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Horoscope today, March 26: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs
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 March 26. Aries March 21 – April 20Accept help offered instead of dealing with so much stress by yourself. Follow through promptly when a client asks for some information. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Socialize, but keep it within limits. Taurus April 21 – May 20Keep a mind-set that allows changing your mind instead of thinking it’s carved in stone.Cosmic tip: Maintain your cool when issues at the workplace reach boiling point (this doesn’t involve you at all). GeminiMay 21 – June 21Focusing on the goal in mind is not just satisfying as you see it take concrete shape, but also energizing. Cosmic tip: Accept advice from someone trustworthy, even though you don’t like what’s conveyed. Cancer June 22 – July 23Think through options carefully before making a choice if self-employed. Be involved in a brain storming session.Cosmic tip: Go out of your way to set right whatever you feel was handled wrongly. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Read through offer documents or any other relevant document carefully. A family dinner is re-scheduled for much later.Cosmic tip: Be aware of a gradual withdrawing of interest if in a new relationship. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Staying away from complicated equations with family/ friends is better. Live a simple and stress-free life. Make time at least once a week for a hobby. Cosmic tip: Persevere with patience and good humour. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Make time to answer every call today. Expenses are high according to your own financial situation and abundance. Cosmic tip: Be aware of karmic acceptance and a shift which seems a natural transformation. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Work pressures have increased so gradually that for a while you didn’t even realize it was happening. Plans may be re-planned and re-structured once more.Cosmic tip: Remain focused and in the moment. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Re-think a legal option, consulting a lawyer to completely understanding the journey and the outcome. Cosmic tip: Be tactfully cautious when asked for your opinion, only voicing half of what you actually want to share. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A karmic situation that began in a past lifetime gradually falls into a balanced state which is easier to handle. Take care of bone health.Cosmic tip: Give a well-thought-out pep talk to someone younger. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Some strategic planning and innocuous guiding helps take the meeting forward. Just listen to financial advice, but don’t act on it.Cosmic tip: Be on your guard around a ‘friend’ who can’t keep a secret. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A new business idea is the start of a good phase. You achieve a lot more by acting independently. Remain focused.Cosmic tip: Be prepared for a surprising turn of events for the better.
26 March,2025 02:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley Bose
Supriya Sule, Rohit Pawar were in touch with man held for extortion bid: CM
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday accused key leaders of the opposition Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) of being involved in a "conspiracy" against his cabinet colleague, Jaykumar Gore, in a case concerning a woman, reported news agency PTI. While replying to a motion initiated by the opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, Devendra Fadnavis claimed there was evidence of communication between NCP (SP) lawmaker Supriya Sule and her legislator nephew Rohit Pawar and one of the accused in a case where three individuals, including the woman, have been arrested for allegedly trying to extort money from Gore. Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the Home Minister of Maharashtra, assured the assembly that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the matter. Gore, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator representing the Man constituency in Satara district, is the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister. Last week, Gore had alleged that the woman who accused him of harassment attempted to extort Rs 3 crore from him to settle the issue. According to police reports, the woman was arrested after allegedly accepting Rs 1 crore as part of the extortion attempt. The local crime branch apprehended her in Satara, PTI reported. While the opposition has called for Gore's resignation over allegations of harassment and sending objectionable photos, he has dismissed these claims, highlighting that he was acquitted of similar charges in 2019. During his address in the Maharashtra Assembly, Devendra Fadnavis reiterated Gore’s earlier acquittal, and stated, "This was more than five years ago." According to the CM, the woman, a reporter named Tushar Kharat and a person named Anil Subedhar had been arrested for their involvement in the alleged extortion plot. "All three conspired [against Gore] and there is evidence against them. WhatsApp [messages] and calls were exchanged between them. Unfortunately, NCP (SP) people were involved and I say this with proof," he told the House. CM Fadnavis said a man named Prabhakarao Deshmukh spoke to all the three arrested accused more than 100 times. Videos of the alleged conspiracy against Gore were sent to him, PTI reported. Rohit Pawar: We were told the woman and the journalist must get justice In response to these allegations, Pawar clarified during another assembly debate that he and Sule had merely received information regarding the woman's situation and had made a few calls for justice, but did not engage in extensive communication as alleged by Fadnavis. "...Surpiya Sule and Rohit Pawar made calls to Tushar Kharat and videos that were made against Gore were sent to these people. This will be probed," said CM Fadnavis. Sule is the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from Baramati in Pune district, while Pawar represents the Karjat-Jamkhed Constituency in Ahilyanagar district in western Maharashtra in the assembly. Reacting to the allegations, Pawar, in another debate in the assembly, said the issue came to him and Sule. "We were told the woman and the journalist must get justice. We may have made a call or two. We certainly did not make 100-200 phone calls," Pawar clarified. Earlier this month, Gore had moved privilege motions against Kharat, Pawar and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Rajya Sabha lawmaker Sanjay Raut in the assembly, accusing them of maligning his image in relation to the 2017 case in which he was acquitted. (With PTI inputs)
26 March,2025 01:44 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Five foreign varsities to open campus in Navi Mumbai: Fadnavis
Five foreign universities have expressed interest in establishing campuses in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday. Among these institutions are three from the United States, which rank among the top 50 in the world, as well as one each from Australia and the United Kingdom (UK), reported news agency PTI. Fadnavis made the announcement while speaking at a US-India Business Council (USIBC) event. The state has yet to formalise a memorandum of understanding with the universities, as such agreements can only be initiated following approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC), PTI reported. Currently, the government is actively pursuing discussions with UGC over this, and the varsities are expected to be part of an education city planned within an urban settlement across the harbour, referred to as the 'Third Mumbai'. CM Fadnavis explained that Maharashtra is developing dedicated zones with shared infrastructure in this new city, focusing on specific activities such as education, innovation, data centres, medical facilities, and sports. "The new city will be three times larger than Mumbai and will be well connected via a 21-kilometre sea link, and will also feature an airport," he said. Furthermore, the World Gold Council has approached the state to establish a hub in the new city, Fadnavis said. He also informed that the Navi Mumbai airport is set to become operational by May. Meanwhile, the state is also transforming Sambhaji Nagar into a hub for electric vehicles and developing Gadchiroli into a steel hub with the highest capacity to promote broad-based development, CM Fadnavis said. Ready to teach opposition how it should function in assembly: CM Devendra Fadnavis Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis stated on Tuesday that he is prepared to instruct the opposition on how it should operate within the legislative assembly. He remarked that the opposition's efforts to create discord among the ruling Mahayuti alliance — comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) would not be successful. "The opposition needs to embrace its role," he said. "The ‘last week motion’ presents an opportunity to discuss important issues that could not be elaborated upon earlier in the session." Fadnavis added, "I am ready to volunteer to train the opposition in how to function as an opposition party," in response to the debate initiated by the opposition regarding the 'last week motion.' Fadnavis was the leader of the opposition in the assembly from 2019 to 2022 as well as a prominent opposition figure from 2004 to 2014. Regarding last week's violence in his hometown, CM Fadnavis informed that 107 individuals have been arrested in connection with the Nagpur violence. On the law-and-order situation, the CM, who heads the home department, said around 10,000 undertrials were released to avoid congestion in prisons during the coronavirus pandemic. In Pune alone, 269 undertrial prisoners were released, of which 72 never returned to jails, he informed. These people are accused in many crimes and some have become members of local gangs, Fadnavis added. From 2022 to 2024, as many as 600 people were booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, he said, underlining his government's stern attitude to crime. He also highlighted that the conviction rate in the state between 2009 and 2014 was nine per cent, while now it is at 50 per cent. He also believed that the conviction rate is likely to rise, thanks to the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced the Indian Penal Code. (With PTI inputs)
25 March,2025 11:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra government approves Rs 10 crore for Shiv Smarak at Panhala Fort
In a major development for history and heritage enthusiasts, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for the construction of a Shiv Smarak at the historic Panhala Fort in Kolhapur district. The funds have been allocated through the Urban Development Department, fulfilling a long-pending demand from local MLAs and lakhs of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj followers. The decision was taken during a meeting at Vidhan Bhavan, where MLAs from Kolhapur urged the government to expedite the project. A government resolution approving the funds was promptly issued and handed over to the legislators. The move paves the way for the long-awaited memorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Panhala Fort, a site of immense historical significance. The fort was not only the residence of Shivaji Maharaj for 133 days, but also the location of Siddhi Johar’s siege, the legendary sacrifice of Bajiprabhu Deshpande and the Bandal army, and the stay of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Renewed Push for Shiv Smarak The demand for a Shiv Smarak at Panhala Fort dates back several years. Initially, a Rs 5 crore fund was approved by then Finance Minister Ajit Pawar for the project. The plan involved constructing a memorial on a square platform in the middle of a pond at the fort. However, due to multiple delays, the work never materialized. Recognizing the significance of the project, Kolhapur MLAs Chandradeep Narke, Rajesh Kshirsagar, and Prakash Abitkar took fresh efforts to push for its completion. Their persistent follow-ups led to the approval of an increased ₹10 crore fund, ensuring that the memorial finally takes shape. Leaders and Officials Present The meeting saw the presence of key officials, including Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar, MLA Chandradeep Narke, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department Asim Kumar Gupta, and Principal Secretary to the Deputy CM Naveen Sona. With the government’s green light, the construction of the Shiv Smarak at Panhala Fort is now set to move forward, fulfilling the long-cherished dream of millions of Shivaji Maharaj’s followers.
25 March,2025 11:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vandals must pay for vandalising Kamra show venue in Mumbai, says Aaditya
The venue where comedian Kunal Kamra performed and recorded his controversial show was vandalised by members of the Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray demanded on Tuesday to those who participated in the vandalism to pay for the loss caused by their violent action. During his show at the Habitat Comedy Club, Kamra cracked jokes and made satire comments targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over his political career and the 2022 rebellion against then-CM Uddhav Thackeray. Angered by the remarks, members of Shinde-led Shiv Sena vandalized a club in Khar and the hotel where it is located on Sunday night. "In Nagpur, whoever resorted to vandalism (during March 17 violence) was asked to pay for the damage. Similarly, will the government ask those who resorted to vandalism (at Mumbai studio) to pay for the damage or else the message in the country will go that such acts are justified," Thackeray stated, reported PTI. The 36-year-old stand-up comedian's comments have ignited a major political havoc in Maharashtra. On Monday, 12 members of the Shiv Sena, including an office-bearer, were arrested by police for vandalising the comedy show venue. They were released on bail by a city court later in the day. To vent anger, Shiv Sena workers put up Kunal Kamra's picture outside public toilet in Indore Kunal Kamra's parody song targeting party chief and Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has sparked a raging anger amongst many in the country which lead to Shiv Sena youth wing activists put up a photograph of Kamra outside a public toilet in Indore on Tuesday. Sena leader threatened Kamra by warning him that his face will be blackened and he will be paraded on the streets if he visits Madhya Pradesh. The protest was held outside a public toilet in Bengali Square where Sena activists shouted slogans against the 36-year-old comic who has stood his ground and refused to apologise following the controversy. According to PTI, Anurag Sonar, president of the Madhya Pradesh unit of the Shiv Sena's youth wing Yuva Sena, stated, "Kamra serves filth to people in the name of comedy. To protest against his dirty mentality, we have put up his picture." "If he ever visited Madhya Pradesh, Shiv Sena workers will blacken his face and parade him on the streets," Anurag added, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
25 March,2025 10:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC attacks minister Nitesh Rane over 'divisive' remarks
Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Anil Parab on Tuesday attacked Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane, accusing him of making "divisive" and "dangerous" remarks that could disturb communal harmony, reported news ageny PTI. Speaking in the state legislative council, Parab also took a dig at Rane for "projecting himself as the protector of Hindu religion", and said he cannot dictate people what they should eat, reported PTI. Without naming Rane, the Sena (UBT) leader said, "There is one Nepali minister in Maharashtra who believes that the Hindu religion is protected because of him. Let me be clear - we are fully capable of protecting our religion," reported PTI. He said late Balasaheb Thackeray had taught them to uphold the Hindutva values without doing injustice to any other religion. Rane, who represents the Kankavli assembly constituency in coastal Sindhudurg district, is fisheries and port development minister. Earlier this month, he announced the launch of 'Malhar Certification', a platform aimed at certifying 'jhatka' mutton shops exclusively operated by members of the Hindu community. 'Jhatka' meat is the flesh of animals slaughtered by a single blow of the blade. Hitting out at Rane over it, Parab said, "A minister suddenly appears and tells people what kind of meat to buy. These kind of statements are dangerous and can create tension between communities...One cannot decide what others should eat. Whether it is jhatka or halal, it cannot become an issue for legislation," reported PTI. "Already there are housing societies in Mumbai https://www.mid-day.com/amp/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/shiv-sena-ubt-leader-aaditya-thackeray-slams-maharashtra-govt-over-nagpur-violence-23502595where non-vegetarians face discrimination while buying a property. Such an attitude should not be encouraged," he said, reported PTI. Parab alleged that Rane was trying to present himself as the protector of Hinduism. "He roams around claiming that Hindu religion is safe because of him. This is false pride. Our religion does not need such self-proclaimed saviours. Our faith teaches us not to inflict injustice on other religions in the name of protecting our own," he said, reported PTI. The Sena (UBT) leader also warned that this kind of rhetoric is leading to division among castes in the state. "The powers of states, Union Territories and the central government must be respected. But what we are witnessing is increasing encroachment on the state's rights, which is worrying," Parab said, reported PTI. Nitesh Rane is the younger son of former Union minister Narayan Rane. His brother Nilesh Rane currently represents the Kudal assembly constituency in Sindhudurg. (With inputs from PTI)
25 March,2025 10:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
People are giving more attention to Kunal Kamra than he deserves: Uday Samant
Amid a row over stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who has been in the eye of the storm over his jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant said on Tuesday that the latter is getting more attention than he deserves, reported news agency ANI. Speaking to ANI, Samant challenged Kamra to come to Maharashtra and speak his mind rather than making comments from the comfort of Pondicherry. "People are giving more attention to Kunal Kamra than he deserves...He should come to Maharashtra and not speak just by sitting in Pondicherry... He has spoken ill for several people, and those who are supporting him are more deformed than he is," Samant said, reported ANI. Earlier today, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske alleged on Tuesday that stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra had been given money to make such statements to divert people's attention from the Disha Salian death case. "Kunal Kamra has been given money to make such statements to divert people's attention away from Disha Salian's case. Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut are left with no workers, which is why they are putting forward people like Kunal Kamra," he told ANI. Shiv Sena MP warned that Kunal Kamra would face a "reaction" for his remarks and threatened that Kamra couldn't walk "freely" in Maharashtra. Earlier on Tuesday, Kamra's refusal to apologise for his remarks made during a recent show has sparked strong reactions from Maharashtra government figures, including Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam and Minister Gulab Patil, reported ANI. MoS Home Yogesh Ramdas Kadam said that Kamra would be punished for his behaviour, which he described as "unacceptable," reported ANI. Earlier, Mumbai Police sent a summons to the stand-up artist asking him to appear before the investigating officer on Tuesday. As per Mumbai police, Kamra is not in Mumbai right now. MIDC police had registered an FIR against Kamra for his remarks during a stand-up comedy show, which was transferred to Khar police for further investigation. The Shiv Sena workers vandalised The Habitat in Mumbai after Kamra's remarks about Eknath Shinde on Sunday. (With inputs from ANI)
25 March,2025 10:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Thane cops book Kunal Kamra for defamatory remarks on Eknath Shinde
An FIR was registered against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra in Thane district of Maharashtra for allegedly defaming Shiv Sena head and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, police said on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI. Kamra was booked under section 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on a complaint lodged by a Shiv Sena functionary at Dombivli police station on Monday, reported PTI. The complaint stated that the Sena functionary came across the defamatory video clip against Shinde after opening an online link, an official said. Kamra had kicked up a row with his "traitor" jibe at Shinde, an apparent reference to the 2022 Shiv Sena split, during his show recorded at a studio in the basement of a hotel in Mumbai, reported PTI. The remarks and parody song invited violent reaction from Shiv Sena workers who on Sunday vandalised the studio, reported PTI. Mumbai Police had booked the comedian on a complaint of a Shiv Sena MLA for allegedly making defamatory remarks and issued a notice seeking his personal appearance, reported PTI. Separately, police registered a case against 40 Shiv Sena workers for vandalising the Habitat studio in the Khar area and arrested 12 workers on Monday. A local court granted them bail the same day. As his jokes backfire, unfazed Kamra says he won't apologise Comedian Kunal Kamra stood his ground and stubbornly refused to apologise for his jokes targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde who reminded him about maintaining decorum and limits to free speech but asserted he did not support vandalism. "I will not apologise or hide under the bed waiting for the controversy to die down," a defiant Kamra asserted in a late Monday night statement as his controversial comments made during a show in Mumbai continued to stir politics in Maharashtra and beyond. While Shinde said the comments - a parody targeting him -- were like "taking supari (or contract)" to speak against someone, many others weighed in too and the Mumbai Police issued notice to the stand-up comedian. Kamra doubled down on his stand by sharing an edited video of his stand up act where he juxtaposed videos of Shiv Sainiks demolishing the venue in Mumbai where he recorded the show and burning his pictures and effigies with the parody song "Hum honge kangal, hum honge kangal ek din... Mann me andhvishwas, desh ka satyanash..." playing in the background. The comedian, who is in Puducherry according to his Instagram bio, has updated his X header photo with a disclaimer that reads: "This programme contains coarse language, offensive content & is unfit for consumption by those whose feelings and sentiments can be hurt. No one but you are liable for any outrage or hurt that you claim is caused by your voluntary viewership." (With inputs from PTI)
25 March,2025 10:37 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Fadnavis vows strictest punishment for Beed sarpanch killers
ADVANCEMENTS in digital forensics and data recovery by the state CID (Criminal Investigation Department) have helped strengthen the case against those involved in the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Appreciating the CID’s efforts in the investigation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated that those responsible for the brutal killing would not be spared. “The government will make every effort to ensure the strictest punishment for those involved in the Beed sarpanch murder case,” said Fadnavis, who also holds the home minister's portfolio. Responding to last week's budget session proposal, Fadnavis categorically praised the CID’s work. “From tracking lost mobile phones to retrieving deleted data, the CID has used modern technology to build a foolproof case,” he informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. The state CID is currently headed by senior IPS officer Prashant Burde. According to the chargesheet, Deshmukh was tortured and murdered in December 2024. His killers recorded 15 videos, took eight photos, and even made video calls during the crime. Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and killed on December 9. Walmik Karad, a close aide of former minister Dhananjay Munde, has been booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in connection with the murder. Deshmukh’s body, bearing severe injuries and signs of extreme brutality, was found dumped on a roadside in Beed district. Initially, the Beed police were handling the case, but allegations of leniency from both ruling and Opposition parties led to its transfer to the CID. In January, nine police officers from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case were removed and replaced by six CID personnel. It was only after the state CID took over that significant progress was made, leading to multiple arrests. The state formed an SIT led by CID Deputy Inspector General Basavraj Teli. During the probe, it is learned that Fadnavis personally reviewed updates from Beed SP Navneet Kanawat and Teli, instructing the investigating team to show “no mercy” to those involved in the crime.
25 March,2025 10:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Operation Amanat: Western Railway’s lost and found wing goes online
The Western Railway’s (WR) lost and found wing has gone online. A railway spokesperson said that luggage, purses, handbags, cartons, and other items found in trains and railway premises will now be uploaded on the WR’s portal with pictures so that it will be easier for the passengers to identify and procure. “For the first time in Indian Railways, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) WR website has uploaded the details of lost/left-behind luggage, which is available on the WR home page. We have called it ‘Operation Amanat,’ and it has yielded a channelised return of lost belongings. Through Operation Amanat, RPF actively locates such lost items and ensures they are returned to their rightful owners,” the WR spokesperson said. “The RPF, under the operation ‘Amanat,’ has gone beyond the call of their duty and helped passengers in need and retrieved and returned their lost or left-behind luggage and valuable articles such as mobile phones, laptops, jewellery, cash, etc., to passengers,” he added. During the period from April 2024 to February 2025, 4700 articles of luggage worth more than Rs 9.4 crore have been returned to passengers. In one of the biggest cases of retrieval of a lost bag, which took place on February 16, 2025, Sub-Inspector Yogesh Kumar Jani, along with Constable Hanuman Prasad Choudhary, found a mehndi-coloured bag under seat number 15 of coach B4 in train number 12479 Suryanagari Superfast Express while checking Platform No. 5 of the Bandra Terminus. The bag was brought to the RPF post. Upon checking the bag, a mobile phone, clothes, and a polythene bag containing valuable jewellery were found inside. On the same day, a man approached the railway office at Bandra station looking for his lost bag. He stated that he had travelled from Jodhpur to Bandra Terminus on the train along with his two young children and other luggage items. He said that he had left one of his bags behind in coach B4 (seat number 15, 24). He then called 139. The passenger identified his bag, which was then opened and checked in his presence. The total value of the recovered items was Rs 15,83,000. The bag, along with all the items, was handed over to him safely. The passenger appreciated the work of RPF Bandra Terminus and the helpline by expressing his sincere gratitude. Items inside the lost bag One mobile phone without a SIM card, worth Rs 10,000.Children's clothes, worth Rs 12,000.One gold Mangalsutra weighing five tolas, worth Rs 4,00,000.One pair of gold bangles weighing five tolas, worth Rs 4,00,000.One pair of gold armlets weighing eight tolas, worth Rs 6,40,000.One gold earring weighing one tola, worth Rs 80,000.One gold ring weighing five grams, worth Rs 40,000.One gold nose pin, worth Rs 1,000.
25 March,2025 10:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Mumbai: Port department seeks share from BMC’s ad and event revenue
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) might have to share revenue earned through advertisement hoardings put up or cultural events held on Mumbai Maritime landbank. Nitesh Rane, minister of fisheries and ports development has written a letter to the BMC administration asking the civic body to give them revenue for using their land for events or putting up hoardings. “BMC takes money for events or putting up hoardings. The ports department too needs to get a decent portion from the revenue collected by the BMC,” Rane Jr told the media in the Vidhan Bhavan premises on Tuesday. Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the minister said that his department aims to become self-sufficient and generate revenue for its projects. “Our initial study indicates that we can easily achieve a target of Rs 1,200 crore through such initiatives,” Rane told the media. Elaborating on the port department’s plans, he mentioned that, similar to the Kochi Water Metro, a similar project is being considered for Maharashtra as well. “Those operating the Kochi metro are working on the idea. If everything goes according to plan, the company operating the Kochi water metro will be given the job,” the minister added. Besides, this government is attempting to enhance and promote sweet water fishing in the state. “At present, Maharashtra ranks 17th in sweetwater fishing. Our target is to be in the top 10 ranks,” Rane said. Film and serial shooting costs to rise: Plans are afoot to formalise a policy to get justified and decent revenue from maritime board property that has been given on rent to shoot films and serials. Citing that areas like Madh, Marve (Malad) or the plot behind Bandra Fort are given on rent, but at throw away price. “R14,000 is the daily rent for our property in Malad. While filmmakers make several lakhs, the port department gets almost negligible amounts as rent. I feel the rental amount should be increased in such a manner that the department gets a decent amount,” Rane pointed out.
25 March,2025 10:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar