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Horoscope today, April 25: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs
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 25. Aries March 21 – April 20Walking the path chosen is the best one you could think of; this decision proves to be right. Business travel resumes now.Cosmic tip: Appreciate diminishing problems as life turns for the better. Taurus April 21 – May 20A family issue has almost been resolved with just one or two points to consider.Cosmic tip: Stay away from getting involved in differences of opinion as both are right in what is being thought. GeminiMay 21 – June 21A busy day, but you complete all of it, including pending work. Cosmic tip: Have faith in the Higher Power/ the universe that has stepped in with some good ideas evolving in your mind. Cancer June 22 – July 23Staying away from non-traditional investments is best (as you’ve always done). Some sign a new project. Stay with a nutritious diet plan, exercising as advised.Cosmic tip: Keep decisions practical and to the point. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A state of higher consciousness and everyday awareness begins a positive time now. Cosmic tip: Polish skills related to the job, as this helps when work is being evaluated for a raise in salary. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Work keeps your nose to the grindstone for the day, but you love times like this to increase efficiency. Maintain a healthy diet.Cosmic tip: Make time to speak to a friend who calls. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22The period for movable and immovable assets has begun and there could also be a temporary transfer. Exchanging ideas with two people bring clarity very quickly.Cosmic tip: Correct some mistakes made with awareness. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Singles may meet someone with whom there’s an instant connection and positive vibes. Self-employed Scorpios may decide on hiring two more staff very soon.Cosmic tip: Remain focused on career which is looking up. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22A steady growth and an upward movement in career depends on how you handle external elements and work related issues. Your father shares excellent ideas. Cosmic tip: Read spiritual literature to maintain equanimity. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A new enterprise sounds great on paper, but talk about practicalities of it, chipping, changing and fine-tuning it. Decide on what lifestyle changes you can adopt.Cosmic tip: Take time off for a family celebration. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Some minor changes at work/ business require a weighing out of different options, ones not considered before. Cosmic tip: Remember a great day at work, could be the worst day for someone else. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Self-employed Pisceans may choose to upgrade working space. Notice someone else’s experiences widen perspectives. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Let go of residual anger now that much water has flowed under the bridge.
25 April,2025 02:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley Bose
Navi Mumbai airport will be country's first to have water taxi facilities: CM
The Navi Mumbai Airport in Maharashtra will be the first one in the country to have water taxi facilities, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday, reported the PTI. Speaking at a review meeting of state-run planning authority CIDCO, CM Fadnavis said "multi-modal transport connectivity" must be established at Navi Mumbai International Airport. "Water taxi facility should be provided to this airport. This will be the first international airport in the country to have such a facility. Good parking facilities should be available along with aircraft repair facilities. Road, rail, metro and water transport connectivity works to the airport should be completed on time," CM Fadnavis said, according to the PTI. "A multi-modal transport system should be created from the metro station to the airport. Care should be taken to ensure citizens do not face any inconvenience in this regard. The work being carried out through CIDCO should be completed within the prescribed time limit," he added, the news agency reported. The CM also emphasised that those working in the field of housing and housing construction should be of high quality. "A time limit should also be set in this regard. CIDCO should take the initiative and take action to provide houses to citizens at affordable prices," he said. CIDCO officials hold high-level meeting ahead of Navi Mumbai Airport inauguration Meanwhile, last week, the CIDCO officials recently held a high-level meeting to discuss timely completion of works at Navi Mumbai Airport ahead of its inauguration, officials said. An official statement said that Vijay Singhal, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of CIDCO, conducted a high-level review meeting on April 17 to assess the progress of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and the focus was on ensuring the airport is ready for its inauguration and commercial operations without delay. It said that since the Airport Information Publication (AIP) for NMIA has been published and DGCA inspections are ongoing for issue of aerodrome license, the review was specifically focused on completing the airside, landside and terminal building in all respects in preparation for inauguration and commercial operations of the Airport, to understand any challenges and to mitigate any delay in achieving the targets. It further stated that the NMIAL confirmed that airside works are 100 per cent complete and the processes for obtaining Aerodrome License from DGCA & Security Clearance from BCAS are progressing well and no challenges are foreseen on that front. Operation Readiness and Transfer (ORAT) testing is also regularly going on for ensuring seamless operations. Singhal also reviewed preparation for connectivity to provide the landside access to the airport and directed all concerned to ensure readiness of the same well before the proposed inauguration date. The Navi Mumbai International Airport, with a planned capacity of 90 Million passengers and 3.2 million tonnes of cargo per annum, is set to commence Phase 1 operations with a capacity of 20 Million passengers and 0.8 million tonnes of cargo per annum. In the current phase, the airport will have a runway with double parallel taxiways and one Terminal (T1), cargo terminals and several other supporting infrastructure. (with PTI inputs)
24 April,2025 09:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai: WR to operate major block this weekend, check details
Western Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Thursday said that it will operate a major block on Sunday and Monday due to which several trains will be cancelled. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that it will carry out the re-girdering work of Bridge No. 61 between Kandivali and Borivali stations for which a major block of 35 hours from 13:00 hrs of April 26, 2025 (Saturday) to 00:00 hrs of April 27th/28th, 2025 (Sunday/Monday) will be undertaken on the 5th line, the Carshed line and Kandivali Traffic Yard line. According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, during the block period, the suburban services and Mail/ Express trains running on the 5th line will be run on Fast lines. It said that a few Mail/ Express trains will be affected while some suburban services will remain cancelled. On Saturday, i.e 26th April, 2025 around 73 suburban services will remain cancelled while on Sunday, 27th April, 2025 around 90 suburban services will remain cancelled. Repercussions on Mail / Express Trains are as under: - - Train No. 19418 Ahmedabad – Borivali Express of 25th & 26th April, 2025 will be short terminated at Vasai Road and remain partially cancelled between Vasai Road and Borivali. - Train No. 19417 Borivali - Ahmedabad Express of 27th April, 2025 will short originate from Vasai Road and remain partially cancelled between Vasai Road and Borivali. - Train No. 19425 Borivali – Nandurbar Express of 26th & 27th April, 2025 will short originate from Bhayander and remain partially cancelled between Bhayander and Borivali. - Train No. 19426 Nandurbar – Borivali Express of 26th April, 2025 will be short terminated at Vasai Road and remain partially cancelled between Vasai Road and Borivali. Meanwhile, in an another statement, Western Railway said that for the convenience of passengers and with a view to meet the travel demand especially during the summer season, Western Railway has extended the trips of 4 pairs of special trains on special fare. The details of the trains are as under: - Train No. 09001/09002 Mumbai Central – Khatipura Superfast (Tri-Weekly) Special Train No. 09001 Mumbai Central – Khatipura Special has been extended up to 26th May, 2025. Similarly, Train No. 09002 Khatipura – Mumbai Central Special has been extended up to 27th May, 2025. - Train No. 09003/09004 Mumbai Central – Delhi Superfast (Bi-Weekly) Special Train No. 09003 Mumbai Central – Delhi Special has been extended up to 27th June, 2025. Similarly, Train No. 09004 Delhi – Mumbai Central Special has been extended up to 28th June, 2025. - Train No. 09007/09008 Valsad – Khatipura (Weekly) Special Train No. 09007 Valsad – Khatipura Special has been extended up to 22nd May, 2025. Similarly, Train No. 09008 Khatipura – Valsad Special has been extended up to 23rd May, 2025. - Train No. 09425/09426 Sabarmati – Haridwar (Bi-Weekly) Special Train No. 09425 Sabarmati – Haridwar Special has been extended up to 29th June, 2025. Similarly, Train No. 09426 Haridwar – Sabarmati Special has been extended up to 30th June, 2025.
24 April,2025 09:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Civic commissioner Saurabh Rao inspects ongoing road repair works in Thane
Civic commissioner Saurabh Rao on Thursday conducted a comprehensive inspection of the ongoing road repair works across the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) area, along with the officials from TMC, Public Works Department, Metro authorities, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). He directed officials to ensure that the works currently underway on Ghodbunder Road are completed and the road opened to traffic by May 20. Rao also stated that any project unlikely to be completed before the monsoon should commence only after the rainy season. As part of the monsoon preparedness, Rao inspected the works at Eastern Express Highway, Kapurbawdi Junction, Ghodbunder Road, service roads, and Gaimukh Ghat on Thursday. Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, City Engineer Prashant Sonagra, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pankaj Shirsat, Metro Superintendent Engineer Abhijeet Disikar, and other officials were present with him. Rao mentioned that inspections of works on Ghodbunder Road are being conducted every four weeks to ensure preparedness for the monsoon. All the involved departments – TMC, PWD, Metro, MMRDA, MSEDCL, and the traffic police – are coordinating the works in a time-bound and monitored manner. The primary goal is to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow on Ghodbunder Road before the monsoon begins. He noted that the stretch from Cadbury Junction to Gaimukh had already been inspected a few days ago, and the works underway are progressing rapidly. These works include road concretisation, sewer-cleaning, laying of water pipelines, and replacement of sewage lines – all of which are to be completed by 20 May. The civic commissioner also directed the officials to remove unnecessary barricades, pipelines, debris, and other leftover materials from Metro works that have been completed. He also undertook inspections of the ongoing water pipeline works near the service road adjacent to Jupiter Hospital on the Eastern Express Highway, the Metro works at Kapurbawdi Junction, and both Metro and water pipeline projects from the petrol pump near CineWonder Mall to Nalpada Junction. Deep cleaning of culverts to begin To prevent waterlogging caused by drains and sewers during the monsoon, the civic body will undertake the deep cleaning of culverts. The executive engineer has been directed to monitor this work. As the old drainage lines are being replaced on Ghodbunder Road, care must be taken to ensure that the new lines are properly connected to the existing system to prevent blockages, the civic commissioner stated. Kasarvadavali-Bhayanderpada work to be completed by May 20 The ongoing flyover construction at Kasarvadavali and Bhayanderpada is progressing steadily. Once open, these flyovers are expected to significantly ease traffic flow. Civic commissioner Rao directed officials that all the remaining works on these flyovers be completed by 20 May. Additionally, he instructed that the MSEDCL utilities located next to the Kasarvadavali flyover be relocated swiftly. Gaimukh Ghat works to commence The patchwork at Gaimukh Ghat, including patching on the Majivada Bridge, is scheduled between April 25 and 28. The work will be undertaken to ensure prevention of potholes during the monsoon. Attention has also been paid to prevent traffic congestion at Gaimukh Ghat, as it directly impacts traffic along the entire Ghodbunder Road. The traffic department has made arrangements to undertake the work, and a special four-day traffic block will be implemented to complete it efficiently, Rao stated. Rao has appealed to citizens to cooperate with the authorities during the ongoing works and avoid driving on the wrong side.
24 April,2025 08:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai monsoon
Speed up flyover works in coordination with railways, says top civic official
Ahead of the Mumbai monsoon, top BMC officials on Thursday held a high-level and instructed the officials to speed up the ongoing Mumbai flyover works in coordination with railways. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects), Abhijit Bangar, instructed officials to speed up work on key flyover bridges across Mumbai by ensuring close coordination with the railway authorities. The directive was given during a joint review meeting involving representatives from the BMC, Mumbai Traffic Police, and the railways, an official statement said. The review meeting was mainly focused on three major flyovers—Sion, Bellasis, and Carnac—being constructed over railway tracks. These projects are considered crucial for easing traffic congestion in the city and ensuring smooth operations during Mumbai rains. The statement said that Bangar laid out strict deadlines stating that the work on the Bellasis Bridge shall be completed by November 30, 2025, Carnac Bridge by 10 June 2025, and Sion flyover world must be completed by May 31, 2026. He urged the departments to ensure that the projects are completed within these timeframes. The review meeting was also attended by Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare and Chief Engineer (Bridges) Uttam Shrote. Bangar stated that the Bellasis flyover, initially scheduled for completion in April 2026, should be opened for traffic earlier—by end of November 2025. The encroachments and 12 remaining obstructive structures must be removed immediately, and rehabilitation of affected commercial entities must be done responsibly, the statement said. He stated that the work on the Carnac flyover, located near Masjid railway station, was in its final stage. Eight pillars on the eastern side have been completed, and five out of forty iron girders have arrived. Bangar also directed that girder installation be completed by May 2, 2025. He instructed the officials that the approach roads by shall be completed by June 5, 2025 and the railway concreting by 7 May 2025. For the Sion flyover, Bangar mentioned that work on approach roads on both sides will begin after the monsoon, with deadlines set for March 2026 (west side) and May 2026 (east side). He stated that the land for a public underpass will be handed over by the railways in August 2025 and the construction shall start from October 1 2025.
24 April,2025 08:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai
Monsoon preparations intensified by BMC, civic chief inspects desilting works
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its monsoon preparations in Mumbai and to review the ongoing works the chief chief Bhushan Gagrani visited several sites across the city, an official statement said on Thursday. Gagrani directed the civic officials to dispose of silt extracted from nullahs (drains) within 48 hours at designated locations. He also emphasised the necessity of installing ‘trash booms’ at strategic points to prevent floating debris from clogging the drainage system, it said. According to the statement, Gagrani visited the areas including sites including the racecourse nullah at worli, Nehru Science Centre nullah, and Dadar-Dharavi nullah and reviewed the progress of the pending works. He also issued on-the-spot directives to officials. The inspection was accompanied by Chief Engineer (Stormwater Drainage) Sridhar Chaudhary and other relevant officials. Gagrani noted that Mumbai’s stormwater drainage system is heavily reliant on its network of nullahs, making pre-monsoon desilting operations a critical annual activity, the statement said. “This year, BMC has allocated Rs 235 crore for the desilting of both major and minor nullahs. As of today, nearly 30 per cent of the work has been completed,” he stated, the official statement said. With the onset of Mumbai monsoon nearing, Gagrani assured that the remaining works would be completed swiftly as per the scheduled plan. Highlighting the importance of transparency, the civic chief mentioned that for the first time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to monitor the desilting process — from silt extraction to weighing, transportation, and disposal. All recorded footage is being analysed by the AI system to ensure proper oversight. Citizens can access images and video clips of the ongoing operations via the BMC’s dedicated website. Gagrani appealed to citizens not to dispose of solid waste, especially plastic bags, bottles, and thermocol, into the drains, as these materials obstruct the flow of wastewater. “Residents living near nullahs should ensure waste is disposed of in bins provided by the municipality. Responsible disposal can significantly contribute to the city’s flood-prevention efforts,” he said.
24 April,2025 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pahalgam terror attack: Agencies in Mumbai on high alert
Agencies in Mumbai and the surrounding coastal areas around Mumbai were put on alert on Thursday after the Pahalgam terrorist attack that took place in Kashmir, as per a police official. According to ANI, the Maharashtra Home Department has directed the Mumbai Police to increase vigilance at sea. The Pahalgam terror attack, which was carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the valley and claimed a total of 26 lives, mostly tourists and left several others injured. Earlier, asserting that India will not rest until "justice" is pursued, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and said that India will "pursue the terrorists to the end of the earth," reported ANI. Addressing people at National Panchayati Raj Day in Bihar's Madhubani, PM Modi said that the entire nation is saddened by the brutality with which terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, reported news agency ANI. "On April 22, terrorists killed innocent people of the country in J-K's Pahalgam. The country is in mourning and pain following this incident. We stand with the families of the victims. Today, from the soil of Bihar, India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the end of the earth. Terrorism will never break India's spirit. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is on our side. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders, who have stood with us in these times," PM Modi stated, reported news agency ANI. "I want to say in clear words that these terrorists and those who conspired towards this attack will get a punishment bigger than they can imagine. The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of the masters of terror," the PM added. Pahalgam terror attack: First batch of 65 stranded Maharashtra tourists returns to Mumbai In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the first group of stranded tourists from Maharashtra arrived safely in Mumbai in the early hours of Thursday, as per PTI reports. This evacuation is part of a large-scale effort led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena to bring home those affected by the incident.
24 April,2025 04:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
J&K terror attack 'intelligence failure', Article 370 move didn't stop violence
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday alleged that the tragic attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, was due to a serious “intelligence failure.” The party further asserted that merely issuing threats to Pakistan will not help resolve the ongoing issues in the Union Territory. In a sharply worded editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana', the Uddhav Thackeray-led party rued that the nullification of Article 370, which provided special status to the erstwhile state, has not ended violence in the Kashmir Valley, where Hindus are still being "targeted". The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrated a "political festival" after the contentious provision of the Constitution was revoked in 2019, but left Hindus in the lurch, alleged the opposition outfit, attacking its former ally. Since the August 5, 2019, measure, as many as 197 security personnel, 135 civilians and 700 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir, the editorial claimed, reported news agency PTI. Terrorists struck a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists from other states. Where is National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, who poses as "James Bond", the Marathi daily questioned, reported PTI. "After Pulwama (strike in 2019), the Pahalgam attack was a failure of intelligence agencies," the editorial averred. The BJP has sought West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation for violence against Hindus in her state, but the national saffron party is not ready to take the responsibility for the massacre of Hindus (in Pahalgam), the editorial noted. The publication maintained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi lied when he said the 2016 demonetisation would "break the backbone" of terrorism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted terrorism had ended in the Kashmir Valley after Article 370 was nullified, but blood is being shed there every day, the editorial stated, reported PTI. "There are no signs of violence ending in the Valley. Hindus are being targeted. And promises made to (displaced) Kashmiri Pandits have not been realised. On the contrary, Hindus are fleeing (the Valley). The BJP, which claims to be the messiah of Hindus, should be ashamed of it," the editorial emphasised. The Centre is governing Jammu and Kashmir through the Lieutenant Governor, but cries and wails emanating from Pahalgam has made it evident how efficient that is, the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece stated, reported PTI. Issues are not going to get resolved by threatening Pakistan. This will only make "bhakts" (BJP supporters) feel good, the editorial stated, reported news agency PTI. "Who will protect Hindus? It is their (the BJP) business to cry and wail after Hindus die and then blame Pakistan and Muslims. This also happened after Pulwama (attack)," the daily noted, reported PTI. Attacking the BJP-led central government, the editorial alleged that hate on religious lines has been spread throughout the country for the last ten years. (With PTI inputs)
24 April,2025 03:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pahalgam terror attack: Army veterans decode tactical failures and security gaps
As the nation recovers from the shocking tragedy, it raises several critical questions on India’s security and vulnerabilities. What could have been the tactical planning behind this seemingly well-planned attack on civilians that killed at least 26 people?Colonel Ashutosh Kale who has spent long years in Kashmir, fighting insurgency and conducting anti-terrorist operations demystifies the tactical planning and systemic lapses. “There can be several factors that would have been considered while planning. This can range from using a local guide, creating a base close to the attack site to analysing the timing of the attack based on the peak hours for the crowd to gather at the spot. Infiltration route along with the exfiltration route for the terrorist would have been figured out too based on which route gives them a discreet passage to go undetected and let them escape quickly after the attack,” he mentions. Colonel Ashutosh, who has operated in the Pahalgam- Kani Marg area during his service believes that the absence of security forces close by at the attack site would have been considered to carry out the attack. Lt Col Gaurav Bali, SM (Retd.), a decorated Indian Army veteran with over 22 years of service, including more than a decade of operational experience in Kashmir and other insurgency affected regions stresses on intensive planning to carry out an attack like this. “Terrorist attacks of this nature are rarely spontaneous; they are marked by layered and deliberate planning. Likely components include reconnaissance, route familiarisation, identification of soft targets, insider intelligence and planned exfiltration. Given the location, an area frequented by tourists, they most likely studied footfall trends, identified security rotation gaps and exploited periods of low vigilance. The targeting of a tourist vehicle suggests a psychological aim: to instil fear, create disruption and tarnish the region’s image, beyond just inflicting casualties," he says. Also called as Mini Switzerland, Pahalgam is a popular tourist destination. While the gorgeous meadows of Kashmir have always been mired with infiltration and attacks from across the border, this brings into question - what made the famed tourist spot of Baisaran valley so vulnerable?“Remoteness of Baisaran valley could have played a major factor since the closest location is Pahalgam which is 45 minutes on foot. Also, thick forest cover allows easy access and exit considering this is a very sparsely populated area. Tulian valley to the East or Kani Marg to the Northeast are further thickly forested areas which allow places to hide to for extended periods.”, says Colonel Ashutosh. Questions are being raised on the loopholes that could have orchestrated the attack. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara in a recent interaction with the media, called it a glaring failure of the country’s intelligence.Lt Col Gaurav Bali, SM (Retd.), who has over a decade of operational leadership in Kashmir and other insurgency hit zones, says, “This incident reflects a multi-tiered lapse in security protocols. Potential loopholes include lack of dynamic surveillance; particularly on secondary and less patrolled routes, gaps in actionable human intelligence (HUMINT), absence of layered vehicle screening and insufficient checkpoints and possible underestimation of local facilitators, who often serve as critical enablers. Infiltration with weapons into what is deemed a “secured zone” exposes not just a breach in perimeter security, but also a complacency in threat assessment mistaking temporary quiet for enduring peace.” With this attack, Pakistan’s role in orchestrating cross-border terrorism is yet again in focus. While Pakistan has denied its involvement in the attack, Colonel Ashutosh believes otherwise. “Such an operation cannot be done without professional support. The Pak army and ISI must be involved, and it is very apparent. This is affirmed by the logistics (the terrorists were using M4 Carbines and AK-47), the robust operational and tactical planning involved and provision of local intelligence through the existing ISI OGW network since TRF is not so strong , nor does it have the professionalism unless supported to carry out such an attack. While this attack shows clear signs of professional backing, in attacks of this stature, Army swiftly activates SOPs.“The Army’s response is swift, calibrated, and mission focused. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in such situations generally include area domination through cordon and search operations (CASO), intelligence integration with local police and central agencies to track movements and hideouts, strategic preventive deployment to thwart follow-on attacks, civil military synergy to reassure the local populace without excessive militarisation”, says Lt Col Gaurav Bali. “The immediate priorities are twofold: neutralise the threat and safeguard the social fabric ensuring communal harmony while maintaining operational tempo.” he adds. According to Colonel Ashutosh, some of the strategies that can help tackle terrorism in J&K include imposing Presidents Rule, ensuring a unified command to avoid friction between the DGP (J&K Police) and the GOC 15 Corps (the Senior-most Army Officer In the Valley), isolating and squeezing Pakistan diplomatically, a suitable strong retaliatory military action and continuing with Investments and Infrastructure Development. The country is shaken. While it takes time to recover from the tragedy and the security forces strive to nab the terrorist - what to expect in the upcoming days?“We can expect heightened security presence, particularly on tourist routes and vulnerable pockets, pinpoint operations targeting identified or suspected modules, focused narrative management by the administration to prevent panic and maintain tourism flow, and deep dive scrutiny into local networks, with emphasis on digital footprints and financial transactions that could reveal facilitation chains.” concludes Lt Col Gaurav Bali. While the pain is fresh and India mourns the loss of its innocent citizens, what need to be seen is how India responds in the days to come.
24 April,2025 12:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Katyayani Kapoor
Pahalgam terror attack: 65 Maharashtra tourists flown back to Mumbai
In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the first group of stranded tourists from Maharashtra arrived safely in Mumbai in the early hours of Thursday, as per PTI reports. This evacuation is part of a large-scale effort led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena to bring home those affected by the incident. A special flight carrying 65 Maharashtrian tourists landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at approximately 3:30 am IST. These individuals had been stranded in Jammu and Kashmir following Tuesday’s ghastly terror strike at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including six from Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Shinde flew to Srinagar on Wednesday evening to personally oversee and expedite the rescue and return operations. “Following the dreadful terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the first special flight carrying 65 stranded Maharashtrian tourists arrived in Mumbai at 3:30 am on 24 April,” a Shiv Sena functionary told PTI. This marked the beginning of a larger, multi-phase evacuation plan, with two more flights scheduled to bring additional groups of stranded tourists back to Mumbai later in the day. The effort is being described by Shiv Sena representatives as a “coordinated and compassionate mission” aimed at ensuring the “safe, swift, and dignified return of every citizen impacted by this national tragedy”. A dedicated delegation from the Shiv Sena was dispatched to Kashmir earlier this week to assist with logistics, provide support to those affected, and manage coordination on the ground. “Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of all Maharashtrians stranded in Kashmir. We are working round the clock to make sure that no one is left behind, and every Marathi Manoos returns home safely,” the party functionary emphasised. India on Wednesday announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a special press conference after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which met on Wednesday, was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. The families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (With inputs from PTI)
24 April,2025 12:03 PM IST | Mumbai
Legal notice served to state govt, civic chief over PAP rehabilitation plans
A legal notice has been served to the principal secretary of the urban development and environment departments of the state government as well as to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani over the Maharashtra government’s decision to use the Mulund and Deonar dumping grounds for the rehabilitation of Dharavi who are residents ineligible for housing in the area being developed under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. Advocate Sagar Devre, who served the notice on April 22, said that as per the solid waste management rules, landfills are fit for human habitation only 15 years after their closure. The state government has decided to allot 124 acres of Deonar dumping ground land and 12 acres of the Mulund dumping ground for the rehabilitation of Dharavi residents. Advocate Devre, who is fighting against a rehabilitation project on salt pan in the eastern suburbs, said, “As per point 31 of the Solid Waste Management Rules, the use of closed landfill sites after fifteen years of post-closure monitoring can be considered for human settlement or otherwise only after ensuring that gaseous and leachate analysis comply with specified standards.” He added, “The rules mention that the post-closure care of landfill sites shall be conducted for at least fifteen years with a long-term monitoring or care plan. They also mandate monitoring the leachate collection system and groundwater, maintaining groundwater quality in accordance with requirements and maintaining and operating the landfill gas collection system to meet required standards.” The closure of the Mulund dumping ground in its final stages and the processing of its waste will be completed by next year. After that, the BMC can take over the dumping ground land. Spread over 24 hectares, the Mulund dumping ground came into being in 1968 and was closed in 2018. Around 66 per cent of waste processing at the site is completed.
24 April,2025 11:49 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent