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Horoscope today, June 28: 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 June 28. Aries   March 21 – April 20An unexpected exciting activity endorses faith in your lucky star. An introduction to someone opens up a fountain of emotions and unusually strong feelings which surprise you. Cosmic tip: Enjoy this harmony at home. Taurus   April 21 – May 20Surprisingly you aren’t offended when a friendship ends, as the sub-conscious was aware of this.Cosmic tip: Believe in your power to change and adapt to different circumstances. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Newer kind of challenging work brings appreciation. You wonder how a relative is doing (you can just call to find out).Cosmic tip: Have an early night since there’s a morning flight to catch. Cancer June 22 – July 23Though you prefer making your own financial decisions: but this time there’s willingness to discuss the matter. Make time to exercise though very busy.Cosmic tip: Schedule ‘me-time’ for yourself though so busy. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Dealing better with stress keeps you motivated and able to complete more work in time. One out of four innovative ideas work. Be prepared for some delays.Cosmic tip: Consciously rise up the spiritual path. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Karmas of the past create opportunities to be on the right spiritual path. What you actually want to do is take the day off (urgent work beckons).. Cosmic tip: Have faith in God/the universe. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22The truth is very often strange and something totally different to usual expectations. Health is good..Cosmic tip: Think about how you can erase a karmic imbalance in either work or a relationship. Scorpio  Oct 23 – Nov 22A new business or past investments paying off makes a difference this financial cycle. Some transform a hobby into a business.Cosmic tip: Remain consistent towards promises made to yourself. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22One hurdle is removed with canny discussions. A raise in salary or a promotion are revealed.Cosmic tip: Think about what are parameters of true compatibility.  Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Comparing someone new you’ve met with a past experience is unfair. Remain rooted in the present. Opt for video conferencing to avoid travel.Cosmic tip: Consciously make the right karmic choice at work. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Concentrating on work and socialising works for you: both give equal amount of pleasure..Cosmic tip: Introspect about the present situation and how it impacts life going ahead. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Some issues need to be addressed from a deeper level of understanding and empathy..Cosmic tip: Wait patiently as each event is pre-ordained and unfolds at the right time.

28 June,2025 03:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley Bose
CM Devendra Fadnavis chaired a review meeting for the Versova–Bhayander Coastal Road on Friday. Pic/X

'Develop govt land near major infra projects into economic hubs similar to BKC'

Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Friday directed officials to earmark the government land situated near significant infrastructure ventures and transform them into economic hubs similar to Mumbai’s Bandra–Kurla Complex (BKC), reported news agency PTI. He gave the instructions during a review meeting for the proposed Versova–Bhayander Coastal Road on Friday. During the meeting, CM Fadnavis stressed the importance of expediting permissions and preserving ecological balance, including compensatory mangrove replanting. “The completion of key infrastructure projects opens up tremendous development potential. Government land in such areas should be earmarked and transformed into new financial centres similar to BKC,” he stated. CM Fadnavis also highlighted that the Versova-Bhayander Coastal Road project would require around 165 hectares of land, predominantly government-owned, and directed the officials to finalise the land transfer process within 15 days, reported PTI. He underscored the need to secure all the necessary environmental and construction approvals simultaneously to avoid delays and set the project’s completion targeted for December 2028. The Maharashtra CM also called for afforestation efforts to compensate for mangroves impacted by the road, and directed officials to acquire the Fisheries Department building in Versova if necessary. He also asked the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials to construct a connector between Madh and Versova. “A competent consultant should be appointed to devise a comprehensive plan. Revenue generated from advertisements should be used for road maintenance and management,” Fadnavis said, suggesting that space for hoardings and flex boards along the road be created. The main stretch of the coastal road will span 26 kilometres, with the full network — including connector roads — extending to 63 kilometres, reported PTI. The project has been divided into six work packages, and the tendering process is underway, according to the CM’s Office. Bhiwandi to get flyover alongside Mumbai Metro Line-5 CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced a flyover running parallel to Metro Line-5 (Thane–Bhiwandi–Kalyan) and detailed plans to extend the line from Kalyan to Ulhasnagar and further to Chikhloli near Ambernath, promising enhanced connectivity in the region. A statement from the Thane district administration highlighted that the combined impact of the metro, new flyover, and road-widening works would significantly improve travel conditions for Bhiwandi’s residents. “The Kalyan–Bhiwandi Metro Line project is being executed to meet the growing transport needs of Bhiwandi’s expanding population and its vibrant freight logistics sector. The metro, in tandem with upgraded roads and the new flyover, is expected to greatly alleviate traffic snarls and provide smooth, reliable public transport,” the statement read, quoting Fadnavis. The CM added that the road-widening project was as vital as the metro for alleviating traffic issues in Bhiwandi and urged immediate initiation of the works. (With PTI inputs)

27 June,2025 09:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. Representational pic

Forex reserves decline by USD 1 bn to USD 697.93 bn

India's forex reserves dropped by USD 1.01 billion to USD 697.93 billion for the week ended June 20, the Reserve Bank of India said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the reserves had jumped by USD 2.29 billion to USD 698.95 billion. Forex reserves had touched an all-time high of USD 704.885 billion in September 2024. For the week ended June 20, foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, dropped by USD 357 million to USD 589.06 billion, the data released on Friday showed. Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. The gold reserves were down by USD 573 million to USD 85.74 billion during the week, the RBI said. The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) declined by USD 85 million to USD 18.672 billion, the apex bank said. India's reserve position with the IMF also declined by USD 1 million to USD 4.45 billion in the reporting week, the apex bank data showed.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

27 June,2025 09:37 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
According to the IMD, heavy rainfall at isolated places was very likely on June 27 in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar. Representational Pic/File

IMD issues yellow alert for Mumbai; orange alert for neighbouring districts

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar and an orange alert was issued for Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts in Maharashtra. According to the IMD, "Heavy rainfall at isolated places was very likely on June 27 in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar." Earlier, in a nowcast warning issued at 4:20 pm, the IMD Mumbai stated, "Light to moderate  spells of rain very likely to occur at isolated places in the districts of Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Thane, Nashik, Dhule and Nanded during next 3-4 hours." In its weather bulletin, the IMD said, "Heavy to very heavy rainfall was very likely at isolated places in Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts on Friday." Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the weather department had stated that Mumbai and its suburbs are expected to experience a generally cloudy sky throughout the day, with intermittent moderate to heavy rainfall. Mumbai has been receiving rains on regular intervals from past several days. The IMD's Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 30.7 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27 degrees Celsius on Friday. Meanwhile, the Colaba observatory reported a high of 29.6 degrees Celsius and a low of 27 degrees Celsius. A high tide measuring 4.73 metres was expected at 1:40 PM on Friday and an another high tide of 4.05 metres was anticipated in the early hours of June 28 at 1:26 am. A low tide will occur at 7:50 pm on June 27 at 1.50 metres, followed by a second low tide at 7:23 am on June 28, reaching 0.57 metres. Rainfall recorded over the past 24 hours, from 8 am on June 26 to 8 am on June 27, stood at 9.41 mm in the city, 7.67 mm in the eastern suburbs, and 7.14 mm in the western suburbs. According to the Mumbai civic body, the water levels in lakes supplying drinking water to Mumbai have risen following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the combined stock in the seven reservoirs that provide water to the city now stands at 37.16 per cent. As per BMC records on Friday (June 27), the collective water stock in these reservoirs is 5,37,788 million litres, which amounts to 37.16 per cent of their total capacity. The BMC supplies drinking water daily from Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes.

27 June,2025 09:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Aaditya Thackeray (above) said on X,

Hindi in schools: Are they running govt or comedy show, says Aaditya

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday hit out at the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government over the "imposition" of Hindi in the state schools, and asked whether the rulers were running a government or a comedy show, reported the PTI. Aaditya also took a dig at School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, saying he should be sent to attend the classes of Grade 1, which he will fail to clear. A row over the three-language formula has erupted in Maharashtra after the state government last week issued an amended order, stating that Hindi will "generally" be taught as the third language to students in Marathi and English medium schools from Classes 1 to 5. Targeting the government over it, Aaditya Thackeray said on X, "Are they running a government or a comedy show?" "The Education Minister should first go to school and take lessons. Already there is a compulsion of three languages on students of Class 1. Plus there will be no books but oral studies," he said, according to the PTI. "He should be sent to Class 1 and he will fail even there," the former minister said. The Sena (UBT) is opposed to the "imposition" of Hindi and the three-language policy for students of Class 1-5. Estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have decided to come together to oppose the government's move of introducing Hindi from Class 1 in state schools. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will take out a joint protest over the issue on July 5 in Mumbai. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has made it clear that Hindi is optional while Marathi is compulsory. Education Minister Dada Bhuse has said that there will be no books for Classes 1 and 2 and the medium of instruction will be oral. The students of these two grades will be taught songs and shown pictures, he said, the news agency reported. "We demand that no language should be forced. What we have been learning so far should continue. Education should be enhanced, but no language should be forced. Why is it just Hindi? How much do you want to burden the children? Focus on what they are already studying, restructure it is a little, make it better," Aaditya Thackeray had said, reported ANI. (with PTI and ANI inputs)

27 June,2025 09:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
It is the first time in months that no new infections have been recorded in a single day in Mumbai, officials said. Representational Pic/File

Mumbai has not reported any fresh Covid-19 case on June 27: BMC

In a major relief for Mumbai residents, the city has not reported any new Covid-19 case on Friday, June 27, 2025, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). It is the first time in months that no new infections have been recorded in a single day in Mumbai, officials said. Meanwhile, the BMC has urged citizens to remain cautious and seek medical advice if they experience any Covid-like or flu symptoms. Mumbai had seen a gradual rise in cases earlier this year. According to the BMC data, from January to April, only 6 cases were reported. However, the city witnessed a huge spike in May and 435 cases were reported in the month. This month, the city has so far reported 539 cases, out of which only 62 remain active, with all patients showing mild symptoms, officials said. Covid-19 cases reported in June: Between June 2-8: 202 cases June 9-15: 186 cases June 16-22: 99 cases June 23-29: 30 cases The Mumbai civic body said that according to the genome sequencing reports of 19 samples recently tested, no new or concerning variants of the virus have been detected in Mumbai. The city continues to monitor variants closely as part of its disease surveillance strategy. BMC has advised people with Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) to visit municipal hospitals or consult family doctors immediately. The civic body said that citizens must take precautions, especially vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, cancer patients, or those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney issues. Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Friday reported 13 new Covid-19 cases, a public health department's bulletin said, adding that the state now has an active tally of 148 patients. With addition of the fresh cases, Maharashtra has reported 2,462 positive patients since January 2025. The recovery rate currently in state is at 92.48 per cent. According to the bulletin, on Friday, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation reported five Covid-19 cases, Thane Municipal Corporation-1, Navi Mumbai-1, Pune Municipal Corporation-2, Satara-1, and Nagpur Municipal Corporation reported three case on June 27. "Covid-19 is a viral disease. Currently, ILI /SARI surveillance is being done in Maharashtra. During the survey, such patients are tested for Covid. These Covid patients are being treated regularly after positive report. There is gradual but definite increase in Covid patients in Maharashtra. Covid patients are showing mild symptoms. Covid testing and treatment facilities are available through the Public Health Department. The public is appealed not to panic," the health department bulletin said.

27 June,2025 09:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The announcement was made by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (above) during a high-level review meeting of the metro corridor. File Pic

Metro Line 5: Wider roads, new flyovers to decongest traffic, says CM Fadnavis

In a move to tackle traffic congestion in Thane district, the Maharashtra government on Friday announced a separate project will be implemented to build new flyovers and widen roads, alongside the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan underground Metro Line 5, an official statement said. The announcement was made by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis during a high-level review meeting of the metro corridor. He said that the metro and the road widening projects should be carried out together, so that citizens benefit from long-term traffic relief. "Both projects are equally important for the people. The government will make sure the funds are available. Bhiwandi’s full development is our priority," CM Fadnavis said. He said that once completed, the projects will lead to better connectivity, smoother travel, and faster development of northern Bhiwandi. The underground metro line, being built by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), will also be extended from Kalyan to Ulhasnagar, and possibly to Chikhlole station near Ambernath. A feasibility study is already in progress, CM Fadnavis stated. He said that Bhiwandi is becoming a major freight transport hub in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. CM Fadnavis said public transport and road infrastructure must be developed together to support both citizens and industrial growth. During the meeting, he also directed authorities to look into using deep tunnel and twin tunnel technology to build both roads and metro lines together. Suggestions from public representatives should also be included, he said. Officials from the MMRDA, Urban Development Department, and municipal bodies of Bhiwandi and Kalyan attended the review. MMRDA Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee gave a detailed presentation on the metro project. The metro line-5 has a total length: 34.23 km. It has a total of number of 19 stations with one underground and others elevated. The total cost of the metro line 5 is around Rs 8,417 crore and Rs 4,063 crore for metro line-5A. Its phase 1 (Kapurbawdi - Dhamankar Naka) is 96 per cent completed. According to the officials, for phase 2 (Dhamankar Naka - Durgadi), DPR is in final stage and the land acquisition ongoing, while (Durgadi - Ulhasnagar Link) under the phase 5A, DPR was being finalised.

27 June,2025 08:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Down Mail/Express trains departing from CSMT/Dadar will be diverted on the 5th line between Thane and Kalyan. Representational pic

Central Railway to operate jumbo block on Sunday; check details here

The Central Railway’s Mumbai Division will operate a Mega Block on Sunday across its suburban sections to carry out crucial engineering and maintenance works. The block will impact train operations on both the Main and the Harbour Lines, leading to diversions, delays, and cancellations. Here are the full details of the block Main Line: Between Thane and Kalyan (Up and Down Fast Lines) Block Timing: 10:40 am to 3.40 pm The Down Fast/Semi-Fast Locals departing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai between 9.34 am and 3.03 pm will be diverted to the Down Slow line between Thane and Kalyan, with additional halts at Kalwa, Mumbra, and Diva. The trains will arrive around 10 minutes later than the usual timings. The Up Fast/Semi-Fast Locals from Kalyan between 10.28 am and 3.40 pm will operate on the Up Slow line between Kalyan and Thane, halting at Diva, Mumbra, and Kalwa stations, and re-divert on the Up Fast line at Mulund. These will also be delayed by around 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the Down Mail/Express trains departing from CSMT/Dadar will be diverted on the 5th line between Thane and Kalyan. The Up Mail/Express trains arriving at CSMT/Dadar will be diverted on the 6th line between Kalyan and Thane/Vikhroli. Harbour Line – Between Panvel and Vashi (excluding Port Line) Block Timing: 11.05 am to 4.05 pm The UP Harbour Line services towards CSMT departing Panvel between 10.33 am and 3.49 pm and the DOWN Harbour Line services to Belapur/Panvel departing CSMT between 9.45 am and 3.12 pm will remain cancelled. Trans-Harbour Line The UP services to Thane department Panvel from 11.02 am to 3.53 pm and the DOWN services to Panvel from Thane from 10.01 am to 3.20 pm will remain cancelled. However, the Trans-Harbour services between Thane–Vashi/Nerul and Port Line services will be operational during the block period. The Central Railway will also operate special local trains on the CSMT–Vashi section to mitigate passenger inconvenience. The railway administration said the scheduled mega blocks are vital for the upkeep and safety of rail infrastructure and appealed to passengers to cooperate.

27 June,2025 07:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
According to the state health department bulletin, all patients so far have reported only mild symptoms. Representational Pic/File

Maharashtra reports 13 new Covid-19 cases

Maharashtra on Friday reported 13 new Covid-19 cases, a public health department's bulletin said, adding that the state now has an active tally of 148 patients. No fresh case of Covid-19 was reported in Mumbai on June 27, officials said. However, with addition of the fresh cases, Maharashtra has reported 2,462 positive patients since January 2025. The recovery rate currently in state is at 92.48 per cent. According to the state health department bulletin, all patients so far have reported only mild symptoms. Since January 2025, a total number of 37 deaths have been reported in the state, out of which 36 were with comorbidities and one with other disease, officials said. Of these, 36 patients had serious underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lung disease, or stroke and one patient had symptoms of fever and shortness of breath, the health department's bulletin stated. According to the bulletin, on Friday, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation reported five Covid-19 cases, Thane Municipal Corporation-1, Navi Mumbai-1, Pune Municipal Corporation-2, Satara-1, and Nagpur Municipal Corporation reported three case on June 27. A total number of 28,486 Covid-19 tests were conducted since January 2025, officials said.  The bulletin said that the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has been actively monitoring patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). "Covid-19 is a viral disease. Currently, ILI /SARI surveillance is being done in Maharashtra. During the survey, such patients are tested for Covid. These Covid patients are being treated regularly after positive report. There is gradual but definite increase in Covid patients in Maharashtra. Covid patients are showing mild symptoms. Covid testing and treatment facilities are available through the Public Health Department. The public is appealed not to panic," the health department bulletin said. As per recent state-level review instructions: - Regular ILI/SARI surveillance must continue in all districts. - 5 per cent of ILI patients and 100 per cent of SARI patients must be tested for Covid-19. - All positive samples should be sent for Whole Genome Sequencing to track variants. - Public hospitals and medical colleges must stay updated with testing and treatment facilities.

27 June,2025 06:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray’s protest, organised in coordination with a committee of Marathi writers, poets, educators, and language experts, will take place on July 5. Protesters will gather at Hutatma Chowk and march to Azad Maidan. Pic/ X

Uddhav and Raj to lead joint anti-Hindi march in Mumbai on July 5

In a strategic shift ahead of the Mumbai civic polls, estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray appear to be reuniting. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday hinted at a thaw in their long-standing rivalry, announcing that the two leaders will now jointly lead a protest on July 5 in Mumbai against what they call the "imposition" of Hindi in Maharashtra’s school curriculum.Amid the growing uproar over Maharashtra’s new three-language policy in schools, Raj and Uddhav are gearing up to intensify their resistance. The policy is widely perceived as a veiled attempt to enforce Hindi on students across the state.Raut also shared photos of the Thackeray cousins, signalling a rare show of unity. While both parties had initially planned separate protests, they have now decided to march together, marking a significant moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape. “There will be one unified march against making Hindi compulsory in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand,” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut posted on X. जय महाराष्ट्र!"There will be a single and united march against compulsory Hindi in Maharashtra schools. Thackeray is the brand!"⁦@Dev_Fadnavis⁩⁦@AmitShah⁩ pic.twitter.com/tPv6q15Hwv — Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 27, 2025 The protest march is now set for July 5, with Raut stating that the date was chosen to avoid a clash with Ashadi Ekadashi celebrations. “A united protest will make a bigger impact,” Raut said, urging all parties and groups to come together against the Hindi imposition. The original July 6 date was shifted to avoid overlapping with Ashadi Ekadashi. Raut said that both MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) will coordinate to finalise the protest’s timing and place. This united morcha will bring significant change in Maharashtra. Sanyukta Maharashtra 2.0 will be remembered because of this march,” said MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande. On Monday, School Education Minister Dada Bhuse met Raj Thackeray to explain the government’s rationale behind the three-language rule. “We shared the government’s perspective on the policy, but Rajsaheb remains firm in his stand,” Bhuse told reporters. Raj Thackeray reiterated his unwavering stance: “There will be no party flags—just one agenda: to oppose the state’s push for Hindi. I urge all political parties to join the morcha for Marathi, setting differences aside.” The controversy stems from the Mahayuti government’s April decision to adopt the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which includes a three-language model. Initially, Hindi was required as the third language. Following the backlash, the government revised the decision, making Hindi optional. Critics, however, call it a “tactical retreat,” warning it could still lead to Hindi imposition indirectly. The NEP mandates two Indian languages, one of which must be regional. Despite increasing criticism, the government has not reversed its stance. On Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a review meeting with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. They agreed that future steps would involve consultation with stakeholders, including the opposition. Meanwhile, the coordination committee met Uddhav Thackeray at his Matoshree home in Bandra and jointly announced the July 7 protest. Speaking on the issue, Uddhav said: “I urge all Marathi-speaking citizens—actors, athletes, artists—to join us in this fight. We are not against Hindi or any language. Our protest is against the forced imposition of any language on young minds.” महाराष्ट्रतील शाळांत हिंदी सक्ती विरोधात एकच आणि एकत्र मोर्चा निघेल!जय महाराष्ट्र! pic.twitter.com/A8ATq2ra0k — Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 27, 2025

27 June,2025 05:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Footwear similar to Kolhapuri chappals (above) were allegedly featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's spring/summer collection for men. Representational Pic/File

Artisans seek CM Fadnavs' intervention over Prada's Kolhapuri-like footwear

Maharashtra-based artisans on Friday demanded CM Devendra Fadnavis' intervention after footwear similar to famous Kolhapuri chappals were allegedly featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's spring/summer collection for men, alleging violation of geographical identification (GI) rights, reported the PTI. According to the PTI, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik on Thursday led a delegation of artisans who craft this traditional footwear that originated in Kolhapur to meet CM Fadnavis. They presented a letter urging him to look into the violation and preserve the product, which is a symbol of the state's cultural heritage. Talking to PTI, Mahadik said the patent and design of chappals being promoted by Prada are Kolhapuri and are being sold at Rs 1.7 lakh to Rs 2.10 lakh per pair. "We want Prada to give the Kolhapuri identity to their product, and local artisans should get the revenue. If Prada gives us orders, we can manufacture for them. The Kolhapuri brand will reach globally," the BJP leader said. He said that the artisans will get revenue and recognition. Dhananjay Mahadik further said that a public interest litigation (PIL) will be filed in the high court, and he has sought an appointment with Union Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss the matter. In a letter to CM Fadnavis, the Mahadik stated that on June 23, Prada presented its men's Spring/Summer 2026 collection in Milan, prominently featuring sandals that resembled Kolhapuri Chappals, which has been awarded a GI tag by the Union government in 2019, reported the PTI. He further said that there had been no acknowledgement of the source community, nor was there any revenue or credit flowing to the actual artisans of Kolhapur and nearby districts, who are the true keepers of the art. "This kind of commercial appropriation not only violates GI regulations but also threatens the livelihood and dignity of thousands of families involved in this traditional trade," he wrote, the news agency reported. Kolhapuri chappals are open-toe sandals characterised by braided leather design and detailing. With origins dating back to the 12th century, these are typically handcrafted and manufactured in Kolhapur and surrounding districts of Sangli, Satara and Solapur. Dhananjay Mahadik, who hails from Kolhapur, requested the chief minister to raise the issue with the Centre for immediate intervention and appealed that the state government create awareness and form a protective mechanism of GI-tagged crafts at the state level. He also demanded that state-level legal and financial support be provided to artisans in cases of global exploitation. He further claimed that Prada has taken down pictures of the sandals from its website following criticism, the news agency reported on Friday. (with PTI inputs)

27 June,2025 04:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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