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 December 20. Aries March 21 – April 20Be clear about certain clauses and what they mean exactly if signing a contract. Receiving recognition for work done is justified.Cosmic tip: Be prepared for a busy day that requires making instant decisions. Taurus April 21 – May 20A short trip within the country is worth it considering a new client is signed and several introductions to potential clients made. Cosmic tip: Return a missed call immediately as it is important. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Making plans for a trip out of town without informing family isn’t a good idea. Smooth over a slight misunderstanding that appears. Cosmic tip: Look forward to this karmic cycle ending by 12 noon. Cancer June 22 – July 23Do all you can to make events move along smoothly. Cosmic tip: Give leeway when you feel someone is being too demanding. Maybe the situation is such that this kind of a reaction isn’t surprising. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A wish manifests, but you are surprised at your reaction; instead of being delirious with joy, reaction is understated.Cosmic tip: Be aware of karmic vibes changing around you, drawing in better times. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Your father/ father figure comes to spend the day, which is so great. Cosmic tip: Take care to be aware of how the person speaks, what is said and the tone of voice. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22A job offer is surprising, but you decide to go along with the interview, etc., even if you have no intention of changing the present job. Cosmic tip: Go shopping some other day. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Scorpios handling a business may consider hiring another small office. The new eating pattern has begun to show positive results. Cosmic tip: Be careful while driving (follow traffic rules and drive with awareness). Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Only spend money you have in the bank, not buying things on credit. Sort out family issues as quickly as possible.Cosmic tip: Remember family values taught as a child and follow them explicitly. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20All turns out well when you were expecting hearing news that is more on the negative side. Cosmic tip: Look ahead with optimism. Never give up hope or think God isn’t listening to your prayers. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19There’s total commitment to giving up a habit, but for some reason you keep putting off the final decision. Meet a special friend this evening.Cosmic tip: Be a wise guide for friends and family. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20It’s time to move on from being emotionally impulsive and reactive to someone who is more patient and forgiving. Cosmic tip: Don’t get involved in an argument just before leaving for a party.
20 December,2024 01:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseThe railway ticketing wallet in the Unreserved Ticketing System mobile application will migrate to an upgraded system with 3 per cent bonus or cashback on every purchase of unreserved tickets from Friday, the officials said. "The R Wallet system is set to migrate to a new platform, effective 20th December 2024, marking a significant step in enhancing the user experience," an official of the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) said. "As part of this transition, the current 3 per cent bonus on wallet recharges will be replaced with a more dynamic benefit—3 per cent bonus or cashback on every purchase of unreserved tickets. The bonus will be credited instantly to the user’s R Wallet, encouraging seamless and rewarding transactions," he said. "The upgrade aligns with our commitment to providing enhanced value and convenience to our users. Further updates will follow," he added.
19 December,2024 09:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe body of a man who was among the two missing passengers after a Indian Navy craft rammed into their ferry off the Mumbai coast, was found on Thursday, police said, reported the PTI. The body of the 43-year-old man was found near the ferry, police said. The death toll in the tragedy has now gone up to 14. Search operation continues to locate a seven-year-old boy who is still missing a day after the tragedy, a police official added. A naval helicopter and boats of the Navy and Coast Guard were deployed on Thursday to look for the missing passengers. Eight boats, including those from the Navy and Coast Guard are involved in the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, the official said. Of the 113 persons on board both the vessels, 14 died and 98, including two injured, were rescued. There were six persons on board the Navy craft, of which two survived, the official said. Thirteen persons, including Navy personnel and two contractual naval employees, were killed when the Navy craft dashed against the passenger ferry 'Neel Kamal', carrying more than 100 passengers from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Island, on Wednesday afternoon, as per the PTI. Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi offered condolences to the grieving families of those who lost their lives in the accident and wished for a speedy and full recovery of those who were injured. The Navy on Thursday instituted a Board of Inquiry to probe the collision of the naval boat with the passenger ferry. "A Board of Inquiry has been ordered into the accident to establish the facts of the case," the Navy said. A Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with passenger ferry 'Neel Kamal' off Karanja near Mumbai. Of the 113 persons on board both vessels, 13 died and 98, including two injured, were rescued. There were six persons on board the Navy craft, two of whom survived, officials have said. A probe into the incident is also being conducted by the Mumbai police after a case was registered against the Navy craft driver at Colaba police station. (with inputs from PTI)
19 December,2024 09:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's (MNS) Railway Kamgar Sena on Thursday called for a ban on a popular cake brand at Mumbai railway stations alleging that it was supplying outdated and expired products at stalls and canteens in the railway premise. "A passenger approached us with a cake laden with fungus which he had bought from CR's Dadar station on platform 12. After this, we decided to take up matter and bought cakes of the similar brand from other stations across CR divisions, including Mumbai, Pune, Bhusawal, Solapur and Nagpur and shockingly came across defective products," Jitu Patil, General Secretary of MNS' Railway Kamgar Sena said. Patil has filed a formal complaint with the General Manager of Central Railway on Thursday. Central Railway officials were not immediately available for comment and action to be taken but said they were investigating the matter.
19 December,2024 07:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarShiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday strongly rejected a suggestion by Karnataka Congress MLA Laxman Savadi to declare Mumbai a Union Territory, reported news agency PTI. In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Thackeray described the demand as "condemnable" and emphasised that his party will never tolerate any attempt to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. He referred to Mumbai as his "motherland" and highlighted that the city was achieved by "Marathi manoos" through significant sacrifices. मुंबई केंद्रशसित करण्याची मागणी निषेधार्ह आहे. काँग्रेस असो वा भाजप... कोणताही पक्ष असो... मुंबईला महाराष्ट्रापासून तोडण्याची भाषा शिवसेना (उद्धव बाळासाहेब ठाकरे) अजिबात खपवून घेणार नाही. मुंबई ही आमची मायभूमी आहे. इथला प्रत्येक कण मराठी माणसानं आपलं रक्त सांडून मिळवला आहे.… — Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) December 19, 2024 "The demand to centralize Mumbai is condemnable. Be it Congress or BJP... any party... Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) will not tolerate the language of separating Mumbai from Maharashtra. Mumbai is our homeland. Every particle here has been earned by the Marathi people by shedding their blood. Mumbai was not given to us by anyone," said the MLA from Worli in Mumbai. "The Congress leadership should reprimand its MLAs," he said. The controversial statement emerged in the context of the ongoing border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka over Belagavi, a border town with a significant Marathi-speaking population. The remarks were a response to Laxman Savadi's reported comment that if Maharashtra leaders are demanding Belagavi (Belgavi) as a Union Territory, Mumbai should similarly be declared a Union Territory. This statement has escalated the long-standing territorial dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka over the control of Belagavi, a border town in Karnataka formerly known as Belgaum. It has a significant Marathi-speaking population. These three parties are part of the opposition INDIA bloc at the national level with several other parties. The statement comes at a sensitive time, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) being part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes Congress and NCP (SP). Aaditya Thackeray criticises cabinet expansion delay, chaos within Mahayuti alliance Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday raised concerns about the ongoing delay in the allocation of portfolios following the recent Maharashtra cabinet expansion. Aaditya Thackeray's in a post on X, published on the fourth day of the winter session, highlights the uncertainty and confusion surrounding the functioning of the newly appointed ministers. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader criticised the situation, stating that "Ministers have not been allocated their portfolios as yet," leaving MLAs and MLCs uncertain about who to address the people's issues to. This delay in portfolio distribution, according to Thackeray, reflects an internal struggle among the ruling Mahayuti alliance, with ministers preoccupied with "portfolio fights" rather than focusing on their duty to serve the citizens. (With inputs from PTI)
19 December,2024 06:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe search and rescue operations were in progress, the Indian Navy said in a statement on Thursday as Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Indian Navy to the grieving families of those who lost their lives in the Mumbai Boat Tragedy, an official statement said. Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi also wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident. The statement said, the accident resulted in the unfortunate loss of 13 lives, including four personnel on the Naval craft (one Service and three reps of the OEM), and nine on the civil ferry. Two persons from the ferry craft are still reported to be missing, towards which, search and rescue operations are in progress by eight Navy craft and a naval helicopter, augmented by a Coast Guard vessel. Search and Rescue efforts have continued throughout the night of 18- 19 Dec 2024 in vicinity of the accident, it said. The tragic collision between a boat and a Navy craft off the Mumbai coast took place on Wednesday. The incident took place when a Navy vessel, reportedly conducting engine trials, collided with the passenger boat 'Neel Kamal' en route to Elephanta Island. Over a hundred people were rescued from both the Neelkamal boat and the Navy ship. The injured were taken to various hospitals, including the JJ Hospital, GT Hospital, SSG Hospital, and private facilities for treatment. Tragically, 13 people lost their lives in the accident. Of the 113 persons on board both the vessels, 13 died and 98, including two injured, were rescued. There were six persons on board the Navy craft, of which two survived, the official said. The missing passengers have been identified as 43-year-old Hansraj Bhati and seven-year-old Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan, police said. Thirteen persons, including Navy personnel and two contractual naval employees, were killed when the Navy craft dashed against the passenger ferry 'Neel Kamal', carrying more than 100 passengers from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Island, on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police has initiated an inquiry into the matter and is collecting information from the Mumbai Maritime Board (MMB). (with PTI inputs)
19 December,2024 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanDays after the horrific Kurla BEST bus crash, a 22-year-old man, who was among the several persons injured in the accident, on Thursday succumbed to his injuries, taking the death toll to nine, the civic officials said. The deceased was identified as Mehtab Shaikh, who had been undergoing medical treatment at a hospital for his injuries was declared dead at 11:45 am on Thursday, the officials said. On December 16, a 52-year-old man, who was also among the injured persons in the accident in Kurla area of Mumbai had on Monday morning. The electric bus, hired by the civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking on a wet-lease basis, ploughed into a crowd and fatally knocked down seven persons and injured 42 others on a crowded road in the Kurla area on December 9. Several vehicles were also damaged in the incident. Following the incident, the BEST had set up a five-member committee to investigate the crash. The driver Sanjay More (54) is in police custody for alleged reckless driving. In a statement issued last week, BEST said a committee, headed by Chief Manager (Transport) Ramesh Madavi, has been investigating the incident. The BEST has decided to provide financial aid of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and bear treatment expenses of the injured. After the incident, shocking CCTV footage had also emerged. The shocking visuals of minutes before the crash took place on Monday night has been accessed by mid-day. Exclusive: CCTV footage from the BEST bus in the Kurla crash reveals terrifying moments inside the vehicle and on the street during the incident.By: @ShirishVaktania#KurlaBusAccident #Kurla #kurlaaccident #Kurla #Mumbai #BusAccident #MumbaiPolice https://t.co/W958N7KJMl pic.twitter.com/ickDtFbyXT — Mid Day (@mid_day) December 11, 2024 The CCTV footage from the BEST bus in the Kurla crash reveals terrifying moments inside the vehicle. In the CCTV footage of inside the BEST bus and the spot where the accident took place shows panicking commuters inside the bus figuring out why the bus was on a rampage. Moreover, the conductor of the bus who can bee seen busy issuing the tickets to the passengers shocked to see the driver rashly driving and crashing into whatever was on the way of the BEST bus. Moments later, panicked passengers, some of them elderly are seen attempting to save their lives as they witnessed the uncontrollable speeding bus going on dashing people and vehicles coming its way.
19 December,2024 04:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Thursday said that he has deep connection with Vidarbha region and that he was committed towards its development. In an post on X, Eknath Shinde wrote about his deep connection with Vidarbha, attributing it to the love and support of the region's people. On the development initiatives taken for the region, Shinde expressed his satisfaction with the progress made during his tenure, particularly in the legislative sessions. विदर्भ विकासासाठी ठोस पावले...विदर्भाशी माझं वेगळं नातं आहे ते इथल्या प्रेम करणाऱ्या जनतेमुळे. मुख्यमंत्री असतांना मलाही विदर्भासाठी काहीतरी भरीव करण्याची संधी मिळाली याचा निश्चितच समाधान आहे. गेल्या दोन्हीही अधिवेशनात आम्ही विदर्भाच्या विकासासाठी ठोस पाऊलं उचलली आहेत आणि… — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) December 19, 2024 During the last two sessions, significant steps have been taken to foster the development of Vidarbha, and positive results are now becoming visible, Shinde said, adding that one of the key developments, according to Shinde, is the extension of the Samruddhi Expressway to Gondia, Bhandara, and Gadchiroli districts in Maharashtra, which will greatly enhance connectivity and economic growth in the region. Shinde also highlighted the implementation of a Rs 15,000 per hectare bonus for paddy production to support the farmers in Vidarbha. The amount has now been increased to Rs 20,000 per hectare to further incentivize agricultural productivity. In his efforts to position Vidarbha as a logistics hub, Shinde mentioned plans to develop the region’s infrastructure to boost industrial growth. He pointed out that projects worth Rs 70,000 crore have been approved to stimulate industrial development in both Vidarbha and Marathwada. Additionally, two new projects have been initiated in Surajgad during his tenure. Over the past two and a half years, Shinde and his team have held 86 Cabinet meetings, during which over 850 important decisions were made to ensure Vidarbha’s growth. “If I were to list all the small and big decisions, one session would not be enough,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the region’s progress. In an another post on X, Shinde wrote, "An attempt is being made to create confusion by distorting the statement made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament regarding Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. In protest against this act, Shiv Sena MLAs staged a protest in the Legislative Assembly premises. केंद्रीय गृहमंत्री अमित भाई शाह यांनी संसदेत डॉ.बाबासाहेब आंबेडकर यांच्याबाबत केलेल्या वक्तव्याचा विपर्यास करून संभ्रम निर्माण करण्याचा प्रयत्न केला जात आहे. या कृत्याच्या निषेधार्थ आज विधिमंडळाच्या आवारात #शिवसेना पक्षाच्या सर्व सहकारी आमदारांनी जोरदार घोषणाबाजी करत निदर्शने… pic.twitter.com/umWMFnw6or — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) December 19, 2024
19 December,2024 03:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane Property Tax Collection Centers will also remain open on holidays, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) said on Thursday. In an official statement, the TMC said that the property tax collection process for the fiscal year 2024-25 is currently in its final stages and to ensure convenience for taxpayers, the Thane Municipal Corporation has announced that all property tax collection centers in the city will remain open even on public holidays. The initiative is aimed at assisting residents who visit their respective ward offices to pay their property taxes in person, the statement said. Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has urged residents who have not yet paid their property taxes to do so at the earliest to avoid any unpleasant actions related to property tax collection. Thane civic chief Saurabh Rao stated that cooperation with the Municipal Corporation will help prevent enforcement measures. "From December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, all ward-level property tax collection centers, sub-ward offices, and the main tax collection office in the Municipal Administrative Building will remain open every Saturday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Additionally, from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025, these centers will operate on all Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (excluding March 14, 2025, due to Holi), with working hours from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM," the TMC statement said. For taxpayers' convenience, the Municipal Corporation has also made online payment options available through its official website, www.thanecity.gov.in, via the Payment Gateway. The taxpayers can also make payments through popular apps such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM, it said. The Municipal Corporation has encouraged residents to make use of these online facilities for easy and quick payment of property taxes. Meanwhile, in a recent development, the Thane Municipal Corporation announced its collaboration with the Geospatial Information Science and Engineering (GISE) Hub at IIT Bombay to overhaul the city's traffic management plan. According to TMC Chief Saurabh Rao, the revamped plan will be designed to address the city's growing traffic challenges and plan for long-term improvements. The revised traffic management strategy will be a year-long project, spearheaded by experts from the GISE Hub at IIT Bombay. The plan will focus on several key aspects, including evaluating current traffic provisions, studying existing traffic patterns, and devising solutions to manage the city's transportation needs effectively through to 2030. Thane is a rapidly growing urban area, and peak-hour traffic congestion has long been a major concern.
19 December,2024 03:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe tragic collision between a boat and a Navy craft off the Mumbai coast has taken a grim turn, as new revelations highlight overcrowding and inadequate safety measures on the ill-fated boat. According to reports, the boat involved in the accident had a capacity of 90 passengers but was carrying 111 people at the time of the collision. Moreover, the vessel reportedly had only around 90 life jackets onboard, leaving several passengers without access to crucial safety gear during the emergency. Sources have suggested that adherence to proper safety regulations could have significantly mitigated the loss of lives in the incident. The tragedy, which claimed 13 lives, including a Navy personnel and two contractual naval employees, has raised concerns about safety compliance in passenger ferries operating in the region. Mumbai Police has initiated an inquiry into the matter and is collecting information from the Mumbai Maritime Board (MMB). Authorities are expected to examine whether the boat operator violated safety norms by exceeding passenger capacity and failing to provide adequate life-saving equipment. The incident unfolded when a Navy vessel, reportedly conducting engine trials, collided with the passenger boat 'Neel Kamal' en route to Elephanta Island. A total of 105 people were rescued from both the Neelkamal boat and the Navy ship. The injured were taken to various hospitals, including the JJ Hospital, GT Hospital, SSG Hospital, and private facilities for treatment. Tragically, 13 people lost their lives in the accident. Casualties and treatment details: JJ Hospital: 56 people were admitted, and after receiving initial medical attention, they were sent home. INHS Sanjivani, Karanja: 13 people were treated, with 10 declared dead, while 3 were discharged after receiving medical care. One person continues to receive treatment at INHS Hospital. St. George's Hospital: 10 people were admitted, with 7 of them discharged after treatment. Three people are in critical condition. INHS Ashwini: 2 individuals are in critical condition. Ongoing Search: Navy and other rescue agencies continue to search for additional victims in the accident site. The search operation continues for two missing passengers: Hansraj Bhati (43) and Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan (7). Assistance from the Navy and Coast Guard remains ongoing to locate the missing individuals.
19 December,2024 03:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bazarpeth police in Kalyan have booked a 65-year-old man, Zaki Khotal, for allegedly throwing acid on his 29-year-old son-in-law, Ibaad Falke, following a petty argument. Khotal had recently married off his daughter to Falke. The couple was planning their honeymoon and had chosen Kashmir as their destination. However, Khotal reportedly insisted they undertake an Islamic sacred pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia instead. The police stated that Khotal allegedly demanded the annulment of the marriage after Falke insisted on going to Kashmir for the honeymoon. This argument had been ongoing for several days. On Wednesday, a similar dispute occurred between Khotal and Falke. Later that evening, at around 7:45 pm, Falke left his house on his bike and headed toward Asha Towers, at Agra Road. While standing outside the tower, a bike approached him with Khotal as the rider. Khotal allegedly threatened to kill Falke and, moments later, threw a significant amount of acid on Falke's face and body. Falke screamed in pain as his skin burned. Nearby residents informed his family, who rushed him to Apex Hospital in Kalyan West. Atul Zende, DCP Zone 3, confirmed that Khotal is still absconding. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend him. Khotal has been booked under sections 124 (1) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid), 351 (3) (criminal intimidation with death threat), and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023.
19 December,2024 02:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerADVERTISEMENT
