After mid-day’s report on August 8 highlighting the state of disarray outside Mumbai Public School, Natwar Parekh Compound, Govandi, officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) solid waste management (SWM) department visited the site to tackle the rubbish and garbage piled up at the school gate. The building was constructed for Govandi’s first CBSE school, but it remains inaccessible to more than 600 students because the newly built structure is surrounded by dirt roads and heaps of garbage. According to members of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), waste management officials arrived on Friday but could not begin work due to heavy rains. They began cleaning on Monday and continued into Tuesday, clearing a portion of the garbage outside the new CBSE school building, the PTA members said. “We began work on Monday and deployed a JCB dumper to remove the garbage surrounding the school in the Natwar Parekh Compound. Within a day, we cleared a large portion. If any waste remains, the SWM department will handle it as well,” said an official from the solid waste management department. However, PTA members say questions remain over who is responsible for removing the construction debris at the site. “If we get the necessary clearance, I can personally help clear the construction debris outside the school,” said a parent who also works as a BMC contractor. On August 8, this newspaper reported that nearly 600 students enrolled in Govandi’s first BMC-run CBSE school were still attend classes at a neighbouring BMC school despite having a brand-new building allotted to them. The delay was caused by the surrounding garbage and poor access roads. While garbage clearance is underway, parents and school officials are still waiting for clarity on the creation of the recommended nine-metre access roads to the building. The CBSE school is now in its second academic year, offering pre-primary and primary classes for Std I to VII, with nearly 700 admissions still on the waitlist, officials said.
14 August,2025 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarAs the Opposition continues to question Operation Sindoor and the latest tariffs imposed on India by US President Donald Trump, the BJP-led Maharashtra government plans to use the upcoming Ganesh festival to explain its side to people and encourage the use of Indian made products. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged public Ganpati mandals to showcase India’s military success in Operation Sindoor and promote the use of Swadeshi goods during the festival celebrations that commence on July 7. The Opposition has been taking a dig at the Central government, accusing it of hiding facts about Operation Sindoor, and also slamming it over the high tariffs imposed by the US on India for doing business with Russia. Despite the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi often citing good relations with the US, the high taxes have become a talking point and ammunition for the Opposition. Meanwhile, Modi has called for an increase in the use of Swadeshi products as a solution to the US move. Taking a cue from this development, Fadnavis has urged the Ganpati mandals to explain India’s stand and give a message to citizens through ‘Operation Sindoor’ and ‘Swadeshi’ themes during the festival. The suggestion was given during the law and order review meeting held on Wednesday at Sahyadri Guest House at Malabar Hill. Besides, Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and senior police and BMC officials were present for the meeting, along with members of the Ganesh festival celebration committees. Fadnavis, who also heads the home department, urged organisers to follow the rules and instructions from the police to ensure a peaceful celebration of the festival. The CM even announced some relief to idol makers. “Idol makers will get permission for five years, but with a condition to renew the licence every year through the municipal one-window system,” he said. As immersion of PoP idols that are six feet in height and taller has been allowed this year, on the condition that immersions will take place in the deep sea, the CM directed the municipal administration to ensure enough boats are made available for the same. “For idols below six feet, the BMC has been asked to increase the number of artificial lakes provided by the corporation,” he said. As for requests by mandalas to extend the time limit to use loudspeakers, Fadnavis claimed that the government would seek court approval for an extension. CM distances self from I-Day meat ban On Wednesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that the government has no connection with a Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) order banning the sale of meat on Independence Day. Asked about his views on the ban, Fadnavis clarified that this decision was not taken by the Mahayuti government. “It was taken in 1988 by the previous government. But, efforts are being made to show that this decision is taken by the current government,” Fadnavis asserted. The CM mentioned that his government has no interest in deciding what people should eat, as there are far more important issues before it. The KDMC had issued an order banning the sale of meat on August 15. The Opposition has launched a scathing attack on the KDMC and even the ruling BJP-led government for this decision.
14 August,2025 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe death of a 75-year-old woman on Tuesday morning at Malabar Hill, after a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus crashed into a parked car near the Sahyadri Guest House, has once again drawn attention to Mumbai’s deteriorating pedestrian infrastructure. While residents have expressed grief and anger over the incident, Niranjan Hiranandani, chairman of the National Real Estate Development Council and a close friend of the deceased, Neeta Shaha, has stated, “This is not just about my friend. This is about every pedestrian who is forced to risk their life just to walk. We’ve made progress in building skyscrapers, but we’ve failed to ensure safe walking spaces for our seniors and children. I appeal to the BMC to take immediate measures: ensure continuity of footpaths, remove illegal encroachments, and declare vulnerable zones as no-parking areas.” The incident According to police sources, the accident occurred as the bus driver, identified as Akshay Surve, reportedly lost control of the vehicle. Shaha, who was on her morning walk, got caught between the bus and the car during the collision and died on the spot. Speaking to reporters, the bus driver said that he was not speeding and expressed shock over the incident. Police said that they have registered an FIR against the driver under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — including Section 281 (rash driving or riding on a public way), Section 106 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 281 (rash driving), and Section 285 (causing danger or obstruction in a public way). Further investigation is underway to determine whether the accident was due to negligence, mechanical failure, or other factors. As per the preliminary post-mortem report, the cause of death is said to be due to multiple injuries. Locals speak Deeksha Mehta, a resident of the same locality, told mid-day, “I have been living here for the past 17 years, and the situation has changed drastically. While there always used to be VIP movement in the area, there wasn’t a risk to life in terms of walking here until a decade ago. The increased VIP movement, availability of a footpath on only one side of the road and parking of cars on both sides of the roads in the vicinity leave no space for pedestrians to walk in one of the swankiest areas of the city.” Abhijit Bangar, additional municipal commissioner. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE Another resident, on the condition of anonymity, pointed out that the authorities widen the roads at unnecessary locations instead of finding solutions where necessary, adding, “After completion of the Coastal Road, the size of the promenade has been increased, which has reduced almost two lanes of the road. What was the need to do that? On the other hand, in areas that are residential and where such problems need to be addressed, the officials start waking up only after such incidents happen. I hope it will bring some sense of responsibility among the authorities concerned, and her loss won’t go in vain.” Rishi Aggarwal, founder of the Walking Project, stated, “That particular spot on Ridge Road is the narrowest. Basically, a car was parked on the road and the woman was walking right on the carriageway; even the BEST driver cannot be blamed in this situation. At least on the narrowest spot, there should be no parking allowed. The Mumbai Traffic Police is to be blamed for this.” BMC’s response Reacting to the accident, Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar said, “The roads there are narrow. So, the possibility of widening or constructing footpaths needs to be explored. When it comes to parking or halting of vehicles, including police vans, media vehicles, and VIP convoys, neither halting nor parking is allowed, and, thus, implementation of these rules needs to be improved. In terms of providing space nearby for parking, considering that there is daily VIP movement in the area, that seems difficult, but can surely be explored.”
14 August,2025 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarWestern Railway train manager, earlier known as a guard, Milind Satam, retired from service after 28 years and was given a farewell by his colleagues at Churchgate with a full band and trumpets. He was joined by his family and escorted to the guard lobby in a procession. He retired with a wealth of experience and fond memories and thanked Mumbaikars for their kind nature. Speaking nostalgically with mid-day, he said, “I have seen it all, the extreme events of this city, from the window of the train. I was stranded on a train for eight hours during the floods of July 26, 2005. The train is our responsibility; we cannot abandon it, rain or shine. When the bomb blasts occurred on July 11, 2006, I was among the first to help my colleagues in the affected train at Matunga.” “In my career, I have travelled extensively on Western Railway as a guard and have faced all sorts of experiences. But let me tell you, Mumbaikars are the best among all. They are kind-hearted and do not create trouble because they understand how the Railways work,” he said. Asked about solutions to Mumbai’s rail commuting woes, he said, “Staggered timings, in my opinion. Everyone peaks at one time, that needs to change. Having closed-door trains will also help. But frankly, when I was posted in the punctuality section many years ago, there were about 10 falls every day. Now that number has drastically come down. There are improvements, and they will continue,” he added.
14 August,2025 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarFollowing a mid-day report highlighting how illegal huts are being constructed in Aarey Milk Colony, the Aarey chief executive officer (CEO) said he would request the government to provide 40-50 personnel to act decisively against such encroachments. S Shirpurkar, the CEO of Aarey Milk Colony, told mid-day that this year alone, 330 illegal structures had been demolished, and to prevent more such illegal activities, steps will be taken to ensure trucks illegally bearing bricks and construction material cannot enter the area. Shirpurkar said, “Clear instructions have been given to our staff members that they should take action if they come across any illegal construction. We will write to the government to provide us around 40 to 50 dedicated staffers, who can carry out demolition drives.” The CEO added that either Maharashtra Security Force or State Reserve Police Force personnel would be stationed to protect staff during demolition drives. “We also have plans to install CCTV cameras at Aarey Milk Colony’s three entry points so that vehicles illegally carrying construction material don’t enter the area. We will also be installing CCTV cameras at other locations to crack down on vehicles that illegally dump debris in the area,” said Shirpurkar. mid-day’s report stated that even as cattle farm owners and other residents struggle for months or sometimes years to secure basic permissions to repair their dilapidated structures, an unchecked surge of illegal hutments was reshaping parts of Aarey Milk Colony’s tribal hamlets. Backed, locals allege, by a well-connected slum mafia, these constructions rise swiftly and brazenly. After the report was published, the remaining portion of a 15x15-foot illegal house at the tribal hamlet of Vanichapada was torn down by the CEO’s office, and patrolling has been increased in the area to prevent further encroachments.
14 August,2025 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA Mulund-based software engineer, Sachin Kapure, has been struggling for the past 30 days to get back his car and bike after the Lok-Nisarg Society committee clamped and seized them inside the premises. Despite filing a complaint with the Mulund police, officers have failed to assist him. The society secretary claims Kapure has been parking in a spot allotted to another member under a lottery system introduced to resolve parking disputes. However, experts say a society cannot take the law into its own hands by clamping and seizing vehicles. Sachin Kapure has been residing there since 2002 with his parents, but now lives alone after their demise. He told mid-day that the society should provide him with a proper parking space instead of clamping his vehicles. The society has 220 flats, and Kapure had been parking his car and bike inside for many years without any parking rules in place. After the lottery system was implemented and spaces were allotted in April, the society began charging him Rs 500 per day for parking in another member’s spot. Speaking to mid-day, Kapure said, “I’m a software engineer, for the past 30–45 days, I’ve been travelling by bus, auto, taxi and train because my car and bike have been clamped. I sought help from Mulund police, but they told me it’s a civil matter.” Kapure’s scooter lying clamped near the society gate He added that in April, the society conducted the parking lottery, but his name was not included as he had pending maintenance dues for over a year. Although he cleared most of the dues, the society still clamped his car and bike on July 6. His bike was towed and parked near the security gate. Due to the ongoing legal dispute between him and the society he had not paid the remaining dues. Even after he broke the clamp once, on police advice, the society clamped both vehicles again. “My car and bike have been lying unused for over a month, getting damaged,” he said. According to Kapure, the society charges R100 per month for car parking and Rs 50 for bike parking from members, including himself. Society secretary Sanjay Kuckian said, “Kapure has been on the defaulters’ list for over a year. He did not get a parking space in the April lottery because of unpaid dues. Despite repeated requests and notices, he parked in someone else’s allotted space. The committee decided to clamp his vehicles after a general body meeting. Societies have the right to take action if members refuse to remove wrongly parked vehicles.” Advocate Vinod Sampat, president of the Cooperative Societies Residents Association, said, “Recent orders have come from the Bombay High Court that if a member is a defaulter, the society has wide powers to recover dues, including disconnection of essential services like water and electricity. The law gives societies the power to take coercive action to disconnect a water line, which is an essential service. However, any restraint must be addressed by society through proper channels. The member whose car is clamped should approach the cooperative court with a prayer to remove the clamp and should claim damages from the society for harassment caused due to the clamping. Because of the high court order on disconnection of essential services, some society office-bearers are, to a certain extent, behaving like dictators. As far as the parking rules of the society are concerned, the said member is advised to challenge the same in the cooperative court.” Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, trustee of the Watchdog Foundation, said, “A housing society has no legal authority to clamp a member’s vehicle for unpaid dues. Only an RTO-authorised officer can clamp a vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act. Societies must use Section 101 of the Societies Act for dues recovery, rather than resorting to unlawful clamping.” Speaking with mid-day Senior Inspector Ajay Joshi of the Mulund police station said, "We received complaint from the Sachin Kapure after society committee clamped his bike and car. He complained to us multiple times and we also sent our officer to the society complex. The society committee told to us that these are society rules which were made in the general body meeting and police should not interrupt into this matter. Due to this reason we are taking help from the Deputy Registrar. The Deputy Registrar also sent us letter that they are investigating this matter. We are will investigate and solve this matter.”
14 August,2025 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Bombay High Court on Wednesday constituted a committee to examine the BMC’s decision to close kabutarkhanas across the city and to ascertain their impact on the larger issue of public health. A division bench of Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Arif S Doctor was hearing writ petitions filed by animal rights activists and trustees of the Jain temple adjoining the Dadar Kabutarkhana Trust, challenging the BMC’s crackdown on kabutarkhanas. This crackdown followed an oral directive issued by the Maharashtra government last month to shut them down. Contrary to the previous hearing on August 7, when the BMC did not appear before the court to clarify whether its decision to ban feeding at kabutarkhanas had been revoked, the civic body, on Wednesday, informed the Bombay High Court that it would allow controlled feeding of pigeons at designated spots and timings between 6 am and 8 am. However, the court directed the civic body to first issue a public notice and invite objections to the applications made by the petitioners, as the matter “cannot be decided without considering the fate of the public at large.” Pigeons around the Dadar kabutarkhana have been flocking to roofs and terraces of the buildings nearby. PIC/KIRTI SURVE PARADE Notwithstanding the statements made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on August 5, wherein he instructed the BMC to continue supplying grains to kabutarkhanas in “controlled quantities” until the civic body formulates a holistic plan for alternative feeding arrangements, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday observed that, if the expert committee upholds the BMC’s decision to close kabutarkhanas on public health grounds, “such opinion needs to prevail in the larger public health of the citizens” and “is required to be respected,” with neither the state nor the BMC taking a contrary position. The advocate general submitted before the court that the state government is concerned about public health and is conscious that it cannot be compromised. The court stated that the committee formed by it must submit its report within a month. The high court has also allowed the petitioners to seek permission from the BMC if they still wish to feed pigeons in public. mid-day reported on Tuesday that petitioners challenging the prohibition submitted eight letters to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani’s office, requesting designated feeding time slots. The BMC has installed a tarpaulin sheet over the pigeon feeding spot at Dadar Kabutarkhana on August 12. PIC/ASHISH RAJE Speaking on the pigeon feeding row, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that this issue is emotional. “It is a matter of faith, too. The government will try to find an amicable solution where citizens’ health is not affected, and at the same time feelings too are respected,” Fadnavis hinted about government plans to start feeding spots in areas where there are no residential colonies. BMC officials were unavailable for comment, despite repeated attempts by mid-day to reach them via phone calls and text messages. According to sources, the closure of kabutarkhanas and the fining of individuals feeding pigeons will continue. The next hearing is scheduled for August 20.
14 August,2025 07:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSIn the past fortnight, Mumbai’s drinking water stock from its seven lakes has remained stagnant at 89.2 per cent, even as July — the wettest month of the city’s four-month-long southwest monsoon — has ended. As of Tuesday morning, the seven lakes that supply water to the city collectively held 12,91,030 million litres, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body supplies between 3950 and 4100 million litres of water to the city each day. At this rate, the present stock could last for 314 days. However, a senior official from BMC’s hydraulics department cautioned that this figure does not take into account losses during transportation due to leakages or evaporation from lake surfaces. “With around two more months of the monsoon season still remaining, we are not in an alarming situation that could lead to a shortage for the rest of the monsoon calendar, until June 2026,” the official said. On the same date in 2024, lake levels stood at 92.55 per cent, while in 2023 they were at 82.33 per cent. Ideas mooted for future The BMC first proposed 4–5 years ago to use water from the city’s seven Waste Water Treatment Facilities (Worli, Dharavi, Bandra, Versova, Ghatkopar, Bhandup, and Malad) for drinking purposes after advanced treatment. The plan involved blending this treated water with that from the Bhandup water treatment plant. “While this idea has been debated, we need to be sensitive to the thought process of Mumbaikars,” a senior civic official said. “Are we, as a city, ready to use water that has gone through advanced treatment and made potable?” File Pic/Satej Shinde No feasibility report has been submitted, though the proposal has been discussed by administrators and politicians for the past 3–4 years. Currently, the BMC is implementing a mega-project to provide tertiary treatment at all seven sewage plants, with the treated water to be released into the sea to improve Mumbai’s coastline. According to the 2011 Census, 42 per cent of Mumbai’s population lives in slums. Long-term plans to augment supply To reduce Mumbai’s dependence on the seven lakes and boost drinking water sources, the BMC has initiated three major infrastructure projects in the past decade: Gargai Dam site. File pic/Eeshanpriya MS Gargai DamLocation: Wada Tehsil, Palghar District (110 km from Mumbai)Status: State government clearances in place; central government clearance from the Wildlife Board awaited. Of the 658 hectares required for compensatory afforestation, 380 hectares have been identified near Tadoba National Park in Chandrapur and Washim.Timeline: 3–4 yearsCapacity: 440 MLD Pinjal DamLocation: Khidse Village, Jawhar Taluka, Palghar DistrictStatus: State in-principle approval granted in 2013; feasibility study complete; preliminary engineering work underwayTimeline: 10 yearsCapacity: 865 MLD Manori Desalination PlantStatus: Tender process ongoingTimeline: 4 yearsCapacity: 200 MLD (expandable to 400 MLD) Alternate water ideas on the table A senior BMC official told mid-day in July that while the current Vaitarna and Bhatsa river systems have historically met the city’s needs, contingency plans are essential. Another senior hydraulics official said the civic body is pursuing a three-pronged strategy:1 Building new dams to expand supply2 Setting up the desalination plant3 Exploring the integration of water from advanced wastewater treatment facilities at the city’s seven sewage treatment plants into the Bhandup complex’s potable water supply IMD forecast The India Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rainfall for Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik in the coming days. A yellow alert has been issued for Mumbai between August 13 and 16, and for Thane and Nashik districts between August 12 and 16. All seven lakes that supply water to Mumbai are located in these three districts. Projected water requirement (Expert Committee Report, December 2018 – “Towards equitable and 24x7 water supply for Greater Mumbai”) 2031: 5,325 MLD (+29.87 per cent over present)2041: 6,424 MLD (+56.68 per cent over present)Present available supply: 4128 MLDVision: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe, affordable drinking water BMC’s current water supply norms Residential buildings135 litres per person/capita per day (LPCD) Slum areas45 LPCD Central government norms allow up to 20 per cent of daily supply as non-revenue water In Mumbai, non-revenue water is 34 per cent, mainly due to: >> Non-metered connections>> Leakages in the distribution network>> Additional losses occur through evaporation from the lakes Lakes filling up early This year, Mumbai’s lakes filled up rapidly in the early monsoon and throughout July. Two lakes have already overflowed Modak SagarOn July 9 becoming the first to overflow this season Tansa LakeOn July 23 Day Tasna overflowed 3950-4100 million litresQuantity of water BMC supplies to city each day 12,91,030 million litresTotal amount of water available in seven city lakes
14 August,2025 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSSo what if it rains on our parade Members of the Mumbai Police march in front of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus during a dress rehearsal for the Independence Day parade. Strains from the desert Padma Shri Lakha Khan, one of the last remaining performers of the 27-string sarangi. Pics Courtesy/Jodhpur RIFF OIJO From the 27-string sarangi to the Bhutanese dranyen, to dhrupad and Carnatic, a menagerie of music will echo through the Mehrangarh Palace in October for the annual edition of Jodhpur RIFF 2025. The festival which commences on October 2, will see performers from Uzbekistan, Finland, Portugal among South Asian, Middle Eastern, European performers collaborating with Indian folk artistes. “The exposure for folk musicians in India is best when they collaborate with artists from other countries. It leads to greater mutual respect and authenticity,” Divya Bhatia (above), festival director, told us. A walk down history Participants pose to showcase their attire during the fashion show. Pic Courtesy/Jai Vakeel Foundation In a week that celebrates freedom, it seems apt that the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) Mumbai, played host to individuals with special abilities taking centrestage. As part of the ongoing three-day Loomanaries exhibition, celebrating traditional handloom heritage and textiles, specially-abled individuals and children from the NGOs, Jai Vakeel Foundation and Suryoday Trust alongwith Tisser Artisan Trust and the Ministry of Textiles showcased the fabrics in a unique show on August 13. “This was a show to celebrate the long tradition and heritage of handloom that came into existence across India. In fact, the NGMA has a deep connection to the heritage since the gallery space often hosted Mahatma Gandhi’s speeches during his stay in Bombay back then. The highlight was the children taking to the ramp in the morning,” revealed Nidhi Choudhari, director, NGMA. Barcelona buzz in our tipple Cloud cocktail Mumbai will get a bit of Gaudi this week, and we mean it as a compliment. Ranked among the top 10 Best Bars in the World, Paradiso from Barcelona has been hosting a takeover at Late Checkout for two nights (August 13 and 14). “Expect cocktails that blend Mediterranean elegance with theatrical innovation through classics like The Great Gatsby with its whisky‑truffle honey‑smoke ritual, or Kriptonita with its electric citrus punch,” shared Giacomo Giannotti, founder. But the city might leave a mark on Giannotti, who shared that the city’s warmth, colour and hospitality are inspiring. Drift into serenity Pic Courtesy/EHV International IF you are looking for a quiet place in Mumbai to sip your afternoon coffee or a bar to drop-in after work, Drift has got you covered. Newly-opened on August 11, the space in Lower Parel offers comfort and luxury in a European-style setting. “A fluid, all-day place that adapts effortlessly to the rhythm of Mumbai, the design is contemporary and equally inviting for a quick meeting, lunch or an evening out,” Nitin Mathur, COO, EHV International, told this diarist. Freedom in different hues The fourth edition of the annual Independence Project will focus on the theme of slowing down, rather than hyping up. The annual congregation of artists, thinkers, poets and writers will kick off today at the restored heritage site of IF.BE at Ballard Estate. “This is not a festival of urgency or spectacle. It is an offering of time, of space, of possibility. Each work invites you to slow down, to notice, to inhabit the present fully. In the quiet art of presence lies a deeper kind of freedom — one no external power can grant or take away,” added curator Sarita Vijayan (below). To this end, the events will feature midnight cycling rides through SoBo, improv theatre, as well as the curtain raiser of Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon’s new project, Maya.
14 August,2025 06:49 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 August 14. Aries March 21 – April 20Cloudy and grey thoughts are quickly dissipated as there’s a change in mindset connected with genuine praise. Cosmic tip: Maintain this correct blend of creativity and practicality. Taurus April 21 – May 20Not ready to rush off at a moment’s notice is because, with you, all plans are meticulously made in advance.Cosmic tip: Drive carefully following traffic rules. GeminiMay 21 – June 21A friend has been just a friend; it’s surprising when energy between you both changes. Cosmic tip: Don’t talk about situations that should be kept private; they could be used against you in the future. Cancer June 22 – July 23Honouring deadlines is as important as having a job. Reminding someone to return your money will no longer be necessary. Cosmic tip: Keep positive energy flowing with an attitude of gratitude. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Those with income-tax issues should follow up with the matter. Spending happy times with your spouse/partner is revealed.Cosmic tip: Make new friends, not distancing from older friends. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Using logic and a left-brained approach towards career or a family issue is the way forward. Have several small meals daily.Cosmic tip: Be supportive towards family. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22A karmic cycle of closures isn’t missed since new experiences brighten up the day. An important day unfolds very slowly.Cosmic tip: Hold on to self-respect even if in a soul-mate connection of intense love. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Delegating work regularly helps deal with much more load of work. Don’t allow diversions to interfere with sharp focus.Cosmic tip: Maintain double the amount of focus since career/ business moves ahead. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Taking action now helps nullify an issue which is so unimportant, but has been given too much negative energy. Cosmic tip: Give up a habit you know could cause issues at a later date. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Planetary positions give a helping hand when a situation requires discussion. A delay in communication is so frustrating. Cosmic tip: Enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Relationships are nurtured regularly to keep them loving and mutually supportive. Cosmic tip: Be doubly certain vehicle is in top condition. Check the tyres and especially brakes. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Focusing on goals, not allowing yourself to be distracted, especially if leading a busy, full life is important. Cosmic tip: Don’t be judgemental towards people you love, or anyone else for that matter.
14 August,2025 02:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMumbai Police on Wednesday said that it has made elaborate plans in city for Independence Day 2025 celebrations and will deploy around 14,000 personnel, officials said. Mumbai is all set to celebrate the Independence Day on August 15, 2025 with enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. Alongside the national celebrations, several religious processions and events are also planned across the city and to ensure law and order, the Mumbai Police have made special security arrangements. As part of this large-scale security plan, a total of 14,211 police personnel will be deployed across Mumbai. An officials said that 11,682 Police Constables, 2,529 Police Officers, 39 Assistant Commissioners, 17 Deputy Commissioners and 6 Additional Commissioners of Police will be deployed as part if security measures in the city. He said that special forces like Force One, SRPF Platoons, Quick Response Teams (QRTs), Riot Control Units, Delta and Combat teams, and Home Guards will also be stationed at key locations to handle emergencies. The Mumbai Police have urged all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with police in crowded areas, report any suspicious or unattended items immediately, celebrate the festivals and Independence Day responsibly and call police helpline 100 or 112 in case of emergencies. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a vibrant series of public events across Mumbai in celebration of the Centre’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, ahead of Independence Day. According to the civic officials, the campaign named is being held from August 2 to August 15, marking its fourth consecutive year since its inception in 2022 under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. To foster a sense of patriotism and national pride, the BMC has organised a wide array of activities. The BMC has also urged Mumbai residents to proudly hoist the national flag at their homes and to share selfies, photos or videos with the tricolour by uploading them on the official website https://harghartiranga.com "Citizens are further encouraged to register as volunteers for the campaign. The initiative is designed to raise awareness about the importance and dignity of the national flag, and to promote unity and national spirit among the public," the BMC said.
13 August,2025 11:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviADVERTISEMENT
