Mumbai city saw an 11 per cent increase in property registrations in 2024, reaching 1,41,202 units — a 13-year high — driven by strong housing demand, according to Knight Frank India. In December 2024, the city under the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recorded 12,418 property registrations, generating Rs 1,134 crore in revenue for the state exchequer, as per the real estate consultant’s report, citing government data. Residential properties made up 80 per cent of the total registrations in December, news agency PTI reported. In December 2023, 12,285 properties were registered. "The total number of property sales registrations for the year 2024 will reach 1,41,202, while the revenue generated from property registrations for the year is estimated to stand at Rs 12,141 crore. Both these figures represent a new 13-year high," the statement said. "Property registrations from January to December 2024 grew by 11 per cent year-on-year, driving the fastest revenue growth in a decade at 12 per cent. This trend reflects evolved homebuyer preferences for quality and value. The data also indicates Mumbai's real estate market as a key driver of economic activity and an attractive long-term investment," said Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India. Akhil Saraf, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of proptech firm Reloy, noted strong demand for residential properties across all segments, PTI reported. "Reputed developers are attracting significant buyer interest and commanding premiums for projects situated in prime locations with modern amenities. This trend is expected to persist, especially with infrastructure development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) opening up new areas for residential project development," said Saraf, whose company helps realty firms generate referral sales. Stock markets start 2025 on a high note Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty began the New Year on a positive note, snapping a two-day decline with gains in blue-chip stocks. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose by 368.40 points or 0.47 per cent to close at 78,507.41 on the first trading day of 2025. During the session, it surged by 617.48 points or 0.79 per cent, reaching 78,756.49 at its peak. The NSE Nifty climbed by 98.10 points or 0.41 per cent to settle at 23,742.90, with 37 of its constituents ending in the green and 17 closing in the red. Among the Sensex shares, Maruti Suzuki saw the largest rise, up 3.26 per cent, after the carmaker reported a 30 per cent increase in total wholesales, reaching 1,78,248 units in December 2024. Mahindra & Mahindra surged 2.45 per cent, following a 16 per cent rise in overall auto sales, which stood at 69,768 units in December 2024. Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Finance, Tata Motors, IndusInd Bank, Asian Paints, Power Grid, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank were also among the gainers. On the other hand, Tata Steel, Adani Ports, Zomato, HCL Tech, State Bank of India, Hindustan Unilever, and Tech Mahindra were among the laggards. (With PTI inputs)
01 January,2025 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Bandra east MLA Zeeshan Siddique shared an emotional and reflective post on X, expressing the deep lessons he has learned in 2024 after the Baba Siddique murder case. The poignant message comes after the tragic and untimely loss of his father. In a post on X, Zeeshan acknowledged the profound impact of his father's death on his emotional and mental well-being. He wrote, "2024 has taught me a lot," highlighting the harsh realities of life that have shaped his understanding of grief, loss, and inner strength. Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead on October 12, 2024 by three assailants outside his then MLA son Zeeshan Siddique's office building in Bandra East. The shooters assassinated Baba Siddique despite having police protection and the guards being present at the spot while the firing on him took place. Zeeshan had left the office just minutes before the attack. 2024 has taught me a lotYour father is the only man in your life who wishes that you succeed and do better than he ever did. Your entire life can change in the matter of seconds, don’t ever take anything for granted. Life is not and will never be fair. Do good and good will… — Zeeshan Siddique (@zeeshanBabaS) January 1, 2025 Zeeshan’s words conveyed a sense of raw vulnerability as he spoke about the unpredictability of life, the transient nature of relationships, and the relentless pursuit of resilience even in the face of adversity. Zeeshan wrote, "Your father is the only man in your life who wishes that you succeed and do better than he ever did. Your entire life can change in the matter of seconds, don’t ever take anything for granted. Life is not and will never be fair. Do good and good will come to you is not always true." He further wrote, “Why did I leave that office a minute earlier, what if?” Such questions and many others will never have answers. People change colours at the drop of a hat. When you think that the worst is over, life can throw in many surprises. The people you fight for and work for even when you’re at your lowest can let you down." "2024 has taught me the real meaning of grief, loss, inner strength, resilience. 2024 has taught me that no matter how hard you cry alone all night and you don’t sleep for days, you have to get out there in the morning and face the world and fight for the people who have elected you. Even after all those efforts and more they can let you down. You have to still keep doing it. 2024 I will never forget you. May 2025 be a year full of justice, empathy, healing, happiness, love, strength," Zeeshan wrote.
01 January,2025 04:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian stock market began the new year on a positive note, with the Sensex closing 443.09 points higher at 78,582.10, marking a strong start for 2025, news agency ANI reported. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) Nifty also closed at 23,742.90, up by 98.10 points. The broader market showed a mixed performance, with 37 stocks advancing and 13 declining from the Nifty 50 index. Among the top gainers were Maruti, M&M, LT, Bajaj Finance, and Tata Motors, all of which saw strong upward movements. However, Hindalco, Dr Reddy's, Adani Ports, ONGC, and Tata Steel struggled, contributing to the decline in the Nifty. According to ANI, Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services, attributed the positive market opening to a broad-based recovery. He noted that the sustainability of this trend would depend on earnings growth in the upcoming Q3, with expectations positive on a quarter-on-quarter basis. "The market started on a positive note on the first day of 2025. The recovery was broad-based, while the sustainability of the trend will depend on the earnings growth in Q3, where the expectation is positive on a QoQ basis. An uptick in core sector data and the prospect of a ramp-up in capex spending by the government in the remaining part of the fiscal will benefit sectors like capital goods, industrials, auto, and power," Nair added. The market's performance on the first trading day of 2025 set a positive tone, though investor sentiment will remain closely tied to the forthcoming earnings season and macroeconomic indicators, ANI reported. As the year progresses, the focus will likely shift to the sustainability of growth across key sectors. The Indian stock markets started the first trading session of 2025 with slight gains and consolidated later in the day, while most global markets remained closed for New Year celebrations. Both the Sensex and Nifty 50 delivered strong performances in 2024, with each index climbing over 8%, despite recent pullbacks from their peak levels. However, concerns over slowing consumption and sluggish capital expenditure are putting pressure on corporate earnings, leaving investors hopeful for stimulus measures from the government and Indian businesses to spur growth in 2025. (With ANI inputs)
01 January,2025 04:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDays after the officials dramatically rescued a man who had climbed Overhead Equipment (OHE) Pole near Bandra station in Mumbai, a video of his rescue operation has surfaced. According to the officials, the incident took place on December 29, 2024, at around 5:10 pm, when the railway officials received an information regarding a man who climbed on the OHE Pole at kilometer no. 14/20D between Bandra and Khar Road stations and was sitting on the OHE Pole. In the video, the man can be seen sitting on the OHE Pole and refusing to get down. The incident had also briefly disrupted the Mumbai local train services that resumed only after the rescue operation was complete. The incident caused delays to two local trains -- Train No. 90652, which was delayed from 5:17 to 5:31 pm, and Train No. 98755, delayed from 5:21 to 5:33 pm on December 29. On December 29, 2024, at 5:10 PM, a mentally unstable individual, Amar Singh, climbed the overhead equipment (OHE) pole between Bandra and Khar Road, briefly disrupting train services. The Bandra team promptly responded by cutting the power and safely rescuing him by 5:31 PM.… pic.twitter.com/X0G9z7hDup — Mid Day (@mid_day) January 1, 2025 The officials said that upon receiving the information, ASI Shankar Lal Verma and his team quickly arrived at the scene. They observed the man on the pole and immediately informed the Bandra Station Master, Praveen Anand. The railway authorities, along with GRP and OHE staff, responded promptly to the situation and launched the man's rescue operation. "The power supply to the affected section was cut off to ensure safety, and soon, OHE official Saif Ali also arrived at the location," said an official. A detailed rescue plan was prepared and while the man was being asked to get down from the OHE Pole without hurting himself, a safety sheet was placed at the bottom. The video shows that the man later fell from the pole and landed on the safety plastic sheet. The railway official said that by 5:31 pm, the man was safely rescued and brought down from the pole. He added that after being brought down, the man was taken to Bhabha Hospital in Bandra west for a medical check-up, where doctors confirmed he was mentally unstable. No criminal activity was suspected in this incident, he said.
01 January,2025 04:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAir India has announced that starting Wednesday, January 1, in-flight Wi-Fi services will be available on all planes operated by Air India’s A350, B787-9 and select A321neo aircraft. This makes Air India the first to offer in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity on domestic flights, enabling travellers — flying for leisure or business — to stay connected during their journey, and enjoy browsing, accessing social media, catching up on work, or texting friends and family. Accessible on Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones with iOS or Android operating systems, the in-flight Wi-Fi will also allow guests to connect multiple devices simultaneously when above 10,000 feet. As with the domestic offer, Wi-Fi is complimentary for an introductory period, Air India said.
01 January,2025 03:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariMaharashtra is set to take a bold step into the future of technology with the announcement of its plan to draft the state's very first Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. The directive comes from the state's Information and Technology Minister, Adv. Ashish Shelar, who chaired a significant meeting on Tuesday at the Sahyadri Guest House. The meeting was attended by key officials from the IT Department, including IT Secretary Parrag Jaiin Nainutia, MahaIT Managing Director Jayshree Bhoj, and other senior officials from the concerned departments. Adv. Shelar highlighted the critical role of AI in revolutionising industries, businesses, and governance, underscoring its potential to transform the way various sectors operate. Recognising this opportunity, he emphasised that Maharashtra must position itself as a leader in the emerging AI space. "The era of AI technology has begun, and Maharashtra must seize the opportunity to emerge as a leader in this field," Shelar stated. "By harnessing AI, we can attract new industries, generate employment opportunities for our youth, and firmly establish Maharashtra as a key player on the global AI map." The national government’s ambitious India AI Mission, launched earlier this year with a massive investment of Rs 10,372 crore, is a significant catalyst for this movement. The mission seeks to advance AI capabilities nationwide, with special allocations for initiatives such as the India AI Datasets Platform, Application Development, Graphic Processing Units (GPUs), and the India AI Innovation Centre, in addition to financing AI startups. Shelar pointed out the importance of aligning Maharashtra’s AI objectives with the national strategy, ensuring the state plays a key role in the AI revolution. The central government’s focus on building a robust database through the collection and aggregation of non-personal datasets, set to begin in January 2025, will be a pivotal element in the India AI Datasets Platform. This platform will enable seamless access for startups, companies, academic institutions, and researchers, facilitating the development of AI applications, interactions with language models, and offering specialised services. Maharashtra, Shelar asserted, must work proactively to place itself at the forefront of India’s technological advancements while contributing to the nation’s ambition of becoming a global leader in AI technology. The state’s forthcoming AI policy aims to leverage this potential, ensuring it plays a pivotal role in the future of AI in India and across the globe.
01 January,2025 01:17 PM IST | MumbaiA truck carrying foreign-made liquor overturned on the Nashik-Mumbai national highway near Shahapur in Thane district on Tuesday evening, causing a temporary disruption to traffic. The driver, who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, was detained by the police after the accident, which occurred near Lahe village, located approximately 80 kilometres from Mumbai. According to the police, the truck, which was loaded with 940 boxes of liquor, was en route to Mumbai from Nashik when the incident occurred. As a result of the accident, boxes of liquor spilled onto the road, causing a traffic jam in the area. Local authorities quickly responded to the scene, with the highway police taking action to clear the wreckage and retrieve the scattered boxes of liquor. Traffic on the highway was momentarily impacted as the authorities worked to remove the overturned vehicle and restore normal flow. The police ensured that the cargo was properly secured, and the overturned truck was cleared from the road. The driver of the truck, whose identity has not been revealed, was found to be intoxicated at the time of the accident. He was promptly taken into custody and is facing legal action. A case is being registered at Shahapur police station, with charges being filed against the driver for causing the accident while driving under the influence. Despite the troubling incident, it was noted that the driver had valid documents for the transport of liquor. The police have stated that investigations are ongoing, and further details will be disclosed once the inquiry is complete. The driver’s actions are likely to lead to serious consequences, and the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Two critically injured in cement mixer-truck collision on Nashik-Mumbai Highway A serious road accident occurred near the Cadbury Signal on the Nashik-Mumbai Highway in Thane West during the early hours of Sunday, leaving two individuals critically injured. The incident took place between 7:00 am and 7:30 am near the Chirag Nagar Bridge ascent, opposite Krishna Motors. According to the information provided by Police Constable Atish Tumbade to the disaster management cell at approximately 8:01 am, a stationary TATA ULTRA truck (MH 05 DK 6107), loaded with around 5 tonnes of cement blocks, experienced a technical malfunction while en route from Sinnar to Mumbai. The truck, owned by Mr. Sabaji Morya and driven by Mr. Sandeep Yadav, was parked along the highway when a TATA cement mixer truck (MH 04 HY 6830) rammed into it from behind. The cement mixer truck, owned by Skyway RMC Plants Pvt. Ltd., was carrying 15 tonnes of cement and was heading from Ovala, Thane, to Mulund L&T site. The driver, Mr. Mukesh Yadav (30), lost control of the vehicle, leading to the collision. The mixer truck also had a helper, Mr. Pankaj (25), onboard. (With inputs from PTI)
01 January,2025 12:10 PM IST | MumbaiIn an unusual turn of events, a Ferrari, the epitome of luxury and speed, found itself stuck in the sand at Revdanda Beach in Raigad district, Alibaug, near Mumbai. The vehicle, which is known for its powerful engines and sleek design, was rescued not by a tow truck, but by a humble bullock cart, as shown in a viral video. The incident took place when two tourists from Mumbai decided to take their high-end Ferrari for a morning drive along the scenic beach. However, things quickly took a turn when the luxury car became ensnared in the soft, sandy terrain. Despite efforts from several bystanders to dislodge the vehicle, the Ferrari remained stuck and immobile, much to the dismay of the tourists. As per PTI reports, local villagers who were witnessing the scene soon realised the situation was beyond the reach of conventional rescue efforts. That's when a nearby bullock cart, typically used for carrying goods along the coastal stretch, came to the rescue. With the bullock cart harnessed to the Ferrari, the massive vehicle was slowly pulled out of the sand, much to the amusement of the onlookers. The video capturing the entire episode has since gone viral, with social media users highlighting the irony of the situation—where the power of a Ferrari, an elite sports car, was no match for the strength of a bullock cart. Locals found the incident both humorous and a reminder of the realities of beach terrain, which even the most expensive and advanced vehicles can struggle with. While the Ferrari’s powerful engine is built for performance on smooth roads, it clearly met its match on the soft sand. This incident also sparked a discussion about the need for tourists to be more mindful of the challenges of taking such expensive vehicles onto beaches. The car was eventually freed, but the event has left many wondering about the unforeseen challenges of driving high-performance sports cars in unconventional terrains. According to PTI, the tourists were eventually able to continue their journey, but the viral video continues to circulate as a reminder of the day when a bullock cart saved a Ferrari on the beach. (With inputs from PTI)
01 January,2025 12:04 PM IST | MumbaiOn Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be attending a series of key events across Gadhchiroli district, marking significant infrastructural developments and government initiatives. At 11:50 AM, the Chief Minister will inaugurate the Gatta-Gardevada-Wangeturi road and the Tadguda Bridge, along with the launch of the new bus service connecting Wangeturi-Gardevada-Gatta-Aheri. This event will take place at the Tadguda Bridge in the Gadhchiroli district, aimed at enhancing connectivity in the region. The Chief Minister will then move on to 12:35 PM to engage with local security personnel at a dialogue with soldiers in Pengunda, followed by a public awareness rally. This session will focus on addressing public concerns and encouraging participation in community-building initiatives. At 2:00 PM, the Chief Minister will participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for various departments of Lloyd Metal Company in Konseri, further strengthening industrial development in the area. Later, at 3:45 PM, he will inaugurate the helicopter hangar and new helipad in Gadhchiroli, a significant move to boost air connectivity and facilitate emergency services. At 4:00 PM, the Chief Minister will distribute motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles to the local police force, aiming to improve law enforcement efficiency and mobility in the region. Finally, at 4:10 PM, the Chief Minister will honour the C-60 commandos for their dedication and service at the Ekalavya Hall in Gadhchiroli, recognising their contributions to maintaining security and peace in the district. This series of events underlines the state's commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and fostering industrial growth in the region.
01 January,2025 11:58 AM IST | MumbaiIn a heartfelt New Year message to his supporters and party workers, Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), conveyed his reflections on the past year and the changes that have shaped both his party and the state of Maharashtra. He began by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and expressing that this year held special significance, marking the completion of half a century in this century. According to Thackeray, the changes seen in various spheres of life over the past 25 years are so immense that life seems almost like it belongs to a different era. माझ्या तमाम महाराष्ट्र सैनिकांना सस्नेह जय महाराष्ट्र, सर्व प्रथम सर्वांना इंग्रजी नवीन वर्षाच्या शुभेच्छा ! कालगणनेत या वर्षाला एक महत्व आहे , कारण या शतकातील, पाव शतक संपायला आलं. माणसाच्या आयुष्यातल्या जवळपास प्रत्येक क्षेत्रांत इतके प्रचंड बदल झालेत की २५ वर्षांपूर्वीच… pic.twitter.com/T7Wp8WTHra — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) January 1, 2025 Thackeray highlighted the ups and downs his party has experienced since its inception, noting that despite facing many challenges, MNS has grown and stabilised. Reflecting on these 25 years, he mentioned that while much has changed, certain things have stayed the same. In Mumbai, Maharashtra’s capital, Marathi people still feel insecure, with young men and women struggling to find jobs, while people from other states are being given employment opportunities. Furthermore, he pointed out the reality of caste-based divisions being stirred, often leading to unnecessary conflicts. The agricultural and working-class communities continue to suffer from rising costs, while at the same time, people only remember the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena when it comes to addressing these issues, but fail to show their support at election time. Despite these challenges, Thackeray encouraged his supporters to move forward with determination, urging them to accept the situation and work towards change. He spoke about his silence after the November 23, 2024, assembly election results, when he participated in public events without making any political statements. However, he revealed that his reflections on these events are ongoing, and he would soon address them in more detail. He also urged the Maharashtra soldiers (his supporters) to move beyond their grievances. "Post-election, when the situation turned hostile for Marathi people, MNS took a stand. The reality of Marathi people being used only as a voting block has been highlighted. Moreover, the violence against women continues to increase. There is also growing unrest between two Marathi-speaking communities in the state," Thackeray said. Thackeray appealed to his followers to set aside their personal frustrations and emphasised that the responsibility now lies with them to act. He reiterated his commitment to standing up for the Marathi community and Hindus whenever necessary. "If anyone attacks Marathi people, I will defend them as a Marathi, and if an attack is made on Hindus, I will stand up for them as a Hindu," he stated. He also expressed the need for concrete action to address the increasing atrocities against women in the state. Thackeray suggested setting up a dedicated helpline at the party office for women to register complaints, with the promise that these would be followed up diligently. If needed, the culprits would face severe consequences. He called for action against hoarding, to ensure that people suffering from rising prices find relief. Thackeray urged his supporters to be a bridge between farmers and consumers and to reopen party offices and branches for the public. "While social media should be used to promote our work, we must ensure that we are not manipulated by it," Thackeray warned. In closing, he assured his supporters that he would soon provide more clarity on the direction forward for MNS. Until then, he wished everyone a Happy New Year and urged them to begin the year with renewed zeal and dedication to their work.
01 January,2025 11:52 AM IST | MumbaiCommunist Party of India (CPI) Member of Parliament (MP) P Sandosh Kumar on Tuesday wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to take action against Maharashtra Minister Nitish Rane over his controversial comments about the state of Kerala. Kumar strongly condemned Rane's remarks, which he claimed had hurt the sentiments of millions and undermined the spirit of national unity and secularism. In his letter to Fadnavis, Kumar expressed his protest as a proud representative of Kerala, urging that such divisive statements be addressed immediately. He argued that Rane's comments, which disparaged Kerala and its people, went against the principles of unity, fraternity, and secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. "As a Member of Parliament and as a representative of the people of Kerala, I strongly condemn the recent irresponsible and divisive remarks made by Maharashtra Minister Nitish Rane," Kumar stated in his letter. "His comments, which maligned the people of Kerala, have deeply hurt their sentiments and serve to undermine the national unity and secularism that our Constitution promotes." Rane’s controversial remarks were made during a rally in Pune’s Purandar Taluka on Monday, where he compared Kerala to "Mini-Pakistan" and claimed that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had been elected from there because of their alleged support from terrorists. He stated, "Kerala is Mini Pakistan; that is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister are elected from there. All terrorists vote for them. This is the truth; you can ask. They have become MPs after taking terrorists with them." The statement sparked outrage among opposition leaders, who denounced the remarks as highly provocative and inflammatory. Following the backlash, Rane clarified his statement, saying that he only intended to highlight the situation in Kerala in comparison to Pakistan, but his clarification did little to quell the controversy. Kumar’s letter also took issue with what he described as a broader pattern of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fueling divisiveness and intolerance, particularly towards Kerala, a state known for its secular traditions and progressive policies. He demanded that Rane be dismissed from his ministerial post, stating that failure to act on this matter would only perpetuate division and hatred among communities and states. "I urge you to take immediate action and dismiss Nitish Rane from his position. His statements have the potential to divide the people and sow discord among communities. If not addressed, such remarks will set a dangerous precedent for regional and sectarian hatred," the letter read. The CPI MP also emphasised that the people of Kerala, along with those who believe in democracy, secularism, and unity, are closely watching the response of the state government. He called for swift action to uphold the dignity of Kerala and the integrity of the nation. As per ANI, the controversy surrounding Rane’s remarks has continued to gather momentum, with several political figures and social media users expressing their strong opposition to the statement. The matter has now gained national attention, raising questions about the need for responsible political discourse. (With inputs from ANI)
01 January,2025 10:43 AM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
