A whopping 10 to 12 lakh plus people have travelled to Konkan by public and private transport for the Ganapati festival this year as the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and Railways organised the highest number of buses and trains this year. The ten lakh figure is just a rough estimate as there is no official documentation of how many passengers travel in general coaches, in private buses and the numbers could be higher. “We overcame the difficulties including the strike by the employees, traffic jams and delays in this transport for the special services which was run from September 3 to 8. The ST administration has broken all the records of the last many years on the basis of proper planning and has safely transported more than two and a half lakh passengers through 5,000 buses this year. The state transport buses have departed from Mumbai, Thane and Palghar areas for their hometowns in Konkan. For this, more than 10,000 drivers-conductors, mechanical staff, guided by supervisors and officers from various depots across the state bravely faced various difficulties and carried out such a large number of passengers safely, barring minor accidents,” said Dr Madhav Kusekar, vice-president and managing director of the corporation. "The railways are operating 320 additional trains this year till the end of the festival. Between September 3 and September 9 approximately 4.5 to 5 lakh passengers have been ferried from CR trains with 2.5 lakh in reserved classes, another 50,000-70,000 from non-CR trains and about 2 lakh unreserved passengers, taking the total to around 5 lakh in a single direction,” an official said. “A train comprises eighteen coaches. In addition to these special trains, there are about 52 regular trains passing Konkan. A modest estimate takes us to the figure of over 5 lakh passengers. People start going to Konkan by the end of July itself from all parts of the country,” another official said. “As per a rough estimate of tourist buses, about 1,600 to 1,800 buses have been operated from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) this year,” as per a member of Mumbai Bus Malak Sangathan (MBMS). Private bus operators deployed 30-35 per cent more buses to Konkan after a request from the state government due to the MSRTC strike. This is in addition to the personal vehicles and private buses booked by people and community groups since the beginning of the festival,” an official said. 320Additional trains deployed for the Ganesh festival
15 September,2026 01:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMumbai-based Aakaar Medical Technologies Ltd., a company listed on the NSE Emerge platform is a leading provider of technologies and solutions for cosmetic dermatology and medical aesthetics, today announced the launch of XELIX, a first-of-its-kind national platform that connects patients with qualified dermatologists and aesthetic experts across India. Developed to improve access to safe, ethical and evidence-based dermatology and aesthetic care, XELIX enables patients to discover, verify with qualified specialists through a curated network of dermatologist-led clinics across the country. The platform was unveiled at the FAHA Dermatology Conference in the presence of leading dermatologists and aesthetic medicine specialists, including Dr. Jerryl Banait, Dr. Syed Nazim, Dr. V S Rathore and dr. Vijay Nagdev. India has witnessed a sharp rise in demand for treatments for acne, pigmentation, hair loss, anti-ageing and cosmetic concerns etc., patients are increasingly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of online information, influencer recommendations and unverified clinics. While social media has made aesthetic treatments more visible than ever before, it has also made it difficult for patients to distinguish between qualified dermatologists and untrained practitioners. Medical associations across India have repeatedly cautioned against cosmetic procedures being performed by unqualified individuals due to the risk of burns, scarring, infections and permanent skin damage. Recognising the growing need for greater transparency in dermatology and aesthetic care, XELIX brings together a curated network of verified, dermatologist-led clinics that follow standardized, evidence-based treatment protocols. The platform includes specialists in dermatology, trichology, plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine, enabling patients to access qualified experts for a wide range of skin, hair and cosmetic concerns. Each clinic within the network is supported by advanced diagnostic technologies and follows established clinical practices to ensure consistent standards of care.Through the platform, patients can search for certified specialists based on their city or treatment requirement, review doctor profiles and book appointments with the nearest XELIX-associated clinic through a seamless digital interface. Covering conditions such as acne, pigmentation, hair loss, skin rejuvenation and anti-ageing etc, XELIX is designed to simplify the patient journey while helping individuals make informed healthcare decisions. Every consultation begins with a detailed clinical evaluation, with treatment recommendations based on medical evidence and individual patient needs rather than trends or promotional claims.Dr. Vijay Nagdev, MD, Dermatologist said, “Aesthetic treatments are medical procedures and should always be performed by qualified and trained doctors. Choosing an unqualified provider can increase the risk of infections, scarring, skin damage, poor results, and other health complications. Through its trusted network of verified dermatologists and aesthetic specialists, XELIX helps patients find the right experts for safe, evidence-based, and ethical care, while promoting high standards of treatment and patient safety.” Dr. V. S Rathore (Master of Surgery degree in general surgery and M.Ch. in plastic surgery)The rapid growth of aesthetic medicine has created tremendous opportunities for patients, but it has also made choosing the right healthcare provider increasingly challenging. Today, patients are often influenced by social media, online promotions, and marketing claims, making it difficult to identify qualified medical experts for their skin, hair, and aesthetic concerns. XELIX has been created to bridge this gap by connecting patients with qualified, certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic physicians. Our vision is to make it easier for every patient to identify the right specialist for their hair, skin, and aesthetic concerns while ensuring access to evidence-based treatments, standardized clinical protocols, and the highest standards of patient care. XELIX is not just a platform—it is a commitment to restoring trust, transparency, and clinical excellence in aesthetic healthcare." Making Expert Care Accessible, through the XELIX platform, patients can: Connect with trained and certified aesthetic specialists across multiple cities. Locate the nearest trusted XELIX clinic in just a few clicks. Access comprehensive solutions for hair, skin, body, and aesthetic treatments. Make informed decisions through verified doctor profiles and clinical expertise. Connect with the right specialist through a smooth and efficient appointment process. Receive consistent, doctor-led, evidence-based care through standardized treatment protocols across every XELIX clinic. Supporting India’s dermatology community, beyond improving patient access, Dr. Rahul Sawakhande, CEO & Director of Aakaar Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd, said “XELIX Clinic has been developed as a collaborative ecosystem for dermatologists and aesthetic physicians. Doctors associated with the network benefit from standardized clinical protocols, access to advanced diagnostic technologies, training & knowledge sharing, continuous professional collaboration and increased digital visibility through a trusted national brand. The platform enables specialists to focus on delivering high-quality patient care while becoming part of a larger network committed to clinical excellence and ethical dermatology practice. As aesthetic medicine continues to grow rapidly in India, industry experts believe trusted medical platforms will play an increasingly important role in protecting patient safety while raising standards across the specialty. Reports of medical misinformation and influencer-driven treatment decisions continue to concern healthcare professionals, reinforcing the need for patients to verify qualifications before undergoing dermatological or cosmetic procedures. With the launch of XELIX, patients across India now have a trusted destination where medical expertise, advanced technology and standardized care converge, making it easier than ever to identify qualified dermatologists and access safe, personalized treatment closer to home. About : XELIX – India’s First Standardized Aesthetic PlatformXELIX connects people with trusted and qualified dermatologists from across India. Our platform makes it easier to find the right skin, hair, and aesthetic expert for safe, scientifically backed, and high-quality treatments. We focus on helping patients make informed choices and receive care from experienced specialists they can trust.
24 July,2026 04:20 PM IST | MumbaiThe first-ever election to choose hawkers' representatives in the Town Vending Committee (TVC) elections was going on smoothly on Thursday across 67 voting booths in Mumbai, officials said. In the TVC polls, around 32,415 licensed hawkers will cast their votes by 5 pm on Thursday, they said, adding that the results will be declared only after the Supreme Court's permission. The TVC polls are important as it is responsible for the allotment of licenses to hawkers, pitches, and overall regulation in the city, the officials said. The structure of the TVC consists of one central town vending committee and seven zonal committees. Each committee comprises 20 members, with 12 being nominated and eight being representatives of hawkers. These hawker representatives will be elected by the hawkers through the election process. Long queues for hawkers' elections at D.N. Nagar School in Andheri West #Andheri #MumbaiNews #Election2024 #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/Wni7UEzSfx — Mid Day (@mid_day) August 29, 2024 There was only one nomination for each of the 17 seats, hence these 17 candidates are elected unopposed, an official said. "The voters were to select around 13 to 15 names from more than 65 candidates, and that is taking time to vote," said an official appointed to oversee the elections. A total of 237 candidates are in the running. Of these, 190 are male and 47 are female. The election result were scheduled to be declared on the same day after the counting of votes but in a petition filed by Maharashtra Ekta Hawkers Union that the election in Supreme Court on Wednesday stated that the scheduled elections shall be held on August 29, however the result of the election shall not be declared after the order of the the apex court. Zone wise voters numbers 7,686 - zone 1 5,303 - zone 2 4,668 - zone 3 7,501 - zone 4 2,160 - zone 5 3,033 - zone 6 2,064 - zone 7 ……………….---- Total: 32 415
04 June,2026 04:37 PM IST | MumbaikrLorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since 1966, when designers at Letraset and James Mosley, the librarian at St Bride Printing Library, took a 1914 Cicero translation and scrambled it to make dummy text for Letraset's Body Type sheets. It has survived not only many decades, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised thanks to these sheets and more recently with desktop publishing software including versions of Lorem Ipsum.rnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnrnVikram Kene
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27 April,2026 03:02 PM IST | Pune | Sonali Velinker KamatFarmers, police personnel, and sanitation workers performed 'aarti' at Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde's official residence Varsha in Mumbai on Monday amid the Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities. Member of Parliament (MP) and CM Shinde's son Shrikant and former lawmaker Rahul Shewale were also present on the occasion. In the morning, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other dignitaries visited Varsha Niwas and paid obeisance to Lord Ganpati on the occasion of Ganeshotsav 2024. Some farmers from Lohara in Hingoli district had come to meet the chief minister. In the afternoon, they performed the aarti of Lord Ganpati was performed. Houses and farms of farmers have been completely washed away in the heavy rains in Hingoli district. In this regard, Farmers Balaji Adalkar, Sakharam Bodke and Umesh Chavan had come to meet the Chief Minister in this regard. After the 'aarti', Dr Shinde met the farmers and consoled them. The police personnel and sanitation workers were also present on the occasion. Later, they too performed the 'aarti' before the Ganpati idol. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited CM Shinde's official residence 'Varsha' in Mumbai on Monday to take 'darshan' of Lord Ganesha amid the Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities. CM"s daughter-in-law Vrushali welcomed the Home Minister at Varsha for the Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities. Home Minister Amit Shah performed the 'aarti' of Lord Ganesha. CM Shinde's son and Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Shrikant felicitated Union Minister Amit Shah with a shawl and a coconut. He was also gifted a copy of the book 'Shasan Aplya Dari' and an idol of Lord Ganpati. State Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, Ministers Deepak Kesarkar and Mangal Prabhat Lodha, former Union Minister of State Raosaheb Danve, legislator Chandrasekhar Bawankule and other dignitaries were also present at Varsha for the Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut voiced strong objections over the arrival of the Union Home Minister and other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officials in Mumbai. Shah is on a two-day visit on Monday. Raut's comments were directed at BJP and its leadership, accusing them of undermining Mumbai's identity and interests, reported news agency ANI. "We do fear that these BJP leaders will continue to undermine Mumbai politically as well as financially. There has been a constant attempt to shift good things, such as organisations and institutions, from Mumbai to Gujarat. The International Financial Services Centre, which was supposed to be in Mumbai, has been shifted to Gujarat," he said. "We are against such policies of these BJP leaders," the Sena (UBT) lawmaker said on Monday.
17 December,2025 05:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe ruling Shiv Sena on Thursday announced the candidature of Shivaji Shendge for the Maharashtra legislative council polls from the Mumbai Teachers' constituency, reported PTI. The rival Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Jagannath Abhyankar from the seat while the BJP's nominee is Shivnath Darade. Sanjay More, secretary of the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, said the decision to field Shendge was taken after consulting the allies. Shendge had contested from the same seat in 2018 and was a runner-up, he said. The elections will be held on June 26. Maharashtra MLC Elections 2024: Ajit Pawar-led NCP to contest from Mumbai Teachers constituency Shivajirao Nalawade has been fielded to contest from the Mumbai teachers Constituency by the Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar for the next month's biennial elections to the Maharashtra Legislative Council, reported PTI on Tuesday. Elections to three constituencies -- Mumbai Teachers, Konkan Graduates and Nashik Teachers -- will be held on June 26. The term of the sitting members is set to end on July 7. The last date for filing nominations is June 7 The Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced the candidature of Anil Parab from Mumbai Graduates and that of J M Abhyankar from Mumbai Teachers seats. The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has announced Abhijit Panse as its candidate from Konkan Graduates constituency. Maharashtra MLC Elections 2024: Voting for four seats to be held on June 26, results on July 1 Elections to the four seats of Maharashtra legislative council (MLC) will be held on June 26, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Friday, as per a report by PTI. The counting of votes will take place on July 1, the ECI said in a release. The tenure of the sitting members of the Mumbai, Konkan and Nashik teachers and graduates constituencies will end on July 7. As per the release, June 7 will be the last date for filing nominations, while scrutiny will take place on June 10, and the last date for withdrawal is June 12. Of the seats going to polls, Mumbai teachers' and Mumbai graduates' constituencies are currently represented by Kapil Patil (Lok Bharati) and Vilas Potnis (Shiv Sena (UBT)). Konkan division graduates' constituency is represented by the BJP's Niranjan Davkhare, while Nashik division teachers' constituency is represented by Kishore Darade. The ECI had earlier planned the elections for June 10.
09 December,2025 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA case has been registered against NCP-SCP leader Jitendra Awhad for allegedly misleading people by spreading false information about the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and help to farmers, reported news agency ANI. A case has been registered at Sambhajinagar MIDC Waluj Police Station under Section 353(2) of BNS for allegedly defaming the government by spreading wrong information, reported ANI. Allegedly, Jitendra Awad had wrongly referred to a GR of the government and alleged that the government has now stopped giving help to the families of suicide victims, reported ANI. The Maharashtra government launched the Ladki Bahin Yojana on August 17 to provide financial assistance to women and make them more independent and self-reliant. The scheme aims to empower women through financial assistance, providing Rs 1,500 per month to women aged 21-65 with an annual income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh, reported ANI. The flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme is only applicable to women who belong to financially disadvantaged families. As per the criteria, women from families with less than Rs 2.5 lakh household income per annum are eligible, reported ANI. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday also refuted reports that schemes for the families of farmers who died by suicide will be stopped and said that the government's various schemes will not be stopped because of the implementation of the much ambitious Ladki Bahin Yojana, reported ANI. Earlier, a week after launching the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' Maharashtra CM Shinde said that he felt satisfied after watching the happiness on the faces of the beneficiaries. "We stand strong with these Bahini. We want to make them self-reliant," said Maharashtra CM Shinde. The Maharashtra Chief Minister said that he spoke to some of the Bahini (sisters) and said they will use the money to educate their children, take medication and increase whatever little business they do, reported ANI. Cracks appear in Mahayuti as Sena objects to NCP 'dropping CM's name' from Ladki Bahin scheme ads Fissures have emerged in Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti over the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' with a Shiv Sena minister raising objection against ally NCP and its president Ajit Pawar for "omitting" Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's name from advertisements and promotional material of the scheme. Speaking to reporters on Friday, state Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai, who belongs to the Shiv Sena led by CM Shinde, expressed disappointment over the Deputy CM Pawar virtually "hijacking" the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, which offers a financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women in the state. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)
23 January,2025 06:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShivajirao Nalawade has been fielded to contest from the Mumbai teachers Constituency by the Nationalist Congress Party led by Ajit Pawar for the next month's biennial elections to the Maharashtra Legislative Council, reported PTI on Tuesday. Elections to three constituencies -- Mumbai Teachers, Konkan Graduates and Nashik Teachers -- will be held on June 26. The term of the sitting members is set to end on July 7. The last date for filing nominations is June 7 The Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced the candidature of Anil Parab from Mumbai Graduates and that of J M Abhyankar from Mumbai Teachers seats. The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has announced Abhijit Panse as its candidate from Konkan Graduates constituency. Maharashtra MLC Elections 2024: Voting for four seats to be held on June 26, results on July 1 Elections to the four seats of Maharashtra legislative council (MLC) will be held on June 26, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Friday, as per a report by PTI. The counting of votes will take place on July 1, the ECI said in a release. The tenure of the sitting members of the Mumbai, Konkan and Nashik teachers and graduates constituencies will end on July 7. As per the release, June 7 will be the last date for filing nominations, while scrutiny will take place on June 10, and the last date for withdrawal is June 12. Of the seats going to polls, Mumbai teachers' and Mumbai graduates' constituencies are currently represented by Kapil Patil (Lok Bharati) and Vilas Potnis (Shiv Sena (UBT)). Konkan division graduates' constituency is represented by the BJP's Niranjan Davkhare, while Nashik division teachers' constituency is represented by Kishore Darade. The ECI had earlier planned the elections for June 10. The poll panel changed its decision after receiving a representation from teachers requesting it to hold elections after summer vacations are over. The Maharashtra legislative council is a 78-member house.
03 December,2024 04:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentReferring to the reaction of the people over the Badlapur incident, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SCP) supremo Sharad Pawar said that there is "uneasiness" among the people for a political change in Maharashtra, reported news agency ANI. The voting for 288 assembly constituencies will be held later this year. Speaking at a press conference at the party's regional office in Mumbai, Sharad Pawar said, "Maharashtra Assembly elections are ahead. Meetings are being held. People of Maharashtra want change," reported ANI. Pawar's comments come in the wake of a protest in Badlapur, Thane district, following an alleged sexual assault on two minor girls, which he cited as a clear indicator of the current political situation. "How strong is the reaction of the people when a serious incident happens? An example of this was seen yesterday in Badlapur. This means that there is a lot of uneasiness among the people," Pawar outlined, reported ANI. "I saw an example yesterday of how people react strongly. People want change, and we want to change the state," he said, reported ANI. The sexual assault incident has created massive outrage among the people in Badlapur. On August 17, police arrested a school attendant for alleged assault. On August 16, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule of elections in Haryana and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir that will be held from September 18 to October 1 while the schedule for Maharashtra Assembly elections is yet to be announced. During the press conference, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said that the high demand for security forces in Jammu and Kashmir is the primary reason for not holding Maharashtra Assembly elections. Earlier, the Central government accorded 'Z+' category Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) armed security cover to Sharad Pawar. Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the order to the CRPF considering a recent threat analysis report shared with the ministry by the intelligence bureau. The CRPF personnel will soon provide its elite 'Z+' VIP security cover to the 83-year-old politician round the clock at his residence and during his travel across India. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) Chief Sharad Pawar has sided with the candidates agitating in Pune demanding postponement of the MPSC prelims exam, scheduled for August 25, warning that he would join the protest if the government doesn't clarify its stand, reported PTI. Many job-seekers, preparing for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) preliminary exam, have been protesting since Tuesday night demanding a different date as it clashes with a banking exam on the same day. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)
28 November,2024 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A fascinating political battle is unfolding in Thane’s Mumbra-Kalwa Assembly constituency, which is represented by Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Jitendra Awhad. The NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar has fielded Najeeb Mulla, a former corporator from Rabodi, as its candidate for the Vidhan Sabha election. Interestingly, Mulla was once close to Awhad, a trusted aide of NCP founder Sharad Pawar. The former’s strategy appears to be focused on gaining popularity among minorities, particularly Muslims, who constitute more than 50 per cent of the Mumbra-Kalwa electorate. By emphasising his Muslim identity, Mulla is trying to appeal to the community’s desire for representation. He is also stressing his links to the local community, having been a former municipal councillor. Three-time Mumbra-Kalwa MLA Jitendra Awhad and Bigg Boss winner Munawar Faruqui Around 10 corporators, including two from Congress and an independent corporator from Mumbra who were earlier supporting Awhad and NCP (SP) have switched over to Ajit’s faction. Reaching out Awhad, a three-time MLA, has been reaching out to the masses as the election draws near. When he celebrated his birthday on August 5 in Mumbra, locals showered him with petals while banners were put up across the city. A few months ago, he organised an event featuring Bigg Boss winner Munawar Faruqui. Prior to this, Mulla organised a cricket tournament where fast bowler Mohammed Shami was the chief guest. Mulla Speak Asked whether he was interested in contesting the Mumbra-Kalwa seat, Mulla said, “If the party gives me a chance, why not? Mumbra is one seat where 50 per cent of the population belongs to a minority community and we demand rights for it. If leaders are picked based on vote banks, why shouldn’t ours get a leader of its own.” Cricketer Mohammed Shami with former corporator and aspiring legislator Najeeb Mulla Mulla, who has been holding numerous events from Iftar parties to hotel openings, had recently opened an NCP office in Mumbra. “I have been active in Mumbra since 2002. I have fought for a school and cemetery and also raised many local issues in the Thane Municipal Corporation. I have been in touch with the masses,” he added. Asked about his thoughts on Awhad, he said, “He is just trying to gain sympathy. We just want a minority candidate from Mumbra-Kalwa. Ajitdada had assured us of this. In the past, Awhad played the Hindu-Muslim card and kept the people divided to rule the city. This time, the public will not succumb to his tactics and will choose a better candidate,” said Mulla, stating not only Muslims in Mumbra but also Hindus in Kalwa were supporting him. Political calculus During the Lok Sabha election, around 1.22 lakh votes were polled from Mumbra itself out of which 1.02 lakh votes were for the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi candidate. Hence, being a BJP ally could work against Mulla. Also, defeating Awhad will not prove an easy task for the Ajit faction as the MLA takes a keen interest in public issues and keeps in touch with the masses. The NCP (SP) MLA didn’t respond to mid-day’s calls and messages by press time.
28 October,2024 04:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Faisal TandelADVERTISEMENT
