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 November 28. Aries March 21 – April 20Someone behaving towards you in an unacceptable manner is pulled up by higher authorities. Don’t ignore pain.Cosmic tip: Step back from what you know is not correct according to karma. Taurus April 21 – May 20It’s difficult to convince a Taurean about a change in attitude, which quickly resolves an argument. Cosmic tip: Peacefully accept nothing will be completed before 12 noon, as the karmic cycle changes then. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Don’t remain caught in the same old run-around that comes with not listening to advice. Use career opportunities wisely.Cosmic tip: Appreciate what’s going right in life and how there’s such an improvement. Cancer June 22 – July 23Accept advice in the spirit it is meant. Staying away from juvenile one-up-man-ship tactics is wise. Several unusual ideas are workable for a project. Cosmic tip: Don’t retaliate to real or veiled provocation. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Delayed communication of any kind (calls, emails, messages, letters, etc.) is frustrating but has to be accepted.Cosmic tip: Gently steer a relationship back on track before it has a chance to derail. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Strategies and tactics are in place, ready to move ahead. Do re-check completed work carefully. Cosmic tip: Agreeing to a change of plans is no problem. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Creative ideas need to be practical and in-step with mindset of the common people; so rework them. Work is very hectic. Cosmic tip: Make a relationship re-blossom in the manner it used to be. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Changed circumstances focus on the truth that was not being accepted. Cosmic tip: Take necessary action instead of just talking about the issue without any decision made. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Discuss a pending matter with the boss first before suggesting changes. Remain in a position of advantage by being understanding.Cosmic tip: Keep interactions within accepted office procedures and rules. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A new kind of a life with a new purpose makes this an interesting time in life. Make lifestyle changes after enough thought. Cosmic tip: Don’t discuss important malleable plans with anyone just yet. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Continuing to make monthly financial investments is followed through diligently. Cosmic tip: Try to maintain a balance between working incessantly and just taking it easy. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Accepting a truth at face value is a better way of dealing with an issue. Cosmic tip: Look to resolving areas of conflict, rather than seething in anger or thinking how unfair life is sometimes.
28 November,2024 12:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseThree police head constables from Mumbai and Maharashtra made India proud by winning gold and silver medals at the 11th Latin American World Police and Fire Games 2024, held in Cali, Colombia, from November 17 to 24, 2024. The event saw around 2,500 participants from 32 countries competing in various sports. Navneet More Among the winners was Head Constable Navneet More, who is attached to the LA-2 at Tardeo police station. More won a total of three medals, including two golds in swimming and one silver in the Chase competition. The swimming event featured four disciplines: Butterfly, Freestyle, Breaststroke, and Backstroke. More dominated these events, securing gold in two and silver in the Chase. His outstanding performance earned him a spot in the upcoming World Police and Fire Games, scheduled to take place in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, from June 27 to July 6, 2025. Ravindra Salve Head Constable Ravindra Salve from the Chikalthana police station in Aurangabad also made his mark at the Games, winning a gold medal in Powerlifting. Salve impressed everyone with his strength, lifting a total of 590 kg — 215 kg in the squat, 140 kg in the bench press, and 225 kg in the deadlift. Kishor Dange Meanwhile, Head Constable Kishor Dange from the Jalna SP office won a silver medal in Bodybuilding. Dange, who is also a World Champion in bodybuilding, clinched second place in the open weight category with a total of 405 kg lifted. The Mumbai Police will warmly welcome these champions at the airport on Thursday, celebrating their remarkable achievements on the international stage.
27 November,2024 11:25 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell on Wednesday released a 'tentative exam schedule' for the academic year 2025-26. The schedule includes various entrance exams for professional courses across multiple fields, including higher education, technical education, fine arts, medical education, etc. According to the tentative schedule, the exams are scheduled to take place between March and April 2025. Here are the key dates for the upcoming CET exams: - MAH-M.Ed-CET 2025 (Higher Education) – Sunday, 16th March 2025 - MAH-M.P.Ed-CET 2025 (Higher Education) – Sunday, 16th March 2025 - MAH-MBA/MMS-CET 2025 (Technical Education) – Monday, 17th March to Wednesday, 19th March 2025 - MAH-LLB-3 Year-CET 2025 (Higher Education) – Thursday, 20th March to Friday, 21st March 2025 - MAH-MCA CET 2025 (Technical Education) – Sunday, 23rd March 2025 - MAH-B.Ed (General & Special) & B.Ed ELCT CET 2025 (Higher Education) – Monday, 24th March to Wednesday, 26th March 2025 - MAH-B.P.Ed-CET 2025 (Higher Education) – Thursday, 27th March 2025 - MAH-M.HMCT CET 2025 (Technical Education) – Thursday, 27th March 2025 - MAH-B.HMCT/M.HMCT Integrated CET 2025 (Technical Education) – Friday, 28th March 2025 - MAH-B.A-B.Ed/BSc.B.Ed (Four Year Integrated Course) CET 2025 (Higher Education) – Friday, 28th March 2025 - MAH-B.Ed-M.Ed (Three Year Integrated Course) CET 2025 (Higher Education) – Friday, 28th March 2025 - MAH-B.Design CET 2025 (Technical Education) – Saturday, 29th March 2025 - MAH-B.BBA/BCA/BBM/BMS CET 2025 (Technical Education) – Tuesday, 1st April to Thursday, 3rd April 2025 - MAH-LLB-5 Year-CET 2025 (Higher Education) – Friday, 4th April 2025 - MAH-AAC CET 2025 (Fine Arts) – Saturday, 5th April 2025 - MH-Nursing CET 2025 (Medical Education) – Monday, 7th April to Tuesday, 8th April 2025 - MH-DPN/PHN CET 2025 (Medical Education) – Tuesday, 8th April 2025 - MAH-MHT CET (PCB Group) 2025 (Technical Education / Agriculture) – Wednesday, 9th April to Thursday, 17th April 2025 (except 10th & 14th April 2025) - MAH-MHT CET (PCM Group) 2025 (Technical Education) – Saturday, 19th April to Sunday, 27th April 2025 (except 24th April 2025) The schedule was issued by the Commissioner and Competent Authority, State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra. It said that the candidates are advised to visit the official website of the Maharashtra CET Cell (www.mahacet.org) regularly for updates and additional information regarding the exams. (NOTE: This schedule is subject to change, and all candidates are encouraged to stay informed about any modifications or additional instructions.)
27 November,2024 08:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway on Wednesday announced the renaming of platform numbers at Dadar Station in Mumbai, an official statement said. The Central Railway said that the decision to rename platforms was taken to improve passenger convenience and ensure smoother train operations. The change comes after it was found that Platform Number 10 was too short to accommodate 22-coach trains, with three coaches hanging off the platform on the guard side in the down direction. key changes: Platform 10 will now be known as Platform 9A. It will only serve suburban trains from now on. Platform 10A will be renumbered to Platform 10. This platform will now be dedicated to Mail/Express trains, providing enough space for 22-coach trains. The new platform names have been in effect since 00:00 hours on 27th November 2024, the Central Railway statement stated. The revised platform details are as follows: "The Central Railway remains committed to enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency," it said. Vasai-Virar Marathon: Western Railway to run additional local trains on Dec 8 Western Railway will run additional Mumbai local train services for the upcoming Vasai-Virar Marathon 2024 on December 8, an official statement said on Wednesday. According to the Western Railway, "For the convenience of participants attending the 12th edition of Vasai-Virar Marathon to be held on Sunday, 08th December, 2024, Western Railway will run two additional special slow local trains in the early morning of 08th December, 2024, from Churchgate to Virar. Meanwhile, he Western Railway (WR) has launched additional Mumbai AC local trains on the Mumbai suburban section starting Wednesday (November 27), replacing a few existing non-AC trains, officials said. According to the officials, the WR is introducing 13 new AC services, which will take the total number of AC services from 96 to 109 on weekdays and from 52 to 65 on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). WR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Vineet Abhishek said, “There has been a substantial rise in the number of commuters travelling by AC local trains. Hence, for the benefit of passengers and to ease the crowd, 13 more AC services are being converted by replacing existing non-AC services. These services will run as AC services on all days of the week.”
27 November,2024 08:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan inaugurated a conference on 'Lifestyle for Environment on Wednesday and said that there was need to balance development with environmental concerns, an official statement said. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the conference: 'Bharatiya Perspective on Sustainability' on November 27 at the National Stock Exchange Convention Centre in Mumbai. The event, organised by Govardhan Eco Village in collaboration with Kotak School of Sustainability, IGBC, NIT Warangal, and other organisations, focused on sustainability from an Indian cultural perspective. Governor Radhakrishnan spoke about the need to balance development with environmental concerns. He highlighted that while protecting the environment is important, we should not become "environmentally fanatic" when dealing with the real issues people face. He encouraged a balanced approach to addressing both development and environmental challenges. Radhakrishnan also highlighted the role of Indian spirituality and festivals in promoting sustainable practices. He pointed out that worshiping rivers, mountains, and trees is not just a ritual, but a reminder of their vital role in sustaining life on Earth. The Governor explained that Indian culture teaches the belief that humans are not the owners of the planet, but its trustees. He said that the earth should be nurtured and preserved for future generations, not exploited for personal gain. The view, he added, aligns with the principles of sustainability and provides a foundation for a holistic approach to development. The event was attended by several notable figures, including the 'Riverman of India,' Raman Kant, and Gauranga Das, the Director of Govardhan Eco Village.
27 November,2024 07:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA groundbreaking pan-India study has proposed a new solution to Mumbai's persistent air pollution: a regional airshed approach. The full study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Air by MDPI on July 12 2024, recommends dividing India into 15 regional airsheds tailored to specific climatic and pollution patterns, with Mumbai and its satellite cities forming one cohesive coastal airshed. The findings challenge Mumbai's current focus on managing local pollution sources, emphasizing that such efforts alone may be insufficient to improve air quality, particularly during the winter months when pollution spikes. The study highlights the need for a cooperative framework among urban local bodies (ULBs) and neighboring regions to tackle shared pollution challenges effectively. India's Proposed Regional Airsheds The study divides India into 15 regional airsheds based on climatic and pollution profiles Himalayas: 2 airsheds, Gangetic Plains: 4 airsheds, Plateaus: 4 airsheds, Arid/Desert: 1 airshed, Coastal Plains: 3 airsheds, Islands: 1 airshed The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), which houses 41% of India’s population and faces severe pollution due to industrial activity and agriculture, is identified as a priority. However, the study also underscores growing pollution in coastal cities like Mumbai, despite natural land-sea breezes. What is an Airshed? An airshed is a geographic region where air pollution levels are measured and managed collectively, recognizing that pollutants cross city and state boundaries. This approach calls for collaborative efforts across administrative borders to ensure effective air quality management. Why Mumbai needs a regional airshed approach Mumbai's air quality has worsened during winters, driven by local emissions and pollution from neighboring regions. The World Air Quality Report 2023 revealed a 23% increase in PM2.5 levels in January 2023 compared to the previous year, placing Mumbai among the world’s most polluted cities during winter. “Mumbai is a significant contributor to regional air pollution,” said Dr. Sarath Guttikunda, lead author of the study and founder of UrbanEmissions.info “While local emission controls in Mumbai are beneficial, the city also absorbs pollution from its satellite cities and vice versa. Coordinated management within a regional airshed can create a positive feedback loop, improving air quality across the entire Western region," he added. Mumbai’s coastal airshed: A collaborative solution Integrating Mumbai with its satellite cities in a single coastal airshed would involve participation from ULBs, state officials, and regional stakeholders. This collaboration could tackle pollution from urban, industrial, and rural sources, creating a unified strategy for emission reduction. “The urban regional airshed concept ensures that air quality management accounts for the interconnectedness of regions,” said Dr. Guttikunda. “For coastal cities like Mumbai, such coordination is critical to mitigating seasonal spikes in pollution and addressing long-term health impacts.” Lessons from the US environmental model The study advocates for a national air quality management system inspired by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) model. This framework would centralize data collection, monitoring, and pollution control efforts across airsheds, fostering transparency and accountability. “A centralized system would enable seamless collaboration between cities, states, and airsheds, ensuring progress towards common clean air goals,” Dr. Guttikunda explained. “Air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis. A coordinated airshed approach can bring transformative change, benefiting millions across urban and rural India," he said. GOI's call for action As air pollution continues to jeopardize public health and economic growth, the study’s findings present a compelling case for immediate implementation of a regional airshed framework. By adopting this approach, Mumbai can lead by example, demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can address one of India’s most pressing challenges, Guttikunda suggests.Amid worsening air quality in Delhi and the NCR, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) took a decisive step in September 2024 by forming a coordination committee to address air quality issues in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) airshed. On November 7, the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India (GoI), Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, chaired a stakeholders' meeting to tackle air pollution and its links to climate change. This meeting followed a Brainstorming Workshop on the National Air Quality Resource Framework of India (NARFI), hosted in collaboration with the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, in June 2022. The workshop had strongly underscored the necessity of such a framework to address air quality challenges. Building on this momentum, the PSA's Office sponsored a project with NIAS in early 2023 to explore Airshed Management across Peninsular India. The project utilizes high-resolution emission data and advanced GIS-based models to examine pollution transport mechanisms, assess emissions impacts, and analyze regional climatic influences. The aim is to develop a robust, evidence-based, and scientifically grounded structure for air quality management. During the meeting, Professor Sood emphasized the urgent need to improve air quality, especially in the context of accelerating climate change, due to its profound impacts on public health and environmental sustainability. He acknowledged that air pollution is a complex, multi-faceted issue influenced by diverse factors. To address this, he advocated for an integrated approach that incorporates comprehensive meteorological data, refined emissions inventories, and detailed airshed mapping, forming the basis of a strategic and actionable response. He also noted that the meeting served to review findings from the NIAS study and explore how science-based strategies could be implemented to achieve effective pollution control over both short- and long-term timelines. Dr. Gufran Beig, Chair Professor at NIAS and former Project Director of SAFAR, presented the project’s findings and the NARFI framework. The framework was positioned as a critical tool to address air pollution and Short-lived Climate Forcers. Speaking to mid-day, Dr. Beig remarked, "We have been advocating for the airshed approach for several years now. It is encouraging to see the concept of 'airsheds' being recognized and promoted."
27 November,2024 06:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghWestern Railway will run additional Mumbai local train services for the upcoming Vasai-Virar Marathon 2024 on December 8, an official statement said on Wednesday. According to the Western Railway, "For the convenience of participants attending the 12th edition of Vasai-Virar Marathon to be held on Sunday, 08th December, 2024, Western Railway will run two additional special slow local trains in the early morning of 08th December, 2024, from Churchgate to Virar. The details of these services are as under: Western Railway launches 13 new AC local trains The Western Railway (WR) has launched additional Mumbai AC local trains on the Mumbai suburban section starting Wednesday (November 27), replacing a few existing non-AC trains, officials said. According to the officials, the WR is introducing 13 new AC services, which will take the total number of AC services from 96 to 109 on weekdays and from 52 to 65 on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). WR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Vineet Abhishek said, “There has been a substantial rise in the number of commuters travelling by AC local trains. Hence, for the benefit of passengers and to ease the crowd, 13 more AC services are being converted by replacing existing non-AC services. These services will run as AC services on all days of the week.” He said that there will be no change in the total number of train services that are already running. Currently, 1,406 trains run on the Western line, including 109 AC services. Starting Wednesday, the first of newly introduced AC locals will run from Churchgate at 12.34 pm. Of the additional 13 services being introduced, six will be towards Churchgate and seven towards Virar. Trains going towards Churchgate will be two services each between Virar-Churchgate and Bhayandar-Churchgate and one service each between Virar-Bandra and Bhayandar-Andheri. Similarly, trains going towards Virar will have two Churchgate-Virar services, one each between Churchgate-Bhayandar, Andheri-Virar, Bandra-Bhayandar, Mahalaxmi-Borivli, and Borivli-Bhayandar. New rail corridors The railways had on Monday announced new rail corridors that will feed the city’s nine rail termini, which are being upgraded simultaneously. On Monday, the Union cabinet approved three multi-tracking railway projects in Maharashtra. The three projects are—Jalgaon-Manmad 4th line, Bhusawal-Khandwa 3rd and 4th line, and Manikpur-Iradatganj 3rd line.
27 November,2024 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid suspense surrounding around who will be the next Maharashtra CM, Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said that he was leaving the decision about the Chief Minister’s post to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "I worked as a common man. People thought I was their brother, not CM. For me, the identity of Ladka Bhau (beloved brother) is much more valuable than any other post," he told a press conference held at his Thane residence. "I have told them (PM Modi and Amit Shah) over the phone that I am not an obstacle in the announcement of the CM candidate and government formation," he said, adding that he would abide by the decision taken by the BJP high command. Shinde said, "I'm happy that I could work for the betterment of people in two and a half years. We combined development with welfare and it was because this that we were voted to power with such a big majority." The announcement of the CM candidate has not been made four days after the Vidhan Sabha results. The three-way power formula and the time BJP took to convince Shinde reasons is said to be the reason for the delay. BJP's Devendra Fadnavis is the hot favourite from his party for the top job. Shinde said PM Modi's decision would be final for him. He said the three Mahayuti parties will meet Amit Shah on Thursday in New Delhi to decide the next course of action and government formation. Shinde said anyone who takes over would be Mahayuti's CM. "I was Mahayuti's CM and I was supported by the BJP. It is time I supported them," he said. Shinde's statements comes at a time when political speculation has been rife regarding the future leadership of the state. Eknath Shinde said, "My party will support the BJP even if the new CM candidate is from the BJP. PM Modi's decision will be final for us." Watch Eknath Shinde's press briefing below Eknath Shinde paved the way for the BJP to install its CM, saying, "the Bharatiya Janata Party has supported him in the past two and a half years. Our full support will be to the BJP's CM candidate." He said, "The three party leaders will meet on Thursday in New Delhi to decide the next course of action, government formation etc." Shinde rubbished reports that he was disappointed for not getting a second term as CM despite the ruling Mahayuti alliance winning a thumping victory.
27 November,2024 05:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Dharmendra JoreTwo people were injured after a massive fire broke out in a residential high-rise building in Dongri area of south Mumbai, the officials said on Wednesday. Among the two injured, is a woman fire brigade official, who sustained injuries during the operation, said an official. They said that a fire was reported on Wednesday afternoon on the 14th floor of a high-rise building in Dongri, prompting a swift response from the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). The fire was reported at 1:07 pm at Ansari Heights, located near Ajwa Sweet Shop on Nishan Pada Road, Dongri. The blaze, classified as a Level-3 fire, was confined to the 14th floor of the 15-storey building, the officials said. According to MFB officials, multiple firefighting units were dispatched to the scene, including four fire engines, three jumbo tankers, one aerial water tower tender (AWTT), a high-pressure pump (HP), a hydraulic rescue fire-fighting vehicle (HRFFV), a turntable ladder (TTL), and one breathing apparatus vehicle (BAV). The fire was officially declared Level-3 at 2:04 pm. Gas blast in Dongri tower at Nishanpada cross lane.No injuries were reported.By: Sources#fire #firenews #dongri #dongrifire #mumbaifire #mumbaifirebrigade pic.twitter.com/JdgPwbLHhw — Mid Day (@mid_day) November 27, 2024 As of the latest update at 1:23 pm, fire crews were working to bring the situation under control, said an official, adding that the fire was termed as a Level III fire. Those injured in the incident were identified as Anjali Amol Jamdade, 35, Woman Fire Brigade official posted at the Mandavi Fire Station. She has sustained injury to right shoulder and her condition is said to be stable, said the official. Another person identified as Nasir Muni Ansari, 49, was also injured in the fire and has sustained around 15 per cent burn injuries. He was shifted to a hospital for medical treatment and his condition is said to be stable, he said. Earlier, a fire broke out in a seven-storey residential building in Andheri area of Mumbai on Wednesday morning, officials said. There was no report of any casualty, they said. The blaze erupted at 8.42 am in a flat on the sixth floor of the Chinchan building in Andheri (West), the officials said. Four fire-fighting vehicles were rushed to the spot. The blaze was doused by around 9 am, a fire official said.
27 November,2024 05:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT), in its mouthpiece Saamana, on Wednesday termed the ruling Mahayuti's landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections as a "bumper lucky draw" and raised questions about the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The editorial stated, "EVM hai toh mumkin hai", implying that anything is possible with EVMs. The article comes days after the Mahayuti coalition, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's faction of the NCP, secured an overwhelming 230 out of 288 seats in the November 20 state assembly elections. The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), managed to win only 46 seats. The editorial noted that while Elon Musk, the US-based billionaire, recently praised India's swift vote-counting process compared to the United States presidential elections, ordinary Indians remain "dumbstruck" by the workings of EVMs. It highlighted Musk's earlier statement suggesting EVMs could be hacked and linked it to the Mahayuti's unexpected and unprecedented win. Saamana claimed the "Gujarat-Rajasthan connection" of the EVMs used in Maharashtra, irregularities in the voting and vote-count tally across 95 constituencies, and unexplained issues like the charging of EVM batteries, all strengthen suspicions of an "EVM scam." The editorial further criticised the results, suggesting that people across the country are questioning how the Mahayuti managed to garner such massive support. It called the coalition’s win a "mystery" that requires deeper investigation. The Sena (UBT) compared the results to winning a "lucky draw," with the editorial questioning, “How did the ruling Mahayuti win this bumper lucky draw of 230 out of 288 seats? When seeking answers, the thinking stops at the EVMs.” It reiterated concerns about discrepancies in several constituencies, alleging a mismatch between voter turnout figures and the actual votes counted. The party accused the ruling alliance of benefitting from potential manipulation, claiming these irregularities undermine public trust in the electoral process. The Opposition has frequently expressed doubts about the reliability of EVMs, alleging the possibility of tampering. However, these claims have been consistently dismissed by the Election Commission and the BJP, which maintain that India's voting system is secure, transparent, and tamper-proof. The Mahayuti coalition's stunning victory has amplified these concerns, particularly among Opposition leaders. Saamana’s editorial has rekindled the debate over EVMs, adding that such issues erode the credibility of democratic institutions. The editorial concluded by urging authorities to address the “EVM scam” allegations, arguing that a failure to do so would leave citizens disillusioned about the fairness of the electoral process. The ruling Mahayuti has yet to respond to the allegations raised by Saamana. However, BJP leaders have repeatedly dismissed Opposition claims about EVM manipulation as baseless and reflective of their inability to accept electoral defeat. The Mahayuti's victory marks a decisive political shift in Maharashtra, dealing a major blow to the MVA, which has since struggled to explain its dismal performance. While the BJP and its allies attribute the results to strong public support, the Opposition remains steadfast in raising questions about the process. (With inputs from PTI)
27 November,2024 02:42 PM IST | MumbaiUber on Wednesday unveiled a suite of features aimed at enhancing the safety of its riders in India, with a special focus on female riders and drivers. The company has announced Audio Recording and Women Rider Preferred to offer increased safety on Uber trips. Partnering with Bengaluru-based NGO Durga, Uber is also stepping up efforts to sensitize drivers on appropriate conduct, especially with regards to women riders. With the launch of ‘Safety Preferences’, Uber riders can now customize safety features like RideCheck, Share My Trip, and Audio Recording to activate automatically, on every Uber trip. These features are the latest in Uber’s efforts to make riders and drivers feel safe during every ride. The company continues to utilize a mix of technological expertise and innovations to ensure that riding with Uber is safe, seamless and hassle-free. As per the 2024 India Economic Impact Report, compiled by Public First, 95% of female riders cited safety as their top reason for using Uber. 84% of female riders believed that taking an Uber was the safest way to get home. Sooraj Nair, Head - Safety Operations, Uber India & South Asia, said, “We believe that our work on safety never stops. We’ve continually innovated to lead the industry on safety and enhance the overall experience on every Uber trip. Whether it’s through tech-driven solutions like SOS integration and Women Rider Preference, or through initiatives such as gender sensitization, we remain focussed on building a platform that riders and drivers can trust every time they choose Uber." Key safety features: SOS integration This feature ensures quick emergency assistance by allowing riders and drivers to share live location and trip details directly with police during critical situations. This feature is designed to provide immediate support when every second counts. The feature is live in Telangana. Uber has completed testing in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and is set to roll out as the State Police greenlights the collaboration. Women Rider Preference | Industry-first Female drivers now have the option to choose to accept only female riders, a feature that is particularly useful during late hours. Introduced based on driver feedback, this optional feature has already enabled over 21,000 trips. It helps female earners prioritise their safety, drive for longer hours, and boost their earnings. Audio recording | Industry-first Riders can now record audio if they feel uncomfortable or concerned about their safety during trips. The encrypted recordings are not accessible to the rider, ensuring privacy. Uber does not access the audio unless the rider chooses to submit it as part of a safety report. This feature, compliant with India’s one-party consent law, is available nationwide for riders and drivers. Gender sensitisation Uber has partnered with Durga, a Bengaluru-based NGO, dedicated to promoting gender equity and safety. This partnership will include virtual sessions for drivers to understand and address the unique safety concerns of women riders, fostering a safer and more respectful experience for all. The company has also bolstered existing features to boost women's safety on the platform. Uber’s tech-enabled RideCheck detects irregularities such as route deviations or long stops, prompting a proactive check-in with riders and drivers. The 24x7 Safety Line offers round-the-clock access to safety experts for urgent but non-emergency issues during and after trips. Additionally, phone and address anonymization ensures privacy by concealing personal contact details and trip locations, protecting both riders and drivers. With Uber’s new feature ‘Safety Preferences’ riders can now automatically activate tech-driven safety features on every trip. The feature allows riders to customize their safety settings for added peace of mind. From automatically sharing trip details with trusted contacts to enabling audio recording and RideCheck alerts, riders can tailor safety features to activate based on time or location—such as late-night trips or rides from specific areas. This one-stop destination within the app ensures a safer and more personalized experience for every trip. These initiatives reinforce Uber’s dedication to enhanced safety through the use of technology and collaboration with experts.
27 November,2024 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
