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 April 16. Aries March 21 – April 20Keep important papers carefully. This is a period of good luck and life going the way you want it to. Cosmic tip: Genuinely forgive yourself and other people, vowing to live in the present. Taurus April 21 – May 20Making enough time for your spouse or partner makes the relationship stronger. Positive news is on the way (about something you’ve wished for).Cosmic tip: Learning from life’s lessons is an important education. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Discussing an issue with siblings (if any) bring all of you emotionally closer. This karmic cycle favours making new friends.Cosmic tip: Learning to de-stress with a method is an excellent idea to be followed. Cancer June 22 – July 23Friends come over for a late brunch (this is something you were looking forward to). There’s financial gain from a past investment. Cosmic tip: Focusing on goals and working towards them is revealed. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Learning from mistakes and letting go of them is the best way to be. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Stay away from people who aren’t your well-wishers, though they appear to be different. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Younger singles who have coped with an estranged relationship might be tempted to have a reunion. A one day business trip is revealed for some. Cosmic tip: Accept good news with a grateful heart. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22The boss may be in a stressed-out mood, so deal with each situation with kid gloves. Cosmic tip: Stay within traditional saving methods even if tempted to take a gamble with something new. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Be low key about business plans for now, keeping important information to yourself. A karmic cycle of changes show a gradual acceptance of excess work.Cosmic tip: Learn to detach from a situation or person. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Several opportunities are apparent which appear to be small considerations, but will bloom when the time is right. Cosmic tip: Be grateful for what the Universe has offered and what karmas have enhanced life. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A court case, if any, ends soon. Be aware of small amounts of money missing. Cosmic tip: Keep a good idea on hold for now as the time is not ripe for it to flourish. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Keep two points of view in mind when struggling to make up your mind about an issue. You can deal with it easily. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Enjoy a dinner party today. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A not so good karmic cycle ends by 12 noon, after which you can expect life to move forward once more. Cosmic tip: Concentrate on keeping the relationship happy and mutually co-operative about issues.
16 April,2025 01:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseAdditional Chief Secretary (Home) Iqbal Singh Chahal held his first meeting as the guardian secretary of Mumbai with officials from various agencies on Tuesday. The state government has appointed guardian secretaries for ensuring seamless communication among all the authorities. Chahal assured focused efforts would be made resolve the city's delayed projects and improve communication with authorites working in Mumbai. He chaired the meeting at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters with officials from the civic body, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), and other key agencies in attendance. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and other senior officials were present for the meeting. Chahal announced that a meeting of senior officials from the relevant departments would soon conduct at the Mantralaya to discuss the developmental projects of the city in more detail. The former civic commissioner also said that the government will seek to provide funds to prevent landslides in hilly areas during monsoon. The meeting was focused on delayed MHADA, SRA, and MMRDA projects, housing schemes, and redevelopment of police colonies. MHADA officials spoke on the issues pertaining to the redevelopment projects in BDD Chawl (Worli) and Kamathipura, while MMRDA officials gave updates on the Mumbai Metro work. "BMC and other agencies must work together because their projects depend on each other," said Chahal. "To keep the city moving, all the departments must work together, in close coordination with each other," Chahal stated further.
15 April,2025 11:17 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMaharashtra Minister Aditi Tatkare on Tuesday said no change has been made in the amount of assistance paid to the beneficiaries of the state government's flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, but around 7.74 lakh women already getting Rs 1,000 under another programme are being paid the difference of Rs 500. She was responding to media reports claiming that the aid under the Ladki Bahin (Beloved Sister) scheme was reduced for 7,74,148 women who were receiving benefits of other initiatives, reported PTI. The state government disburses Rs 1,500 per month under the Ladki Bahin Yojana to women who are not taking advantage of any other government scheme. According to PTI, the Women and Child Development Minister said that those who are receiving a benefit of less than Rs 1,500 under other schemes, are getting the difference paid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana. In line with this policy, the difference of Rs 500 is being paid to 7,74,148 women who are receiving Rs 1,000 per month under the Namo Shetkari Samman Yojana, Tatkare said in a post on X. दिनांक २८ जून २०२४ व दिनांक ३ जुलै २०२४ रोजी जाहीर करण्यात आलेल्या शासन निर्णयानुसार इतर कोणत्याही शासकीय योजनांचा लाभ न घेणाऱ्या महिलांना मुख्यमंत्री माझी लाडकी बहीण योजनेअंतर्गत १५०० रुपये दरमहा सन्मान निधी वितरित करण्यात येत आहे. तसेच, इतर शासकीय योजनांचा १५०० रुपयांपेक्षा कमी… pic.twitter.com/485UFXrRiq — Aditi S Tatkare (@iAditiTatkare) April 15, 2025 "No eligible woman has been excluded from the Ladki Bahin scheme, and no change has been made in the said process after July 3, 2024," said the Nationalist Congress Party leader, adding that she has clarified about the same during the budget session of the state legislature. She also accused the opposition of constantly spreading misinformation about the flagship programme and said that its leaders either have poor understanding of administrative matters or their morale has been hit by the success of the scheme. Earlier in the day, responding to media reports about 'reduction' in the assistance under the scheme, Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government remembers women and farmers only during elections, PTI reported. 'On the eve of the elections, the Mahayuti coalition promised a farm loan waiver, and after forming a government, it asked farmers to repay their loans. Women are being removed from the list of beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin scheme citing various reasons. The corrupt Mahayuti government is betraying the trust of the people,' he said. Congress leader Nana Patole, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)'s Bhaskar Jadhav and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar)'s Jitendra Awhad also targeted the state government over the issue. (With PTI inputs)
15 April,2025 09:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said that the ongoing road concretisation works in the city will be completed by May 31,2025 and the BMC was working to make Mumbai roads pothole-free. Eknath Shinde along with BMC officials and civic commissioner Bhushan Gagrani reviewed the road concretisation works in parts of the city on Tuesday evening. The inspection began near Bombay Hospital and continued to various roads in areas like Matunga, Chembur, and others. During the visit, Shinde interacted with local citizens and assured them of speedy and quality work. "The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is working to build cement concrete roads across Mumbai to make the city pothole-free. Around 400 kilometres of roadwork is currently underway as part of the Pothole-Free Roads Project, and the goal is to complete it by 31 May 2025," CM Shinde said. An official statement said that Eknath Shinde, the Guardian Minister of Mumbai City, inspected several ongoing road projects in south Mumbai and the eastern suburbs. He stated that the work must be of high quality and warned that strict action would be taken against any contractor or officer if substandard work is found. Speaking to the media, Deputy CM Shinde said, “Cement concrete roads are a permanent solution to potholes. Once these roads are built, there will be no need for digging and no potholes. Our aim is to make Mumbai completely pothole-free.” He added that contractors who do low-quality work have already been fined Rs 3.5 crore, and in the future, any contractor doing faulty work will be blacklisted. To ensure high standards, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has been appointed as an independent quality-checking agency. BMC engineers, assistant commissioners, and senior officers are also keeping a close watch on the work, the statement said. The road concretisation project in Mumbai- - 400 km of roads are being upgraded to cement concrete across Mumbai. - BMC has already completed 1,333 km of concrete roads in previous phases. - The current works are being done in two phases and are progressing well. - The roads should be completed from junction to junction before the monsoon. - Roads must be traffic-ready, and manholes and drains along the roads must be cleaned.
15 April,2025 09:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane Municipal Corporation's (TMC) Water Supply Department has appealed to citizens to conserve water in view of the summer season. The civic body has urged residents to avoid using drinking water for washing vehicles and to refrain from leaving taps running unnecessarily as the water levels in the reservoirs are decreasing by the day amid intense heat. Additionally, the water levels in wells and borewells have also significantly reduced. To avoid a severe water crisis before the onset of the monsoon, citizens are urged to use water prudently, the Thane civic body said in a press release. For washing vehicles, residents have been asked to use borewell water and a damp cloth. The TMC has also urged locals to avoid watering gardens for as long as possible. Leaking taps at home should be fixed immediately, the civic corporation stated. Similarly, any leaking tanks, pipes, or valves in societies must also be repaired. Societies have been directed to ensure that the water tanks on the rooftops of buildings do not overflow. In case the Thane civic body receives complaints over it or notices water overflowing from tanks, it will disconnect the building or society’s supply, officials warned. Residents have also been advised not to use showers or bathtubs for daily bathing. Instead, a bucket or mug should be used to reduce water consumption, the civic body stated. In restrooms, dual flush systems should be used to save water, it urged, adding that drinking water should not be used to clean staircases in buildings. The civic body has also prohibited the use of drinking water for water bodies such as swimming pools in buildings or societies and directed against replacing the water frequently. It also suggested residents to collect all the washable clothes throughout the week and wash them on a single day. The washing machine should be used only once a week or, if absolutely required, twice, and it should be operated at full capacity to save water and use the machine efficiently, the civic body urged. Similarly, any water left after washing clothes, either from a machine or by hand, it should be saved and used for flushing toilets, washing bathrooms, mopping floors, washing vehicles, or watering plants over the next two days. In a press release, the civic body has urged residents to “save every drop and avoid wastage and prevent misuse”.
15 April,2025 08:27 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat on Tuesday said that the state government will procure around 100 robots for cleaning manholes which is currently being done manually, reported the PTI. The robots will be procured for 27 municipal corporations in the state and used for cleaning manholes in their jurisdictions, Sanjay Shirsat said, according to the PTI. Talking to reporters, State Social Justice Minister Shirsat said, "We will first conduct a one-month trial with the new robot in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation. After successful testing, we will procure 100 robots," as per the PTI. He said the social justice department would supply the robots to the urban development department, which would then distribute them to the municipal corporations. "These new robots are indigenously made and more capable than the existing ones with low capacity. The ones we will procure will have a higher capacity for cleaning and waste segregation," Sanjay Shirsat said, the news agency reported. The announcement comes after the Union Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment commissioned a social audit of sanitation works that highlighted the state government's failure to address the deaths of sanitation workers. A Union government-commissioned social audit across Mumbai, Pune, Parbhani, Satara, and Shirur has exposed 'critical failures' by authorities and contractors in protecting sanitation workers in Maharashtra, 18 of whom died between 2021 and 2024, reported the PTI. The audit said safety protocols, protective gear, and emergency response mechanisms were largely absent in all the five places surveyed. The 'Social Audit Report On The Death Of Sanitary Workers 2021-24' by the Maharashtra State Society for Social Audit and Transparency, a unit established on directives of Union Ministry of Rural Development, also pulled up urban local bodies (ULBs) for failing to formally register workers, which left them without legal protection or access to welfare schemes, according to the PTI. The audit said safety protocols, protective gear, and emergency response mechanisms were largely absent in all the five places surveyed, despite there being a clear legal obligation under Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation (PEMSR) Act 2013, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
15 April,2025 08:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Rohini Khadse on Tuesday claimed that a tug-of-war was underway between Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, which will lead to the fall of the Mahayuti government. In a post on X, the women's wing president of the opposition party made a veiled attack on Fadnavis, alleging that in order to undermine Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's influence, his files were moved to Shinde for approval. Khadse's comments have come amid speculations of a rift between the Mahayuti allies, BJP, Shiv Sena and the NCP. There have been reports that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde complained to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). "He (Fadnavis) appointed his close officer as the economic advisor to keep an eye on the finance department. Then, to clip Shinde's wings, discrimination is being done in the disbursement of funds and appointment of guardian ministers. In Raigad, Ajit Pawar was left out, and Shinde was given a chance to speak. But Shinde went two steps ahead. When Amit Shah came to Mumbai, he had a meeting for 15 minutes with him alone," the NCP (SP) leader wrote. She claimed that in order to bring both the deputy chief ministers to their senses, their speeches were scrapped at the Chaityabhoomi event on Monday. Khadse was referring to the function to mark the 345th death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Raigad Fort, during which only Shinde made a speech and at the event in Chaityabhoomi on Ambedkar Jayanti on Monday, only the chief minister and Governor C P Radhakrishnan spoke. "What's the whole story? So, how is the government running? Huge tug-of-war. Today or tomorrow, it is certain that they will stumble!" she said, posting a copy of the governor's programme released by Raj Bhavan, which mentions speeches by both deputy chief ministers. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 April,2025 07:18 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced to set up advanced labs in 20 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in state to boost skills, create jobs and support differently-abled students, an official statement said. It said, the decision to establish advanced laboratories in 20 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state was taken to modernise technical education, generate employment, and support differently-abled students. The training programme is expected to benefit 9,750 young people over four years, covering major divisions like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Amravati in Maharashtra. The statement said that the department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation has signed three key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with social sector partners in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The agreements were signed with Shri Shri Rural Development Program Trust (Bengaluru), Schneider Electric India Foundation (Bengaluru), DeAsra Foundation (Pune), and Project Mumbai (Andheri), it said. These collaborations aim to enhance vocational training, support micro and small entrepreneurs through capacity-building workshops, and offer inclusive education programs, the statement said. It said that the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Additional Chief Secretary Manisha Verma, and other senior officials attended the MoU ceremony held after the state cabinet meeting at Mantralaya. Key Highlights: - A tripartite agreement between Shri Shri Rural Development Trust, Schneider Electric India Foundation, and the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training was signed to upskill youth with modern industrial training. - Over the next three years, electrical workshops at 20 ITIs will be upgraded; solar technician and industrial automation labs will also be established. - Selected trainees from the electrician trade will receive 15-day free training on advanced technologies and soft skills in Bangalore. - A phased training plan aims to benefit 9,750 youth over four years across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Amravati, and other divisions. - Maharashtra Innovation Society signed an MoU with DeAsra Foundation to train and mentor 5,000 micro and small entrepreneurs across districts. - An MoU with Project Mumbai focuses on skill development for differently-abled ITI students, including Indian Sign Language-based curriculum and on-the-job training opportunities.
15 April,2025 07:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe district authorities in Maharashtra's Thane have issued a circular, warning of taking punitive action against CBSE and ICSE-affiliated English medium and other schools if they are found prohibiting students from using Marathi inside classrooms, during activities and on premises. The education department of the Thane Zilla Parishad (ZP) issued the directive after taking cognisance of reports that some English-medium schools in the district were prohibiting students from speaking Marathi. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) General Secretary Sandeep Pachange had raised the issue and complained against such schools earlier this month with the ZP education department. In the directive issued on Tuesday, the department said all schools need to ensure that Marathi language is used and respected, and warned that action would be taken against those schools found enforcing English-only policy. In the complaint, the MNS had alleged that students in certain CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)-affiliated English-medium schools were being humiliated for speaking Marathi not only inside classrooms but also on the school premises and during their extra-curricular activities. Based on the complaint, Thane ZP Primary Education Officer Balasaheb Rakshe issued the circular, making it mandatory that Marathi be used as the language of instruction and communication in all primary and secondary schools as per the government resolution dated December 13, 2023. Marathi should not only be used in language classes but also in daily interpersonal communication, classroom interactions, cultural programmes, drama and speech competitions and other school activities, it said. "It is unacceptable for schools to sideline Marathi, especially when the state policy mandates its inclusion in everyday school life. We aim to restore the rightful place of the mother tongue and ensure no student feels ashamed or marginalised for speaking it," the circular added. The MNS welcomed the education department directive. "It is a necessary step towards preventing a growing linguistic imbalance in the education system. Students should not feel inferior for expressing themselves in their mother tongue. This directive is a reaffirmation of our cultural roots," he said. The Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS), the student wing of the Raj Thackeray-led party, said students must have the freedom and encouragement to communicate in Marathi. "Maintaining fluency in one's mother tongue is crucial for both personal confidence and cultural preservation," it said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 April,2025 06:56 PM IST | PTI | PTIThe Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) on Tuesday launched a special campaign to remove posters, banners, and illegal signboards across the city. Accordingly, all the posters, banners, and signboards that were dangerously placed on road dividers, pedestrian paths, and trees were taken off. The civic corporation said that 665 unauthorised posters and banners were taken down within a single day from its jurisdiction under the drive, which was carried out under the instructions of Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao. The action was executed by the Thane civic body’s encroachment department and staff from various ward committees. Encroachment Department Deputy Commissioner Shankar Patole, as well as the assistant commissioners of all ward committees and other staff were present during the drive. The campaign has been initiated as posters and hoardings in the city have been defacing the city. On many occasions, these hoardings collapse amid windy conditions, leading to mishaps. In light of this, Rao directed the civic body to remove all the unauthorised hoardings from the city. The campaign will be continued in the future, too, the civic body informed. Action taken on banners and posters by each ward committee Diva Ward Committee – 82 Naupada Ward Committee – 76 Mumbra Ward Committee – 75 Kalwa Ward Committee – 72 Majivada Manpada Ward Committee – 67 Lokmanya Sawarkar Nagar Ward Committee – 66 Vartaknagar Ward Committee – 65 Wagle Estate Ward Committee – 55 Kopri Ward Committee – 54 Uthalsar Ward Committee – 53 Thane civic body launches 'Fire Service Week', check details The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) in Maharashtra on Monday said that it has launched 'Fire Service Week' to mark National Fire Service Day. The National Fire Service Day is observed every year on April 14, in memory of the 66 fire officers and personnel who lost their lives in a massive explosion while fighting a fire on a ship at Mumbai Port in 1944. The event marked the 81st anniversary of the tragic incident, when a ship named SS Fort Stikine caught fire at Mumbai Port owing to an ammunition explosion. Sixty-six officers and firefighters lost their lives while trying to control the blaze. In their memory, National Fire Service Day is observed across the country every year on April 14. The National Fire Service Day honours their courage and dedication towards the nation. The statement said that said that to honour their sacrifice, Thane Municipal Corporation Commissioner Saurabh Rao offered floral tributes at the martyrs' memorial located at the Balkum Fire Station in the district. An official statement said, the Fire Service Week began on Monday morning with a tribute to the brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. It said that the Thane Fire Brigade has planned several activities during Fire Service Week from 14th to 20th April across the municipal area. These include live fire safety demonstrations at various offices, societies, and establishments to raise awareness about fire prevention and safety. It further said that senior civic officials including Deputy Commissioner Umesh Birari, Deputy Commissioner of Fire Services Dinesh Tayde, Deputy Commissioner Shankar Patole, Chief Fire Officer Girish Zhalke, and Regional Disaster Management Cell Officer Yasin Tadvi were present at the event. "A donation box by the Maharashtra Fire Services Association was also inaugurated by the top officials during the event," the official statement said.
15 April,2025 06:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a shocking incident reported from Maharashtra’s Nagpur city, a 19-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly poisoning and killing his 18-year-old friend and neighbour, reportedly driven by envy over the latter’s affluent background, police officials confirmed on Tuesday. According to PTI, the accused, identified as Mithlesh alias Manthan Rajendra Chakole, resides in Nilkanth Nagar in the Hudkeshwar locality. He was taken into custody on Monday following an investigation into the mysterious death of Vedant alias Vijay Kalidas Khandate, who lived in the same neighbourhood. The police stated that Vedant came from a financially well-off family. His family had recently constructed a modern two-storey home, which reportedly became a source of jealousy for Manthan, who lived in a comparatively modest dwelling nearby. This envy, police believe, eventually turned fatal. The incident reportedly took place on 8 April when Manthan invited Vedant to a nearby paan shop. The two friends had soft drinks together, during which, police allege, Manthan laced Vedant’s beverage with a cockroach repellent gel. Soon after returning home, Vedant began feeling dizzy and his condition deteriorated rapidly. He was rushed to a hospital in the Sakkardara area, where doctors immediately suspected poisoning and initiated treatment. Despite medical efforts, Vedant never regained consciousness and succumbed to the suspected poisoning on April 12. Initially, the police registered a case of accidental death. However, the post-mortem report revealed the presence of toxic substances in Vedant’s system. Medical professionals indicated it was unlikely the victim had consumed such a substance voluntarily. Investigators traced Vedant’s last phone call to Manthan. Upon further questioning, Manthan admitted to meeting Vedant at the paan shop and consuming soft drinks together. Suspicion intensified, and during police interrogation, Manthan eventually confessed to the act. According to police statements cited by PTI, Manthan claimed he only intended to make Vedant ill as a form of punishment and did not foresee the poisoning proving fatal. When Vedant’s condition worsened, Manthan allegedly panicked. In a bid to divert attention and mislead the authorities, he is said to have penned a fake ransom note and placed it on a vehicle belonging to Vedant’s father, attempting to frame the incident as a case of kidnapping or extortion. (With inputs from PTI)
15 April,2025 05:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaADVERTISEMENT