Mumbai Marie Saglio in Dharavi, in 2017 For anthropologist, and now novelist, Marie Caroline Saglio, the city of Mumbai is a long-standing romance. Since 1996, she has lived and worked in the city, authoring two monographs on Dharavi. Now, she is set to release her first novel, Bombay. The launch on Thursday will see the author in discussion with Laurent Vergain, director, Alliance Française de Bombay. “Like my protagonist, Shiv, I have studied the city for over 30 years, but find it constantly changing. Like me, he returns to the city to examine its political, environmental and class conflicts, and understands it anew,” she told this diarist. Touch the artwork A painting from Sachdev’s Oorja collection; (right) a visitor experiences the painting at the gallery Visits to art galleries always include that mandatory barricade between you and the artwork. Well, that is not the case with multidisciplinary artist Jayesh Sachdev’s newest installation at Tao Art Gallery. In a one-of-a-kind setting, Sachdev’s vision intentionally encourages people to touch the artwork in order to engage with it. “Touch is the primal connection that transforms mere observation into intimate experience. Touch has a powerful way of deepening our connection to art, yet gallery rules often discourage it, creating a sense of distance. I want my art to feel more inclusive and inviting — less like something intimidating and more like something people can engage with openly, breaking down the barriers that make art feel exclusive,” Sachdev explained. When this diarist asked him about the idea behind creating Oorja, his graphic paintings on blending the traditional and the modern, he said, “Creating the Oorja collection is a journey through tradition and change. Each piece aims to capture energy’s constant movement and interconnectedness, turning ancient wisdom into a modern visual story.” The installation is open for viewing till November 8. Jayesh Sachdev Adieu, Ikeda One-Punch Man. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons; Shigemi Ikeda; Abhishek Dhotre Anime fans all over the world woke up yesterday to the news of Emmy Award-winning art director Shigemi Ikeda’s demise. Credited with the creation of One Punch, Afro Samurai and other classics, Ikeda’s sudden departure has created a huge void in the anime fandom. “When I heard of Shigemi’s passing, I was in disbelief. He felt like a part of my childhood; I started watching One Punch Man as a 16-year-old.When I heard that he had passed, it felt very much like a piece of my childhood got locked away somewhere,” Anime fan Abhishek Dhotre (below), shared with this diarist. Ikeda’s work was a source of inspiration for artists all over the world. Mumbai-based Anime artist Jazyl Homavazir said, “His death is a huge loss but it leaves a massive legacy for behind for which he will be forever remembered.” Ila Arun’s curtain raiser Actress Ila Arun’s upcoming biography Pardey ke Peechey, delves into her journey in the entertainment industry. After her acting debut in Mandi (1983), she navigated her career as a woman in a male-dominated field. “While I agree it is a male-dominated industry, I believe things are changing. I was lucky not to face any opposition since I was trying not to steal the limelight from celebrated actors, and got the roles that fit my appearance and age,” she explained. Through Arun’s illustrious career as an actor, composer, and singer, she believes, “I took advantage and availed opportunities when they came. I believe if you have self-confidence, talent, and material to give to the industry, they respect you,” Her memoir, including industry stories, will be released later this month.
05 November,2024 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo 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 November 5. Aries March 21 – April 20Those involved in a family business and who suggest more modern ways to follow maybe met with disagreement. Let it be. Some decide on a marriage date.Cosmic tip: Sign papers after reading them carefully. Taurus April 21 – May 20This karmic cycle is favourable for new projects, especially with a client who was introduced by a friend. Cosmic tip: Keep trying to think up an original catch phrase for promoting a new product. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Being praised for work completed feels so good since it was quite challenging. A friend gives wise financial advice.Cosmic tip: Trust gut feeling and instincts to make sure you make the right decisions. Cancer June 22 – July 23Singles are in the dasha of new relationships. Take competition at work in your stride as you are the best in any case.Cosmic tip: Make choices carefully instead of a hastily made decision. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Today favours all financial decisions (as long as they are well-thought-out-ones). Cosmic tip: Realize when it’s time to hold onto a dying and decaying situation and when the time is right to let go. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23An expense is dealt with easily because you had already set aside finds for it. Something wonderful is coming your way.Cosmic tip: Live a carefree and tension-free life, letting go of all complications. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22This is an auspicious time to launch new ventures, looking ahead to even more success and auspicious times in life. Be grateful.Cosmic tip: Don’t allow negative comments or situations affect you. Walk away. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Views may be one dimensional towards some family members. Be aware you need two hands to clap. Take care of health.Cosmic tip: Plan the next course of action to avoid a plateau phase. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Some methods chosen to resolve problems may be a bit high handed or even strongly aggressive. Think about it carefully before acting.Cosmic tip: Be true to yourself first and intuitively make relationship decisions. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Focusing on one goal at a time is a better idea as all energy can be invested in it. Plan ahead too.Cosmic tip: Practise positive visualization to calm the mind and get good sleep. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19The time is right to introduce more efficient work methods gradually, allowing people time for acceptance. Cosmic tip: Don’t criticize as the person is doing their best. Not everyone is a stickler for perfection. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20It’s because of faith in yourself that unsolicited advice is not acceptable. Remain focused on the future, refusing to remain in a yesterday’s time warp mode.Cosmic tip: Be as self-sufficient as possible.
05 November,2024 12:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseCentral Railway (CR), the successor to the Great Indian Peninsula (GIP) Railway, celebrated 73 years of its formation and begins its 74th year on Tuesday. The first train in Asia, which ran between Mumbai and Thane on April 16, 1853, marked the beginning of railway history in India. Over the years, the GIP Railway expanded significantly, merging with the Indian Midland Railway Company in 1900, extending its reach from Delhi in the north to Kanpur and Allahabad in central India, Nagpur in the east, and Raichur in the southeast, connecting Bombay to nearly all parts of India. At its peak, the GIP Railway covered a route mileage of 1,600 miles (2,575 km). On November 5, 1951, CR was established by integrating the Nizam State, Scindia State, and Dholpur State Railways with the GIP Railway. In 2003, CR reorganised its eight divisions into five, creating seven additional zones. As a result, Jabalpur and Bhopal Divisions were incorporated into West Central Railway, and Jhansi Division joined North Central Railway. Today, CR consists of five divisions: Mumbai, Bhusaval, Nagpur, Solapur, and Pune, with a network spanning 4,219 route km across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, serving a total of 492 stations. Over the past 73 years, CR has achieved numerous milestones, including the introduction of the first Shatabdi Express, the first Jan Shatabdi Express, and the first Tejas Express. The railway continues to lead in development; originating loading has surged from 16.58 metric tonnes at formation to 89.24 million tonnes in 2023-24, marking the highest loading in CR's history. In 1951, the railway carried 224 million passengers, which skyrocketed to 1,583 million passengers in the financial year 2023-24. Mumbai's suburban services, vital to the city’s transport network, have steadily expanded. What began with three-coach trains has grown to include services with nine, 12, and even 15 coaches, along with the introduction of AC suburban services for enhanced comfort. Currently, CR operates 1,850 suburban services (1,810 in Mumbai and 40 in Pune). Additionally, significant infrastructure improvements are underway, including the construction of new railway lines, doubling and electrification projects, and new station development. A record 348 km of multi-tracking was completed during the financial year 2023-24.
04 November,2024 10:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Western Railway (WR) will observe its 74th Foundation Day on Tuesday. Since its humble beginnings on November 5, the railway has had several milestones in its 70+ years of journey in service to the nation. On the eve of the 74th Foundation Day, Ashok Kumar Misra, WR's General Manager, released a souvenir coin with the imprint of the railway's headquarters, which is celebrating its completion of 125 years. Misra also congratulated all the employees across its six divisions for their dedication towards their work and the achievements made by WR over all these years. Vineet Abhishek, the Chief Public Relations Officer of WR, said the Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway (BB&CI) was incorporated in 1855, starting with the construction of 29-mile broad gauge track from Ankleshwar to Utran (north of Surat), with Surat as its headquarters then. Later that year on November 21, the company concluded an agreement with the East India Company to construct a railway line from Surat to Baroda and Ahmedabad. Another contract was signed to start a line from Utran to Bombay to ensure the smooth supply of the cotton produce grown in Gujarat to the western port. The work commenced on the line in the following year and the service from Utran to Grant Road station in Bombay was officially opened on November 28, 1864, marking the inception of the present-day WR. After Independence, WR began operations on November 5, 1951, following the merger of its forerunner, the erstwhile BB&CI with other state railways: Saurashtra, Rajputana and Jaipur. The present jurisdiction of WR is in six divisions: Mumbai Central, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Ratlam. On March 3, 1961, WR introduced the nine-coach suburban trains owing to the increasing demand by travelers going towards the cityside. In 1972, WR introduced its prestigious Mumbai–New Delhi Rajdhani Express, which is one of the most important and busiest lines on the Indian Railways network. During its 74-year-old journey, WR achieved several firsts, including the introduction of the world's first Ladies Special train, the 15-car suburban train and the fully air-conditioned suburban train in India. It has also earned many firsts in various fields such as operations, safety and adoption of state-of-the-art technology. WR is also running the Vande Bharat trains to various destinations and has recently introduced the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Bhuj and Ahmedabad. In January, a series of events was organised to mark the quasquicentennial celebrations of the iconic WR headquarters building at Churchgate. "Continuing with the celebrations, this Souvenir Coin is another attempt to immortalize this historical event to register in the annals of Western Railway and the Indian Railways. Made of Cupro Nickel with gold plating, this souvenir coin displays the momentous event and on the other side of the coin is the splendid Western Railway Headquarters Building at Churchgate, Mumbai in its full golden glory. The coin’s circumference is adorned with 125 serrations, to mark the completion of 125 years of this magnificent edifice," WR stated in a press release.
04 November,2024 09:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
