The operation to capture the tiger that travelled from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal to Solapur has commenced. The team is attempting to track the tiger on foot since it has not been detected on camera traps for over a week, and there have been no recent reports of cattle kills. A forest department official involved in the operation said, “More than 20 camera traps have been installed in the area of its last sighting. However, there have been no images of the tiger for a week, suggesting it might have moved. The Rapid Response Team (RRT) and forest staff are currently searching for indirect evidence, such as pugmarks, to determine its current location.” Officials confirmed that the tiger was last spotted at Yedshi Ramling Ghat Sanctuary in Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad) and noted no recent instances of cattle kills in the vicinity. The department has enlisted Dr Khobragade, who has extensive experience in wildlife rescue and conflict management. He has successfully conducted operations involving tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and elephants, particularly in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region and neighbouring states. Dr Khobragade said, “Our RRT, along with the local forest staff, has begun efforts to safely capture the tiger. We are focusing on locating its latest position, and once we have precise information, we will formulate a strategy to dart and relocate the animal.” The RRT from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve includes members such as Ajay C. Marathe (police constable and shooter), Vikas Tajne, Yogesh Lakde, Praful Wadghure, Gunanak Dhore, Dipesh Tumhare, Wasim Sheikh, and driver Amol Korpe, along with Akshay Dandekar. The operation is being monitored by Kushagra Pathak, deputy conservator of forest (Solapur), and B A Pol, deputy conservator of forest (Dharashiv), along with their respective teams. The young male tiger, believed to be a cub of tigress T22 from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and born in 2022, has travelled approximately 500 kilometres to Solapur in search of new territory. Researchers estimate the tiger is about 2.5 years old.
18 January,2025 06:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe new year has started on a grim note for wild tigers in India, with 13 reported deaths in the first 16 days of 2025. Maharashtra recorded the highest number at seven deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh. As per to www.tigernet.nic.in, the official database of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)—a state agency under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change—of the 13 deaths, nine occurred outside tiger reserves, while four were reported within. Madhya Pradesh recorded two deaths, while Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam each reported one tiger death. The exact causes are yet to be determined. Wildlife conservationist Kedar Gore from the Corbett Foundation explained that in states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, where tiger populations are high, some deaths due to natural causes are expected. However, he pointed out that at least four tiger deaths in Maharashtra were linked to poaching and human-wildlife conflict. Gore added, “Hopefully, the NTCA and respective forest departments will focus more on timely addressing the reasons leading to negative human-wildlife interactions. Timely release of funds, compensating local communities for human, property, and agricultural losses due to wildlife, and ensuring capacity building of frontline staff to improve vigilance against poaching are crucial. Most unnatural tiger deaths occur in buffer areas, wildlife corridors, and forest divisions adjacent to well-protected tiger reserves.” Sarosh Lodhi, co-founder of the wildlife group Conservation Lenses & Wildlife (CLaW) and a conservation photographer, said, “While authorities are considering introducing birth control measures for tigers, the focus should be on reducing the mortality rate and securing corridors to allow tigers to move freely.”
18 January,2025 06:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavManasi, a captive lioness at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), delivered a cub on Thursday night, an occurrence that was last witnessed fourteen years ago. Dr V Clement Ben, additional principal chief conservator forest, Western Wildlife Region, said, “Manasi gave birth to a healthy and active cub at 9.40 pm. The lioness began nursing the newborn at 2.45 am on Friday.” Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Sudhir Sonawale, Range Forest Officer Niket Shinde and SGNP Veterinary Officer Dr Vinaya Jangle are also keeping a close watch on the lioness and the cub. Dr Jangle told mid-day that a den had been specially made for the lioness so that it could deliver the cub safely. The big cats are being monitored around the clock via CCTV cameras. “Manasi is 4.4 years old. After a gap of 14 years, an Asiatic lion has been born at SGNP and we are even happier as the birth of the cub coincides with SGNP’s foundation day,” said Dr Jangle. SGNP Director G Mallikarjun told mid-day that if everything goes as planned, the national park, which was established in 1969, might get a pair of lions. In September 2022, the then Maharashtra Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar met with his Gujarat counterpart Jagdish Vishwakarma in Ahmedabad and discussed the exchange of two Asiatic lions from Sakkarbaug Zoological Park (SZP) in Junagadh for a pair of captive tigers from the SGNP. They decided to seek joint approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for the same. In October of that year, Ravindra, the oldest captive lion at SGNP died due to age-related disease and in the last week of the following month, a pair of captive breeding lions—Manas and Manasi— arrived at the national park from Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Junagadh, Gujarat. SGNP had approached the Telangana Forest Department for a pair of lions from Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad, in September 2020. However, there was no development, as the Telangana Forest Department wanted lions in exchange for lions. The captive lion safari was started in SGNP in 1975-76, and it has been an important tourist attraction, helping to generate revenue for the park. SGNP started a captive tiger and lion safari in the 1990s and it has been an important tourist attraction ever since. During the safari, visitors are ferried in mini-buses into an area that is fenced from all sides. Earlier, SGNP’s lions were born to Asian and African species rescued from circuses. As the CZA had forbidden mating between Asian and African lions in captivity, the population of the captive lions in the SGNP saw a decline. 4.4 yearsLioness’ age
18 January,2025 06:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAutorickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana turned out to be a saviour for Saif Ali Khan, rushing him to the hospital when no other driver was available. “I was passing by the building when I suddenly heard someone calling for an auto. A woman walked out of the gate in panic and asked for help. A few minutes later, Saif Ali Khan, along with a few others, came out and sat in my auto. He was wearing a white kurta and was covered in blood,” Rana told mid-day. “He was in pain and asked me to take him to Lilavati Hospital. Two other people, who I think were his sons, sat with him in the auto. Initially, they discussed going to Holy Family Hospital but decided on Lilavati. I took Hill Road and reached the hospital quickly. The hospital staff came out with a stretcher and took him inside,” he added. Rana further shared, “Within minutes, I rushed him to the emergency ward. I didn’t even take money from him. There was bleeding from his neck, hand, and back. After he got down, I cleaned the auto.”
18 January,2025 06:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanThe overall air quality of Mumbai on Friday remained in the moderate category though a slight increase was witnessed compared to the past few days. Malad, however, recorded a poor AQI of 201 in the morning, which rose to 203 by the evening. Experts blame the fluctuating weather and localised pollution. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the SAMEER app, Malad West (IITM) recorded an AQI of 180 (moderate) at 9 am on January 16. By Friday morning, it had risen to 201. Similarly, Borivli East saw its AQI go from 174 on Thursday to 189 on Friday while Byculla’s AQI increased from 160 to 188 over the same period. By evening, Mumbai's overall AQI was 144. Many other AQI monitoring stations in the city and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region also showed higher readings on Friday morning compared to recent days. A blanket of haze, which has settled over Mumbai and its outskirts for the past two to three days, has reduced visibility across several areas. Despite these hazy conditions, some monitoring stations recorded AQI values in the moderate or even satisfactory range in a few cases. The city’s haze is attributed to fluctuating weather, wide diurnal temperature ranges (the difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows), high humidity levels, cloud cover and localised pollution. A scientist from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) explained that low temperatures and low wind speeds together cause a drop in natural ventilation. In addition, Mumbai’s air currently has high moisture content, which causes aerosols to swell and remain trapped in the air, creating haze. Only an increase in wind speed would be helpful, the scientist said. Dr Sanjeev Mehta, a leading pulmonologist at Bandra’s Lilavati Hospital, noted, “Thick haze carries pollutants and dust that can be harmful to those with asthma or other respiratory issues. These pollutants can also trigger nasal congestion and affect the lungs. Since the nose and lungs form one continuous airway, the entire respiratory system is at risk.” IMD Director Sunil Kamble attributed the haze and low visibility to easterly winds and low wind speed, which keep dust particles and pollutants suspended in the air. Heat alert for weekend Meteorologists warn of warmer weather over the weekend. According to the IMD forecast, the minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be 23.99°C and 28.73°C, respectively. The relative humidity is at 57 per cent, with wind speeds of 57 kmph. Rajesh Kapadia, a climatologist from the private weather blog Vagaries of the Weather, has predicted that Mumbai and the Konkan region will see hotter days this weekend. “Hot easterly winds during the day will push maximum temperatures to around 34°C to 35°C, while nighttime temperatures will remain warmer than normal, around 20°C. Some places in the MMR could reach 36°C,” he said. Independent weather enthusiast Rushikesh Agre, known as Mumbai Rains on X, issued a heat alert, writing: “Mumbai to see a sharp rise of 7° in next 48 hours, 37°C on January 18 to January 19, 2024. Latest forecasts indicate a potential spike in maximum temperatures over Mumbai and adjoining Konkan regions. This is due to late sea breeze activity and thus will result in enhanced wind convergence in these areas. Areas in interior MMR will be 36+°C in noon hours. Advisable for Mumbaikars amid sharp weather fluctuations, take precautions. Stay hydrated (sic).”
18 January,2025 06:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghAlmost two days after the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, the Bandra police and the Mumbai Crime Branch were yet to apprehend the accused. Officials believe the suspect appears to be a professional thief, judging by his entry and escape from the actor’s Bandra West building, Satguru Sharan. Despite having photographs and CCTV footage, the police have not been able to identify or locate the accused. We have checked our records, but no one matching the suspect’s appearance has been found,” a senior Mumbai Police officer said. With digital evidence yielding no breakthroughs, the police are relying on human intelligence. Multiple dedicated teams are analysing CCTV footage to track the suspect’s route. The cops have learnt that he changed his clothes to evade the police. The police had received information about a person in South Mumbai resembling the accused and the individual was brought to the Bandra police station for questioning. “While the person bore a 99 per cent resemblance to the suspect, a thorough interrogation and review of records revealed he was not the same person, as he was elsewhere at the time of the incident. The person was later released,” a source said. Forensic clues The forensic team that examined Saif’s house recovered multiple fingerprints belonging to the accused. These were checked against police records, but no matches were found. “The manhunt is in full swing. Around 40 teams from the Crime Branch and Bandra police are working on the case. We are also sharing the fingerprints with other state police departments to check if the individual appears in their records,” an officer said. Insights from CCTV footage The police suspect the accused avoided using a mobile phone, as no suspicious activity was found in the tower dump data analysed. CCTV footage from Saif’s building staircase shows the suspect entering at 1.37 am with his face covered and leaving at 2.33 am with his face uncovered. This footage remains the most significant clue the police have so far. Sources revealed that the accused was spotted by a CCTV camera near Link Road in Bandra on the morning of the attack. “Human intelligence has been activated, and we are following up on leads based on the suspect’s appearance in CCTV footage. Several people are being questioned, but the accused seems to be a professional who managed to avoid being captured clearly by most cameras,” an officer said.
18 January,2025 06:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan | Samiullah KhanOne of the key concerns of the 20th edition of the Mumbai Marathon to be run on Sunday is the pollution. A lot of social media chatter is about our smog-covered roads and how it will affect athletes on race day. A senior BMC official said at least six mist blower vehicles will be deployed along the route. The vehicles will be deployed through the marathon (42 km) route in six wards: ward A, C, D, G (South), G (North), and H (West),” the official said. This is roughly the area from Santacruz to the tip of South Mumbai. Mist blower vehicles deployed to combat smog Mist blower vehicles are used to control pollution by spraying a fine mist of water or other liquids to remove pollutants from the air. The BMC has used these earlier too, on some occasions to combat dust pollution in the city. This should come as some relief to runners whose practice sessions are a cocktail of sweat and smog, as significant pollution means runners are stating, “We get winded faster.” Athlete Bhagirathi (known only by her first name) and her coach, Sunil Sharma, have been reeling under the smog and haze of Mumbai. Sharma, a runner and coach hailing from the Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh, said, “We are training amidst humidity and intense pollution here. It is difficult to run and breathe. I wonder how people survive here. Bhagirathi, who has a stupendous 2.55 hrs time in the full marathon, will be competing this Sunday. She lives in Wan, which is in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. Besides the mint-fresh air, her home, which is the last village in India, is also at an elevation of 22,000 ft. That is great for runners, as the thin air means runners need to strive harder, and then running at lesser heights becomes easier. Now, over to Sunday, we go back with renewed appreciation for the fresh air of home, where Bhagirathi will put her best feet forward. Then we go back with renewed appreciation for the fresher air of home!” he laughed. South Mumbai’s Suresh Rathod started running the marathon in 2011 In a citizens' science initiative on Friday, NGO Awaaz Foundation, working in the space of combating air pollution, claimed it used a sensor-based monitor to record PM2.5 (particulate matter) at eight locations along the length of the Mumbai marathon route. The aim, said Awaaz spokespersons, “was to ascertain the health impact of air pollution on marathon participants, particularly those with pre-existing health concerns.” “PM 2.5 are the tiny particles in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter, easily inhaled by humans. Exposure to high concentrations of PM 2.5 is linked to respiratory disease,” it said. The carrot Vikas Kabra, a Nepean Sea Road resident who is running the full marathon distance (42.2 km), said, "Pollution is very significant, and we can feel it on practice runs. There is a definite difference, and I tire faster than before as the carbon dioxide enters the lungs. Uphill running in practice is more strenuous. This will be one more challenge for me and I am sure for other runners as well.” Finance professional Anand Kane from Mumbai, who is running a half marathon (21 km), said, “We let the city grow onto us, and now we find ourselves squirming for space when it comes to doing outdoor activities. As amateur runners, we depend heavily on the physical and environmental infrastructure the city affords us.” Kane explained that it was, “The carrot of development that keeps dangling ahead of us, keeping us going forward, where environmental pollutants, as in the mishandled outcomes of development, keep dragging us back on physical and often mental health too, as in many cases, both have a connection.” Distance cut South Mumbai’s Suresh Rathod started running the Mumbai Marathon in 2011 and ran the full marathon until 2019. He said, “This year I am running a 10 km run because of the climatic conditions. The smog actually interferes with the breathing pattern, and there is greater exhaustion.” Rathod added that he is, “Diabetic, so first of all, smoking and then sugar conditions will not be very appropriate for me to do a full marathon.” “I have been diabetic since 2008, and when I decided to do my first full marathon in 2011, I finished in 3.55 hrs. The reason was that the weather was good and there was good preparation for the full marathon. Now, running for long in smoggy conditions can decrease one’s ability to run at full capacity,” said Rathod, who has run around over 100 marathons, including full marathons, half marathons, ultrathons like a 50 km run, and breezy, easy-breathing 10 km runs.
18 January,2025 05:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharForty-eight hours after the brutal attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, numerous unanswered questions have surfaced regarding his building’s security system and the law and order situation in the city. Social media is abuzz with questions about how the attacker managed to infiltrate the high-profile residential building and why such a severe lapse in security had gone unnoticed. Mumbai police officers remain tight-lipped on the matter, with no substantial updates being shared, as the attacker is yet to be arrested. Actor Saif Ali Khan This silence is only fuelling further speculation and frustration among the public, who are eager for clarity on how the attack occurred and what measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Question 1 How did the attacker manage to sneak into the residential building Satguru Sharan, where actor Saif Ali Khan lives with his family? Were potential major security lapses not addressed by the housing society? If the building is supposed to have stringent security protocols, including access control systems, guards and surveillance cameras, a question arises as to how the attacker managed to bypass these measures without being noticed. The failure to prevent the attacker from entering the premises points to potential flaws in the building’s security arrangements. Were the security personnel negligent or improperly trained? Were the security systems—such as CCTV cameras or intercoms—malfunctioning or poorly monitored? In high-profile residential complexes, it is the responsibility of the housing society to ensure the safety of its residents, particularly those who may be at greater risk due to their public status. Media persons throng Bandra police station after the detention of a suspect in the case on Friday. Pic/Satej Shinde Question 2 Why did it take the members of Saif Ali Khan’s staff a long time to deal with the threat? It is concerning that those present at the scene were unable to act swiftly enough to prevent the situation from escalating. There could be several factors at play, such as a lack of proper training in handling emergencies, the element of surprise or perhaps confusion during the initial moments of the attack. Additionally, the absence of immediate security backup—whether from building guards or external police support—could have contributed to the delay. The attacker was given ample time to carry out his assault, which further questions the adequacy of security measures in place and the preparedness of those present in the building. This delay in action highlights a significant gap in the security protocols and response strategies, not just within the building but also in terms of how quickly help can be summoned during such emergencies. It’s crucial that both private and public security systems undergo thorough evaluations to ensure that such incidents are prevented or minimised in the future. Crime Branch officials at Satguru Sharan in the wake of the attack. Pic/Anurag Ahire Question 3 What were night patrolling teams of Mumbai Police doing when the attacker was attempting to enter Satguru Sharan? Patrolling teams are supposed to act as a deterrent to crime and be vigilant in monitoring areas with potential risks. The fact that the attacker was able to attempt entry into the building unmolested suggests a lapse in security and oversight. This brings into focus whether the patrolling teams were adequately covering the area or if there were issues with response times, coordination or the overall efficiency of law enforcement. Question 4 Mumbai police claim every corner of the city is closely monitored by an extensive network of CCTV cameras. However, after the attacker left Satguru Sharan, the absence of CCTV footage brings into question the efficacy of the city’s digital surveillance system. Is Mumbai really being monitored as closely as claimed, or is there a gap in the system that allowed such attacks to unfold without proper evidence being captured? Question 5 The detention of a person who resembled the accused in the attack on Saif Ali Khan raises concerns about the investigation process. It appears that the police may have acted hastily, perhaps in an attempt to quickly make progress in the case, by detaining someone based solely on a physical resemblance. This could reflect a rush to produce results rather than a more methodical, evidence-based approach. Detaining an innocent individual based on looks alone could lead to complications in the investigation and damage the credibility of the police. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when under pressure to solve high-profile cases quickly. Instead of relying on visual similarities, investigations must be driven by concrete evidence and proper procedures to ensure the right person is apprehended and justice is served. Why did the cops detain a lookalike? Asked these questions, a senior IPS officer said, “More than 20 teams are working on this case to arrest the accused. This case is our top priority at present to solve it.” Citizens want to know... 1 How did the attacker manage to sneak into the high-profile Satguru Sharan building? 2 Why did it take the members of Saif Ali Khan’s staff such a long time to deal with the threat? 3 What were the Mumbai police’s night patrolling teams doing when the attacker was attempting to enter the building? 4 Is Mumbai really being monitored as closely, as claimed, by CCTV cameras? 5 Why did the cops detain a lookalike in the case?
18 January,2025 05:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaPick your pace A man pushes his companion seated on a handcart through the traffic near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus while. Tourists in Juhu chase the thrill of high-speed jet skiing on a sunny afternoon. Pic/Satej Shinde Well played, Coldplay The British rock band will play sold-out shows in Mumbai on January 18, 19 and 21, followed by two shows in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26 British pop-rock band Coldplay has arrived in the city for its much awaited performance this weekend, and with the recent announcement of its Ahmedabad concert being live-streamed on an OTT platform, a flurry of reactions have poured out from the band’s fans. “I’ve been listening to Coldplay for eight years now, and have been a big fan of their music ever since. Chris Martin arrives in Mumbai. PICS COURTESY/INSTAGRAM I was actually looking forward to securing a ticket for their concert in India but couldn’t get one,” Abhishek Dhotre (below), photographer and a young fan of the band, told this diarist. In September last year, fans in India had to strain every nerve to secure a ticket for the band’s performance. “The experience was extremely sad because people managed to get lucky with their ticket bookings and then sold them for exorbitant mark-ups online. India has a newly emerging concert culture, and we are still adapting to having big bands come to our country, but this was unforeseen. The issue could have been handled well. It’s a tad bittersweet to be missing out on it,” Dhotre concluded. Ninety-one, and running Govind Bhatiya will participate in the 4.2-km run tomorrow Age is just a number for 91-year-old Sion resident Govind Bhatiya who is all set to chase an adrenaline rush at the Tata Mumbai Marathon tomorrow. Over a call, the nonagenarian who retired as an executive engineer with the BMC in 1993, revealed his simple fitness routine leading up to the 4.2-km run: “I rise with the sun, and meditate for an hour, followed by a one km walk to set the tone for the day. I keep a close watch on my diet. When I find the time, I listen to music and write some poetry. This routine has served me well for years. If you stick to a daily routine with discipline, things become easier.” Leading up to the annual marathon, Arun Nanda, founder of the Adhata Trust, the official partner for the senior citizens’ category of the run, revealed that nearly 1900 runners above the age of 60 years will join the marathon this year. “When people discuss wellness of senior citizens, it must include mental, social and physical health. Tomorrow, the city will be reminded that real strength lies in the mind,” Nanda shared. A tale of two skates A member of the Gwalior Sickness Centre in action There will be tricks galore at the Carter Road Skatepark this weekend, courtesy of our daring neighbours from Madhya Pradesh. The Giveaway Skate Jam will witness four skateboarders from the Gwalior Sickness Centre (GSC) skateboarding community go head to head with Mumbai’s skateboarders to win prizes and new gear. “A few skaters from Mumbai were in Chambal last year for a skating convention. We instantly bonded over the shared love for the sport. Heading to Mumbai is a full-circle moment in that sense,” said Angad Singh, founder, GSC. Found in translation Amin Sheikh (in black) interacts with students in Rome Amin Sheikh’s ongoing journey with his café Bombay to Barcelona in Marol has made a pit-stop in Italy. The founder of the popular café run by underprivileged children visited the American Overseas School in Rome on Thursday to unveil an Italian translation of his book, Life is Life. “The book was translated by Italian professor Damiano Basile, whose mother happened to visit our café years ago. This was a pleasant surprise, especially since it is my first visit to Rome,” Sheikh told us. Sheikh now looks forward to upcoming talks in Germany and Spain. Sharing voices A moment from the podcast Stepping young into the content creation business, Andheri-based 21-year-old content creator Jason Menezes recently featured Australian musician and priest, Fr Rob Galea in his podcast, The Jason Show. “I love talking to people and picking their brains. Every guest has a different perspective and I’m glad to be able to share that with the world. This year, I plan on shooting 20 to 25 episodes with people spread across the public speaking industry,” Menezes shared with this diarist.
18 January,2025 05:16 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 January 18. Aries March 21 – April 20‘A soft answer turneth away wrath’ is apt today; so be calm not matter how annoyed you feel. Cosmic tip: Don’t let it worry you if people feel you are withholding information (you’re not). Taurus April 21 – May 20Though there’s so much work to complete, but console yourself of being aptly recompensed for it. Health is good. Cosmic tip: Look on a new opportunity as a means to rectify what was incorrect. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Not discussing financial situation with someone is fine since it doesn’t concern anyone else but you. Cosmic tip: Act forcefully on beliefs, keeping language soft and within acceptable limits. Cancer June 22 – July 23Attract a positive karmic cycle by wishing the best for someone. Have a healthy diet. Keep blood pressure under control.Cosmic tip: Don’t use a bluntly speaking manner when discussing an issue. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A budget has been decided for a project, so do stay within limits (though your ideas are really excellent). Cosmic tip: Maintain an open mind, but make sure you have the final word. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Positive changes draw in a newer and happier life. Updating present day skills in whatever manner is suitable is revealed. Do get enough sleep and rest every night.Cosmic tip: Keep an attitude of gratitude. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Compassion and understanding help sort out a relationship issue. Hire extra help or delegate work to get it all done in time. Cosmic tip: Use advantages very cautiously. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Business travel is something you actually look forward to. Make the most of any training or workshops the company fixes up.Cosmic tip: Be prepared for business clients making heavy demands on your time. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22An unconsidered idea can be kept in cold storage for now, using it when the time is right.Cosmic tip: Have unconditional trust in the Higher Power for even more blessings being showered on you. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Balance out past karma to draw in a positive karmic cycle that creates abundantly satisfying situations in every aspect of life.Cosmic tip: Give up a habit you know is so time consuming. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Investing in safe schemes has always been a priority, instead of something that brings huge interest and down the line is a scam.Cosmic tip: Make the right decisions to move up the spiritual path. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Singles make new friends. A legal action should be nipped in the bud by discussing relevant issues. Helping out junior employees is being very caring. Cosmic tip: Be diplomatic and tactful.
18 January,2025 03:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseThe Maharashtra State Transport (ST) Corporation will acquire 5,000 self-owned red buses every year as part of a comprehensive five-year plan, announced Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday. The move is aimed at modernising the State Transport corporation’s fleet while ending the practice of leasing buses. The decision was made during a review meeting held at the office of the Transport Commissioner under Sarnaik's chairmanship. The meeting was attended by ST Corporation’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Madhav Kusekar, along with other senior officials. Minister Sarnaik emphasised the need for a phased approach to bus replacement in an official statement, ensuring that buses due for scrapping over the next five years are considered in the procurement plan. He directed officials to draft a detailed five-year roadmap, including the prioritisation of setting up charging stations at all depots for the integration of electric buses into the fleet. To bolster the corporation’s finances, Sarnaik proposed introducing supplementary revenue-generating schemes, including a new advertising policy. The policy will enable digital advertisements on all three sides of the new buses, with a target to generate Rs 100 crore in revenue. The Minister also highlighted the importance of pursuing toll waivers for ST buses on national highways with the central government and called for a reduction in VAT on diesel from the state government. Sarnaik stressed the importance of timely salary disbursements, directing that all payments must be made by the 7th of each month without delays. He suggested preparing proposals to secure advance funds from the government to avoid financial bottlenecks. ST Corporation’s depots, which already house diesel pumps, were identified as a potential revenue stream. Sarnaik recommended commercialising these pumps by entering agreements with fuel companies to maximise their utility and profitability. The Transport Minister reiterated the need for a focused approach to modernise the fleet, enhance operational efficiency, and increase revenue streams. He assured that these measures would improve the overall functioning and service quality of the ST Corporation, benefiting commuters across Maharashtra. This ambitious five-year plan aims to strengthen the public transport system, reduce dependency on leased buses, and optimize resource utilisation.
17 January,2025 10:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
